coffee date no. 12

Happy, happy Friday friends! Much like this past week, this past month has absolutely flown by. March? Sorry, what? How did we get here?!

I thought I’d take today to catch you up with a new Coffee Date! If you’re new to the blog, my ‘Coffee Date’ series is one that walks through my latest Instagram and life-happenings once every month or so. I love these posts because they allow me to get a little more ‘real’ with y’all than the typical posts you see here day-to-day do. So if rambling isn’t your thing, you may just want to scroll on down to the photos! :)

I must say, y’all.. I am super, wonderfully, incredibly grateful for the month of February. The end of 2015 was hard, the beginning of 2016 was a much-needed, refreshing page turn, but this past month has just been plain fun. Let’s see… what all has happened!

For starters, I embarked on my first “friend trip” to the incredible city of New Orleans! There’s a group of best friends from high school who’ve ended up here in Dallas after graduating from different colleges. We’ve been having the best time planning happy hours, brunches, kickball games and the like all together.

The crazy business of college never afforded the opportunity for both my guy and girl friends to get together for a trip… and for some reason, that’s been on my bucket list ever since! Us Dallasites finally decided it was “now or never,” and somehow managed to find an open weekend for everyone. Turns out, coordinating 8 different schedules is tricky, but we did it!

We decided that heading to New Orleans a couple weekends before Mardis Gras would be the perfect fit… we’d still get to experience the floats and festivities, but without  all of the crazy crowds! I ended up having an awful cold the entire time, but even that couldn’t put a damper on things. We had so much fun sight-seeing, eating at yummy restaurants, and even dancing through the streets with a jazz band. Absolutely surreal, and a memory I’ll cherish for a while!

Continuing on in this month of fun, I got to visit one of my oldest and best friends, Camille, in Denver! I actually wrote all about that trip here, so if you’d like to hear more about it I’d encourage you to check that out. In summary…. it was an incredible weekend spent almost entirely outdoors in God’s beautiful creation with a much-missed friend. What’s not to love?

Not only has the past month and a half been filled with travel, it’s been filled with birthdays as well! My sister, Steele, celebrated her birthday in January, and my cute mama celebrated hers just last weekend. Both were so much fun, since the whole family got together to celebrate! The older I get, the more I’ve started to really, really cherish those rare times together. *so sappy, Kate*

In terms of day-to-day life, I’ve literally gotten back in the saddle and have started horseback riding again! English riding was a hobby I trained in for years and years growing up, but neglected upon entering college. I can’t begin to explain the joy this has brought into my life now that I’ve picked it back up. Just having something to look forward to all week has been so fun! I ride on Tuesday mornings for about an hour, with a couple hours on each side of my lesson to groom/graze/bathe my horse. (SO fun.) The stables I ride at are about thirty miles south of Dallas, and being out in the open, away from the city has done wonders to clear my head.

Not much to complain about here, y’all. I’m thankful the Lord has blessed me with such a fun “breather” of a month! All in all, there are a few simple themes I’ve taken away from this season that I want to share with y’all.

1. TAKE THE TRIP

I know, I know… it seems too complicated, too expensive, and almost like too much work to even justify the payoff. But y’all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my (not intense) travels as of late, it’s that they’re one of the very best uses of time and money! Especially, especially if you go on them with people you love. Be the trailblazer and round up your friends for a quick weekend getaway, or book a ticket to see the childhood friend you haven’t caught up with in years. You absolutely will NOT regret it!

2. IT’S OK TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE

I am a firm believer that the most fulfilling life to live is one defined by serving others. There is immense joy to be found in that! But there is also a time and a place for resting, enjoying life and rediscovering what it is you love to do. I’m not talking about spending 30 minutes scrolling through Facebook… I’m talking about finding an activity to invest yourself in, to grow yourself in, and to have fun in! Take a second to think through what that could look like for you, if nothing in the world was holding you back…

3. THERE IS A SEASON FOR EVERYTHING

One of my favorite artists, Peter Bradley Adams, said it best… “There’s a lesson in the rain, that change will always come.” I love the image he paints… that the storm never lasts forever. It changes, and with that changes comes the blue skies and the warm weather and even the occasional rainbow you thought you’d never see again. When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s easy to buy the lie that it’s going to stay that way forever. While it sounds melodramatic typed out, that’s certainly how I felt a few months ago, and I’m positive I’m not the only one to have experienced this at one point or another. But just like every literal rain storm you’ve ever seen ends, so do hard times. If that’s you right now, hang in there. The story found in Matthew 14 always encourages me. Jesus is with you in the storm, even when you’re tempted to think He’s sleeping through it.

He’s looking after you right this very moment. Promise, sister. :)

Now onto the photos! Below, you’ll find my latest Instagrams over on my Insta acount, @LonestarSouthern. Use the links below to shop each photo if something catches your eye.

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WARBY PARKER GLASSES

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MAXI VEST   |   WHITE BUTTON DOWN   |   JEANS   |   BAG   |   GOLD BRACELET   |   TURQUOISE BRACELET   |   BOOTIES

RU1

SHIRT

RU2

TURQUOISE BRACELET   |   GOLD BRACELET   |   MAXI VEST   |   WHITE TEE   |   JEANS    |   BOOTIES

RU3

GREEN JACKET   |   HUNTER RAIN BOOTS   |   STRIPED SHIRT   |   WHITE JEANS   |   PURSE   |   EARRINGS

RU4

SUNGLASSES (sold out)   |   PEARL STUDS   |   SWIM TOP (old, similar linked)

RU5

PURSE   |   HOOP EARRINGS   |   SUNGLASSES (Forever21 in stores)   |   HEELS (old, similar linked)

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LAKE PAJAMA PANTS (so comfy!)

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LILAC SCARF   |   JEANS   |   SWEATER (size L)  |   BAG   |   FLATS (Chanel, similar linked)

RU7

GREEN JACKET   |   JEANS   |   STRIPED TOP   |   CONVERSE   |   BAG

RU8

MINT JEANS   |   BOOTIES   |   WHITE TEE   |   COLOR BLOCK SCARF   |   BAG   |   GOLD BRACEELET

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BAG   |   SKIRT   |   WEDGES   |   SUNNIES   |   HOOP EARRINGS

RU6

GLASSES   |   SWEATER (size L)   |   JEANS   |   PEARL STUDS    |   CHERRY BLOSSOM lipstick + SCANDAL gloss

RU10

MINT JEANS   |   BOW FLATS   |   BLUSH TOTE   |   SWEATER (size L)  |   PEARL STUDS

RU11

HAPPY CAMPER SWEATSHIRT   |   CHERRY BLOSSOM lipstick + SCANDAL gloss

RU12

PLAID CAPE (sold out)   |   WHITE TEE   |   WHITE JEANS   |   BLACK BOOTIES   |   BLACK BAG   |   GOLD BRACELET    |   PEARL STUDS

RU13

PINK SCALLOP BOTTOMS   |   PINK SCALLOP ONE PIECE

RU14

STRIPED SWEATER (J.Crew similar here)   |   WHITE JEANS   |   HUNTER BOOTS   |   BAG

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FLORAL EARRINGS   |   CALF HAIR CLUTCH

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WATCH   |   PEARL STUDS

RU15

CIRCLE SUNGLASSES   |   RODAN & FIELDS SUNLESS TANNER   |   BOW BIKINI TOP (sold out)  |   SCALLOP BOTTOMS 

RU17

TURQUOISE SWEATER   |   WHITE JEANS   |   FLATS (Chanel, similar linked)   |   BAG   |   WATCH   |   GOLD BRACELET

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TASSEL BAG   |   PINK SWEATER   |   DESTROYED JEANS   |   GOLD BRACELET    |   FLATS (Chanel, similar linked)

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SHIRT   |   VEST   |   CLUTCH   |   JEANS   |   WEDGES   |   NECKALCE   |   BRACELETS    |   HOOP EARRINGS

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LEOPARD PUMPS (old, exact similar linked)   |   BLUSH TOP

RU18

MONOGRAMMED JACK ROGER SANDALS

RU19

PINK HUNTER BOOTS

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(riding apparel from Dover Saddlery + LuluLemon jacket)

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VEST    |   WHITE TOP   |   LEGGINGS   |   BOOTS   |   TOTE   |   SUNNIES   

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BOW WEDGES    |   SCALLOP SKIRT   |   GINGHAM BUTTON DOWN

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TASSEL COVER UP (use code BIGEVENT16 for up to 25% off!)

RU20

GLASSES   |   SWEATER (size L)   |   PEARL STUDS   |   JEANS   |   UGG SLIPPERS   |   CHERRY BLOSSOM lipstick +   SCANDAL gloss

RU21

TASSEL BAG

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(riding apparel)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I have some fun plans for tonight… :)… and then a relaxing couple of days ahead!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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15 Comments

  1. monika said:

    Love your poncho!

    Love,
    http://www.thestyleventure.com

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  2. I absolutely love that you incorporate God into your blog! It’s a refreshing change from the norm. Could you possibly do a post about how you and your mom made your bed skirt and pillows? They are beautiful!

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  3. Sara Kate said:

    Aww it sounds like you’re doing amazing! I love that you’re getting to travel so much.

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  4. Aubrey said:

    I’m obsessed with that Rebecca Minkoff purse!

    xx. The Coastal Confidence
    http://the-coastalconfidence.com

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  5. I am glad you had fun for the last couple of months. My start with 2016 wasn’t that pleasnt because I had the worest exams of my life, but as soon as the exams ended I remembered the good things which starts with that I started my own blog, reached 20 years old. I am healthy, alive and with the greatest family ever.
    Also I am currently saving for travels, but have no idea where to go. Got any advises?

    PS love all of your pictures.

    http://dressmecasual.blogspot.com.eg/

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  6. You’re coffee dates are always such a fun post to read! I love the combination of life and fashion! Plus, I am now obsessed with pink scalloped swimsuits after seeing that photo! Amazing! Have a lovely weekend!

    Jordan: The Teacup of Style
    IG: teacupofstyle

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  7. Rachel M said:

    Love this post, Kate! I’m totally swooning over your white jeans (I have the same ones in black!) and totally need to get myself a pair of them ASAP. Hope you have a great weekend!

    XO, Rachel
    http://www.seashellsandsparkles.com

    Published 3.4.16 · Reply
  8. Elsie said:

    Kate, thank you so much for the message in today’s post. The past few months for me have been a tough season in my life and hearing those words from someone my age else makes me feel not so alone in the journey. You are such an encourager and I hope you know that your words speak volumes of your heart. And you have a great sense in fashion too :) Wishing you the best!

    Published 3.5.16 · Reply
  9. Katie said:

    I always love your Coffee Date posts, Kate! Your Instagrams are always so gorgeous!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

    Published 3.6.16 · Reply
  10. what a joyful post! I felt happier and caught myself smiling while reading the words and looking at your photos. Have fun! xoxo http://summerme.com

    Published 3.7.16 · Reply
  11. I’m so glad you’re getting the opportunity to take up riding again! I’m blessed to have six horses of my own, and I still don’t always find the time to just take a ride and get away!

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

    Published 3.7.16 · Reply
  12. I love reading more about who you are as a person! These are some cute outfits and cute stories.

    Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com

    Published 3.7.16 · Reply