Back to the Virtual Classroom

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Typically, I don’t talk much about my teaching job here on the blog, but these are strange times. It’s the Monday after Spring Break and I’m supposed to be back in the classroom. Right now schools all over the country are canceling or opting to go virtual in an effort to slow down COVID-19. If you think for one second that teachers are going to kick back their feet and relax, well you probably don’t know many teachers. I want to get on my soap box for a second and give you the inside scoop on what my teacher life will look like for the foreseeable future.

We’re In Uncharted Territory

For the most part, teachers got into this line of work for one reason alone: we loving being around children. The energy that a classroom full of elementary school students gives off is contagious. While it can be very tiresome, I know I am my best self when I’m in ‘teacher mode’. Now that we’ll all be teaching from home, this is a brand new challenge. For those teachers out there you thought they have ‘seen it all’, I’m sure they never thought of this scenario.

We’ll Have To Get Really Creative

Particularly for elementary school teachers, we’re going to have to stretch the imagination of finding valuable work for our students. After an amazing conversation with my teammates, I was reminded the KISS rule. Keep It Simple. Teachers are nothing if not overachieving. We want to dive in head first and make the most rigorous and engaging lesson plans out there. Let’s get back to reality though, not all of our children will be able to be part of these daily lesson plans. Things are really going to be out of our control and that’s okay!

We Want Nothing More Than To Be With Our Students

In times like these, I want to be with my students the most. This is a difficult time for adults, so imagine how hard it is for the little ones to comprehend. Since our Spring Break was last week, I didn’t get the chance to talk my kids through this difficult time. If you have kids at home, I think it’s so important to keep them in the loop into what you’re doing and why. With that being said, I can’t wait to give them each a huge hug when we get back.

The Kids Are Going To Be Okay

This one is probably most important for me to hear. The most important thing to remember is that our kids are all going to be okay! Children are more resilient than we will ever give them credit for. I promise, no matter the situation you are facing, they will continue to learn. Whenever we get back to school, they will bounce back like they never missed a beat. My biggest advice for kids right now is to keep them reading and get them moving!

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or friend to a teacher, thank you so much for listening. We are all in such a strange place right now. I’m trying to stay optimistic and believe that society will come out better for it on the other side. Until then, thanks so much for joining me daily. I hope to get back to regular content soon!

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.

Cardigans for a Cause with Talbots

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What an interesting time we are living in. I think a good portion of us are approaching our first full week of social distancing. It goes without saying that I miss those social interactions. Words cannot express how thankful I am that my husband gets to work from home, but there’s no substitute for meeting new people. I think the best way to fill that void is to find something truly meaningful to fill the time. For starters, why not support a charity that means a lot to you?

Talbots and Oprah Magazine have joined forces to collaborate with Dress for Success (DFS). Founded in 1997, DFS is a non-profit that empowers women to achieve economic independence. Since we don’t know what the job market will be like when this pandemic is in our rear-view mirror, this charity is more important than ever. Here are a few quick ways to help support such an amazing cause.

Buy a Cardigan for a Cause

I know it seems so silly to be thinking about clothes at a time like this, but I love the idea of shopping for the future. When we get back to our normal lives, I want to have a new outfit to celebrate! The Talbots x O Mag Collection currently has four fun cardigans to choose from. You can either wear them now, to stay cozy at home, or later in the work place. No matter the sweater you choose, 30% of the net proceeds will benefit Dress for Success.

Clear Out Your Closet

I know with social distancing, finishing some Spring cleaning is at the top of our to-do lists! Start with your closets and take a good look at what work clothes you don’t wear any more. Dress for Success has locations all around the country (and world) happy to accept career appropriate clothing and shoes. They will also take accessories and unopened cosmetics. For more details on what they are looking for, click the link here.

Join Your Local Affiliate

If you want to become even more involved in this cause, you can become active with your city’s local affiliate. They have a whole plethora of volunteer opportunities. Both large and small, they are all extremely important to helping women find economic independence. DFS can be found in 150 cities and 25 countries, but if there isn’t one in your area, there is an option to start your own local affiliate.

Make a Monetary Donation

If you want to become even more involved in this cause, you can become active with your city’s local affiliate. They have a whole plethora of volunteer opportunities. Both large and small, they are all extremely important to helping women find economic independence. DFS can be found in 150 cities and 25 countries, but if there isn’t one in your area, there is an option to start your own local affiliate. 

While we’re stuck at home, let’s make the most of our social distancing! I want to thank Talbots for letting me be a voice for a such an amazing charity. Also, thank you to each of you who opts to contribute. Let’s empower women together!

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.

Supporting St. Pete Businesses

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There are a lot of uncertainties during this time. We don’t know how long this social distancing will last or when life will start to feel like normal again. What we do know is that local businesses across the country will be feeling the financial strain. Many have to operate at only 50% capacity and several have had to shut their doors entirely. St. Pete is a city in particular that has a thriving community of local businesses. In my time as a resident of the Sunshine City, I’ve personally gotten to know and love so many. These are very strange times, but here are some suggestions to share our support to what makes St. Pete so special.

Restaurants

• Since restaurants have to operate at a very limited capacity, a local resident has launched #CarryOutStPete. This is a call to action, on the next two Fridays, to take out from your favorite St. Pete restaurants. If you typically eat out over the weekend, still keep your standing orders, but carry out and enjoy it safely in your home. Some of our personal favorites on Friday are Fourth Street Shrimp, Three Birds Tavern, or Moon Under Water.
• Tipping for carry out and delivery is always tricky. For the next few weeks, tip what you normally would if you were dining in. Actually, if you’re able and are feeling particularly generous, tip more than usual. Our friends in the hospitality industry have to pay their bills too and don’t have an option of working from home.
• If you’re still feeling a little eerie of ordering take-out, I honestly can’t blame you. To still support your favorite local restaurants, call in an order for a gift card. You may not use it right away, but will have something to look forward to when things are back to normal.

Coffee Shops

• As of right now, coffee shops are still open for business. Even this morning, I stopped at Black Crow for a cold brew to go. All coffee shops are taking extra protective measures to keep their customers and employees healthy. Again, show a little extra love while tipping because we don’t know how long they will remain open for.
• Another coffee shop I frequent is Intermezzo. While they are no longer open for their cocktail hours, coffee and tea is still available. If you are a hospitality worker, first responder, or hospital employee who needs a little extra caffeine right now, stop by for a complimentary case of MADE coffee. Supporting local businesses is great, but local businesses supporting their community is even better!

Breweries

• A huge piece of our city’s identity comes from our local breweries. At first, it seemed like they would be closed for good over the next 30 days, but now they will have very limited hours for to-go orders only. Stop by your favorites and pick up a case or growler to go. Again, tip generously.
• If you are practicing extreme social distancing, a gift card is always an easy purchase. Many breweries, like my dear friends at St. Pete Brewing, have an online shop page where you can buy gift cards and merchandise.
• One final measure, which is arguably the easiest, is to use social media for the powers of good. Post or tag about your favorites local spots, leave kind reviews online, and help boost their status remotely. When they open up again, they will be flooded with new customers who’ve only heard the best things.

Leisure

• I have a standing appointment every Friday with Sip and Dry, the best blow bar in town. Since I’m practicing social distancing, and I’m just with David everyday, it seems silly to make my hair a priority right now. Instead, I’m buying a gift card and looking forward to amazing hair in the next few weeks. If feel like you need some pampering today, they are still open for businesses and taking extra safety measures.
• My favorite yoga studio, SunState Yoga, is another business who has opted to close its doors for the next 30 days. If you have membership with any gym or studio, keep it going! Many, like SunState, are offering a free month in the future. They are also posting daily videos so you can continue your practice from home. During stressful times like this, taking an hour of your time for yoga just makes sense!
• Turn off the TV and take this time at home to broaden your horizons with a good book. Tombolo Books has several options to get you books quickly and seamlessly. They have even added a delivery service for in-town orders and courtyard pick up. If you have young ones at home, they have books for all ages so the entire family can keep their sanity!

The old adage, ‘it takes a village’ can mean so many different things. Right now it’s going to take the whole community to keep our spirits up and support one another. Our local businesses in St. Pete is what makes us a one-of-a-kind city. Be kind to one another and be kind to yourself. When this is all behind us, I can’t wait to see how the Sunshine City celebrates!

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.