May 2024 - The Pink Chickadee

Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery Review

My first-ever activity when I turned 21 was visiting local-to-me vineyards, as it was also in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. AND, vineyard visits have since become a favorite activity of mine! SO, when I got invited to check out a winery AND brewery, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, I could NOT say no!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

About:

Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery was founded in 2002 and reimagined in 2020 with a mission to “blur the lines between beer and wine” through the power of innovation. Set in the heart of Northern Virginia’s Wine Country in Delaplane, Virginia and possessing several scenic views at everyyyy angle, Three Fox Vineyards also strives to give back to the community beyond its visitors. Three Fox is ALSO dog-friendly and family-friendly!

Three Fox has a variety of seating arrangements too. Whether it be within their indoors Tasting Room, outdoors Patio and Deck, or *even* in none other than their Grape Vines, there is ALWAYS an option for everyone and their preferences. One of the many many many assets that Three Fox has to offer is also seating literally over the hill to an onsite meadow and creek (!!!!!!!) with several benches where many fur legged LOVE to take a stroll by! If you want to learn more, look no further than here!

As for drinks, Three Fox has a vast wine and beer menu, as well as some boozy shakes! I opted for the white wine flight and was very impressed!!!

Getting There:

Three Fix Vineyards & Brewery is located off of Exit 23 via I-66 via an easy drive off of the highway and is easily within a day trip’s distance from Front Royal, Winchester, and Washington, DC. It is easiest to drive to Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, as the nearest Metro station (Ashburn via the Silver Line) is a 46 minute drive away.

My Experience:

Overall, I was BLOWN away by my visit at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery! The staff that I met, including Christina, Robin, and Molina (not sure if it’s spelled correctly!), were all EXTREMELY kind and hospitable. One of the things that stuck out to me about Three Fox’s interior design was the unique touch of bouquets across the tables. I later found out that those gorgeous bouquets were mostly the product of the staff’s *very own* gardens at their respective homes. HOW LOVELY!

Now, I was seated at an amazing location onsite … a table in the grape vines!!!! YES, the grape vines!!! HOW NEAT! Three Fox ALSO has a local third party pizza vendor onsite which I grabbed some lunch at alongside my complimentary white wine tasting. While seated in *none other than the grape vines* I enjoyed taking in ALL of the incredible vibes here at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, including a front seat row to watching … the cows come home (no LITERALLY!). I had never sat in a table in the grape vines and I truly felt like royalty thanks to the staff at Three Fox!

Wrap-Up:

I LOVED the family AND dog-friendly atmosphere at Three Fox and would highly recommend it to others looking for a great vineyard AND brewery to visit! Not only is Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery easily accessible off of I-66 and within an easy reach of Washington, DC, Front Royal, and Winchester, but it also boasts something for everyone of ALL ages.

A special thank you to the team at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery for sponsoring my visit.

Til next time, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

May 29, 2024April 14, 2025

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My Summer Staple: The $20 Rattan Crossbody

Today, I am GUSHING over a $20 crossbody bag. In recent times, I have LOVED finding a fun happy hour spot around the Washington, DC area and partaking in my favorite activities such as baseball games and mini golf and enjoying a nice rooftop skyline and/or waterfront view. I ALSO despise carrying around heavy bags like I do on the very few times a year that I spend in the office and in general after hours. Once I clock out, I want to feel lighter both mentally and physically, which this rattan crossbody does for me. Now, it has become a summer staple of mine!!!

*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 have a confession to make … Rarely, did I shop or even think about purchasing bags from Target, Walmart, Amazon, the likes. HOWEVER, earlier this year, when in Dallas back in February, I had the opportunity to style an Amazon bejeweled football clutch for my best friend Lindsay’s Super Bowl Birthday bash (here and here) and discovered the beauty of Target, Walmart, Amazon, the likes for purchasing *none other than* staple or even occasion-centric bags. SO, when I saw this rattan crossbody ALLLL over my Instagram feed just a few weeks after my Dallas trip, I *of course* placed an order for and have since fallen in love with this now-Summer staple for $20 aka AMAZING from … Target! And, not only does this rattan crossbody come in brown, but it also comes in yellow and there are similar styles including a tote and another crossbody style as well!

If you know me, then you know that I am a HUGE fan of rattan. I know people see rattan as “trendy” and/or perhaps “old fashioned” BUT I see it as a fun classic staple. While rattan is making a comeback, it is also timeless. Just like my rattan Target crossbody is succeeding demand-wise according to my many many many visits via the Target Circle app in the now, I believe that rattan bags will be succeeding in the decades to come, too.

Usually, rattan bags have been sold at a higher price point hence the likes of brands such as Mark & Graham, Lilly Pulitzer, and J Crew. There are ALSO some gorgeous vintage rattan bags which can be found if you’re lucky at a thrift/vintage shop!! I have definitely purchased some pricier rattan bags, too, over the years. And, I am beyond excited that Target decided to bring rattan bags to the masses at a much much much affordable price point than the likes of other pricier brands or the luck of a jackpot at the thrift/vintage shop. Through it all, I have never been more impressed with the practicality for my post-work and weekend runs happy hour lifestyle of this rattan crossbody from *none other than* Target than any other rattan bag that I own!

As a fellow and proud Grand Millennial, rattan handbags have since become a Spring/Summer fashion staple in my wardrobe! And, now that Target is carrying a rattan crossbody bag that I LOVVVEEE at an affordable price point, it brings me SO MUCH JOY!!!! Target is carrying SO MUCH rattan at a great quality and price point, too. I definitely strive to stay in my own lane when it comes to what the world deems as “trendy” in the moment and simply just do me. However, rattan is a “trendy” thing that I’ll hop on the “trendy” train for any day!

XOXO – Katie <3

May 28, 2024July 2, 2024

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The Life of Katie – April 2024

April 2024 was a WHIRLWIND of a month! From my first-ever solo trip to Europe to graduation from Ignite Young Professionals to back to reality to birthday celebrations for all and everything in between, April 2024 had A LOT going for it. Many highs and lows happened in April 2024, however, through it all, I am grateful for the growth that occurred during this Spring month.

My Favorite Buys:

I will pre-phase that due to my trip to Ireland during the first half of this past month, most of my buys are … souvenirs (which I will *of course* share with y’all!!!). HOWEVER, I did enjoy some sample products that I got from my monthly Ipsy subscription (more on that here) and a TJ Maxx/Home Goods run! I ALSO had a very fun collaboration with a super fun brand over on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) that I’ll share more on in this section, too!

This month, I had the HUGE honor of working with 66Disco Wholesale – a plus-sized wholesale brand focused on empowering women to feel and look their best at ALL sizes. Y’all, I was BLOWN away by how adorable their selection of well-made, high-quality clothing at AMAZING prices is, too! Use my discount code KT15 for 15% off your purchase today.

I have been working these past few months with a super incredible t-shirt brand: Mountain Moverz. Upon returning from Ireland, I received an adorable tee with the slogan “happiness comes in waves” that I LOVED styling for an ultra-fun outing via a picnic and walk with my best friend Haley the weekend after I got home. Use my discount code KATIET20 for 20% off your purchase today!

On my most recent TJ Maxx haul complete with a gift card, I got these gorgeous House of Harlow 1960 gold hoop earrings (similar here) for $13. I KNOW that these hoops WILL become another staple in my wardrobe, especially since they work for my hypoallergenic ears that become ultra-sensitive to wearing earrings ALL the time.
I have recently been getting into thrifting more often than not ANDDD I have found some AMAZING pieces (!!!!!). One of which was a pair of Kate Spade gold sparkly block heels that happened to be in my size for a whopping $7.49 at my local Salvation Army. I ended up going to my local Salvation Army *just* a day before STEM For Her’s Elevate Her Gala, which I attended on behalf of my company and they literally were THE PERFECT shoe to wear for the occasion and extremely comfortable, too!!
ANNDDDD, as for Ireland souvenirs, I got a hot pink wool blanket from Ireland’s LARGEST (!!!!) woolen mills outlet: Blarney Woolen Mills, matching Daisy the sheep keychains for me and my best friend Liz, a pink wool scarf, a tartan wool scarf, and tea from Bewley’s (THANK YOU to my Instagram friend Julie of @julies_colorful_life – go follow her!!!! – for the recommendation) as well as Titantic Tea from a Northern Ireland deli. Last but not least, I went to … the Disney Store (!!!!!) and got myself another plush Olaf aka my FAVORITE Disney character EVER!

Highs:

I kicked off April 2024 with … a solo trip to Ireland! I had a home base in Dublin for 8 days and traveled ALLL across the country thanks to the power of the Viator app. I went to Northern Ireland, Connemara, Cork County, Glendalough, The Atlantic Way, and ALL around Dublin. My trip to Ireland was my first trip to Europe since studying abroad in my college years in 2018 (5th time to Europe!!!!) and my first time in Ireland. I truly fell IN LOVE with Ireland and its culture and people and many many many incredible sights to see. Needless to say, MORE information to come on ALL the details from my incredible trip to Ireland *very* soon!
Believe it or not, I have hit a new peak television genre interest this April 2024: true crime. From YouTube videos on true crime stories to Mean Girl Murders binge-watching on HBO Max, the my interests has peaked. I think, for me, the biggest fascination with it all is people’s psychologies and experiences behind these tragic events that shape what happened before/after them.
My best friend Liz celebrated a HUGE milestone Birthday turning 30!!!! Me, Liz, and some of her closest friends and family celebrated Liz’s special milestone birthday with a beautiful arrangement and setup done by her ultra-sweet sister-in-law Katie via @fleuriste_dc (follow her on Instagram!!!!), wine at The Winery at Bull Run, and dinner at Thompson Italian in Falls Church. Nevertheless, I had an INCREDIBLE time celebrating my best friend Liz to kick off Taurus season with her amazing friends and family.

I attended STEM For Her’s Elevate Her Gala for the third time at the end of April, alongside some of my super sweet coworkers all of whom have volunteered with STEM For Her – an incredible nonprofit focused on providing scholarships and academic opportunities and support to empower the next generation of girls and women in STEM. I have gotten to know some of the inspiring students and volunteers and board members that make the uplifting community and me proud to be a fellow Woman in STEM!

To kick off my Birthday week, I went to Barca Pier and Wine Bar in Old Town Alexandria aka a FAVORITE of my family’s and I’s for *none other than* a tapas BIRTHDAY BRUNCH (!!!!!) with Aunt Amy and Papa. It was such a special brunch AND a beautiful day to be on the Potomac River with those that I LOVE.

Just 10 days after my trip to Ireland, I packed my bags *yet again* for another trip to … Bethany Beach, Delaware to visit my Dad, Step Mom, and Sissy aka their Yorkie Ginger. My best friend Amanda came to visit for the weekend, too, and we enjoyed some super nice dinners, including to Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar and The Libation Room, both in nearby Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We also enjoyed a gorgeous day to Assateague Island National Seashore and Berlin, Maryland *complete* with a boozy ice cream refreshment. All in all, we enjoyed a super nice, relaxing, and rejuvenating weekend!

I have adored ALLLL the flowers this Springtime. Flowers bring me SO MUCH JOY and this Spring was NOOO different. I am oh so fortunate enough to live in a house with a HUGE backyard full of gorgeous Azalea blooms, making every April super duper cheerful! My best friend Haley and I ALSO went on a stunning walk to Bull Run Regional Park’s Bluebell trail, which was GORGEOUS. And, I have enjoyed taking SOOO many photos in front of ALLLL the blooms, from tulips to different cherry tree variations than the typical cherry blossom to Azaleas and EVERYTHING in between!

Right after I landed in the states from Ireland, I graduated from the Ignite Young Professionals Program via the Leadership Center of Arlington after 8 months of leadership, personal, and professional development amongst fellow early career professionals. I have served as the social chair for my Ignite Young Professionals cohort and it has been SUCH AN HONOR to serve my class, as we have been SOOO lucky to bond with one another over the 8 month time frame, too. While I am sad that classes are over, I am super excited to stay connected with my cohort beyond our program time.
In April, I have enjoyed dinners with friends and Papa and my own company (usually complete with Chinese takeout – LOL!) from a trip to Tyson’s Galleria to admire ALLLL the fashion with Liz or a home cooked meal with Briana and Papa. Dinners, whether at home or on the town, are SUCH A BLESSING when spent with those that we love!

Lows:

Pollen allergies are THE WORST during the April timeframe. If you know, you know! Enough said.
Since coming back from my travels, it is definitely tough getting back to reality and in the swing of things. Being transparent over here that while I LOVE my job, I also LOVE the time I get to completely clock off of Outlook and Teams and simply recharge. I miss Ireland dearly and truly cherished my time there. It was hard getting back to work, however, I am super grateful to have a supportive professional environment and coworkers who LOVED seeing photos from my trip, too!

Here’s to May flowers ALLL month long!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

May 22, 2024December 29, 2025

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Boxwood Estate Winery Estate Pairing Review

I am truly somebody who LOVES a good wine day and will probably drink wine anywhere! However, I had yet to add enjoying a wine day in a wine … cave surrounded by French Oak Barrels (!!!!!) to the list of places that I have enjoyed a glass of wine until recently. When I heard about Boxwood Estate Winery’s Estate Pairing – a guided and curated wine and hors d’oeuvre pairing hosted in their cave (!!!!!) – I could not resist the opportunity to take part in this incredible experience! A special thank you to the incredibly kind and hospitable team over at Boxwood Estate Winery for hosting me for an Estate Pairing! Come along with me for my *very own* Boxwood Estate Winery review of their Estate Pairing!

About:

Boxwood Estate Winery was founded by John Kent Cooke the former owner of the Washington Redskins football team via his lifelong dream. Cooke’s love for Bordeaux wines gave Boxwood its emphasis on curating premium red and white Bordeaux wines in-house. Given that Boxwood is proudly an estate winery, Boxwood controls all steps of the production of its wines. One of the biggest distinctions of Boxwood is the fact that it focuses on the high-quality of its premium wines versus high quantities of wines, making for an elevated wine experience when going!

Getting There:

Boxwood Estate Winery is located in Middleburg, Virginia AVA in the heart of Northern Virginia’s Wine Country, local horse farms, and Revolutionary and Civil War history. Boxwood is located a couple of miles off of I-66, about an hour’s drive from Washington, DC or a 30 minute drive from the Ashburn Metro Station (accessible via the Silver Line towards Ashburn). It is easiest to either drive or Uber to Boxwood, given cost and time to get there. Free parking is onsite at Boxwood.

Estate Pairing:

To continue my Boxwood Estate Winery review, let’s learn more about its *very own* Estate Pairing! Boxwood’s Estate Pairing takes pride in its serving of French Bordeaux tradition. Serving four of its high-end wines paired with a carefully curated plate of hors d’oeuvres, the Estate Pairing is served in Boxwood’s immaculate wine cave. All wines from the Estate Pairing are ALSO available to purchase afterwards to enjoy a piece of Boxwood at home, too! To preview Boxwood’s Estate Pairing, see below:

Cupola 2022 – Has aroma hints of lemon-line with notes of cantaloupe, white pepper, tropical fruits, and white flowers. 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris blend. Pairs well with shrimp tempura, smoked trout, shrimp scampi, or fried oysters.
Reserve 2021 – Contains whole berries fermented by variety and clones, aged 15-17 months in French Oak Barrels before its final blend containing aromas of rose petals, red cherries, and black fruit with a hint of blueberry and cherry flavors and cocoa on the palate. 53% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairs well with steak with arugula, portobello mushrooms, lamb, or London broil with garlic aioli.
Topiary 2017 – Dark cherry with notes cedar and white pepper and a lingering spice dark fruits. 54% Cabernet Franc, 32& Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot. Pairs well with tiramisu, roasted pork, short ribs, or root vegetables.
Reserve 2020 – Contains notes of blueberry, black cherries, and caramel and vanilla; 42% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairs well with mushroom tart, tenderloin, roasted pork, or beef and mushrooms.

*Note that all wines are 100% Estate Grown Fruit from Middleburg, Virginia AVA.

To make a reservation for an Estate Pairing, look no further than here.

Wrap-Up:

To wrap up my Boxwood Estate Winery review, I will say that the drive there is amazing in itself!! It is seriously magical driving through the windy roads of Middleburg, Virginia AVA to make it to Boxwood and getting there is pretty great, too. Truly, I had a WONDERFUL experience at Boxwood Estate Winery! Not only did I feel an extremely warm and welcoming and hospitable presence by the staff and *even* the fellow guests, but I also felt in awe at the mere beauty of Boxwood Estate Winery itself. Being able to sit and stroll throughout the Cave at Boxwood, where I spent most of my time while there, was seriously an incredible experience for the books. Never have I ever been able to enjoy sitting in a Cave where many many many wines to be enjoyed by many to come are being made! At the same time, I had a GREAT time nerding out over wine diamonds (which I never knew existed until my visit!) with Boxwood’s Lisa and being given an amazing guided tour by Boxwood’s Mark.

Truly, I highly recommend a visit to Boxwood Estate Winery to anybody! Boxwood’s Estate Pairing is truly a unique experience like NO other (!!!!!). Whether you are looking for the perfect unique date night, celebratory dining, or solo experience, then look no further than Boxwood Estate Winery’s Estate Pairing!

A special thank you to the team at Boxwood Estate Winery for sponsoring my visit!

XOXO – Katie <3

May 21, 2024April 14, 2025

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What I Wore to Work – April 2024

April 2024 was a short but sweet work month! I started my month off with an INCREDIBLE (!!!!!) 8-day long trip to Ireland and graduating from my Ignite Young Professionals program JUST DAYS after landing back in the states and a trip to Delaware in the mix of it all and then ended it with some exciting things on the horizon and in the works at my 9-5. Personally, I LOVE being on the grind, but always LOVE taking some time to genuinely be with myself and essentially take some time to rest and be more mindful (which I did in Ireland AND am working on doing more so in my daily life!). Needless to say, while a *pretty* chaotic yet exciting work month that started off with a vacation, I have closed out April 2024 professionally feeling LOTSSS of gratitude for what is to come.

As for fashion, I had a BALL styling some fun Spring 2024 outfits! March was a fuse between Winter to False Spring and then Winter ALLLL over again, so it was REALLY nice to have a primarily warm and rather Spring-y April month!!! Ireland was *pretty* cold and windy, too, to kick off April, so it was oh so nice to come back to a warmer Washington, DC! Personally, Spring is my FAVORITE fashion season (alongside Fall!), as new seasons bring new light and excitement and joy within the fashion worlds.

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.