TGIF, oh hey August (almost)!

THE BAR EXAM IS OVER (And I promise that is all I will say about that until we get results). I hope y'all have had a great week and have a great weekend ahead. I am so excited to just lay out at the pool before I head back to work on Monday - hopefully the sunshine will cooperate :)

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I finally moved out of the apartment that I lived in all three years of law school and it is so weird. I have been more or less living with my finance for about 6 months, but as of today I no longer have my own apartment. It's kind of a weird feeling, but it's also freeing knowing that now that we officially live together I have a say in a few things around the house more - at least I think I do.

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My Emily Ley Planner officially went into service this week! I purchased this planner in May and have been dying to use it since the minute I picked it up. If you haven't heard of Emily Ley, I would encourage you to check her out. Her goal in life is to make things Simple in the prettiest way. I had been using the Lilly Pulitzer Planner, which would have lasted me until the end of the year, but with a wedding in February, I really wanted a planner that started in the Fall and went through next year so I could truly plan ahead for all of the events in the coming months. I am really looking forward to using this planner, and will definitely be sharing some of my favorite features. What kind of planner do y'all use? Are you loyal year after year to the same one?

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I started an Instagram for the blog- see some of my posts on the right - so if you want to add me I would love that. It's a little sad right now, but bear with me and hopefully it gets a little more exciting. Plus it will give you a peek into a bit more than whats here on a weekly basis.

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The success of this diet has been really great, so much better than I could have imagined. I'm not sure the last time (if ever) I lost more than 5 or 6 pounds at a time, so it usually was just enough to make my clothes a little loose or in most cases, they just fit better. This time around however I have found that a lot of my clothes no longer fit after losing almost 20 pounds. I mentioned last week that I have placed a shopping freeze on myself, just as a measure of self control, but if this trend goes on I might have to make an exception. I stopped working during the last month of studying so I hadn't really been wearing anything but norts and tee-shirts for the past few weeks and I guess hadn't noticed such a big change. Then earlier this week I was packing and trying on outfits for the bar because we have a certain dress code and none of my skirts fit. I'm hoping this weekend to pull out my sewing machine and figure out if I can tailor some of my clothes, or if I just need to donate them and repopulate my closet. Have y'all been in this situation? Any suggestions?

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If you do your own nails I highly suggest Essie's new "Gel Setter" because it. is. perfect. I had been using Sally Hansen's Diamond Flash because it made my nails shiny, it dried fast, and kept my polish on for at least 4-5 days, which is pretty good in my book. It was time for me get a new bottle because I was running low and I'd heard great things about Essie's new top coat and thought I'd give it a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Plus, I am currently using the same brand for my base coat, color, and top coat so I really feel like I have my life together right now! Ha!

How has your week been, any big weekend plans?

Happy Friday, Y'all!
xoxo

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Oh Hey Friday | Five on Friday |  Casual I Friday | xoxo Rebecca | High Five for Friday | Friday Favorites | Merry Monday

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Motivation Monday: My Favorite Country Workout Playlist

I'm sure most people don't generally associate country music with the type of music that you want to listen to at the gym to get you moving. But, I would politely disagree. There are so many country songs that have a fast beat and are my absolute go-tos when I'm on the treadmill or elliptical (or other cardio of choice). Plus, am I the only one who kind of sings along to pass the time? Country music is one of my favorite genres anyways, so I learned to find what works best for a workout without throwing off my pace. These are some of my favorites, all of which I think provide a great beat to keep up just the right pace! 

Do y'all have a specific type of music you listen to when you work out? Or even a certain artist? I think it is so interesting to see what motivates different people! 

Have a great day, y'all!

xoxo

linking up with

Motivational Monday | Merry Monday | Wednesday Showcase

TGIF, the sun is out!

Y'all, it has been a verrrry long week around here. More or less, all of my friends are studying for the bar right now and we are less than enjoyable to be around. I'm pretty sure the only human interaction I've had in the last week is with the random people that I just saw hello to while I'm on a walk, i.e. not any real interaction at. all. I cannot wait for this test to be over.

SUNSHINE
The sun is finally shining bright over my old Kentucky home! This week has been so so nice and I have been able to go on a walk/run almost every morning or night. I do my best to be a positive person, but sometimes surroundings just take over my mood and weather is one of those surroundings. So I am so glad that the rain is gone (at least for now)!

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Diet Bet
I did it! Almost. I am in the final stretch of a 6-month "Transformer" and have met my goal weight and lost 10% of my initial weight. So, I just have to hold strong for a few more weeks and I'll win! This has honestly been such a transformation for me and I truly feel like I have accomplished something - with the added bonus of making some extra cash!

Southern Weddings/Project Life
So Southern Weddings is one of my favorite bridal magazines because it has so many features of real weddings, and of course because it's focus is on the south! The only downside is that, like a lot of bridal magazines it doesn't come out very often, so I've only been lucky enough to really enjoy one issue - but another one is due out in November! Anyways, I love it! And then there's ProjectLife, which is a form of scrapbooking/photo organization that is just so pretty and so clean and so organized. It's essentially a lazier form of scrapbooking, but still takes plenty of time. Well. Southern Weddings and Project Life teamed up and created a Wedding Kit for Project Life that I had been lusting over for months and last week my future mother-in-law sent it to me! I cannot wait to have the time to really get into it and start planning out how to compile it - and of course to find more reasons to take pictures! I'm sure I didn't explain that very well - but I'll have a post coming up soon with more details!

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National Ice Cream Day
I don't think it was much of a secret that National Ice Cream Day was this week. Generally I get annoyed with all of the "National ______ Day" posts that seem to be going on like every other day, but this might just be my favorite. I could eat ice cream every day for every meal if it meant I could also still win that DietBet, but alas, I've learned to limit myself. However, when National Ice Cream Day came around, I just had to indulge. I hope y'all enjoyed it as much as I did!

Shopping Freeze
Last fall I put a month-long shopping freeze on my self just to get a better idea of the things I needed and the things that I didn't. It also allowed me to decide when there was something that I actually wanted, or just something that I wanted in the moment. If it was something that I actually wanted, and still wanted when that month was over, I was able to justify the purchase a little more than if I just saw it, wanted it, and bought it on the spot. So, we'll see how this one goes, but I think it was certainly a benefit the last time. Have y'all ever done anything like that? Or do you have other self-imposed tests for when you want to make a bigger purchase?

Happy Friday, y'all! Have a Great Weekend! 

xoxo

linking up with

Oh Hey Friday | Five on Friday |  Casual I Friday | xoxo Rebecca | High Five for Friday | Friday Favorites | Merry Monday

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Motivational Monday: Words of Wisdom

I know I've mentioned already mentioned that I'm taking the bar about one million times, but it. is. so. close. I've done pretty well not having any major breakdowns or freakout moments, but as I near the end, sometimes I just need to step back and remind myself what it's all about and that this is a goal that I've set and that I can achieve. I thought I'd share some of my go-to quotes for when I just need that final push. Hope y'all had a great weekend! Any tips for when you need a little nudge?

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and when all else fails . . . 

Happy Monday, y'all!

xoxo

linking up with: 
Motivational Monday | Merry Monday | Mingle Monday | Wednesday Showcase

TGIF, still waiting for that rain to go away

It's. Still. Raining. I woke up Tuesday morning with EIGHT updates from the weather channel + the crazy-loud iPhone warning when there's severe weather. Like I said last week, at least it makes it easier to stay inside and study, but it is just sooooo depressing when its dark outside at 3 pm! I'm hoping this just means we'll have perfect weather after the bar!

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My friend told me about the show Damages that's on Netflix now (I think it used to be on FX and ended in 2012), and I. am. obsessed. It has Rose Byrne in it, Helen from Bridesmaids, and she is so great. Glen Close is also a main character, which I've enjoyed because I still mostly just picture her as Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians. Anyways, it's all about a law firm where Glen Close is the partner at the firm and Rose Byrne starts out as her associate, but things get a little unethical and very suspenseful - fast. Think How to Get Away with Murder + Suits. If you're looking for a new show to pick up, I would highly recommend this.

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Welp. Remember me talking about Prime Day, and how it was this mysterious sale Amazon was promising? Turns out it wasn't all that great anyways. I checked periodically and there was almost nothing that I was interested in, and anything I was interested in was immediately unavailable - think Target for Lilly. I did end up still getting a few things in my cart - the shoes and coffee filters, you know the necessities - but that had nothing to do with any special Prime deal. Oh well, at least that just means less money spent. Always look for the positives, right?

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I am LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM TAKING THE BAR and I am terrified. It seems so crazy to me that this summer spent studying for the bar day after day is finally coming to an end, and that end is THE BAR. I'm honestly feeling okay about the exam, but still overwhelmed thinking about all of the things I don't quite understand as well as I wish I did. I am definitely looking forward to have my regular life back when the exam is over, but doing my best to stay focused during the final stretch.

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It is no secret that Gap is one of my favorite places to shop. I've tried to be much better recently about not shopping if I don't really need something since we're planning a wedding, looking at buying a house, and basically just trying to be responsible adults. But a girl can only delete so many "SALE" emails before she gives in. I just ordered this cross body from Gap during one of their 40% off everything sales (which is still going on) and I am so excited to use it. I love anything with a bow on it, and I ordered it in the cognac, so I know it will be super versatile! What do y'all think? Was it worth it??

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Despite having rainy weather for what feels like 25 out of the last 26 days, there was just enough sunshine for a girls day at the pool on Thursday and it was so. nice. Essentially all of my friends here are in law school, so while we're all miserable together, we all also feel guilty doing pretty much anything except studying. However, we figured we could probably spend a couple of hours at the pool - doing flash cards of course - and be just fine. I think it was certainly a deserved break that we will benefit from, everyone's brain needs to rest and recharge every now and then! 

How has your week been?

Have a Great Weekend, Y'all!

xoxo 

linking up with

Oh Hey Friday | Five on Friday |  Casual I Friday | xoxo Rebecca | High Five for Friday | Friday Favorites | Merry Monday

Motivational Monday

Wedding Wednesday, 220 Days to Go! {Perfect Ring Dishes}

A couple of months ago I read an article, I think on theKnot.com, but I can't seem to find it now. Anyways, it was called something like "How to Not Lose your Engagement Ring," which I thought was odd, because I hadn't really been that worried about it, until I read the article. Most of the suggestions were pretty obvious, like not taking it off in a public place, etc. 

One that I found particularly interesting though the suggestion to have a ring dish in (almost) every room in your house. This way, if you are in the kitchen and need to take it off to do dishes you don't have to just set it on the counter. Or if you're in the living room and need to apply lotion, it doesn't just end up on the coffee table. Of course all of these seem relatively safe places since you're in your own home after all, but one dishtowel or piece of mail in the way, and you'll spend hours looking for your ring. 

So, after reading that, I went on the search for the perfect ring dish(es) that I could place around the house without having to worry too seriously about messing with the decor - i.e. small and simple. Here are a few of the ones that I came across and fell in love with! 

Kate Spade

Etsy

I would love something like this once we finally get a house and are sharing a bathroom and of course, both have rings!

Etsy

Kate Spade

My aunt actually gave me this Kate Spade dish as an engagement present and it is perfect to keep in the bathroom. Because it is a bit larger and more bowl shaped than the others, it works great to hold other miscellaneous pieces of jewelry I need to take off before I get in the shower or wash my face. 

MudPie (via Swoozies)

I found and purchased this ring dish while I was on vacation and it is the perfect size! 

Two's Company (via Bed Bath & Beyond)

Both of these sets already come with THREE dishes - how perfect! 

Lenox (via Bed Bath & Beyond)

Do y'all have any secrets to keeping your favorite pieces of jewelry safe? 

Have a Great Day, y'all!

xoxo

linking up with 

Wednesday Showcase | Wedding Wednesday | Merry Monday

what is Prime Day? [but, really]

I'm sure y'all have seen by now - or maybe not - but Amazon has declared "Prime Day" in celebration of their 20th (!!!) anniversary. For the last week I keep seeing promotions for it, just claiming that it will be better than Black Friday, but I am yet to see any actual specifics on what kind of deals there will be. Thus - I have just filled my cart with some things that I've been thinking about getting, and would definitely be swayed if the right deal comes along.

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I absolutely LOVE these pens, and I am less than two weeks away from being able to use my Emily Ley planner and these are the perfect pens for that. With so many colors to choose from, it makes my color-coding heart so happy! 

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Recently my FiitBit was acting a little odd, and I was fully prepared to buy another one. I'd had it for almost a year, so I didn't feel like it was that big of deal. But I emailed customer service about the issue and they sent me a replacement! So, I decided I would splurge a little on some new bands - I'm not going to get both of these sets, but haven't made up my mind yet, which one I like the best - do y'all have any suggestions??

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Project Life is the greatest. It's a simpler form of scrapbooking, but looks just as nice - if not better because it is so organized! There are certain pages with different formats depending on the type of layout you're interested in. I've tried a few different ones, and honestly found it best to have a variety because rarely do your pictures all face the way you want them to. This seemed like a good time to stock up on another set. 

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Y'all. These shoes. I think I'm in love. I've been looking for a new pair of nude heels because the little rubber thing on the bottom of my last pair broke off. I have a few pairs of Jessica Simpson heels/wedges and they are always so comfortable - and another great thing about these is that they're eligible for free returns, so if for some reason the sizing doesn't quite work I can easily send them back and get a new pair in just 2 days! 

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Now that I've been better about losing weight, I'd really like to know that I am accurately weighing myself. One of my friends has this scale and raves about it, and it's a best-seller on Amazon, so at a price of just under $30 it's really hard to pass up! 

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I don't think I could ever have too many pairs of RayBans. I used to have a pair like this, but I accidentally broke them :( and I've been lusting over another pair ever since. Even at this price, it's a great deal, but I think I'll probably still end up holding off for now since I don't really need them. 

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How hard is it to keep up with your bobby-pins? I swear for every 2 that I find on the bathroom sink, I've lost 4 more. I know there are a dozen ways that people suggest trying to keep up with them, magnets in the medicine cabinet, tic-tac containers, etc. But that was just never enough for me. My solution - stop worrying about it and buy them by the hundreds, so that's just what I did. I bought this pack of 300 about a year ago - and I do still have about 150, but I like to keep them in my cart just in case. Plus, sometimes they're only an "add-on" item, which means to be eligible for free-shipping, it has to be part of another order of $25. 

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These are the water-filters that go in our coffee pot. Hey, I'm just trying to be honest, this really is what's in my cart! The change the filter light came on last week and we couldn't find filters in any of the stores around here, so naturally my first instinct was Amazon, and low and behold, there they were! 

The one thing I do know about Prime Day is that you have to be a Prime member to take advantage. I started my Prime membership when I was in undergrad because as a student you get a year free and then a discounted rate, but I will certainly continue it. You really can't beat Free 2-day shipping on almost anything, and usually free returns. I would highly suggest it if you don't already have a membership, and I think even for non-students there's a trial membership available.

-This post is not sponsored, I just really think Prime is a great service and I also really want to know more about Prime Day, so if y'all have that information - please share!

What is lingering in your cart waiting for a deal?

Have a Great Day, Y'all!

xoxo 

linking up with:
Turn It Up Tuesday | Wednesday Showcase

Motivation Monday: My Current Running Playlist

Let me just say, I am so impressed with people who can run without music. I mean I know pre-iPod, and pre-Discman it was totally a common thing, but now I can't imagine it. I honestly remember taking my Discman to the YMCA when I was in middle school so that I could listen to music while I was on the elliptical. I can only imagine how ridiculous that would look right now, or hey, maybe not.

Anyways, I have since improved my technology, and hopefully my music tastes since then and live for a good, motivating playlist while I'm working out. Depending on what kind of mood I'm in, I actually have a few different ones that I chose from - Country, 90s, 80s, and a good ol' generic "Just Do It" list. Whatever the mood, it's always full of songs with a fast beat and full of lyrics. Here's a look at my current favorites:

What do y'all like to listen to when you workout? Any absolute favorite songs that always make your playlist?

Have a Great Day, y'all! 

xoxo

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Merry Monday | Turn It Up Tuesday | Wednesday Showcase | Motivational Monday

TGIF, rain, rain go away!

Happy Friday Y'all! (I know, I know, its been about a million years since I updated this - but I have good reason and I promise I'm going to be more consistent in the coming weeks and months!) In the last few months I have graduated law school and have been studying for the up coming bar exam - which I am terrified about. Basically, anytime that I'm not studying, I feel guilty - hence the lack of blogging :/. However, I've recently realized that I still need a creative outlet, sooooo I'm back! :) Here's a peek into my week - 

1. I know I told  y'all about DietBet a few months ago when I started it. Well, I am happy to report that I have successfully reached my 10% goal! However, I still have to keep that stable for a little over a month to officially win the final pot - but I am feeling SO great, and I am surprised at how many people have noticed. I can certainly tell a difference in the way clothes fit - and having to go down a size (!), but I think we can all agree, when someone else notices, you really feel like you've made progress. 

2. Have you ever had a scone? A cheesy, dense, savory scone? If not, you need to have one - now. We've been going to a local coffee shop here to study and they have the. best. scones. Generally I would steer clear because I know they're packed with calories, but I've been sharing it with my fiance as our lunch - along with a chocolate chip cookie - so I don't feel all that guilty. I've made scones before, and they're actually easier that you might think, especially for such a delicious outcome. Although, it is quite difficult to only eat one when you make them yourself, so I usually only make them now if we have a brunch or something like that to go to. But - point of all of this is - go. eat. a. scone. Please :) 

3. The good and bad of rain. Honestly, it has rained here for no less than 10 days in a row. Okay, maybe there was one day that was only overcast, but seriously it has been non-stop. Weather like this always tends to put me in a bad mood, its just so dreary and grey and dull. Fortunately, it makes it that much easier to stay inside and study, so I guess that is the one, single, benefit of rain. 

4. FitBit. I've had a FitBit for a little over a year now and have used it off and on. I'm pretty obsessive about it, so when I didn't have time to be active, it just made me feel bad when I wasn't able to reach the suggested 10,000 step goal. However, as I've been working out more I started using it again and now it has all of these crazy features - one of which is the ability to challenge your friends. This can take place in the form of a "Work Week Hustle" where you have to see who can get the most steps M-F, or "Weekend Warrior" where you see who gets the most over the weekend. Anyways, now some of my friends have a FitBit too and we've started these challenges and it has honestly made all of us so much more active! I think its probably because we're all very Type-A and very competitive, but hey, whatever works, right? 

5. Less than one month until vacation! Everyone I've ever talked to - well every attorney I've ever talked to - suggests going on a vacation for at least a week after you get done studying for the bar. Well, fortunately for me (and my fiance), his family was already planning a trip to the beach, starting about one week after we get done. I cannot wait. I know the weather at the beach can still be rainy and cloudy, but it has to be better than what we've been dealing with here. And, being on vacation is always such a nice break with so many fewer responsibilities :) Do you have any fun trips you've been on this summer - or have planned? 

How has your week been?

Have a great day, y'all! 

xoxo

linking up with:

Oh Hey Friday | Friday Favorites | Five on Friday | Casual I Friday | xoxo Rebecca