How was your week? I can feel the buzz in the air about school ending soon for my kids, and it’s lighting a little fire inside of me to get things done, too!

We’re talking about our Lake Placid summer almost every day, so it’s very hard to stay mentally present here when I know this summer of fun awaits! We got the kids’ passports updated this week, so we can venture up to Canada a bit this summer, too!

I have been living, and I mean living, in these Birkenstocks for the past couple of weeks. They’re so comfortable!

If it’s shorts weather where you are, try these $18 ones my friend Megan told me about from Walmart! They’re great!

Today is the FINAL DAY to place custom orders at Maya Brenner to get your orders by Mother’s Day. Use code Kate15 to save 15% sitewide until May 10!

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Seamed Denim Dress

Kerestase Magic Night Serum

Kerestase (in the black bottle)

Lancome Lash Idole Waterproof Liner in Brown

Sephora Collection Eye Stick in Espresso Matte

Sarah Creal liner in Everyday Taupe

Amazon Bag

Birkenstock Sandals

Brown Tennis Dress

The best brow product of all time

Denim Forum Shorts

Barefaced Liquid Gold

Blue Athletic Tank from Target

Linen Dress

$30 Amazon Swimsuit

BaByliss PRO 1.5in Curling Iron

Flexible Hold Hairspray

Arellia Barrel Jeans

Maya Brenner Ear Cuff

AYR Jeans

Short Linen Dress

Madewell Tank only available on Amazon

Sage A-line Denim Shorts

Running Shorts

Ninja Crispi

Megababe Anti-Chafe Gel

Tempo Long Sleeve

Wes Barrel Jean

Beau Seamed Jeans

Sydney Jeans

Tate Crop Jeans

Kennedy Shorts

Soft Services Vacation Buffing Bars

Barefaced Overachiever

Val 90’s Jeans

Smocked Tank

CoverGirl Blush Balm Stick

Loving Tan Lotion

Favorite Root Lifter

Kerastase Overnight Serum

My ShopMy Store

Minnow Swimsuit

Alfie Sunglasses

Large Tote

Henley Tank

Gingham Top

Comfy Sandals

$17 Denim Shorts from Walmart

Perfect Bag for Summer

One Piece Swim from Target

My Favorite Dry Shampoo

Olive Green Dress

Always Effortless Jacket

EBY Wireless Bra

Rope Bag

Abyss Sweatshirt

AYR Flow Top

Barefaced Motherhood Survival Kit

Early Mornings Tee

Spironolactone prescription for my skin

Oversized Denim Shirt

New Clare V. Bag

Marea Tank

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Maya Brenner: KATE15 will save you 15% off until May 10

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: KATE20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 will get you 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the women who do so much – whether that’s your mom, a mother figure, a friend in the thick of motherhood, or even yourself. I always gravitate toward gifts that feel both special and practical, like things she’ll actually use but that still feel like a little treat. Here are a few favorites!

*Maya Brenner code cannot combine with other promotions, nor can it be used on the “add a letter” service

The post Mother’s Day Gift Guide first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I had to look back in the archives of the blog to see when I first started sharing my love for Maya Brenner jewelry. I found a post from 13 years ago that included a photo of me wearing my very first initial necklace with a “J” on it for my husband Justin.

It didn’t take long for me to add a second necklace to my collection with my first son‘s initials, then I would send it back and get other initials added as I had more kids, and so I have been wearing my initial necklace with all three kids’ initials for the past nearly 8 years!

I’ve added additional beautiful pieces to my collection, from statement rings to subtle diamond necklaces to pretty stacking bracelets that I never take off.

I have loved every single thing, and when I got to meet the Maya Brenner team two years ago, it was a dream come true. Realizing that their team is just as wonderful as you would expect them to be from what you see online was a delight.

Aside from my classic favorites of the Custom Initial Necklace and delicate bracelets, a piece that I have come to love so very much is the Arc Diamond Necklace. It’s on a ball chain and is that quintessential “barely there” jewelry that Maya Brenner makes, but it’s still eye-catching with a beautiful arc shape of the diamonds. My only regret is not having it to wear on my wedding day–it would have sparkled!

The Rendezvous cuff, along with the Plus One cuff, are on my wrists every day. The fit of both is perfect because I’m not even aware of it. I’ve tried other cuffs, and they bother me, especially when I’m at my computer. These cuffs are perfectly tailored to sit comfortably on your wrist without twisting around.

I’m excited to share that I have a code for you to use, offering 15% off your Maya Brenner jewelry order! Code KATE15 will save you 15%* until Mother’s Day, 2026.

From birthstone rings and the iconic initial necklace to pretty layering bracelets and statement rings, I am certain you’ll find something you love at Maya Brenner!

See my favorite recommendations in my personal jewelry edit here.

*cannot combine with other promotions, nor can it be used on the “add a letter” service

The post My Cherished Jewelry Collection by Maya Brenner (plus a special announcement) first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I’ve been a cat lover my whole life. I grew up with cats, and shortly after my husband and I got married, he came home with a little rescue kitten! After only having her for a couple of months, we decided she was lonely and added another rescue kitten to the mix! We’ve been married for sixteen years and have almost always had one or two cats!

Our recent addition, Benji, came home when he was a little kitten and has been a curious and playful little guy that my kids absolutely adore.

When Benji arrived, it had been about a year and a half since my last cat, Grits, had passed away. And while I deeply longed for a feline companion, I will honestly admit that I did not miss dealing with the litter box.

You can do everything possible to manage the smell, but it is simply a fact that a traditional litter box is going to be… well, a little stinky.

When Whisker reached out and suggested I try the Litter-Robot, I was initially apprehensive. I thought it looked complicated, and was concerned that Benji might not take to the new box. But I was hopeful!

He had already been using a traditional litter box, so when I opened up and plugged in the Litter-Robot 5 Pro, I set it right next to Benji’s existing litter box, poured some litter inside, and left it alone. I wanted him to explore it on his own timeline while still having the comfort of a litter box he was used to right next to it.

He immediately went inside the Litter-Robot; it happened so fast, I was genuinely surprised! I’m pretty sure it took him no more than 15 minutes before he used the Litter-Robot, hopped out, and basically never returned to his existing litter box. After a few weeks, I put the traditional litter box in the garage, so he could only have access to the Litter-Robot. The transition was seamless, and at that point, I was already fully sold on the benefits of the Litter-Robot 5 Pro. Why do I love it?

No More Scooping. Ever.

The automatic self-cleaning function is a game-changer. Aside from this obvious greatest benefit of never having to scoop a litter box again, I have also really appreciated the other elements of this litter box!

Built-In Cameras for Monitoring

There are interior and exterior cameras, where I can view Benji‘s activity. I can see when he walks in front of the Litter-Robot and when he goes inside! I could see this being a huge advantage to anyone who has a multi-cat household!

Easy-to-Use App

The app is super user-friendly – it lets you know when the litter is at an optimal level or if it needs adjusting, and it will tell you how many times a cycle is run (meaning when the clumps after a cat has used the Litter-Robot are sifted out). Plus, you can customize the notifications to see when your cat is using the Litter-Robot.

Less Litter Usage

The bag that catches the used litter clumps is surprisingly large, and you can check the status of how full it is on the app. While the initial upfront investment may seem high, you use a smaller amount of litter with the Litter-Robot, so it ends up being more cost-effective since you don’t have to buy as much litter overall.

So, is the Litter-Robot Worth It?

I could not believe that I’ve lived this long with cats and not had a Litter-Robot until now! I’m telling my family members who have cats that they should seriously consider the Litter-Robot 5 Pro. There’s no longer a stale smell in the house, and Benji has “fresh” litter without any existing clumps every time he goes in to use it. It has been a game-changer for me (the one who would typically scoop the litter) and the cat!

I knew the benefit of not having to scoop the litter box anymore would be a huge value add to my life (and the life of my cat), but I’ve also been so pleasantly surprised by the other features on the Litter-Robot that have helped support Benji!

Thanks to Whisker for partnering on this post (and making cat life so much better!).

The post Is the Litter-Robot 5 Pro Worth it? My honest thoughts and experience… first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

We’re at the tail end of quite a heat wave while also living through a pretty bad drought, so while I’ve enjoyed the sunshine, I know we need the rain!

Have you shopped the Sephora Savings Event?! I’ve shared a lot of recommendations on social media, but if you missed that, you can shop my Sephora Storefront and get all my favorites there!

I’ve been raving about the new Kerastase product that has been wonderful for my dry, distressed hair. There are so many protein/bond repair focused products out there—and those are GOOD—but sometimes you just need some good old-fashioned moisture and shine. I think I like it even more than the original Nutrative 8 Hour Magic Night Serum, and I really loved the original.

On a seperate note, my husband’s birthday is tomorrow, so we are celebrating him! He’s turning 44, and I’m still 39, so this is a short window of time where it looks like I’m 5 years younger than him (on paper), and I relish that. He’s requested frozen pizza and grocery store ice cream, and if that doesn’t communicate how simple a man he is, I’m not sure what else could.

I hope you have a nice weekend. Thanks for being here!

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Westman Atelier Blush in Fizz

Hydrobalm in Juice

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen

Barefaced Sheer Protection SPF

@guglhupfnc

Cricket Pro Silkcomb

Osea Body Wash

Theo of Golden

Late July Organic Dippers

Lit Up Glassy Highlight

Westman Atelier Lipstick in Ballerine

Barefaced Polishing Pads

Ninja Crispi

Ouai Dry Air Foam

Soft Feels All Time T-Shirt

Maya Brenner Initial Necklace

Maya Brenner Color Pop Pendant

Pink Sand Summer Book

Rifle Paper Co. Toiletry Bag

Kayleigh Dress

Wavy Air Dry Hair Foam

Ouai Wave Spray

Chris McMillan Styling Cream

Green Tank

Amazon Sandals

Hair Clips

Patrick Ta Mini Blush

Sarah Creal Under Eye Corrector

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Undereye

Tower 28 Lip Liner in “Check Me Out”

Sarah Creal Gloss in “She E O”

Laura Mercier Skin Tint

My Favorite Primer

Created Colorful Color Analysis – 2 options were Light Spring + Light Summer

This Story Might Save Your Life book by Tiffany Crum

Ochre Lane Swim Suit

Rifle Paper Co Cherry Mug

Kosas Dreambeam

Armani Luminous Silk

Patrick Ta “She’s That Girl”

Amazon Bag

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: KATE20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 for 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Whether you like it or not, summer is coming—and if you live in a humid climate as I do, you know the struggle of keeping frizz under control. That’s why I’m sharing my best anti-frizz hair product recommendations to help you achieve smooth, sleek hair even in the most humid conditions.

What I Look For in Frizz Control Products

I have medium-textured, mostly straight hair, so I prefer lightweight anti-frizz products that smooth flyaways without weighing my hair down. I don’t need a heavy smoothing cream for waves—but I do need effective humidity protection to keep frizz at bay.

If you’re looking for frizz control products for straight or slightly textured hair, these picks are perfect for maintaining a polished, natural look.

Sephora Spring Savings Event: Stock Up on Frizz-Fighting Favorites

If you want to get ahead of summer humidity, now is the perfect time to shop. The Sephora Spring Savings Event is happening now through April 20.

• Use code: SPRINGSALE
• Discounts: 10%, 15%, or 20% off (depending on your Beauty Insider tier)
• Unlimited use during the sale period
• 30% off all Sephora Collection for the duration of the event

This is a great opportunity to grab your must-have anti-frizz hair products before peak humidity hits.

Top Anti-Frizz Products for Smooth, Sleek Hair

These are my top recommendations for fighting frizz and texture for the smoothest result!

Drybar Final Call Frizz & Static Control Mist – perfect for taming flyaways and static without adding weight.

Drybar Liquid Glass Miracle Smoothing Sealant – this is incredibly lightweight and makes my hair look like it was passed through a flat iron.

Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Blowout Hair Cream – a great option for someone with more natural texture that they are trying to smooth through.

amika Frizz-Me-Not Hydrating Anti-Frizz Treatment – very effective in the most humid of climates.

amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Shampoo – gently cleanses while helping to prevent frizz from the start.

amika Forget Frizz Anti-Frizz Conditioner – Hydrates and smooths for long-lasting frizz control.

Kenra Blow-Dry Spray Frizz Control Heat Protectant – this product smells like cotton candy and also provides heat protection!

Virtue Frizz Block Humidity Proof Smoothing Spray – a must-have for humid climates; helps block moisture in the air.

Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer – nice as a lightweight aerosol!

Kerastase Mini Gloss Absolu High-Shine Anti-Frizz Glaze Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair – adds shine while smoothing

The key to managing frizz in summer is layering lightweight anti-frizz products that protect against humidity without making your hair feel heavy or greasy. If you’re building your summer hair routine, these are some of the best anti-frizz products for humid weather that actually deliver smooth, polished results. Get them all at Sephora now!

This post was made in partnership with Sephora.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Frizz-Fighting Products That Actually Deliver first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

One.  Two.  Three.  Four. Five.  Six.  Seven.  Eight.  Nine.  Ten.  Eleven. Twelve.  Thirteen.  Fourteen.  Fifteen.

Finding a really good white t-shirt is harder than it should be. I’ve tried so many over the years, and these are the ones I keep coming back to – simple, easy, and actually worth reaching for again and again. I pay close attention to the sleeves (both the length and how wide they are) and the neckline. I don’t love a collar that’s too loose – I prefer it to sit right at the base of my neck – and I always want a little bit of room in the sleeves (no tight sleeves for me!).

From a few great finds at COS and Aritzia to longtime staples from Madewell, Gap, and Banana Republic, these are the white tees that have earned a spot in my regular rotation. Whether I want something a little more fitted or perfectly relaxed, these just work.

The post White Tees That I Actually Love first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

One.  Two.  Three.  Four.  Five.  Six.  Seven.  Eight.  Nine.  Ten.

I am officially living in strappy sandals as the temperatures warm up here in Raleigh. From a new Amazon find that I keep reaching for, to some classic Birkenstock favorites, these are the pairs I’ve either worn year after year or have my eye on for summer. Sandals are the easiest way to dress up a simple linen dress or keep a basic, simple outfit feeling put-together without even trying.

The post Sandals I’m Loving first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I pulled out my Dior Forever Glow Star Filter (I use shade 3) when I was doing my makeup this week and forgot how much I love the radiance that it adds! It adds a touch of warmth as well, which is exactly what I’m craving this spring.

I hope you had a nice week! Ours was busy but highlighted by beautiful spring weather! One of my kids had a big week at school participating in an annual event that they put on for his grade, and it was awesome to go see him thrive in that setting!

We’ve just started spring break, and we have a few different things going on over the next week that will be fun!

Did you see this mini set of my favorite Patrick Ta blushes?! I LOVE the mini sizes they are releasing, and these colors are two of my favorites.

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

BEST linen dress

Taralli Olive Oil Crackers

@jordanmaunder – the greatest photographer

Target Picture Frames

Tate Crop High Rise Bowed Wide Leg – Ablaze

Claw hair clips

Fancy top

Quince white tee

Peasant Blouse

Blue Cotton Sweater

Smocked Top Dress

Popover Dress

Linen Tank Dress

Love is in the Bare by OPI – new nail color

Lovely White Spring Dress

Classic Dress for a Wedding Guest

Casual Smocked Dress

Pretty Black Dress with great detail

Dress with Ruffles

Osea Body Lotion

My Spotify Playlist

Barefaced Clean Slate Spritz

Westman Atelier Blush in Watermelon Fizz

@teighlatechnique

@hair.byhaleyelizabeth

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Monica Vinader: KATEBRYANMV will get you 20% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

Dermstore: 15% off all of the brands on this landing page with code: ‘SMALLTHINGS15’: https://www.dermstore.com/c/offers/welcome/

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Tommy John: Use code KATE25 for 25% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Splendid: Kateb20 for 20% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

So, we got a landline.

You may be wondering why, which is a totally valid question! It’s 2026–everyone has a cell phone!

We’re doing our best to hold off until age 16 to give the kids a cell phone. My older two have Apple Watches, which have served the exact purpose we needed them to, and I imagine my youngest will get an Apple Watch in the next year or so as well.

There are times when I have to run up the street to the store, and some of the kids will stay home. And while they could put their watch on and I could contact them that way, I found I wanted them to have access to a quick, easy-to-use device to call me, or 911 in an emergency.

So, the landline was the answer!

Justin did the research, and we landed on an Omma phone. It’s Wi-Fi-based, which means no phone line needs to be installed! We found it to work best when the unit is plugged directly into our internet router instead of trying to connect wirelessly. There is a voicemail option, which we don’t use, and it’s a cordless phone, so my boys can take it upstairs to the playroom if I’m running an errand.

It has worked very well for us and gives me peace of mind that they have an easy-to-use device to call Justin or me on! They can also use it to call their friends, and I love that it doesn’t have a screen.

My only regret is not getting in sooner because it was relatively inexpensive, it has served the exact purpose we needed it for, and it’s allowing the kids to have social freedoms with their friends in a way that Justin and I feel comfortable with.

The post It’s 2026 and we got a landline. first appeared on The Small Things Blog.