Guest Write: Megan & Emily of Sundae Sisters Co!

If you haven’t seen the most adorable sister duo, then look no further than Megan and Emily! Megan and Emily co-founded their own sticker line where they sell their stickers on Etsy and locally within the Raleigh-Cary area. Megan has become one of my good friends at Meredith College, she is also my best friend Laurie’s Lil Sis through Meredith’s Big Sis/Lil Sis program! I have also learned a lot about her sister Emily who has Down syndrome and is breaking barriers everyday as a person with the disability. Today, I am letting both Megan and Emily take the wheel as I will be interviewing them about their journey with Sundae Sisters Co, life as sisters, and future aspirations for their business.

Tell me a bit about yourselves!

We are Sundae Sisters Co! I (Megan) had the idea to change my old Etsy shop to better include Emily. With Covid, she did not get as much work experience through her school and was also having trouble finding a job. Individuals with special needs are already severely un-employed, but adding a global pandemic on top did not help. So I started designing stickers and Emily does all of the packaging. We started around Mid-May and have sold over 250 stickers!

Megan, I know you are currently in college. What school do you attend and what are you studying?

I am a rising Sophomore at Meredith College in Raleigh,NC and I am studying Child Development in hopes of becoming a teacher.

Emily, I know you recently just graduated from high school – congrats! What are your next steps?

I will continue packaging for Sundae Sisters Co, which I love doing. I check everyday to see if I have new orders to package. I was also recently hired as a volunteer for Esteamed Coffee in Downtown Cary,NC! I will start training this summer. I also love participating in Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh programs such as yoga, ballet, and social skills. I am also on a competitive cheer team at Inspire Athletics, we are called the Superstars.

Share a fun fact about each of y’all!

We share this fact because we are both huge Disney fans! If you ever are going to Disney World or Disneyland, contact us for tips! Megan’s favorite rides are Everest and Flight of Passage. Emily’s favorite rides are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Flight of Passage.

Tell me a bit about Sundae Sisters Co and the mission behind it!

Our mission is to spread happiness and kindness to others through our designs while also showing the importance of employing individuals with special needs. Many businesses don’t employ people with special needs because they don’t see all or their abilities, so we want to show people that they are valuable employees.

What made y’all choose to start Sundae Sisters Co?

I (Megan) have always loved being crafty. I already had an Etsy shop but kind of sold very random things. I also knew Emily was graduating soon and with Covid, she was going to have trouble finding a job. So I rebranded my Etsy to better include her with something she could easily ship, but also something I love to sell! It’s a win-win for both of us because we both have an outlet we enjoy within the business.

So, tell me about y’all’s design process – how do y’all brainstorm your super fun and adorable designs?!

 We get a lot of requests which we love getting, please send them in! We also get lots of inspiration from social media and pictures we take. We love taking pictures of plants and different landmarks.

Speaking of designs, please tell me both of your favorite designs!!!

Megan’s favorite design right now is the Retro Van Sticker because she loves the colors! Emily loves the Lucky Few sticker which is a symbol for Down Syndrome!

Stickers from the Vaccinated Line releasing this Tuesday July 13
Stickers from the Collegiate Line releasing on July 27

I know you both work together as a team to execute both designing and sending off stickers to their new homes. How do y’all make the magic happen?!

Megan handles designing the stickers, printing (which we do in house), listing each item, and keeping everything organized. Emily is in charge of all shipping which includes writing each thank you note by hand, gathering the stickers for each order, packaging, weighing, adding the stamp, and putting it in the mailbox! She also will sometimes prep things like envelopes or supplies for our vendor events.

You both have visited local farmers markets, such as in Cary, to showcase your business. Do y’all have any dream markets that y’all want to showcase at?

There are lots of different markets in the Triangle, it’s overwhelming sometimes. We loved being at Food and Flea in Downtown Cary in June, we hope to be back a few more times this fall just in time for the holidays! We would also love to have our stickers sold in local stores in boutiques, that is something we are working on now!

Megan & Emily selling stickers at Food and Flea in Cary, North Carolina

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that y’all donate some of your profits to a different charity each month. Giving back is SO important. How does charity play a role in Sundae Sisters Co’s mission?

So many charities have benefited our family, such as North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance, Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, Miracle League, Esteemed Coffee and more! We think it is so important to give back to the community as they have given to us. We are trying to donate every month as well as have a sticker that donates profits to a specific charity each month.

I am so inspired by y’all’s business! What would y’all say to someone who is looking to start their own business someday?

 Just go for it! Take it slow and don’t over-invest so you don’t get in over your head. Then re-invest the money you make or a portion of it back into your business to help it grow.

Y’all are both strong advocates for inclusion and acceptance of everybody. Tell me about your experiences as advocates!

I think our parents have always instilled in us that it is important to fight for what is right and to be inclusive of everyone, no matter their walk of life. Everyone is different and that is what makes us unique individuals. Being apart of the disability community is fun and exciting, but it can also open doors to show the hard parts of having a disability. This has made us want to fight even more to share the message that everyone should be included and given the same opportunities. For example, I (Megan) was inspired by NC State’s Victory Day game that they did with Gigi’s Playhouse. It was an inclusive night where individuals with  Down Syndrome got to experience practice and a game of football with the NC State Football team. So, I created my own version of that at my High School. Inclusion events like these become a ripple effect to show others that individuals with special needs are just like everyone else, they just want to have fun and make friends!

What is in the oh-so exciting future of Sundae Sisters Co?

Well, we hope to get lots more orders. Just these past few weeks, our orders have quadrupled. We would love to do more markets and maybe have a few more friends with special needs help us. If we grow even more, we would love to have others help us with packaging so they can learn work skills too. We would also love to have our stickers available in stores, this way we could get our designs and mission out to a larger community!

Lastly, if you each could tell yourself one thing before you started Sundae Sisters Co, then what would it be?

I think we both would never have imagined it being as successful as we have been in our first month of being open. We are so thankful to each and every person who has supported us; whether it was just a like, comment, sharing us on social media, placing an order or visiting us at a market.

I cannot wait to see ALL that Megan and Emily do moving forward and I hope you do, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Favorite Black-Owned Small Businesses

There is so much talent in this world, but so much of it goes unnoticed. The majority of businesses that I know of are not minority-owned. So, in honor of Black History Month, I wanted to share some of my favorite Black-owned small businesses. I have enjoyed shopping and admiring many of these small businesses’ countless amounts of extraordinary creations and I hope you will to!

  • The Tiny Tassel – founded in 2015 by Mimi Striplin, this jewelry and accessories brand is inspired by the vibrant and colorful streets of Charleston, South Carolina. Each of the pieces sold are meant to be statement pieces, and are all handmade with a classic twist (my flamingo tassel earrings were designed and handmade by Mimi, herself – she’s super sweet!!!).
  • Copper and Brass Paper – started in 2017 by mother Ariel Young who noticed the lack of diversity within the paper goods and stationary sold. Young’s passion passed along from her mother ignited her own passion for the pretty little details, like her stationary and paper goods that include the positive promotion of black people.
  • Pipcorn – began when co-founder Jeff Martin was helping his sister move apartments, only to discover a tiny bag of heirloom popcorn kernels that were the best that they had ever had. They eventually tracked down the Indiana farmer who grew it from his family’s heirloom seed stock. Now Jeff and his wife Teresa are proud minority popcorn small-businesses owners who have even appeared on Shark Tank.
  • The Chocolate Boutique – it all began with cofounder Kesha’s love for chocolate, growing up in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She, then, with her husband Dozier decided to open their own unique Chocolate Boutique in their current hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.
  • Effie’s Paper – was created to curate lifestyle products that would co-exist with the technology existing today. This stationary and lifestyle brand sells the most adorable trendy finds AND offers discounts upon visiting their site.
  • Bespoke Binny – founder Natalie started Bespoke Binny to commemorate and remember her Ghanaian descent while living and working in London, England as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Natalie’s designs take on the vibrant geometric African prints that are super unique to her Ghanaian culture and showcase her talents.
  • Salt N Sprinkles – a black-owned and women-owned vegan bakery where all of the baked goods (mostly cookies) are freshly made in a home kitchen. All cookies are made ready to order or for pick up in the Los Angeles, California area, but will soon be made to ship nationwide!
  • McBride Sisters Collection – started by the McBride sisters, Robin and Andrea, who grew up living along the vines of Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand. Robin and Andrea call their wines “the fun, fab, and eco-friendly SHE CAN collection,” where their also give some of their proceeds made to the SHE Can Professional Development Fund, to allow for women to break barriers and make their dreams come true.
  • Zou Xou – creates the most beautiful and comfortable stand-out flats. These flats are made to be a classic statement piece that can be worn in several scenarios for years to come.
  • The Pink Retreat – founded by my Instagram friend and fellow Lilly Pulitzer lover Tosha Williams who proudly calls herself a Mompreneur, The Pink Retreat brings Lilly Pulitzer lovers of all kinds for an annual inspiring and welcoming weekend away in Palm Beach, Florida together. Williams is now a stay-at-home mother who used to be an Art Therapist and uses her strengths in art to allow for beautiful art therapy activities while at The Pink Retreat.

It’s important to remember that Black Lives Matter today and everyday. Several Black-owned businesses go unnoticed and it is time that we recognize them for all the beauty that they bring. Happy browsing and admiring of these amazing small businesses and the works of some great black entrepreneurs!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Interview with Photographer Destiny of Destiny Eudy Photography

Hey y’all! Ever since starting The Pink Chickadee, I have LOVED getting to interview strong women and men about their life experiences in some way or another, whether it be running a business, sharing their talents, or personal experiences. Each and every one of us has something pretty extraordinary to bring to the table. Today, I am interviewing a classmate and friend of mine – Destiny. Along with running her small business Stickers By Destiny, Destiny is an extremely talented photographer who photographs some magnificent images and shares them with others. I have had the pleasure of getting to work with Destiny a bit while being a Staff Writer for Meredith’s Oak Leaves yearbook and seeing her around campus photographing students on Meredith’s campus. I hope y’all enjoy getting to know Destiny just as much as I have!

So, tell me a little bit about yourself!

Hello, I’m Destiny Eudy, and I’m a junior in the class of 2022 at Meredith College studying Mass Communications.

Where are you attending college and what is some of your involvement on campus?

I am attending Meredith College. This is my second year as the co-Editor for the Oak Leaves yearbook, and this semester will be my first semester as a section leader for the Meredith College Choir.

You’re the co-Editor in Chief of the Meredith College Oak Leaves yearbook, what has been a highlight of that role for you?

My favorite part of being an Editor for the yearbook is knowing that I have a hand in collecting and keeping the memories of each year alive.

Beyond life at Meredith and your photography work (feel free to drop your Instagram handles!), I know that you have a sticker business called Stickers By Destiny, tell me a little bit about it!

My sticker business started this past summer during quarantine as a fun way to make a little extra money. I started off by just making monograms and other vinyl decals with my cricut machine. I then began designing and making stickers as a way of learning how to use Adobe Illustrator for my new job. I have designed 32 different stickers since August including everything from everyday designs to holiday specific ones. My instagram handles are @stickers_by_destiny and @destiny_eudy_photography.

Now, tell me a bit about your photography work! What made you choose to get into photography?

I began falling in love with photography back in highschool. I also volunteered to take pictures for my nephews birthday parties, but it wasn’t until I joined yearbook in 11th grade that I realized how much I love photography. My school had a few cameras that we were allowed to check out to take pictures at games and events, and so every Friday I checked out a camera to take pictures at the football games. I loved the thrill of taking action shots of the players and the crowd, being out on the field where only having a camera in your hands would allow you to go, and capturing the moments that would forever be memorialized in the yearbook. In highschool it was the games that I loved to photograph, but after graduating that wasn’t much of an option anymore. It wasn’t until a trip to Black Mountain, NC during the summer of 2019 that I found my love for nature photography. On this trip I brought my camera and while my parents went into a store I followed a little bee around with my camera trying to get the perfect shot. 

What made you want to share your photography work with others?

I have always considered my instagram as a place to document my life. I started posting some of my photographs there, but realized that I had so many that it would just be easier to create a separate photography account to document and keep track of all my pictures. Sharing them with others is just a plus.

What are some of the inspirations behind your photography works?

It’s hard for me to actually pinpoint a specific inspiration. One of my favorite things to do is to go on a photography walk. I’ll go out walking around and let everything around me become the inspiration. Every season and place has its own unique beauty and I just try my best to capture it.

With your experience as the Oak Leaves Editor in Chief, what has been your favorite event(s) to photograph?

My favorite event that I have photographed as the Oak Leaves co-Editor is Alice in Wonderland. I loved getting to capture such a special and unique event.

One of my favorite projects that you did was photographing and sharing stories of women with PCOS. Tell me a little bit about that!

This project was for a class here at Meredith called Photography and Social Change. For my final project I wanted to tell people about PCOS, what it is, how it affects people, and share the stories of women that I know with the condition. The goal was to educate others through the stories and photographs of the women. In the pictures I wanted to highlight the beauty of these women with PCOS and not just the condition. If anyone wants to read the stories you can find them at https://cysterstories.blogspot.com/.

Beyond your roles at Meredith, what have been some of your favorite subject matters/areas of photography?

I love to photograph nature the most of all, and especially animals. I love taking pictures of squirrels, birds, bugs, and any other animal I come across. However with the abundance of squirrels on campus, I have found a real love in trying to take as many pictures of the squirrels as possible. 

I see on your photography account that you love to photograph nature and towns, etc. What has been one of your favorite place/thing to shoot?

My favorite place to shoot has to be Black Mountain, NC. My family has always called it a Hallmark town because of the adorable small town vibes that give you the feeling that you are stepping into a Hallmark movie. This town is also down in a valley so every direction you look there are beautiful mountain scenes.

My favorite image that you have shared is of two grey cats snuggling with one another. Share the story behind that image!

So the two cats in question are my cats that adopted me. I say that because they started out as feral cats that chose my backyard as their new home. They have been sleeping on the back porch for about three years now and I doubt they will ever leave. Their names are Socks and Pete and one day when I was outside taking pictures of the flowers around my house I saw them hanging around and thought why not give them their own little photoshoot. Snuggling and nuzzling their heads together is something that both of them are always doing, and every picture I took of them explains their personalities so well.

What do you envision that some of your future photography projects will look like?

I’m not really sure what types of projects I’ll do in the future. Majority of the pictures I take aren’t planned until I see the thing I am photographing. I’ve learned that it’s just easier for me to carry my camera around when I am going out and to just capture whatever is happening in the moment. I have however started paying attention to the moon and movement of the planets more and have been attempting lunar and planetary photography.

For someone that wants to get into photography what would be one piece of advice that you would give them?

Some advice that I would give to somebody starting out is to take at least one photography class or watch tutorials, and don’t worry if you don’t have a digital camera because a smartphone works just as well.

Lastly, what is something that you wish you could tell yourself before starting to share your photography with others?

I wish I could go back and tell myself to post pictures in the order they were taken. I made the mistake of just posting whichever ones I came across first and now they are out of order on my instagram.

As stated up above, each of us has something amazing to bring to the table! Destiny’s gift and eye for photography has taken her places both on Meredith College’s campus and beyond and she will continue to do just that!

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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What I Wore During the Month of July

For today’s blog post, I got inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, Annaliese at Southern Belle In Training. Each month, she posts her outfits of the day for work, and I thought that it would be fun to do too for each weekday/class day that I have! I have ALWAYS loved sharing my outfits on my platform on my Instagram stories, and I know some of y’all enjoy seeing them too. Hopefully, I can provide you some outfit inspiration along the way! Cheers 🙂

  • Shirt: The Redheaded Camel (shop her super cute designs here)
  • Shorts: J Crew Factory (same style here)
  • Dress: J Crew (purchased from ThredUp for under $10!)
  • Necklaces: Bought at Nordstrom Rack years ago
  • Flats: Elie Tahari (got them a few years back)
  • T-Shirt: from school
  • Shorts: Vineyard Vines (purchased on clearance at the outlet)
  • Necklace: Kendra Scott
  • Earrings: Kendra Scott (shop similar colors here!)
  • Sandals: Michael Kors (got a few years ago at TJ Maxx)
  • T-Shirt: from school
  • Scalloped Skort: Lilly Pulitzer (shop the same style here!)
  • Sneakers: Nike
  • Dress: Tommy Hilfiger outlet (bought YEARS ago)
  • Earrings: Purchased at a local boutique in Placencia, Belize
  • Sandals: Jack Rogers
  • T-Shirt: from school
  • Skort: Lilly Pulitzer (shop the style in different prints here!)
  • Sneakers: Nike
  • Top: Shop similar style here!
  • Necklace: Cora’s Den
  • Skort: Crown & Ivy at Belk (bought 3 years ago)
  • Top: Thrifted at Goodwill
  • Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer (got off of Poshmark)
  • Pearl Strands: Nordstrom Rack (purchased YEARS ago!)
  • Romper: Lilly Pulitzer (got off of Poshmark)
  • Scrunchie: The Dollar Tree
  • Romper: Lilly Pulitzer (purchased in the Summer Remix print last year!)
  • T-shirt: Jadelynn Brooke (purchased on sale!)
  • Skort: Athleta (thrifted)
  • Dress: BCBG (got off of ThredUp)
  • Earrings: Target (got on clearance)
  • Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer (got as a free gift with purchase)
  • Hair Tie: The Dollar Tree
  • Top: Marshall’s (purchased a few years ago)
  • Pants: Sewn by my Grandma years ago!
  • Dress: Lilly Pulitzer (purchased a few years ago at Belk)
  • Earrings: Target (bought last year)
  • Scrunchie: Got for free at school!
  • Dress: Thrifted last year
  • Flip Flops: J Crew Factory (shop similar prints here!)
  • Dress: Lilly Pulitzer (bought a few years ago for a steal at TJ Maxx!!)
  • Scrunchie: Walmart
  • Necklace: Cora’s Den (linked up above)
  • Top: Shop similar style here!
  • Necklace: Bought in Krakow, Poland at the city’s Easter Market 5 years ago!
  • Skirt: J Crew (thrifted a few years ago)
  • Hairband: It’s actually a SCARF & I’ve had it for YEARS now!
  • Dress: Haley & The Hound
  • Earrings: Purchased from a Native American artist in North Carolina
  • T-shirt: Simply Southern (gifted a few years ago)
  • Skort: Lilly Pulitzer (purchased on sale 3 years ago!)

XOXO – Katie <3

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11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings

With most businesses having reopened their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic and Covid-19 cases rising in some states, social distancing measures still remain intact. With that being said, life looks extremely different, as social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings in public settings will be enforced in schools and businesses alike across the world. Because social distancing is our new and temporary normal, it does not mean that the social aspect that comes with life can’t still be in person and FUN – things just have top be done a bit differently! While our social lives may look a little different right now, it does not mean that we cannot still gather and enjoy special times with the people that we care about. That being said, I have listed a 11 ways to social distance, while STILL having a social gathering!

1 – Get Outdoors!! Let’s Take a Hike!

Ever heard the phrase “let’s take a hike”?! Well, it may be time to do just that! Hiking is an excellent way to get a group of any size together while still keeping some sort of distance. It is also a fun way to explore a new place, especially one that may be in your local area that you may have never explored before. Think it may be hard to convince some of your friend circle to go for a hike?! Well, most places have several local parks that offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from those that are handicapped-friendly and on a smooth trail only to those that involve walking and climbing on rocks. There is definitely a hiking trail for everybody! Personally, I have always wanted to explore many hiking trails and parks in my area, but never had due to academics and other social commitments. I suggest when going with a group of 5+ to either split into smaller groups, especially when passing other groups on trails in order to maintain a social distanced. Splitting up while hiking can also allow those in your circle who are more avid hikers to take a trail that and at a pace that they would enjoy more than those in the group who are not as familiar with the art of hiking.

2 – Pick a Pumpkin, ANY Pumpkin! Go Pumpkin/Apple/Berry Picking!

With the ever-changing seasons in Virginia and North Carolina, I surely do love the fruits and vegetables that come with them. Berries, peaches, and flowers of all kinds in the Spring/Summer and pumpkins and apples in the Fall always means that there are several different fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. Usually, most of the farms that offer picking of their fresh goods are small, local businesses that especially need our support during this new, temporary season of social distancing. With berries, pumpkins, and apples galore, there also comes a great photo opportunity for you and your crew! I mean who doesn’t love to see a pumpkin shot (or a few) on their Instagram feed?! Not only will you get some great goods, photos, and memories, but you will also be supporting locals within your community.

3 – Let’s Make a Picnic!

Ever picture a dreamy picnic basket filled with a baguette, cheese and meat platter, and maybe even some grapes?! Well, it may be just the time to invest in a picnic basket and blanket! Picnic’s are such a great way to get together with friends and share a meal together. You can also easily share a meal together, as long as no one shares plates or serving utensils (plastic or paper is probably the way to go in this case) and you’re potentially sitting on different blankets/towels depending on who lives together. It may also be fun to do it potluck style where each person person brings a different dish to share! Wanting to share a meal on a gloomy or cold day?! You can always gather in a common area that allows for eating as long as you’re spaced out far enough from one another. Moreover, no picnic has to be as fancy as to offer a baguette, cheese, and meat platter unless you choose to!

4 – Craft Party Anyone?!

Wine and design anyone?! I know I surely do love getting together with friends AND leaving with something handmade to commemorate that gathering. Crafts are definitely a great way to go when it comes to social distancing while still socializing. You and your friends can easily get together and spread out in either a common area like a big long table such as in a dining hall or sitting in a big circle, while talking and doing something fun together. When deciding on a craft, I would suggest that one person in the group at least be familiar with it to some extent before doing it as a group. Additionally, each participant should chip in for the cost of the crafting supplies, as they can definitely add up REAL fast. One great Covid-related craft would be to either handmake, embroider, or even bedazzle masks, which can make for a super fun photo opportunity as well! Whether you choose to have a wine and design, a mask decorating party, or even both, you will definitely be sure to make a precious craft that has even more amazing memories attached to it. 

5 – Who Doesn’t Love a Game Night?!

What college student doesn’t love Cards Against Humanity?! Cards Against Humanity is definitely an extremely popular card game amongst many college students, but it is not the only one! There are a multitude of card and board games out there for you to play – Apples to Apples, What Do You Meme, and the likes. The best part is that these games make for excellent social distancing in-person activities, as they can be practically played anywhere, whether outside or in a common area. This great asset of playing games, allows not only for a fun time but also for tons of flexibility and convenience on where to meet and get the crew together!

6 – Cafe Date for the Win!

As a college student, I have always found cafes to be such an easy and convenient way to meet up with friends. Not only are they a perfect spot to hunker down and study at while enjoying some tea or a latte, but they’re also great for simply catching up with others while still social distancing. Although Starbucks may be your favorite coffee joint to hang at, I also recommend scheduling some of your hangouts at more local cafes within your area. Most local cafes that I have been to have such a unique feel to them that I would not be able to find at any Starbucks location. Additionally, local businesses need our help and support more than ever before, as they have most likely lost a lot of business due to the coronavirus pandemic. You will not only be helping out some locals in your area, but you’ll also discover a new and cool hangout spot for you and your buds. 

7 – Go Explore a Park!

Outdoor sports/games, hikes, picnics, walks, and dogs galore! A park pretty much has just all kinds of people doing all different things. That being said, parks are such a great way to social distance and get your group of friends together. Luckily, most cities and towns have plenty of parks to choose from, meaning that you can probably explore a brand-new park nearby or frequent a local favorite. One of the best things about parks is the fact that there is a ton of things that you can do while there, such as outdoor games, a picnic, a photoshoot, and even just a simple stroll. Keeping all of this in mind, you can easily plan the gathering of your group’s liking at a park!

8 – Missing Chips & Queso?! Plan a Restaurant Outing!

Ever since I was a little girl, going out to eat at restaurants has always been a treat for me. With Covid-19 keeping many of us at home, restaurant outings feel even more special than ever before. While restaurants can be a nerve-wracking place to host a social-distanced gathering, as long as you and your crew wipe down your seats and wear masks upon entry into the restaurant, then you all will be in good shape for a great time. I mean, who hasn’t missed chips and queso during this new era of social distancing?!

9 – Taking a Stroll is Good for the Soul!

With social distancing not going away anytime soon, even something as simple as taking a stroll around campus can be a great way to catch up with friends. The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely affected many of us when it comes to our mental health, and simply getting outside and going for a walk is such an excellent way to help mitigate our potential mental health struggles. If one of your friends on campus has a dog, simply inviting yourself to come along for a walk (or two) is an excellent way to hang out with them and their fury fellow. You can also reach out to a few friends to schedule routine walks and become each other’s walking buddies. If you are new to regular walks or exercise of any kind, I have found it to be a struggle to get myself to do anything active without having someone there to hold me accountable so a walking buddy may be beneficial for you. Besides the great mental health benefits that walking has, you can also give yourself some time to simply stop and smell the roses and to enjoy the flora and fauna in your area. 

10 – A Fun Beach/Lake Day Under the Sun!

Lilly Pulitzer once said: “be the sunshine.” Why not channel your inner Lilly Pulitzer and spend a say soaking up some Vitamin C in the sun with a day on the water?! Beaches and lakes are excellent ways to spread out and social distance with a group of people, while still having a good time! I’ve been to the beach a few times this summer, and I have not felt nervous each time I went, as every group distances themselves from every other group. One suggestion I have when going to any beach is to wear a mask on your way from your car to the beach and back, as you will potentially be around more people as you do so. In fact, some boardwalks in certain states, such as Delaware where my beach house is, require masks on the boardwalk. However, you are free to take your mask off when you arrive at your spot in the sand to sunbathe and enjoy the water. Whether going by yourself or with a group, I 10/10 highly recommend a beach or lake day with your gal pals!

11 – Grab Your Smiles for an Outdoor Photoshoot!

Who doesn’t love a photoshoot?! I know I don’t! Social distancing has made us think and get creative when it comes to ways to hang out in general with others, however, you cannot discount the photoshoot favorite. Luckily, pretty much every college city/town has a variety of places outdoors where you and your crew can go and get some cute pictures. Is there a mural that you’ve always wanted to check out or a park?! Why not start there! As for a photographer, there is never anything wrong with getting your crew to use their phones to take the photos or even a friend with a camera. Another great option would be to get a classmate of yours who has a photography business and help support them, but only if your group is willing and able to pay for their services. As for masks, it may be fun to show off some of your cute masks in your wardrobe or go without them for a photo or two. Whether or not you and your group decide to model your outfits in your masks or take them off only for photos (either way I highly suggest if you do choose to take your mask off to ONLY do it for the photo opp), you can sure make for a fun day!

BONUS – Cheers to a Vineyard/Beer Garden!

You heard me right: vineyards and beer gardens make for excellent social distancing grounds! I’ve been to a few vineyards and beer gardens this summer and found that people are pretty good at social distancing there. That being said, each is a great place to have a social distanced cocktail hour (that is if you’re 21+). Outdoor venues, especially for vineyards, can be super fun and they usually offer plenty of gorgeous views for photos as well. Both beer gardens and vineyards typically have an upbeat atmosphere, making them a great place to let loose a bit as well. I say cheers to that!

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically shifted our world especially when it comes to the social aspect, there are still many ways that we can still see our friends and family in-person. Personally, I see the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to get creative about ways that we can still have a good time yet maintain social distance. Hopefully, I have helped give you some suggestions of ways that you can still get together with your crew soon. While social distancing may still be suggested, socializing and gathering with others is never cancelled.

XOXO Katie <3

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