Kate's Monthly Take - October 2018

I’m exhausted just thinking about it but love the end of the year holiday rat race…Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring. It. On! No, but seriously, I love Halloween and our Chicago neighborhood has helped me fall even harder for it. Chicago is full of fall festivals, spooky sing alongs, business trick-or-treat events and my very favorite, day of Halloween trick-or-treat. Of course, I went trick-or-treating as a child but it was never on Halloween, it was never at night and we never had kids come to our door! Thus, my love for our neighborhood grows strong this month as I eagerly await the hoards of trick-or-treaters that will come barreling towards our door.

Enjoy my Monthly Take with a side of Halloween candy!

Kate's Monthly Take - October 2018

Mood

  • It’s been a divisive couple of weeks. I’m dissappointed with the results but so proud of women who’ve shared their stories, their opinions and their strength.

Currently Coveting

  • I am obsessed with these detachable handbag straps from SALT. They remind me of friendship bracelets and I’m secretly hoping the straps attach to cameras. These ethically sourced products recently launched and have already sold out. The Duke strap is my favorite and luckily the next shipment is available for pre-order!

Favorite Product

  • I love things that I can use in multiple ways. These adorable little decorative suitcases fit that bill. They are my favorite for hiding/organizing kids toys think…matchbox cars or hatchimals. The suitcases are lightweight which makes them easy for kids to carry and tote along to any destination. I’ve also used them for baby shower gifts. It’s so fun to hide some registry items in each suitcase, top with a few board books and tie with a bow. Lucy and George both have a set and Maggie is going to get this rainbow version for Christmas. She is really into purses, so I know she will love this set!

Design Pick

  • My kids are basically destroying any decent piece of furniture that we have and I’m constantly dreaming of re-upholstering a set of two Anthropologie chairs, a couch and a glider. I always love a good stripe but I’m really into this Schumacher Dune Stripe. It would be perfect to recover the glider in it. Anyone know a good re-upholster in the Chicago area? Asking for a friend.

What I'm Reading

What We're Reading the Kids

Instagram Handle

  • Do y'all follow @helenetheillustrator? She is charming, witty a talented illustrator and her account on parenthood is spot on. The September 4th and August 12th posts are my favorite and I’ve definitely been there!

Guilty Pleasure

  • If I’m being honest, Halloween candy. I buy it as soon as it comes into the stores and have to replenish up until the holiday because I buy all of my favorite kinds and eat it myself! In case you’re wondering, I love all of the gummies i.e. DOTS, Sour Patch Kids even the Milk Duds. My dentist loves me! Also the month long showcase of Halloween movies on Freeform, especially Hocus Pocus!

I Need A Vacation

  • There is something magical about the East Coast during the fall. While in college I visited Salem, Massachusetts over fall break but would love to explore more. I’ve never been to Vermont but would love to go during the fall to see the colors and stay at The Woodstock Inn & Resort. I don’t think it’s possible to get any more picturesque!

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved -  I’m not a huge pumpkin fan but every fall I get a craving for pumpkin bread. I have a delicious recipe that calls for sherry but this year I opted for something a little more child appropriate. We made this Smitten Kitchen Pumpkin Bread recipe as muffins with a few adjustments i.e. swapping some sugar out for unsweetened applesauce and we all loved them.