KATIE KENNEDY - Page 75 of 266 -

My Florida Bucket List with Sailor-Sailor

April 4, 2022

My Florida Bucket List with Sailor-Sailor
📍 Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach

bucket list, Florida, Sailor-Sailor, travel, Sunshine State, Florida Bucket List

Dress (c/o) || Similar Sandals || Handbag || Similar Earrings

I have lived in Florida for nearly my entire life. I am happy to call myself a local Floridian and know how lucky I am to have grown up here. The Sunshine State truly has so much to offer. People instantly think of beaches and amusement parks, but we are more than tourist spots. With some inspiration from Sailor-Sailor, I’ve been daydreaming about all of the wonderful places to see. Here are the top eight things on my Florida bucket list.

Swim With The Manatees

Manatees are my favorite animal! They are friendly, gentle, slow-moving sea cows that love to spend their winter vacations in Florida springs. While they can be found all around the state, their favorite hangout is Crystal River. It’s a small town, about 90 miles north of St. Pete, but manatees are their business! Here, you can book a tour and take a swim with the manatees. Of all the things on this list, this is the one I want to check off this year.

Take A Tour Of The Everglades

While we’re on the topic of outdoor pursuits, I have to mention the Everglades. It spans the entire width of the state at the southern tip and is a diverse ecosystem only found in Florida. While an airboat tour is an option, it is often gimmicky to entertain the tourists. A quieter alternative, and much more up my alley, is to take a guided kayak tour. Visiting historic Everglades City is also part of this bucket list trip.

Spend A Long Weekend In Miami

Floridians joke that Miami practically feels like another state compared to the rest of Florida, but it’s still part of our identity. Even in Tampa Bay, Cuban culture is weaved into who we are, and that all started in Miami’s Little Havana. You may need to brush up on your Spanish skills, but strolling by the Art Deco hotels and never-ending nightlife sounds like a fun way to spend a long weekend.

Eat Key Lime Pie In Key West

I think people don’t quite realize how big Florida actually is. While it is narrow, the drive from Pensacola to Key West will take you well over 12 hours. For some perspective, that’s about the same amount of time it would take you to drive the length of California. That being said, if you’ve never gone to the Keys, you’re missing out. While you may want to bar hop and pay your respects to the great Ernest Hemingway, your number one priority should be to eat a slice of fresh key lime pie. This dessert is a Florida must and a personal favorite.

Stay At Some Bucket List Hotels

Since Florida history is almost entirely rooted in escaping the cold winter weather, some simply impeccable resorts have been built in the process. I have a specific bucket list of just hotels in the state I want to visit (or revisit). They include the Gasparilla Beach Club in Boca Grande, the Biltmore in Coral Gables, The Colony in Palm Beach, and the Don Caesar right here in St. Pete Beach.

Relive Your Childhood At Disney World

Trips to Disney World define Florida childhoods. I went for the first time in years just a few months ago. It was an entire day of nostalgia and reliving cherished memories with David and our friends. I know I said Florida is so much more besides theme parks. Sometimes, though, you need to appreciate what really put my home state on the map.

Road Trip to 30A

I fell in love with picturesque 30A a few summers ago while visiting my dear friend. The towns that make up this stretch of Gulf Coast highway are prime examples of southern living at its best. It’s called the Emerald Coast for a reason. Impossibly colorful waters and pristine white sand beaches are the perfect destinations for a laidback summer day. Whether you choose charming Seaside or immaculate Alys Beach, you can’t go wrong.

Take A Day Trip to Cedar Key

Florida, especially along the coast, has so many small towns that are dripping in southern charm and off the beaten path. The first town that comes to mind is Cedar Key, here on the Gulf Coast. The pace will feel slower, the seafood will be world-class, and it’s a great opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world for a few hours. After Saint Augustine, it’s actually Florida’s second-oldest town, so you 100% know how rich the history will be here.

If you couldn’t tell, the eternal Floridian in me loves calling this state home. Whatever you think you know about the Sunshine State can be thrown out the window because what you’ll find is so unexpected. Join me on my bucket list and if you have any suggestions, be sure to let me know!

Love from Florida,
Katie

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

J. McLaughlin x Everglades Foundation

April 3, 2022

J.McLaughlin x Everglades Foundation
📍 St. Pete, Florida

Top (c/o) || Jeans (c/o) || Similar Flats || Handbag (c/o) || Earrings || Bracelet

Growing up in the Sunshine State, I have an intense love for Florida nature. Of course, it’s easy to associate that with our countless pristine beaches and islands, but there’s one location that needs even more love. Not too far south from where I call home is the Everglades. This National Park is made up of over 1.5 million acres of wetland. It’s such an incredibly unique ecosystem and constantly needs our protection. When one of my favorite brands, J.McLaughlin began their partnership with the Everglades Foundation, the lifelong Floridian in me just had to help spread the cause.

About J. McLaughlin

This brand’s bright florals and patterns just screams Florida, but their roots are actually based in New York City. Its classic style is given a fun, carefree twist with a rainbow of colors and resort inspired prints. I lovingly think of it as young-retiree chic. After all, I’m dressing for the job I want to have! More importantly, J.McLaughlin believes in philanthropy and giving back. They have an impressive and ever-growing list of charities that they collaborate with. From health and child welfare to animals and conservation, J. McLaughlin does their part for the community. Enter the Everglades Foundation…

About the Everglades Foundation

Originally founded in 1993, the Everglades Foundation has one mission… Restoring America’s Everglades. It builds on the hard work of American author, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The Grand Dame of the Everglades believed in conservation before it really mattered and knew that this ecosystem is entirely unique to Florida. With land in South Florida, always at a premium, it’s an endless battle to protect this wilderness from real estate developers.

The Collaboration

Like I said, J.McLaughlin cares! In collaboration with the Everglades Foundation, they have recently launched this beautiful collection of Florida inspired pieces. The particular print I’m wearing features the American Flamingo. While they call the South Florida home, there are over 380 other bird species that call the Everglades home. The biggest threat to the American Flamingo is habitat loss. Protecting the Everglades means being able to protect all Florida animals, big and small. 10% of this collection’s proceeds will go directly back to The Everglades Foundation to help with future conservation and education efforts.

Why This Matters

If you live anywhere besides Florida, the Everglades can seem like such a foreign destination. It might as well be a world away! No matter where you live, this effort still matters! From an animal standpoint, there are countless species of animals that can only call the Everglades home. For the humans, the Everglades provides drinking water for one-third of Floridians and irrigation for much of the state’s agriculture. It also gives residents of South Florida a hard-to-find opportunity to get outdoors, especially if you live in the Miami area. The Sunshine State would seriously be hit without the Everglades.

So, what should you do? For starters, I invite you to shop this special J.McLaughlin collaboration. It makes shopping and adding color to your closet for a good cause. For a more straightforward approach, join me by donating directly to the Everglades Foundation. I’ll be gifting $100, but any amount big or small will help!

Finally, thank you so much to J.McLaughlin for generously gifting this beautiful blouse. It’s one I will cherish for years to come.

Love from Florida,
Katie

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

Blue and White Floral Dresses

March 30, 2022

Blue and White Floral Dresses
📍 St. Pete, Florida

Blue and White, Floral, Dresses, Cabana Life, Spring

Dress (c/o) || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Even though Florida seems to be eternally warm, spring has an opportunity to feel like its own unique season. There’s a breeze in the air, and a new batch of flowers are in full bloom. No matter where you call home, you may be shopping for floral pieces to get ready for Easter. I’ve had a lot of blue and white on my mind. It’s a classic combination that I realized I hadn’t worn recently. If you’re shopping around, check out the bottom of this post for my favorite options. First, here’s how I style blue and white floral dresses.

The Dress

My love for Cabana Life isn’t really a secret. As the days get longer and warmer, I’m so happy to have a layer of UPF 50 to keep my skin healthy. This maxi dress is somehow even prettier in person. The tiered skirt gives it so much movement, but the open back is my favorite feature. It’s a perfect piece as-is for date night or swap footwear to run errands in.

The Heels

I feel like there’s a finite number of occasions where white footwear seems appropriate. Sometimes the sI feel like there’s a finite number of occasions where white footwear seems appropriate. Sometimes the season doesn’t call for it, while other times, it just seems too harsh. Consider your blue and white dress the call to wear a crisp pair of white heels. I love my white Perfect Block Sandals from Sarah Flint. The low heels make them easy for walking, no matter the terrain. Effortlessly chic!

The Handbag

Who would have thought that rattan could work as a pop of color? I know this Cult Gaia clutch was the hottest thing a few years ago, but it’s still one of my favorite pieces to wear year-round. The warm tones are just such a great contrast against the cool blues and white. Not to mention, I always receive compliments when I break this particular bag out of my closet.

The Accessories

With such a great color combination, consider keeping the accessories in a neutral world. I’m leaning towards a classic pair of pearl studs, but honestly, the sky is the limit. If you’re really looking to add some color, why not a perfect shade of red lipstick? My personal favorite is Rouge Feu in the Chanel Luminous Matte Lipstick.

And just like that, I have an incredible outfit for spring. Better still, this will be a dress that I know I’ll be wearing no matter the season and for years to come! Shop more of my favorites below to find your sense of blue and white floral nirvana!

Love from Florida,
Katie

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