You don't need the whole staircase
I thought I would kick off February by announcing my word of the year, prepared and full of enthusiasm, fun resolutions, and a fresh outlook.
Instead, everything feels… heavy.
And honestly? It is heavy. Friends are scared for their safety, and it’s hard not to feel like so much around us is broken. How are we supposed to move through our regular days pretending everything is fine? Sure, I’ll go to the store for yet another bag of grapes and oranges, log into my 9–5, and then somehow digest a teaspoon of the numerous awful things happening in this country?
So if you’re like me and need a little extra grace, care, and rest right now, please take it.
And if you do have the capacity to help in some way - through cooking, sharing something beautiful, donating, calling your representative, or volunteering - those small acts matter more than we realize. I’ve shared a few ideas below.
Inside My Studio
My word for 2026 is momentum, and somehow it feels perfectly suited for this moment. Not momentum as in rushing or hustling, but the kind that keeps us moving forward, slowly building toward something bigger.
Like this newsletter. Who would have thought I’d be more than 40 letters in, a year later?
Another example: when one of my longtime creative inspirations announced she was starting a new podcast, I remember thinking how intimidating it must feel to begin at episode one when others seem so far ahead.
And yet, she started. She kept going. And now, she’s someone we all see as deeply established simply a year later. Right alongside those that seemed way ahead when she first started.
That’s the thing about momentum. You don’t see it while you’re building it.
So if there’s something you want to pursue - creatively or otherwise - this is your permission slip to start small.
Don’t worry about the entire staircase. Just take the next step.
This year, I plan to keep creating. Maybe watercolor pattern collections. Maybe a new line of prints. I don’t have it all mapped out yet but I’m still here, still making.
As a small reminder: one print in my shop always donates 100% of proceeds to a charitable cause. For February, proceeds are going towards Second Harvest Heartland in MN.
What I’m Cooking
Cooking has felt… blah lately.
Between the weight of the world, one of our cars dying (YouTube tutorials can help you buy a car as a woman without getting ripped off - confirmed), another cold snap that had this Texan flashing back to 2021’s pipe-bursting freeze, and an out-of-town conference… cooking just hasn’t been top priority.
So here are my go-to meals for when I don’t feel like cooking:
- Chicken and dumplings – I keep stock frozen, some chopped frozen chicken on hand, and can usually scrounge up a carrot, celery, and onion.
- Turkey sandwiches – elite if you made giardiniera when you had the energy months ago.
- Cottage cheese pizza – still undefeated.
- Girl dinner – boxed mac and cheese + Caesar salad kit + a glass of something bubbly.
And when cooking for someone feels easier than cooking for yourself:
Food is care. Even when it’s simple.
What’s Inspiring Me
Remember when I mentioned finding a very cute felt chain craft?
Well, I committed. I bought a yard each of pink and red felt, more tiny glue sticks, and Christmas-clearance glitter glue that shockingly works perfectly for Valentine’s Day (there are hearts in the clear glitter, it’s fate).
I cut 2” x 7” strips, which honestly took foreverrrrrr. I’d put on Housewives after Bonnie went to bed and just cut, cut, cut.
Gluing went much faster. Here’s a progress shot:
Not pictured: the bag of licorice that got me through a very-last-minute gluing party. My Galentine’s day was the next day and I refused to not finish this!
If you need something repetitive, low-stakes, and oddly soothing, this is your sign. Bonus points if you throw on this playlist and let your brain rest.
Oh, I also stumbled upon this craft and while I’m not out walking around with a baguette on the daily, it’s so cute and would be a great sewing learning exercise. Maybe it becomes a sardine pillow for Bonnie’s room?
What I’m Reading
I’m about halfway through Annabel Monaghan’s latest book and really enjoying it. It’s sitting around a 4/5 for me: very charming, very escapist, and full of references to The Notebook (including that kiss), which I will always support.
Most of all, I hope you’re taking care of yourself.
— Katie
P.S. A spring seconds sale is coming up! Those on the email list will have exclusive first access. Sneak peaks coming soon.
