Adjusting to College Life During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Back in early March, all of our lives were transformed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Myself included, many of us assumed that we would be back to our pre-pandemic lives by the time the next school year starts. However, college life during the Fall 2020 semester and potentially the Spring 2021 semester will look completely different than we ever envisioned. As somebody who is about to start her Senior year of college in the middle of a pandemic, it is HARD to know that my college experience will be extremely different my last year than I ever thought it could. Since I have been back at college for almost two weeks now, I know that the adjustment into college life amid a pandemic will not be an easy one but it is an important one for us all to do.

It’s OKAY To Grief

During this pandemic, we have ALL lost something one way or another. There are several engaged couples who have had to cancel or postpone their wedding days, many people of all ages have had to cancel or postpone trips, celebrations, concerts, events of all kinds, and all of the above. Similarly, we college students are losing a lot during Covid-19. We are losing the many moments that we thought we would have this semester – everything from parties, socials, hangouts, retreats, meetings, and simply going to class in-person. Whatever we may be losing, know that it is OKAY to grief and feel the pain. In fact, ALL OF US are feeling it. The biggest piece of advice that my mother gave me is to feel the pain and sadness, as it will help one process it better. The same thing goes for a college semester that does not look anything like the one we had anticipated. If you feel that you need to talk to somebody about your grief about this new and different semester, then reach out to a friend, family member, or even a counselor on or off your college campus. Many people are willing to help, as we’re all in this together!

Use The Slowdown as an Opportunity

It most definitely sucks that the coronavirus has taken over practically every aspect of our lives. However, it should not be something that takes over your life. Although it is normal and okay to grief, it should not necessarily take over your life and the joy out of what is right in front of you. Personally, I had a really hard time adjusting to life during quarantine and the slow down. I am one who is such a social butterfly – I host people ALLL the time if I am not out and about. The slow down is HARD and I get it 100000%. We have all lost something, but it should not deter us from enjoying what is right in front of us. Use this time to do the things that you have always wanted to do. If it were not for the slow down, it would not have been able to recode and relaunch The Pink Chickadee. My platform on The Pink Chickadee has been such a blessing in my life, and I have to thank the Covid-19 pandemic for it. At the same time, I have also decided to focus on my own self growth and self love. I have really taken the initiative to take care of myself before anyone else, which has been a golden thing in my life that I sadly never put in the time to do before the pandemic hit. As for yourselves, use this time to do the same thing: think of something’s that you have always wanted to do yet never did and JUST DO IT. In the long run, you have nothing to lose!!!

Be Creative

Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, I have gotten real creative with ways to meet my social needs yet still maintain my social distance. Zoom has become my best friend, despite the severe Zoom fatigue that I feel regularly. 2020 is most definitely the year for all-things virtual and let’s definitely try to make the best of it. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!! If you need any ideas, check out my blog posts How To Get Involved in College During the Coronavirus Pandemic, 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings, and Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic for more inspiration!

The Bonds We Create

All of us current college students each have one thing in common: we are college students at college during the coronavirus pandemic. We have all seen our lives transform in the blink of an eye, especially at our social college age. Our lively lives have shifted to anything but the liveliness that we saw before March 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic is going to bring us all many more struggles than we have previously seen since it started. We have all faced several obstacles during this time and have been tested way beyond our limits. But, remember, every college student at the moment is in the same boat as yourself, whether or not you realize it. Make the most of your time with your classmates and bridge those connections with others. Most of us are struggling during this time, so why not struggle together?!

Reach Out to Others

Life during Covid-19 is HARD! It’s hard for all of us. That does not mean that you have to go through all of the challenges of our new coronavirus world alone though. There are SO many people out there to help you during this time. Below, I have listed some of the many resources that are available to you:

The struggle is most definitely real when adjusting to college life during the coronavirus pandemic. Though it may be hard to adjust to this new and different world, the most important thing is that you DO still have access to an education during these trying times. Whether or not you are on your college campus this semester, strive to make the best of any situation that may pop up. Be sure to keep your connections with others going strong during this time and beyond – we all need one another now more than ever. This too shall pass, but we are ALL in this together. While a pandemic was in none of our plans for the Fall 2020 semester, it is now and we will have one another to connect with during these trying times.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Weekly Menu Round-Up: August 16-21

Woohoo!! It’s time to get back on the grind! Getting back on the grind also means that it is time for another Weekly Menu Round-Up. This week is my first week of classes as a college Senior, which leaves for tons of menus to prepare for the upcoming week. Since my week is kind of busy with meetings and virtual events amongst classes, I have a few dutch oven/Crockpot meals included that last for a few days, which make for EXCELLENT budget-friendly meals throughout any busy week. Here’s to a great Senior year with some amazing meals to fuel to start of it!

Sunday: Flatbread pizza

I have had some super delicious flatbread for pizza from Trader Joe’s in my fridge for the past few days. Today, I am deciding to use some of the mozzarella, prosciutto, garlic, and spinach in my fridge to whip up a mighty pizza to celebrate my last eve of the first day of classes. This meal is easy and all available right in my kitchen as we speak!

Monday: Dutch Oven Ravioli Bake

Last week, I purchased some Maine Lobster Ravioli from Costco. I have ALWAYS been one to spice up my recipes. So, I looked up a dutch oven ravioli bake via my best friend Google and found one. I cannot wait to try this easy and delicious looking recipe linked here. Additionally, I will be serving it with Caesar salad and Texas toast. Luckily, since it is a dutch oven recipe, I can have the leftovers for lunch and dinner on Tuesday!!

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Vegan Pinto Bean Enchiladas

I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for Mexican food!!! Yet, I literally NEVER know how to cook Mexican food at home. Fortunately, that is all about to change as I will be giving it a try this week with some crockpot vegan enchiladas that I found via *of course* Google linked here. Being someone who is super picky about meat, I typically cook on a pescatarian diet when at home. That means that I typically try vegan/vegetarian options when cooking which I LOVE doing!! Like Monday’s Ravioli Bake, I will also be enjoying my enchiladas with some tortilla chips into Thursday for lunch.

Thursday: Potstickers & Roasted Brussels Sprouts

To keep it easy for Friday-eve, I will be heating up some pre-made shrimp potstickers from Trader Joe’s. Since I love myself some good olde veggies, I will be adding my favorite recipe of roasted Brussels sprouts into the mix along with some soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Friday: Lobster Bisque & Crostini’s

Similar to Mexican food, I am most definitely a sucker for some soup! I guess it may be because I have New Jersey roots LOL!!! Since getting my apartment, I have been dying to try Wegman’s branded Lobster bisque soup. So, I am going to FINALLY try it this Friday and serve it with some roasted mozzarella crostini’s and some roasted mushrooms. Most importantly, Friday’s dinner will NOT be complete without some wine to wind down after my first week of Senior year!

Hopefully I can provide you with some inspiration for some practical, yet delicious recipes to make in your own kitchen during a busy week. Next week, I will excitedly be sharing another Weekly Menu Round-Up, as I will be regularly cooking in my kitchen each day. Here’s to making many more memories in the kitchen!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Social Distanced 21st Belated Birthday Outing

A special thanks to my great friend Cassie for making my 21st Birthday sign! Love you always girl <3

It’s rare that we hear the words birthday outing and social distancing in the SAME sentence. For most of us, we think that it is practically impossible to have a birthday or celebration outing of any kind without keeping the social distancing protocols in mind. As someone who is strictly following the current social distancing protocols that still wanted to get out and have some fun with my girls, I got creative and decided to have a belated 21st Birthday outing with some of my best girls when I came back to Raleigh. By getting together with my girls for a good time while still maintaining our social distance helped us to still have a great time while being safe.

Part 1 – The Vineyard!

To begin our outing we went to none other than a vineyard aka one of my FAVORITE places to social distance!!! We went to Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex, North Carolina which is one of the few vineyards in the Raleigh area that makes their own wine there. It is also family-run, which I LOVE as someone whose always down to support local businesses. The staff at Cloer Family Vineyards were also really good about keeping up with the current social distancing standards, as each table had a sheet on it that was both green and red. A green sheet on a table meant that it was clean, while a red sheet on a table meant that it was not. In order to maintain our social distance and stay safe, we decided to enjoy our bottle of the house Chardonnay outside. As of right now, most of my activities with others are outside, as I can better keep my social distance. At the vineyard, there were only four of us including myself which was real nice to both promote social distancing and keep it intimate!

Part 2 – Dinner in Our Trunks!

As previously mentioned about 1000+ times in this post, I am very strict when it comes to social distancing. Initially, I wanted to go to a hibachi restaurant. However, after quite a bit of thinking I decided that I wanted to play it safe and order from a local sushi favorite of mine and eat it from the trunks of our cars instead. The great part about ordering takeout was that we could all order from the restaurant of our choice! For the dinner portion, I had two more friends join that were not at the vineyard outing. I still had a small group, which made it intimate and special, but also perfect for celebration during this era of social distancing.

Social distancing or not, making memories with friends and family, especially for celebration is always a blessing. When we get together with others we can make memories that can and will last a lifetime. Through having my belated 21st Birthday celebration both social distanced AND an amazing celebration, I truly had it the best of both worlds.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Interview with Small Business Owner Cassie of Cassies Designs

Hey y’all! Spread some confetti in the air, because, today, I have a very special post with a real special friend of mine: Cassie of the Etsy shop Cassie’s Designs. As of right now, we are doing a SUPER FUN monogrammed champagne flute set and $15 Target gift card giveaway on both of our Instagram pages ALL WEEK! Cassie and I met while interviewing for the Honors Program at Meredith. She was, in fact, the first friend that I made at Meredith. Over the past three years, we have grown closer as friends who share a love for our sweet school Meredith College and both have their own side hustle’s. Through it all, she has truly been a special friend and more importantly a blessing in my life. I hope that y’all enjoy learning more about Cassie’s story to becoming the one woman show behind Cassie’s Designs and can gain a bit of wisdom from this strong sister of mine!!!

Tell me a bit about yourself!

My name is Cassie and I am the one woman show that operates Cassie’s Designs. I am from a small town in North Carolina called Walnut Cove. I graduated from Meredith College in 2019 with my Bachelors of Arts in Criminology and minors in Sociology and Pre-Law. Go odds! Currently, I attend Wake Forest University, where I am obtaining my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My ultimate goal is to open a therapy farm for at-risk children and adolescents. When I’m not crafting, or schooling, I enjoy taking my pup on long walks, reading, watching The Golden Girls on Hulu, and cooking. 

Share three words that describe yourself!

  1. Creative
  2. Empathetic 
  3. Humorous

What products do you sell?

I sell t-shirts, dog bandanas, wreaths, face masks, wine glasses, champagne flutes, hoodies, ornaments (essentially anything that is customizable).

What made you choose to start Cassie’s Designs?

  1. I actually started Cassie’s Designs in my closet in 5th grade. Ha! In addition, I attribute the founding of Cassie’s Designs to my late Nana. She would always encourage and inspire my creativity. No project was too big or too small for her, she did whatever it took to help make my dreams come true. 
  2. Moreover, I’ve always enjoyed making items and giving them to people. More recently, I bought a Cricut Cutting Machine for my time as a Resident Assistant at Meredith. After dabbling with the machine, my desire to craft grew and I realized that my ideas and items could be utilized by everyone.

Where do you get inspiration for the merchandise that you sell?

I’m inspired by everything. Ha! I’m inspired by my family and friends. I’m in a lot of online groups that give me ideas for new projects. I draw inspiration from books, TV shows, Pinterest, you name it!  In addition, sometimes I just buy materials with no ideas in mind, but as I begin crafting, it all comes together.

What are some of your goals within Cassie’s Designs?

  1. Gain a mass following (not only to sell items, but to promote social justice).
  2. I want to learn how to sew and do embroidery. I have a sewing machine, it’s just learning how to use it, that’s the challenge. 
  3. I want my Etsy shop to be successful. I’d really like it if the majority of my sales came through there.

What are your career goals outside of Cassie’s Designs?

My ultimate goal is to open a therapy farm for at-risk children and adolescents. I firmly believe in the power that animals have on our ability to cope with challenging situations in life. I feel that I’ve always had this gift where people feel safe and open up to me more than the average person. We never know how our words impact others, so it’s important that we make every word count.

How did founding Cassie’s Designs help you achieve your goals?

It’s really important to me to be a strong and independent woman. Running Cassie’s Designs is all me. I pride myself on being someone that others can look up to. Having my own business makes me feel a sense of independence and pride that no one can take away from me. It also aligns with my ultimate goal in life which is to help people. 

Is there any product you would like to release/sell?

I really want to make and sew custom pieces of clothing. As a woman in the plus size community, I feel there are not enough viable options for bigger women. The clothes are always overpriced and aren’t made well. I’d love the opportunity to make others feel beautiful and to love their bodies just the way they are.

In times where you feel like you’re just going to give up, what helps you to keep going and preserve?

I always just feel this spark of optimism anywhere I go. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always held the mentality that tomorrow is a new day and if plan A didn’t work, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. Sweet Red wine from Aldis is also a nice pick me up after a long work day!

If there’s one thing you could say to somebody looking to start their own small business, what would it be?

Make sure to have variety in your products. You want to appeal to a wide variety of people, so there is something for everyone. And always, always, always take pictures of your work!

Lastly, share the first thing you want to do once quarantine is over!

Okay, so 2 major things I want to do. One, is to go to all the concerts that I had lined up before Corona hit. Two, I want to go out to a bar. Ha! Since my birthday was in the height of Corona, I never got to experience that 21st birthday bash.

Feel free to follow Cassie’s Designs on social media and shop her super adorable designs!

Lastly, enter our giveaway on both of our Instagram pages!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How College is Different During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way that college life looks. While it will only be temporary, it is definitely an adjustment. As someone who has been on her college campus living in her on-campus apartment before classes start for a week now, I can definitely say that college campuses look quite a bit different during a pandemic. Today, I will be sharing how college campuses differ while in the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitor Restrictions

Attending a small college with only two entrances for cars means that pandemic or not there are only a few ways to enter the campus. Upon entering campus, everyone is stopped by Campus Security, and the back gate entrance is locked. Whereas, in the dorms and on-campus apartments, the only off-campus guests that are allowed are move-in helpers. Moreover, the number of guests per dorm room/apartment is also greatly capped. Upon coming to campus, my classmates and I that are living on campus had to sign a contract that said that we would abide by the guest restrictions. By limiting the amount of visitors on campus, my school can better contain and limit the spread of Covid-19.

Mask Requirements

Whoever thought that in the year 2020 that masks would be the new black was seriously one in a million! I surely never anticipated that I would be wearing a mask practically everywhere I go these days, but it definitely IS the look of the year!!! Similar to going to the grocery store or my version of paradise aka Home Goods, wearing a mask is required on a college campus. At my school, there are signs literally EVERYWHERE telling students and faculty to wear a mask upon entering buildings and in areas where they cannot social distance. Research has shown that wearing a mask helps to contain the spread of Covid-19. Luckily, wearing a mask can be fashionable, too! Brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, Target, Kendra Scott, and several Etsy shops each have such adorable masks that one can wear to spice up their back to school wardrobe on and off a college campus. While we have to wear a mask, why not make it fashionable, even on a college campus?!

Social Distancing Protocols

The fact that a car can only run as long as it has a gas pedal and a steering wheel is similar to the fact that containing the spread of Covid-19 entails maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart while wearing a mask. Likewise, on a college campus, it is required that all student take precautions in following social distancing protocols. Most colleges have markers in order to ensure that students remain six feet apart from one another. My college, like many others, want to make sure that their on-campus residents follow social distancing protocols both on and off campus. My college has required that all students limit their off-campus travel, especially outside of my college town of Raleigh, North Carolina. If a student leaves the college town, then they must register with a specific site and list the things that they have done while there, in order to determine whether or not they need to self-isolate when they get back. That way, we all may be safe while on campus.

Contact Tracing

While the car may need a steering wheel and gas pedal to start, it also needs gas in order to start. The same goes for contact tracing on a college campus along with wearing a mask and keeping social distance, in order for a college to run smoothly during a pandemic. My college like many others is requiring all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to download the Campus Clear app. On the Campus Clear app, everyone who comes to campus essentially is screened for Covid-19 symptoms daily. Using Campus Clear requires its users to say whether or not they have coronavirus symptoms or has come into contact with someone who has Covid-19 and notes whether or not they are good to go. If a student is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, then they will receive instructions in the app on how to proceed. At the same time, if someone has tested positive for Covid-19, then those who may have interacted with them will be notified to self-isolate and asked to get a test as well. My school also has a building designated for students who have to self-isolate. Knowing that my school and many others are taking contact tracing seriously is extremely vital in keeping everything on a college campus up and running.

Classroom Layout

In order to promote social distancing, all classrooms have been laid out in a way that also promotes social distancing. While on campus, I have visited an academic building where everything has been drastically changed, in order to promote social distancing. For example, common areas are closed and tables that once had four chairs at them may only have one or two. As for in the classroom, desks and chairs are also laid out much differently in order to allow for students to maintain their social distance. At my school, desks and chairs have been rearranged in order to promote this. I found the social distancing classroom setting at my school to be rather friendly, while I know that some other schools’ classroom settings may not be the same. Whereas, my friends at larger universities were telling me that they have seen every other seat be blocked off or wrapped in bubble wrap. However schools choose to layout their classes to ensure that students keep their social distance, it must be done in order to keep others safe.

Virtual EVERYTHING

Since containing the spread of the coronavirus involves A LOT of social distancing, many college-related events have transformed to a virtual format. Classes, socials, club fairs, block parties, meetings, career fairs, and even sorority recruitment have all likely switched to meeting on Zoom or Google Hangouts. I have had training sessions, meetings for clubs/organizations as well as my thesis, and classes through a virtual format. Since large gatherings are not recommended at the moment, it is best not to have them. Most colleges are also strictly following the CDC’s, their state’s, and their local area’s guidelines as they pertain to keeping us safe. For right now, that means that most college events will be held virtually.

Outdoor Events Over Indoor Events

If an event can be done safely while social distancing, then it will 9 times out of 10 be done outdoors. In past years, many events that I have attended on my college campus have been either held virtually or outdoors if in-person. If a college chooses to have an in-person event outdoors, then it will most likely require all of their students to wear a face mask and maintain social distance at ALL TIMES. For instance, I attended an event on-campus earlier this week that was held outdoors where all of us were required to both wear a mask and stand 6 feet apart. At that event, each of us were split up into smaller groups to meet up with others. We also received goodie bags which were distributed to us 6 feet away from someone else’s goodie bag. Although this event looked a whole lot different than events in the past, it still felt SOOO good to see others in-person that I hadn’t have seen in a LONGGG time. Definitely take advantage of outdoors in-person events if you can, just wear your mask!

Online Campus

With the coronavirus still impacting practically every aspect of our lives, it unfortunately means that many students will not be able to be on campus in-person. Students will be attending classes and apart of campus from EVERYWHERE. With that all being said, it is important to know that virtual platforms such as Zoom, Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, email, and forms of messaging will be a vital part of the college campus scene. These virtual platforms will allow us college students to come together in ways like never before. The sense of community that us college students have felt on our campuses will transform to the digital world – I have seen it happen on my own campus and will continue to throughout the year. Knowing that the digital world is thriving on my campus, I rightfully assume that it is on many other college campuses as well.

Varying Social Distancing Definitions

With college students coming together after being apart from one another for about 5 months, there is most definitely differences in how they view the importance of social distancing. While me and most of my friends take social distancing very seriously, there are also many college students who do not. There will be parties and classmates of yours that will not wear a mask or practice social distancing when off campus. There will also probably be times that all of us college students do not feel comfortable when asked to partake in an activity. Even though our definitions of social distancing may be different, it is most important to remember to do YOUR PART in maintaining your social distance. Most importantly, you MUST do whatever makes YOU feel the MOST comfortable during these trying times. DO NOT do anything that you do not want to do or feel comfortable doing. Trust me, it will pay off in the long run!

Social Distanced Hangouts

With social distancing measures still in place pretty much everywhere, that means that many of us college students have to get creative with our hangouts and gatherings. College campuses have to regulate social distancing measures. That being said, picnics, walks, and outdoor activities will become the latest and greatest way for college students to hangout on campus. A friend of mine who attends a much larger university than mine also said that some of the restaurants at her school have been closed, in order to maintain social distance. Knowing that many colleges are taking social distancing very seriously, us college students will have to get real creative with our hangouts. If you need any ideas, please feel free to check out my post 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings for inspiration!

Staggered Move-In’s

To promote social distancing and safety on college campuses, many of them are opting to stagger college move-in’s. At my school, we usually have one big day for Freshmen move-in. On the contrary, this year, that move-in has been spread out to three different days. As previously mentioned, each student is allowed only two moving helpers who all are required to wear masks when moving in. The same goes for my on-campus apartment. That way, everyone can strive to stay safe!

Zoom Fatigue

Now the struggles of college life during a pandemic: getting SICK OF ZOOM!!! I don’t know about you, but I get real tired of sitting at my desk ALLL day long on Zoom calls (I wish I was feeling 22 LOL!!!). Like myself, many college students get real tired of staring at a screen on Zoom all day everyday. It is definitely a STRUGGLE and y’all THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!! Though some days feel much longer and more like a hassle than others, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that many others feel the same exact way.

Greater Emphasis on Social Media

With many colleges having a major online campus presence, many colleges will be placing a greater emphasis on their social media. I am extremely involved in a few on-campus organizations. Many of them have emphasized that social media will be a key way in reaching students on campus in ways that they have not like ever before. As online events take precedence over in-person one’s, the usage of social media will not only help promote those events, but also keep students engaged and have a sense of belonging on their campus even though it may look a bit different at the moment.

College life most definitely looks different right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even though college life has witnessed its several changes since March 2020, it does not mean that the authenticity of the college experience is completely taken away from us college students. It just means that us college students have to find new ways to socialize and engage with one another while remaining safe. During this time, each of us has a special story and experience to share, whether or not we are a college student or even living on campus as a college student, and we will remember these trying times and look back on them many years later. I hope to look on these times with a bittersweet smile on my face and I hope y’all will be able to too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Lilly Pulitzer Inspired College Apartment

Hey y’all! I am SO excited for today’s post, which is an Apartment Reveal of my on-campus college apartment!!! This is my second year living in this gorgeous apartment that I LOVE to call my home, but I definitely did some decorating here and there since moving in last week. Decorating is one of my favorite hobbies and if I could do it ALL DAY EVERYDAY, then I would. I get such an adrenaline from shopping for decor, especially on a budget. Keeping this in mind, the majority of things in my apartment are from Marshall’s/Home Goods/TJ Maxx, The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, small businesses such as The Redheaded Camel, The Local Squirrel, and Pamlico Paper Company, gifted to me, things that I already had, secondhand finds, and DIY. My apartment was furnished for the most part, which is an extreme blessing! Hopefully, I can provide you with some decoration inspiration for your own place. Enjoy!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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25 Budget-Friendly Preppy Back To School Staples

1 – Hairband

Hairbands are such a fun way to spice up any look. From embroidered to studded with pearls to solid colored to printed, the options for a cute hairband are ENDLESS! Luckily, there are many ways to style a hairband for a fraction of the cost. I have purchased hairbands from Lilly Pulitzer, when studying abroad in Belize, and Old Navy. Whatever your style is, a hairband is such a fun way to spice up your back to school wardrobe for a fraction of the cost.

2 – Fun Necklaces

Like hairbands, fun necklaces also come in a variety of gorgeous styles! I have found my favorites at J Crew Factory, Talbots, Target, and while thrifting. Each of these stores has super great sales and deals, as compared to many other places. That being said, getting a fun necklace is a great way to find a great find at an even greater price!

3 – Department Store Finds

Whoever said department stores were not fun to shop at clearly never loved finding a great deal! Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Kohl’s alike all offer AMAZING deals at a steal of the cost. Each of these stores has great in-house brands and name brands for clothing. Belk offers preppy brands Crown & Ivy in-house and Lilly Pulitzer as a name brand on their website. One of the best things about department stores is the COUPONS! Most of the time, department store merchandise may appear to be overpriced, but the coupons and plethora of sales that they offer significantly reduce the prices and BRING ON THE DEALS!!!

4 – Scrunchies

I like to think that if Gossip Girl were filmed today, then Blair Waldorf would have worn scrunchies over hairbands. Although hairbands are super in-style at the moment, scrunchies are definitely also having a big moment. I have found some of my favorite scrunchies at The Dollar Tree and Walmart for under $5 of all places. Target also has some great scrunchie scores as well. The super fun hair accessory is such an affordable and fun piece to spice up your ponytails/buns in the classroom!

5 – Outlet Finds

Outlets are definitively the new black!!! Practically every preppy fashion house has an outlet, which usually offers great deals on their clothing at a fraction of the cost. While the clothing may not be the latest and greatest, it usually is still pretty on trend with the latest styles and in some stores I have seen the same designer finds in both the outlet and flagship shops. Stores such as Vineyard Vines, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Francesca’s, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, J Crew, and Vera Bradley ALL have outlet stores. The best part: most of these outlet stores have AMAZING sales that are even better than their non-outlet counterparts. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling plenty of great deals coming your way!

6 – Blanket Scarf

Love me a blanket scarf! This Fall and Winter staple is such a great addition to any wardrobe. You can either dress it up or down for the occasion, and they’re great to wear to and from classes. Stores such as Old Navy, Forever 21, H&M, J Crew Factory, and Target each have several adorable blanket scarf options to fit your Back to School wardrobe’s desires. However you choose to dress it, a blanket scarf will be an affordable staple for your wardrobe this season and many more moving forward.

7 – Fun Stationary

Having fun stationary is always a great way to start off your classes with a bang! Not only will your stationary have some bubbly pops of colors, but they will also be uniquely your own. Walmart, Target, Staple’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Ross ALLL offer super adorable stationary at a fraction of the cost. However you choose to style your stationary, getting your necessary back to school classroom staples with a fun pop of color is such a fun way to ring in the new school year!!

8 – TJ Maxx/Marshall’s/Ross Finds

When in doubt, go to TJ Maxx (or Marshall’s or even Ross)! Each of these amazing stores carries everything from clothing to shoes and accessories to home decor and even stationary for ALL at a fraction of the cost! I have found Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Calvin Klein, Jack Rogers, Rebecca Taylor, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade pieces here at a much more affordable price than in their flagship stores. Sometimes, the prices are even better than the outlets! It is all just a luck of the draw to see what you find on your TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross hunt. That being said, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Ross are definitely the places to go!!

9 – Monogrammed Tees

If it’s not moving, then why not monogram it?! Monogrammed tees are such a fun and adorable preppy addition for any preppy lady’s wardrobe. You can dress it up with a skirt or dress it down with yoga pants/leggings or shorts. You can even style a monogrammed tee with your pajama pants! My favorite places to shop for monogrammed tees are United Monograms and Marley Lilly, as they’re always having sales and great deals on some fun monogrammed finds. However, Etsy also have some good deals depending on the shop that you are purchasing from. When in doubt, let’s monogram it!!!

10 – Kate Spade Surprise Sale Finds

Who doesn’t love a SURPRISE SALE?! I sure do!!! Luckily for all of my Kate Spade lovers, Kate Spade occasionally offers a Surprise Sale. Let me just tell y’all: the deals are AMAZING! I have purchased a pair of stud earrings for $21 as well as a billfold wallet for under $60. If you sign up for their email list, then you can get in on all the fun and stay up to date with the latest and greatest of the brand’s sales. If you LOVE Kate Spade, then most definitely shop their Surprise Sales – it’s like a Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Kate Spade edition!

11 – Silk Scarf

Silk scarves are such a fun way to spice up a tote bag or ponytail. Whether printed or solid, they’re definitely a super adorable staple, especially for the Back to School season. I have recently become obsessed with this new trend, as I can style a silk scarf in SO MANY different ways. Additionally, I feel it adds a nice European accent! A Hermes silk scarf anyone?! However you choose to style yours, a silk scarf is definitely a fun Back to School accessory for your wardrobe.

12 – Leggings

Leggings! Leggings! Leggings!!! Leggings are such a comfortable and versatile staple to add to your wardrobe, especially when in classes and studying. While places such as Lululemon and Lilly Pulitzer sell them at a steep cost, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Nordstrom Rack each carry them at a fraction of the cost and with the same exact quality. Leggings are also such a fun staple that comes in practically every print and color. That way YOU can find the perfect pair(s) for YOU!

13 – Fun Earrings

I have been a major addict for super fun earrings at a steal of the cost! My favorite places to shop for earrings include: Target, TJ Maxx, Cora’s Den, Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s, and Ross. Fun earrings are real great to style with a t-shirt and leggings in the classroom or with a dress for a night out/Zoom happy hour with the girls. Wherever I go, I am ALWAYS looking for some good deals on earrings, and I know y’all will too!

14 – Nordstrom Rack Finds

Nordstrom Rack is known as the outlet for the notable Nordstrom. Nordstrom Rack has AMAZING deals on everything from clothing to makeup to shoes and accessories. Through it all, Nordstrom Rack offers ALLL of the designer deals at a steal of the price! If you don’t have a Nordstrom Rack near your house, then hit up their website to also find some great deals like you would in store. As a Nordstrom lover, I have become an even bigger lover of Nordstrom Rack being the deal-seeker that I am!

15 – Kendra Scott’s Birthday Discount

Who doesn’t love celebrating a birthday with a DISCOUNT?! You heard me RIGHT!! Kendra Scott offers a 50% birthday discount to its customers throughout the month of their birthday. That being said, you can score all of your dream Kendra Scott finds at a fraction of the price. I know that you can use this discount online if you sign up for emails as well as in-store as long as the birthday person has their ID with them. Kendra Scott definitely makes celebrating a birthday be celebrating the right way!!!

16 – Monogrammed Wine Glass

Monograms are clearly a preppy fashion staple! Why not put it on a wine glass?! After a long day of classes and meetings especially through Zoom, it’s always super fun to pop out an ADORABLE wine glass to wind down. My favorite places to get monogrammed wine glasses are on Etsy. I have found some with and without Lilly Pulitzer prints, that way, you can customize your glass(es) to your liking. Why not wine(d) down in style?!

17 – Printed Umbrella

Rain is a reality in our day to day lives. Why not make those gloomy days a bit brighter?! Places like Target, Vera Bradley, and Hallmark offer adorable vibrantly printed at a great price. Why not bring the sunshine on a dreary day?!

18 – Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Finds

Who doesn’t LOVE a good party AND a good sale, especially with Lilly Pulitzer involved?! Lilly Pulitzer is one of many preppy ladies’ favorite brands. Twice a year they do an After Party Sale which is the ONLY time that Lilly Pulitzer has a huge sale each year. Shorts, dresses, Luxletic, tops, and everything in between are ALL sold with major markdowns, which makes for none other than a partyyy!!! As many of y’all know, Lilly Pulitzer’s clothing comes with quite the hefty price tag. Meanwhile, the After Party Sale offers several of Lilly Pulitzer’s hottest finds of the previous season at a fraction of the price. If you love Lilly Pulitzer, then definitely check out its biannual After Party Sale for some AMAZING deals!!

19 – Printed Tumbler

From monograms to solid colors to everything in between, a printed tumbler is definitely the way to go to show off your personality and in a preppy fashion. Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Simply Southern, and Lilly Pulitzer all offer adorable printed tumblers usually for under $20. One can also show off their school spirit in style, as most high schools and colleges also sell school-spirited tumblers; however, these are usually upwards of $25. Tervis is also a top tumbler brand, collaborating with many colleges/universities and carrying tumblers in several prints. Like school-spirited tumblers, these usually cost upwards of $25, which is worth the investment for day-to-day use. Tumblers definitely make for a personalized and fun style to carry with you from the halls to the classroom.

20 – Secondhand Finds

If you LOVE to shop secondhand, then look no further than your local thrift store! Thrift stores of all kinds can provide you with some AMAZING deals, especially on super cute, preppy, and name brand finds. Over the years, I have found Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, BCBG, J Crew, and Express at my local thrift stores. With Covid-19 keeping many of us at home, there are also several online secondhand shopping options, such as Ebay, Poshmark, Mercari, and ThredUp. Usually, secondhand stores carry even name brand clothing at a STEAL of the price! I have found Lilly Pulitzer shorts at a GoodWill for $4 along with J Crew and BCBG pieces for under $10 on ThredUp. When you #ShopSecondhand, you are also helping think green and save our planet. Name brand clothing at a steal of the price with good intentions for our planet?! How could you NOT #ShopSecondhand!!

21 – Persoanlized Stickers

Who doesn’t LOVE a cute sticker?! Fortunately for us all, websites like Amazon, RedBubble, and chains and local businesses alike are all now selling stickers. The majority of stickers that I have seen are sold for under $10, which makes for a great deal for something that you can put on your phone, folders, notebooks, or even calculators. The best part of it all: the stickers that you have are uniquely your own. Express yourself!!!

22 – Cute Phone Case

Like a sticker, phone cases come in all colors, prints, and styles! Luckily, there is several options and usually at a very reasonable price point. I ALWAYS spot some cute phone cases in the checkout line at Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. Target and Amazon, I know, also have super adorable phone cases as well. Like a sticker, a phone case can be personalized to be uniquely your own.

23 – Crown & Ivy at Belk

Whoever said department stores lack cute and preppy clothing clearly has never shopped in a department store! The Crown & Ivy in-house brand at Belk is NO EXCEPTION!!! Crown & Ivy is a super adorable brand filled with all-things preppy. Personally, I find it as a mix between Lilly Pulitzer, J Crew, and Vineyard Vines with its vibrant prints and Southern preppy flare. Since the brand is exclusively sold at Belk, Crown & Ivy is consistently included in Belk’s regular sales and discounts online and in-store. Keeping this all in mind, Crown & Ivy finds will definitely keep you in style for many years to come!

24 – Printed Socks

I am a sucker for socks!!! Like myself, I know many others who are also obsessed with socks. Over the years, I have purchased printed socks from Vineyard Vines, J Crew Factory, and Old Navy. From animals to polka dots and stripes, printed socks come in all prints and styles. They definitely make for a fun Back to School edition!!!

25 – Fun PJ’s

The BEST way to wind down after a long day is to curl up with a blanket and put on some super fun pajamas! Stores like Old Navy, Vineyard Vines, and Target sell adorable pajamas for a great price. Moreover, a pair of fun pajamas is also a great way to match with all your crew for a girl’s night in. Whether for a late night of cramming or a night with the girls, a pair of fun pajamas are an excellent affordable staple to add to your wardrobe!!

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Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic

With our new and social distancing-embracing world, picnics have become a favorite activity of mine to gather with friends and family. Not only are picnics great to promote social distancing while still seeing those that you love and care about, but they can also bring us together to enjoy a nice meal or to simply catch up. Today, I am going to be sharing some fun ideas to spice up your next picnic, and make them OH SO special during this unique time!

1 – Pick a New Location To Picnic Each Time

Whether on your college campus, somewhere nearby, or both, picnicking at a different place each time allows for you and your crew to explore different places in your area while still enjoying one another’s company. Especially if you and your crew meet regularly to picnic and are able to get around to different places, then picnicking in various places nearby would be such a fun way to explore your local area while catching up with one another. That way, you and your crew can travel together nearby while enjoying each another’s company.

2 – Order Takeout

Just because you’re having a picnic does not mean that you have to have home cooked food each time! While sandwiches, fruit, and chips/crackers to nibble on may be the classic picnic staples, they don’t have to be. From the Cheesecake Factory to Taco Bell to a local favorite, the possibilities for takeout are ENDLESS. Since eating out at restaurants may not be the safest option for everyone, ordering takeout from your favorite places and having a picnic instead can be the next best thing for us all in the meantime!

3 – Make Breakfast Favorites

Okay ladies, let’s make a picnic toast with some mimosas!!! Breakfast for a picnic?! I think YES! From biscuits to pancakes to waffles and everything in between, breakfast is such a staple meal of the day that can be a super fun way to have a picnic with your crew. Let’s just say that I made waffles for a picnic with some friends, and it was a HIT!! You can even spice it up a little more by having a mimosa together, just as if y’all were at your favorite breakfast joint.

4 – Fun Dining Ware

Nothing says a cute picnic like fun plates, napkins, & cutlery! Luckily, places like The Dollar Tree, Walmart, The Christmas Tree Shops, and Target all sell super adorable and affordable party dining ware that can be used for picnics as well. I’ve LOVED finding super cute and fun dining ware, as they do add an extra fun twist to any picnic, and I know you will too!

5 – Bring Something Homemade

There’s nothing better than going to a picnic and showing up to seeing something homemade from the heart. I LOVE making something of my own for a picnic, as I feel it adds an extra touch as if I’m hosting someone in my own apartment. Like being in the kitchen, you can make just about anything to bring on a picnic, just be sure you can transport it. From pizza to a cheese board to pasta and even soup, the possibilities for homemade recipes are NEVER-ENDING!

6 – Do a Craft Together

Nothing says a fun time like a craft party! I know I LOVE doing crafts, especially in social gatherings. While picnics may be the new normal in terms of social gatherings for the time being, it does not mean that we cannot do the activities that we love such as crafting while at it. Craft parties have always been a favorite of mine, through doing activities such as wine and designs, card making, and scrapbooking. Why not do a craft party picnic style?!

7 – Potluck Style

Similar to any social gathering that is not social distanced, why not make a picnic a potluck picnic?! Depending on the size of your crew that you’re meeting for a picnic, it can be pretty tricky to transport everything for your picnic all on your own, which will make having a potluck a much more practical way to go. Likewise, doing a potluck style picnic will also allow everyone that you’re meeting up with to feel included and apart of the picnic. A potluck style picnic is definitely a fun way to go, with it allowing for easy transport of goodies and everyone in your crew to feel included.

8 – Have a Photoshoot Too

A picnic AND a photoshoot?! Let’s give it a GO!!! Since social distancing has brought about several changes in the ways that we gather with our friends, a picnic AND photoshoot will allow you to capture those memories while still gathering. Y’all will simply be gathering in a different way!

9 – Play a Card Game

Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, and Apples To Apples, OH MY! The number of card great games out there is INSANE. This high number of card games will allow you and your crew to eventually find one that y’all will enjoy while picnicking together and making memories all at the same time.

10 – Get in a Walk, Too!

Why not get in a workout too?! There are SO many places that offer walking trails and areas to picnic. If you’re like me, then you may be the type of person who goes for a long walk and then gets hungry and vice versa. Going for a walk and exploring the scenery and enjoying some time setting and taking everything in for a nice picnic is most definitely the best of both worlds! Why not take full advantage of your local parks?!

Social distancing or not, picnics are an excellent way to gather with those you want to see. While picnicking may be the latest and greatest way to catch up with your crew amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are definitely SO many ways to make your picnic super fun and uniquely yours. The most important thing is that you and your crew are able to catch up and make memories together, even if they are done in a different way for now.

XOXO – Katie <3

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I Lived in Tuscany for a Month

Love me some Tuscany!! As highly requested on my Instagram story survey a few weeks ago, many of y’all wanted to hear my experiences studying abroad. I have been lucky enough to study abroad in 3 different cities in 3 different countries: Sansepolcro, Italy (a small town in Tuscany), London, England, United Kingdom, and San Ignacio, Belize (a town in the rainforest region of Belize). Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing my experiences studying abroad in each country, along with some advice that is specific to each place. It is important to note that each of these study abroad programs were done through my school – Meredith College. Today, I will be beginning my sharing of my study abroad experiences by sharing my study abroad experience in the small Italian town of Sansepolcro located in the dreamy region of Tuscany.

The Benefit of Sansepolcro

When most people picture study abroad, they picture college students living in a massive city, such as Florence, Milan, or Rome. The majority of study abroad programs in Italy are, in fact, held in these major cities. Unlike Florence, Milan, and Rome, Sansepolcro is a tiny Italian town located in the hill country of Tuscany. There is not even a train station in the town – the nearest one is an hour away in Arezzo. What Sansepolcro does have that Florence, Milan, and Rome do not have is drop dead gorgeous lush hill country that goes for miles and miles on end along with locals that are extremely friendly. Sansepolcro’s small town charm could not be bought or even found in either Florence, Milan, or Rome.

The special thing about Sansepolcro is Meredith College’s relationship with the town. For decades now, Meredith College has sent their students to study abroad in Sansepolcro on study abroad programs through the school along with trips for alumni. Like myself, Meredith College fell in love with Sansepolcro due to its down to earth and authentic charm, which Italy’s major cities lack. The locals in Sansepolcro and Meredith College students, faculty, staff, and alumni have established a close-knit bond that has lasted throughout the years. This bond is so strong that Meredith College purchased a Palazzo (like an apartment) above a pizza place in the town that its students and faculty live at when they study abroad. Before me, many of my Meredith sisters have lived in Meredith’s Palazzo in Sansepolcro and many more will after me. I have found Meredith’s Palazzo in Sansepolcro to be such a special asset to studying abroad in Italy, as not many students can say that they lived in a small town in Tuscany that their school has maintained such strong connections with.

Living in Meredith’s Palazzo was an experience like no other. The bedrooms were most definitely authentic to the Italian lifestyle – simplistic and beautiful. Not many Italians and Europeans for that matter have their own closets – they have wardrobes instead. Laundry in Italy is only washed and hung to dry. In Italy, the Italians eat lunch as their biggest meal like dinner is in the United States. At Meredith’s Palazzo, we were lucky enough to have a lovely chef named Margarita to cook us our lunch each day. Each day, Margarita made something completely different yet still very Italian and authentic to the Tuscan region. Every single one of Margarita’s meals was AMAZING, and I wish I could enjoy one of her extraordinary creations as I write this!! The Meredith Palazzo lifestyle allowed me to live the life of a Sansepolcro resident, which truly allowed me to experience living in a different country as if I were a local there. You know what they say: when in Sansepolcro!

Courses I Took

One of the most important things about studying abroad is that you are there to STUDY. Meredith’s Office of International Programs staff member Liz ALWAYS emphasizes how study abroad is NOT a trip or vacation as you are there to study. Liz’s emphasis on study abroad as a time to study and learn and grow as an individual in a brand-new culture is extremely important to myself as well. Study abroad is a time for nothing other than self growth while having an educational experience in a brand-new country and culture. Personally, I find this very important to remember. While study abroad is exciting and may feel like a trip/vacation, it is anything BUT that.

While in Sansepolcro, I took three different courses: Arts and Artifacts (a class on the history of Sansepolcro and Italy), Nonverbal Communication, and Yoga. Each of these courses was unique in its own way and provided me with different facets of knowledge that I take with me to this day. Both Arts and Artifacts and Nonverbal Communication were taught by Meredith professors who lived with us at the Palazzo. I definitely saw both of my professors studying abroad with me as my Italy mom’s! Meanwhile, my Yoga instructor was a local to Tuscany who has a popular yoga blog in Italy. I found the value of having classes taught both by Meredith professors and a Tuscan local to be priceless.

In my Arts and Artifacts course, I got to learn about Sansepolcro and Italy while write about what I saw. One distinct thing about the Arts and Artifacts course is that it is taught on every one of Meredith’s study abroad programs with it being unique to each country that it’s taught in. I took this course in both England and Belize as well. In this course, students get to learn about the part of the world that they are studying abroad in while getting to see the places/sights that they are learning about. In Sansepolcro, I learned about the town of drop dead gorgeous medieval Angihari right before I visited it. The same went for the sculpture of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, the origin of Murano glass on the island of Murano, and the Duomo di Siena in Siena, Italy. At the same time, I also got to use class time to plan out my independent travel breaks with my classmates. Through it all, the Arts and Artifacts course was an extremely helpful course in getting to know the place that I was studying abroad in and help me to better understand the culture of Sansepolcro as well as the differing regional cultures in Italy as a whole.

My Nonverbal Communication course was one that was extremely valuable to me. My professor Dr. Ross is extremely passionate about communication and especially nonverbal communication, which truly showed throughout the course. Dr. Ross worked really hard to promote our self growth as students not only academically through learning and living in Sansepolcro, but also as strong young women. Each class day was something new and different, as Dr. Ross strived to discuss her own personal experiences with nonverbal communication in the United States and connecting them to Italian life and culture. For example, each student had an assigned partner that they had to do an activity with that was out of their comfort zone – mine was to strike a conversation with a total stranger on the streets and see how they reacted. We, then, each had to work with our partners to describe and reflect on our own experiences through that social interaction and pick up on their nonverbal cues as to how they compared to the United States. Each class day, a new pair shared their communication experiences with the class, and we built off one another in class discussion. My experience talking to a total stranger in Sansepolcro really helped me to get out of my shell with talking to people who may have not have spoken much English, and it, more importantly, helped me to learn more about Italian life and culture as well as myself. At the same time, Dr. Ross had each of us take the Myers-Briggs test (I’m an ESFJ – I think!) along with another personality test, which we wrote about in class as we grew and learned as young women throughout our time in Sansepolcro. I found Dr. Ross’s course to be one of the most valuable in my entire college experience, as it is one of the few that had emphasis on self growth which I find to be such a blessing. Not only does Dr. Ross care about her students academically, but she also cares about their personal self growth and she especially did when we studied abroad with her, and I cannot thank her enough for it!

Taking Yoga in Sansepolcro with an Italian yoga instructor was such a cool experience! Each class period, my instructor spent some time talking about the history and origins of yoga. I found my instructor’s lectures on yoga to be extremely valuable, even though I was trying to stay awake sometimes during them LOL! We also got to do some yoga exercises, which was extremely fun and relaxing! There are not many yoga classes where one gets to learn about the history of yoga AND actually do yoga. It truly was the best of both worlds!!

Life in Sansepolcro

When in doubt, life like a local! Each day that I was in Sansepolcro, I spent about 4 hours in the morning in class, an hour for lunch, and the afternoons varied. Every afternoon began with an hour before any other academic-related activity would occur. In Italy, the Italians have usually 1.5-2 hours for a lunch break where many of them take naps or do other activities after eating their actual lunch. Being the avid napper that I am, I took naps! After my lunch and nap break, I would either attend another class for 2-4 hours or have the afternoon off to explore the town, get some gelato, or do homework. Sansepolcro is a small yet charming town with much to explore!

As for dinner, I would usually have a small snack of cheese, tomatoes, crostini’s, and prosciutto. My classmates and I were taught how to navigate an Italian grocery store on our first full day in Sansepolcro, which was SUCH A BLESSING. When I’ve traveled abroad with my mother, we went to a grocery store in Athens, Greece which I really enjoyed. One of the things that I really value about most European countries is that their groceries are a lot more fresh than in the United States, as they’re usually locally sourced. As odd as it may sound, you really truly get to learn SO MUCH about a place and its culture from its grocery stores. Grocery stores tell a TON about its people and culture from simply what they eat and shop for. I really enjoyed getting to shop at Sansepolcro’s local grocery stores, as they taught me a lot about what the locals seek for and value in their groceries.

Sansepolcro is notable for its works of art. It is home to artist Piero della Francesco whose works are featured in the Museo Civico Sansepolcro. In fact, during World War II, Sansepolcro was saved from being bombed due to it being the home of some of della Francesco’s masterpieces. While in Sansepolcro, my classmates and I got to see some of his works of art at the Museo Civico Sansepolcro. Knowing Sansepolcro’s historical significance during World War 11 and even before then was SO neat and such a bittersweet experience. The Italian people have been through so much historically and go through a lot today, and to know that sweet Sansepolcro was saved due to della Francesco’s pieces being kept there was really heartwarming.

Excursions

Besides living in and loving life in Sansepolcro, I also got to explore nearby towns and cities in Tuscany. The excursions that I went on included: a day in the nearby Tuscan towns of Anghiari and Arezzo, an afternoon at the Il Fugetto olive oil farm in Anghiari, a day in Florence, a day in Siena, and a hike to Montecast. Each of these excursions allowed me a learn A TON about Tuscan life, culture, and history.

Anghiari is a magical medieval town that is conveniently located about 10 minutes via bus from Sansepolcro. Upon pulling up to Anghiari for the first time after taking the bus over, my classmates and I were immediately in awe with what a dream this town truly is – it looks like it comes out of a Disney movie!!! The town is suited on a hill and it contains several streets that are filled with something new and beautiful everywhere you turn. Anghiari remains one of my favorite towns to this day, and I really hope that I can go back when it is safe to!

Arezzo is a much bigger town that both Sansepolcro and Anghiari. It is located about an hour away from each via bus. While some didn’t necessarily enjoy the long and hot bus ride from Arezzo to Anghiari, I really enjoyed it as the views of Tuscany were truly breathtaking as I looked out the window. I used my time on the bus to clear my head and enjoy the stunning Tuscan scenery that I so truly rarely get to see. I’m SO glad I took those moments to my advantage, too! The town of Arezzo, on the other hand, is home to the train station that my classmates and I would utilize on our independent travels. Besides its home to the train station, Arezzo had a ton to offer! It was home to some stunning cathedrals, museums, and everything in between. The streets of Arezzo, like Anghiari had something so great to offer everywhere you turned. Unlike major Italian cities and some Tuscan towns, there were not as many tourists in Arezzo which made it such a cool and authentic gem to visit.

The Il Fugetto olive oil farm was an experience that I will NEVER forget! While there, my classmates and I were greeted by one of the owners of the farm. She took us on a tour of it where we got to see where all of the olives to make olive oil grew. I also got to take in ALL of the stunningly gorgeous Tuscan views and enjoy some of the region’s fauna – including the farm’s super friendly dogs! At the same time, we learned about the difference between extra virgin and regular olive oil as well as how to determine whether or not a bottle of extra virgin olive oil is actually extra virgin (hint – MOST ARE NOT!!!!). The owner was also kind enough to let us make our own pizza dough and bake ourselves mini pizza’s as well as prepare us one of the best meals I have ever had in my life – complete with a cheese board and wine!

Florence is definitely the main hub of Tuscany. Moreover, Florence is a main city hub in all of Italy and a notable city in our world today. My classmates and I spent a day there where we went on a group tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia home of the Sculpture of David. Besides that, I went to the Galileo museum and walked the city’s many markets while taking in many of the city’s sights to see. In fact, I loved Florence SO much that two of my classmates and I chose to come back during one of our independent travel breaks to explore more of it.

Fun fact number 1: my step-sister is actually named Siena after the notable Tuscan town that I got to visit. Fun fact number 2: my step-father proposed to my mother in Siena in the main square. That being said, getting to visit Siena on a group excursion was most definitely an amazing opportunity! My classmates and I started off the day by visiting the Duomo di Siena – a cathedral in the town that took centuries to fund and build. The artwork and construction throughout the cathedral was extremely intricate and you can tell that the artisans who helped design it put in a ton of time, thought, and energy. Besides visiting the Duomo di Siena, I strolled around the town, visited museums, and got to get a sneak peek at the 2018 Palio di Siena in the main square where my mother and step father got engaged. The Palio di Siena is the town’s annual horse race, where native families have competed against one another for centuries. When I arrived at the main square, the bleachers were packed, so my group and I ended up watching a bit of the Palio from underneath the bleachers, which was still SUCH A COOL experience!!! Through it all, Siena is truly an Italian wonderland. Let’s just say that Siena was even more stunning in person than in the pictures!

Although I was not much of a hiker two years ago, the hike to Montecast was totally worth it! Montecast is a monastery that is located on top of a Tuscan hill outside of Sansepolcro’s downtown. It has been there for centuries. Even though the hike felt extremely painful at times walking up the hillside on what felt like a never-ending trail, it was TOTALLY worth it all when we got to the top to the monastery that had been there for years. Montecast was such a cool experience, even though it felt painful at times just to get there and back!

Travel Breaks

Most Meredith College study abroad programs allow for independent travel breaks. On these independent travel breaks, students can travel to different cities and even countries (depending on the program) on their own. Personally, I saw independent travel breaks as a way for me to become more strong and independent as I navigate a brand-new place. While in Sansepolcro, I got to visit Florence and Lucca on my first travel break, Venice, Verona, and the islands of Burano and Murano on my second travel break, and Rome and The Vatican on my final travel break (this one was with my faculty and all my classmates but it was mostly independent). While I will not get into my travel breaks very much in this post (I feel that they are each better served in their own post as I have SO much to say about each), I will say that each of these experiences was extremely neat, fun, and rewarding!

Getting to study abroad in Tuscany was truly a dream come true. Many people dream of visiting Tuscany and getting to do so myself was such a dream. While I am extremely lucky that I was able to even go to Tuscany, I know that so many have not. That being said, I want to utilize my study abroad experiences in Italy and beyond to share with and empower others to go out and see the world while also learning about it. Wherever this world may take us, being able to learn about the various cultures and history that different places have to offer is extremely valuable. Not only does getting to travel somewhere brand-new help us to expand our minds, but it also helps us to grow into the strong and independent people that we are meant to be.

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Back To School Lookbook: Mask Edition

While this upcoming school year will look quite different than past years, it does not mean that we do not have to embrace it. Personally, I have seen masks as our latest and greatest accessory of 2020. Like a handbag, there are several ways that we can style our masks to make them fun, unique, and specifically our own. Today, I have asked several of my girlfriends to share a photo of themselves styling their favorite back to school outfit with a little twist: wearing a mask.

Although the idea of wearing a mask to class and out and about may feel a bit daunting, it can be a SUPER FUN accessory to wear. More importantly, wearing a mask not only protects you, but it also protects our family, friends, neighbors, and our entire community. Wearing a mask helps to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe during this unique time. That being said, be uniquely YOU during this unique time, and remember that this too shall pass.

XOXO – Katie <3

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