My New Favorite Thrifted Cardigan!

If you know me, then you know I LOVE a steal! This Fall 2021 season, one of the hottest trends appears to be reinventing vintage finds and making them your own. Indeed, everything and anything goes in terms of today’s fashion. The other week while in Philadelphia visiting friends, my friend Violet and I went to some vintage shops in the city. I fell in LOVE with all of the vintage finds in store and how many in the city were shopping them, too. Needless to say, thrifting is the new, latest, and greatest, especially when it comes to pre-loved pieces that are blasts from the past!

*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 Outfit

  • Dress: Nanette Lepore (got it at TJ Maxx)
  • Cardigan: Thrifted
  • Flats: Tory Burch
  • Earrings: from a Craft Show

It is most definitely safe to say that this cardigan as been around *many* years. In fact, the “old lady” cardigan is making its comeback. Thrifting is a great way to find some vintage finds at a fraction of the price. I got this one for under $10 at a 2nd Avenue Thrift Store (a thrift store chain) local to my Northern Virginia home base. I am oh so excited to be able to pair this cardigan with a top and leggings, a dress (as in this outfit’s case), and even some flared jeans. It adds some great vintage charm, too. Moreover, shopping at thrift stores can allow for anyone to find some super great finds that can be unique to our own style!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

Hey y’all! It’s been a while since the most recent sharing of my life of Katie. Essentially, in these blog posts, I provide y’all with a sneak peek into the Life of Katie. I am very excited to be getting back into the groove of sharing this type of post with y’all, especially since I have had a hectic past few weeks. But, before I got into sharing all about my life, I’d LOVE to hear a little bit about yours. That being said, comment below something exciting going on in YOUR life – I want to hear!

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • Fall EVERYTHING! – Recently, I have enjoyed ALL of the Fall merchandise in stores and everywhere I turn – it’s like its its own holiday. A local to me casino that attracts visitors from anywhere and everywhere for much more than gambling even decked out their atrium for Fall. I even visited a local farm and pumpkin patch – Nall’s Produce – where they were ALL decked for Fall, including a pumpkin wall that’s perfect for Instagrammable photos! At the same time, my Papa and I decorated for Fall outside at our house and it was so much fun. Needless to say, all of the Fall things feels like an extraordinary holiday that lasts until the Christmas cheer comes. Let me just say, I am HERE for it all!!!
  • Gilmore Girls – The other day, I started watching Gilmore Girls. So many of my fellow influencer friends have been recommending that I watch it. I *finally* hopped on the bandwagon and started watching, and I am HOOKED. Lorelai and Rory have the most adorable, ever-evolving, and fun to watch mother-daughter bond. It, indeed, reminds me a bit of me and my Mom’s bond too. It’s such a sweet and funny show and all of the more awkward moments truly demonstrate how it is OKAY to not be perfect but to simply be YOU and live in the moment. Also, clutter is human and a house needs to look lived in!
  • Visit to Philadelphia and Haddonfield, New Jersey – Two weekends ago, I visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Haddonfield, New Jersey for the weekend. Not going to lie, I am still on an all-time high from this trip. Fellow influencer and good friend of mine Casey and I preach on how girl time and simply friend time is good for the soul, and it is! My friend Amanda lives in Haddonfield and my friend Violet goes to school in Philadelphia. I was lucky enough to get to see them both on this wonderful trip – I spent a day in Philadelphia with Violet and then the remainder of the weekend in Haddonfield with Amanda. Both experiences were quite amazing and I cannot wait to go back closer to the holidays!
  • Jojo Siwa Making History on Dancing with the Stars – About 8 days ago, Jojo Siwa, an openly LGBTQ+ pop star, made history by being the first-ever celebrity to go onto Dancing with the Stars with a same-sex partner. Let me just tell y’all – I am so so so amazed by Jojo Siwa and all that she has done in her short 18-19 years of life. I mean, this girl came out, has a girlfriend and an adorable relationship with her too, and breaks barriers everyday of what it means to be a super well-known LGBTQ+ celebrity in Hollywood. It’s incredible what this young woman has done for the LGBTQ+ community and others not apart of it. I have been cheering her on along with former Bachelor Matt James this season. Seeing her perform a killer dance on Dancing with the Stars was literally just the icing on the cake to all that she has accomplished so far!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • Nall’s Produce – This past weekend, Papa and I visited a local pumpkin patch, farm, and market known as Nall’s Produce. Nall’s Produce has been around since Papa moved to the Washington, DC area in the 1960’s. Their pumpkin wall, pumpkin row, and pumpkins EVERYWHERE was an influencer’s dream! I had a blast getting to stroll the aisles of this absolutely stunning marketplace, and I cannot wait to go again as the seasons evolve.
  • Movie Nights! – The other night, I met up virtually with two of my fellow influencer friends Holly of Glitter and Daisies & Lindsay of Sunshine and Stair Climbs and we enjoyed a movie together. We watched Home Again on Netflix featuring the iconic Reese Witherspooon. This was my first-ever hangout with fellow influencer friends, and it was amazing! We definitely plan to have movie nights again very soon. Needless to say, influencer friends are some of the best friends, and I have intentions to meet up with other influencers along with Lindsay and Holly in the near future, too, whether it be virtual or in-person.
  • Paradise Springs Winery – Last weekend, Papa and I visited a local vineyard about 15 minutes from our house – Paradise Spring Winery. Let me tell y’all, Papa and I fell in LOVE with this vineyard! Paradise Springs Winery is super down-to-earth and stunning. People of all ages – kids and dogs alike – were enjoying the place with their rolling hills and hills of fields and benches to enjoy live music and fun times together. The facilities were extraordinarily beautiful and so was the exterior. Not to mention, the flights provided each guest with 6 cups of wine for $15!!! Aka a steal! Needless to say, Papa and I were remarkably impressed with this vineyard, and we cannot wait to visit again soon, especially with friends and family and *of course* our dog Rosie!
  • Lilly Pulitzer’s Paws for a Cause Print – Each year, Lilly Pulitzer comes out with a Paws for a Cause print in honor of Breast Cancer awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the brand donates a portion of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen. This year’s print name is Purposefully Pink, and, y’all it is GORGEOUS! Breast Cancer runs in my family to some extent and I know several women who have been affected by this disease in their lifetime (whether themselves or a family member), so I always find it important to support where I can. I am so excited at how pretty this year’s print is (they all are!) and even purchased a throw in the print! You can shop it below!

Recent Purchases & My Wish List Items!

  • Fall Groceries – My favorite purchases have been from Target and Trader Joe’s. I have a running list in my mind of some of the many things that Trader Joe’s carries that I just *have* to get every year during this Fall season! Not to mention, TJ Maxx and Home Goods have the most adorable Fall finds, too, including Fall-themed coffee grounds and fat free coffee syrup. My favorites have been: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup, Trader Joe’s Zucchette Pasta, Delight’s fat free Pumpkin coffee creamer, and Pumpkin-flavored yogurt.
  • Sweater and Winter Jacket for Rosie – Recently, I purchased my dog Rosie a rain jacket from Chewy. This was my first-ever jacket bought for Rosie, and I was a bit nervous about how she would react to it and whether or not she would simply rip it off upon me putting it on her. Thank goodness and to my surprise, she did not! So, since it will be getting cooler in the coming weeks/months, I am now on the lookout for a sweater and winter jacket for Rosie, as she is a Shepherd-Chihuahua mix. The stores that I will be searching at during this time frame will be Chewy, Target, TJ Maxx/Home Goods/Marshall’s, and Lands End.
  • Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale – As a Lilly Pulitzer lover, I shopped until I dropped at the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale (formerly known as the After Party Sale) these past few weeks. Some of my purchases include: a Sophie shift, a Trista shift, a Kristen Flounce dress, a romper, a Midi sleeveless wrap dress, the Tosha shift dress, handprinted wine glasses, a water bottle, and a mug. To me, Lilly Pulitzer sales are my Super Bowl, since I do not watch the Super Bowl beyond the commercials!
  • Philadelphia Aids Thrift Store $1 Bucket Sale – When I was in Philadelphia, my friend Violet and I visited the Philadelphia Aids Thrift Store, which donates a portion of its proceeds to AIDS research. Philadelphia Aids Thrift is notorious for its $1 bucket sales, where you can purchase items out of a bucket for $1/each. I was able to score: a Michael Kors black puffer jacket, Gal Meets Glam white pearl jumpsuit, LOFT tank, Banana Republic navy blazer, LOFT navy pants, and much more! Needless to say, I want to go back for sure.

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Trips to Raleigh Planning – With October coming up, so do my two trips in October to Raleigh, North Carolina! I went to college at Meredith College down in Raleigh, North Carolina and I loved every minute of it. I will be visiting friends for a college reunion and weekend, respectively on each trip. The planning has started, since I have booked my flight for the first weekend and am still working out the kinks for the next trip. Altogether, I cannot wait to go back to my college town!
  • Visiting Arlington – My good friend from Meredith College will be in Arlington soon and I cannot wait to meet up with her and explore the area. Surprisingly so, I have not seen much of Arlington beyond Pentagon City and most specifically the mall there, so I cannot wait to explore as there’s so much to see there!

Now that I shared ALL about what’s going on in my life, I want to hear about YOURS! Comment down below something that you’re looking forward to!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: September 27-October 1

one time, no weekly menu! Recently, I have made a master bucket list for ALL of the Fall recipes that I have wanted to try. Now that I can officially say it’s Fall y’all, I can also officially make ALL of my favorite Fall recipes with no shame. Like I wasn’t before, but can enjoy them knowing it’s starting to get a bit cooler in the air.

Weekly Menu Round-Up: September 27-October 1

  • Meal-Prepped Lunch: The other day, I was looking up some recipes involving seafood that are also great for Fall. One of the first recipes that I came across was a Rustic Crab Quiche from Garlic & Zest – a recipe that I cannot wait to try this week and enjoy at every lunch! I will be serving my quiche with one of my favorite pre-made Food Lion salads – a Poppyseed salad.
  • Dinner 1: For quite a while, I have been intrigued by the idea of cooking up some Teriyaki Salmon! If you follow me on Instagram (@_thepinkchickadee) which you probably should – I would LOVE to connect! – then you know that I am a major fan of shopping at my local Food Lion grocery store. If you don’t know what Food Lion is, it is a grocery store chain that is near and dear to those in the central East Coast states – Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, the works. My local Food Lion carries a Teriyaki Salmon pre-made that I HAVE to try and finally bought. I will be serving my baked Teriyaki Salmon in a sheet pan style with roasted broccoli, carrots, and some skillet rice and potstickers, too.
  • Dinner 2: It may be my inner Washington, DC in me, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Old Bay seasoning. My college Big Sis Stephanie made an oven butter baked shrimp with broccoli and mushrooms on a sheet pan a while back, and I have been dreaming about making it myself since! I *finally* am trying it and will be adding in some foil-wrapped baked Cod of course topped with some Old Bay to the sheet pan, too. I will top it all off over some cauliflower rice – a new favorite in my Mom’s and I’s kitchen if I’m in the mood!
  • Dinner 3: A few weeks ago, I went to Trader Joe’s and stocked up on ravioli of *ALLLL* kinds. One of the ravioli’s that I picked up was their corn ravioli – ravioli that I plan to try this week with some butter and parmesan and Texas toast – a childhood favorite of mine.
  • Dinner 4: One of my favorite Air Fryer recipes, which I actually raved about in a recent blog post is air fried salmon marinated in none other than Chick Fil-A sauce. It’s a delicious creation that’s oh so unique, and indeed it is! I will be serving this salmon speciality of mine with some roasted broccoli and Mac & cheese with the noodles in the shapes of my favorite Disney Frozen characters.

This week’s menu straight from my own kitchen has me excited and looking forward to many more meals to enjoy, especially as it’s Fall y’all!!!

XOXO – Katie <3 e

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DC Diaries – Part 8

Life in the nation’s capital has been an adjustment in recent times. While moving is exciting when you’re in a brand-new town, it is also very very very much of a transition, too. Like many things in life, life while moving is a rollercoaster – there are several ups and downs. Through it all, I know that my move to Washington, DC is the right move for me at this time in my life.

There have been a ton of adverse affects of COVID-19 on everyone’s lives in general and those affects definitely pertain to the work life, too. It is super nice that we can all work from everywhere and anywhere. Indeed, I know so many companies that allow their employees to telework and will be moving forward. Teleworking is great and I have appreciated and reaped the benefits of it. On the same token, it is super challenging to get connected within a new city when you are working remotely and primarily so.

Personally, to say the least, I have been struggling with making connections in my new town. I think a lot of my lack of connectivity in Washington, DC has to do with the fact that I am working remotely. Despite the fact that I LOVE working remotely and really truly value the flexibility and comfort that it has offered me, I also miss seeing folks face to face and making those face to face connections. That being said, I am luckily able to go into my company’s office and will be doing so a few times a week on days when others will be in the office, too. On the same token, I feel very lucky that I have been able to make connections in a remote enivronment. Even though I may not be able to see my company’s office life pre-COVID-19, I can reap the benefits of going into the office in a fresh and new light and still make connections both virtually and in-person.

Beyond the work world, I miss getting to know others and establishing a social life. Let’s get this straight: making friends in a post-graduation world is HARD! It is such a challenge not being around folks my own age 24/7, whether it be in class, extracurricular activity, or a social event through school. Needless to say, I have spent a lot more time alone than I have in the past. Yet, I am not upset about it. I am using this time to simply focus on myself and figure out what comes next in my social world and where I want to connect with others. I am strategizing ways to connect beyond the working world too and I have some thoughts in mind that I am striving to connect through. Not knowing is hard for us all. And guess what?! That is OKAY!

Through it all, life in the nation’s capital has been a bit of a struggle. I am definitely not in the happiest part of the post-graduation transition. But, I also think it’s important to be honest with myself and others in that I am not perfect and my life is not perfect 24/7. In fact, NO ONE’S is! At the same time, like everything, things will and they do get better. I am striving to connect more inside and outside of work and my work put in to maintain connections with others WILL pay off!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Favorite Air Fryer Recipes + Some I Want to Try!

Salmon, fries, and pizza, oh my! I love love love my Ninja 4 Quart Air Fryer and all that it can quickly and conveniently whip up for me. I have owned it since February 2021 and it has been one of my most favorite purchases. Over the past 7 months, I had experimented with and made some amazing recipes at the convenience and luxury of my own Air Fryer. Some of these recipes I never thought I could even make in an Air Fryer, either. Today, I will be sharing my favorite Air Fryer recipes and some that I want to try very soon!

*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.*

y Favorite Air Fryer Recipes!

  • Shrimp – Shrimp has been such an Air Fryer staple of mine! I do not even have to defrost it before adding it into the Air Fryer! I can add the seasonings before or after I simply air fry it, and it is so so so easy. Typically, I top my shrimp off with Old Bay Seasoning.
  • Pizza – Whoever thought you could air fry pizza?! I surely did not! Well, until I tried it! I have so far only air fried pizza with naan as the crust, since it can easily fit into my Air Fryer and only whip it up within 5-7 minutes.
  • Fries – I am such a quirky person when it comes to the texture of my fries! However, my Air Fryer can make me some pretty great fries. It takes about 10-15 minutes and I am set!
  • Crab Cakes – Crab cakes are so fun to make, yet they can take 20-30 minutes to bake in the oven. So, I tried them in the Air Fryer and discovered that I can make one of my favorite seafood staples for a much quicker time frame in it!
  • Salmon – Like shrimp, I do not have to defrost any salmon that I air fry either! In my opinion, it is pretty great when I do not have to defrost any of my seafood before cooking it. One of my favorite ways to cook salmon in the Air Fryer is to marinate it in of all things: Chick Fil-A sauce! Yes, Chick Fil-A sauce is incredible in the Air Fryer!!

Air Fryer Recipes I Want to Try!

Personally, I want to branch off a bit from the typical seafood recipes that I make in the Air Fryer! Needless to say, I have a few ideas in mind:

  • Bagel Bites – I saw this on YouTube one night and have been dying to try since! I have heard people RAVE about homemade bagel bites.
  • Pumpkin Seeds – If I can air fry some pumpkin seeds aka a Fall staple snack, then you know that I probably will!
  • Deep Fried Oreos – Back in my college days (which weren’t that long ago – HAH!), I went to the North Carolina State Fair every year where I would ALWAYS get some deep fried Oreos. With COVID-19, I sadly will be passing on the North Carolina State Fair this year, but I hope to bring some of it with me home to Washington, DC!

Through it all, I have LOVED using my Air Fryer! Not only has it saved me time, but it has also allowed me to enjoy some unique meals that I would not have anticipated I would ever try. If you are stuck on whether or not to purchase an Air Fryer, then I say GO FOR IT! Trust me, you will not regret it.

Shop my Ninja Black 4 Quart Air Fryer here!

XOXO – Katie <3

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48 Hours in Philadelphia Area + My Favorite Philly Sights!

Like others say, weekends away are ALWAYS good for the soul. This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend it in Philadelphia. Personally, I am ALL about saving money especially when I travel and doing it with those that I love. That being said, I stayed with my good friend Amanda and her family, who I grew up knowing as a kid, and spent the first day with my friend Violet who goes to school in the city. All in all, it was an amazing weekend and great for the soul!

I spent my first day, Friday, in the city of Philadelphia. I took Amtrak in bright and early and hung out in the city. Tip of the trade: major Amtrak stations, including Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, allow for visitors with an Amtrak ticket to store their baggage at $10/bag of any and all sizes to be stored at the station for the day as they go out and explore. So, I stored my bags at the station and went out to the city streets. My first stop of the day was Independence Hall – the building where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both written and signed. It was so so so exciting, as I actually toured Independence Hall on Constitution Day – the day that the Constitution was coincidentally signed! My tour of Independence Hall only costed me $1 to reserve online and tour. Tours lasted approximately 20 minutes and were super neat and empowering, too.

After the tour, I channeled my inner pumpkin spice-loving basic white girl and ate a Trader Joe’s pumpkin bar while admiring Independence Hall at the outdoor park while I waited for my friend Violet. Once Violet arrived, we went to the world’s largest Wawa. Wawa is a gas station similar to Sheetz that sells sandwiches, soups, coffee, etc. made to order and it’s so so so cool! Indeed, going to the world’s largest Wawa was an experience for the books – it did not feel like I was in a traditional gas station marketplace. Rather, I felt as if I was in a city station – filled with opulence and sheer city charm. After our Wawa lunch and excursion, Violet and I went to a super cool part of Philadelphia that has a ton a murals, small businesses, and thrift stores. We went into 3 super cool thrift stores that also double as vintage shops, too. While shopping, I scored some extraordinary deals – a Michael Kors jacket, Gal Meets Glam jumpsuit, Banana Republic Blazer, Valentino Rock Stud dupes flats that are sold to this day at DSW, and a J Crew dress. I paid only $25 for everything which was pretty incredible!

Since my hangout with Violet, I then headed off to New Jersey to go to my crib for the weekend in her nearby town of Haddonfield, New Jersey. A fun fact about Haddonfield is that it is the hometown of 2020’s Bachelorette winner and fiancé to former Bachelorette and Bachelorette hostess Tayshia Adams Zac Clark. In fact, a family friend of Amanda’s actually knows Zac – my Bachelor Nation fangirl heart gleamed way way way too much. While there, Amanda and I walked around the town – Haddonfield is indeed a gorgeous town – and went to a Wine Festival in the nearby town of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. I had never been to Haddon Heights before this past weekend, but it was such an adorable little town right by the train station. Y’all, New Jersey was named the Garden State for a reason!

Through it all, I had an amazing time in Philadelphia and New Jersey this past weekend. But, before I go, I have listed a few of my favorite sights to see in the area from my trip this past weekend and from trips previously taken!

  • Independence Hall
  • Liberty Bell
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art & its steps
  • Magic Gardens
  • Franklin’s Square
  • Rittenhouse Square
  • LOVE Park
  • Penn’s Landing
  • One Liberty Observation Deck
  • South Street

Here’s to a great weekend with even greater adventures!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Relationship Sunday’s – Starting Out & Moving While Single

When my Papa graduated from college, he got married and was whisked away into his married life for years to come. That was in the 1960’s. While the 1960’s days are far behind us, many still envision starting their lives out with a significant other by their side. I know of many couples who either get married or are committed upon graduating from college and choose to move in together upon graduating from college. Needless to say, it can be daunting to move and start out on your own as a single person, but it is also empowering.

Personally, I moved from North Carolina to Washington, DC upon graduating from college in the Southern state. I knew that I wanted something different after being in college and living in North Carolina for four years. Before even graduating from college like a few years beforehand, I knew that I wanted to live in Washington, DC and start out there. My mother started out in Washington, DC and tells me about all of her fond memories of her time in the nation’s capital. The same goes for my Dad. Once I found a job opportunity in the Washington, DC area, I knew I had what I needed to achieve my Washington, DC dreams!

When I was in the beginning of my college years, I had always envisioned moving in with a partner that I had met in college, whatever city it may had been. I probably was hoping that I had been able to move to a city beyond Raleigh, too, as I have an adventurous spirit. As time went on, I ended up dating somebody that I thought had the potential to be the one. It was my Senior year of college when I started dating them, and they lived in North Carolina in a different city than my college town and did not want to leave. Many of my connections for post-graduation jobs are in the Washington, DC area where I wanted to and now live. Needless to say, I became very stressed out looking for jobs in a place that I had not wanted to live in, but rather felt pressured to live for the life that I had hoped I would have. During those relationship days, I missed being single and having the freedom to move around without worrying about anyone else. We ended up breaking up after 2 months, and it was one of the best decisions that I had made, especially for my future.

Starting out single was not in my plan for my life. Yet, starting out single was what was best for me, despite me not anticipating it. It can be hard and is hard moving to a brand-new city without a significant other in sight. Some of the challenges with starting out as single and making a move include:

  • The Moving Process – Let’s get this straight: moving can be a challenge. Most specifically, when you’re on your own, it can be difficult to move and move on your own, too. I was fortunate enough to be able to move close to family and have family help with both moving out and moving into my new city. The moving process is daunting – the moving trucks, the moving fees, the heavy lifting, and the packing/unpacking. Even with family help, it took me almost 2 weeks to unpack all of my belongings and fully set everything up in my new place. However, if you are doing it all alone, there is no reason to not utilize help from others. If you’re moving to the Las Vegas area, then Muscle Movers LLC Las Vegas can do all the heavy lifting for you! Not only can they help you move your belongings on move-in day only, they can also help you with packing and unpacking into any type of place, whether it be residential or commercial. At the same time, if you’re living in Las Vegas and moving across the state, to another state, or even overseas, these long-distance movers in Las Vegas can provide ALL of the facilitation regarding your move – find details here.. All in all, Muscle Movers LLC Las Vegas is a great way to allow others to help you with your move, especially if you’re moving on your own as a single lady (or gent!).
  • Lack of Connections – Moving can be a struggle, especially when you do not know a soul in your new town. It can be tough when you do not know anyone beyond your coworkers, apartment mates, or even the mail man. It essentially feels like as if you are a new kid in high school in a new city. But this time, it may be without family and friends. Case in point: if you went to college and lived in a dorm in a place different than your hometown, then you probably didn’t have an established social network when you left. However, for most of us, you developed that social network, academic network, and professional network while in college. You did it during those university days, and you will do it again, but this time, within your brand-new city. You WILL establish a vast social network, grow professionally, and grow personally, too – right in your own new city!
  • Not Having a Go-To Person Nearby – When single, it can be quite difficult to move when you do not have a go-to person right then and there, such as a significant other. There’s a lot of emotions that pop up when moving – stress, excitement, sadness, happiness, etc. It can be nice to be able to go through all those emotions with someone else. At the same time, it’s also nice to be able to have someone right by your side who can go explore and get to know your new town with, too. When single, not having someone who is right then and there to do things with can be difficult. But, on the flip side, when doing things on your own and independently creates confidence and allows you to grow and expand your network in a whole new light than if you were in a relationship. In fact, you may even meet your person while expanding your network while single!

Overall, moving while single can be remarkably challenging, but it has its perks, too. You can meet a bunch of people on your own timeline and have the flexibility to move on your own without worry about anyone else. Nevertheless, you get to expand your network on your own terms and only yours.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Packing Essentials!

If you know me, then you know I pack *way more* than I need even for a day trip! Needless to say, I am an overpacker and I am not afraid to admit it. I have been fortunate enough to travel and be able to do it quite often, even for the day in my new city of Washington, DC. So, I have picked up several packing essentials of mine along the way, which I will be sharing today!

*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 Packing Essentials!

  1. Packing Squares – If you have been following several fellow influencers, then you have probably seen the hype behind packing squares! Packing squares range in all rectangular/square sizes and are amazing when allowing one to pack a ton of things, especially into smaller luggage items. They are an excellent organizational tool that allows you to even categorize your items that you’re packing, such as items for two different locations or lingerie versus pajamas and loungewear/activewear versus dressier items. When I travel overseas, I ALWAYS pack my items in packing squares – they’re easy and practical and allow me to store all of my items in one space. Tip of the trade: rolling your clothing items and garments into a packing square allows you to maximize your space and pack many more items than you could have ever anticipated!
  2. Duffle Bag – Duffle bags have been amazing for me. They’re not only great for weekend trips and road trips of all kinds to say the least, but they’re also pretty great for carry-on’s for plane rides, too. I have owned multiple Vera Bradley duffle bags for 10+ years now, and they are AMAZING! They have lasted all these years, too, on all of my many trips which says something for sure. Last year, I purchased the Lands’ End Canvas Duffle and *of course* monogrammed it. Let’s say that I love that duffle bag, as well!
  3. Pouches – Whether for a day trip or a long weekend away, pouches have been my favorite essential to bring practically everywhere. I use them for makeup, feminine products, jewelry, work things, and even essentials within my purse. My favorites include pouches from gifts with purchase when I buy my Clinique foundation in multiples during the holidays, thrift store pouches, and most recently Rae Dunn pouches. Let’s just say that my pouches dominate my bags, especially when packing! Tip of the trade: pouches are great when you have totes/bags without a zipper. That way your items stay secure and are stylishly covered.
  4. Insulated Water Bottle – Insulated water bottles are AMAZING for travel. They keep your water cool and are a great necessity to carry your water wherever you go. When I studied abroad in Italy, they had free safe drinking water fountains all across the city of Florence and others for tourists and locals alike to fill up on water and stay hydrated. The same concept goes for United States cities, too, as water fountains are everywhere you turn in all major cities and buildings and beyond. You also can help safe the planet when carrying an insulated water bottle, as you’re not buying a bunch of plastic bottles. Tip of the trade: pack an empty insulated water bottle when boarding a plane and fill it up once you get to the gate and through security. That way, you save $5+ on a water bottle at the airport!
  5. Printed Bandana/Head Scarf – One of the most stylish ways to travel is with a printed bandana/head scarf! I use them to tie onto my suitcases and bags to look all that more stylish. Especially when traveling, exhaustion is real. So, anything stylish is the way to go!
  6. Crystal Lite Caffeinated Packets – If you know me, then you know I am OBSESSED with my caffeinated beverages. In case you didn’t know, Crystal Lite has caffeinated sugar-free packets that are great for fueling up in the middle of the day. Like many of y’all do too, I struggle with the afternoon, post-lunch slug. So, I use caffeinated Crystal Lite packets from my local grocery store/Target/Walmart to purchase them. The best part?! I can add a packet to any water bottle, shake it when shut, and then go on my merry way!
  7. Mini Hair Brush – There are many times that I have out of all things forgotten my hair brush. I always leave a mini hair brush from The Dollar Tree in my go-to travel bags for that reason. At the same time, traveling can be long and tiring, so being able to grab out a hair brush no matter how big or small is great to have. Not to mention, whenever I forget my hairbrush, I ALWAYS have one.
  8. Zippered Tote Bag – Although I do LOVE my un-zippered tote bags, I do love a zippered tote bag, especially when traveling. My favorites over the years have been my Longchamp large Le Pilage totes that I have in red, pink, and tan (I own this color in the Small size) as well as my Kate Spade polka dotted tote. Although I do not have one myself, Lilly Pulitzer also has some pretty awesome packable and washable totes. I have used these tote bags and they have been through it all and back and still remain in their beautiful and true glory. Durability is key, and my zippered tote bags are extraordinary for my travels.
  9. Hand Sanitizer – I may sound like a COVID-19 safety queen, but it’s true – hand sanitizer is your best friend when traveling! Wherever you go, pandemic or not, it is always good to make sure that you have some hand sanitizer on hand and take that extra precaution. My favorites been the Bath & Body Works spray bottle with 71% alcohol that come in the brand’s trademark scents. Mine has lasted me almost a year!
  10. Wifi Hotspot – Wherever you go, wifi is an essential when working. As I am working and working mostly remote, it is important that I am able to access all of my work-related matters from wherever I am. Tip of the trade: it is more secure for me to be on a wifi hotspot, than on a hotel or airport wifi.
  11. Oversized Sweatshirt – I am one that gets super cold at night. While at home, I love to wear a comfortable fluffy robe when I sleep, but it can be a pain to pack. So, I pack an oversized sweatshirt and college sweatshirts have been my favorite over the year to pack! For a typical trip, I usually pack a Lilly Pulitzer popover, Vineyard Vines Shop Shirt, or a trench coat (depending on the travel occasion) when traveling and then I pack an oversized sweatshirt (or two) just for sleeping. I also curl up with a blanket, too, so it’s nice to have an oversized sweatshirt to keep me warm through the cold nights, specifically in hotel rooms that can be FREEZING at night. My favorites recently have been from United Monograms!
  12. Insulated Coffee Cup – Just like an insulated water bottle, an insulated coffee cup is a must when traveling. It allows me to be able to drink coffee on the go and in-style. My favorites include the Vera Bradley coffee cups in their oh-so adorable prints. Not to mention, it is easy to pack and a whole lot cuter than the one’s given at hotels or if you’re lucky provided at an AirBnb!
  13. Batiste Dry Shampoo – When traveling, it is easy to not take a shower for a day or two or even three, especially when on the road. If you’re like me, then you probably use the hotel-provided shampoo whenever traveling. Sometimes the hotel-provided shampoos do not work magic on your hair. Batiste Dry Shampoo is the magical potion for allowing me to look and feel my best when I haven’t taken a shower or my hair doesn’t make me feel like the queen that I am. Tip of the trade: hit your local Walmart to Target for their travel sections with travel-sized products, including Batiste Dry Shampoo!
  14. Trench Coat – I am a sucker for an adorable trench coat! Personally, I have loved the glamour of them from the 2000’s movies, like Bride Wars and Confessions of a Shopaholic amongst many more. I have also discovered that trench coats spice up any look and add an element of glamour to any look, whether it be a yoga pants and t-shirt get up or a dress. I bought a trench coat and got it monogrammed from Lands’ End last year and I LOVE it!
  15. Disposable Face Masks – Yet *another* COVID-19 precaution! Disposable face masks are key to have on hand when traveling. Especially when you have to wear a face mask for hours on end, disposable face masks make it much more bearable and comfortable to do just that. I like to pack a pack of disposable face masks with me wherever I go. Tip of the trade: layer a disposable face mask underneath your cloth face mask. That way you look cute and are comfortable while you’re on the road!
  16. Laundry Travel Bag – Last but not the least, laundry travel bags are great for travel. While most people use them for laundry, I like to use mine for shoes. Since laundry bags come in all shapes and sizes, I use the bigger one’s for sneakers and boots and the smaller one’s for sandals, flats, and heels. Overall, they’re great for multi-purposing!

Shop some of my favorite packing essentials, here!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DIY Lilly Pulitzer Notebook Cover!

Call me crazy, but I have been a major major major notetaker at work, especially since starting my new job. I have seen myself channel a brand new intern look so much since it all began. That being said, I have discovered the bargain notebook section at Target and have been going a bunch, too. On a recent trip to Target, I needed to purchase a bunch of notebooks, and I found some for 69 cents. As great of a deal as these notebooks were, they also had Target’s logo sprawled all around them and I knew I wanted something different for mine.

I love love love some adorable and fun notebooks. I have found some at Target and Walmart, but am not willing to pay even $5 for a notebook that I will only use for a week or less to jot down information at work, whether it be from meetings, acquiring new project information, or trainings. At the same time, I cannot justify the price of the oh so adorable Lilly Pulitzer and Erin Condren notebooks of a Whooping $15+. So, I set out to create my own notebooks straight from my crafting bin! These notebook designs can also be used for the Back to School season, too, along with a variety of other purposes.

DIY Lilly Pulitzer Notebook Cover

Materials

  • Lilly Pulitzer planner paper (or your favorite Lilly Pulitzer print straight off of the printer – a Google image search can do just that for you)
  • Solid colored construction paper in the color of your choice
  • Stickers/embellishments (I went with rhinestones that I probably purchases during my tween bling-loving days – haha!)
  • Scissors
  • Tape/Glue (I have found tape as simple as Scotch tape to be very effective)
  • Black Pen

Steps

  1. First, I cut the construction paper to be the size of the notebook cover, then I taped it to the notebook cover.
  2. I cut out an old Lilly Pulitzer planner sheet into a square and then taped it over the construction paper.
  3. Then, I cut out a small rectangular piece of the construction paper and taped it over the center of the Lilly Pulitzer print. Its purpose is to serve as a label for the notebook.
  4. With a black pen, I wrote on my label what the purpose of my notebook is.
  5. Lastly but not in the least, I added a few rhinestones to bedazzle my notebook!

The best part of it all?! My notebook makeover costed $0 for me to do. That way, I could save and still have what feels like a $15+ notebook without even paying the hefty price tag!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How I Spice Up My Work from Home Routine

With the COVID-19 pandemic transforming the workplace now more than ever, working from home is becoming more commonplace now more than ever. I have been working from home since I started my job at the end of July and will continue to do so until the beginning of 2022 and most likely beyond. Working from home may not be ideal for some, but it is essential especially with the Delta variant and the safety and health risks that COVID-19 brings to us all. Even beyond this ongoing pandemic, working from home will continue to be a common thing. Today, I am going to share how I spice up my own work from home routine in a variety of different ways.

How I Spice Up My Work From Home Routine

  • Coffee Breaks – As someone who is addicted to coffee, I take many many many coffee breaks throughout the day. Recently, I have become *obsessed* with iced coffee and purchased the Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Machine (read my review of it here). It takes just about five minutes to prepare and make my own iced coffee, and it is most definitely worth it. Not only does a coffee break allow me to fuel up before I get back to working, I also can take a mini mental break away from the screens.
  • Dog Walks – I have a Shepherd-Chihuahua mix named Rosie, and I have loved being her Dog Mama! Rosie is very high maintenance and LOVES her long walks. When I have time in between meetings and necessary work correspondence, I like to take her for walks around the neighborhood and simply hang out with her in the front yard where she LOVES to sit all day. Taking a dog walk allows me to truly clear my mind and get a fresh start on my work tasks, too!
  • Wearing ACTUAL Work Clothes – Yes, everyday for work even Zoom work, I wear actual clothes. When I mean actual clothes, I mean clothes that are actually deemed appropriate for the work environment that I am in. Those clothing items do not include pajama pants and a nice top or dress. I go all in and out and put on makeup, too. Personally, I feel that I am more productive when I dress up for the day, so I do. However, I know that others can be just as productive if not more when they wear what they choose, no matter what it is. On the same token, my company does not have a dress code for the most part, but I do prefer to dress up than not either way.
  • Pre-Work Coffee Chats – In the morning, I like to drink a cup of coffee brewed freshly from my Keurig and chat with my Papa and hang with my dog Rosie. It’s nice to wake up and chat and simply get my mind running before I even crack my work laptop open for the day. It’s a nice way to be able to wake up, but also not simply rush into the structured work day behind the Zoom cameras and computer screens.
  • Meal Prep – If you know me, then you know I am a sucker for a good meal, especially cooked by me! I love cooking and find it a blast. Meal prep has become one of my favorite ways to whip up a delicious lunch and have it ready to go so I can work through the lunch time that I had allotted for myself on a given day. Some of my favorite meals include: sandwiches, leftovers from a previous dinner, pasta, salad, and soup. Not only does meal prep allow for an easy and convenient way to eat through the work day, but it also saves me money, too.
  • Making My Bed – One of the best ways to kick off my day involve making my bed! My Mom always tells me that if you didn’t feel like you accomplished anything on a given day, if you made your bed, then you accomplished something. Everyday after I get ready, I make my bed and get on the grind. Making my bed makes me feel great, and it allows for me to get all of the pillows off of the floor – hah – and crawl into bed that night in a freshly made bed, as well.

Working from home can be a challenge, but there are pretty great aspects to it too. Getting the opportunity to work from home allows me to have the flexibility to work from wherever and doing my work whenever I can, meetings and schedule permitting is super great and has been a major perk to it all. Not to mention, I enjoy walking my dog and seeing her during my breaks 24/7. COVID-19 may have had its downfalls, but it also has its ups, including the benefits of working from home. But, I am excited, above all else, to go back into the office when I can.

XOXO – Katie <3

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