Hoddy Toddy, we're at the Party!

We were thrill that Invitation Oxford featured La Plates in their Fall, Football & Fashion Issue. What a fun combo of plates for the next tailgate in The Grove!

What's in your bag?

I'm the victim of a tragic wallet situation. I refused a proper wallet and insisted on a pencil case 10 years ago {Kate Spade, great product, still use it for my glasses}...I'm a bit of a creature of habit...I didn't give it up until this came along:Our new leather wallet is the best! There's a place for every possible card, coin, dollar bill + receipts. And of course, a classy monogram - your choice of BLOCK or CIRCLE. You pick the leather: HOT PINK (my choice), MANGO, NAVY or BROWN. All leather colors match our Sunday Catchall...are you thinking great holiday gift? Us too!

September is Ovarian Cancer Month

We are huge supporters of Ovarian Cancer research + early detection of the crappy cancer. We think it's so incredibly important, that we're donating a portion of all sales this month to a national and regional ovarian cancer organization. Women must know the signs of ovarian cancer - heck, it's important for men to know the signs and help women in their lives! You are your own advocate for your health - make your doctor listen if you have any symptoms.

My super amazing mom lost her battle with ovarian cancer. We're fighting to make sure all women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Urinary urgency
• Pelvic discomfort or pain

Additional signs and symptoms that women with ovarian cancer may experience include:

• Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
• Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• A persistent lack of energy
• Low back pain
• Changes in menstruation

If you have a history of ovarian cancer or a strong history of breast cancer in your family, strongly consider seeing a doctor trained to detect and care for ovarian cancer patients so that you can talk about screening, genetic testing and treatment options while you are disease-free.
(source=www.mayoclinic.com)

And then there was pre-school...

Not to be out shined by the big kindergartener, the little man started pre-school this week. After watching his brother pose for 1st day pictures, he was all about having his day documented. The child that wears only vintage (washed 100 times) t-shirts was looking dapper in his "work shirt".

Happy Labor Day!

We've been a little behind on blogging this summer. But in the spirit of the patriotic Labor Day upon us, we thought we'd share a little something red, white & blue. We are huge fans of Rainy Day Books - a local bookstore that hosts a fabulous author series. Earlier this summer, we attended a gathering with Laura Bush, talking about her recent book Spoken From the Heart. We gave Mrs. Bush a La Plates treat, because we think she's an amazing woman!
Wouldn't you know, just days later, a thank you note arrived? I knew our former first lady was a class act, but a thank you note for little old me? We were very honored to have Mrs. Bush take a liking to La Plates, but more importantly, take the time to write.
Have a great long weekend - safe travels and fun times!

A Big Day

As a former teacher, the first day of school has always been a big deal for me. This week was a whole new ballgame...We got him all ready with school supplies + backpack + lunch bag...
But then he got the "hot lunch" menu. Nachos Grande won out over carrying his new lunch bag with my healthy, organic ingredients. Maybe next week he'll take me up on a packed lunch & he'll be rolling in style!

What I did for Summer "Vacation"...

This summer has brought a lot of travel for work + pleasure. It's always nice to mix in a little of both, then you're not feeling guilty for leaving family OR work - I loved it all!

MEMORIAL DAY - Sea Island, GA:

If you haven't been to the Golden Isles, you deserve a trip down! We love staying at Sea Island or St. Simons Island. Jekyll Island has great camping too...if only I could talk my husband into my dream RV!

FATHER'S DAY - Chicago, IL:

We stayed at my brother's girlfriend's...hopefully he'll get hitched to her one day! Highlights of the weekend were: hanging with family in Lincolnshire & friends from Hinsdale, Gino's East Pizza, Lincoln Park Zoo, Children's Museum @ Navy Pier, shopping, grown up's night out and Father's Day Brunch @ Feast - delish!

WEDDING WEEKEND - Bar Harbor, ME:

The bride and groom had every perfect detail planned for our weekend stay in Bar Harbor. We stayed at the Harborside Resort - perfect location & great accommodations! You really can't go wrong with meals or activities in Bar Harbor - be sure to grab a lobster roll!

HOMETOWN WEEKEND - Indianapolis, IN:

We love going to Indiana whenever we get the time. I grew up there & love visiting family and friends. This summer I took my boys for a long weekend while their daddy played in a golf tournament. Highlights of this trip were: hanging with Nana & Uncle Dave in Rush County, meeting the newest addition to our family, Children's Museum, Hinkle Field House and Traders Point Creamery.

FAMILY VACATION - Carbondale & Aspen, CO:

Escaping the August heat of Kansas City is especially delightful if you get to go to the Rocky Mountains! We spent our family vacation in Carbondale, CO. We love to fish, hike, golf - basically anything outside in the cool mountain air! Favorite restaurants include Taqueria El Nopal (great Mexican) and my temporary "office": Dos Gringos - Burritos & Coffeehouse. We finished off our week with a night in Aspen, CO. It was the perfect end to a fabulous adventure. We stayed at Hotel Aspen, rode the gondola up the mountain, played in the fountain and had dinner at Brunelleschi's Dome Pizza.