Alexandra Bee Blog!!!

Happy Friday sweet friends, and Happy 3rd Blogoversary to me!

via

Today we are celebrating more than just a blogoversary, though.  As I mentioned on Monday, today marks the launch of a new chapter in my blog's journey.  I am saying goodbye to Sundresses and Smiles and hello to Alexandra Bee Blog!

so long!

Like what you see!?

As I mentioned a while back, this new blog name has been more than a year in the making.  In fact, a year ago, in my 2nd Blogoversary Post, I first mentioned I was considering a name change.  As much as I love the name Sundresses & Smiles, I felt like I had outgrown it and wanted to find a name that really defined me, while also having the ability to grow with me.

It took me quite some time to find the name.  I brainstormed ideas all the time and compiled a huge list...finally, one night in December, the perfect name came to me while lying in bed.

Honestly, I dread those late night ideas.  It seems often my creativity is ignited late at night, but then I get so excited and full of energy that I can't sleep.  I ultimately came downstairs and played around until the wee hours of the morning, creating an inspiration board and searching for a blog designer.  I settled on Laura Wyatt Design and could not be happier with the choice (full post on that, coming soon!).

Now let me explain a bit more about the name.  My full name is Alexandra.  My middle name is Bennett.  Barbara Bennett was my mother's godmother and my namesake.  I never met her, but have heard stories about the woman she was my whole life.  She was a person that was full of style, a whole lot of fun, and never took life too seriously.  I'd like to think, that despite never having met her, I have inherited some of those qualities that made so many others love her.

Additionally, growing up, my mom and grandma would both sometimes call me "Alexandra B." for Alexandra Bennett.  I always loved when they called me this; it made me feel grown up and sophisticated.  I also have always loved bees, especially in emblems, logos, and design.  When the name "Alexandra B." came to me, I instantly knew that it had to be Alexandra BEE and I would somehow have to incorporate a bee into my design.

That being said, I'm still me.  You can expect the same types of posts, just under a new name and look.

So grab some champagne an a slice of cake, explore the new design a bit, and celebrate with me!

PW Photography

Have a great weekend!

Pinspiration

Hey babes!

I'm super excited for my upcoming blog reveal and felt so happy to hear that y'all are excited for this next step in my blogging journey, as well!

This may seem like a fluff post to y'all today, BUT, I have a very important meeting this afternoon.  I don't want to get into specifics or details, but, I am really excited about opportunities that may lie ahead.

That being said, what better place to find some inspiration than Pinterest?

I know I could use these today, and I hope they lift you up as well!

Hopefully I'll have more for you soon, but for now-- Wish me luck and send some any and all positive vibes you have my way!

Please & Thank You!

Coming Soon...

Happy Monday readers!

We had a good weekend, but it went by way too fast!

If you remember, I mentioned in my New Year's Resolutions post here that I finally had figured out a new blog name and would be working with a blog designer to launch a new name and design for my blogoversary!

Well friends, that day is almost here!

Saturday, March 15 marks 3 years of blogging for me!  That being said on Friday, the 14th, this next chapter for Sundresses and Smiles will be revealed!

Today I'd thought I'd share a little sneak peek...

I've been working with Laura of Laura Wyatt Designs and can't sing her praises enough!  I have been amazed by her ability to take all my thoughts and turn them exactly into my vision!

Anyone have a guess for the new name?

Stay tuned...

Jackpot!

Happy Thursday readers!

It's been a good short week over here so far!

I'm excited today to say I've finally hit the booties jackpot!

Remember this post?

After really really disliking the booties trend, I have become a convert.

And I've been on a major hunt to find the perfect pair...at C. Wonderful, no less.

Meet C. Wonder's Suede Ankle Boot:

You like?

They also come in this mushroom color:

Not a bad price point at $148, but I think I might try my luck and see if they go on sale...

Maybe scoop up some other C. Wonder goodies at said sale?

Silk Graphic Floral Printed Shirt

Curbed Square Bangle

Greek Key Cotton Knit Throw

Are you a fan of C. Wonder?  The booties trend?

What are you recent shopping jackpot finds?

Have a great day!

C'ville Getaway

Happy Tuesday readers!

I am hoping temperatures are warmer where you are!  We got about 4" of snow and ice yesterday and I am on my second snow day of the week.  I am definitely not complaining about the time off, but am also ready for spring!  What's even crazier is on Sunday, temps were in the 70s!

Today I wanted to share a mini getaway to Charlottesville that Bryce and I had this past weekend.

We both have been talking about how we've needed a getaway for the last month or so, but haven't really had a good time to take a trip.

We made a spontaneous decision, at the beginning of last week, however, to take a mini-getaway to Charlottesville.

Being a UVA alum, I start itching for a C'ville trip every few months and visit at least twice a year.  Our last trip had been in June, so it was definitely time for another!

This weekend was also particularly special because we decided to "unplug" during the trip...meaning no time on Instagram/Pinterest/Facebook for me and no time on eBay/Wikipedia/Google for Bryce.  It was so nice to step back and completely focus on each other.

We headed out early Saturday and started our trip with a stop at Montepelier, James Madion's home.  Montpelier is in Orange, Virginia, on the way to Charlottesville and it was a fun way to break up our trip.

Funny tidbit- Google Maps directed us to a service entrance to the plantation and took us on a very interesting route down "Chicken Mountain Road."  Fortunately, Bryce was able to navigate and find the main entrance.

The plantation was gorgeous and our tour guide really knew his stuff!

I especially enjoyed learning about Dolley Madison and Paul Jennings.

We took a peek at the gardens and decided we definitely want to visit again in spring or summer!

After our tour, we stopped at the Barbecue Exchange in Orange for lunch.

I loved the pig on the rice krispie treats!

We hadn't eaten breakfast before leaving Richmond, so suffice it to say, we were hungry!

With full bellies, we headed to Charlottesville and went straight to one of our favorite spots, The Happy Cook, a gourmet cooking shop!

I kinda wish I had bought a pack of these fun birthday candles!

Paper Straws galore!

I have been wanting a stoneware bread basket for quite some time, and finally bought one this weekend!

We also headed to some other nearby favorites, Creme de la Creme and Pink Palm before heading to the hotel to relax for a bit before dinner.

Back at the hotel we were able to catch the tail end of the UVA-Syracuse baseball game and see the Wahoos win the ACC title!

As a side note, for dinner, I wore the J. Crew Factory Boyfriend Sweater with Paige Skinny Pants that have a leather stripe down the side (similar here) and nude heels!  If you have not yet checked out the boyfriend sweater, you must!  I ordered this pink one a few weeks ago and am in love!  I have since ordered two more colors.  It is so comfy and flattering...not to mention, on sale now!

We had 8:00 dinner reservations at one of my favorite C'ville restaurants, Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar.

We started with the Fritto Misto

I had the Italian Mac & Cheese as my entree.

And the Italian Citrus Cake for dessert.

Each course was delicious, but the citrus cake was by far my favorite.  It was light and delicious!

After dinner we had planned to stop by some "Corner" bars, but were just too tired.  I fell asleep almost instantly after laying down and can definitely tell I'm getting older...haha!

The next morning we had brunch at Bluegrass Grill.  I am not exaggerating when I say this might be the best brunch place...in the world!  I had been dying to take Bryce ever since we first started dating and was glad to finally have the chance!

I had the Denver Omelette, Bryce got a special, the Big Bad Wolf's Delight.  We also shared some French Toast!

Finally, we ended our visit with a stop at my favorite Corner shop, Duo and a walk down The Lawn!

It was so nice to getaway...even for just a day!  We came back Sunday feeling so renewed and rejuvenated!  I'm already looking forward to our next C'ville visit!

And, just for fun, here's a look at our full loot!