My Christmas Card 2022 + A Christmas Mall Outing!

One of my current favorite quotes is “be the woman that your dog aspires you to be!” If you follow me on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!) or know me in real life, then you probably know that I have a 3 year-old Shepherd-Chihuahua mix named Rosie who is my pride and joy in this great thing called life. Papa and I rescued her from a local shelter as she came from Puerto Rico as a result of the hurricanes there. Well, as a proud Dog Mom I *had* to give Rosie the Christmas experience that I think every dog deserves – a visit to meet the one and only Santa Claus!

Luckily, the mall closest to my office – Tysons Corner Center located in Tysons, Virginia – has a few select designated Pet Nights to meet Santa Claus. I ended up looking for opportunities to meet Santa Claus and happened to find an advertisement for Tysons Corner Center’s Pet Nights with Santa on Facebook and as per usual Katie fashion ended up reserving me, Papa, and Rosie a slot for our Christmas 2022 photos! Read more about Tysons Corner Center’s Santa schedule and to reserve your spot here: https://www.tysonscornercenter.com/SantaPhotos

Since it was Pet Night at Tysons Corner Center, Rosie along with ALL the other pets were allowed to enter the mall without any judgement or requests to leave by anyone who works there. Rosie got to walk through the GORGEOUS-ly decked out mall allll the way to Santa’s North Pole where we waited to meet the Big Guy! We got there pretty early and getting the photos done were pretty quick, too. I had a BLAST getting to meet other families with their dogs and kids, alike. Rosie met some friends, too, and especially made a great new friend in Santa (for those of you that have met my Rosie Posie in real life know that she can be hit or miss with meeting new people and she doesn’t like to be picked up either). Well, Santa picked her up and she stroke a “posie” for the camera, too!! Needless to say I was and still am VERY proud of her.

And, the resulting photo for Christmas Card 2022 is, …..

*drum roll please*

Here you go!!!!

Along with taking Christmas photos, I LOVED getting to stroll with my dog aka a dream come true through the mall. Tysons Corner Center has some super fun murals, displays, and *of course* Christmas decorations at every turn. We parked right by the Bloomingdale’s entrance and I was in awe at the beautiful Christmas decor and displays that honored 150 years of the notable designer department store. Along with Bloomingdale’s, Papa and Rosie and I walked through Nordstrom which has my favorite shoe selection in the entire mall – yep, and has been for years aka since high school!! – and got to admire the decorations there, too. I LOVED that Nordstrom played off of the colorful fashion this holiday season, specifically with the color PINK. If you are in the Washington, DC area, a visit to Tysons Corner Center – in walking distance and easy access from the Tysons Metro Station on the Silver Line if coming from the city – should definitely be on your list to get some Christmas shopping done and to take in some holiday cheer.

XOXO – Katie <3

Gift Guide: Small Business Edition

There’s nothing better in my mind than supporting a small business striving to make their way in this world. I am a firm believer that any and every small business owner will make their own mark in some way, shape, or form. Two of my best friends – Cassie and Holly – each own their own small businesses (both of which I will talk about more later in this post!) and I have seen through their lenses the work, passion, and love that goes into every single product that they create and sell. To me, there’s something so special about giving a gift made with so much love and care during the holiday season.

*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.*

One of my favorite small businesses recently has been Sprinkled with Pink. Sprinkled with Pink focuses on affordable customization for everyday wear, travel, game day, and more specifically Bachelorette celebrations. I have recently become super obsessed with the fact that they have their own custom Ironic Boat Tote – something that is on my wish list for the Christmas season in bright pink *of course*! I also LOVE their customized acrylic champagne flutes that I think are PERFECT for several occasions, whether it be a gift, wedding, birthday party, Bachelorette, or even to double as a vase for a plant or even fake flowers (something I may do!). I also recently ordered the monogrammed jute bag, which I would plan to bring on a potential VERY exciting trip in the works for 2023. Personally, I have been VERY VERY VERY impressed and obsessed with the Sprinkled with Pink shop and plan to make many more purchases for myself and others, too!

My best friend Cassie runs an Etsy shop and small business called Cassie’s Designs. As Cassie describes herself, she is a one woman show and, to me, there’s nothing more iconic than that! Cassie designs the most GORGEOUS affordable and high-quality monogrammed champagne flutes duo. I have a pair of her flutes which she gifted me for my 21st Birthday back in 2020 and I have loved having them ever since! At the same time, Cassie’s Designs carries the CUTEST wooden ornaments that I like to keep up year-round, including her “On Christmas We Wear Pink” ornament which is currently showing off its best self on my pink Christmas tree. To me, Cassie is such a talented, kind, and caring soul and she puts SOO much love into her designs and work. For more on her story, I interviewed Cassie here back in 2020 so check it out here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2020/08/14/interview-with-small-business-owner-cassie-of-cassies-designs/#/

One of my best friends via the blogger world is Holly of Glitter & Daisies. Glitter & Daisies is a Disney ears shop, selling high-quality ears that are sooooo gorgeous! Having a huge heart and love for Disney, Holly puts SO much love into her designs that she spends countless hours making each pair of ears. If Holly has taught me anything, it is that compassion for others goes a long way and in whatever form it may be. Case in point: Holly donates some of the money she earns from certain sales/times of the year to different charities. I see that day in and day out when it comes to the way that she carries herself and running her small business (also as a one woman show!) – how great is that?! While I am not nearly as invested into the Disney niche as Holly herself is, I know that my fellow Disney lovers LOVE Holly’s creations just as much as I do! For more on her story, I interviewed Holly here back in 2021 so check it out here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2021/12/16/interview-with-holly-of-glitter-daisies/#/

This holiday season, I think it’s important to support small business owners JUST as it is every other year. Small business owners like Cassie and Holly put in SO MUCH love and energy into their work to bring joy into y’all’s homes and other’s homes, too. That all being said, small business creations make for the most perfect gifts.

XOXO – Katie <3

My Blogging Highlights of 2021 + Favorite Outfit from Each Month! 

Oh what fun this past year of 2021 was! 2021 was my first full year as a blogger. I witnessed many changes in my life – graduation from college, a move to the nation’s capital, postgraduate employment in the corporate world while primarily working remotely, and becoming a Dog Mom to Rosie. Through it all, my platform here at The Pink Chickadee has kept me going strong. Today on the blog, I am going to be sharing some of my blogger highlights PLUS my favorite outfit from each month of the year.

My Blogging Highlights

  • Recoding my site *multiple* times
  • Becoming a member of RewardStyle!
  • Shooting content in 7 different states: Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland
  • Becoming a member of Influenster!
  • Collaborations with several different brands (16 to be exact!): Panera Bread, Ouges, Peet’s Coffee, Glitter & Daisies, Sangria Senorial, Sidral Mundet, Eos, Larace, Fanci, Flipz, Advil, Cassie’s Designs, Born to be Sassy Boutique, Mapiful, completelyBare, and Good Molecules
  • Collaborations with many fellow influencers, such as my good friends Holly of Glitter & Daisies, Lindsay of Sunshine and Stair Climbs, Hayleigh of The Up and Coming School Counselor, and Sly of Sly the Stylist sharing our favorite secondhand finds, Lilly Pulitzer finds, or Target finds!
  • Giveaways that includes Lilly Pulitzer gift cards, Target gift cards, and Starbucks gift cards
  • Shot content regularly with the help of my best friends Hannah and Wyatt along with my Papa
  • Conducted my first-ever Blogger Reader Survey!

My Favorite Outfit From Each Month!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Here’s to making MANY MANY MANY more memories in 2022 and beyond!

XOXO – Katie <3

My Favorite Preppy Black Friday Sales 2021

If you know me, then you know I LOVE to shop til I drop! With it being Black Friday and cheerful sales all around, I couldn’t not share some of my favorite deals. Let’s get shopping!

*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.*

Happy shopping and an even happier holiday weekend to you!

XOXO – Katie <3

My Christmas Wishlist 2021

Over the years, what matters most to me during the holiday season is simply being together with friends and family. Especially after the lack of togetherness in person that 2020 brought to us all, it will be so nice and needed to see everyone in real life. Despite my lack of excitement towards Christmas presents as compared to other holiday festivities, it is still super fun to be able to make a Christmas Wishlist! This year’s Christmas wishlist consists of several items that I could use, especially within my kitchen and work life.

*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.*

So, personally, I have been needing some serving bowls and platters since I am coming out of college. Within my Fall FabFitFun box, I selected the Golden Rabbit Dutch oven in the Cobalt colored print. Little did I know, I would find the serving platter and serving bowl in this beautiful print via Pottery Barn’s site. Although they are a bit pricey, I think they will be a good investment moving forward and I am also excited that they will match my dutch oven. When it comes to my kitchen needs, I have also been in dire need of an electric can opener and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put this gorgeous The Pioneer Woman (a kitchenware and home collection that I have been eyeing for a while now!) X Hamilton Beach can opener! At the same time, I have also been looking for a super fun cutting board to use as a serving platter for guests and have LOVED Mark & Graham’s products – especially this wood marbled round cheese board that I can also personalize.

When it comes to work, I know that my work life will transition to be more in-person a few days a week as the months progress. It’s currently looking like Spring 2022 will be the golden ticket to a more consistent in-person yet still hybrid work life. So, when I saw these Lilly Pulitzer insulated snack bags in this pink print that I am obsessed with, I could not not add them to the list!

For working from home and my kitchen pantry, I found this affordable and adorable 3-tier rolling cart at Michael’s. Currently, I am hoping to get this cart in both bright pink and white and have one to store snacks in my pantry and the other to store pens and notebooks in my home office which is flooding with papers and laptops!

Last but not least, I have LOVED doing at-home blowouts for special occasions and want to do them more and more and more. I did them for both of my college graduation photo sessions and they turned out super nicely. That being said, when I saw this Revlon hair dryer and volumizer, I knew I needed to add it to my list.

While there isn’t truly anything I want for Christmas besides ringing in some Christmas cheer for all to hear with friends and family, I do hope that my Christmas Wishlist provides you with some inspiration, especially if you’re stuck yourself – I know I was when my family asked me!

XOXO – Katie <3

Gift Guides: November 1-14 Round-Up!

Merry merry merry, Christmas is on its way! With Christmas now approaching sooner than ever, Christmas Gift Guides are also super helpful is gathering up ideas for what to shop for and purchase for your friends, family, coworkers, and even a Secret Santa exchange. Over the past two weeks, my gift guides are targeted at the Lilly Pulitzer Lover, Blogger, Disney Lover, For the Monogram Lover, For Mom, and For the Home Chef. Let’s get into now!

*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.*

For the Lilly Pulitzer Lover

For the Blogger

For the Disney Lover

For the Monogram Lover

For Mom

For the Home Chef

Happy gift giving!

XOXO – Katie <3

Winter 2021 Lookbook

Who doesn’t love a good Winter Lookbook, especially when it involves others and their own unique styles. I have partnered with Hayleigh of The Up and Coming School Counselor, Victoria of Southern Texas Ambience, Whitney of Wonderfully Whitney, Macy of Behind The Disability, Mikayla of Bliss and Bows, and my good friend Alanna to bring you each a favorite Winter look of ours. Together, we have made our own Winter 2021 Lookbook!

XOXO – Katie <3

A List of Small Businesses to Support – Small Business Saturday 2020

Now more than ever, it is so important to support our small businesses this year. There are so so many small businesses striving to make ends meet this year. With 2020 being such a tough year for us all, one of the best ways that we can all do is to support small businesses. Below, I have provided a round up of several small businesses to shop at this year. The best part?! Many of them are offering sales this year!!!

Fashion

Artwork/Handlettering

Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores

Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

Black Friday Deals to Shop this November 2020!

With everything going on, one thing that remains consistent is the Black Friday Sales. In fact, they may even be better than in years past (they always seem to)!!! While it is not the safest option to shop in-stores this Black Friday, several stores are offering online Black Friday deals to enjoy right from your couch. That being said, I have provided a long list of Black Friday deals from your favorite stores and MORE!

Fashion

Beauty

Home

Miscellaneous

All of the Above

Happy Shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

Meredith Angel-Owned Small Businesses to Support this Holiday Season

If you know me, then you know that I LOVE my sweet Meredith College. My experience so far at Meredith has been one of the best that I could ever ask for. As I started The Pink Chickadee and grew my platform, I watched my Meredith sisters around me grow their own small businesses. There is so much beauty in seeing my Meredith sisters and I’s successes grow. I LOVE supporting small businesses and especially those that are connected to Meredith students or alumni. Today, I have rounded up several of many small businesses that are run by Meredith women!

  • From prints to stickers that are all Meredith-themed, check out MH Paper Goods. The lovely lady behind the business, Maria, and I did a giveaway in August and she is also a Woman in STEM with a sweet and creative spirit!
  • Customization from monograms to even Ruth Bader Ginsburg ornaments/key chains, look no further than Greetings of Magic! Megan, the shop owner, is one of my best friends’ Lil’s and friends of mine and she is the sweetest thing! You can also use my code thepinkchickadee for 10% off your purchase (offer valid until December 31, 2020).
  • If you’re looking for all-things handlettering and the most fun designs connected to your favorite shows, movies, and even Enneagram type, shop at Lettering By Miranda! The lovely Miranda designed The Pink Chickadee‘s logo and she did an amazing job!!!
  • For the cutest masks, wine glasses, ornaments, and the funniest apparel, check out Cassie’s Designs! Cassie is also one of my best friends and she is OH SO TALENTED!!!
  • Who doesn’t love a cute mug and especially a Meredith mug?! The sweetest Anna Haddock of The Coffee Table Goods has the cutest Meredith-themed mugs as well as an adorable Christmas-themed mug in her shop!
  • Whether it be Meredith, NC State, love stories, or all North Carolina destinations, shop everything North Carolina-oriented at Pamlico Paper Company. Liz the shop owner is the sweetest and is always showing up at local North Carolina art/craft fairs to show off her talents!
  • If you want some of the most adorable prints that you will find, then definitely check out J Hall Designs! Along with her Etsy shop which I have linked, J Hall Designs is carried at The Local Squirrel, For Your Convenience Raleigh, Southern Home & Kitchen, and Katherine Beck Gifts. I studied abroad with the shop owner Julia Hall in London back in July 2018, and she is such a sweet soul!!!
  • For the cutest Meredith-oriented stickers among other things, definitely check out Laney Logan Design Co. The shop owner Laney is super sweet!!
  • Whether it be Meredith-oriented stickers, metal prints, or even a painting, Mountain Top Photos has it all for you. The shop owner Brittney was one of my Lil’s teammates!
  • To get the most adorable pet designs from stickers to prints to even paintings, then definitely check out Ashlyn’s Art. Ashlyn’s Art is run by my sweet Lil Sis Ashlyn! To place your order, then follow her Instagram page @ashlyns_artwc.
  • Rachel Norris Art has the most beautiful handlettering and graphic designs that are North Carolina-themed, spiritual, and *of course* Meredith-themed. The shop owner Rachel was a classmate of mine and she is oh so sweet!
  • If you LOVE hand lettering like myself, then definitely follow @_letteringbylauren on Instagram to see my Meredith sister Lauren’s hand lettering projects! While this endeavor of Lauren’s is not necessarily a small business, Lauren is extremely talented just like the other ladies mentioned in this post.
  • Two of my favorite things are Meredith College and Christmas! Liza’s Lettering Co definitely embodies two of my favorite things. The shop owner Eliza is also the sweetest thing!
  • The Local Squirrel is the cutest boutique! Located in Raleigh’s vibrant Cameron Village, this sweet boutique is owned by a Meredith alumni who loves supporting small businesses. Every time I visit The Local Squirrel, I end up having a great experience and cannot wait to go back!
  • For such unique and stunning pieces of jewelry, then definitely check out Raleighwood Beads; I am OBSESSED with the nutcracker necklace I recently got from there. I actually collaborated with the shop owner Carolyne on a fundraiser and social with our classes and it was super fun!
  • To get all of your custom print and sticker needs, then check out @claireannedesign on Instagram. The shop owner Claire and I are in the same class and have done Cornhuskin’ together over the years. Like Claire, I have shared so many special memories with all of the ladies in my class!

Shopping small has always been a favorite thing of mine, specifically when it involves ladies connected to sweet Meredith College. Whether or not you attend Meredith or have any connection to the school, these lovely ladies’ businesses are definitely worth it to check out. Not only are their talents shining at Meredith College and within the Meredith community, but they are also shining beyond Meredith College.

XOXO – Katie <3