coffee date no. 21

Hello, hello friends! You know the drill… grab a cup of coffee and get cozy. I have a lot of life to fill you in on, so it’s high time for another coffee date!

If this is your first time visiting a Coffee Date post, let me fill you in on why they’re a little different from the run-of-the-mill around here. Posting outfit inspiration is so much fun, but what I really love is connecting with and getting real with y’all. So that’s why every once in a while, I take a day to fill you in on all of the updates in my personal life!

You’ll find a roundup of my blog Instagrams, a (usually longwinded) update on what I’ve been up to as of late, and a few personal photos. So let’s get started, shall we?

sweater // white jeans // coffee mug // cactus

pink pjs (sold out, similar here)

patagonia jacket

scarf // coat // jeans // boots // sweater

gold earrings // pink shirt

gold earrings // pink shirt // white jeans // coffee mug // cactus

t shirt // leggings // nike tennis shoes

nike tennis shoes

bow sports bra // leggings

gold earrings // sweater // jeans // shoes

dress // shoes

gold earrings // sweater // jeans // shoes // cactus

pink yeti // boots // jeans // camo shirt (similar linked)

jumpsuit // gold earrings

pink dress // belt // boots // gold earrings

suede skirt // boots // shirt // earrings // longhorn head

pink vans

turquoise hoops // turquoise chocker // turquoise necklace // turquoise ring // lip color (merry rose) // t shirt

bow sweater // glasses // jeans // ginger jars

one piece swimsuit (available in black here)

white top // pink vans // jeans // gold earrings

light pink sports bra // pink leggings (only available in Dallas store, similar linked)

swimsuit // jean shorts (old, similar linked) // gold earrings // cactus

mom’s sweater (old Anthropologie) // my top (sold out, similar linked) // shoes (chanel, similar linked) // jeans // crossbody (sold out, similar linked)

sweater // earrings // cactus

dress (sold out // clutch // shoes // earrings

sweater // skirt // clutch

dress (also in pink) // shoes

In thinking through this recent “season” I’m filling you in on today (basically, life since my latest Coffee Date post in November) there’s one word that really stands out… NEW. So much “newness” has taken place over these past 3ish months, friends, and that has been such a good, fun, happy thing! Let me fill you in on some of the specifics…

NEW APARTMENT

Those of you who have been following along on Instagram know that towards the beginning of January, I made the move to a new apartment! Here’s the backstory:

After graduating from the University of Texas, I moved in with my parents in order to give the “full time blogging” thing a shot. I spent a wonderful year there (which I loved, I’d move back in right now if I didn’t need more space haha) I decided it was time for a place of my own!

That took me to my very first apartment, a cozy one bedroom with white walls and a view of the pool and the cutest neighbor across the hall. (Hey, Emily!) I absolutely loved it. It’s where I really learned independence, figured out the “adulting” thing (somewhat, not totally there yet), and made countless memories. (If you’re curious, you can see how I decorated it here, here and here.)

But over the following year and a half, that apartment started turning into a big office, and I found it impossible to separate work from normal life. Imagine shipping boxes piled up all around your living room, photography equipment lining every wall of your bedroom… there wasn’t any place to rest and truly disconnect from work.

It wasn’t just a “clutter” problem, it really started affecting me personally. I would get so overwhelmed at the amount of “stuff” everywhere and really lamented not having a place for everything. I wasn’t nearly as efficient as I wanted to be work-wise, because I would have to spend so much time looking for things, cleaning and arranging spaces, etc. Towards Christmas time, I really was feeling down about work and knew I wasn’t doing the best job I could because of the space I was in.

And then it hit me… I needed more room! Goodness, that sounds so simple to type out, but the really realization came on slowly. And right as it did, the Lord put the perfect place in my path. A darling two-bedroom townhome right in my same apartment complex!

It was an intimidating decision to take on higher rent and move all of my belongings after getting so comfortable in my first apartment, but y’all, the leap of faith has been so worth it. My new place allows me the room to separate work from “real life,” and that balance has been so healthy, inspiring and enjoyable!

I’m so close to finishing the decor, and can’t wait to share a full reveal with y’all soon.

NEW PUPPY

Before you get too excited, let me clarify… my parents technically got a new puppy. In my mind, though, that means he’s mine as well! :) Y’all… meet ERNIE! The most precious little miniature schnauzer you have EVER seen in your life. After losing our sweet Rufus before Christmas, our hearts have been so healed having this new addition to the family around! Ernie loves to jump, yawn, climb under my parent’s coffee table and is the most relaxed doggie you’ve ever seen. (You can literally do anything with him, he just hangs out and loves being with you!) I’ve been waiting to share him with y’all in this post… get a load of this cuteness!

NEW RELATIONSHIP

This is one update that I’ve hinted at over the past few weeks (Did you catch it in this update? Skip to 13:10), and am so excited to finally spill about here with y’all! This past fall, someone stepped into the picture, and it has been SO fun.

Friends, meet Andrew! Fun fact… we went to the same high school (he’s a year older and we had zero clue who each other was) and reconnected at a big dinner our mutual friends put together a few months back. It was one of those hit-it-off-right-away kinda things, and after about a month of going on dates we made it “official.”

This all happened during a season in which I wasn’t really seeking anything new, and was one of those pinch-me things that happened so fast. You know how people say it happens when you least expect it? That’s exactly how it was for us! (If any of y’all are George Straight fans, it really makes me think of the song “Blue Clear Sky.”:)

Here are a few fun facts to get you acquainted with the boy… name is Andrew // one grade & two years older // loves hunting, fishing, football and all of those guy things (which, as you can probably guess, has resulted in quite the learning curve for me) // in his fourth year of med school // randomly has the best Cuban accent I’ve ever heard // Baylor bear // deathly afraid of birds // worked at the same summer camp I did (Kanakuk) // is the most fun wedding date (his dance moves, y’all)

Up until the new year he was living in Dallas doing interviews for residency, but is now back in San Antonio to finish out his last semester. Can we all take a moment to laugh at my long distance streak? I will say, now that I know what it’s like dating in the same city (haha!) I get why people really don’t like long distance. But we’ve decided to proactively love every season of dating instead of wishing things away, and are definitely making the most out of this one!

There are about a million and one other things I want to blab about him, but I figure I’ll share more with time! Hopefully, this gives you a pretty good introduction. If any of you can think of a nickname to refer to him as on the blog, I’m all ears! ;)

  

NEW MINDSET

With this season consisting of a new year, a new relationship and a new apartment, I’ve settled into a new mindset as well that has been incredibly life-giving for me. It looks like this…

I’m going to work my very hardest at all that I can.

Ok, so that’s not profound. That’s something I’ve always done. But here’s where the “new” comes into this mindset.

When I work my very hardest and still come up short, or feel like I’m not good enough in a certain area, or fail at something I try really hard at, I’ve started making the mental decision to hand myself grace. I’ve stopped beating myself up for not making it to spin class on a crazy day. I’ve stopped beating myself up for not growing my following on Instagram as fast as others. (How silly is that?! But something I really have to work at contentment with.) I’ve stopped beating myself up for past mistakes when something triggers my memory of them.

If I claim that God’s grace is sufficient for me, it’s sufficient for all areas of my life. And let me tell you… taking ahold of that grace has brought a peace and contentment and happiness into my life that no amount of striving, doing or achieving ever has.

So, friends, maybe you’re in a season of lots of happy new things. Maybe you’re in a season of lots of hard new things. Or maybe you’re in a season of monotony, feeling overwhelmed and uninspired, craving something new to come into your life. Wherever you find yourself today, remember that nothing stays the same forever. The bad things. The good things. They all change with time.

My encouragement to you today, and something I’m trying to practice myself, is to take hold of whatever season you’re in and live it out in light of the fact that everything changes. Savor and appreciate the good things in your life knowing they may not be forever things. Persevere through the hard things in your life knowing they, too, won’t last forever. Above all, take ahold of the glorious gift of grace God has given you if you believe Jesus is your Savior. His grace is sufficient in the sparkly new, in the humdrum monotony, and in every single season.

Love from Texas,

Kate

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32 Comments

  1. Vicki McCormack said:

    love you, Kate!!! Thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragement. So fun to see you at the wedding this past weekend and had such fun sitting with your awesome mom and dad and catching up. :)

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  2. Olga said:

    You seem so happy Kate and that makes me happy! These kind of posts are my favorite. I’m with you on the new mindset :) I always tell myself to just “do my best.”

    Olga
    http://www.littlethingsolga.com

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  3. Allie said:

    Amen. Congratulations on this wonderful and exciting new time in your life, xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  4. Annaliese said:

    I always enjoy your coffee date updates, Kate! So happy that this season is filled with so much joy and exciting new things for you!

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  5. Becca Daniels said:

    Needed these words today KP! So encouraged by you friend!

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  6. Ashley said:

    Best of luck dating in residency! My boyfriend and I did it and while it was hard at times, it’s incredibly rewarding to see them graduate and become an attending. Also – your words about taking hold of whatever season you’re in really resonated with me. I always love your coffee dates Kate! XX

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  7. Lauren said:

    EVERY SINGLE TIME I read one of your coffee dates (even when I’m months late), it relates to something in my life I’m really struggling with. It’s like you’re saying exactly what I need to hear and it gives me such a strong feeling of calm and hope to read those words. Your wisdom goes so much further than you can imagine and is so appreciated!

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  8. Kendall said:

    Hi Kate! I’ve been reading your blog practically since you started. I remember the first post I read was about a pair of glittery Target sandals from 2013 and I’ve been reading ever since! It’s been so crazy to watch your blog grow and mature, especially since we’re about the same age. I follow a lot of blogs but yours is the only one I read every day and actually look forward to seeing your posts. You seem so sweet and genuine and I adore everything about your page! This is the first time I’ve ever commented on any of your posts but I just wanted to share how much I appreciate your blog, especially posts like these!

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  9. KD said:

    I loved reading this (and every) coffee date post. Your happiness is contagious and I love what you said about enjoying the season you’re in now instead of wishing it away. Cheers!

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  10. Alyssa O. said:

    Kate! So exciting! My husband is a Med student, so I am very familiar with that life! I about jumped out of my seat when I read your guy is a Med student too :) love love love this post. Coffee dates are my favorite!

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  11. Meaghan said:

    Love the encouragement and how many new fun things are happening in your life!! Your updates always bring a smile to my face. I’ve always called my Baylor man “bear” … which has stuck for almost ten years- eek! Maybe Dr. Bear for your mister :)

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  12. Megan said:

    Maybe his nickname can be “McDreamy” since he’s in Med School! Ha! Happy for you :) and that puppy is adorable!! Schnauzers are the best.

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  13. Natalie said:

    You must be so proud to be dating a guy who murders animals for fun! Hope someone who so mercilessly kills animals is never my doctor. What a sick human being.

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
    • Kindness for Kate said:

      Kate and Andrew are amazing people, so please don’t judge either of them off of one blog post. Andrew may hunt for fun, but you comment nasty things on a beautiful person’s blog in your spare time. So, what does that say about you? Next time you type nasty words about someone you don’t know, maybe you should think twice.

      Published 2.13.18 · Reply
      • Natalie said:

        I have ZERO respect for anyone who shoots animals “for fun.” I think it’s ironic that he wants to save lives while simultaneously take them away via guns.

        Published 2.20.18 · Reply
  14. Elle said:

    Oh Kate how I love your coffee dates! I’m so so happy that you moved into a brand new apartment and are in an exciting and fun relationship! You deserve so much happiness and thanks for being so open with us, we love learning more about you. Also with the negative comments (ahem below) never let that stuff bother you! Keep doing what you are doing my friend! xo elle

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  15. Haley said:

    Yay! So much fun excitement for you. Maybe he should be called “The Doc.” ☺️

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  16. Meredith Ellis said:

    Hi Kate!! You might want to talk to your tax person about this, but pretty sure you can deduct the square footage in your home that you use as an office as a business expense! That might help with your increase in rent! I know how expensive Dallas is!
    Sincerely,
    An almost CPA and fellow Dallasite,
    Meredith :)

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
    • Natalie said:

      Way to scam the system.

      Published 2.12.18 · Reply
      • Amy said:

        This is precisely what the system is for— to enable small business owners to work for themselves- a freedom we all are extremely privileged to have in America! Yourself included!

        Published 2.13.18 · Reply
      • A normal sane human. said:

        Girl. Chill.

        Published 2.13.18 · Reply
  17. Shy said:

    Just wanted to comment to say I am so happy for you! I could feel the tangible joy coming through your post. Also, I am an older reader & I loved when you said, “Wherever you find yourself today, remember that nothing stays the same forever. The bad things. The good things. They all change with time.” This is so true. It’s a timeless and ageless sentiment. You are wise beyond your years. No matter where life takes you or what other say, keep being Kate.

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  18. Ashley said:

    Love your coffee dates Kate! I’m so sad to hear about Rufus – I guess I missed that happening, but sending much love and hugs to you and your family! I hope Ernie is everything y’all could want in a puppy <3 Also, just have to add that I'm now over 6 years into my relationship and it's been long distance for 4.5 of those years…I don't even know what being in a close-by relationship is even like anymore haha!

    Published 2.12.18 · Reply
  19. Whitney said:

    I love how you talk about relying on grace to get you through the days when you feel as if you are not measuring up to your expectations. If you have not already, I highly suggest checking out Jennie Allen’s book “Nothing to Prove”. She covers this topic so beautifully and it is so freeing! https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Prove-Stop-Trying-Hard/dp/1601429614

    Published 2.13.18 · Reply
  20. Rachel Timmerman said:

    Love this post so much Kate! Your coffee date posts are my favorite and never fail to put a smile on my face and a peace in my heart. I couldn’t agree more about the beating yourself up over the silliest things (totally understand the Instagram struggle). God’s grace is such a powerful thing to anchor ourselves to. So excited for all of your new adventures :) Your apartment looks so cute! That pup is adorable and Andrew sounds like such a sweet guy. He’s got himself a sweet girl, that’s for sure! P.S. I had to lol when I read he’s deathly afraid of birds…so glad to hear of someone else who is deathly afraid besides me and my grandmother haha.

    Published 2.13.18 · Reply
    • Natalie said:

      He shoots animals to death for fun. How does that make him a “sweet” guy? That makes him a heartless dick.

      Published 2.13.18 · Reply
      • Kindness for Kate said:

        Would it pain you to say something kind about Kate? Or do you just follow her to troll her page?

        Published 2.13.18 · Reply
      • A Lonestar State of Southern said:

        Natalie,

        While I respect your opinion, language and name calling have no place here. You’re always welcome on this blog, but these sorts of comments are not.

        Published 2.14.18 · Reply
  21. Mariah said:

    I love these words of encouragement and I am so happy for you! New things are scary and very exciting. I relate to this season of new but not new by my own choices. Yet your right in the fact that all things in the Lords timing and he makes things good. I am really learning to trust in His plan over my own.

    Published 2.13.18 · Reply
  22. Rylee said:

    Kate! I loved this one! (Admittedly Coffee Dates are my favorite anyways.) But this was so sweet – thank you for sharing your life and your heart with us. I love that you and Andrew have found each other, life is funny like that.

    Published 2.14.18 · Reply
  23. Meredith said:

    Hi Kate!
    I love reading these coffee dates on your blog! I currently feel the season of monotony you talked about, waiting for something new, the next big thing. This was exactly what I needed to hear about things changing. When the next big thing rolls around, I know for a fact I will miss this one!!! Thank you for this reminder, and the reminder of God’s grace. I love the little things He does to remind us He loves us so dearly, even through reading that sentence from your blog post today, I am reminded of the Lord’s sufficient grace that overflows.
    I hope you have a wonderful week!

    Published 2.15.18 · Reply