Kate's Monthly Take - January 2019

2019. January. Sigh… maybe it’s the weather in the Midwest this time of year or the numerous weeks I need post holidays and winter break to feel like I can take a breath but January never feels like a new beginning to me. Maybe, if I lived in a warmer climate I would feel differently, thus, I’m not big on resolutions. They aren’t something I typically follow through with the entire year and I already have loads of items on my to-do lists that I never get to. So really, I have no desire to beat myself up about them. Nevertheless, I do like to set goals. This year I’m setting three goals…bucket list goals, if you will. They are all about doing new things, traveling to a new place and having new experiences yet completely attainable. It’s up to me to find the time to complete these goals but I’m always inspired by having new experiences, so there is really no excuse!

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - January 2019

Mood

  • Just keep swimming. I’m so behind on so many things and feel quite disorganized that I’m trying to remind myself that steady progress is ok!

Currently Coveting

  • A new ring. I’m loving this gold plated Oli ring from Daphine. Do I order two, to wear them stacked? I love the look just not sure it would translate onto my stocky fingers.

Favorite Product

  • I just got a new pair of Sorel boots and I love them. They are perfect for slipping on quickly in the morning to run errands or drop the kids at school. They are an integral part of my winter uniform; black yoga pants, a big comfy sweater and my favorite smartwool socks.

Design Pick

  • I’m dreaming of decorating a room for our youngest. She desperately needs her own room and designing kids room is just the best. I love to add framed artwork to a kids rooms and I am obsessed with Paule Marrot and some his framed textiles; especially the cloud and butterfly pieces. I would love to add one of these to a room.

What I'm Reading

  • I’m late the party but finally reading the highly praised, Educated. I just started but so far it’s giving me some major, Glass Castle vibes which I also loved.

What I’m Listening To

  • I’m in the midst of quite a bit of project work at the office, which requires me to really focus for blocks of time in order to knock out my deliverables. Time and time again, I go back to The Hamilton, soundtrack to keep me motivated. By the way, if you haven’t seen the musical - GO!

What We're Reading the Kids

Instagram Handle

  • I love to follow Joy Cho, of Oh Joy! She has marvelous creative ideas, truly useful blog posts, adorable little girls and I never tire of her dancing in her Instastories. I swear it’s contagious!

Guilty Pleasure

  • It’s the winter in Chicago so naturally I’m going to say, driving to work! The Metra allows me time to read emails or read a book but I’m not about to chance a late train in these temps!

I Need A Vacation

  • I’m not gonna lie the only thing that cures the winter blues is a trip someplace warm. Just a short trip even four days really helps to break it up and a break from all of the cold weather gear is just heavenly. Our nanny just got back from Jamaica and has been trying to convince us to go for years…Round Hill, looks nice, no?

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - This Heirloom Tomato + Zucchini Tomato Sauce is a crowd pleaser in our house. The zucchini is chopped and cooks down so my kids don’t even realize they are eating it. Made most often in the summer but it’s great in the winter with other tomato varieties. We serve it over store bought gnocchi but you could easily use cauliflower gnocchi, as well.