KATIE KENNEDY

Turning 30 in Manhattan

Turning 30 in Manhattan
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side, Dinner, Bemelmans

Similar Dress (similar) || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Bracelet || Earrings

After a quick break from social media, I’m feeling equal parts recharged and inspired. We’re still in Vermont for the rest of the week, but I’m still gushing over our recent long weekend in New York City. The number one order of business was to celebrate my 30th birthday. Months earlier, David and I were chatting about potential gifts, and I was *this close to a stunning Chanel handbag. After some deep soul-searching, I knew I would much rather have an incredible experience instead. We quickly picked NYC on our way to visit family and excitedly planned, making a list of all our favorite spots in the city. While the whole weekend was a treat, June 25th will always stand out!

  • Manhattan, NYC, 30th Birthday, New York, Black and White

Flight to NYC

My 30th began how every day should, an early wakeup to catch a flight! This was our first visit back to Manhattan since we moved in November 2019, making the experience feel more like a homecoming than a birthday celebration. To say that I was a little emotional is a severe understatement. We were even treated to beautiful views of the city skyline as we landed, making the whole moment feel so special.

  • NYC, Manhattan, New York, Dante, Birthday

Lunch at Dante

After a quick check-in at hour home base for the weekend, the Arlo NoMad, we took the subway to MacDougal Street for a lunch reservation at Dante. This cafe always tops the list of restaurant recommendations, and it has never disappointed! Even in St. Pete, I’ve been able to get their signature cocktails shipped directly to me for the winter holidays. We were seated at our “usual” table, and I quickly realized that this was the last restaurant we ate before moving away. The significance did not escape me. David and I dined on flatbreads and burrata, sipping on craft cocktails that I swear taste better in the city. As a special birthday treat, we ended the meal with a very healthy slice of tiramisu.  

  • Upper East Side, NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side

Dinner at Brasserie Cognac

After a quick disco nap at the hotel, I was so happy to join friends for pre-dinner cocktails. The location was a random bar in NoMad and didn’t really matter. Instead, we were much more focused on catching up, having many laughs, and toasting on new opportunities. I honestly wished it could have lasted longer, but we had reservations uptown. Off we went to the Upper East Side for dinner at Brasserie Cognac. Stepping up from the subway, I felt a wave of nostalgia for our once neighborhood and this corner bistro. Our meal was incredible, and they gave us complimentary champagne to help celebrate my birthday. 

  • NYC, New York City, Manhattan, Bemelmans, Upper East Side

Drinks at Bemelmans

The final stop of the night is probably the most important! I was beyond fortunate to snag drink reservations at the institution that is Bemelmans Bar. If these walls could talk, the stories they would tell! As soon as you walk in, you feel the history from the murals handpainted by Ludwig Bemelmans to the book of classic cocktails. This bar is Old New York. Making the occasion even sweeter was the company we were able to keep. I’m so honored to have been joined by my friend Sydney and her boyfriend. Since leaving NYC, I’m so happy that our friendship has continued to grow, despite distances and quarantine. Our hours of drinking and revelry passed in the blink of an eye, but it is something I will always cherish—the perfect way to cap off a milestone birthday. 

NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side, Dinner, Bemelmans

It’s another year around the sun, and a new decade for me is on the horizon. I’m so thankful for my husband, family, and wonderful friends who made my 30th birthday in Manhattan feel so special. No matter what year you’re celebrating, I hope your next fête can feel just as noteworthy.

Love from NYC,
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.

Spin Class for the Summer

Spin Class for the Summer
📍 Shore Acres, St. Pete

spin class, cycling, spin, bike shorts

Crop Top (Also) || Sports Bra || Bike Shorts || Sneakers || Athletic Socks || Similar Hat || Watch || Water Bottle

It’s not something I typically talk about on the blog, but I am a lifelong athlete, namely swimming. After my time as a varsity swimmer at FSU, and nearly 20 years in the sport, I was ready to call it quits for a while. Sadly, no other form of exercise took its hold on me. I would try running intermittently, but my bad knees never let me get very far. Simply, I didn’t enjoy it. One of my goals for 2021 was to finally find a new exercise that I would happily do and maybe even be a little good at. A few months ago, I finally found what I was looking for at St. Pete’s Central Cycling. I cannot recommend a spin class enough for an effective, low-impact workout. Here’s what you’ll need to get yourself started on a new fitness journey and spin class for the summer.

Bike Shorts

Choosing what to wear to spin class is all about preference. You’ll see standard running-type shorts and leggings, but the most common are bike shorts. For one, these are pretty trendy even outside of the workout space. After investing in a few, they’re all perfect for riding the bike, hence the name. My running shorts always creep up and aren’t the most comfortable. I hate worrying about pulling them back down in the middle of a ride, and I get too warm for full-coverage leggings. You can start with a low-cost pair from Amazon to try them out for yourself. If you love the feeling, I recommend these shorts from Alo. They come in a rainbow of colors and are incredibly soft and flattering. Plus, you can go for the completely monochromatic look and stand out in class.

Indoor Cycling Shoes

Since Central Cycling doesn’t require these particular shoes, I’ve yet to invest in them and am happy just using my plain sneakers. Still, they’re pretty standard in my classes. I would say about 50% or so. I know you need cycling shoes at other spin studios, primarily SoulCycle, and may need to invest in them early on. TIEM is a popular brand , and I have to say, I think they’re the most stylish. Before making the total commitment, see if your local studio has any pairs you can rent or borrow. At the very least, they can probably help with you the fit or what works best for their bikes.

spin class, cycling, spin, bike shorts

Insulated Water Bottle

Let’s get rid of single-use plastics! Without bringing my water bottle to class, I would surely die. This one is pretty unassuming, but it’s insulated to keep my water ice cold. The size fits universally into most cupholders and is easy to grip, even on the sweatiest of sessions.

Heart Rate Monitor

A watch is not a requirement for spin class, but I think it’s good to have. After, all knowledge is power! With this monitor watch, I can keep track of my heart rate and calories burned. It’s lightweight, and I don’t even realize I have it on. If you already have an Apple Watch, that’s just as good, if not better. I’m still a holdout because I’m not ready to be on the grid 24/7. 

spin class, cycling, spin, bike shorts

Athletic Baseball Hat

Sometimes you need an extra bit of protection to keep the sweat from your brows. I look for baseball hats made of that performance material versus a cotton blend. In my opinion, it does a better job without fully setting into the fabric. My particular hat is from Gasparilla Inn, but I love the powder blue color more than anything. This athletic hat is the same shade of blue and similar material, both perfect for spin class. 

Workout Towel

Typically spin studios will provide this for you, but it’s good to double-check. If not, it’s not a bad idea to have them on hand. In my favorite light blue, I first started getting these towels for cleaning around the house and working in the yard. They are ultra-absorbent and great for no matter the task. 

Silicon Wedding Bands

I’ve never been one to work out with jewelry on, but that’s especially true for my most valuable piece, my wedding rings. Since my spin class includes a little bit of weight work, I leave my ring safely at home and wear a silicon ring instead. I’ve been doing this since David first proposed. It gives me peace of mind that nothing will happen to my ring each time I break a set. I bought a ring set upfront and am so happy that I have to wear it as an alternative.

Cropped Tops and Sports Bras

Going back to my swimmer days, my first choice was always wearing an oversized t-shirt to practice. As much as I love these tees, they aren’t the most comfortable choice for an action-packed spin class. After a few months of trial and error, I love a cropped top and sports bra set. They allow me to have a full range of motion but still have appropriate coverage. Similar to my bike shorts, I love the options that Alo has. There are dozens of colors and styles to chose.

spin class, cycling, spin, bike shorts

Am I an expert on cycling yet? Absolutely not. Still, after only a month of classes (5 days a week), I can already feel a difference. I sleep better at night, have more energy during the day, and feel more comfortable in my own skin. Most importantly, it’s something that I finally enjoy doing. A great attitude from the staff during those 6 am classes definitely helps! As always, before you start any workout program, consider talking to your doctor to make sure that spin class is the right choice for you. Happy spinning!

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.

My Official Summer Bucket List

My Official Summer Bucket List
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Petersburg

summer, bucket list, summer bucket list, travel

Maxi Dress (also) || Similar Sandals || Clutch || Sunglasses || Similar Earrings || Bracelet

Yesterday was the official first day of summer, and my favorite season is finally here! Although the Florida heat has its extreme disadvantages, there’s so much opportunity during this time of year. The days are longer, schedules seem laxer, and a sense of freedom reigns supreme! Especially after a year of such uncertainty, it’s time to take full advantage of the season in ways big and small. Here’s my official summer bucket list to spark some inspiration.

Find Your Anthem for the Season

You can’t expect to have a great summer without the perfect set of tunes on standby. Each year, the ultimate party song seems to pop up during this time of year. While they’re almost always catchy and upbeat, I tend to listen to a more classic playlist. Further cementing my “old soul” status, I’ve been listing to this playlist on repeat. 60’s Beach Party is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for you, your friends, and your entire family. 

Pack a Romantic Picnic

Step one, invest in a picnic basket. Step two, pack your favorite packable foods like tea sandwiches or pasta salad. From there, you need to pick the perfect for a romantic meal al fresco. Since the days can be so warm, consider having a later meal where you can watch the sunset. A bottle of chilled rosé pairs perfectly with this and any other outdoor meal. 

Plan a Trip to Anywhere

I know I’m not the only one itching for a fantastic adventure, but do you feel the same? It doesn’t matter if it’s a staycation or a trip on the other side of the world. Penciling in a trip has felt so good after a year of staying put. What do I have in store this summer? On Friday, I’m so happy to jet off to one of my favorite cities for a special celebration! After that, the sky is the limit!

Get On the Water

Being on the water may be the ultimate reprieve from the summer heat. The good news is accomplishable no matter where you are. I’m so fortunate to live next to Gulf Coast beaches. Rivers, lakes, oceans, and even water parks are what summers are made of. Don’t forget to make a full day of it and pack your sunscreen! 

summer, bucket list, summer bucket list, travel

Get a Colorful Pedicure

Treat yourself to a spa day! You may want to go the whole nine yards with a facial, a massage, and the works. Sometimes a simple pedicure can go a long way. When it comes to polish color, I am steadfastly either a Ballerina or Gitane girl, both from Chanel. They are both in my comfort zone. Because the summer is a time for bright and cheerful colors, consider picking a polish that stands out! While there are so many to choose from, how fun is this mermaid-esque turquoise from Deborah Lippmann, or shockingly bright fuchsia from Chanel. 

Sip on a Huge Spritz

Every year, around this time, the Aperol Spritz becomes the drink of the summer. I have to admit, though, it’s not my favorite. Although my best friend made one so good that I’m having a change of heart. Instead, I like to sip on this refreshing drink. One taste, and I’m instantly transported back to the waterfront cafe in Lake Como. The recipe couldn’t be more effortless and checks so many boxes. Take a look at this recipe from With Two Spoons to try for yourself. 

Try a New Watermelon Recipe

Watermelon is a quintessential flavor of summer. No cookout or dinner party is complete without this freshly cut fruit. While I’m perfectly content snacking on watermelon as is, I also like to play around with different recipes using whatever I have leftover. Add a twist to the traditional Caprese salad by swapping the tomatoes with watermelon. It pairs perfectly with the mozzarella cheese and surprisingly doesn’t combat the balsamic glaze. This is the perfect meal to whip up at lunchtime if you want to feel like you’re on vacation.

Send A Postcard

Finally, let your loved ones know you care by sending some quick correspondence. Who doesn’t love receiving mail? While a traditional letter is the perfect example of snail mail, sending postcards can feel special and doubles as a cute keepsake. Are you not going anywhere? Then just send postcards from your town, the kitschier, the better! Bonus points if you find any vintage postcards at your local antique or thrift shops.

summer, bucket list, summer bucket list, travel

How many things do you think you can tackle before summer’s end? I hope to get all eight and then some. Let me know what’s on your own summer bucket list, and I may have to add to my own. Happy summer!

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.