KATIE KENNEDY - Page 176 of 266 -

Surviving Holiday Travel

December 19, 2019

Surviving Holiday Travel

Surviving, Holidays, Travel, Airport, J. Crew

Sweater || Jeans || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

For how amazing the end product is, traveling during the holidays can seem like SO much work. There’s a lot of moving pieces in play and it honestly can get a little nerve-wracking, even for the most seasoned of travelers. This year, we’ll be celebrating the winter holiday as New Yorkers by flying North to visit David’s family in Vermont. We haven’t been to VT since February and I couldn’t be more excited for a proper Winter Wonderland! The only things that separates me from some peace and quiet is a (hopefully) quick flight. If you’re traveling for the holidays too, here are some of my best tips to keep in mind to survive the chaotic airport.

Pack Light

Even on the shortest of trips, I’m normally the one to stuff the largest suitcase I can get my hands on. But, the thought of dealing with JFK the Friday before Christmas has given me a change of heart. This trip, I’m being very strategic with what and how I pack to limit myself to just one carry-on and a very roomy personal bag. If I can pull this off, it’s a Christmas miracle!

Ship Your Presents

In the past, I’ve ordered all of my Christmas gifts online and shipping them straight to my parent’s house (to wrapped when I get there). I’m so lucky to have this luxury, it makes traveling light so much easier! If you happen to be staying in a hotel, be sure to reach out to them. A lot of hotels are very accommodating when it comes to receiving mail and packages.

Dress Comfortably

The chances of their being a delayed flight during the holidays is extremely high! That’s why I’m opting for the comfiest outfit possible, just in case I have to curl up on the floor or sit in a chair for hours. Although it’s more dress up here, this turtleneck sweater from J. Crew would be an absolute dream for staying cozy in the airport. Keep my go-to white jeans and swap the heels for Tretorn sneakers and I’ll be the most comfortable person at the airport.

Grab a Snack

I don’t know what it is about traveling, but it always leave me feeling ravenous. Unless you’re okay with spending $10 on a protein bar, I highly recommend packing your own snack. The holidays are always a time to indulge, but save it for the good stuff, like a home cooked meal. You’ll also want to stay hydrated, so pack your own water bottle to fill up after the security line.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

If you think the airport is crowded, imagine what the roads will look like! Giving yourself plenty of time all starts with leaving early from home. Nothing gives me more stress than the thought of missing my flight. Early to leave, early to the security line, first to grab a seat at the gate.

I promise, traveling stress free during the holidays is possible! All it takes is planning ahead, common sense, and just rolling with what’s thrown your way. Safe travels one and all!

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Gift Guide: Tech Ideas

December 18, 2019

Gift Guide: Tech Ideas

Christmas, Tech, Techie, Tech Ideas, Gift Guide, Smart, LOFT

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

If there’s one minor way my life has changed since being with David, there is now a constant tech conversation going on in our home. Techie gadgets were never something that interested me. I still have an iPhone 7 and a pretty basic MacBook Pro. I’ll let David buy his own toys. For this Tech Gift Guide, you can absolutely say I had to seek his advice. Here are some gadgets that even I can get excited about.

CANON Mobile Mini Photo Printer

This printer fits in the palm of your hand, but also puts the INSTA back in Instagram. I love the idea of a night out with friends and being able to print out instant gratification. This gift would also be perfect for the traveler, so they can print out their shots on the go.

EMBER Temperature Control Smart Mug

This was my Christmas gift to David and few years ago and he still absolutely loves it! No longer will your loved ones have to sip at room temperature coffee. This Smart Mug keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature, all controlled with just the swipe of your cell phone. For the person on the go, they also have a Smart Thermos option too.

LINK AKC Smart Dog Collar

I joke all the time about how lazy my dog is, but he still could benefit from this Smart Dog Collar. Customizable to the size and breed of your dog, instantly know if they are getting enough exercise in a day. I’m more impressed with the safety feature that lets you know where your dog is, in case he gets out. This is perfect for the owner of an escape artist.

BACKSLASH FIT Smart Yoga Mat

Honestly, what can’t this yoga mat do? Just set up the Alexa command and you’ll be walked through a new yoga routine. It also has the standard features like non-slip grip and 5 mm thick foam, but it’s also self rolling. Namaste!

ANOVA CULINARY Sous Vide Precision Cooker

I know this has been on David’s wish list for a while. When he gets it, I’ll only benefit. He such an amazing chef, but really wants to practice his sous vide skills. If you’re not familiar with the technique, it slow cooks meats and vegetables in water until it’s at the ideal temperature. The result is food that will melt in your mouth.

UPRIGHT GO Posture Trainer

This is something I definitely need in my life! I’ve been thinking about taking the plunge and buying it for a while, but it would also make a great Christmas gift. I have pretty awful posture. Hunching over is where I’m the most comfortable and that’s not exactly good for the health of my back and spine. I blame fifteen years of competitive swimming. This Posture Trainer is a workout for your back and gives a little buzz when you’re starting to slip. They say two weeks is all it will take for pin straight posture.

In the past few years, I’ve learned that tech gadgets don’t have to be outrageous and only solve problems we didn’t really have. These techie gift ideas will make our lives easier, letting us have one less thing to worry about. They also get David’s star of approval! I can’t wait to try them out.

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Warm Weather Holidays

December 17, 2019

Warm Weather Holidays

Dress || Heels || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

I know everyone gushes on and on about dreaming of a White Christmas, but that’s not my story. As a born and raised Floridian, the closest thing I could get to that growing up were the white sands on the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. December is the absolute best month to spend in the Sunshine State. There isn’t a cloud in the sky, it’s a perpetual 70 degrees, and you don’t have to miss out on the Christmas festivities. Here’s why I simply love warm weather holidays.

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, I got to sneak back home to St. Pete for a much needed break from New York. I tell you, the Sunshine City was really showing off! No one does holiday decorations better than Old Northeast. I was so lucky to call this historic neighborhood home before I moved to the Upper East Side. Mostly made up of Craftsman bungalows, home owners take great pride in their lights display.

Another huge perk to saying Happy Holidays in the Florida sun is being able to mix up your Christmas style. There’s only so many times I can wear a cozy sweater or festive tartan without getting a little bored. This breezy shirt dress from Tuckernuck was probably designed for resort ware, but somehow still feels like a perfect substitute for tacky sweaters. It’s bold, cheerful, and would look so great with a pair of sandals thrown in.

I know so many New Yorkers who decide to spend their holidays down south. From surfing Santas to endless holiday boat parades, Florida definitely likes to put its own spin on the season. If you’re in the Tampa Bay Area, I’ve heard the most amazing things about Enchant St. Pete. Tropicana Field, where the Rays baseball team plays, has been turned into the World’s Largest Christmas Light maze. There’s even an ice skating trail and plenty of hot chocolate. You’ll be directly sent to the North Pole and not have to pack your snow boots.

So, need a break from the dark and cold? Book a holiday trip to sunny Florida as soon as possible! Even though my husband, a native Vermonter, loves his winter wonderlands, I know he secretly misses being able to wear shorts and flip flops while out Christmas shopping.

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.