One Final Goodbye to Summer

One Final Goodbye to Summer
📍 St. Pete Beach, FL

This week marks the official start to the Fall season. While I doubted that my corner of St. Pete would be anywhere near ready, I’m happy to report that I can almost feel it. Today, I woke up to temperatures in the 70s and lower humidity than we’ve had in weeks! While I’m not ready to fully dive into the ‘pumpkin spice’ state of mind, it’s a start. For so many reasons, summer is my favorite season! In years past, I’ve clung to the summertime, never wanting to let go. I’m so grateful for a new season this year and have so much to look forward to. Here’s one final goodbye to Summer.

Goodbye: Summer Fridays

For the first several years of my working life, I was a classroom teacher. So, this was my first ever summer working a full, 9 to 5 job. While a piece of me misses having zero plans for three months, I’m still blissfully happy with my current job. Not only do I work for an incredible company, but I also really enjoy having a continually structured schedule. Instead, I have Summer Fridays. Personally scattered throughout the summer months, they give me an opportunity for the occasional three-day weekend to help me recharge.

Hello: Gasparilla Inn

Fall also means the start of a new season at the Gasparilla Inn. While it may be my favorite place in all of Florida, it closes for the hottest summer months. As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I scheduled a few day trips before the end of 2021. It’s just the rest & relaxation I need to help me feel my best. I’ve heard through the grapevine that they’ve recently updated some of their most iconic spaces. I can’t wait to see it!

Goodbye: Light Sundresses

Even though I work from love, I absolutely live in sundresses. Each day, I feel exponentially more productive when I slip into a bright and colorful dress. It’s the easiest outfit in the world with minimal effort. While I’ll be able to wear linen and cotton sundresses well into the Fall season, I suspect I’ll be slowly transitioning into jeans and warmer pieces.

Hello: Sweaters

During the summertime, the thought of wearing a sweater is enough to make me sweat. Floridians often gripe about missing in cozy sweater-weather. While we rarely get to sport the thickest turtlenecks or cable knits, I can at least grab a lighter cardigan or button-down. Since sweater vests are back in fashion, I may have to add a few to my closet, like this one from Target. A sweater without sleeves? Count me in!

Goodbye: Summer Decor

All year round, my home decor is very summery. There is a lot of rattan and wicker scattered throughout with touches of blue. If you’re looking for a perfectly relaxing wall color, I cannot recommend ‘Gray Opal’ by Valspar enough. Don’t let the name full you, because it has very blue undertones. Especially during the summertime, it perfectly encapsulates our warm and Floridian life.

Hello: Fall Foliage

It always seems counter-intuitive to go entirely into Fall decor. In the Kennedy home, you’re going to find a lot of seasonal items. Instead, I prefer to have a neutral twist on fall favorites. I’ll be sharing all of the details next week, but until then, white pumpkins and gourds are always okay by me. From there, the only thing I need to add to get into the “Fall” spirit is to light up an apple cider candle. Our NEST Pumpkin Chai candle has been glowing all week, and I feel like I’m in autumnal paradise.

Not only is it beginning to feel like Fall in Florida, but I also have some incredible trips planned next month for a genuine change in the seasons. If you have favorites in Newport, Rhode Island (which I already know and love), or Salt Lake City, please be sure to let me know!

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.