The Only 3 Questions You Need To Truly Detox Your Closet
The Only 3 Questions You Need To Truly Detox Your Closet

Well it’s officially closet cleanout season again (is it ever not?) and it’s safe to say that most of us have probably made some adjustments over the past year to our daily wardrobes. Kate here, and while I’m personally still trying to figure out what I want my day to day style to look like during this weird time, I think it still feels right for me to kick off a new year with a closet detox.

Exciting though the thought of a fresh closet detox may be, it can be super overwhelming approaching a project like this amidst the capsule wardrobe converts, the Konmari devotees and everything in between.

Today I’m sharing what are, in my opinion, the only three questions to you need to ask yourself to truly detox your closet.

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styleKate Voegelecloset makeover, closet, organizationComment
Thoughts On Overcoming Perfectionism
Thoughts On Overcoming Perfectionism

it seems like the more time goes by, the more our culture values and rewards the idea of ‘perfectionism.’ “I’m a total perfectionist“ is one of those things that people say about themselves that they hope comes off as self-deprecating, but in reality sounds a lot more like a humble-brag. it’s basically written within our code to strive to be perfectionists and to believe that’s the best way to be, and I have pretty much spent my entire life trying to unlearn that.

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lifeKate Voegelewellness, self care Comments
6 Things I Learned From Living Abroad for Six Months
6 Things I Learned From Living Abroad for Six Months

As a lot of you know, I spent most of 2018 fulfilling a lifelong bucket list dream of living in Paris, France. my husband, Brett, and I had talked about living abroad someday as a non-negotiable must-do practically since the day we met ten years ago, and after about a decade together we were finally able to make it happen.

there were so many amazing things that came of diving in and moving to Paris - you can see my apartment tour here and read about my favorite language learning tools from all my French lessons here - but today I’m sharing some personal life lessons that really hit me in the feels while living there.

read on for my list of 6 major things I learned from living abroad!

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travelKate Voegeleparis, living abroad, france Comments
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe: Pumpkin Cake Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe: Pumpkin Cake Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Whether you’re celebrating solo or are able to safely gather with a small group, it’s no secret that Thanksgiving will look different this year. But that doesn’t mean we have to skimp on classic traditions like pumpkin-filled treats, turkey fatigue, and football.

Courtney here — and today I’m making small-batch pumpkin cake bars with cream cheese frosting. 2020 has been the year of small-batch desserts for me. Since it’s been just my fiancé and I for most of the year, I felt like it really only made sense to scale back on the food waste and make only what we could realistically eat.

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food, homeCourtney Voegeledessert, recipe, thanksgiving, holidayComment
DIY To Try: Desert Oasis Painted Pumpkins
DIY To Try: Desert Oasis Painted Pumpkins

of all the seasons to decorate for, I have to say that fall is by far my favorite. there’s something magical about the crisp air, the autumn colors, and though it sometimes pains me to admit it, even the #PSLs.

as someone who has always pinned pic after pic of fall front porch decorations and painted pumpkins, (see our roundup of favorite pumpkin decor ideas here) I knew I had to DIY my own take on minimalist halloween decor this year.

I’m not one to go too crazy in the fake leaves and scarecrow department, so I wanted to find something that still felt like it fit with our sunny and 75 LA weather this October. The perfect solution? Pumpkins painted to look like a desert oasis!

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art, homeKate VoegeleDIY, paint, fall, easy projectComment
Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

From doorstep decorations to luscious lattés, pumpkin is just about everywhere this time of year.

And today, you can find it in my newly discovered fall-favorite recipe!

Courtney here, and today I’m making mini pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Despite being a third of the size of a regular cupcake, these bite-size confections are not lacking in flavor.

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food, homeCourtney Voegeledessert, fall, recipe, easy recipes, thanksgivingComment
Whole Wheat Healthy Banana Pumpkin Muffins (Vegan!)
Whole Wheat Healthy Banana Pumpkin Muffins (Vegan!)

Football. Pumpkin spice. Warm lattes. Flannel. Cozy socks. Bonfires → these are a few of my favorite fall things, and I’m stoked that it’s officially that season (well, almost). 

Craving a healthy, delicious fall treat? Today I’m sharing our recipe for whole wheat healthy banana pumpkin muffins.

Let’s just say that if Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte is out, then I know it’s time to whip out the Kitchen-Aid and make some pumpkin-flavored goodies. 

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food, homeCourtney Voegelerecipe, healthy recipe, breakfast, snacksComment
The Easiest Charred Brussels Sprouts Salad
The Easiest Charred Brussels Sprouts Salad

For some reason, a shredded brussels sprouts salad always feels more elevated than a regular salad. I make this charred brussels, radish and apple salad for EVERY single gathering and people are always obsessed with it, so I’m excited to share the super easy and quick recipe here.

Another reason I love this salad is that all the veggies are all shaved thin and get super crispy and delicious under the broiler. It’s also delicious right out of the oven or cold as leftovers the next day, making it a really perfect meal prep for lunches during the week.

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foodKate Voegeleeasy recipes, snacks, healthy recipe, recipeComment
How To Get Comfortable With Being A Beginner
How To Get Comfortable With Being A Beginner

Have you ever been so excited to try something new or learn a new skill, only to find yourself immediately feeling discouraged at the frustration of being a complete beginner at it?

Today we’re both teaming up to share a really fun post about exactly that - being a beginner, and how to get comfortable with being one. This blog post is actually somewhat ‘meta’ in that we’re talking all about this subject in a format that we’re actually total beginners at - podcasting.

We figured there was no better way to have a conversation about being a beginner than to do it as true beginners ourselves, so take a listen and let us know what you think!

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lifeKate VoegelepodcastComment
Easy Lemon Puff Pastry Recipe
Easy Lemon Puff Pastry Recipe

Spring is finally here! The weather in NYC is starting to get warmer and I’ve officially put away my winter coat for the season (although I have been known to wear my winter hat well into April…).

Courtney here! In addition to putting away my winter clothes, I transitioned from baking rich, chocolatey cakes and pumpkin pies to light, fresh pastries and fruity treats. I’m doing all I can to channel warm weather and the hope of a more “normal” summer, so today I’m making an easy lemon pastry.

Made with puff pastry and homemade lemon curd, these mini delicacies make for a perfect Easter dessert or a citrusy treat with your morning Joe. Interestingly enough, I used to hate lemon treats, and all of a sudden, I’m craving them. They say your taste buds change every seven years or so, so if that’s true, it looks like mine are ready for a change. If you too are ready to channel all the spring vibes, try out this delicious lemon pastry recipe.

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foodCourtney Voegelepastry, breakfast, dessert, recipe, easy recipesComment
Spring Cleaning: Toxic Household Items Edition
Spring Cleaning: Toxic Household Items Edition

Although we’re still inching our way into consistently warm weather here in NYC, I’ve already catapulted myself into spring cleaning mode.

Courtney here—and today I’m talking about a few non-toxic household item swaps I’ve made in the past few weeks that are a little “cleaner” than the ones I had before.

After I read about all of the toxic chemicals in everyday items, I decided to start slowly. I began with the items that appear to be the worst offenders, and will slowly build up my arsenal of cleaner, greener products from there.

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home, lifeCourtney Voegelespring, cleaning, home improvement, life tips, non-toxicComment
How To Decorate As A Couple (Without Fighting)
How To Decorate As A Couple (Without Fighting)

Is it just me, or is decorating with your husband or partner a seemingly impossible task? If you’ve ever felt discouraged or experienced the familiar, all-consuming urge to throw breakable things during a conversation with your partner about decorating your place, this post is for you.

I’m writing this post from the very same boat, because my husband Brett and I have spent the past 13 years building quite an extensive resume of decor-related arguments. It’s not so much that we don’t like the same things - what’s crazy is that we actually do for the most part. There’s just something about trying to decorate as a couple and put your house together with someone else that can, at times, get tense.

Today I’m sharing my 4 best tips for how to decorate as a couple without fighting!

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home, lifeKate Voegeledecor, life tips, designComment
Our Favorite Pastel Picks For Spring
Our Favorite Pastel Picks For Spring

If spring cleaning is something that’s been on your to-do list, we’re here today to confirm that giving your closet a spring refresh totally counts. Pretty pastels and pale hues are everywhere, so we’re rounding up our favorite picks.

It’s officially spring, the sun is staying out an hour later (and apparently Senate decided to keep it that way forever??) and our closets are dying to lighten up the mood.

Here are some of our favorite pastel and pale-hued pieces we’re eyeing to refresh our wardrobe this spring!

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styleKate Voegeleroundup, spring, closet, closet makeoverComment
Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Craving something sweet with your morning coffee? Try our recipe for whole wheat chocolate chip banana bread. There are three types of breakfast people: Team Sweet, Team Savory, and Team I Don’t Have Time.

As a former chronic alarm snoozer, I used to be Team I Don’t Have Time — but, I’ve recently realized how much more energy I have when I make time to eat breakfast in the morning. With that said, I definitely find myself on Team Sweet more often than savory.

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home, foodCourtney Voegelerecipe, breakfast, bakingComment
How to Put Together Outfits - Fast and Easy!
How to Put Together Outfits - Fast and Easy!

At some point or another, most of us have found ourselves staring at a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. This was me way more often than I’d like to admit, until I figured out how to pick out my outfit without overthinking.

In the spirit of spring cleaning and closet cleanout season, today I’m sharing the best outfit planning tip I’ve ever come across that’s completely changed the way I get dressed and decide what to wear.

It’s a concept called outfit formulas, and if you’re not already using them prepare to rejoice and make peace with your closet once and for all.

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styleKate Voegeleoutfit inspo, closet, closet makeoverComment
How to Engage With Your Life: 5 Things I'm Doing Differently in 2022
How to Engage With Your Life: 5 Things I'm Doing Differently in 2022

If you’re anything like me, the start of a new year or season often brings about moments of reflection, reevaluation, and a renewed sense of perspective.

In early January, I was sitting on the couch after work, and out of nowhere, a thought popped into my head that said, “I’m not engaging with my life.” I’d never even heard that idea before—or at least I don’t remember hearing it, but all of a sudden, I had this moment of clarity where I was like…I don’t want this to be my status quo.

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lifeCourtney Voegelelife tips, self careComment
The Best Life Advice I Got? Get A Hobby
The Best Life Advice I Got? Get A Hobby

I don’t exactly know when it happened, but at some point in my early adult life I think I accidentally stopped having hobbies. Can you relate?

Today I’m sharing some of the best life advice I ever got, and spoiler alert - it’s all about how having hobbies makes us happier.

I’ve been wanting to write about hobbies and why we should be deliberate about having them for awhile, because it’s a topic that gives way to an even bigger conversation about how we choose to spend our time and what’s important to us.

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life, artKate Voegelelife tips, creativityComment
Valentine's Day Dessert: Red Velvet Cake for Two
Valentine's Day Dessert: Red Velvet Cake for Two

Whether you’re partnered up or single and ready to mingle, there’s one thing we know for certain— it’s not Valentine’s Day unless you’re indulging in something sweet.

Kate and Courtney here. This year, we wanted to make a V-Day treat that packed a punch but didn’t result in loads of leftovers. After perusing Pinterest for recipe ideas, we settled on a Red Velvet Cake for Two.

Although the final appearance wasn’t necessarily The Great British Baking Show-worthy, the flavor did not disappoint. This light, creamy, velvety confection makes an ideal Valentine’s Day dessert.

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foodCourtney Voegeledessert, recipe, valentinesComment
Easy Espresso Martini Recipe (Dairy-Free!)
Easy Espresso Martini Recipe (Dairy-Free!)

Have you ever found yourself simultaneously in need of a pick-me-up and an excuse to get a little drunk? Of course you have, which is why we’re sharing our favorite dairy-free espresso martini recipe today.

This non-dairy espresso martini recipe is our go-to when it’s happy hour o’clock but we’re also borderline too tired to participate. It’s delicious, easy to make, and absolutely nothing like a red bull vodka.

It’s also free of any heavy cream or dairy, which sometimes makes a drink like this a little too rich for me. The result is a perfect libation for your next girl’s night, date night, or literally any occasion ever.

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foodKate Voegelecocktail, valentines, easy recipesComment