The Life of Katie!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am oh so excited that Christmas is officially in full swing! Personally, I have ALWAYS been a sucker for Christmas time and am ecstatic that it is December, too. Currently, my life has been crazy and overbooked but in a good way. After last year with COVID-19 pretty much shutting everything down, this year is the year to go all out and do it all. In the meantime, here are some updates into my life and all that’s been going on with me.

  • Overbooking – Nowadays, I pretty much have at least one thing a day in terms of events. I have some exciting collaborations, blog posts, and events as well as some trips coming up that it’s ALL so so so exciting. My events and things that I’m doing are so fun and it’s nice that my work is seemingly lightening up on at least one of my projects for the month of December, too. While overbooking is a lot for some, I see it as a good thing if you make it that. Life is all about what you make it, and you must make it rock as Miley Cyrus would say in Hannah Montana – hah! Though overwhelming, I like to go big or go home when it comes to the holidays and I am glad that I will be!
  • Virginia Wine Pass – the other day, I logged onto Groupon and found an amazing deal for a 2022 Virginia Wine Pass. Let’s just say that my excitement was over the moon. The Virginia Wine Pass includes discounts and deals for you and your guests when visiting several vineyards across the state of Virginia. As a proud Virginia resident, I am so excited to be able to visit not one but several vineyards in all parts of Virginia. A lot of them are day trips from my house which make it that more exciting and easy to do. Let’s just say that I have made a HUGE list of Virginia Wineries and Vineyards that I plan to visit in the new year!
  • Missing Travel – COVID-19 has halted many of our travel plans as we know it. I have made some trips within 4-5 hours away since the pandemic began and let’s just say that I really miss taking bigger trips. On the same token, I know that travel is a privilege and that many people in our world struggle to afford food and clothing, let alone taking the time and leisure to travel. So, my missing of travel is most definitely insignificant compared to others’ needs. I am hoping in the new year to take some bigger trips in the states and potentially abroad. But, in the meantime, I am hoping that no more variants spread such as the current variants that others get sick, especially if they can’t afford to be sick or take off of work or school.
  • Shopping Secondhand – In recent times, I have decided to shop secondhand more often than not. My local thrift store has so many good deals and it’s fun to be able to shop ALL of the deals! In fact, I used to shop secondhand a bunch in high school and I had a blast with it. When I moved to Raleigh for college, I never really found a thrift store that I liked with the prices and brands that I love aka the bargains. Thrifting is also super sustainable, too. I am so so so glad that I have gotten back into it now that I am living near the thrift store that I LOVED in high school. Over the past few weeks, I found and bought items from brands such as J McLaughlin, J Crew, Calvin Klein, Boden, Talbots, and Vera Bradley. Overall, thrifting is the best of both worlds – sustainable and affordable!

Life has been hectic but good at the same time. Above all else, remember that social media is only a highlight reel and everyone’s life is NOT perfect. The same idea goes for my blog posts and my blogging platform here.

XOXO – Katie <3

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30 Gift Ideas that are Experiences

It can be SO easy to think of Christmas gifts as a tangible item, a gift card, or simply writing a check. BUT there is so much that we can give others that is an experience that they’ll remember for a long time. Today, I have rounded up a few gift ideas that are rather about the experience and not the item!

Gift Ideas that are Experiences

  1. Professional Society Membership
  2. AirBnB or VRBO Reservation
  3. Sports Game Tickets
  4. Wine & Design Art Class
  5. Performance Tickets
  6. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner River Cruise
  7. Cooking Class
  8. Spa Day
  9. Wine Tasting at a Vineyard
  10. National Parks Annual Pass
  11. Indoor Sky Diving
  12. Pottery Painting
  13. Handlettering Book
  14. Airlines Gift Card
  15. Board Games/Card Games
  16. Professional Photography Session
  17. Museum Tickets
  18. High Tea
  19. Brewery/Distillery/Winery Tour
  20. Puzzles
  21. Theme Park Tickets
  22. Night(s) in a Hotel
  23. WordPress Subscription
  24. Build your Own Planner at an Erin Condren Store
  25. A Balloon Ride
  26. Horseback Riding
  27. A Massage
  28. Subscription box (e.g. FabFitFun, Ipsy, Birchbox, Hello Fresh, etc.)
  29. Ferris wheel Tickets
  30. Dinner at a Steakhouse
  31. A Trip to Get a Custom Made Garment

There are SO many gifts out there that it can be hard to choose what to get someone. Experiences are a way to allow them to not only look forward to the near future, but also make a memory while doing so.

XOXO – Katie <3

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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

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Is Blogging a Good Side Hustle for You? Here are 11 Reasons Why!

The photos, the outfits, the reviews, and the products, oh my! When it comes to being a blogger, I have pretty much loved every minute of it all. On the same token, blogging isn’t an easy gig to get into especially when talking about making money and when it comes to the commitment that you have to invest in it. But, that all being said, blogging may still be a good side hustle for you. Today, I will be sharing 11 reasons why blogging may be a good side hustle for you.

Is Blogging a Good Side Hustle for You?

  1. You’re driven – To be a blogger, you have to be driven enough to be able to stick with it. Like picking your full time career, you decided that you wanted to do your full time job and you stuck with it. Similarly, deciding to start a blog is not something that you should think about overnight and then create the next day. It should be something that you think about overnight, sleep on, and then go from there. You should wake up in the morning and be ready to take on the world and your side hustle, too. The drive to start blogging is a good indicator that you know it would be a good side hustle for you.
  2. You have a passion that you want to share with others – Do you have a passion for fashion? Maybe you have a itch to travel and want to share your adventures and tips with others? Maybe you want to connect with others with your own personal experiences? Maybe you like to shop and want to help others shop, too? Perhaps, you’re a bargain hunter and want to help others find bargains too. And, maybe, it is all of the above in some capacity. Whatever the case may be, you have a passion and a strong one at that. My mother always said that people LOVE to talk about themselves. The same idea goes for our passions! That being said, if you have a passion and you want to talk about it with others, then blogging may be a good side hustle for you to do just that.
  3. You are willing to make the investment – Blogging IS an investment. Blogging is an investment of your time, energy, money, and a major commitment at that. They say with blogging that you have to spend money to make money and that is the truth. You HAVE TO be willing to invest monetarily in your blog before you ever make a profit from it. Some of the ways that you can invest in your blog is through purchasing your own website domain name, site features (I use WordPress), site logo, camera, tripod, light ring, and even photographer (however, I think that the website and logo should be your priority and photography should be a secondary priority that comes later on if you so desire and can afford it regularly). Whatever you choose to do to invest in your blog, know that it will be an investment of your own money before you yield money from elsewhere. Be prepared and willing to do just that, if you want to make blogging your side hustle.
  4. You’re realistic about it – Blogging takes realism. Let’s be realistic here for a second. You will NOT grow your blogging platform overnight – IT TAKES TIME. Being a new blogger on Instagram does not mean that you will have a following of 1,000+ overnight on a brand-new account. You just won’t. The same idea goes for your website viewers. It takes time. On the same token, blogging will 9 times out of 10 probably not become your full time gig. It probably won’t. While you may yield some money from it, you won’t right away and you probably won’t do it full time either. However, that is not to say that that won’t happen and could actually happen for you. A lot of people it doesn’t happen to. In fact 80%+ of bloggers make no money from their blogs ever. And that is OKAY! If you are considering making blogging your side hustle, then be realistic with yourself, in order to know if it is a good fit for you.
  5. You are willing to make the commitment – Blogging is a major commitment. It is a great commitment to make to yourself and to helping others, such as your readers. BUT, you have to be willing to make that commitment. There’s a lot of time, energy, to do lists, editorial calendars, writing sessions, brainstorming sessions, photoshoots, content planning, and much more that goes into blogging. For most of us, blogging involves many of these tasks being done on our own. My small business owner friend Holly of Glitter and Daisies (use my code PINK10 for 10% off your purchase) shared an Instagram Reel where she shares all of her staff who happened to be her playing a variety of different roles besides her cheerleader boyfriend who is a gem – whether it be shipping packer, content curator, etc. Just like Holly, bloggers experience the same exact thing. It takes A LOT of work, time, and commitment. Blogging will be a good side hustle for you, but only if you are willing to make that commitment.
  6. You have the time to make the commitment – Many times, I say I want to do something. However, 9 times out of 10, I do not do it. Reason being? I simply do not have the time to do it. That is OKAY! Time is limited. We need to make the time for our jobs, to make 3ish meals a day, for our families and potential partners, for our pets, and to simply be a sane human being (for me that is binge watching shows on Netflix!). The same idea goes for starting a blog. You NEED to make sure that you have the time to start a blog, stick with it, and be successful. When it comes to blogging especially while working full time, a lot of creative thinking and time that is invested into your blog is done after work hours and on the weekends. That’s the honest truth. If you do not think you are able to do that at this moment, then blogging may not be for you now. Though, that is not to say that your time may free up and blogging may be a good side hustle for you in the future!
  7. You are not just in it to make money – Although you will probably not make a bunch of money from blogging right away, you may make some money from it in the future. If you want blogging to be your side hustle, then make sure you are in it because you have the drive, passion, and the willingness to share that passion(s) of yours with others. You should NOT be in it just for the money and perks that come with it. Blog because YOU WANT TO and NOT because you want financial perks from it. There is so much more to blogging than meets the eye and there is so much reward within it. That’s the best part of it all. End of story.
  8. You want to establish a community of like-minded individuals – One of the BEST parts of blogging is the extraordinary community that I have gotten from it. There are so many people, influencers, bloggers, small business owners, and likeminded folks alike, that I have met and can proudly call my friend. These people live anywhere and everywhere and it is so cool. It’s a gift above all else and makes blogging a good side hustle for that, too.
  9. You want to help others – Above all else, when starting a blog, you should have a passion and a passion that you want to share. With your passion, you probably want to help others in some capacity. Whether it be sharing style inspiration, the latest sales, a new recipe, empowerment, personal experiences, travel tips, or tips on something else, your blog will impact others and hopefully impact them in a positive light. You must want to help others in some way, shape, or form, if you are considering making blogging your side hustle.
  10. You are willing to learn a bit throughout the process – NO blogger knows it all, especially when blogging regularly and even starting a blog. When blogging, you HAVE TO be willing to learn from others and grow as a blogger. There is no specific manual for starting a blog, but there are several podcasts, blog posts, and Youtube videos that can help you along the way. Remember that every blogger could learn something new and improve, no matter how long they have been blogging for. Simply being willing to learn and grow throughout the process of having a blog will make blogging a goof side hustle for you.
  11. You can trust the process – Whatever may happen throughout the blogging process, remember to trust the process of being a blogger. There will be times where you will feel great about your blogging platform and times where you won’t. It’s normal. My Aunt Amy is a blogger and has been much longer than I have and she says the best way to be successful with blogging is to keep keeping at it. At the same time, in the blogging world, slow and steady wins the race so be patient and your blogger world will be great – blogging side hustle and all!

Being a blogger has been the best side hustle for me, and I hope if you are considering becoming a blogger yourself that blogging will be the best side hustle for you, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries Part 9 + Moving On From My College Years

Well, it’s been quite a while since I have shared a little bit about my life here in Washington, DC. To say the least, it has been a bit of a journey since I last wrote a DC Diaries blog post. However, through it all, it has been a rollercoaster but I have realized that I am coming out of these past few months ready to take on the world now more than ever before. At the same time, I am starting to move on from my college years and even embrace the new world that I am living in.

Once I graduated from college, I almost felt like I was still in college. I still had my friends, despite living up in Washington, DC. Though I did have my friends and professors’ support from afar, my life was changing and so were my fellow Class of 2021 friends’s lives. Many of us started jobs or graduate school programs or were deciding just what to do next. Whatever the case may be, we will always be one another’s classmates, but we wouldn’t be seeing one another on a regular basis like we would in our college years. Consequentially, I also didn’t start my job until 2.5 months after my college graduation – something that I am extremely grateful that my company suggested I do. So, it was a weird feeling going from the college world to the working world. I missed seeing others my own age regularly, especially as I was working from home. Needless to say, it was quite strange going through all of the motions of being in a setting with all of my classmates who all happened to mostly be my own age to being around people of all ages.

To be honest, the transition from college life to the postgraduate world SUCKS and it really SUCKS. I have always been one who likes to tell the truth and not hear things in a sugarcoated fashion, most specifically when it could hurt me in the long run to hear it in that manner. When you aren’t around those your own age constantly, it can be hard and I have felt it on and on and on again. Personally, I started to go through my college years and try to relive things that I missed about them, whether it be friendships or relationships that never seemed to blossom. But, after careful reflection, I realized that the more reliving I attempted to do, the more I was trying to fill a void within my own heart of missing the college years that I had just left. It’s a weird time and it is quite difficult for anybody to process – even my coworkers who are older than me have said that.

Although I do miss my college years, I am glad that I am not in college anymore. My college years are over and they are over for the better. I had four extraordinary years of college, and I am eternally grateful for them. While in college, I was ready for a change. I knew that while I did love Raleigh, I did not love it enough that I wanted to make it my home after college.

As for my life in Washington, DC, I am *finally* starting to figure out what I want to do next. There are some exciting ways for me to get involved that I have yet to share, but will in time’s due. I am also looking at starting something exciting and doing some event planning within the scope of my company. The opportunities for me outside of work are rolling in and I couldn’t be more excited!

When times get tough, I am a firm believer that better times are always to come. Remember that, my friends and fellow readers.

XOXO – Katie <3

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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

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The Life of Katie + Christmas Decorations Reveal!

Life has been nothing short of a rollercoaster this week – there have been some high’s and some low’s and a bit of magic in between. Through it all, though, I have been able to make some pretty great memories and savor the moments, while also working on myself too. As stated in the title, Christmas is officially in full swing at Chez The Pink Chickadee! I am oh so excited to be able to celebrate some Christmas cheer, even if it may be a bit early for some of y’all. As always, I LOVE to hear what y’all are up to too, so comment something good about this week down below at the end of this post!

What Have I Been Up To?!

  • Self Investment – Currently, I am striving to invest in myself, in my career, and in adjusting to my post-college graduation life. The other weekend when I was at my good friend Laura Kate’s wedding, my friend Lexie and I were discussing the idea that now is the time to focus on us and our world as official adults *I guess???*. There really is not time for an investment in a relationship when there is so much to invest within ourselves. Needless to say, I have been striving to establish myself within my career as a woman in data, work on myself, and keep my platform here on this blog growing and thriving. I am also looking to establish my social life here in the Washington, DC area. This week actually, I am taking a visit to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) headquarters, as I am interested in joining and need to actually sit down and work on my application *aka procrastination at its finest!*. The DAR application is lengthy. Other influencers have also shared with me their love of The Junior League, so I may have to just look into that, too, since I would probably LOVE it! All in all, me before we at this moment and that’s how it will be for some time!
  • Embracing the holidays – I am oh so excited about the holidays coming up! Since writing my last The Life of Katie! blog post, I have been listening to Christmas music legitimately NONSTOP! And, when I say NONSTOP, I mean the 2+ hour long YouTube videos that are just classic fireplace Christmas songs. These Christmas music marathons of mine have also been amazing for me throughout my work days which are mainly at home. I’ve been planning Christmas gifts for my friends and family as well, and I cannot wait to celebrate time together with others. Personally, I have always seen the holiday season as a time to give to others and spend time with others, too, the food is also pretty great and a major highlight for me too. The other day, I sent three of my close friends money for a coffee, and it felt so so so good. I’m also planning on doing a couple’s massage BUT with my Mom because I want company when I go for my first time and she deserves it more than anyone else in my book – she was SO excited! Needless to say, the holidays are sitting with me pretty well!
  • Thrifting – The other day, I checked out a local thrift store that I have wanted to check out for a while. It had a 5 star rating, and it definitely lived up to the hype! It’s apart of the 2nd Avenue thrift store chain with storefronts in multiple states, similar to Savers and Goodwill. For Veteran’s Day, all 2nd Avenue stores are going to have a 50% off all merchandise sale, which I cannot wait to shop this weekend like they do for many other holidays. I found my favorite Vera Bradley print that is 10 years old – Pink Cupcake – in a tote for only $8 and in excellent quality. Similarly speaking, I also found a Fenton 300th Constitution Signing Anniversary plate – worth around $30 – for $5. I am so so so excited about each of these finds and to find some more gems at their sale later this week!
  • Family Time – This past weekend, my Dad and I went to my late Great Aunt Margaret’s Celebration of Life. My Aunt Margaret and I are very similar people and had a strong bond during her living years. She is the reason that I love Lilly Pulitzer and plaid and wine. She was also the hostess with the mostess and LOVED to travel. The list goes on and on and on about ALL of our similarities. I helped my Uncle’s pick out her floral arrangement to honor her life that I live out and plan to live out until the day that I die. My Uncle’s – her son’s – and the rest of my family put together a beautiful celebration of life complete with an open wine bar and coffee and tea bar to honor her. My Dad and I had a great time seeing our family and honoring Aunt Margaret with this beautiful tribute. Moments like these make me oh so grateful for family and remind me to savor every moment with those that I truly love.

Christmas Decorations Reveal!

Now, for my Christmas decorations 2021 reveal! Most of the decorations are from previous years, The Dollar Tree, Target, and Lands End. Enjoy!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

Everyday I’m hustling is I guess my anthem! To say that I am one that enjoys to be on the go is most definitely the truth. I have always LOVED to live for the hustle and am grateful to have it back in my life, due to the slowdown that COVID-19 brought to it all. My work life is most definitely picking up and while the days are tiresome at times, as I am adjusting to it all, working full time has been one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done for myself and to thank my family for the support that they have provided me in a variety of ways over the course of my life. Needless to say, The Life of Katie! blog posts are going to take on a much more simplified version moving forward. Through it all, as always, I want to hear what YOU are up to this week, so comment it at the end of this post!

*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.*

What’s been on my mind?!

  • Top: Simply Southern (similar linked here)
  • Earrings: Target (much smaller hoops but similar style concept linked here)
  • Leggings: Cuddl Duds
  • Boots: Jack Rogers (similar style linked here)

What Have I Been Up To?!

  • Loving Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 – If you know me, then you know that I am CONSTANTLY gushing about ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy! Two weeks ago, this medical drama’s Season 18 premiered, and one of my all-time favorite characters – Addison Forbes Montgomery came back to the show. My inner Addison fangirl went CRAZY. At the same time, I have always admired how Grey’s Anatomy tackles real-world issues that are present in today’s society and learns and grows from the much-needed changes in our world today. For instance, in the most recent episode, Addison emphasizes how she feels that the current class of surgical interns is bringing forward the importance of not overworking our doctors in a world where doctors amongst others in several other careers are overworked. The same idea goes for including and bringing justice to those of ALL races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and so much more. All in all, I LOVE Grey’s Anatomy.
  • Connectivity – One of my biggest struggles with my move to the Washington, DC area is establishing connections beyond my family and set of friends that I have had for years here pre-move. While it is nice to have already made myself a network in my brand-new city, I am also wanting to have more connections beyond the one’s that I have already. There are some ways that I am planning on using to become much more connected, too, but I have yet to want to share them. Though, I will say that I am starting with becoming connected through my workplace and within my company and branching out beyond my company life, too. I am a workaholic according to my friends – HAH!
  • Busy weeks – It’s crazy to think that we’re more than halfway through October! Yesterday, I feel like we were in August. That being said, my calendar is getting busier and busier and busier. But, TRUST ME, I love love love the hustle if you couldn’t tell already. I have a wedding to attend this weekend for my good friend Laura Kate, a trip to Raleigh to celebrate Laura Kate’s wedding and my Lil Sis Lelia’s Class Ring ceremony (y’all it’s a huge deal to get your Class Ring aka your Onyx here at Meredith College!) and go to the NC State Fair, I am making an evening visit to my favorite destination of mine National Harbor this week, attending a DC Bloggers meet up this week, and shooting LOTS of exciting content and working full time in between. Then, the craze and excitement continues for the weeks to come up and until early January 2022 as of right now. I even *yes, even* booked two Christmas excursions just the other day before they fill up. Needless to say, January 2022 will be pretty quiet around here – HAH!

Through it all, I am super grateful to be back on the hustle and bustle train of things and thought. I honestly missed it and LIVE for it. Even though it is an adjustment, I’m grateful for the stability and excitement and joy that it brings me in life. As always, comment down below what you’re looking forward to this coming week!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

To say that life is crazy is an understatement at times. Recently, I have been babysitting my dog Rosie – a Shepherd-Chihuahua mix from Puerto Rico – and it has been nuts! Rosie is an extremely energetic, high maintenance dog that is also in her terrible 2’s. Needless to say, she takes after her Mama aka me! Although Rosie has been consuming my life for the most part over the past week, there has also been some other things going on in my world as well.

What’s Been on my Mind?!

  • The Dollar Tree being a holiday extravaganza – the other day, I took a pit stop at The Dollar Tree. I had been hearing practically everywhere that this discount store was starting to carry Christmas merchandise, so I *had* to check it out! While there, I got a bunch of Fall/Halloween finds and even some Christmas finds! I also got some gifts for family and friends and even Rosie. It was a very exciting trip and I feel very stocked up for the upcoming festivities, too!
  • Transitioning to a Hybrid Work Environment – if you have been following along on my Instagram, which I would LOVE to have you apart of my Instagram community (@_thepinkchickadee), then you know that my company has been reevaluating our working situation since I started there at the end of July. After talking with others on my projects at work, I have learned that I can work fully remote if I so choose to or I can go into the office. My company will not be in the same way that it was pre-COVID-19 moving forward as many will be able to work remote or telework if they so choose whenever they do choose to. But, that does not stop us all from being able to go into the office if we so decide! I went into the office last week and LOVED it and am excited to go in more. Personally, I am super excited about being able to go into the office and have been making the transition to go in 1-2 days a week, specifically when other coworkers are going in as well.
  • Party Planning AGAIN – I am in the process of starting to plan a small Halloween Dinner Party! I have learned the power of using a phone to send out Evite’s and how much easier it is for everyone else’s sake as well. Before the pandemic, I used to LOVE planning events at my apartment – I hosted a Friendsgiving, Blog Launch Party (read about that here), and Galentine’s Fries Before Guys Party amongst many others – and am really excited to be able to do it again in hopes of planning a Bonfire and Friendsgiving and Christmas Party, too!
  • Car Breaking Down – The other day, I was taking my car out (currently, I am using a family car until I pick out my own) and unfortunately it had some issues. I was taking the car out as I was leaving my Mom’s house and was stopped by a lady in my Mom’s neighborhood just as I was leaving this past Sunday about my car having issues that she noticed. I ended up calling my Mom and Step Dad and we thought I was fine so I went to The Dollar Tree nearby for said haul mentioned above. Then, after many phone calls, we ended up deciding to bring the car in that day. It was stressful and sucked for all parties involved, but fortunately, the car got fixed and is up to speed now. Needless to say, I am extremely thankful that it is!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

  • The Meredith Market – My alma Mater, Meredith College, has a sweet shop run by our Mae Grammar Alumnae House called The Meredith Market. As a donor and a proud one at Meredith, I was able to enjoy a sale on some of the shop’s merchandise. I ended up finding out that The Meredith Market is carrying some adorable new finds for preorder, including a North Carolina t-shirt in our school colors maroon and white and a custom LL Bean canvas tote with our school logo – the Meredith Lux. I ordered the t-shirt this time around along with a desk engraved Meredith Lux and a Meredith Lux car sticker for my future car. I also plan to order the LL Bean canvas tote in the coming months too!
  • Dancing with the Stars – I have really enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars recently! Like every Bachelor Nation show aka The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise I have started watching every episode of this show every week on Hulu. Traditionally, I never really watch shows the exact time that they’re live on television (although I am watching the season finale of Bachelor in Paradise as I write this!), but Hulu allows me to watch at my own pace and catch up when I do choose to. I have raved about Jojo Siwa and did last week in my post on this season of Dancing with the Stars along with the former Bachelor Matt James *surprise*! I’m so excited for next week’s two episode series since it’ll be Disney themed in honor of Disney’s 50th Anniversary.
  • Quality time with Rosie – I have loved getting to spend some quality time with my dog Rosie, since Papa has been gone this week. Rosie is Papa and I’s dog and we both love and care for her regularly very much. Since she is a lot of work even more than other dogs, it takes two to do it all. This week, I am taking it all on myself. While it is a whole lot of work, it has overall been super rewarding and most importantly special. The quality time is priceless and I cherish it so so so much!

Recent Purchases & My Wish List Items!

  • A “High Maintenance” toy for Rosie – while at The Dollar Tree the other day, I came across a toy that said “High Maintenance on it and was *of course* pink! I could NOT resist, so I got it for Rosie and she has loved it. Rosie is one to destroy all of her toys in one sitting so Papa and I never see it just to buy her new and fancy toys that will only stay snazzy for a split second once she gets it.
  • Glitter and Daisies Aurora Ears – So, my good friend Holly who runs Glitter and Daisies – a Disney ears shop – is donating a fraction of her proceeds from sales of her Aurora Ears Collection to the American Cancer Society. I most definitely had to get a pair this month as I have been wanting to but had yet to since the shop’s opening! Check out Holly’s shop here!
  • FREE Cookbooks – Last weekend, my neighborhood was having a yard sale. My Mom and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and even scored a few things along the way. One of the things that we both scored were multiple cookbooks for FREE! I got some of the Southern Living cookbook editions from the 1980’s and the 1990’s aka a blast from the past. In my free time, I have been listing out some of the many recipes that I want to try from them all and can’t wait to try them soon!

What’s on the Docket?!

  • Weekend in Raleigh – This weekend – tomorrow actually when y’all see this – I am going to be hopping on a plane to RDU with my Jean jacket and a shift dress. Get the reference – hah! Katie’s edition of Miley Cyrus’s Party in the USA! My Meredith College friends and I are going to enjoy some much needed time together simply catching up, especially at the Meredith Reunion Brunch where I few of us are going to be meeting up at. Although it will be for just two days, I am still very excited to be back in the City of Oaks!
  • Day trip to Charlottesville, Virginia – Since it seems to be that going to just Raleigh this upcoming long weekend wasn’t enough, my Papa and I will be taking a day trip to Charlottesville, Virginia on Indigenous People’s Day. I booked us tickets to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and I am so excited. I went there when I was 11, so I don’t remember much from it and am ecstatic to be going back again at an age where I can remember it all!

Now that I have shared a bunch about my life and it’s correspondences at this time, I would now LOVE to hear about yours. Comment down below something that you are looking forward to!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How I Manage Blogging While Working Full Time

If you’re a blogger, then you know that there is much more work that goes into having a blog than what meets the common eye. Even if you’re not a blogger, then now you know this fact. Blogging is a lot and it’s a great side hustle of mine. Indeed, some folks blog full-time such as Kate from Lonestar Southern – a favorite of mine over the years. However, many of us bloggers do work full time jobs like myself and may not have a desire to pursue it full time. Today, I will be sharing how I manage blogging while working full time!

How I Manage Blogging While Working Full Time

  • Separating my “creative brain” and my “working brain” – This is something that I will admit that I work on everyday. One of the ways that I can be most successful with my blog is to separate what I like to call my working brain aka the brain and mindset that I put on when I am at my full time job and my creative brain or the mindset that I utilize for thinking creatively on this platform. In doing so, I am able to put my mind into a mode that is all in and focused on the task that I am performing and the objectives that I am striving to achieve, whatever it may be for. Being able to compartmentalize both of these mindsets has helped me to be successful in both my full time job and here on The Pink Chickadee.
  • Working 9 to 5 – *queues Dolly Parton!* Working the 9 to 5 lifestyle is definitely the way that we all are going for the most part when working full time. When working my full time job, I aim for 8-5 actually to be the hours that I focus solely on work and only work-related matters. During those hours, I specifically do not post on my blogging platforms, whether it be the actual blog or social media accounts. However, if I get off work early, then I may post a little bit earlier. Not posting on social media from 8-5 helps me to truly focus on my work and only my work. Moreover, it allows me to separate both of my commitments and prioritize things at different times.
  • Side Hustle Hours – The other week, I was listening to a podcast from Thrive – a company that solely focuses on empowering bloggers and their successes – featuring entrepreneur and a stationary-loving queen Erin Condren. In her interview, Condren stated that a lot of the time many of us with side hustles have to emphasize the focus on our creative thinkings during the weekends and at night time. As annoying and sometimes disappointing as that may sound to some, the focus on our full time jobs during the typical workday is vital to our successes, even within our side hustles, including our blogs!

The blogging world is a fun and exciting world filled with many commitments. But, so does the full time job world! The full time job world is just as fun and exciting and it allows us to fulfill our passions in other disciplines, too. The balance between blogging and working full-time is a challenge and something that I work on everyday in each, but it is so rewarding in the end.

XOXO – Katie <3

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