A Slow Start

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Closing 2017

(tutorial for this look is coming soon!)

How is 2018 feeling so far? Justin and I had the best evening with some friends eating appetizers, desserts, and talking for hours late into the night. The next day was rough though as I cannot remember the last time I stayed up till MIDNIGHT.

I can barely make it past 9:00p these days. 

It felt great to get back to my office this morning and catch up on much neglected work. I still have to take down the few Christmas decorations that I had set up here but after that is done I can officially say that the house has been reset to it’s normal state! I love decorating for Christmas, and I LOVE putting it all away after the season is over.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m behind on content for the site! I didn’t prepare well before going out of town, and spent more time cleaning when we got back than prepping content for you to publish on the blog!

On a deeper note, I’m learning more about what kind of time I need to give myself to do what I want to do with the blog and general “influence” I have on the internet (I realize that word may sound obnoxious but that is what we are called these days!) and I’ve realized that I need to reprioritize a few things. Generally I can crush a great deal of work in a short amount time, with zero distractions, but I’m finding that I’m not allowing myself/my brain any time for creativity. It’s difficult to pencil that time into my calendar, though, because each minute spent working means I’m not with my boys.

Justin being home more and spending much more time with the kids has been a huge gift to our family. And he and I have been staying afloat with our businesses by tag teaming the kids, and trading off parenting duties so the other parent can get done what he/she needs to do. But if we are only checking to do lists that have deadlines, there isn’t space for growth/new ideas.

ALL this to say, I’m going to take this week a bit slower than usual and commit to planning out some blog posts and ideas so I can set myself up for success for the month of January. I hate doing that because I like to provide new things for you to read here, as one of my favorite activities is checking BlogLovin’ every morning to see what is new too, but I feel like it’s the right choice.

In the queue is a new makeup tutorial with a few drugstore products that I may have time to finish up and publish this week! Beyond that, I’ll be back next week with a regular posting schedule!

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Stacey says · 01.02.18

Love the lip color! And I agree – only working on to do lists won’t leave any room for creativity. Happy New Year!

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Alyssa says · 01.02.18

This post makes me love you even more. Take all the time you need! It’s so important to recognize our needs as creative people and I think it’s great that you’re taking a little more time to really think through what you want to do. It makes me so excited to see your posts, especially knowing the intention behind them. Have a good week!

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Zeljka says · 01.02.18

Love watching you! You’re such an inspiration. I’ve been following you for about 3.5 years now. Started watching your hair tutorials, and now I’m hooked on trying different make-up. I’m eagerly waiting everyday on your insta stories. Keep on doing a great work. You’re so funny and cute.
I’m a mother of 3, my youngest one is 5 years old. ❤

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Tracey says · 01.02.18

Thanks for your transparency and “realness”. That’s what I love about you/your content. And take your time – quality is much more appreciated than quantity! Happy new year!

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Karly says · 01.03.18

totally agree!! 🙂

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Lucy says · 01.02.18

YES! I find that when I take time to take care of myself and spend time with my family, I’m SO much more productive + happy + successful at work. We will still be here loving you and your content no matter how many posts you put up! ♥

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Kim says · 01.02.18

Kate, one of the things I like best about you, is that family comes first, and you’re not shy to say so! Take your time, love on your family (and yourself, hello baby #3!), and we will be here when you have stuff to post. Blessings for the New Year!

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Tracy says · 01.02.18

Beautiful picture! What shade of lipstick are you wearing? Love it!

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Kirsten says · 01.02.18

Kate even if you only posted once every other week I would be thrilled! You are my favorite because you are real. Not putting on a fancy show, you post real life, relatable content that’s just the best, and it’s totally quality over quantity. Personally I have always enjoyed your monthly favorites and from back in the day the Birchbox unboxing. Thank you for making my day a little brighter 😀.

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Shannon says · 01.02.18

I have been trying to start the new year “slower” as well and try to be more mindful, and doing one thing at a time.

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Allie says · 01.02.18

Happy New Year! I feel the same way – everything takes way longer than I mean it to. I’m trying to prioritize a few tasks a week instead of long to do lists so that I have more focus and creativity – we’ll see how it goes! Lots of love to you and your family, xAllie

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Shellie says · 01.02.18

I totally get it! I became a stay at home mom in June and was very productive during this time with church activities, etc. Then my husband lost his job (the plant shut down – he worked there for over 28 years). Now we are both home and I feel like I get nothing done! I want to start the year out right and really start doing what I love….card making and scrapbooking! Thank you for your tutorials! They are such a help!

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Sara says · 01.02.18

I started reading your blog before you had children and I love the posts you write. It is so important for you to take time to think about what you truly want to write instead of just meeting deadlines. I hope you enjoy your creative break! I love reading your new posts and with a break in frequency the new ones will be even more special!

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Ashley Beth says · 01.02.18

Happy new year! Enjoy your taking your time to come up with fun new content. One thing I’d love to see is a post or two on more natural makeup/skincare (i.e. organic makeup, fewer chemicals). Some natural products are a hit and others are horrible. Had any luck with some good ones out there?

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Angela Jane Lomax says · 01.02.18

On your instagram your hair looked amazing. You where doing that pregnant thing on the bit before. Forgetting names. I felt so bad for you. You looked exhausted. Then bam she’s back. I’ve done my hair. I loved it, most definitely cheered you up. I need a highlighter. I didn’t get the name. Take care. Love Angela

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Darby says · 01.02.18

Oh please tell me what lipstick and shade this is!!!! It’s perfection!

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Darcy says · 01.02.18

Pretty picture! And I love the texture on your vest. 🙂 Happy 2018!

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Angie Kauffman says · 01.02.18

I always love checking your blog daily to find out what you have posted! But honestly as a fellow mom and business owner, I totally get where you are coming from. Take your time on planning content and take time for yourself to be creative. We all need to make that kind of time and space for ourselves.

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Kara says · 01.02.18

One of my favorite quotes that I was just talking about this week with my SIL is from my husband a few years ago. “Sometimes I just sit at my desk and think of new ideas.” At the time I laughed hysterically because I pictured him with his feet on his desk, leaned back, holding his chin in his hand. But a few times a year, I think back about his discipline to prioritize brainstorming and not just putting out fires but thinking of new ways to solve problems. Creative space. Whatever you call it. I 100% support taking the time to think. Now that we’ve added 2 kids to our mix, time to think HAS to be prioritized and scheduled. And I usually do my best thinking in the shower lol

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Adriele says · 01.02.18

Do what you need to do, friend! We’re all here supporting whatever will make you the happiest. (Although if we can go back to the old school Kate late night posts- because you were legitimately loopy in the best way and HILARIOUS.)

-Adriele
StyleAssisted.com

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 01.02.18

Your 2018 is off to a great start! 🙂 Can’t wait to see your posts for this year! ❤️🍃

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Kelly says · 01.03.18

Hi Kate! Happy New Year! I have an idea…. how do you travel with all of your wonderful products? I like to be simple when I travel but a girl needs her moisturizers and makeup palettes and Kenra hair spray (which is giant) etc etc……

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Erinn says · 01.03.18

You do you! Seriously, family is the most important thing and should be our main focus! Take all the time you need 🙂

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Char says · 01.03.18

Looking forward to the new posts next week! 🙂

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Sherrylynne says · 01.03.18

Thank you for making 2017 more beautiful me. Your stories make me laugh and I appreciate your good humor, great taste and wonderful family role model. 🙂

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Karen says · 01.03.18

Loving the lipstick color! Can’t wait to find out what it is.

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Tilesbay says · 01.03.18

Pretty picture! And I love the texture on your vest. 🙂 Happy 2018!

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Erika says · 01.03.18

Happy New Year to you and your family, Kate!

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Leah says · 01.04.18

Wondering if you could do a post on your favorite pregnancy products…beauty and otherwise. Like what is your fav aerosol free hair spray…thanks!

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Molly says · 01.04.18

Creative time can’t be shortened! Good for you!

Also – I’d love to know what blogs you follow! Christian, parenting, home related? Love knowing what other people read!

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Kathy says · 01.05.18

What lipstick are u wearing? it’s fabulous.

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Dana says · 01.05.18

If you’re looking for content ideas, I would love to know what blogs you follow. The blogs I like the most have always come recommended by another blogger!

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Maggie says · 01.08.18

I think this is such a gift you’re taking for yourself and us, your readers! I would much rather have quality in the content I take the time to read. Thanks for checking in with your thoughts on this. It helped me to think about it too!

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