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KATIE KENNEDY

Reflecting on 2020

December 28, 2020

Reflecting on 2020

2020, reflecting, recap, reflection, goals, 2021

Similar Sweater || Jeans || Flats || Handbag || Earrings

Oh, 2020! What can I saw about the year that hasn’t already been said? This time last year I had so many hopes, goals, and travel plans for the year. While it didn’t shape out nearly as I was expecting it to, there are still some stellar moments from the year. Here’s a recap and reflection on my favorite pieces of 2020.

January: Move Back to St. Pete, FL

At the end of 2019, David and I decided to return home to St. Pete. Although at the time, we weren’t sure if it was the right call. Little did we know, a global pandemic would make us more confident in our choice. That being said, plans can change so quickly. Who knows what city will call us next. In the meantime, we are loving our time in the Sunshine City.

February: Worked with the Vinoy Hotel

The Vinoy in downtown St. Pete is one of my happy places in town. This pink historic hotel is full of some of my favorite memories. I was so happy to be able to go in and take pictures of the space for them. From relaxing at the pool to drinks on their patio, you can find me here almost every weekend.

March: Supported Local St. Pete Businesses

A huge piece of St. Pete’s economy is based in our service industry. Since so many of my dear friends work in that industry, David and I really focused on supporting the local restaurants and coffee shops. Even though the year is winding down, this will carry over into 2021. No matter where you live, be sure to the local establishments all of the love that they deserve. I also took this time to think about my time in New York, and shared what I miss the most about the city.

April: Moved In and Settle Into Our Apartment

After a few months back in our Old Northeast apartment, I finally felt settled. I shared pictures of our cozy carriage house on this blog post and it was one of my most popular posts of the year! I’ve always had a love for interior design. It may be something I want to explore more in the new year.

May: Had a Relaxing Long Weekend at the Gasparilla Inn

After a few months of sheltering in place, David and I had our first getaway of the year at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande. This was our first time visiting, but it certainly won’t be the last. Since it’s only a 90 minute drive from St. Pete, it’s instantly become our new favorite weekend getaway destination.

June: Celebrated My Birthday in Tarpon Springs

My quarantine birthday was pretty quiet and uneventful. Still, we made my 29th year on this Earth feel special by a little impromptu date night in Tarpon Springs. David and I strolled along the sponge docks, had a terrific dinner together, and grabbed a Greek coffee to go.

July: Got a Sneak Peek of the St. Pete Pier

The biggest event in St. Pete was the opening of the new pier and I was one of the first to be able to see it! I was honored when I was invited to come for the press day. If you are visiting St. Pete, you’ll definitely want to stop by our newest destination, with three restaurants and a rooftop bar that overlooks the city skyline.

August: We Bought a Home!

We officially become homeowners! David and I brought a mid-century Florida bungalow in the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Pete. It’s a quiet area, zoned for a great elementary school, and the home was well below our budget. We were really looking forward to making it our own and instantly started with a fresh coat of paint and giving the original flooring some love. Sadly, our home was flooded from the Tropical Storm that poured through the area in November. Our home plans have been put on hold, but we’re very fortunate to have alternative living and that our most precious valuables (especially Tripp) stayed safe.

September: I Started the Job of my Dreams

More good news in 2020, I started my dream job as a Community Manager for an educational tech company. I had been looking to leave the classroom for a few years to focus on marketing and copywriting pursuits. The uncertainty of teaching in a global pandemic also weighed heavily on my mind. I am so fortunate for this job. It’s remote, but based out of NYC and allows me to connect and work with teachers all over the country. I honestly couldn’t think of anything better!

October: Had a Long Weekend on Amelia Island

It’s hard to think that it’s been over a year since I’ve left the state of Florida. In October, we reached the farthest point by visiting Amelia Island on the Florida-Georgia border. This oceanfront town is right up my alley. It has a historic element, great eating, and was just too charming to fully describe. I know David and I will be visiting again soon!

November: Saw My Dearest Friend Get Married in Key West

Making moves to the other end of the state, I had the privilege of visiting Key West for the very first time! One of my dearest friends got married in a small ceremony and I’m so honored to be have been included in the festivities. It also served as the perfect little escape to the Conch Republic.

December: Got a First Look of the New Gasparilla Inn Beach Club

I had the pleasure of getting a first look at the new and improved Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. This place is simply stunning! Kemble Interiors and team did such an incredible job of revitalizing this Gulf Coast with fun accents and quintessential Florida pieces. While I was only able to stay for the afternoon, I already have my sites on visiting in January.

Even with its ups and downs, I’m deciding to focus on the positive for the year. I have so much to be thankful for and I’ll be thinking of those fond moments as the clock strikes midnight into 2021.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.


Filed Under: Uncategorized

What’s On My Christmas List

December 24, 2020

What’s On My Christmas List

Christmas, Santa, Gifts, Presents

Blouse || Simiar Skirt || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Handbag

In my humble opinion, I’ve been a very good girl this year. Between dealing with COVID and our house flooding, the most important thing on my wish list over the next few days is relaxing. Still, Santa has me on his nice list and wanted to know what I wanted to see under the tree. The list is short, but here’s are some of my top gift ideas for me in 2020.

Crisp White Leather Sneakers

I’m surprisingly hard to shop for. If I have my eye on something, then I typically just buy it or wait until the urge to purchase goes away. I’ve had the same pair of everyday shoes for a few years and my Tretorn sneakers, while I simply adore them, have seen better days. This year, I’m wanting to mix it up with a pair of Veja sneakers. The crisp white with the light blue accents will work with nearly everything in my closet.

Classic Pearl Earrings

In the same vane as my sneakers, I recently realized I needed a new pair of classic pearl earrings. I had gotten by the past few years with just mixing and matching old pearl studs that no longer had a partner. Ever since I began working from home, I typically have been opting to skip earrings all together. I can’t wait to have a brand new set to wear from day to night.

Christmas, Santa, Gifts, Presents
Personalized Backgammon Board

Like so many of you, I’ve spent the majority of 2020 at home with my significant other. Since we’re both working from home, my goal is to have more two-player board games on the ready to entertain ourselves. A personalized backgammon set is just what we need for a fun night in.

Burrow Leather Sofa

Well, this is a gift David and I gave ourselves. We lost nearly all of our furniture when our house flooded. Now that we’re “settled” in our new/old apartment, we ordered a chocolate brown leather couch from Burrow. By a Christmas miracle, it arrived last night. Let’s just say it makes our apartment feel cozier. Tripp, our Basset Hound, is certainly to have a spot to veg on.

Christmas, Santa, Gifts, Presents

No matter what gifts we find underneath the tree, I’m so happy for a quiet Christmas. It’s also a sign that 2020 is beginning to come to a close and 2021 is opening up to be the best year ever. Well, here’s to be an optimist at least.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.


Filed Under: Uncategorized

Christmas at the Gasparilla Inn

December 21, 2020

Christmas at the Gasparilla Inn

Dress (also) (similar) || Wedges || Handbag || Bracelet

Christmas in Florida just hits differently. While I’ll love seeing the winter wonderland from my friends in NYC, I’m still feeling pretty grateful for spending the holiday season in my home state. The decorations are still festive, but we get to add our own spin of palm trees and Santa at the beach. Earlier in the month, I visited the always stunning Gasparilla Inn and got the biggest dose of holiday cheer. Truly, no one does it better!

  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, Banjanan
  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida

For the day trip to Boca Grande, I was still decked out in holiday red and green. This floral maxi dress from Banjanan is perfect for a Floridian Christmas. It’s an equal combination of dressy and laidback, which is exactly what you can expect during a stay at the Gasparilla Inn. Wearing my red Castaner espadrilles proves that they can be worn from summer through winter. I felt like a younger Mrs. Claus on her post-Christmas vacation.

  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida
  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida

Inside the hotel, the Christmas spirit is alive and well. The contrast of the green and red just seems brighter against the yellow halls. Even the Writing Room, my favorite spot in the entire hotel, is elevated for the holidays with a holly garnished fireplace mantel. Take a stroll to the Beach Club and they have the prettiest Christmas tree. Floridian flora and fauna ornaments are strongly encouraged, but not required. Don’t forget to sip a fruity cocktail to remind you that you’re still in the Sunshine State.

  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida
  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida

Now that we’re in the Christmas week, I’m in full holiday mode. I’m looking forward to a small, intimate family dinner followed by a week of relaxation. No matter what the forecast calls for, snow or sunshine, enjoy the final days of the year 2020 and all of the festivities that go with it.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.


Filed Under: Boca Grande, Uncategorized

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