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Ramblings:
- Heavy news: The fact stands that we all have been living our lives in a heavy news cycle for the last year and a half. But with that said, does anyone else feel like the news lately in the last few weeks is just heavier than normal? Between the tragic events in Afghanistan, the damage of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana and the rising Delta cases across the country (and a lot of fully vaccinated people getting sick)... it's a lot to process. This news story that I saw on Twitter absolutely infuriated me this week, and I think that was kind of my breaking point with all of the news right now. I don't really post a lot about news/current events on my blog or Instagram as blogging is a fun hobby for me and I don't like for my posts to be heavy or politically divisive, but I just wanted to share here that all of these current events have been on my heart and mind lately. I did make a donation this week to Catholic Charities USA to assist with Hurricane Ida relief efforts. I never like pressuring people to donate to certain things, but if you feel so lead, I did want to share which organization I gave to.
- Virginia Beach update: For some good news, it has been a much better week than last for feeling settled in Virginia Beach! I decided to join one of the local Junior League chapters here! I first heard of Junior League in college and knew it was something I wanted to get into in my adult life. Even though there were chapters in both Burlington VT and Charlottesville, the timing finally seemed right now to join! The first event for new members was last Thursday evening, and it was so much fun. I was so thrilled to meet a lot of other new members who like me are fairly new to the Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads area.
Weekend recaps:
- Last weekend: I had a really nice one! Virginia Beach is definitely more familiar now, which is making me more at ease. My Saturday started with a work event at a local furniture store. In the evening, I went to the beach with my new friend Bea (check out her Instagram- it is filled with beautiful pictures of Virginia!). We went down to the Oceanfront, which is the main touristy area of VB. It was actually a lot of fun to play tourist for the evening and see all the people vacationing! On Sunday, I visited another new church, met my aunt and uncle at a Thai restaurant in Norfolk for lunch, and then got to spend the afternoon checking out the Norfolk Botanical Garden with a new friend!
- This weekend: It's going to be amazing!! My best friend from high school, Julia, is visiting me for the holiday weekend (and also my birthday weekend)! Julia has never been to Virginia before, and I'm so excited to have her. Julia still lives near our hometown in Maine, so we don't get to see each other super often. I couldn't ask for a better birthday weekend ahead!
Purchases: No fun purchases this week as I'm try to be mindful of saving up for a fun Labor Day weekend here in Virginia, and then I'll be traveling the following weekend!
Wishlist:
- Currently craving some new gold hoop earrings for fall outfits, and I like all the styles from this brand.
- I can't believe this beautiful midi dress is under $25- if you have a fall wedding to attend this would be beautiful to wear.
- I got a crop top from this brand a couple months ago and I'd love to get another in a different color.
- This is a splurge piece, but look at the green cardigan of my dreams for fall!
- I would've loved to wear this t-shirt when I went to Lake Placid, NY a few years ago!
Currently reading: Every Day is a Gift by Tammy Duckworth - Tammy Duckworth is currently serving as a Democratic senator representing Illinois in congress. She just released her memoir earlier this year. The majority of the book focuses on her life before politics: her childhood abroad in Asia, her military career and service in Iraq, and the tragic explosion that almost took her life. This was my favorite political memoir that I've read in quite awhile and I'd highly recommend it. (I enjoy reading political memoirs of both conservatives and liberals- and honestly I'd recommend for everyone to read books from members of both parties! Even if you disagree with someone's political views, you might still learn a lot from reading about them. 😊)
Recipe of the week: Not quite a recipe per say this week, but a baking item that you must try! My childhood friend Katie sent me the sweetest housewarming gift for my new apartment a couple weeks ago. She included this vanilla cake mix from an organic brand called Foodstirs. I finally used it for cupcakes this week, and oh my gosh it's delicious! It doesn't taste at all like the regular grocery store brands of cake mix. It tasted 100% homemade, and was so moist and rich! I can't recommend this enough for your cake or cupcake baking cravings.
Song of the week: I Can't by Caitlyn Smith ft. Old Dominion - Caitlyn Smith is a country up and comer. She features Old Dominion on her new single, and it's one of my favorite new country songs right now.
Favorite blog posts of the week:
- Caralina Style - Cara's husband TJ took over her blog to rank and review all of the key lime pies that they sampled on their honeymoon in the Florida Keys! Such a fun read and it made me VERY hungry, ha!
- Heather Bien - Heather gave a wonderful and detailed review of the popular fitness program ClassPass. I was considering doing ClassPass upon moving to Virginia Beach- I ended up going with something else but still enjoyed this review.
- Lonestar Southern - Kate shared the sweetest gender announcement blog post for her pregnancy! I have to be honest- I hate the whole gender reveal party trend. I think that more low-key gender announcements are the way to go, and Kate's was just lovely.
On the blog this week:
Thank you so much for sharing my post!! I'm also so glad to hear you had a better week and excited for you to join Junior League. It was such an experience experience for me and so many others, and I know it will be for you, too!
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