The Life of Katie!

Hey y’all! Welcome to my second-ever The Life of Katie!, where I will essentially be taking y’all into my life and the inner workings of how I create my own confetti. As always, before I get into sharing a bit about my own life, I want to hear a bit about yours. So, at the end of this post, comment one or more things that you’re looking forward to this week – I would LOVE to hear!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • Chicago Med – *surprise, surprise* Yes, I started binge-watching yet another medical drama television show! I have been obsessed with ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and its spin-off Private Practice, so I guess watching another was in the works! I’ve most definitely enjoyed this show and the drama that it offers.
  • Work it gurl! – Recently, I have been working on literally working it! Whether it be in my job, on my blog, or focusing on my own self and personal goals, I am striving to create and achieve my own goals in life. In this time of my life, I think it is important to not only invest in myself and my career, but also where I would like to go in my life beyond college. Thinking along the lines of where I see myself 5 years from now, the answer may still be a bit uncertain but I do have an idea of the person that I want to become and how I will acquire the skills to become that woman.
  • Fall – Y’all, I AM SO SO SO EXCITED FOR FALL!!!! Yep, you heard me right! With Labor Day weekend upon us, my Fall-obsessed brain has been planning all the Fall content. Although I do not want to giveaway what’s all in store, y’all, I will say that it’s exciting!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • Rae Dunn’s Fall Tumblers and Mugs – I am oh so obsessed with Rae Dunn! Recently, her Fall collection hit the shelves of Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods, and I have been smitten. Although I am one that does not usually purchase holiday-oriented tumblers/cups/mugs that I will only use a few months out of the year (surprisingly, I am very practical here!), I found the tumblers and mugs on the shelves of my local Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods to be oh so adorable and perfect for those who love holiday-themed tumblers and mugs to sip their favorite drink out of and embrace their best Fall lives.
  • Semi-Reversing Last Week’s Blog Structural Changes – Trial and error, y’all! Sometimes new systems put in place do not work, and that is OKAY! I have since realized that my blog structural changes that I put in place last week were not realistic given my super Type A planner persona, so I went back to that structure for my blog, and I think it is for the better. Although I won’t be all out planning, I will be planning a lot more and embracing content ideas as they come to my brain and as I or any other fellow influencer should!
  • PSL Season! – It doesn’t get any more basic than this! Last Tuesday August 24, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) hit every Starbucks everywhere. As a fellow PSL lover, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab a hot PSL despite the 90+ degree heat and humidity here in the DMV – HAHA!
  • Washington, DC TJ Maxx’s – I have recently discovered that the TJ Maxx’s in Washington, DC have a better selection of items than the one’s by me at my home base of the nearby Northern Virginia. In the past few weeks, I have visited multiple TJ Maxx’s, Marshall’s’s, and Home Goods’s locations and have indeed preferred the one’s in downtown Washington, DC over the one’s closer to home. I definitely think that my shopping desires better meet those of city folks – maybe I’m just a city girl at heart?!
  • Lilly Pulitzer’s New Arrivals – Last Friday, Lilly Pulitzer launched the second line of their brand-new Fall collection. If I tell you that my obsession with it is an understatement, then I would be telling y’all the straight up truth. I am more than obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer’s second Fall line, and I will be the first to admit it. The purple’s, green’s, blue’s and even pink’s are oh so gorgeous and perfect for the upcoming Summer-to-Fall transition and into the Fall/Winter season. You can shop some of my favorite pieces below!

Recent Purchases & My Wishlists Items

  • Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine – So, last week I was having trouble falling asleep. Being the caffeine addict that I am, I found myself just a few minutes later purchasing the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee machine off of Target’s website with it being on sale for $25. I have yet to test it out since receiving it a few days ago, but I plan to this week. Many of y’all have asked me about it as y’all are considering purchasing one, too, so be on the look out for some reviews.
  • Lands’ End Maxi Dresses – I have recently most definitely grown to loving Lands’ End! So, long and behold, I made yet another purchase. Lands’ End is always having clearance sales, and I loved how confident I felt as a 5’2 woman who was finally able to sport a maxi dress that she didn’t need to get hemmed thanks to their Petites section. I was actually telling my Papa how confident I felt in my maxi that he suggested that I buy more, so I did just that!
  • Cora’s Den Olaf Earrings – My friend Cassie is a MAJOR gift giver! She came to visit last weekend and she got me the most adorable Olaf earrings from Cora’s Den. Olaf is my absolute favorite Disney character, so I was more than thrilled when I saw that precious pair of earrings awaiting me!
  • Lands’ End Denim Jackets – Lands’ End strikes yet again! This time around, I also bought denim jackets along with some maxi dresses. I have been loving Lands’ End’s clearance section and, since they had denim jackets on clearance, I could not resist getting myself some of this Fall weather fashion staple for a steal. You can purchase them here!
  • Gifted Customized Girl’s Weekend Merchandise – So, last weekend, my good friends Cassie and Caroline came to visit. Cassie, in fact, owns her own oh so adorable Etsy shop and small business Cassie’s Designs! Cassie designs many customized products that are affordable and adorable – perfect for the budgeting person who wants customization! Being the super sweet and extremely talented and crafty lady that she is, Cassie designed wine glasses and t-shirts for us all to commemorate our super fun Girl’s Weekend here in Washington, DC. You can shop of my favorite products of hers and enjoy photos of the merchandise that she gifted us with below.

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Certifications – This week, I am starting a brand-new certification in order to achieve one of my professional goals. I like to say that I am a closeted nerd, as I love love love coding and analyzing alll the data. This certification that I am starting includes both of those things along with some interesting coding/data analytics applications that I didn’t learn in my undergraduate years. It’ll be fun to add onto my portfolio and expand my skills in the workplace, too.
  • Fall Trips – Currently, I am getting oh so excited to plan some fun Fall trips! This Fall, I am making up a bit for lost time last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic with family and friends. So, I will be traveling to a few places along the East Coast to see some of my friends and family who I have yet to really see since the pre-COVID days.

Now, I would LOVE to hear what you’re up to this week! Comment something you’re looking forward to below!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Relationship Sunday’s – Traits I Look for in my Future Spouse

Hey y’all! Welcome back to another one of my Relationship Sunday’s series. Personally, I have always been an utterly curious person. In fact, I like to joke that I have the mind and energy of a toddler, which I think my friends who know me in real life can probably attest to – LOL! Many times, my mind of a five year old wonders about who my future spouse will be, and my Mom has too: it’s so sweet that she does! Although I try not to place too much emphasis on that person in terms of certain features, I strive to place my focus on who they will be and the traits that I desire them to have. That being said, I am going to share some of those traits.

Traits that I Look for in my Future Spouse

  1. Compassion – One of the biggest things that my family told me is to watch how the person that you’re dating and could eventually marry treats those working in customer service. If they treat them with kindness and compassion, then they will with no doubt be the same way with you too. I want to find somebody who has compassion not only for themselves, but for others too. I have always seen how somebody treats others as an indicator of how they will eventually treat me.
  2. Adventure – Ever since I was little, I have always been a go-getter and somebody who was ALWAYS down for a good time, whatever it may be. My future spouse should have that same energy in them, too, and want to join me on my adventures as well. I want to share a life with somebody who desires adventure and is willing to put on their hiking boots to go for a hike, flip flops to go to the beach, and get out their camera for many pictures along the way! Whether near or far, I am all about bringing together some great experiences and even greater memories from those experiences.
  3. A desire to travel – This one goes off of the last one a bit but is more specific. If you know me, then you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE to travel! I, indeed, have my own hashtag – #KatiesConfettiAdventures – just dedicated to my travels. I have been fortunate enough to travel to 13 different countries and 25 different states in my lifetime, and crazy enough, I want to continue to add to my running list of places visited with my future spouse. I’m SUCH A PLANNER, and I have dreamed of taking super fun couple’s trips with my future spouse, especially when we need time to get away from our potential future children. Some of the places that pop up in my head at the top of the list include – Paris, France; New York, New York; Venice, Italy; the Greek Islands; and Hawaii. Wherever we go, I want to make memories with my future spouse and look back many decades later at all the memories we made both near and far and will continue to for the decades to come that we have together.
  4. A willingness to serve – Going off of being a compassionate person, I desire for my future spouse to have a willingness to serve others. Whether it be through involvement in a club/organization, sports team, charity, work, or all of the above, taking the time to leave a lasting impact on others is an admirable trait. I have always served others, especially at my college as a student leader and I desire for my future spouse to have that same wavelength going for them too.
  5. Christian faith – Although I am accepting of other religions and LOVE learning about them and those who practice them, I ideally would like to marry somebody who is also a Christian. My Christian faith has always been an impactful part of my life. In fact, I went on 3 mission trips in high school with my local church and did some service on other capacities with my church, too. My faith in God has shaped me into the woman that I am today, and I pray that my future spouse’s faith in God has shaped them into the person that they are today and will become.
  6. Acceptance – This is a HUGE one! Simply being accepting of other people, regardless of who they are is something that I have always strived to do. Regardless of somebody’s race, gender, sexuality, gender identification, political views, religion, ethnicity, abilities, and more, I have always viewed acceptance of others as one of my core values. For me, having a future spouse who shares those similar views of acceptance and striving to understand others’ perspectives will only strengthen our bond.
  7. Driven – Whatever my future spouse may be passionate about, I surely am excited to see their drive for it and watch them excel in it. I have always found it so admiring to watch someone’s passions be ignited. It is a beautiful thing! Having a future spouse who has a similar drive to me, but most likely in different areas of focus (aka not Data Analytics) will allow me to not only broaden my horizons, but watch them excel in the best way possible.
  8. Humor – Personally, I like to think of myself as a funny person – HAHA! But, I also hope that my future spouse is someone that I find to be a funny person and vice versa. My Aunt Sherri always finds a way to bring some laughs into our lives, whether we’re in a situation where we’re all thriving or a situation where it is a bit trying. Aunt Sherri ALWAYS knows how to make us all laugh, and I want to channel my inner Aunt Sherri with my future spouse as well.
  9. More laid back than me – For those who know me in real life, you will know that I am an Enneagram Type 3 who is a non-stop working person and a major major major planner. I am always productive and I am always probably stressing about something – yes, I will be the first to admit it. Though I have worked on taking a step back from being productive 24/7, I do know that I hope my future spouse is a bit more laid back and less of a planner than I am. I hope that they can add a bit of spontaneously fun times into the mix!
  10. Physical attraction – This is most definitely the least important item on this list for me. Inner character is always much more beautiful than however someone appears to look on the outside. However, this is still something that I need to mention. While we like to say that we will fall for someone based off of their personality only, there still needs to be some physical attraction of sorts added into it all – the sparks seem to really fly with it added into the mix. Physical looks may fade away as the years progress, but the sparks will still fly! At the same time, I have found that someone who has a strong moral character – including compassion, adventure, a desire to travel, a willingness to serve, Christian faith, acceptance, a drive, humor, and a more laid back nature than my own – makes someone ALL that more attractive!

Everyone’s personal desires for their future spouse are different. Above all else, it is important to remember that NOBODY is perfect, and neither will your future spouse be. But, we should look to admire others’ imperfections as they can do the same for us too. If you so desire, comment below what trait or traits that you look for in your future spouse!

XOXO – Katie <3

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What The Moving to a New City Transition ACTUALLY Entails!

Moving can be daunting y’all, especially when you have NO CLUE as to what you may be getting into! If you know me, then you know that I currently live in the Washington, DC area after attending college and living in Raleigh, North Carolina for four years. I most definitely called Raleigh home for these past four years, and it always will be. However, I knew that I needed a change in my life in terms of where I lived. So, when the right job opportunity for me popped up in the Washington, DC area, I took a leap of faith and decided to make the big move to the nation’s capital. Once I got here, my preconceived notions were drastically different and that is OKAY. I know that my assumptions about my move were not what they turned out to be and that it is the same for many. That being said, today, I will be breaking down what the moving to a brand-new city transition ACTUALLY entails!

  1. You WILL NOT know people and that is OKAY – Whether you come from a big city or a small town or something of sorts in between, moving to someplace brand-new means that *yes* you are in the newbie in town. I know some people who move to a brand-new place and know only a handful of people or even next to none. On the other hand, I know some folks who have moved to a new city to have their family and some friends there (case in point: myself) or make the move with a significant other and/or their children. Whoever or wherever you are moving to, you will not know everyone in your new area. Even if you are moving to a place that you lived years prior, you probably still won’t know everyone like you did when you left. Cities, towns, and places in general do change over the years – people for the most part are moving in and out of places. So, that being said, there will be lots of new people around and that can be a great thing as it sets the stage for plenty of opportunities to mingle within your own backyard like you may never have before!
  2. Establishment within your community – Going off of the idea of not knowing everyone or enough people to make yourself feel as if you’re apart of your new community, others that are in your community have probably placed down their roots already, even if it’s only been recently. Case in point: when I moved to the Washington, DC area, my family and friends in the area had already established their roots here. That, however, did not mean that they didn’t make time for me. It simply just meant that they already have a footing that is long than my own in this area, which is NORMAL. It WILL take time for you to develop your own footing within your new hometown and that is OKAY. I think of it this way: when I went off to college, it took me and my friends a few months-a year or even more to fully adjust to life there and get a grip on it all. This SAME concept of adjusting to college life goes to life in your new city – it is only normal. Above all else, remember that you WILL thrive in your new city, yet it just may take some time for you to just that!
  3. Things will change in your former city and so may your friend circle – Ah, the dreaded things will change sentiment. *I know, I know*, it may be a challenge to hear this as it is a hard pill to swallow. BUT, as we all know, change is inevitable. It is for all of us. Friend groups change as we move cities, graduate from high school, college, and even switch jobs. Change is bound to happen, and, although we may not enjoy it, it is meant to happen and we must take it with a grain of salt. At times, it can be tough to see your friends and family in your previous hometown simply going about their lives there on the daily, but it is not the end of the world. Your friends and family will have those adjustment periods in their lives, too. In fact, they are 9 times out of 10 adjusting to the fact that you’re not living near them anymore, too. It goes both ways. Above all else, be sure to keep in touch with your friends and family in your own hometown and make time for them, whether it be sending them a letter in the mail, a text message, calling them, or planning a visit to see them. On the same token, you can also use your move as an opportunity to invite your friends and family to come and stay with you, as they will: 1 – have a free place to stay and 2 – be able to check out your new digs!
  4. Lots of alone time – Alone time can be dreadful for some, but it can also be a time of self growth and courage. Being alone was one of my biggest fears in my high school and early college years. However, when I lived by myself my Senior year of college during the COVID-19 pandemic, that fear went away over time and I began to embrace it and actually grow from it all. Depending on where you are moving to and who you are moving with if anyone, you are bound to have some more alone time as you set foot in your new city. It’s the name of the game y’all! For some, this may be a challenge as you may have never actually had to spend time alone and that is OKAY. Finding hobbies, new activities to try, and checking out trails and restaurants near your new home are a great way to actually enjoy being alone. In fact, one of my college professors once said that everyone must do something alone such as travel, go see a movie, or shop. Indeed, she was right!
  5. Getting lost A LOT – Going to a new city in general will involve getting lost a bit along the way. I am most definitely someone who WILL get lost and I’m not afraid to admit it! Getting lost or not knowing your way, whether it be learning a new transit system, navigating a new job, or making your way down the streets of your new town, can be scary. But, DO NOT be afraid to ask for help! In fact, not knowing your way at first will pave the way for you learning the way. It’s all about the process.
  6. Homesickness – Whether or not you felt at home in your previous home base, you will probably feel homesick and miss it once you move. Even if you were ready to leave, there will still be many aspects of your old hometown that you will miss once you’re not there. You know that one thing that was annoying at the time? Well, you may miss that, too! Sometimes, things about your old hometown that you thought you would not miss you’ll actually miss. The same concept can go for the things that you knew you would miss, as well. It is OKAY to miss things from back at your old home. The best part, though, is that when you go back to visit, they will probably be there waiting for your arrival!
  7. You will LOVE your new town! – The best part of it all?! You will fall in LOVE with your new town and you will thrive!!! Moving can be difficult and has its hardships, but at the end of the day, you will fall in love again and again with your new city and make it your own while at it. Although it may take some time to get to that point, you will and it will be great, too!

Moving can be daunting and very difficult at times, but I have seen that the rewards most definitely outweigh the risks. There is so much to be said for getting out of your comfort zone and taking a leap of faith, especially if it means moving to a brand-new city. In the end, it will ALL be worth it – just wait!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

Hey y’all! Today, I am starting a brand-new series on the blog – The Life of Katie! Essentially, I will be sharing with y’all a peek into my life and the inner workings of how I spread confetti here on The Pink Chickadee. Now, before I share a bit about my life, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to learn more about yours, too. So, I would LOVE for you at the end of this post to comment one or more things that you’re looking forward to this week — let’s keep the good energy flowing!

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • Grey’s Anatomy‘s & Private Practice‘s Addison Montgomery – I have discovered the values in relating to TV characters. Recently, I have really enjoyed connecting to Addison Montgomery who was initially on Grey’s Anatomy and then went onto have her own spinoff Private Practice. While she was on Grey’s Anatomy, I wasn’t as keen of her until she left the show. On the contrary, when her character began to grow on Private Practice and become her own beyond the Grey’s Anatomy scene at Seattle Grace Memorial Hospital, I truly enjoy getting to see her life unravel. One of my very favorite parts is when Addison begins going to a therapist all dolled up in her pearls looking like Audrey Hepburn! Addison Montgomery is someone who comes across as super classy and put together, but like us all, she is not. Seeing her go to therapy and embrace is is such a beautiful thing that I hope everyone gets to experience someday in their life.
  • Buy less & shop my closet more – In recent weeks, I have become keen to shopping a lot. As I am accumulating so many new pieces to wear and enjoy, I want to actually be able to wear and enjoy them and not just buy buy buy. While shopping is fun, it can become an addiction that is unhealthy. At the same time, I am enjoying shopping within my own closet and truly exploring the potential that it has to offer!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • Delight Iced Coffee – If you know me, then you know that I have recently become addicted to iced coffee! My favorite brand for iced coffee has become the Delight brand, and I get their cartons of either the Vanilla or Carmel flavor. Personally, I am an EXTREMELY brand loyal person! My friends at school would make fun of me because I am one that if I like something, then I stick with it. In fact, I have worn the same exact brand and product of mascara since high school, shopped for the majority of my shopping days at Lilly Pulitzer, and have only used the same brand of Bath & Body Works lotion since I was 12. Yes, I am that crazy of a person, but it works, and the same concept goes for my iced coffee, too. Yet, I am quite a bit more adventurous when it comes to coffee than I am with other things!
  • Upcoming collaborations – I do not want to spill the beans on what is to come, but y’all I am extremely extremely extremely excited about some of the upcoming collaborations that I have in store for y’all! Each of the brands that I have been working with or will be working with truly embody a part of what I want to share here on my platform. At the same time, in addition to working with some brands, I am also working on teaming up with some of my fellow influencer friends on some fun things as well. I find so much strength in being able to team up with others in your niche and pulling into one another’s strengths.
  • Notebooks – Recently, I have become a notebook fanatic! As previously mentioned in one of my recent blog post, I’ve honestly felt like Lexie Grey on her first days of her internship at Seattle Grace Memorial Hospital in the show Grey’s Anatomy fastidiously taking notes. One of my former professors on my very first day of classes at Meredith once said that we are more likely to remember things when we take notes with paper and a pen. She was right! In college, I ALWAYS typed my notes, but then as I got into the workforce, I noticed that I really like using a paper and pen and am much more likely to remember what I wrote, too. This week, I am planning on going to Target aka my favorite place to get some adorable and affordable notebooks and I cannot wait – its the little things y’all!!!
  • Blog structural changes – You heard me right: I am going to be changing up the structure and flow of how I run my platform here at The Pink Chickadee. Personally, I have been struggling recently with the ways that I would implement content, especially as I have started my new job, and knew that I needed to switch things up a bit. I have also talked with some of my fellow influencer friends who are making similar changes, themselves – something that is remarkably refreshing! These structural changes will not impact too much how things flow, but things will probably flow with a *little* less structure than before. Overall, I will be putting in place ways that I can still share content, balance my job, and give y’all a deeper peek into my life.
  • Land’s End – Y’all I have become OBSESSED with Land’s End! Although Land’s End may be targeting an older demographic than my age range to some extent, I have recently discovered that the majority of their pieces are remarkably timeless. In that being said, Land’s End products will carry you throughout the years, the trends that come and go, and the good and the bad days all while in style! My Mom has shopped all of the brand’s sales over the years and managed to get some oh so adorable work clothing work under $25/piece. She definitely got me hooked, too! Land’s End also has had some pretty awesome sales going on for a while now which I have shopped and found some great pieces for work, socializing, and much more. In fact, many other fellow influencers within my niche such as Jamie of Miss Maximalist have styled some of the brand’s pieces too. Not to mention, their monogrammed canvas totes of ALL sizes are such classic staples AND typically on sale for a steal!

Recent Purchases & My Wishlist Items

  • Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Pumpkin Syrup – Call me basic all you want, but I just bought not one but two bottles of Jordan’s Skinny Mixes’s low-fat pumpkin syrup! This syrup goes into anything, ranging from coffee to hot chocolate to waffles, ice cream, and everything in between. I tried it in my coffee and wasn’t a fan, but I am really excited to use it on some sweet treats this Fall and Winter season. You can shop it here, but I would 10/10 highly recommend going to your local Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods to get this for $3 or more cheaper!
  • K-Cups at Home Goods – You heard me right – RUN to Home Goods or Marshall’s/TJ Maxx for K-cups from now on! I have discovered that I can get a box of 18 K-cups for $7.99 which is if I’m lucky the price for 10 or 12 at my local Food Lion. I could not resist this deal, and I know I will be coming back for more in the coming weeks/months. If you’re interested in searching for this deal, then most definitely check out your local Marshall’s/Home Goods/TJ Maxx store.
  • Christian Siriano at Marshall’s – The other day, I popped into my local Marshall’s store where low and behold, I saw some of high-end Project Runway winner Christian’s Siriano’s designs on the racks! If you have never heard of Christian Siriano, then you may have heard about when his entire atelier became a mask-sewing sanctuary back in March 2020 when lockdowns were being enforced and masks were in high demand. Although I did not get anything this go around, I was very impressed by what I saw of his at my local store. The pieces, ranging from jackets to tops and chunky knit cardigans, were high-quality and all under $50. Definitely a great deal! That being said, I for sure am eyeing purchasing a piece of his within the next few times that I stop by my local Marshall’s.
  • Disney x Kate Spade Surprise Alice in Wonderland Teapot Crossbody – Ever since I saw the launch of the Disney x Kate Spade Surprise Alice in Wonderland-themed collaboration pop up onto my computer screen, I knew that I would be eventually digging into this collaboration much more! At Meredith College where I went for undergrad, the school had a tradition of putting on a performance of Alice in Wonderland every four years and it’s very bittersweet. So, needless to say, I have become oh so very obsessed with this Disney movie and performance myself! I feel that this crossbody would be super fun to bring on a trip into the city, whether it be New York City or my hometown of Washington, DC and for a Disney trip! You can shop the crossbody here.

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Friends visiting – This coming weekend, my good friends from Meredith, Cassie and Caroline, are coming to visit me here in DC! I am so excited to show them around my stomping grounds, although Caroline is pretty familiar with the area herself, and enjoy some Georgetown Cupcake aka my favorite bakery. It will be nice to get a taste of the many memories I made at Meredith College with some of my favorite people from there!
  • Fall Crafting – Crafting has recently become one of my favorite hobbies to wind down after a long day. I find it very effective to be able to get off of my phone and focus on something other than my phone or laptop. Currently, I am focused on crafting items for the upcoming Fall 2021 season, and I am loving the craft section at The Dollar Tree. Y’all – The Dollar Tree has really stepped up their game, specifically when it comes to their crafting products. Crafting has allowed me to shift my focus and curate something that I will cherish for years to come!

Now, as I have said up above, I want to hear something exciting going on with YOU! Comment down below something that’s on your wishlist, a favorite product (whether old or new), or something you’re looking forward to. Whatever it is, I want to know!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Is FabFitFun Worth It?!

A few weeks ago, I was out with some friends when the topic of the well-known FabFitFun subscription box came up. As a loyal FabFitFun subscription fan, I sometimes think that everyone knows just how awesome it is like I do. BUT, I was long and behold WRONG. By this time, most of us have heard of FabFitFun from somewhere along the rainbow. At the same time, many of us may not know what it is exactly and decipher whether or not it is worth it to buy. Many of us fellow influencers LOVE and know FabFitFun. For others, it may be unfamiliar territory. So, I will be breaking down all the facts about the FabFitFun subscription box. Hopefully by the end of this post, YOU can decide for yourself whether or not FabFitFun is worth it for YOU!

***Now, before I get into ALLL the details, I wanted to disclose that this is not a sponsored post. All opinions within this post are mine and mine only. Additionally, I am a loyal FabFitFun lover and subscriber. Although I will probably continue to share my love for FabFitFun throughout this post, it is important to note that a FabFitFun box or even subscription may not be for everybody. Everybody has a different financial situation and/or desires for the products that they want to try, too.***

What is FabFitFun and how much does it cost?

FabFitFun is a subscription box that is customizable to its customers. It is a seasonal subscription box that delivers right to their customers’ doorsteps four times a year – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The products within each box are full-sized and only come at a cost of $45-$50/box (depending on which plan you choose). There is also an option to add-on as many items as you so choose at an additional cost: one that is approximately 50%-70% off the retail price of the item. At the same time, the FabFitFun site also offers year-round flash sales where all members can purchase new items at up to a whooping 70% off!! As a member, I also get updates all the time on the latest and greatest when it comes to FabFitFun, whether it be brand-new flash sales, sneak peeks at items to put into my customizable seasonal box, or customer surveys to help determine what items should be options in future seasonal boxes.

FabFitFun has a variety of plans that their members can choose from. Personally, I chose the Seasonal subscription where I get billed $50/box. I get 4 customizations per box and up to 8 products. The Annual subscription, on the other hand, allows for one’s entire box to be customized with up to 8 products, but one is billed on an annual basis at $180 which is $45/box. With both plans, one must pay for their Add-on’s separately and at each seasonal billing period.

What brands does FabFitFun offer?

Y’all are going to probably get a major feel for who I am as a person when I say this, BUT I purchased my first-ever FabFitFun box last Winter 2020 when they featured a Lilly Pulitzer mug set. LOL – yes, I purchased a whole entire FabFitFun box just for the Lilly Pulitzer mugs! Luckily, I ended up loving the FabFitFun box anyways. As for the brands that FabFitFun offers, I have listed some of the many brands that I have seen FabFitFun carry products in, either as add-on’s or a customization option within their boxes below:

  • Lilly Pulitzer
  • Rae Dunn
  • Kate Spade Home
  • Summer & Rose
  • Nanette Lepore
  • BCBG
  • Alice + Olivia
  • Frye
  • Draper James
  • Quip
  • & MANY MORE!

I will say that, brand-wise, there is most definitely something for everybody!

Why do I LOVE FabFitFun?!

As an affordable and budget-conscious shopper, FabFitFun allows me to try out and purchase products from those name brands that I LOVE at a fraction of the price. Essentially, guilt-free shopping! Well, maybe not fully guilt-free shopping, but essentially Black Friday FOUR TIMES A YEAR!!!! I love that I can pay $50/box and get 8 items that are full-sized and at a fraction of the price. Not to mention, I am obsessed with the artwork on each FabFitFun box! It is super fun to be able to receive the box each time and see all the fun artwork on it – they are oh so photogenic (that may be the influencer in me talking, though!). Moreover, FabFitFun allows one to buy and try some super fun products related to each season that it is in at a fraction of the price. Most definitely worth it all!

Now, onto to BIG question of this post – is FabFitFun worth it to YOU?! Only YOU can say! However, If the answer is YES (which I hope it is), then check out the plans here.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Bright Work from Home Essentials

Working 9 to 5! Work is probably the most productive and time consuming part of our days. When working, it can be pretty tiring to spend the 9 to 5 timeframe doing solely work, yet it must be done. Since having to do most of my Senior year of college in a virtual setting, I am going to be sharing some of my work from home essentials – most of which I used during my virtual “Zoom University” days!

As always, I will share where I got some of my work from home essentials, and where you can get these essentials too! Please note that not all of these items will be the exact item that I use on a day to day basis.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

My Work From Home Essentials!

Pouches & MANY Pouches! – I use them for a variety of purposes, ranging from carrying pencils, pens, erasers, pencil lead, etc., feminine products, toiletries, caffeinated Crystal Lite, and makeup. Shop some of my most recently purchased and primarily used pouches below:

Coffee Mugs – Yes, coffee mugs are my ALL DAY EVERYDAY essential. There is NO WAY that I could kick off my days without a good old cup of Keurig-brewed coffee. It is, indeed, the only way I will wake up and put my all into my work. Mugs are also a super fun way to show off some personal flair. I have a massive mug collection and a coffee section in my apartment simply dedicated to my mugs and *of course* Keurig. You can shop some of my favorite mugs linked below:

Hot Coffee & Iced Coffee – If you can’t tell by now, coffee is my holy grail work from home essential! I always enjoy both a freshly poured Keurig-brewed cup of coffee each and every single morning to kick off my work days. Then, by the mid-morning-afternoon, I enjoy a cup of iced coffee, too. My favorite brands for K-Cups include: Kripsy Kreme, Folgers, and The Original Donut Shop. Personally, I get whatever is cheapest at the grocery store of those 3 and whatever is one sale *ballin’ on a budget am I right?!*. I regularly and loyally used Delight’s Fat Free/Sugar Free Carmel flavored creamer. Meanwhile, for iced coffee, I always go with Delight’s iced coffee in either the Carmel or French Vanilla flavors! I get all of these items at my local grocery store.

Caffeinated Crystal Lite Packets – Likewise to coffee and iced coffee, I also have another favorite caffeinated drink of mine – Crystal Lite packets! My mother introduced me to these and I was hooked! Yes, Crystal Lite has caffeinated packets that you can put into your favorite water bottles or tumblers and stir in/shake once you add some water to it. These Crystal Lite packets are extremely low in calorie AND are caffeinated. They come in 2-4 different flavors and are great for a nice refresher that is on the go and low in costs and calories, too. The boxes are around $2.50 each for a box of 10 packets which is about 25 cents/drink and can be found at your local grocery store where I get mine weekly – take that Starbucks!

Tumblers – Now that you know I have an addiction to iced coffee and Crystal Lite, then you must know that I also have an addiction to adorable tumblers that I drink my addictions out of! My tumblers have been an excellent way to show off my personal flair, very similar to a coffee mug, but with a super fun straw, too. You can shop some of my favorite tumblers linked below:

Fun Notebooks – Since starting my new job, I have become an avid notetaker. I honestly feel like a brand-new intern in Grey’s Anatomy at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital with my pen and notebook frantically taking notes but make it on Zoom – haha! Call me first day intern Meredith Grey I guess!! Anyhow, on another note, I have linked a few of my favorite notebooks that I have enjoyed using:

AirPods – Recently, I decided to take the plunge and *finally* invest in a pair of AirPods! Let me just tell y’all – these are a GAME CHANGER! They’re great not only for working at home, since they’re super easy to use and charge, but they are will be great for when I have to go into the office as well.

Erasable Pens – Let’s just say that erasable pens are literally my new hero! Confessions: the concept of erasable pens is SO cool to me to the point of where I literally write things just to erase them – hah! In high school, I was always that girl with the color coded notes and notebooks, so now having the luxury to erase with my pens is an extraordinary plus! Shop them here: https://rstyle.me/+LxykNqypcuLTggpujT2klA.

Planner – If you know me, then you know that I am an Enneagram Type 3! For those who don’t know much about Enneagram Type 3’s (confession: I seriously only read up on my own Enneagram Type and Wing – I’m a Type 2 Wing! – whoops), we are extremely planner-focused, future-oriented, and always always always productive. I use both digital planners and a paperback planner and have tried both the Lilly Pulitzer planners of the large and jumbo sizes (jumbo size is my favorite, though) and the Erin Condren planner. Personally, Lilly Pulitzer’s planners work best for me practically speaking than the Erin Condren planner. Though, I will note that the Erin Condren site has a customizable option for planners and a wider array of stickers than offered on the first pages of the Lilly Pulitzer planner: a trait that some may prefer than not. Digitally, I use the app Evernote (free version) on both my phone and laptop, but primarily my laptop and LOVE it. Since some planners work best for different people, I will link both the Lilly Pulitzer and Erin Condren planners down below:

Throw Blankets – Throw blankets are honestly my holy grail!!! They have been getting me through these long long long days made up of Zoom. Throw blankets have been an excellent way for me to stay comfy and cozy while still being productive. Typically, I purchase mine from Home Goods (specifically the hot pink or flamingo printed one’s) or Vera Bradley in the clearance section or at their outlets. I will say, though, that Kate Spade has some pretty incredible huge throw blankets that are great, too, and they’re usually always on the shelves at any local Home Goods storefront in all colors and a few prints (mine is in hot pink *surprise!*).

TI-84 Plus CE Calculator – This may just be a Math major thing, BUT my TI-84 Plus CE calculator has become a vital part of my working days. I use it for a variety of things, whether it be simple math problems/calculations (because y’all us Math majors don’t just know the multiplication tables in our heads at the click of a mouse) or for budgeting and other adulting things. It’s really nice to have right there and handy and not have to Google up a calculator when I need one.

Mason Jars – I found that there is so much benefit in having Mason jars right there at your workplace front. Mason jars are an excellent use for storage, especially for desk essentials. I use mine to store pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, and even old motivational quotes that I wrote on sticky notes. All in all, mason jars are a pretty handy and photo pretty way to store your desk essentials. Not to mention, mason jars are pretty affordable too and can be found in packs for under $10 at Walmart or Target or even $1 each at none other than The Dollar Tree.

Working from home may not be ideal for some, but having the right essentials at one’s fingertips can make it much more bearable and perhaps even fun!

XOXO – Katie <3

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2 Years After Studying Abroad in 3 Countries

Fun fact: in college, I won the class superlative for “Mostly Likely to Talk About her Study Abroad Experience”! As someone who has LOVED her study abroad experiences in college, I am proud to be able to talk about and share the good in studying abroad. In fact, I did study abroad in three different countries while in college: Italy in June 2018, England in July 2018, and Belize in June 2019. If you know me in real life and especially on my college’s campus when I was a student there, then you know that my study abroad experiences have shaped me into the person that I am today. My moments studying abroad remind me of who I was before I left to go abroad and the woman that I have become and will become.

If you follow me on my social media, then you probably know that I LOVED my travel experiences over the few years prior to COVID-19. Indeed, I loved those experiences OH SO MUCH that I shared some of my many memories from my study abroad and even travel abroad and stateside experiences on my Instagram Stories on that day that I was there just years later. Yes, my study abroad and travel and even stateside travel experiences have been formative experiences for me, but they also ignited my personal passion and lifelong investment in travel.

I am one to believe that travel does not have to be a trip where you hop in your car or on a plane and spend 1+ hour in travel mode. You can, indeed, check out the nearby park in your neighborhood or the next town over to get a great experience, too. For example, my college town of Raleigh, North Carolina is a much different city than my current hometown of Washington, DC. Raleigh has a warm, Southern culture, meanwhile, Washington, DC has a big city and a hustle and bustle feel to it. In the case of both of these cities, if you drive 30 minutes out, then you will get a totally new, fresh, and different feel in the cultures, looks of the towns, and things to do. Both of those cities allow for day trips that can bring about personal learning and growth without spending a fortune to go far away. This same idea goes for your own hometown, too! Trust me, I will say this and I will say it again: EXPLORE WHERE YOU LIVE!!!!

Now, you may be wondering, what did I do when I studied abroad and where exactly in Italy, England, and Belize did I reside?! Well, in Italy, I studied abroad in the small Tuscan town of Sansepolcro – it is about an hour outside of Arezzo and 90 minutes outside of Florence. As cliche as it sounds, while in England, I studied abroad in London – the capital city of both England and the United Kingdom. And, in Belize, I studied abroad in San Ignacio the capital of the rainforest region in Belize known as Cayo. It is a smaller sized town in relative to many many cities and towns that I have visited in the past, yet it is a mighty hub in Cayo and Belize as a whole. I also visited Scotland, The Vatican, and France as well as various cities in Italy, England, and Belize. Each of these places are very contrasting amongst one another, which makes it a great fit for learning, growing, and engaging within another culture.

Besides engaging with other cultures, study abroad brought me a whole new perspective onto life. I was pushed beyond my limits in several ways, which I think was a blessing in disguise. The only way that you grow and expand your limits is to push yourself, and study abroad presented me with that opportunity. Similarly, I was presented with the opportunity to utilize my problem-solving skills on the spot, which, in fact, help me in my everyday life in my job as a data scientist and in everyday situations. Case in point, a few weeks before I left for Italy, I was visiting my friend in Philadelphia and ended up putting my credit card into a machine to get a train ticket that ended up being broken. The card got stuck and I ended up in a panic crying outside of the train station for a good 15 minutes. I figured out a solution, but it took some time. However, in the past few days, I can problem solve literally on the spot. And, I can thank study abroad for those experiences and that newfound gift that I have.

I also experienced a newfound sense of pride and independence since studying abroad. I used to be afraid to do things alone. I was uncomfortable with the idea of doing things by myself. A lot of other people are and maybe some of y’all are too. Don’t worry – we ALL have been there! But, study abroad pushed me to be able to be comfortable doing things on my own and navigate a brand-new place on my own. It has been super rewarding to be able to have that comfort and peace of mind knowing that I can do it all on my own. Personally, I probably would not have made the move to Washington, DC if it wasn’t for study abroad!

Overall, study abroad has been able to open my mind up to this extraordinary world that we all live in. My experiences studying abroad help me to this day in my day to day life and I am grateful for that.

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XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 6

Transitions, adjustments, and changes, oh my! These three words describe some of the hardest pills for people to swallow. Case in point, my move to the Washington, DC area, my transition into the workforce, and changing up my blogging schedule a bit to accommodate my new work schedule. When changes come into our lives, it can be challenging to accept them and move forward, whether they’re good or bad. Transitions, adjustments, and changes are tough at times, but they can also allow us to grow and excel in our lives the ways that we are meant to.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Personally, I feel that making transitions, adjustments, and changes to our lives is important. I believe that there is a plan for each and every one of us in this thing called life. Whether or not you identify with a religious faith, I personally identify as a Christian. My Christian faith has projected my belief system in that I see how God has a plan for each and every single one of us. God or whatever higher power(s) that you believe in have set aside a plan for your life and that plan involves many many many twists and turns and ups and downs. Whether you have a liking to those plans set aside just for you or not, is up to you. But, whatever may be put in your way is there for a reason and leading you to be the person that you are meant to be in life, if it is for a stage in life or something more.

Case in point, when I moved to the Washington, DC area, there were a lot of transitions, adjustments, and changes that popped up along with the move. However, there is a reason for them all and they have made me and will make me into a better person – the person that I am meant to be.

My move to Washington, DC has been an exciting times. I have found it hard over and over and over again to talk and even touch on the tough subjects in life. But, they have led me to truly be able to enjoy my life in the nation’s capital. The hard parts in life are what always lead us to the greatest things that have been yet to come.

At this moment, I have been able to adjust successfully to my new life in Washington, DC. Although there are still some transitions, adjustments, and changes to come, I know that I am where I am meant to be. It all happened the way it was meant to and making me into the person that I am meant to be thanks be to God (or whatever higher power that you believe in). Today, I will leave you all with one of my favorite Bible verses – Deuteronomy 31:6 – “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: August 9-13

Love me some delicious and healthy meals! This week’s menu is filled with some delicious and healthy meals that I have enjoyed in the past and am looking to continue to enjoy. Ever since I moved into my first-ever college apartment, I started planning weekly menus. My Aunt April gave me the idea when she shared her weekly menus with my cousins in the kitchen. So, I have loved sharing them with y’all and continue to moving forward, too!

Meal-Prepped Lunch

This week, I am trying a healthy, carb-less Italian dish! I am trying a Kale Sautee with Polenta. Although this recipe calls for sausage, I am going to stick with a vegetarian option and do this recipe sausage and meat-free! I am really looking forward to trying this recipe, as I have been looking to try something with polenta recently. I will also be serving it with an over easy egg over it!

Meal 1

To kick off the week, I will be enjoying air fryer Tilapia rubbed in spices such as Cayenne, Garlic Powder, and Paprika along with roasted broccoli and a sweet kale salad. I will also be enjoying this meal with my Papa!

Meal 2

Growing up, one of my favorite recipes ever was my Mom’s Pesto Bread Crumb Salmon! So, I am whipping it up in my own kitchen this week and serving it with roasted cherry tomatoes and buttered noodles.

Meal 3

If you follow along with my Instagram Stories recently, then you may know that I am an avid Food Lion grocery store fan! My local Food Lion has a variety of fresh and pre-marinated seafood. Last week, I picked up a bunch of tilapia on sale in that section and this week I am trying their Mahi Madi marinated in roasted garlic. I will be serving it with roasted sweet peppers and brown rice.

Meal 4

One of my best friends is coming over this week and I am having one of our favorite seafood dishes with it – Roasted Butter Scallops.I will also be serving it with sautéed peas in garlic along with some mashed cauliflower and *of course* French fries!

This week’s menu is one that I am most definitely really looking forward to! Here’s to more great meals this week and beyond!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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A Day in Washington, DC?! Here’s Some Ideas!

So much to do, yet so little time! A city as big as Washington, DC has so many things to do that it can be hard to decide what to do when visiting, especially for a few days. The same concept goes for only having a day to spend somewhere too. Living in the Washington, DC area has its perks when it comes to sightseeing at my leisure as much or as little as I want to and when, but I also experience the challenges of choosing what to do and when. Whether it be on the weekend or for a weekday, Washington, DC has so so much to offer and here I will be sharing with y’all some ideas for what to do if you only have one day to spend in the nation’s capital!

Things To Do for a Day in Washington, DC

  1. A picnic and stroll along the National Mall – the National Mall offers a vast variety of major sights to see in Washington, DC. From the Lincoln Memorial to the to the United States Capitol to the Washington National Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, there is A TON to see along the National Mall. I would highly recommend spending a few hours here and enjoying a picnic on the mall if the weather permits. Otherwise, I would suggest going to a restaurant or cafe nearby or even a food truck along the mall streets. There are so many opportunities for photos and simply taking in so many sights in an easily accessible and walkable area from one sight to the next. Rain or shine though, do not miss out on the opportunity to walk alongside some fundamental sites that this city has to offer!
  2. Visit a Smithsonian Museum – a ton of Smithsonian Museums are along the National Mall and offer several extraordinary artifacts, pieces of artwork, and much more! Museums include: The Smithsonian American Art Museum, The National Gallery of Art, The Museum of Natural History, The Air & Space Museum, The Renwick Gallery, The National Archives, and The Museum of American History. The National Archives, for instance, is the home of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Meanwhile, the Museum of American History can also be considered Kansas in its own unique way, since it is home to Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz‘s iconic red slippers. When walking along the National Mall, visiting one or two or even three of the Smithsonian Museums is an excellent way to spend a half a day or more. The best part?! ALL of the Smithsonian Museums are FREE!
  3. Lunch/dinner, dessert, & shopping in Georgetown – the notable Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC is home to Georgetown University along with a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops. Not to mention, there are oh so adorable streets – cobblestone, colorful, and all! You can easily spend either an afternoon or an evening in Georgetown. There are several notable chain shops and bakeries and *of course* Georgetown Cupcake. You can also walk along the waterfront and hang out there, especially in the warmer months. Whether it be shopping, strolling, eating, or all of the above, Georgetown is an easy way to spend a few hours or more.
  4. Enjoy dinner at The Wharf – personally, I have been really wanting to go enjoy an outing at The Wharf! However, I have yet to do so. The Wharf is right by the shipyard in Washington, DC and it is home to several restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, and much more. All in all, it is a super fun place to enjoy the local Washington, DC environment and social life here.
  5. Visit a non-Smithsonian Museum – although several of the museums here in Washington, DC are Smithsonian Museums, there are quite a few that are not. The National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Madame Tussands Wax Museum, the Holocaust Museum, and the International Spy Museum. You can also visit a historical building like the Washington National Cathedral, Tudor Place, and the Dumbarton House. While you do have to pay for admission for the majority of these museums, they are still very much worth the experience. More specifically, if you really want to go make a visit to them.

You can easily combine two or more of these ideas into one full day in Washington, DC. Fortunately, Washington, DC’s Metro transit system is easy to navigate and allow oneself to easily get around the city as well. Here’s to many adventures in this great city!

XOXO – Katie <3

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