KATIE KENNEDY

Making the 2020 Holidays Special

Making the 2020 Holidays Special

holiday season, holiday, 2020, Christmas, special

Blouse || Pants (similar) || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Handbag || Bracelet || Lip Color

This has been quite a year everyone. Because of that, this holiday season is more important than ever. Of course, it isn’t going to (and honestly shouldn’t) feel like years past, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be special. Since Christmas Day is just a week ago, here are 8 ways I’m going to make the 2020 holidays feel extra special.

Pick a specialty cocktail.

Put the actual spirit in Holiday SPIRIT. Finding a fun, holiday cocktail that matches your taste. From there, share it with all of your friends and family. After all, you may not be able to drink together, but drinking the same may be the next best thing. Look to your favorite cocktail bars around the country for some inspiration. I typically make the cocktails for the holidays with my family. This year, I’m split between a Gingerbread Negroni or a Warm Pimm’s Cup. Both are straight from Caffe Dante’s menu. 

Dress to the nines.

One of my favorite things about the holiday season has always been dressing up for the occasion. Sadly, this year my social calendar has been extremely quiet. Still, I’ve been having fun dressing for the holiday spirit, even if it’s just for dinner at our apartment, just David and I. This red blouse from Tuckernuck is perfect for my intimate holiday gatherings and beware all year long. Adding my brightest red lipstick, Rouge D’Or from Chanel, makes it feel so dress up. 

Add a theme to your holiday dining.

I was so excited about hosting my own holiday parties this year. I even had a fun tropical theme envisioned. That can still be made possible with a dinner for two or a virtual family gathering. Pick a few specific dishes and share the recipes with your loved ones. From there, you can enjoy the same (themed) meal via Zoom.

Create a new tradition.

It’s so tempting to look back on 2020 and only see the doom and gloom. By creating a fun tradition that stands the test of time, you can add a ray of positivity to the year. Perhaps you’ll pick up a classic like making a gingerbread house. You may even want to yearly Zoom with your family from afar or take advantage of future travel opportunities. The possibilities are endless.

holiday season, holiday, 2020, Christmas, special
Order dessert from the local bakery.

Local businesses have been hit hard in the year 2020. I’ve been doing my best to support them, one delicious bite at a time. Over Thanksgiving, I ordered dessert from my favorite bakery, Pete’s General. The Chiffon Pumpkin Pie was absolutely amazing, I’m secretly happy I didn’t have to share with my family… sorry Mom! For Christmas, I’ll be ordering again with their Hot Chocolate Pie.

Find the perfect playlist.

Music is so integral to any holiday, but especially during the Winter. I’ve been trying out a few different festive playlists to help keep me in the cheery spirit. Hands down, my favorite is Christmas Cocktail Jazz from Spotify. The three hours of mellow classics will be a hit with your family for sure!

Host a virtual movie night.

The list of amazing Christmas movies is long and specific to match each personality. For me, the list is A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Christmas Vacation. Instead of gathering with all of your family, consider hosting a virtual movie night. You can all watch the same movie, but in your own way, and know that you’re helping to keep your loved ones safe. 

Donate to your favorite charity.

The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to your favorite charities. If you had to cancel some holiday travel, I suggest giving that money to a good cause. That’s especially if it benefits your community. Consider donating to local food banks, soup kitchens, or children’s benefits. If you’re not comfortable giving financially, you could always donate your time.

holiday season, holiday, 2020, Christmas, special

Cheers to the holiday season and cheers to the year 2020. While that’s not something would expect to hear, it’s important to keep positive. Enjoy the time with your family, keep your loved ones safe, and maybe that energy will roll over into 2021. Well, that’s what I’m hoping for anyway!

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.

Gift Guide: Shop St. Pete

Gift Guide: Shop St. Pete

Gift Guide, Shop St. Pete, St. Pete, local, Florida

Tunic (similar) || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Handbag || Earring || Bracelet

With so many opportunities to shop during the holiday season, it’s important to remember your local boutiques and businesses. St. Pete offers so many unique stores and shopping that can’t be found anywhere. Whether you live locally or afar, consider gifting from some of my favorite stops with my Shop St. Pete Gift Guide.

Florida Pure Sea Salt

Salt is the most commonly used seasoning in the kitchen. Sometimes, it’s exactly what you need to perfect a recipe. If you have an avid cook on your shopping list, consider a jar of Florida Pure Sea Salt, made right here in St. Pete. You can go for a traditional blend, or you can mix it up with several infused flavors. If you can’t decide, the Sunshine Sampler Pack is a great place to start.

Queen and Colony

Honey has become one of my guilty pleasures of 2020. I love adding it to my cheese and crackers and have even been known to drizzle a touch in my coffee. Queen and Colony honey is locally made in Tampa Bay, making it a great solution if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Better still, they focus on bee and beekeeping education. 

Hogg Batch Coffee

I first discovered Hogg Batch Coffee at a St. Pete market. Twin brothers and St. Pete transplants, Duane and David Hogg have combined two of my favorite things: coffee and spirits. The result is a unique collection of small-batch, barrel-aged coffee beans. My personal favorite is the Rum Cream blend. It makes me look forward to my morning coffee even more!

Ashe Couture Boutique

Ashe Couture is my favorite boutique in all of St. Pete! Nestled in the Edge District on Central Avenue, it’s almost unmissable. Just look for the beautiful pink building! Inside is a fun bohemian-inspired mix of clothes and home goods. It’s my first destination for candles and statement jewelry. If you need to shop for the man in your life, just pop next door to Matter of Fact.

Neighborhoodies

There’s immense neighborhood pride in the Sunshine City. Even though we bought a home in Shore Acres, Old Northeast will always feel like home. If your loved one lives in a historic neighborhood, shower them with a gift so they rep where they live. From hats to t-shirts and even baby onesies, Neighborhoodies includes a wide range of spots around town and even some across the bridges.

Tombolo Books

Nearly every town and city have its own local book store. Each is special and should be shopped at frequently, especially now! Tombolo is St. Pete’s answer to the book store and is deeply steeped in our community. Many local organizations, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Shuffle St. Pete, host book clubs here. If you have an avid reader on your shopping list, highly consider gifting locally. 

Gift Guide, Shop St. Pete, St. Pete, local, Florida
Sip and Dry

This local business has become part of my weekly routine. Without fail, Sip and Dry helps my hair look incredible and ready for the weekend. If you’re shopping locally, you can either gift a blowout session or a favorite hair product. Your loved one will really appreciate the hair appointment and some self-care.

Sunstate Yoga

Speaking of self-care, a little bit of yoga does the body good! My favorite studio in town is Sunstate Yoga. As soon as you walk in, you know you’re in a warm and welcoming space. The girls who own the space will quickly feel like your girl gang. Gift a membership to a loved one and they’ll be able to start the year 2021 on the right note.

St. Pete Brewing

St. Pete is home to several different breweries. Almost every local has a favorite that feel loyal to. The Kennedy household is fiercely loyal to St. Pete Brewing. In fact, you can find us there at least once a week. During the holiday season, we like to support “our” brewery by gifting merchandise and gift cards. No matter what brewery you choose to support, it does so much for our local bartenders.

Pinellas Chocolate

Although not officially in St. Pete city limits, this local chocolatey is a frequent against at local markets. All of Pinellas Chocolate bars are 62% coco or above, making it a “healthy” indulgence. After all, you need to get those antioxidants somehow. My favorite is definitely Orange, but you can’t go wrong with anything from the Florida Inspired collection.

St. Armands Designs

St. Armands Designs is technically a Sarasota business, but I love them so much to not include them. Besides, they can be found at boutiques all around the city. They make for the perfect little stocking stuffer. I would say their signature style would have to be the Bow Studs, available in a variety of colors. They are a perfect transition piece, working both for work and into an evening out.

Museum of Fine Arts

Since it was our wedding venue, the Museum of Fine Arts will always feel special to me. During the holiday season, there are so many options for gifting. If you have a fellow art lover to shop for, consider supporting the arts by gifting a membership. With unlimited entry to the museum, it is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Gift Guide, Shop St. Pete, St. Pete, local, Florida

Let’s get local! With just over a week before the Christmas holiday, you may be scrambling for last minutes gifts. Go into town and shop with your favorite local boutiques. Happy shopping!

Love from Florida,
Katie

Gift Guide, Shop St. Pete, St. Pete, local, Florida

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.

Gift Guide: Day at the Beach

Gift Guide: Day at the Beach

Beach, Gift Guide, travel, beach day, SZ Blockprint, Gasparilla Inn

Cover-Up (also) || Sandals (also) || Earrings || Bracelet || Tote Bag

I’m happiest when at the beach. The surf, sand, and salty air instantly calm me. If I can’t get to a beach, having a pool day is a real great second choice. I know I’m not alone here. There’s a reason so many visitors flock to Florida year round. If you have someone on your Christmas list who’s a complete beach bum, or at least travels like, one take a look at my new Day at the Beach Gift Guide. This may be my favorite one for the year!

Wine Cooler Tumbler

When you’re soaking up the sun on a hot day, your drink needs to stay cold! While I can’t condone sipping wine at the beach, it doesn’t sound like the worst idea in the world. Whatever you’re drinking, this Wine Cooler Tumbler from Yeti is a great option. Pick a bright color so it stands out against the white sand.

Oversized Sunhat

This hat from Brixton has been my go-to choice for years! I’ve brought all over the world with me and it has saved my skin on those particularly sunny days. A day at the beach turns into a nightmare if you don’t protect your skin and face. Gift a fashionable and functional hat to get the job done.

Polaroid Camera

Some of my best memories are on the beach. From birthdays to date nights or even just a day of relaxation. Your loved ones will be so happy to save those memories with this Polaroid Camera. It’s a blast from the past, but just as fun!

Oversized Sunglasses

When I pack for the beach, the first thing I need to grab is a pair of sunglasses. The more oversized the better in my opinion! I’m a frequent wearer of Krewe sunglasses. All of their styles are so unique, there’s really not another brand like them! The Jeanne style is a modern twist on a classic, oversized Jackie O.

Portable Bluetooth Radio

While the sound of the waves crashing is always a pleasure, sometimes it’s better to mix it up with your favorite tunes. This mini Bluetooth speaker will be perfect to blame my go-to reggae playlist. It also hooks up to the FM radio if you have a preferred radio station.

Sunscreen Set

Over the past few years, I’ve really started to care more about skin health. Since I’ve lived in the harsh Florida sun for nearly my entire life, it should have been a priority sooner. Still, better late than never. COOLA has become my favorite brand and this Suncare Travel Set includes everything for your sun lover. Plus the brand is organic and locally sourced!

Beach, Gift Guide, travel, beach day, SZ Blockprint, Gasparilla Inn
Beach Inspired Necklace

Sometimes a gift for your beach-goer can just be some fun, inspired jewelry. This necklace from Madewell has everything: starfish, cowrie shells, and seashells, oh my! It’s a beautiful piece that can be worn every day, whether you’re at the beach or not!

Colorful Sarong

A sarong wrap has become my favorite way to coverup at the beach. Even if I’m stateside, it still gives the feeling that I’m in an exotic destination. I have such a soft part for SZ Blockprints. They partner with a multigenerational family printing studio in Jaipur, India to create simply stunning pieces. This floral sarong can be worn with any color swimsuit and still transition to a dinner out. I personally love the idea of wearing it with a white one-piece swimsuit to play up the stark color.

Fun Beach Read

I’m typically a non-fiction reader, but I always like to keep a fun beach read on standby for when the mood strikes me. Beach reads, by definition, should be fun and lighthearted novels that you can maybe get through over the weekend. On my current list is The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward. The title alone was enough for me to start reading.

Colorful Beach Towel

Don’t let your loved ones fall victim to a sandy bottom. Instead, gift them a colorful and absorbent towel from a women-owned small business. Weezie towels are simply the best! For a personal touch, don’t forget to add their name or monogram embroidery.

Waterproof Sandals

Especially if you’re switching from sand to pool deck, you need a great pair of waterproof sandals to go the distance with you. These Freedom Moses sandals are perfect to literally slip on and go. Pick a bright pop of color, like cherry red, but they are at such a great price point, you may want more than one!

Oversized Tote Bag

Finally, what’s the one thing you need to hold all of your beach gear? An oversized, heavy-duty tote bag! I’ve had several different styles over the years, but the Paravel Cabana Tote may be my new favorite! It’s functional for the beach, but stylish enough to use as my everyday bag. The contrast of the red and blue straps makes it so eye-catching.

Beach, Gift Guide, travel, beach day, SZ Blockprint, Gasparilla Inn

If you’re loved one calls the beach home or is more landlocked, the water so often calls to everyone. Hopefully, 2021 will open up to more travel. Get ready for your beach trips and thank yourself later when you’re not scrambling.

Love from Florida,
Katie

Beach, Gift Guide, travel, beach day

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.