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!