Kate's Monthly Take - January 2020

It’s halfway through January and I’m finally getting my act together and finding pockets of time for myself and this blog again. I’m always pretty wiped out after the holidays so jumping right into a New Years’ Resolution has never been my thing. On my team at work we set words of the year which was a first. I actually liked the exercise because I can be very goal oriented but need something that isn’t overly specific and will fit in with all aspects of my life. So my word of 2020 is “confident”. Mostly, I chose the word this year because I tend to overthink and second guess my decisions especially when it comes to parenthood. As a family we have some pretty big decisions to make this year and I want to be confident in those and be at peace with the fact that whatever decisions we make will take us on our path and regardless, of which path it is…life will be wrought with blessings and challenges.

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - January 2020

Mood

  • A huge piece of life is just doing what you say you’re going to do. I truly believe in this and try to hold myself accountable to this. I don’t have a lot of patience with people who don’t feel the same way about this…maybe the don’t have kids? Because if you tell a child that you’re going to do something…they WILL NEVER forget it!

Currently Coveting

  • We haven’t even really experienced winter yet and I’m already dreaming of warmer temps in which I could wear these railroad striped, slip on Vans. There are a couple warm weather trips in my future so I may just need to order a pair!

Currently Coveting 2.0

  • Adding a new section this month as I always come across a few items for the kids that I obsess over. This month its all about hearts with this glittery dress and heart patterned sweater. Love that the sizes range from toddler to tween so the items could be worn by both my daughters - can’t resist a matching moment!

Favorite Product

  • Ever since having children I have despised wearing an underwire bra and while, I could wear sports bras every day it isn’t really a great look. Finally, I’ve found a bra that is comfortable, supportive and gives some shape.

Design Pick

What I'm Reading

  • I’m a couple of chapters into Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson and I’m loving it. The story line is unique and totally weird - it’s addictive!

What I’m Listening To

  • We’re heading to our first concert of the year shortly and my first concert in the famed Chicago Theatre so I’ve got the Tedeschi Trucks Band albums on repeat. Midnight in Harlem is one of my favorites.

What We're Reading the Kids

What I’m Watching

  • If you loved Downton Abbey on PBS, then Downton Abbey the movie will take you right back. It truly felt like we had never left the characters and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Speaking of PBS is anyone else excited for Sanditon to premiere? It’s apparently based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel…sign me up!

Instagram Handle

  • If you’re a royal fan @eholmes is a great follow especially for her series So Many Thoughts (SMT) about royal fashion. She is an American journalist with a three kids, a lover of headbands and an upcoming book. Sounds like she and I have a few things in common, don’t you think? For many years she wrote about fashion which has parlayed into writing about the influence the British Royal family has on fashion. If you’ve seen the news you’ve most likely been made privy to the announcement from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle so their truly couldn’t be a better time to start following Elizabeth Holmes.

Guilty Pleasure

  • Just before the kids went back to school I pulled an all nighter (literally I did not shut my eyes once) and binge watched all 10 episodes of Netflix’s new ice skating drama, Spinning Out. It’s part I Tonya, part Cutting Edge with mental illness, multiple love interests and a multitude of Hunger Game references thrown in. Sure it was a little bit cheesy but I’ve always loved figure skating…even interviewed Jonny Weir once so this was right up my alley. The no sleep part wasn’t a great idea and I’ve taken two naps this week to try and make up for my poor habits. I’m still leaning towards thinking it was worth it though!

I Need A Vacation

  • On my bucket list for sure is a trip in Europe led by Lauren of Aspiring Kennedy She is an expat living in London and has a lot of experience with travel (she can even be a consultant for your own European adventure) but what I’m most interested in is the ladies only trips. It would of course be fun to go with friends but I think I’d like to go alone in order to have the chance to meet people from different backgrounds, experiences and truly just to have an adult conversation. Spending some time in Europe would be great too!

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - If you’ve been following along here or on Instagram you know that we make soup A LOT in the winter. One of our favorites is this Turkey Sausage, Spinach and White Bean recipe from popular Chicago blogger, Liz Adams. I’m sure the recipe is great as is but we sub a can of diced tomatoes and sometimes tomato sauce for the Roma tomatoes (less chopping) and often use sweet Italian sausage. The recipe makes enough for leftovers and the adults and all the kids eat it!

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