Stay updated on the latest happenings.
Happy New Year!
I spent a majority of the month cleaning while I worked through a lot of the January Cure projects.
It snowed in DFW this morning, so we played with the dogs in the backyard.
GOALS
Since I took a break last month, I didn’t write a lot or prepare for January. I don’t feel behind either, so I had time to think about what I wanted from my goals this year.
Read more about my 2023 Goals.
INFLUENCER
While I haven’t done any local events this month, I have been working on about 7 different UGC campaigns. They’re still in the works or at various stages in acceptance, shipping, or video editing.
I have been working on LTK with my recent AE Jeans review and the Valentine’s Day Outfits, so that has also kept me busy during mid-month keeping everything organized. I’m also working on a winter jackets post.
LTK: January had 4,399 clicks and $24.32 in open commissions.
BLOG
In the spirit of centering everything around clarity, I spent a lot of time working on the layout of my website. I haven’t made any progress with the freelance designer I hired to help me rebrand, so I tried to tackle that myself this month.
I thought outsourcing something that I didn’t have time for would ease my stress levels, but after waiting five months and only being shown one version of logo, my stress levels are through the roof.
My design and layout may not be the best, but at least I’ve put in the effort of making changes that I am okay with. I don’t necessarily love what I’ve done, but I’m tired of holding myself back waiting on someone else to perform (even though I’ve paid over half of the contract).
I started off writing pretty strong in the beginning of the month. I’ve planning posts that won’t be going live until March, so I think I’ve tackled a lot of content.
Here’s what I shared on the blog this month:
- A Review of My #22in2022 Goals
- Most Popular Posts 2022
- 2023 Goals
- American Eagle Jeans Review
- Valentine’s Day Outfit Inspiration
- 9 Jackets and Coats Perfect For Winter
- January Reading List
- and this Monthly Life Update: January 2023!
Featured In
I’m also excited to be named a top Long Beach, CA, local expert by Redfin. Check out the article I was featured in: 10 Most Affordable Long Beach Suburbs to Live In | Redfin.
SIDE HUSTLE
I made $41.15 from clothing sales on Poshmark, but I had a total of $75 in expenses. I even took the time to take new photos of items I’m selling, but nothing is moving too quick.
The donation kit I sent to ThredUp in July won’t process until the February now (last month the website said January). I’m hesitant to even suggest using them for resale, but I think they’re offering a great service.
Although, as of January 21, 2022, they are charging for their donation kits. It makes sense because of the delay in processing times, but that depends on your budget. They’re charging $15 for 14+ weeks of processing time. That’s almost 3 and a half months – crazy!
HOVEL SWEET HOVEL
I’ve slowly been working on the January Cure from Apartment therapy. I’ve been so slow, but I’ve realized that I can do the work, but I don’t turn in my homework… ehhh. I was excited at the beginning. I took all the time-lapse videos, but I had to post three in one day because I just didn’t want to post.
For a href=”https://hovelsweethovel.com/deconstructing-antique-couch-and-stripping-paint-diy/?utm_source=katiekinsley.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=january-2023-update” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>the couch, I had to postpone the drop off with the upholstery place. Zack was out of town for a work conference, so I had to reach out later this month to confirm a drop-off date.
I dropped the couch off at the upholsterer, but I made a mistake. He won’t finish the wood for me – he only does the upholstery and cushions. The couch is back in my garage until I have time to work on it!
I also made the mistake of breaking something on that website as well, so I spent a weekend trying to create a new theme for it. Oof, less web design and more writing next month, please.
FITNESS
I completed the iFit Blank Slate Jogging Challenge this month. I took this month super slow because I wanted to let my legs recover after the workouts.
Total Miles: 23.5
Total Hours: 6:00:47
Total Workouts: 13
BUSINESS
I booked time at Stock and Seed photo studio and met up with my friend Sarah to get photos done for my website. She is so quick with turning around with final photos.
She’s so quick, but I’m so slow on adding them to the website! The featured image on this post is a selfie from the Stock and Seed studio.
If you’re in the DFW area and are looking for a great photographer for any kind of project, reach out to Sarah K Photography!
Me + Zack
We’re still working on planning our trip to Europe, but I have flights, trains and hotels covered.
XOXO,
Katie
