Out With The Old - In With The New

To say that I've been blessed with an amazing 2012 would be silly, because to me it's just so obvious it need not be spoken. I became a mom, I got married, I celebrated with all of my best friends from every corner of the country, etc. Just thinking about how different my 2012 was from my 2011 is mind-boggling. It makes me really excited for 2013.

I could go back and share with you all my favorite posts and experiences from this past year, but rather than relish in any of that, I want to make room for new adventures and goals. (I mean, I still have to share our wedding photos and honeymoon part 2, so just bear with me. There will be plenty of 2012 highlight reels in that regard)  Today I want to send 2012 off with a excited wave + goodbye, and usher in 2013 with arms wide open. (*cue absolutely terrible Creed song being stuck in your head* Oh, only mine? Awesome)

Twice a year I make a pretty lofty set of goals. New Years and my birthday (and let's face it, I'm getting up there in years so those "24 before 25" lists get a little exhausting!). Usually New Years resolutions are more "blanket"/generalized goals and ideas, and my birthday list is comprised of goals that have more of a dedicated ending/result. I feel like resolutions (if you make them!) should set the tone for the coming year. Last year my blanket resolution was to be more organized. I'm still not the best, and it took a long time to even get started, but I incorporated some organizational techniques into my daily life that I don't think I'd be able to function without now. (I'll be sharing more of these techniques on the blog soon! What good is a good idea if you keep it to yourself?!) When you live and work in the same ~1,200 sq. feet every single day, organization is key. It's definitely something I want to take into 2013 with me (and I hope all of these goals roll over to 2014 and beyond), but this year's theme is "Growth". Growth as a family (not in quantity of members, but in quality of life), growth as a business, and growth as a person. I think each of these 7 resolutions below will help me achieve that. Here's what I'm hoping for 2013...

All too often I find myself tweeting or tumbling things that aren't positive. They're quick rants, shared frustrations, or just negative in general. I really need to be more aware of my passive aggression, too. I'm a firm believer that you get back what you put out into the world, and no one likes to be constantly bombarded with whining and complaining. I found myself doing that on more than one occasion and I know how much I dislike it, so it's only fair. I'm not saying don't be truthful and honest. Sometimes a frustrated tweet or comment can be a good thing (and your friends will rally you with support so you know it's not *that* bad), but just in general, I'd like to share more positivity in hopes that it radiates with someone.


This is one that I really want to figure out. I chart out my editorial calendar upwards of a month in advance, just to get a generalized outline of what might be going on the blog. They're usually not 100% confirmed, and everything can change with ease, but it helps me get an idea of what I need to be doing on a daily basis to stay on schedule (Hello 2012 resolution!). Unfortunately, I sometimes leave those posts until the morning of to be written... then that requires me to rush, figure out a format, skimp on the graphics and just throw it up there. It's not fun. I'd like to be anywhere from 6-10 days ahead of schedule. Not 100% of the time, as I'd like to allow for the present time, too. But at least the foundation of posts. I'm much more efficient when I behave this way. It'll help me, the blog, our businesses, and even Mike, too. Gotta keep his sanity intact for when mine runs for the hills!


I'll probably sound like a hypocrite because it's not like I plan to stop shopping at fast-fashion/mall stores or anything, but this is more of an "overall" statement. Better blog posts, not necessarily more. Better home splurges, not more. Spending a larger chunk of time at a dog park with the pups rather than a couple of 10 minute spurts (though they do tire quickly... haha). Purge a lot of our belongings to make way for a better quality of life in our new home. Maybe not being so afraid to go out and invest in a nice pair of jeans (!!!) that won't make me hate the entire pants experience. This blog is the biggest example of how I hope to make this resolution apparent. I have so many new and fresh ideas for where I see LCH. Even if it's not in line with the growth in the past, I actually feel excited about what lies ahead. This resolution alone has the power to make for an incredible experience if I'm just open to letting it happen.


Another resolution that is much like #2. My day to day is never ever the same. Sometimes I'll wake up at 7:30am and be in my office typing away at the keyboard on the blog, Him + Honey, or design work clear until 2am the next day.  Other days (like today) I half-heartedly roll out of bed at half past 9, then lay on the couch with a blanket until a quarter past 10. I'm lucky to be able to be flexible and take breaks when I want to, but I think our family could really use with some stability in a schedule. Especially with Toby getting ready to go to preschool and Mike and I both balancing a work at home schedule. I think if we had set hours we'd be able to enjoy doing more things as a family, and we'd be more successful in our projects, too. It's tough because I've yet to find a schedule that works for me (or both of us at the same time), so I may be coming to all of you for advice!


This one speaks for itself. On the road, as a parent, as a wife, as a business owner. I've lost my cool on many occasions when I really shouldn't have. All it would've taken is 10 seconds of breathing and I would've been fine. Patience has never been my strong suit and this is the year I plan on changing that. Everyone around me (Toby, Mike, my clients) deserves the utmost respect and if I could just remember to simmer down on occasion, we'd be golden. (Coincidentally this is the virtue we've been practicing with Toby for the past few weeks... Guess we'll learn together! At 4 and 24 years old haha)

I'm really bad about "being busy" and wanting to "go go go!", and even feeling guilty for taking a mid-day Netflix break or whatever. That's so ridiculous! It's nice to feel busy and important, but truth be told, I do most of that to myself. I make myself busy. I take on projects when I know I shouldn't. I say yes to things when I should be spending time with my family instead. I focus on making sure we're financially comfortable as opposed to being happy (for the lack of a better term). I really don't need to be that busy, and I could even balance my very same schedule with ease if I'd just employ resolution #4 (Find a work at home schedule that works). My inability to adhere to set hours makes our whole family tired and worn out. I don't need to do 17 projects or have 12 businesses. We can get by on just one or two with ease, but I have this craving to constantly work and succeed. It says a lot about our society, but even more about me because I know better and I can choose to go against the grain. Here's to scaling back and putting my whole heart into things that truly inspire me and make me feel like a successful person/wife/mom/business owner.


I've found myself quickly unfollowing a lot of people on Twitter, Instagram, and most frequently Tumblr. I don't plan on necessarily doing a total "clean sweep" of any of them (except Google Reader!)  but if someone is notorious about sharing things that don't necessarily inspire me or make me feel good, there's really no reason I should subject myself to that sort of thing ya know? And even people who are generally really nice and polite and positive, but don't share things that I'm interested in... it just makes for social media noise. (If you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings you can always "mute" them on Twitter, but I try to be honest with myself.) I can tell you that it does sometimes sting to have someone unfollow you for a reason you don't know (Rolling my eyes realllll hard at myself right now.. It's only the internet!) but we work to build these relationships with people and regardless of what we say, we want to inspire people and we want them to read what we put out there. Instead of focusing on a select group/clique that may have formed over the years, and trying to keep appearances up just for my own sake, I want to engage with people who inspire me. Inspire me in all facets of life. I think really rehashing my news feeds will help with that. (Facebook, I'm coming for you! You're the worst...) I truly urge each and every one of you to do this one, even if you don't plan on making resolutions. Clear out your feed! Unsubscribe from people who don't make you feel good about yourself. (Even if that means unfollowing me!) Think about what they put out in to the world (and even what YOU put out there! Hello #1!) Life is too short to only breed/feel negativity. Create an online place where you feel like the best you.

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Hello longest post ever! Those are my 7 resolutions for 2013. I feel excited, rejuvenated, and even inspired. I'm ready to say "So long!" to 2012 and "Hey!" to 2013.

Are you a resolution person? If so, what are some of yours?!

Win Any Pair Of Shoes From Le Bunny Bleu!

Today I'm partnering up with Le Bunny Bleu to offer one lucky reader her favorite pair of LBB shoes! It's the perfect giveaway to cap off the year and start 2013 in style. I have a few pairs of LBB shoes and I totally love them (the teal ones in #1 are my all time fave!). They're the perfect shoe for a gal who isn't afraid to make a statement!

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To be entered to win, please visit the Le Bunny Bleu site and leave a comment with a link to your favorite style! It's totally that easy!

If you'd like a few more additional ways to enter, please do any/all of the following and leave a separate comment for each! :: Like LBB on Facebook --- Tweet this: "I hope I win the @lebunnybleushop giveaway on @kaelahbee's blog! #cuteshoes www.KaelahBee.com" --- Post this giveaway on Pinterest (with a return link) --- and repost anywhere else (Facebook, Tumblr, Blog, etc! Just leave a link!)


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A winner will be drawn at random next Friday and announced shortly thereafter! Please leave a way for me to contact you if you win. Good luck! Be sure to come back on Tuesday for another amazing giveaway! We're going to start off 2013 with a bang!

Congratulations to The Fancy Lady! Check your email, girl!

Learn To Sew with the Home Ec eCourse!

Have you always wanted to sew? Do you have a Sewing Machine but don't know where to start? Is your New Years Resolution to get in touch with your creative side? Make 2013 your year-- learn to sew with Home Ec , an online sewing class for beginners!

Our take it at your own pace e-course will increase your confidence behind a sewing machine with usable techniques, projects you'll love and progressive development :) Home Ec features Guides for Beginners and 28 Sewing Fun Projects-- each project features a new skill and awesome tutorials with step by step photos & instructions, progressive development and confidence building application!

Registration for the Home Ec eCourse is $50 and access does not expire. If you'd like to give the (belated!) Gift of Sewing this Christmas, register here and use one of our printable Gift Cards to make gift giving easy!


The Home Ec eCourse starts with a video walk-through of how to use your sewing machine (including how to turn it on), plus tips & troubleshootingtools of the trade and other tips to help you get ready for your first project! Then, we get to start sewing and the fun begins! The Home Ec eCourse will take you through 28 awesome projects using step by step photos and written instructions-- start at the beginning and work your way to the end, at your own pace!! Each project gets just a bit harder so that you're growing along the way and feeling confidence in your new skills as you complete each sewing project :) By the end of Home Ec, you'll be able to make handmade gifts, read a commercial pattern, decorate your home, alter your clothing, make purses & bags and sew a quilt! Take a look at all of Home Ec's projects below...



Make 2013 the Year you Learn to Sew!
xo! Leigh-Ann, Rachel and Courtney

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One of my personal goals this coming year is to just simply get better at stuff (sewing included!) so I'm super excited about this eCourse. I've got mine ready and I'll dive head first into it as soon as my new studio is set up. Anyone wanna sew along with me?! ;) xo KB

Things I Love Thursday

this is so spot on. ♥
two words: DREAM. CAR. ♥
♥ anyone else totally miss this show?! ♥
this print
dopplegangers! they're strangers!
this cat in glasses sweater! ♥
!!!!!!!!!! gimme all the bulldogs (andonepug)! ♥
this shirtless viking + his kittens ♥
this

// This proposed South Korea super-city will cost $275 BILLION! Look at the renderings, they're insane! The likelihood it'll ever get built is questionable, but still, that's some imagination.

// Wishlist Wears: Safety Pin earrings (I'd wear these if I didn't have plugs!) -- this buckle clutch iPad case -- HI/BYE mittens! -- THIS mint green backpack! -- this fluffy chiffon dress makes me crave summer -- vintage pink leather jacket! -- this pretty mint dress is simple but sweet -- 

// Magical, Pushy Sea Turtle Will Make You Love Him. All 3 minutes of this video is pure gold!

// Cat Lady (cat themed awesome-ness!): cat tea set -- kitty cat flats! -- cat face phone case -- cat in glasses pillow (to match your sweater!) -- and a cat dress for good measure!


// SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! Save an EXTRA 40% off all sale items at LuLu's until the new year! Use the code HELLO2013

// Love the sparkles over on Charley's blog.

// If you want to be part of the LCH team in January, shoot me an email for sponsorship options! You'll want to be around on January 1st... I'm just sayin.

What are you loving this week?

// You Are The Best Thing


I stole this photo from Sarah (of Arrow & Apple)'s preview she sent me because this picture is the one that made me cry instantly. It's not the most flattering of either of us, and it's certainly not the most romantic... but it's undoubtedly the most "real". Mike's ridiculous mouth-wide-open laugh and my ginormous apple cheeks. The best days with him are the ones we spend laughing, and I feel so blessed that it's a daily occurrence. I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have our wedding photos this weekend. I can't wait to dive into them and spend countless hours re-imagining it all with my husband. And I can't wait to share them with all of you, too. Ahh! Happiest of days.

Win $50 to Kintage!


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Today we've got the lovely Aileen from Kintage offering up one lucky Honeybee a $50 gift certificate! Kintage is a super adorable online boutique filled to the brim with dainty dresses, tops and accessories. Here's a little bit more of Aileen + Kintage's story -- followed by your chance to win!
Hi, I'm Aileen and Kintage is my pride and joy! Kintage started out in 2010 selling vintage on Etsy. Kintage has now evolved to carry feminine, vintage inspired, but still perfectly modern pieces. It started out when I had trouble finding feminine and flattering dresses for myself. Everything was too short, too flaunty, too busy... everything was too much of something. I love a simple, girly dress. Each piece is carefully picked out by me for this shop. Kintage.com opened it's doors March 14th, 2012 and has been growing like crazy! I absolutely love running this boutique and I hope you love shopping here. I truly love to hear from my customers so please, feel free to email me.
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To be entered to win, please visit Kintage and leave a comment below with what you'd spend your $50 credit on!
Please be sure to leave a way to contact you if you win!

If you'd like extra entries, feel free to do each/any of the following, and leave a separate comment for each: "Like" Kintage on Facebook // Follow Kintage on Twitter // Follow Kintage on Instagram // Sign up for the Kintage mailing list (at the bottom of the page!)

A winner will be drawn at random on the 30th and announced shortly thereafter! Good luck to everyone who enters!

PS; If you're feelin' frisky, use the code KAELAH to get 10% off of your Kintage orders!

If you'd like to be a featured sponsor in January and host your own LCH giveaway or guest post, shoot me an email to chat about stats + rates! 2013 is going to be the best year yet, I promise! January is worth being a part of!

Congratulations Manda Rave! Please check your inbox!

Things I Love Thursday

It's been a little quiet around the parts this week. We started working on the house Monday and we haven't stopped since. We managed to pop back up to Nashville for about 6 hours yesterday, and I spent most of that time trying to sleep and heal my scratched cornea. I'm blind in my left eye and I scratched the cornea in my right, so seeing has been very difficult lately. No contact, constant pain, and trying to force myself not to rub it. Hence the lack of outfit posts! Honestly I've also been so covered in paint/primer that "real" clothes seem so far fetched. I'm typing this on a finnicky/prehistoric PC so stick with me... hopefully I can get a MBP charger today to keep up with blogging! Tomorrow we're off to Birmingham to pick up our new dreamy dinette set, so I'll be on the road most of the day. Anything we should check out while in town? Just a quick day trip but would love some recommendations! Happy Thursday!

this! NASA recently released images of our planet at night! ♥
these lookbook photos are pretty magical ♥
♥ these Foldable Me characters of our little fam crack me up! ♥
this "minimal wage machine" = great social commentary. ♥
this barack obama sushi! ♥
Romwe is filling your stocking with a surprise gift on orders over $60! ♥
this HomeEc ecourse is the perfect last minute gift idea (for you or a loved one!)♥
you can register HERE! and even print a gift card to make gift giving really easy ;)
this! ♥
this "tree art" is awesome! ♥
♥ i recently signed up for Julep + i LOVE the nail colors i got! ♥
get your first box for only ONE CENT by clicking HERE + using code "color2012"
this hilarious dog hanger! (and the cat ones, too!) ♥

 // HOLLA! You can get 20% off of your Karmaloop.com order by using the repCode 'KAELAH'. You can also get 10% off PLNDR.com and OmericaOrganic.com with the same code! I did a huge chunk of my Christmas shopping at those sites (and maybe even a little for myself!)

// StitchFix recently rebranded... and I LOVE it! So crisp and modern. I love the new interface of the site, too! Have you signed up for your SF yet? I've kept my last 2 boxes so I've been tickled with my recent fixes!

// New users worth checking out on the JUX scene: Manda // Corey // Paemm // Jessica // Alivia // Jamie // Amber --- Want to be featured next week? Sign up + leave your link below! I'll follow you!

// I recently got a "Grab Box" from Penelope Lane Clothing. It was pretty fantastic. I got this dress, and some other goodies I'll have to share with you soon! Such a fun treat! Seriously, PL's prices blog my mind.

// Things I'd love to have in our new home: this bedding (mike would never agree! haha) -- this record rack -- this art print -- this white storage rack -- this "no whining" print 

// My love for novelty items is a bit embarrassing... but whatever. I can't help what I like, right? -- like this donut ornament -- or maybe a beer can, six pack, gumball machine,   -- this beer koozie matches my new coffee mug! -- silly pool floats like this donut and pretzel

Sorry for the short TiLT! Next week's will be overflowing with goodness, promise!

What are you loving this week?

One Dress / Five Ways - THREE




Here's styling #3 in the LuLu's x LCH dress challenge. I wanted to create an outfit that I could wear to a Sunday Brunch that my friend Merissa was hosting. Sadly Mike and I stayed up way too late on Saturday and slept right through it Sunday. We were Toby-less (so we could finish his Christmas shopping) and we took advantage of those morning hours. I was super bummed to miss the Christmas brunch but man oh man, sleeping in is niiiiiice! Anyway, we woke up and decided we'd go for a husband and wife breakfast date. While getting ready to walk out the door we got a phone call saying we could start renovating the house we're moving into immediately, as opposed to mid-January. This was exciting news because we've been doing nothing but house planning and daydreaming since making the somewhat-almost-a-little-bit tough decision to move out of the city. It's just not doing it for us and honestly, after the house directly behind us had a big shooting in the middle of the day (while we were outside), I just can't find it in myself to raise Toby here. Obviously that kind of stuff can happen anywhere (as recent events show, even in small towns), but something doesn't sit well with my heart and I know it makes our families nervous. 

Anyway, we drove down yesterday to check everything out and make a mental note of everything we need to go buy, order and do. I often feel like the flightiest person when it comes to settling down. It's so hard! But I think it's just because we haven't found "home" yet. We're still really young so we can do that I guess, but I keep feeling like I need to "Act 24! Grow up! Settle down!". Then I realize how silly that is.. I mean, I'm already married, but that doesn't mean I need to chain myself to one place. We're adventuring. 


For this styling I wanted to make a LBD "Sunday morning appropriate". I could've actually done a better job by brightening up the tights but I didn't have any coordinating ones on hand. I've yet to venture into the world of pastel tights (tree trunk thighs, hello!) but you only live once right?! (Yes, I realize how ridiculous it is that I'm saying pastel tights are ~so risky haha) This cardigan was picked up at Marshall's a couple of weeks ago and oh my stars! It is my most favorite cardigan I own now. You can't tell but the back is lace and see through (I always forget to photograph that stuff!) but the fabric/fit is beyond dreamy. It's so soft, too! I want to go back and buy 3 or 4 just to save them for when I inevitably wear this one out. I got it in ivory also. I know "white after labor day" is like a big no-no with clothing and accessories but let's be frank, who listens to that? I pulled out this purse from my NYC-dwellin' days and layered up two hair accessories (wedding hairpiece!) to finish it off. Overall I'm happy with it and I felt fancy as I paraded around town. A little old lady stopped me in Panera and told me I was just "darling" and she loved "the little flower" in my hair. D'awwwww.



Today we're shipping out a couple of sign + Kaelah's Closet orders, then packing up and heading down to stock up on primer and paint, and get busy at the new house! We'll also be deciding if we're going to make the decision to go full force into our ridiculous but awesome "dream" kitchen. It'll take 6 weeks to order exactly what it is we would need so we've gotta decide soon! We have to be completely out of Nashville in ~7 weeks, so we've got time. But I'm so excited! The next few weeks will be crazy busy with manual labor and furniture shopping (as well as selling! Anyone on the hunt for a huge sectional sofa in Nashville?!), but it'll be fun. I like that we get to do this as a family. So rewarding :)

Hope your work week is starting off well! Can you believe we're just 8 days out from Christmas?! Ahh! Pinch me!

Cardigan via Marshall's (similar)
Thrifted belt (similar)
Target tights
Brooch via Etsy (similar)
DIY flower hair piece
Purse via Canal St. NYC (similar)


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