Kate's Monthly Take - April 2019

The word “No” or “No, thank you” need to become a bigger part of my vocabulary especially when it comes to Elementary school volunteering. Anyone else in the midst of prepping for a Spring Fundraiser? I truly don’t mind helping but somehow all work and personal deadlines seem to always come at once! Thankfully, only one more week to go!

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - April 2019

Mood

  • I’m always in the mood for pizza and I can’t wait for the weather to get a tad warmer for outdoor dining at our favorite Neapolitan spot in Chicago, Spacca Napoli.

Currently Coveting

  • I’m in love with this ASCENO dress but I think these EVA essentials Birkenstocks are a little more realistic and perfect for the chasing kids near the water! I’m eyeing the lavender color but plan to size down a size according to reviews.

Favorite Product

  • In the last year I’ve started to using a jade roller to help apply facial serums and recently ordered an Ice Roller Face Massager from PUR Botanticals at the urging of a friend. I have to admit the Ice Roller is pretty amazing especially at helping to depuff my eyes and I now use it more frequently than my jade roller.

Design Pick

  • We’re about to recover two chairs in our living room and I’m not sure how the new fabric will look with our existing rug so I’ve been fantasizing about cotton flatweave rugs. I’ve always loved cotton flatweave rugs, they’re not too thick and you can easily flip them over to hide stains. Madeline Weinrib rugs were my favorite but as she closed her business last year I’ve been searching for other options. William Sonoma Home has an excellent selection and this Stonewashed Variegated Stripe Flatweave is my favorite.

What I'm Reading

  • Thanks to a mechanical issue on an airplane earlier this week I was able to read, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, in one sitting. I’ve read a lot of Holocaust stories and this one captured my attention offering a glimpse into a time and operations of Auschwitz that I hadn’t previously known about; definitely recommend.

What I’m Listening To

  • I feel lucky to say that we’ve largely avoided music in our home that was specific to children. My two youngest love music especially and all three taken children’s music classes for years at the beloved Old Town School of Folk Music but it hasn’t been until recently that the kids have become obsessed with two mildly obnoxious songs. Enter Ping Fong’s, Baby Shark and Raffi’s, Bananaphone. The youngest two are obsessed, maybe I’ll embrace it.

What We're Reading the Kids

Instagram Handle

  • Tanksgoodnews shares uplifting news stores from around the world - something we all could use!

Guilty Pleasure

  • I recently caught onto the reboot of Queer Eye on Netflix. I’m late to the party as the show is on its’ third season but I have to say after watching the original I may like this one even better. It seems to be a bit more “real” or “raw” than the original or maybe it’s just that I’m older now and more aware of the breadth of humanity. Anyways, it’s lovely and it’s so easy to watch one, two, or five episodes in a row!

I Need A Vacation

  • We’re about to head to down south for some warmer weather, sunshine and weather permitting an epic Easter egg hunt. While I don’t necessarily consider traveling with kids a vacation, Seaside, Florida is my “happy place” and it’s a lovely spot to spend time with your family. Kids and adults alike are excited!

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - While it’s technically Spring in the Midwest that generally means one day it will be 55 degrees F and sunny and the next day there will be snow. On one of the colder days we tried this one pot Lasagna Soup recipe from Food 52 topped with Ricotta Parmesan cream and man, was it good! Simple to prepare on a weeknight and the kids all ate it plus the leftovers the next day.