Not just curtains, lamps or pillows

There is nothing special about our China blue paisley duvet cover, our jute rug under the dining room table, the color of our bedroom walls or even the silver chafing dish that sits proudly on our mantle -- except for one common theme: my husband and I chose all of those things together.  Sure, anyone else who wants our duvet with matching shams and pillows can go to Restoration Hardware and pick it up, just like someone else could find the same rug at Pottery Barn -- the chafing dish, however, is an antique.  It, along with everything else in our apartment represents decisions that my husband and I have made together throughout the year and half that we've been married.  Odd as it may sound, I enjoy the fact that we debated for nearly six months on both of the area rugs in our apartment.  We knew what we wanted but we just hadn't found them yet.  Now, we have exactly what we want (and the old stinky rug is thankfully long gone :) )  The table linens and pillows he sewed sit proudly on the couch for which we waited over 2 1/2 months after our wedding. . . yes, that's a long time to be watching Real Housewives of New York in lawn chairs.

The things themselves aren't important but the stories behind them are pretty spectacular. . .

On wrestling my work week . . .

I am a pretty tough individual.  I was not always tough.  My parents could tell that I was sensitive from the beginning and knew that I was going to be eaten alive if I didn't grow a pair thicker skin.  (thanks guys!) So they carefully teased me, just enough to wear down the overly sensitive-heart-on-your-sleeve bs.  It worked. My best friend chipped away at any remaining hypersensitivity in college (a big thanks to you, too) and I thankfully, was over it by the time I entered law school.  For these reasons, my work scares me less than it would if I were still a pretty pretty princess.  (I mean, I am very much a pretty pretty princess, but not when it comes to work).

Every week, I find myself facing a calendar full of things to do, people to call, people to fight with and a litany of potential conflict.  I've found lately that I have to jump into the week with both feet & both fists to make it through.  While this fight or flight mentality is useful in my professional life, it is difficult to switch off when I want to relax.  I feel like I've just gone three rounds with Ali by the time I get home (due to no fault of my lovely co-workers -- mostly just opposing counsel) and its all I can do to stay awake.

I'm not sure what the answer is but I think I'm going to have to figure something out . . .

Ever have a day when you feel like your brain can't keep up with your mouth?

When I have a day like that, I watch Miss South Carolina struggle to put together a coherent thought.  This is one of my old favorites. It makes me feel better :)  Happy Tuesday!

My Family's Pecan Orchard

My favorite place on earth

I am on vacation . . .

For the first time since I started my new job.  I've already been to my husband's hometown to visit his wonderful family.  Now, we're in my hometown, preparing for a week of relaxation, good food (read: gravy, tea, barbeque and garden vegetables), and hopefully a little down time.  I've been working quite a bit lately and while I adore my job (no, really I do), I need a mental cleansing.  I've been running too hard for the past three months and a rough week or two ago, I needed a break.  It always helps when you have a bit of a break to look forward to.  Even more exciting is fall weather, football, the beginning of holiday parties, lots of excuses for house guests and the best part?  When everyone else stops working, I can catch up on my to-do list.

As for this week, it's already filling up with appointments, home improvement projects, shopping trips and a few very long runs, if I'm lucky.  I'm hoping to catch up on a few projects I've been putting off because of more pressing ones at work.  Aside from that, I think I'll be in good shape when I head back to work a week from now.

Monday's agenda includes finishing a few work things (including entering a lot of time :( ) and taking a nice long run.  I may try to squeeze in a little fishing.

Such a pretty Chicago morning!

One King's Lane ?? Did you steal our pillows?

$150 Retail

$69 Our Price

Jiti 12x20 Bloom Pillow, Confetti

$175 Retail

$79 Our Price

Jiti 20x20 Play Pillow, Sky

$175 Retail

$79 Our Price

Jiti 20x20 Bloom Pillow, Sky

$150 Retail

$69 Our Price

Jiti 12x20 Play Pillow, Sky

$90 Retail

$49 Our Price

India Shower Curtain, Aqua

$150 Retail

$69 Our Price

Jiti 12x20 Bloom Pillow, Sky

So, it's incredibly interesting that pillows made out of the same fabric as those made by my husband and of inferior quality, of course ;), are selling for $150.  I think that maybe being a physician is not such a cool gig when you can make pillows all day and sell them for such a great mark up! What a strange coincidence!!