Kate's Monthly Take - October 2019

I love October…the temps have started to dip a bit but it’s still glorious out and we’re keeping busy with all the fall things in preparation for Halloween! We’re finally going to pick some apples and pumpkins this weekend and eat ALLLL the apple cider donuts! After this weekend I’ve got to focus on our costumes as we’ve only got two weeks until our school Halloween party - can’t wait to see how they turn out! Hope you’re enjoying October too!

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - October 2019

Mood

  • “The World is Filled With Nice People, If You Can’t Find One Be One.” I saw this on Jennifer Garner’s Instagram page - she put this message on a letter board for her kids. Such a good reminder for everyone!

Currently Coveting

  • I’m a huge fan of coats especially lightweight ones that are easy to throw on and easy to move in. I especially love to throw them over the black leggings I’m wearing 75% of the time. Quilted Khaki green or mossy colored ones with big pockets and a great collar like this reversible one from Madewell are especially enticing to me! I mean I’m sure I can make excellent use out of those pockets with the 1000 things the kids shove into my hands!

Favorite Product

  • I don’t think it’s a secret that I love to try new recipes but have a hard time with meal planning so I just found this adorable notepad from JOYcreativeshop on Etsy that I’m sure is going to help me kick my overwhelming perception of meal planning. While on JOYcreativeshop’s Etsy page (seriously there is so much goodness) I also discovered these fill in thank you notes for kids that quickly ended up in my cart. I highly recommend for anyone who has younger kids - they help make the thank you note process virtually pain free!

Design Pick

  • While I wouldn’t say that my style is Bohemian by any means I do like Bohemian accents. St. Frank is a wonderful newer Bohemian decor resource - they have pillows and framed textiles that I would love to pepper throughout a home. This lumbar pillow and this blue framed Otomi textile are on the top of my wish list! I’m pretty sure they will stay there for a while but a girl can dream!

What I'm Reading

  • In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I’m reading a psychological thriller this month: The Witch Elm by Tana French. Here’s hoping I don’t end up staying all night!

What I’m Listening To

  • I’ve always been a history fan which probably was spawned somewhat for my love of the OG Pleasant Company, American Girl dolls. I recently came across the podcast, American Girls that I often have on when I’m not in meetings at work. It’s this great mash up about the books of the OG American Girls mixed with pop culture references by two historians who might be slightly partial to Molly. The books (shocker) were a big part of why I loved American Girl and it’s been fun reliving that part of my life.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • My son started taking guitar lessons this Fall and has always loved music so I picked up The History of Rock: For Big Fans and Little Punks at a nearby bookstore and it’s been a huge hit for all of us. The illustrations and infographics are enough to keep the kids interested in the history and it’s been fun to answer their questions. The Beatles are currently one of their favorite bands thanks to this book and I’m ok with that.

What I’m Watching

  • In part due to the unfortunate season ending of the Chicago Cubs I’ve had more access than usual to the TV so my productivity has definitely taken a hit! Some of the most enjoyable programs I’ve watched are: Yesterday and Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates.

Instagram Handle

  • There are a few traditional bloggers that I’ve been following for a while that always have some good ideas. Whether it be fashion, etiquette, food, kids related I always get sucked in! Check them out: DoSayGive, NatsNextAdventure, LizAdams and Jordan.And.Co!

Guilty Pleasure

  • Besides all of the Halloween candy that I purchased probably a little bit too soon one of my favorite October snacks is a combo of peanuts and candy corn. I can’t say I’m a fan of candy corn on it’s own but somehow the salty peanuts help to balance it out. It’s the only time of year I keep a bowl of this snack out and I should rethink this strategy as I become addicted!

I Need A Vacation

  • Lately I’ve been dreaming up a mother/daughter trip to London (BIG DREAM) where we could take an tour on a double decker bus accompanied with afternoon tea a la Brigit’s Bakery. Such a fun twist on the traditional bus tour - it’s definitely going on the bucket list!

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - The nights are getting colder and our kitchen has been heating up again. We’re on a pasta kick and recently tried this Speedy Skillet Ravioli Lasagna. It took a bit longer to prepare than I expected (not great on a weeknight) but the sauce and the fresh mozzarella make this dish a crowd pleaser in my house! I use spinach ricotta ravioli and roasted some broccoli to serve with the dish to ensure the kids got some greens.