Midweek Ramblings.

{A snapshot from a fun Sunday afternoon! Follow me on Instagram @miss_alk}

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Ramblings:

• Update on my mom: I originally had other Ramblings prescheduled for this part of today's post, but last night I edited this a little bit just to have this update instead. Some of you might have seen I shared on IG Stories that my mom had emergency surgery yesterday. 😓She had been dealing with extreme shoulder pain for the last couple months that she had thought originally was an injury. After she had an MRI done a couple days ago, it turned out to be something a lot more serious that she needed surgery on right away. I've never gotten a surprise scary phone call about the health of either of my parents before, so yesterday was a tense day! I found out right after the morning show ended. Fortunately, she made it through surgery yesterday okay and is currently starting the recovery process. I am so thankful for that! My parents were originally coming here to Virginia for Christmas, but that obviously won't be happening now. I'm not quite sure with my PTO / the cost of last minute holiday flights if I will be going home, but it won't be until next week if I do. If a trip to Maine ends up being an option, I will definitely pursue it! It is really tough to know about family stuff be happening when you live so far from home. I am hoping she's on the road to recovery from here on out! Thank you all to those who have reached out with prayers and kind words.

Weekend recaps:

• Last weekend: Saturday I had a surprising day all to myself! I went to Jazzercise, did some errands and officially finished Christmas shopping, baked cookies, and went for a nature walk at one of my favorite local trails. On Sunday, I went to church and then visited a winery with some girlfriends- pretty much my favorite way to spend a Sunday.
• This weekend: Looking like another low-key one, but I'm thankful for that!  I have some fun plans Friday night to kick off the weekend, then it should be pretty quiet. Still not sure yet if I will be going home to Maine, but if I do it will probably be next week actually over Christmas, and not this weekend.

Purchases:

• First and foremost, I'm finally done Christmas shopping yay! I usually like to finish a little earlier, but I'm still pleased to be done about a week and a half out from Christmas. 
• One thing that I've needed over the past few months is new pairs of jeans. I picked up this basic pair of black skinny jeans over the weekend that I know I'll get a ton of use out of. 
• I also bought these fun jeans- I loved the detailing on them!
• It's not quite the right season for these white sneakers, but I've wanted a pair like this for awhile and look forward to wearing them this spring. 

Wishlist:

• My friend Gentry shared this darling dress in her latest Amazon try-on blog post, and now I have it in my wishlist!
• Alyson Haley shared these Celine dupe sunglasses on her blog last week and now I have these added to my wishlist as well! They're so cute. 
• A cute little bow back top that would be perfect for weekend fun. 
• Not quite the right season for this shift dress but it's a great Lilly Pulitzer dupe!
• The cutest pair of flats for under $20 - they come in both snakeskin and animal print.

Currently reading: The Honk and Holler Opening Soon by Billie Letts. I've been on a Billie Letts kick for the past couple months- this is my third book I've read of hers since this fall. This is book 51 of the year for me- I'm so close to my reading goal of 52 books!


Recipe of the week: Christmas Sugar Cookies from Southern Curls and Pearls. At the holiday I love making this sugar cookie recipe from Caitlin's blog! Easy to make and SO delicious. It's also not hard to follow the decorating tutorial she links in her post.


Song of the week: Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish.This song has some pretty deep lyrics, but I think it is hauntingly beautiful.


Favorite blog posts of the week:

• Caroline Charm - I always enjoy Christina's dinner club posts, and I loved reading about the unique Christmas gift swap she and her friends did.
• Olivia Rink - Olivia finally shared her proposal story! So so happy for her.
• Gal Meets Glam - Julia absolutely killed this winter look! She can manage to make a casual sweater look incredibly chic.

On the blog this week: 

• How I Paid Off My Student Loans
• RISE AND SHINE: How to Become a Morning Person from a Morning Show Host

     God Bless,


     xoxo Annaliese