My Housewarming Party!

Love me a great party!!! I have always had a passion for hosting. In fact, I hosted quite a few parties at my college apartment. However, unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I was not able to host there much during the final year and a half of college. So, given that COVID-19 has subsided and I have moved into the Washington, DC area, I decided to host my very own Housewarming Party! Today, I am giving you ALLL the details on it!

For my Housewarming Party, I decided to host it out on my patio (you can check out my Patio Reveal here!), especially since I was dog sitting. For food, I served chips, crab dip, queso, soft-serve pretzels, shrimp, and *of course* strawberry margaritas. As for decor, I got the majority of it at The Dollar Tree, unless I had it from before. Below, I will list where I purchased ALL the items used.

Where I Got My Decor!

  • Bar Cart: Home Goods
  • Luau Banner: The Dollar Tree
  • Gold Scalloped Ice Bucket: Kate Spade
  • Miniature Flamingo: The Dollar Tree
  • Flamingo Pink Cups: Home Goods
  • Silver Duck Ice Bucket: Family Antique
  • Aqua Bucket: The Dollar Tree
  • Pink Tablecloth: The Dollar Tree
  • Aqua Serving Bowl: The Dollar Tree
  • Pink Bowl: Home Goods
  • Pineapple Plates: The Dollar Tree
  • Luau Straws: The Dollar Tree
  • Flamingo “Welcome” Sign: NC State Farmers Market

Here’s to hosting many more gatherings very soon!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

A Patio Inspired by Flamingos

Hey y’all! Today, I am coming to you all with a brand-new apartment reveal today: my patio!!! Yes, my patio! My patio has been my super sweet spot to host, admire the many flora around, and simply have a glass of wine. My Papa and dog Rosie loves it as well!!! It’s a great spot that I have LOVED utilizing for MANY different purposes! As always, I will list where I purchased each of my items and if it is still available to purchase. Please note that most pieces have been purchased from years past or were recent purchases made affordably. Now, let’s see my summer party space!

*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.*

How I Shopped:

  • Tumbler: Lilly Pulitzer
  • Adirondack Chairs: Target (similar here)
  • Flamingo Pillows: Target Dollar Spot & gifted from a friend
  • Aqua Pillows: Costco (came in a set of 2)
  • Pink Pillow: TJ Maxx (got years ago)
  • Brown Bench: Papa’s
  • Black Table & Chairs: My Mom’s & Papa’s
  • Lobster Pillow: Target (got years ago)
  • Seashell Pillow: Home Goods (got years ago)
  • Big Meredith Rock: Made by my Papa
  • Little Meredith Rock: Made by my best friend Laurie’s Dad
  • Fire Pit: Papa’s
  • Pinwheels: The Dollar Tree
  • Flowers: Walmart & my Mom’s
  • Flower Pots: My Papa’s
  • Silver Tin Table: My Papa’s

Here’s to making many more memories on my patio!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

My Grand Millennial Kitchen

Eeeeeekkkk!!! Yet *another* apartment room being revealed. Today, I am revealing my kitchen aka my sweet spot for cooking, enjoying my daily morning coffee, and savoring some wine after a long day. Most of my kitchen is filled with some older and more charming treasures along with some newer finds. As always, I will list where everything was purchased from with links where and when I can. Here’s to finding some apartment inspiration for your own kitchen. Now, here we go!!!

*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.*

Where I Shopped:

Outfit:

Kitchen Items:

  • Rugs: Walmart (gifted years ago)
  • Knives Set: KitchenAid (given from my Mom)
  • Knife Block: KitchenAid (given from my Mom)
  • “T” Blush Pink & White Colorblock Pitcher: Mark & Graham
  • Wooden Spoons & Spatulas: Williams Sonoma, Target, & Walmart (all gifted and/or older)
  • Cupcake Pottery Item: Made Myself Years Ago!!!
  • Antique Wooden Home Blocks: A Family Antique
  • Wooden Clock: My Papa’s
  • White Dish Rack: From my Dad
  • Dish Drying Matt: Walmart
  • Paper Towel Holder: From my Mom
  • Fruit & Vegetable Bowl: Antique Find
  • Mini Chicken Pitcher: Gifted From my Aunt Bell from the Amalfi Coast, Italy
  • Wooden Homes: A Family Antique
  • Green & White Plates: Antique Finds
  • Pink Mini Keurig: Amazon (4 comes in 4 different colors)
  • Keurig Display: An Old Spice Rack from my Mom
  • Keurig Display Bow: Michael’s
  • “The Struggle is Real, but so is God” Block: Hobby Lobby
  • London City Print: A Westminster Abbey Gift Shop
  • Teal Mug Baskets: The Dollar Tree
  • Mugs: Lilly Pulitzer, The Disney Store, & many others!
  • Trash Can: Target
  • Recycle Bin: Rae Dunn
  • Heart Plate: Rae Dunn
  • “Love” Pottery Heart: Rae Dunn
  • Dog Canvas: Shutterly (a gift from my Step Mom)
  • Pink Frame: Painted myself!
  • Fake Flowers: The Dollar Tree & Antique Finds
  • Vases: The Dollar Tree
  • “LOVE” Canvas: Painted myself at The Pink Retreat’s Virtual Valentine’s Day Wine & Design
  • “Love” Wooden Handlettered Block: Target Dollar Spot
  • Tree Painting: A Custom Painting won at an Auction at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia
  • Deer Antlers: My Papa’s
  • Basket Above the Fridge: My Papa’s
  • Meredith College Magnet: Custom Made Gift from my Papa

Here’s to another part of my apartment reveal coming soon. Up next week will be my patio reveal. Stay tuned!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee2 Comments

What I Bought for my College Apartment

It can be SO daunting when you are deciding what you need to get when moving into an apartment. College apartments are so exciting at the same time – it is a symbol of freedom and independence especially from the dining hall food haha. I lived in my beloved college apartment on-campus for my Junior and Senior year of college. I had so many great experiences in my college apartment, and I know you all will in yours too. That being said, I have made a massive college apartment list, in order to help y’all when shopping and packing for yours.

Please note that this master list is catered to a furnished apartment. All furniture items that are needed will probably be determined by yourself based on your own apartment needs and desires. Happy shopping and best of luck!

*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.*

The Ultimate College Apartment List

Bedroom

  1. Mattress pad and/or topper
  2. Bedding
  3. 2+ sets of sheets
  4. Pillows
  5. Pillow cases and/or covers
  6. Rug
  7. Mini fridge (if needed)
  8. TV (if desired)
  9. Dresser organizers
  10. Jewelry tray(s) and/or necklace rack
  11. Jewelry organizer(s)
  12. Perfume tray (if desired)
  13. Makeup organizer(s)
  14. Hair tools
  15. Hair brushes
  16. Hair tools/brushes organizer(s)
  17. Alarm clock
  18. Throw blankets
  19. Heated blanket/weighted blanket (if applicable)
  20. Lamp(s)
  21. Decorations

Bathroom

  1. Toothbrush holder
  2. Storage containers and/or organizers
  3. Over the shower rack
  4. Bath towels
  5. Hand towels
  6. Wash cloths
  7. Bath matts
  8. Medicine
  9. First Aid kit
  10. Bandaids
  11. Mini trash can
  12. Mini trash bags
  13. Cleaning supplies
  14. Plunger
  15. Decorations

Work Space

  1. Textbooks
  2. Book shelf
  3. Desk chair pillow and/or back relief
  4. Notebooks
  5. Chargers
  6. Computer mouse
  7. Monitor(s) (if desired)
  8. Mousepad
  9. Planner/to do list (if needed)
  10. Pencils
  11. Pens
  12. Calculator
  13. Sticky notes
  14. Index cards
  15. Stationary
  16. Erasers
  17. Pencil lead
  18. Pencil sharpener
  19. Tape
  20. Tape dispenser
  21. Stapler
  22. Staples
  23. Mini trash can
  24. Mini trash bags
  25. Desk lamp
  26. Note pad
  27. Books
  28. Checkbook
  29. Stamps
  30. Envelopes
  31. Files
  32. File holder
  33. Folders
  34. Binders
  35. Backpack
  36. Notebook paper
  37. Printer paper
  38. Printer (if applicable)
  39. Printer ink
  40. Decorations

Closet

  1. Mirror
  2. Shoe rack
  3. Hangers
  4. Storage bins
  5. Clothing Rack (if needed/desired)

Kitchen

  1. Set of utensils
  2. Plates
  3. Bowls
  4. Paper towels
  5. Paper towel holder
  6. Soap dispenser
  7. Dishwasher detergent
  8. Sponges
  9. Dish soap
  10. Hand soap
  11. Cups
  12. Wine glasses (if of-age)
  13. Can opener
  14. Wine bottle opener (if of-age)
  15. Beer bottle opener (if of-age)
  16. Scissors
  17. Kitchen knives
  18. Cutting boards
  19. Ziploc bags
  20. Aluminum foil
  21. Plastic wrap
  22. Trash can
  23. Trash bags
  24. Magnets
  25. Brita water filter
  26. Recycle bin
  27. Water bottle(s)
  28. Mugs
  29. Tumbler(s)
  30. Kitchen appliances (my favorite include – my mini Keurig, my Instant Pot, my Crockpot, my Ninja Air Fryer, my KitchenAid Hand Mixer, and my Fondue Makers)
  31. Toaster
  32. Blender/food processor
  33. Pans
  34. Pots
  35. Skillets
  36. Cooking utensils
  37. Spices
  38. Non-perishable food items
  39. Casserole dishes
  40. Dutch oven
  41. Tea towels
  42. Placemats
  43. Tablecloths
  44. Table runners
  45. Cooler/lunch bag – my favorite is the Scout Pleasure Chest!
  46. Napkins
  47. Food storage containers
  48. Ice cube tray
  49. Ice packs
  50. Microwaveable bowl with lid
  51. Measuring cups
  52. Mixing bowls
  53. Decorations

Living Area

  1. Couch cover
  2. TV
  3. Throw pillows
  4. Board and/or card games
  5. Rug
  6. DVD’s
  7. Game console (if applicable)
  8. Decorations

Laundry Room

  1. Laundry detergent
  2. Fabric softener
  3. Dryer sheets
  4. Anti-wrinkle spray
  5. Iron
  6. Ironing board
  7. Clothes Hangers (1-4)
  8. Hair remover roll(s)
  9. Vacuum
  10. Cleaning supplies
  11. Laundry basket
  12. Hamper
  13. Swiffer
  14. Swiffer wipes
  15. Broom

Miscellaneous

  1. Device chargers
  2. Air purifier and/or humidifier
  3. Fan(s)
  4. Storage bins and/or plastic storage drawers
  5. Plants (if desired)
  6. Febreeze/Glade
  7. Candles and candle lighter (if allowed and desired )
  8. Scent plug-in’s
  9. Command strips and hooks
  10. Fake plants (if desired)
  11. Craft supplies (if desired)
  12. Holiday decorations (if desired)
  13. Clorox wipes
  14. Essential oil diffuser (if applicable)
  15. Speaker(s) (if applicable)
  16. Face masks and/or face shield
  17. Multiple bottles of hand sanitizer
  18. Door wreath/welcome sign
  19. Door mat

Here’s to making memories in your own apartment very soon!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

I Spent $0 on Jewelry Organization

Would you believe me if I told you that I spent $0 on my jewelry organization?! Well, you better believe I did! Jewelry organization can get expensive when it all adds up. Please note that my jewelry organizers were given as gifts over the years. But, I do know some secrets to saving BIG on jewelry organizers. So, today, I am going to be sharing my secrets on how I saved big on my jewelry organization!!!

How I Got/Purchased Each Item:

  • White Jewelry Organizer – a gift from my Grandpa YEARS ago
  • “Think Pink” frame – Hobby Lobby purchase from a few years back
  • Crystal – an antique from my Grandma
  • Clear Jewelry Tray – a gift from Meredith College staff
  • White Circular Jewelry Tray – a Meredith College Lux gift from our Ring Dinner
  • Modern Muse Perfume Box – a gift from my Grandma YEARS ago
  • Aqua Storage Box – was in my Dad’s house for years, but then was given to me!
  • Blush Pink & Tan Jewelry Organizer – a gift from my roommate Sophie (however, I did find that exact jewelry organizer at Home Goods for $10-$20!)
  • Crystal Bowl – thrifted years ago
  • Pink Glass Flamingo – a gift from a friend
  • Pineapple Printed Jewelry Tray – Lilly Pulitzer and a gift from my friend Morgan
  • Rectangular White Jewelry Tray – a gift from my friend
  • Chevron Aqua Storage Cube – Amazon purchase a few years back
  • Pink Lamp – Pottery Barn Kids and have had since I was a kid
  • Necklace Rack – a gift from my Mom years ago

Places to Shop for Affordable Jewelry Organizers

  • The Container Store
  • Home Goods
  • Marshall’s
  • TJ Maxx
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • The Dollar Tree
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Bed, Bath, & Beyond
  • Amazon
  • The Christmas Tree Shops
  • Thrift stores
  • DIY it!

Here’s to discovering affordable jewelry organization hacks for yourself, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

My Lilly Pulitzer-Inspired Bedroom

The secret is OUT! My post-graduation apartment is *FINALLY* being revealed here on The Pink Chickadee *cues the confetti*!!! Each week, I will be revealing a different part of my apartment – whether it be a room/space in my apartment or how I organized it. We are kicking off this series starting with my bedroom. Please note that most pieces have been purchased from years past or were recent purchases made affordably. I will list out where everything is from below and links so you can shop them too if an item is still available. Now, let’s get this party started!

*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.*

How I Shopped:

  • Quilt – Lilly Pulitzer x Pottery Barn Kids
  • Printed Shams – Lilly Pulitzer x Pottery Barn Kids
  • Pink Shams – Kate Spade Home
  • Flamingo Pillow – TJ Maxx
  • Headboard – Wayfair
  • Hotty Pink First Impressions Duvet – Lilly Pulitzer for Garnet Hill
  • “Choose Happy” Painting – The Redheaded Camel
  • White Chest – Family Piece
  • White Bedside Table – Pottery Barn
  • Hotty Pink First Impressions Lookalike Pillow – DIYed with fabric from Hobby Lobby
  • Alarm Clock – a gift from Amazon
  • Black Mannequin – Gift from an Antique shop
  • Paris Mannequin – Gift from a friend
  • White Mirror – Pottery Barn
  • Flamingo Head – Hobby Lobby
  • White Pom Pom Curtains – Target
  • Flamingo Painting – Gift from a friend
  • Wreath – Cassie’s Designs (check out my amazing friend’s shop here!)
  • White Dresser: Pottery Barn
  • White Bookshelf: Ikea
  • Shopping Bags on Bookshelf: J Crew, Chanel, Lilly Pulitzer, Coach, Kendra Scott, Tory Burch, Gucci Garden, MAC, & Jack Rogers
  • Handbags on Bookshelf: Kate Spade
  • Brown Dresser with Mirror: Family Piece
  • White Lamps (2): Family Piece
  • Angels (3): Family Piece
  • Disney Ears: Disney Shop, won from a giveaway, & The Polka Dot Emporium (check out her shop here!)
  • Candle: The Dollar Tree
  • White Tall Dresser: Pottery Barn
  • Pink Lamp: Pottery Barn Kids
  • Necklace Holder: Gift from my Mom
  • Brown Basket: Family Piece
  • Chickadee Painting: Purchased from a local artist
  • “Rest” Birdhouse: Rae Dunn
  • Tissue Box Cover: Sewn by my Grandma
  • Air Purifier: Amazon
  • Flamingo Canvases & Framed Photos: Hobby Lobby, The Dollar Tree, & The Redheaded Camel
  • White Jewelry Organizer: Gifted from my Grandpa
  • Tan Jewelry Organizer: Gifted from my roommate Sophie
  • Aqua & White Chevron Cubby: Amazon
  • Teal & White Damask Storage Block: Home Goods
  • Clear Jewelry Tray: Gifted from Meredith College Staff
  • Crystal Bowl: Thrifted
  • Crystal Perfume Holder: Family Piece
  • Glass Flamingo: Gifted from a friend
  • Pineapple Jewelry Tray: Gifted from a friend, but is Lilly Pulitzer

I hope you enjoyed my mini tour of my brand-new bedroom in my brand-new apartment! Here’s to next week where I will be sharing my affordable jewelry organization and how I did it spending $0. Have a great week y’all!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee2 Comments

The Perfect Patriotic Picnic

Love me a patriotic picnic! Long time NO chat!!! Life has been crazy busy recently with setting everything up in my apartment and moving things in there. Luckily for me, I am set up fully and am ready to get back on my blogging game aka one of my favorite things to do. Today, I am sharing my perfect patriotic picnic that was easy to set up AND only costed me under $10.

A few days ago, my friends and I had a patriotic-themed picnic. Initially, we were planning to go to a local park. However, plans can and will change. The day was rainy, so we ended up meeting at my friend’s house in her backyard with a canopy, instead. Her backyard had a beautiful atmosphere so it worked out beautifully. Before that, I had never thought about hosting a picnic in a backyard, so it was nice to switch it up a bit. Other picnic suggestions include – a local park, a garden, a lake, a museum park/garden, or even on benches in a town square. Whatever is close by can be made to be pretty great!

As for the food, each of us brought a few different things to share. I brought Vanilla cupcakes with all things patriotic – aka red, white, and blue colors only! On food only, I spent $5 on the cupcake mix and frosting. The sprinkles were already on hand.

When it came to the plates and decor, I had already had the picnic basket. Fun fact: it was a wedding gift to my Mom and Step Dad and they never used it, so they gave it to me. The plates and napkins were actually from The Dollar Tree and I purchased 1 set of plates and 1 set of napkins. So, I spent $2 on the serving ware and decor.

Overall, I spent:

  • Food: $5
  • Serving ware & Decor: $2
  • Picnic Basket: Free
  • Total: $7

My Look is From

It is always nice to be able to find effective ways to save and still have a great time. A picnic is such a great way to either explore a new place and save some money while doing it. Day trips and social outings can add up, especially when you want to do it all. BUT, we CAN do it all and on a budget!!! Hopefully, my perfect patriotic picnic has provided you with some inspiration on how to still have a fun time, yet do it all on a dime.

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

Affordable Easter Decorations

I am a sucker for any holiday, especially when it comes to the decorating aspect. However, decorating for every holiday can come at an additional cost and can really add up really really fast. So, today, I have shared some super fun and affordable Easter decorations, courtesy of Target, Wayfair, and Michael’s, to meet your budget’s needs and decorating desires.

*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.*

  1. Happy Easter Paper Garland
  2. Metal Tabletop Eggshell Basket
  3. Pack of 6 Multicolored Easter Eggs
  4. Green Moss Bunny Figurines
  5. Yarn Carrot Tree
  6. Easter Egg Wreath
  7. 6ft Big Egg Garland
  8. Pink & White Gnome Figurine
  9. Tabletop Bunny with Flower

Happy decorating!!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

Christmas 2020 Decor Reveal

Have yourself a Merry Lilly Christmas! If you know me, then you know that I LOVE Christmas. So, today on the blog, I am revealing ALL of the Christmas decor for my first-ever Katie’s Confetti Christmas *cue the confetti*!!! All of my Christmas decorations are brought to you by Target, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Home Goods, Amazon, DIY, or leftover from my house or Papa’s from years past. With everything going on due to the coronavirus, I am very excited to have decorated a bit early for Christmas this year to spread some cheer. Enjoy!

A special thanks to my good friend Kaylee for helping me deck the halls with some sweet confetti Christmas cheer <3

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

The DIY Breast Cancer Awareness Banner Made that Costs $0

Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime? Me either. 1 in 8 people is a big number. Knowing this information, I think it is important that we all discuss and bring awareness to breast cancer. Breast cancer runs in my family, as my Great-Grandmother who I am named after got diagnosed with it and unfortunately passed away from it. Similar to my family, I know that many others have connections in their family and friends who have either had breast cancer or had it themselves. That being said, I decided to DIY a super cute banner to bring awareness to breast cancer research as well as its prevalence in our world today.

Every October, Lilly Pulitzer realizes a Paws for a Cause print where they donate some of the profits from its’ sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The print is *of course* pink, and I am obsessed with them all year after year. This year’s print was super duper adorable that I HAD to purchase something in it, especially knowing that my purchase goes to a great cause. As I have been eyeing Lilly Pulitzer’s pajama pants for quite some time now, I finally made the plunge and purchase a pair in this year’s Paws for a Cause print. Knowing how breast cancer affects many women and Lilly Pulitzer lovers, I really respect that my favorite fashion brand takes the initiative to support breast cancer research.

To go with my Paws for a Cause pajama pants, I decided to hand make a banner for my apartment. To make it, I went on my good old laptop and printed out a full page length of the print with one of the letters in “Think Pink” in a text box over it. I, then, printed the pages out, and hole punched the two left and right corners on the top of each page. Lastly, I weaved a tiny white ribbon through the holes and tied a knot at the ribbon on the end of each side.

I have made banners in my favorite Lilly Pulitzer prints in the past for both my dorms and my apartment. They have been such a fun decorative asset in my rooms for the past four years! Getting to have a banner that supports a cause that is very important to me and to many others is a great way to show off awareness for the things that mean the most to me. Although breast cancer is not going away anytime soon, showing off and giving my support for the cause is a way that I can do my part to help others and potentially myself someday.

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment