It’s been a HOTTTT minute since I last did a Life of Katie post. And, that is all for good reason, too! I have been on not one, not two, but THREE trips (more on that below!). When it comes to blogging while traveling, awhile back I made the executive decision to not post much on the blog and even on social media for that matter while I’m on the road. I like to truly be in the moment when not at home and have even added the same value to my weekends and other social outings, too, which is an additional time off for me. Rather, through it all, I’m preferring to share ALL types of content afterwards rather than while I am there. Now, enough of me rambling about my timing of posting content – LOL!!!! – and let’s get into some recent life updates.
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- Trips to West Virginia, New York City, & Toronto – Over the November weeks, I have been on the go from wonderful Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (here) to the Big Apple (more on that coming soon!) and allll the way to Toronto to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (more on that coming soon as well!). I had an amazing time on each trip, too! Needless to say, I have LOVED getting to visit several places both close to home and either a train or plane ride away. HOWEVER, I am SOOO glad to be able to be at home to ring in the holidays!
- Decorating for Christmas – A few days after my final big travel hurrah of 2024, I decked the halls for Christmas 2024! Let’s just say that from now until January, I will be *very* reluctant to leave my cozy little Christmas pad!!!
- Six The Musical + Additional Outings Around Town – Right after I got back from Toronto, I made my way into downtown Washington, DC to see Six The Musical at National Theatre. Six has been on my bucket list of shows to see ever since it came to Washington, DC in Summer 2022 (sadly I couldn’t score a ticket then) and discovered that it was about the 6 wives of Prince Henry the 8th. The musical is 100000% about women’s empowerment, which was truly felt through the audience. I am SO excited to see it again (perhaps in New York City’s Broadway next?!?!). In addition to seeing Six, I also enjoyed some dinner and drinks with my friend Celeste at Brass Rabbit Pub – an adorable bar in Clarendon in Arlington – alongside an adorable cafe outing with my friend Maggie to the super cute Rare Birds Coffee Roasters in Falls Church.
- Friendsgiving 2024 – Over the most recent weekend, I hosted Friendsgiving for the 2nd year (!!!!!) and enjoyed having many of my friends over. Everyone brought a lovely dish to share and I cooked a ton, too. It was such a great time to enjoy with one another and simply be thankful for our friendships over the past year (and beyond!). I also enjoyed getting to model my gorgeous Ritera – aka a plus-sized fashion brand that sells adorable pieces at an affordable price point – dress (here) for the occasion, too!
- Planning for the Actual Holidays – As the holidays approach, the planning for the actual holidays also comes as well. I am planning to spend the actual holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years) close to home in the Washington, DC area with family and friends with an additional post-Christmas trip to Maryland + Pennsylvania + New Jersey to see my family who resides in those states, too. I have proudly solidified all of my dates for where I will be and when (which is a MAJOR accomplishment for me to have done before Thanksgiving approaches!!!!). I am definitely celebrating that I have awareness of where I’ll be and when early on and excited for what’s to come.
- Navigating ALLL the Upcoming Holiday Parties + Events – Alongside planning for the actual holidays and where I’ll be + when, I am also trying to navigate ALLL of the holiday-related plans, too. Whether it be a holiday dinner with friends, a holiday party, a work celebration, a family gathering, or an activity on my holiday bucket list, there is seriously SO MUCH GOING ON. It is tough to navigate at times, too, as I want to limit the amount of burnout I may experience from the heavier than usual social calendar. However, at the same time, I know that I will regret missing out on certain holiday gatherings as this time only comes once a year (and, I’m also super grateful that I am spending the weeks leading up to this crazy social time at home on my couch!!!).
- A Beautiful Sunset Walk – Right before Halloween, my Mom and I went on a walk in her new neighborhood near the Potomac River. We *just* so happened to catch the sunset at the right time when we did (!!!!!). Luckily, I had brought my camera to capture the AMAZING sunset in ALLLL its glory, too!
- Remember, It’s ONLY a Highlight Reel – Throughout the months of October and into November, I have been struggling mentally with some things in my personal life. While I won’t get into the details of it all, a lot of what has occurred has taken a toll on me. Stress and uncertainty can take A LOT out of any person! Needless to say, I am going to leave y’all with a reminder that social media (and most of this blog for that matter) is a ONLY highlight reel. Next time you go through something tough or less social media like, remember that all of us are going through similar things, too.
Happy Holiday season folks!!!
XOXO – Katie <3
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