My Lilly Pulitzer-Inspired Bedroom

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

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

How I Shopped:

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

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

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wish I Knew Before My Post-Grad Move

Moving can be tedious and stressful! The only moves I really remember experiencing were moves to and from college but mostly to my college dorms and apartment. But, I never experienced moving post-graduation and let me tell y’all there are quite a few differences AND things that I wish I knew! So, I will be sharing some of the many things that I wish I knew before my post-graduation move.

What I Wish I Knew Before My Post-Grad Move 

  1. There is sometimes a holding phase – Yes, there is a period of waiting when it comes to post-graduation moves. Well, occasionally. Many of us post-grads move back home either for a few weeks, months, or even years before moving into our own apartments. The holding phase also known as the waiting period can suck! But, it is what you make it – taking time to enjoy with family is so important as you probably will not have times like these again. The same can go for seeing friends in your hometown or your favorite hometown spots. Although it can suck at times, having experienced the holding phase will make you so much stronger and more resilient in the end!
  2. Do your packing before your potential helpers come – With a big move like your post-graduation move, there is a lot of things that you do need to pack before you move! I made the mistake of not packing enough before my moving helpers aka my family came to help me move out. Any work you can do on the front end to help mitigate the moving out process will not only help yourself but those who are also helping you move out.
  3. Determine if there is anything that you don’t want or need anymore – if you know you do not need something anymore or there is no place for it, then sell or donate it! At the same time, if your things will be in storage for some time, then it is definitely worth seeing if there’s anything that you do not want/want to buy new when the time comes to get it out of storage and sell it. Having less stuff to move out is always a bonus!
  4. Make a list of things and its place within your new place – Whether or not you will be in a new apartment right off the bat, knowing where you would put some of your things in your new place is always the way to go. That way, if you need to store things, then you can determine what goes in storage and what doesn’t and arrange it all accordingly. The same concept can go for figuring out what things to get rid of and which to keep. Lists most definitely help!
  5. It WILL be Emotional! – Yes, moving out of your home away from home to wherever the road may take you next will be emotional. Whether or not you loved your college experience, it is always emotional to move onto the next phase of life. That being said, be sure to have some support by your side and take some time for yourself when needed (more on that in the next bullet!).
  6. Take time for YOU – Through it all, moving is stressful AND emotional! Above all else, remember to take time for yourself during the moving process. Whatever that may be for you, be sure to take the time to do something for YOU!

Through it all, the post-graduation move is HARD! It can be tiresome, emotional, and stressful. However, through it all, you will ultimately end up where you are meant to be.

XOXO – Katie <3

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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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Apartment Or Live At Home?! My Big’s Share Their Post-Graduation Housing Decisions!

Should I stay or should I go?! When it comes time to select your housing arrangements post-college graduation, it can be difficult. There are a ton of factors that go into deciding where you want to live after your college years and it all can be very tedious. My Big Sis’s Stephanie and Callie graduated in 2019. Both have very different post-graduation housing arrangements that are unique to where they both are at now. Stephanie and Callie have played a meaningful role in my college experience at Meredith and will continue to do so in my post-graduation life. So, Stephanie and Callie are both speaking on their own experiences with post-graduation housing arrangements and why they live where they live.

Stephanie

Tell me a bit about yourself!

Hi! I’m Stephanie Semaan and I enjoy watching reality TV shows, listening to music, and trying new cooking recipes.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?

I’m a Meredith College Alumna ‘19 (go angels!) and I studied Psychology and Communication. And, yes I can read y’alls mind… definitely joking!

What have you been up to since graduation?

After graduating I started my journey to receive my Master’s in School Counseling, and started my job with Academic Advising at the college-level. While I did attend Meredith in Raleigh, NC I decided to move back to my home state post graduation. A hobby that I started up again recently is playing the flute.

What made you choose to live at home post-graduation?

I was fortunate to have a few different options of applying to grad school or searching for a job or both in either NC or VA. I truly enjoyed my time in NC, but coming from a close-knit family I wanted to live closer to my family. And the licensure to be a School Counselor is state specific so since I ultimately saw myself moving home eventually that did play a role.

Pros of Living at Home Post-Graduation:

  1. Family! From game nights to movie nights, we’re all close by… literally.
  2. Multiple Hands! Unlike living on my own, my family and I cook together, and all pitch in together with around the home things like laundry and grocery shopping.
  3. Saving money! Living at home allows me personally to be able to save money for the future.

Cons of Living at Home Post-Graduation:

  1. When I first moved home, I kept operating like I was living on my own, but I learned I did not have to do everything on my own. So that was an adjustment.
  2. While I have a whole home to spread out all my things and fun decoration, it is not just your own space.
  3. And sometimes staying out late whether studying or hanging out with friends, you could feel like you keep the house up or wake the house up when you come home.

Callie

Tell me a bit about yourself!

I’m Callie Crawford, I love all things that involve Taylor Swift, the beach and Mexican food!

Where did you go to college and what did you study?

Meredith College class of 2019 major in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management.

What have you been up to since graduation?

I have worked as an HR Specialist since May 2019. I have achieved my SHRM-CP certification in 2020. I’ve gotten the chance to improve my cooking skills. I have continued gardening and taking care of my plant babies. I had the chance to travel to California and Tennessee for the first time.

What made you choose to live on your own post-graduation?

I was fortunate to get a job in Raleigh after graduation. I wanted to stay in the city so I would have a shorter commute to work. I also fell in love with Raleigh and wanted to have my own space in the city.

Pros of Living on your Own Post-Graduation:

  1. You get your own space! You can decorate however you want.
  2. You also have independence to do whatever you want, like in college but this time no homework or exams.
  3. You also get to figure out your post-grad self. You have the freedom to take up new hobbies or to choose how you spend your free time. It is a great time to decide who you want your adult self to look like.

Cons of Living on your Own Post-Graduation:

  1. Security is a big thing. You now have to invest in alarm systems or other methods to keep you safe because you are on your own.
  2. Money is another disadvantage. Rent takes up the majority of your pay check so that is an upsetting week.
  3. Even if you have a roommate, you can still get lonely. In college, there’s always someone but when you move everyone goes their own way. You have to be more intentional about spending time with friends and family.

With the Class of 2021’s graduation looming upon us, housing arrangements can be pretty tricky. Stephanie and Callie have provided some great insights that I hope will help you when choosing where you want to live.

XOXO – Katie <3

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