As I shared Tuesday in this post, you guys recently gave me a lot of post suggestions and feedback. One of the overwhelming requests was for more recipes, so here we are! I’m excited to share two of my favorite non-clothing passions with you guys… MacKenzie-Childs and pasta.
Christian’s family is from New Orleans, so he grew up eating plenty of jambalaya, red beans and rice and all things deliciously Cajun. Thankfully I also love all of these dishes, and one of my favorite one-pot dinners to make is pasta jambalaya.
I love this simple and budget-friendly recipe, and I usually add some extra heavy cream… because I’m from Mississippi which means I am not afraid of the extra calories if it makes dinner more delicious. Of course if you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side you don’t have to do that!
As I’ve shared here when I went on a behind-the-scenes tour of MacKenzie-Childs, I’m a longtime fan of the brand. Now that I have some of their cookware (which has been on my lust list for years), it not only makes my stovetop a lot prettier but also makes serving meals out of the pots and pans so much more fun!
I usually leave my cookware in the kitchen but these pieces are too pretty not to bring to the table.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you have any favorite Cajun dishes I’d love to hear – XO –
Last week I shared some Father’s Day gift ideas here, and today I want to share some more options for those of you who might be putting together some last minute gifts (nothing wrong with that – I’ve been there)!
I think a robe is a great gift. I grew up always seeing my dad in his big white terrycloth robe in the mornings, and when I realized Christian didn’t own a robe I quickly solved that problem. Bonus points for a white one that can be bleached when it has one too many coffee stains.
I think this Google Voice Speaker is the coolest thing ever. I’d really like one for myself, and I am 100% sure any gadget lover would dig it. It could just be because I’m glued to my phone, but a mophie charging case is always a good idea, especially for the dad that leaves his phone in his car until it dies… not calling you out or anything, Dad!
I have a special something ordered for my dad and I’d tell you BUT he reads this blog from time to time so it has to say a secret for now…
Oh! AND if you’ve already snagged a gift for the dudes and you’re looking for a deal for yourself – you’re in luck. Shopbop is offering an extra 25% offall sale items until 6/16 with code SCORE17. So don’t miss out on that!
I wore this red maxi wrap dress on a recent vacation in Mexico (shared here and here), and it’s one of my favorite maxi dresses to pull out for a summer date night. SO I thought today I could share some of our favorite summer date night activities!
Although I can’t claim I came to this idea on my own. A few days ago I asked those of you who watch my Insta-Stories on Instagram for some suggestions of content that you would like to see. I was so excited to get so many fantastic suggestions and am getting started with them this week, so stay tuned!
But let’s get into it, shall we? I quizzed Christian and below are some of our favorite summer-themed dates. I know that not all of these can be done in every town, but I’m just sharing some of our favorites here in OC.
1. Bike rides to dinner, drinks, a brewery or wine tasting, farmers markets, lunch – you get it.
2. Taking the top off the Jeep and going basically anywhere.
3. Walks on the pier and bonfires on the beach.
4. Pulling out our record player and listening to vinyls under the bistro lights on the patio, grilling out with some wine.
5. Sunset picnics in the park or at the beach.
6. Showering early and watching a movie in pj’s in the bed with popcorn.
7. Evening swims or visits to the jacuzzi.
8. Play bocce ball, dominoes or scrabble. Who doesn’t love a board game?
9. Go to an Angels baseball game (we can actually ride our bikes)!
10. Go see a comedy show. I am so excited to have tickets to Heather McDonald‘s live podcast taping this weekend at the Irvine Improv, she has other stand-up shows this weekend too! We’ve also seen some other great shows there and some hilaaarrious shows in San Francisco.
A few more things we’ve never actually done together but would love to do are a drive-in movie theater, rent a tandem bike and go mini-golfing or bowling.
Yesterday I shared a post about my recent week at the Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, and I have so many photos I want to share with you guys that I wanted to split the review up into two posts!
One of my favorite days of the trip was the very last day. Most of the other girls had headed out, and while I would have loved to hang out with them some more, I stayed back because I was catching a direct flight to Vancouver.
I skipped breakfast for a long bike ride around the property and was at the beach by 10:30AM. I read my book, napped off and on, drank piña coladas and ate lunch on the beach under a tiki hut. By about 3:30PM, I left the beach to head back to my room to pack up. I took a long bath, got ready for my last dinner at the resort and took a book to La Laguna for a classic Mexican meal.
It was fabulous (no surprise there), and one of the most memorable days of the trip. I’m used to spending a lot of time alone in Orange County with Christian’s work schedule, but something about traveling along can really bring such independence and peace. And without anyone around to help me snap all my instas (#basic), I was forced to really relax and take in the scenery.
A beautiful day in the most gorgeous setting and a memory I’ll always treasure.
In my opinion, you can’t vacation in Mexico enough. It is one of my favorite places to get some R&R, and I would absolutely love to visit the Fairmont Mayakoba again – this time with Christian in tow!
Have you vacationed in this area!? I’d love to hear about your visit or what Mexico spot is on your travel wish list! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I’m so excited to finally be sharing some photos from my week at the Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico! I was SO excited to head back to this gorgeous area after honeymooning there five years ago (shoutout to 2012!), and I’d never seen the Fairmont property so this trip sounded like a dream.
The resort organized a really fun itinerary for us that allowed us to enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon (where I learned there are over 100 kinds of birds that live in this area), a Mexican tequila and beer tasting, spa treatment and multiple fabulous dining experiences.
My favorite restaurants on the property were La Laguna, El Puerto and Brisas, and the service was nothing short of fantastic. You can actually purchase an Inclusive Luxury Dining & Beverage Package that allows you to either have a an all-inclusive experience or not. I think this is a really cool option because most properties are either one or the other, but at Fairmont Mayakoba you can pick whichever option suits you best.
The property is really large so you can bike around or hitch golf cart rides – both of which are fun options. I will share that the last time I was here it was November and the weather was perfect. This late May visit was hot. Really hot. And humid – everything is air-conditioned here, but I was still basically sweating 24/7. Which is why my hair is slicked back in every photo and my face was puffy from the heat.
Living in California the past several years I’ve actually forgotten what it was like to be this hot (#weatherprivilege), SO my recommendation for anyone looking to visit this area would be to examine the weather patterns and choose what’s going to work for you so you can avoid some of that upper lip sweat (don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about).
I absolutely loooooved the beach area here, not just for the breeze and perfect-temperature ocean, but the tiki huts were the cutest ever and there were so many perfect seats to choose from. On the last day I parked here for the entire day and it was pure paradise.
What might have been the most delicious piña colada I’ve ever had. So good that I ordered a second one and the crows around me attacked it before I could drink it, so that was cool. Those little guys are intense!
Have you ever vacationed in this Mayakoba area?! It’s so gorgeous – like staying in a tropical jungle! I’m going to be sharing more about this trip tomorrow – including outfits from the trip.
Father’s Day is around the corner (June 18th!), and now is a great time to start thinking of what you might want to get those special dudes in your life. Today I’m sharing some of my Father’s Day gift ideas to get your wheels spinning!
My dad is the only guy I’m shopping for, and I always use this time to try to get him up to speed on the current “fashions” to update his wardrobe. If your dad is anything like mine, he’s still wearing khakis from 1982 because they still fit. Nothing wrong with that, but the styles change throughout the years so why not update some of those closet staples?
I think these swim shorts are super cute if you have a family beach trip coming up, this gingham shirt comes in multiple colors and would look great on everyone and a classic pullover is something that can be worn year-round. I bought these shoes for C for his birthday and they look so cute with jeans and shorts – every time he wears them I tell them how cute they are. I know they would look great on my dad!
For the gadget guy, these headphones are a guaranteed hit and everyone loves a jacked up pocket knife.
And for the last minute gift – most dads appreciate any baked goods, a buncha beer or a great bottle of whiskey/bourbon/scotch. Nothing wrong with that!
Do you have any Father’s Day gift hits from years past? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
When it comes to adding to your summer wardrobe, a comfortable, breezy white dress is an essential. I love how versatile a white dress can be – you can style it so many different ways by mixing up your accessories, layers and shoes.
Lulus has been a go-to dress shopping spot for me for years ever since a college girlfriend introduced me to the site, and their white dress collection has every silhouette and style you can imagine. You guys know that maxi’s are my ultimate favorite, and they have so many darling ones to choose from. What I love about this dress is that it looks great with both heels and flats.
The tassel-tied shoulders are the perfect summer touch, and I love the texture combination of soft polka dots and lace. I wore this dress this weekend for the sunshine in Orange County… making me crave a weekend staycation. Christian has next weekend off, so let’s see if I can twist his arm!
photos by Christian Barnes
dress c/o Lulus – runs big so I’d recommend sizing down! Love all the maxi options here | clutch c/o Lulus | sunglasses c/o Lulus | similar heels here and here (on sale!), obsessed with these |
Are you all about the summer white dress? Tell me about your favorite one!
I am so late in posting this look but I had to share it because it’s one of my favorite summer DIY tips… turning scarves into tops! I’ve been doing this for years and it works either way you tie it – front or back.
If you have something like this vintage scarf (similar styles linked below, this one is several years old), I think tying it in the back works best. I’ve also used scarves like this and knotted them in the front. If worn with high waisted jeans or a skirt, the extra fabric covers your stomach. Trust me – the end result is fabulous!
I’m going to challenge myself to style a scarf knotted in front for you guys on Instagram so you can see what I’m talking about. I think this is one of the easiest ways to put together a unique and one-of-a-kind casual summer look. Perfect for a beach trip or backyard cookout!
Is this something you could see yourself wearing? I have fun trying to make the most of my wardrobe, and it’s a great way to maximize that summer scarf you haven’t worn in a while.
Happy Friday! So excited to spend my first week at home after what has been quite the rollercoaster month both professionally and personally. BUT, we are on the upswing (or at least I think), so I’m just trying to stay positive and be like Oprah, envisioning my life on the upside!
Since my grandmother’s passing, I knew I wanted to do something special for my mom, sister and I to share. I’m so excited to give them each a necklace from the giving keys with the one word that comes to mind when I think of the way my Grammy lived her life – selfless. I feel I am so often the opposite of that. I know I can be really selfish with my time, and knowing that I want to be better, Christian will often call me out on it (and he’s right). SO, I’ll be wearing this necklace and remembering the legacy my grandmother left. Strong and selfless women – may we know them, be them and raise them!
In some happy and exciting news, I was doing a happy dance in my head to spot myself in the June issue of People StyleWatch‘s swimsuit section. The photo was taken actually right after I took off a wetsuit from swimming with a whale shark in Mexico, so it’s appropriate that if I’m featured in a magazine I would have my hair in a wet bun with no makeup. But I’ll take whatever I can get!!
On that note, I haven’t worn makeup in like… four days so that’s a #win in my TGIF life (I know I’m not the only one that loves being makeup-free). Do you have anything planned this weekend? I’d love to hear! I feel like we are finally back in action on CBL – I’ve been so disconnected from content just trying to keep the tech/backend afloat that I don’t feel as connected with you guys as I usually do and I miss it!
Hope you have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading – XO –
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that I was with Christian in Vancouver for the holiday weekend! We were so excited to visit Canada because I’ve never been and it’s been on my bucket list ever since we moved to California because it is so easy to get to Vancouver from Southern California.
I’ve heard how great the city is, that it’s so lush and beautiful but was thinking I would visit Whistler during the winter. I actually learned on this trip that summers in Vancouver are pretty incredible with perfect weather, 2-3 additional hours of sun in the evenings (amazing!), and outdoor activities galore.
We had the best time, and I think my favorite thing about the city is that you can get from the top of the mountains to Downtown in 30 minutes. Unbelievable! California offers all of these things except it’s waaaayyy more spread out. In Vancouver you can experience skiing, surfing, kayaking, shopping, hiking, upscale dining, etc… all within 20 minutes of each other.
SO without further chatting, let’s get into CBL’s Guide to Vancouver –
Where We Stayed –
The Lodel Hotel | We loved this hotel because it was so quiet, had an incredible view, a giant fluffy bed and most importantly – the location is perfect. We walked to dinner every night and the hotel offered bikes you could use at no cost to bike around – which we did!
Where We Ate –
L’Abattoir | Seriously delicious brunch. I got the breakfast burger (pictured below) and Christian got a big breakfast spread. The atmosphere is so gorgeous (with… you guessed it, amazing tile I had to take a photo of!). The location is in the heart of Gastown, which is a super cute neighborhood of the city.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar | My oh my. This spot is a little slice of heaven. Gorgeous restaurant, charming patio, again… amazing tile and some of the best food we had on our trip. We had the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings, and it was beyond fantastic. The menu is seafood-focused and has some West Coast touches – I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a date night!
TWG Tea Salon | We had the most beautiful tea here, and had a little lesson on the history of TWG Tea, headquartered in Singapore. They are the one of the most well-known luxury tea brands in the world, and one of my favorite things about this salon is that Christian could have a wagyu burger and fries while I enjoyed a high tea experience. There really is something for everyone here, and it’s a beautiful tea salon to take a moment to relax during a day of sightseeing.
Champagne Lounge + Mott32 | Before having dinner at Mott32, we popped in the Champagne Lounge for an inventive cocktail like I’ve never seen before. My drink was inspired by Chanel No 5, and the bartender actually spritzed a few sprays of the fragrance in the glass before pouring the cocktail, all served on a mirrored vanity tray. Christian had a more “manly” drink that was served on a wooden serving tray with a sprig of fir and edible dirt. Seriously – so fun!
We went from there to dinner next door at Mott32, an Chinese fine dining restaurant, where the staff graciously walked us through the menu and helped us order an array of dishes. This allowed us to taste and try many different things, which was really fun and a flavorful journey in Cantonese dishes. The decor was so gorgeous and definitely a sexy dinner spot. This restaurant is unique in both style and menu, and because we’ve yet to find a great Chinese spot in Orange County we were so excited to get some amazing Chinese food in Vancouver!
Tableau Bar Bistro | I had dinner here my first night in Vancouver before Christian arrived and we also had breakfast here on our last day. I sat outside on the patio, and the menu is French-inspired with West Coast influence. At night the bar is hoppin’, and I’m still thinking about that burger I had my first night!
Scroll down to the bottom of the post for my sightseeing and activity recommendations –
Deep Cove Kayaking & Paddleboarding | We went kayaking our first day with a guide (shoutout James from the UK) who not only told us the history of the mountains around us, but also shared some juicy stories that date hundreds of years back. Very entertaining! We saw tons of starfish, several seals and Christian’s favorite – a bald eagle chasing a seagull that had me holding my breath for far too long. I’m happy to report the seagull got away!
Grouse Mountain | We woke up early Sunday morning to visit Grouse Mountain and took the skyride up to the top of the mountain which started off with…
Breakfast with the Bears | Probably the part of the trip C was most excited about, as a grizzly bear is his spirit animal. We were literally just a few feet away from two grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola. It really was so cool watching them wrestle with each other, eat lettuce and waddle around. I very much wanted to climb over the fence and hug them, but I’m fairly certain they would not be into it. We had a hot breakfast in a very cool (or should I say Coola!? get it?) yurt and then walked around the mountain before taking the skyride back down. Photos are above – such an incredible view!
Capilano Suspension Bridge | This was something I really wanted to see… even considering I’m slightly afraid of heights. Go figure! This bridge was built in 1889 and is Vancouver’s oldest attraction. It’s a softly swaying bridge and is above the Capilano River. Once you cross the bridge, you can can explore the forest and ponds that are on the other side which area really beautiful. There are also a series of seven additional suspension bridges that are built high in the trees. A must-see!
Stanley Park | This is Vancouver’s largest park (it’s actually bigger than Central Park!) and we used the hotel’s bikes to bike all the way around, which was so fun! There are great views of the water, boats, skyline, beach and natural and cultural landmarks. If you have the time, a bike is a great way to see the park in an hour or so.
Thank you to all of you who messaged me or commented with your Vancouver recs as well! I WISH we could have stayed longer, there is so much to see and do! But all the more reason to return, right? I hope this Guide to Vancouver is helpful to some of you planning on making the trip to Canada soon.
If you have some favorite spots in this area, I’d love to hear. And I’m happy to report the rumors are true… Canadians are the nicest people ever, and I absolutely love them. 🙂 I’ll be back! Thanks so much for reading – XO
The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale is still happening (through 6/4!), and I can’t even believe how much great stuff is marked down. Summer staples and splurges – all up to 40% off. I even found these Ray Ban’s (I have them in another color and I wear them constantly) 50% off!
I love this cozy cardigan for summer nights and this classic white dress that can be styled so many different ways. I have a pair of shorts like these and wear them weekly, and I’ve seen these slides on so many girls and they’re so cute.
Now that I’m back in town from a lot of traveling, I am about to stock up on some pieces I’ve had my eye on… tell me – did you score some deals? Spill the deets! Thanks so much for reading and my Vancouver recommendations are coming this week! XO –
This dress reminds me of something I had in high school and loooooved. So when I saw the subtle polka dot print and the fit and flare style, I knew it had to be mine!
I don’t typically lean toward this silhouette because you guys know I’m maxi-obsessed, but I love how chic this sweater dress is. I think that it the black and white color scheme is so classic, and the cut means it’s appropriate for church, weddings, bridal showers… all those occasions in life that call for getting dolled up!
Plus it’s really stretchy and comfortable (and twirly!), which is a major bonus! Sizing info below –
