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3 Things | Card games, heating pads, and perfume dupes

3 Things | Card games, heating pads, and perfume dupes

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I’m back with three more this week — this really is so fun. I’m pretty sure next to no one is reading this blog anymore, so it’s fun to just be writing …just to write. 

It feels a little bit like the old days of blogging — remember when Instagram was new and photos were posted in real time? Me oh my how things have changed. 

It’s been an unusual week for us, with the little two (the twins, as they have dubbed themselves) are home this week for ski week. It has not been as quiet as my days typically are, but goodness do I love hearing their laughter. They’ve had such a great week together!

Keeping this week short and sweet, as I need to pack for a weekend away in Santa Cruz. Let’s jump right in! 

 

A HEATING PAD ... or five

Guys. I can’t stop walking around with my heating pad. No, it’s not cordless, I just bring it from room to room! The irrational part of me wants to just buy one to have in each room, but even typing that I know how ridiculous that is. 

Northern California is just weird…mornings are cold, houses have no insulation… so it’s COLD when you wake up (and your mom keeps the heat off at night. It’s me. I’m the mom.) 

Sometimes I break down, and we turn the heat on to a balmy 65 degrees. But here is what happens nine days out of ten…

When the house finally gets to about 65 …I open the door and realize: it is warmer outside than it is inside! So heat goes off and all the windows open up. 

It’s really quite an exhausting (and expensive) dance. Oh well. 

Enter the heating pad. 

Want to know the other game changer? This one (my favorite from Target) has little elastic straps and the cord detaches, so you can roll it into a little heating pad sleeping bag. Here is where the game changes: 

1. Roll it up

2. Pack it in your carry on

3. Plug it in on the plane! 

Game changer. Sore back? Heating pad. Cold? Heating pad. Guys, heating pads solve so many of life’s problems. ;)  

Here are a few other that are on flash sale on amazon as well! 

 

Oil perfumery

This story is one that is far too long for a perfume find. But are you even doubting that I’ll share it? Of course I will! 

But this recommendation? I share it multiple times…a week. For months now. 

A few years ago, I was in Los Angeles with some friends, and we stopped into Byredo. I’d not heard of the brand before, but I immediately fell in love with their unique scents. Not the prices, but goodness, I love the scents!

I especially love one in particular, Biblioteque. It’s so unique, and well, me. 

I tried to buy it in their small travel size, but alas, it’s not one that they have available in a smaller size. I couldn’t stomach the larger size price!

So I went home and did what I do best: I sleuthed. What scents would I like if I love this one? Are there any scents known to be dupes of this particular scent? 

Enter Oil Perfumery. Don’t worry, I did hours of research to make sure it wasn’t a scam and ultimately: I ordered…and I’ve ordered way too many times since. 

Have you ever wanted to be that person that walks by…and as you walk by, everyone else says OMGOODNESS WHAT IS SHE WEARING. 

Yes? then this stuff is for you. It comes from France. It’s super travel-friendly. It’s an oil roll on (not had any issues with discoloring or markings on clothes, fyi). 

Warning: you will be told by others, “you smell amazing!” You might also have people…sniff you. Followed by: “what are you wearing!? that smells AMAZING.” 

I promise. Excited to hear what scents you try and love! Here is a sample pack that would be a great place to get started — it would also make a GREAT Mother’s Day gift! 

 

The Tabletop Family

We have been playing SO MANY GAMES over February break while my younger two are home on break. Some board games, but the majority of the time we’ve been obsessed with various card games and solitaire versions. 

I found this great new account called The Tabletop Family on Instagram. They have tons of reviews, card and other game tutorials — it’s great! I have a bunch of their board game recommendations flagged, so I can go back and review when we are looking for gifts!

Do check them out — we’ve been playing a ton of…. 

palace, sevens, spit, speed, clock solitaire, accordian solitaire, hand solitaire …and more. Seriously, so fun!  

They have a website too. I’ve not really explored it, but it might be a great resource for new game recommendations as well. 

SHOP MY WEEKLY THREE | THINGS I LOVE

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And there are my weekly three! I hope you have a lovely weekend — just a reminder to take one day a week to shut off the technology and look into the eyes of people around you. Go for a walk. Smell your kids’ head when they come in from playing outside. (I’m serious. DO IT. Literally my favorite smell. Well, besides Biblioteque. ;) 

In this together,

xo. k

3 Things | Card games, heating pads, and perfume dupes

3 Things Week 2 | Books, Pants, and Pelvic Floor

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Welp. This series almost ended…the week it began. Not because I didn’t recommend anything this week, but because dang… Friday comes fast! 

Thanks for all the love last week with this new weekly-ish series. The conversations and hearing from so many of you has been a blast. I really want to coordinate a hot-girl-weighted-vest-walk locally — or maybe even virtually too! — so we’ll see if I get my act together and get that pulled together. 

Happy Valentine’s Day! We are busy over here prepping for class parties in the midst of a very rainy week. Now, I know. It’s about 9 sweet degrees in the midwest. I should not be complaining about some rain. (Rain that we desperately need, I should add!) 

But here is what I didn’t realize about California and weather that isn’t our typical 60-70s with sunny. 

Our spaces are built for outdoor living. Let me explain. 

I grew up in the midwest. Winter comes and life takes on a different pace or sometimes, even almost stalls completely. (More on this observation and the impact of California lacking this at another time….)

Schools have indoor hallways, gyms, multipurpose rooms…lunch rooms! Churches have indoor space — even houses just tend to be larger in scale with basements, etc. 

California is…built different. Backpacks are hung outside. My kids eat lunch outside…every day! Interior hallways don’t exist: classrooms have doors to the outside, not hallways. It’s fascinating (to my midwest self), and it’s not something I’m totally used to. 

But all that to say: rain impacts our days pretty significantly. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. We will dive into my deep thoughts on the Bay’s lack of a slow down season at a later time…I actually would give a TED Talk on that! 

On to my 3 recommendations this week! Yes, everything you’ve read thus far has nothing to do with my recommendations this week. That’s just how my brain works: it’s a wild ride! 

Today we have books, pants, and yes, pelvic floor. 

 

The Small and the Mighty

I’ve pretty much stopped news sources outside of Sharon Says So and Mo News on Instagram. Usually when I’m brushing my teeth, I pop on and check for update from either them. 

Look, I know no one is completely objective, but I appreciate how committed both of them are to trying. Trying to provide the news with facts, history, and truth. 

One thing I love about Sharon is her ability to provide context to current events by sharing backstory and history. She truly makes history come alive. Her new book, The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement is proof of that. 

I’ve shared this book to numerous people, but over the past week, it’s come up even more. (Both her book and her being my source of news via Instagram.)

I read the hardcopy of the book, but we also listened as a family to the first half of the audiobook. Sharon reads it herself and does a brilliant job of it. 

Hardcover Copy | Audiobook 

Target pants

Guys. I remember arguing with my sister over whether Shopko or Target reigned supreme.

Want to take a guess at my store of choice? Whoops. I definitely chose wrong: does Shopko even exist? My sister saw what Target could be even before Target knew. I should have purchased stock with my allowance — although I may have chosen wrong! 

I ordered these pants on a whim when I was purchasing some Valentine’s Day supplies. Honestly, I’m not sure if they are actually trendy or cute, but they are holy grail comfortable! 

The wide leg pants have a wide waist band and the material is thin-wind-breaker meets New England seersucker. Oddest, yet best combination that I didn’t know I needed!

The joggers come in long. Honestly, that’s what piqued my interest! I got the navy, but I have a pair of the brown/rose coming too (since I just noticed they are on sale!) There are a lot more color options if you don’t need the longer option!

Female physio co.

Okay, here’s my oddball recommendation for the week. This account might be my new favorite follow…in the last year!? 

I truly don’t have a ton to say because I don’t know much about the gal in the videos, her practice or anything…but here is what I do know: 

1. I have birthed 3 children, and I need to care more about my pelvic floor

2. She makes me care and actually take time each day to do so. 

3. Her accent is just darling and it makes kegels a bit more enjoyable? 

If you are someone who should care more about your pelvic floor, go give Female Physio Co a follow — I promise you’ll see her face and/or hear her voice and get your pelvic floor exercises in for the day. 

Follow now. Thank me later. 

SHOP MY RECOMMENDATIONS

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, click here.

 

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend! I think the rain is holding off for a bit, so hopefully we’ll be outside for some adventuring this weekend. 

You know I’ll be starting my Saturday with a long hot-girl-weighted-vest-walk! 

 

In this together,

xo. k

Week 1 | 3 Things

Week 1 | 3 Things

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I’m excited for this first weekly-ish series, where I share 3 things I recommended in the past week. Read on for my rules and why I’m doing this!

*Makes a joke about blowing the dust off / learning how to blog again.* I’m baaaaack! ;) We’ll see what this looks like—thanks for being here! For the past few years, I’ve been unable to shake the idea of sharing something I do in real life (recommending things I love with the people I love) with my online community. 

Like my patterns, I’ve been roadblocked by my own fears: you’ve forgotten how to do this, you’re website needs to be redesigned, you don’t know what you’re doing anymore…don’t put yourself out there. 

So in 2025, my mantra is JUST START. 

So that is exactly what I’m doing.

This series will be a bringing together of my goals to live intentionally with the community and people around me — and my love of this online community and sharing things I love.

Each week, I’ll share up to three things I recommended during that week to friends or family. They might be items, they might not. It might be a concept or an article. It might be something shared with me! (This is where my brain spirals with fun guest features in the future!)

But if I don’t have anything to share from my in-person community from the week…then I’m going to talk about that. It’s so easy for me to (especially as a total home-body), to step into my little hermit shell and put walls up. 

This is me continuing to take steps of vulnerability, community and intentionality. 

I’d love to have you join me! Here are the 3 things I recommended this week — short and sweet!  

Weighted Vest

I’ve done it: I’m all in on the weighted vest thing. I don’t know if I’m squishing my insides or actually strengthening my core, but I’m committed for the year. I’ll let you know if my waist is magically snatched in a few months like some claim…. I’m not holding my breath.

I try to do 3-4 weighted vest walks a week, with Saturday being a long, 4-5 mile endeavor. It gets…heavy! I have a 20 lbs one, but I’d actually recommended starting with less weight and working your way up. (Or do shorter walks and work your way up that way!)

You really want to make sure your core is engaged when you wear it, which can be easier said than done! I haven’t started wearing mine around the house for everyday tasks, but I think that’ll probably be next. (You do get interesting looks when you’re out walking…I decided to receive them all as looks of, “I wish I had a weighted vest,” instead of what they are probably thinking. ha!

This is the vest I have and love. I’ve heard great things about this one too: it has variable weights and shoulder pads. When I increase my weight, I will likely try this one.

Puracy Stain Remover

I think I recommend this stain remover...weekly. It’s just that good! It uses enzymes, which I don’t really understand, but it sounds good. I’ve even had success removing stains that have gone through the dryer.  

My mom first shared this stain remover with me, and truly, it’s been a game changer. Mud and blood don’t stand a chance with this stuff. 

I’ve actually started using Puracy’s shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as well: I love them!  

Large Wooden Serving Bowls

I celebrated a somewhat significant birthday milestone last weekend, and these bowls were a gift to myself. :) 

Let me first back up a bit. I love a good salad. I mean serving a giant salad that is essentially an entire meal. If you are inviting us over for dinner, please task me with the salad. I won’t say everything in life is a competition (I jest), but salad making is a competition against myself every time. How can I one-up what I made last time? What can I do to make this salad just a smidge better? 

Challenge accepted. 

I digress, but what’s the point of a great salad if you don’t have the right vessel for it! A bowl that too deep: all the good stuff falls to the bottom! A bowl that is too small: you can’t mix it to perfection. 

These bowls from one of my absolutely favorite online stores, Quince (another thing I recommend weekly!), are hands down something I will bring to a favorite things party. Sorry for the spoiler — or invite me to your next party if you’re hoping to get your hands on these! 

I started by ordering the 17″ bowl, but when it came, I promptly returned it and bought the set of three. Don’t worry, I’ll share a photo of my next salad-making-is-a-sport-I-take-seriously with you at some point. 

 

SHOP MY RECOMMENDATIONS

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, click here.

 

And those are my three things from this week. Thanks for being here! Don’t forget to JUST START. Whatever it is you’re facing, just start. Try and maybe fail, but don’t fail to try.

In this together,

xo. k

oh hey!

oh hey!

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Well hello. 

So many things to say, not really sure where to start.  I feel as if I’m going for a run after a year long hiatus — I’ve missed it, yet it takes some a lot of motivation to get there….and to keep going!

A lot has been happening since my last post in this space ….almost three months ago.  Whoops!  After moving to a new town, moving again, reprioritizing, and really just realizing I needed to let go of some of the mental stress I had going on, I stepped away.  

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right?  

This long deep breath has been so good.  So many little changes that have amounted to a lot.  The biggest change was simply a moment to get my health – both mentally and physically – back in order and also see what I missed the most.  

I’ve taken a break from creating….almost entirely!  (Well, except for this baby zapping all my energy!) It’s been hard, but it’s been good.  I sound like a bit of a broken record, but I just needed to miss it!  I had gotten to a point where I didn’t feel like I was creatively being true to myself.  I was constantly feeling behind, due to not giving myself adequate periods of time off during packing and moving from Pittsburgh, living in a temporary apartment, and packing and moving again to our home.  I think part of that was to keep me distracted from dealing with all the change and missing so much back in Pittsburgh, so forcing myself to face everything head on has been…you guessed it: hard, but good.  

I have so many idea whirling around my head, and we have changes ahead for us as a family, and I truly have missed you all.  I’m not going to put crazy pressures on myself to create the most pin-able projects or crafts.  I’m not going to stress about perfectly formulated posts and schedules.  I want to get back to just sharing some favorites and finds.  I want to get back to opening my front door a bit and saying, hey! come see what our crazy little life is like.  

As the kids get older, I’m more and more aware of the internet space.  I’m not sure exactly what that means, so it’ll be a process, I’m sure.  

I could keep going – I mean, really! 3 months to catch up on!  But I’ll end it here, with some photos to follow, of course. 

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announced on instagram a few months ago — surprise!

Maple Sugaring Tour!

 

 

Showing me his claws. :)

“Just to show me how much he loves me.  They are even pink!”

Thanks for sticking around.  I truly have missed you all. 

kaciasignature

I recently changed web hosts, and in doing so, realized that my email was down for about a month.  I’m so sorry if you emailed and had your email message returned.  It should be up and running now — please email me again.  I’m so sorry! xo
a little ScanNCut PSA & weekend in photos

a little ScanNCut PSA & weekend in photos

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The ScanNCut2 is going to be on HSN today!  Super excited to share more of the new features of the ScanNCut2 with you–working on tutorials as I write this!–but today is a great day to get it at a good price.  My friend Julie is going to be sharing the new machine and features today on HSN.  The tentative air times are 10am and 2pm, and you can stream it live online if you don’t get the HSN channel!

We are still pulling ourselves out of long weekend land – it was full of outdoor movies, swimming, frozen yogurt, and morning cuddles.

IMG_3249 IMG_3204 IMG_2858-1

1 // break from frozen yogurt for some giggles

2 // a little project on my ScanNCut2

3 // matching pajama night! (with a Aunt TeeTee top knot, of course)

happy Tuesday!

xo
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