Lifestyle Archives - Page 8 of 14

DC Diaries – Part 2

My life in Washington, DC is a much different life than the one I had in Raleigh at Meredith College. It is been such a transition these past few weeks. Life post-graduation can be extremely daunting. The transition from college life to post-graduation life is not one that is easy, but it is one that is also unavoidable. Everyone that I have talked to has said the same thing: the post-college life transition is not an easy one. I have most definitely witnessed that these past few weeks. It is weird not being able to have my friends and social life right at my fingertips – you spend a lot of time alone (something that I got more acquitted with during the pandemic), technology becomes your best friend, and adulting comes in the full-swing *whaaaattt?!*.

Raleigh is where my main social life has been in the past, so it is quite strange having to adjust to living near my family rather than my friends. I do not start my new job until late July, so I am in a holding period for sure. Also, I have some friends here in the area that I have yet to see (I am seeing a few pretty soon!).But, I am definitely looking to build my social life here in Washington, DC and I know that once I start my job and get settled in I will be able to more so!

On the flip side, I am grateful for my move to Washington, DC. Personally, I am all about continuous self love and growth. During my last few months in Raleigh, I knew that I was ready for something fresh, new, and different and that Washington, DC would do just that for me. Many of my friends in Raleigh love it there and are super content and I am oh so happy that they are! However, I knew that Raleigh was not where I wanted to be at this stage in my life. My friend Callie phrased it well – I crave excitement – and I surely do. Washington, DC will provide me with that excitement and hustle and bustle that I oh so love and enjoy.

Currently, I am planning some excursions and things to keep me busy before I start my new job. I am in the process of setting up my new apartment (which I will be sharing with y’all soon!). At the same time, I am planning some days to go into the city and explore a bit – the Smithsonian Museums are starting to open up again and I have reserved some tickets to a few of the sites to see AND for free. The same concept goes for some places in Virginia and Maryland, too. Additionally, once my apartment is set up, I will be hosting some gatherings like dinners with friends, a housewarming party, and a birthday party for my Shepherd-Chihuahua mix Rosie. I am also striving to map out the future of my platform here on The Pink Chickadee. Excitement is most definitely up in the air!

My Look:

Romper: Lauren James (scored during one of their $10 sales last year)
Scrunchie: Lilly Pulitzer free Gift with Purchase
Earrings: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar (bought 4 years ago)
Tote: Etsy (currently unavailable)

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Beach Trip Packing List that I Swear By

As someone who spends a lot of her summer time at the beach, I know how it feels to forget something on a trip especially a beach trip. Beach trips are super fun, yet can be daunting to pack for! So, I have provided my ultimate beach trip packing list.

*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.*

Clothing

Swimsuit (2-4) – if you’re looking for a cute AND modest swimsuit, then check out my recent blog post My Favorite Modest Swimsuits & Where to Buy Them!
Pool Cover-Up – whether that be a t-shirt, caftan, cover-up, etc. (same number as you pack for swimsuits)
1 Sweater/Hoodie (in case it gets cold!)
Pajamas
Sundress/Night out outfits (the same number for your evenings out)
3-4 T-shirts for lounging
Flip flops (my favorite flip flips for on the beach are J Crew Factory’s Embroidered Flip-Flops)
Dressier sandals/wedges
Baseball cap and/or floppy hat (I love Marley Lilly’s Monogrammed Derby Hat!)
Workout wear (if that is your jam)
Sneakers (if needed)
Spanx (if applicable)
3-4 Shorts for lounging
Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.)
Undergarments

Toiletries

Shampoo
Conditioner
Dry shampoo
Nail polish
Nail polish remover
Makeup
Vaseline
Body lotion
Aloe Vera
Body wash
Waterproof mascara (my favorite mascara is Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes!)
Primer and/or setting spray
Hair brush
Hair dryer (if needed)
Deodorant
Medicine
Feminine products
Makeup remover
Any skincare products that you regularly use
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss

On the Beach

Beach towel (my favorite beach towel is Lilly Pulitzer’s Rectangle Beach Towel – its quality, size, and durability makes up for its price tag too!)
Beach chair (if applicable)
Inflatable(s) (if applicable)
Portable speaker
Books
Magazines
Snacks
Refillable water bottle
Energy drinks
Cooler (I love Scout’s Pleasure Chest especially since it is small, easy to carry, portable, and perfectly holds my wine bottles!)
Ice packs
Beach tote
Sunglasses (for adorable and affordable sunglasses, check out WearMe Pro and receive 20% off your purchase with my discount code PinkChickadee20!)
Sunscreen (My favorite sunscreen is the Neutrogena Defense Spray Sunscreen!)

Entertainment

Headphones
Laptop
Card games/Board games
Chargers
Alcohol (if applicable)

Enjoy some Vitamin D!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 1

After years of living in the South, I am have made the move of my dreams – a move to the nation’s capital. I will be stepping foot into brand-new ground, groundbreaking ground. I will be living just minutes away from where decisions all across our globe are made. I will be living in a city full of diverse people who think similarly to me and differently from me. I will be living in a Mecca full of people figuring out what they want to do with their lives. There will be so much opportunity for me to explore, learn, and grow.

In the South, I had it all – the friends, the style, the walk, the talk, and all of the involvement and everything in between. Indeed, I had the life and enjoyed the Southern way of life. In fact, in high school, I was crowned Homecoming Queen, and I had it all then too. I had the big parties and played hostess. I had the social media friends and followers – a big crowd of them, too, which I continue to have to this exact day. I walked with stride. I had the style, kindness, charisma, and poise. Everyone knew my name both at my high school and at my college, and I befriended practically everyone. Life was and had been good. However, I knew I wanted much more beyond what I knew.

Since spending time in the South, I have learned a lot about myself and what I want in life. I knew that I craved excitement: something that is a driving factor in my life and in my many life’s decisions. Growing up, I knew that I wanted something more than the suburban way of life. However, one day I think I may crave that lifestyle again – who is to say though! I wanted to get out and explore and feel like the woman who I am meant to be both strong and independent. I have consistently been a workaholic who prides on never sitting down and being on the go. I live for the hustle and bustle – a city lifestyle meets those needs for me – and the constant need to get out and explore, even in my own backyard. My backyard is about to expand a lot and in ways that I would have never ever expected it to.

As an LGBTQ+ woman in the South, I have found the world of love and romance to be a quite tricky one. Even though I have had encounters in the past within my romance sphere, nothing leads up to the plethora of LGBTQ+ folks in the city of Washington, DC alone. The District of Columbia is notorious for having just around 10% of its total population identifying as apart of the LGBTQ+ community. That is, not to account for the several LGBTQ+ people who live outside of the city in nearby Virginia and Maryland. Personally, I have struggled with the dating world within my own backyard in the South. There is still a continuous source of LGBTQ+ hate and homophobia within the South and many people potentially remain closeted – afraid to show their true colors. Sometimes, I even felt scared to do just that. That being said, I am more than ready to take on the new in a fresh and positive light. I am ready to showcase and open the doors to my closet where a beautiful rainbow lies from within. I am truly ready to present my true colors and be the best me that I can be.

Moving to Washington, DC comes with several unknowns. Who will I meet? What will I do? Where will I go? How will my life change? When will all of these things occur? How will I get started? The answer is: who knows! However, one thing’s for sure is that I may have had it all in the South, but I am just getting started here in the nation’s capital.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Georgetown Cupcakes Delivery Review

My favorite dessert is cupcakes! Remember the show DC Cupcakes?! Well, you’re in luck because the cupcake shop that is featured on the show, Georgetown Cupcakes, delivers their cupcakes nationwide. Over the years, I have received a dozen Georgetown Cupcakes shipped to me from my Dad as a birthday gift. Today, I am sharing an *unsponsored* review of my experiences receiving a delivered dozen of Georgetown Cupcakes.

Where do they deliver?

Georgetown Cupcakes delivers to all states in the United States, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii.

When should I place my order?

You must place an order at 5pm the day before your delivery date, in order to receive it.

How do the cupcakes stay cool and collect when shipping?

Each package of cupcakes comes wrapped in bubble wrap with ice packs on the top, in order keep them cool in shipment. They are also covered in plastic to keep them from moving so they stay real pretty when they arrive.

What flavors can you choose from?

All of Georgetown Cupcakes’ regular cupcake flavors and monthly specials are up for grabs when you order.

What are your thoughts?

I have loved receiving Georgetown Cupcakes every year as a birthday gift. Personally, I never was a big fan of cake and always preferred cupcakes. Also, I attend college out of state and wanted a cake from my family to celebrate with friends when I could not see them. So, it worked out perfectly for me!

Georgetown Cupcakes has always been my favorite cupcakery. It is always nice to be able to receive my favorite cupcakes that I can usually only get in Washington, DC while in North Carolina. The cupcakes arrive just as delicious as they do in the shop and are in great quality and condition. That being said, I highly suggest ordering them yourself if you want them for an occasion and are not living near any of their shops. They are definitely worth the delivery fees and great quality service!

Want to order yourself?! Place your order today using this link: https://www.georgetowncupcake.com/OrderType.aspx

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Summer 2021 Beach Essentials

With summer just around the corner, the beach season is beginning!!! As exciting as it all is, the process of deciding what to get to bring on your beach and/or pool excursions can be daunting. But don’t fret, I have rounded up my favorite beach essentials for this Summer 2021 season in order to help you out!

Beach Essentials

Scout Bags Pleasure Chest (mine is a few years old but it comes in 6 different prints!): https://rstyle.me/+223pginBTVpvUgUSW_nqAg
Lilly Pulitzer Rectangle Beach Towel: https://rstyle.me/+fIjqRXBCRuNy0oIXOh4GGA
Marley Lilly Monogrammed Derby Hat (comes in 3 different color combinations): https://rstyle.me/+Uutt0346BakWGBdC-guHvg
Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray: https://rstyle.me/+oONWn6vPgRRtaggarN21fg
Strong & Beautiful Water Bottle (similar): https://rstyle.me/+36wBfL5qjgxqBX2lBjSiDQ
J Crew Factory Embroidered Flip Flops (mine is a few years old but similar styles come in 6 different prints!): https://rstyle.me/+9fX_1MIcXKAUKmrmJPVUFQ
Flamingo Wet Bikini Bag (similar): https://lilypopco.com/products/flamingo-wet-bikini-bag?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social
A Magazine of your choice!

Shop my Look!

J Crew Factory aka my favorite place to shop for swimsuits! Shop this year’s: https://rstyle.me/+rHkAYjux1aF_6okDRcYFJA
Paper Source Retro Heart Sunglasses (also available in two other colors on the site and under $10): https://www.papersource.com/gifts/retro-heart-sunglasses-10006426.html

Happy almost-Summer and cheers to the many memories you will make either beach or poolside!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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10 Things I Will Miss About Living in Raleigh, North Carolina

As I embark on my move to Washington, DC in just a mere few weeks, I want to take the time to look back on my time living in Raleigh, North Carolina. There were so many great things that I got to experience while living in Raleigh. Life in Raleigh is much different than life in Northern Virginia. As I move back to Northern Virginia/Washington, DC, I want to reflect on the pluses of Raleigh that I will miss once I make the big move!

The fashion – Yes, the fashion. I have discovered that I prefer the Southern style fashion more than the Northern style fashion. Maybe, because the style is more preppy and bright and bubbly than the North. They do not have Belk’s in Washington, DC and I LOVE Belk. Either way, I love all of the local boutiques and super fun unique styles that I have a harder time finding up North.
Raleigh’s food scene – Raleigh has one of the BEST food scenes that I have ever seen in any city. With Raleigh being a smaller city than New York City or Washington, DC, it does make up for its size with its mighty diverse population filled with a plethora of delicious cuisines. Some of my favorite restaurants serve up some Indian food, sushi, and Southern comfort foods. Most of these restaurants are local businesses that I will dearly miss supporting when I move. My very favorite oddly enough has been Beansprout – the local Chinese takeout place across the street from Meredith.
The friendly atmosphere – Everyone in the South is SO friendly! When I moved here, I was shocked to see that everyone held the door open for everyone else. Those simple Southern courtesies went a long way and it will be a strange adjustment going back to the Northern hustle and bustle without the kind charms of the South.
All of the Meredith-owned businesses in town – Raleigh is the home of Meredith College. So, several Meredith College alumni own small businesses in town. One of my favorite Meredith alumni-owned shops is The Local Squirrel located right in the center of Raleigh in The Village shopping center. It’s super sweet to support local Meredith-owned businesses in-person.
The affordable cost of living – The cost of living is significantly cheaper in Raleigh than in Washington, DC. In fact, when I went to a local Raleigh Regal Cinema, I was happily surprised at the fact that a large popcorn was $8 rather than $11! The same concept goes for pretty much everything else here in Raleigh – living in Raleigh is a lot cheaper than Washington, DC and I will miss that aspect of it.
The Meredith College community – Even off campus and all across Raleigh, Meredith College alumni are EVERYWHERE. Although they are in Washington, DC too they are easier to find in Raleigh due to the college’s location and networks in town. On the flip side, I know I will always have my Meredith College community wherever I go!
My friend’s family’s nail salon – One of my best friend’s family owns a nail salon in Raleigh area. I have loved getting to go and get pampered at her family’s nail salon. Their nail salon has made me feel as if I am apart of the family and it has been oh so special. I am most definitely going to miss supporting her and her family when I move!
Cookout – If you are from the South, then chances are you may have been to a Cookout! Cookout is extremely affordable and has amazing burgers, fries, milkshakes, etc. I have become obsessed with Cookout since being in Raleigh and I’ll really miss it when I move!
Divine Llama Vineyards – Although it is not in Raleigh, Divine Llama Vineyards is located in the Yadkin Valley just 90 minutes west of the state’s capitol. Divine Llama Vineyards is a two family-owned vineyard that also serves as a home to several llamas. I have been to Divine Llama Vineyards a bunch and even wrote a blog post on it (linked here).
Friendships – I have established so many friendships both on and off of Meredith’s campus here in Raleigh. There are so many special bonds that I have made and will continue to grow beyond my move. Yet, I will miss having my friends from Raleigh right at my footsteps.

While I am oh so excited for my Washington, DC move, I am also going to miss Raleigh quite a bit. But, I will be back to visit many times once I move!

XOXO – Katie <3

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22 Things I Have Learned in the Past Year

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22! Today is my 22nd Birthday, and I am more than ready to celebrate after having experienced a rough past year like everyone else due to COVID-19. So, in honor of my Taylor Swift year, I will be sharing 22 things that I learned this past year!

It is OKAY to not attend or be at everything. Your fearing of missing out (FOMO) is real, but it does not define you. You WILL miss out on some things and that is OKAY.
Search for jobs and start out where you want to start out, but follow the jobs and the opportunities not where others want you to follow them. You will end up where you’re meant to be in the end – NOT where others think you should be.
Be careful with what you post on social media. There has been so much conflict in the past year and we need to come together now more than ever before. And, yes, celebrity gossip is a lot more fun to read than the latest political news!
When in doubt, wear that cute outfit. Even if you have no one to see in-person on a given day, if you feel great, then you look great and that is what counts.
You do not have to live with others to be happy. You also don’t have to be around others 24/7. You CAN live alone and be happy, too.
Your past relationships do not define you and neither do your past partners’ actions towards you.
Being single is liberating and a blast! It is what you make of it. Love being single and embrace it while you can – you will be married and in a committed relationship starting a family someday but not now – be selfish while you CAN!!!
Dogs are great, dogs are amazing, and you do not need one right now. Take care of yourself now and only you. Adopt your corgi when you know you can care for it, however, prioritize yourself and only yourself right now.
Take every opportunity that comes your way that you possibly can. You only live once so make the best of it!
Be excited and comfortable with doing things by yourself, whether that be going for some coffee, a walk, or attending an event.
There is nothing and I mean NOTHING that coffee cannot stop you from conquering. Girl, that Keurig was the best purchase you made in 2020!
Continue to have your outlet to rant with close friends and family. Do it all in private and keep it confidential. It is important – you’re a hard working lady who deserves to get the things that could keep her from being successful off her chest!
Reality television is the best – it will show you the 99+ problems that you do not have and give you an extra needed confidence booster every time you turn it on. That Hulu subscription was a great purchase, honey!
When in doubt, drink that glass of wine, but keep it classy.
Wear what you want to wear. At the end of the day, you’re the one whose wearing it. However, be sure to conform to the dress codes of others when it is deemed appropriate (such as in a professional setting), but be sure to wear something that you love and feel comfortable in. That way, you will shine oh so bright!
Give back to others and do it more often. Continue to uplift those who need it. Empowered women empower women and others, too. ALWAYS be that friend that your friends look to for advice and to help them out. You feel great when you do it. Never stop giving back to your friends, family, and community – be their shoulder!!!!
Your time to get married will come when the time is right. You thought you wanted that commitment before you reached the age of 22, but you realized that there is more out there for you. Explore the world, learn how to navigate this beautiful world as an adult, grow in your career, befriend everybody, join every committee that you possibly can, be selfish, and love yourself. Your lucky person will come when the time is right. Don’t rush it! No one in Grey’s Anatomy does – well, except for George and Callie in Las Vegas.
Reconnect with others – whether in your community from high school or college or someone you met all in between this thing called life. You never know what friendships or connections may be rekindled.
You have imposter syndrome, but it does not define you. Let yourself shine and do not be afraid to show off your full potential. Some people will make you feel weary about your talents and feel as if you don’t have the potential that you truly do, but you do. Don’t ever let it hold you back ever again.
People think you’re a fashion major in college, but surprise them and impress them by telling them you’re a math major. You’re destined for so much that you don’t even see or know yet!
Keep in touch with your friends and check in on them regularly/when you can. You both will be grateful that you did!
Remember to love yourself through it all. You only live once, so make it the best. Treat yourself with kindness and care. Remember to laugh and make it great. It’s your life, so hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How I Juggle College & Being a Blogger

College in itself can be a very stressful and busy time in itself. When you’re in college, it is hard enough to manage life in itself. With the social activities, extracurriculars, academics, and part time jobs, it is HARD. When you add a blog and becoming an influencer onto it all, who knows what else will get done?! Well, today, as an influencer and college student (soon-to-be-graduate!!!), I am here to tell you how I balance being a college student and a blogger.

Use a Planning System

Whether it be by paper and pen or digitally or a mix of the two, be sure to establish a planning system to aide in your blog planning. For me, I use spreadsheets to plan out my blog posts for the week, whether it be giveaways, collaborations, posts, stories, etc. and be sure to write down when to post them in my digital planning system. That way, I can successfully keep track of it all. Like college classes, your blog is a business that must be treated as such – it has deadlines, needs consistency in order to stay afloat, and a constant mode of flowing with the trends within our social media world today. What you put into your platform is what you will get out of it. The same goes for your college classes.

Plan, prepare, execute, and do it all over again, accordingly.

Have a Calendar

As an influencer, my calendar is my forever best friend. I can know where I have to be and when. I plan out my photoshoots for content, days that I am going to post them, and much more. Like you do for your college classes, plan out when you will focus on your blogging and execute.

Find Your Maximum Productivity Level for Academics & Influencing

To me, a maximum productivity level is the level at which you are most productive at something. For me, my maximum productivity level is different when I am focusing on academics than it is for influencing and blogging. In fact, I am more productive at my academic work in the afternoon. As for influencing and blogging, I am most productive after 10pm-early morning hours. Knowing that my maximum productivity levels are at different times for the different tasks that I have as a student and as a blogger, I can use that to my advantage and schedule when I work on what accordingly.

Make Sacrifices

When I chose to start my blog, I knew that I would have to make sacrifices. For me, that was spending more time on academics than I was on my blog. While I do have high ambitions for growing my platform here on The Pink Chickadee, in order to keep up with my classes, I have not been able to reach them yet. I plan to when I graduate, though. Yet, I have made the sacrifice to spend more time on academics that I have on my blog since starting it so that I can acquire my degree. At the same time, having a blog takes a lot of time, no matter how much time you choose to dedicate to it. You will most likely have to spend some late nights crafting posts and creating new content, especially with the robust social and academic world known as college. However, I have found it all to be so worth it in the end.

College Comes First

Above all else, your college career comes first. Although blogging is super fun and a great way to meet likeminded folks, it is not as important as your college career in retrospect. If you have a big test coming up, then your time should be dedicated towards that rather than curating a brand-new blog post or photo for your Instagram feed. The same goes for papers, assignments, etc. At the end of the day, your college career and GPA will get you your degree NOT your blog!

I most definitely do not regret starting my platform while in college. I have put many hours, blood, sweat, and tears into my blog all while being a college student. Although I have had many highs and lows since starting The Pink Chickadee, it has all been oh so worth it in the end. If you are ever considering starting a blog while in college, do it and do not look back. It will be the best decision that you ever made!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Preppy Girl Graduation Gifts Worth the Investment

Longchamp, Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade, …, these are a few of my favorite designers!! Likewise, these preppy fashion designers also make products that are excellent for the preppy girl in your life – especially if she is graduating. This past Thursday, I wrote a blog post on preppy girl graduation gifts that are budget-friendly (read it here!). Now, I am going to share a list of graduation gifts that are worth the investment for the preppy fashion loving ladies in your life for years to come!

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat ($228)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+RPRGPxSGK_44n8Qs14tctg

Barrington Gifts St. Anne Tote ($190)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+ydKEfhQgS27gFWTG_yo0RQ

Kate Spade New York Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet ($188)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+XH7tE6Q8VbgOgcadvxmuwg

Lilly Pulitzer UPF 50+ Skipper Popover ($98)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+IQMPfsBMRK6D-hDzruSh_Q

Longchamp Large Le Pilage Tote ($145)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+2Jri6A-DKWIZP7VP6qfjdg

Lands End Supima Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set ($88)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+GQtCFdIul3O963b-KJXM-A

LL Bean Bean Boots ($139)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+Zx6i57-DmROAKy6KqmeWDg

Kiel James Patrick Valerie Pearl Necklace ($82)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+Mo-JjinEG4a28mxA5viRpA

Jack Rogers Jacks Flat Sandal ($128)

Link to shop: https://rstyle.me/+wBQxbgbrCGruocGVsM4ADA

Here’s to treating the preppy lady in your life!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Preppy Girl Budget-Friendly Graduation Gift Guide

Graduation is approaching us for the Class of 2021 which means that graduation gift shopping is in full swing! As a fellow member of the Class of 2021, I have been looking around and creating wishlists for my own graduation gifts. As a preppy fashion lover, I decided to share a list of all things preppy for the graduating preppy fashion lover in your life!!