Midweek Ramblings.

 

{The most beautiful blooming tulips in Richmond a couple weekends ago! Follow me on Instagram @miss_alk}

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Ramblings:

• Blog reader survey: Thank you so much to everyone who has taken my blog's annual reader survey so far! I started it on Monday, and the feedback I've received so far has already been so valuable. It'll be open through Sunday! It takes just a few minutes to fill out, and this year there will be prizes for two randomly selected participants at the conclusion. Take it here if you haven't yet! 
• Stolen rabbit: This is the weirdest news story I've seen in the past couple weeks but it's too interesting not to share! A former Playboy bunny named Annette who lives in the UK now spends her time raising bunnies... as in, actual rabbits! And not just any rabbits, Flemish Giants, which are the largest rabbit breed and can be as big as medium/large dogs. Anyways, her prize-winning and record-holding bunny Darius was sadly stolen recently. This news article covers Darius's story, and more info on how Annette went from being a bunny to having bunnies...ha! What a crazy story.
• Nothing to watch: Have you been watching anything that's good and new on Netflix (or other streaming services) lately? I think the last newer show that I got into was Bridgerton, and that was already a few months ago now! I tried Ginny & Georgia but didn't make it past the first episode- not for me. Most of the Netflix shows I loved in 2020 did get renewed, but I feel like COVID is making everything take so long for new seasons. I haven't gotten into anything on Netflix now in such awhile. What are you watching right now?? Selena the Series is coming back its second season on Netflix in a few weeks which I am so excited for, but until then I'd love to dive into something else.

Weekend recaps:

• Last weekend: Between Friday and Monday, I went to four wineries. 'Tis the season for it! One was new to me, Meriwether Springs. One I've been to only once before, Septenary (quickly becoming a favorite though!). And two I've been to many times- Afton Mountain and Keswick. I am happy the weather is steadily warm enough in April to enjoy socially distanced winery days with friends- I'm thankful for nearby wineries being a safe way to see local friends outside before I'm fully vaccinated! On Saturday night I also got to Facetime Cara from her bachelorette party (I sadly made the choice to skip the trip since I'm not fully vaccinated yet- I am trying to still be very mindful of group travel activities until that)- I am so happy that I will definitely be fully vaccinated in plenty of time for her wedding! 
• This weekend: My mom is visiting! She was last here to see me two years ago in April 2019. Her tradition in 2018 and 2019 was to visit me here in Virginia in April... sadly in 2020 that didn't happen, but so thankful she's vaccinated and now able to come down. She has actually never seen my current apartment that I moved into in September 2019, so I'm glad she finally will. 

Purchases:

• I skipped last week's Midweek Ramblings post so I have two weeks of purchases to get y'all caught up on! I actually have several to share because of some recent sales. First up- my one Sephora Sale purchase was more of my favorite self-tanner (read my full review of this wonder product here!). 
• Another beauty purchase- more of my favorite full-coverage foundation. This is the one I wear for blog photos and special events (or any days I need super long lasting makeup). 
• My friend Amy was wearing the cutest dress for her birthday festivities a couple weeks ago- I was shocked when she told me how affordable it was! I ended up ordering it in the neon yellow color and it's so fun for summer. Still can't believe it's under $20!
• I purchased these nude block heels for my friend Cara's wedding this summer. They're very versatile and I know I'll be able to wear them for tons of other occasions.
• After seeing Kate from Lonestar Southern rave about these summer sandals a couple years ago, I've had them bookmarked for awhile. I finally went for it during the Shopbop Sale last week!
• The prettiest colorblock dress for summer that I can't wait to wear to wineries especially!
• Some darling and classy lace trimmed summer pajamas.

Wishlist:

• Despite the fact that I own a fair amount of hot pink clothing, I don't currently own anything blush or baby pink. I need a lighter pink dress in this color for a bachelorette party next month, and I think this baby pink dress is just darling (and on sale this week)! 
• The cutest and most colorful spring raincoat that's easily packable for travel.
• Obsessed with this bold green and blue ginger jars print from Barrington Gifts that you can use on their totes and accessories! 

Currently reading: Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon - I just finished this audiobook after listening to it at work when I'm at my desk for the past couple of weeks. It's about two rival app developers in their mid-20s who have a brief fling at a tech conference, but then end up crossing paths many times a year after that happened. I was hoping to like this book more than I did! I thought most of it was very cliché and predictable. I gave it two stars- it was just okay. 

Recipe of the week: Drop Biscuits from America's Test Kitchen - I had a craving for biscuits on Sunday after watching church at home, so I whipped up these pretty quickly! I got the recipe from one of my America's Test Kitchen cookbooks, and they listed a couple variations to the recipe. I made the one that added bacon and black pepper.

Song of the week: Teletapia by Kali Uchis - This song is quickly moving up the charts and I love it! I hadn't previously heard of Kali- I guess she's been making music for years but this is her first breakthrough hit. The blend of English and Spanish lyrics reminds me of Despacito a bit, and I think this will be a fun summer song.

Favorite blog posts of the week:

• Fleurdille - Anna and her husband recently went to Mexico for their 10th anniversary celebration. I really enjoyed her Q&A about COVID precautions and what things look like to travel to Mexico in Spring 2021. 
• The Classy Academic - My favorite outfit post of the week! Kelly looks so cute in these colorful  pants that she styled three ways.
• The Homes I Have Made - Megan has one of my favorite home decorating blogs, and I loved seeing the way she was able to transform a small bathroom in her family's latest rental home.

On the blog this week:

• Sephora Sale: 3 Things To Get + 2 Things to Buy Elsewhere
• 2021 Southern Belle in Training Reader Survey

      God Bless,

      xoxo Annaliese