Midweek Ramblings.

{Got my hair done this week at Rituals Salon and Spa! My dress can be found here- use code alk315 for 15% off! Follow me on Instagram @miss_alk}

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Ramblings:

• HIMYM > Friends: Where are my fellow How I Met Your Mother fans at? It's one of my all-time favorite TV shows. I watched HIMYM long before I watched Friends in full, and once I finally finished Friends earlier this year, I thought that HIMYM is definitely the funnier and better out of the two shows. I know that is a hot take! But if you agree with me- I think you'll love this article. 
• Deep cleaning: I'm generally a pretty neat person, but if I don't keep up with cleaning regularly, my apartment can get cluttered quickly. Yesterday after work, I dedicated my whole afternoon to deep cleaning my kitchen, tidying up the dining area and living room, and doing laundry. I felt so productive, and it already feels like the rest of my week is going to go better since my living space is cleaner! If you're feeling super stressed, I can't recommend a deep clean enough.
• The missing book: So one of my nightmares kinda came true this week! In the scheme of life, it is super small I know, but still annoying. ☹️I am on a quest to read 52 books in 2019, and I have been going through library books pretty quickly. On Sunday, I received an email from my local library that a book I read in mid-October was never returned. The only problem? I remember distinctly returning it via the dropbox at the library! I double checked my home and car but it's nowhere to be found. I definitely returned it, so I think the library lost it or misplaced it on there end. Unfortunately it's looking like I will be charged replacement fees for the book, which really stinks as it was a newer hardcover! I know this is a small problem in the scheme of life but man it was annoying! Has something like that every happened to you at your library?

Weekend recaps:

• Last weekend: A busy one! I was in Richmond Friday evening with my girlfriends to attend Garden Glow at Maymont. Saturday morning started bright and early with a monthly church service project- this time I was on an outdoor team that did yard work. Saturday night my co-host Marc and I went to dinner together at a steakhouse that we had gift cards to from our work for winning the office Halloween costume contest! Sunday was church, and then spending some time in the UVA area of town. 
• This weekend: Another busy one! I'm looking forward to visiting a new-to-me winery on Friday after work- it's a pretty well known one that I surprisingly haven't been to yet! Saturday Marc and I have a work event. Sunday after church is currently TBD but I'm sure something fun will come up. One thing I definitely have to do this weekend is order my Christmas cards!

Purchases: No fun purchases this week again. I typically don't do much shopping for myself in mid-November to prepare for Christmas gifts and Black Friday sales!


Wishlist:

• The button-up shirt version of my new favorite dress- and it's under $20!
• This darling dress screams holiday parties to me- and it's elegant enough to wear into January/February also!
• This board game sounds absolutely hilarious and I think I might add it to my Christmas list. 
• I'm a big enthusiast of fleece lined leggings for winter. I currently own a beloved black pair, but I'd love to get some like these in other fun colors! 
• My roommate and I have been wanting to get some fairy lights to decorate our apartment with- these are under $15 and would be perfect to get in time for the holidays.

Currently reading: Where The Heart Is by Billie Letts. So fun fact about this book, it was made into a movie in 2000, but I had no idea it was based on a book! I remember seeing parts of this movie on TV when I was growing up, but I never saw it in full. So excited to finally be reading the book, and I hope to re-watch the movie now too.


Recipe of the week: Chicken and Dumplings with Vegetables from Pillsbury. I made this for dinner last night and it was so good. A fairly easy comfort food meal that will be great for the colder weather to come.


Song of the week: All the Good Girls Go to Hell by Billie Eilish. In full disclosure, I'm not a fan of the lyrics and message of this song. Like at all. But it sure is catchy!! It's been stuck in my head all week.


Favorite blog posts of the week:

• Girl Meets Bow - Gentry recapped her proposal story with her fiance Rob! She basically had a total dream proposal and I am just so happy for her!! 
• The Daily Amy - I love to host friends at my home and throw seasonal parties, but amazingly I've yet to host a Friendsgiving. Amy shared her top tips for hosting these gatherings- I know I'll save this post for future years!
• Style Charade - Jenn shared a fantastic and well written perspective on the upcoming Instagram changes with hiding likes. 

On the blog this week:

• You Need This Chinoiserie Dress!
• Why I Don't Use Instagram on Sundays.
• Virgnia Winery Review: 12 Ridges Vineyard.

     God Bless,


     xoxo Annaliese