Southern Belle in Training

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

August 12, 2020

Midweek Ramblings.


{Silly Delilah keeping me company at home this weekend. Follow me on Instagram @miss_alk!}
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Ramblings:
  • COVID test: Yesterday afternoon I had my COVID test, currently waiting on confirmation of negative results so I can fly home this weekend! I was so nervous about getting the test done beforehand- most of my close friends who have had them had the throat test so I didn't know what to expect with the classic nasal swab. Oh my gosh- it was horrible. I don't say this to scare anyone- I just want to be honest since I felt like I didn't know what I was getting into before hand. The test itself hurt a ton, my nose bled a lot for 20 minutes following, and I had some of the most intense sinus and head pain that I've ever had for a few hours following. My head hurt so much I actually ended up going to the doctor in the evening just to make sure something wasn't wrong. I should have the test results back tomorrow- praying I don't get exposed to COVId because I never want to go through that again! If I have to, I'll definitely get a throat test instead.
  • Best types of face non-medical masks: Most of us aren't wearing full-blown N95 masks everyday for work or errands. There's a wide array of non-medical mask options, and I know I can't be the only one who has wondered which truly are best. This Business Insider article breaks down a recent survey that reviewed multiple styles of non-medical masks. I was happy to see the ones that I mainly wear are ranked well.
  • This week's giveaway: I have a fun giveaway found here on my Instagram that ends tomorrow! It's with my friend Amy's new Etsy shop Hello Amess- she's giving away two adorable pairs of polymer clay earrings. I love my pair and have been wearing them often, be sure to enter today before the giveaway ends to win your own.

Weekend recaps: 
  • Last weekend: I got to play in a fast-paced doubles tennis match on Saturday afternoon which was probably the weekend highlight! I also watched a lot of the new Selling Sunset season on Netflix and ordered takeout Indian food. Sunday I did a ton of content brainstorming and prep for the next several weeks of posts on the blog- I felt very accomplished going into Monday!
  • This weekend: (Hopefully and if all goes well with the COVID test results) I'll be finally home in Maine visiting my family. We are supposed to be spending Saturday-Monday at a lake a few hours north of where I'm from. I've barely spent any time around water this summer since my pool has remained closed, so I'm really excited for a few days of time by this lake!

Purchases:
  • I've been on the hunt for a perfect shirtdress for awhile. Last year I ordered ones from both J. Crew and Talbots but ended up returning them as the fit was a little weird on each. Giving this style of the dress the third try- I just ordered this shirtdress! We'll see how I like it.
  • I've been wanting a new suede skirt for fall and scooped this one up on sale. It comes in two colors!.
  • Am I cool enough to pull off the sunglasses chain trend? Not sure- but I did just get this one for under $10!
  • I got a new pair of blue light glasses as well- God forbid anything ever happen to the pair I wear everyday at work I wanted a back-up!

Wishlist:

NORDSTROM SALE 2020: Here's my one bit of NSale content that you'll see on the blog this year! Sharing five things I own that are still in this year's sale, and a wishlist of five items I'm eyeing for if I do choose to shop (still haven't decided yet).

Nordstrom Sale - Things I own in this year's sale:
  • Barefoot Dreams cardigan - Even in the NSale these are not cheap, but I really do love mine! I bought mine a couple years ago and it's held up extremely well after wear and washes. This is definitely a more casual piece so I prefer to wear it for lounging at home or travel, but I'd still recommend it if you're willing to make a splurge. I don't own a Barefoot Dreams blanket myself but I have bought them as gifts for friends before! 
  • AG skinny jeans - The exact style of these that I have isn't included in this year's sale, but several other AG styles are. Their denim is super comfortable to wear and is very flattering on, but very expensive. I'd never pay full price for a pair of these jeans, and even the NSale pricing is on the high end. 
  • Hanky Panky underwear - These are a lot more expensive than I'm normally comfortable spending on undergarments, but I have a few that I've gotten over the years from various NSales. They are definitely very comfortable to wear- probably more so then similar things I have from Victoria's Secret. Weirdly one pair I have has shrunk a ton in the dryer, but another hasn't. 
  • Kendra Scott jewelry - This sale can be a great time to score Kendra Scott jewelry pieces for under $50. It's also a good time to stock up for gifts for birthdays or Christmas! I purchased one of my all-time favorite Kendra pieces, an Elton bracelet with a brown stone, four or five years ago in the NSale. 
  • Caslon t-shirt - Basic solid colored and printed short and love sleeve t-shirts are easy to find in the NSale! The quality of the Caslon ones is good, and they're under $20 in the NSale. This year they have many colors for both short and long sleeved.
Nordstrom Sale - Wishlist if I shop it: 
  • Spank leather leggings - I tried them and returned them in last year's sale. Last year I wasn't blown away enough by them to keep them for the price... but I'm thinking about giving them another go this year.
  • BP leather leggings - Significantly cheaper than the Spanx ones- like half the price! I have been reading mixed views on these from bloggers, some bloggers seem to love them and others say they don't even compare to the Spanx. Debating ordering! 
  • Moonlight pajamas - I've been into matching pajama sets a lot more this year than I have been in the past (for years I'd just been wearing old athletic shorts and college t-shirts to bed). I really like the floral print that's offered for these PJs!
  • Vince Camuto suede boots - Love the look of these gorgeous boots in the beige color! I might try to find something from another retailer that's a little cheaper though.
  • Leith Off the Shoulder sweater - I have a ton of sweaters and don't really need another so not sure if I'll be getting this, but it is such a classy piece! Comes in a few colors and under $50.
Currently reading: The Summer Villa by Melissa Hill - I started this last month but then put it down after a couple library books had come in for me. Glad to have picked it back up, it's fun to read about Italy even if international travel isn't happening right now!

Recipe of the week: Chocolate Fudge Cookies with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting from The Ultimate Cookie Book - I made these this weekend for a friend's birthday who I wasn't able to celebrate with (due to the staying home thing). They were delicious and I'm glad I saved a few for myself. So soft and cakey! 

Song of the week: Past Life by Trevor Daniel ft. Selena Gomez - Trevor and Selena made such a great song together! I hope this one continues to do well in Top 40 radio.

Favorite blog posts of the week:
  • Extra Petite - This post from Jean is my favorite Nordstrom Sale blog post of 2020! It's not overwhelming to read, and Jean is a blogger whose recommendations I trust completely. If I do make a purchase, it'll be the leggings she recommends here!
  • Style Charade - Jenn wrote the most helpful post I've seen yet about how to use Instagram Reels! I've also been loving the Reels content she's produced since the feature launched last week.
  • The Home Edit - I'm a big fan of the ladies behind The Home Edit, and I loved this post on jewelry organization tips.

On the blog this week:

     God Bless,


     xoxo Annaliese

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5 comments

  1. I hope you are feeling better from your unfortunate Covid testing experience! And that you have an *excellent* trip home :)

    I have the Spanx leggings, and I LOVE them. I'll probably buy a second pair during the NSale just because I have gotten so much wear out of this pair. However, I have a friend that bought a pair from the Target brand Spanx line, and she absolutely loves them. I can find the link for you if you'd like :)

    Xo,Dana
    www.seersuckersass.com

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  2. Enjoy your trip home to Maine . . . the time around the lake sounds so blissful.

    and

    Thank you for your honesty about the COVID-19 nasal swab test . . .one just does what one has to do but it's important to know what one is in store for.

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  4. Ouch! I hope you are feeling better after getting the COVID test. And keeping my fingers crossed so that you can fly home and enjoy some time with your family. I am also eyeing the Spanx and BP leggings. I am torn as well. Right now, the BP is sold out in my size so it makes deciding easier. I do kind of what to try on both just to see how it fits. Happy Friday!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  5. I'm so sorry about your COVID test experience, it's painful. I hope you're having so much fun with family. I got the Barefoot Dreams cardi this year. I'm so excited because our house gets cold.

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