This post is sponsored by Samsung,
I have a layered relationship with home. It’s something I’ve talked about in previous blog posts; but as summer is here, and I spend at least three full days with the kids, without work and camps, I realize that this relationship has shifted a bit.
I felt it at the start of summer, when mornings that used to be rushed, became slow, cartoon-ridden, naked, with yogurt at the desk. I would lie around with them. Afternoons became packed with adventures, packed lunches, and dinners outside, on the stoop, in the backyard–just rarely at the table. As a New Yorker, and also as a mom, I consider a lot to create that feeling of home that I need and want my kids to have. I’m interested in how the furniture, the art, the curtains, speak to this definition and become a part of our daily ritual in home. And that goes for the appliances too!
This winter, after Oak’s surgery, we were gifted a Samsung Family Hub refrigerator to house all the meals we still had left floating from friends. The fridge was a welcomed gift; but also, at that time in particular, when home was especially sacred and healing, it was odd feeling to have something foreign enter it. Like a new paint color that takes some getting used to. You know? You go over it a good two times, step back and cock your head a bit. Take a photo. Ask a friend. Return to the same question a day later, only to realize, it takes time.
While this fridge is by far the fanciest thing I’ve ever owned, and this apartment is large and unicorn-like in nature (more on it soon!), the energy within our space is comforting and loving. It was a relief to know that a huge, cold addition didn’t obstruct that; rather, enhanced it! For instance, in the evenings when I’m prepping dinner, the kids to decide to use an app to draw or leave memos for me or one another. We have hosted six parties since we’ve received it, large groups gathering in the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of wine and switching between Brazilian radio or a classic R&B station, both humming from the fridge (yes, you read that right!). There are many days I place an order to Instacart from my fridge; and wobbly morning walks to make coffee where I’m greeted with the time and weather. On a silvery morning, I love the detailed rain drops and a cloud hovering the temperature. There is rain in the forecast, which means the kids will sleep a little longer, so coffee, waits a bit.
And while I am a complete fan of everything old and kind of wonky and weird, you guys, this fridge! It also has me convinced that what we remember from our childhoods, and the feeling of that warm, homey kitchen, it isn’t lost! It’s something that we can still celebrate, and in a way that makes sense for our family. That makes our home. I know it’s real because we experience it every day in our weird little Brooklyn apartment.
In partnership with Samsung, I’m excited to share a video that highlights typical summer’s day with my little family, with you.
What does the kitchen mean in your home? Are there any unique routines that surround it?
(This post is sponsored by Samsung, but all opinions and storytelling is my own. Thank you for supporting those that support LaTonya Yvette. Song: 6 More Weeks by Erika Spring )
Hi Latonya,
I can’t describe the feeling that reading your blogs, your posts, watching your videos gives me. I have never had someone that I’ve never even met make me feel so peaceful and so at ease with their personality, music, the way they write and even their home. I’m 21 years old and have always been young at heart…aka I’m a goof most of the time! One of my worries has always been that I have to grow up one day, in the sense that I can’t have this goofy and bubbly personality anymore (which actually disappeared for many years in a dark chapter of my childhood). I would worry especially that when I become a mother, which I want with every breathe in my body, I would have to force myself to be a serious person like I have seen everyone else be. I’ve never really seen a goofy mother that can have fun and dance around with her kids the way you do. You’ve given me so much joy in knowing that I don’t have to lose that side of me for the sake of this standard I’ve come to see in the world. I don’t know what your home is truly like behind closed doors, but from what you’ve shared, it’s exactly the type of home I want to raise my children and build my family in, in various ways. I see me in you and I’m so thankful that I came across your page to make me realise that adulthood does not always mean coldness and seriousness. There are so many more lessons I have learned from you thus far, but this is one that I really want to share right now.
Thank you so much, and may you and your family continue to be blessed abundantly.
Carla💖
Carla,
Thank you so much for the sweet and thoughtful comment! I appreciate it more than you know. I do believe you can be the mom you wish (goofy, serious, silly etc.) I love that my children get to see me and understand me as me. I hope that it makes them feel comfortable in being THEM at all times.
I know when the time comes for you, you will find your own balance and rhythm and be the mom you most desire to be.
xo
L
Our kitchen is absolutely the heart of our home. It is where we gather and create and connect. Your video showed so much of this as well as showcasing it as a place for fun, laughter and dance! – something I need to do more of! ❤️
What a beautiful video! As a soon to be wife and hopeful mom, I love how centered your content is around family. It is so refreshing to see how genuinely fun your morning routine is – not to mention, it also reminds me of my mom doing my hair right after breakfast.
This was really beautiful. I love seeing you and your babies <3