Midweek Ramblings.

{Stopped at a beach at home in Maine this weekend before my grandma's birthday party- a little overdressed for the ocean but I went with it! 😉 Follow me on Instagram @miss_alk}

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Southern Belle in Training!

Ramblings:

• Tax season: I didn't have the best Monday to start off my week- I learned that this is the first year that I owe a good bit of money for taxes and won't be getting a refund. This is technically good news of course because it means that 2019 was my best year yet with blogging income (yay!), but good news or not it was still tough news to get on Monday, haha! I am thankful that I've been diligent with saving between 20-30% of each blog payment I receive in a separate savings account in case this ever happened, and I guess now that day has come. Have you done your taxes yet? If not, sending everyone better luck with refunds than I had!
• The South's botanical gardens: I am a big enthusiast of visiting botanical gardens! I loved this round-up from Southern Living on the best ones in the South. I've been to three of the ones on the list so far, and I'd love to visit many more in years to come. Have you been to any of these? 

Weekend recaps:

• Last weekend: I took Friday off of work and went home to Maine! I didn't get to go home at Christmas this year, so I'm glad I got to spend a little time at home this month. My grandma celebrated her 95th birthday this month as well, so I got to be home for her birthday party! I also spent time with my parents and got to catch up with a few friends who live in the area still.
• This weekend: Taking this Friday off as well and headed to New York City for a girls' trip with some Charlottesville friends! We all have a dear friend who moved to NYC in the fall for a new job, so we'd been wanting to find a weekend to visit her, and this is it! Other than making the hotel arrangements, I haven't been in charge of any of the planning for this trip, so not quite sure what all we're doing yet. But it's NYC so whatever we end up doing I know it'll be a blast!

Purchases: 

• I stopped by Marden's (my favorite Maine discount store) over the weekend was able to find a great deal on a velvet slip dress from the brand Cece, which is one of my favorites! My new dress isn't still in stock at department stores, but this one I found online is similar (and cheaper). 

Wishlist:

• These sandals are a fun and bling-filled twist on the classic Tory Burch Millers.
• An adorable under $30 bathing suit that has a fun retro feel to it, and it's also fairly modest as far as two-pieces go.
• Y'all know that I'm a sucker for cute floral tops- this one screams spring! 
• Not a fashion purchase- but I've been hearing so many good things about this book! My library doesn't have it yet, so I might just buy a copy to read on vacation next month.
• I haven't been able to stop thinking about this dress since I did my Lilly Pulitzer spring try-on at the Charlottesville store last week. One of my friends purchased it and it looks so good on her- gosh I want it badly now!

Currently reading: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfield - this book is loosely based off of the life of former First Lady Laura Bush. I read Laura's own autobiography last month, and I thought it would be interesting to follow it up with this one.

Recipe of the week: 30 Minute Red Beans and Rice Soup from The Candid Appetite - A favorite winter recipe of mine- fairly easy to make and so spicy and delicious!

Song of the week: What She Wants Tonight by Luke Bryan - I've been on an extra big country music kick for the last week. I wouldn't say I'm normally a huge Luke Bryan fan but I love his newest song!

Favorite blog posts of the week:

• Chronicles of Frivolity - Katey is an organization queen, and she shared her top tips for eliminating clutter in her home in this handy post. 
• Lonestar Southern - I loved reading Kate's honest and hilarious take on the few things that didn't quite go as planned on her wedding day last year!
• Amy Believes in Pink - Amy shared her favorite board and card game recommendations- I'm hoping to do more game nights with friends this year so I enjoyed seeing her favs.

On the blog this week:

• My Favorite Richmond Activity: Afternoon Tea at The Jefferson Hotel
• Winter Q&A

     God Bless,


     xoxo Annaliese