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Kisses + Caffeine

Sharing my journey as a mother, wife, homemaker, Jesus girl, entrepreneur and all things in between!

Archives for June 2020

Comforting Gifts for Loved Ones Going Through Miscarriage and Child Loss

June 23, 2020      Leave a Comment

Losing a baby is hard. It is something that unfortunately, so many go through, and there really isn’t any way around it but to just grieve through it. (I’ve been there myself, and with my ministry I talk to so many women who are in that place, too!). 

When someone you love has lost a baby, it can be hard to know exactly what to do to help. I wrote this post to help with what to say, but if you are like me, gift giving is my love language. I absolutely love to send something tangible. And while “things” can’t erase the pain, having something to hold (or lift your spirits) can go a long way to making things a little easier! My sister gifted me a beautiful necklace after our loss and it was one of the most meaningful things anyone has ever given me!

I have rounded up a list of things that I love to gift, just in case you need some ideas for how to help your loved one, too! (Click the pink links to go to the item!)

The Loved Baby Devotional

This one is so beautiful! It contains great words of healing, to help work through the pain and refocus their heart. It is super well made and a great gift!

Jeremiah 29:11 Journal

This verse is so comforting, especially in a season of loss. It may not feel like it in that moment, but God has a plan for every painful thing! With a blank inside, this is great because it can be used as a prayer journal, bible study journal, or just a space to mentally dump burdens onto paper! 

The Miscarriage Journal for Mothers

This is one that I just recently discovered, but will definitely use all the time! Not only is it a beautiful gift for a friend (or yourself), but it is far from a basic journal. It has areas to write to the baby (this was super healing for me!) and add any other memories that you want to cherish. It also has worksheets for emotional support and grief to help work through special or difficult days (like the due date), gratitude prompts, and devotional prompts. It really is a beautifully thought out journal!

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa TerKeurst

If you know me (or read me often) you know I love me some Lysa T. She hits the nail on the head with this one, for so many different reasons. She really helps refocus the heart on what to do when God’s timing and purpose seems doubtful. It’s a great book for anyone to read!

From Father to Father

It is so easy in our hurry to care for the mom, to forget about dad and his heart, too! This beautifully written collection of letters brings some solidarity and comfort to the guys. Make sure you don’t forget them!

God Gave Us Heaven

This book is so sweet for families that have other children. Many times, parents choose not to tell their kids about a loss. But often, especially in later term losses, the conversation has to be had. This precious book helps to explain the complexity of the topic to little minds in a way that is very healing!

My Story Isn’t Over Yet Ring

I have to admit, when I first saw the price of this one, I wasn’t sure about it. But once I got it in hand, I am SOLD! This ring is so beautiful, and could be given to anyone going through something hard. It has the words “My Story Isn’t Over Yet” inscribed on the inside of the ring, which is an awesome reminder of hope through the hard. This one is especially sweet if she has been trying to conceive for a long time. It comes in a beautiful gift box with a silver cloth, and is perfectly dainty and sweet!

A Mother and Child’s Love Necklace

Another one I am sorry I ever doubted! This is a beautiful piece, packaged so nicely with a silver cloth, too! It is a more subtle way to honor a child (in that someone looking at it wouldn’t know specifically what it was for) and is really neat gift for those who don’t want to be public about their loss. It can also just be a sweet mother and child gift, with a gorgeous crystal in the center! 

“I carried you” Miscarriage Cuff Bracelet

This one quote was my favorite after my loss. It is a beautiful reminder of the love that I gave my baby and will continue to give until I take my last breath! So of course when I saw this bracelet, I loved it! It is a great quality, and again, the inscription is tucked privately on the inside, just in case they don’t want to tell the world!

“A Piece of my Heart is in Heaven” Ornament

This little ornament is so beautiful and makes a sweet gift! They may tuck it away for the tree, so that their little one can be with them at Christmas time, but many choose to display it! I have seen these on book shelves and even hung in memorial gardens. Such a special way to honor loss of any loved one!

Her Favorite Snacks!

Ok so what woman doesn’t love a little chocolate when she’s feeling down? Picking out a snack or two to include in their gift is a fun way to just bring a smile! (If you don’t know it, that’s ok! I love to gift Ferero Rocher because they are pretty!) 

Self Care Items

Sometimes just taking a minute to relax and care for themselves is just what the doctor ordered! I absolutely LOVE Tree Hut products! Some Nail Polish, a bath bomb…you get the idea! A few minutes of relaxation can go a long way!

Willow Tree Angel of Remembrance

Last but not least by any means! This is such a beautiful gift for anyone! I love the simple charm of a Willow tree, and it can serve as a beautiful memorial piece. The perfect gift if you truly don’t know what else to give, and you can give it to anyone grieving a loss!

I hope this list is helpful! I know it can be so hard to know what to do when you see someone that you care about hurting. Like I said, I have gifted each of these items multiple times and they have all been received with extremely thankful (and emotional) hearts! You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas!

June 17, 2020      Leave a Comment

Father’s Day 2020 is almost here! If you’re like me, your husband has done so much through this quarantine and deserves to be spoiled a little bit! My hubs got his gift early this year, but if you are running a little behind, I’ve rounded up a few finds for you! Most of these are Prime shipping eligible, so you should have them by the weekend! If they aren’t, they are worth the wait!

36″ Blackstone Griddle

This is what Michael got! We have cooked on it so much in the three weeks that we have had it. Worth every cent! Amazon has the fancy one with the cutting board, etc in stock. Or you can grab the basic with hard lid at Walmart right now! 

Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mats(6-pack)!

These are Prime eligible with great reviews! Get them by Friday! And if you click the link above, you can get them 50% off today! (Promo will apply automatically at checkout!)

Mens Slim RFID Genuine Leather Front Pocket Bifold Wallets!

These are also Prime eligible with great reviews! Get them by Friday, just in time for Father’s Day! Click the pink link above for 50% off! (Promo will apply automatically at checkout!)

Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler,  on sale 38% off!!

Cuisinart 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, on sale for $12.99!!

I love a good burger! These look AMAZING! Grab one to go with those grills. 😉 

The Weber 44070001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill is on sale $100 off today!

Maybe gas grilling is more your dad style?! This is a GREAT grill! It may arrive a little late, but he will love it!

Solid Wood Cornhole Sets (Easy to customize!)

All dads like Cornhole right?! This is an awesome set, and super easy to customize!

Coleman 100-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler with Wheels

This is an awesome cooler! And it’s on sale 40% off!

The JBL Charge 4 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This is an awesome speaker, and it is on sale $50 off today!! The best dad gift!

Apple Watch Series 5 

Grab one for Dad, $100 off today!! 

Tile mate key finders

For all of those lost keys!

Crescent 170 Pc. General Purpose Tool Sets

Handy man?? Grab him this awesome set of tools, 37% off today!

CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (6 gallon)

On sale 21% off today!!

Guided Dad Journal

Last but not least (except if we are talking price!!). These sweet guided journals make a super special Dad gift that your family will treasure for years to come!

Hopefully that gave you a little inspiration!! What are you grabbing for Dad this year? 

Design Consult: Livingroom Built in Styling!

June 15, 2020      Leave a Comment

I’m so excited to share my first Design Consultation with you guys! My friend Lizzie contacted me because she needed some help decluttering and styling the built-in area in her living room. Bookshelf styling is my favorite, so I couldn’t wait to jump right in! The budget was $100, so we were trying to work with things that she already had. Here is the before:

Prior to finding any items, I always like to sketch out what is in my head for a few reasons:

  1. It helps me to see what elements are needed to fix the space.
  2. It helps my client with the placement of the elements so that they can achieve the vision!

Once the vision is laid out, I go shopping for items to link to my client! For her space, here is what I chose:

1. Costa Farms Fiddle Leaf Fig

I love these in the white ceramic pot to brighten the room! The pot is sometimes available directly from the grower which helps. I have a few Costa Farms plants and they are fantastic! 

2. White washed picture frames

Because she did not want to paint her shelves, switching out the frames for brighter ones helped to break up the dark wood! She actually opted to spend some of her budget on pillows, so she painted her current frames instead. I love how flexible these can be!

3. Wire storage baskets

Leaning books in these can help break up the continuity of books on a shelf, and adds some visual interest! This set from Amazon is a major bargain buy, and I use them often in designs!

4. Small succulents in simple white pots

Again, anything that adds brightness and greenery to dark shelves is your friend! This little set of four is an awesome group and easy to split between your shelves! My client actually found some that were similar but slightly larger and went with those. That’s the fun thing about my digital consults! I make suggestions, but ultimately you can wing it and achieve the look with what you find if you want!

Ultimately, she pivoted a tiny bit and went with white chicken wire baskets, cotton stems (her cat eats plants, and fiddles aren’t good for cats!) and some clear jugs she found at Target. Either way, the shelves look much less cluttered, much brighter, and what is most important is that my friend loves her new space!

Want your own digital design consultation?

Request one here! 

Philly cheesesteaks on the Blackstone!

June 11, 2020      Leave a Comment

I gave my husband a 36″ Blackstone Griddle as his anniversary/Father’s Day gift from us a few weeks ago. Ladies, buy your husband one! It was basically a gift to me. He offers to cook almost every day that it isn’t raining and he makes good food!

In the height of the COVID19 panic, I stocked up on Steak-umms. Yep! Cheap ol’ Philly steaks! Simply because they were one of the only meats that my Walmart had available. In the interest of using up what I bought, I put them on the menu a couple of weeks ago. My intention was to make them the way we had them growing up: on toast with cheese and ketchup! A true 90’s delicacy! Michael had other plans…

In comes our fancy griddle! He whipped these up and they were SO good! Like I’m serious, you couldn’t even tell we weren’t eating at some fancy restaurant. And it was a bargain meal that cost less than $10 to feed our whole family! I am a huge fan of cheap meeting delicious! Read on to get all the deets on how to make these for yourself! And if you don’t have a Blackstone, go ahead and order you one! You will not be sorry. We haven’t missed our traditional grill for one second!

Philly cheesesteaks on the Blackstone Griddle- The Cheap Way

  • Servings: 4
  • Time: 15 mins
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 10 pack of Steak-Umms
  • 2 Green Bell Peppers, seeded and diced
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Onion Powder to taste (it would be extra yummy to do a white onion, we just didn’t have one! If you do that, dice it and add it in with the green peppers. You could go crazy here: Red peppers, sliced mushrooms, etc)
  • Good quality Hoagie rolls
  • Sliced Provolone Cheese
  • Butter 

Directions:

  1. Preheat your griddle on medium heat.
  2. Put a drizzle of olive oil down, and then sautée your veggies until tender. Add a spritz of Worcestershire sauce here for flavor if you want!
  3. Once your veggies are cooked, slide them over to a “warm” burner.
  4. Break up your Steak-umms and cook them thoroughly in a drizzle of oil. Add a heavy pour of Worcestershire sauce and your spices to them as they cook.
  5. While the meat is cooking, heat a pat of butter. Slice open your hoagie rolls and place them insides-down on the butter to toast them.
  6. Add the vegetables back to the cooked meat and stir well.
  7. Divide the meat/veggie mixture between your rolls and top with two slices or provolone cheese (or whatever tickles your fancy! There’s no such thing as too much cheese!)
  8. Enjoy! 

We have eaten these twice now, and I think I may just make them a regular! It’s been so nice living in our outdoor spaces with all of this nice weather, and we are loving our new outdoor kitchen staple! 

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Katie’s Top 10: June 2020 Edition!

June 4, 2020      Leave a Comment

Summer is finally here, and the quarantine is starting to lift! I’ve been testing out a few things to bring to you guys as we emerge into seeing other people again, and decided that these are all needs for the warmer weather! I have so much fun doing these posts and trying new things. Without further adieu, I bring you your summer kick-off must-haves! As always, click the pink links to shop!

1. Cute Swimsuits!

I personally love CUPSHE! The black ruffle sleeve one is one of theirs (this one). Flattering and stylish, but also functional for a nursing mom who is chasing a toddler! The animal print one is actually this one from Tempt Me. Also tons of CUTE flattering styles that are high quality, but carry an affordable price tag.

2. OGX Coconut Coffee Scrub & Wash

I just love this stuff! It smells so good, and it helps get that healthy summer glow to your skin, but leaves you feeling super clean! It is great for scrubbing off sunscreen after laying by the pool or on the beach!

3. Glam Up Sheet Mask Set

I am obsessed with these masks! They are an awesome value at less than $1/mask, and they leave your face feeling so relaxed and refreshed! That aloe one feels fantastic after getting a little too much sun, too. 

4. Dead Sea Mud Mask

I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t wear much makeup at all when I am at the pool or beach. I can’t stand the feeling of sweating with makeup caked on. If I am going to show my natural face, clean pores are a must more than ever! This Dead Sea Mud Mask works wonders for clearing out the impurities and leaves your face feeling cleaner than ever!

5. Jade Roller

These are amazing for relaxing your facial muscles! Chill it in the fridge before using, and it feels even better after a sunny day! Plus, they reduce puffiness, and mama can pretty much always use that in my eye-region these days.

6. Druzy Earrings

Druzy jewelry is the perfect way to add a hint of sparkle! These are so cute, and at less than $1/pair, you can afford to risk them while you have your summer fun!

7. Tree Hut Sugar Scrub

My favorite self-care item right now! I love how it nourishes and buffs, especially on my feet! It feels like a fancy pedicure upgrade, but the whole tub costs less than one treatment would. Winning!

8. Epoch Sole Solution

I gave my honest opinion on this stuff in THIS POST. It is a miracle worker if you get dry, cracked heels! You can order yourself some HERE or message me on Facebook and I can hook you up!

9. Sunright InstaGlow Sunless Tanner

I am a fair-skinned redhead. I am either white as a ghost, or burnt, for the first month of summer. This little magic tube works wonders! No streaks and stains, just a fantastic, even tone! And it doesn’t smell like cat pee like most do. Wanna try it?! You can order yourself some HERE or message me on Facebook and I can hook you up!

10. A GOOD Bottle of Wine (delivered right to your door?!) 

Ok but seriously, who needs some wine delivered right about now? We have used Nakedwines for a few years off and on and have loved everything we have gotten! We actually just got a case and they have all been fantastic! Super affordable and supports small wineries that are struggling in our current economy. I love to unwind after a long day of mommin’ with the occasional glass! 

If you use this link you can get a $100 Voucher to spend on your first case. (Make sure when you check out that you are on the NakedWines website! I had a friend wind up on a third party somehow 🤷🏻‍♀️)

https://us.nakedwines.com/invite/katie-lee5248

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Would it be faster to do it myself? Sure! Would it Would it be faster to do it myself? Sure! Would it be done better? Absolutely. But what I would be doing is robbing my sweet baby of the blessing of serving and the joy that it brings her. 
⠀⠀
My prayer as her mama is that I would always put her spiritual development over my own convenience. That I would let go of my pace and perfection and give her the space to learn. Kids will become what we foster in them! Teach them Responsibly. Teach them life skills. Teach them to serve, not because they are less than but because that is what we are called to do. Teach them Jesus 🤍
Cast iron bakers ain’t just for cookin’! Total Cast iron bakers ain’t just for cookin’! Totally the perfect dessert serving dish! 🍰 🍌 🍓
Slow your growin’ 🌱 baby girl! 🤍 Slow your growin’ 🌱 baby girl! 🤍
That will preach all day long. It’s so easy to That will preach all day long.  It’s so easy to get caught up in “throwing stones.” Justifying our sins and short-comings with the “at least I’m not as bad as she is” mindset. Comparing ourselves to others. Allowing jealousy and discontentment to settle into the achy places of our heart. Gossiping. And yes, even the things we think in the quiet places and may never say out loud. 
⠀⠀
The Bible calls us to put our eyes on Jesus and Jesus only. Our main purpose for relationally interacting with others should be to love and serve so that they might meet Jesus through knowing us. When Jesus knew His crucifixion was coming, He wasn’t worried about enjoying the final moments. He chose to wash feet, one of the most basic and honestly nasty ways to serve others. A beautiful act of humility. 
⠀⠀
I admit this is an area that I am working on in my own life, and Jesus is taking me on a journey with it. My prayer is that I would look at people and see the need for their feet to be washed. To seek practical ways to love and serve. Because if I am focusing on serving, I’m not focusing on judging. 
⠀⠀
Tell me, is this an area of struggle for you too? I’d love to pray for you and your journey! 
⠀⠀
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”- Mark 10:45
I just finished up this 5 week study and it did no I just finished up this 5 week study and it did not disappoint. If you have ever struggled to see the big picture of scripture and how it all connects, especially if the Old Testament has been an issue for you, I would highly recommend this one. Even as a seasoned believer, I feel like I learned so much and was really brought deeper into the heart of God. I needed this peace in the midst of our crazy time, and I’m betting sister that you do too (shout out- they even have a men’s version...and you can get them as a bundle!). 
This particular study and tons of others are on sale for just $5️⃣ right now! Skip a #starbucks trip and invest in your spiritual life. I promise you won’t be sorry. #selfcare at it’s finest! 😌
Head over to the #linkinbio to grab your copy!
We had the most fun busting into this awesome box We had the most fun busting into this awesome box from Kong Box and spoiling our sweet girl! She’s such a good dog and deserves some new goodies!

What’s even more fun?! They fully customized to her based on her age and mannerisms! Grab the #linkinbio to curate one for your own baby 💖 [check my IGTV for a full video!] #ad
In case you need a smile this morning 🥰 In case you need a smile this morning 🥰
Better late than never, right? #MealPlanMonday on Better late than never, right? #MealPlanMonday on a Tuesday! Grab your full week of recipes at the #linkinbio!
Seeing their friendship develop makes my mama hear Seeing their friendship develop makes my mama heart burst. Gosh, I love them so much. 🤍🤍
If you know, you know. I know I’m not the only p If you know, you know. I know I’m not the only person who did this. After a year of not going anywhere that I couldn’t wear leggings and a T-shirt to, a closet full of clothing that I haven’t worn in almost 2 years (pregnancy + pandemic) and a body that has been changed by my second pregnancy and postpartum depression medications, it took everything in me to find something I felt like I could wear to church. If I’m being honest, I was frustrated. There was a big part of me that wanted to say “forget it,” & watch church on the TV instead. Everyone was going to be in their Easter best, and all I could find that fit right was a cute T-shirt and a cardigan. I was tempted to let my anxiety and self-consciousness win. That’s what the devil wanted for me yesterday.
⠀⠀
But let me tell you about Jesus! He knew that I needed to see my community. He knew that I needed to hug my Brothers and sisters in Christ. He knew that I needed corporate worship. He knew that I needed to listen to a live sermon. He knew that my kids needed to get back into church now that that was an option. So He spoke to me through my three-year-old. Every time I tried on a shirt, she would say “you look so beautiful, Mommy!” And eventually I decided that I would listen to that small voice that Jesus was using. It may have been 30 minutes later than planned, but I loaded up my girls and took them to church. And I’m so very glad that I did! It was exactly what my soul needed, and I could feel a burden lifting as I stood in that barn and worshiped with my family.
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Maybe you can relate. Maybe your closet won and you stayed home yesterday. Maybe your anxiety over what the well-dressed people at church will think of you has been keeping you at home for years. I get it, even as a pastor‘s wife it can be a struggle. I’m here to tell you, go to church anyway. Even if it’s in a ratty T-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Go. And if the church that you choose makes you feel anything less than precious and valued, it’s time to find a different church. Jesus does not care one bit about the clothing you have on! He died for your heart and that is the only thing that matters. 🤍 #youmatter #jesus

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