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My Must-Have Travel Essentials for Every Chic Jetsetter

June 6, 2025

When it comes to travel, especially internationally, the gear you bring can make or break your trip. After countless adventures (and a few mishaps), I’ve curated a list of travel essentials I never leave home without. These pieces are more than just functional—they elevate your experience and help you travel smarter, not harder.

Whether you’re off to Italy this summer or planning your next stylish getaway, here are my tried-and-true essentials:

1. Beis 29″ Large Check-In Roller

Why I’m obsessed: This is the holy grail of checked luggage. The handle has a cushioned grip (your hands will thank you), and it includes shoe bags and a laundry bag—genius for keeping clean and dirty clothes separate. The build quality is exceptional, and let’s be real: when you’re hopping international flights and cobblestone streets, your bag needs to hold up.

Chic tip: I went with the beige color—it stands out on the carousel and feels elevated.

2. Beis Weekender Bag

This pairs perfectly with the roller. It’s the ideal carry-on: wide opening, structured interior, and easy to slide under the seat. When you’re in the aisle of the plane, juggling your passport, AirPods, and snacks while a line of people stares you down—this bag makes your life easier.

Bonus: It slips right onto your roller handle, so you’re never awkwardly balancing multiple bags at the airport.

3. Compression Packing Cubes

Let’s be honest—no matter how many outfits you plan in advance, there’s never enough room. These cubes are a lifesaver. They maximize space, help organize outfits by category, and make unpacking a breeze once you arrive.

Why I love them: You can fit more, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos.

4. Toiletry & Cosmetic Bag

A well-organized toiletry bag is non-negotiable. This one is affordable and spacious, fitting everything from skincare to makeup without bulking up your bag. I love having one place for all my essentials—it makes getting ready feel like a ritual, not a hassle.

5. Silicone Makeup Brush Cover

This is personal preference, but I always keep my brushes separate. The last thing I want is powder getting on my skincare or foundation staining the inside of my bag. This silicone cover keeps everything clean and hygienic.

6. Leak-Proof Toiletry Covers

Nothing ruins your suitcase like a shampoo explosion. These bottle covers are a must—they keep your liquids secure and your clothes safe.

Pro tip: Always double layer liquids with both a seal and a plastic bag just in case. Experience talking here!

7. Portable Charger

Between using GPS, snapping photos, and uploading stories, your phone won’t survive a full day of exploring. A reliable portable charger is a game changer. I carry one in my bag at all times.

Tip: Choose one that’s airline-approved and lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down your carry-on.

8. Passport Cover with AirTag & RFID Protection

Travel is fun—but security matters. I feel so much better having my passport in a cover that includes both an RFID shield and an AirTag slot. That way, if anything goes missing, I can track it immediately.

9. Portable Fan

Summer travel = heat. A small rechargeable fan is a clutch item you don’t know you need until you’re melting in the middle of Rome or waiting for a train in the midday sun. It fits in your bag and makes all the difference.

10. Universal Converter Plug

This is your MVP. One sleek gadget that covers all plug types + includes USB ports? Yes, please. Whether you’re charging a laptop or a curling iron, this has you covered.

Why it matters: Most hotels don’t provide converters, and shopping for one abroad is a hassle. Bring your own and travel stress-free.

✈️ Final Thoughts & Shop My Picks

Having the right travel essentials is about convenience, comfort, and confidence. These items let you stay organized, feel secure, and look chic every step of your journey. Whether you’re planning your next European adventure or a weekend escape, these are the staples I swear by.

Dining Room Glow-Up: How We Transformed Our Space with Intention and Chic Simplicity

May 29, 2025

There’s something special about a dining room. It’s where stories are shared, guests gather, and everyday meals become cherished moments. When we moved in, I knew our dining space had potential, but it didn’t reflect the warmth and modern charm I wanted to bring into our home. So, I decided it was time for a transformation. The result? A space that feels both elevated and inviting, with thoughtful details that reflect our personal style.

Starting with a Blank Slate

Before any design decisions were made, I took a step back to assess what we needed from the space. Our dining room needed to be multifunctional: cozy enough for family dinners but polished enough to host friends. I updated our fixtures by gold gilding, changed the hardware to gold for more sophistication, and gave the walls some blue grass cloth, instantly giving the room texture and warmth.

A Chic Statement with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

To add personality without commitment, I installed a stunning peel-and-stick wallpaper on the walls by Society Social. It created instant visual interest without overwhelming the room. Here’s exactly how I did it:

Prep the surface: I wiped the wall down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Smooth, clean walls are key!
Measure and mark: Using a level and measuring tape, I lightly marked where the first panel would go to ensure it stayed straight.
Peel slowly, stick carefully: Starting from the top, I peeled a small section of the backing and stuck it down, smoothing with a wallpaper tool as I went. I worked in sections, peeling and smoothing as I moved downward.
Trim edges: I used a sharp utility knife to clean up the edges around the baseboards and ceiling for a seamless look.

Editing the Right Table (and Chairs!)

The heart of the dining room is the table, and I had the perfect antique. The problem was it had been around the block and really needed to go from cherry to a lighter vibe. The chairs for this table were falling a part and I really wanted a chair that people could sit in comfortably. To add contrast and interest, I paired it with a mix of upholstered end chairs (antique) and chose a pattern, the side chairs in green to coordinate with the pattern. The mix keeps things from feeling too matchy-matchy while adding character.

The Power of Lighting

Lighting can make or break a room. I gave our fixture a glow up by painting it with gold gild. The warm glow it casts at night makes the entire room feel magical. I also added dimmers and it’s a game changer for ambiance.

Styling with Intention

For the decor, I kept it simple and chic. A runner to match the end chairs, a couple of candle holders from Homegoods.I styled a mix of thrifted finds and personal mementos to add soul to the space.

Elevating the Everyday

One of my favorite things about this transformation is how it’s elevated our everyday. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the kids or a weekend dinner, the space just feels good. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a massive renovation to create a space that inspires connection.

Thinking of Your Own Dining Room Glow-Up?

My biggest advice: start with how you want the space to feel. Let that guide your choices. Layer in texture, mix materials, and don’t be afraid to blend old with new. And above all—make it yours for the perfect dining room glow up.

Feel free to view the reel of the project here.

How To Take Care Of An Orchid

July 13, 2021

Orchids are one of those plants that I have struggled with forever. I have never been able to figure out how to keep them alive. I buy one orchid and they live through the first round of flowering and then boom donezo.

Over the last couple of years a few plants later I think I have finally figured it out. I am sharing my steps below.

Orchid Care:

Make sure your Orchid is in bright, but indirect light.
Place in a sink with water for 15 minutes once a week.
Once the Orchid has finished flowering below the last blooming flower (at the node), it should bloom again in about 8-12 weeks.
Repot orchids ever couple of years in bark. Make sure to not pot in soil.

That’s all, how easy is that? Comment if you have any other tips or tricks. I would love to hear them.

XOXO, Katie

Amazon Children’s Finds February

February 10, 2021

Paleo Banana Bread

February 8, 2021

Ingredients

1 Stick (½ Cup) Organic Butter
3 Large Ripe Bananas
2 Large Organic Cage Free Eggs (For AIP Sub in Vital Proteins Gelatin)
1 teaspoon Organic Vanilla Extract
2 Cups Tiger Nut Flour
1/4 Can of Organic Puréed Pumpkin
2 Tablespoons Whole Whipping Cream
1/2 Cup of Organic Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon Organic Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
½ teaspoon Organic Cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter and set aside. (I use coconut oil spray)
Add the stick of butter to a microwable safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute, or until melted.
Add the bananas and Pumpkin to the same bowl and mash together.
Add the vanilla extract, egg, and whipping cream to the bowl stir until thoroughly combined.
In a second bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together with a spatula until combined.
Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.

Sweet Potato Chips

February 8, 2021

(Recipe Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 Sweet Potato

1 Tablespoon of Organic Cinnamon

1.5 TSP of Organic Smoked Paprika

1 Tablespoon of Salt

Using a Mandolin or a Knife slice up Sweet Potato into 1/8 Inch slices (They should be a little thicker than a standard potato chip.

In a bowl put sweet potato slices and then throw olive oil on just to coat. Then take all of your dry ingredients and mix them into the bowl to coat the potato slices.

Put the airfryer on 375 degrees for 8 minutes (make sure to place the ships in a single layer). If you put too many in at once it can make it hard for the chips to get the right crisp.