Vacation Planning Spreadsheets are BACK...& Type A messes
A little newness is happening this year. If you’ve been keeping an eye out, you may have noticed I started a Substack.
Let me back up.
The goal of this newsletter has always been to be a free resource for you: full of behind-the-scenes peeks at what I’m managing to work on while juggling a full-time job and motherhood, things I love to cook (and think you should cook too), what’s inspiring me lately, and my favorite reads…because don’t we all need a little escapism right now?
The only “problem” with this newsletter, if we can even call it that, is that there’s eventually a limit before it has to go paid. Substack, thankfully, has a very nice, very easy free option where we can continue to hang out together and chat in the comments.
So for now, nothing is changing. I’m just also posting this same newsletter over on Substack for the time being. Same words, same vibe - just another cozy place to land.
Inside My Studio
I got my studio ready for 2026 by adding a few plants (including one hanging in a copper pot - she’s thriving) and diving into a new painting completely spur-of-the-moment.
Whenever things start to feel rigid, I get the urge to quite literally splatter paint somewhere…a creative release for all that pent-up energy. Granted, my explosions are very Type-A and contained to the paper.
So I started a new painting cataloging all my favorite art supplies. Where will it go? Who knows. Maybe to the shop eventually. Maybe to the pile of maybes - which I’m learning is okay, because maybe drawings move us closer to yes drawings.
I also made a short video about my favorite travel watercolor kit + the one small modification I made to turn it into a palette that can mix any color. It’s one of those quiet little tweaks that makes painting on the go feel effortless instead of frustrating.
Studio cleaning also means the seconds sale is getting more organized.
Truly - look at this pile of goodness.
Originals are launching this spring too 👀
What I’m Cooking
January in Houston has been… odd. Record-breaking heat followed immediately by damp cold, which means our meals have been a very honest mix of cottage cheese pizzas (absolutely clutch on the day I forgot to prep my usual pizza dough) and soups.
I made this gumbo the other night and, true to form, immediately made modifications. No way in heck was I roasting a whole chicken - I used thighs instead. I also cut way back on the oil and it was still delicious.
This is a prime reason why I love to print recipes…I’ve got to scribble my notes on the side because I rarely follow them to a T.
One of our neighbors made us a homemade chile pepper salt that absolutely slapped in this dish. Apologies that it’s not yet available for sale 🙂
What’s Inspiring Me
2026 feels like a year for a new me. How can I tell?
My vacation spreadsheets are back.
After having Bonnie, I simply did not have the energy for my usual level of trip planning.
But this year? I’m baaaaack.
I’ve officially researched all the restaurants, sights, and shops for our spring trip to Paris and I am so excited.
Here’s what’s currently inspiring me and firmly on the shopping list:
- E. Dehillerin – I do not need a copper pot (but oooh they are so pretty and tempting $$$), but I do need good whisks. And maybe an offset spatula.
- Sennelier – I mostly want to soak in the history… but a brush wouldn’t hurt.
- La Grande Epicerie – For butter and mustard. Obviously.
- Wine – No notes.
- Skincare – Possibly checking out Caudalie.
- And I’d love to find a fun scarf from a local artist. Fingers crossed.
What I’m Reading
I loved Play Nice. I rated it five stars, but if I’m being precise it’s more like a 4.5 because I wanted the ending to punch a little harder. Still a great read.
I’m starting Annabel Monaghan’s latest book next, and I also picked up The Artist’s Side Hustle because I adore Stacie and her energy. I’m sure I’ll learn a thing or two.
But the real question is: what do I save for the long plane ride to Paris?
I think I’ve landed on my word of the year - it finally feels like a fit. I haven’t mapped out concrete goals yet, but overall, I want to do more of what feels good.
This newsletter & this space? It feels good. And it’s not going anywhere.
— Katie
