Venice, CA
Hi! SO sorry for the lack of posts this week – my baby sister got ENGAGED (to the most wonderful guy in Florence!) and I’ve been shooting a special holiday blog post (you may have seen on instastory) that will be going up on FRIDAY! I wanted to take a moment and share a few things I’m grateful for on here. I’m always in major reflection mode around Thanksgiving – and particularly now more than ever since it’s my first holiday season living on the West Coast. This time last year, my dad, sister and I rented an airbnb in the Hamptons. It was such a fun week, but to be honest, I was already over the cold and itching to move out of NYC. I had been unhappy in the city for awhile and felt a strong desire to get back to my West Coast roots. One of the things I am most grateful for this year is the life I’ve created for myself in LA. It already feels like home and everything just feels so right… Without further ado!
- My home in LA
I could go on and on about all of the things I love about LA; the fresh food, the weather, the beach, outdoor workouts, hikes, the friendly people, the laid-back lifestyle, great shopping, fun restaurants, my home, all of the different neighborhoods… While I do miss things about NYC such as the culture, the energy, my go-to local spots, and friends – my lifestyle in LA is just so much more relaxing and healthy. - My puppy Charlie
I rescued Charlie; a dachsund terrier from the Vanderpump Dog Foundation about 6 months ago and let me tell you – he has completely changed my life. He rescued me. I started to get lonely living and working alone and he brings such light and joy into my home! He is the sweetest, most cuddly, playful boy and we have so much fun going on mini adventures. Animals are incredible creatures. They truly understand you and become so in tune with your emotions – it’s crazy. - Meditation
I’ve been meditating for exactly 2 years now and can’t believe how much it has helped me stay grounded, calm, focused, and true to myself. I do TM and took this class in NYC which is also offered online for those of you interested! - My health
1 week after I moved to LA, I got into a terrible car accident that almost left me paralyzed. I am SO lucky given the circumstances and thank God everyday that I am ok. I had to wear a neck brace for 5 weeks and was in physical therapy for months. I never mentioned or talked about the accident on here because I was in shock and dealing with it privately. There were many silver linings from the accident. It made me truly appreciate my body and my health, I found amazing health supplements that even today I´m still taking. The accident helped me visualize what I ultimately want to do with my career – and that is to eventually become a consultant and pour my expertise back into fellow female entrepreneurs and start ups! - Being open to love
Those of you who have been following me since Day 1 know I was in a serious relationship for almost 8 years. It ended suddenly 3 years ago and left me completely devastated and heartbroken. I only recently got over that heartbreak and became open and ready for the possibility of love again. It’s scary trusting and being vulnerable around someone new, but so worth it for that special bond and connection. - New friends
I feel so grateful to have connected with such loving, kind, warm women here in LA. I’ve been able to re-connect with friends from high school and college, and also make new friends through work, friends of friends, my yoga studio, and my neighborhood. I meet people all the time walking Charlie which is one of my favorite things about having a dog and living in Venice! Louise and I are going to be doing a fun “How to Make Friends in a New City” post so stay tuned for that. -
Father/daughter bonding time
When I moved out of my NYC apartment, my Venice beach house wasn’t ready yet so I moved home to Arizona for a month and lived with my dad. I hadn’t lived with my dad as an adult – it had been since senior year of high school, and I hadn’t really spent long extended periods of time with him between work, college, brief holiday weekends, etc. so that month of father/daughter time I had was priceless. We played tennis, hiked, watched a zillion movies, grilled, and really got to know one another on a different level. - Sharing my story as an entrepreneur and owning my success
This past month I had the opportunity to share my life story and entrepreneurial journey to 3 different high profile audiences. These speeches were different from past public speaking engagements I’ve done (like the Simply Stylist and Create Cultivate conferences) because I was the only one on stage and I was truly just speaking from my heart. It was emotional (in a good way) writing these speeches and thinking back on all of my struggles and triumphs over the years. I’ve come a loooooong way since being 22, living in NYC, and eating 99 cent pizza slices for dinner every night HA! I built this blog and my business from nothing – and continue to use every ounce of creativity, determination, and passion I have to pour into it. I am so proud of how far I’ve come and will no longer be bashful or embarrassed about my success. I think it’s so important as women, that we lift each other up and are happy for each other’s success! - Embracing my introverted side
In my line of work there is never a shortage of events, parties, and dinners to attend. I’ve mentioned it before, but I am half introverted and half extroverted. Over the years, I’ve developed less and less of a tolerance for schmoozing and BS. In the past, I’ve felt the pressure or need to be “on” or “see and be seen” and I honestly can’t stand that anymore. As a homebody, I’d much rather be cuddled up on my couch with Charlie watching Stranger Things or having a few close girlfriends over for wine and take out. I now honor and embrace my introverted side versus trying to hide it. Life is too short! My goal is to live as authentically as possible. - Aiming for more balance and being open to change
I read a book this year that deeply impacted me and I highly recommend it. It’s called Eastern Body Western Mind and is all about the chakra system and basically describes why we are the way we are. It goes in depth about different personality traits, family dynamics, what good and bad relationships look like – and left me with several “a-ha” moments. Overall, it made me realize I need to make more time for self-love activities, family, friendships, relationships and work on living in the NOW. This is not going to be an easy task (I am a bit of a workaholic, constantly striving, planning ahead, and over achieving! hello older child, type a, perfectionist!) but it’s crucial and important.
I want to know – what’s something you’re grateful for and what is something you hope to improve/grow/or learn this year? Leave me a comment below and sign up for my newsletter for a chance to win a $1000 Nordstrom gift card. I’ll announce the winner on Friday – just in time for the Black Friday sales!!!! Good luck :)
Signed up! Happy Thanksgiving! Xo
Nice post dear :)
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Love this post so much and thank you for being so vulnerable with us. You are a strong and inspiration woman!
Ob wow 😳 I’m thankful for God watching over you such a horrible car accident that almost left you paralyzed, but walked away still with such a high spirit of life, love life even more and still inspired others as if that horrible day never happened… that is truly something to be thankful for! 😇👍🏼👏🏼♥️😘
Happy Thanksgiving beautiful Kat! ♥️👍🏼
🍂🍃LA BIJOUX BELLA 🍂🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Lovely post. I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and am glad you’re on the mend.
I’m thankful for many things in my life, but this year I’m most thankful for my mom. She is my best friend, and I’m always thankful for her, but last year, my stepdad was diagnosed with a resurgence of the cancer he had beaten years ago. He lived only six months past the date of the original diagnosis. During that time my mom stoically cared for him, and when he died, she could hardly talk or leave her boise. Four days after the funeral, she found out some difficult information that he had hidden from us the entire time. It was one trauma after the other, and for the first few months she just slept and stayed at home. Now, a year later, she’s completely redone her house and filled it with lots of bright things she loves, she’s gone back to work, helps out in her community, and is renewed as only someone who overcomes this kind of trauma can be. I’ve never seen her like this. I think she was irrevocably changed by the week of my stepdad’s death, funeral, and finding out what she found out right after. But my experience with her this past year, watching her fall to the darkest depths and come out the other side lighter, happier, better, has made me realize that human beings are amazing. We are strong even when we think we’re not, and have infinite capacity to be happy again after the even the worst horror. I’m so grateful for her presence in my life, and that she’s come out the other end of her grief. She inspires me every single day, more so now than ever before.
Love this Kat! I have been a full time stay at home mom for the past 6 years and am thankful and grateful to have the option to do this. I have 3 boys under the age of ten and although it can get crazy, I feel really lucky to be able to spend this time with them. This year my last baby will be approaching 5 and I will be dusting off the old resume to think about going back to work. The thought is scary, uncertain and there is a small part of me that is feeling that ‘mom’ guilt. I love your comment about self love and that is something I am constantly trying to work on. I am hoping to be better version of me because I know that will only make me a better mom. Hope you, Charlie and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I loved reading your post today about the things you are grateful for and enjoyed hearing how you’ve found more balance in your life since moving to LA. I am grateful for my husband, my fur babies, family, job, my faith, and food.. I am so thankful for the joy of eating good food. lol! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for sharing so much in this post. I especially liked your comments on being an introvert, and embracing it … as an introvert myself,I feel I often try to be make myself be more outgoing – I love the idea of just accepting it and being comfortable with it. I am thankful to be able to look forward to the year ahead with being full of potential.
Im Very blessed and thankful for being 9 month pregnant! I waited for it 6 years!❤️
I am really grateful that I got to know the Law of attraction 10 years ago.It has changed my life in so many good ways. Being grateful and believe that I can become whatever I choose to be. Now I am so grateful for my life, my family, my house, everything …
Thanks for the great post!! This is going to bless someone.
So many things to be thankful for! How did I miss that you moved to LA?? Looks incredible! Happy Thanksgiving <3
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Loved reading this post. Thank you for sharing.
I’m grateful for the obvious; family, friends, health. I’m also grateful for new opportunities, and the chance to experience new journeys!
I hope to improve “me” this coming year. Focusing more on my health, my happiness, my success will not only benefit me, but the ones I love and share my everyday with.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for opening up in this post! There is definitely a lot to be thankful for. I am so sorry to hear that you were in a terrible accident and recovery was a little rough. I hope you are in a much better place. Sometimes tragedies have silver linings. That’s how I see it with my health diagnosis. Thanks so much for always inspiring!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I am grateful for my family, friends and my job. I am also grateful for finding you and enjoy reading all your blogs. You inspire me to find my groove back which at times is difficult for this mother of two.
I hope to learn more about eating well and finding more time to myself. Thank you Kat for helping me with that journey.
Thankful for a job that gives me growth and opportunities and I am looking forward in working on me in 2018. Emotionally, physically, mentally. I need me time and after 33 years on this Earth, it’s about time I do me!
Kat, you are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing with us. I’m so glad that you are recovering from your car accident. Happy Thanksgiving!
Love this post! I’m thankful for my health, family and close friends. I agree it’s so important to take time and reflect on this (and I need to do it more often!) Hope you have a great Thanksgiving xx
Signed up! I am also very grateful to finally be ready for love again! Just like you I was with someone for a very long time and thought the heartbreak would never go away. But I am finally happy again and open to new people! Have a great thanksgiving!
What a wonderful post! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Love your blog! Been reading for about three years now and have gotten so many great oufit tips! Julie Vos is my favorite jewelry design, thanks to you!
Hi Kat,
I love your post! I think its a great idea to write down and reflect on what to give thanks for and really embrace the holiday! On thanksgiving day my family has a tradition of going around the table and discussing what we are most thankful for. It is a great way to bond with family, brings up great conversation and creates wonderful memories! I love following your blog. Have a very wonderful thanksgiving with your family!
XO, Ashley
Love this and your style and home! 😊
This is the best post you’ve done in a while because its so genuine! thanks for sharing :) love the pictures and the content is so relatable
Love this post Kat!!! I’m always thankful for my health and close friends and family. There is nothing like surrounding yourself with people that truly love you and understand you. Quality over quantity is my motto!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love this a lot – your blog is inspiring!
I am grateful for the inner strength and independence I have cultivated over the last couple of years. I am grateful for the job that I have which allows me to save for my future goals. I am grateful for the book you recommended which I am buying on amazon now!
Love this post Kat!
Love your post! Off late I have been struggling with a lot of low self confidence and the fact that I’m introvert ain’t helping either… it’s comforting to see someone else go through that journey. Also since your move to west coast, I do see a renewed energy in your posts and I love it!!!
Happy thanksgiving!
Love your blog <3
I’m so incredibly thankful for my health and well being. As a health care worker we see how quickly Life can come to a halt….i love your blog and IG. Thanks for all the great posts and tips on life!
Jessica
Signed up!
Very inspiring to read about your resilience through your accident & breakup! I recently got a puppy too and completely agree that they change your life in every way possible 💖
Hi Kat,reading your blog made me realized that we have to be thankful for everything. Thank you for sharing this to us. I’m thankful to God for the gift of family. I have learned to appreciate more and value what family is all about. I’m 2 years married and have a son who I loved so much. Having a family changed my life. I’m happy and thankful for it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Lovely post as always! I am grateful for my family, health, and love. For my husband who always encourages me to follow my dreams and give life my best. Thanks so much for doing this giveaway!
I always look forward to reading your posts and your positive outlook.
This was truly an inspiring post! I’m so thankful for my family. And for my strength of character as well as my faith in God the higher power. Amen!
Such a humble reflective post! Love it! This year I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and I am so thankful for my health and body. I am on the path to recovery but it just made me realize that I need to live more in the NOW. I have two kids that I am obsessed with and I think I owe it to them (and myself) to be the best mother I can be :)
Kat, thank you for sharing about your accident, recovery and journey towards renewal. I suffered a fall on a NYC bus in 2010, while recovering from ankle surgery and wound up having back surgery and a very long journey thru chronic pain. I’m on the other side of it now and similarly found that going thru the trauma opened doors to me that I didn’t know existed. Thank you for being real and honest. I’m grateful for hearing about others’ recovery and spiritual journey. And I love Nordstrom!
I’ve been following you for a while on instagram ! Reading this blog post was super nice felt like I know you little bit more ! Hope 2018 is the year you find love :)
Signed up! Happy Thanksgiving!
I an grateful for having the determination to finish what I started and for not giving up when in doubt :)
Thanks for sharing your story
Signed up! Grateful for my husband and family, and may be moving to the West coast as well this next year!
Love this! I’m thankful for my husband, my family, my health, my job and my pets! Pretty much all I need in life! ;) Happy Thanksgiving!!
Loved reading your blog post! I’m grateful for my fiancé, family, friends, career, and good health! I am also trying to work on staying more present in the moment especially with planning an upcoming wedding. I just bought the book you recommended and I️ can’t wait to read it! Happy Thanksgiving!
Lovely post! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday/time of year because we can just take a step back and really think about what we’re grateful for! I also just moved to LA from NYC and am thinking the same thing about living a healthier lifestyle without the pressures of NYC, even though I miss it everyday.
Thanks for sharing your meditation routine- something i’d love to try! xo
I am so thankful to be expecting a baby next year!! My husband and I have been on an emotional journey – coping with unexplained Infertility for 4 years. We have prayed and prayed to be blessed with a baby. This year, we deciddd to do IVF, and we are so happy to now be 12 weeks pregnant with a sweet baby girl. We see the true meaning of thankful this year and feel so grateful for this blessing!! Xo –
Anna
Thank you for sharing Kat! I’ve been following for a few years and have loved that you’re so down to earth.
I am thankful for healthy relationships. I too ended a not so good relationship and it is definitely hard to trust and be vulnerable. totally agree.
I am extremely grateful for my amazing family and I hope this coming year I find the strength and commitment to pursue my dreams. Thank you for inspiring me to live a beautiful and creative life!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for sharing your vulnerabilities :) I usually don’t think about what I’m grateful for but your question is a good prompt for some self reflection.
I’m so grateful for my bff whom I met over 10 years ago in HS. She’s been a constant in the ever changing parts of my life – relationships, jobs, and move across country. A constant is so rare nowadays when there’s always something/someone more different and interesting. I’m glad to have this friend by me for life! Cheers to good friends! Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m so sorry to hear that you got into a car accident, Kat. My family and I got into one, too, 7 years ago on a freeway in San Francisco and it traumatized me from driving and I only got over the anxiety and my panic attacks that came with driving, in 2015. I’m happy to see that you are in a much better place now! I’m grateful for way too many things in my life, but right now, I am most grateful for the fact that just 3 days ago, after a long wait and much planning, was able to finally move to LA and now I’m so much closer to where I want to be in my career and life in general. (So I’m really looking forward to your How To Make Friends In A New City blog post because I could definitely use that read!) But overall, this move to LA means so much to me because 3 days ago, I also moved in with my fiancé, whom I’ve been with in a long distance relationship for over 4 years now, and now we finally get to close that gap and really build our lives together. We both got new amazing job opportunities in this city, which we’ve been really planning and striving for for a while now, but the timing could not have been more perfect for both of us. I wish you love and light, and so many more things to be grateful for in the years ahead, Kat. ♥️ always, A
Thanks for sharing! Such a great list and so happy for you :)
Loved this!!! I’m so thankful for my family, friends, and good health as well :)
Happy thanksgiving!!!
I loved reading this post!! And so happy for you that you are loving LA and your new home. I am So grateful this year for a healthy body and for the blessing i have to be a mother to two little ones while growing another one inside me. It really is an incredible thing what our bodies are capable of. Life can be crazy but when it all comes down to it family and your friendships with others are all that matters and for that i am so grateful for mine.
Thanks for the chance to enter this giveaway!
Xo Chelsey
So grateful for my career as a jazz saxophonist and my healthy family and puppy !
Love your blog and Love this post even more! So many things to be thankful for 🙌🏾
Thank you for sharing! I love reflecting on the positive this time of year. It’s far too easy to obsess over all the little things we want to improve instead of being grateful for the blessings – big and small – that surround us every day. I’m grateful for my incredible family, hilarious yet caring boyfriend and my sobriety. Happy Thanksgiving, Kat! 🦃
This has to be one of my fave posts from you. You’re one of the first few bloggers that I started to follow and have been such an inspiration and a wonderful source for advice through the years. Thanks Kat! 💓☺
Great post! Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your story. Excited to check that book out.
I’ve been following you for a couple of years and love your blog. There were so many thing I didn’t know about you in your post and loved reading all of them. You are such a girl boss and an inspiration. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to have gone through that accident after moving to LA, but everything happens for a reason. Thankfully you’re in a better place and I am truly happy to hear you’re doing well and doing what make you happy. <3 I am going to check out your meditation link and book. I've been looking for more ways to be authentic and in the present moment, which is what I am also thankful for. Being able to just be here every day is a gift and to be able to share what I can with others is what I am grateful for. (If you have a moment, would mean the world if you could check out my blog: sweetasfiction.com )
Have a wonderful thanksgiving! xoxo
Sweet as Fiction xx
http://www.sweetasfiction.com
I love this post! It’s always so refreshing to hear someone talk about the things they are grateful for. Thank you for being you, Kat. You are inspiring! Have a wonderful Holiday season!
Sometimes life throws us curveballs that don’t seem to make much sense but in retrospect it strengthens our very core. I am thankful for the gift of life itself, for my little boy who has had 3 open heart surgeries, for my amazing husband and a job I don’t hate. Happy thanksgiving! 🍁🍽🦃
I love your blog and so appreciate your reflective ness and mindfulness. It’s something I’m working on too! Happy holidays lady!
I love your posts— how real they are and open and honest. I think I must be half introvert and half extrovert as well! The desire to be around people and in the happening spots are always equally as enticing as a night in, with my fiancé on the couch. I have moved a lot in the last ten years and am thankful this year to have finally settled into what will be our home state. ❤️
Love!!! I just moved from NYC to LA and I’m so happy I made the choice!!! Continue to be successful and following your dreams. You’re your own inspiration ❤️❤️
I too am grateful for my health! And that of my loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am grateful for my health and my family’s as well. I’m a pediatric nurse, seeing families struggle with health issues makes me truly appreciate my own health. I hope to improve my attitude this year and be more grateful💕.
I am thankful the most for my family, by far I think that this is the biggest blessing in my life. Also, woman like yourself, every time I read a blog post I feel like I learn something, get a breake from everyday mom things etc. and one think I really want to work on is be even more thankful.
Thank you for always being so open with us!!! You give off the best energy always– so inspiring. I feel like you have the best year ahead of you ! Happy Thanksgiving xo
Followed your blog since the beginning, love it more everyday! Happy Thanksgiving! Xx
I’m so glad I got to read this beautiful post, getting the book right now 😊thank you. And I’m thankful for my faith, that continuous hope and believe that is still with me after all that has happened, and my family and friends 💕
Happy Thanksgiving Kat!
Love this!! Happy thanksgiving!
What a beautiful post! This year I’m grateful for my fiancé becoming my husband. We had celebrated our incredibly special wedding outside of Florence in September and that weekend, celebrating what’s most important in life, inspired me to be more grateful for the good in my life and spend less time concerned with the bad. I’m trying to take care of my emotional and mental health more now, thinking of looking for a new job with Jess stress, and want to improve my relationships with both of our sisters. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Kat! I’m thankful for the opportunity i had this year of travelling and living on my own for the first time. Although this has thrown me out of my comfort zone countless times, i got to experience the kindness of strangers and the beauty of this world. I’m still learning how to be at ease with being alone and I’ve still got the holidays to get over with, but this adventure has made me appreciate my family, friends and even my college back at home, and all the opportunities they have given me, so much more. This year I want to focus on finding my calling and on getting a job that’ll make feel happy to wake up and get ready every morning. Happy thanksgiving to you and Charlie xx
Kat! It’s so nice to learn more about you. Thank you for sharing more of your personal side. I love your insta account and now that I’ve subscribed to your newsletter i look forward to your updates. Happy thanksgiving!
Romina
Love reading your blog and following along on social. You’re authenticity is what makes you stand out! I’m thankful and grateful to be celebrating 27 years of life today!
As a fellow NY transplant living in the westside of LA, I can relate to so much of this post! Love your work and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yes to all of this! I relate so hard to learning to let go of being type A
Love these!
Thank you for sharing! I’ve been following you for awhile, so I’m glad to see a more personal side.
I’m thankful for my new home I get to share with my boyfriend and little puppy (who I think would love playing with Charlie :))
Kat, I love reading the blogs! Happy Thanksgiving!🍁🍂
Looking forward to reading your newsletter!!
I am so thankful for my family! I want to meditate more in the coming year. I am not focused or centered at all and I want to make that a priority.
Loved this post! It definitely inspired me to take stock of how far I’ve come and what I’m most thankful for this year. Also can’t wait to check out that book you mentioned. Happy thanksgiving!
I am so thankful for my family- I know I am lucky when I say that they are three of my best friends :) I am also grateful for all of the ah-ha moments I have had over the last year, which was a really transformative year for me, full of lots of change. Those ah-ha moment allow us to understand fully that all things happen for a reason, and that life happens FOR us, not TO us. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season!
I’m thankful everyday for my family & friends 😀
My New Years resolution is to slow down and enjoy the little things and not take them for granted.
I am very grateful for my family. I moved to New York state from California in 2013 and at the time was craving independence. It took me till now to realize that independence doesn’t mean ignoring the people that got you to where you are. My family is awesome! I now live in New York City and have found that independence while embracing them. They’re here visiting me for the holidays and I’m just so grateful that they were supportive of my move and gave me the space I needed without ever giving up on me. And this thanksgiving we’re spending it together for the first time with my boyfriend who moved here from Sweden to be with me. So so so grateful for him and his sacrifice. It’s easy to forget but I have a lot to be thankful for.
Signed up! Thank you!
I’m thankful for my friends and family as they’ve supported me through the most difficult year of my life going through a divorce. They have built me up to feel strong and beautiful again. My goal is to continue my journey of self love and growth and spend quality time with the ones I cherish.
Love this post! ❤️ I also left NYC and moved to Asia ( 4 years ago) for almost the same reason. I’m glad things are getting better for you and yes, to your health! Keep doing what your doing. Love following your posts on IG.
Great post Kat! I am thankful for so many things but two healthy children is at the top of my list this year. In our crazy world, with every ailment out there, I can’t believe how rare it seems to have two healthy children blessed to me. ❤️❤️❤️
Great post happy thanks giving!
Thanks for being so authentic with this post! It is obvious how much you have grown to be comfortable in your own skin with this west coast move. Congrats on living your best life and thank you for inspiring others to do the same!!
Happy thanksgiving!
signed up! have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I am so thankful for my loving and supportive family and friends. They make all of life’s challenges worth it!
I appreciate how open & honest you were with this post and through the highs and lows there’s always a way to spin towards the positive. I too was in a horrific car accident 6 years ago where the tow-truck guy thought for sure the driver had died and said his apologies to my significant other. I should have been badly injured, not able to walk, but in the end … I was ok. But that moment changed everything for me and I now live the present, go after my dreams with reckless abandonment and don’t have time for any of the BS. I hear ya girl and good for you for coming out ok too!
Hi Kat, It’s so good to hear about all the things you’re grateful for and all of your success as well. I loved your Dad story, and congratulations to your sister and her fiancé. One of the things I am grateful for is my husband. We recently got married he is my biggest supporter. Just having someone to push me to be a better person and to achieve my goals every day means the world to me. He is one of kind and I hope you find your true love one day as well. You will know when it’s meant to be. This year I hope to learn to live a healthier lifestyle. Both my husband and I struggle to eat healthy and exercise on a daily basis. I always try to push us to be healthier and it’s one of the reasons I love your blog so much. I love reading yours posts on health related items including skincare. It’s good to know when a product actually works and you recommend it. Best wishes to you and keep kicking ass. You deserve so many great things in life. Happy Holidays xoxo
I’m thankful for my parents!
Love seeing everything you are thankful for and for the reminder to keep those things in mind this holiday season ❤️
Kat, this whole post had me teary eyed (thanks post partum hormones?!) It has been so fun following your blog from the very beginning and seeing all of the success that has come to you! The west coast is happy to have you back, and it looks good on you! Still hoping that Tyler and I can find a chance to get together with you either in Scottsdale or Cali soon, Olive needs to meet you! Obviously she is our greatest blessing and has brought a whole new meaning to life and the word thankful. Sending love, Heather
Aw Heather! So good to hear from you. Thank you so much <3 I will be back home in December and would absolutely love to see you and sweet baby Olive!!!! So happy for you honey. XOXO
The health of my mom who was battling breast cancer at this time last year!
Great post, thanks for sharing! I’m grateful for both the opportunities and challenges in my life but more importantly the people who are beside me for BOTH. Looking to stop and take more time for those around me this year, it’s often something taken for granted (guilty!).
Thank you for sharing this post and I’m so glad to hear that you recovered from that terrible accident.
What I’m grateful for us is that despite some health struggles the past few years, I am alive and slowly thriving. It’s been and is a hard road to be on, but I always try to find joy in the simplest everyday things. I’m grateful that I have a loving and supportive husband who has been my rock through this personal catastrophe, a good core of friends who I know are always there for me, but last and certainly not the least…my furkids. They have been my saving grace through it all. My source of joy every single day.
What I’m hoping for the new year is to continue to work on becoming a better version of myself. To stop neglecting myself and to not be afraid to put myself out there. I know how it feels like to be an introvert as well. I’ve learned to embrace and celebrate it.
Such a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Kat thank you for opening up and sharing so much about your life and your struggles. It lets others know that perfection is an illusion and we can only be the best we can be. I love seeing little Charlie in your posts and that you’re happy in LA! Looking forward to seeing your consulting business take off!
Xoxo, laura
Ps- I’m already a subscriber ;)
Thanks Kat for this wonderful post. I am grateful, that I had the Chance to spend so much time with my beloved dog before she had to go over the rainbow-bridge ❤️ Will never forget her!
You are so wonderful and delightful! Thank you for sharing!! This year has been a lot of change for me as well and with change comes loads of stress. I wouldn’t change anything from this year though! I’m going to continue with being mindful and take it one day at a time. Happy Thanksgiving!
This is so inspiring, thank you for sharing!
I’m thankful for your blog and Instagram to entertain me alll the time! My husband makes fun of me because every time he looks at me, I’m watching your insta-story. Lol! Happy Thanksgiving!
Nice Post Kat! Your post is beautifully written and it sends the most uplifting message encouraging us to focus on self love and not letting fear keep one from being open to change!
Happy thanksgiving 🍁
Such a beautiful post Kat! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I signed up a while ago and look forward to your weekly newsletter.
Thank you for sharing! It was a really uplifting post to read as we head into this holiday weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am eternally grateful to God for the simple fact that I am alive and breathing. Many people do not have this opportunity, as they may be lying in a hospital bed or with a terminal illness- but I am healthy and alive. I am thankful for my family and my dear husband who supports me and pushrd mr to keep going with my dreams and goals.
Great post! Just signed up :) Happy Thanksgiving!
I love how honest and authentic you are in this post. I’m so happy to hear that you have adopted your dog, I adopted mine 3 years ago and she is my first dog and I can’t imagine my life without her. It’s so crazy how sensitive they can be to your emotion! when I was going through chemo this summer, she never left my side while feeling so sick and spending so much time on the couch. This year has been the hardest year of my life yet I have never been more grateful in my life.Started out in January when I was diagnosed with breast cancer on my 33rd birthday. I am so grateful that I am alive (finished with chemo, surgery, and radiation last week!) and have the great group of friends supporting me, couldn’t get through this without them. Being away from home (I’m from Japan) and moving constantly (my hubby is in the military) is not always easy lifestyle but I am so grateful for what I have in my life. I am most looking forward to your business advise related post as a successful entrepreneur. One thing I realized after getting through this is life is too short so I need to start doing something that I feel passionate about. so I am starting online dog boutique :) Thank you for sharing your life on insta and here. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m so thankful to be able to celebrate another Thanksgiving! I lost my best friend to ovarian cancer last month and honestly didn’t want to even think about celebrating anything. I then realized that she would want me to celebrate life with my family. As the quote says “Be thankful for what you have. You don’t have to have much to have everything.” My beautiful family is my everything and I plan to joyously celebrate Thanksgiving with everything I have and love on them with all my heart.
Signed up! Great post!
Hi Kat!
I just moved to Arizona!! I’m super grateful this year for having the confidence and strength it took to move away from Chicago (where I’ve spent my entire life) and on to a new side of the country. Where from AZ are you from? I am in the Scottsdale area, I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now.
I just recently started following you (sometime around when you moved into the new place) and you’ve quickly become one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing your experiences and style tips constantly! Love it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Aw congrats on your move! I am from Scottsdale/Arcadia :) Enjoy the beautiful AZ weather!!!! XO
Thankful for my pup as well! 🐶
And hoping to work on being more present in the future.
Thanks for the post!
Wow I had no idea all the things going on in your life. I’ve been following you on IG for a few years now but am glad to hear more about your personal life and the thoughts/emotions/human experiences behind your brand. I was also in a car accident on Halloween and my 2 year old was in the car. I’m recovering well but it’s been such an eye opener on realizing things that are and aren’t important. So with that, I’m grateful for my family’s health. In the coming months I want to evaluate my own thoughts and remove my own barriers to being my best self. Love and light to you. -Amanda
congrats to your baby sister! Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving!
The holidays have not been not so great after my dad passed away a few years ago. I’m so thankful to have my dog! Especially when I see people gathering with loved ones olthrpugj social media, I tend to feel down. That’s one thing I need to work on is to not care about what everyone else has and to focus more on me.
Hi Kat,
Thanks for this post! I’ve been a bit of a Scrooge lately, but this post really made me think about how I have so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful for my good health, a steady job (although not a dream one), and family and friends, as well as their health. I’m also thankful for your mini tours of Venice and your home. I’ve told you before I wish I could live in LA, but until then I’ll just live vicariously through you. Lol. Thanks for the book recommendation too! Happy Holidays!!!
Reading this post made me tear up Kat. It’s amazing to hear how far you’ve come and I truly appreciate you sharing your life story through your blog. I’ve never met you in person, someday I hope I do, and I’m so happy for you. Charlie is the cutest and you can just see and feel how much joy and happiness he brings to you.
One thing I’m hoping to learn this year is to slow things down…personally and professionally. I’m such a workaholic in all aspects of my life, I wish to become more reader and grounded. I started Pilates and I love it but I think I’m going to try to incorporate meditation. You’ve encouraged me to pursue it!
XoXo
Sladja
One of the things I’m most grateful for is being able to be surrounded by my family and friends who love and support me unconditionally. I’m also grateful for my husband, whose love for me has no boundaries and who I supported me in everything that I want to do in life.
Kat! I’m so thankful we are all here on the West Coast in sunny California and that this year has been so transformational for you! I’m glad to hear you’re loving LA life!
In all honesty,I’m incredibly grateful that I have moved to California and get to see Justin every morning and night and we get to enjoy everyday together instead of doing long distance. I hope that this upcoming year Justin and I can learn to work less and not let work stress us out so much so we can enjoy life together more and hopefully go on a fun international trip together finally!
Hope you, Charlie, and your family have a great thanksgiving and hope to see you again soon!
thankful for all I have, but most of all – my fam.
Thanks for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve been signed up for your newsletter for many years, I used to always hope to run into you when you were living in the West village!! Love your blog!
Grateful for my family and hoping for more patience with myself this next year!
Hi Kat. Wonderful post. So sorry to hear about your car accident. Glad you found a silver lining. I believe “we grow through what we go through.” This past year has been very challenging and I am so grateful for my health and my family. I honestly don’t know how I could have survived without them. This upcoming year, I too want to focus on balance and being open to change. Thanks for the inspiration. God bless.
Love all of your posts! You are an inspiration! Happy Thanksgiving!
One thing I am grateful for is that I married my best friend this year! Our wedding was everything we hoped for and it was wonderful to be surrounded by all our family and friends. One thing that I want to improve this year (I’ve been trying to do this for a while but it’s a slow process!) is having more patience with people – especially coworkers – and slowing down to appreciate the little things in everyday life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for my friends and family who encourage me to hold my breath and take a chance. My goals in the coming year are to continue to take these risks because even if they don’t work out, I’ve never regretted trying. It sounds tired but it’s the truest thing I’ve ever known- you don’t regret what you do, you regret what you never try.
Grateful for your honesty and openness in this beautiful posting. Have a lovely Thanksgiving!
Loved this post!
I am very very grateful for my health! I would like to improve my fear of failure. There are so many things I want to do but I let negative thoughts stop me. But lately I realized that my fear of not trying so much greater than failing. 2018 will be epic!
I am so grateful for getting married to my husband and I am so eager to learn how to continually work on balancing life’s many responsibilities.
I’m so thankful for my husband and sons (8&10) who support me so readily. I’ve been less fulfilled with my job for a few years, and the wonderful men in my life have been willing to uproot and move down the coast so I can find happiness in my career. In the upcoming year I want to re-establish my own peace so I can be better and more whole for them! Thanks for such an inspiring post!
Hi Kat! I am grateful for my friends and family and like you, I am a bit of a workaholic and really need to strike a better work life balance. I love reading your wellness series for tips on this!
Kat! I am just so touched to read this post. I am a long-time reader and have always loved and trusted your style and product recommendations, but I have never felt so connected and humbled by you until reading this post. Thank you for opening up with your community and sharing your vulnerabilities. I am so sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you were able to quickly recover. Sending love and thanks for discovering your incredible blog/app.
Thankful for a chance to go back home and see my brothers and sisters whom I havent seen in 7 years! That was one of the sweetest reunion!
Happy thanksgiving!
Thank you for sharing, Kat! You are such an inspiration and I love your authenticity. I am so thankful for my husband, our home, and the life we are building together in a Austin. I hope to pursue God’s plan for my life to be able to pursue my passions and help others, and to see my blog grow in the years to come!
I loved reading this post! I like hearing you open up more as I have been following almost since the beginning and love knowing more about you. You inspire me to reach for the stars and never settle for what someone else thinks I’m worth. Thank you!
I want to work on making the most of my “me time” and not wasting it on unhealthy things.
I am learning how to be more forgiving. I am grateful for the book A Course in Miracles. I highly recommend it!
I’m thankful for so many things this year! But the top of the list is my boyfriend and being able to live with him. He makes me laugh every day and really does love me unconditionally and it’s the most amazing feeling. I feel so lucky to have him and see him every day!
I’m grateful for my health and my moms health. I’m grateful because my relationship with my mom has gotten closer this year. Next year l want learn to meditate and do yoga more.
I am so very thankful for my emotional stability. As I have matured I have noticed many people battling mental illness and lack of awareness of their illness is alarming and sad. I am glad I am well mentally and physically!!
Hi Kat!
There are many things that I am grateful for in my life. But, as I turned 30 and reflect on my past and look forward to my future, i’d have to give recognition to my mom, for shaping me into the person I am today.She came to the US with my grandmother at the age of 16 with just the clothes on their backs, building their lives slowly, as house cleaners. My mom sacrificed a lot for my sister and I to build us a solid life, giving us everything she could afford. Her hard work has never gone unnoticed as she continues pushing down boundaries presently working for our family.
….fast forward to today,I reflect on myself as I took on the role of a mother to now, two ten year olds. It wasn’t easy as my children were 4 years old when we came into each other’s lives. But, I knew I couldn’t give up, as they desperately seeked a mother figure in their lives and I, always dreamed of being a mom. I knew that being in their lives would mean, I would have to give up the idea of having my own children. But, the idea of giving up on them, NEVER crossed my mind. I am proud to work for every penny, just. For. Them. And couldn’t help but to say THANK YOU to my mom for building my sister and I, a life from the ground up. Being present at every important event of our lives even after a 12 hour shift. Most importantly, showing us unconditional love. As I move forward in the year, I will focus my growth to being present in the moment, not taking anything for granted and truly taking into practice what I preach.
…and thank you, Kat. For this time of reflection.
Liz
Beautiful post!!….I am so grateful for my amazing family and friends. I had a rough year dealing with some health issues, but I have had so much support from my beautiful family and friends. This year I plan on taking better care of myself, and being modest, knowing my limitations & knowing it’s ok to say “no” once in a while.
Love your page!!
So inspiring!! You have come so far, and it’s been amazing to watch over the years.
I love this post! It’s so important to look back and reflect, and I love how honest you are. I’m so grateful for my family and my job! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking forward to your newsletters.
Gratitude is something I’ve been trying to practice. I went through a very traumatic divorce after 10 year relationship. My ex was arrested a year ago thanksgiving for domestic battery. Without a daily reminders of all the things I am grateful for, I don’t know how I’d get through the holidays. Thanks for your blog.
Nothing is more healing than living an authentic life. Great post!
I’m always thankful for my family. They are the most important thing in the world to me because they made me who I am. Not only are they my family, but they are also my best friends. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving, Kat! I’m a new subscriber to your blog, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of your blogs. Enjoy the holiday!
Thanks so much for being so open in this post. The glamour of the life you lead shines through on instagram, but I have so much more respect and admiration for you after reading about your doubts feels and insecurities too! So many relatable points. So glad you’re okay!! Happy Thanksgiving!! 🦃
I am so so so thankful for the life that I get to be living right now! The past year has been a super tough one but I’m thankful for god and his amazing grace!
Signed up!
Wonderful style, refreshing honesty and great posts. Thank you for sharing! I am most grateful for my health and the fact that I have a loving family to share my life with. My goal for the next year is to stop sweating the small stuff and focus on what is actually important!
Kat, I’m so glad you recovered from the car accident earlier this year. That must have been very scary. I’m sure all your readers agree that we are so glad you are ok, and that you’ve seen such a beautiful silver lining. You’ll make a great consultant! I’m sure so many young women will benefit from having you speak into their lives.
This year I am so thankful for my two little kittens, and how they are turning my big city apartment into a home. I didn’t realize how much loving a pet brings into your life. Their playfulness and energy are such a joy to come home to! For 2018, I want to create space in my life to give back. There are some great nonprofits in my city, and I am excited to choose one and start volunteering!
I am already signed up for your newsletter, I always love opening up my email and seeing a new one from you!
Love this post! Your authenticity is so refreshing! xo
Grateful – I am very grateful for the relationship that I have with my mother. She is not only my mother, but also my best friend.
Improve: I want to be less fearful/apprehensive when it comes to taking chances or encountering change. At times, life can be stagnant yet there is a sense of comfort in it. Reading your story of taking that leap from one coast to the other is inspiring.
Love this post! I’m most thankful for my new baby and that everyone in my life is healthy! Also signed up for the newsletter!
Thank you, Kat! Happy Thanksgiving and congratulations to your lil sis!
After nearly a decade of teaching, I decided to take a break from the classroom. I spent two months in Europe, now I’m back in the states, preparing to move cross-country. I’m grateful for the courage to take such a huge leap.
I am grateful for many things but a few things that I’m extremely grateful for is a loving husband and daughter and being able to start a business of my own this year.
Hi Kat – i appreciate your honesty in this post. you are such an amazing lady! would love to hear you speak sometime :)
Signed up!! Happy Thanksgiving Kat!!
Great post!!
I’m already a subscriber! Hope it’s not too late to be included in the give away. I think is my favorite of all your posts. I’m thankful that you shared it. ;-)
Thank you for opening up and sharing what you are thankful, Kat. It takes a lot of vulnerability to put yourself out there, and so I thank you for that.
I am most thankful for my friends and loved ones and knowing that they are happy and healthy. This year has brought some very real health scares to people I love, and so being able to be around them and hug them a little tighter means the world to me.
Glad to receive your emails, bon weekend!
As a breast cancer survivor I am grateful for every birthday I get and every holiday or special occasion I get to celebrate with the people I love. Wishing you the best always!
This was the most real post I’ve read on a blog in a while. I love your honesty with what you’ve gone through to build your business. And how you’ve struggled to trust again after lost love. We all have those seasons, but I find a lot of time bloggers want to paint that their lives are all rosy, and everything is about fashion. I love fashion, but reading something that’s more down-to-earth is refreshing. I live in L.A. and, ironically, really miss my home – NYC. I may make your journey in reverse.But I’m grateful, nevertheless, for the friends and the love I have in my life. Blessings, beautiful lady.
Loved this post – i can so tell that you have been so much happier in LA. Happy to have been able to follow you for years to see the great evolution.
xo,
Lourdes
https://plsdotell.com/2017/11/24/weekend-getaway-stone-ridge-ny/
The contest and news and clothes are all really wonderful but I just want to say that I’m so sorry about your terrible accident and am so relieved that you are okay. That’s the most important thing of all.
Kat, thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your life with us. #4 shocked me! Just goes to show you never know what truly goes on behind the scenes. I’m so glad your ok and are able to continue to do what you love and share your talent with us.
This year I’m most Thankful for my daughter. She will be 4 months on the 29th. My labor and delivery was quite traumatic and I️ wasn’t sure if she was going to be ok. Hearing her scream after my emergency c-section gave me life! I️ was so relieved and Thankful to God for a healthy baby. It hasn’t been easy adjusting to motherhood but seeing her thrive and happy makes it all worth it.
I️ have begun to practice being present and enjoying life’s moments. I️ don’t use technology nearly as much as I️ used to and I️ practice giving others my undivided attention when being spoken to. Active LISTENING even when I’m not interested. I️ hope to work on this more in 2018!
I’m so glad to hear your move was wonderful. Truly sounds life changing.
Look forward to your post about making friends in a new city. Even if you’ve lived somewhere your whole life, making new friends is wonderful. I’ve lived in la my whole life and am always looking for ways to make new friends. I think I pushes us to grow
[…] did a post about gratitude this week, but I thought Kat’s post was particularly […]
Thank you so much for sharing your life! So sorry to hear about the accident. Also sorry to hear about your relationship. I too was in an 8 year relationship that had many obstacles and it was indeed truly painful and I’m still getting over it. I think you are an amazing person and even better things will surly come your way!
White shirt and blue jeans is an outfit that works everywhere! Love this sweet blouse with a V-neck and high-rise ripped jeans in blue color. Perfect look for everyday wear.
Irina ||
WOW! You look awesome and I love the chicness of your style. I am pretty sure to copy your look! I plan to document my style when my blog re-opens soon.
[…] an adult in general – and I really wanted to delve into this topic today. I’ll be including personal stories and scenarios that worked for me and things I’ve learned along the […]