Mom Talk with Kate of Play with Pieces
In a few sentences (we know you don’t have much time!) tell us about yourself and your little one…
Ah ok - Mom of the two most delicious littles (Teddy, almost 4, Bennett, 2). Owner of Play with Pieces (playwithpieces.com) - a kids play mat company. Former fashion and beauty editor. Lover of all things beautiful, avid traveller (yes even with kids- one of my son’s first words was ‘ocean’), epic salad maker (check out my instagram feed) and wife to my sweetheart.
faves
What is one thing you couldn’t live without as a mom?
As a mom: Baskets - everything goes in them and they keep things (somewhat) neat and organized.
As a new mom: my nook breastfeeding pillow. I loved it (love love loved it). It was so soft and comfortable and it doubled as a little resting chair for the baby. I took everywhere with me... even on holiday!
What is one purchase that has been the biggest waste of money?
Ummmm a bassinet - I know lots of people with disagree with me on this one. But we went from co sleeping to right in the crib. I am glad I only borrowed one because I never used it once!!
You’ve been there, done that… so what would you say… save or splurge?
Sleepers? Splurge - Because we literally do laundry in our house (almost) everyday my philosophy has always been I would rather have a few really good quality things than a lot of cheep/ugly stuff. So I tend to splurge on kids clothes - sleepers included and when I say splurge, I mean good quality cotton breathable clothes, not necessarily designer.
Also hot tip here’s where you can save... Carters and the George (Walmart’s house brand) make amazing 3 packs of 100% cotton white tees that I love for the kids.. they are the best of both worlds — good quality and affordable
Swaddles/blankets? Splurge- My kids only took to the Pehr swaddle blankets... and I don’t mind one bit. They have lasted almost 4 years and get softer with every wash.... Plus the patterns are beautiful and they were the first brand to do striped swaddles- and you know how I feel about stripes
Stroller? Splurge - OK I have to say that I love to hate my stroller. I have the Uppababy Vista and while I find it bulky... it is the ultimate workhorse. Nothing can stop it, not even a blizzard.... Plus I can do an entire grocery shop in the bucket so claps for that too.
High chair? Save - Obviously safety is first BUT we have a high chair that we LOVE from Walmart. It was not expensive, it looks good (enough) BUT most importantly it folds up and we can hang it on a hook on the wall when we are not using it... It’s amazing.
Diapers and wipes?I think this is not a save/splurge decision but more of a what works best for your baby decision. We always use a certain brand of wipes not because of the price point but because they are the only ones that don’t irritate my little ones bottom. Same with diapers -we go with the ones that fit their shape and don’t leak.
Three things that are always in your diaper bag (besides diapers)?
• A Kushies fold up soft on one side, waterproof on the other side change pad.
• Smell proof poop bags for stinky diapers
• Hand sanitizer
Book Club
What is your favourite children’s book?
Andy Warhol Colours - its so bright and pretty and the rhymes are so cute
Which book could you recite from memory (aka. your child’s fave)?
Each Peach Pear Plum - Its a classic and it grows with your baby. At first its just a story, but as you little one gets older it becomes a game- trying to find all the characters that are hiding.
Mini Style
What are your favourite places to shop for your babe?
Mini Mioche, MacPherson Toy House (they are the only store that carries my fave kids swim brand - Little Minnow) and of course Zara.
Mom Talk
What advice would you tell your pregnant self?
To go on as many date nights as possible and not to stress about things that I can’t control - like will my baby be a good sleeper?
As a working mom, how do you find balance between work and motherhood?
Honestly, I don’t know if I do a great job of balancing it. I try to be offline as much as possible when I am with my kids but because I own my own business sometimes that just isn’t possible. That being said, having my own company allows me to have some flexibility during the day which means that I can take my kids to swimming or tennis and have time with them that I wouldn’t necessarily be able to have if I was at a traditional 9-to-5.
Who is your momspiration?
I don't think I just have one. I am lucky that I have many girlfriends that have had children around the same time as me, as well as have met many amazing mom’s through my kids. There are qualities in each of them that I admire and am inspired by.
Instagram: @kategertner + @playwithpieces
Website: playwithpieces.com
All original photos by: Elza Photographie
#TMLmomtalk