Welcome to the new Small Things!

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Some loot I found by accident

Welcome to the new site! What a way to start 2017!Β 

Isn’t it so pretty?

This redesign/overhaul has been in the works for over a year! It feels like an eternity ago that I reached out to Victoria McGinley to see if she had time to take me on as a client. I loved her portfolio of work, and knew the site would be in good hands! The site was designed by her, and coded by the talented Lisa Butler. Both were detailed, thorough, and I felt confident the entire time the design process was going on. My blog is so personal and important to me, that I really poured a lot of thought into the design. Ultimately, my goal is that it’s now a pretty place that you can visit online toΒ learn some beauty tips,Β and read some posts that may connect us on a deeper level.

One of the greatest motivators in organizing the archives into a more visually pleasing and accessible way is the stream of questions I’m asked daily that are already answered on the site! I think archives are often forgotten about, especially if you are a new reader. So, use the search box in the right sidebar, or just click through the beauty galleries to find a photo and brief caption of what that post holds to see if it’s what you are looking for.

We added a “shop” page, which you can click to in the main navigation bar at the top of the screen. This will be updated regularly with things I’m loving. Sometimes I’ll talk about a product on Instagram or Snapchat, that then doesn’t get mentionedΒ on the blog, but I’ll add it to the shop page so you can reference it there.

The post area is pretty much the same. Linked items are bolded, and you can click on the comment bubble at the top or bottom of the post to comment! For extra security, we’ve added a “captcha” step to commenting. You would not believe the volume of spam comments that come through daily, and it really bogs down the site. So you may need to click a box from time to time to prove you aren’t a robot.

At the very bottom of the site, in the footer, there are 3 clickable boxes! And my instagram feed will scroll below, which is also clickable!

With any redesign, big or small, there are sometimes little errors, missed images, and things like that that can come up. I’ve already got a small list of things that need attention, and we’ll be raking through the site over the next two weeks to make sure everything is working correctly and in the right place! If you see anything strange, I’ve likely seen it too!

I really hope you like it! It was a big step for me to add SO MUCH COLOR into the design, but it feels so fresh and nice!

As far as content goes for the new year, you can plan on a lot of the same! Hair, beauty, food, lifestyle, style, and more! I do want to incorporate a few more personal, conversational posts though.

My life really changed back in 2011 when I shared a few of my video hair tutorials on Pinterest, on a whim. And I could talk endlessly about the really amazing experiences I’ve had, and the incredible people I’ve met. I’ve made dear friends, and met other women who I can connect with so quickly thanks to the common thread of interest that runs through the blog. It’s such a gift! It’s not lost on me how much of a dream scenario I’m in, being able to write and create content that I care about for you, and offer it to you for free!

It’s also never, ever unnoticed when you leave me a kind comment. I may not be able to reply, but I see them and they mean the world to me.

I’ll let you go click around and explore the site now! I do hope you have fun here, and thanks for being the best readers around!

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Lisa says · 01.01.17

Loved working with you and love how the site turned out! Happy New Year!

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Kate says · 01.01.17

Likewise Lisa! So impressed!

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Becky says · 01.01.17

I love it, Kate! God’s blessings on you, your family, and the blog this new year. πŸ’—

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Jen says · 01.01.17

The new site looks so chic and fresh! What makes your blog stand out to me is that there’s a personal element to all your posts. Thanks for putting your time (and sweat and tears) into it. Happy New Year!

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Kate says · 01.01.17

Thank you, that is such a nice comment!

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Gabby Kologinczak says · 01.01.17

Hi Kate,

I love the new design! I’m so glad I found you and your blog on YouTube all those years ago! You have an incredible personal style (hair, clothes and makeup!) and I am completely jealous 😊 You have such a warm and kind personality that I can see why everyone would love to be your friend, me included! Thanks for all your tips and tutorials!!!

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Christy George says · 01.01.17

Love the new site. I feel like we are friends from following your snaps. Your boys are precious. Happy New Year!!

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Stephanie says · 01.01.17

Congrats on your new beautiful blog! It’s so pretty! I discovered your blog a little over a year ago and absolutely love all your posts. It’s been such a help and inspiration particularly when I get into makeup and hair ruts and need fresh, new ideas.

Happy New Year!! πŸ™‚

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Kristin S says · 01.01.17

Kate, I love it! It feels like I just walked in to Lou & Grey. The soothing pinky/purpley/whatever that color is called is inviting and welcoming.

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Darcie says · 01.01.17

” I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!”
(-Elf) πŸ™‚
Seriously though, I’m LOVING the new site!!! I’ve been with ya from the beginning. Found you on YouTube by chance and have been with you ever since! I have gone from working Mama, to a stay at home Mom of 2 precious girls around your boys ages. I’ve always loved how “connected” to you I’ve felt without ever meeting you just simply bc of or similarities in life and your down to earth nature. Loved you then, love you more now–keep doing you! We obviously can’t get enough! God bless! πŸ’•

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Kate says · 01.01.17

Thanks Darcie! Laughed out loud at your Elf reference! πŸ™‚

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Amy Bonsell says · 01.01.17

I don’t normally leave comments but I felt the need to tell you how beautiful the new design looks! I’m a front end Web designer myself and it looks great!! Have a great new year!

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Kayla says · 01.01.17

The new layout is so much more mobile friendly!

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Kristen says · 01.01.17

The new layout is great !!! I love it very pretty and so user friendly !!!!

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Melanie says · 01.01.17

I love everything about the new site!! I couldn’t wait to check it out this morning! I already added things to my Sephora list to try 😍

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Keri says · 01.01.17

The new site is beautiful!!!

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Ashley Beth says · 01.01.17

I love it! The “shop” feature is especially helpful since I often scroll through your Insta to find a particular color or brand of something you’ve mentioned. Way to knock it outta the park! Cheers to a lovely 2017!

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Kara says · 01.01.17

Kate,
Happy New Year! I love the new site-it looks great. I mostly use your site on my phone and this is now so user friendly!

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Jenna says · 01.01.17

Kate! Small Things looks so beautiful! Congrats on your new look!

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Andria says · 01.01.17

the new design looks awesome! happy new year to you and your family!

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Melissa says · 01.01.17

I have been a long time follower and love the new site!!! All you hard work paid off, it is beautiful!!

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Luth Yonekura Jr. says · 01.01.17

Season’s Greetings from πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ japan❣️

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Judi says · 01.01.17

Love it!!! Congrats. It’s beautiful.

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Josie says · 01.01.17

I am loving the new blog layout! The color really is the perfect addition!! Happy New Year! πŸ™‚

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Emily says · 01.01.17

Absolutely love the refresh! It keeps things similar enough to how the blog was before that I don’t feel like its totally different, but new enough that its refreshing and exciting. THANK YOU for all of your lovely, inspiring, and encouraging content! πŸ™‚

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Jade says · 01.01.17

I love the updated blog! The color is perfect.

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Monica says · 01.01.17

I think the new site is really beautiful, and I look forward to the more conversational posts!

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Amanda says · 01.01.17

Gorgeous. I love it. The background colour change and the layout, just great job !

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P. Wills says · 01.01.17

I love it! Thanks for all the hard work, I’ve been reading your blog for years. I feel like I know you, I feel like you’re my friend…I know it’s kinda weird and creepy! But Hey, whatevs….Have a happy and healthy new year!

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Candace says · 01.01.17

Loving the new update! πŸ’• It’s been so cool to watch your blog grow! Crazy to think I stumbled upon it as a Junior in highschool debating if “doing hair” was actually what I wanted to do, (it’s been such an inspiration for me) and now I’ve been out of high school for three years and just finished up my first full year working behind the chair!

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Beth says · 01.01.17

I love what you’ve done to your blog! Everything is so easy to find!

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Sarah @ Smile & Conquer says · 01.01.17

I absolutely love the new layout, especially the pop of colour! It’s makes it feel really fresh and different but the simplicity and clean layout are great throwbacks to your old style. I’m also loving that dress in your new pic!

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Vivian Vinson says · 01.01.17

I absolutely love it ❀

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Danielle Ferrie says · 01.01.17

Looks great, Kate! Thanks for continuing to share awesome stuff with the world (:

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Lisa says · 01.01.17

I’ve been working on these hair tutorials for a while now. You explain every step so well that I can usually get it looking pretty good in a try or two. I recently discovered that I have hearing loss and need to wear hearing aids in my early 40s. I can’t wear my hair down anymore as it rubs the hearing aids and creates feedback. Your tutorials have taught me half and full updos with a ton of variety. Also you’ve taught me how to keep it loose and hide the aids. I am so grateful for you and the tutorials. I look forward to reading your blog everyday. When you take down the site for upgrades though, don’t do it on New Year’s Eve when we’re trying to do fancy updos:) I love the new design. I appreciate you Kate. Happy New Year !

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Jessica Brown says · 01.01.17

I love the new site Kate! The color is beautiful and the site is so easy to navigate. I constantly find myself coming to your blog for inspiration. Our styles are very similar and I love seeing the latest looks you’ve created. Keep up the amazing work so I can keep coming back for more! πŸ˜„

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Michelle N. says · 01.01.17

Love it! So fresh for a new year. Congrats!

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Sarah Cook says · 01.01.17

I love the new design! Your posts have given me so much confidence with my hair, and I love following along. Congratulations and thanks for inspiring other bloggers! Happy New Year!

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Emma says · 01.01.17

Love, love, LOVE the new site! So excited to browse around πŸ™‚

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Jennifer Thornhill says · 01.01.17

I love the new site!!! It’s gorg! 😍 I have kind suggestion for the shop – I’d LOVE to know where you get some of your home items!! You are SO GOOD at decorating your home!!’

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Emma says · 01.01.17

The redesign looks GORGEOUS! I love it. I also love that you put so much care and effort into making navigating old posts/categories easier, more intuitive, and more beautiful. We (your readers/adoring fans) notice this attention to detail, and the site feels so much warmer with the new layout and color scheme. Way to go, Kate and team!

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Rebecca says · 01.01.17

Happy New Year! Keep up the good work!

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Kelsey says · 01.01.17

I love the new design look it is beautiful, I am so excited to see what is to come in 2017 for your blog!
Kelsey | petiteinherpearls.blogspot.com

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Sarah says · 01.01.17

How stunning! I love it – so beautiful!

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Kacey says · 01.01.17

I’m so pleased with the mobile readability. I know that was a struggle before, but it looks amazing. Looking forward to reading on my phone and on my MacBook. It’s gorgeous.

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Victoria says · 01.01.17

It was such a pleasure to work with you on this, Kate! I’m so glad you love your new site πŸ™‚ xoxo

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Alyssa says · 01.01.17

Excellent work Victoria!

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Evelina says · 01.01.17

I love the new look! Happy new year!

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Rachel Scarvey says · 01.01.17

Love the new site! Still so you, but fresh and updated…Great job!

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Lauren says · 01.01.17

Where did your black dress come from? I love it!

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Caitlain Fox says · 01.02.17

I second this question!

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Lauren says · 01.01.17

The new design looks great! Thank you for always taking such good care of us.

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Lisa says · 01.01.17

Kate! I love the new design! It’s so fresh and so inviting; and your About photo is so pretty! I love that you added some colour as well, because sometimes all white designs can be hard on the eyes too. Kudos to the entire team on the design, so pretty!

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Sydni says · 01.01.17

Kate, the new site looks fantastic!! So beautiful and very “you”. I love the galleries! Makes it much easier to find something in the archives.

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Brooke says · 01.01.17

I LOVE how the topic headers and social media links slide to the top as you scroll down the page. GENIUS!! I hate have to sling scroll up and down to find that sort of stuff. Well done and the color is good! I thought there would be a lot more based on how you mentioned it! πŸ˜€ All good!

Happy New Year from Wisconsin

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Krysta says · 01.01.17

At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it, but now I’m a big fan. I was sort of shocked when a saw all the color as well LOL. I was a huge fan of your minimal style before, but this still feels very genuine to your content. I’m really loving the Shop section as well. I frequently watch your snap stories and it’ll be so helpful to be able to click through to things that you mention or recommend on there!

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Suzanne says · 01.01.17

YYAAAASS! I can read the blog on my phone. Looks great, congratulations! Happy New Year to you!

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Jennifer says · 01.01.17

Congratulations on your new site! It looks great!

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Christine says · 01.01.17

Looks great Kate, happy new year!

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Chanae says · 01.02.17

I LOVE the new look and that it’s mobile compatible. I also love the dress you’re wearing in the photo. Do you mind telling me where you got it from?

Thanks

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Jen says · 01.02.17

What a wonderful surprise to not only have a new post on a Sunday but to see this! It just radiates. I have followed you for a few years and appreciate your approach to life as a mom, wife, and most importantly, a Christian. It’s obvious you are “set apart;” how refreshing. As a 41-year-old mom of two boys, I’m thankful for your real and practical approach to beauty ~ real beauty. Thank you for valuing what matters. I’m looking forward to another wonderful year with Small Things.

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katrina says · 01.02.17

I think the new site is really beautiful, and I look forward to the more conversational posts!

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Susan Jeffries says · 01.02.17

I love the new site! Very feminine and user friendly! I have been following you for years now – since before you had your boys. You just keep getting more lovely(:

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Sandra Slovic-Petersen says · 01.02.17

I follow your blog/ IG/Snap (you name it! :-)) all the way from little Denmark…and can I just say…I LOVE YOU! πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚
You are so inspiring and fun…thank you.
Happy new year! πŸ™‚

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Christin says · 01.02.17

Kate the site looks beautiful! Love the touch of color πŸ™‚

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Nicole Hyatt says · 01.02.17

I love it!

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lilly says · 01.02.17

happy new year! site looks terrific!

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Tricia Hicks says · 01.02.17

Love the new format, but i’ll be honest….I miss the bobby pins!

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Cheri says · 01.02.17

The redesign is beautiful. It fits your (blog) personality.
My daughter and I have trying out your braid tutorials during Christmas break. The photos and videos are soooo helpful.

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Lora says · 01.02.17

I love the new site design! And I laughed out loud when you wrote that there was “SO MUCH COLOR”. Only you, Kate, would think that gray, pale blue and blush is “so much color.” (Hopefully you know I mean this in the best way, like I would tease any of my friends.) Thanks for that first hair tutorial on Pinterest which has served me well over the years. And all the best to you and yours in 2017.

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Kate says · 01.02.17

Oh yeah I was definitely being sarastic when I was saying there was SO MUCH COLOR! lol! πŸ™‚

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Kathleen says · 01.02.17

The new design is gorgeous! I am so looking forward to reading your continued writing in 2017!

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Corie says · 01.02.17

Congratulations on the updated site! It is beautiful!!

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Sherry says · 01.02.17

Beautiful redesign, Kate. Great job to those involved!

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Abigail says · 01.02.17

Yay for mobile friendly! Thanks for all your work Kate.

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Courtney says · 01.02.17

Thanks for your blog! Love it! Blog post idea: hair styles with baseball cap. I was searching this on Pinterest today. Just a thought. I know it may seem simple but I see lots of ideas with hair loose or over ears…and seems intimidating. Ha! Thanks!

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Tara says · 01.02.17

Really like the new look!!

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Jordan says · 01.03.17

Longtime reader here. Feel like we’re old pals since my husband has also completed grad school, we have two little boys, we visited one of The Summit locations during a brief year living in RTP, and we’re also a fan of the Marbles Museum! πŸ™‚ Love the redesign – I feel like your new “About” pic in upper right is so fresh and also really makes the dusty pink background of your blog pop! I also re-read the FAQs, etc page and noticed your comment about always shooting the products you promote (vs accepting stock photos). I think – dare I say it? – *small things* like that are what make your blog stand out among the rest and keep it so personal + genuine. Keep it up, Kate! Lots of love to your fam in 2017!! P.S. Sorry for the novel of a comment lol!

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Jenn says · 01.03.17

Love the new look! I first saw your hair posts on Pinterest a few years ago when looking for a new hair style and have been following the blog since, and read every day. It’s such a nice blend of fashion, beauty, life and humour – love it!

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Bee says · 01.03.17

I never found the old style hard to read, but boy, this is easier to read! I LOVE the darker text! Thanks for the fun new look, and for sharing all your tips over the years!! πŸ™‚ Your blog is my absolute favorite and the first one I go to every day! I pray your 2017 is full of God’s best for you and your family! πŸ™‚

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Karly says · 01.03.17

Happy New Year, Kate! The blog looks amazing. I love it! This photo of you is also stunning!!

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Stephanie Y. says · 01.03.17

I love the new website! It’s beautiful πŸ™‚ I want to know where you got that black dress you are wearing in the pic for January 1st. It’s gorgeous!

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Nikki says · 01.03.17

Love the new site!! It is awesome! Great job!

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Renee says · 01.03.17

Love the new look! It’s really soothing; almost like walking into a spa. G

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Evelyn Monteiro says · 01.03.17

I love it! It’s modern, user friendly and it matches you!

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Lora says · 01.03.17

I’ve been following you for a few years and never comment. I love the new site. I greatly appreciate your content. It has pushed me to learn more and try to pull myself together more often.

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Amanda says · 01.03.17

This is such a beautiful and refreshing design! I have always been drawn to your site because of its simplicity and professional look. This takes those same design elements and goes further!!

I found you randomly on Pinterest years ago and have been following you since! I truly look up to you and see you as a huge inspiration. Thank you for what you do!! πŸ‘Œ

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Mel says · 01.03.17

The new design is STUNNING!! I love the colors. So elegant, chic, and beautiful!! Congrats!

Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

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Jessica says · 01.04.17

I love it!!

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Heidi says · 01.04.17

I love the new blog layout! I read your blog regularly but I don’t think I’ve ever commented. I do, however, follow you religiously on Instagram & Snapchat. In my house, you’re referred to as my “BFF Kate”. I’m totally normal and not creepy at all. Thanks for the tutorials, product recommendations, and sharing your life with your fangirls!

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Kelly Weber says · 01.04.17

Great looking revamp Kate! I’ve been a reader of your blog for many years now, dating back to the pre-kids hair days! Thank you for such helpful advice and reviews for a make up and hair product junkie at heart like myself!

I’d love to see a review of some IT Cosmetics items, specifically the Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage BB Cream!

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Emily Bond says · 01.04.17

Kate, I love your new website. Its very user-friendly and SO PRETTY! As far as your resolution for the New Year, you hit the nail right on the head as far as it pertains to my life. I’m a married mom of three. I homeschool my kids and work outside the home. My free time (ha!) is very precious and I want more of it and I want it to matter. I too need to meal plan, to declutter and streamline my life…I’m going to take baby steps, but I hope by the end of the year, I will feel like I’ve been successful. Thank you for all your great tips and thoughts. You are fun to watch and very real. God Bless!

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Kim says · 01.05.17

Love the new site! Very warm and inviting!!!

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Ashley says · 01.05.17

I would love to see a “next post” or “older post” button. Sometimes I don’t check the blog daily and have several post to go through to catch up. It would make it to much easier if I could just click one spot on each post rather than have to go back to the home page and click each one. Thanks!

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Emily says · 01.07.17

This. 1,000 times this. It makes blogs SO MUCH EASIER to navigate!

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Andrea says · 01.10.17

Kate – I’ve read your blog for years and I love having a cup of coffee with you every morning. Thank you for sharing your talents and ideas with all of us! The new design looks modern and easy to navigate!

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Des says · 01.10.17

Love the new site! ! Works so much better with my mobile now too πŸ™‚

Also, I LOVE the dress you’re wearing in this photo- but I didn’t see it on your shop page..

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Kara says · 01.16.17

Love the site redesign! I nearly always read blogs on my phone and I so appreciate the mobile-friendliness of your new site. It’s easy-to-read and navigate. Well done!

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Kate says · 01.16.17

thanks Kara!

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