Cut from the same cloth
InstaStyle
One of the things about motherhood that I’ve really enjoyed is seeing the characteristics in my kids that came from me or Justin. David is thorough and precise when he’s playing, and I know that comes from Justin. He likes order, and will close any random drawers that are open, or close the door to the laundry room in the hall if he’s just walking past. It’s so innate I don’t even know if HE realizes he’s doing it.
Luke, however, is a bit more WIDE OPEN, and prefers chaos and noise and activity! He loves to rough house and jump. He loves chasing his brother, or running up and down the hall. Just recently he has started to sit, on his own, and flip through a book. I’ve always been an avid reader, so it’s sweet to see Luke start to love reading!
It will truly be interesting to see how they play as they get older (they are 14 months apart). They play really well together now, with the occasional aggressive move from either one, but I anticipate their “play styles” are going to go in opposite directions!
Another thing that Luke and I have in common is the love of the snack. He’s a snacker, and I am too. My dad is a snacker as well, so Luke is, among other reasons of course, like a magnet to “bee-da” (that is what he calls my dad) when he goes into the kitchen. Luke’s kryptonite? Pretzels. And he doesn’t even have all his teeth yet!
So, multiple times a say Luke will run into the kitchen and beg for a pretzel, as I have them sitting in a glass canister on the counter. I usually oblige, because it’s just a pretzel, but I think I’ve created a pretzel monster. Whenever I’m in the kitchen, and accidentally knock the glass container, Luke KNOWS the sound of it and will come running in, saying, “pet-zill!? pet-zill!?”
I stay pretty active with the boys. We are often going somewhere and doing something every day. There are certainly days that we kick it at home, but we all go a little stir crazy after too long.
My wardrobe has migrated into a totally easy and comfortable one, filled almost entirely with clothes I know I can wear when I’m hanging with the kids. These Nike sneakers are a newer addition that I ordered online from Nordstrom, and I love them. They are light enough blue that they almost look grey. The have a cool texture to them, and they are sporty without being too much like shoes I’d wear to work out.
And? They essentially go with my entire wardrobe!
Here are a few other sneakers that I found at Nordstrom that would be easy to wear with almost anything (well, with one exception!).
I know I say this in almost every post when I share something I bought online at Nordstrom, but the free shipping and free returns make online shopping SO easy. And shopping with a nearly 2 and 3 year old is the opposite of that, so it’s hard to pass up the oppoortunity sit at my computer and order a few things to try on at home.
My outfit is a random assortment of things, but I found very similar options and linked them below!
This post was created in partnership with Nordstrom.
comments
Hey Kate!
Absolutely love the shoes! I have similar puma ones! I’ve been trying to remember a devotional that you recommended some time ago and can’t! What is your favorite or do you have a few you’d recommend?
I really like the Write the Word journal from Lara Casey 🙂
Okay, really dumb question: do you wear socks with sneakers like these? I always feel a little too “workout ready” if I see the tops of my socks peeking out over sneakers. I couldn’t see socks with your sneaks; do you just go without or have you found a really low cut pair of socks?
I had the same issue! But wearing no socks = stinky shoes. 🙂 So I wear mini nylon socks with mine (I got them at the pharmacy).
This isn’t a complaint, more of an observation. Your blog has really changed. I came to your blog for hair and make up tutorials. I feel you are doing less and less of them. I had also been enjoying your cubicle convos, but haven’t seen that for a long time either. Most days I am disappointed at the content. Not sure if you are cutting back? or what the case is. I don’t have toddlers, so all of that content is of no interest. Yes, I know I can stop visiting your blog. I guess I just keep hoping you go back to what your blog was. I did get some good stuff here…but definitely not as of late.
As my life changes, my blog content changes as well. It has certainly moved into a more lifestyle category, but I will always still do beauty posts as well. It’s a bummer to hear that you are often disappointed in the content but I do hope you’ll stick around.
I love the well rounded content on your blog! Those who cannot change cease to exist in this industry! You can’t please everyone but I wanted you to know I love the content!
I also feel the same way as Carol H does. I feel that the quality of your content has slipped over the years and that you are uncertain as to which direction you want to take the blog. Are you a lifestyle blog, a cooking blog, a style blog, a hair and makeup blog? You have quantity on the blog, but very little quality (which you did have in the beginning). The lack of quality on your blog gives me the perception that you do not really care what you put out. If you did care about your blog, that would be reflected in the quality of your content.
Well that is okay for you to have that opinion, of course, but I don’t feel the need to label by blog as only 1 thing. Blogging is always changing, my life is always changing, and therefore my content will likely always be changing. This isn’t a black and white industry, nor is it a linear type of industry either. It’s creative and personal and if everything was the same, wouldn’t the personality be sort of lost amongst the monotonous content?
No other blog I follow has changed like this. I think there are strengths and weaknesses…as everyone has. Hair and makeup was a strength for you. I feel now you just want to find something to fill your pages. I can’t stress enough how unfortunate it is because you have been my favorite for years.
I hear what you are saying, and I think you have stressed your point here. Remember that I started the blog while working as a hairstylist, so I was fully immersed in the beauty world. I’ve certainly stepped back a bit since having my children, and my emphasis on hair and beauty has softened a bit. It’s the season of life I’m in, and for me is deeply important on a level that makeup never could be, so naturally I want to share more posts about my kids and life beyond a simple beauty post. I’m not saying I won’t do beauty posts. We are halfway through the month and 50% of my posts have been about beauty. Simply: I’m enjoying the variety, and perhaps it may work better to just skim through the post titles from time to time and check any beauty posts versus reading content you aren’t interested in? I value you as a reader, of course, and understand that there has been a slow change over the years, but I say with confidence that I’m truly enjoying it and my hope is that my readers would as well.
And I just realized this is yet another sponsored post. I decided to come back and reread…trying to figure out how a post that started with your kids being like you or your husband ended up about sneakers. And there it was…Nordstrom.
The cover photo on your fb is all hair tools. There is a Bobby pin under your blog name. Those things usually reflect what kind of blog it is. If you are changing, then rebrand yourself!
Hi Kate, your expertise in hair styling is what drew me to your blog as it is a strength of yours and something that you do very well. And, I am grateful to you for that. The blogs that I like to follow are the ones where the blogger has expertise in their field. I follow a health blog where the content is solely health related, it is their area of expertise. I follow a food blog where the blogger’s expertise is preparing gluten free meals. I follow a home design blog where that is their area of expertise. And, I do not find these blogs to be monotonous or boring and the blogger’s personality most definitely shines through. I have learned a great deal from each of these blogs, as I did with yours in its early days. It is your blog and it appears that the majority of your readers are satisfied with its direction and content. Unfortunately, I no longer am. I wish you well in your future endeavours.
Thanks Sel. I appreciate your kind words. I loved doing hair when I did it, and it certainly dominated the blog content. It’s been nearly 3 years since I closed my studio, a decision I feel very deeply affirmed in, so naturally my world and content ideas has shifted. I quite like the variety, would still consider my blog a beauty blog (perhaps with the word lifestyle in there as well), and completely understand that we may be on different pages here. I’ve always been creative and like the challenge of writing about, and photographing, different things.
I couldn’t see socks with your sneaks; do you simply do without or have you found a truly low profile combine of socks?
You can find some really low profile socks at DSW. I just got some!
Looks like Nike’s designs are going retro….I had a dark blue pair very similar to these close to thirty years ago, no lie! Right when they started to make a name for themselves. I thought I was so cool, lol.
Ooh, cubicle convos…I miss those too!
I was thinking the same thing…..mine were light blue, it was around thirty years ago and yes I thought I was so cool too!!! lol
Your boys seem adorable! If we were like “real life friends,” my two year old daughter Sophia would go crazy to have play dates with Luke and David. We live in a culdesac and a new family just moved in with 3 little boys and 1 little girl. Sophia is still the youngest, but when she see’s the boys outside playing she said “boys mommy..I want to play.” Either she likes to play with little boys or is already boy crazy haha.
I love the sneakers! Those ones you posted are great for going out in, but to cute to work out in. I am starting to incorporate that athleisure wear look to my wardrobe more and more. I have no clue why I waiting so long!!!!! With a two year old I have to be on top of everything and be able to run after Sophia at any given second. Don’t get me wrong I love dressing up, but comfort and movability is more of a priority especially on a everyday basis.
But I always do find that a good statement necklace or earrings can help you feel more put together.
Your blog is such an inspiration! Sophia says “kT bog,” because we read your blog every morning. Thank you for inspiring moms all over! You rock!
Love the New Balance sneakers, and I’d love to hear more non-Nike suggestions! Your style is so cute.
I bought Nike almost exclusively until I read this on Slate: http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_grind/2016/08/nike_s_supply_chain_doesn_t_live_up_to_the_ideals_of_its_girl_effect_campaign.html
No company is perfect, but I’m always trying to learn and “vote” with my dollars. Sometimes its exhausting trying to look cute and be socially responsible, but I appreciate how often you include great companies in your reviews! Thank you!
Cute shoes! I need to begin my hunt for comfy, stylish sneaks for fall and winter…
~Jenny
http://www.introvertsguidetosobriety.com
Super cute shoes!
Saddened to read the article in a previous comment about Nike.
Very cute shoes! The bag is cute too. Mind sharing where that is from?
Thanks!
I was just telling myself today that I need to throw my old Toms out and get some sneakers for this fall weather as I chase after my boys. Thanks for the round-up. I read a comment above and for what it is worth, I love how you mix up lifestyle and beauty posts!
Thanks Gina, that means a lot!
Hi Kate,
I have been reading your blog for quite a long time. Thanks for all of the great articles and for sharing your family life throughout the years. You have given me some great ideas on styling my hair and some great links for clothing.
I always have to smile when I see pictures of your boys. They are just too cute…what joyful children!! I may be much older than you, but I feel like you are a dear friend. In a time when there is so much sadness and anger in the world, your blog is a bright spot in my day!!
Thanks so much Cathy, that comment means a lot!
Hi Kate! For what it’s worth, I enjoy the varied content of your blog! Your children are adorable, and I enjoy seeing their updates! You have given me great ideas for hair and makeup and style! I am a fellow grey clothing fan and cat lover. Please keep on being you. The only constant in life is change, lol. ?
Thanks Jen! I appreciate your comment so much!
I noticed that some people are unhappy with your blog, but I wanted to say that I love it and it fits my lifestyle perfectly! I have been reading it for a few years and I think that the content naturally shifted because you have little ones ! I also have two little ones and appreciate your tips on easy simple style! Keep blogging …you have lots of people who love your blog!!! 🙂
Thanks Erin!!
Love your blog and the way it has naturally evolved over the years. I am a 40+ mother of two “tween”, full time physician and my husband works a ton too. but I still relate to your blog — I respect the evolution your blog has taken over the years and I enjoy it!
Hang in there and just keep being yourself. I know it sounds trite, but you truly are unique and we enjoy and admire you for it!
hugs from Texas
I’ve been reading your blog for several years and continue to enjoy it. Life is all about change and each time I read your blog post, it puts a smile on my face 🙂
To quote a line from one of my favorite movies:
You is kind
You is smart
And you is important
I am one of the readers who has expressed dissatisfaction with her blog. I can appreciate and understand Kate taking her blog in a different direction. She has said, in an earlier comment, that 50% of her posts this month have been beauty related. I would still enjoy following her blog with her forays into other areas that interest her if I didn’t feel (my perception) that she is forsaking quality posts over quantity. In my opinion, I would much prefer her to post three quality posts over the course of a week rather than a post everyday that is lacking in quality. The exuberance and passion that she had in her blog in her early days, that one could clearly garner from her writings, appear (to me) to be lacking. It seems that she is posting just for the sake of posting something. And that, I feel is a total shame as she has the potential to be so much better.
If you were expressing such dissatisfaction with this blog I’m not sure why you would continue to spend so much time and effort putting it down. I would suggest that you find something that fits your lifestyle instead of casting a shadow over something that other people appreciate Thank you for your loyalty thus far. Best wishes.
Amy, it wasn’t my intention to cast a shadow. I was a loyal follower of her blog from its inception. And, yes, it is difficult to be on the receiving end of criticism. But, good things and growth can occur if genuine criticisms are pondered upon. I voiced my concerns as I, as a consumer of her blog, genuinely (and not maliciously) feel that way. I really appreciate and thank you that you have not attacked me as a person in your comment, but have attacked my arguments. I respect that you have a different view point to mine and I wish you all best as well.
I have to agree. I think this post is a great example of low quality. Unfortunately in the world of youtube , and really everywhere else, constructive criticism is frowned upon. But here i am anyway I’m hoping it could possibly make a difference. I have been watching your blog for many years. In fact, its the first and only one i followed until about a year ago. I’m not going to apologize for being disappointed that i can no longer click on your site and know I’m going to get some useful info. I, at times, feel you struggle to keep up with your young boys AND do this…just based on some of the things you say. So, maybe you do down to 2-3 posts a week. I follow a youtuber who posts MWF.
I know you don’t want to hear the negative, but honestly, i am sure there are others who feel the same but didn’t take time to post. Constructive criticism…maybe reevaluate.
It’s not about constructive criticism him. Say your piece and then MoveOn. Let the thousands of other people who like this blog enjoy it and keep your negativity to yourself. You are seriously casting a shadow on this blog and I’m sure Kate doesn’t appreciate it. She didn’t create this blog to become a Jerry Springer episode. Be done with it and move on. It’s like anything else in life if you’re not being fulfilled in a certain area you move onto the next thing that matches your lifestyle. You can’t expect people to grow and change the exact same way you do that is very unfair to Kate
I’m always willing to accept constructive criticism, and I will consider your comment. I think sometimes it’s hard to hear a post that you worked on is “low quality” and sentences alluding to the reader decidedly knowing she will not gain anything from a blog posts seems a bit unfair. But more than that–I think it’s all about expectation. It’s also about the EVER changing blogging industry. People are not reading blogs like they used to, just as they are not sitting and watching Youtube like they used to. The rise of Instagram and Snapchat prove a greater interest in “snapshots” and “miniblogs” on social media channels. In a newer industry, I think it’s a bit of a reach to expect what was typical in 2010/2011 to be the exact same in 2016. My life has changed dramatically from 2011 when the blog started, and I really really enjoy integrating more of myself into the blog beyond simply hair and makeup tutorials. I feel like I’m repeating myself over and over in the comments, but I do want to take a few moments of my time to respond to long-time readers that I feel are commenting from a genuine place, not simply to stir up drama.
Kate… You are awesome and don’t listen to people who have nothing better to do than to put down the great things that you do. With all of the horrible things that are on the Internet you are a ray of sunshine. I’m a single mom of two teenagers and I always look forward to coming home from a busy day at work, taking a hot shower and crawling into bed to pick out A tutorial to see how I’m gonna do my hair tomorrow or pick up a new make up tip. My boyfriend actually teases me because he will call and ask me what I’m doing and then says oh wait let me guess you’re watching Kate ???. On a different note, how do you trim your eyebrows? Wax or pluck? Waxing makes me break out and plucking is so painful. Just wondering if you had any tips.
Scratch that! I just found everything I wanted to know about eyebrows in a previous post ! ❤️❤️❤️
Love your blog no matter how it has evolved over the years!! We all grow in different directions! Keep up the work you put into it! 🙂
Please don’t change a thing with your blog! I love your style and the fact that your blog isn’t just about one aspect of life is refreshing.
Thanks Wynne!
I hope that you will continue to blog and share about whatever is on your heart. I love ALL your posts!! I check your blog daily. I don’t mind if they are “sponsored” or not. I have never shopped at Nordstorm, until now, and that is because of YOU:) You rock! I enjoy EVERYTHING about your blog and I think you are just LOVELY:) You are a ray of sunshine in a sometimes cloudy world-I can see the light in Christ in you, which I think is one of your best characteristics!!!
I’ve been reading for quite a while now, and here’s the thing: people just want to complain! I really don’t see that much of a change in the content. There’s beauty content as there always has been, and there’s other content….so what??
Let’s not forget that literally on every post, people will ask questions unrelated to hair or makeup. Example: “I love your nail polish – what’s the brand and color name?” or, “That’s the cutest shirt – where can we find it??” There’s clearly plenty of folks who very much enjoy the blog and Kate’s style, such as myself. I have the link saved as a favorite and I check it pretty much daily. I’d also like to add that I’m a 38 year old gal with no children and yet I still enjoy the posts about the boys.
Keep on keeping on, Kate! Plenty of ladies out there that enjoy visiting the site regularly!
I enjoy your blog and your positive perspective, but as a reader of a handful of blogs, the sponsored posts just kill me. Last week 3 blogs that I followed all had the same HomeGoods post. I think my frustration is with how blogging has become professionalized and attracts big companies using bloggers to promote their brand. I think I miss the blogs of the early 2000’s. However, I am a stay at home mom and more power to you, for leveraging your voice to allow you to serve and nurture your kiddos.
I really enjoy the blog and the varied content. I have short hair so the hairstyle posts are meaningless to me most of the time…I leave them and keep the rest. No biggie. It’s cool for people to let Kate know that they preferred the style of her blog in its earlier days, but to get all hurt and belligerent over it is silly. She responded and explained that the blog has evolved as her life has evolved. So maybe you visit less frequently and skim through until you find a post that looks interesting. Or maybe you go on your merry way. While she may no longer appeal to you, there is a new group she appeals to whom she might not have appealed to before. I will agree that some posts (this one being a good example) can feel like blatant advertising…although the shoes are super cute! Gah, it’s working, lol! But as Laura said, I don’t fault her for finding a way to get paid to do what she loves and spend time with her babies.
Don’t change anything about you, or your blog. Stay true to yourself. Do what you feel is right….I have turned into my mother…Life changes, blogs change, and I personally have enjoyed watching your blog branch off into other areas. I have enjoyed watching the evolution of Kate Bryan. I have changed as well since I first started following you. In a way I feel we have grown up together. haha. I don’t have children, but I love watching your boys get older and how you have discovered the cute personality and development in your kids (I am a three year old teacher) I did have one question….
Do the AJ Jeans from Nordstrom run small or are they true to size? Might have to order a pair with the free shipping!
Thanks Lizzy, that means a lot to me!! And I find the jeans to fit true to size!
So I really like this blog – I added it to my rotation with Veronikas Blushing and Willow Way. I hear what youre saying about quality, and I get why sponsored posts are no fun, but frankey it’s like ads on TV. In order to get the content you love, she needs to pay the bills!
Love this. Have you ever read anything on birth order psychology? It is fascinating. The way David organizes and thinks through is typical of first born and Luke’s free spirit is reflective of a youngest. Obviously it is just some fun stuff to read and should be taken with a grain of salt but it is interesting when it is so spot on!
Ok, I totally respect that everyone has their opinion and it’s completely understandable that everyone’s, (readers and writers alike), perceptions, opinions, tastes, etc will change over time. Some of us will enjoy/feel more connected to some posts more than others. With that being said, some of these comments I know have to sting b/c you are human, and I truly do believe that you care about your content as well as your readers. I also believe that above the blogging world comes your husband and cute kiddos. Personally, I immensely enjoy your blog. It’s the first one I click on in the morning, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t have children and truly never successfully attempts anything beauty related, hah! <—–TRUE STORY 😉 While I do think constructive criticism can be incredibly useful and helpful on many levels, just remember that you have such a vast, loyal audience who loves and enjoys you, your family and your talents. You responded with such grace, and that's why your audience is loyal. Hear the criticism, take what you think you need to from it and move on 🙂
Amen!
I’m so disappointed in some of these comments. There are a ton of other blogs out there that focus strictly on beauty/hair if that’s what you’re looking for. I’m unsure of what result people want when they say they are unhappy with the content? If she only changed the posts to meet those specific requests, for one, her heart wouldn’t be in it and it would be so obvious, and two, MANY people would miss the lifestyle type posts! Including myself. I became a mom at the same time you did Kate, and it has been so wonderful to track along with you and see how you handle motherhood while maintaining your style, your passions, and your work. I say wholeheartedly – KEEP IT UP and do not be discouraged. 🙂
I, personally, LOVE your blog and ALL of the content. I like the diversity and “real-ness” of your blog. If you had time to blog only new hair styles or make up tutorials, I would be a little concered on how you have so much time on your hands with toddlers. Keep doing ya thang girl!
Thanks! 🙂