My Experience at Muse Paintbar!

As an early Galentine’s celebration, me and one of my best friends Brianna and I went to do a wine & design to commemorate the occasion. I posted about our fun experience and final product on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!) just last week as apart of my 14 Days of Pink fashion challenge. I had a BLAST getting to create a painting of my own from scratch with the help of a painter guide, catch up with Brianna, and enjoy some refreshments at none other than Muse Paintbar – a premier wine and design bar in the Washington, DC area.

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.

I have ALWAYS been a sucker for a Wine & Design type of experience! A fun fact about me is that I planned a Cupcakes and Canvases wine and design-like experience when I was in college on my then-dry college campus my Freshmen year of college. It was *actually* the first-ever college event that I planned. I have many many many fond memories of my Cupcakes & Canvases event, especially the painting part of it and the openness for pure creativity, so I *HAD* to take on the opportunity to do another wine & design event when Brianna suggested it!

About Muse Paintbar: Muse Paintbar strived to become the place to go for painting and sipping upon opening their first location back in 2012. There is an open bar at EVERY studio for you to enjoy drinks and food as you paint. One thing that I LOVE about Muse Paintbar is that it is a female-led business that currently employs over 300 creative-minded individuals. A quote that I just adore from their website is: “while we’re passionate about bringing art to our communities, we don’t take ourselves too seriously around here. No matter if you’re hanging with us virtually, or in our studio, we will be there for you every step of the way.” Currently, Muse Paintbar has public classes on their website that people can sign up for with others in their local communities along with the option to host a private event/party there, too. In 2020, Muse Paintbar launched virtual painting classes to generate more access to all, especially with COVID-19. And, Muse Paintbar invites their guests to get creative and unplug from their day-to-day lives. Also, if you decide to frequent Muse Paintbar, you can sign up for their Rewards Program to earn points. Read more on their website here: https://www.musepaintbar.com/

Muse Paintbar Locations: Currently, Muse Paintbar is primarily located along the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. They have locations across Virginia, the National Capital Region/Washington, DC area (there are around 5 near me!!), New York, and New England. If you don’t see a location in your city, then look no further than their virtual classes where painting supplies get sent to your house your scheduled painting class. See ALL locations here: https://www.musepaintbar.com/locations/

As for planning our Paint & Sip experience, Brianna and I headed to the Muse Paintbar website to pick out a design. On the site, you can select the Studio of your choosing and pick a design that you want to paint given a date and time that works for you and your crew. Since we are Washington, DC area locals who are both SUPER girly, we picked the cherry blossom trees along a foggy scenery. It was such a girly and perfect addition for both of our apartments, too! When you register for your Paint & Sip Experience, you pay upfront per person and can specify your group of people that you’re attending with to help the studio staff out and others that may register at different times than you in your crew. Brianna had been to Muse Paintbar before and spoke VERY highly of her experience, so I knew I was in for a treat!

When Brianna and I arrived to our local Muse Paintbar studio, we were greeted by one of the staff members who checked us in and sat down in our pre-assigned seats. Each group had a section of their own upon checking in (this is something that you can specify via your group members when you register for your event!). We, then, grabbed some refreshments as we got there a bit early – all Muse Paintbars open to the public pre-events about 30 minutes beforehand! – and grabbed our aprons and got ready to paint. The studio had paintings done by the studio guides – most of whom are artists themselves – and GREAT music playing. A fun fact about me is that I am a sucker for art, specifically paintings, so it was fun for me to admire all of the artists’ creations!! I LOVED the music and the atmosphere, as the entire studio was simply good vibes ALLLL around.

As for the painting part of it, I found it to be fun and open to interpretation for each person who was there. I LOVED how interactive the experience was and fun our studio guide was. I was able to be creative and have fun in my own way. At the same time, I really enjoyed being guided through the process by someone who has an artistic background because, well, I lack artistic ability (LOL!). My studio guide Taylor actually mentioned that she has her own shop, too, where she sells her artwork! My favorite part of the whole painting experience was getting to add the petals to my cherry blossom trees, as it was ALL THINGS PINK.

I am SO excited as I am adding some more wall art to my walls to add my brand-new canvas to my wall. Not only does this canvas take a pretty place on my apartment walls, but it also commemorates a fun night with a great friend and great vibes all around. In the future, I definitely would love to attend another event and perhaps even on a solo date, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

 

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Washington, DC Spots: US Botanic Garden Season’s Greenings Exhibit

The US Botanic Garden’s Season Greenings exhibit has been on my bucket list for awhile now and especially as something I really wanted to do this Christmas season. Yet, I did not think that I would have been able to make it to this magical holly jolly exhibit this year. BUT, when my Mom and I decided that we’d rather go somewhere else than to tour the United States Capitol Building for another time, I *just knew* that I had to suggest the US Botanic Garden! Luckily for me, my Mom wanted to go too and it was the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve Eve!

Getting there: The US Botanic Garden is easiest to reach using public transportation. It is a 7 minute walk from Federal Center SW Metro Station, which serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. It can also be reached via the Smithsonian Metro Station (also along the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines), as the US Botanic Garden is located right on the National Mall (on the US Capitol Building’s grounds!!!) along with many of Washington, DC’s other Smithsonian Institution museums like the National Gallery of Art, Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Castle. So, if you’re visiting other Smithsonian museums, checking out the US Botanic Garden may just be worth your while, too! A unique fact about the US Botanic Garden is that it is located right next to the US Capitol Building’s Visitor Center and grounds and seeing that too is a great addition to any Washington, DC adventure! The address for the US Botanic Garden is 100 Maryland Ave SW. For more information on the US Botanic Garden, look no further than here: https://www.usbg.gov/

About: The US Botanic Garden is a botanical garden located on the grounds of the US Capitol Building. It is supervised by Congress via the Architect of the Capitol who is actually responsible for maintenance of the US Capitol’s grounds. Its hours are 10am-5pm daily with extended hours til 8pm on Tuesday’s for the Season’s Greenings exhibit’s duration. Like every Smithsonian museum, the US Botanic Garden is FREE to enter via free admission. The Season’s Greenings Exhibit is located within both the outdoor gardens (with G-gauge model trains running during open hours, too!) and the indoor conservatory which features holiday decorations, poinsettias, and sculptures of Washington, DC landmarks made from *nothing other than* …. plants! The Season’s Greenings display runs until January 2. For more information on the Season’s Greenings exhibit, look no further than here: https://www.usbg.gov/holiday

On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), I shared some photos from my adventures at the gorgeous US Botanic Garden. My Mom and I were both IN AWE at just how gorgeous the US Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greenings exhibit was. We LOVED getting to experience this exhibit. To me, it felt as if we took a tour of Washington, DC without having to leave a building! Mom is really into gardening, so it was super fun to be able to learn from her own gardening experiences with the plants here at the US Botanic Garden. For example, a lot of the sculptures of landmarks were accessorized and surrounded by rosemary – a favorite of my Mom’s that she plants regularly and plans to use within lots of dishes for our Christmas Eve dinner. It was fun to learn from her while also getting to enjoy some made with so much love and countless hours Washington, DC landmark sculptures!

Along with the Season’s Greenings exhibit, I know that the US Botanic Garden has gorgeous Spring, Summer, and Fall exhibits that I look forward to checking out in the future. With it being right by the US Capitol Building, I am very excited to be able to walk its grounds too while also enjoying greenery from around the world.

This outing with my Mom to the Season’s Greenings exhibit is the first of many family festivities between now and January 2. I am SO excited to share all of my adventures this holiday season (especially my outfits!). At the same time, I hope YOU have an incredible holiday season filled with joy, merry, and lots of time with loved one’s and yourself, too.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Enchant Washington, DC Photo Diary!

Did you know that Nationals Park decks the halls in their own unique way?! The other night, my best friend Stephanie and I went to Enchant DC – a Christmas light maze that is decked out ALL over Nationals Park. This is my second time-ever going to Enchant in Washington, DC and I had a BLAST catching up with Stephanie and taking in ALL of the Christmas cheer!

Enchant plays homage to a gorgeous Christmas lights maze down on the actual baseball field of Nationals Park. Meanwhile, the seats and stands are filled with a mini Christmas market where I purchased some delicious Whiskey-infused Peanut Butter Fudge from Chocolate Moonshine DC – a local fudge business – along with a Hallmark channel-sponsored singer, and opportunities to see Santa at an extra charge. If you’re not a Washington, DC area local, then don’t fret! Enchant is held in other United States cities besides Washington, DC, including: Las Vegas, Nashville, Dallas, Sacramento, San Jose, Scottsdale, and St. Petersburg. Enchant has been held in Washington, DC for a few years now and the Christmas maze *in my opinion* gets better and better and better year after year! Tickets are a bit pricey at around $30-$35/person with discounted rates for children and Seniors, but I find it to be 1000% worth it upon arriving at Nationals Park and seeing the gorgeous Christmas maze and lights display! Read more about Enchant here: https://enchantchristmas.com/

In the meantime, I am going to share some photos from Stephanie’s and I’s super fun adventure to Enchant!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Washington, DC Spots: Live at the Library of Congress

Who ever knew that the Library of Congress has a happy hour every Thursday night?! I surely didn’t!! To my surprise, the Library of Congress stays open every Thursday evening until 8pm for their weekly program known as Live at the Library. Last Thursday, my friends Brianna, Brittany, and I decided to surprise Brittany for her birthday with a trip to Live at the Library!

About: The Library of Congress is the research library that serves as Congress’ research arm. It is also the United States’ oldest federal cultural institution and largest de facto national library. Live at the Library allows visitors to stay at the Library of Congress until 8pm, take in the building’s gorgeous European-like architecture, listen to some live music, admire the exhibits, and enjoy a light snack and drinks at an additional cost (however everything to my surprise was under $10 which if you know for Washington, DC area is a steal for food and drinks!). All visitors must reserve a ticket in advance via a timed entry pass – they’re free do not fret!! – to go and visit and will enter in at the Jefferson Building on 1st Street SE (the only entrance for guests to the library). To reserve a ticket look no further than here: https://loc.usedirect.com/LOC/

Getting there: The closest Metro stop to the Library of Congress, located just behind the United States Capitol Building, is Capitol South – located in the heart of Washington, DC’s gorgeous and well-known Capitol Hill neighborhood. Capitol South Metro station is located on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. There are signs for the Library of Congress all around the Capitol Hill neighborhood making it less challenging even for directionally challenged people like myself to find their way. However, I *did* still get lost on my way there – whoops!! When routing yourself there, it’s best to use the main entrance of the Library of Congress’s Jefferson Building: 1st Street SE.

Brittany was happily surprised with a birthday trip to the notable Library of Congress! As we walked in, we were able to see the library’s Christmas tree in its main hall along with a Bible on exhibition. One of the coolest features of the Library of Congress’ Christmas tree is the fact that there’s book(s) to represent each of the United States (kind of like the state trees surrounding the notable National Christmas tree!). I was able to find the books for Texas (my Step Dad’s home state), Iowa (Papa’s home state), New Jersey (my home/birth state), North Carolina (my college state), and Virginia (my current and hopefully long-term home state). Each of the state books were painted with beautiful artwork masterpieces all over its covers and rims to represent its uniqueness. We also took several photos in our outfits in front of the tree, too! The Library of Congress Christmas tree is stunning and the fact that it had representation of all of the United States made it so much cooler and all that more special to see, too.

North Carolina!
Texas - Part 2!
New Jersey!
Iowa!
Virginia!
Texas - Part 1!
North Carolina - featuring my Onyx (Class Ring!)

We arrived at the Library of Congress a little after 7pm, so we didn’t have too much time to walk around and enjoy the exhibits and get some wine/snacks (we went to the Pentagon City neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia for that!). There was also a Santa Claus social for kids at the library earlier that day which the staff was cleaning up from. However, we definitely all wanted to come back and spend more time here at the nation’s largest cultural institution. To me, the ceilings, columns, and architecture ALL over the Library of Congress felt as if I were taken back in time to my study abroad days in Italy. I saw a striking resemblance to the Sistine Chapel at The Vatican when looking up at the building’s ceilings! Read a bit more about my time studying abroad in Italy in the Summer of 2018 here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2020/08/06/my-study-abroad-experience-in-tuscany/#/

One of the BEST features of the Library of Congress is the fact that its free and accessible for everyone. Knowing that people from Congress from centuries ago to this very day utilize its resources just as well as any other person can makes me admire the accessibility of the Library of Congress for everyone. When talking with the library’s super sweet docents, I learned that anybody can get a FREE library pass of sorts (forget the exact name of it!) to utilize its resources. The Library of Congress has a genealogy lab (which my Dad and I plan to use in 2023 for family research) and much more that anybody can use with a library pass. At the same time, there are super neat exhibits, including one that we saw on mapping aka my Dad’s heaven! Read more about the Library of Congress and ALL that it has to offer here: https://www.loc.gov/

The Library of Congress is probably my favorite site to see in Washington, DC! It felt just as if I was back in Europe. I definitely plan to go back more in 2023 to research, work, and just take it all in.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Northern Virginia Spots: Marshall Pond Christmas Village

When it comes to Christmas lights, the tackier the better! Luckily for me, I happened to pop onto Instagram just last week and discovered that there’s a Christmas Village just 15 minutes away from where I live in Northern Virginia: Marshall Pond Christmas Village. Earlier this week, my Papa and I decided to check out Marshall Pond Christmas Village and were in AWE by the incredible Christmas Village light display!

About: The Marshall Pond Christmas Village is a Christmas village put on by residents living on a pipeline off of Marshall Pond Lane. Everyone on that pipeline of homes decked out their yards and houses with the most festive decorations to spread and share Christmas cheer for all to hear! Admission is free and its open everyday up until Christmas from 5-10pm. Families, couples, and friends, alike flock to come and visit this iconic Christmas light display. Festive drinks and pictures are welcome, too, as it is all outdoors.

Getting there: Marshall Pond Christmas Village is best accessible by car, as it’s located in Burke, Virginia about 10-20 minutes from its nearest Metro Station: Franconia-Springfield at the end of the Blue Line. It’s best to park your car along Marshall Pond Lane as the Christmas Village is located down the street’s pipeline. The address you want to enter into your GPS is: 10108 Marshall Pond Lane, Burke, Virginia. For the most up-to-date information, you can join the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook Group which currently has 2,400+ members in it.

I told Papa earlier this week that we *HAVE TO* visit this nearby Christmas village and I knew that he was a bit hesitant – LOL! However, once we parked right in front of the Christmas village, we were in AWE with it all. SO much Christmas cheer and spirit!! Each and every home had its own set of unique Christmas decorations and light displays which was SO FUN to look at and admire. There was *even* a sparkling light tunnel through a community trail that neighborhood residents can take to enjoy the festivities and visitors can walk through a bit, too. Personally, I would say that this all free and easy outing with Papa was a HUGE success!!

Papa and I LOVED visiting Marshall Pond Christmas Village SO MUCH that we raved about it to my Mom and Aunts who also live nearby! Given its proximity to Washington, DC and its surrounding Virginia/Maryland suburbs and free cost to go walk around, I highly suggest visiting Marshall Pond Christmas Village if you’re in the Washington, DC area and want something FREE and FESTIVE to do!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Lucketts Holiday House Guide

***Please note that this Lucketts Holiday House Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This Holiday House Guide was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

Have you ever dreamt of walking into a real-life Christmas Pinterest board?! Well, I certainly have! Luckily for my Christmas Pinterest dreams, over the past few years, I have made it an annual tradition to step foot into Lucketts Holiday House and fulfill those Pinterest-worthy dreams of mine. It was truly a dream come true to see real-life Christmas magic come to life, especially to kick off the holiday season.

About:

The Lucketts Holiday Open House is a festive fun Holiday House put on by the Old Lucketts Store – an antique store located in the town of Lucketts, Virginia just outside of Leesburg, Virginia. The Holiday House is located on the Old Lucketts Store’s grounds, however, it is its own separate building that only opens to the public annually during the holiday season. The staff at the Old Lucketts Store work on the interiors for the Holiday House year-round and it changes each year. One year, the walls of the Holiday House were filled with hand-painted wallpaper! Hence, you must come back annually to see what’s in store!!

Inside the Holiday House, ALL items are up for purchase (for the most part!) including gorgeous wool blazers, scarves, blankets, plush animals, mugs, and *of course* Christmas decorations. The Holiday House is a fully timed ticketed entry only due to the long wait lines that came when visitors would line up out the doors in years past (see more information below!). If you go with a group, it is highly recommended that you have one person book for everyone as tickets are highly likely to sell out fast. 

In addition to the Holiday House, the Old Lucketts Store is open for visitors to enjoy hot chocolate and drinks available for purchase outside, admire the murals outdoors on the Holiday House’s grounds, shop at the local markets and support local businesses outside of the Old Lucketts Store, and check out and shop at the Old Lucketts Store, which is open year-round. 

Beyond the Holiday season, the Old Lucketts Store hosts a biannual market in Berryville, Virginia at the Clarke County Fairgrounds during the Spring and Fall Season’s. Markets are an excellent time to support local businesses, vendors, and the Old Lucketts Store. And, not to mention, there are several fun photo opportunities at their markets, too! See more information on markets that the Old Lucketts Store hosts here.

Admission:

It is highly recommended to book your Holiday House ticket in advance. I suggest following the Old Lucketts Store on either Instagram, Facebook, or both for the most up-to-date information on when ticket sales go live. Tickets do sell out quickly, so I would definitely set your alarms and a placeholder on your calendar to book them! Tickets are usually sold on Eventbrite.

For the 2025 holiday season, the Lucketts Holiday House will be open from November 6-December 14, 2025 on the weekends. Buy your tickets on Eventbrite here.

Getting There:

To get to the Lucketts Holiday Open House, it is easiest to drive there. Leesburg, Virginia is the closest town, with its downtown located less than 15 minutes away via car. Metro from Washington, DC goes out to Ashburn, Virginia on the Silver Line (the new last stop on this line!) and is a 25 minute drive/Uber ride from the Ashburn Station. You ALWAYS want to put in Old Lucketts Store when routing yourself to get there via car or Uber, as the Lucketts Holiday Open House is only an extension to the Old Lucketts Store (signage will direct you via the store’s parking lot to the Holiday House). Please note that there are potentially paid tolls to drive to get there. Learn more about the Old Luckett’s Store here: https://www.luckettstore.com/

My Experience:

My first time going was in November 2022, and I decided to go by myself to the Luckett’s Holiday Open House and it was PERFECT for either solo dates, couple dates, friend dates, and family dates (personally, I’d love to take my Mom in a future year!), as I saw ALL kinds of groups of people there. The one thing that all of us have in common: a BIG love for Christmas. I loved getting to go through all of the magical rooms at my own pace and avoid the crowds, too. The Holiday House (even with ticketed entry) can get crowded and spaces are small and tight at times with people walking through its narrow halls. Personally, as someone who isn’t a big fan of crowds, I purposely went into the rooms that were least crowded and even ended up meeting the super sweet Andrea – who was walking around on her own when we crossed paths and agreed with me that the Holiday House IS like walking through a real-life Hallmark movie! That all being said, be prepared to deal with crowds here and there, especially when taking photos as you’ll likely want to.

Since my first visit to the Lucketts Holiday House in 2022, I have made it an annual tradition to visit each holiday season! I have shared a photo diary from my visits over in 2023 (here) and 2024 (here). Every time I visit the Lucketts Holiday House, I am in awe at the talent, labors of love, and holiday cheer for all to hear at every corner! 

Wrap-Up:

I will say, the pictures that I share DO NOT do the Lucketts Holiday House ANY justice! Everything is so much more gorgeous in-person, including the murals and photo booths located outside. I definitely want to come back, as The Old Lucketts Store is a small and local Washington, DC area-owned business that ALSO does a Fall and Spring market which I’d love to check out at some point, too! But, in the meantime, if you have ANY Christmas Pinterest board dreams, then definitely check out the Lucketts Holiday Open House!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Washington, DC Spots: Downtown Holiday Market

There is ALWAYS something so magical about the holiday season. Washington, DC makes it pretty great with their annual Downtown Holiday Market. When my best friend Hannah and I arrived for its second day (Saturday November 19), we were whisked away into Washington, DC’s version of a European-like holiday village such as those I see in travel magazines.

The Downtown Holiday Market is located on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets just outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). It is just a few blocks away from the Gallery Place Metro Stop, located on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. From 12pm-8pm everyday with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 5 from November 18-December 23, 2022, the Downtown Holiday Market is an outdoor market which supports small businesses across the Washington, DC area. The aisles and booths include food (including German delights and churros!), shopping, and live music. According to the Downtown Holiday Market’s website, “this year’s retail lineup will feature more than 70 exhibitors including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses.” It is ALSO the holiday market’s 18th year! At the same time, the Downtown Holiday Market offered a plethora of festive decorations, whether it be Nutcrackers, reindeer, candy canes, or gold stars that are PERFECT for photo opportunities. Read more about it here: http://downtownholidaymarket.com/

Since we went on its first Saturday of the year, the Downtown Holiday Market was pretty busy when Hannah and I got there. We mainly just walked around as I’m not a big fan of crowds, yet I enjoyed the atmosphere and holly jolly cheer. I did get a chance to stop into The DC Pop-Up – a collective of women-owned and minority-owned Washington, DC area makers – and picked up a few things for myself and one of my friends for Christmas. I ended up talking to one of the shop collective’s makers and she like the rest of their crew there was super sweet. Supporting women-owned and minority-owned makers are two of my FAVORITE THINGS! While we didn’t go this time around, visiting the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum which are two connecting museums with a cafe and atrium in between is a GREAT way to spend part of your day since it’s just right there. Instead, Hannah and I went to my FAVORITE burger joint on me insisting – Shake Shack!

I most definitely want to come back to the Downtown Holiday Market – it offered such Washington, DC Holiday charm and provided such a great way to spend the holiday season. Whether it be with family, friends, or a significant other, coming to the Downtown Holiday Market is a FREE way to spread some holiday cheer this year!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Kennedy Center’s JFK Exhibit!

When most people think of Washington, DC’s The Kennedy Center, they think of spending what can feel like a fortune on tickets to see a performance. Case in point, I am seeing Hamilton at The Kennedy Center (here) in JUST 10 days!!!! I shared a bit about my visit to The Kennedy Center on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) in recent times and am planning to share here more about it, too. To the common eye’s surprise, The Kennedy Center has MANY free things to do upon visiting, whether it be seeing an exhibit, checking out their legendary rooftop terrace, or enjoying the outdoor grounds or a daily performance outside. More specifically, Papa and I visited The Kennedy Center’s JFK exhibit titled Art and Ideals, dedicated to former United States President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), on opening weekend just a few weekends ago.

About:

SO, to give a back story to the JFK exhibit at The Kennedy Center, during his presidency, President Kennedy founded and set aside some funds for an arts center in Washington, DC. He wanted this arts center to represent the several cultures within the United States and embrace diversity, showcase the performing arts talents within our world and a place to present international talents, too, and honor none other than the arts. The Kennedy Center was being built and, after President Kennedy’s assassination, it was decided to name this famous arts center that he so created the foundations for after him. This exhibit on President Kennedy opened on September 17, 2022 to honor the 50th anniversary of The Kennedy Center which opened in 1972. The JFK exhibit has photos of everything that the former President wanted to dedicate The Kennedy Center to, whether it be a safe haven for African Americans to express themselves and be accepted for who they are, a place for dancers, singers, and actors to show off their talents, and to continue performing arts education for all. JFK was President during the 1960’s in a time when the Cold War and Civil Rights Movements dominated the news and then-current times. Overall, the exhibit was a BEAUTIFUL tribute to former President Kennedy and his love for creating a safe haven for all to simply be them for years to come.

Our Experience:

One of my favorite parts of the JFK exhibit was getting to see ALL of the former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis photos!!! I am a HUGE fan of Jackie Kennedy, as I love her utter class, style, and charisma. Not to mention, the fact that Jackie Kennedy remained a major supporter of the establishment of The Kennedy Center both when her late husband was in office and when he passed. Jackie Kennedy truly loved The Kennedy Center!! At the same time, the history of the Kennedy family was presented in JFK’s dedication exhibit. It was neat to be able to see the passion that the entire Kennedy family has for the arts and embracing diversity, all cultures, and acceptance.

Recently, I have been reading a lot of magazines on celebrities, whether it be Elizabeth Taylor or Dolley Parton. It has, indeed, been my new way to wind down after a long day. Anyhow, there is even a Kennedy Center award given to performers. It’s neat to see the legacy of The Kennedy Center and JFK to this day in performers that many of us know and love across the globe!

Wrap-Up:

Truly, the passions that JFK had for the arts shows today in their legacy known as The Kennedy Center. It seriously is a beautiful legacy!!! There is also a GORGEOUS signature rooftop terrace accessible to ALL The Kennedy Center visitors which truly showcases the beauty of Washington, DC (via showing off gorgeous skyline views!) and honors the Kennedy’s very well.

XOXO – Katie <3

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I Went to Glossier DC!

On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), I shared a bit about my adventures in Washington, DC’s neighborhood – Georgetown. In case you didn’t know, Georgetown is an iconic neighborhood in Washington, DC known for: being the home of Georgetown University, a plethora of high-end shops and bakeries and restaurants, and its gorgeous waterfront involving views of the city and the Potomac River and of nearby Arlington, Virginia. Recently though, one of the iconic brand-new shops that has opened in Georgetown is Glossier (located on M Street). Yes, you heard me right: Glossier opened its 7th location in Washington, DC!

Glossier is a beauty brand that sells body care, makeup, fragrance, and skin care products. On their website, its founder Emily Weiss emphasizes that she “wanted to make beauty as much of an element of personal style as fashion.” Via interviews with hundreds of women, Weiss discovered that us women consistently buy beauty products based on what experts are telling us to buy, rather than thinking about what works for us, our beauty routines, and establishing staple beauty products to place on our own bathroom shelves. Personally, I don’t own any Glossier products, however, I would like to own some in the near future. My best friend Shivani is a HUGE fan of Glossier along with my fellow Instagram bestie Emily of @loveemilydarling – a HUGE thank you to them both for sharing with me about the opening of Glossier DC! Read more about Glossier here: https://www.glossier.com/about

When Bryn and I were in Georgetown last weekend, I knew we HAD to stop by the Glossier store. Upon arriving in Georgetown, Bryn and I went to the Starbucks that’s right by the iconic Key Bridge, which separates Georgetown from Rosslyn in Arlington, Virginia. Key Bridge ALSO offers stunning views of the Washington Monument, Potomac River, and the city skyline. Nevertheless, while at the Starbucks nearby to the Key Bridge, someone told us that the Glossier store was worth the visit, upon me mentioning it to Bryn. I had seen some Tik Tok’s of it and KNEW that I needed to go, and go again!

Upon arriving at the Glossier store, it’s important to note that they usually have a line outside of the store. Well, at least for now they do! The Glossier store caps the number of people that they let in the store at a time and for good reason, too. Luckily, Bryn and I didn’t have to wait super long, though. We, then, ….. got to walk through those *magical* doors of the aviation-themed storefront!

Needless to say, the storefront of Glossier DC was GORGEOUS! We got to walk up the magical white staircase that was lined on the sides with pink walls. The staircase literally looks like it is outside of a futuristic space-themed movie!! And, being the photo-obsessed self that I am, I most definitely got several photos ALLLL throughout the store. The walls were PINK *yes, pink!!!* and offered pops of red and white. It was a STUNNING storefront that even offered views of M Street – its Georgetown location – from up above.

Neither of us purchased anything while there, as I am trying to save up a bit more for my upcoming travel this next month. I did, however, consider purchasing some of their face masks and may do just that over time. Though, I did notice that Glossier has a unique purchasing process – you have to purchase items via one of their Sales Representatives (all items are only on for display and to sample but nothing is there for you to grab and purchase or any cashiers) and then wait in a section by the stairwell and outside of the storefront to pick up it upon your name being called. The storefront is definitely a lot smaller than other makeup stores I have been to and there weren’t really any shelves decked out with products, unlike your typical MAC Cosmetics, Sephora, or Ulta storefronts. I definitely see many beauty boutiques taking on a similar concept to Glossier moving forward, especially with a smaller storefront.

In the future, I hope to make another visit back to Glossier DC, and, more specifically with my Glossier super fan for a best friend: Shivani. Glossier DC was a GORGEOUS storefront *yes, I have said this YET AGAIN for the 50th+ time haha!* and I am excited to visit again. And, when I do make my next visit there, I hope to make a purchase there, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Best Time to Visit the Washington, DC Monuments

Imagine that it is 85+ degrees, ultra-humid outside, and there’s a HUGE stampede of people at every corner you turn to. That’s exactly how it feels in Washington, DC and especially at the monuments during the summer time. Not to mention, the monuments, more specifically known as the National Mall, in Washington, DC are ALWAYS packed with tourists and even locals, alike. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), I shared a bit about me and my best friend Bryn’s experience at the National Mall enjoying the monuments at night. We had planned to go see the monuments while Bryn is here for the summer time for a while before hand, BUT we were in for a splendid surprise when it started to rain and the sun started to set and the crowds *just magically* disappeared.

Before I spill the tea on my rather peaceful evening along the National Mall and experiencing Washington, DC’s monuments in their truly and gorgeous glory, the National Mall can be easily accessible via the following Metro (subway system) stations that are all accessible along the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines:

  • Smithsonian – brings you RIGHT to the National Mall and ALL of the museums. Offers the utter convenience of being in front of ALL of the action of the city’s monuments and museums, including views of the United States Capital, Washington Monument, and even the Lincoln Memorial at a distance.
  • Foggy Bottom – most reachable via a 0.8 mile walk from the Lincoln Memorial and the World War 11 Memorial, which are at least a 20 minute walk from the Smithsonian Museums and Washington Monument. However, the Smithsonian station.
  • McPherson Square – a few blocks away from The White House and right by A LOT of restaurants, including the iconic historic Old Ebbitt Grill and The Hamilton.
  • Metro Center – not necessarily on the National Mall or by the monuments: it’s rather a bit off a walk to reach them all but not a long or hard walk, with the National Mall and Smithsonian museums (specifically the Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art) being closest. BUT, it does offer a wide array of restaurants and shops, both local and chains and offers a lot of historic charm along the streets. Both Ford Theatre and Warner Theatre are there, too, with tours being offered.

If you know me pretty well, then you probably know that I do not like crowds, like at all. Despite the fact that I travel and have traveled to quite a bit of highly touristy places (London, Paris, Rome, Chicago, Florence, New York City, Athens, and Philadelphia to name a few!) and even life right outside a very touristy city aka Washington, DC, crowds still really freak me out – LOL! Whenever I travel, I strive to purchase the fast passes, in order to bypass the crowds where I can – I did this at the Louvre in Paris, Parliament in London, and The Vatican. HOWEVER, the Washington, DC monuments along the National Mall are NOT ticketed entry. Rather, the monuments are open to all of the public free of charge (something that I really admire about my home city is the fact that SO many things especially main tourist attractions are FREE to all). BUT, free does have its down sides with the crowds.

When going to the monuments in Washington, DC the other night, Bryn and I lucked out when we finished our dinner at the nearby Hard Rock Cafe and headed down a few blocks to the National Mall. It started to rain a bit but not too much (no pour downs – thank goodness!!!) and the crowds dispersed. Only a few people on bikes and scooters were to really be seen. As we walked towards the Washington Monument, the crowds were still mostly gone. The sun had set when we walked from the Washington Monument to the World War 11 Memorial. The rain continued. Practically NO ONE was at the World War 11 Memorial, which I had NEVER in my life seen that place so empty before. It was nice. The reflecting pool in between the World War 11 Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial was the most quiet I had ever seen it before. The rain continued but remained light the entire time until we reached the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial had the most people, yet, for the Lincoln Memorial on a Friday night in the summer time, it was rather empty. Needless to say, Bryn had an AMAZING TIME!!!

When in Washington, DC, I highly recommend to ANYONE checking out the monuments along the National Mall, since it is FREE and offers so much history and significance within the United States and even world as a whole. And, when given the opportunity, I 10/10 highly recommend going to the National Mall even if it’s raining (perhaps, even a pour down) – you’ll miss out on the crowds and make SO many memories (and steps!) along the way!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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