I’m in full holiday prep mode over here — which means the shop is, too! My holiday sale will run November 25–December 2, and I’ll send your discount code straight to your inbox next Tuesday.
I’m in full holiday prep mode over here — which means the shop is, too! My holiday sale will run November 25–December 2, and I’ll send your discount code straight to your inbox next Tuesday.
Spoiler: there might also be a few fun surprise sale items sprinkled in like powdered sugar on a Christmas cookie. More next week!
In the meantime, I’ve decided this is my “crafting new décor” era. I really wanted to design a holiday pattern for a tablecloth this year, but honestly? I ran out of time — and weirdly, I think that’s a good thing. Sometimes creativity hits harder when you’re forced to make it work with what you already have.
Current ideas on the table (literally):
• one big sheet of butcher paper with hand-painted place settings
• reindeer and tiny snow-dusted houses
• bleach-dyeing a pattern onto fabric??
• thrifted tablecloth?
• thrifted fabric stitched together like the world’s coziest patchwork moment?
I’ll report back next week, post-Pinterest deep dive.
Inside My Studio
November feels like the perfect month for fun creation. If you’re craving a tiny reprieve from the constant go-go-go-ness of the season, come slow down with me — paint in hand, book in lap, warm something simmering in the kitchen.
I’ve got a recipe illustration tutorial over on YouTube, and if you don’t already have watercolor supplies, I’ve made it easy:
🎨 My Watercolor Supply List (all my favorites at different price points):
I’ll keep adding more favorites throughout the week.
My focus in the studio right now? Creating with zero expectations attached. No end product in mind. Just play, color, and whatever magic comes out of it.
And… I’m already thinking about Galentine’s. I’ve had a theme in mind for years, and maybe — just maybe — this is the year I finally bring it to life. It’s definitely pink and red everything, a little romance, and absolutely no shortage of book-ish innuendos.
What I'm Cooking
I’ve reached the final week of Pinch of Yum’s fall meal plan (10/10 recommend) and last week’s star was… cottage cheese crust pizza.
Wait — I know. You’re either team “love cottage cheese” (raises hand) or team “please, no.” Bonnie has been in her “three-bites-of-something-and-done” era, so any chance I can sneak in extra protein? I’m taking it.
Here’s the shocker:
I did not have high hopes for this pizza crust.
I’m a loyalist to my usual dough: mixed in the morning, grilled in the evening, on my favorite pizza pan. But… this? This was delicious in a nostalgic, freezer-pizza-but-better way. Chewy, a little doughy, and way more flavorful than anything from the frozen aisle. Both Bonnie AND Nathan approved, which is basically a Michelin star in our house.
Some other favorites from the meal plan:
• white chicken chili
• harissa meatballs
• gochujang burgers
Cozy season vibes are in full swing, despite it still being literally 90 degrees in Houston.
Creative Sparks
I listened to this episode of the Goal Digger podcast and it hit me square in the anti–hustle-culture heart.
Specifically the part about boundaries → stress reduction → feeling like a functioning human.
Two things I loved:
When expectations are clear, everything feels lighter.
Rest should actually feel like rest.
I’m absolutely guilty of the 15-minute doom scroll before bed… which does nothing for my nervous system. Meanwhile, reading a fluffy book? Instant reset. When we’re intentional about how we spend downtime, it actually works the way it’s supposed to.
Here’s the episode if you want to listen.
What I'm Reading
If you’re reading this email first thing this morning, I’m probably already halfway through Brimstone with my coffee in hand (kidding, but at least a few pages in). I re-read Quicksilver this week and it was just as fun the second time.
I also squeezed in Wild Love by Elsie Silver while waiting for Brimstone to hit my Kindle — sweet, fluffy, and exactly what my brain needed.
Holiday books are next. Hit me with your favorites — I’m loading up.
Coming Up...
If you’re thinking about trying a new hobby during the holidays, I’ve gathered my favorite supplies right here in case you spot any good sales.
Once you’re stocked up, head to YouTube to learn how to paint a recipe illustration — it’s so fun and might just become the cutest handmade gift you give this year.
With gratitude (and caffeine),
Katie
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