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.