7 for 7 • 7 days of doing what’s best for me.

This week my plan is to do what serves me - whether that be through exercise, holding myself accountable to my goals + business obligations or doing things that feed my soul- we will be doing a little of each and doing our best to keep the balance!

My exercise routine for the week: 5 miles each day x 50 jumping Jacks x 50 squats.

(optional: 15 min of Sumo Squats with the booty bands, 50 bicep curls, 25 triceps pulls etc.)

Monday

Today was an amazing day. I slept in because -what a weekend- much deserved! Woke up + Georgia and I did a quick lap then came inside for breakfast. I made the bed and had a little bit of morning reading (Atomic Habits). Took a work call and did some light work (emailing, invoices, etc.) FaceTimed with Whit and G was ready to go again- we ended up walking 2 miles. Came home and was still fired up for the day so I decided to do my cardio work (squats, JJ’s, biceps) then did laundry. I drank my coffee black (out of creamer) and then booked an appointment for a much needed 90 min massage. Made a quick target trip for creamer + a card and walked out with Dog Toys + La Croix. Decided to have dinner at ZenFish by myself so I could journal and enjoy a little mom’s day. Came home and grabbed a sparkling water + Georgia- we did 4 miles around Carter Finley then back home to finish laundry / chores and give G her new toys (idk who was more excited). I also batch made my iced coffee so there’s no excuse to get coffee out and it only cost me $10. We winded down for bed and I got in bed to enjoy a cup of tea and work on my book and write this first entry.

Today was entirely about me (and Georgia) and doing the things that will move us forward in a positive way. I said no to socializing today and I’m happy I did because I accomplished so much for us. Excited to see what the week brings us- one thing is for certain- I will be fully present and showing up for myself.

Tuesday

on the agenda for Tuesday:

finishing up two work items ✔️

connecting my iPad to my Apple Pencil ✔️

writing a bridal invoice ✔️

getting in my workout - maybe at the gym! ✔️

Designing my gym-inspired sticker collection ✔️

Taking some fun photos of me and a pink cowgirl hat. Y’all already know it’s gonna be fun!

Got my workout routine in with 600 calories burned in 50 min!! Not including the 2 miles I did before. Feeling very accomplished! Also accepted a new client today which I’m really excited for. Spent the day perusing a used book store and having blind dates with books in brown paper packaging tied up with string.

Wednesday

Well not every day will be a day filled with momentum. You could definitely consider today hump day. Woke up with a sore throat - which I’m sure came from the snot-nosed kid at the Fourth of July party who shan’t be named. 😉 Workout waited until post babysitting at 1 am but me and G got in a few miles before the storm tomorrow. I was also able to get in my JJs, squats and biceps. Today, more than ever, I practiced advocating for myself by saying no. It was a liberating feeling to protect myself and my boundaries.

highlights:

• being able to give small thoughtful gestures to loved ones
• being able to make decisions that are best for me • being helpful • protecting my energy

Thursday

Due to the rain we ended up staying inside to work. I made it back to the Gym for my 3 miler but had to rush home and didn’t get to do squats or JJs. Came home and walked Georgia another few miles and we came home and watched a movie.

Friday

Got up and atem early because we knew we were going to have quite the busy day. Left the house at 1 to pickup coffee for Gift Muse where I also picked up a gift for new clients Greenhouse Picker Sisters. Made a quick Lowe’s trip to pickup Acrylic for the bride’s signage and headed to the warehouse to work on signs! Left quickly and just made it back in time before more rain. Had a cozy night in.

Saturday

Started the morning off with the neighbors and letting the dogs play in the yard with our morning coffees. Then we headed to the pool for a fun afternoon. I swam laps in between white claws and we had a blast. We all headed home for some much needed R+R.

Sunday

Started our day with a walk and made coffee and watched Gilmore Girls. Went to brunch with my cousin at Jubala then popped by the Pawfect Match event at Unleashed (Lots of cute puppies). Then I came home to my puppy and we did some cleaning and a big long walk (and a big long shower). Finished my workout with some JJs, Squats, Sumo Squats and Bicep curls and tricep pulls. Got back to chores and finished up ALMOST all of my to-do list! Ended the day with a fresh from the garden Kale + shrimp salad.

21 in 21 Spring Summer Bucketlist

As promised - my spring and summer bucketlist! And this week for my 7 for 7 I’m crossing one off the list each day. Attempting to do all 21 in 21 days and planning on writing and documenting about my experiences with crossing each one off. Without further adieu- the list:

Picnic at Dix Park

This past Sunday we celebrated my friend Kate’s birthday - we gathered with drinks (and kombucha for me) her boyfriend brought his guitar and his friend with a drum set (and pepper shaker lol) and we harmonized to Chris Stapleton all night. It was such a special evening under the stars and the view of Downtown Raleigh.

Sing at Open Mic Night

Monday I walked in to attend my first open mic night at Luckytree (something that’s been on my mirror for months) and I found Kate, her bf Chris and Skylar (the drummer) all sitting front row center by pure coincidence. I knew from that moment I would have to sing, whether I was ready or not. I later learned, it was the full pink flower super moon 🌝 🌸 all about releasing blockages and opening up to possibilities. Believe what you want- but it wasn’t by pure chance that the very same people I just sang with the night before were at that open mic ready and waiting to be my band. Now that I’ve conquered my fear, nothing is going to stop me. Do the things that scare you because once you kick the door wide open there’s nothing stopping you from going for anything you want.

Take the top off the Jeep and take it for a joyride

5/15 - This weekend we took the top off the Jeep and rode up to the Cardinal for a dog. We had a blast and I’m surprised it took me this long to do it. It was super easy and I’m going to make it my regular weekend thing (when we don’t have markets).


Day trip to the beach

8/19/22

Carolina Beach


Go “out west”

Buy a fiddle leaf fig

5/1 - Bought a fiddle from Houseplant Hippie and we named her FERGIE. Got to get her a cute pot but she’s very happy in her home.

Go to the Farmer’s market

6/14 Went to the Farmer’s Market on a girl’s date with Rachel + Bby Gwen - had breakfast at the restaurant then walked over to find some plants for us both. It was such a much needed time for me and Rachel. So glad we were able to go together!

Walk 15 miles in one day

Pitch a can design for Trophy

6/28 I have sent the follow up email!

Buy a Bungalow

A little blue house became available close to me and we shall see!

Visit Olde Raleigh Distillery

Start waking up at 8 am (then slowly move to 7)

Well-ask and you shall receive! This week we’ve been on a strict 8 am schedule with the new pup - 8 am potty + feeding then lots of coffee for mama. I foresee us working towards 7 am eventually.

Paint another mural

Today (Wednesday, April 28) The Town of Clayton returned my call and asked to move forward with a mural project - sight unseen.
Will keep you all updated on its progress but they have a whole Public Arts committee set up so I’m hopeful.

Update: 5/17 - Got connected with the leader of the Arts rehabilitation program for Town of Clayton! Excited to be moving forward.

Update November 2022: I’ve averaged 1 mural a month for the entire year!


Build a blanket fort and watch old movies

Went to Target and bought string lights and push pins and brought together every pillow and blanket I had in my studio apartment and built myself a little fort to watch Legally Blonde. It was magical and exactly what my childhood soul needed.

Start a manifestation board

I took Whitney’s advice and bought a cheap foam board from Target and got some free magazines from Harris Teeter - and added some handwritten calligraphy personal goals- still working on bringing the finishing touches to life. Y’all know my imperfect a** won’t stop until it’s well… perfect.

Go Kayaking

7/4/2022


Go tubing down the Neuse

Go cliff jumping at Eno / Rock Quarry

need to put this on the books for this weekend.

A trip to Charleston

We went to Charleston to celebrate Kate and found her wedding dress! We ended up doing a window sign on the way down and kind strangers (and our friends) venmoed us $400! We used it to go out to a nice dinner then fun drinks out (way too many espresso martinis) and a hangover brunch the next day. It was an amazing trip!

Walk around Lake Johnson

Took a walk down memory lane with Walker - who said he needed it more than I did. We did 3 miles but the feeling of being lakeside is something my soul craves more than the exercise.

More random acts of kindness

I’ve made it an effort in business and in life to be more intentional with my kindness- what you give is what you shall receive. I have been putting freebies in everyone’s order and tagging every Jeep I see with CK merch. I’ve also been volunteering with two dog rescue nonprofits.

Start selling vintage clothing

Today I also dropped off my clothes at Father and Son’s and to my surprise they accepted 4 pieces! I will be on the look out for more pieces I can sell.

August 2022 Launching my first vintage collection at Freehand Market



BONUS:

Adopt my golden retriever

this is already in the works as I will begin fostering goldens soon and it will only be a matter of time before I have to keep one. The fun part will be the joy of seeing them to their FURever homes and falling in love with one I HAVE to keep. so excited!


Update: I’ve fallen in love with my first foster. She’s unbelievably sweet with loads of personality and I think I have to keep her.

7for7 challenge • all the music 🎶

For those of you who saw my insta story post- thanks for joining me here in this new space. I can’t begin to tell you how free I feel and how excited I am to really dive into all the things I’ve been putting off for myself. I am continuing this blog as a way to document my progress and hold myself accountable to these 7for7 challenges. I love all of the topics we have unearthed together so far and I’m excited for all of the new things to come. On my next post - I will also be starting the 21in21 spring / summer bucket list and I will document them as I go in one post you can keep up with- things I’ve always wanted to do but have just never done!

This week I wanted to keep it light and fun. Music helps us in SO many ways (ps: one of my bucket list items is to sing at open mic). It inspires, heals and connects. It’s sad, celebrational, sensual and creative. It makes you feel all the things!

Monday: Windows Down. To truly invigorate your soul and make you feel ALIVE! like anything is possible and you want to run off and frolick or soak in the sun. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6dNuwW9doX0wFwtIKtzzo9?si=kJiLSteGSpeYTxzqTxYl1w

Tuesday: Smooth Booms. A soft and sensual vibe perfect for prepping for a night out or in! Inspired by Sarah for her bday today. All of the music she loves and might love! 29 songs for her 29th bday! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2pTMrPZUJWRWVG4JbIsfuj?si=XuM8CHXtRqm8zcXpHc9xmw

Wednesday: Guilty Pleasures. All your favorite cringeworthy sing a long songs that were* played to death during their rise to popularity but now evoke a faint fond memory. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5TasuIivZtVPYFINyNNObT?si=bFBBi-7zTSeNxn6PK1VxpA

Thursday: Myspace. Yes, I will admit I was on a roll here with nostalgic bops but if you listen to this you will be instantly transported to your top 8 friends list I swear. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RN2VCxWFnLeEZgpr35R5V?si=WQcvJ3gcRB6v0a2XL3dd7w

Friday: Yearning. A calling for an unknown- person place, thing or idea. Whatever you yearn for, turn this on and let your mind wander and daydream for it. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2oqzfLhthsKhJpRl4mhUFz?si=BwjN81U8TGO1t6x7Eq2bjg

Saturday: Saturdays. A chill upbeat mood for relaxing, cleaning, running errands or finishing up last minute work. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/26I8FCk1zsMIjg2kWwkfyI?si=AEMeLDulSnKJ50LiTEq7FA

Sunday: Rhythm + Blues. A saucy mid 2000s R&B moment. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78dSMAafAw3xpQIGZgwMIR?si=YkWXNkf-QBGSq78IfFTmbQ

Bonus: booty werk. My playlist for getting up, dancing + getting those glutes boot toot scootin.
has been really fun to dance to with arm weights or to do with booty band summo squats. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4JHQZjxPCQh4SymcSwUcNR?si=eqcd90OUTJOWxsqmIBuptg

Monday Magic • self-discipline

Let’s talk about self-discipline as a form of self care. Probably one of the toughest lessons to learn but so vital for developing healthy habits and personal boundaries. Self-discipline is a part of everything we do as humans and a society. Especially as entrepreneurs we rely on our self discipline and passion for what we do to drive us to succeed. I have noticed during my personal 7 for 7 journey - a new personal challenge each week - that more than learning all of these great new habits and enjoying trying new things, I’m also growing exponentially in my self-discipline. And in realizing that, I’ve also noticed it’s helped me so much in honoring my word, facing problems head on instead of running away due to anxiety, and honoring myself in personal boundaries and personal goals for self.
They say that showing up for yourself, helps you show up better for others and this last year has been true proof of that. Taking care of my mental, physical and spiritual health has in general made me feel more grounded, reduced my anxiety and stress and in-turn helped me be more fully present with myself and my loved ones. I am definitely still flawed and have my moments of panic or stress which affect my life just like anyone else, but they are SIGNIFICANTLY less frequent. It’s also just SO WILD to me that I’m actively preaching exercise and self-care when this time last year I was giving in to all my self-indulgences as a form of self-soothing behavior due to the world crashing down around us. Treating yourself is definitely still an important part of self care but I’ve found that you’re not “denying” yourself by choosing YOU and choosing your health more than that glass of wine or chocolate cake. It’s knowing when to give yourself those things and knowing those treats won’t make or break your happiness.
Another unexpected benefit from these self care challenges has been turning inward for validation and learning how to TRULY be proud of myself, not only for my worldly successes, but for my personal small wins within. What is something you’re working on within yourself lately? I’d love to hear more about your personal journeys and know that I’m always here to chat more magic with you.

XOXO,

CK

Monday Magic • 7 for 7 Challenge

Hey friends,

It’s me again! Back to bring you another fun idea for your self care + self love journey. If you’ve been following along on my personal Instagram - I recently started a series called 7for7 - I’ll be trying out new things each week from things health related like drinking a gallon of water a day-to more playful things like 7 days: 7 hairstyles. My close friend, Whitney suggested this idea to me as a way to keep the weeks exciting and continue my personal growth each week. I will admit it’s easy to get distracted in life and get distracted from yourself and your goals. It’s fun that I have a goal each week that’s relatively easy to achieve and keeps things interesting. I’ll probably do a one month check-in with you all and keep you updated on my adventures!

Last week I challenged myself to drink 3 32 ounce bottles of water per day. Half way through the week I was informed that 128 ounces equals a gallon and I wasn’t that far off from hitting that goal. I ordered a large 75 ounce water bottle and started hitting that gallon goal for the rest of the week! Overall, I saw my skin and hair improve, less soreness after workouts, and less food cravings in between meals. I also noticed I had more energy: ie the night I was up drinking water trying to meet my goal before 12 am I was bouncing off the walls like I’d just drank 2 cups of coffee. I can already tell these challenges are going to be a fun way to incorporate new habits into my lifestyle and I’m going to do my best to maintain two 75 ounce jugs of water a day.

This week, I’m going to keep it light-hearted and do 7 days - 7 thrifted items! I’ll wear some of my fave thrifted pieces incorporated into my wardrobe and at the end of the week I’ll take myself on a thrift trip to get a few more goodies as a reward! I’ll show you all some of my fave thrifted decor + vintage finds and my fave ways to thrift! Follow along here: https://instagram.com/christin.king

Any other ideas for the 7 for 7 challenge drop them in a comment below! I’m going to try to keep this up all year. Each week something new!

xoxo, CK

Amateur Workout Links + Reccs

Here’s a running list of some things that have helped me with my self-care + amateur workout journey:

https://youtu.be/Cw-Wt4xKD2s

here’s a fun dance video - 15 min and super fun - on days you don’t “feel” like working out! All her other videos are super fun too!

BOTTLED JOY Half Gallon Water... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FXGW3LD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Half gallon water bottle!

Monday Magic • take care

Hi! I hope that you had an amazing weekend and that you were able to unwind a bit. Here in Raleigh it has been cold and dreary so my weekend consisted of cozy comfy fits + decompressing in my space. If you have been following me for a while then you know that my idea of unwinding looks a lot different these days. Old school CK was completely consumed by my work; so much so that I just kind of stopped taking care of myself in other aspects. Think: overworked, fatigued and frustrated. I was struggling to understand why living my dream was actually so exhausting. I’m not sure what exactly happened- I don’t know if I unconsciously read something or what, all that I know is I woke up one day and decided to change up my life as I knew it. I know that sounds pretty ridiculous but that’s how it happened. I woke up one morning around 11am, looked at dozens of notifications on my phone, shuffled over to my coffee machine and fell into my daily pattern. Brew coffee, head back to bed, drink said cup of coffee, scroll through social media, check my emails, get back on social media; before I knew it I looked up and my clock said 1:30pm. My heart immediately sank as my anxiety crept in to remind me of all of the work that I had to get done and all of the time that I had wasted thus far. I needed something different. I needed some kind of change. I needed … to get outside. So, I grabbed some old tennis shoes and took off outside. 

That decision to go for a walk drastically changed my entire life. I didn’t even really know what my plan was and I arrived back home some hours later, feeling surprisingly refreshed. That was it. That was all it took for me to change the entire relationship I had with myself. I started trying to wake up earlier and earlier which translated to me going to bed much earlier than I was used to. I began walking two miles a day… then five … then ten. My energy skyrocketed and I even managed to find a few friends to accompany me, which in turn strengthened my relationships with them. I started opting for kombucha instead of wine and skipping the sour cream on my Chipotle order. The next thing I knew, an entire month had passed and I felt like a completely different person. My body moved differently and my mindset shifted; I was falling in love with slowing down and showing myself love and acceptance.

CK, good for you but why do I care? Good point! I’m sharing this with you to hopefully inspire you, just a bit. My transformation actually led me to create a self-care collection, which was one of the funnest projects I have ever completed. I am sharing this to remind you to speak kindly to yourself, to love yourself the same way you do those around you. I am sharing this to encourage you to do something extraordinary for yourself today and then again tomorrow. I am sharing this because this platform has allotted me so many wonderful opportunities but I also know the stress that comes with that as well. I’m sharing this to remind you that I am an artist, a confidante, a loving friend and a human being. Please do not ever let this virtual space keep you from reaching out to me- I want to hear about your goals and ambitions. I want to talk about your favorite self-care rituals and celebrate your accomplishments. I have been and will always be right here for you, in any capacity you may need. 

Linking my walking playlist below:

Monday Magic • growth

Happy Monday! I’ve spent all weekend racking my brain and trying to figure out what I can do to better my business. I have been blessed with so much support and such a loyal customer base; however, sometimes I need to step back and acknowledge things that may not be working. When I started this business I was just a young artist. I didn’t know what the future would look like, I just knew that I wanted to create. Somewhere between unfamiliar and resolute I found myself falling deeper and deeper in love with my craft. I found myself falling more in love with this space, this community and YOU! However, if we are being honest, (which we are because I don’t mind being vulnerable) there are some things that I have been putting off because they absolutely terrify me. I’m not afraid of change, I actually think change is so powerful and necessary. I’m not afraid of making mistakes or having to reconstruct my current systems. I’m afraid of losing you. I am afraid of doing something - or not doing something- and then losing the people who have constantly been there for me. 


 If you have met me you know that I am rather upbeat and I LOVE to drink bubbles and chat about everything under the sun. At the end of the day I am human and I have days when my anxiety gets the best of me. I worry about how I am showing up for my clients and my business, how I can hit my deadlines, how I can source new items, etc. You name it and my mind is going a million miles a minute trying to process it. For the last four years I have been running my business all alone and I haven’t really adjusted the systems because … well, I didn’t know what that would look like. I’m here to tell you that I have decided to change up some things behind the scenes because I want to give YOU the best experience possible. I want to provide you with the kind of experience that feels like receiving the biggest hug possible. I want to show you how grateful I am for your support and be extremely intentional about our interaction. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me so far— but it’s time for me to return the favor. This next season I will be working with a team to enhance my customer service and truly provide something real, authentic and quality. From the bottom of my heart, you are so loved by me. 

  • xoxo, CK

CK SELF CARE for the SOUL

Hey there, welcome to the blog! Whether you stumbled upon it on your way to the shop or browsing my portfolio, I invite you to stay a while. To be truthful, life as a small business owner can get pretty hectic - so much so that blogging often takes a back burner. But, I am humbly writing to you today to chat about a very important topic: self care - and I hope you will take a read + give me your feedback + join in on this journey with me.

Since the beginning of August, I felt the strong urge and need to prioritize my health - mental, physical and spiritual - above the needs of my small business. And any small business owner will tell you, this is no small feat. We eat, sleep and breathe our little shops and often prioritize the needs of our clients above even basic things like eating 3 meals a day, bathing regularly and sleeping 7 hours a night. I have been on the full-time hustle and grind with CKCreations for almost FOUR years! And it’s been amazing and wonderful- and if you’ve been with me from the jump- you’re more appreciated than you know!- But four years of putting your personal needs aside to grow a business really does take a toll on your body.

I am going to lay out some healthy habits I’ve since instilled in my daily routine to keep me healthy and happy and in-turn - more productive with my business than I’ve ever been.

  1. I wake up everyday and make my bed. This seems like a very simple thing, but holding myself accountable to waking up and starting the day with one task already accomplished motivates me to get more things checked off the list.

  2. I go for a walk to get coffee

    I have started going for a walk every single day. It’s been so nice to wake up to the fresh air and be around the calming effects of nature. It’s done wonders for my anxiety and it calms my mind before the day truly gets started. I also reward myself by walking to get coffee, taking a moment for myself there to read, catch up on personal messages and then walk back to start the day.

  3. I put healthy food into my body

    Again, this sounds simple enough, but the act of putting fresh ingredients together for yourself is truly a form of self care. I have felt more alert and sustained all month.

  4. I drink more water everyday

    ‘nough said!

  5. I take a social media break at least once a month.

    You guys know how much I love my gram! That being said, it truly is important to not be a slave to the screen and get out and fully experience things - not just for the pic or content - but for yourself and your soul. I did this last month and I truly felt like I was able to experience more deeply with those around me.

  6. I stop putting so much on my plate

    This has truly been the hardest one for me to accomplish and something I’m still working on. But I’ve learned the importance of delegating and being realistic with deadlines. I am learning to set realistic expectations for how much I can accomplish in the day and not feeling guilty for not accomplishing more.

  7. I am turned inward and focusing on how I can grow and be a better human

    It’s truly hard for me to see my negative qualities and shortcomings, which is why I’ve been relying on long time friends to call out unhealthy behaviors and patterns in my life. I’m still human, but I’m trying my best to break negative cycles and set boundaries for myself.

  8. I Take a break for my Soul

    that saying:“do what makes your soul happy” has always sparked joy in my heart. My design work makes me super happy to complete tasks and please clients with custom portraits. But taking a rest that’s not sleeping - like reading a good book, learning a new song, cocktail recipe, buying roller skates and writing poetry have been some of the ways I’ve enjoyed savoring my soul and the core of who I am.

These are simple things I’ve done that have truly made a better me this month. I’m still chasing after goals- both personal and business related- but I’m doing them with a full heart, clear mind and better soul. What are some daily routine practices that help you? Leave a comment below!