KATIE KENNEDY

How To Be Kind

How To Be Kind

REPOSTED FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF 2018.

Tees || Jeans || Similar Loafers || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

With my teaching job, there is always a conversation about kindness, equality, and citizenship. It is weaved into my classroom culture and nearly every lesson. What I’ve learned in my six years of teaching is that no one is born with hatred in their hearts. My students are kind to each other no matter their race, religion, or custom. Adults can learn so much from them.

Last week, to celebrate and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we talked about his message and beliefs. I asked my class to come up with easy ways to show kindness. Here is what they came up with. Let me tell you, I am one proud teacher.

Remember the Golden Rule.

This is the big one that all of my kids know by heart. It’s plastered on a giant canvas that I painted for all to see. Treat others like you want to be treated. It really doesn’t get much easier than that.

Smile!

As one of my students reminded me, ‘It’s free!” Something so small as smiling at a stranger and saying a warm hello can help someone have a good day. It takes no extra time, no money, and is still very powerful.

Stand Up for Others.

On everything on my little list, this one is probably the hardest. If you see someone in need or who needs someone to have their back, be there. Simply knowing that others care is enough to help someone have a good day.

Clean Up After Yourself.

Showing kindness isn’t only about helping people. By respecting the space around you, you help create a positive environment for others to shine. St. Pete is a city that strongly focuses on being environmentally friendly and green. Smaller steps now can lead to bigger changer in the future.

Give Your Time or Money.

If you are able, think about donating your time or money to a charity that you feel passionate about. There are so many great organizations that rely on volunteers or contributions to do great work for our communities. Do your research and find what is the best fit for you.

The most amazing thing about this list is the feeling it will give you. By showing kindness to others, you are doing good for yourself and your own well being. From now until the end of January, see how great you feel by giving out kindness to the world. Comment about it below!

Love from Florida,
Katie

‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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

St. Pete Socialite: Bandit Coffee

St. Pete Socialite: Bandit Coffee

St. Pete, Coffee, Bandit, St. Pete Socialite

When it came to deciding on a first location for St. Pete Socialite, I was kind of at a loss. We’ve got to know so many great places around town over the years. While I’m going to make time for each and every location, I decided my first spotlight should be on where I’m sitting right at this moment… Bandit Coffee!

St. Pete, Coffee, Bandit, St. Pete Socialite
The Space

Originally opening in 2015, it has become the ultimate gathering place in the heart of the Grand Central District. As you walk or bike up (after all it is St. Pete), you’re greeted by the iconic ‘Hello St. Petersburg’ mural. The monochromatic tone is a major theme as you make your way inside. The walls are clean and neat. The furniture is simplistic, but still plentiful. With the constant stream of people, there’s always a buzz. Overall, it’s a space where I know I can focus and get work done.

The Drinks

More importantly, you’re guaranteed to get a great cup of coffee! Their menu has everything you would hope to see like cold brews, americanos, and drip. They also have delicious drinks that rotate with the season. for more after-hours drinks, they’ve recently started surviving classic beers and natural wines.

The Food

Finally, the biggest update that Bandit has had since they first opened is a simple, but stellar! While they’ve always offered local pastries, the menu now boasts amazing bowls and sandwiches. In the past month, I’ve been able to sample their Chorizo Bowl and Egg Cheese Sandwich, but the Vegan Bowl is my absolute favorite! It has fantastic flavor and is a filling way to start your morning.

St. Pete, Coffee, Bandit, St. Pete Socialite

Similar Dress || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

If you’re in or visiting St. Pete and need a place to enjoy a great cup of coffee, Bandit is the destination. In this city, there are so many great options, no matter what it is you’re looking for. Be sure to stop by next week for a new highlight on a favorite St. Pete business. Enjoy local!

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.

Dressing for Gasparilla

Dressing for Gasparilla

Gasparilla, Tampa Bay, Florida, Style, Tuckernuck

Shirt || Jeans || Wedges || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

Next weekend in Tampa Bay is kind of a big deal for locals… Gasparilla! It’s essentially our version of Mardi Gras. We have the beads, krewes, and parades. The biggest difference is that our little event is hosted by pirates. It’s a day to get out, enjoy our Florida winter, and yes, celebrate a mythical pirate that probably didn’t actually exist. Each year, the event continues to grow and adds so much to our area’s culture.

About Gasparilla

I recently heard that New Years resolutions don’t start in Tampa Bay until after Gasparilla. As you can probably imagine, and similar to its Mardi Gras counterpart, the day gets kind of wild. Drinks are flowing and girls are wearing next next to nothing, trying to imitate their best skimpy pirate. Even though I grew up with the event, I knew that was never really my style.

Gasparilla, Tampa Bay, Florida, Style, Tuckernuck
The Theme

It’s very doable, and surprisingly easy to maintain modest, classic style for a crazy, pirate themed day. Don’t worry about wearing clothes that are too tight or skimpy. I have you covered, literally! Seeing as pirates everywhere will be wearing a combination of red, black, and white, the possibilities are endless.

Gasparilla, Tampa Bay, Florida, Style, Tuckernuck
The Perfect Blouse

If you’re a local and finding yourself at Gasparilla this year, then I can’t recommend this shirt from Tuckernuck enough! The bright, cherry red color is simply gorgeous. While is has the feel of your stand t-shirt, the peplum sleeves give it a whole elevated look and feel. It’s the kind of shirt you can wear running errands or dressing up for an evening out.

Making the Outfit

For the rest of the outfit, I decided to keep it simple and monochromatic. These white jeans from J. Crew are always my go-to, especially on a crisp Florida morning. To really embody that laidback, Florida style I added my favorite espadrille wedges from Castaner. These shoes are so comfortable and would be perfect for staying comfortable when you’re out all day. to keep your valuables close by, but still fashionable, I love this circle bag from The Daily Edited. It comes with a super convenient crossbody strap and can even be monogrammed. That way, there’s no doubt on who the fashionable handbag belongs to.

Gasparilla, Tampa Bay, Florida, Style, Tuckernuck

Overall, this blog post is a quick PSA. Even when it seem like everyone else is dressed with the bare minimum, never feel compelled to follow suit. Dress to your comfort level, to your own personal style, and I guarantee you’ll be more at ease than the majority of people out there.

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.