KATIE KENNEDY

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Him

Blouse || Jeans || Heels || Similar Bag || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

This is one for the boys! David and I, personally, don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Instead of exchanging gifts, we typically opt for a wine night or maybe dinner out. That being said, I know plenty of couples who do. The holiday is for sharing your love for others and sometimes the easiest way to do that is through gifts. Earlier in the week, I shared a quick little Valentine’s Day gift guide for her. This time around, it’s a gift guide for the men in your life. Keep in mind, since David is the person in my life that I’m shopping for, this was hugely influenced by his likes.

DYLAN’S CANDY Dark Chocolate Tackle Box

Every one likes chocolate. Dylan’s Candy is one of the most popular names in the candy game. She offers all kinds of delicious treats that will brighten anyone’s day. This dark chocolate tackle box gives a wide variety to choose from and even throws in nuts to add some extra flavor.

YVES SAINT LAURENT L’Homme Cologne

If you’ve ever wondered what cologne David wears, now you have your answer! What started as a tiny sample has now turned into his signature scent, if men can have that. I love that he saves it for more dressier nights and occasions. Any time I get a whiff of this cologne, I know he has something special planned for date night.

UGG Ascot Slippers

Slippers always make a great gift. I feel like they’re an item that people don’t typically buy for themselves. If he didn’t receive a pair of warm slipper for Christmas, Valentine’s Day would be a great opportunity. This pair from UGG will definitely keep their feet warm. They are great for around the house and when they need to make a quick run outside.

BOSE SoundSport Wireless Earbuds

If your guy is constantly on the go, whether for a workout or commute, they will really appreciate a pair of earbuds. Especially if they are super active, these buds will be able to keep up and stay in place, all with terrific sound quality. Better news still, they are on sale!

SHINOLA ‘The Runwell’ Leather Strap Watch

Even though David has developed an expensive taste for watches, Shinola will always have sentimental value. On our wedding day, I gave him a very classic watch with a dark brown leather strap. This ‘Runwell’ style is a classic. It will look appropriate for everyday, the corporate world, and beyond.

J. Crew Rhone Guru Jogger Pants

On the weekend, David simply lives in his joggers. Even if your guy tends to be more dressy, like David, there is something so satisfying about changing into something more comfortable. These pants from J. Crew will be extremely versatile and just put-together enough. That way, you can’t truly tell if the pants are jogger or chino.

VEJA Campo Sneakers

If you’re wanting your man to slightly revamp his style, now is the time to make that gentle nudge. David has pretty good taste, especially when it comes to footwear. Still, if I felt compelled to get him something new, it would be this pair of sneakers from VEJA. Shoot, I want to get myself a pair too!

KREWE Rampart Aviator Sunglasses

This final gift is from one of my favorite New Orleans companies. Krewe offers a seemingly endless variety of classic sunglasses, all with a twist. Aviators are a great staple pair of sunglasses to have for everyday. Their Rampart style perfectly fits the bill. Have a unique, but versatile pair of sunglasses all in one.

This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Friday and we only have a week left to prepare! Whether you exchange gifts, or not, please be sure to share your love with those around you.

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.

Cocktails With Katie: Paloma

Similar Shirt || Shorts || Loafers || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

I can’t believe I’ve only entered into my fourth year of blogging with Orange to Apple. It’s been so fun to see this little site grow and I want to make that trend continue. So, I’ve been trying think of ways to diversify my content and add another dimension. While there are a few different ideas on the drawing board, I’m so excited to release Cocktails With Katie. Once a month, give or take, I will share a new cocktail recipe that I’ve been playing with. I want them to be easy, I want them to be “skinny”, and I want them to be delicious. This month, we’ll be starting with one of my personal favorites, the Paloma.

Background

As a lifelong Floridian, I’d like to think of myself as a citrus connoisseur. Childhood mornings would almost always start with a fresh glass of orange or grapefruit juice from the trees in our backyard. Citrus is my preferred flavor, scent, and even decorative accent. With all of that being said, it shouldn’t come as a shock that one of my favorite cocktails is citrus inspired. With a mix of grapefruit, lime, and tequila, Palomas are always a crowd please.

History

Although the official origins of this grapefruit cocktail are unknown, it was absolutely created in Mexico. Even though Americans think the Margarita is the most cherished drink in the country, the Paloma actually holds that title. The Margarita became hugely popular in the states, and the Paloma sort of fell behind. That’s mainly because yearly grapefruit production in Mexico beats the United States by over half-a-million tons. In states where grapefruit is plentiful, like Florida, you’re going to see the popularity be a little more balanced. Besides, some of the finest tequila experts believe that grapefruit is actually a better pairing than lime.

Ingredients

Amounts are adjustable to fit your preference!

• 1 cup of tequila blanco (I prefer Altos or Casamigos)
• Juice from 4-5 fresh grapefuits
• Sparkling grapefruit soda or water
• Juice from 1-2 limes
• Crushed ice
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Preparation

To make this cocktail, there are no special steps, or shaker flips, required. I simply put everything straight into the pitcher. I have this one from William and Sonoma and it fits all of my beverage making needs. After everything is mixed together, pour into your favorite glass and sip away! I like to add a grapefruit wedge for a garnish, but I know having a salted rim is also very popular.

Warmer weather, looking at you Spring Break, is just around the corner. Prepping your packing guide is always a must, but finding the perfection concoction is just as important. Absolutely, please drink responsibly!

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.

Heart On Your Sleeve

Dress || Wedges || Handbag (Similar) || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

To wear your heart on your sleeve is a phrase that dates back all the way to the Middle Ages. Although the meaning has changed a number of times over the last hundreds of years, it still has a strong meaning today. Nowadays, it means to show your true feelings. In all honesty, I think that’s something that people could put into practice more often. Be honest and let others know how you feel.

Clearly, that can be much easier said than done. Since being forthcoming with how you feel is almost a feat of bravery, it would be much easier to literally wear your heart instead. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time! This little red dress from LOFT is just about as festive as you can get! At first glance, the print is subtle, but on closer inspection, it’s a sprinkling of sweet hearts. It’s a frock that just screams Valentine’s Day.

I couldn’t help but give this dress a little bit of tropical flair. Since these bright red espadrilles were delivered last week, they’ve been a new go-to for footwear. Normally, they would serve as a pop of color, but are a perfect match to the darling dress. On the handbag front, I had been on the hunt for a black rattan crossbody since moving back to Florida. Knowing I didn’t want to break the bank, I was smitten with this bamboo accented pick I found on Amazon. For more of a splurge, I also love this similar option from Tuckernuck.

If this dress doesn’t make your heart patter, there are plenty of other options to wear your heart on your sleeve… Or shoulder… Or wrist. Since you all have probably learned about my love for rattan bags, it should come as no surprise that I found one in the cutest heart shape. This crossbody from Mali + Lili is perfectly for a date night on the town and comes in two different colors.

If you do want a heart themed dress, but one that’s not so bright, let me introduce you to this pick from Talbots. The navy color makes it more versatile, while faux-wrap style gives it an incredibly flattering shape. Talbots is one of my favorite destinations for finding holiday inspired pieces. They are always cheerful and timeless, but never kitschy. I’ve been lusting over this navy heart sweater for just that reason!

As we go into another Valentine’s Day, let’s try to be more open to wearing our heart on our sleeve. Even when the holiday has come and gone, and heart shaped candies are at huge discount, always be open about how you feel to those you love.

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.