Finding Your Rhythm

No, this isn't a post about music... though the title would suggest otherwise.  This is a post about finding your rhythm.  You could translate that into everyday life OR blogging.  I've been noticing a pattern in myself: anytime I go through a big change, I have a hard time finding my footing.  When I found out I was pregnant last year, it was unexpected and sort of shook my foundation.  It's not that I didn't end up being terribly excited about it, it was just something that was creating a huge change in my world.  Now while we are settling into this house (which is a temporary situation, but more on that another day), I'm finding it difficult to slide back into my daily routines AND blogging routines.  I currently feel a lack of focus, motivation, and organization.  I WANT these things, and I don't lack the drive... it's like I can't make myself focus enough to achieve them.  Part of that is this busy time of year, but I know the other one comes from being a bit of a creature of habit whose familiarities have been turned upside down.

There are ways to cope with this.  Right?  Of course.  Being an adult is all about learning to cope with uncomfortable situations... or I should say MY adult life requires a lot of learned coping techniques. 

Lately I have been writing things out even more than I used to.  I know a lot of you are list makers so you're like "what? I already do that."  I mean EVEN MORE lists.  My phone notes and notebooks right now are showing my crazy side just a little.  It's helping me stay on track for the day, return emails in a more timely manner (whew), and reminding me to feed myself at appropriate times so I don't get too hangry.

I've also been forcing myself to stop feeling guilty when I can't complete everything I intend to.  If we were to have a conversation about expectations of myself vs. reality, you would realize that I obviously don't live in this dimension.  I live in some parallel universe where there are four Katies.  I know a lot of you are like that, too-- people who not only have great intentions, but also have the weight of guilt when you can't accomplish something, or feel too bad to say no when it comes to friends and loved ones.  Which leads me to...

(If you have the source, please, please let me know.)

Saying no when you need to.  This is something I've been practicing for the better part of the year and it's still hard!  I am the great over-extender and it makes me miserable sometimes.  Are any of you like this?  Am I the only crazy out there who over-extends herself to the point of absolute exhaustion?!  That was a rhetorical question.  Of course I'm not.  We all do it and we need to get better at taking care of ourselves... oh, and taking care of yourself is NOT a selfish act!  (There's that guilt again.)  I'm not very nice or nurturing when I've had 3 hours of sleep and I feel like I'm carrying the weight of two worlds on my shoulders.  No one in my life is being properly loved when I'm like that.  No one benefits.

I guess if we are beginning to plan out New Years resolutions for the coming year, I'd say that all of these things are still at the top of my list.  I'll throw some easy ones in there too so I don't feel like a total failure when the next big change comes along and I'm huddled somewhere in a corner with my face in my hands.  I'm an adult work-in-progress.  Now, if you were to judge my progress as a person by children's standards, I'd be pretty ace.  Seriously.  I'm great at naps, temper-tantrums, and snack time.  Impressed?  ;)

Have a great day and thanks for reading, friends.  Especially today.  xoxo Katie

Weekly Wears: Peach Lace

I'm sitting here typing this with a sick little baby on my lap.  Sick babies are one of the saddest things I can think of, really.  There will be a lot of snuggle time and resting for the next few days... which is sort of cutting it down to the wire, since Friday is my wedding anniversary and we have plans to go out of town and stay overnight.  I'm really hoping this baby is feeling better by then, because I can't see leaving her behind if she feels miserable.  I may have to take a rain check.  That is the life of a mother... but I wouldn't change it even if I could.  :)

Dress: vintage;  Sparkly tights: Marshall's;  Shoes: c/o Lulu's;  

Necklace: Fever Few;  Purse: c/o Chicwish;  Bow: vintage

This is an outfit of favorites for me:  the necklace and shoes are both things I find myself wearing ALL the time right now.  The dress is a little treat I bought myself back when we were in the midst of moving.  I love it because it's a little different from what I would typically wear (high collar, not fitted or belted...), but I still feel comfortable in it.  Oh, and it smells like the loveliest grandma ever.  Not just a little... it smells like I bathed in grandma's perfume, which I guess I'm totally okay with because that makes me happy.  ;)

I'll be back a little later with the Urban Legend giveaway winner!  For now I'm going to continue snuggling my little baby.  xoxo Katie

Holiday Spirit

We had such a lovely Thanksgiving!  Little Poesy loved all the new foods she got to try, Hope wasn't feeling the best, but was happy that she was able to taste her food, and hanging out with our families was pretty great.  :)

It looks like Hope feels miserable here, but really she was just sad that Poesy was napping when we started eating.  We couldn't wake that baby up for anything!

She eventually did wake up, right when everyone was about finished and we all ooooohhhhed and aaaaahhhhhed over how cute she was eating her Thanksgiving meal.  (That's me Instagramming.)

After food, Hope went out back to play with her friend.  Poe and I opted for the lazier option.  Inside.

On a different day entirely, we set up the Christmas tree.  It may or may not have been BEFORE Thanksgiving... like, maybe waaaaay before.  ;)  I like to sit around the Christmas tree and listen to Christmas music on Thanksgiving.  Just personal preference.  :)

We love, love, love our tree.  :)

I wanted to make a list of things I am thankful for this year, but I never got around to it.  I try to remind myself everyday of what I have and what I've been given... especially on the grumpy days.  This year has been a pretty emotional one for us with lots of big changes, and I'm so grateful for all the people in my life who make my days brighter.

Here are a few things I'd like you to know:

**I'll be updating the shop at the end of this week AND the beginning of next week.  I'm not doing the update all in one day this year for many reasons, but the biggest one is to give as many fair opportunities for everyone who wants an ornament.

**I'm working on a little surprise for all of you sweet blog readers.  I can't really say what just yet, but I'm hoping to be able to share soon.  :)

**The winner for the Purple Deer giveaway is Miles, Papa, and Me.  Congrats!

**I added a few things to the Reloved Shop.  As soon as these items sell I will add more.

I hope you all have a lovely, lovely Tuesday!!!  xoxo Katie

Music Monday: Ryan Adams

I'm back on a Ryan Adams kick.  Happy Monday!


Ryan Adams

xoxo Katie

Sponsor in December

This is my official call for sponsors for the month of December!  I can't believe how quickly November has come and gone, but here we are.  :)

If you are interested, you can check out my sponsor page.  If you have any questions, you can email sponsorskunkboy@gmail.com.  Thank you so much for reading, friends.  December is going to be an exciting month!!!  xoxo Katie

Sponsored Giveaway: Urban Legend

I'm so, so excited about this giveaway!  My dear friend Kateri makes the most beautiful jewelry and is offering some of it up to you!  She runs two different shops: one is called Urban Legend where she designs fun, colorful, eye-catching pieces, and the other one {Leaves of Glass} is lovely, sparkly glass pieces.  One of you lucky readers is going to win a $30 gift certificate to Urban Legend!!!

To enter, please visit Kateri's shop and take a peek at the eye candy.  Then leave a comment here letting us know which piece is your favorite!

You can gain an additional entry by tweeting about this giveaway with:

Take a peek at the eye candy from @leavesofglass!  http://tinyurl.com/7q3zyct {cc: @skunkboy}

Or, you can gain another entry by checking out Leaves of Glass and linking to your favorite piece in that shop!

This giveaway is open to followers of this blog only.  Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address so you can be notified if you win!  I'll draw the winner next Wednesday (November 30th).  Good luck!!!  xoxo Katie

Weekly Wears: Warm in Wool

Those of you who will celebrating Thanksgiving in just a day, are you ready???  We have everyone coming to our place this year (I still won't be doing the cooking) and we are desperately trying to get our things in order... you know... to fool everyone into thinking we are tidier than we actually are.  ;)  It's a thing:  FRANTIC SPEED CLEANING.

Dress: c/o Chicwish,  Tights: We Love Colors,  Shoes: c/o Shelly's,  Brooch: Vintage

If you're busy tidying the house like me, good luck!  Otherwise, relax, enjoy your day tomorrow, and let's all remember what there is to be thankful for... then let's keep those things in mind everyday.  :)

xoxo Katie

P.S.  If you aren't celebrating tomorrow, don't worry.  I'll eat an extra piece of pie just for you.  ;)

Back to Black

Dear Thanksgiving fairy, please put this dress at the top of my list.

xoxo Katie

Music Monday: The Head and the Heart

Happy Monday!


the head and the heart

xoxo Katie

Giveaway: Purple Deer Vintage

My lovely sponsor Purple Deer Vintage is giving away this vintage Dooney and Bourke bag.  It has whiskey leather trim with and onyx black center, and it measures 10x7 inches.

To enter simply pop over to Purple Deer Vintage and check out Melissa's shop.  Then leave a comment with a link to your favorite item! 

You can gain an additional entry by tweeting about this giveaway with:

Win a vintage Dooney & Bourke bag from @Purple Deer on the @skunkboy blog! http://tinyurl.com/cae5j9r

This giveaway is open to followers of this blog only.  Please be sure to leave separate comments for each entry, and don't forget your email address so you can be notified if you win.  The winner will be drawn on Wednesday.  Good luck!

xoxo Katie

Friday Coupon Codes

I don't know if you're like me, but I love to get a jump on Christmas shopping.  This year I'm not doing the greatest job of being ahead of the game, but I certainly have been compiling my ideas and making my lists.  Here are some coupon codes from friends and sponsors in case you'll been doing any Christmas shopping this weekend:

My friend Mandy has just opened her Indie Darling shop and she's offering you all 25% off with the code SKUNKBOY25!

Francesca's Collections is still offering 30% off one regular priced item until November 30th with the code KATIES.

Vinyl Coasters is offering free shipping this month with the code SKUNKBOY.

Stuff Kara Made is offering 25% off your order with the code stuff4you.

Happy shopping!  xoxo Katie

Weekly Wears: Put On a Happy Face

Sometimes extra curly hair, a twirly dress, and a happy smile are all you need to feel like yourself again.  Am I right?  :)  Oh... and coffee.  Coffee definitely helps.  ;)

Dress:  Dear Creatures borrowed from Elsie

Sweater:  UO (years ago)

Knee Socks:  Target

Boots and Belt:  ?? I've had them FOREVER

Here's a promise:  I will wear these boots until they break.  They are my favorite boots.  Ever.

Have a great Thursday!!!  xoxo Katie

Whew.

Whew.  We are FINALLY done packing things and moving them from the house.  Our friends have been SO AMAZING through all of this.  We seriously would be sitting in the driveway crying right now if they all hadn't pitched in the way they have.  If I were to start my "list of thanks" right now, they would be number 1.

So, as I mentioned last week, I went to Springfield two different times on top of my crazy week.  I had a couple of photo shoots with those Red Velvet gals-- here are some peeks from one of them (the other was for a magazine that won't be out until March).

(photos taken by Jeremy and Elsie)

True, I was busy, but who could pass up the opportunity to hang out in an airstream for part of the day?!  It was crazy windy and a ton of fun.  I may or may not have a tiny case of the airstream wants.  ;)  You can see more of the photos over on Elsie's blog!

If you have emailed me and haven't heard back, don't worry!  I'm taking the next two days to get all caught up!  I'm off to... not pack.  ;)  xoxo Katie

Tumbleweeds Winner!

The winner for the Tumbleweeds Sunglasses Giveaway is:

 Yaaaaaaay!  Congrats, Manda Jane!  I'll send your email address over to Beca!

I'll be back to blog some Etsy Favorites a little later today... first I have to find my power cord that has been ever-so-nicely tucked away in a box.  Oh boy.  xoxo Katie 

Music Monday: The Brunettes

Happy Monday!!!


The Brunettes

xoxo Katie

Weekly Wears: Littlest Helper

Okay, this edition of Weekly Wears was equal parts amazing and hilarious.  As you know, we've been packing and moving junk all week.  Johnny was out of the house and the sun was going down, so I asked my sweet little Hope if she could shoot some pictures for me.  She, of course, said yes (because she's an awesome helper) and here's what we came up with:

Dress: from my sweet pal Leah of Sookie Says,  Shirt: UO,  Tights: Target,

Boots: c/o Blowfish Shoes,  Necklace: c/o Shlomit Ofir,  

Heaband: c/o Sunshine and Carousels,  Purse: c/o Francesca's Collections

I'm pretty stinking impressed.  She did great!

Have a great Friday (I almost said Thursday), friends!  I'm off to Springfield (again this week- yes I am insane) for another photo shoot with my gals.  It's going to be a good one!  xoxo Katie

Just a Little Update...

I'm so touched by all of your comments on my moving post.  Sometimes blogging makes me extra happy, and this is truly one of those times.  You all are so encouraging and thoughtful and I'm so thankful for you, my internet friends.  I know moving will end up being a very good thing for us, I just have to stop being such a tired baby!

Speaking of tired, I've still been keeping up with my orders.  I'm several weeks behind where I thought I would be (sheesh!), but I'm chugging along and looking towards a holiday update and ORNAMENTS!  I finished up a few special wedding customs these past few weeks, so here are a couple of peeks at those:

The pup was for my friend Molly's wedding last weekend.  I made a plush version of her dog and her kitty, but I had to get them out so fast that I didn't even snap a photo of the cat! 

Anyway, I'm need to get back to packing boxes.  I just wanted to send huge hugs to all of you and thank you for motivating me to stay positive!  xoxo Katie