ASK KATE

The past six weeks truly have been some the best and most challenging weeks of my life. I’ve received so many kind and thoughtful messages, asking how we are doing, offering advice and loving on our family — which we appreciate so very much!

Let me first start by saying that pregnancy is such a sensitive time in a women’s life and you have to do what makes you feel best. It’s so easy to compare and look at others whom make it look easy and pure bliss, but you simply can not compare your journey with anyone else’s.

If there is anything pregnancy, childbirth and now motherhood has taught me it’s that it’s great to prepare but make sure you’re ok with changing your plan. I think the thing that made labor easier for me was that I didn’t have my mind set on a way birth was going to go since my pregnancy didn’t go to plan. However, I did try and prepare emotionally and physically — utilizing the tools, resources and products shared below. I hope this can be helpful!

WE’RE PREGNANT!

Yes — it was a surprise and pregnancy overall was not easy for me. It took time for it to hit me that I was actually having a baby. I had terrible sickness and aversions during my first and second trimester, which finally eased near the 20 week mark. My nausea soon turned into intermediate waves, (which I’m sure still sounds awful), but compared to the first couple of months – it was heaven!

Baby girl was like a little dancer in my stomach - what started out feeling like butterflies quickly turned into flips and kicks, and was special to be able to share with my husband!

Fruit, lemonade, sparking everything, avocados, sourdough bread, van leeuwen ice cream or anything that combined chocolate with peanut butter made both baby girl and mommy happy.

I remained insatiably curious about finding ways to improve both in my work and personal life. I have no shame in admitting that I had a lot to learn and needed the help! I also needed to allow myself the time and space to research before making any choices. The abundance of resources, information and products to select from, along with planning for a move shortly after her arrival was a lot to take in.

I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible women who helped me create a space of calm before the beautiful chaos of parenthood began. My process with each was simple, collaborative, educational and perfectly fitting for me.

ANNOUNCEMENT

For those of you that know me personally, it will be no surprise the hear that I have a hard time being vulnerable with my close friends, let alone with the entire world. I had a very deep struggle of wanting to put myself and our pregnancy out into the world. I went back and for awhile, but ultimately I needed to do something for me, that would change my mindset — which is how the idea of a custom crest from Lou Lou Baker came to be. It was such a fun process designing Lily’s crest with Lou Lou and by the time it was completed, I couldn’t wait to share the news. I’m forever grateful as I feel she was pivotal in getting me through some tough weeks.

HER NAME

Krish and I always knew, that if we had a daughter, her name would be Lily. Not only because I love flowers, and carried Lily of the Valley on our wedding day but we just fell in love with the sweetness of the name and its meaning: purity, innocence, and loveliness. Her middle name, Rowe, was chosen to honor my husband’s mom’s maiden name.

STAYING ACTIVE

I practiced yoga or stretched with Melissa Wood Health daily and danced with Megan Roup on the Sculpt Society a few times a week — and I am so grateful I did. I felt strong and capable all throughout pregnancy, labor and even now through my recovery. I credit this, to these two inspiring women! I also tried to take our puppy Leo on long walks 4-5 days a week — which I also believed helped with the aches and pains that come with pregnancy!

REGISTRY

Trying to figure out what you need for a newborn is overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start. What was the best gear? What are the essentials? I wanted to be thoughtful about preparing, really focusing on things we would genuinely end up using and that is where Hannah came in. Hannah Shargal is the founder and designer behind Eema, an interior, and nesting studio. She has a true gift for creating beautiful, simple spaces that are inviting and peaceful while still functional. In addition to interior design, Hannah also helps parents-to-be build their registry, pack the hospital bag, stock the nursery with essentials, organize, and more. She really can help with everything and I was lucky enough to have Hannah build out our baby girl’s registry. As she is already such an experienced mother, she knew exactly what things would be helpful. I am so grateful for her insight and support.

HOSPITAL BAG

I also worked with Hannah on my hospital bag and she killed it. I used every single item she recommended. I of course over packed and added to her list, but if you are interested in what I packed for the hospital, here is my list!

NURSERY

Reveal coming soon in the new house! Stay tuned

ORGANIZE

Organizing our temporary space also felt necessary. I worked with Emily from Next Level Organizing to establish systems, toss unnecessary items and find a place for all the new items in our apartment, m to make us feel comfortable and confident until our big move. It was worth every penny!

MENTAL PREPERATION

I was the most scared of delivery. I think because I’ve never done it before, there are so many ways it could have went and I have zero pain tolerance. A HypnoBirthing class was recommended to me by colleagues and friends and it was truly a game changer! For someone who deals with anxiety, it was so important to me to find tools to remain calm, present and in tune with my body during pregnancy and labor. Some of those tools were: daily breath work, mantras, music, a book and support community

PERSONAL CARE

My skin and hair were better than ever during pregnancy! I have been using the following products through pregnancy and postpartum:

Erbaviva Oil and Balm, Summer Fridays Belly Balm, Hatch Belly Oil, Ever Eden Golden Belly Serum, Tata Harper Essence, Illia, Necessaire and Kora Organics

BOOKS AND CLASSES

I took a few online classes and had an incredible support group of mom’s via social media. My husband and I also took a safety and newborn classes through our hospital, which I do recommend doing if it is offered. I read several books from all different points of view. Some of my favorites were: Expecting Better, Cribsheet Bringing up Bebe, Nurture, and What to Expect When You’re Expecting, and Happiest Baby on the Block.

DOCUMENTATION

In August, Krish and I asked photographer, Cristina Lozito, to shoot maternity pictures on film. She captured the exact feeling and excitement that we were experiencing in that moment are incredibly grateful for this special time. I can’t wait for her to shoot Lily’s newborn photos in just a few weeks. And of course, we will be documenting everything in her baby book, linked here.

POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS

Where do I begin! Here are the things that I couldn’t have lived without in my first month postpartum for me and baby girl.

All in all, our family has bonded in a whole new way, challenged us, and given us a new purpose on life. The arrival of our little Lily has changed us forever and we are so in love! We already cannot imagine our life without her in it.

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The past few months have been unique, to say the least. But what remains the same, is my passion for creating visual inspiration and the tools I use to guide personalized design.

I am constantly researching and cataloging beautiful images and items to stay inspired. It serves as the foundation of my design process for each event. I pull inspiration from architecture and interior design, texture and materials, lighting, nature, food, fashion, and art.

Based on what I learn from each event client, I create a design board, which serves as a purpose for creative guidance and design direction of the overall look. To provide an example, I designed a board for myself (reference image above).

A FEW KEY WORDS I USE TO DEFINE MY STYLE:

Soft and neutral tones

Subtle detailing

Surfaces and fixtures with texture and interest

Unexpected opportunity for patterns, fabrics and colors

Structure, clean lines and refinement

Femininity

Pieces with meaning or story

Balance and symmetry

Natural movement

Large windows, warm lighting, and candles to create ambiance (I am an event designer after all!)

Foliage and flowers such as pink garden roses, touches of blues, buttery yellows, and greens to soften a space

Try writing down a few defining and descriptive words that reflect your style.

WHAT CAN YOU LEARN?

This exercise is a starting point, that can eventually serve as a “check and balance” system, when making design decisions.

Design will continuously evolve, but who you are at the core, often remains the same. Learning how to articulate your style and vision, and how to cut out the distractions, can sometimes be the most challenging part of the process.

I am here to help and provide guidance on how to define a consistent design language. This allows me to build off your words, create personalized design and bring your vision to life.

WHAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY COUPLE’S REGISTRY LIST!

The Do’s, the Dont’s and the essentials to keep in mind.

DO’s

1. CHINA, FLATWARE AND STEMWARE TO ENTERTAIN

2. SERVING PIECES AND CRYSTAL

3. LUGGAGE

4. QUALITY ESPRESSO MACHINE

5. NON STICK, NON TOXIC COOKWARE AND TOOLS

6. DAILT AND USEFUL ELECTRONICS

DONT’S

1. BEDDING (it is too personal)

2. BAKEWARE (unless you are the Julia Child type)

3. FURNITURE

4. ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO USE A PIZZA STONE?

5. SELECTING ONLY EXPENSIVE PIECES

6. NOT UPDATING (enough)

WHAT TO DO, IF MY WEDDING DAY IS UNEXPECTEDLY POSTPONED, CANCELED, OR CHANGED!

To the many brides-to-be and those getting married out there right now, let me first start off by saying, you are not in this alone and we are all on the same team, trying to accommodate and make this the best it can possibly be for you, your partner and family. This unforeseen time is an opportunity to practice your patience, kindness, empathy, and gratitude.

This month, I collaborated with Alexa Karen, a professional wedding photographer and blogger on a post to share actionable steps, resources and gentle reminders during a time that felt so uncertain. She is also a bride of mine and shared her personal story of unexpected change to her wedding day plans on her Instagram .

Remember to stay calm and keeping moving forward. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions specific to your day and I will do my best to help guide. Stay strong and your day will be here before you know it!

To read the full article of “must do’s,” click here!

WHAT TO SHOP FOR WHEN YOU ARE STARTING TO ENTERTAIN!

1. FOR etiquette

2. FOR the table

3. FOR writing

4. FOR hosting

WHAT TO SHOP FOR WHEN YOU ARE NEWLY ENGAGED!

1. FOR reading and writing

2. FOR your home and new jewels

3. FOR chic attire

4. FOR beauty, wellness and glowing skin