On obligatory New Year's resolutions

Sometimes I make them, sometimes I don't.  I read somewhere that the top three NYR are:

By far, the top 3 new year's resolutions are: - weight loss, - exercise program, - stop smoking These are not mine.  I don't smoke.  I already exercise (possibly not enough but I am not a complete pessimist) and I don't really want to lose weight.  I'd like to tone up a little, though.  I don't think that it's worthy of a NYR.   I would like to stop talking so much -- I think that this is a result of being an attorney.  I am constantly persuading someone of something.  I need to listen more.  I need to want less and be content with what I have.  I need to get a hobby and stop letting work dominate my life.  However, I don't plan to start making sweet and low bras -- I was just really impressed that someone took the time to do this.  I found this as I was looking for the image below.  Seriously, stunning . . . .  I am going to read more.  Finally . . .  I'm going to give up artificial sweetener.  It may take me awhile to give up diet drinks but I'm giving up adding sweetener to my tea and coffee.  I think I can do this.   Okay, I want to go to the gym more often, too.  Happy new year!

Under pressure: Christmas Traditions

For the past few weeks, I've been mulling over obsessing about the fact that now is the time to start traditions.  I have tons of Christmas traditions with my immediate family but now that I am married I have begun thinking about creating our own Christmas traditions for our family.

Christmas has always centered around church and spending time with family over the years.  There were Christmas parties, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox projects (my church has been an area-wide collection center for over 10 years), Christmas plays, cantatas, Advent, and my favorite, Christmas hymns.  It has been hard to keep that up since I've been away from my home church in years past but I hope to revamp my efforts (even far away in Chicago) over the next few years.

My immediate family has never been apart on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.  I don't know how I'll deal with the first Christmas morning that we spend separately.  I'm hoping that we find a way to adapt without losing many of our own traditions.

We typically put up our Christmas tree in the couple of days after Thanksgiving.  We have a gorgeous 9 foot tree.  Fake, yes, but I have no affinity for real trees.  They leak sap, they shed worse than sheepdogs, and they are incredibly flammable.  I love seeing the ornaments from my childhood every year.  Among my favorites: the eskimo ice fishing in a little pond (I definitely tried to melt the pond by running it under water when I was younger), the baby carriage purchased the year I was born, my grandmother's smooth green glass ball ornament and, among others, my sister's hand-painted man who bears a striking resemblance to Mr. Bill.


My sister and I always went to get the other before going to the living room on Christmas morning.  My mother always has an elaborate display with some of our larger unwrapped gifts and overflowing stockings spread out under the tree.  We never touch any of our gifts without making coffee and/or cinnamon rolls for our parents.  It was the only way that we could entice them out of bed before 6 a.m. some mornings.  We've become a little more lax in recent years but Christmas morning is always such a wonderful time to be at home with my parents and sister.  Sometimes, my sister and I woke up too early -- 4:30, 5:30 so we had to entertain ourselves in the basement with Christmas movies until an acceptable time to wake up our parents.  They have always been very cooperative on Christmas morning -- very admirable considering they probably went to bed around 3 a.m. after decorating the living room.  We sat around for hours, excitedly watching one another unwrap gifts, gorging ourselves on Christmas candy, and playing with our new gifts -- even as we grew older.

Even after reading multiple articles about Christmas traditions, I'm still not sure how exactly Christmas traditions begin.  I we could just keep doing what we're doing: decorating our home together right after Thanksgiving, choosing and sending Christmas cards, walking down Michigan Avenue to see the storefronts, the CTA Christmas train, the Christkindl market, and Macy's, baking Christmas treats, and traveling home to share the holidays with our families.  I'm sure that our "traditions" will change as we have children and move around but I think that's okay.  The important traditions will stick and the others will fall by the wayside.

On my favorite holiday candy: Bourbon Balls

If you like bourbon, you should try this recipe for Kentucky Bourbon Balls.  It's the best one I've found and I've tried a few.  





KY Bourbon Balls 
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
• 5 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon (I prefer Makers Mark or Jim Beam) 
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
• 18 ounces semisweet chocolate

Directions

1. Place the nuts in a sealable jar. Pour the bourbon over the nuts. Seal and allow to soak overnight.
2. Mix the butter and sugar; fold in the soaked nuts. Form into 3/4" balls and refrigerate overnight.
3. Line a tray with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat; arrange on the prepared tray. Store in refrigerator until serving.

If you don't have a double-boiler, you can improvise.  HOW?

On being proud

I. am. so. proud.

Words can't describe how amazing it was to watch my mom walk across the stage at her college graduation last week.  After working for 13 years in human resources, she decided to finish her bachelor's degree in organizational communication and business.  She has worked so hard for the past two years.  I know that she's shocked that she finished.  I'm not.  My mother has always been so determined.  I know that this will open up doors for her that she never thought were possibilities.

Surviving the last days of 2010

Between work and traveling, I haven't had much time to breathe lately.  However, several things have helped me survive the past few months:

Our trip to Napa/Sonoma/San Francisco 

Michael Buble's Holiday station on Pandora 

Starbucks "Red" cups 

and of course my amazing family.  

Work has certainly been testing me lately. I think I'm up to the challenge -- for the moment, at least. 

Wonderful weekends like the past several weekends help, as well.  One of my best friends came to visit with her boyfriend.  We love having guests, so it was wonderful to spend a weekend bumming around Chicago with them.  My bf's boyfriend got some amazing photos at the Christkindl market: 

We even ran into some carolers during our stop at Garrett's popcorn.  Macy's was truly gorgeous. 

I fell in love with a toy . . . but my husband just wouldn't cave :) 

Of course, I took them to the Bean

We hit up Michigan Ave. and the Signature room for the cocktails and undoubtedly, the view: 

Too many wonderful photos to post but you get the idea! 

We didn't take too many photos during the karaoke sponsored by wine and tequila we sang the night before but needless to say, our rendition of the Remix to Ignition will not soon be forgotten.  

If I can make it through the next three days, I'll get to head home and relax for 6 days work-free :) 

Snapfish deal!

Be sure to check it out! These are some of my favorite from their site. They're some of my favorite for quality and price, as well. They're great for newlyweds, and what better way to share one of your favorite wedding pictures with your family and friends than with a fabulous Christmas card.

I love this one because I can use my new last name initial.
And the simplicity of this one.

And this one so we can showcase a bigger picture.

Christmas List - Possible Husband Gifts

It's our first Christmas as a married couple.  I'm definitely planning on bringing my A game.  However, my husband loves useful gifts -- that sometimes makes it tough to get creative.  I'm not creative nor do I know how to make black leather Ralph Lauren gloves, so making him a gift is out.  Plus -- I'm not Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Here are some possible gift ideas for my bff:

Skagen watch he's been keeping his eye on for a few months -- he's not much of a watch-wearer so this is a big step for him.


Ralph Lauren gloves 

Lost Season 6 

Still trying to come up with something thoughtful . . .

I'd buy him a grill but our new apartment has a shared open patio.  It's not the best place to keep a nice grill.  Because of our wedding, we have all of the kitchen gadgets that he could ever want or need.  He did say that he wants a bathrobe.  However, it will probably be tough to find an appropriate sized bathrobe for a 6'7" man who weighs significantly less than the average American male.

Thirty Days of thanks - On Auto tune

Since I missed a few days while I was in TX, I'll catch up with another of my favorite things: Auto Tune.  In Chicago, we have auto tune karaoke - best. invention. ever.  

If you haven't seen the Antoine Dodson video (which means that you've probably lived under a rock for a good portion of the fall) then you should watch the original video first. 

Auto Tune - You can run and tell that, homeboy!!!

Tell me THAT isn't destined to be a hit! :) 

As seen on Sweet Southern Prep -- good tips to remember: 

Southern Do's for a Good Conversation

Social Graces by Ann Platz and Susan Wales

• Share the conversation.  Let everyone take a turn.
• Keep the talk interesting and light.
• Never embarrass your hostess.
• Never ask what something costs.
• Never use rude or shocking language.
• Keep personal problems private, especially at another's expense.
• Be sincere with your compliments.
• Correct your spouse's etiquette, grammar, or behavior in private.
• Talk with the people on your left and on your right when dining.
• Be honest.
• Listen carefully.
• Be respectful.
• Learn to compromise.

However, I can't always say that I have as much fun when I follow ALL these rules . . . I think that you should still be yourself above all else -- unless yourself is obnoxious and tasteless.  You should certainly just pretend at that point.  

Love Fashion . . .

Thirty days of Thanks - On Traveling

I've been a little absent from blogging lately -- I've been in San Antonio for a marketing trip.  In addition to it being a very productive trip as far as work is concerned, it was an incredibly fun city to visit.  It has an amazing southern feel.  The people are phenomenal.  The riverwalk is gorgeous.

The Alamo! Photo from my iPhone - a little fuzzy.

I raced armadillos -- p.s. they smell horrible.  My husband later confirmed that they carry lots of diseases.  Even more disgusting.  As an added bonus, my dress split as I bent down and threw the armadillo.  Luckily, the lining saved my life.  I guess I'll be visiting Mrs. Kwon again very soon.  It was definitely a new experience.
Parts of the riverwalk definitely reminded me of the Indianapolis canal walk -- however, San Antonio's is more lush and vibrant than I ever would have guessed.  Lots of shopping, a fair amount of chain restaurants, more Mexican food and margaritas than I'd like to consume again for awhile, and a ton of cobblestones -- my Cole Haans are in need of a polish and heel repair after this trip.

One of the best parts of the trip was the weather -- I've been missing 70-80 degree temps and slight humidity so it was a welcome vacation from Chicago's chilly temps as of late.

The other nice part of this trip was my commitment to the Marriott's gym.  I actually worked out on this trip in an effort to counteract some LOTS of drinks and dinners.

It's been a very packed travel year -- Nashville, Memphis, Boston, Dallas, Arlington, San Diego, San Antonio, New York -- next up: San Francisco.

I'm definitely glad to be home but I'm extremely thankful for a job that allows me to do so many things I love -- including traveling.

On Why Being a lawyer is not glamorous -- the first of many reasons

We have lots of student loans

 Atticus Finch: the best of the best
Too bad he's not real.

Thirty Days of Thanks - On Home (Kentucky edition)

I'm so blessed to have such loving supportive parents who have provided me a happy, stable, and spiritual upbringing.  They make it a blessing to come home.

It's going to be a Dolly Christmas

I'm making my Christmas list early.  Dolly's Dixie Fixins'

Thirty days of Thanks - On fashion

I love all things clean, simple, and classic. Read: preppy.  I've tried funky.  Sometimes it works, most of the time it doesn't.  I can get away with mixing them a little but I tend to stick to my roots.  I love that look for guys, as well -- just a little less put together and matchy.  I'm good at jeans and flip-flops but now that I'm not in college anymore, it just doesn't feel the same.  I feel like it takes awhile to develop a personal style. . . I'm still working on it.

I really like this new line by J. Press for Urban Outfitters.  However, the NY Magazine Fashion Blog has it pegged -- real preps probably won't stop by UO to pick up things like this.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that real preps aren't naked.  Instead, they're probably born in cravats and pocket squares :)



I'm pretty sure that Southern preps are my favorite, though.  I like something a little more original and less commercial/contrived than

Southern Proper is still pretty spectacular. I don't know a southern girl who doesn't love her pearls.  I don't care how much of a tomboy she claims to be -- check her dresser, check her jewelry box -- she's got a pair of pearls. Maybe not something like these pearls but something a little more authentic.

I'm a huge fan of their prep belts but I still think that Vineyard Vines is far and away the best.

Lilly Pulitzer is great, too.  However, it's a little too beachy for Chicago -- we wear lots of black in these parts :)


As much as I love preppy -- I love a good deal.  Bargain shopping is a subject for another day . . .

Love Florence + the Machine

If you don't know this song by now, you should.

Here's their website: Florence + the Machine

Thirty Days of Thanks - On Monday Bashing

What a wonderful Monday!  It's not often that I say that.  However in light of all of the gloomy Monday posts that invade my news feed at the beginning of every week, I was determined to make today a good one.  I almost feel like a traitor when I say that.  It's very unAmerican to even give Monday a chance.  The American workforce hates Mondays with a near viral fervor.  Notice (above) all of the anti-Monday propaganda.  I feel like if you just give Monday a chance, you've got a better shot at having a good week.  I'll admit.  It's painful. I'd rather not get out of bed on most Mondays.  I've been disenchanted with my chosen profession lately -- it'll pass -- but it makes surviving the work week tough some days.  However, I notice that if I work very hard at being productive and positive on Mondays, I'm unstoppable for the rest of the week.  I'm also looking forward to our big vacation over Thanksgiving. That helps.  

 In other news, I settled my second case -- good thing because it was an annoying one.  I billed all of my hours in time to leave work at a very reasonable hour.  I even caught the same train as my husband -- two stops before him.  I always love when we unexpectedly end up on the same train (I always know what car he'll be on because we both grab the last one on the way to work and the first one on the way home :) )  Dorky, I know, but he I still get just as excited as I did when we started dating.

The other good things about today: new Pottery Barn Christmas catalog, delicious pumpkin bread leftovers from the weekend, half price Halloween candy, almost election day -- so the ads will be over soon--, and, importantly, Starbucks red cups start tomorrow!

I'm determined to cheer up.  Work has been draining lately.  I think about it too much.  I'm determined to start forgetting the second I get on the train to come home.Here's to a wonderful Tuesday!

Things I've learned - Hair Products edition

I'm no hair genius.  I just happen to have a lot of it -- I used to have a lot of frizzy, wavy hair.  I learned my lesson at some point late in college.  Good thing I wasn't serious about looking for a husband, my hair was a serious inhibitor :).  These are a few of my favorite hair helpers.

 If you use good shampoo, you can use cheap conditioner.  There is no need to spend a ton of money on expensive conditioner.  Good shampoo won't dry out your hair; thus over conditioning to remedy super dry hair is unnecessary.  Bumble and Bumble is my personal favorite.  My hair has looked 10x better since I began paying more attention to the products I use daily.

 This spray is magic, as well.  I spray it on after I get out of the shower.  It increases the hold of the other products I use while helping me detangle.  Fabulous.  It's also great for straight-ironing because it can be used as a protectant.

Go dirty.  Not that dirty.  I try to go at least a day in between hair washes.  Of course, I shower everyday with an incredibly sexy shower cap.  Not only does it make my color last longer but it also gives the ends of my hair a break from heat and styling, especially since I have very fine, thin hair.

My friends and I swear by this spray.  Your hair will not move for a solid 24 hours -- I've made it longer but that was probably a fluke.  What you lose in flexibility, you gain in bada$$ hair.  Plus, if you style after washing with this spray, it has also helped me keep my hair looking fresh and clean for 2-3 days before.  The downside: it can be a little drying.


Dove smells incredible and is wonderful for flexibility.

As you can see, I'm pretty low maintenance . . .

A bit of baby fever . . . but this too shall pass

Who doesn't love baby ruffle butts?

In my defense, two of my favorite people in the world just had an incredibly precious baby boy.  I can't help it.

The heat is (not) on

It's cold, folks.  Granted, it is not nearly as cold as it's going to be in January, February, etc.  But it's still cold.

and

my husband refuses to turn on the heat.  Refuses.

So what am I wearing?

A bathrobe, socks, yoga pants, a t-shirt, and a sock cap. I've got to prove my point. :)

It's going to be a looooooong winter

On problem solving

My dry cleaner is the best.  Seriously.  She charges me depending on her mood -- and she's always happy.  She isn't afraid to criticize the way that Calvin Klein makes a dress if it doesn't fit me perfectly.  If I ask for my suits on a Friday after 5:00 p.m., she says, "No.  You take Wednesday afternoon. Okay?"  Best of all.  Mrs. Kwon is a problem solver.  

On a recent business trip to San Diego, a gel pen exploded on my brand new find from Banana Republic.  I was p.i.s.s.e.d. and covered in blue ink.  So after spraying the stain with hairspray (didn't really work, Mom), scrubbing it (thanks but no thanks Oxyclean), and letting it sit in my suitcase for the remainder of my trip, the stain is still loud and proud.  Fast forward to this afternoon -- after a rough day at work, all I wanted to do was sit on my couch and avoid the hurricane force winds plaguing the Chicago area for the 3rd day in a row.  I went to see Mrs. Kwon instead.  The first thing out of her mouth was, "Oh no.  That not coming out.  I not miracle worker."  No you aren't, Anne Sullivan, but you are creative, Mrs. Kwon.  She stared at it for a second as I began mentally planning Christmas arts and crafts with my poor sweater.  "I know.  We cut off sleeves!"  Not all of the sleeve. . . something like a 3/4 length sleeve.  Then she cackled,  "Better. No charge!" she was thrilled.  I was thrilled.  Of course, I liked the sweater with long sleeves but I'd prefer not to look like I'd been shat on by Papa Smurf.  <3 Mrs. Kwon

Don't hate me . . .

But I absolutely love this skirt.  I saw it on Michigan Avenue as I was walking to work this morning.  It looked like a dress, when paired with a black boatneck top.  Ahhhmazing.

I could literally wear almost everything in Ann Taylor.  She was an annoying broad while I was attempting to purchase bridesmaids' dresses from her for my wedding but she's matured.