Hi, I’m Caitlin! First and foremost, I’m a grateful wife to Austin and new mom to Gus, our 5-month old son. I’m also a hand-letterer with an online shop (Lettered Life) where I carry home decor and paper goods. Outside of running the shop, I do lettering for special events, branding work and have recently dipped into the world of licensing. We live just outside Charlotte, NC where we love spending time outside, attempting new recipes together and eating chocolate chip cookies.
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for your loved ones?
Going for a run. I’ve been lacing up my running shoes regularly for almost 15 years now, so it’s very much a part of my daily rhythm. Something about the routine, endorphins, and fresh air helps set my focus on gratitude and energizes me so I can love my people better!
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
Coconut oil! I use it to remove eye makeup and as shaving cream.
What’s your favorite outfit for a quick, polished look?
Simple dress, statement necklace and a blazer.
What’s your favorite quick-prep dinner for your family?
Fall weather in North Carolina means butternut squash soup on repeat, please! Seriously, this soup is on our family menu lineup almost weekly as of late. We love the version from The Whole 30 book because it is delicious, healthy and easy! We also add either ground chicken or turkey meatballs to up the protein, and often pair it with a fall-ish salad. Super good!
Tell us your favorite Instagram account to follow, and why?
Rachel Hollis. I love her down-to-earth vibe, tips, recipes and overall positive energy. Not to mention, the girl has great style and is hilarious. While you are at it, check out some of her #RachTalk YouTube videos and thank me later for the entertainment. :)
What tradition or routine is important to you?
Spending time in the morning reading the bible, praying and writing down three things that I’m grateful for. Starting my day this way, before looking at a to-do list, really helps me begin the day with gratitude and joy instead of feeling overwhelmed from the get-go.
What’s in your purse?
Motherhood has totally changed my purse situation, as I quickly realized I didn’t want to tote a diaper bag and purse around with me. So I have a wristlet with only the basics for me ready to go at all times, and that gets tucked into my diaper bag when I’m out and about with Gus. (I was gifted this one and adore it!) My must-haves: sunglasses, phone, hand sanitizer and chapstick.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Antique hunting is one of my favorite ways to gather inspiration! I’m endlessly inspired by vintage type—old signs, books, postcards. I love the character of old hand-painted signs, the shape and texture of old-school letterpress type, and the cleverness of old-fashioned sayings.
We know you’re a busy lady! How do you balance all of your work responsibilities along with your home and personal life? Any tips for our readers?
Before I go to bed, I like to write down a list of what needs to be done the next day. Anything I can think of goes down on paper—from laundry to errands to work deadlines, just so it’s out of my brain and ready for me in the morning. The process of writing it all down helps for a couple of reasons: 1.) I can relax and not worry about being unprepared the next day and 2.) It gives me a chance to talk things through with my husband to make sure we’re ready to take on the world together the next morning
What’s your favorite app (or other tool!) for helping you do life?
Well, I’m probably like 3 years late to the party with this, but the Starbucks app. Friends, I had never ordered ahead prior to about a month ago, but I’m kind of crazy about it these days. It feels like magic! Our Starbucks is almost always hopping, so I love using the app to order and pay ahead of time—no waiting in line equals more time for what matters most!
