KATIE KENNEDY

Have You Met Tripp?

Tee: Old Navy || Jeans: Old Navy || Sandals: Tory Burch || Tote: Street Level || Earrings: J. Crew || Sunglasses: Karen Walker || Watch: Michael Kors || Bracelet: David Yurman

I’ve been blogging for over a year and recently realized that I’ve never taken the time to introduce you to the #1 four-legged friend in my life. Meet Tripp! My 100 pound Basset Hound has been in my life for five years. He’s absolutely my child and I don’t know what I would do without him.

Don’t be fooled by his weight, Tripp is a pure-bred Basset. He has often been confused with a Bloodhound and one person even tried to argue with me that he was mostly Rottweiler. Let’s be clear, 100 pounds for a Basset Hound is also not normal. They really aren’t supposed to get over 60 pounds. I swear he’s not overweight or anything. I mean, what should I expect when he was 5 pounds heavier than his brothers and sisters. He stands much taller and longer than the average Basset. That’s why I can him my Gentle Giant.

The gentle part of his nickname comes from his temperament. I may be a little biased, but I think Tripp is the nicest dog in the world. He loves every person and dog he has ever met. Not much of a cat fan, but that just means he sticks his tail between his legs and tries to hide. Bravery is not one of his strong suits. Currently, he is afraid of cats, vacuums, the plunger, pots and pans, and the occasional house fly. Who knows when the next phobia will turn up.

Of course, like every dog, Tripp’s personality isn’t all sunshine. He is as stubborn as all get out and is as lazy as can be. This is all on par with breed standards, but not exactly what David was expecting. On a typical day, Tripp must sleep for about 20 hours. The rest of that time is spent eating or arguing with us. Playing and walking is sprinkled in at 10 minute (max) spurts.

I often get asked, “Why the name Tripp?” Honestly, naming him was pretty tough. I had entertained old school, southern names for a while. Lafayette or Beauregard would have been great, but really didn’t fit my little puppy dog. Those would have been so much better for an old wrinkly hound dog instead. ‘Tripp’ came along as soon as I met him. His balance was no match for his long ears that more than touched the floor. He was falling over every which way, tripping over his own ears. Now a days, he doesn’t fall over nearly as often, but he is still such a trip to be around.

The final thing I need to share about Tripp are his favorite things. He is kind of a kooky dog and his favorites definitely match! So, in really no particular order…

  • Ice Cubes (AKA Water Cookies): Okay, I know I said in no particular order, but ice cubes (and any other water based product) are literally his favorite thing on this planet. I’m pretty sure he love them more than he loves me. My dog has never once seen snow, but if he does, he will be more efficient than any snow plow out there.
  • Cucumbers and Raw Carrots: He may not look like it, but Tripp must be a major healthy nut because he absolutely loves his raw carrots and cucumber. As soon as I start making my lunch, Tripp is right at my feel, drooling over the thought of having some yummy vegetables. I’m thinking he likes the crunch. Whatever it is, it’s a much healthier option. I don’t need my giant dog getting any heavier!
  • Raw Hides: This item is a total ‘normal dog’ favorite. To help Tripp stay calm and happy in the evening, after his dinner and quick nightly walk, we like to treat him for being such a good boy by giving him a raw hide. I know that they aren’t the best for dogs, but he is never left alone with one and I’m always listening to make sure he’s okay. When the raw hide gets too small, you can bet I grab what ever is left, much to Tripp’s chagrin. Sorry bud, I’m just trying to keep you safe.
  • Flowers: Do you see that big ole nose of his? With Tripp being a scent hound and all, he loves to just stop and smell the roses. What should be a quick walk around the block takes almost half an hour. Most days, when he finds a particular flower that he loves, he just wants to sit with it. My dogs doesn’t have a care in the world.

Is he weird? Is he overbearing? Does he leave a helping of hair everywhere? Yes, yes, and YES! But with all of that, he is probably the sweetest dog a girl could ask for. This first Tripp dog post, may have just opened a can of worms, where I blog about him non-stop! I guess only time will tell.

Love from Florida,
Katie

The World’s Cutest Jacket at Paul’s Landing

Jacket: J. Crew || Tank: Lilly Pulitzer || Jeans: Old Navy || Heels: Target || Bag: Tuckernuck || Sunglasses: Ray-Ban || Earrings Tory Burch || Watch: Tory Burch

Lengthy blog title, but jam packed with information!

I tried the moto jacket trend once, back in the day. I’m still not sure it was my style or really for me. A girl still needs to find that perfect, cute springtime jacket. I’m talking about the one that becomes your go-to on a cooler day or when the AC at work is simply out of control. Just because you find a super functional piece, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style.

I give you the world’s cutest jacket from J. Crew. The details on this lady are absolutely amazing! The fabric, looking just like seersucker, is perfect for Spring. What really put me over the edge in love were the navy grosgrain ribbon details to the jacket. Are they asymmetrical? Yes! Are they adorable? Absolutely! I don’t have the talent to retire the ties into cute bows. So, I’m just letting them go au natural. Pop the collar and I am ready for dinner with my beau.

Our new Friday hangout spot is all about Paul’s Landing at the Vinoy. The entire menu revolves around citrus, fish, and smoke. How Florida, right? I’m also pretty partial to all three of those anyways. For starters, their drink menu is out of this world. Most nights, it’s hard to pick, but I always lean for the frozen Mezcal Paloma (yum) or the Rum Punch with jerk rub around the rim (double yum). For a quick snack, it’s all about the Drop Biscuits. They are just about the warmest and fluffiest pieces of bread you will ever find. The smokey orange butter is something you may even try to smuggle home with you. Finally, if it’s a proper meal you are looking for, I cannot recommend the Swordfish BLT Sandwich enough. Perfectly cooked, served with a drizzle of lemon-chili aioli, and a side of sweet potato tots, I get hungry just thinking about it.

Before I say adios, I want to make sure I share a plug for Shopbop’s site wide sale. Now until Saturday at midnight, it’s 20% off orders under $500 and 25% off orders over $500. Be sure to use the code EVENT18 to get the deals. To find my favorites, just shop below. What are you going to snag up?

Love from Florida,
Katie

Tampa Bay Coffee Culture

 

Dress: Old Navy || Heels: Target || Clutch: Turckernuck || Hat: Brixton || Sunglasses: Krewe || Earrings: Tory Burch

Normally when you think of drinking around the Gulf Coast, it involves a blender, a beach, and maybe one of those little umbrellas. Of course, there’s a time and place, but as someone who calls this vacation spot my home, I can’t always go for the fun cocktail (no matter how much I think I need it). During the Monday to Friday work week, coffee is the drink of choice and I’ve done my research to find all of the best local places to grab a strong one- coffee that is.

Over the past few years, I’ve seen the coffee culture really skyrocket in the Bay area. When I was a kid, even before Starbucks and Dunkin really became big, the only places to get coffee were home, a gas station, or the bagel shop. It seems like in such a short time, so many great local coffee shops jumped in to make their mark. Each has their own special signature and is truly its own. From Gulf to Bay, there’s so many to choose from. Let me share some of my favorites.

  • Eco-Bean at 501 N Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs (for their organic coffee): Let’s start our local coffee journey in the top point of Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs. Tucked away on Alt 19 is Eco-Bean. This little coffee shop prides itself on serving organic, earth friendly coffees in a wide range of drinks. When I was in my first year of teaching, I would drive out of my way to make Eco-Bean part of my daily commute. I’ll do anything for a soy latte, my favorite drink they offer.
  • Art Smart Coffee Gallery at 1275 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin (for their award winning ice coffee): Dunedin is the gem of my county. You are able to escape the crowds of tourists and snowbirds to find a little slice of small town, with the perk of being on the water. My love for local coffee all started at Art Smart Coffee. Their iced coffee is probably the best you’ll ever have. It’s even been voted the best by Southern Living and Tampa Bay Magazine. I don’t know what makes it so good, but I do love it!
  • Dunedin Coffee Company and Bakery at 730 Broadway #3, Dunedin (for their lavender latte and biscuits): I will always connect this coffee shop with hurricanes. Sounds weird, but let me explain. Because of Hurricane Irma, I was without power for nearly a week and without internet for even longer. When life started returning back to normal, I was way behind with work and 100% caffeine deprived. Dunedin Coffee Company had its doors open and I sucked down their iced lavender latte like there was no tomorrow. The sweet potato biscuit only helped their cause. For a town of under 40,000 people to have two amazing coffee shops, I think Dunedin has hit the goldmine.
  • Black Crow Coffee at 722 2nd Street N, St. Petersburg (for their cold brew and chai): Now that we’re back to my home turf, let me introduce you to my home away from home. Black Crow is my neighborhood coffee shop. David and I make our way their at least three times a week, with my standing order. I wish I could say I invented the Chai-Town, but I just order it constantly. It’s kind of the best of all worlds including cold brew, chai tea, and a splash of soy milk. To make this drink my own, I have them add a touch of banana flavoring for a coffee drink that is sweet and fruity.
  • Bandit Coffee Co. at 2662 Central Ave, St. Petersburg (for their awesome pour over menu): If you’re trying to find us in a St. Pete coffee shop, and we’re not at Black Crow, then you might want to double check with Bandit Coffee. We sometimes choose this location because of it’s pour over selection, when we need an extra jolt of caffeine, and when we want to get a lot of work done. Because of it’s bright lighting and minimalistic space, David and I always go into productivity overdrive. For us, that means right when they open, after a Sunday morning photo shoot. Whatever the situation, this place is a great option.
  • Buddy Brew at 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd (for their Old Florida Roast): It’s time to cross a bridge and give Tampa some coffee love. Let’s start with Buddy Brew, a staple. They have a few locations throughout the area, including the popular Oxford Exchange, but their OG spot on Kennedy is my favorite. Whenever I stop by, I just have to grab a cup of their Old Florida roast. It has all of the flavors that I look for in a coffee, a bold roast, fresh citrus flavors, and (according to the label) sunshine. I normally don’t buy bags of coffee to bring home, but this one is definitely worth it!
  • Blind Tiger Café at 1901 E 7th Ave, Tampa (for their café con leche): Before venturing out to their Ybor location on a whim, David and I had both heard great things about the Blind Tiger Café. I just loved their café con leche, the ultimate Cuban coffee drink, but their speakeasy inspiration was both unique and comforting. Instead of jumping on the computer, like we normally do at coffee shops, David and I played a few games of Chinese Checkers to just enjoy the space we were in. I can’t wait to get back as soon as possible and devour another one of their Guava pastries.
  • Caffeine Roasters at 212 E Cass Street (for their sparkling coffee): Located in downtown Tampa, David and I stumbled upon this place during our St. Patrick’s Day stay-cation. Unless you’re a coffee-phile like me, you might not notice it. The outside is a clean white wall with the word caffeine painted in bold black letters. Go inside, and you’ll find what a treat this little shop actually is. They are best known for their sparkling coffee which is just as refreshing (and perfect for Florida humidity) as it sounds. By combining espresso and sparkling lemonade, they’ve created a drink I might start copying at home. If a second drink is in order, I was blown away by their cold brew and orange. Yep, this place is Florida citrus heaven.

Even though I have come to know and love so many different coffee shops around town, the best cup of coffee I will ever find is the one that David makes for me in the morning. Corny? Yes, but still true. Definitely try to support your local coffee space the next time you can and if there’s a place not on here that I definitely need to try, be sure to comment below!

Love from Florida,
Katie