Happy Friday! To be honest I was really hoping I’d have more to report this week as I’ll officially be 40 weeks pregnant this weekend and we’re all waiting on pins and needles to meet our baby boy! Patience is not my strong suit and I’ve been going a little stir crazy now that we’ve gotten through all the house projects we wanted to cross off before bébé. I feel like I have less to talk about than usual because my mind is so entirely consumed with wondering when he will finally arrive! I know everyone says to enjoy these final few days before our lives get turned upside down for a while, but I’ve truthfully found that easier said than done these past couple weeks. Sending positive vibes to anyone who’s in the same boat right now and crossing my fingers and toes for some progress this weekend!

1. Did you change your name when you got married? If not, will your son have your husband’s last name? No judgment in any answer — I just went through it so I’m always curious!

Yes, I finally just changed my name after nearly two years of marriage! I moved my maiden name to my middle name so my legal name is now Mackenzie Horan Beuttenmuller and our son’s last name will be Beuttenmuller. Here’s a post I wrote a while back about changing my name — the comments are fascinating!

2. What are some preppy fall staples you have in your closet?

Cable-knit cashmere sweaters, knit oxford shirts, and the perfect navy blazer.

3. Do you typically go by Mackenzie or Kenzie? I was surprised when I read Will’s Q&A!

Professionally I use my full name Mackenzie but nearly all of my family and friends call me Kenz or Kenzie!

4. Where do you consistently find design inspiration?

I’ve been saving design ideas on my desktop for years so I have quite the backlog of visual inspiration! I love following different designers on Instagram and use the “save” feature there to keep track of spaces, pieces, fabrics, etc. I come across. And lastly I’ve saved a ton of rooms I love on Pinterest — definitely check that out if you’re redecorating!

5. Any tips for getting furniture and pieces to decorate a house without being too trendy?

I pay very little attention to trends in both fashion and interiors these days so my best decorating advice is to just buy what you love, whether it’s “in style” or not! If you love it, you will always find a home for it. With decorating especially, I think it’s important to take time to make a list of what you’re shopping for, consider tons of options from different retailers, and really take your time before investing in a given piece. I’m okay with impulse buying a sweater or a pair of earrings on occasion, but I definitely don’t want to have to replace a sofa a year from now because I didn’t take enough time to consider our needs and research all my options! 

6. Where has been your favorite place to live?

In my twenties I graduated from college in Pennsylvania, spent a summer in San Francisco, lived with my parents in Connecticut for a year and a half, spent two and a half years in New York, moved to Dallas for two years, and now have been back in Connecticut for three years! Our new house is hands down my favorite place we’ve lived because it’s the first time in ten years that I’ve known where I’ll be living for more than a year or two. It feels so good to finally put down roots in a place I know so well (my hometown!).

7. Do you have any fall boot recommendations?

My most worn booties are this Joie pair that I got for our honeymoon two years ago. I also have and love this over-the-knee pair from J.Crew and just ordered these Madewell booties to try from the Shopbop sale. 

8. Favorite bath towels and bath mats? 

We have bath towels from Annie Selke, Pottery Barn, Weezie, and Williams-Sonoma Home and I’d recommend any of them! And most of our bathmats are Annie Selke. 

9. Do you like Cartier Love or Juste Un Clou bracelets?

I love the look of them on other people but I really never wear bracelets because I’m at my computer all day and they drive me crazy. I really only wear my engagement ring and wedding bands (and even those I’ll often take off while I’m typing!).

10. Do you ever feel competitive between yourself and other bloggers?

I’d of course be lying if I said I never felt competitive or jealous! But I’ve also been blogging for nearly ten years and have watched this industry grow and change enough to know that someone else landing a major partnership or gaining a huge following is ultimately good for everyone trying to build a career in this space. There was certainly no guarantee in 2009 that blogs would even still exist in 2019, so I’m a big believer that a rising tide lifts all boats!