Kate's Monthly Take - August 2018

I'm knee deep in scheduling activities for the school year and the logistics of three children have me hyperventilating. Despite our intense school year schedule I need to take a step back and realize that we have one month before school begins.  Loads of time to relish lazy mornings and check off a few more summer bucket list items. This month, I'm excited for an upcoming week off with the kids. It is a much needed break and will be a great way to end the summer. 

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - August 2018

Mood

  • What is sleep? Sleep deprivation is my current state of being. Our middle child has been coming into our room every morning around 4am for the last few weeks. This has made for a very moody household so I think I'm going to need to try one of these clocks!

Currently Coveting

  • It was like clockwork; once the calendar changed to August my mind started obsessing about fall clothes. In my defense, I'm mostly thinking about clothes for the kids because my two oldest have recently had growth spurts but then the other day J. Crew launched some new arrivals and I went gaga for a couple of items. I'm over the moon for most anything with a Liberty print and I missed out on similar reversible coat last year so I'd love to snag this one especially if I can get it on sale.  Also this beautiful blouse is giving me major Anne Shirley vibes but I'm not sure I could pull it off!

Favorite Product

  • I'm always on the lookout for a great black tank. I prefer something loose and a bit longer and I think I hit the jackpot with this Luxe High-Neck Swing Tank from Old Navy. There are so many great features about this tank: it's inexpensive, very soft, comes in multiple colors and versatile. I mostly wear mine with yoga pants on my days off from work but I think you could also pair with jeans and a great necklace!

Design Pick

  • I don't know that this necessarily qualifies as a "Design Pick" but if you love all things blue and white these blue and white swirl storage containers from Golden Rabbit Enamelware definitely elevate your picnic game.

What I'm Reading

  • I'm reading Crazy Rich Asians based on a review from my mother and on the fact that the motion picture version will be released later this month. I always prefer to read the book before seeing the movie and this entertaining read will be perfect to wrap up while on vacation. If I end up finishing before vacation, I'll be sure to scoop up the second book in the trilogy. I mean who doesn't love a trilogy, right?

What We're Reading the Kids

  • Our early riser is also a truck lover and he geeks out hard for food trucks. I recently discovered Food Truck Fest! and it's been on heavy rotation every since. The illustrations are vibrant, story relatable and the trucks and go on a ferry ride. Enough said, right?

Instagram Handle

  • Do y'all follow @sarahshermansamuel? She is an interior designer specializing in mid century modern. She just redid Mandy Moore's home in Pasadena and is featured in July's, Architecture Digest. But perhaps more interestingly this mom of two and her husband just moved across the country from Los Angeles, CA to Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was craving a slower pace and they purchased a home over the internet (sight unseen) and are now renovating. I love checking out the home updates.

Guilty Pleasure

  • Ice Cream! Most summer nights after all of the kids are in bed my husband and I look at each other and talk about our ice cream cravings. Lucky and unlucky for our waist lines we have a couple of great ice cream shops within walking distance.

I Need A Vacation

  • We're about to head out on a road trip to the Carolinas with a pit stop in Asheville at the Biltmore but in my dreams I'm traveling to Tuscany and staying here.

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved -  I struggle with meal planning. I truly just have a hard time sitting down, finding recipes and then writing a grocery list. Lucky for me I have a friend who loves to do this and she sends me some great recipe ideas. Below are some of her most recent shares and best of all the kids ate both of them! I'm a sucker for Mediterranean food so this Chicken Gyro Salad was delish. We made pita sandwiches with the fixings and added hummus. Pasta is generally a crowd pleaser in our home (we love carbs) but I was a little nervous about this trying this Broccoli Bolognese with Orecchiette recipe as our kids don't love vegetables. To my surprise, all three of them ate it and our son, kept telling us that he actually does like broccoli. My husband liked this dish so much that he wants it to be on regular rotation. Winning!

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

Instagram Handle

  • Do y'all follow @llideylikes? 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.

Kate's Monthly Take - June 2018

May was a whirlwind...there were a great number of highs and lows. I'm looking forward to school and after-school activities wrapping up in the coming weeks. It will be so nice for life to slow down a bit and to be able to enjoy more time with family and friends. Summer is almost here!

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - June 2018

Mood

  • In any given situation or moment really, it's easy for me to default to looking for what's wrong or what could be improved. My new intention is to recognize and experience each moment for what it is...a blessing.

Currently Coveting

  • I don't think it's a secret that I'm a fan of Cuyana. Their leather accessories and Panama Hat have been a part of my wardrobe for a few years now but I've never tried any of their clothes and I'm really into this Seersucker flounce top in Navy. It seems perfect for Summer and our above average temps!

Favorite Product

  • One of my closest friends has been educating herself on loads of beauty products, tools and treatments in the market in an effort to amp up her self care. Self care is so important and I'm not very good at this...I never workout and I'm lucky to wash my face at night but I'm trying to improve. She recently turned me onto this Jade Roller. I'd seen my fair share of people using them in InstaStories but it wasn't until I tried it myself that I was hooked. Use after applying serum or lotion and roll over your face in upward motions. It can help with absorption, skin tightening and circulation but most of all it feels wonderful. It's cooling and relaxing and has even helped with few headaches. 

Design Pick

  • Ever since I lived in New York I've loved ABC Carpet & Home. One can easily get lost looking at a ll the treasures in that enchanting store. Shortly, after I lived there probably from one of my parents design magazines I discovered Madeline Weinrib who happens to be the grandaughter of the founder of ABC Carpet & Home. Madeline created the most amazing textiles and as I've always lived in a home with wood floors I love her cotton flatweave carpets. Unfortunately, in April Weinrib announced that she is closing her business to focus on new endeavors. As such she has drastically marked down her entire inventory. If you haven't had the chance don't forget to shop Madeline Weinrib's final online sale - there is just one week left!

What I'm Reading

  • I'm wrapping up The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin . An addicting page turner - I highly recommend! With the end of the school year I don't expect I will have much time to read as we settle into our summer routine but I'm excited to check out this Second Life podcast series because I often fantasize about a career change.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • We have a couple books on heavy rotation right now. Lucy is gearing up for her ballet recital so she is into the Twelve Dancing Princesses by Brigette Barrager. The illustrations are lovely and I too remember being mesmermized by this fairy tale as a child. George is obsessed with Cycle City by Alison Farrell in part because he has outgrown his balance bike and in part because of the Richard Scarry like detail of the illustrations. There is so much too look at in this book and he loves to examine all of the characters and their bikes. I also just picked up the board book,  Whose Boat? by Toni Buzzeo and Tom Froese which I'm really excited about because we were huge fans of Whose Truck? and Whose Tools?

Instagram Handle

  • Do y'all follow @leandramcohen? She is the founder of the cult favorite fashion blog Man Repeller and a recent mom to twin girls. She has a particularly open and direct sense of humor that I can't get enough of. Her recent InstaStories reference her award for "Shittiest Mother of the Day" because she used gift credit meant for her daughters to buy a fabulous pair of shoes for herself! I mean we've all thought about it, right? But no one talks about it! 

Guilty Pleasure

  • We finally had the chance to visit a relatively new restaurant (Steingold's Deli) in our neighborhood and now I can't get enough of their sesame seed bagels and veggie cream cheese. I've always loved veggie cream cheese but Steingolds' adds dill to theirs and it is delicious - I am obsessed!

I Need A Vacation

  • As I've now crossed Charleston off my travel wish list (Charleston City Guide) I can now move Austin up to the top of my list. I'd love to stay at the fabulous  Hotel Saint Cecilia during my visit although I think I will plan to avoid the summer heat but if ya'll have Mexican food recommendations - please share.

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved -  We eat a lot of soup in our house and I'm not a huge fan of eating hot soup during warmer months but snuck in this Chicken Tomatillo recipe from Salty Lashes right before the temps racheted up. We roasted on our own chicken to add but didn't have time to make homemade salsa verde and it still tasted delicious. A tangier soup than the kids are used to but they gobbled it up and some even drank the broth with a straw. Whatever works, right? 

Kate's Monthly Take - May 2018

We're a couple of days into May and the weather has completely taken me by surprise. We've completely skipped Spring and headed straight into the depths of Summer. Literally, it was almost 90 degrees yesterday. I was melting but I'm not complaining! Bring on Summer! Just maybe give me a week or two to change up the kids wardrobes...ok? Thanks.

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - May 2018

Mood

  • Do you ever feel like you have you're in the midst of so many projects, trying to balance them all yet you aren't able to focus on any of them? You're keeping everything afloat but spread so thin that you are kind of failing at everything?. That's me! Especially this month but I'm trying to de-prioritize and it's a work in progress.

Currently Coveting

  • We are hosting a Cinco de Mayo themed birthday party this weekend and these kaftans from Pippa Holt would be perfect! The kaftans are made by women in Mexico and I'm obsessed with the colors and designs. No 10 is my favorite! If only I was a few inches taller.

Favorite Product

  • Y'all may be shocked but I've never used dry shampoo before. I finally decided to try it after being at a conference for four days and seeing firsthand the wonders it could do via some of my colleagues hair. My hair stylist recommended this Rene Furterer Naturia product and all of my sister-in-laws love this Aveda Shampure product. So the jury is still out on spray vs powder but I love something that can save me time in the morning!

Design Pick

  • I'm so excited for the textiles launch of Erika M. Powell. Her designs are inspired by watercolors she's been doing for years. Erika is an Interior Designer and owner of Urban Grace Interiors in one of my favorite parts of the country; Florida's Emerald Coast. The textile collection is awesome more subdued in color than I'm typically drawn to but really soothing and I'm kind of obsessed with the rug ottomans!

What I'm Reading

  • I'm taking a break from fiction this month and checking out a new cookbook! I've been known to pin quite a few recipes on Pinterest and that is where I came across Gaby Dalkin @whatsgabycookin. Gaby recently came out with a new cookbook, "What's Gaby Cooking: Everyday California Food" and if the cover photo doesn't sell you I'm not sure what will! The colorful and fresh ingredients used in this cookbook have me super excited for summer and as many things do... make me wish I lived in California.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • My three year old son loves music and he loves books that correlate to popular songs. These Old MacDonald themed books fit the bill perfectly! Old MacDonald Had A Truck and the new Old MacDonald Had A Boat really take the classic song to a whole new level! Perfect for truck and boat lovers alike!

Instagram Handle

  • I've recently learned about this photographer with agoraphobia who uses Google Street View as a way to see the world. She is known as the Agoraphobic Traveller and has created an Instagram account called streetview.portraits, where she posts photographs she has taken using the Street View technology. It's rather awesome and she recently had a collection of her work shown at an art gallery in New York.

Guilty Pleasure

  • It seems I can't shake my roots in celeb culture and I'm kind of addicted to watching The Arrangement on the E! network. Apparently, it's loosely based on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Cue the intrigue.

I Need A Vacation

  • Counting down the days until my girls trip to Charleston, South Carolina. First girls trip in five years!

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved -  We eat a lot of chicken in our household and I'm always trying to change up the flavoring both because my husband and I get bored and as a way to introduce the kids to new flavors. Recently we tried Ina Garten's Indonesian Ginger Chicken paired with her Herbed Basmati Rice. My children typically pretend to be allergic to "green things" so they were skeptical about the rice but they ate it!

Kate's Monthly Take - April 2018

I have so much on my to-do list right now - I've been getting a bit overwhelmed and daydreaming about this time last year when I had just started my maternity leave as we anticipated baby number three's arrival. I may be an anomaly, but I wish I could do this past year all over again. It's true what they say - time is a thief! I'm going to have a one year old in a matter of weeks and it's a good reminder for me to not stress about the small stuff, pushback on unnecessary, work and enjoy the present.

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - April 2018

Mood

  • Is it Spring yet? Seriously, there was snow on the ground this morning. 

Currently Coveting

  • I have a few work trips on the horizon and I always cram my laptop + my kitchen sink into my carry on. I've been eyeing Le Big Sac from Clare V and think it would solve all my carry on packing problems.

Favorite Product

  • Now that our youngest is into eating solid foods we've been a bit more adventurous about dining out. She loves to sit in a high chair and devours pretty much anything we put in front of her. I feel much better using this ezpz silicone Mini Mat when we're out. It suctions to the table so she can't move it around, the mini version fits nicely in my bag and perhaps best of all the mat is dishwasher safe!

Design Pick

  • I can't say I always use them but I'm a huge fan of using actual linens for entertaining especially when it comes to major holidays. With that being said, I'm over the moon for the handwoven linens from Heather Taylor Home and the chic yet slightly understated ways she styles them for entertaining. Honestly, sometimes I wish I lived in California so I could decorate an outdoor dining table on the reg!

What I'm Reading

  • I've been wanting to read the The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin for a while as the premise about siblings visiting a fortuneteller to learn the date of your death truly freaks me out. It is certainly nothing I would do in my own life but reading about it is another story...I'm sure to be up all night with this page turner!

What We're Reading the Kids

  • I'm a huge fan of Oliver Jeffers. So many beautifully illustrated and quirky children's books are in his wheelhouse. Stuck is fan favorite in our house but as our kids are really in space at the moment we've been reading Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth. They're loving it and hopefully, learning something about Earth and all of it's inhabitants along the way.

Instagram Handle

  • I've been following @courtneyadamo a co-founder Babyccino Kids since she had three kids and lived in London...she now has five and lives in Byron Bay, Australia. Along the way she and her family packed up their life and traveled the world together for a year and documented it at somewhereslower.com...her feed always appeals to my wanderlust.

Guilty Pleasure

  • Hiding my kids Easter candy and then eating it myself!

I Need A Vacation

  • Anywhere, but Chicago for Spring Break next year. Perhaps I should specify...anywhere, warmer than Chicago, si vous plait. And if we're talking Spring Break I know my kids would flip out over the amazing pools at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii. I better start saving my pennies!

Shit My Kids Will Eat

Kate's Monthly Take

March is my birthday month and for me has always been a time to hit reset. It's like those first two months of the year didn't necessarily go as planned so let's hit the "reset button" in March and get back on track. Time to organize, purge and get back to healthier habits. March is my reminder that I'm getting older and should try to be the best version of myself possible.

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - March 2018

Mood

  • Hoping the old saying is true..."March comes in like a lion but goes out like a lamb"

Currently Coveting

  • It's been a long time since I've gone on a Girls Trip and I'm so excited to have one planned for May! I'm already daydreaming about a new outfit especially one that I can wear without getting spit up on. Recently, this striped halter jumpsuit has caught my eye. Would be so fun for cocktails paired with a brightly colored clutch, bold earrings and this Rainbow Brite stack of bracelets from Roxanne Assoulin.

Favorite Product

  • Finding time for a hair appointment is challenging to stay the least. Thankfully, my stylist introduced me to a new root touch-up product to help stretch the time in between! My three children are quickly giving my greys and this product is just what I needed. Retouch.Me by Kevin.Murphy REALLY works. I use it to cover my part line if I have an event or a meeting. It doesn't make a mess, is easy to use and it washes out in the shower! P.S. I use Dark Brown. 

Design Pick

  • I'm a huge fan of the husband and wife team behind Pencil & Paper Co. I've been following Gen Sohr for a few years now after reading two articles about her in 2015. One in the now defunct Matchbook Magazine and one in Mini Magazine. I LOVE their style - it's classic with fun takes on color, fabric and texture. Some of their wallpaper pics are my favorite and they've made their picks so accessible on their website.

What I'm Reading

  • Technically, I haven't started yet but I'm so excited to read Kristin Hanna's new novel, The Great Alone. The Alaskan set book will be a vast departure from my last read based in war ridden Europe. I'm a huge fan of Hannah's since reading The Nightingale, coincidentally, also about WWII but seriously, if you haven't read it make it a priority. The Nightingale is easily one of my most favorite books from recent years.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • As soon as I saw there was a new Little Blue Truck companion book on the market I had to scoop it up. Little Blue Truck's Springtime is a new fave but we've also been loving The Odd One Out. This spotting book is so gorgeous and my son pours over the pictures and actually focuses until he finds what he is looking for.

Instagram Handle

  • I've been following @stacieflinner on her year-long around-the-world adventure and living vicariously through the beautiful photos she and her husband post.

Guilty Pleasure

  • I've been known to binge watch shows until the wee morning hours - I pay for it the next day but I truly get invested in the characters and need to know what happens yet. I recently watched the entire season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in two late night sessions. A guilty pleasure to be sure but this Golden Globe winning show has so much going for it - great sets, costumes, characters, an original story line and so much wit!

I Need A Vacation

  • Taking an African Safari is my dream vacation and since following @stacieflinner and her recent stay in Africa I've got more than a few items on my wish list...a journey through South Africa on Rovos Rail to start and a stay at a the Royal Chundu lodge in Zambia would do quite nicely. But let's face it, I know I'm dreaming.

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - We tried Lasagna Soup for the first time thanks to a recommendation from my brother and we all loved it. We used this recipe from the Williams Sonoma blog - I really don't think you can ever go wrong with Ricotta or Basil!

Kate's Monthly Take

This past month has been crazy. We've all been sick, the house is a disaster and work is overwhelming. But no matter how crazy I feel my life has been I know someone else is having a harder time. I'm going to chose be grateful that we are all on the mend and give myself a break that this post is three days late. In fact, we should all give ourselves a break sometimes because we are just doing the best we can.

Enjoy my Monthly Take!

Kate's Monthly Take - February 2018

Mood

  • "It's Been a Long Week," Me in the middle of Tuesday (on repeat every dang week)

Currently Coveting

  • Each spring there is some item by Loeffler Randall that I NEED to have in my closet. I have a few pairs of shoes from past seasons that are so well worn the cost-per-use has to be down to a nickel at this point. This spring I am in LOVE with these striped Logan Sneakers. I mean they had me at the stripes...the tassels are like icing on the cake!

Favorite Product

  • It only took me having our third kid to splurge for this Baby Jogger Plush Hand Muff. It's made a world of difference this winter especially as our nanny or I fight the Chicago wind with our double stroller.

Design Pick

  • New Arrivals at Serena & Lily always have me swooning. Most of the time I end of wishing I lived in California or at least a milder climate where we could have windows and doors open 85% of the year. I would love to have an outdoor/indoor dining area where I could hang three of these fixtures at various heights. Or maybe I would chose to mix and match different pendants from their selection. The possibilities are endless.

What I'm Reading

  • My fascination with WWII and Holocaust literature started at a young age with Number the Stars and has grown with me as I have aged. This month I've been reading We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter. The character development is amazing and once your past the first 50 pages I promise you will stop referencing the Kurc Family Tree.

What We're Reading the Kids

  • If your children love a good trend and are into narwhals and unicorns then they will love this book! Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima is perfect for young readers. It has adorable illustrations and weaves an important message seamlessly into the storyline. 

Instagram Handle

  • I love to follow @valleybrinkroad, I discovered Barrett a little over three years ago when I was pregnant with George. She has this amazing lifestyle business in LA. Cultivating her gift boxes would basically be my dream job. Her recipes always have me craving fresh ingredients and pining for a trip to the West Coast. We've tried a few and you can check out one of her soups in the "Shit My Kids Will Eat" section below.

Guilty Pleasure

  • These Brach's Cherry Jube Jelly Hearts come out once a year and I can't get enough of them. I have already downed three bags virtually by myself. The dentist is going to be in for a real treat. I vow not to pick them up on my next Target run! Well...maybe just one more bag before Valentine's Day. Also, I'm not sure I want to know what Jube Jelly is...it sounds kind of disturbing. 

I Need A Vacation

  • February is the perfect month to escape the Midwestern winter and get some Vitamin D. No such vacation is on the horizon this year, but if it was I would love to travel to Harbour Island in the Bahamas and stay at The Dunmore. 

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - We've never made Pasta e Fagioli before but this was soooo good and yes even my kids ate it! We used Chicken Stock and you can skip the fresh parsley if you don't have any on hand. I definitely topped mine off with a healthy portion of freshly shaved parmesan. The recipe quantity is perfect too - you won't be left with a huge pot of soup!

Kate's Monthly Take

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. I’m not one to make grandiose resolutions as I find I don’t keep them but 2017 was a stark reminder of how short life is and how fleeting good health can be so in 2018 I want to try and focus on being more present.

So what does being more present mean? How will I accomplish this? To me, being more present means cutting out the noise. Simplifying my life as much as possible and just trying to enjoy the time I have with friends and family.  This is not an easy task for me as I have an incredibly hard time focusing long enough to have a simple conversation. I'm convinced my mind often resembles my Chrome browser with 30 tabs open at once...so let's take this resolution one step at a time.

Tomorrow, I'll take my first step thanks to a six hour car ride. I’m going to take one hour and unsubscribe to countless marketing emails! It's going to feel liberating and I hope that this one hour of time will save me numerous hours in 2018. Hours I would have spent pouring over the latest products on sale that could have instead be spent with my family. Fingers crossed that both my bank account and family members thank me in the new year!

Whatever your resolution may or may not be I wish you luck and Happy New Year! Enjoy my first Monthly Take of 2018!

Kate's Monthly Take - January 2018

Mood

  • Can I make like a bear and hibernate until Spring? This weather is brutal and getting my kids out the door in all their winter apparel glory is exhausting!

Currently Coveting

  • I used to really want a Chloe saddle bag but with three kids I'm hopeful I'm becoming a bit more practical. I still love handbags but this adorable Herieth bag from Clare V is much more reasonably priced.

Favorite Product(s)

  • The weather has been frightful the past week and my lips have taken a beating but I’m loving the HONEST Beauty magic balm.

  • Our youngest got this highly rated toy Explore & More Follow Bee toy from Skip Hop for Christmas and I’m kind of obsessed. She’s infatuated by it and it’s supposed to help her learn to crawl - not that I want her crawling anytime soon!

Design Pick

  • I love the embroidery artwork designs of Rachel Castle. Her creations sell out fast on her site but custom orders are available. I definitely have one on my wish list!

What I'm Reading

  • Thanks to a recommendation from a friend I’m reading, "A Million Junes" by Emily Henry and it's incredibly addictive. I love an addictive book!

What We're Reading the Kids

  • After our epic Christmas Book Advent Calendar we are back to our regular nightly schedule learning all about Bugs and Beasts! The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts by Yuval Zommer are both beautifully illustrated, thoughtfully organized and contain the most fun tidbits of information about their subject matter.

Instagram Handle

  • So a couple years ago I discovered @gunnerandlux and the fabulous (Little Lux) jewelry designs created by 8 year old Riley. Her jewelry is adorable (big fan of the "Girl Gang" necklace) and her personality effortlessly shines through the Instagram account she shares with her dad. It is without a doubt one of my favorite feeds!

Guilty Pleasure

  • I can't get enough of The Crown on Netflix! I watched Season 2 so fast thanks to a sick baby sleeping on my chest but I may need to re-watch for another dose of all the costume and set grandeur.

I Need A Vacation

  • Temperatures in the Midwest have been just awful. Mexico and specifically the Rosewood Mayakoba resort is calling my name.

Shit My Kids Will Eat

  • Kid Tested & Approved - I’m not sure they really need anymore energy but I like the healthy ingredients in these and the kids devour these No-Bake Energy Bites from the blog Gimme Some Oven.

Kate's Monthly Take

It's a new month and I've got a new take! Please enjoy my "Monthly Take" which highlights some of my favorite products, guilty pleasures and current obsessions etc...

Kate's Monthly Take - December 2017

Mood

  • Make it a December to Remember (Who needs sleep anyways?)

Currently Coveting

Favorite Product

Design Pick

What I'm Reading

What We're Reading the Kids

Instagram Handle

  • I'm loving following @evachen212 especially her InstaStories. The access to fashion can't be beat and her children Ren and Tao have some major personality

Guilty Pleasure

I Need A Vacation

  • This wouldn't require a flight but this venue would certainly transport me back to Granada, Spain and in reality I would just be in the West Loop - AIRE Ancient Baths

Shit My Kids Will Eat

Kate's Monthly Take

It's a new month and I've got a new take! Please enjoy my "Monthly Take" which highlights some of my favorite products, guilty pleasures and current obsessions etc...

Kate's Monthly Take - November 2017

Mood

  • I head back to work tomorrow after a generous maternity leave so I've got this on my mind - "Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming" - Dory

Currently Coveting

  • I will be the first to admit that I have fallen prey to the Athleisure trend. The clothes are just so comfy! I love this sweatshirt and long tank combo.

Favorite Product

  • Both my husband and I would be at a loss without these in our home. They are an excellent addition to a security system but mostly we use them to check on our kids - Nestcam Indoor Security Camera

Design Pick

  • If your looking to add some texture to a room; this vase should do the trick - Shella White Vase from Annie Selke

What I'm Reading

What We're Reading the Kids

Instagram Handle

  • Follow him for his art and for his cheeky twin boys - @drawbertson

Guilty Pleasure

I Need A Vacation

  • Ok, technically I just went on vacation but I could use an adult vacation. This will do - Esperanza, an Auberge Resort. Truly, any Auberge Resort would do just for a night or two.

Shit My Kids Will Eat

Kate's Monthly Take

I've long been a fan of Vanity Fair's Proust Questionnaire, Us Weekly's 25 Things You Didn't Know About Me and the now shuttered Matchbook Magazine's Questionnaire. I love to consume information in snippets. I find I retain information easier this way and more often than not, if it is in bullets I actually have the time to read it! 

In honor of these questionnaire's I'm introducing my "Monthly Take" which will highlight some of my favorite products, current obsessions etc...

Kate's Monthly Take - October 2017

Mood

  • Trying to abide by this - "It's Not Who You Are That Holds You Back, It's Who You Think Your're Not" - Denis Waitley

Currently Coveting

Favorite Product

Design Pick

Instagram Handle

Guilty Pleasure

I Need A Vacation

Shit My Kids Will Eat