This image and header image via DFWChild

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kimberly since college. She makes everyone she talks to feel like the most important person in the room - so much so that you would never guess how much she has going on personally. Kimberly has authored several books on entertaining (check them out here!) has her own custom linen collection, is a regular guest on the morning show circuit, is a social media influencer in her own right (follow her on Instagram!) and is involved in multiple philanthropic endeavors. While her professional and humanitarian accomplishments make me want to lie down and take a nap (!) she is also the mother to two young and wonderful children. Kimberly is most definitely a modern wonder woman! While it’s impressive to list someone’s accomplishments, it’s more inspiring to me to learn about the thoughts and experiences that are the foundation from which they learn, grow and act. As such it is a pleasure to give you a glance into the mind of this woman, beautiful both inside and out!

Share something you learned from your mother and something you learned from your daughter:

I’ve learned so much from my mother. She has always been such a devoted mother and wife to my father. She works along side him and encourages all of us (I’m the oldest of four children) to give everything we take on our best efforts. She has always emphasized and taught us that family is the most valuable treasure that we all have. She teaches us to be loving, accepting and encouraging with each other in spite of any trouble and I hope that I can pass that on to my children!  

My daughter is hilarious. She reminds me to laugh and find joy in every little thing! She embraces everything that is feminine (pink, sparkle, unicorns, flowers, ballet) and at the same time, she doesn’t take anything from the tough boys that are often around. She wants to play sports with them and rough house with them. If she is teased or sees someone else being teased, she stands up to it with a force that fierce! She is both sweet and strong at the same time and it is so natural to her! I love that!  

Image via @kimberlywhitman 

I am happiest when I am…

at the beach at my childhood home in Canada with my children and my family. The days are so relaxed and easy. We read, take walks on the beach, eat big meals together and watch the sunset every night. It is my happy place!

Where is home to you?

Dallas always feels like coming home! My family is here and I grew up here. I love this city so much. The people are extraordinary and I feel so blessed to live in such an amazing place.

Modus operandi - what is your M.O.? Something you do every day, unfailingly?

Pray - Even though I believe that it should always be a top priority, sometimes it is only for a brief quick request and other days I make more time for it so that I can thank God for all of my blessings.  

Favorite way to spend a rainy day? 

Crafting with Millie - we love to make things and keep our craft closet stocked up so that we are ready when inspiration strikes!

Biggest lesson learned in the past 2 years?

I turned 40 two years ago and I have learned A LOT since then but the thing that strikes me first is that I really can’t take my health and well being for granted the way I used to.  

What do you wish you had more of?

Time? Sleep? Time to sleep?

Image via Kimberly Schlegel Whitman 

What’s on your bedside table?

A big stack of books and a bag of needlepoint that currently has a stocking project that I am working on for my nephew Teddy. I need to hurry it up because he is already three! 

Favorite dessert?

I’m an Ice Cream connoisseur (i.e.addict!) and if you haven’t tried McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Double Peanut Butter Chip then you are really missing out! 

Where is your favorite corner of the Earth?

We love to travel to new places and explore. We were inspired by a friend to keep a list of all of the countries we have visited and to always have our eyes and heart set on our next spot! 

What is your all-time favorite book, or fabulous recent-read?

My favorite recent read was Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Although I typically love biographies or historical fiction, I could not put this book down! I loved it!

Image via @kimberlywhitman

What cause/philanthropy are you passionate about?

This April I am chairing the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala themed An Evening in the Garden. Justin and I have been attending the event for several years and we are always so moved by the amazing work that CCF does for Pediatric Cancer Patients. They are celebrated at the Gala and they get to walk a runway with a celebrity that they admire. Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman have been helping for over 30 years and they make the children feel like superstars! Chairing the event has given me the opportunity to get to know some of the children, families, volunteers, doctors and nurses who will benefit from the money that is raised and it has been amazing. I feel so fortunate to be able to help in a small way if it makes a difference for those who are battling this every day. I was so touched by the amazing gifts that Juliska and Capucine sent to our Patrons and the auction - Thank you!