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Two months into preschool: what is working, and what isn’t

Last weekend, Justin, the boys + I met my sister and her husband up in Pohick Bay regional park for a little “camping” adventure. We found a cabin on their website and booked it a few months ago, and it worked out perfectly. Now listen, I got a lot of heat from people on Instagram (all light-hearted I’m sure) that it wasn’t CAMPING, and I can understand that. We called it camping for the kids, so that was just what we called it. My sister and I camped, true camping with a tent, communal bathrooms, etc, growing up so we have great memories from those times. When considering that with my 2.5 and almost 4 year old, I decided indoor plumbing, a refrigerator, and temperature control was pretty important for this time of their life. In order for us ALL to enjoy it, the cabin seemed like the best option!

We cooked all our meals outside over the fire, made s’mores and ate campfire pizza, we brought WAY too many snacks, and took a few hikes during the day. My sister and her husband managed to survive on a full futon for sleeping, it was a bit of a struggle, and while Justin and I thought we were winning with the queen “mattress”, it was actually more of a plastic board that offered zero comfort. So, we felt the struggle of camping sleep, despite being in a cabin!

Anyway, we declared it an annual trip and can’t wait to go back! This is where we went, for anyone interested. It’s GREAT for kids. There is mini-golf, easy to hike trails, a large park, and even a waterpark in the summertime.

I live in this grey sweater from fall through spring. I’ve had it for years and it’s SO GOOD.

Sally, from Sally’s Baking Addiction, is releasing a new cookie book! I pre-ordered mine. I have made so many of her recipes and they are life-alteringly delicious! Make the huge oatmeal cream pie this weekend!

This looks like a perfect wrap to throw on to and from the gym. And these are pretty brown boots!

Does this not look like the PERFECT eyeshadow palette?!?!

Great tips for hanging art, the key here being that you don’t hang it too high!

You can’t imagine how tempted I am by this palette.

The difference between dry and dehydrated skin.

I use “doodle” schedule poll ALL THE TIME with my friends (and for work meetings!) and I keep forgetting to mention it to you, until now! It can be so hard to nail down a specific day/time for dinner with friends, or even a playdate, so with Doodle scheduler, you just select a few dates + times, then send it to whoever is invited to the event. They can check which date + times work for them, and you can ultimately choose which day the event will work based on which day had the most participants available on the poll! It’s completely free and really helpful.

For more links & loves, check out here and here! And if you’re looking for the perfect coral lipstick, check out Playful!

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Kathleen says · 10.20.17

What a great time you all must have had together, t sounds like you had a great trip ! I have tent camped and cabin camped and both require a lot of packing and organizing and sleeping in uncomfortable beds….lol ! I wish people weren’t such darn ” know it alls” on the internet. Keep on posting Kate ! Have a great weekend!

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 10.20.17

A camping experience sure sounds fun and fulfilling for the whole family. Glad everyone enjoyed it! ๐Ÿ™‚

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Allie says · 10.20.17

That sounds like such a fun trip! I used to go camping all the time, and am my husband and I are hoping to organize a trip soon. Bring on the s’mores! Happy Friday! xxAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

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Ellie says · 10.20.17

Where is your sister’s sweater/fleece from?

Sounds like a perfect vacation!

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Allie says · 10.21.17

I believe she (Lauren @ lauren-loves.com) tagged it in a fairly recent blog post. I’m almost certain it’s from Abercrombie!

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Ashley says · 10.20.17

That’s such a darling picture! Y’all look like you’re having so much fun! As far as camping goes, I think people can’t help but overshare their opinion on things. You DID request internet opinions, right? ๐Ÿ˜‰

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Maggie says · 10.20.17

Bummer! That wrap isnโ€™t available on Amazon anymore!

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Jane says · 10.20.17

Your recommending a $100 cardigan that looks like something you could buy at Target. How out of touch are you?

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Ashley says · 10.20.17

That’s an unkind way to comment to Kate.

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Jen says · 10.21.17

*You’re.

If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.

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Nicki says · 10.21.17

I canโ€™t believe people have so little to do that they would take the time to tell you that your cabin wasnโ€™t camping. I sincerely hope they get a life! And that you continue to have a great time with your family ๐Ÿ™‚

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Allie says · 10.21.17

Is it bad that I guessed that you were referring to the Charlotte Tilbury palette based on your link description? Ads for it have been all over my instagram feed lately, but it’s definitely outside of my price range right now.

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Kara says · 10.21.17

Kate, what is campfire pizza??? I’m going camping for the first time in my adult life next weekend and would love to know how to make it. Thank you!

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Aly says · 10.22.17

Yes! I looove doodle! I plan all of our small group gatherings that way!

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April says · 10.23.17

So glad you mentioned Doodle! I used it to help my husband’s family plan what dates worked for the holidays this year and it was SO much better than a long text message trying to figure out what worked for everyone. Love it!

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Kate says · 10.23.17

great!

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Becca says · 10.23.17

Your version of camping can totally be camping! I love the outdoors, camp fires and being in nature – but I would like a bathroom near, running water & being able to sleep (I sound like I am 80; not 33). Cabin camping can be legit!

Thanks for the links too – now I want to buy all of the things ๐Ÿ˜œ.

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Stephanie Johnson says · 10.26.17

thanks for recommending Doodle, it’s going to be super useful to me

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