Morning Routine // Lifestyle

If you're like me, routine doesn't come as easy you'd like. My husband is pretty great when it comes to discipline. Whereas I'm more spontaneous. The 'maybe I coulds' and the 'maybe I wonts' take over and sometimes, well, most times, it is just hard for me to be as consistent as I'd like. I'm trying to develop better habits and usually it is great if you have a tool of some kind to get ya goin. SO after scouring Pinterest for a great 'to do list printable' I found it would be best just to make my own. This way I can customize the boxes and lists and 'to dos' just the way I need it.

Let me tell you, this took me all of 20 minutes and now, I have a great way to start each day. This helps me take an inventory of what's most important. I also use Google Calendar to make sure I keep my appointments, shoots and travel dates. Google Calendar is great because it allowed me to share my personal and work calendars with my husband and vice versa. This has eliminated lots of questions in our marriage, which usually ended up being annoying and even confusing. Now, we know what each other has scheduled and can spend more time talking about more important stuff, instead of always planning and questioning what's going on.

I made my 'Everyday To Do' in Microsoft Word. Using text boxes and little check mark icons I created this document. I thought through my day and my priorities - what do I want to MAKE SURE I accomplish - those things made the checklist cut. There are lots of really pretty printables with icons, photos and graphics out there, but because I didn't want to go broke on ink, I thought I'd start simple. That's why I stuck with black and white. But you can customize yours however you want!

Maybe you're way ahead of me and have been doing this forever, or maybe this has encouraged you to make you're own. I thought I'd make my own checklist creation available for you. However, I made it so you can customize your morning and evening routine. So below is a link where you can download my version of the 'To Do' list.

Enjoy and Happy checklisting to you!

To view/download my personal 'Everyday To Do' click below:

Everyday To Do - Kate's Version

To view/download an 'Everyday To Do' list you can customize click below:

Everyday To Do for You

Once you get to these webpages, click on the button 'Share' below the document and then you will see the option to 'Download'.

Created to Create // State of Kate

Everyone is creative. We truly all were created to create. However, with that creativity comes responsibility. Responsibility to do your part - to give and give more and try harder and go beyond what you thought you were capable of. Now there is no one person checking in on you to see what you've made or come up with. But in this social media age, really in most any of the ages, there is always someone who made something better or greater or who achieved more.

I say all this because lately I've been feeling PRESSURE - pressure to perform, to have enough work, to make enough money, to be better, to improve more and on and on. I believe there is good pressure and bad pressure. Good pressure comes from within, from your passion to create. This pressure drives you in a positive way. Your concern is for the craft, the clients or the enjoyment. But bad pressure ... ew; bad pressure is a nagging feeling. It stunts growth and traps you in your own little dark hole of worries and fears and what ifs and 'I'm not good enoughs".

Do you ever step back and wonder, "What am I doing?! and Why the heck am I doing this?" (Please catch the tone here - there is an anxiousness about it. This isn't a healthy positive self evaluation. It is a freak out moment.) I have been doing this a lot. If I'm honest with myself, it is stemming from that evil devil of comparison and joy stealing fear of what others think. 

As creatives, we work and mold and bend and make art - it is very personal. Then we put ourselves out there, saying, "Here is the product of not only my hard work, but even more, my heart work." Then we wait - for approval, for a purchase, for a client, for likes, for a buyer. This process makes it very hard to find a balance between appreciating ourselves and what we've created and being approved or hired. Basically, it is hard to make money and have the correct creative mindset.

I feel very strongly, that God gives us the opportunities we are each, as individuals, supposed to have. So my creative endeavors will always be different from those of others, even in my same industry. However, when you see your industry peers, movin and shakin and money makin, you can easily start down that slippery slope of negative thinking. I am getting very personal here and it is a little, quite honestly, scary.

Truth is the only thing that keeps me grounded. These truths:

God made me special and unique from anyone else.

God has given me specific talents.

God will give me just the right opportunities for me to use those talents.

God loves me for who I am, not what I do.

The same is true for everyone else. Everyone.

So, I'm hoping and striving for a more truth-filled everyday; every work day. One that grounds me, motivates me, excites me and drives me to continue on in my own creative efforts. No matter where you are or what you do -  you are being creative. May you allow the good pressure to produce your best work.

Tori // Senior Model Feature

Happy Friday! I thought I'd brighten everyone's day, by introducing you to the beautiful Tori! She is my last Senior Model to feature. She is excited to graduate from The Renaissance Academy in Phoenixville this May! Tori is going to pursue a career in cosmetology. She LOVES to do people's hair and makeup. So I'm sure you can assume, she LOVED the opportunity to have her hair and makeup done for the Senior Model Styled Shoot!

Tori also really enjoys the Fall, especially fun trips to Dorney park. Riding roller coasters and getting scared during the Halloween Haunt is her idea of great time! This girl is so much fun and it has been a joy to get to know her! I'm really looking forward to her Senior Shoot coming up soon! Without further introduction, here is Tori!

Kate + Jeff // Philadelphia Wedding

The forecast was for a clear day. The rain drops fell despite the report. But you couldn't find a happier, more beautiful couple to capture on their special day. Jeff and Kate met through mutual friends and fell in love. One thing I think that draws them together so well, is how they are both so kind and selfless. Their love for Jesus is evident in their love for others. It was my privilege to capture their special day.

Even so, I think the rain added to the romance of the day. They say it is good luck for it to rain on your wedding day. These two don't need any extra luck. They have a confident love that comes from their faith in Jesus.

Location: Brookside Country Club

Ali // Senior Model Feature

What a privilege it was to get to know my sweet Senior Models this past summer!? I'm so excited to introduce another beauty to you today! This is Alli!

Basically Alli is obsessed with NYC in December. She loves to browse cute little shops, hot chocolate in hand and then go for a stroll in the park and to Rockefeller Center to see the BIG Christmas tree. It is truly one of her favorite places! Alli has great dreams of someday working in the entertainment industry, but is going to focus on business next. She loves to work with people and do all kinds of organizing!

Like myself, Alli is a HUGE animal lover. She volunteers at her local animal shelter. She is inspired by the dogs at the shelter and their trusting spirit. A rescue dog has a past and has probably been hurt, but Alli loves how they are always still so happy and loving!

Alli's favorite part of the KBP Senior Model Styled Shoot was getting to see all that goes into a photo shoot. She loved having the experience of this special styled session. Of course she also really enjoyed getting all dolled up with the other models. What an incredibly fun day that was! Thanks Alli - you were an awesome model!

Interested in Senior Photos? Click the link below for more information.