Midweek Ramblings + Recent Purchases + Current Wishlist.

{I've been trying to make time after work a few days a week to discover my new city! There might not be much of a skyline in Vermont, but there are mountains for days! Follow me on social media @miss_alk} 

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Ramblings:

• What I'm listening to- podcast edition: I shared last month that I finally caught the podcast bug when Missing Richard Simmons was released and I blew through that during my trip to Italy! Next I listened to S-Town, which is currently the number one podcast on iTunes. I didn't like it as much while I was listening to it, but once I finished it I read some online commentary articles about the podcast and that helped me to appreciate it more. This week I just started the first season of Serial, which is the parent podcast of S-Town. I'm definitely late to the party on this one, but I figured better late than never. I like it so far! 
• Hiking adventures: For the past two Sundays, a small group of my coworkers have taken me out hiking. It's been such a great way to get to know the people that I work with better, see some of Vermont's amazing nature, and also get great exercise! I used to really enjoy hiking in NC as well, but the best mountains and trails were a good drive from Charlotte, so it was something that I didn't get to do as much as I liked. I am planning to find a church home here in Vermont soon (more on that in an upcoming post!), but it's been nice to get out and enjoy nature for these Sundays before that has happened. 

Purchases:

• Last week I did manage to score some adorable Easter decorations for a whopping 90% off at a local discount store here in Burlington this past week! As y'all know, Easter is my absolute favorite holiday, so post-Easter is the time to stock up for next year! Sadly I can't link what I bought, but if you live close to any good discount stores I would definitely pop in soon to see if they still have reduced Easter decor.
• So on this note... I have decided to take a shopping fast for the month of May, up until Memorial Day Weekend sales! (Technically the shopping fast began in late April so it will have been a full month!) I want to be financially responsible after an expensive out of state move, and I'm also still formulating my new budget, so I wanted to take a month just to focus on the essentials and nothing else. Other than getting my nails done in a couple weeks, no purchases for me this month! (Other then well... food, but I'm also trying to not eat out as much this month so that it can really be a month of saving $$.) I'll be sharing more about my decision to do this and how it's going in an upcoming blog post! 

Wishlist: 

• Okay I know I literally said in the last paragraph that I'm doing a spending fast this month.... but I do have some paychecks coming in this month from blogging, and as soon as those arrive I am making an exception to the fast and ordering THESE. They're under $15 and I'm worried they will be out of stock by the time my shopping fast ends haha! Definitely a trendy summer essential! 
• It's been a bit of a rainy and chilly April in Vermont, and I would love to invest in a cute new raincoat. How adorable is this one, which can be monogrammed with your choice of a Lilly Pulitzer fabric? Um, YES!
• Summer is the season for weddings and Bachelorette parties, and if I was getting married I would totally rock this sexy little white romper for my Bachelorette festivities. How hot! 
• This tote looks very Kate Spade to me, but priced at just under $50 it is much friendlier on the wallet! 
• I don't own a lot in this color, but the details on this dress are just darling, and it would be perfect for a special summer night out! 

On the blog this past week:

• Spring Sweater for Date Night.
• How to Dress Up a T-Shirt.

     I hope y'all are having a great Wednesday! 

     God Bless,

     xoxo Annaliese (or Charlotte XO on the radio!)