Kate's Monthly Take - July 2018

We just celebrated July 4th and as a child it signaled to me that summer was halfway over but as a parent I feel it is just beginning. There are so many fun experiences yes to be had and our camp season is just beginning. My older two kids are in day camps for the next five weeks. I'm looking forward to camp helping to build their confidence and also the diversity of kids and ideas that they will be exposed to. Some may argue that they are too scheduled but as a working mother having a consistent schedule makes our household run a bit smoother.

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - July 2018

Mood

Conflict avoidance has been my MO for years. Not necessarily with my spouse but in other relationships and lately this has started to cause problems. An issue that started years ago could have been resolved but because it was never dealt with it has turned into a wound that won't scab over and unfortunately, a larger problem.

Currently Coveting

I have this old pair of espadrille platform sandals that I love and go with everything but they aren't made anymore. These beloved sandals have already been to the shoe repair shop several times so it's safe to say they are on their last leg. I've been looking for a new pair of comfortable platforms for the past two summers and I think I've found them. Soludos makes two great options : the Palma Platform and the Minorca High Platform. Now to chose which one!

Favorite Product

We've come back from the holiday break with three sick kids. Summer colds have set in and some kids have fevers so we've been using this digital ear thermometer on repeat. I've tried a handful of thermometers over the years and this is my favorite.

Design Pick

I'm obsessed with the vibrant colors used by California based artist Kindah Khalidy. She just released her summer catalog of works and the good news is that my husband likes her stuff too so maybe someday (fingers crossed) we will own a piece. In the meantime maybe I opt for one of her custom designs for Vans.

What I'm Reading

I'm switching gears this month and starting a book centered around economic policy; Squeezed: Why Our Families Can't Afford America. This is definitely an atypical choice for me but I heard the author recently speak on NPR and I was hooked. The rising cost of childcare and education are certainly top of mind and while my husband and I have favorable employee benefits I wanted to read about other families experiences.

What We're Reading the Kids

In the past month I discovered two new books that I was really excited about; mostly because we were huge fans of the authors' prior works. For the board book set we are reading Fruits in Suits. It's colorful, clever and adorable just like it's predecessor Vegetables in Underwear both by Jared Champman.
The older kids are currently immersed in 50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America's cities with 50 fact-filled maps (The 50 States) which is beautifully illustrated and full of interesting facts. The maps are much more eye catching than the Encyclopedia Britannica maps that I grew up with. We've had the state version, The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps! for a couple years now and it keeps our six year old entertained for long stretches of time. The 50 Cities and 50 States books have been really useful when talking about future travel plans and about family moving from Iowa to New Jersey.

Instagram Handle

Do y'all follow @l lideylikes? She lives in East Hampton and is in the assistant to Ina Garten (aka Barefoot Contessa). That alone should sway you to follow her but as much as I love Ina; Lidey puts a younger and perhaps a bit more approachable spin on life.

Guilty Pleasure

Does sleep count? Or going to the grocery store by myself? Because that's all I'm hoping for right now.

I Need A Vacation

Next month we're heading on our longest road trip to date and we're currently exploring different routes. I'm of the mindset that we should take a few stops along the way and enjoy different parts of the country. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina is exactly one of those spots. Charming and well appointed - this place is right up my alley! I wonder how they feel about kids?

Shit My Kids Will Eat

Kid Tested & Approved - With our recent strawberry picking adventure I wanted to take advantage of of the fresh berries so we tried two new recipes. Strawberry Fruit Leather and Strawberry Popsicles. Both recipes are easy to execute but do require a bit of waiting before tasting. If you haven't made homemade popsicles before they a great way to help fussy eaters get some fruit and/or vegetables in their diet without a lot of sugar. My kids love these fish themed popsicle molds.