Finding Comfort (an update on content plans)

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I’ve said this on stories a few times but I wanted to have it down “on paper”, if you will, so I can be sure that as many of my readers as possible can know my mindset at this time.

How we experience the world right now is radically different than how we experienced it last week. Covid-19 is an unnerving threat, already claiming lives, and I am choosing to rest in the hope that we are all doing the best we can to fight this disease so we can stay well.

It’s crushing to think of the lives lost, the plans shattered, the dreams altered, and the general disruption to peace, health, and contentment.

As so many of you are also feeling, I’m struggling with finding the same motivation behind beauty content at the moment. But any time that I push past the feelings of grief and fear, and tap into what I know and enjoy, I’m so happy that I did.

So I’m going to keep doing that. I’m welcoming the distraction and the slight feeling of normalcy in my world. By doing so, it doesn’t mean I’m ignoring the gravity of this pandemic, it simply means that I’m tapping into something that feels comfortable for me and hopefully provides a temporary distraction for you as well.

It’s important to stay informed but also easy to spiral downhill while reading the news, and I think there is some value in finding time in the day to take a break from Coronavirus updates.

And in that time, if beauty or life content on The Small Things blog + social channels provides a bit of a breather for you, then I’ve done what I hope to do.

Stay well, stay home, and keep in touch. It’s nice to know we’re all in this together, despite how separated we are right now.

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Michelle says · 03.23.20

đź’•

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Leah says · 03.23.20

I’d love to see resources, products and helpful hints for us women who have acrylic, dip, gel nails and now have no way to maintain them. I see tons of ads for both removal products and diy dip powder – but which should we use? How do we go “natural” after years of fake nails?

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Kate says · 03.23.20

Great idea, I’ll provide some insight in a future post!

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Jennifer Vespa says · 03.23.20

Be Still and Now I Am God
Psalms 46:10

This was always my Grandmother’s favourite verse. Mine too.
Hold on to this . Praying for you. xo

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Susan says · 03.23.20

I always appreciate your stories and posts. Even though we have never met, you feel like a friend! I wish you and your family the best. We will all get through this together (from a distance-LOL)!

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Cara says · 03.23.20

Thank you for continuing to post and share stories of your sweet family. We see enough on the news to cause worry, it’s a breath of fresh air to smile and find joy in your content. The makeup and hair tutorials you post are always very helpful!

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Michelle says · 03.23.20

I know this seems a little frivolous, but could you do a “Zoom makeup” tutorial to show what types of products look good on camera? I am spending a lot of time on conference calls right now. Putting on my makeup every morning is part of what helps me feel “normal” and in a routine.

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Kate says · 03.23.20

Hi Michelle! So I’d recommend doing your normal makeup (don’t forget lip color!) and simply make sure your face is well lit. I love this clip on light that allows you to direct it right where you need it. Linked here: https://amzn.to/2WDAcik

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Alyssa says · 03.23.20

Honestly, I appreciate that you’re going to keep content normal. This kind of thing gives me a mental break from the constant news cycle.

And I’m sorry that you’ve been seeing some negative responses on social lately. I saw some this weekend and it frustrated me. We’re all processing this in our own ways and it’s okay to vocalize it.

Carry on!! Appreciate you!

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Kate says · 03.23.20

I appreciate the support!

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Brenda Hastings says · 03.23.20

Thank you for this inspiring post. We are all doing the best we can and your content gives us all something to escape the constant reminders of the virus. I look forward to your instastories and your wonderful attitude. Keep up the great content as it gives me hope for the future!

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Kate says · 03.23.20

Thanks for the support!

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 03.23.20

Stay strong and healthy, Kate! We’re all in this together! 🙂

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

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Lynn F. says · 03.23.20

I appreciate your thoughts on all of this. Thank you! I’m also glad to have your posts and stories as a distraction from all of the media content being thrown at us. Keeping ourselves beautiful even while we are home bound is essential to how we feel each day!

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Betsie says · 03.23.20

Honestly, it’s nice to have a couple of safe places on the internet these days. I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed and anxious and I feel like there’s no escape. I’m glad you’re continuing with regular content. Thank you.

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Kate says · 03.23.20

I’m sorry you feel this way. Stay strong! Remember that this is temporary. Be well!

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Lynn says · 03.23.20

How about a post with advice on root touch ups? There are a lot of different products out there, difficult to navigate! In this time of no open salons, a lot of us need help!

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ashley says · 03.23.20

I second this one…or even pro tips on using at-home hair color. Thank you as well for your thoughtful words. We need to support and lift each other up right now – and since we can’t do it in person, the internet is the perfect place! Keep at it!

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Carrie says · 03.31.20

I agree. This would be of help to so many that are without their salons.

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Jenn P says · 03.23.20

I really think you’re doing a fantastic job in such a weird and trying time. I love watching your stories, and knowing that you’re still going to be there with your weather reports gives me relief in a constantly anxious time. It’s also helpful to see that you’re struggling too, that Justin is making you leave the house, that your kids are still bouncing on the couch cushions. You’re doing great. We’re in this together, and that’s how we’ll get through it.

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Whitney says · 03.23.20

Frankly, hair and beauty and clothes are important. Taking the time to dress intentionally creates structure and confidence and a sense of having a little control over your own life. It’s a way of telling yourself to stand up straight and face the day, whatever may come.

This, coming from a stretchy-pants-and-ponytail woman who learned long ago that she’s more productive when wearing real pants, and just a little bit happier when her makeup and hair look nice (but not too fussy).

So, thanks for keeping this kind of talk coming.

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Andra says · 03.23.20

Hey I am hoping it will be a good time to cycle thru some of your hair tutorials that I’ve always seemed too busy to spend much time with. I may just get some of that curling iron technique down for good-ha! I think if people can’t deal -and that’s ok-it’s a trying time-but if they just take a break nicely. I’ve appreciated your blog and others that are trying to keep normal content while acknowledging the difficult times. We are all just doing the best we can.

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Francine says · 03.23.20

Thank you for providing a break from coronavirus thoughts and providing a bit of normalcy!

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susan stulga says · 03.23.20

Show some easy recipes!

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Claire says · 03.23.20

I love, love, love this! Thank you Kate, I am really enjoying reading your blog and insta for the distraction from the heaviness in the world right now. We’re not ignoring our new reality, we’re taking a little mental break so that we can cope. Your content brings me joy and a happy distraction! Keep it coming! ❤️

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MC says · 03.23.20

Thank you for being a mich needed positive space!

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Karen says · 03.23.20

Thank you for continuing this post! It’s calming to many of us right now!

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Stay says · 03.24.20

I so appreciate the “small things” in life right now, they are so much bigger than ever! Having something normal has been such an encouragement and relief. Also, this is the best time to try to perfect techniques that I otherwise wouldn’t have time to or don’t want to show up because it turned out a mess!

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Andrea O. says · 03.24.20

I agree. I have the time to try new hairstyles or teach myself how to apply eye makeup now.
It feels like some sort of normalcy at a time like this.
Any basic tips or skills are appreciated Kate!

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Donna says · 03.24.20

Awesome post! Be well and be you. 🙂

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Alicia says · 03.24.20

I don’t know who in their right mind wants to be inundated with Corona virus 24/7. I appreciate the normalcy, cheer , and escape more than you know, as I’m sure many others do as well . Thank you for sharing your heart.

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Kate says · 03.24.20

Thank you!

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Lucinda says · 03.24.20

I agree with others about it being nice to read/see something not related to the virus. I’d also love to hear how your income is impacted. Based on the amount of luxury items you promote and then appear to profit from in an astonishing amount, I would think your “career” is one of the few that benefits from this virus. I believe people will click through your links and buy more. Again, it would be interesting to hear at the end how your family is impacted.

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Joan Taylor says · 03.24.20

Very well said!

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Laura says · 03.24.20

Well said and thank you!

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Rachael says · 03.24.20

Kate, you just brought me chills. In a good way. I’ve been reading your blog since 2012 (maybe earlier… that’s too long ago to remember) and I just appreciate you. Hope is contagious.

Thank you!

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Caitlin says · 03.24.20

Hi Kate,

I agree the gravity of this healthcare crisis is terrifying and that the loss or fear of loss of income is so scary for people.

As an ICU nurse, I want to thank you for providing a reprieve from healthcare. It’s all that’s on the news right now. It’s all that a lot of people are posting about right now. After coming home from rough days in what feels like a war zone, I desperately need to see your posts about a different subject.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Caitlin

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Andrea O. says · 03.24.20

I love your blog. I find comfort in familiar things right now like everyone else and reading your posts is one of them. I do not find it frivolous at all. Just uplifting! Thanks Kate!!

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Laura says · 03.24.20

Always positive and balanced.
That’s the Kate we know and love.
Blest be the tie that binds.
♥️

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Meg says · 03.25.20

Thank you! I enjoy your blog as a refreshing break during the work (from home) day.
Your attitude is delightful and I appreciate your effort for that intention.
While it’s always best to visit a professional, in many communities salons are closed. Would you be able and willing to do a tutorial on how to trim your own bangs? Thanks!

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Charlotte says · 03.25.20

And thank you for doing it. ❤️

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Sherry says · 03.25.20

Absolutely a scary time for everyone…..but thank you for trying to continue your business (blog, instagram, etc) as normal as you possibly can. I do not want to hear or read everything about the Covid crisis every minute so your presence is a much welcomed distraction for me. Reading your blog posts and following your media accounts are normal routine for all of your loyal followers. Keep on doing you Kate, you are doing great !!

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Kate says · 03.25.20

Thank you Sherry!

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Ashley says · 03.28.20

Love this! Thank you ❤️

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Lisa says · 03.29.20

Hi
Here in morris county new Jersey which is eastern NJ. My husband and son are EMT in our town. So scary my husband had a positive case of covid-19. So it hits home very scary . But i thank god we as a family are all staying home. Doing well. So nice to hear from you.

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Lisa Hays says · 03.30.20

Thank you for this blog. You hit the nail on the head. Your blog is beautiful and does provide me an outlet for escape when the world is getting too scary. I have a staycation coming up in mid-April and on the agenda is learning and downloading Instagram and you will be the 1st person I will follow 🙂

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Cathy McIntosh says · 03.31.20

Thank you Kate… for bringing us your light and some fun into our now monotonous days.
We are all in this together!

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