TGIF, Let's Go!

Alright, I know I have been less than diligent the past few months around here. Summer seems to have just flown by and I'm still recovering from that whirlwind. Last summer was spent studying for and taking the Bar Exam, which was vastly different from this summer, having essentially nothing major going on. I literally can't believe that it is already the middle of August - past the middle of August in fact. How has your summer been?

Hilton Head

We spent last week on vacation in Hilton Head and it was wonderful. After taking so much time off for the wedding n February, I hadn't had much of a break and this was so needed. And for the first time that I can remember, we didn't have a single day that was completely washed out. It started pouring one day when we were already on the beach, but as tends to the case, it passed by quickly and we were able to dry out and enjoy the rest of the day. I was definitely not ready to leave. What are your favorite vacation spots? 

OXO On Coffee Maker

Y'all. I had no idea how much difference the coffee maker could have on the taste of my favorite morning ritual. Through Influenster I was lucky enough to receive the Oxo Barista Brain On 9-Cup Coffee Maker and it is amazing. There is a more detailed review coming (HERE it is!), but just let me tell you, it is worth it. The coffee is strong, and rich, and smooth, and makes me want to drink the coffee all. day. long. 

Whole30

I am on Day 7 of Whole30 and I am really struggling. Over the last five or 6 months I'd been having a lot of stomach issues and after having more than my fair share of tests, everything has come back normal. Which is great. I am thankful that nothing appears to be wrong. However, it didn't change the fact that I felt sick after almost every meal. Enter, Whole30. One of my good friends did it about two months ago, so she has been my go to on a lot of questions, but I am pretty sure I'm starting to drive her crazy, and I am trying really hard to figure everything out. According to the rough timeline, around days 6 and 7 you feel completely exhausted, and let me tell you, that could not be a truer statement.  I am hoping to get a boost of energy any time now, although I think I still have a few days to go. Have any of y'all completed Whole30? Any tips or tricks? 

Morning Brew

I know I've shared the Skimm here before, and I still read it every morning. But, recently I learned about Morning Brew which is another early morning email that comes straight to you. And I actually look forward to receiving and reading the Morning Brew. It is similar to the Skimm in its short new clips and witty remarks. But the biggest difference - and it is a big one - is that the focus is on the business world and the markets. In my line of work it is very relevant, and I appreciate having such a comprehensive review everyday of what is going on.  Even if you don't think its for you, I would still recommend giving it a shot because whether you realize it or not, it's still relevant to everyone. After Great Britain voted for the Brexit, there was so much information on how and why it was having such an effect on our markets, and kept me from having to read eighteen different articles to find out what was going on. Give it a shot and I can almost promise you won't regret it! Do y'all have any favorite morning news rituals? Sometimes I wish I had hours to read the paper, but when I don't the Skimm and Morning Brew definitely come to the rescue. 

Cleaning House

It has been eight months since we closed on our house and I still feel like there is so much that we need to do. The combination of packing, unpacking, and graciously receiving truckloads of wedding presents did not make for an easy transition. This weekend my goal is to really get the house in shape. Next week we have a few friends staying with us for a conference they have in town, so I really don't have much choice! It may not be everyone's idea of a fun weekend, but the clutter has been hanging over my head for months, so if I can get it tidying up and cleaned out I will feel so much better! Here's to hoping for a productive weekend! 

Have a great weekend y'all! 

xoxo

linking up with:

Oh Hey Friday | Five on Friday | xoxo Rebecca | High Five for Friday | Friday Favorites 
The Wednesday Showcase

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

Spring Break: Sunshine, Swimsuits, & Sandals

Spring break is almost here and I could not be more excited! All week I've been trying to figure out what I needed to pack and what "warm weather" clothes I needed to pull out of hiding. Then the more I thought about it, the more I realized I'll be spending every day at the beach or pool, and only going out to dinner one or two nights. So, all I really needed to worry about are my swimsuits and sandals. 

Last year I bought six separates from Victoria's Secret, and I have been so happy with them. I tried to buy pieces that I could mix and match so that over 4 or 5 days, I would have at least that many "matching" combinations. Their website has a bikini mixer feature that lets you look at all of the different styles and colors at once, so you can decide what pieces look good together and which ones you can easily pair with multiple tops or bottoms. If you're willing to have a little fun, the possibilities are endless! 

Here are a few favorite matches I like from this season's colors and designs! 

What are your favorite bikini styles? Do you like to splurge on a new suit each season? 

In addition to swimsuits, obviously you need to put something on your feet to wear down to the beach, along with a cover up. Sometimes I'll throw on a cotton dress because it's so easy, but I tend to stick with Nike Shorts and a Tank Top when I'm heading to the beach. In terms of shoes, I always tend to underestimate how hot sand can be! Ouch! These are some of my favorite sandal options, some I own and some I think I need to get in my closet ASAP. 

(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) 

What are your true essentials when heading to the beach? 

Happy almost spring break, y'all!

xoxo 

linking up with

                                          Style Me Wednesday | Trend Spin | Doused in Pink