Skirt: Waldrip [c/o] | Top: Club Monaco [grey sold out], Similar | Shoes: Steve Madden | Clutch: Clare V. | Jewelry: Watch, Baublebar [c/o], Nordstrom | Lipstick: #7
Photography by: Angie Garcia
Happy Tuesday!
Mondays and Tuesdays are my craziest days with work [this is when I shoot/have all my meetings/finalize collaborations] so I always need a little extra motivation. Wednesday-Friday is when I have my “office hours.” I just work at my laptop doing blog posts, website maintenance, e-mails and accounting work. It’s pretty quiet and peaceful, unlike my M & T.
So I thought I’d share this gorgeous skirt and 10 unknown facts about me! Not that that is motivating by any means but maybe it will be interesting and give you a nice little break at work/school. 🙂 This skirt is one of my favorite things in my closet right now! It’s perfect for a blog event, but I also thought it would be great for Valentine’s Day as opposed to the usual red or pink dress!
1. I’m incredibly goofy.
I don’t necessarily show this to everyone, but I do to my family and husband. I’m always dancing around the house, singing ridiculous songs at the top of my lungs. I sing the intro to TV shows to Paul and I’ve been known to have a Shania Twain concert a few times at our house.
2. I love spicy food.
Go figure. I’m a Texas girl. But I can inhale an entire bag of Hot Cheetos with no water and always ask for extra jalapeños and spice. I was actually allergic to jalapeños for the longest time growing up. My lips would swell and I looked like a cast member of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. A small price to pay for a delicious meal. But now my body aged out of the allergy and I can eat without looking like I saw a plastic surgeon. Undiagnosed allergies can be tricky, though. If you’re unsure about your body’s reactions, it might be wise to consider a General Medical Evaluation at urgent care services in downers grove.
3. I was super nerdy in school.
I didn’t love school, but I loved working hard at school. And when I didn’t have time to finish all my written assignments, I made sure to only use the best essay writing service reddit for help. I even got a full academic ride to college and graduated early from college just because I wanted to be able to “test” myself and see if I could. It was never a “Oh I want to compete with others” type thing, just with myself. Even with a career, I don’t ever view myself as competing with other bloggers. I’m really thankful God gave me a heart like that because this industry makes it so easy to compare yourself. But I’m incredibly hard on myself in the sense that I always want to outdo what I’ve previously done.
4. I cry when babies are born.
Labor makes me so emotional. Even if I watch the deliveries on Teen Mom I’m balling my eyes out. I will follow all these bloggers and see their birth stories and I cry for 15 minutes. I’m just like, “Oh I don’t even know you, but God gave you this miracle and now I can’t control myself.”
5. I love one pieces.
I look forward to the day I’m a mom and it’s socially praised to frolic around in a one piece 24/7. I mean I know I could wear a one piece now and it’s fine [I own a few and rock them!] but I think one pieces are so much cuter than bikinis. My sister and I are the same way about this and we just feel like you can’t really play around on the beach in a bikini without being worried you’re showing too much. And don’t even get me started on VS bikinis. No thank you, I don’t need a push up bra bikini top. I’d just like a regular triangle. Maybe it’s because the beach is filled with strangers and I’m modest? I have no idea why I feel this way! haha.
6. I have an unhealthy emotional attachment to my dog.
Oh wait. That’s not a secret. Nvm. I treat her like my child. She is living the life of doggie luxury.
7. My Husband Got Me Hooked on Manicures.
I used to always do my own nails! I found the process so relaxing and it was a habit of mine every Sunday evening. When I started dating Paul we didn’t live in the same city. I lived in Arlington and he lived in Dallas. It worked out really well because my internship was in Dallas, so Monday, Wednesday and Friday I got to see him right after work. But he wanted a way to get me to Dallas on the days I wasn’t working. For an entire year he booked a manicure every week on a Thursday at 6 in Dallas at a salon by his house. He prepaid for them months in advance [who the heck does that!! Talk about determination] so I’d have to go out there! But I thought it was so sweet of him and then when we got married and were working on our budget I jokingly said, “Well, I guess I need to include manicures in my budget because YOU got me addicted!” lol I still do my own nails a lot, but I blame him when I go get a manicure. 😉
8. I fear how to do motherhood with a job in social media.
Being a blogger, you get unsolicited advice all the time. I think I have a harder time processing unsolicited advice than I do the mean comments. I see so many bloggers who are moms and the comments honestly hurt me and I don’t even know them. I talk to Paul about it all the time and we never know if it is best to just not share your children online [since they aren’t asking to be put on the internet] or is that devaluing your transparency with your readers? And you have this amazing opportunity to track your child’s life and all their progress that they can look back on one day, or is it just too much? I definitely think there is an appropriate way for each person to do it, but it’s something I think about constantly. I know that when the time comes God will guide me for how he wants me to handle it, but I can already envision the comments people leave [which I know is Satan just trying to steal joy!] and it terrifies me.
9. I make a mean margarita.
I’ll share my secret recipe one day, but Paul absolutely loves them! I think everyone needs that signature host drink you can make for friends that is a fun twist on a classic.
10. I’m all or nothing.
If I cook dinner, I’m making everything homemade and it is three courses, or I’m not cooking and we get take out. I either 150% love a collaboration or I don’t even respond to the pitch e-mail. I’m either sending my friends novels of a text message or I don’t even check my phone for 14 hours. I believe the best way to do things is with passion and I love to be obsessed with something. It’s therapeutic for me.
So what are some secrets about you?! Do you share any of mine?!
I’m the EXCITED SAME WAY on the last one. I think it’s annoying to my friends when I do that especially, because I might be shooting off a thousand texts a minute to them or just rogue! My drink specialty is a Georgia Peach Martini {1 oz. Coconut Rum, 1 oz. Vodka, 1 oz. Peach Schnapps, 2 oz. Ginger Ale}, and it is KILLER. I also lovelovelove spicy food and have also thought about the whole family-life-on-social-media thing, especially since my fiance and I are getting engaged this coming fall. When you think of a good answer for that doozy, hollah at me!
Also just wanted to shoot some positivity your way this Tuesday morning and say how much you inspire me as a blogger in general, Katey. I love how unafraid you are to keep it real and be down to earth when there are so so (so) many fashion bloggers out there who have a pretentious air about them. Your openness and realness and love of Christ is inspiring and has quickly elevated you to my absolute fave fashion blogger out there! Hope you have a stellar rest of your week. <3
Coming Up Roses
Hi girlfriend!!
First off, I MUST try that drink!! It sounds SO good and fancy! 😉 And congratulations on that coming up! I think it is the most exciting time! I knew we would get engaged in 2015, but had no idea when. So any time I was with him I was always nervous and it’s seriously so much fun.
Secondly, thank you so much for that!! My readers definitely inspire me to just lay it all out there [the good and bad!] and I’m so thankful for how much you all motivate me!!
Thank you so much for stopping by this morning!
xoxo,
Katey
I love your outfit! The juxtaposition of the floral print with the thick sweater and topped off with the animal print bag is perfection. And what a great idea to wear that skirt for Valentines Day!
xo
http://www.charltonlee.com
Thank you girl!!
xoxo,
Katey
I am the same way when it comes to swimsuits. I feel like I am walking around in public with undies and bra haha 🙂
I cant wait to hear your margarita recipe, I am not big on them but would love to try yours.
Bahaha, right!!!! I feel like it’s so hard to find bikinis online that aren’t just like your undies! I’m like, “Why is that a cinched bikini bottom?! This is for the public!!” haha
hi!
I have been reading your blog for a while now, but this is my first time commenting. In reference to #8, I would highly suggest looking up Mix and Match Mama (if you haven’t already). She also lives in TX and she does a great job sharing her life with her kids. I’m not married, nor do I have kids, but I love the way she incorporates her family into her blog. Maybe this will be helpful for you when you decide to have kids. Also, the comments on her posts are overwhelmingly positive (from what I can tell), so she must be doing something right!
Here is her blog: http://shullfamily.blogspot.com/
🙂
Hi Maggie!
Thanks so much for reading and supporting!! I LOVE Mix and Match Mama, too!! Isn’t she the best?! And her recipes are amazing!! I totally agree! She does a wonderful job!!
I hope you have a great day!!
xoxo,
Katey
Nice one, Katey!
I follow a mama blogger and she’s been in that boat – mean spirited, ridiculous comments out the wazoo and tons of unsolicited garbage advice that’s aimed at tearing her down. She blogged about it and that was the first time I came across such hateful nonsense. Like, seriously?! Who would do that?? The way she overcame it was – she called it out for what it is – nonsense. Her blog is HERS! It’s her journey and her babies are the biggest part of that. She and I both believe, if someone doesn’t like something, they may choose to leave and never come back. She continues to run her blog the exact same way she did when she started. Her content hasn’t changed, her openess hasn’t changed, and her intent hasn’t changed. She connects with people like me, who don’t even have kids yet, but are the ones who support her and for whom she puts herself out there. For every jerk who wants to tear you down, for whatever reason, there are more supporters and cheerleaders! So, do you.
Be genuine and real. The haters will eventually go away, but your followers will stay and support you through every life change!
Best,
Juliya
Hi Juliya!!
You’re exactly right! It’s nonsense! And I love how you worded that! “unsolicited garbage advice that’s aimed at tearing her down.” Because that’s exactly what it is! I’m like, “You don’t honestly care that her kid is eating a cupcake before dinner, you want others to gang up on her with you.” It’s millennial mean girling and it’s so sad to me! And I also love what you said about intent! At the end of the day, you, your family, God and your true followers know your intent! And haters never will, so you just have to do what is best for you!
Thank you for all your support!! I seriously agree with everything you say! haha
xoxo,
Katey
Thanks, Katey!! Some people’s hearts are just filled with doo-doo! :/ *shakes head* They’re stuck in perpetual hate and insecurity and I feel badly for them.
Katey, I love learning all of this about you! I think it’s amazing that you compete with yourself. That’s the healthiest form of competition, in my mind. Also, I know you didn’t mention this today but I’m also a tridelta! DLAM! <3 I love following your blog and seeing your strong faith in Jesus is so inspirational to me, especially in a time where my faith has wavered due to life's circumstances. You make the blogging world a better place and I feel great being a blogger in the same blogosphere as you (although not quite as famous as you yet!)
You're the best! Thanks for always being transparent. <3
xo
Lauren Ashley
The Fashionista's Diary
Oh I love this, Katey! It’s great to hear more about the person behind the blog. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all the clothes but you are so much more! You seem to be a truly remarkable person. Keep doing you, girl! You’re killin’ it.
xx Kathryn
http://www.chicandshimmer.com
I LOVE your posts. Checking your blog has become part of my daily routine and girl, I never followed a blogger before. You got me hooked and I am not even the least mad about it.
As another girl previously stated in your comments, even though we aren’t the same religion, I really find myself enjoying your posts dealing with your faith and I smile whenever you mention it in any post. Keep doing you girl, you’re amazing!
What a fun post! love learning more about you and that you keep it so real for your readers- I feel like your one of my fun girlfriends! Have a great week! 🙂
#1 is me, by definition lol I’m a total goof ball and my boss always tells me I should have been a comedian! #4 is also me and teen mom is such a guilty pleasure! lol I love seeing the little babies, makes the drama leading up to it so much more worth it lol (omg so embarrassing!). The manicures story is so cute, (good job Paul! totally jealous!) that’s love right there!
I have to say your blog definitely inspires me to stay motivated on my own blog. I think if you’re not all in you probably shouldn’t be in it at all cause your readers deserve something to be just as excited about! This look is so interesting I love the cropped sweater with the skirt, never would have thought of that!
Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us and for writing COF! Keep it up GF!!
First of all – great outfit! Love it! I loved reading your Q + A…so helpful as a reader/ fellow blogger to see you open up and get to know you a little better! You’re so inspirational! xo
@stylemelauren
http://www.stylemelauren.com
Such a fun post!! I seriously love starting my day reading your blog. It eases me into what almost always turns into a long and stressful day at work but I always know the morning is going to be great catching up with my girlfriends on COF 🙂
So good to hear that there are other goofy, labor and delivery emotional, nerds addicted to manicures haha. I also make margaritas at home too, (can’t stand the sugary mixes) I’d love to know your recipe! And most definitely going to have to give that Georgia Peach Martini a try!! Sounds so good!!
Thank you always for your transparency and willingness to share your faith and personal life with us. You are such an inspiration and so positive!! I work in an area of crisis services so I see a lot of negativity in the world in general, it’s so nice to be friends on here and get fresh perspective and positivity, you help keep me focused on Christ and what He wants me to be in the position He has me in now even with its difficulties. You truly are a blessing!!
~Veronica
I loved reading this post Katey. I am totally with you on being all in or nothing at all. I am the same way! I also love the way you styled the colorful skirt with a neutral sweater.
xx Emily
Post Grad and Gingham.
I love reading your posts! It’s always a feel good way for me to wind down after a busy day. It’s hard to find blogs nowadays that seem so honest and pure and that are positive and uplifting. I can relate to you on tons of levels here and I can say I personally remember growing up in church with you way back when and you always had that quirky personality. What you do is truly inspiring and a blessing.
You are too stinking cute! I absolutely loved reading this post! It’s great to hear more about the gal behind the blog. Thank you so much for sharing. I also really agree that one pieces are so much cuter – I don’t know why but I’m really drawn to them as well.
Also this outfit is perfection!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.LouellaReese.com
I’m totally waiting for that margarita recipe! 🙂 And I can relate to that last one; totally ALL or nothing. 😉
Love your blog and it was great learning even more about you!
xoxo ~ Alissa
http://www.LipglossandLabels.com
Seriously adore you and your energy! Xo
Love reading all these fun facts about you!! You are seriously the cutest… and I’m going to Nordstrom tomorrow to try out that lipstick! Love it-
ashley
http://www.girlabouttownfashion.com
Being 100% on everything is me to a T! I am a very passionate person and don’t see the point of doing something halfway. I LOVED this post so much. I also just started following you on Snapchat and your snaps make me so happy 🙂
I am the SAME way about one pieces! I thought I was the only one!
I am going on my honeymoon in July and would be lying if I wasn’t thinking about buying/packing only 1-pieces… haha!
also…so looking forward to your registry post! 😀