The Rustic Mare

10/11/2026

☕️ Sunday Porch Talk | The Life I Once Prayed For 💞
This morning, sitting here with my coffee, I've been thinking about things, cause that’s what I do.

Isn't it funny how sometimes we find ourselves stressing over the very things we once prayed for?

The house that needs cleaning.
The family we love so much, but when life gets busy everyone needs a little bigger piece of us.
The marriage that takes love, patience, and sometimes a whole lot of grace. 😂

The businesses that require time, energy, and more patience than I probably possess.

The cows that need feeding, the aging horses that need a little more time and tending, and the chickens that apparently have their own opinions about how things should be done.

Some days, the to-do list feels a whole lot longer than the hours in the day.
And then, usually in a quiet moment like this, God reminds me...

You prayed for so much of this.
And He's right.

Not that I necessarily prayed for chickens making a mess or another load of laundry. 😂
But I prayed for a life filled with love, purpose, family, and the opportunity to do things that matter.

And somewhere along the way, those blessings became everyday responsibilities.
I've been thinking about how much life has changed over the years.

There was a time when I was sitting on a porch on the bayou, drinking my coffee, with absolutely no idea where life would take me.
I've had seasons when everything seemed to fall into place. Seasons when nothing went according to plan. Times when doors opened that I never expected, and times when doors closed that I was absolutely certain were supposed to stay open.

And let me tell you, I've had a few conversations with the Lord about those closed doors. Maybe they were more like arguments. 😂
Looking back, I'm pretty thankful He didn't agree with all my plans.

There were prayers He answered just the way I hoped. Others He answered very differently.
And some I'm still waiting on.

But I've come to realize that sometimes, while I'm asking God to change my circumstances, He's busy changing my heart.
Teaching me patience. Teaching me to let go. Teaching me that I don't have to understand every twist and turn to trust where He's leading me.

And maybe teaching me, most of all, to slow down long enough to appreciate what's already right in front of me. Because one day, the things that feel so ordinary today may be the very things I look back on and miss.

The family gatherings. The grandkids growing up way too fast. The morning coffee. The animals begging for breakfast. The familiar routines of a life that isn't always easy, but is filled with so much to be thankful for.
I don't want to get so caught up in what's next that I forget to appreciate what's now.

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." — Proverbs 16:9

I certainly haven't understood every step He's taken me through. But sitting here this morning, I can see His fingerprints all over my life.
So once again, I'm choosing gratitude:

❤️ For the prayers He answered.
💙For the ones He didn't.
🩷For the doors He opened, and especially a few He closed.
💜And for this beautifully imperfect life happening right in front of me.

Maybe that's something we can all carry into this week. Before we get overwhelmed by everything we have to do, take a minute to remember how much of it we once hoped we'd get to do.

And here’s a little picture of our first fall baby, that’s always warms my heart to see the miracle of babies. Miss Daphne!!

God is good. All the time. 💞
Happy Sunday, friends.
Live Simply, Choose Well. ☕️

- kem

10/10/2026

🎅❤️ Santa said BOOP! And I just can't get over how cute this one is! I’m having so much fun printing these and thinking about how early I get away with decorating!

So, if you'd like one, just drop your color, size, and tee or sweatshirt in the comments!
🎄 Forest Green
🎄 Navy
🎄 Light Pink
🎄 Cream
I’ll drop the pictures of the colors down below.

We'll make sure yours gets printed and ready to head your way!

No payment needed right now! We'll send your invoice when your order is ready to ship.
A little Christmas cuteness coming your way! ❤️🎄

10/07/2026

Okayyyy 2Fly… you did it again. 🐆💞

We already know we love the way 2Fly jeans fit, so when I spotted these wide-leg leopard jeans, I had to take a second look.

They’re definitely a little more fun than your everyday denim, but I actually think that’s what makes them so good. Pair them with a simple black, cream, or chocolate top, add your favorite shoes, and let the jeans do all the work.
And that wide-leg fit? 🙌 Comfortable, flattering, and so easy to wear.

I’m curious though… are leopard jeans a YES for you, or are you sticking with classic denim? 🐆
Because I have a feeling these are going to be one of those pieces that are way cuter on than you expect. ❤️

09/30/2026

Okay, these little eyeshadow sticks might be one of those “why didn’t I try these sooner?” products. 😂

I’m at the point where I want my makeup to be easy, pretty, and actually work—I don’t want to spend 20 minutes blending six different things before I can leave the house.
That’s why I know we’ll be loving the Glowify Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks.

Swipe it on and go… or use them to line, highlight, layer and mix your colors. You can keep it soft and natural for everyday or build the color when you want a little more.
And you know I love a product that multitasks. 🙌

They’re long-wearing, waterproof and crease-resistant, plus they’re lightweight and skincare-infused. And that Silken Sand matte? Such a good neutral.

Simple. Pretty. Useful. Exactly the kind of products you’ll find at The Rustic Mare. 💞
Which shade are you drawn to first?

09/30/2026

A little Wednesday reminder… we’re halfway there. 💞
Some weeks, getting over the hump takes coffee. Some weeks it takes a whole lotta grace. And if I’m being real, most weeks it takes both. 😂

This tee felt pretty perfect for a Wednesday morning:

Strong in Faith. Rooted in Grace.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Not because every day is easy, but because we don’t have to do any of it on our own.

So grab the coffee, give yourself a little grace, and keep going. We’ve got this. 🍁
And yes… the tee is brand new, because apparently I believe Wednesday encouragement should also be cute. 😉

09/27/2026

This little collection feels a whole lot like where The Rustic Mare is headed into fall. 💞

Good denim. Easy tops. A little color. Pieces that feel good, fit into real life, and can be worn more than one way.

Honestly, I’m being much more intentional about what I bring in these days. I don’t want more just for the sake of having more—I want things I genuinely think are worth adding to mine and your closet.

And these made the cut. 🫶
Living Simply. Choosing Well.

09/27/2026

Porch Talk 💞
Saturday night Oklahoma sunsets do not disappoint.

My Pop loved to sit and watch the sunset. Even when we were living in Louisiana, he would talk about Oklahoma having the best sunsets.

I’ve been trying for years to capture one that really shows just how beautiful they are, and I can never quite get the lens to see what my eyes see.
Or maybe it’s what my heart sees. Who knows.

There’s just something about stopping long enough to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon. The colors change by the minute, the day gets quiet, and for a little while everything else seems to get quiet too.

It almost feels like you can see God’s hand making the brushstrokes across the sky, creating something completely different every evening.

And maybe that’s why a photograph can never quite capture it.
Some things aren’t meant to simply be seen. They’re meant to be experienced.

So wherever you are, find yourself a clear spot and watch the sunset if you can.
Put the phone down after you take that one picture. 😉 Sit there for a few minutes and just take it in.

There are still so many beautiful, ordinary moments happening around us.
We just have to slow down long enough to notice them. 💞

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

Cheers to a GREAT weekend!!! 🎉