Author: believerkate

Breaking Free from Perfectionism: A Personal Journey

mindset

For several decades, I allowed perfectionism to sink its claws into the core of my being. It’s sneaky. Planning and preparing and putting your best foot forward is great practice. But when those good intentions turn into analysis paralysis and self-doubt and comparison, your joy is slowly and stealthily robbed. It is replaced by a mind that is on a continuously spinning hamster wheel. People-pleasing becomes an addiction that feeds on accolades. Soon you lose yourself to chasing the dopamine hit of others’ approval.

As 2024 was coming to a close, and I had several months and thousands of dollars of therapy under my belt, I had begun to recognize the incredibly liberating feeling of breaking free from the bondage of perfectionism and people-pleasing that had plagued me for far too long. During my therapy session this past week, I told my therapist that I recognized how far I’ve come when I attempted to update my photography website and royally screwed it up. Had that happened over a year ago, I would have spiraled and frantically tried to figure out how to fix it before people visited the site and judged me. Instead, I simply slapped up a disclaimer that the website was under construction and to please excuse my mess as I figured out how to undo my big blunder. Three days and countless frustrating moments later, my website had a facelift, and I was able to remove that disclaimer. It’s not perfect or quite how cool I had envisioned it to be, but it’s a thousand times better than what I had before. I’m proud that I didn’t allow my technological deficiencies to hold me back from giving it a go. Progress.

One of my biggest triggers that I had to recognize and reevaluate coming into 2025 was the amount of time I spent on social media. Staying “relevant” on social media for my business had consumed me for several years. I had little to nothing to show for the hours wasted, and I was on the brink of burnout. I could no longer tolerate the energy-sucking apps that demanded constant shifts and tricks to keep up with the ever-evolving algorithm. It was time for a change. I decided that 2025 was the year to do it scared. This meant being willing to suck at something new. That’s scary for a recovering perfectionist. My focus shifted from online likes to GENUINE connection with others (in person as much as possible). Ironically, as I stepped away from obsessively checking and posting on social media, doors began to open in the most pleasantly unexpected ways.

In early January, I found myself on a phone call agreeing to an opportunity that presented itself before I had a chance to overthink it. After the call, I seriously questioned WHAT I was thinking. Nerves started to kick in as I was researching and filling my cart with the equipment needed to complete this photography project. It would require a leap of faith and investing in and learning new equipment, but I decided to embrace my mantra and go for it. Mid February, several inches of lake effect snow fell as I drove to the location for a day packed with photo sessions. Cancelling was not an option, and the less than ideal road conditions added to my already fried nerves. But you know what? I freaking did it. A few weeks later, another dance studio reached out to me and asked for a similar service. Had I turned those opportunities down for fear of failure, I would not have hit my best first quarter EVER. They helped me get through the slump and imposter syndrome that inevitably hits every winter. More importantly, I proved to myself that I can, indeed, do it scared.

While photography remains a constant for me in 2025, a major pivot has taken place in other areas of my life. After over 20 years of working full-time, then part-time, then p.r.n. as a registered nurse for an orthopedic and spine surgeon, I stepped away from the medical field to focus on hospitality. My husband and I launched a vacation rental in the Poconos. We spent over two years building and dreaming up the space, and finally, our dream became a reality. Life takes us on expected twists and turns. I never foresaw owning and managing a vacation rental. Nursing had been my plan since grade school. I am so grateful for the years I had working with an amazing team of people who gave me room to learn and grow as a nurse. I think that second grade girl, who decided she wanted to grow up and be a nurse, would be proud of who she has become. But a second grade dream doesn’t necessarily mean a lifetime dream, and it was time for the page to turn.

Our first few months of launching our vacation rental have exceeded our expectations. I’d be lying if I said that I don’t get a tad anxious as guests arrive. We poured so much of our hearts and time and energy into providing a peaceful oasis. I’m always a bit on edge until I hear guest’s feedback of how much they are enjoying the dreamy getaway with their family, friends, and loved ones. I guess I’m still chasing accolades a bit. Do we ever tire of hearing words of affirmation and encouragement? This home to gather and make memories in reaches far beyond our little family. Every weekend and several weekdays since we launched in early January, our modern mountain chalet has been filled with friends, families, and loved ones seeking togetherness, nearby outdoor adventures, and a cozy respite from the daily hustle and bustle. Hospitality has always nourished my soul. This experience has already taught me so much about how to go above and beyond in caring for others while maintaining a balance of running a profitable business. It has helped me learn how to communicate with and serve my photography clients better as well.

As the spring and summer season is ramping up, I am so excited to be serving so many clients and guests. I am grateful for the grace that they extend to me as I learn and grow in these roles. While I am learning to let go of the perfectionism and people-pleasing, I also recognize that we never fully arrive. There is always room for us to improve from the lessons we learn along the way. As long as we don’t allow our mistakes to consume us, and as long as we take the time to recognize how far we’ve come, that’s progress. Progress–not perfection–is a healthy goal.

How about you? What have you pursued despite feeling intimidated? How have you overcome challenges and chased dreams? I would love to hear your story, so others can be encouraged to go for it as well. Perfection is not a reasonable or attainable goal. Instead, focus every day on progress. Celebrate the tiny steps as well as the big, terrifying ones. Cheers to doing it scared and thriving!

XO, Katie

walking changed my life

How Walking 1,000 Miles in 2024 Changed My Life

health, mindset

In November of 2023, I reached a point where I could barely stand myself. Seasonal Affective Disorder was in full swing, and the dreaded anticipation of winter blues had kicked in months earlier in August. Physically and mentally I felt like utter crap. I found myself experiencing a necessary shift toward mental health and well-being. For me, a huge component of that included taking care of my physical health as well. I needed to find something that I could consistently do and stay persistent at. In a desperate effort to turn the tide, I decided to set a goal to get outside for 30 minutes of fresh air and movement every day. That decision was a catalyst to set a broader goal for 2024. I wanted to prove to myself that I could stay consistent with something and maybe even hit 1,000 miles of outdoor walks throughout the year. This would require me to walk approximately 3 miles outdoors every single day in order to achieve that goal. Unfortunately, I don’t live in an area of the world with ideal temperatures year round. This goal would require me to face inclement weather, freezing temperatures in the winter, and unpleasantly humid days in the heat of summer.

At the end of January, I had only missed one day of walking and was feeling significantly better. My clothes were fitting better, my mood was relatively stabilized, and overall I felt that I had made progress. So I stepped on the scale, something I hadn’t been brave enough to do in close to a year. To my dismay, the number on the scale was 5 pounds MORE than it was the last time I had worked up the courage to face my fear. I have never been one to ruminate on the numbers on the scale. My focus has typically been more on how I feel and how my clothing fits. I never struggled with weight gain until I hit my mid 30s. When I was younger, I could either work out and eat whatever I wanted, or watch what I ate and rest on my laurels. Not so at this stage of life. At this moment, I could choose to give up, or I could persist and stick with my plan of consistently getting 30 minutes of fresh air and exercise every day. I chose the latter.

Getting 10,000 steps in a day takes effort. Setting aside time to go for a 2.73 mile walk every day requires even more commitment. There will be more days than not that you won’t FEEL like going. This is when good old tenacity has to kick in, so you overcome the feelings and take action. Here are a few things I learned from my walking journey.

  1. Walking is just as beneficial, if not more so, to your mental health as it is to your physical health. Walking not only increases your heart rate, it also increases blood flow to the brain, promoting improved cognitive function. There are several sounds in nature that occur at the 528 Hz frequency, which has been proven to have healing qualities at the cellular level. If you want to level up your walk, ask a friend to join you. The quality time and conversation that occurs is like a therapy session and workout in one.
  2. Consistency requires willpower. Listen to your body if you need to pace yourself to avoid injury. More times than not, you are capable of doing much more than you think. Take the necessary steps to overcome excuses. When I saw that we were going to have a week with temps in the teens and below zero wind chills, I ordered snow bibs, so I could have the appropriate gear to stay warm while keeping the commitment I made to myself. Be stubborn enough to prove to yourself that you can do hard things.
  3. You will have misses. While the goal was to get out every day, there were times when that wasn’t feasible, no matter how tenacious I was about sticking to that goal. I missed 13 days between early January and the end of May, but didn’t miss any days from May 26th through December 31st. Give yourself grace to miss the goal and get back up and try again. There will be bumps along the way, but your overall trajectory will be up if you don’t give in.
  4. Have an accountability partner. For me, that was showing up on social media and regularly documenting my walking journey. I also had a few friends I would check in with. They happened to be my walking buddies when we could coordinate our schedules. Holding yourself accountable to someone else is an extra motivator to keep you going and a great way to encourage each other along the way. Without accountability, I don’t know that sheer willpower would have enabled me to stay consistent and achieve my goal.
  5. Little jaunts add up. By early April, I had established a healthy habit and was challenging myself to hit further distances at higher speeds. Then we got a puppy, and my whole world collided with this adorable little fluff ball that required LOTS of time and attention. I felt like a prisoner in my own home and was utterly frustrated with how long it took me to go just down the street and back with him. Then I figured out that my walks didn’t need to be all 2.73 miles at once. Do you know how many times puppies need to go out to go potty in a day? A lot. So I started logging my short walks with him, and his endurance increased with time. Now we go for 2-3 mile walks together every day, and he is a huge reason that I was able to hit this goal. He LOVES the cold and snow, and on the most bitter cold days in December, I threw on my snow bibs and got him some boots, so we could go the distance together safely and comfortably.

This morning, I met up with my dear friend and walking buddy. Once I officially hit the 1,000 mile goal, we stopped by her house before wrapping up our walk, and she grabbed a custom headband she made for me. Find yourself a friend who celebrates your victories and cheers you on in the pursuit of them.

Have you set your health goals for the new year? I challenge you to find something you can stick to for the year, and then go for it. While the numbers on the scale didn’t decrease as much as I would have liked them to with this year’s physical efforts, the mental load that I was carrying has become significantly lighter. I’m going to count that as a win. Expect there to be some hurdles and resistance along the way to achieving your goals, but don’t allow the setbacks to keep you from your comeback.

XO, Katie

Ways to Support a Small Business that Don’t Cost a Dime

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Entrepreneurship is one of the most humbling experiences. It can be especially challenging for people pleasers, who have to find the balance between providing excellent service and experience and making a profit to cover expenses. Whether you’re an advocate for shopping small and local or want to find a way to support your favorite small businesses, here are a couple of ways to show your support that don’t require a financial investment.

Word of mouth remains one of the oldest and most effective marketing tools out there. Have a product or service that you absolutely love from a small business? Spread the word! Customer testimonials are key to building trust with new customers. Whether you are raving about your favorite product to someone in person or leaving a 5 star review on someone’s business page, the potential ripple effect of your words and actions is endless. I rely on good customer reviews when I am contemplating trying out a new product. Positive words are just the nudge I need many times to take the plunge and give it a go.

Comment, like, or share your favorite small businesses’ posts. The algorithm is constantly changing, and it’s maddening to keep up with the trends. Your comments, likes, and shares ensure that more people see and are made aware of what your favorite businesses have to offer. While small businesses should not rely solely on social media for their marketing, it can be a great leveraging tool to get the word out there about what they have to offer. Your engagement in their posts and stories ensures that more people will be exposed to your favorite local shops.

Use your voice in person or via social media platforms to encourage others to shop small and check out your favorite products and services from businesses that you know, like, and trust. Your words and actions go a long way. In fact, they’re priceless.

kid throwing snow and having fun in the winter

Tips for a Spontaneous Winter Photo Session

winter photo session

Few things call me outdoors in the middle of a harsh winter. Freshly fallen snow is one of them. Add some sunshine peeking out from behind those gray skies causing glorious sparkles and reflection, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a photo adventure. While bitter cold days are not ideal for outdoor photo sessions, there is typically a day or two that warms up just enough to make the cold tolerable and not melt the snow. This is when we grab our gear and head out to explore. Following are some winter snow session tips and benefits if you choose to brave the cold this winter.

1. Camera gear doesn’t like being out in the cold for extended periods of time. Neither do people. Plan for shorter sessions and frequent breaks to warm up between shots.

2. Dress for the weather. Having the appropriate gear makes for a much more pleasant experience for everyone. If you are trying to achieve a certain aesthetic with clothing that is not warm and cozy, follow tip number one. Get the shot, and then have a blanket and layers on hand to warm up before getting your next set of photos.

3. There is less competition for attention in the winter months. Snow sessions tend to be less crowded because who wants to be out in the cold? This allows the focus to be on YOU with a stellar backdrop.

4. Snow acts as a natural reflector. This can be a bit tricky on a bright, snowy day when the sun is shining, but use that natural reflector to your advantage and get those gorgeous shots. A flash may come in handy to overpower the sun and achieve the look you’re going for.

5. Fresh, crisp air is good for the heart, mind, and soul. It is especially beneficial in the middle of winter when the “blues” reach their peak. Getting out there and flexing your creative muscles in the slump of the winter season gives a boost.

Feeling adventurous? Email katie@katrinawinterphotography.com to join my waitlist for a spontaneous snow session.

Gratitude Journaling: How and Why

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In this month of Thanksgiving, I want to challenge you to set aside time each day to write an entry in a gratitude journal. It doesn’t have to be profound. You can even use bullet points rather than paragraph format if you’d like.

Science has shown that the brain cannot process anxiety and gratitude simultaneously, so during this season that ramps up with activities and celebrations, take a moment to pause and reflect on what brings you joy and peace.

Some days will be a struggle, and your list may be as simple as, I have breath in my lungs, and tomorrow is a new day. That’s ok. Other days will overflow with gratitude. Give yourself grace and space for it all, but acknowledge that there is ALWAYS something we can be grateful for.

For years, I strictly focused on gratitude when it came to journaling, but this year I gave myself permission to lament as well. The ebbs and flows of life will knock us down and take our breath away at times. I do not allow myself to wallow in the sadness, but I do permit myself to process what I’m feeling and then reflect on what I am grateful for. I hope that whether you are in a season of abounding or a season of despair, you are able to catch glimpses of light and take time to recognize and write them down.

XO, Katie

Summer Photo Sessions in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

summer photo session

Few things top the beauty of rolling hills and summer wildflowers in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Northeast Ohio boasts some of the most beautiful hiking trails and landscapes. Whether you are visiting one of the many trails of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cleveland Metroparks’ Emerald Necklace, or Summit Metroparks, you won’t be disappointed. Beauty abounds in every season, but summer provides a colorful bonus. If you’re a wildflower enthusiast, this season is for you. Orchids, blazing stars, coneflowers, and more provide pops of yellow, purple, and white that peak in July and August. It’s well worth braving the summer heat and bugs to capture some vibrant photos amidst this glorious landscape.

cuyahoga valley national park senior photo session
Summer senior photos in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Isabella’s senior session took place mid July, and a few sprays of white and yellow flowers were just beginning to show off. The tall, lush green grasses with endless textures provided a beautiful backdrop for her mid-summer session. This location boasts rolling hills galore and does require some walking to get to these vantage points, but I promise it’s worth it. Plan to pack some comfy, supportive shoes to trek up and down these hills as well as some bug spray to keep the bugs at bay. This location serves a dual purpose for a photo session AND a workout.

senior-girl-white-dress-blurred-background-flower-field
August summer senior photo session in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

By early August, the rolling hills are filled with vibrant hues of purple, yellow, and white wildflowers. The complementary colors in nature are surreal. Hiking trails provide numerous walkways through the gorgeous florals and tall grass landscape. If you choose to photograph here, respect your surroundings and those who are there to enjoy the park. Stick with photographing on the trails, and avoid trampling the tall grass and wildflowers. The possibilities really are endless here. You can choose from various vantage points. If you’re up for an adventurous session of exploring and capturing photos, you may even stumble upon some streams and a lake.

Family photo session in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

For families with little ones who aren’t up for the full hiking and photo experience, there are plenty of nooks along the trail. This allows for beautiful photos without the commitment of trekking all over the park. The tall trees and grass provide ample shade in areas to escape the blazing sun and summer heat. This is also ideal for families with little ones that do not do well with waiting until golden hour in summertime. You can schedule a session for earlier in the day and avoid bedtime moodiness. While golden hour is my preferred time of day for photo sessions, sometimes it’s better to opt for a time that most members of the family will be cooperative for the best outcome.

Besties spinning in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This summer has served up its fair share of pop-up thunderstorms, and this besties’ photo session was no exception. No sooner had we climbed to the top of the second hill to begin our session, and the claps of thunder warned us of the ensuing raindrops. We managed to capture one photo at our favorite destination before scrambling for cover.

The one photo we captured at our final destination in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park before the thunderstorm struck.

Thankfully I had brought my large reflector and a pop up changing pod. We popped both of those open to serve as protection as we raced back down and up the hills to the car. The girls were bummed that despite their best efforts, their hair did not stand up to the drenching rain. I encouraged them to forget about perfect hair and makeup and just have some fun. They opted to get back out there once there was a break in the weather and enjoyed their time capturing photos together.

The calm after the storm in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Peek the faint rainbow in the sky.

We were delighted when the sun peeked out ever so slightly during golden hour and showcased a faint rainbow in the sky. While it was not ideal weather for a session, the rain didn’t put too much of a damper on the day, and the girls were so glad we opted to wait out the storm. When the rain settled to a drizzle, they played in the misty national park for a few photos before heading home. They were pleasantly surprised with how the photos turned out, and I loved the genuine joy and connection that we were able to capture when they relaxed and had fun.

Once late fall hits, the fields of tall grass and wildflowers are mowed down for the year, so if you want to check out this location in all its glory, the summer and early fall is the time to do so. If the winter is your jam, this area has some epic sledding hills when the snowy season is in full swing. A line of pine trees along the perimeter of the hills also provide a beautiful backdrop for snowy photos if you don’t make it in the summer months. You could capture some candid moments of your family sledding and then enjoying some hot cocoa by the fire during a winter experience session. Summer may be my favorite season at this location, but there truly is beauty in every season.

Whether the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in your backyard or a dream destination, it never disappoints. Pictures truly do not do this national treasure justice. I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself. If you’ve been here, I would love to hear about your experience! What did you enjoy about this gem in Northeast Ohio?

XO, Katie

Unforgettable Family Trips: From Midwest Traditions to Western Wonders and Coastal Escapes

family

Growing up, my family was not affluent, but summer trips to Minnesota for family reunions were a non-negotiable. We would hop into our packed station wagon at 0-dark-thirty to make the 12 hour drive to the land of 10,000 lakes and countless memories. The best was sleeping away the first part of the trip in sleeping bags that spanned the back of the station wagon. Whoever invented the station wagon and its ability to put the seats down to make a cozy sleeping space in the car was a genius. After hours on the road and a satisfactory nap, we kids would wake up to eat a cold toasted bagel before diving into the stash of Twizzlers and Oreos. Most of the time, we would drive straight through, making a pitstop at Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet to visit Sissy the cow, take some obligatory silly pictures, and pick up some Wisconsin cheese. On rare occasions, we would stay the night at a Best Western hotel in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. A huge moose statue greeted us as we approached the hotel, and we all welcomed the reprieve from hours in the car. Our final destination in Minnesota promised lots of fun and boisterous laughter with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I don’t know that it gets much better than sipping a cold, bubbly Fresca on a hot summer day at the lake. These core memories are ingrained into my mind and have stuck with me for decades. While my parents took us on a wild west adventure, driving for days on end to see some spectacular sights, as well as a trip to California in my late teens, it’s the Minnesota memories that I cherish most.

Fast forward to raising a family of my own. Up until a handful of years ago, family vacations were a rarity. We took the kids for a family reunion to Minnesota when my youngest was a baby, and then most of our vacation time was used to build businesses. That changed in 2017, when we planned a family trip out west for our first big vacation adventure. We flew into Utah and had family photos done in the mountains and explored all of the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors. My cousin and his wife were incredible hosts and opened their home to us for the week while we explored the sights near them. His wife, Jen, took the black and white family photo pictured above at our last extended family vacation in Minnesota before my grandpa passed away. She also took our family photos in the mountains of Utah. Pictured below is one of my absolute favorites from that session that I have printed on metal and on display in my dining room.

After spending several days in Utah, we headed south to Arizona. We broke up the 8 hour drive with a visit to Zion National Park. It was the perfect opportunity to sight see and go for a short hike to stretch our legs and enjoy the views that surrounded us. From flowing rivers to soaring rock formations, our eyes could barely keep up with all that there was to take in.

The terrain is vastly different out west than in Ohio. The snow capped mountains of Utah turn to red rock and dirt and cacti as you approach Arizona. Lush green grass is nearly nonexistent in that part of the U.S. It was amazing to appreciate the variety of views that we have available to us throughout our country. After about an 8 hour trek in the car, we arrived at my aunt and uncle’s home in Flagstaff, Arizona. We were greeted by hugs and smiles and a delicious meal of homemade lasagna and delightful conversation. The next day, we all hopped on a train to the Grand Canyon. This may have been the highlight of the trip for my son, who was a huge fan of trains at the time, and the fact that they had “bandits” riding on horses and holding up the train added to the adventure. The Grand Canyon is indeed grand. I had been there once when I was a kid. To come full circle and bring my own children to witness its magnificence was quite the experience. I wish I could say that I enjoyed every moment of it, but the plunging drop-offs had me on edge, making sure that my kids were accounted for at all times.

After our adventure at the Grand Canyon, we headed back to Flagstaff for the night before traveling to Sedona the following day. We stopped along the road to explore a swimming hole and then again to admire and purchase some authentic jewelry made by Native Americans in that area. My aunt and uncle treated us to a stellar suite in Sedona for our last night of vacation. The contrast of the red rocks with the green trees was breathtaking. There was a pool that looked out over the beautiful views, and my kids had the best time swimming in the pool and then coming back to the suite to soak in the oversized tub. It was the perfect way to wrap up a wonderful week out west. My kids still talk about that trip years later.

As grandiose as that trip was, the ocean has my kids’ and husband’s heart. I appreciate the sounds of the ocean but prefer to keep my distance. There’s a lot in there that we can’t see, ya know? My husband and kids dive right in and fully immerse themselves in the salt water. I dip my toes and walk along the shore, and when I’m feeling super adventurous, I might go in up to my waist. The waves always catch me off guard and drench me at some point, and then I head back to shore to dry off and keep an eagle eye on my people as they are living their best life. We have enjoyed time in Myrtle Beach several summers, as well as time with friends in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and time with grandparents in Williamsburg, Virginia. Each trip has its own flavor, but one thing remains the same. You can’t put a price tag on quality time with family.

What was your favorite family vacation memory or your go-to vacation spot? Whether you plan a day trip or make a long weekend or week out of it, know that the family time you are investing in and the core memories you are making are priceless. Plan that trip. Make those memories. And if you need someone to travel and take your photos, I’m your girl.

XO, Katie

family wardrobe tips

Comfort and Confidence: Essential Clothing Tips for Family Photos

family, What to Wear

Whether you have them done annually or on occasion, preparing for family photos is no small feat. What to wear? Will the weather cooperate? Will the kids behave? While kids are just as unpredictable as the weather, I’m here to help you at least check one concern off the list. Following are some clothing tips to consider when planning your family’s attire for photos.

Consider colors and editing styles

Choose colors that fit the editing style of your photographer. Before we had our family photos done with Jackie Beachy, I had followed her for years, admiring her vibrant editing style and taking note of what colors worked best with her photography. I opted to style my family in vibrant jewel tones. My daughter and I wore prairie style dresses to fit the aesthetic of our surroundings. My husband and son wore button down shirts in deep, rich hues with similar patterns and different colored slacks that complemented their shirts. The results of pairing our outfit selections with our photographer’s editing style exceeded my expectations. I ordered three 22×44 inch framed canvas prints for display in our living room. They definitely make a bold statement as you enter our home, and I have selected decor for our living room that accentuates our wall art and brings a cohesive feel to the room.

Use color theory

In addition to taking your photographer’s editing style into consideration when planning your attire, color theory plays a crucial role in bringing the wow factor to your photos. Complementary colors bring the most pop, but you may also opt for triadic colors (colors that make a triangle on the color wheel, such as purple, orange, and green). If you prefer a more harmonious and subtle color selection, choose analogous colors (three colors next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, teal, and green). For an even more subtle look, opt for monochromatic colors (different shades of the same color, such as navy to sky blue).

Get bold with mixing colors, patterns, and textures

Don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures. In addition to choosing earth tones to fit our photographer, Lauren Grayson’s, style last year, I got brave and threw in some mixed patterns. The purple in my floral dress was muted enough to mix with the earth tones of the rest of my family’s wardrobe. My dress also had browns, deep mustard yellow, and burgundy that were drawn out by the color of my son’s shirt, my husband’s pants, and my daughter’s dress. The checkers of color in my husband’s shirt were subtle enough to coordinate with the floral pattern and colors of my dress.

Opt for comfort and confidence

Wear clothes you can move and be comfortable and confident in. While the color choices for our family photos in Utah were much brighter to fit the editing style of our photographer, Jennifer Fauset, we made sure to wear clothing that allowed us to sit, stand, walk, and play. Flowy dresses for my daughter and I and relaxed khakis and button down shirts for my husband and son allowed for free movement. I’m so grateful for the genuine laughter and connection that Jen captured for us. It remains one of my favorite family photos years later. I had it made into a 12×18 metal print that is on display on an accent table in our dining room. Had we been wearing clothes that were stiff, tight, or uncomfortable, we may not have been able to get into position for this shot that I treasure so much.

Throw perfection out the window

Bottom line, it doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters is that you make family photos a priority. If I waited to be the ideal weight or have my hair freshly done, I wouldn’t have any of these photos that I treasure today. Get in the frame. And if you need help with wardrobe planning and confidence boosting, I’m here for you and would love to capture your family’s connection, unpredictable kids, weather, and all. You can book your family photo session here or email me at katie@katrinawinterphotography.com with any questions.

XO, Katie

pink and yellow blog post banner

Embracing the Joy of Lazy Summer Days: Stay-At-Home Activity Ideas

what to do

We are in full blown summer break mode at my house. Summer means nine glorious weeks where I don’t HAVE to be anywhere or spend two plus hours a day commuting kids to and from school and extracurriculars. It means getting to see my people throughout the day as they pop in and out from their activities of choice. The downward shift in my cortisol levels the past couple of weeks is palpable, and I’ve come to embrace the calm that comes with a more relaxed schedule. I used to envy those who packed their summers full of adventures galore and wonder HOW in the world they did it all. Then I realized, I’m not them. And that’s ok. Here’s why I refuse to make a summer bucket list. Having a schedule that is filled to the brim drains my tank faster than a bloodthirsty mosquito tracks me down at dusk. If your feed is inundated with everyone and their brother’s highlight reel and summer bucket list, and you have no desire to make one of your own, you are not alone. If home is where your heart is, and you’re a checklist kind of person, who desires to at least do SOMETHING this summer, here are some ideas that you can enjoy without leaving the house.

It’s time to normalize the joy of lazy summer days and time well spent in the comforts of home. When was the last time you held a book? Listening to one on your way to your next task or reading one on your glowing screen doesn’t count. I mean physically held a tangible book and flipped the pages and made time to enjoy and experience the story as it unfolds before your eyes and in your mind. If you have no idea what to read, check your local library for the librarians’ picks, or check out the library’s selection of Newbery medal winners. The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie is chock full of recommendations for all ages as well. Those are some great reads that will take you on an adventure while staying cozily nestled in your favorite nook. Enjoy solo reading time, or incorporate a family read aloud time into your schedule. Add that to your summer bucket list (if you feel the need to have one).

A few summers ago, I decided to challenge myself to take up canning. I had seen my parents laboriously prepare and can fruits and vegetables from their garden harvests throughout the years, and the thought of taking on that task was a bit overwhelming, so I started simple. Berry season is in full swing, and the best berry jam only requires a few ingredients and some canning jars. My favorite jam recipe is from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. It calls for a pound of strawberries, 3/4 cup sugar, and 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice. You can switch up the recipe with your favorite fruit and adjust the amount of sugar to taste. A couple of my favorite fruit jam combinations are strawberry-rhubarb and strawberries with wild black raspberries. I stumbled upon the strawberry and wild black raspberry combo a couple of weeks ago when I was just shy of enough strawberries from my garden, so I topped off the recipe with some wild black raspberries that I had in my freezer. Every year my dad picks a boatload of wild black raspberries and shares them with the family to freeze and enjoy throughout the year. Raspberries are quite seedy, so if you prefer a smoother consistency to your jam, you can puree the fruit in a blender once it cooks down a bit and then return it to the saucepan to finish cooking to the appropriate thickness before transferring it to jars and canning.

Once I got the hang of making jam, I decided to give elderberry syrup a go. Several years ago, my husband’s coworker gave us some elderberry tree shoots that we planted in our backyard, and we’ve been harvesting elderberries since the trees started producing. Elderberry syrup is an excellent immune system booster and one of my go-to supplements when cold and flu season hits. While it is not advised to consume raw elderberries due to the risk of GI upset, cooking them down with some water and organic spices, such as ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, and then mixing equal amounts of raw honey and the spiced elderberry juice makes for a delicious, healthy morning jumpstart. I enjoy a Tablespoon of elderberry syrup mixed with a shot of lemon juice and 4 ounces of warm water. In addition to boosting your immune system, the warm concoction is a great morning wakeup for your digestive system. Elderberry syrup prepared with raw honey should not be canned, as extreme temperatures will kill the health benefits of the raw honey used in the syrup. If you prefer to can your elderberry syrup, you may opt to use cane sugar in place of the honey. I have made it both ways and prefer to have the added health benefits of the honey as opposed to consuming added sugars when I’m trying to keep my body healthy or fending off unpleasant symptoms.

Instead of canning my elderberry syrup, I put it in 4 ounce glass jars and freeze them, so I can take them out and consume the syrup as needed throughout the year. Elderberry syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and retains its flavor and potency in the freezer for up to 6-12 months. The past two years, I’ve had an abundance of syrup, so I’ve made it available for purchase to those who can pick it up locally. It’s a labor of love harvesting and cleaning and prepping the elderberries for syrup making. Harvesting, cleaning, and stripping the elderberries from their stems takes multiple hours followed by the time investment to cook and can the syrup. I no longer question how expensive it is to purchase elderberry syrup. The laborious task is worth it to have the homemade goodness on hand whenever it’s needed, and it’s a joy to share it with others, so they too can experience the health benefits.

If spending time with a book or in the kitchen isn’t your jam (pun completely intended), perhaps a family game night is more your speed. If you have a house of teens, give them a heads up. Surprise schedule changes that put a kink in their plans are not always appreciated, but advanced notice is. Have everyone give you a list of their favorite snacks and beverages, gather the goods and your crew, and whip out the gameboards for an evening of family fun. Different personalities prefer different types of games, so have a variety of options available to keep things fresh. Over the years, I’ve endeavored to be more healthy, but I’ll never pass up a game night with my Loves and some Twizzlers chock full of red food dye and artificial flavors. There’s nothing that a double dose of elderberry syrup can’t reverse, right?

During the surge of COVID, Friday night fires was one of our favorite traditions that we launched. It allowed us to keep in touch with neighbors and enjoy time outdoors and snacks and chats around the campfire while maintaining social distancing. One night we dragged the firepit and some wood up to the driveway and set out several chairs for anyone who wanted to join in. What began as a spontaneous get together evolved into a weekly tradition. It became a joke that my husband was putting out the “smoke signal” to let the neighborhood know that a Friday night fire was happening whenever he set up the firepit in our driveway on Friday afternoons. The tradition stuck, and now every year as we approach summer, we all look forward to Friday night fires. This is an activity that even draws the teens away from their screens and gaming because who can resist s’mores and a campfire?

Whether you give one of these at-home activities a try or choose to completely chillax all summer, know that enjoying a season of rest is good for the soul and should be normalized and prioritized. We spend so much of our time hustling to the next best thing while running on empty. Rest is necessary to allow us to recharge and recoup. Going from Mach speed to idling can play tricks on our minds and bodies. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice to allow ourselves to enjoy some down time. When I started practicing intentional quietness, it felt off, as if I was either depressed or something was wrong with me. It turns out my body and mind were just figuring out how to adjust to a sense of calm rather than a state of flight or fright. With practice, calm becomes a welcome, new normal. Give yourself permission to hit pause and soak up the simpler things in life this summer.

XO, Katie

how to advocate for yourself and others at medical appointments

Empowering Patient-Doctor Relationships: Expert Tips for Successful Appointments

health

White coat syndrome is absolutely real. Medical appointments can be daunting, particularly when you are blindsided by a diagnosis or aren’t sure what questions to ask. My 20+ years working in the medical field, as well as advocating for my patients and family members, has taught me a few things, and I’m here to share them with you, so you can be better prepared for your next visit.

Establishing a doctor-patient rapport

Some doctors have excellent bedside manners, and some lack an inkling of compassion. They all have egos, and your visit will go best when you keep this in mind and show respect to them while also having the chutzpah to stand up for yourself or those for whom you are advocating. There is a delicate balance to this, and while easier said than done, when you strike the right balance, it leads to a beneficial visit where you will get answers and be able to work with your medical care experts as a team moving forward.

How I advocated for a family member

When my mom was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer years ago, and the medical facility she visited for treatment was several hours away, it was not feasible for me to leave my young children for days on end while she was undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy. Instead, I was able to develop a rapport with her medical team, who gave me permission to contact them at any time with questions or concerns that I had as her daughter and fellow medical professional. Sometimes those questions and concerns could be readily addressed via email. Other times required me to be on a conference call with them during my mom’s appointments, so everyone could be kept in the loop as I was advocating for my mom and helping her navigate difficult decisions for her health and life. There were times when I perhaps overstepped, but her medical team was gracious in answering our questions and extending compassion as my mom faced a life threatening disease. Sometimes there were alternate options when I pushed. Other times not. Her oncologist and I remain on great terms to this day, and I am forever grateful for her compassion in caring for my mom and being there for my family in dire times.

Maximizing the potential of your visit

Most physicians nowadays are working under a hospital system that tracks the time they spend with patients, which adds a time crunch on top of the underlying stressors that they face every day. One way to maximize the potential of your visit is to come to your appointment prepared with any questions or concerns. I personally have to write mine down, or they go out the window when I’m face to face with the doctor and feel intimidated or under pressure. Having your thoughts and questions organized on paper allows you to check things off the list as you discuss them with your physician and saves time. It can also help you avoid the hassle of having to call back with any unanswered questions that you forgot to ask at your appointment.

Ask: What would you do?

Do your research on whatever your medical concern or diagnosis is prior to your appointment. Discuss it with your doctor and ask for their opinion and expertise based on their experience. One of the best questions to ask when facing a medical situation is what your doctor would do if they themselves or a loved one were facing the same issue. This many times breaks down the barriers and gives them the space and permission to “be real.” After your appointment, you will be able to determine whether they are a good fit for you or if you need to keep searching to find a doctor who truly listens to your concerns and offers possible solutions. Sometimes you need to give the doctor a second chance. There have been numerous occasions when my first impression was less than, but upon giving the doctor another go, we developed a better rapport and were able to forge a positive doctor-patient team. It can take time to find the right doctor for you, but the effort and your health is well worth it.

XO, Katie