Weekend Recap...

Friday afternoon I (and most other 3L's) had our 2-hour bar review class.  The class is excruciating, not because of the professor(s) who teach it, but because it is held on Friday afternoons and my brain usually decides to start the weekend early at noon on Fridays.  I spend the 2 hours attempting to take notes and fighting the urge to jump out of my seat and scream as I run out the doors. 

Any extra bits of time I had this weekend were dedicated to doing laundry.  I don't know how it's happened, but there must be some sort of little sprite or fairy who brings dirty laundry into my house.  When I realized my color-separated piles covered the floor in my bedroom I debated just setting it all on fire to be rid of it... But I couldn't do that to my lululemon pants, so I got to work changing loads on Friday.  

On Friday night, SL made us the yummiest family dinner.  She made chicken parmesan and pasta in red sauce.  AW set up a little make-your-own salad bar with carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and toppings.  AB brought chocolate cupcakes and Girl Scout cookies.  And I provided the wine... And the kitchen table.  :)  I love having home-cooked meals like that... Where you can just sit around the table and chat and laugh together.  It's a welcome departure from the hurried meals I usually scarf down in my car on the way to class or eat while reading and watching a TV show to save time.  I know it's terrible, but I very rarely cook since I've been in law school... The 30 minutes I would spend prepping and cleaning up could be spent paying bills, reading for class, or blogging!!  :)  I'm looking forward to cooking again when I graduate.  

After dinner we watched Something Borrowed with Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin.  It is such a cute movie... But I always have mixed feelings about the plot!!  I know you're supposed to want 

Rachel to be with Dex, but I can't help thinking that they should have figured that out sooner than right before the wedding!!  Even if I thought my best friend's fiance was my soulmate, I couldn't imagine doing something like that to her!!  

While we were watching the movie I worked on a paper that was due at midnight on Friday.  It was fairly simple and straightforward, so I was able to write it while watching the movie and shopping for law prom dresses... (I still haven't decided on one!!)

Saturday morning I went on a little breakfast date... I don't know why, but they are my favorite.  The sun was shining and he took me to a place I've never been before, which is always fun.  I ordered the cinnamon french toast, and it was delicious!!

After breakfast, I went on an errands-and-shopping marathon.  I am not kidding you, I am a pro when it comes to errands and shopping.  I don't get tired... I could literally go all day and all night, checking to-do's off my list.  If you ever run errands or go shopping with me you should bring some flat shoes and a snack.  For reals.  

Saturday To-Do List:

• Take comforter to dry cleaner's
• Find new tie-out's for doggies
• Book grooming appt for doggies
• Book hotel reservation for doggies 
• Return tank at Anthropologie
• Find Spring Break clothes at Anthropologie 
• Find white jeans for Spring Break
• Buy new foundation
• Find shoes for Rachel Zoe dress
• Help AW accessorize her Spring Break dress
• Fuel up the car
• Go through car wash

My "Legal Ladies" met up with me halfway through to do some marathon shopping and have lunch at Panera.  We always laugh when we're together because we're like Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda.  We all had a successful shopping day, and I was thrilled because I managed to get my entire list completed in about 5 hours.    

After my shopping marathon I went home to get ready for a hockey game.  I am really embarrassed to admit this, but this was my first ever hockey game.  I know, I know... I'm terrible.  I thought the game was fun... But mostly because of who I went with.  I got very excited that the away team had Gryffindor colors... And some of them were even wearing these burgundy and gold striped scarves that looked just like the ones the Gryffindor students wore in Harry Potter.   

After dinner, we all went out for late appetizers/dinner and drinks.  Somehow we got onto the topic of ghosts and robbers and ended up scaring ourselves to go home!!  I was so jumpy the whole rest of the night!! 

Sunday morning I went to brunch with my brunch-and-breakfast date.  :)  Then we ran errands at Target and Whole Foods.  Isn't it crazy how doing such mundane tasks with someone can be so soothing and relaxing?!  I spent the rest of the afternoon reading for classes, doing laundry, and was even able to get a little scrapbooking in.  I watched the Oscar's last night and have determined that I really need to see The Artist, Anonymous, and Midnight in Paris.  They'll be on my to-do list for next week.  :) 

What have you all been up to?!  Did you do anything fun... Or relaxing... Or productive this weekend??

Xoxo B.

Photo Credit:  All images found on weheartit.com

rules to love by.

"I've been thinking about letters recently.  The real kind... Long hand.  And how terrible it is that nobody's writing them any more.  And so I decided to start one to you today.  And I'm going to write to you every day... For a long, long time.  Because I think I might be in danger of falling in love with you."

- Kyle, Beastly

Say what you will, Beastly is one of my all-time favorite movies... I find it romantic, imaginative, and full of good lessons for life.  I've been thinking about all the "love lessons" I've learned from my own experiences and those of my friends and family as well. 

Here's a few I think are most important... And they don't just apply to romantic relationships, they can apply to friends, family, or even total strangers.  Feel free to borrow a couple and make them your own rules.  :)

1.  Always, ALWAYS love with an open heart... If you don't, you'll risk missing some of the best things that could ever happen to you. 

2.  Give second chances.  And third chances... And fourth chances... And fifth chances... 

3.  But know when it's time to save your heart for someone who doesn't need quite so many.  

4.  It's okay - even healthy - to be unsure of what you want.  

5.  Be careful of being "in love with being in love".  This one was passed down from my "Mamo".  

6.  Be silly.  Laugh.  Play.  Joke.  Tease.  Tickle.  Jump.  Run.  Hula-Hoop.  Be a kid again... Together. 

7.  Trust your instincts... They're usually right. 

8.  There are no "mistake" relationships, as long as you learn from them.

9.   Yes... He should open your door, take your coat, and pull out your chair. 

10.  No matter how silly they may seem to others, you should never give up on your nonnegotiable, must-have, uncompromisables.  

11.  The heart doesn't take disappointment well... A few disappointments probably means a cycle that won't change anytime soon. 

12.  Know when a relationship is salvageable and worth fighting for. 

13.  Know when enough damage has been done and when it's time to walk away. 

14.  Don't be afraid to be overly mushy, cheesy, and lovey-dovey if it feels right.  Chances are, the person would rather hear it than try and guess how you're feeling.

15.  Don't try to make your partner jealous... Make others jealous by how well you treat your partner and how strong your bond with them is.   


16.  "A tiger can't change its stripes." - This one is from Mom.  And it has been right... Every. Single. Time.

17.   You always have the right to walk away if someone is treating you poorly... It's a relationship, not an obligation.  And it shouldn't feel like one.  

18.  Kiss, hug, and hold hands like you're a teenager.  I am always impressed and amazed at how 2 of my family members remain so affectionate with one another, even after years of being married and kids.  I hope that I will be lucky enough to still feel that way someday!! 

Any life/love lessons you've learned over the years??  Any favorite life/love quotes??

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!! 

Xoxo B. 

National Female Holiday...

Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, pink frilly cards, red tissue paper. Whether you hate it or love it, you have to admit... Valentine's Day is all about the ladies!!  But... To be fair, more than a few men enjoy it as well.  And why not?!  We have to hear and read about awful things online and in the news every day... Why not have a holiday that's all about love?!   

And I don't believe that Valentine's Day is all about romantic love... In my family, it's always been equally important to remind parents and grandparents and children how much they're loved as well.  I've spent just as many Valentine's Days single as I have with a boyfriend... Just as many all-girls movie nights as romantic dinner dates.  I think they're equally wonderful... And letting your friends know how thankful you are to have them in your life is just as important as letting your significant other know!!

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day this year... It was perfect.  Here's a little about it... (Warning: Lots of photos coming your way!!)

 My V-Day OOTD...  A Jason Wu for Target blouse AB suggested was PERFECT for V-Day, black 7 For All Mankind jeggings, my Chanel bag, and Vince Camuto flats.  

 Black and blush... Ready to venture out to coffee with the girls!!

Grande non-fat, sugar-free caramel latte... Mmmm

Sugar overload... Goodies from the girls  : )

Beautiful Valentine's Day flowers...

Mom always sends me a care package on Valentine's Day... Which I look forward to so much!!  Even though we're far apart, the cards and goodies she and Dad send make it seem like they're right here.  If you have a family member in college/grad school, remember to send them little notes and packages every so often!!  It will completely brighten their day and put a huge smile on their face, I can assure you!!   

 Lola and Scarlett got some new V-Day toys from Grandma and Grandpa!!  : )

Of course... 2 minutes in, and they're fighting over the same toy!! 

Matching Tiffany and Co. tags for Lola and Scarlett's collars!!  I need to get another ring to attach them so I can be sure they won't fall off... They are too adorable to lose!!

My doggies were being a bit naughty the day before and on Valentine's Day.  I don't know what got into them... They were getting into things right and left, barking, climbing all over the chairs/coffee table/kitchen table.  They were not the loves of my life for about 24 solid hours!!  But... I decided to let them have their goodies from Grandma and Grandpa anyway. 

 My mom even sent goodie bags and a "whoopie pie party" kit for my girlfriends and I!!  Such a cute idea... I made the whoopie pies and we had a little V-Day party at "The Vow" last night.

Did you know that sparklers were a Valentine's Day thing too?!  ; )

The Wednesday morning after Valentine's Day I had a 7:30 am Intro to Criminal Law high school class to teach, and of course I was working on the PowerPoints and class activities up to the last minute.  But... Someone brought me sushi takeout for dinner and it was delicious with easy no clean-up!!  It was the perfect way to spend the holiday while still being able to wake up and make it to teach my class - with treats in hand!!  : ) 

What did you do for Valentine's Day??  Are you a fan of the holiday??  Do you have any V-Day traditions or one Valentine's date that was your favorite?? 

Hope you're all having a great weekend... 

Xoxo B.

Chicago Weekend!!

Our weekend started rather late - after our bar review class on Friday night.  By the time we got home, grabbed our luggage, and met up at my house we were beyond excited.  SL made us all her special snack mix for our trip - a combination of different kinds of Chex Mix, M&M's, and other snack mixes.  We were praying that the snow didn't catch up with us and delay or cancel our flight!!

Our flight attendant was ready to have a good time too... :)

My friend BB picked us up from the airport and we all headed to our suite at the Elysian.  I've never stayed there before - I'm usually a Peninsula fan - but BB's friend works at the Elysian, got me a fantastic deal, and recommended the hotel over any other in Chicago.  Now I understand why!!  It is beautiful.  The guest service is impeccable... No tips accepted, no snootiness, quick responses, just amazing.  I honestly think it is comparable to the service at The Breakers Palm Beach, which is my all-time favorite hotel.

This is the main living room... Desk, dining room table, sofa, and sitting area next to the fireplace.  There is also a walk-out balcony, powder room, and bar that you can't see.

 The view from our balcony... Chicago Friday night was calling our name!!  I stood out here with BB for a few seconds and squealed... I was so excited!!  :)

There were 2 identical bathrooms like this... The lighting was PERFECT!!  They also had a TV in one of the mirrors above the sink, which always fascinates me... I LOVE when hotels do that!!

This was the master bedroom where AB and AW stayed... I loved the little fainting couch in the corner!! 

This is the second (smaller) living room... Right outside the master bedroom.  

The little fireplace in the second living room... I was drooling over the pretty, decorative grate!! 

After exploring the suite, we threw ourselves together and headed out.  We started at The Drawing Room, which was a cozy little bar and restaurant, but we were starving... And their chic little plates just didn't seem like they would fill us up.  So we ventured on to the area known as the "Viagra Triangle"... (Which I think is a terrible name!!)  It was the perfect place to have a late dinner, catch up, and laugh at all the men on the prowl there.  

Then we walked to an Irish bar... (I cannot think of the name right now!!)  It was really fun and crowded and lively and I think we had just as much fun people watching and laughing at the characters that wandered in!!  We left around 3 am or so... And started walking back to the hotel.  But not before stopping at a dance club... Where AB attempted to negotiate with the bouncer to let us in for the last 15 minutes (they don't let anyone in during the last hour they're open).  It didn't work, but it really was really funny to watch.  

Even though we didn't go to sleep until 5:30 am or so, we woke up fairly early on Saturday.  We lounged around on the beds, watched YouTube videos, and laughed about our Friday night shenanigans.  Finally, we got the motivation to get up and get ready.

Being Anna-ish... Recovery mode.

 BB and I found the other balcony in our suite on Saturday... lol It was just off the second living room!!

So pretty... I love Chicago  :) 

I also have to admit, it was really satisfying to see everyone back home posting about the 7 or 8 inches of snow that fell overnight on Friday... And we were out walking around and enjoying the crisp Chicago air.  I had been so worried about the snowstorm coming our way, but the weather was mild for February!!

After stopping at Starbucks to get caffeinated, we had the best and biggest brunch at The Original Pancake House.  If you're ever in Chicago, I highly recommend it... I had a delicious omelette and some blueberry Belgian waffles that were to die for.  Granted, you will probably feel like you want to go comatose afterward, but it's totally worth it.  

 Photo from Google Images, via 10best.com

We shopped the afternoon away... Scoop NYC, Bloomie's, Top Shop, H&M... It didn't take long before we were exhausted and in need of a nap!!  We stopped to get bottled water, Gatorade, Vitamin Water, and candy... Then headed back to our room to get comfy, lounge on the bed, pig out, and enjoy some Real Housewives of Atlanta.  It didn't take long before we were waking up to AB's alarm... It was time to get ready for BB's birthday party!! 

Midway through my getting ready session, BB and I sped out to pick up his birthday cake and get his venue set up.  I was basically having a panic attack because I was worried everything wouldn't be ready in time and I wanted BB to be able to get ready... Finally, things were under control and we were able to hurry back to the hotel.  BB got ready and headed to his party, while I stayed behind with the girls and finished getting ready.  

The girls and I decided to stop at a bar that was recommended to us and we had been anxious to check out... It's called Pump Room and is located inside the Public hotel.  Rumor has it that it was one of Frank Sinatra's bars in Chicago.  It was a really beautiful bar and the perfect place to have a few drinks and start your night. 

We took a taxi to BB's birthday party... Which was so much fun.  There was a great DJ, lots of dancing, drinks, yummy things to eat, and cake.  BB looked adorable!!  It was fun to catch up with some of his friends I knew, and meet some others I hadn't met yet!!  

 The birthday boy and birthday girl!!

A little before 2 am, we jetted off to a club called Underground.  It had a really great atmosphere and amazing music.  The bartenders were really friendly and loved mixing drinks and surprising us with their favorite drink or shot.  Apparently R. Kelly was there that night, but we didn't see him.  We danced our little booties off into the wee hours.  

On Sunday morning we got ready and packed up, and went to brunch at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building.  It was so pretty up there, with amazing views... We were just enjoying our last hours together, and we didn't end up taking any photos!!  :(  But it was a delicious brunch and the perfect way to end our weekend.  

We didn't want to come back to homework and responsibilities and laundry and classes... We were all somewhat sad the whole day!!  Do you guys ever feel like this??  Just so sad that your vacation is ending??  I guess I just need to look forward to my next trip back??  :)

Xoxo B. 

Sick... Again.

At the beginning of January, I got a nasty bout of strep throat.  Well, nasty until I lost about 10 lbs from it... Then I was quite happy.  Losing my Christmas/Winter weight in a week was kind of worth it.  

But when I got back from Chicago, I started losing my voice.  Hmm... That's strange, I thought.  Then my throat began to hurt, and last night I realized I had a fever and started to have terrible body aches.  The exact way my strep throat started out less than a month ago.  

In a week full of classes, meetings, and teaching a high school class, having strep throat isn't exactly the most convenient thing.  I'm planning on going back to the doctor to determine if I do have strep and get back on some antibiotics.  

I am trying to get as much sleep as possible and take care of myself, so I apologize in advance... I probably won't have as many posts up this week.  I'm waiting on a few photos to finish my Chicago post for you and tell you all about our adventures there!!  :)  

Xoxo B.

Ohhh, Life.

Last week was one of the craziest weeks I've had during my 3L year...  My devil smoke detectors have been randomly going off and chirping since the week before.  New batteries haven't helped, either.  It's like living in a circus and it makes it extremely difficult to fall asleep at night!!

I went to observe an Intro to Criminal Law high school class I'll be teaching starting next week with a partner.  The class starts at 7:30 am.  My high school started at 8:30 am, and I used to think that was early!!  My cousin's high school starts early as well... Maybe that's the trend these days??  Anyway, the students were hilarious and seemed like a pretty good bunch.  And... As I was typing up my notes on their textbook, I realized I was learning (or at least remembering) a thing or two too.


On top of my usual reading for class, I had 2 papers to write this week.  They weren't huge papers, but they were papers still the same!!  No matter how many years of school I've had, I still get a bit nervous and stressed when it's time to turn in a paper.  

Then... I randomly decided to take the bar exam this week.  For those of you who don't know, the bar exam is an optional exam you can take after graduating law school to become "licensed as an attorney".  Basically, it licenses you to practice law in that particular state.  You still have a J.D. as long as you graduate law school, but being licensed will allow you to give legal advice to clients, draft legal documents, and represent clients in negotiations and lawsuits.  I want to pursue my fashion/beauty career and possibly start my own business, but I want to keep my options open too.    

Think this would work for the bar exam??

I signed up to take the bar in Arizona, which is a UBE state... Meaning that if I decide to practice someday, I can transfer more easily to other UBE states to practice.  I love Arizona and would love to live there someday... And living there in the summer will help me make that decision I think!!  hahaha

Deciding to take the bar came with a lot of EXTRA work for me this week.  There are additional documents that you have to fill out and sign in front of a notary within 5 days of submitting the application online.  You also have to take the MPRE, an exam that basically ensures you're not a shady, sketchball lawyer... Or at least that you know how to pretend you're not.  

If you've followed my blog for a while, you know that I took the MPRE last March.  Prior to the exam, my ex-boyfriend really really hurt my feelings and did something that was a dealbreaker to me.  I ended the relationship a day before the exam.  I basically studied for the exam a total of one hour, through tears and phone calls to Mom.  I DO NOT SUGGEST THIS UNLESS YOU ARE A GENIUS.  I went into the exam shaking and on the verge of tears, thinking about everything but the MPRE... I was a total emotional wreck.  I left immediately after the exam for Spring Break in Arizona.  Needless to say, I did not get the score I wanted and I need to take the exam again if I want to take the bar in Arizona.  So... I have to take it again, which obviously doesn't thrill me.  I have spent way too much of my life bent over tests for hours at a time!!  But I registered to take it... So I'm hoping no emotional crises occur this time  :) 

To add on a little more stress, I have been having issue after issue with my application to FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology) the school I attended last summer in NYC.  I have been hoping and wishing and praying to go there after I take the bar exam this summer.  First, I wrote the wrong deadline date down... I was able to hurry, ask for an extension, and submit all my materials, so everything was alright.  But now, FIT has taken over 3 weeks to "process" the transcript from the college where I took AP classes in high school... And until that measly little transcript is processed, my entire application can't be processed.  There's nothing I can do except wait and hope that FIT hurries to process it and that all the student spots aren't filled by then.  

On top of that, someone from FIT contacted me today to let me know that the university/law school I've attended for the past 7 years only sent my law school transcript and didn't send my undergraduate transcript.  She added that someone in their Admissions Department might have "seen the same university name on both transcripts, assumed one was a duplicate, and thrown it away".  WOW.  Seriously?!  I think that's the most unprofessional thing I've heard all year. 


I checked and my school did send both my undergraduate and law school transcript, but I had them resend both to FIT.  My heart is completely crushed because I just feel like this application refuses to go through. My mom and I are beginning to wonder if I'm just not meant to go there??  Maybe I'm meant to go somewhere else??  The thought of that is scary to me because I've had my heart set on FIT for so long.  Do you believe that things happen for a reason??

Needless to say, I was in dire need of a break.  Just in time, my friends and I went to Chicago this past weekend for my friend (and gusband) Brandon's birthday.  I am so thankful... I feel like my Dad knew how much I had been missing Brandon and how much I needed this little break!!!

Windy City!!!

Xoxo B. 

"Q&A Monday" Tag Video!!

The 10 Questions: 

1)  Favorite beauty product of all time

2)  What do you use on your hair

3)  Complete skin care routine

4)  Favorite handbag

5)  One thing you would change about yourself

6)  One thing you like about yourself

7)  Most memorable outfit of all time

8)  Which celeb closet you would like to raid

9)  Describe your style in one word

10)  How/why did you start blogging

Pretty in Pink Megan's Q&A Monday Video:  Click Here!!

Shasta Anne's Q&A Monday Video:  Click Here!! 

Xoxo B.