My 2024 Word of the Year

I haven’t done a word of the year as far back as I can remember, however, I have been inspired by SO many fellow influencers who have been picking a word of the year on an annual basis. I have found it to be SO inspiring to see others share a word of the year, surrounding their experiences and life journey at that moment. And, I am more than excited to start doing the same for myself, too.

SO, with that all being said, my word of the year is …

Joy

Recently, I have been choosing to do things that bring ME and ME only joy. Does that mean that when I went to see Frozen on Broadway a few days ago that I bought *yet another* plush Olaf because it brings me joy on a regular basis and when watching the live performance?! YES! Does this mean that I am eating off the fancy china, wearing the expensive perfume, and burning ALLL the candles on a regular basis to find joy in the ordinary?! YES! Does that mean that I ALSO booked a trip to Ireland in April since I have been DYING to go and I know this trip will bring me many memories and joy both in April and in the future?! YES! The list could go ON and ON and ON.

One of my most recent self care practices is thinking about what I want and what will bring ME joy versus doing things solely out of obligation or because I think I need to. When I am considering ordering takeout or making a purchase (within reason), I always ask myself: will this bring me joy? The SAME ask goes for when I decide whether or not to go to events that may be more draining than enjoyable for me (however, this does not exclude events and things that are necessary, such as family, friend, or professional obligations, but rather those things I can be apart of from afar without having to fully commit to). My fellow influencer bestie Lindsay of @sunshineandstairclimbs (yes, I mention her on here ALL THE TIME and, yes, you should go follow her if you haven’t yet!!!!) continuously shares contents and is a living role model for me in truly finding the joy and doing what brings YOU joy. Lindsay is such an inspiration to me, too, and doing things that bring me joy will solely help me prioritize where I put my time, energy, money, etc. moving forward into 2024 and beyond.

Making joy my word of 2024 also means that I am focusing on finding the joy in every situation. Not going to lie here, but 2024 started off a bit rocky for me (which I know others have experienced, too), as I had a traumatic experience in late late December that I had to process alongside getting COVID for the first time and still recovering from a looming terrible cough as a result. Yet, through it all, joy means finding the silver lining in EVERY scenario. Yes, that means even when COVID hits and being isolated from others beyond my household takes a toll, there IS joy in truly having time to slow down and reset before fully jumping into ALL that 2024 has to offer. The same goes for that traumatic experience that I had in very late December, as I was burnt out as a result of the holidays and in MAJOR need of a break. When in doubt, joy is something that can ALWAYS be found if we just take the time to see it.

Joy is also allowing myself to take things for what they are and to learn and grow from it all. The world is an ever-evolving place. Professionally speaking, I have found myself to be someone who has learned to LOVE and embrace feedback. Perhaps, I have *even* found the joy in feedback, whether good or constructive, as something that allows me to know where to hone in skill-wise. The same goes for feedback within my personal life, too. Moving and evolving the way I am meant to in 2024 and beyond will allow me to find the joy in ALL the moments that are meant to be.

At the end of the day, joy is choosing me through my own self development, priorities, and outlook. For 2024 and many more years to come, I choose JOY.

XOXO – Katie <3

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4 Years a Blogger!

Today, I am *officially* celebrating FOUR YEARS as a blogger (!!!!). I started my blog just 6 weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic pretty much shutdown everything in March 2020 and began even questioning, then, if I wanted to remain a blogger and even took a few months hiatus. However, as lockdown persisted wayyy longer than many of us anticipated, I returned to blogging as a joyful creative outlet to pass the time and have been loving the community I have built here ever since. Overall, I am SO blessed with the blogging community I have built since January 15, 2020 and am proud of myself for continuing to build my personal brand and make this platform into a side hustle that I LOVE (alongside my 9-5 job that I LOVE).

On January 15, 2020 around 6pm, I had a BUNCH of college friends in my apartment alongside my amazing roommate and best friend Sophie setting up my apartment with me for my blog launch party (here). I remember taking a moment to change into my dress while others were graciously putting up a banner before folks arrived. It was then that I realized that my site went LIVE a few hours before I had anticipated (WHOOPS!!!!), however, a big LOL moment now that brings me so much joy to this very day. Once the knocks started coming at my apartment door, the celebrations began. We had homemade queso and chips and I forget what else – LOL – but I do remember that there were wayyyy more people in my apartment than allowed via safety limits listed by my apartment. Looking back, I am OH SO blessed for the many many many people that showed up with SO MUCH LOVE to my blog launch party which was just the beginning of this journey of mine that’s still going strong 4 years later! Moreover, I am eternally grateful for my friends who showed up to support me on January 15, 2020 and for those that have showed up and continue to show up today on January 15, 2024 and beyond. I love you ALL <3

Flashback to 2019: It is the beginning of a brand-new college semester and year. I am eager to get started in the classroom, as I begin to dig into some major committee roles (my school was a sorority in its own right and I was VERRYYY involved in it alll!), serve as a Student Advisor throughout orientation for Freshmen, get my class ring and participate in ALLL the exciting events leading up to it, get my Little’s and participate in all of those exciting Big/Little events, and dig into some more advanced classes for my Math degree. BUT, all of this excitement and eagerness for this year of college was not why I began this platform. Rather, I started The Pink Chickadee after a heartbreak in my Junior year of college that took a HUGE toll on me. At the time, lots of my college classmates getting into serious, committed relationships (some of whom they have since married and started families with) and it made me sad that I wasn’t on the same life path and timeline as them. And, while I am happy for my college classmates on that timeline that I then-hoped for myself, I am very happy in my own life path and timeline at this moment in 2024. However, at the same time back in 2019, I REALLY wanted something that was mine and mine only. SO, that’s how The Pink Chickadee was born.

Since starting this incredible platform, I have made some amazing memories with many of y’all in this community, worked with some brands that I LOVE, and developed some incredible friendships. At the same time, my coworkers at my 9-5 have LOVED hearing about my blog and want to hear more about it, too. Every single like, share, view, comment, etc. from each of YOU means THE WORLD to me. Truly, my community here via The Pink Chickadee has been nothing short of special and that’s all thanks to YOU!

My FAVORITE blog posts to write include:

Some of my MOST favorite memories include:

Becoming IRL besties with fellow influencer Lindsay of @sunshineandstairclimbs (go follow her on Instagram!!!) and visiting her in Indianapolis, Indiana and having her visit me twice!
Being interviewed and featured on Shapermint’s (a brand I LOVE and regularly collaborate with) blog site!
My content got shared (with my permission) on Starbucks (!!!!!) social media pages, reaching millions of people.
Jack Rogers (my favorite sandal brand) shared a happy summer memory of mine on their social media page. They have also shared photos of my dog Rosie in the past, too!
Writing a fun and well-received my readers blog post on my favorite restaurant: Old Ebbitt Grill!
Attending a Coronation Party at the Scout Flagship Store in Washington, DC with my best friend Laura!
Speaking at the Women in Data: Making Sense of Data Conference in Washington, DC
Meeting my fellow influencer bestie in real life Mikayla of @blissandbows on Instagram (GO FOLLOW HER!!!)
Several hangouts and photo sessions during my college years thanks to my OG photographer and bestie Hannah!

 

Announcing my move back to the Washington, DC area
My launch party FOUR years ago!!!!
My FIRST-EVER blogger photo shoot with Papa at the Gaylord National Hotel!

Having my blog has been such a high for me! The biggest high of starting this platform has been connecting with incredible folks like YOU. If it wasn’t for YOUR support, I truly wouldn’t be where I am today – FOUR WHOLE YEARS LATER (!!!!).

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie – December 2023

December 2023 was one of THE BEST months for me throughout 2023! Personally, my favorite season is the holiday season aka October->December of each year. December has truly been such a month filled with love and gratitude from all different avenues of my life. The Christmas cheer was truly just the icing on top of the cake of an amazing December (!!!!!). 

Highs:

  • I’ve mentioned a few times that I am currently apart of the Ignite Young Professionals Class of 2024 cohort via the Leadership Center for Excellence in Arlington, Virginia. Since starting the program, I have been a social chair for my cohort (!!!!). And, I planned my first happy hour at Ireland’s Four Courts in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood with my Ignite Young Professionals cohort (a special thanks to my classmates for recommending this spot, too!!). It was A BLAST to get to enjoy *none other than* fries and wine aka my comfort food and connect with my classmates beyond the classroom. Before happy hour, I got to *finally* visit to see the reclining Lady Liberty at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington (MOCAA) for my site visit via Ignite Young Professionals. I have been wanting to see the iconic reclining Lady Liberty while she is here in Arlington, Virginia and SO GLAD I finally got to! All in all, a GREAT class day via my Ignite Young Professionals program and I look forward to future classes in 2024!

Visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington

Happy hour at Ireland’s Four Courts

  • November 2023 started off with a bang (here), as I started and completed the courses portion for my first-ever certification through work. I have REALLY enjoyed this certification that I am working towards and am OH SO appreciative of my managers, teammates, and company for supporting me in working towards it. Early in December, I presented my briefing for my certification (the FINAL step!!!!) in achieving this certificate AND it went REALLY well (!!!!!). Next step: being certified!
  • Christmas fun included: dinner with Papa at Ozzie’s Good Eats with a visit to see the sweetest ladies (and champagne!!!) at Becky’s Boutique in Fairfax Corner, admiring aisles and aisles and aisles of wreaths at Nall’s Produce, seeing The Nutcracker with Stephanie at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia, attending the DAR Holiday Open House and meeting SOOO many DAR women from all across the United States and Santa at the DAR Library, a nighttime stroll at *none other than* the National Christmas Tree and The Willard Intercontinental Hotel to listen to some live Christmas caroling, a stroll through Washington, DC’s City Center with Haley, visiting Aunt Amy and her girlfriend Barbara with Papa while they were staying at the magical Gaylord National Hotel in National Harbor during golden hour, advent dinners at my Mom’s house, a holly jolly stroll with Liz at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights, dinner and Christmas tree admiring at Cafe Riggs with Briana, Christmas wine shopping at Giant, and a family dinner with my Dad’s side of the family at Ferry + Main at The Logan Inn in New Hope, Pennsylvania. And, AHHHHH the list could go on and on and on (!!!!!!). This Christmas season was SUCH A holly and jolly time and an amazing time to get in the holiday cheer, too! 

Fairfax Corner Outing at Ozzie’s and Becky’s Boutique

Nall’s Produce

The Nutcracker

  

DAR Holiday Open House

The National Christmas Tree

The Willard Intercontinental Hotel

City Center

The Gaylord National Hotel

Advent Dinner at Mom’s House

Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights

Cafe Riggs

Christmas Wine Shopping

Ferry + Main 

  • Happy mail from Black Friday & Cyber Monday shopping started to trickle (here), early this December. Every year, my company is SO kind to give all of us employees a gift of our choice from a list to commemorate the year and holiday season. This year, I chose a Trina Turk candle, which I am SO excited to use (!!!!). And, I also received a quilted black Scout tote, Sprinkled with Pink custom monogrammed pouches, a shimmery J Crew Factory skirt that I plan to style year-round, and Draper James pajamas and sweatpants (which I have been LIVING in recently!!!). One of my biggest and most frequent purchases this Black Friday/Cyber Monday season has been … pajamas!

  • The joys of Christmas have been SUCH A HIGHLIGHT for me this December 2023. Whether it be eating off of Christmas china that I thrifted in November, enjoying Christmas trees both at home and while out and about, hearing Christmas music everywhere, or sipping drinks in Christmas mugs, the simple joys of Christmas have been such a blessing. I truly LOVE getting to enjoy the magic of Christmas and *even* simply saying to someone “Happy Holidays!” Or “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukah” and vice versa. There is SO MUCH to be thankful for and enjoy, whether at home with the Christmas decorations and Hallmark channel via simply being in the moment to seeing a Christmas tree through somebody’s window. Needless to say, people are SO MUCH KINDER to each other this holiday season and there is SO MUCH joy to be enjoyed this December and beyond (!!!!!).

  • Papa’s first-ever trip to TJ Maxx happened on December 2 (!!!!). Surprisingly to all of us in the family, Papa had NEVER EVER been to TJ Maxx before then. Papa needed a new neck scarf for the projected snowy and cold Winter here in the Washington, DC area, so I decided to take him to TJ Maxx. Luckily, Papa successfully found what he was looking for AND made in impulse buy, too! LOL!!! It was a FUN FUN FUN time (!!!!).

  • Every Christmas Eve Eve, my Papa and Aunt Amy and I dine at Mike’s American Grill. We all enjoyed cocktails and taking, took in ALLLL the Christmas decorations and vibes, and savored the special moments together. I am SO grateful for this tradition of ours and excited to continue it into 2024. 

  • My best friend from college Alanna celebrated her Masters in Education graduation weekend from NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. SOOOO many of me and Alanna’s college friends got together to celebrate Alanna (!!!!). I hadn’t seen Alanna and everyone else since 2022 and early/Summer 2023, so it was SOOOO nice and needed to be able to visit and see everyone after quite some time for a GREAT occasion. I ended up staying with my best friend Shivani and her amazing family, where we got lunch with my college roommate Sophie and had a much-needed amazing visit with her, too. I ALSO got to dine at SOOOO many new-to-me or haven’t dined at before places in Raleigh on this trip (here). All in all, my weekend to Raleigh was SOOOO needed and an extraordinary blessing. 

  • Being in good health has been a major blessing for me this December 2023. In December 2022, I went to the doctor’s for my annual check-up and ended up with a major lab mix-up and a whopping 3 blood draws within 10 days. It was nerve wracking and my doctor and family and I even suspected that something major was going on with me, which made for A LOT of stress and anxiety during an already stressful, yet joyful time. HOWEVER, this December 2023, I am happy to be in good health via lab results and my check-up at the doctor’s office. Through it all, I feel extremely blessed to have a great doctor and family to support me and ensure that I am in good health (and a MAJOR shoutout to the lady who works in the lab for always being kind and fun to talk to when getting something as daunting as blood drawn whether in 2022 or 2023!)
  • I hosted my first-ever Christmas Party (!!!!) and several of my friends came to enjoy some holiday cheer with me! At my Christmas party, I popped a *very* much-belated bottle of Veuve Cliquot that I had picked up at Target earlier that week to commemorate my promotion at work in October 2023. My Christmas party was such a special time to get together with SO many of my friends that I LOVE so very much. I also LOVE that many of my friends have become friends and want to hang out since meeting one another at my Friendsgiving (here) from November and my Christmas party! 

Lows:

  • As a result of ALLLL the fun activities in December, I experienced major fatigue throughout the month. Unfortunately, that led me to cancel a few outings (including going to National Harbor a second time with Liz and attending a Holiday Party) during the month of December. Personally, as exciting as the month of December is, sometimes our body experiencing lots of fatigue is a message to us to simply slow down. 
  • I late December, I met up with my amazing influencer bestie Emily of @loveemilydarling on Instagram (GO FOLLOW HER!!!) which was AMAZING. Emily is SOOO sweet in real life and so are her parents. However, the circumstances logistically of us meeting up were super tough on me and those circumstances caused me to shut down emotionally due to stress. We sadly did not get a picture this time around meeting up, however, I do look forward to meeting up with Emily in the future and REALLY appreciate how kind, compassionate, and understanding she is in real life. Moreover, I REALLY look forward to getting to grow in my friendship with Emily in 2024 and beyond!!!!! <3 
  • Grief is HARD for me as we approach December 24 and 25. Year after year, I always struggle with grief during this time of year, as much as I enjoy it and find joy in it. 

December 2023 was truly a month to remember. I feel lucky to have ended 2023 on such a high month and look forward to what 2024 will bring!!!! 

XOXO – Katie <3 

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My Highlights of 2023!

2023 has been such a GREAT year filled with self love, growth, gratitude, and happiness. At the same time, I have been able to grow (and establish new) friendships throughout the entire year and grow professionally.

Coming out of a rough 2022 especially given a health scare in December, Winter 2023 and 2023 as a whole started off and continued with A LOT of self growth and care. I made some MAJOR changes to my diet starting in early 2023. I noticed some signs of improvement both physically and mentally pretty quickly, too. At the same time, I made some big changes in my personal life that allowed me to only grow into a more comfortable, confident, and healthy person going into 2023.

January

  • I oddly enough, I did *quite a bit* of travel and activities in January – LOL! Every new year, I try to spend the holiday with my Dad and Step Mom, which usually is at their current home base of Bethany Beach, Delaware. It was really special to kick off the new year by walking on the beach and reflecting with excitement on what’s to come in 2023 via going over one of my favorite bridges, which connects Dewey Beach to Bethany Beach.
  • In January, I travelled to Raleigh/Chapel Hill in North Carolina (here) to visit my college best friends and visited my best friend Amanda in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (here) as well.
  • As for activities, I dined at Washington, DC Restaurant Week for the first time ever (here), saw Wicked at The Kennedy Center (here), brunched in Old Town Alexandria with my best friend Haley at Virtue Feed & Grain (here), and saw Hairspray at Capital One Hall (here).

February

  • To kick off the month of February, I did a fun fashion challenge of styling *none other than* PINK for the first 14 Days of the month via 14 Days of Pink (here)!
  • I hosted my first-ever Galentine’s Party and had Crumbl Cookies (here), visited the National Air and Space Museum (here), attended a paint and sip class at Muse Paint Bar (here), enjoyed a nice dinner in Ballston in Arlington at our favorite spot Ted’s Bulletin with my best friend Shivani, explored the Mount Vernon Trail with Papa and Rosie, and attended an Alumnae Dinner with my Alma mater Meredith College’s Washington, DC area chapter.
  • A trip to Raleigh, North Carolina was also in the mix, as I visited my best friend Alanna for her Birthday weekend AND got to see my best friends Sophie, Hannah, and Aspen, too.

March

  • I visited my first of two new-to-me states for 2023 with my Mom: Kentucky! Mom and I stayed in Louisville for a few days after her conference there and we had an AMAZING time exploring the foodie scene (here), interacting with the kind locals, strolling the gorgeous neighborhoods, and touring … Churchill Downs (here).
  • On the professional front, I started working on my current contract full-time which I LOVE being apart of and co-hosted a company-wide International Women’s Day panel event and happy hour.
  • Papa celebrated another trip around the sun via a very special family gathering at my Aunt Amy’s house. I enjoyed another day in Old Town Alexandria with a trip to *of course* Lilly Pulitzer.
  • Towards the end of the month, the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off which meant for all-things photos around my hometown (!!!!), and I got my hair done for the season. My influencer best friend Lindsay came to visit where we met for the first time and became instant besties (!!!!!), where I got to show her around my hometown during *none other than* cherry blossom season, including a trip to Artechouse (here).
  • To close out the month, Papa and I went on a day trip to visit his sisters in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and enjoyed a dinner with my friends Sarah and Laura at Mike’s American Grill.

April

  • The Barbie AI tool online took A LOT of my free time during the beginning of April, while I also continued to enjoy the cherry blossoms around town.
  • My Papa, Aunt Amy, and I dined at Cheesetique in Shirlington for their cherry blossom experience which was made complete with cotton candy cocktails!
  • I had a beautiful Easter with my family and started to admire more and more and more of the flowers starting to bloom around town. I took a day trip to the Capitol to enjoy the tulips and then dinner with my best friend Shivani at a favorite spot of ours: Open Road.
  • My friends Cassie and Caroline came to visit and we went to City Center in Washington, DC where they got dropped off via Uber at the wrong Tatte location (if you know, you know!!) before heading to Georgetown to admire the gorgeous Spring air and have dinner at Clyde’s and macarons at Olivia Macaron.
  • I enjoyed a happy hour via the Leadership Center for Excellence with my best friend Stephanie and another happy hour via Women in Technology where I wore *none other than* Lilly Pulitzer.
  • I dog sat for the first time for a night, before heading to Barrel Oak Winery (BOW) with Rosie and Stephanie and her dog Teddy and enjoying oysters.
  • I enjoyed another evening in Old Town Alexandria at Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Pub with my friend James and another evening going to Pentagon City to enjoy the cherry blossom themed experience at Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters.
  • I volunteered at the annual STEM For Her Elevate Her Gala (2nd time attending!) where I got to run STEM For Her’s social media channels on site, network with colleagues from work and in the women in STEM empowerment community, and meet former NFL player and Bachelorette contestant Jason Foster!
  • To wrap up the month of April, I started enjoying some of my many 24th Birthday festivities including: a trip to the US Botanic Garden to see the Orchids on display, dine at Old Ebbitt Grill with dessert on the house, see Aladdin at The National Theatre (here), and enjoy day 1 of Papa, Rosie, and I’s trip to Edenton, North Carolina.

May

  • Papa and Rosie and I enjoyed a FULLL sightseeing day in Edenton, North Carolina (!!!!) (here), including a historic trolley tour to kick off my 24th trip around the sun. My birthday festivities continued when I got home with dinners in Washington, DC (La Chaumiere with Dad and DD and Farmers Fishers Bakers with Shivani and Joelle and Urban Roast with Briana and Brittany) and Fairfax (Coastal Flats with Papa and Aunt Amy) and Lorton (Hometown Bar and Grill with James) and Clifton (Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot with Wyatt) and many happy memories at the dinner table, too!
  • I attended the Coronation and Kentucky Derby Party at the Scout Bags Flagship store with my friend Laura in Georgetown with brunch at Clyde’s afterwards. And, later that night, I went to my Mom’s friend’s Kentucky Derby party with my Mom!
  • In personal news, I started to feel super burned out in ALLLL aspects of life, so after attending a webinar on burnout through Women in Technology, I started to implement ways to curb burnout in my daily routine.
  • On a whim, I attended MedTech via The Academy for Radiological and Biomedical Imaging Research on Capitol Hill and left feeling nothing short of inspired for the future of healthcare given AI and other technological advances. Afterwards, I strolled around Capitol Hill and enjoyed a phenomenal dinner at Bistro Cacao.
  • I got to attend the Leadership Center for Excellence’s Leadership Summit in Arlington, Virginia with a coworker and got to network A TON as I was then-in the application process for the Ignite Young Professionals Class of 2024 cohort!
  • Haley and Laura and I enjoyed a beautiful afternoon in Georgetown, having brunch and browsing at allll the shops, including Glossier, and I enjoyed another afternoon strolling the aisles and aisles and aisles of flowers at Nall’s Produce with Papa.
  • For Memorial Day Weekend, Papa’s sister Great Aunt Darlene came to town for lunch and we went to Occoquan, Virginia and admired the stunning waterfront views before going for a gorgeous walk with Papa and Rosie on a marsh trail at Mason Neck State Park.
  • To close out the month of May, I attended a networking event at my office and then enjoyed dinner at Maman Joon with my friend Stephanie at Tyson’s Corner Center and admiring ALLLL the art installations around the mall.

June

  • I took a day trip to Barboursville Vineyards (here) where I dined at their onsite restaurant: Palladio! The same day I went to Barboursville Vineyards, I also celebrated my Mom’s Birthday and brought her back a bottle of wine to celebrate!!!
  • I enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon painting pottery with Brittany in Old Town Alexandria before a solo Mexican lunch and Pina Colada on King Street and *of course* some street strolls. I also enjoyed dining at Open Road again with Joelle. And, a few days later, Papa and Aunt Amy and I went back to Old Town Alexandria and enjoyed brunch at Ada’s on the River aka my favorite restaurant (!!!!!).
  • I hosted my first-ever summer party with my friends and it was *of course* Lilly Pulitzer-themed. The next day, Briana and I enjoyed the vibes (not as much the food sadly) at The Bazaar by Jose Andres at Washington, DC’s Waldorf Astoria. And, the next day Papa and I enjoyed an amazing dinner in Clifton, Virginia at Trattoria Villagio during Happy Hour.
  • I went on many walks and enjoyed many evenings on the back or front porch sipping on wine or reading a book, including a gorgeous day trip with LOTS of walking in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (here).
  • Father’s Day Weekend was spent in Delaware with Dad and DD and my best friend Amanda. We had a BLAST dining at some popular spots, parasailing, going to the beach, Ginger snuggles, and climbing a historic tower used during WW11.
  • I closed off the month of June with a weeklong trip to Isle of Palms, South Carolina (here) with my best friends Hannah, Alanna, and Bree. Isle of Palms is one of THE prettiest places I have ever been to. We did a day trip to Charleston (here and here) and a night in Charlotte beforehand to celebrate Bree’s college graduation.

July

  • I enjoyed some Fourth of July fun, seeing fireworks at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia with my Mom and Step Dad and Uncle James and Papa, going on a sail boat ride in Annapolis, Maryland with my cousins, and seeing 1776 at The Kennedy Center with myself!
  • Washington, DC area outings were plentiful with seeing The Lion King at The Kennedy Center with my friends Briana and Brittany and *of course* taking in those stunning terrace skyline views before the show. Haley and I went to DuPont Circle’s Art walk on a First Friday evening with a pre-stroll picnic. Papa and I dined at Carlyle in Shirlington to celebrate my admission to Ignite Young Professionals Class of 2024 cohort, and I also attended Volunteer Arlington’s Volunteer Awards event and met some of my future classmates. I *finally* checked out Becky’s Boutique in Fairfax Corner and became friends with the ladies there and dined at Barca on the pier in Old Town Alexandria with Papa and Aunt Amy as well as Vola’s Dockside Grill. My company also had their annual Washington Nationals game night at Nationals Park with pre-game drinks at a nearby outdoor bar.
  • I enjoyed an AMAZING family weekend with my Dad’s side in Bethany Beach, Delaware. We had an amazing beach day at Tower Beach and strolled on the Bethany Beach boardwalk, enjoyed dinner at Grotto Pizza (LOL!), Longboard Cafe, and The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound, and had several Aperol Spritzes (!!!!).
  • Commemorating the Barbie movie the ONLY way to do so was the anthem of July 2023 (!!!!!). I saw the movie in theaters with my best friend Sarah and talked about it A LOT with my Aunts in Delaware before seeing it.
  • A Lidl grocery store *finally* opened up under 10 minutes from my house, so I went on opening day and my grocery store routine has become a lot easier and spending has happily decreased as a result (!!!!).

August

  • The Barbie hype is STILL in full swing with my trip to Indianapolis (here) and Chicago (here) with my best friend Lindsay. On that trip, I met flamingoes, dined at The Cake Bake Shop (here) and Ralph Lauren Restaurant, AND went to the Malibu Barbie Cafe (more on that VERYYY soon). It was a beautiful Barbie long weekend (!!!!). I also reached a milestone in my career then and was able to successfully manage everything on the busy work front while away.
  • I took a solo day to Old Town Alexandria and dined at The Majestic for brunch with a summer-themed sangria. I also had an amazing dinner and golden hour at The Wharf in Washington, DC with my best friend Shivani a few days later and got gifted some amazing Jo Malone perfume. Papa and I dined at Thompson Italian for their Monday pasta and wine special in Old Town Alexandria and a few days later I did another solo outing to Old Town Alexandria and dined at Virginia’s Darling.
  • Stephanie and I went with our dogs to Blue Valley Vineyard out in Delaplane and enjoyed some GORGEOUS skyline views of the Blue Ridge mountains. And, I took a trip to *none other than* the wine aisle at Wegman’s after lunch with Haley.
  • I put up my Washington, DC gallery wall (thanks to Papa’s help!) and enjoyed many occasions on the porch with wine and water and a good book and *of course* Rosie and Papa! I also got my hair done again!!!

September

  • I spent Labor Day weekend with my Dad and Step Mom and their Yorkie Ginger in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Dad and I took a day to Lewes, Delaware to do some genealogy research and stroll the stunningly charming historic district. I got many Ginger snuggles and also dined at some delicious restaurants, including a new-to-me one that was AMAZING: The Grove!
  • I dog sat Rosie for a weekend and LOVED it! She shopped the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale with me online, where I went a day before to Old Town Alexandria’s flagship store and shopped there as well. Haley and I went to Reston for an amazing dinner and I also tried Hank’s Oyster Bar for the first time in Old Town North. I also strolled through Occoquan, Virginia and enjoyed brunch at my favorite local spot: The Secret Garden Cafe.
  • I started to meal prep (here) and shopped at Trader Joe’s A TON. I put up a shower curtain in my bathroom which was an amazing refresh. Papa and I enjoyed a pizza and wine night at home and I decorated for Fall. Papa and I also enjoyed several home-cooked meals together, too.
  • *Finally* I took a day trip to see my friend Carlin in Winchester, Virginia (here) and fell in love with this charming Virginia town. Papa and I went to Nall’s Produce and the Fall fun began (!!!!!). I also enjoyed a fall latte at Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters in Pentagon City.
  • Amanda and I went to the Jonas Brothers concert with pre-concert drinks at Urban Roast. We met my now-best friend Liz at the concert, too! I had brunch with my friends Haley and Violet with a concert hangover and a Fall-themed Sangria (LOL!).
  • I started to begin my Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) application and attend in-person Chapter meetings and dig into my own family history which has been a blast. The DAR ladies are so sweet, too!

October

  • Fall fun continued with a trip to Burke Nursery with Papa and Rosie, an amazing dinner at Lazy Dog with Papa and Aunt Amy, a Target run (with another Stanley cup purchase), a ton of wine tastings at the Mount Vernon Wine Festival with Stephanie (here), dinner with Liz in Tyson’s, a day trip to the Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive with Papa and Rosie, a Fall walk with Rosie and another with Haley, two strolls to Old Town Alexandria’s Captain’s Row, a morning in Occoquan, Virginia, handing out Halloween candy with Rosie dressed as a pumpkin, and leaf peeping at EVERY turn.
  • I attended a gala at the Army-Navy Country Club via a professional connection and had my first-ever class for my Ignite Young Professionals program and enjoyed STUNNING Arlington, Virginia skyline views. I also networked at another Causes & Cocktails event with Stephanie. I spoke on a panel at the Women in Data Washington, DC: Making Sense of Data conference that had a Barbie booth.
  • Liz and I sobbed at the movie theatre while watching Taylor Swift’s Eras tour on the big screen. We talked the ENTIRE time and really enjoyed one another’s company (!!!!).
  • It was about damn time that I got a replacement for my laptop that I accidentally spilled water on: an iPad (!!!!), which I picked up in Georgetown and had an amazing espresso martini solo at Martin’s Tavern nearby where Jackie Kennedy got engaged (!!!!!!).
  • Dad and I celebrated my promotion at Thompson Italian in Old Town Alexandria and working on my DAR application at the gorgeous DAR library in Washington, DC. We had an incredible first visit there. Mom and I celebrated my promotion with Afghan Bistro and wine from Virginia’s Darling, where I celebrated solo beforehand with a bottle of rose I treated myself to and a dress from The Lucky Knot and pouch from the Lilly Pulitzer flagship store in Old Town Alexandria.

November

  • I *FINALLY* made it out to Boston (here) for a long weekend and stayed with my cousin Sabrina and her girlfriend Nicole. I also met up with my best friends Timmy, Griffin, and Mikayla of @blissandbows on Instagram (GO follow her!!!!) and *even* ran into my friend Joelle. Boston was AMAZING and I am ultra-excited to go back again.
  • Professionally, I spoke at a showcase, enjoyed a super-fun company party, and started courses for my first-ever certification with my amazing cohort.
  • I took an amazing solo day trip to Luckett’s Holiday House at The Old Luckett’s Store in Leesburg, Virginia (here) to get in the holiday cheer. My family and I enjoyed Veteran’s Day together with a tailgate at my Uncle’s house. I put up the Christmas decorations at home and enjoyed many cozy nights in. Papa and Rosie and I enjoyed a rainy night looking at the lights Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights and McDonald’s afterwards. I also helped Papa decorate his Christmas tree.
  • Shivani and Lindsay came to visit on separate occasions within the same week (here). I hosted Friendsgiving when Lindsay was in town and did ALLL the holiday things downtown, including visits to Old Town Alexandria, The Wharf, Downtown Holiday Market, Morais Vineyards, and an amazing dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill (with the Nutcrackers on display!!!!!).
  • Thanksgiving weekend with filled with LOTS of gratitude and thankfulness and Black Friday shopping. I had a nice stroll in Occoquan, Virginia and dinner with Haley to celebrate our professional achievements. My Mom and I hiked at Mason Neck State Park and saw swans. I also tried Sisters Thai in Old Town Alexandria and am itching to go back (!!!!).

December

  • Papa and I enjoyed an amazing dinner at Ozzie’s in Fairfax Corner and then another amazing dinner at Mike’s American Grill with Aunt Amy. I met Becky at Becky’s Boutique and enjoyed champagne at the store with the ladies there and Papa.
  • I met the ultra-sweet Emily of @loveemilydarling on Instagram (GOOO follow her!!!) for brunch in Princeton, New Jersey. Sadly, no pictures this time around, BUT Emily is such an angel and I cannot wait to see her again very soon!
  • Christmas festivities included: wreath window shopping at Nall’s Produce, seeing The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall with Stephanie, hosting my first-ever Christmas party (and enjoying a bottle of Veuve together), a happy hour with my Ignite Young Professionals cohort that I put together, the DAR Holiday Open House at the DAR library with a trip afterwards to the National Christmas Tree and Willard Intercontinental Hotel to hear Christmas caroling, a visit to City Center in Washington, DC and the Downtown Holiday Market, golden hour at the Gaylord National Hotel with Aunt Amy and her girlfriend Barbara and Papa, a Christmas church service at Pohick Church, dinner at Ferry + Main with Dad’s family in New Hope, Pennsylvania, a night with Liz at the Winter Walk of Lights at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and a girl’s night with Briana at Cafe Riggs.
  • I went to Raleigh, North Carolina to see my best friend Alanna graduate from NC State with her Masters (!!!!) and enjoyed many meals on the town (here). I also saw SOOOO many of my college best friends and left Raleigh with SOOOO much gratitude.

I felt *just as if* I was entering into … The Roaring 2020’s!!! 2023 was one of my BEST years, after COVID-19 in 2020 and adjusting to post-graduate life in 2021 and 2022. In this year, I was able to work on myself in ways that I haven’t in the past, travel to some new-to-me places, and exceed all of my professional goals. I am VERY proud of myself for where I went in 2023 and am excited for where I will go in 2024!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale: January 2024

*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.*

I haven’t personally written a blog post on the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale since January 2023. And, if you’ve been following and shopping the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sales this past year, then you know a few things have changed to make the sale much more exciting (!!!).

And, *of course*, if you want to shop the sale and support me at the same time, then feel free to shop here. I always appreciate every ounce of support that each of y’all have provided me in my happy community here! <3

What has changed since January 2023?! Two things:

1 – Since January 2023, Lilly Pulitzer launched their first-ever rewards program: Club Lilly (here). When the September 2023 Sunshine Sale came around, Lilly Pulitzer allowed Club Lilly members … Early Access to all next day drops. Club Lilly members can register AND redeem rewards on future purchases within the Lilly Pulitzer app (downloadable on all major phones in their app stores). SO, moral of the story is: join Club Lilly if you haven’t already!

2 – During the September 2023 sale, NOBODY I knew had to wait in the virtual queue to get into the sale. Everyone had instant access, NO MATTER WHAT time they logged onto the site, at approximately 8am. To me, it felt wayyy too good to be true, but I was SO happy to see that no one had to wait in the queue either. However, merchandise did sell quickly during the September 2023 sale, as everyone was logged on at the same time, so definitely keep that in mind. Hopefully, this no virtual queue remains true in the January 2024 sale!

If you don’t know, the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale (formerly known as the After Party Sale) is Lilly Pulitzer’s biannual sale. It typically happens every January and September for only A FEW DAYS. Lilly Pulitzer does not have a sale section on their website (only in stores which can be hit or miss) which is something unique about the brand, making their sales SO MUCH more exciting and special. It is primarily online and has been in recent years due to COVID-19, yet many Lilly Pulitzer boutiques and Signature Stores do offer early access over the weekends in stores before the sale launches online (in this case, sales started showing up in both flagship and Signature Stores the day after Christmas!). Many of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and Zappos (sometimes Belk, too!) offer sales online (those that have websites, though) starting at midnight the day of, so definitely stay up for that! Other Signature Stores offer shipping at a flat fee when you call their storefront during the duration of the sale to purchase – THIS can be a great way to purchase from a Signature Store (which ALL are small businesses) while sometimes *EVEN* getting a product you wanted from the sale which could be out of stock online before you get a chance to shop. Check out several of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and their websites, which I list in this blog post here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2021/11/20/preppy-small-businesses-to-support-this-holiday-season/

Lilly Pulitzer’s Sunshine Sale is an experience to not be missed. Personally, I prefer to shop online as I am NOT a fan of the big crowds and long lines which may come with shopping in-store the weekend before. However, I DID get the amazing opportunity to shop the Sunshine Sale in-store in September 2022 (the most recent Sunshine Sale) at The Pink Crab in Annapolis. The ladies at The Pink Crab were SOOOO sweet and made my shopping experience one that I look back on and smile about to this day. The same goes for when I went into the Lilly Pulitzer Flagship store in Alexandria, Virginia in September 2023. I have, since, become friends with the ultra-sweet ladies at that location, too! Though I did shop in-store twice during the Sunshine Sale, I have yet to experience the typical crowds that come with shopping it this way. But, on the other hand, as someone who primarily works from home, I get so giddy to wake up at 8am on a Monday morning to shop and then get going on my work without the occasional early work morning blue’s. Sometimes, I *even* shop the drops the next day(s) during the Sunshine Sale, too (which Club Lilly members get early access to!!!!). It is just such an exciting time!

While I won’t dedicate this blog post to writing a bunch of tips about the Sunshine Sale, I will share some blog posts that I wrote in years past that include TONS of Sunshine Sale tips that are still pretty relevant to this day! I will say, though, that my biggest piece of advice is to be open-minded about what may be in the sale. I know many people who have made lists for the things that they want in the Sunshine Sale, which can either be a good or bad thing. I have also seen people being given the wrong package during the Sunshine Sale (especially in September 2022 – tons of complaints on Lilly Lovers Facebook groups!) so BEWARE and MINDFUL. In the meantime, you can read my previous Sunshine Sale blog posts, including several tips (!!!), here:

Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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