Kay Wilson Custom Creations

A couple weeks ago, I received an Instagram friend request from a "jewelry account." I visited the page, KayWilsonCreations, and immediately fell in love with what I saw. It sounds so strange and even now I can't quite explain it, but I was just so drawn to her creations! Lots of Aztec/Bohemian/eclectic designs featuring really cool, eye-catching pieces like arrowheads, tassels, tusks, and of course quatrefoils! (I later discovered that Kay is a Phi Mu from Ole Miss as well, so the love for quatrefoils is real!)

I began commenting on photos like crazy!
 "I want this!"
"Send me this!"
"How much is this?!"

And speaking of that last part, one of the most appealing things about Kay's designs: price. Just glancing through some of her designs, I would have guessed the prices would be upwards of $50-$60 per necklace... But her prices are so reasonable, AND she includes shipping in the price!

I knew right away that I had to have these three pieces: two of her beautiful tassel necklaces (seriously obsessed with tassels right now) and a pair of gold quatrefoil earrings (it's a Phi Mu thing).

I emailed her these pictures and asked her to just make one change to the quatrefoil earrings.

She responded almost immediately, and that's when I had the fabulous idea to barter a little (blogger life). "Hey, how bout a small discount in exchange for some publicity?" Win for her business and win for me too!

I'm so glad that Kay was willing to allow me to feature her on my blog and Instagram today in exchange for a discount on her beautiful pieces! She PayPal-ed me the invoice, and I had my jewelry within a couple days! She is absolutely fabulous! Below is a little more about Kay and how she began her jewelry-making business!


"I am a wife and stay-at-home mom (to two precious children, Hannah and Hayden) and thus always trying to find a creative outlet, whether it be art projects with the kids, renovating houses with my husband, or designing and creating jewelry pieces.

When the children were younger I would sew their clothes and had a small monogram/appliqué business from home. Mostly making clothes and baby gifts for friends and family. As my children outgrew the appliqué clothes, I searched to find another way to express myself creatively while being able to make extra income for our family. Jewelry designing has become "my thing". I love creating new pieces and sharing those designs with my friends and family. Currently I am inspired by the natural elements in jewelry making: arrowheads, horns, antler tips, and natural stones and gems. Everything has such a bohemian feel to it right now, which I love!!!

I have had such wonderful feedback from my customers thus far and I can't wait to see what this next adventure holds for me and my family."

I am personally so glad that Kay friended me on Instagram. I absolutely love her pieces and am definitely going to be ordering from her in the future! Visit her Instagram page by clicking here!

LOVE this black tassel necklace Kay created!

My custom jewelry from Kay!

Fried Chicken and Beer//Salads and Water

Sometimes I go to events and eat fruit and cheese and sip water and behave myself. Sometimes I drink four glasses of wine, three cups of beer, and inhale five pieces of fried chicken tenders. It's called balance.

One thing I love about the way I live healthfully is that I readily and happily and proudly admit that I don't do it perfectly.

And there are times that I don't do it at all. I never put on this façade that I'm super healthy all the time. I don't make a show about making healthy choices in front of others, and I certainly don't condemn others for the way they choose to eat or live their lives. Because I'm human, I understand that we're all entitled to eat and fuel our bodies the way we see fit, no pun intended. Should we always strive for healthy choices? Duh. But it's not necessarily reality.

You may have seen me at Panera Bread with a friend a couple of weeks ago. I ordered a half salad with a side of fruit and sipped water and fed my baguette that came with the salad to my son. I worked out that night and had a protein smoothie afterwards.

                                         

Or you may have noticed me at my cousin's wedding last weekend balancing two plates of chicken tenders and burger sliders on my arm, yelling at my husband to get me another beer, and carrying a roll in my mouth on my way outside to eat in peace, away from the crowd. 

                                        

Yep, it's called balance.

I love that I can be honest about my journey and my life with you guys. I love that I can be honest with myself, too. I eat healthily roughly 80% of the time. Sometimes I'm a little better, sometimes I'm a total slacker. Lately? I'm right in between. I'll have a few super healthy days, then a day of French fries and ice cream. 

                            

I'm working out 2-3 times each week, running at least once a week, and am tracking my weight every few days.

 I am super busy right now with work at Amy Head and building my team with ItWorks Global. I'm honestly happy just maintaining right now. Really soon I'm going to get "serious" again and working on the 10-15 pounds I'd like to lose by summer. For now? I'm enjoying a full sugar, full fat frappucino. I'm having a salad for dinner.

It's called balance.

I've had some time to calm down.

When I wrote the post about quitting my job as a teacher more than a month ago, I was extremely emotional. I literally sat in a corner in Starbucks writing the post with tears rolling down my face. I was so sad and so relieved at the same time. Although I got numerous messages about the post supporting my decision to leave my job, I can't help but feel that my thoughts on the blog were a little scattered and unorganized; I felt like I was rambling at some parts, and I totally was.

Well, I've had some time to clam down. And think. And reflect.

My decision to quit my job is probably the best one I've made so far this year. Yes, I know we're only a few months into 2016, but I feel in my heart that I did what was truly best for me and for my family. I feel like an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders, like the elephant is finally off my chest.

Looking back, I don't really know how I made it as long and as far as I did. I knew by October that this wasn't what I wanted to do, and I really didn't think I would be returning after Christmas, but I did, hoping and praying that things would be better and for just a moment, they were.

 

For nearly four years, I gave teaching everything I had. When I was slacking, I knew it. I addressed it and vowed to get better. I went to trainings, took rigorous notes, stayed consistent, or tried to at least, and took in all the advice and constructive criticism I could handle... until it all became too much.

I remember my first year as a teacher, not entirely fondly. There was criticism after criticism after criticism. It wasn't always helpful; it was rarely kind. I had just turned twenty-two; I was practically still a child fighting hard to grow up and be an adult in a cruel world. There is absolutely no shame in admitting that I am soft and sensitive, something that surprises a lot of people, for some reason. I'm not easily bothered, but I am easily upset. I wear my feelings on my sleeve, and I let people get the best of me. I am kind and compassionate, two qualities that are also mistaken for weakness.

I used to hate that I was that way, and I'm only just now coming to terms with being okay with it. It's who I am, it's how God made me. I shouldn't have to apologize for it or try to make up for it. And now, I don't. I finally decided to listen to this nagging feeling in my heart that I was not where I was supposed to be. I couldn't ignore it any longer.

So I set out to do something that more closely aligns with who I am as a person. I wanted to do something where I could be soft and compassionate and empathetic all at once. Luckily, I've found that in the two jobs I now hold: as an independent distributor with ItWorks Global and as a makeup artist with Amy Head Cosmetics.

I've had some time to calm down and think about the decisions I've made in the past few weeks. I'm proud of what I've done, guys. I absolutely hated to leave my sixth graders... As a matter of fact, if there is one hurt I still have, it's for them. I love them and think of them daily. But I did what I felt in my heart was best, and I am happy.

And that, my friends, is what matters.

Footwear & Feelings

When you start calling your inventory of shoes "your collection," it's possible you have a bit more pairs than you really need. But nevertheless, women everywhere love adding some fancy footwear to their closets.

It's no wonder we crave them. Usually they're one of the funnest parts of your outfit. And even when you're feeling low about how a dress looks or how a top fits, you can bet your favorite pair of shoes will still look amazing. As someone with decades of experience wearing shoes, I've come to the conclusion that there are a few different types guaranteed to give you just the boost you need to raise your confidence and then some. For example, let's say you want to feel sexy. There's no question that a pair of pumps can quickly do the trick, which isn't that surprising seeing as to how heels were scientifically proven to boost confidence.

When it comes to shoes, they're the height of femininity. A bright color can make you feel bold, sexy, and completely in charge of yourself. They can make your legs look amazing and nearly any outfit look sensational. To satisfy the latest trends, try a pair of solid-colored, closed-toe platforms. You can also amp up the femininity with bow or lace accents.

Or, let's say you'd rather feel cute than cunning. To feel like the fun and relaxed girl-next-door, you're going to want to reach for a pair of ankle boots. Knee-highs can look a little formal at times, and thigh-highs are a bit too seductive. Ankle boots give off a carefree air of comfort and charm. As you can see from the women's shoes available for the season, they're certainly one of the most popular styles for this time of year. Not only can they make you appear warm and approachable, they'll also keep your toes from freezing with the temperature drops. Leathers and animal prints will add a bit of an edge, so try to stick with softer fabrics like suede to enhance your cozy and comfortable persona.

Finally, let's say you want to feel invincible. There's nothing better than a pair of sleek sneakers. We've all left the gym feeling a little dejected when the person next to you is going double your speed on the treadmill. If a similar instance has left you unmotivated and discouraged, lacing up a new pair of sneakers can be just what you need to get back on the workout wagon. Plus, thanks to the ever-rising athleisure trend, you can wear them even when you're not heading to a workout but still want to feel like you could kick butt at a moment's notice. Take the look to the next level and try a pair that zips-up in the front, or trade classic laces for trendy bungees.

A shoe isn't going to solve all your problems. But sometimes, at least for a little while, a great pair of shoes can certainly lift your spirits. The next time you're feeling low, give a new pair of shoes a try. At the very least, you'll have another pair to add to your ever-growing collection.

Oh, hi.

Well, hey there. Remember me? I'm that girl you know or at least feel like you know, Kate. I blog from time to time, and I've found that I'm pretty good at it.

But I have not been a good blogger as of late. I gloat just a little about owning my own time, yet I've stayed so incredibly busy! I've got so many posts in my drafts folder that I promise to publish really soon!

Here's what's happened lately...

February 12th was my last day as a 6th grade English teacher. The next day, I did drinks and lunch with some of my best friends in Oxford.

Then I stopped by Amy Head Cosmetics to grab some new makeup essentials. And I asked Claire, the manager and one of my good friends, for a job. Yep, I sure did.

A week and a half later, I got the job, and I began working at/for Amy Head on March 2nd. I have more on that coming really soon!

My best friend, Cheslin, who's been stationed in Alaska with her husband, came to Mississippi at the end of February, so I got to meet up with her for lunch last week. I hadn't seen her in nearly two years, and she finally got to meet Vaught!

I blocked in for a Ruby promotion with ItWorks at the end of February and am so close to getting it! I am absolutely loving being a part of this company and helping my team reach their goals! I was so excited that I interrupted my upline's family dinner on a Saturday night to get her help with charting my team!

I'm Matron of Honor in my cousin/best friend's wedding on March 19th, and this past weekend we did her bachelorette trip in Birmingham, AL. We stayed at Ross Bridge Hotel and had a spa day on Saturday; it was fabulous! It was seriously so relaxing--just what I needed!

I did her makeup before going to dinner Friday night!

I have totally slacked in the fitness department, I admit. I've been working out only twice a week, and my diet has not been too healthy in the past few days! I was doing a great job counting carbs a couple weeks ago, and I lost eight pounds! But then I stepped on the scale yesterday morning to find that I'd gained almost all of it back, so I'm regrouping this week and taking my ItWorks vitamins!

Eric and Vaught are doing great! My home life has greatly improved since quitting my job. There's a lot less tension, a lot less stress in our home!

We made it to church yesterday!

I am going to try my best to get some posts scheduled this week and catch you guys up on my life. Thank you so much for the endless love and support; love you all!

How to Make IT WORK for You

As an ItWorks! Global distributor, I am talking to people about our products and the business on a daily basis. Whether it's finding a vitamin for metabolism boost or ordering an awesome wrinkle cream, I'm loving to talking to all sorts of new people.

However, I hear this line a lot: "It didn't work for me."

And it's usually concerning our weight loss products, especially our wraps. So, I thought that today I would share a few more details about how I first used our products and about how I use them now to get the results that I'm getting!

I first got my triple threat package (ThermoFit, Fat Fighters, and Greens) in late April of 2015. I began using them right away, but I totally had this I'm not really gonna have to do any work mentality. A lot of my friends were using the products, and the weight seemed to fall off effortlessly, so I just knew it would for me too.

I was still drinking Coke and sugary Starbucks drinks almost daily. I was working out, but eating like crap. I have always been a carb lover, so I was eating up to 250 grams of carbs each day and popping a couple Fat Fighters vitamins like it was no big deal.

I was taking ThermoFit and could feel its effects, and I was definitely seeing some awesome benefits to Greens, but after a couple weeks, I hadn't really lost any weight. Sure, I had more energy, but wasn't I supposed to be skinny by now??

At the end of May, I'd all but given up on ItWorks. Had I not admitted to myself that I was the one screwing it up, I'd probably still be thirty pounds heavier wondering how I would ever get out of this plateau!

I'm not sure what made me get serious about my weight and the way I was using these products on May 31st, but I did. I began drinking tons of water. I cut down on the Starbucks drinks and carb-y foods I was constantly eating. I woke up each morning and drank my Greens in a big glass of ice water. I took a ThermoFit vitamin with breakfast and sometimes one with lunch. I was almost out of Fat Fighters, but I used the ones I had left after dinner for several days.

In six days, I lost five pounds and rid my body of SO much nastiness and bloat! The picture below is all the proof you need of what this did for me!

And that was just the beginning! I continued making progress for the rest of the summer and ended up losing nearly twenty pounds by August! I'm not saying I couldn't have done it without ItWorks... I'm saying I wouldn't have done it without ItWorks!

So here are my best tried and true tips for making ItWorks! WORK for you!

1. Drink water. And after that drink more water. And when you're done doing that, you should probably drink more water. Did I mention you should drink water? People underestimate how vital water is to weight loss! Water keeps you hydrated, keeps you fuller longer, aids in circulation of the blood and digestion, is delicious... I could go on. If you don't like it alone, add some lemon or lime or cucumber to it. Still don't like it? Sorry, you're gonna have to suck it up. Water is key.

2. Exercise. Yep, I said it. You're gonna have to get out there and sweat a little. Not for hours. Not every day. I aim for 4-5 workouts per week, whether it's at my gym or just some yoga at home or a run around my neighborhood. If you're brand new to exercise and don't have a gym membership, I recommend starting with a twenty minute walk a few times a week! Work from there. Get a few fitness DVDs (Jillian Michael's are great) and work out in your living room!

Nine pounds down last June!

3. Find the "enemies" in your diet... and get rid of them. This is the part you really don't like. Who wants to cut their favorite food from their diet? Well, you don't have to, not completely at least, but find what foods you struggle with and aim to reduce them by at least two thirds. When I did away with Coca Cola and Starbucks, weight fell off of me, and still does. My thing right now is keeping my body in ketosis by eating a diet very low in carbohydrates (less than 50 grams daily). I feel so much better and have so much more energy. Combined with my ItWorks vitamins, I am loving my results!

4. Read the directions on your products... and follow them. Do not eat like crap and think that ThermoFit and Fat Fighters will carry the bulk of your weight loss on their shoulders. Do not try one wrap and expect to get skinny, though that does occasionally happen. Follow the directions. Use the products as directed. Have a question? Ask your distributor. Ask me. I make myself available to my customers at all hours of the day and am always happy to answer their questions!

5. Switch it up. If you feel that your progress with ThermoFit and Fat Fighters has stalled, try something new! That's probably my favorite part of the loyal customer program; you can try so many products at great prices! Try New You, which works to build your endurance and promote lean muscle mass! Or try It's Vital Core Nutrition, which supplies your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs for a full 12 hours. Don't give up; give your body a break!

6. I really want to launch into a lecture about how to get the BEST results with our Ultimate Body Applicator (skinny wraps)... But I'm saving that for another blog post :)

If you're interested in ordering any of our products or have further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! Email Kate at keepingpacekate@gmail.com

You can also visit my ItWorks! website by clicking HERE.

I quit my job today.

I walked right into the building, marched into my principal's office, slammed my resignation letter on his desk and shouted, "I AM DONE!" before stomping out, back to the warmth of my car and the comfort of my bed at home.

Okay, so it didn't exactly go like that. It was more like... Well, I guess you should first know a little about my experience in education. 

I sailed through my University program like it was nothing. For the most part, I had great professors and amazing clinical instructors. They made it look so easy and so much fun. Sure, I knew there would be challenges, but I just knew that teaching is what I was meant to do. 

I got my first job in the fall of 2012, and whoa… This shit was much harder than I'd anticipated. Kids were crazy. I couldn't keep up with anything. I didn't know how to handle certain things or who to go to with questions. I was likable and definitely had good moments in the classroom, but there was obstacle after obstacle. It was a tough year full of learning experiences, but after that initial year, I thought "Okay, here we go! I'm no longer the new girl! I can do this!"

Year two happens and not much changes. I started to realize maybe I really don't enjoy teaching. I guess I shouldn't have been so devastated when I lost my job at the end of that second year, but it definitely put a dent in my and my husband's financial security (teaching doesn't pay much, but hey--it's a job).

March of 2015 I get a gig at Oxford High School, and I enjoyed it because I took the place of a special education teacher who simply babysat his students. I went into work every day and watched Netflix or played games with my kids because that's what the one before me had done all year.

I can't make this stuff up.

I still got the feeling that I didn't want to teach another year. I just don't know if this is for me, I told my friends and family. But at the urging of my husband, I decided to give it another try. Plus, I needed a job.

October 2015… Once again, there I was. Unhappy, unsure, dissatisfied, anxious. Was my job supposed to make me feel this way? Maybe I shouldn't share this, but since I talk about health on my blog often, I will. By November, I was having menstruation cycles that lasted anywhere from 10 to 20 days. Then there would be an "off" week, and then it would come back. I'd been regular again for a while not long after having Vaught, so I didn't understand what was going on... until Christmas break, when I finally called my doctor and the nurse told me it was likely stress-related.

A few days before Christmas break, my principal came to me. He could see an enormous difference in my persona. I was wearing my struggles and stresses like heavy, rusty chains around my neck.

That was the same day I called my mom squawling like a child.

"I am a walking definition of a failure," I cried to her. "I have never been this unhappy in my life… I am so disappointed in myself. I am miserable. I hate myself!"

I let it all out to her during my planning period. I remember two of my students coming in to give me a Christmas gift, and I didn't let up. I pointed to a desk for them to set the gifts on, and I continued boo-hooing. To this day, they haven't mentioned the incident to me. Bless them.

And like any mother of a twenty-five-year-old grown, crying woman would do, my mother said sternly, "Calm down. Get a grip. When you're calm, then we can talk."

I called her back a few minutes later after taking a breather.

"Okay," I told her, "I can't continue to complain about how much I hate my job and continue going to it each day. Next thing I know, I'll be five years deep, hating it even more. I've got to change something. Right now."

"Okay then," my mom said. "Get out of this. Find something else."

And so began my search. I honestly hadn't planned on returning after Christmas break. I was mentally and physically exhausted, but let me tell you that those seventeen days away from education were just what I needed. Although I applied to several jobs during the break, I hadn't heard back from anyone, so I returned to my job in January and for a short time things were going okay.

I also have to add here that just a few days before break was over, I joined ItWorks! Global. Goodness, how it began to bless me so quickly. I was waking up excited to go to work because I knew that at some point during the day I would also be talking to someone about ItWorks. I grew to love meeting and talking to new people about how these products have shaped my fitness journey. I loved helping people choose products that would help them as well.

It wasn't long though until the woes of teaching began wearing down on me again. And then came that Wednesday, when I was having a pretty rough day already, but my principal came in for an informal observation. Think of everything that can go wrong when your principal is in your classroom... It all happened. I'd forgotten to distribute the materials my kids needed, so when I asked them to look at the handout, they looked back at me in confusion, and I was all WHAT IS WRONG WITH Y'ALL? and they were all Whoa, Ms. Pace.

I'm fairly certain that was the day I officially lost it. I was done.

My principal wanted to meet with me the next day, despite my best attempts at avoiding him all morning. There was another administrator in the meeting, a woman I really respected and loved at our school. She moment I sat down, my principal asked me if I wanted to "be here."

I was shaking my head no before he could even finish his sentence. And we go from there.

I'm so glad I was able to be honest with him. He was kind and understanding and helpful. He'd seen teachers struggle and succumb to the stress that this job often brings. It's not pretty.

I put in my two weeks notice the next Monday, with an anticipated last day of Friday, February 12th.

I was nervous and a little scared; I had not found another job. Isn't that the first rule of quitting your job? Make sure you have something else to hang on to? Well, I broke the rule. And I'd never felt so confident or sure in my decision.

So here I am on the afternoon of Friday, February 12th. Today was my last day with my sixth graders; however, I only spent the morning with them. I talked to my first period class only. We laughed together, cried together, and then there was that enormous group hug that captivated my heart. They were confused and upset at first, as they should be, but by the time I left I think they understood.

For the first time in a while, I made a decision that was solely about me, and I know what some of you may be thinking: it's not about you. But if you knew where I've been, where I've come from, what I'd been feeling in my heart, in every vein in my body, you'd probably say to yourself, Oh, okay. You go, girl.

It was something I needed to do, and I've never felt better. I decided to say YES to a really great adventure. For the first time in my life, I'm winging it. I can't wait to see what's next for me. Can I really make ItWorks my full time job? Maybe I'll pursue something in finance or banking? Maybe I'll sell insurance or cars? (HA). Maybe I'll just breathe for a while and take care of me and my family.

I don't know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.

Thank you, as always, for your endless love and support. You're all amazing!