Not About Me

I had a few days this week that inside I just wanted to complain.

I had this little goal the last two weeks of using everything in our fridge and cabinets before going grocery shopping... meaning no waste and no extra dollars spent. It's a good goal, but HARD. One evening I wandered into our kitchen and opened cabinets and closed them and whined a little to myself and then left the kitchen... came back.. same thing... almost called for pizza to be delivered... finally decided to make curry chicken and didn't enjoy a bit of it. I'm being real here, so feel free to judge my bad attitude... I totally deserve it. I also was cranky about the fact that this cough and sore throat feels as though it will never, ever go away and my husband works extremely hard and has long hours...

I think to myself "poor me, I bet all moms can relate to the fact that I don't think I should have to 'play' all day and then cook every evening."

THEN... I get stopped in my tracks.

​I hear that a friend is making a life or death decision about her son's leukemia. I hear from another friend a story about her daughter's autism... and still another friend about a decision they have to make about brain surgery for their daughter's seizures... And I am mortified by my own attitude about my "hardships." Perception really is everything, isn't it?

Here we are in our home with health, toys, warmth, friends, and endless blessings... and I had nothing better to do than complain? Really?

I find this sort of thing happening when I forget to concern myself with helping needs of others. When I start thinking the world revolves around us. When my own preferences take precedence over others'. This weekend we're going to do a little thing as a family to give to others with needs. We already have it planned, and it's not a big thing, but it's a little something. And a lot of little somethings make a big difference. And a mentality of caring for others before ourselves can change lives.

Here's a video of one little example of a single person changing a lot of lives... AMAZING. 

our first Share project. Old Skool Cafe from stillmotion on Vimeo.

​XOXO,

Kate

Currently Eating...

Truth is, I'm currently eating the same thing for lunch every day. ​

It all started when my sister mentioned she made mediterranean-style dinner the other day, and she started talking about what was on it and how good it was... I wanted to discard my standard turkey and cheese sandwich I was eating and head to Trader Joe's right then and there. ​The next day I did. I picked up some ingredients and it's been the same thing every day since. Boring? Maybe... but in the most delicious way. SERIOUSLY. And my girls eat every bite. Maggie doesn't usually eat bread of any type (she's the kid who licks the cheese of a quesadilla), but she'll eat her pita bread because it's smothered in humus and yogurt dip. 

Here's what goes in my toasted pita:​

• Grilled chicken (you can just grill a few chicken breasts to have them on hand all week, or you can be lazy like me and get them already sliced at Trader Joe's and grill them that way)​.
• Spicy Humus on one side 
• Mediterranean Yogurt Dip on the other side
• Feta
• Lettuce and Tomato (if I have them in the house)

​They're so simple to make and soooo good (and pretty good for you!). And if you're a vegetarian, grab some falafels instead of chicken. Mmmm.

XO,​

Kate

19-Months, How I Love You

​Nineteen months is a good age.

I don't quite remember saying that with my first run-through (I think I was saying things more like "if this is pre-toddlerhood, I will never survive toddlerhood"), but the second time around, I am well aware that this stage isn't forever.

...no really, I won't end each day of my life with a dramatic collapse on the couch and a murmur about how exhausting life is to my poor husband who patiently refrains from reminding me I'm a total broken record here.

In reality, it's actually a pretty perfect little age. 

​Everything is funny at 19 months. Mama is a superstar and all I have to do is feed and twirl her. Nothing is off limits for copying. If Sophie says "yeehaw," you better believe a little voice will be echoing those cowgirl sentiments. Every food group is delicious, and if it's too spicy, just drink some water and go back for more. Black eyes and bumps and bruises are expected and simply indicate fun is being had. Running everywhere is essential... there is no such thing as walking for a little 19-month old.

And I still get to hold a little 19-month chubby, adorable hand (for the most part). 

​I love this stage. I know the battles of true toddlerhood are coming, but right now we're at this sweet little bit of life where laughter is abundant and workouts outside of the home are totally unnecessary. ;) 

I love you little Maggie girl. ​

Pretty photography by the talented Silvana di Franco (she's incredible). ​

Dress by Gap. Shoes Old Navy. Gorgeous floral clip by SaraRae Shop​.

Currently Loving: Tea Collection

We got a box in the mail the other day. It was full of beautiful textures and patterns and brightness and from our end: excitement and squeals... Tea Collection! 

I've always loved Tea. They get bonus points for being a San Francisco company ;) and their clothing is fresh and unpredictable, but so stylish. Their current collection is one of their best ever... it's South African inspired, meaning texture and brights, my favorites! The best part: they are a brand that gives back. Tea Collection partners regularly with The Global Fund For Children and have designated days where portions of sales go to school funds... not just any schools- YOUR schools. 

​This means pretty dresses-- wearable for casual and dressy occasions, spunky shorts, tees, and fancy shirts, and the best kiddo accessories are combined with all with a trustworthy, beautiful brand that supports needs globally and locally. What's not to love?

You'll be seeing my girls in Tea Collection all over here in days to come. With colors this bright and appealing and COMFORTABLE, kids will be wanting to wear their Tea Collections outfits every day! ​

Maggie is wearing: Dot Print Party Dress || ​Cave Rock Mini Dress.

Sophie is wearing: Bo-Kaap Trapeze Mini Dress || Sunset Stripe Twirl Skort.

Shop the looks using the link below for percentages off!

xoxo,​

Kate

I was not compensated for this post. Tea Collection provided a box of clothing for sample & review (thank you Tea)! All opinions are my own. ​

Mama Profile: Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind

I have long been an inspired reader of Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind, and I'm honored to share her thoughts on life and motherhood and blogging today. She is one of those rare people who manages to combine an impeccable eye for design with an eloquence of words on her blog, so every post is beautiful and inspiring. While she was pregnant with her little Bee, she created Design for Minikind to share quality design in children's products as well.

Follow Erin on: Twitter || Instagram || Pinterest || Facebook 

1. What are your favorite things about Bee in her current stage of life? 

Oh, it's a horrible thing to ask a mother what she loves about her kid and expect any less than one million words. ;) I think my favorite part about her current stage (almost 8 months!) is the bits of personality that are shining through each day. She's an art museum, full of wonder and curiosity and beauty - and then all of a sudden the exhibitions are changing and there are new things to see and watch and do. She changes and grows so quickly, and I'm truly having the greatest time of my life sitting on the bench, gazing in awe.

2. What do you enjoy most about being a mother?

I feel like becoming a mother forces you to transcend your current situation. I mean, you're kind of thrown into this utterly uncomfortable situation of postpartum healing and leaking milk and dirty diapers and endless tears, and then you wake up and realize that your newborn is a baby (and then a toddler, and then a child, and then a teenager...!) and you've made it through some really hard times together - and that you're a better person for it. You're kind of forced to no longer think about yourself as a singular unit, because you're now part of someone else's story. (I think, too, there's a deep urgency to make that story into something beautiful, which makes you rethink the role you're currently playing, you know?)

3. When do you feel most content/peaceful with your life?

During Bee's naps, I've started a ritual where I curl up on the couch in the morning sun and read a great memoir. There's no room for work or deadlines or busy-ness - it's just 45 minutes of slow words, soft pages, introspection. I'm quickly realizing that, in those moments, I am truly at peace.

4. What has been your favorite stage of motherhood thus far? 

It just keeps getting better and better! I wasn't the biggest fan of the newborn stage, so the older she gets, the more I treasure each moment.

5. Do you have tips for new moms? 

The best advice I've applied to my life was to remember, "This too shall pass." When the moment is rough - it's 2am and she's not feeding and you can't figure out how to make her stop crying - that moment will be gone in an instant (although sometimes it feels like forever, yes?). Alternately, when the moment is perfect - she's gazing up at you with big eyes and a curious mind - that moment will also be gone in an instant. It's been my mantra for motherhood thus far, and I love how much it centers me and reminds me to really enjoy the moments - good and bad - that make up our lives.

6. What are your favorite things to do when you have down time?

I love reading, coffee dates with friends or catching up on old episodes of The Cosby Show with my husband. (We admire Claire and Cliff so badly!)

7. What motivated you to begin your blog?

A dead-end career path, actually! I was feeling uninspired as a copywriter in the boutique ad agency I worked, and when our art director quit unexpectedly, I raised my hand to take his place (although I knew nothing of design!). I headed home and furiously began researching design trends and artistic techniques and used the blog as a sort of catalog for those finds. It quickly grew into its own sort of beast over the years and I've loved using that platform to highlight emerging talent from across the globe.

8. In your own words, what is your design aesthetic?

Evolving? It's hard to pinpoint, as I have so many different tastes and my interests change near-daily! I've always admired people who have been able to truly edit their lives and nail down their aesthetic, because I fear I'll never be one! On the other hand, it's all the easier to find things that interest me when my taste is so very broad. :) 

9. You've been blogging since 2006 (!). What have been a couple highlights of your career?

Oh goodness; I feel so blessed to have had many - becoming one of HGTV.com's first online personalities, filming an IKEA commercial, hosting creativity workshops across the country. But I think my favorite highlights are the ones that land in my inbox every now and then - stories from artists or designers or students who have found something on my site that validated the work they do and gave them a renewed sense of purpose to keep pursuing their creative paths. Those connections inspire me beyond words!

10. Have you had moments where you were disheartened/disenchanted with the blogging world? If so, how did you move on from it?

Oh, I think those moments come often, yes, but I think I have myself to blame when that sort of thing happens. I usually find that I've been spending too much time cyber-loafing and not regulating my information diet. Everything in moderation, you know? I try to be very intentional with the items I'm giving my attention to, so when I'm becoming disenchanted, I generally move on from the particular sites, blogs, feeds or streams I'm focusing on and try to take a step back, regain focus and return with a new perspective. Sometimes that happens in an hour - other times it takes a month.

11. You have a reputation for managing your time impeccably. What applications or resources do you find most helpful to stay organized?

Oh, that's so kind of you to say! I'm still 100% behind this post!:
http://www.designformankind.com/2013/01/how-to-organize-your-online-life/

12. What tips do you have for new bloggers?

Write, write, write. Your voice comes from practice (and is ever-changing, in my opinion), so put the fingers to the keyboard as much as you can. And, like most things, the moment it stops being fun (or taking away from living your life), take a break. 

13. What is your style uniform?

I used to not have a "uniform", but since becoming a mom, I've realized how incredibly helpful it is to have standbys on hand! Right now I've been wearing a colored jean and chambray shirt nearly every day of the week. Perfectly wearable, but non-fussy (and relatively stain-resistant, which is key when feeding avocados to a baby!). Other times I'll throw on fitted yoga pants and a nursing-friendly gray v-neck tee and head to the grocery - I have no qualms about not looking put together at any moment!

14. What are your favorite places to shop for yourself and Bee (or brands)?

I'm a big online shopper, so I love Amazon for absolutely everything, Land of Nod for Bee, and Target when I need to grab something quickly (or not-so-quickly, really, because that place has a way of capturing you for the hour, yes?). I also shop Etsy often for gifts, handmade goods, decor or accessories. 

15. What are your favorite small businesses or Etsy shops?

Oh, there are so many good ones! Hindsvik, Freshly Picked, AshleyG, Leah Duncan, LeahGoren, A Merry Mishap, Up in the Air Somewhere, Hruskaa, Something's Hiding In Here - the list goes on. (I'm leaving out small businesses, b/c otherwise we'd be here all day!)

16. How do you balance motherhood, being a wife, and managing a career?

I think, for me, the trick is to lower my expectations. It's easy to take a few glances at Facebook and see other people's immaculate homes, 4-course meals and styled ensembles and think you're not quite measuring up, but I think it's really important to be realistic about what's manageable for you, at this very moment. If that means going a few days without blogging to help out a family member or skipping your makeup routine to catch a few extra Zzzs, so be it. For me, it's all about which priorities take precedence. (More on this here!)

---

Erin... heartfelt thanks for your time and words. So grateful. ​-Kate

Photo Credits: ​Woodnote Photography and Betsy King.

Link Love

Image via Shop Sweet Things​

Have a fancy little tea time with your little ones.​

Now that Sophie is trying to sound out her words, I'm loving books with just a couple simple words like this one.​

These headbands are all seriously popular right now for a reason... they are crazy cute! I think Maggie needs a set in her life. ​

Obviously I'm a huge Jessica Alba and Honest fan, so I'm going to remind you to buy her new book The Honest Life!! Just released this week. :)​

I'm in baby gifting mode- lots of friends are pregnant- so I've been on the lookout for cute toys and these seriously fit the bill (and I love when toys do double duty as toys and teethers). 

There are some back and forth articles about moms + iphones and I'm kind of from this camp... I think it's just about being deliberate about turning those phones and technology on when you need and using that OFF switch liberally. Anyway, let's just be nice to each other and encouraging, eh?

​Anyone else LOVE bagels? Probably, but probably not as much as me. Here are some good-looking bagel options that I would have a hard time refusing if offered to me.

​FINALLY, you guys, I'm trying to figure out how to transfer google followers over here, but haven't quite become THAT techie yet. So sorry if you're a google follower, but I just created a new way to follow and it's through the button on my sidebar to the left that says "Follow through Bloglovin'" and we'll just start from scratch here with a feed for ya. DO IT. It'll keep you in the loop here and I would love it. Thank youuuuu. :)

Enjoy your Sunday!! ​

Love,
Kate