Thoughts Archives - City and See Travel Blog

Sharing a life update…we are moving!

Katherine — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:37:41 +0000

Close to five years ago my husband and I moved from Japan to Jacksonville not knowing much about this Northeast Florida City. We have loved our time here, but we are going international once again and moving to…SPAIN! I truly can’t believe it. I also can’t believe I am writing this and the move is happening so soon. We settled in our first home in Jax, a sweet little condo, and began embracing our life here. We had no idea we would be here for this long, as my husband’s job can require frequent moves. We started our family here, went through the pandemic along with many other highs and lows. I also fell in love with capturing and writing about this city. This Spring we head to Rota, Spain for a few years and I look forward to exploring the country and much more in Europe (and beyond)! We are thrilled to be international again and are thankful for this opportunity. We are about to be in the throws of moving and shipping all our things overseas but I still hope to write more Jax content that I have been meaning to get to. Of course, as we […]

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Into the Weekend 3.24

Katherine — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:42:29 +0000

Happy Friday! Last weekend was St. Patrick’s and I tried to get a post out but wasn’t able to completely finish. My “Into the Weekend” blog posts are just for fun, to share some recent finds or travel aspirations. Thank you for being here! Did you know that Savannah is the one of the best cities to be on St. Patrick’s? I always think of Chicago – it is iconic seeing the gorgeous buildings of the Windy City surrounding the bright green river. I lived there for college for 4 years, yet I never saw it in person because it was ALWAYS over Spring Break. Savannah is one of my favorite weekend getaways from Jacksonville. I curated this slow guide to Savannah, GA if you are looking for a relaxing trip indulging in the food scene and cozy, boutique hotels. Maybe just not during the crowded St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Travel Speaking of slow travel, I love that approach to seeing a new place. I know it is becoming the “trendy” thing to do, but that isn’t a bad thing. Having kids forces you at times to take this route, not hoping from one tourist hot spot to the […]

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Into the Weekend

Katherine — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 02:24:51 +0000

Hello! I’m trying out a new series for you to read over your Friday morning coffee – we can see how it goes 😉 I love reading other blog posts similar to this or newsletters (a few that inspired this one is Lynzy and Co’s Newsletter, Jess Ann Kirbys “Click.Read.Love.” and Caroline’s Un-Fancy’s blog). First up – we went strawberry picking this last weekend and if you’re in Florida now is the time to enjoy this amazing season – it really is the best! We headed out in the morning to Family Towers Farms and beat the rain to pick berries and enjoy the perfect weather we are having. Another thing to mention – support your bakeries that are using these local farms. In Jax, Community Loaves and 1748 Bakehouse are a must. Travel I’m looking forward to some upcoming travel and in preparation, really honing in on my spring wardrobe. I’ve been improving on overpacking and hope to continue. Ideally I will have a Spring packing list up in the next couple of weeks. This may be a tricky season to pack for, but I am determined to go simple. I’ve seen this pill travel organizer on Instagram […]

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How we can help Afghan Refugees in Jacksonville, FL

Katherine — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 01:56:43 +0000

At a time where the heaviness of the world seems all too much, is when we need to lend a hand in our community anyway we can. When they say anything it helps – it is true. If we all donate from an Amazon wishlist, give gift cards, assist with apartment set up and taking the time to better understand those arriving here – the little actions add up to truly transform our community. Thankfully, we have a few organizations here in Jax that are taking donations and ready to serve those who arrive in our city with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Local organizations and their priority at this time: Catholic Charities Catholic Charities is preparing to welcome families by providing places to live, furniture, food and other daily needs. They will have arrivals from September 1st – March 31, 2022. According to an employee who works there, here are there current needs: The items off of the Amazon wish list, gently used household and furniture items. They have had a lot of people reach out to volunteer, and although that is not a priority at this time, there is information on their site for when […]

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The Makings of a perfect bath at home

Katherine — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 18:37:30 +0000

The makings of a perfect bath at home is simple, only needing a few items. Some may disagree, but I find baths so relaxing and one of the ultimate ways to practice self-care. Although self-care seems to be a “buzzword” for the ages – it is important! An extra hour of sleep, drinking more water, painting your nails – whatever that means to you. After a few people shared their love for some of my bath accessories over on instagram, I figured why not share some of my favorite bath must-haves here. As we all try and do our part and stay at home, why not relax in the fanciest way? Cue the candles, music and bubbles. The Makings of a perfect bath at home 1. Bath Pillow A Christmas present that I took way too long to use. It really is a game changer when it comes to baths. You can read or relax much easier and really is comfortable. 2. Bath Tray The perfect bath accessory to hold your tea (or wine), phone, book or anything else you prefer during a bath. It also comes with a stand for a book or iPad (they really think of […]

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Favorite products for self-care while staying home

Katherine — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 22:35:48 +0000

Sometimes you just need a pick me-up, and especially during these times when we are all home more than usual and so many businesses are closed. Twenty minutes of wearing face mask, waking up with a product that refreshes (and helps you be awake) are all small joys that have made my day better. I thought I would put together a list of some favorite products for self-care while staying at home incase you are in need of something relaxing during your day. From skincare, to light make-up – I love wearing these products and they help to make cabin fever feel a little less daunting. Favorite products for self-care while staying home 1. Follain Ultra Moisturizing Mask: Restore & Soften As someone with dry skin I have loved this mask after exfoliating and applying toner. I do this a few times a week and is the perfect pick-me up while feeling couped up. 2. Tula Glow & Get it Cooling and Brightening Eye Balm I mentioned this skincare product in my Refreshing and moisturizing products to travel with and it is perfect on the go but also to start your morning. I love the cooling effect, especially with […]

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Three ways to embrace Spring during quarantine

Katherine — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 13:05:01 +0000

Although the Florida humidity is slowly creeping its way into our lives, the seasons have changed into spring and most of us find ourselves inside. To tell you the truth, this season is typically my least favorite season. Still, I try to embrace Spring during quarantine and make the most of the situation we find ourselves in. Living in colder climates like New England or Chicago, the weather would cling to winter as long as possible and March would sometimes provide us with the most snow (such a tricky month). I did love the feeling of warmer days though, and the joy that summer was around the corner. Regardless of the weather where you currently live, here are a few ways you can embrace the start of the season during social distancing (a post I didn’t think I would ever write). Three ways to embrace Spring during quarantine 1. Support your local community I know everyone is different with their comfortability when it comes to deliveries etc. but I recently had a bouquet delivered to my home and it brought some new color to the place. There is just something about having fresh flowers in a room. Whether it […]

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Cherry Blossom photo diary & and what Sakura teaches us

Katherine — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:43:28 +0000

Cherry Blossoms in Japan have a special, bittersweet meaning and is an important reminder once a year. But I think even now, with the season we are currently in – the meaning holds more weight. The Sakura season doesn’t last long (it can be a fickle season to plan travel for). For a few weeks, Cherry Trees all over the country bloom in an explosion of pinks and whites to be viewed together with family and friends. However, soon after they bloom, they begin to drop and another season is eagerly waited for. The symbol of the Cherry Blossom is how fragile life is. It can be beautiful and full, but is also fleeting. You often see them in cemeteries for this reason. This metaphor teaches us to live in the now – to be present in the moment as we enjoy the height of the blooms. This is lived out through “Hanami” in Japan. The old custom of viewing and admiring flowers (and it is still done all over Japan today). Hanami often includes having a picnic among the trees with food and drinks to admire the beauty that they bring, and to simply enjoy. This may not […]

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How to help local businesses in your community

Katherine — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:29:28 +0000

As my anxiety goes on a rollercoaster ride with what is unfolding in the world, I love seeing how my community is growing stronger through this. I am sure many people are seeing their cities or neighbors pulling together through social media or word of mouth. There are a lot of resources out there already on how best to help those who own their business or who are experiencing an influx of canceled orders. I wanted to share what many already have, and some steps to help those in our community out. If you need cancel orders, take store credit. My friend owns an amazing bakery in NH, and she said it is so helpful if you had a cake or big order that needed to be canceled, accept store credit so they don’t lose that sale. Buy gift cards online If you are able to stay home, and feel too anxious to go to public places at the moment, see if you are able to buy gift cards online. You can use them after we all get through this. Another idea, in relation to gift cards, is buy your “homemade” cup of coffee. When you make a cup […]

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5 ways to embrace a Florida Fall

Katherine — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:16:07 +0000

Most of my life has consisted of four seasons which means I have had the honor of living in beautiful crisp Autumn weather. My facebook memories remind me of when I was apple picking as I eagerly wait a trip up north. I learned last year not to put pumpkins out too early (they rot before Halloween) and we now understand why our neighbors had fake jack-o-lanterns. Finding a local farm or a Fall candle you love makes the warm weather feel a little more like seasons are changing. I am now prepared as I head into another humid Fall, yet still plan to celebrate to the fullest. I can’t let my favorite season go by without soaking in the moments – even if I am soaking in sweat. 5 ways to embrace a Florida Fall 1/ Have coffee in the early morning (outside) This may be veryyy specific but Florida has this weird Fall tradition of being pretty cool in the morning and then reaching 80 or 90 in the afternoon. Try and spend time outside; a walk, run, or time on your porch. Of course, bring some hot tea of coffee while the weather cooperates. 2/ Find […]

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