Kate's Monthly Take - December 2018

The holidays are here and each year I tell myself that I’m going to get organized in advance and be able to be more present in the season. The truth is that everything always takes longer than I think it will, someone is always sick and something always comes up at work. With travel for all of Thanksgiving week and three weeks without childcare I’m way behind…the only thing saving us is that we’re not having a birthday party for our oldest until January. So here’s to the most exhausting and wonderful holiday season and not sleeping till January!

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - December 2018

Mood

  • The phrase “I’m Sorry” is a word used far to frequently in my vocabulary. Of course, there are times when it’s use is appropriate but I use it far to often (especially at work) when others are in the wrong. I belittle myself and my worth by doing this and I’m making an effort to stop. We all should!

Currently Coveting

  • Holiday decorating is first and foremost on my mind these days. I love collecting a handful of heirloom items each year and I’ve been eyeing this Coral & Tusk, Santa’s Sleigh Pocket Pillow for a while now. I love their ornaments too! Someday, I want to have a smaller tree full of them.

Favorite Product

  • It’s holiday season and as a baker that means, cookies! I have plenty of cookie cutters but this year, we’re trying out cookie stamps. These Nordic Ware Cookie Stamps are so festive and fun for adults and kids, alike!

Design Pick

  • I’m always looking for different ways to display photos. We have loads of framed photos at home but I’d like to keeping more at the office. This Brass Easel from Artifact Uprising would look uber chic on a desk next to your monitor and includes a selection of prints.

What I'm Reading

  • I’m re-reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society as I recently watched the film by Studio Canal on Netflix. I loved the movie (especially with the inclusion of 4 cast members from Downtown Abbey) and it made me want to re-read the book. It’s been so long since I’ve read the book and now I want to compare differences between the two mediums - so that’s what I’m doing!

What I’m Listening To

  • It is December which means I’m listening to a wee bit of Holiday music. I love to listen to the Nutcracker while I work and I love the band Coldplay which means, Christmas Lights can also be heard on repeat.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • Christmas books, of course! Aside from this list of twenty five, we’ve added some new ones to the collection. Last Stop on the Reindeer Express is a new favorite. It has that perfect dose of magic to keep the kids enthralled.

Instagram Handle

  • I try not to follow to many celebrities as the incessant selfies can’t get pretty boring but I do love to follow @jennifer.garner. She is endlessly amusing. I love her fake cooking show, books with birdie and general sense of humor!

Guilty Pleasure

  • Watching all of the holiday movies I can! Some of my favorites: Holiday Inn, White Christmas, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Holiday are some of my favorites!

I Need A Vacation

  • Christmas is probably the only time of year that has me wanting a vacation in a cold climate with lots of snow. A ski trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, CA sounds cold, picturesque and perfect. With every winter sport at your disposal I’d have no problems staying at the Fairmont Lake Louise.

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - Soup, soup and more soup…it’s whats always on the menu this time of year. My friend recommended this Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale - it was delicious. A little spicy for the kids even without the red pepper flakes but my husband and I even ate it the next night. That’s saying something because I’ve never been a fan of leftovers!