TGIF, results day!

I cannot believe it is already Fall! This is the first time in a looonggg time that I have not been in school in the Fall and I think it is throwing my whole perception of the seasons off! That and the crazy ups and downs in the weather! Anyone else or is it just me?

Louisville BrewFest at Slugger Field

Three years ago we went to Louisville BrewFest kind of on a whim just as something to do on a Saturday night/afternoon, and it was great! Last year it coincided with the Avett Brothers concert so we got to take my mom and brother and they loved it just as much as we did.
It is coming up tonight and I am so excited! The BrewFest is held in Louisville's Minor League Baseball Stadium and they have different beer (and wine!) set up around the entire concourse, as well as a few inside. At the beginning you buy tickets and with each ticket you can get a 3oz pour of the beer of your choice, so it makes it possible to try a lot of different kinds! The weather the last few years has been perfect, the nice crisp fall that we've all been waiting for, so hopefully the same holds true for tonight. Louisville honestly has so much going on all of the time that it's hard to keep up, so it's nice having events that I already know I'll enjoy! What are some of your favorite fall events? My

Recent Netflix Obsession: Criminal Minds

I don't generally consider myself a big TV watcher, but there are about half a dozen shows that I do tend to watch regularly - Greys, How to Get Away With Murder, Madame Secretary, and the Good Wife. However, as you may or may not know, those are all shows that run a regular season, i.e. not in the summer. So during Bar Review and in the evenings after work this summer I'd been looking for new-old shows on Netflix to watch and came upon Criminal Minds. I used to watch this show all the time when I was in high school and even in college, but I have not watched it live in a few years so I had a lot of catching up to do - read: a lot of new episodes I hadn't seen yet. I also got the boy hooked on it, which is rare because I don't tend to watch things that he likes. But we have made our way through quite a few seasons and I'm loving it. We have also learned that it might not be the best thing to watch right before bed - hellllllo nightmares!

Building My Work Wardrobe

After finnnnaly cleaning and organizing my closet, I realized that I have more clothes than I realized and that maybe I don't need to work all that hard, for the time being, to build up my work wardrobe. However, the one discovery that I did make, is that because of my weight loss I no longer have pencil skirts that fit well. And by that I mean they fall down to my hips, rather than sitting at my natural waist, and just look very awkward over all. So. I've been on the hunt for some new ones, but can't make up my mind. On the one hand, I would just much rather buy online because it is so much easier to scout out good deals and see a lot at once, but because my sizing has changed so much lately I don't trust myself to order online, even from my favorite places. As much as I love shopping, I just get so overwhelmed when I don't even know where to start!

Related/Unrelated: I am also on the hunt for a new pair of jeans and had the same overwhelming experience at the mall last weekend because every pair I've ever owned have been from the Gap or OldNavy, but I want something different and had no. idea. where. to. start. So I ask (beg) y'all - where do you buy jeans??

Wedding Planning!

Wedding Planning is in fullll swing! I can't believe that we are less than 5 months away! I know that still might sound like a long time, but considering when we got engaged we were 14 months away, it feels very close. Plus, when you add in the holiday season - it will be here before I know it! As I mentioned last week we met with a wedding planner, who pretty much forced me to start making decisions - which was a much needed push - so since then I've been trying to narrow down some minor/major details, one of which is our napkin color and what the table is going to look like. I got the idea in my head months ago that I wanted to embroider all of our napkins with our new monogram - I know. I. am. monogram. obsessed. However, in order to do this I (1) needed to actually decide on the napkin colors, (2) order the napkins, and (3) figure out how we were going to set the table because that would dictate the placement of the monogram on the napkin. I am proud to say that ALL of those decisions have been made and I've finally gotten into a grove of using my sewing machine for embroidery - which is half of the reason I bought it in the first place! I also may or may not have stopped at four different Michael's stores between here and Knoxville to pick up 200 silver chargers. Spoiler - I did, I totally did. And of course I wanted to buy everything else in the store, and was quickly reminded why I love Michael's so much and made me wish I'd gone into crafting as a profession, although I'm pretty sure that's not a thing. Is it?

BAR RESULTS COME OUT TODAY

So I mostly kept my promise of not talking about the Bar again until results came out. Well, folks, TODAY is the day! {and hopefully I will be updating this post with good news!} I PASSED!!

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

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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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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

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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

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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 

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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

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