Notes By Kae

On unwinding

Lately, I’ve been learning how to unwind in ways that actually feel good to me—not rushed, not performative, not productive. Just real rest.

Some days, that looks like a long, warm bath during my toddler’s two-hour nap. The house is quiet. The door is locked. I light a candle, sink into the water, and pour myself a glass of wine.
Sometimes it’s two.
And honestly? That’s okay.

Other days, unwinding means slipping away to a coffee shop—my favorite kind. I recently discovered a drink there called The Sparkle. I have absolutely no intention of asking how it’s made because I don’t want my imagination ruined if I’m wrong. Some things are better left a mystery. What makes this place even more special is that it’s connected to a flower shop. Flowers have always been one of my favorite little joys to have at home, so it feels like a one-stop shop for two things that instantly lift my spirit: coffee and blooms.

And then there’s Chili’s.

Yes—Chili’s.

Their apps and drinks are top-tier, and this is coming from a girl who used to romanticize solo lunch dates at upscale steakhouses. Tastes change. Life changes. And joy doesn’t always look the way it used to. Sometimes it’s chips, a margarita, and not having to impress anyone.

I’m working on a “Top List of the Perfect Solo Date,” and that’s still coming. If you’re interested, head over to my pages—you’ll find it there soon.

But before you go, I want to say this:

I love that you’re reading this.
I love that you’re here.

Stay positive. Kick ass. Do things for yourself—because no one else is going to do them for you. And yes, you have to be a little selfish sometimes.

The expectations placed on women are exhausting. The amount of effort required for us to feel even one percent accomplished—or to receive a fraction of recognition—is overwhelming. We’re expected to manage the home, raise the kids, nurture our partners, show up emotionally for everyone, and sometimes also have a full-time job – where we’re somehow supposed to outperform everyone else just to be equally compensated.

That’s a lot.

So if you’re tired, I see you.
If you’re stretched thin, I understand.
And if your version of unwinding looks different than what it “should” look like—good. That means you’re listening to yourself.

Take the bath.
Drink the wine.
Buy the flowers.
Order the apps.

And don’t apologize for choosing yourself.

You deserve rest, too. 💛