Midweek Ramblings.

 

{A snap from a fun Instagram campaign a few weeks ago! Follow me on Instagram @miss_alk}

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Ramblings:

• Getting ready for Virginia foliage: My past two autumn seasons here in Virginia have well exceeded expectations for foliage! I'm hoping third time will be a charm and this year will be even more magical. For any Virginia friends or anyone traveling here in the next month or two, Shenandoah National Park does weekly updates during the fall about what foliage is looking like in various parts of the park! See more here- just scroll down to where it says Fall Color. 
• Kitchen renovation: My apartment kitchen is getting renovated! Our apartment management is going through the lengthy process of renovating select units in the complex, and the best part is our rent won't be going up at all for this. Free kitchen renovation? Yes please! We were selected for one at the start of the year, but unfortunately COVID really slowed things down. Our new countertops finally went in on Monday though, and they look so good! Hopefully the cabinets will get done soon as well. There's a reason I never showed the kitchen in this apartment when I shared a tour of the rest of it on the blog... the original kitchen looked straight out of 1985, ha!

Weekend Recaps:

• Last weekend: On Friday, some girlfriends and I went to our friend Sierra's house for a bonfire night. Saturday I went to an outdoor fitness class in the morning, and then spent a lot of the day at the radio station trying to work ahead for this week (since it'll be busy with Marc and I having our conference!). Sunday I was down in Richmond for something fun that I'll be sharing more about next week, and I also did some blog photos while there of a few fall looks. 
• This weekend: I'm headed to another new-to-me part of Virginia for a press trip! I can't wait to share this with you. My friend Perrin (who came with me to Norfolk last year) is coming up from Charlotte to be my guest and photographer! I'll also finally get to meet a dear blog friend of mine in person this weekend as well which I can't wait for! 

Purchases:

• Trying the famous Spanx leather leggings again- and I decided this time I'm keeping them! I first got a pair in last year's NSale but returned them since they aren't the cheapest. I ordered this cheaper alternative in this year's NSale but it didn't even compare... so I just re-bought the Spanx and keeping them for sure this time!

Wishlist:

• A classy midi skirt for fall that's on sale. 
• I know special occasions this fall might be few and far between, but if you do have a reason to dress up this dress is stunning.
• Jenna from Visions of Vogue wore this lacy top on her IG Stories this week, and I immediately added it to my wishlist!
• How cute would this under $40 sweater dress be with OTK boots?
• Another gorgeous printed fall dress! This one also comes in a midi version if you prefer it to be longer. 

Currently reading: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - Still working on this romance novel! I haven't had a ton of reading time this week.

Recipe of the week: Sour Cream Cookies from Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook - I'm continuing my 101 in 1001 goal of making at least one recipe from every cookbook I own, and this was 

Song of the week: Tick Tock by Clean Bandit ft. Mabel - I'm a huge Clean Bandit fan so I'm always excited when they have new music! I also really like Mabel- I hope she isn't just a one hit wonder here in the US. 

Favorite blog posts of the week:

• What Nicole Wore - A fantastic and educational post from my friend Nicole about voting in the upcoming election! This is an especially great read for anyone who recently moved and needs to re-register in a new city or state. 
• Lindsey Regan Thorne - A jam packed post filled with tons of drugstore makeup recommendations perfect for fall. I know I want to try at least one of the eyeshadow palettes mentioned!
• Chronicles of Frivolity - A beautiful post from Katey about navigating birth and new motherhood amidst the pandemic. This post had me feeling so deeply for the young mothers I know!

On the blog this week: 

• Lilly Pulitzer Work from Home Outfit
• Lessons from a Birthday Identity Crisis 
• Travel Diary: Maine's Prettiest Views at Quill Hill

     God Bless,

     xoxo Annaliese