Southern Belle in Training

Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle Blog || Est. 2012 || Virginia Beach, VA

July 29, 2015

Midweek Ramblings + Recent Purchases.



   
     I have been trying so hard over the past few months (heck- all of 2015!), to be better about planning out blog posts more in advance and making sure to keep my fashion content consistent. But when I had to work overtime at my summer job last week, I just kind of failed here on the blog, and had to put this on the back burner so that I wouldn't burn out all together! Like a lot of other bloggers, I shoot most of my outfit posts on the weekends for the upcoming week normally. But with working long shifts this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday (plus icky weather and being tired from working all almost all of the days before the weekend), it just didn't happen this time. And you know what? It's okay! I'm getting caught up again this week, and I'm going to try and use this past week as a reminder to myself to not let getting behind on the blog happen during busy times of the school year (which will be here before I know it!).


     So since I don't have an outfit post planned for today, I thought that I would just share some random things that have been going on in my life since I returned home from studying abroad in France a few weeks ago, and also share the links to some recent purchases that I made or will be making soon!


Ramblings:

  • Netflix DVD Service: Y'all. I completely forgot that this exists, and I think that it's about to change the game for me. My parents got me my Netflix subscription for my 18th birthday present a few years ago, and until like three days ago I totally forgot that the plan that they have me on includes the Netflix DVD service in addition to instant streaming. We all know that instant is awesome, but lately I have found that all of the new shows that I've been wanting to watch aren't actually offered on instant Netflix. But guess what? ALL of them are on the DVD service!! Win! And the best part of about doing DVDs is that it's a great way to control binge watching- my plan only gives me one DVD at a time- so this will be perfect during the school year. The first new show in my DVD queue is the older ABC show Greek- I'm so excited to watch this with my last sorority recruitment approaching.
  • Bed Bug Bites: So as I've mentioned several times now, I got pretty severely bitten by bed bugs during the second part of my study abroad trip in Nice, France. Immediately upon arriving home, all of my luggage (minus my computer and camera) was bagged and put into our garage, since bed bugs can live for a long time without human contact. I hadn't originally had any new bites upon getting home, but my legs and feet were still pretty itchy. Well, over the past couple days, I seem to have found what looks like a few new bites. :/ I am SO paranoid now, and I have no clue how they could have gotten into my house since all my luggage was taken care of and untouched (and I even vacuumed my computer and camera!). I am really hoping whatever these new bumps on my legs are might be something else- eek!
  • Being Social: So when I am home in Maine during the summers, I tend to be a hermit. It seems that all I do when I'm home is go to work or work on my blog (or sometimes go to the beach!). But this past week, I actually am spending some time with friends which has been so nice! My best friend from high school, Jules, is spending her summer in upstate NY with her boyfriend's family. But she came home last week for a visit, and we were able to go out for a coffee date with her sister on Saturday morning before I went to work. And this week, I had two very fun plans! If you follow me on Snapchat (@miss_alk) then you know all about my fun Tuesday plans on my day off. I got together with two very old friends of mine, back from my childhood days of being a competitive figure skater! Both girls are such sweethearts- they're a couple years younger than me and are both headed off to college in the fall as freshman (which I cannot believe and it made me feel SO OLD!). Both ladies are also now into photography, so we did some fun blog photoshoots which I'll be sharing soon! And then this coming Thursday, in the afternoon I'm headed to visit my dear friend (and other photographer!) Shara, from Shara Lynn photography, to see her new apartment and have dinner together. I can't wait! So much fun girl time this week. 
  • Millennial Blogger Network: I have posted about this a couple times before, but not nearly enough for the amount that this group has impacted my life lately! Some of you might know that earlier this spring, I co-founded and became an admin for a new blogging network called the Millennial Blogger Network. We are currently Facebook group based, but are expanding into other forms of social media as well. The group has been growing SO well, and being an admin is a lot of work, but also brings me so much joy! I never thought that 2015 would be the year that I would take on a leadership role in blogging, but I'm loving every minute of it. :-) (If you're a college aged, 20 something or 30 something aged fashion or lifestyle blogger and are interested in joining the network, click here and fill out our application to join!)


Purchases:

  • In the past, I've never been a big fan of Forever 21's website. Y'all know that I'm a HUGE fan of their stores (I swear half my closet is from there #noshame), but I just never seem to find what I'm looking for online. Well, that all changed last week! I've been on the hunt for a certain type of crop top to wear with a beautiful skirt that I recently got, and I was so happy to find and purchased the perfect crop top from the F21 website! (I purchased it in white.) Forever 21 has SO many perfect crop tops right now, so if this is something that your closet is begging for, be sure to check out their website! 
  • Another thing that was apart of my F21 order was this cute make-up bag! I already have some make-up bags and accessories from there, but with such cute designs and affordable prices, what harm is one more going to do?! 
  • Somehow I have managed to bite the bullet and not order anything (....yet) from the NSale. Does that make me a bad blogger? Haha. One thing though that is making it really hard for me to resist on getting is this beautiful make-up palette (which also comes with additional goodies!). I'm such a sucker for eye-shadow! Ugh. 
  • After my next couple of paychecks I'm soon going to be ordering some of the blogger goodies from my Ultimate Blogger Gift Guide round-up post from various Etsy shops! 
  • I have decided that my lingerie drawer needs a little updating for this year. (After re-reading that sentence, I realize that makes it sound like I'm seeing someone and/or my views have changed on things like that. To clarify: currently not dating anyone, and still hold Christian morals/views on sex before marriage. ;-) ) I only want to update my lingerie drawer for my own benefit- ha! Anyways, my Victoria's Secret catalogue came in the mail a few days ago, and I read that they're having so many great promotions right now and into August with online orders! Free shipping with orders over $50 (and free shipping on ANY swimsuit orders!), a cute free carry-on travel tote with orders $75+ (This one is in store too! And I love their carry-on bag promotions.), and also a code for $10 off a bra + a free pair of panties which I think starts in August. Win win and win! I'll definitely be making an order soon. 


     Thanks for making it through my ramblings! How has your week been so far? Have you bought anything fun lately?


      xoxo Miss ALK
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29 comments

  1. I hope your bug bites feel better! I haven't bought anything from the NSALE either so I guess I'm a bad blogger too! Gotta save up for the Lilly sale!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

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  2. Glad I'm not the only one who hasn't jumped on the Nsale as well. I always feel so out o the loop when SO many bloggers are talking about certain sales or certain companies and I have no desire to shop them. Seriously!
    Bed bug bites are the devil. I spent two weeks in Belize after my senior year of high school, and managed to get a few. They hurt so bad! I'm sorry you're having to deal with them!

    Tiffani
    NotYourAverageSouthernBell.blogspot.com

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  3. Bed bugs are the worst. I bought 3 things from the NSale and I already love the two things I got! I didn't go crazy, this girl likes to eat!
    I don't normally shop the Lilly sale, I've never had the money and this year August is a no-spend month for me!
    xoxo

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  4. I did a post on things I'd like to buy but I honestly didn't feel the urge to buy anything... Plus, I'm saving for a shopping spree in Chicago before school starts, I'm so excited! :)
    Love,

    Ane | Basque Prep

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  5. We had to do a bed bug treatment at my sorority house this year AND last year, and it was such a pain! I can totally relate, ugh. Love your ramblings and LOVE the Millenial Bloggers Network :

    http://www.thepdxbelle.com/

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  6. I can relate to the bed bugs - I became super paranoid about bites after my roommate found some in her room. The amount of laundry that I had to do during exams was awful! I can also totally relate to feeling like a hermit in the summer - I forget to breathe when work feels like it consumes me and I end up hiding in my basement watching netflix haha. Glad you're connecting with so many of your friends lately!

    Alessandra | blog.pumpup.com

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  7. I haven't jumped onto the N-Sale yet and really am trying no to. Hope your bites heal! I love being in the Millennial Bloggers group with you :)

    Mikayla | A Seersucker State of Mind.

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  8. I only bought one thing from the NSale because I am on a budget and saving for better things :)
    Love that crop from F21. I feel like it would look so cute with a high waisted skirt.

    xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys

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  9. I hope you've been turned onto shopping Forever 21's website! They made some great improvements. I used to lose my patience there too, but now I actually love shopping their website. More so than their stores even. Hope you're having a lovely week gf! x Nicole | www.changeanddress.com

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  10. I love being a part of the MBN! Also, if you need some good recommendations when you go shopping at VS text me - I know a thing or two with them ;) Also, there's a ten dollars off a bra coupon on the back of your free panty!

    Pick Your Beau

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  11. Hey, girl!

    From someone who had bed bugs before, a word of advice is to essentially throw everything in away. They occurred in my apartment in college and I had to throw away a lot of my shoes. If they're coming back on your feet, I would recommend sifting through your shoes.

    *Jonna
    pinspirable.com

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  12. Victoria's Secret makes it so tempting with all of their sales! Luckily, somehow I have been sent like 5 free panty vouchers & two $10 off your $30 purchase for my birthday, so I'm excited to do a little updating on a budget ;)

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

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  13. Loving your little life updates. I can become a hermit between working and blogging too...it's nice to make time for an actual social life too! I'm so sorry about the bed bug bites...eek, so stressful! I hope it all works itself out soon /:

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  14. Your hair is beautiful! Love me some Millenial Blogger <3

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  15. I love being a part of MBN! Also, I could seriously spend hours on the F21 website

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  16. Agreed on Millenial Blogger Network! :)

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  17. Oh wow your life seems so busy right now!! I admire you in notting getting sucked into the N-sale...I've already ordered online twice!

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  18. I completely forgot that Netflix had a DVD service! I need to see if this is included in my plan!

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  19. Wow, I forgot that Netflix still has the DVD service - you're right, that's a great way to limit binge-watching!! Also, thanks for co-founding MBN, I love it!!
    xx, Mikkaela
    The Southwestern Prepster

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  20. Looks like you've had a busy life lately and loving the purchases! Hehe about the lingerie... every girl needs pretty lingerie, not because of a guy but for herself!

    xo
    Lauren
    The Fashionista's Diary

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  21. I hope your bites get better :/ I love Greek. It's the only tv show I can watch over and over. Forever 21 always has awesome clothes at decent prices. I could spend so much from them.

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  22. Aw!! Sweet girl! Sending lots of positive vibes your way that the bed bugs go away! I can't imagine dealing with those! Also, I never find anything in F21 stores and only like to shop there online! That store always overwhelms me!

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  23. Loving your Idea of Millenial Blogger Network!

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  24. Millenial Blogger Network has seriously been a game changer! Absolutely love it and cannot wait to see what you and the other mods have in store for the future! Also, I totally get overwhelmed with Forever 21's website too, but it looks like I need to try harder so I can scoop up cute pieces!

    xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise

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  25. I forgot about the Netflix DVD service as well. After blockbuster stopped there's I just assumed Netflix DVD program vanished as well. I hope your bed bug bites heal and you can finally get rid of them. Best of Luck! :)

    xoxo, Danielle
    www.glamrme.com

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  26. I hope that you are feeling better soon! Have you ever tried a menthol lotion? It sucks for about five minutes, but it may take the itching away! I would like one of everything on your blogger wishlist, please!

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

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  27. Definitely hoping you get everything sorted out with the bed bugs soon. The only fun purchase I have made lately are new blog business cards from Vistaprint. Other than that I have been getting some items to review on the blog, but nothing I have bought myself.

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  28. Thank you for sharing this! I'm so glad you started the Millennial Blogger Network as well! I've loved all the positive vibes from everyone and it's been such a great way to connect!

    xo // www.thematerialgirl.co

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  29. Loved reading your ramblings, and your purchases are super cute! I'm so sorry about your bed bug bites! Two treatments I can think of are:
    1) Baking Soda & Water Paste - Create a paste and just spot wherever you have bites, it should stop the itching!
    2) Witchhazel + Cotton Ball - Take some Witchhazel and apply with a cotton ball - should have the same effect!
    Hope this helps! :)

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