lifestyle. Archives - Keeping It Caitlin

entry room refresh

July 9, 2018

Well, now that we’ve lived here in Houston for over a year, I thought it would be a good time to finally start making our front room somewhat functional. The best part? I did an entry room refresh for under $75.

Yes, you might have seen a couple pieces on our new table in my living room refresh post, but that’s the best part about decorating. When you’re updating a new space or adding a new piece to a room, you can move things around and switch it up.

Our coffee table was getting a little crowded so I moved some things around and pulled out some decor I was saving for the perfect space and voila. It’s perfect, but I’m sure I’ll add some things here and there.

Let’s start with the console table that is on sale for $52. It is so perfect for the space and adds a perfect little pop of color. In true Caitlin fashion, the exact table is temporarily out of stock in this color. However, you can get a notification when it’s restocked and it comes in three other colors. Of course those colors are in stock, just not mine.

Anyways, I was finally able to display some of my favorite wedding gifts including the most adorable cutting board, a gorgeous silver tray, and a vintage lace cake stand. And that amazing reclaimed door turned chalkboard/picture display? Yep, my sister got that custom made for us. We displayed it at the wedding and it’s one of my favorite things I own.

My ridiculously large wishbone is super old, but it’s actually paper-mache so if you are feeling crafty, you could recreate it at home. If you aren’t that dedicated, I’m sharing some similar pieces below.

I couldn’t link it below, but here is my silver tray. Also, here is my custom cutting board gifted from one of my best friends. It’s actually from one of my FAV Etsy stores and they also did my wedding koozies.

Don’t let updating a space overwhelm you. Take it one piece at a time, literally. A pretty space makes a huge difference.

cheers,

caitlin

anniversary in austin

June 29, 2018June 29, 2018

I’m finally getting around to sharing a little recap of one of my favorite weekends ever. Seriously. When J and I got back, we looked at each other and said “Dang, that was better than the honeymoon”, and it really was. Austin is just so much fun. I grew up going there on trips with my family so I am familiar with different areas, but it’s so fun to explore with Jackson.

So, I’m sharing a little recap of our anniversary in Austin. From start to finish. And if y’all have any good spots you love in Austin, comment on the blog! I’m always up for new places.

First, Austin is the perfect getaway in Texas. If you don’t live in Texas, you have to realize it’s hard as heck for us to get out of this state. Literally, it takes like 10 hours just to leave Texas sometimes. From Houston, Austin is just over 2 hours away so it’s the perfect getaway destination.

Where We Stayed

This was Jackson’s “surprise” for me. He gets intimidated to surprise me with things/he can’t keep an secret so this was a big deal for him. We stayed at the Hotel Indigo and loved it. It was walking distance to a lot of different places and had a dreamy pool with cabanas. It’s close to 6th street, which wasn’t my fav, but the room and everything else was amazing. The Highlight: Eating wedding cake for breakfast, in bed.

Where We Went

My big surprise for J was a tour of Still Austin. Highly recommend if you or whoever you’re with is a whiskey drinker. If you’ve been around Keeping It Caitlin for a while, you know J loves his whiskey. When we pulled up, he was so excited. We did the tour, drank the whiskey, bought the whiskey, and everything in between. It’s such a cool place to go and check out. They have the cutest outdoor area complete with food trucks, too.

My second surprise was a reservation at the Midnight Cowboy. COOLEST PLACE EVER. It’s a true speakeasy that is reservation only and has the most delicious cocktails. It’s ran by this badass girl (girl power) and is so detailed from the decor to the drinks.

I promise we aren’t alcoholics haha. J’s college drinking has just grown up into a love for sophisticated evening beverages. 🙂

I know it’s a little basic, but I can’t help it. I LOVE SoCo. It just speaks to me. South Congress has always been my “spot” in Austin and this time was no different. Everything from Magnolia Cafe, to our favItalian spot, all the shopping, and the amazing view of the capital. It’s all right there. Everything is so funky down there and it has the best vibe. If you’re in Austin, spend a half day just walking up and down South Congress. You won’t be disappointed.

P.S. if you do anything, eat at our fav spot. My dad took my family there a couple times, then J and I ate there on our way to the honeymoon, and we made sure we came back this time. It’s so ridiculously good.

Of course I can’t go anywhere without a little (or a lot of ) shopping. I can’t rave enough about my fabulous pieces I found at ModCloth. I know y’all heard about it in this post, but it was just the coolest store experience.

For our anniversary dinner, that was supposed to be a surprise, we went to Roaring Fork Downtown. Proof J can’t keep a secret haha. He gets too nervous that I won’t like what he picked and ends up telling me to make sure I’ll like it. He forgets that I’m never going to be disappointed with his surprises. **Knocks on wood. But it was SO good. It wasn’t far from our hotel, which was perfect and was the best spot for a nice dinner.

We didn’t do any adventurous stuff this time because we just wanted to explore, but check out Cypress Valley Canopy tours if you’re wanting something outside of the city. Such a fun experience.

I feel like I just shared everywhere we like to eat and shop, but that’s what vacation is all about right? I love taking y’all along with me and sharing the things that J and I love to do. Stay tuned for more adventures.

Where should we go next?

cheers,

caitlin

q+a: first year down

June 18, 2018

So we made it through a new city, a new home, a hurricane, two new jobs, our first big vacation, lots of Target runs, new friends, loss, and a new car. All in 365 days. Here’s how we (kinda) did it and got the first year down.

Biggest piece of advice?

J: Don’t be afraid to be wrong. My wife is always right, but it’s really about compromise.

C: Learn to compromise. I can’t even believe I’m saying that because it’s hard to do, but it’s worth it. You have to remember this is a partnership and you have to be a serious team player with your spouse.

P.S. Swear on everything he didn’t know my answer when he answered. That just shows you seriously need to be in sync!

Favorite moment of the last year?

J: Walking around in the snow in New York City. It was the best adventure.

C: Honestly, this past weekend celebrating our anniversary was perfection. It was so cool to be able to say that we hit that milestone.

Least favorite moment of the past year?

J: Whenever we fight, it isn’t fun.

C: Really anytime that I was personally feeling inadequate because it reflected in our relationship. Even when you’re married you still have to love yourself to love others.

Biggest learning moment?

J: I always thought that love could conquer anything, and it can, but with hard work too. I didn’t know before that you really have to work at your marriage, but I learned that’s how you make it work.

C: It sounds silly looking back now, but for the first couple months every time we argued or disagreed I would freak out. I didn’t know how married life was supposed to work, but I thought it was going to be a lot more like the movies so I would worry that maybe we messed up because we would argue. I know now it’s not always rainbows and sunshine and having a disagreement isn’t the end of the world.

What was your favorite part of our wedding?

J: Definitely when you walked down the aisle. You looked so happy and beautiful.

C: Gosh, basically the whole thing, but just throughout the night we would find each other in all the fun and connect and take it all in.

Favorite thing about each other?

J: Your behind. And your pretty eyes. And your creativity and thoughtfulness.

C: You know like every 90’s rap song and it’s hot. Also, how you want to be the best husband and future father. Everything you do, you think of me and that’s so special.

What is the one thing that annoys you about the other?

J: You’re always on to the next life event and you can never just be still in life.

C: You talk too much, but I still love you.

What is the one thing that makes us work?

J: We love each other and we are in it for forever. We compromise and put in the work.

C: We were friends before anything and I didn’t even realize I was falling for you until I was in love with you. It was the most natural thing of my life.

Thanks to every person for encouraging us and making us the humans we are along the way. Stay tuned for many more years of crazy adventures to come.

cheers,

caitlin

pack like a pro

June 14, 2018June 14, 2018

I can’t believe we’re about to leave for our first anniversary trip! “Time flies” is the understatement of the century. Such a good year. Anyways, when it came to packing I tried to keep it light and wanted to share how I’ve learned to (kinda) pack like a pro. Besides, the more room you have in your bag when you go on vacation, the more shopping you can do while you’re there. That’s my logic.

Just as a disclaimer, I’m no Container Store-level organized human. I’m seriously quite the opposite, but I’ve spent a lot of trips with either an under-packed or over-packed bag and I think I’ve finally found that happy medium. So of course I had to share with y’all.

Also, the end of the work week means no makeup so no judgement.

Pack neutral accessories. This doesn’t mean your accessories have to actually be neutral, unless that’s your thing. But it’s smarter to pack accessories you can wear with several outfits so you’re not weighed down with half your jewelry collection. I always pack a handful of bracelets to stack, my simple pearl studs, and a statement earring or two. Even with shoes, I try to pack things I’ll wear with multiple outfits
Pack things you’ll actually wear. I’ve wasted a lot of luggage space packing things I thought I might wear, but hadn’t worn in over a year. Don’t waste time trying to step outside your style zone, because in the end, you’ll want to feel comfortable.
Downsize your purse. I’m not one for carrying around a huge purse in the first place, but if that’s your jam try to downsize your purse for vacation. It’s just another bulky item you’ll have to lug around. Just take your essentials. To pack like a pro, I’ll pack a couple lippies, my ID (which I almost always forget) and my keys.
Get good luggage pieces. Sounds like a no-brainer, but good luggage makes me a lot more excited to pack. Also, just the fact that I know I’ll be going on a trip makes me excited. But the luggage is just as important. It’s essential when you’re trying to pack like a pro. I got my Vera Bradley weekend bag on super sale and it’s been perfection. It’s super sturdy and has the cutest pattern. It’s always worth it to invest because I know what it’s like to be struggling through the airport with a broken bag. It’s not cute.

Here’s a little glimpse of what I’m packing for this weekend.

cheers,
caitlin

back to the basics

June 7, 2018

Back to the Basics

Let’s get back to the basics. I’ve been thinking lately about why I originally started Keeping It Caitlin. I think about it often, but more about what outfit I’m going to post or what sales I can share with y’all. I’ve grown to focus on the surface details of this adventure and lost touch with the deeper meaning of this little site.

When I started Keeping It Caitlin, I said it would be a place where we keep things real. And yes, while most of my pictures are un-edited, it’s not always reality and I am working on getting back to the basics in that category. Y’all know by now that obviously I’m not always dressed up just hanging out in front of my fav picture spot (the garage), waiting for J to take my picture. I’m usually doing the opposite, but makeup-less, bra-less, and not so trendy pictures don’t get likes. Y’all only really see that on my Instagram stories, which I’m also going to be better at!

That’s where the fun part of growing Keeping It Caitlin has stopped for me a couple times. Trying so hard to take the perfect picture that everyone will relate to and like is a lot more exhausting than you would think. It’s definitely a lot harder than I thought it would be. Growing a following has been even harder and every lost follower or un-flattering picture can chip you down more and more.

Even worse, when that picture doesn’t get as many likes or that post doesn’t get as many views, I go into comparison mode. Don’t we all? Whether you have a blog or not, we all do it. We’ve got one picture to share how fun, cool, successful, or great our life is and that’s a lot of pressure for a lot of people. Including me and I want to get back to the basics.

This quote has been the best reminder I need to hear.

“Don’t compare your beginnings to someone else’s middle.” – Tim Hiller

Isn’t it so true though? I have spent a lot of time valuing my self-esteem on likes, my dress size, what my car looks like, where I live, and so many other things. I think everyone has things that make them feel less-than, but we forget that we don’t know everyone’s story. They could be hiding a lot of sadness behind their picture-perfect social media. They could be in mountains of debt from buying a new house. We never know. And they only know you on the surface too.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Keeping It Caitlin and so appreciate the love y’all have shown me. Just one person messaging me saying they bought something I shared makes this all worth it.

Spend time making your life the best life it can be, because that’s all you can do. Whatever stage of life you’re in, everyday is your new beginning. Don’t let comparison get in the way of loving yourself and those around you. Nothing is worth that.

P.S. This tunic top is on major sale and it’s magical. Like Mumu, but you’ll still be able to afford to eat after the purchase. 🙂

cheers,

caitlin

living room refresh

June 1, 2018June 2, 2018

Remember when I was so excited about getting a new sofa? It feels like it was last year, but it was really just a long couple months of patience. Which it’s no secret, patience is not my favorite thing. But, after all that waiting, I’ve got a grown-up living room to share. Finally, a living room refresh.

First, have a vision. Do your research, pin whatever you love, and create a budget. For J and I, we knew we wanted a big sectional to replace our mix-matched furniture. We love the rest of our furniture in the living room and knew a new sofa and area rug would be the perfect upgrade without spending a fortune. By the way, our rug is so gorgeous and the online picture doesn’t do it justice.

Research is so important. I read so much about fabrics and what fabrics would work best in our home. The fabric was so important to me because I wanted this living room refresh to last a long time. I also knew I wanted clean lines and a more transitional look.

When it comes to the budget, find a sale. That’s the key to getting what you want. Find out when your favorite furniture store is having a sale or when they increase their financing months. We lucked out because I live near a huge furniture store and they were having a great financing deal.

I should of snapped a before picture, but you can see some of it here. Trust me, our living room was sad. It was begging for a living room refresh, and so was I. It was dark and my biggest complaint was it wasn’t stylish and light. But a little research and shopping changed the whole room. It feels light, on trend, and is somewhere I actually want to hangout in.

The finishing touches included this sweet wire basket with rose gold handles, our favorite dreamy candle, and lots of colorful pillows. Our coffee table is so perfect with the more industrial bar cart, so it of course stayed.

If you can’t make it to the store where I got all my living room refresh essentials, I’ve got a couple of favorite places to get furniture and home decor. West Elm, Joss and Main, Target, and yes, Walmart are some of my favorite places to shop for our house.

Lastly, you can shop my ultra-comfy tee here. P.S. it’s under $15!

cheers,

caitlin

go-to summer glow products

May 8, 2018May 8, 2018

I am a firm believer that having a nice tan glow boosts confidence ten-fold, especially in the summer. Every time I have sun-kissed skin I feel like I can conquer the world, it’s the best feeling. I want y’all to have those summer glow feelings too, so I’m sharing my go-to summer glow products.

I mean look at those legs y’all.

Anyways, bed tanning is so 90’s. Skin cancer anyone? There are so many ways to safely get bronzed, but my go-to is at home sunless tanning. It’s just easier for me because I usually do it right before bed. It’s also usually the less expensive route, however it isn’t always the easiest to do on yourself, but after a couple times you’ll work it out.

There has been a lot of trial and error with different products I’ve tested over the years. I am in love with my go-to summer glow products, but there was a time when I tried something new and looked like a giraffe the next day. Doesn’t almost everyone has a tanning horror story?

I have two favorite brand when it comes to my go-to summer glow products. Just a disclaimer, I am not a self-tanning expert. These products work wonders for me, but read reviews or see if they’ll work on your skin type just in case.

They are both amazing summer glow products, but they have a couple things that make them stand apart. I like that Loving Tan Express only takes 2 hours, so if you’re last minutes (like me), it will save you in a pinch.

Also, Loving Tan has a back tanning mitt that I would totally recommend if you don’t have someone to reach those hard spots.

St. Tropez is a better deal, usually, and I love their tan extending moisturizer. It smells amazing and really makes your tan last longer.

Basically, you can’t go wrong with any of the go-to summer glow products. Just make sure you follow the directions and maybe watch a video or two. Lastly, in the words of my girl Miranda Lambert, “tan fat is better than pale fat”.

cheers,

caitlin

mother’s day gifts.

May 4, 2018May 4, 2018

What do you give the one person who has given you everything? Every year I want to give my mama the very best because of all she’s done for me. Shopping for Mother’s Day gifts isn’t always the easiest, but I curated the best gifts for all types of mamas out there. So spoil away, she deserves it.

P.S. can we take a moment to see how perfect my mama is. Thank you for being the feisty, southern matriarch of our family. I wouldn’t want to be a mini-me of anyone else and I hope to be half as good as a mama that you are.

The Perfect Mother’s Day gifts

The New Mama: It’s their first Mother’s Day, so it’s a big one. And since they’re changing diapers and cleaning spit up out of their hair, they deserve to be spoiled. This Kendra Scott bracelet is a fun way to incorporate the new babe’s birthstone or maybe even a pink or blue stone for the gender. Even better, it’s easy to put on for the mama’s juggling it all and it’s a unique Kendra Scott gift without being too basic. And because she’s taking naps whenever she can, get her this sleep mask that will keep her looking fresh and blocking out that midday sun.

The Hostess Mama: If your mama is anything like mine, then she loves to host. Any excuse to get people together, eat, drink, and have fun and my mom is in heaven. Any hostess with the mostess can never have enough serving trays and how gorgeous is this one?! The personalization is just an extra special touch and she’ll think of you when she uses it at all the dinner parties. And for all the wine her and the gals drink, now she can chill it in style.

The Working Mama: We all know, mama’s do it all. The working mama is no different. She probably would be happy with some piece and quiet as a gift, but we’ll spoil her a little better than that. I love doing a “spa set” as a Mother’s Day gift with all the necessities to unwind and these gifts are my go-to! A face mask set and Lush set is the perfect way to help mama relax.

The Zen Mama: Mama does goat yoga? My mom does, seriously. But, for that all organic mama this is the prettiest addition to any home. If she already has a diffuser, get her some pretty gardening tools to help keep up the fresh garden in the backyard. She’ll be reminded of your sweet Mother’s Day gifts every time she plants something pretty.

The Trendy Mama: Do you ever find yourself asking your mom, “where did you get that top”? If yes, you’ve got a trendy mama. I’m proud to say that I helped my mom become a trendy mama and she’s got serious style now. Any trendy piece would be perfect, but maybe get her something fun that she wouldn’t pick out for herself. These colorful earrings or some fun summer mama wedges make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for her.

The Sporty Mama: If your mom played tennis every morning after she dropped you off at school or lives in her workout clothes, you’ve got a sporty mama. This is the mama running a 5k while pushing her babe in the jogging stroller. She’s pretty much #goals. So, gift her this workout top that goes from gym to brunch. If that’s not her thing, this quirky yoga mat or mama hat will speak to her heart.

birthday boy.

April 26, 2018April 27, 2018

Hey y’ all, Happy Thursday! It’s no ordinary Thursday though and this will be no ordinary post. It’s my 3rd birthday today, which means I’m really turning 21. I’m so excited to be the birthday boy. So, I wanted to share a few things with y’all since my mom normally does this. So, for my birthday I’m sharing 10 things about me, so you can get to know the fluffiest member of the Cunningham family.

1. My mom and I met when I was just 6 weeks old and we’ve grown up a lot since then. She rescued me and we’ve been best friends ever since. We have been through a lot together, even college. Now, we live in a big city and it’s not my favorite, but I love chasing big cars and construction workers.

2. My life motto: “No New Friends”. Honestly, Drake said it best, but I really only like a special select group of people. Mostly the people I’ve known since I was a puppy. I’m super protective over my mom so new people aren’t my jam.

3. My mom is my favorite person ever. Some people say we have an unhealthy relationship because I hate doing life without her, but it’s just because I love her so much. Sometimes I don’t even get excited when my dad comes home from work because I’m still just waiting for my #1 to get home. I mean being a momma’s boy isn’t so bad.

4. My favorite food is sweet potatoes or pizza. I even know the sound of a pizza box opening, so I always come running and can’t stop jumping up and down. Sometimes, I even start drooling because it just looks so good. I love pizza, but when the vet tells me to watch my weight, I dig in on the sweet potatoes. But the birthday boy always gets a busy bone and I can’t wait!

5. I’m part corgi, part heeler. When my mom rescued me, they said I was half corgi, half blue heeler, but mom and dad aren’t so sure. They sometimes think I’m part red heeler, but either way I’m definitely corgi and heeler. I have big heeler ears and heeler coloring, but with a corgi body. Don’t worry I can still run faster than you with these little legs.

6. I love to cuddle. Ever since my mom brought me home, we love cuddling. I let my mom rest her head on me sometimes, but I really love to plop down next to her and cuddle. My favorite is laying between mom and dad under the covers like a human and letting them pet me. It’s the best and I always get extra cuddles when I’m the birthday boy. It’s just a good day to be me.

7. I like to think I’m pretty smart. My Mimi loves to teach me new tricks and I always pick up on them really fast. I even have puzzles that I do for treats and they’re so easy. I know I have to do tricks for a treat so I usually just combine all my tricks into one so I can eat!

8. I kinda have big, white teeth for my small body. I know my mom likes to be transparent with y’all, so I wanted to do the same. I used to be insecure about it, but I embrace it now and I have a killer smile to show for it.

9. My favorite toy is all my toys. Seriously, I can’t get enough. Every month I get a new Bark Box and those become my favorite toys. I keep all my other ones around the house, but right now I’m loving the seagull and pirate that I got last week.

10. My favorite activity is going on a walk. My parents picked the best neighborhood because it’s filled with cats and other dogs so going on a walk is fun. I love to try and chase the cats, but love seeing my frienemies at each house. I like to make sure they know who is boss, but try to stay a little friendly.

So, now you know all about me just like you know a lot about my mom. I’m a pretty special birthday boy.

cheers,

brewer

Little White Dress

April 25, 2018April 25, 2018

The Little Black Dress is an iconic piece. I mean “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” kind of iconic. However, the other half of the LBD is a darling Little White Dress, which happens to be my favorite of the two. You can truly never go wrong with an LWD. For every occasion that is perfect for a Little Black Dress, spice it up and go light. With a pop of color, with neutrals, with nothing else, a LWD changes your wardrobe game. So, I’m breaking down my favorites for work, casual, and play. As always, they’re all under $100 because we’re all trying to look like a 10 for $10. That’s just how it goes around here.

one. two. three. four. five.

I wanted to mix it up with the dressier LWD’s and I love the different textures I them. Like give me all the lace. I swear every blogger has the fourth one, but I can totally see why. It’s adorable. It’s perfect for graduations or a bridal shower. They all would be perfect for that upcoming bachelorette party or a night out on your summer vacation.

one. two. three. four. five.

I love the versatility in these work dresses. Yes, most of them are sleeveless, but that’s your chance to put your personal touch on it. A colorful blazer, jean jacket, or comfy cardigan would all pair perfectly for these looks in the office. Shed the layers for happy hour after work and you still look so stinkin’ good.

one. two. three. four. five.

These casual Little White Dresses just make me so happy, but y’all know I love my casual looks. I love the fifth one because it’s so boho and would look amazing with some sun-kissed skin after a day at the beach. Basically it just makes me want to be at the beach and anything that makes me feel like that is a winner in my book. Also, the third one is the perfect simple, classic t shirt dress that is a must have. It’s well- made and won’t break the bank. You can style it almost a million different ways. So worth it.

So, next time you reach for a LBD, reach for something different and fresh. Reach for that Little White Dress.

cheers,

caitlin