Kate's Monthly Take - May 2019

We have about 3.5 more weeks until school is out for the summer and I can’t believe the year has gone so fast. I both love and dread the summer months. I’m going to miss the quiet afternoons when the older two are at school and my youngest is napping but will relish the slower pace and all the fun summer activities! 

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - May 2019

Mood

  • Complete and utter shock. The new anti-abortion movement is gaining momentum and the pending abortion laws in many states especially in Alabama, are horrifying. As a mother of two daughters I’m concerned about the implication of this on Roe v. Wade and women’s rights. As I look to the future, I think about their college education and how states’ that restrict their rights may play into that decision. This article does a good job providing an overview of abortion restrictions by state.

Currently Coveting

  • I really want to get into Container Gardening. I’d love something like this wooden elevated container to plant herbs like basil and rosemary and lettuces. Different size options are available which make it completely feasible for our little city backyard!

Favorite Product

  • For the past six months I’ve been taking Collagen Peptides by Vital Proteins. I was introduced to it by my sister-in-law and I put it in my hot tea every morning. I’ve tried putting it in a smoothie but I’ve found it disintegrates much better into a hot liquid. I primarily started to taking it to boost hair growth as I lost so much with all my pregnancies and while it has helped to make my hair stronger I’ve noticed an added benefit of clearer skin. Bonus!

Design Pick

  • As Memorial Day approaches I often daydream about the backyard of my dreams. It will have plenty of room for the kids to run around in plus lush hydrangeas, teak furniture, beautiful planters, twinkle lights and an epic grill for my husband. Of course, with an epic grill we will frequently eat outdoors using the bamboo flatware of my dreams. I’ve always loved this flatware and I don’t think there could be anything more chic to use for a summer dinner party, than said flatware. And no, I haven’t actually thrown a dinner party in years but it’s all part of my daydream!

What I'm Reading

  • I just picked up the very popular, Where the Crawdads Sing, which I hope to read over Memorial Day Weekend. I’m sure I won’t be the only one!

What I’m Listening To

  • My husband is obsessed with Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) and the Promise of Real album. I have to admit it’s pretty good and I even find myself listening to it, when he’s not around and Find Yourself, is a highlight.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • We’re nearing the end of the school year so we’ve been talking about our summer plans. The kids are hoping for another road trip to see more of the country that may or may not involve a trip to a National Park; so they’re reading up on them via the eye catching, National Parks of the U.S.A book by Wide Eyed Editions. I shouldn’t forget to mention our forever favorite, The 50 States: Explore the 50 States also by Wide Eyed Editions that frequently accompanies us on road trips and is included in all discussions revolving around travel. Ooh and if you’re traveling to the Southwest this picture book about the Grand Canyon, looks amazing!

Instagram Handle

  • I’m always looking for new restaurants to try in Chicago and elsewhere and I just started following The Infatuation (infatuation) and (infatuation_chi). Both accounts are helping me discover new restaurants even when I don’t get out that much. The good news is that if we do score a sitter, we know where to go! #EEEEEATS

Guilty Pleasure

  • I’m supposed to be giving up candy (read: processed sugar) but I’m currently addicted to the Watermelon Slices from Sugarfina. IMHO these are hands down the best candy Sugarfina sells and I can’t stop eating them!

I Need A Vacation

  • I don’t think it will happen this summer but one thing on my bucket list is to rent an Airstream trailer and drive to the Black Hills of South Dakota to visit Mt. Rushmore. I’ve never been and I’m pretty confident we should wait until our youngest is a little older but I seriously can’t wait to plan our Airstream adventure.

Shit My Kids Will Eat