Living with Loren

I had not truly shopped for myself since March 2024, the moment the doctor looked at me and said, “There’s a baby in there.”

Before motherhood, shopping was not just something I did. It was one of my favorite hobbies. Some people unwind by gardening or painting. I unwind in a mall.

And I’ll be honest… I have been itching to get back to it.

So today, I did.

My friend and I spent the day at Perimeter Mall, and it felt like stepping back into a part of myself I did not realize I had been missing.

Shopping like we used to (but better).

As with everything in my life, I do not shop recklessly. I shop with intention. Budget set. Plan in place. Pieces that work multiple ways. I have learned how to make my wardrobe stretch and serve me.

We made our rounds through Zara, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Pandora, H&M, and Carter’s.

And I walked away with three pairs of shoes. One pair came from Dillard’s and two from Macy’s. Both stores had great markdown racks, and if you know anything about Dillard’s end-of-season shoe sales… you know I will absolutely be back toward the end of August. That is when the real deals come out.

At Zara, after trying on what felt like half the store, I landed on a red-and-white striped V-neck top with balloon sleeves. At H&M, I found black wide-leg dress pants with a cinched waist that fit so perfectly I didn’t even hesitate.

And of course, Carter’s got a little love for my girl. A few biker shorts, flowered jean shorts (because that’s her personality in clothing form), and a matching top to go with it.

Total spent: $266, and under budget.

A win is a win.

After shopping, we headed to Kitchen + Kocktails for a late lunch.

The restaurant is attached to the mall, but there is no interior entrance, you have to walk outside to get in. Once we stepped inside, we were immediately greeted with:

“Welcome Home, Family.”

Not once. Not twice. But throughout the entire visit from the hosts, to our server, to even the manager.

Our server asked if we wanted sparkling or still water, which we both immediately understood as “paid water.” So we went with tap.

Of course, no visit to Kitchen + Kocktails is complete without a Kocktail.

My friend ordered the Rum Punch with an extra shot. She said it was fine, but not something she would necessarily rush back for. I went with the White Sangria, and it was absolutely delicious refreshing, pretty, and the kind of drink you pause to take a picture of before sipping.

Strong enough to give us both a light buzz after just one Kocktail.

For appetizers, I tried the Holy Trinity Egg Rolls: collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and yams wrapped in a crispy shell. Creative? Yes. Something I need again? Not necessarily. The yams were the dominant flavor and gave it a strong sweet, cinnamon-forward profile.

Interesting experience, but not my standout.

Now the star of the table?

Catfish and Grits.

We both ordered it, and we both agreed the fish and grits were definitely a win.

The catfish is fried in seasoned cornmeal and sits over creamy Parmesan grits. I requested my Cajun cream sauce on the side, and honestly, that dish did not need the sauce to shine.

There was no real kick from the Cajun sauce, it was more creamy than spicy, but the fish and grits together were already doing exactly what they needed to do.

Rich. Comforting. Perfectly seasoned. The kind of dish that makes you slow down just to enjoy it.

It was so good, I ordered another plate to take home for my mom.

The ambiance deserves its own moment.

Dim lighting, music playing in the background, and a space that feels intentional without trying too hard. We were seated in a booth in what felt like the bar area, and the energy was relaxed but still lively.

And if you are a photo girl? They understood the assignment.

Grass wall. Rose wall. Black logo wall. Neon K&K signs. Everywhere you turn is a photo moment.

My total came to $88, not including my mom’s meal I ordered to go. My friend’s bill was closer to $70. A 20% gratuity was already added, which surprised us for a party of two, but we did not question it since we usually tip that anyway.

Parking was free, thanks to the mall.

But the Real Takeaway…

Somewhere between the shopping bags and the Kocktails, the real story of the day revealed itself.

I had not shopped for myself in over a year and a half. Not since the moment life shifted and everything became about preparing for, having, and caring for my baby.

And my friend? She’s been walking through her own journey too: motherhood, health, change, healing.

We met in dressing rooms across from each other, holding outfits up, laughing, hyping each other up, and being fully ourselves without apology.

And in that moment, I realized something:

We have both changed.

But we have also healed enough to live again.

To enjoy again.

To laugh again.

To stop waiting for life to feel “settled” and just start living inside the life we already have.

That was the theme of the day.

Just live.

Because sometimes the best part of a girls’ day is not the shopping bags or the Kocktails.

It is the reminder that you are still you.

The Question I’ll Leave You With

Who is that friend for you?

The one who stands outside the dressing room and says, “Girl, you look good.”

The one who sees your stretch marks, your wider hips, your changed body, and still celebrates you like nothing has changed at all.

Those friendships are rare.

And when you find one, you don’t take it for granted.

Until next time,

Keep Living!

Love, Loren