But today, I’m so happy to be homeward bound to my best buddy and our TWO pups. Yep, Weeze and her new sister Wilma come home tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited. Am I ready for that puppy phase all over again? That would be a definite no, but I guess here goes nothing.
So today I’m sharing a few snaps of my favorite time of year in our home. There’s nothing better than coming downstairs in the morning to Christmas trees (the smell!), lights, stockings, and all that Christmas jazz. I’m especially loving the dining room and our new Christmas dishes that we’ll be using for years to come, and is there anything better than a red-headed pup in her Christmas sweater? I think not. Hope you guys have the best weekend ahead!
Happy Friday, friends! It’s been a few weeks since I’ve chatted about 5 things I’m loving (I blame Thanksgiving travels, a little bit of sickness, and life in general), but this week I’m feeling holly jolly, loving all the things. It was actually hard to narrow it down to five, but here we go. Five things I’m loving this week, and I’d love to know – what’s bringing you guys joy this week?
PMD Clean – I’ve been a fan of the brand’s personal microderm device for a while but recently discovered the PMD Clean, and whoa. If you’re a Clarisonic girl like me, trust, it’s totally different, and for the record, I have and use both. The PMD Clean has a rubberized head (instead of the bristles of the Clarisonic) and vibrates like a facial massage. There are 4 speeds, and I’ve been using one side in the shower with favorite cleansers and the flip side out of the shower to help my favorite moisturizers sink in. If you’re going to invest in good skincare, this is a good tool to help that skincare sink in.
Rainy days in Southern California – In the past two weeks, we’ve had three whole days of rain around here. And not normal Southern California rain. Hard, hard rain with wind and skies that look like nighttime in the middle of the day. I grew up around SO. MUCH. RAIN in South Louisiana, and I’ve missed some of those days since moving here. These past two weeks have given me the first couple of days of staying in, keeping the PJ’s on, and getting so much work done inside during the rain. Besides a newfound roof leak that we never knew about since the remodel, it’s been so nice. But for the record, Louise the Viz is NOT about it. Good God, that puppy hates rain. (And if you need a good laugh, check out these Vizslas wearing boots. I die.)
Decking the halls – Oh holy moly, there’s nothing I love more than when our house is decked out for Christmas. Nothing. The trees, the stockings, the garland, the lights outside – it all makes me happy, happy, happy like Phil from Duck Dynasty. And hey, while we’re at it, I’ll throw in little Weeze wearing a Christmas sweater because that photo will be hitting the ‘gram soon. I’m working on a full post of our holiday decor because all these online orders and trips to HomeGoods need to be documented, right?
Packing up for Jackson Hole – You guys, I stand corrected. Wanna know what makes me happier than our house decorated for Christmas? It’s heading out to Jackson Hole. We went last winter and made another trip this past summer, and I’m so excited that we are headed back next week. This time around, it’s gonna be even COLDER than last year with a lot more snow, and I’m ready for it. I’ll be taking all of the cold weather essentials from last year and adding in a couple of new goodies. This bright red coat? Count it in. With this bright red sweater underneath? Yep. And this year, I’ll be adding in these cozy inserts into my favorite snow boots. Any other recommendations?
Skinny Pasta – I shared this one on my Instagram stories this week, and you guys were HERE for it. And I can’t blame you! If you’re trying to live that semi-healthy life or go low carb during the week like us, pasta has been a big no-no for years. Eric and I have been grubbing through so much spaghetti squash for a while, and honestly, we’re a little bit over it right now. I found this Skinny Pasta at Sprouts recently, and we love it. It’s the most pasta-like thing we’ve found, and unlike with spaghetti squash, it keeps us full long after dinner. Did I mention that one serving serves up five carbs and under ten calories? We loved it so much, I recently ordered the full variety of what they offer. The “rice” version is a little bit noodle-y, but throw some red beans in there, and you’ll be A-OK.
Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! While I’m mentally preparing myself for the food coma ahead (or, let’s be honest – I’ve been in a food coma since arriving in Louisiana on Monday), I’m doing a little deal-loving happy dance over here because the Black Friday sales just seem to hit earlier and earlier every year. And I, for one, am certainly not mad at it. Just shop the sales, eat the bird, and spend a little time with family and friends instead of focusing on that old school Black Friday dash.
And today I’m kicking things off with some tried and true favorites from the Shopbop sale. This is the Black Friday sale I look forward to every year. For the second year in a row, I’ve used the sale to stock up on a few cold weather essentials for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole. (If you’ve got a cold weather trip coming up, I can’t recommend these Hunter boots, boot socks, shearling inserts, and chunky scarf more.)
It’s a Buy More, Save More sale, so the more you spend, the bigger the percentage off. Just use code MORE18 at checkout. Scroll through to see more of my favorites that are on sale and some brand new goodies that should be arriving to my door any minute now. The anticipation, y’all. Happy shopping, friends!
Happy Friday, friends! Back atcha this week with another installment of 5 things I’m Loving This Week. Are y’all liking these? Are they annoying? Rest assured, these aren’t sponsored, they’re seriously just things I’m loving. Things that are making my week better. Things that I think you might love too. (BTW, if you bought Mike’s Hot Honey from this post a couple weeks ago, make sure you try it on pizza. I did this week and can never have pizza without it.) Honey or no honey, here’s hoping everyone has a sweet weekend ahead. Too cheesy? I don’t care. Here goes –
The cutest little pumpkins – I’ll admit that Christmas decorations are my main jam (see caption here), but lately I’ve been really digging the fall vibes around here. I’ve got a new favorite candle burning in the kitchen and these adorable mini pumpkins stashed…everywhere. I can’t help it. How cute is that little white pumpkin above? (Well, and the pumpkin-colored dog that’s staring at a treat under the pumpkin is pretty cute too.)
Benefect Disinfectant Wipes – I’ve been using Clorox wipes, marble cleaners, and other kitchen sprays for years, but recently a friend gave us these and I’m hooked. (Do you ever stop to think about the chemicals in the products you’re using around your house? Because I do.) Benefect is a botanical disinfectant that kills just as many germs as its chemical-loaded competitors but with a toxicity less than vinegar. (Read more here.) It’s the stuff they use to clean up the bacteria and mold left behind by hurricanes and other natural disasters, so I’m pretty sure it can handle my everyday kitchen disasters…and the ones left behind by the pumpkin-colored velvet head above. And as an added bonus for my fellow essential oil lovers, they leave behind a slight scent of thyme – no Clorox gas mask needed.
The luxe jacket I can’t wait to wear – A couple of weeks ago I took a quick trip to NYC, and between meetings and a fun happy hour with friends, it was a good little trip. The cherry on top was definitely coming home with the most beautiful, versatile jacket from Cinzia Rocca that I can’t wait to wear. The hood, cuffs, and padded button-down mid-section are all removable, so I can wear the plaid part here, and the full, warm get-up will be amazing during this winter’s Jackson Hole trip. (Oh you know we’re going back.) And if you want another, less-expensive cold weather jacket that I love, this one from Carve Designs is 100% it.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation – If you follow along with my Instagram stories, you know that I received the most generous package from Estée Lauder a few weeks ago with SO many shades of their Double Wear Foundation. Well I’ve tried it, and I LOVE it. True to its claims, it really does stay right in place. I put it to the ultimate test during a friend’s recent rainy-day, humid Louisiana wedding, and at the end of the night, I really didn’t feel like my makeup was struggling. (Southern girls, you know – 100% humidity shows no mercy.) And, if you’re one of the 30-something readers who received your shade in the mail from me, I hope you’re loving it too!
Malibu Farm at Lido Marina Village – This week I had lunch with my last boss before I took the blog full-time, and we decided on the new Malibu Farm at Lido Marino Village. Besides meeting up with one of my favorite humans who happens to be a former boss, I’ve got all the happy feelings about the new Malibu Farm. You’re sitting right on the water, but the menu just takes the experience over the top. Cauliflower crust pizza, burrata salad, and the best Branzino fish tacos? Sign me up. And next time, I’m definitely doing a little research on the F’Rosé Cocktail. You know, for the blog.
Oh boy, we made it. Happy Friday from the happiest gal in town – the gal who’s headed to Sundance today and couldn’t be more excited about it. I’ve never been before and can’t wait for the snowy goodness ahead. (If you’re not following along on Instagram, then get to it, girl because I’ll be sharing all the fun there.) Luckily I just made a trip to Jackson Hole and have ALL the cozy things in the suitcase.
And if we’re talking cozy, then let’s talk this under $40 sweater that’s way worth its weight in gold. She’s available in six colors and is long enough for jeans or leggings – and let’s be honest, leggings are where it’s at for January. Anybody with me? Actually I don’t care – leggings for life, y’all.
Here’s hoping everyone has an amazing weekend ahead!
It seriously seems like just a couple of months ago that I was writing a little recap of 2016, and yet somehow, here we are, already a couple of days in to 2018. I know that lots of folks are having lots of mixed reviews of 2017, but I gotta say, it was a pretty wonderful one around here.
We kicked off 2017 by packing up our house and getting ready for a pretty easy remodel. We were adding on a dining room and an office for Eric and changing out all of the existing exterior plaster for new. We found an awesome rental house and thought we’d make ourselves at home there for about a month. (The plaster changing meant we wouldn’t have exterior walls, so the house was just too cold to live in.) You know what they say, the best laid plans…
Fast forward five months, and our sweet little remodel turned into an entirely different house. We eliminated walls, vaulted ceilings, did an entire kitchen remodel, and changed just about every room in the house. Over the next seven months, we added on a front patio with a fire pit that we love, completely reworked the backyard to include a built-in BBQ and jacuzzi area, and finally switched out the dirt yard and port-o-potty out front for actual grass and landscaping. (Hashtag, that construction life.) And I swear, more photos of the home are coming soon.
In May after moving back into our house, we welcomed our sweet pup Louise, and although girlfriend certainly put me through it for a couple of months, she’s now the sweetest little member of our family. (And as you can probably tell from the photos above, my furry sidekick loves a good photo opp.)
Over the summer we were super fortunate to purchase a house in Palm Springs (more photos here) and worked with a handful of amazing companies to furnish, decorate, and make it a home. We’ve loved every single day we’ve gotten to spend there, loved ringing in the new year there, and can’t wait to spend more time in the desert this year.
Year after year, I’m so very fortunate that you guys keep reading and following along on my journey. I’m so thankful for all the comments, likes, emails, in-person hello’s and so very thankful for this little community. There are already some fun things in the works for 2018, so I certainly hope that you’ll keep following along! Here’s hoping everyone has the best year ahead!
xoxo
P.S. – For all outfit details and photographer info, click the photo above to see the original post.
Well we’re two (almost three) days past Christmas, and I think I’m just crawling out of my food coma cave. But then I found all the leftovers and started it all over again. So you know, you win some, you WIN some. Y’all, we had such a fun Christmas here that I’m wishing we could rewind it all and do it again.
For the first time ever, Eric and I hosted Christmas dinner at our house. With his whole family, my parents, and a couple of our friends, the house was packed with 30 people and one really excited puppy who may or may not have stolen a few cookies and a pretty good helping of rum cake off the counter once everyone was outside enjoying the fire pit. Girlfriend got FED. And I don’t even know what a couple of three-year-old twin nephews gave her on top of that. Let’s just say that young Weeze girl had a very Merry Christmas.
And so did we. And I hope so did you. I wore this comfy cozy sweater dress for dinner on Christmas Eve, and if your size is still available, you gotta swoop it up – I mean, it’s right around $20 and you can’t beat that. I’ve been on a real chenille kick this year with sweaters and bought this one last-minute for our trip to Jackson Hole. And since then, I’ve loved having it.
If your size is sold out, I’m linking a few more styles below that are all (mostly) under $100. They’re super comfy, versatile for dressing up or down, and perfect for hiding all those holiday sins through January…or February. That’s fine, right? (Asking for a friend.)
It’s been about four days now, and I’m still on Cloud 9 from our trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming this past week. It’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for so long and was a bucket list destination for a couple of our friends, too. Eric had been a couple of times in the past, but it had been a few years and he was dying to go back. So sometime in October, we picked out dates, booked the tickets, and made it happen. And I have to say, Jackson Hole did not disappoint.
I’ve got a whole post coming up with where we stayed, where we ate (and ate and ate), and all that jazz, but today I’m sharing a few photos from a morning in the National Elk Refuge, just outside of town. We didn’t see any elk because I think I was a couple of weeks too early, but this area was crazy pretty with views farther than you could ever see and each individual blade of grass covered in tiny ice crystals. There wasn’t any snow during our trip, but believe me when I tell you – IT. WAS. COLD.
It was the kind of cold I’ve only experienced twice before during a couple of February New York Fashion Weeks, but unlike New York, this time I was prepared. I lived in layers (and layers) and chunky scarves, and this Coalition LA jacket came in so handy. It’s super thick and warm, and I swear when I put the hood on, my entire body was instantly warmer. The huge pockets are also great because with so many layers, I wanted to ditch the handbag and just carry around the essentials with me. If you’re headed someplace cold this winter (or live there), I can’t recommend this one enough because, bonus – it’s under $100.
Hope everyone is having a great week, and stay tuned for more posts from Jackson Hole.
Oh my gosh, y’all – what a weekend. (Yes, I know it’s Tuesday, but we decided to extend our weekend a couple of days and things are feeling pretty Monday-ish over here.) If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you know that Eric and I and a couple of friends just spent a few days in Jackson Hole, WY. We had an amazing time and were pretty bummed to leave, but if you have to leave vacation, it’s nice to get home to the holidays ahead of you, right?
I’ll be sharing a few snaps from the trip as well as favorite places we visited (SO many great places to EAT) on the blog soon, but for now, it’s back to a bit of regularly scheduled programming around here and the seriously warm December we’re having in SoCal. With temps hovering in the mid 70’s for the foreseeable future, how’s a girl supposed to look holiday-ready? Welp, I’m grabbing my go-to leather shorts and a favorite new pair of metallic booties and calling it a day.
The shorts are a favorite find from last year (styled here and here), but I’m linking a similar pair here. And the booties are just plain fun. They’re metallic without being over the top, and as a bonus, they’re so dang comfortable. I’ll be wearing these all season long with dresses, distressed denim, and maybe even tights if the cool weather should ever come back. Although after four days of Wyoming temps in the teens, I guess a few days of warm sunshine never hurt anyone. Here’s hoping everyone has a great week ahead!
Holy food coma, Batman. Well this Louisiana Thanksgiving was certainly an overstuffed, overfed, roll-me-outta-here success. No shame in my game that it’s currently 7:30 pm and I’ve just switched out my Spanx leggings for flannel pajama pants. Hashtag, living my best life over here.
If there’s one piece that’s made for days like today, it’s an oversized sweater like this one. Y’all, this thing is killer. I originally ordered it for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole, WY, but I obviously couldn’t wait until then to wear it. I pulled it out recently for my birthday dinner when, admittedly, it probably wasn’t quite cold enough out. But I looked cozy as hell, so that’s a win, right? (Size note – definitely size down in this one, maybe go down two sizes. I’m 5’9″ wearing a medium, and it’s pretty big.)
And right now, you can grab this sweater as well as the leggings, the sunglasses, and similar boots on sale with code MORE17. And if a good sale is calling your name, make sure to check out yesterday’s post where I rounded up a few favorite sites offering some sweet Black Friday deals. Hope everyone is still enjoying their Thanksgiving week. And now, time to pull out those Christmas decorations. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Therapedic weighted blanket; Target PJ’s; Pottery Barn stockings and couch
Pottery Barn couch, blanket, stockings; garland via HomeGoods; aldi dog sweater (c/o)
Faux leather skirt; black sweater (save 20% with code “Nik20“); Marc Fisher boots
similar Mercury glass trees (and here); similar mirror; rug; Pottery Barn light fixtures
Pottery Barn plaid salad plate and Santa bowls
Eberjey PJ’s (look for less here); Staheekum slippers (c/o); Eddie Bauer blanket; Pottery Barn mug
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