Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Guide

***Please note that this list of Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the restaurant’s most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of January 2026.***

If you’ve been to Washington, DC, you likely either dined or passed by the iconic and historic Old Ebbitt Grill. I have a friend from my college years who always ate there whenever her family would visit Washington, DC from North Carolina. That all being said, ever since I knew about how iconic Old Ebbitt Grill is, I have been dying to eat there myself. So, when my best friend Hannah and I happened to walk by it as we were needing lunch and freezing cold via a Washington, DC day, we happened to pop in and enjoy both of our’s first ever meals at this iconic Washington, DC restaurant.

*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. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

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Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Guide

Table of Contents

About

Getting There

Dress Code

Reservations

Menus 

My Experience

About:

SO, what makes Old Ebbitt Grill just so historic?! Old Ebbitt Grill was established in 1856 and is the nation’s capital’s oldest saloon. It is located just steps away from the White House, the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument AND right across the street from the Treasury Building. President McKinley is noted to have lived there during his tenure in Congress. At the same time, Presidents such as Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, Andrew Johnson, and Grover Cleveland have all dined and enjoyed the gorgeous bar (which I have dined at on multiple occasions!) for refreshments. When talking with the bartender at Old Ebbitt’s bar, we learned that the animal heads lining the walls of the bar could potentially be from President Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting collection and donated from him and his family back in the day (no fret – they have a license to keep them all on display to this day due to the growing concerns over hunting specific animals). Such fascinating significance surrounding the Old Ebbitt Grill!

Alongside its vast history in the nation’s capital, Old Ebbitt Grill used to be the highest grossing restaurant in the United States. Currently, Old Ebbitt Grill is apart of the notable Washington, DC area restaurant group – Clyde’s Restaurant Group – which also owns The Hamilton, Clyde’s, and 1789 Restaurant. 

Getting There:

Old Ebbitt’s address is: 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

The restaurant’s location is just a couple of blocks away from the historic The Willard Intercontinental Hotel as well as the White House. If you are driving, there are parking garages nearby on both G and F Streets. If you are taking public transportation via Metro, then Old Ebbitt Grill is an easy walk from both Metro Center and McPherson Square stations, which are accessible via the Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines (Metro Center), and the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines (McPherson Square). See more on Old Ebbitt Grill’s location here.

Dress Code:

Old Ebbitt Grill’s dress code is casual (as many tourists are stopping in to experience all the magic that it has to offer) yet no tank tops are allowed. Personally, I am ALWAYS one to dress up a little more than the average person (better to be overdressed than underdressed!!). Overall, given its Washington, DC historical significance and fine American cuisine, I would suggest wearing something more dressy than dressed down, however anything but tank tops goes.

Reservations:

Since Old Ebbitt Grill is a well-known and popular Washington, DC restaurant among tourists and locals, alike, it is highly advised to make a reservation in advance. For the popular peak tourist seasons such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival (see my predictions on Peak Bloom here), holidays (including Thanksgiving timeframe-New Years), and Summer, it is advised to make a reservation at least a couple of weeks-a month+ out (I have seen this from my own personal experiences dining at Old Ebbitt, too!). Reservations can be made at OpenTable. 

Menus:

As for the food, Old Ebbitt Grill serves up some American fare in the most fine dining way you could ever imagine. Everything from burgers to sandwiches to seafood and their most notable oysters are to be found on their menus. They serve the following menus during the following hours:

  • Brunch – weekends from 9am until 4pm
  • Breakfast – weekdays from 8am-11am
  • Lunch & dinner – weekdays from 11am-2am & weekends 4pm-2am
  • Alcohol – an extensive wine, beer, and cocktails list

See Old Ebbitt’s Menus here.

Each year, Old Ebbitt has an Oyster Fest that’s a HUGE event each year. I am more than pleased to say that the cost of dining at Old Ebbitt Grill is not as expensive as other Washington, DC area restaurants and is rather pretty fair in terms of fare. 

My Experience:

During my first time dining at Old Ebbitt Grill in November 2022, Hannah and I sat at the bar for brunch, due to us wanting to avoid the waitlist. We had a GREAT time and chatted with others visiting from Texas who had North Carolina connections (like me and Hannah do!). I ordered the brunch trout with potatoes, green beans, and hollandaise sauce and it was THE BEST!!! Hannah ordered the chicken & waffles and LOVED her dish, too. I always order Cabarnet – it is my go-to wine and I ordered it when I went to The Hamilton (its sister restaurant) with my best friend Amanda over the summer and knew it wouldn’t disappoint! Everything on the menu was tempting and the atmosphere was gorgeous – the restaurant is usually bustling with tourists and locals alike – making it a great dining destination for all. Afterwards, Hannah and I took photos in front of the notable Christmas Nutcrackers that deck the halls outside of Old Ebbitt Grill.

Since my first time dining at Old Ebbitt Grill in November 2022, I have dined here on multiple occasions, whether at the bar or within the dining room. I have LOVED my experiences dining at Old Ebbitt! The food has been incredible and I have come back ready to enjoy more. Not only are the waiters and waitresses extremely kind and truly go above and beyond, but the historic charm and lively vibes of the restaurant make it such a unique place like no other to dine at. One of the most unique conversations I have had was with a waitress who said that she LOVES working at Old Ebbitt because she gets the opportunity to work with others from all around the world and learn from their unique perspectives. Truly, I have felt the same with the fellow diners at Old Ebbitt! Indeed, Old Ebbitt Grill has become one of my *very* favorite restaurants.

Wrap-Up:

Old Ebbitt Grill truly holds a special place in my heart. Located in the heart of Washington, DC holding such unique historical significance, Old Ebbitt Grill has seen so many eras of the United States as a place of gathering for all who come – both near and far.

XOXO – Katie <3

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6 Free Historic Things To Do In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

***Please note that this list of 6 Free Historic Things To Do In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the city’s most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of January 2026.***

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is notorious for its skyscrapers, plethora of history, and colleges. FUN FACT: Philadelphia is actually one of my favorite cities! Well, on my most recent trip to the city of brotherly love or shall I say sisterly love (!!!) included a visit to multiple affordable, historic, and free attractions! 

In this blog post, I will outline 6 free historic things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to ensure you have a wallet-friendly time while visiting!

*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.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

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6 Free Historic Things To Do In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Just in case you’re looking for additional activities to do in Philadelphia during your visit, use GetYourGuide to reserve your experiences today!

1 – Visit Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Address: 532 N Street

About: The Edgar Allan Poe House is one of 5 homes that the American authored lived in. It is one of a few still standing to this day. Currently, the Edgar Allan Poe House is owned by the National Park Service and is a National Historic Site. That all being said, it is FREE to walk in, explore, and absorb ALL the history there that there is to offer. Personally, I did not find touring the house to be all that exciting (it is only usually self-guided) with a map given per party that enters in. There’s no furniture within much of the house, but its current structure and architecture has been preserved and thus remains. At the same time, there is also an exhibit with a film, too. We didn’t stay too long here, but it was cool to see and a gorgeous, colonial-like exterior!

Plan your visit here.

2 – Tour Independence Hall, See The Liberty Bell, & Visit Independence National Historical Park

Address: 520 Chestnut Street

About: Independence Hall is currently managed by the National Park Service and is located at Independence National Historical Park. It is the home of where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and signed by our Founding Fathers. This fundamental building to big happenings in United States and world history for that matter is also a UNESCO site. In order to visit and tour its interior, one must reserve a ticket in advance for a $1.00 fee to tour. Tours last only about 20 minutes and you get to witness where history happened aka where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. While a brief tour, it is a super cool experience! If you want to visit the Independence National Historical Park and admire Independence Hall’s gorgeous exterior, you can visit and stroll for free. While there, be sure to visit the Liberty Bell Center where you can see Liberty Bell in-person!

Please note that until January 28, 2026, the inside of Independence Hall is closed to visitors for renovations and restoration. 

Plan your visit here.

3 – Stroll Elfreth’s Alley

Address: 126 Elfreth’s Alley

About: Elfreth’s Alley is a historical street in Old City Philadelphia. It is JUST a 3 minute walk from the Betsy Ross House. To me, Haley, and Violet, this street is like an untouched part of history amongst Philadelphia’s numerous skyscrapers. The homes at Elfreth’s Alley are residential, which makes it SO unique. While not painted the colors of the rainbow, this alley felt a bit like a cobblestone and more colonial version of Charleston, South Carolina’s Rainbow Raw and Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood. The BEST PART?! ALL residents deck out their gorgeous homes during the holiday season AND photos are always welcome!

Plan your visit here.

4 – Admire + Explore Philadelphia’s City Hall

Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd

About: A beautiful Baroque architectural building in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, City Hall is where all of the city’s governmental affairs happen. Philadelphia City Hall was once the world’s tallest building but has since been surpassed by the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. and the Eiffel Tower in Paris as well as many other buildings. While it is free to visit City Hall and admire its ornate exteriors as well as explore its interiors although you must go through a security checkpoint to do so, there are 2 tour options for guided tours. I outline all the information on visiting and touring Philadelphia’s City Hall in this blog post and guide. While visiting Philadelphia’s City Hall, be sure to check out the onsite Visitor Center for more information.

Plan your visit here.

5 – Visit Reading Terminal Market 

Address: 1136 Arch Street

About: Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States, having first opened in 1893. Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia with close proximity to City Hall, Reading Terminal Market is an indoor market that’s open daily from 8am-6pm, providing locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to purchase grocery and deli items, specialty goods, and dine at local restaurants and cafes. Although it is not free to purchase items or dine at onsite restaurants and cafes at Reading Terminal Market, it is 100% free to enter and stroll this really neat public market. Truly, Reading Terminal Market feels like a walk through a piece of Philadelphia’s history and unique culinary scene throughout the centuries.

Plan your visit here.

6 – Snap a Photo In Front of Love Statue at Love Park

Address: 15th and John F Kennedy Blvd

About: To commemorate being in “the City of Brotherly Love,” snap a photo at Love Park‘s iconic Love Statue. Love Statue is currently one of Philadelphia’s most well-known landmarks, having been created by Robert Indiana in 1976 in honor of the United States’ Bicentennial (200 years-Birthday). More recently, the Love Statue was refurbished and repainted as a part of Love Park’s renovation in 2018. It is worth noting that Love Park is 100% free to visit and stroll. 

Plan your visit here.

Wrap-Up:

Over the years, I feel fortunate to have visited Philadelphia on several occasions! As many of us are just starting out and traveling + sightseeing on a budget, knowing that there are multiple free historic things to do in Philadelphia makes our experiences wallet-friendly, too. Til next time, Philly!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Preppy Fashion Lover Gifts Guide

***Please note that this Preppy Fashion Lover Gifts Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This gift guide was most recently updated as of October 2025.***

Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, J Crew, and Kate Spade, OH MY! As a self-proclaimed preppy fashion lover and grand millennial, I could not share some preppy fashion lover items for my Christmas Gift Guides. Today, I am rounding up all of the preppy fashion lover gift ideas to complete your preppy fashion wardrobe and for your preppy fashion lovers in your life all while at different price points. In the case that you’re interested in some of my other preppy fashion shopping guides, then look no further than my blog posts on a few brands to know like Lilly Pulitzer, Printfresh Pajamas Review, Hill House Nap Dress Dupe Shopping Guide, and more. Happy shopping!!!

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

Preppy Fashion Lover Gifts Guide

This Preppy Fashion Lover Gifts Guide will be divided into 5 sections based on price point: $25 and Under, $50 and Under, $100 and Under, $200 and Under, and $200+. That way, there’s a gift every preppy fashion lover in mind!

$25 and Under

$50 and Under

$100 and Under

$200 and Under

$200+

Happy holidays and happy shopping, preppies!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Biltmore Travel Guide

***Please note that this guide on The Biltmore has been updated and re-circulated to include more up-to-date information. This guide has most recently been updated in June 2025.***

A few years ago on a whim, my best friend Alanna and I decided to spend an afternoon at The Biltmore while we were on a long weekend trip to Asheville, North Carolina for our best friend Kearra’s Birthday Weekend and *JUST* happened to find that we had an afternoon free while the rest of our crew went horseback riding. Flash forward to April 2025 when I was visiting my best friend Hannah in Charlotte (see my full guide on Charlotte here!), I decided to take a solo Spring day trip to Asheville to see The Biltmore, as I hadn’t seen the interiors of it my first time there. The Biltmore is approximately 2 hours from Charlotte, making it an easy day trip to do. SO, above all else, when in doubt, take a day trip to The Biltmore!!!

*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.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

The Biltmore Travel Guide

About The Biltmore:

So, The Biltmore Estate is the largest mansion built by the Vanderbilt’s on at least the East Coast and is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains in Asheville. It is a Chateau-style mansion that was designed by George Washington Vanderbilt between 1889-1895. An interesting thing about The Biltmore was that Vanderbilt designed and constructed it when he was a bachelor. A few years later, George Vanderbilt married Edith Dresser in 1898 where he brought her to Biltmore to live and raise their only child a daughter: Cornelia Vanderbilt. George Vanderbilt was an intellectual and the interiors of Biltmore truly showcase that via vast collections of artworks and things from his travels and his massive library filled with books. After George Vanderbilt’s passing in 1914, Edith Vanderbilt continued to live at The Biltmore with Cornelia and eventually Cornelia’s husband John Cecil until the 1930s when her daughter divorced John and moved to Europe. John on the other hand resided at The Biltmore and continued to do so and he and Cornelia’s sons joined him throughout the years that followed. The Biltmore did though remain a residence for the descendants of George Washington Vanderbilt until the 1950s when it became a historic mansion. The Biltmore is proudly kept alive thanks to the several visitors that come to see and appreciate it as well as the legacy that George Washington Vanderbilt and his descendants built during their time there.

I recently read The Wedding Veil by Kristie Woodson Harvey and found it to be a great read about the women (most specifically Edith Dresser Vanderbilt and Cornelia Vanderbilt) of The Biltmore and their stories. Truly, this incredible historical fiction read dives into the thoughts and feelings of these women as they navigate the 1900s at Biltmore in the world’s ever changing landscape. I highly recommend this read before/after you plan to take a day trip to The Biltmore.

Alongside The Biltmore mansion, The Biltmore estate also has adjacent gardens and grounds (including a ticket just to explore that), special exhibitions, hiking trails, multiple onsite restaurants and cafes, several adorable shops that are all-things Biltmore-themed, and the Biltmore Winery which has its wine produced on several acres of the Biltmore’s property.

Getting There & Admission:

The Biltmore Estate is located just outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the Western part of the state. It is situated with easy access to I-40. Within North Carolina, the Biltmore (and Asheville) are located about 4 hours from Raleigh and two hours from Charlotte. That being said, a day trip to The Biltmore is easily doable from Charlotte and makes a great stop on a weekend trip to Western North Carolina from Raleigh!

It is also worth noting that on a day trip to The Biltmore that it is easiest to have a car while there (there are several rental car options). Different parts of The Biltmore, such as the grounds and gardens, the Antler Hill Village & Biltmore Winery, and special exhibitions are all on different parts of the estate’s property. There are also gorgeous hiking trails. Parking is included within all admission tickets to The Biltmore.

In 2022 on my girls trip to Asheville, there were 6 of us girls. And, since between the 6 of us for the weekend we had only 2 cars and carpooled everywhere, our friends dropped us off at The Biltmore Visitor Center. Upon dropping us off at Biltmore’s drop off only location, Alanna and I learned with the help of SUPER sweet customer service representatives there that we would have to purchase tickets for the Biltmore Express – a $15 flat fee/day shuttle service that comes on the hour to varying parts of The Biltmore Estate. I will say, though, when I went back to The Biltmore, I definitely took my car with me, as it was much easier and more convenient to get around. See more on all-things getting there here.

For my first day trip to The Biltmore, Alanna and I ended up booking our tickets to The Biltmore the night before going. Upon booking a ticket there, we had a few options of what ticket(s) to get: including a ticket just to the Gardens & Grounds, a House tour, and a guided House tour. There are also additional ticketing add-on’s, including special exhibits and carriage rides. All tickets include a complimentary wine tasting, too! Alanna and I just went with the Gardens & Grounds ticket, as we only had an afternoon to spend there and it was the cheapest option. It’s important to note that prices to visit vary per day of the week, month, and season (Christmas is definitely more expensive than all of the other times of the year). See all of the ticket options here.

What To Do on a Day Trip to The Biltmore:

There’s several things to do on a day trip to The Biltmore, alongside *of course* checking out the beautiful gardens and grounds and admiring the mansion. Check out all the things to do at The Biltmore below:

For more things to do in and around Asheville, North Carolina in addition to your Biltmore day trip, don’t fear! There are plenty of activities and tours in Asheville to choose from.

My Experience

From my first day trip to The Biltmore – gardens and grounds only:

Well, we took the Biltmore Express to the Biltmore Mansion where my jaw had absolutely literally DROPPED TO THE FLOOR! Our driver to the mansion was super friendly and made it all that more special upon arrival there. The mansion is STUNNING and even more so than in ALLL the pictures that I have seen of it. Alanna and I took photos at the front of the mansion and along the gardens and on the sides of the mansion. You can take in SOOO many views of the North Carolina mountains, too. Every part of it was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Alanna and I enjoyed strolling through the gift shops (where the Spartina 449 custom Biltmore totes were VERRRYYY tempting!), sipping the wine via our complimentary tasting (you get to choose four of their wines to taste!) which was also extremely tempting to take home some bottles of wine, and lunch at one of their cafes whose name I forget – haha! Through it all, I was in awe every second!

After about 90 minutes at the Biltmore mansion, Alanna and I headed for the Antler Hill Village and Winery where we ended our lovely afternoon there. Antler Hill Village and Winery plays homage to the Biltmore Winery, several gorgeous high-end gift shops (including some that sold Kendra Scott jewelry!!), and restaurants/cafes. The Biltmore Estate’s very own hotel is there, too. There was a gorgeous garden as well representing the Seven Wonders of the World. Not to mention, musicians were playing such relaxing, upbeat music making that the cherry on top of the ice cream cone filled to the rim with ice cream and whipped cream!! While there, Alanna and I went to the Biltmore Winery – which by the way had the most whimsical lit up entrance!!! – and enjoyed some glasses of wine while sitting at their GORGEOUS BAR! Afterwards, we browsed through some of the sweet little shops at Antler Hill Village and Winery, enjoyed some music, called our families to tell them where we were, and then head back to our AirBnB with our Kearra’s Birthday Weekend crew.

Personally, getting there between 1-2pm, I was very worried that we were going to arrive too late. I know that The Biltmore Estate gets crowded and crowded pretty fast, too. BUT, to my surprise, it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I had expected. In the future, I hope to go tour the inside of the mansion with an audio guide or via a Candlelight tour at Christmas time and bring my car with me to get around better. I know that you need to book a specific time to tour the mansion, so it definitely would’ve been more challenging to do this time around. BUT, overall, I am really happy and blessed that I was able to even see The Biltmore Estate with my very own eyes, since it had been HIGH on my bucket list for some time.

From my second day trip to The Biltmore – going inside the mansion in addition to the gardens and grounds:

After my first day trip to The Biltmore, I decided to take my car with me from Charlotte. I ended up booking a 11am tour of the interior of the mansion, as that was my biggest priority for my next time there alongside *of course* Ooooo-ing and ahhhh-ing at all of the gorgeousness in the gardens, and got to the grounds around 9am. Once my complimentary parking was secured, I checked out the gift shops (all outlined earlier in this post!) and admired the gorgeous mansion’s grounds before heading inside. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed on both of my day trips to The Biltmore is how kind and wonderful the people that work there are. They truly make a day trip to The Biltmore one for the books! 

Upon entering The Biltmore mansion, I was immediately in awe by how immaculate it was and to learn more about the history of George Washington Vanderbilt and Edith Vanderbilt, especially when it came to their service to the Asheville community and beyond. I learned that Edith served as the first woman ever to be elected as president of the North Carolina Agricultural Society, which organizes the North Carolina State Fair, greater known in the state as the “NC State Fair,” a role she took on for many years after her late husband’s passing. In North Carolina, the NC State Fair is a BIG deal – something that I learned during my college years in Raleigh. I also learned that George collected many of the items on display to this day at Biltmore throughout his travels. I imagined their daughter Cornelia Vanderbilt as a little girl running through the halls of Biltmore and how magical a sight that must’ve been to see! I envisioned myself as a guest at Biltmore, through seeing how guests enjoyed their stays there. And, I saw the inner workings of Biltmore, from the kitchen to laundry and everything in between and learned about key staff members throughout the years. Above all else, the complimentary audio guide tour of The Biltmore truly immerses you in all aspects of this magical home, from the lives of the Vanderbilts who lived there to the faces and stories of the incredible staff that made day-to-day life at Biltmore happen. Personally, I felt that the audio guide did an excellent job of showcasing all aspects of Biltmore, from the stories of those who lived and worked there to its incredible legacy that attracts thousands of visitors annually to this very day.

After my amazing audio guided tour all around The Biltmore mansion, I stopped for an early lunch at the spot I stopped at last time: The Stable Cafe. I tried a delicious pulled pork sandwich and Blue Ridge Mountain blueberry-infused cocktail. Because, when at The Biltmore?!? My waitress was extremely kind as much of the staff were!! I, then, admired the gift shops again where I had a mini version of the complimentary wine tasting as I was driving 2 hours later that afternoon where I grabbed some wine, a magnet, and a match box to enjoy at home. Next up: the incredible gardens which BLEW ME AWAY!!!! The gardens at Biltmore, situated adjacent to the mansion are truly out of a magazine. I had so much fun snapping several photos of the beautiful gardens with several mansion and mountain skyline views in between. Alllll before making my way back to Charlotte.

Wrap-Up

Ever sine my college years, I have dreamed of getting to visit The Biltmore. Several of my North Carolina-based college classmates went throughout the years, given that it is a North Carolina staple, especially during our holiday breaks. I remember hoping to go someday, too, despite it being challenging to reach from the Washington, DC area when I didn’t have a car or much room in my budget. Now, I am extremely thankful to say that I have been to The Biltmore not once but TWICE. Here’s to my next day trip to The Biltmore!

XOXO – Katie <3

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How To Launder Lilly Pulitzer

If you know me, then you know that Lilly Pulitzer is my favorite fashion brand! With its bright colors and prints coming in delicate fabrics, it may come as a challenge to launder your Lilly Pulitzer garments. As someone who values convenience over time most of the time, I am going to share some tips for taking your Lilly Pulitzer finds to the local laundromat or how to laundering Lilly Pulitzer yourself (which can even be a bonus when you are on the road!!!).

*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 sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

To shop current Lilly Pulitzer products, look no further than the Lilly Pulitzer website. You can shop any product on the site using this link.

How To Launder Lilly Pulitzer

Laundromats

Wherever you may be, locally-owned Laurdromats are probably near by. The majority of them are corn-operated, as seen in the movie’s. One of my latest and favorite laundromats is The Clothes Spin. The Clothes Spin is a laundromat that is based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Unlike the majority of laundromats, The Clothes Spin has 24/7 access for all of their customers. That being said, you can easily come in and launder your garments when it best fits for your schedule. The best part of it all?! This 24/7 laundromat located in Madison Heights allows you to pay for you to wash your clothing through an app rather than with change! I most definitely do not carry huge chunks of change in my pocket anymore, and I know many others who do not either.

Tips

Whether or not you choose to go to a laundromat or launder your Lilly Pulitzer garments at home, there are quite a few do’s and don’t’s that will make it so much more helpful for you to take care of your garments to the best that you can. I have washed my Lilly Pulitzer and do pretty frequently. Knock on wood, I have not had that many issues with washing them, as I strictly follow these do’s and don’t’s as well as the tips that I also list below, too.

 

Do’s

  • Wash in cold water, in order to prevent shrinking and color run
  • Wash your white’s and colored clothing separately, in order to prevent color bleeding on your white garments (no one wants a white shirt to unintentionally become pink!)
  • Wash garments with embroidery inside out. Embroidery may include pom poms, sequins, or delicate buttons.
  • Hang or lay your Lilly Pulitzer to dry, rather than drying it! This will prevent your garments from shrinking. If the garment is 100% cotton, then most definitely be sure to lay or hang it to dry as it will shrink a size if put in the dryer!
  • Wash garments inside out, in order to prevent pilling

Don’t’s

  • Wash light-colored garments and dark-colored garments together. Darker colored clothing items can rinse into lighter colored clothing items, which can most definitely change their colors. Typically, I wash my whites separately from all of the other colored garments and have not had many issues.
  • Put 100% cotton, cashmere, sweaters, or other vulnerable garments into the dryer – they will shrink a size! It’s best to lie them flat to dry.
  • Hang popovers or Finn tees to dry. The shoulders will be stretched out. Rather, lay them flat to dry.

Detergent & Bleach

I am a loyal Tide user. Ever since I went off to college, I have used Tide detergent in the scent April Spring. To go with it, I use Febreeze Fabric Softener in the same exact scent. However, recently, I have used Kirkland’s detergents and fabric softeners from Costco that actually come in a similar scent. Personally, I am someone who is extremely particular about the way my clothing and things smell, so it works well for me. As for bleach, I find OxiClean to be one of the best out there! Not only does it do the job, but it does the job well! Luckily, the detergent, fabric softener, and bleach products that I use can easily be found at a local grocery store, Target, Walmart, or even Costco.

Along with OxiClean, my favorite alternative for stains is as simple as that: water and soap. All I simply do is have sink running, add an soap to the stain and massage the stain with my fingers. The soap that I use is simply the hand soap right beside my sink, but any soap even body wash will do. Y’all it works EVERY TIME!! This trick also works really well with period stains. It can also be done everywhere, as all you need is a sink and some soap!

Regular Wash VS Delicate Wash

When washing Lilly Pulitzer garments, it varies per item which type of wash that you would want to do on your washing machine. For most garments, I use regular, however, for some I use the delicate wash. I have listed down below what type of wash I use for which Lilly Pulitzer styles that I own!

Regular Wash

  • Sophie shift
  • Mila shift
  • All Luxletic products
  • Delia shift
  • Ophelia shift
  • Kelly pants
  • Adalee shift
  • Skirts/skorts
  • Popovers
  • Cotton tops (including cotton Elsa’s, Essie’s, and Etta’s)

Delicate Wash

  • Elsa Tops (especially those coming in silk fabrics)
  • Anything with embroidery (i.e. pom poms, sequins, delicate buttons)
  • Anything that is cashmere
  • Scarfs or wraps

Wrap-Up

However you choose to launder your Lilly Pulitzer garments, the consistency that you choose to wash them is key. Over the years, I have remained consistent in my techniques for washing my Lilly, and it has worked. That being said, whatever works for you is what you should do!

XOXO – Katie <3

A special thank you to The Clothes Spin for sponsoring this blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today.

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National Wear Your Lilly Day 2024

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Summer Solstice ANDDD National Wear Your Lilly Day!!!! SO, *of course* I am celebrating the start of my FAVORITE season in *none other than* my favorite fashion brand Lilly Pulitzer! Every Summer, I fall IN LOVE with Summer more and more and more than the Summer before. Funny enough, I used to despite Summer, as I despise the heat and humidity in the air (despite LOVING Summer ironically – LOL!). But, today and every day this Summer 2024, I am going to celebrate my favorite season of the year in *of course* Lilly Pulitzer!

*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.*

Summer brings me SO MUCH JOY! Not only is it a unique time as its peak tourist season in the prime spots that I spend Summer in aka my home base of the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia are and my Dad’s home base and my Summer escape of Bethany Beach, Delaware, but it is also a prime travel time making it much more relaxing on the work and personal front. Oddly enough, I LOVE peak tourist season, due to the fact that I get to meet people from EVERYWHERE without leaving my own backyard and it truly is a melting pot (both culturally and LITERALLY with the heat!). It truly is magical when tourists are around! Summer is truly an opportunity to explore where I live but also some new-to-me places, too, as I try to add 2-3 new places to my list of places been each Summer as well. At the same time, I LOVE the many opportunities to truly slow down, recharge, and emphasize the need to practice mindfulness in the Summer months. Truly, there are SOOO many reasons that I love Summer, and I could gush about this incredible season that I adore ALL SEASON LONG.

My Summer 2024 is an exciting one, as I have two trips planned to two very new-to-me states, yet two states that I have had on my radar for YEARS (more to come in August/September on those!). I am also going to visit some previously visited places in North Carolina and the Midwest, too, to visit some friends and enjoy some new spots in those places this Summer season. At the same time, I will ALSO be spending LOTS of weekends (and weeks too) in Bethany Beach, Delaware with my Dad, Step Mom, and their Yorkie aka my “Sissy” Ginger whom I have a close bond with, alongside our family and friends. My Summers in Bethany Beach are SO SO SO special to me and nothing short of a blessing. I also love the magic of the beach (and busy boardwalk) during the peak Summer season! At the same time, I plan to spend some special moments with my friends close to home, such as happy hours overlooking the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, a few performances at the Kennedy Center, picnics with friends to local parks, and many days in the sunshine with my dog Rosie. Through it all, I am excited for what Summer 2024 has in store!

As we all know, Lilly Pulitzer is SUCH a Summer staple. Although I am a firm believer that Lilly Pulitzer can be beautifully styled in different ways all year long, Summer truly is THE MONTH for styling ALL THINGS Lilly Pulitzer! One of my favorite Summer staples is the Kristen Flounce Swing dress (similar style here) that I am styling that can be worn for casual Summer work from home days and walks with Rosie to dinners on the town or (in my case) the boardwalk. Truly, my love of Lilly Pulitzer and wearing it in the Summer months is the icing on the cake of my love for Summer!

My love for Summer truly continues to grow as the years go by! Lilly Pulitzer has definitely made my love for this fun month only bloom into something very beautiful. For now, I am *more than excited* to enjoy the longest day of 2024 and I hope YOU are too!!!

See my previous posts on National Wear Your Lilly Day here:

Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day 2024!!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie – March 2024

March 2024 started off as somewhat of a peaceful month and simply ramped up as the month evolved! After recovering from COVID in early 2024, I am OH SO HAPPY that March 2024 came and brought *none other than* Spring to the Washington, DC area (!!!!!). While a pretty busy month overall, it was also a pretty great month filled with lots of joy, memories made, and personal and professional accolades.

*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.*

My Favorite Buys:

  • The first weekend of March after a brunch, I came home to some … Black Capped Chickadee Holiday hand towels gifted by my Mom. It was SUCH A SWEET gesture of hers and such a meaningful way to celebrate my platform with y’all since *of course* this blog is named after the Black Capped Chickadee!
  • I have been recently working with an incredible women-owned t-shirt brand: Mountain Moverz! Mountain Moverz’s focus is pretty incredible too – celebrating life’s peaks and uplifting during life’s valleys. The best part?! I will be continuing to share MORE about Mountain Moverz, including my exclusive discount code: KATIET20 (!!!!).
  • In March 2024, I got a bit into skincare. Through my Ipsy subscription (I talk more about that here) and some PR packages, I had some products on hand that happened to WORK (!!!!) for me. Those products in my skincare routine include: cleanser, SPF daily sunscreen, moisturizer, toner, and hydraulic acid serum. Moving forward, I am striving to keep my skin in good company!
  • I have been LOVING J Crew Factory’s Spring 2024 collection, SO I did a little splurge in early March and snagged *just* a few pieces that I have been LOVING, including this scalloped shift, a gorgeous midi dress (skirt here), and a pink ruffle neck suit dress!

Highs:

  • Papa celebrated another trip around the sun on March 11! The weekend before, I hosted a Birthday celebration for him with family at my apartment complete with taco salad, sheet pan nachos, margaritas, and ALLL things deer-themed (!!!!). About a week before Papa’s Birthday celebrations, my Aunt Amy and I enjoyed an amazing dinner with Papa at Ozzie’s Good Eats aka a favorite of ours. If you don’t know Papa personally, Papa is a HUGE deer lover and proud deer hunter. On Papa’s actual birthday, I treated him to dinner at a Northern Virginia restaurant staple and favorite of ours: Mike’s American. I had an amazing time showering Papa with SO MUCH love and celebrating him.

  • To enjoy the start of Spring in the Washington, DC area, my best friend Liz and I went to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Gardens located in Vienna, Virginia. Liz used to work at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, so she gave me the grand tour, which was AMAZING! We saw geese literally walking in our way – LOLLL! – coy fish, and a wide array of stunning flowers. Afterwards, Liz and I enjoyed an incredible meal at Westwood Country Club overlooking the golf course as we wined and dined. All in all, it was a very special day with a very special friend of mine!

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens:

Westwood Country Club:

  • My best friend Briana and I enjoyed an AMAZING brunch at a place we have been eager to try ever since it opened right on the waterfront at Washington, DC’s The Wharf … Limani! We had an incredible bottomless brunch 4-5 courses of small plates to be exact (!!!!) for a fixed price of $60 of delicious Greek fares. I LOVED the lamb, hummus and pita spread, baklava, and salmon egg scramble. I also ordered a delicious Spritz. Above all else, our experience was NOT rushed (!!!!!!!) aka a major bonus for Briana and I both and oh so nice to just simply enjoy one another’s company. The Sunday we dined was such a BEAUTIFUL day at The Wharf and around town, too! After our much needed time catching up with one another and devouring bottomless brunch, we headed up to the Penthouse which is used for private events AND will open up the public in the warmer months as a rooftop bar … HOW EXCITING!!!! All in all, an AMAZING afternoon with a great friend!

  • Cherry blossoms peaked again *just* before my trip to Ireland here in the Washington, DC area. My best friend Shivani came to town for a long weekend and I got to see the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin not once, but TWICE. I, then, hit the road for Raleigh, North Carolina for an incredible day of outreach at my Alma mater Meredith College. More on both in future posts! But, for now, I will share some photos below about my adventure to the Enid A. Haupt Garden near the Smithsonian Castle to see the gorgeous Magnolia trees before a celebratory birthday dinner for my best friend Haley. I wore a super fun PINK dress from Amazon (here) and got soooo many compliments on it, yet was also obsessed with this dress, myself!

  • After a basic search on the Visit Alexandria travel website, I found information on Old Town Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and sent it to some of my friends. My friend Haley and I decided to go and we had an INCREDIBLE TIME! We enjoyed getting to enjoy and see and learn more about the Irish culture and heritage that is preserved in Alexandria, Virginia and beyond. We also ran into a family friend of mine, Kelly, and had an amazing time getting in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit (!!!!!). With it being an overcast day, the crowds were not as crazy as we had expected which was super nice and we even got a great spot to catch ALL of the action, too. Afterwards, we took a stroll down to the waterfront via Captain’s Row’s stunning cobblestone streets to brunch at my favorite restaurant … Ada’s On The River (!!!!). With an amazing lunch, great memories made, and an immersive local cultural experience, Haley and I enjoyed one another’s company and getting in LOTS of steps!

  • The start of Spring arrived in the Washington, DC area this March 2024. The smell of Spring in the air, the flowers (and cherry blossoms!!!!) blooming everywhere, and *of course* the Spring fashion brings me SOOOO much joy. Being transparent over here that Winter 2024 was not the easiest for me after getting COVID and then a case of lingering COVID and having to spend a bit of the early months of 2024 in isolation, so Spring 2024 has been such a fresh start. To commemorate Spring 2024 and the then-upcoming Easter holiday, I put together an Easter tablescape to enjoy the season!

  • During the month of March, I discovered a brand-new happy hour spot in my favorite spot of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia: Mia’s Italian! At Mia’s, happy hour is primarily served at the bar and with pretty good deals, too. I came here once on my own and then again with my best friend Shivani when she came to visit and we did an Old Town Alexandria stroll. I spend LOTS of time in Old Town Alexandria especially to get my steps in via quick Metro ride and am SO SO SO happy that I was able to find a new spot that I LOVE there!

  • Happy hours + networking highs + office days galore as usual – LOL! My work can bring me joy, as I always strive to find the joy in my 9-5 life. I have become someone who LOVES networking (I plan to share more on that on this platform, too!). To kick off March, I shared a bit about the Women in Data Community of Practice that I co-lead at my company for a company-led symposium showcase. I had a booth and brought some chocolates, tons of props, and LOTS of information to share. It was a GREAT time to connect with my coworkers in-person, too! The next week, my Ignite Young Professionals class had a super fun happy hour at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s Innovation Studio Space in Arlington’s Pentagon City neighborhood where we had the pleasure of collaging over wine and beer together. I also attended a super fun Causes & Cocktails happy hour at Crystal City’s Water Bar which is a GORGEOUS space (!!!!) and got to connect with some incredible minds in the Arlington, Virginia community. And, last but not least, I got … UPDATED HEAD SHOTS at work!!! All in all, a great time!

Lows:

  • Seasonal allergies are ALWAYS a constant with the Spring months, in all of their glory. When the pollen count is high, many of us struggle with seasonal allergies including myself. Fun times *cough cough*!
  • Burnout was REAL for me during the month of March. As I was running around A TON throughout the month from showcase to class to happy hours to an outreach trip in Raleigh, North Carolina and everything in between, the burnout for sure gets REAL. To top it all off with additional fatigue via seasonal allergies can be tough, too. Needless to say, I am oh so glad that I kicked off April 2024 with a trip where I deleted *none other than* Teams, Outlook, and LinkedIn off of my phone to completely take a pause.
  • In my family life, we have had some stressful times that make me SO grateful for those that I love. While thankfully nobody is sick or hurt, the times have been a bit stressful during the month of March, which makes me SO thankful for my loved ones and that we are all in good health. Remember to tell those you love that you love them <3

ANDDDD onwards to April 2024 and beyond!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale: January 2024

*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.*

I haven’t personally written a blog post on the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale since January 2023. And, if you’ve been following and shopping the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sales this past year, then you know a few things have changed to make the sale much more exciting (!!!).

And, *of course*, if you want to shop the sale and support me at the same time, then feel free to shop here. I always appreciate every ounce of support that each of y’all have provided me in my happy community here! <3

What has changed since January 2023?! Two things:

1 – Since January 2023, Lilly Pulitzer launched their first-ever rewards program: Club Lilly (here). When the September 2023 Sunshine Sale came around, Lilly Pulitzer allowed Club Lilly members … Early Access to all next day drops. Club Lilly members can register AND redeem rewards on future purchases within the Lilly Pulitzer app (downloadable on all major phones in their app stores). SO, moral of the story is: join Club Lilly if you haven’t already!

2 – During the September 2023 sale, NOBODY I knew had to wait in the virtual queue to get into the sale. Everyone had instant access, NO MATTER WHAT time they logged onto the site, at approximately 8am. To me, it felt wayyy too good to be true, but I was SO happy to see that no one had to wait in the queue either. However, merchandise did sell quickly during the September 2023 sale, as everyone was logged on at the same time, so definitely keep that in mind. Hopefully, this no virtual queue remains true in the January 2024 sale!

If you don’t know, the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale (formerly known as the After Party Sale) is Lilly Pulitzer’s biannual sale. It typically happens every January and September for only A FEW DAYS. Lilly Pulitzer does not have a sale section on their website (only in stores which can be hit or miss) which is something unique about the brand, making their sales SO MUCH more exciting and special. It is primarily online and has been in recent years due to COVID-19, yet many Lilly Pulitzer boutiques and Signature Stores do offer early access over the weekends in stores before the sale launches online (in this case, sales started showing up in both flagship and Signature Stores the day after Christmas!). Many of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and Zappos (sometimes Belk, too!) offer sales online (those that have websites, though) starting at midnight the day of, so definitely stay up for that! Other Signature Stores offer shipping at a flat fee when you call their storefront during the duration of the sale to purchase – THIS can be a great way to purchase from a Signature Store (which ALL are small businesses) while sometimes *EVEN* getting a product you wanted from the sale which could be out of stock online before you get a chance to shop. Check out several of Lilly Pulitzer’s Signature Stores and their websites, which I list in this blog post here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2021/11/20/preppy-small-businesses-to-support-this-holiday-season/

Lilly Pulitzer’s Sunshine Sale is an experience to not be missed. Personally, I prefer to shop online as I am NOT a fan of the big crowds and long lines which may come with shopping in-store the weekend before. However, I DID get the amazing opportunity to shop the Sunshine Sale in-store in September 2022 (the most recent Sunshine Sale) at The Pink Crab in Annapolis. The ladies at The Pink Crab were SOOOO sweet and made my shopping experience one that I look back on and smile about to this day. The same goes for when I went into the Lilly Pulitzer Flagship store in Alexandria, Virginia in September 2023. I have, since, become friends with the ultra-sweet ladies at that location, too! Though I did shop in-store twice during the Sunshine Sale, I have yet to experience the typical crowds that come with shopping it this way. But, on the other hand, as someone who primarily works from home, I get so giddy to wake up at 8am on a Monday morning to shop and then get going on my work without the occasional early work morning blue’s. Sometimes, I *even* shop the drops the next day(s) during the Sunshine Sale, too (which Club Lilly members get early access to!!!!). It is just such an exciting time!

While I won’t dedicate this blog post to writing a bunch of tips about the Sunshine Sale, I will share some blog posts that I wrote in years past that include TONS of Sunshine Sale tips that are still pretty relevant to this day! I will say, though, that my biggest piece of advice is to be open-minded about what may be in the sale. I know many people who have made lists for the things that they want in the Sunshine Sale, which can either be a good or bad thing. I have also seen people being given the wrong package during the Sunshine Sale (especially in September 2022 – tons of complaints on Lilly Lovers Facebook groups!) so BEWARE and MINDFUL. In the meantime, you can read my previous Sunshine Sale blog posts, including several tips (!!!), here:

Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore to Work – December 2023

The quote for me when working this December 2023 was a TikTok turned Instagram Reels that my bestie Shivani sent me on the gram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) was of Kim K literally saying she needs an IV containing *nothing but* caffeine – LOL! December 2023 was the season for caffeine IV’s for me. In my industry, things get REALLLY quiet during this time of year, which is SO nice. Most of us are ultra-tired and need caffeine IV’s to simply function, SO most things become “January problems”. While a pretty quiet month on the work front, I have truly enjoyed the peace and time to sit back, clock in, and enjoy time with family and friends when not clocking in (and the extra coffee, too!!).

Since December 2023 was a *very* peaceful work month for me, I spent A LOT of the month working in … loungewear! I probably drank out of more holiday-themed mugs while working this month than I wore outfits – haha!!!! Anyhow, December 2023 was a nice work month with its peace and quiet during the holiday season craze. On the same token, I also was able to generate some ideation surrounding my professional goals for 2024 – MANY of which will kickstart in January and the months following (!!!!!). Needless to say, I am ready to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy time with loved ones, before coming back to work in full force in January 2024!

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Dress: J Crew Factory; Headband: The Dollar Tree; Bracelets: Lilly Pulitzer & Kendra Scott; Flats: Vintage
Blouse: MSK; Vest: Dennis Basso; Earrings: Cora’s Den; Leggings: Shapermint
Blouse: J Crew; Headband: The Dollar Tree; Pearls: Thrifted; Pants: Talbots; Flats: Vivaia
Sweater: Macy’s; Necklace & Skirt: J Crew Factory; Earrings: Charming Charlie; Jacket: Lilly Pulitzer; Tights: Shapermint; Tote: Longchamp; Water Bottle: Stanley; Flats: Burberry
Flannel: Top It Off!; Necklace: Talbots; Leggings: Shapermint; Bracelets: J Crew Factory, Kendra Scott, & Lilly Pulitzer; Headband: Simply Southern; Flats: Vintage
Vest: Thrifted; Sweatshirt: Meredith College Bookstore; Pearls: Vintage; Leggings: Shapermint; Headband: Rachel Zoe
Sweatshirt & Sweatpants: Draper James; Bracelets: Lilly Pulitzer; Headband: Rachel Zoe; Slippers: J Crew Factory
Dress: Kensie; Scarf: Lands End; Headband: Rachel Zoe: Earrings: Cassie’s Designs; Leggings: Shapermint; Bracelets: Lilly Pulitzer; Tote: Barrington Gifts; Booties: Lucky Brand
Dress: Haley and the Hound; Headband: The Dollar Tree; Bracelets: J Crew Factory, Lilly Pulitzer, Kendra Scott, & Alex and Ani; Leggings: Spanx; Booties: Lucky Brand
Vest: Lands End; Tee: Vineyard Vines; Sweats: J Crew Factory
Dress: Crown & Ivy at Belk; Sweater & Necklace: J Crew Factory; Headband: Packed Party; Leggings: Cuddl Duds; Flats: Vintage; Bracelets: Lilly Pulitzer, Amazon, & Kendra Scott

Here’s to rest, recharging, celebrating, and getting to spend time with those we love. Happy Holidays!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Perks of Meal Prep During the Holidays

In recent times, I have found myself LOVING meal prep (I also write about it and rave about it, too, more here)! Not only is meal prep more affordable in the long run, but it also allows me to cook things in bigger batches at the same time as opposed to every single night. With my busy busy busy schedule ESPECIALLY with what is to come during the holiday season, meal prep helps me to have structure and maintain a *somewhat* of a healthy lifestyle during a not-so-healthy mainstream time of the year.

To be frankly honest, I am writing this post on the Sunday evening of Thanksgiving weekend. Having taken off the Wednesday-Sunday of Thanksgiving week, I am so happy to have had a break. However, I am still SOOO tired after the fun weekend filled with joy, family, and LOTS of food. I also find myself sitting on the couch after a few hours of meal prep for the upcoming week. I have recently added in breakfast to my meal prep circuit, which I know will work WONDERS for me (thanks to my bestie Shivani on this one!!!). However tired I JUST may be, I am so grateful for the joys of meal prep even during this busy holiday season. In fact, I am so thankful to have decided to meal prep more often than not during these busy times.

My holiday season schedule is literally jam-packed. Not only do I have a holiday party, event, dinner, celebratory trip (CONGRATS to my bestie Alanna on this one!!!), or activity planned more nights than not, I also have as most Americans do my 9-5 job that I LOVE which keeps me going during the days. Not only am I working the hustle and attending joyful holiday festivities which I LOVE, I am also busy prepping for Christmas with family and friends – think all things Christmas presents (from buying to wrapping), cooking dishes for gatherings, and baking cookies. My story is nonetheless like most Americans during this time of year. If you have seen A Bad Moms Christmas movie, then you PROBABLY know what I am talking about! The holidays can be a CRAZZZYYY time for everyone. Not to mention the fact that I am a LITERAL sucker for ALLLL things Christmas meaning that I go out most nights to enjoy it in my wonderful city, too!

I HAVE to say that I am oh so excited for the upcoming events and ongoings within my own life this holiday season. This 2023 year has been such a special year for me. 2023 has been filled with lots of self love, growth, and much more both personally and professionally. I feel so grateful for 2023 and what lessons this year has taught me, too. I am ALSO thankful to have incredible friends and family members and coworkers who support and empower me regularly, each of them are incredible human beings that I am lucky to have as apart of my life and support system (you all know who you are <3). And, guess what?! CRAZY ENOUGH, meal prep has helped me practice giving myself grace and to be more thankful for what I currently have.

Furthermore, I am OH SO GRATEFUL, THANKFUL, and BLESSED to have discovered the joys of meal prepping during this 2023 year. Meal prep allows me to focus on a healthy eating lifestyle that works for me. Personally, I am someone that believes that healthy eating is a lifestyle choice and NOT a diet and, rather, should be something that works for every individual person as opposed to a collective group of people (enough to be said here for today!). And, meal prepping allows me to simply get away from my always flashy phone and simply focus on the joys of cooking and be one within my own kitchen. I live for the hustle, *just* in case you haven’t noticed (!!!!), and find myself getting into the hustle more often than not. Especially during the holidays, I find myself with plans and/or commitments more often than not, SO meal prep allows me to cook on my OWN schedule and enjoy a delicious, healthy, and home-cooked meal while hustling.

Meal prep is something that I am thankful, grateful, and blessed to have found joy in this year. Specifically this holiday season, meal prep is literally a LIFESAVER. Some of the many dishes I plan to make this holiday season include: skillet gnocchi in Trader Joe’s Vodka sauce (aka my FAVORITE!), breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs and black beans and MORE, honey chipotle shrimp salad, and a Caprese salad wreath!!! There’s SO much to be thankful for this time of year (and every time of year for that matter!) and meal prep is just one of those things!

XOXO – Katie <3

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