// Recently

So Christmas is in like, less than 3 weeks... How about that, huh? Sheesh. I'm not even remotely prepared for any of it, so I need to get my act in gear. This week is mostly doula clients and tackling some projects around the house. I started refinishing my bathtub over the weekend because I knew the boys would be gone for 2 full days and I could always crash with Whitney. Lord have mercy I had no idea it would be as messy as it was haha The spray epoxy went on fine, but it creates clouds and clouds of mist and overspray - so my entire bathroom floor is now sticky with epoxy mist. But I was planning on redoing the floor anyway so I guess that's what I'll be doing at some point this week. I really need to give it another coat but then that means another 72 hours of curing. That's kind of tough when you have one bathroom... haha 

I worked a postpartum overnight shift on Sunday and then I had to drive straight to a prenatal appointment with a client in Murfreesboro Monday morning. While I was there I got a call from Toby's school saying he was sick and needed to come home. Totally what you want to hear when you're an hour and 45 minutes away... Luckily my mom was able to scoop him up and keep him until I could get home. Turns out Tobes has a nasty case of the flu. ugh. The poor kid is in so much pain and agony. This is the first real bout of "serious" sickness since becoming a single mom and holy crap y'all. This shit is hard. It's hard. It breaks my heart to see him so pitiful. I'm also really really hoping neither Linden nor I catch it. I've been using Lysol like mad.

I'm really hoping Tobes starts feeling better soon because his birthday is Friday (!!!) and y'all, he's turning eight! That's so wild. I'm hoping that if he doesn't have a super busy day at school that I can swoop in and steal him for some birthday fun. Clearly we're just living the dream over here, right? :P

xo KB

PS; I bought jeans! And I like them! 2016, you've been somethin'

sources: [outfit one] red dress // ankle booties // unicorn case [outfit two] nasty woman tee // ponte leggings // hoodie jacket // birks [outfit three] black lace shirt // black jeans

// Life Lately (+ A Few Holiday Deals $$$)

This past week flew by in such a hurry. Toby only had two days of school so it threw everything off up in my brain haha. Despite it being a holiday week, I made it to the gym 5 out of 6 days (!!!) and I'm totally feelin' myself right now. Throw Thanksgiving and Black Friday adventuring into the mix and everything becomes a bit of a blur. My TiLT post didn't go up yesterday morning like it was supposed to, so I copied the time-sensitive bits and bobs over here and TiLT will come around next week. 

And a few deals if you're in the mood:

// Shopbop is having a bomb sale right now if you're looking to drop some dollars. (Here is all the info on that, including exclusions) If you need help deciding: the Gift boutique never lets me down! They also posted a Holiday How-To Guide on their site and it's totally worth a gander. So far Lucy Hale and Caroline Maguire have been featured. Their lookbooks might inspire purchases for yourself, too!

// ModCloth is having a similar tiered sale with the biggest discount being 40% on orders $200+! That's pretty easy to do at ModCloth haha This buffalo check dress and this saffron houndstooth dress are totally "treatyoself worthy."

// Etsy and Independent Shops are my favorite places to buy gifts. Every single year the most meaningful gifts are small biz buys. Today is Small Business Saturday so here are a few fabulous shops you should support! Black Springs Folk Art // Everyday Is A Holiday // The Wishing Elephant // Lux + Trip // Moorea Seal // #KBsigns (heeeeyo!)

xo KB

// Life Lately

Just your run of the mill life updates here. Routine, routine, routine!

* I chopped off my hair! Finally, right? I know how scraggly my ends had become, but I had developed a bit of fear over change. I had the same panicky feeling when I dyed it last year, too. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome! Whitney and I went to Jackson to her normal stylist and I'll definitely be going back. It was a fun girls' day out. Much needed for the both of us. Anywho - I've been wearing it mostly wavy, basically inbetween both photos up there haha I even bought a flat iron. Man, I haven't honestly used one of those in years!

* Linden is still the most precious thing ever. Except when he's not. Which is often. But he's two, so... Haha! We've been working on potty learning and it's going well! I know we could totally knock it out in a few days if I could devote all day to helping him, but ya know, bills. The boys spent the past weekend with my parents and they were out and about a lot - and L goes to the sitter once or twice a week - so consistency isn't really our strong suit right now. We're getting there!

* The boys went as a giraffe and a lion for Halloween. Toby decided last minute that he wanted to be a lion, so a couple hours before Trick or Treating began I whipped up this little diddy from a velvet zip up and some felt. I kind of think it's totally precious, but Toby loves it so that's what really tickles me. He's absolutely precious in that last photo, right?!

* I have a handful of signs left for Christmas gifts if you're keen. Pop me an email and we'll chat!

* I cannot wait for Thanksgiving! omg gimme. Also - holy crap Thanksgiving is next week. What is time?!

That's all for now. Exciting stuff, no?

xo KB

sources: purple plaid dress // gameboy iphone case // zip up hoodie
ice cream iphone case // pink cross body bag

// Oh, Hello

I feel like I usually start these posts by saying how busy we've been. So busy! Doing all the things! No rest! Go Go Go! Well, I really haven't been all that busy lately. And it's been awesome. I've been lucky enough to stay consistently booked with doula work (mostly postpartum overnights), and it's allowed me so much extra time with the boys, and just by myself - which might sound a little contradictory. I haven't wanted to really write anything, so instead I just did, well, anything else. If you follow me on Instagram then you basically follow me on Snapchat because I pretty much only repost Snaps these days haha! I'm not very good at taking my own outfit photos so now I affectionately refer to my mirror as my #InstagramHusband. I also just don't get all dressed up that often it seems. I've been spending more time outside, and at the gym, so I'm usually in a hoodie, tshirt, and shorts/yoga pants. I'm comfortable at least! I've been hustling away at all of my (doula) certification packets, and I'll have all three of them finished before the new year (!!!). I've also had an above average number of design clients over the past couple months, so that has been something that has kept me somewhat entertained. I'm starting to really feel that shift in myself/my blog where I just kind of want to be behind the scenes. But that's another conversation entirely and far too many feels for me to be having this early in the morning. I'm still working it all out in the ol' noggin.

I can't promise I'll be the most consistent blogger (as evidenced by recent activity - or lack thereof), but at least I can say there are a couple neat things coming up soon. One of them is the Michaels Dream Tree Challenge (it's my third year participating!) Pop back over soon, okay?

xo KB

And because I'm declaring it #TreatYoSelfTuesday, here are a few things I wish I could treat myself with: this NOPE phone case to match my iron on patch // the pink stripe pom pom + cat pillows // this ivory lace dress // this cute "air mail" wallet // any and all of the other cookbooks i don't own yet LOL // every. single. bag. from leo studio design (!!!) // this goldenrod lace dress is perfectly autumn + 70s // keep america awesome tee // the petty booties in literally every color and texture // this rose gold sequin jacket // ALL of these if I could wear them!

// Life Lately

September isn't usually such a busy time of year for us, but oof! This year, man! Between Toby's homework, Boy Scout schedule, and just the thought of piano lessons, I am zonked. Let's not remind me that I also have another little human to take care of and apparently I have some kind of moral obligation to shape him into a decent/smart person haha. Jussssst kidding. You know what I mean. We've stayed on the go quite a bit, and it's not slowing down any time soon. Maybe Christmas? 2017? 

Anyway, I'm getting ready to head toward Maya's to crash at her house so she can cart my booty to the airport super early in the morning. I'm headed back out to California for the 2nd annual Michaels Makers Summit. Last year I think there were only 50 of us (?!), but this year it'll be all 50 makers PLUS 50 sweepstakes winners. Holy moly, y'all. It's going to be wild! But the Summit is so fun! It's basically adult crafting camp and I can't get enough of it. I'll be sure to share entirely too many behind the scenes photos and videos on Snapchat, so go give me a follow if you haven't already! Snap: kaelahbee

I'll be in California until Wednesday, so I'll have quite a bit of catching up to do once I get back. Thursday is Boy Scouts day, and since Toby and CJ are in the same den, Whitney and I alternate Thursdays. She took them a couple days ago, so I gotta get all my ducks in a row so I can cart the boys around this coming week. Speaking of Boy Scouts, we just went and bought all of Toby's uniform pieces and goodness gracious that child is precious all dressed up. I'm kind of excited about the camping trip coming up! I've kind of always had my reservations about Boy Scouts (mainly due to the controversy in the past, and the fact we live in a very small, very conservative town), but that's more my issue than anything. Seeing Toby get so excited about badges and camping has me over the moon.

Until next time.

xo KB

// Life Lately

I've been staying incredibly busy so far this month. School started for Toby on August 1st, so I thought it was perfect timing to get back into the swing of things. I hired a project assistant (my friend Amy) and she works a few hours a day with me. We've been able to accomplish SO. MUCH. STUFF! I love being self employed and working from home, but working alone can really be a drag. Having someone here to help keep me motivated has really been a blessing. Plus we hang out tons anyway so why not make it productive?! 

I ended up in the ER overnight last week. Having Linden has made my gallbladder all types of angry and fussy, so naturally it was yet another gallbladder attack. I know I should just schedule the surgery and get it over with, but I keep just making excuses so... I only got 90 minutes of sleep that night, but amazingly enough I wasn't a total zombie come Friday. Saturday and Sunday were supposed to be spent at a labor doula training (as a refresher), but my childcare situation fell through so I missed out. I'm making up for it by sitting in on the postpartum training today though! I love that I get to hear these workshops from different trainers - it's like it's brand new each time. That's kind of fun.

Tomorrow I'll be packing up some Kaelah's Closet orders and spending the day working on design work. I'm living the life, obviously! haha What's been going on with y'all lately?

xo KB

PS; Follow me on snapchat for some behind the scenes peeks at the postpartum doula workshop! snapchat: kaelahbee

// Life Lately

Happy Tuesday! Thanks for the kindness surrounding my most recent post from last week. Maybe I just avoid the places that trigger anxiety, but I've been pleasantly surprised by the support and sincerity I've received since sharing the last part of our news. All of the love surrounding Toby's adoption just has my heart overflowing though. Any fear or sadness I may have had about ending one chapter and starting a new one is quickly drowned out by the kindness and support we've received. 

Now that school is out for Toby, we've been spending so much time outside! I have a pretty hard and fast rule about tv/video games during the Summer: If it's a pretty day, you have to be outside by 9am. Whether he's helping me in the garden, playing with the neighbor kids, or drawing on the road with chalk - he has to be outside. I operate under a similar rule for myself. If I'm not doing work or cleaning the house, I have to be outside. Sometimes it looks like that above: laying in a hammock. It's kind of nice, I won't lie! The rest of the time I'm usually chasing Linden around the backyard. 

We're hoping my parents' pool will be ready to go by this weekend. It's open and crystal clear, but oof it's COLD! My Summer tan is coming along though. I'm seriously covered in freckles from head to toe. I'll need to change my makeup for the season - otherwise my face might be glowing ha! 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Okay - So I know y'alls help with two things! 1) Help me find an awesome bathing suit! I still have my black crochet top that I wore last year (I think...) - I need a new set of bottoms though! These hot pink ones were from GabiFresh's Swimsuits For All line years ago. It's my all time favorite fit, but I can't find one quite like it. I'm game for all types though - high waisted two pieces or one pieces. Gimme your best links!

2) I need some new tunes for my Summer playlist! Whitney and I have fallen into the habit of playing the same things over and over and over. We need some new tunes that make us want to dance and whatever. If you have an awesome playlist, share the link!

Until next time!

xo KB

PS; Add me on Snapchat! 'kaelahbee'

// #ErgobabyEveryday in Nashville

Last week I spent the entire week working on the latest Ergobaby campaign here in Nashville. I love working with Ergo and it was such a treat to be so involved behind the scenes. I signed on to do some consulting with them for the campaign since they were planning from California. I organized a "Community Day" for local babywearing families at a local coffee shop, Atmalogy, on Monday. We had SO many moms and babies (and even a dad!) join us for mingling, treats and raffles. I'm not incredibly active in the Nashville-based babywearing groups since I'm farther out in the country (and am instead involved in our own local group), so it was great to be able to put faces to names that I've grown a bit familiar with online. Danielle was one of my go-tos for the campaign and it was so awesome to finally meet her in person after being online friends for 6+ years. She came for the Community Day and the first campaign shoot at Imogene + Willie. After the Community Day we decided to go out for some delicious BBQ at Peg Leg Porker. Y'all... those BBQ nachos! They might have been the best thing I ate all week.

After an early dinner (late lunch?) with Danielle, I headed over to Target to enjoy some kid-free time with a red cup in hand. It's such a stereotype but I don't even care. Y'all, that was the most peaceful hour of my life! haha And I really needed it since I was about to gear up for 4 very long (but fun!) days! My friend Maya texted me after getting off work so I headed downtown a bit later to do a second dinner (ha!). We went to Old Spaghetti Factory and Maya had the most ridiculous drink ever: a cherry (?!) limeade with a freakin' cotton candy cloud, y'all! WHAT! 1) That has nothing to do with Italian food and 2) I'm sure it is marketed for 7 year olds, but she ordered it and we both enjoyed the cotton candy goodness so whatever. YUM. (Seriously, look how excited she is. Such a doofus. I love her.)

After that I settled into my hotel for the evening and got some much needed rest. I worked as a production assistant on the Ergo shoots for the rest of the week, and that meant running here, there, and everywhere around town. But I also got to see so many fun places that I (as a long-time local) have yet to explore. I love Cheekwood but it had been quite some time since I went. We also shot at the Farmers Market, Butchertown Hall, Imogene + Willie, Bartaco, etc. I even had a chance to bowl a few frames with Casey (the other green/blue haired PA!) at Pinewood Social. And y'all, their fried broccoli! SNAP! Order it. You'll love it, I promise.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

Slow Hand Coffee Co.

Imogene + Willie

Bartaco

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Barista Parlor Golden Sound

Nashville Famer's Market


Pinewood Social

Butchertown Hall (Is this place not stunning?!)

I can't even begin to tell you how crazy exhausting last week was. I even had to cancel plans with my friend Erin because one night I didn't get done working until close to 8pm and I could barely stand up by then! It was all well worth it, but it was certainly hard work. I did manage to make it out to IHOP (ha!) with Maya and Courtney on one evening though. I was craving breakfast for dinner and we were all downtown anyway, so to IHOP we went! That strawberry and banana French toast hit the spot, so whatever! After that Maya and I had the great idea to go get BFF tattoos. I mean, it was a long time coming, but it was certainly decided on a whim! We swung by our favorite shop, Music City Tattoo, but no one was there. Then we hopped across the river to Electric Hand and Kenny did a little number on each of us. We have matching cactus tattoos now! They're super cute. By the time we were done getting tattooed I needed to go crash to prepare for the next day. Everything went well with the shoots, and after I wrapped up the last bit of work on Friday afternoon, Maya and I decided Friday the 13th tattoos should probably happen, too. We were able to get in with Mike at Music City (his wife Laura has been my artist for the past 5+ years!) I think so highly of Mike - He's so fun and kind. I was excited to finally have a piece by him. Maya got a fun black outline Friday the 13th "Viking" axe tattoo and I got a booty heart. Ridiculous, but adorable. I love it.

I did manage to swing home Friday night and enjoy seeing my little family for a couple of hours. I passed out pretty quickly though because I needed to be up and on my way back to Nashville the next morning for a training. I took my Placenta Encapsulation training on Saturday and Sunday with (most) of the other women in our agency. I thoroughly enjoyed everything that I learned, and I'm eager to be able to provide that service to our clients. (If you're local and are looking for an encapsulation specialist, give your girl a shout!) Mike didn't have to work Saturday so he opted to drive up and spend the day at the skate park. This is totally the skate park where we started "talking" almost 10 years ago! I rushed up to watch him skate for a little bit after day one of the training. We crashed at Maya's place since she was working downtown super later. It was nice to get some time to ourselves. We went out to eat and then picked up a Redbox movie and just enjoyed spending time together. He headed home Sunday morning after I left for my second day of training. I was so excited to get home (for good!) after Sunday's workshop. Y'all, my bed has never felt so good!

It was a super crazy week and I fell behind on my emails like WHOA! But I always appreciate y'alls patience. It was a super fun week and I'm so glad I was able to take part. Now I just need a vacation ha! 

xo KB