Holiday Gift Ideas

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I've been outlining and studying away, but--story of my life--I didn't get as much done over the break as I wanted.  Oh well, I spent time with family, so it was worth it. Once  I catch my breath from all this studying, I promise I'll get back to more regular posting.

For now, I just wanted to do a quick post and share a few holiday gift ideas/deals with everyone.


First is an awesome deal from one of my favorite stores: Brookstone. Not only do they have unique gifts and enough gadgets that you can always find gifts for men who have everything, they have tons of christmas decor items to deck the halls for the holidays. 


Personally, I'm loving: 

Cordless LED 2 Foot Pre-Lit Walkway Christmas Tree (I'm thinking these would be perfect in our porch urns)

Tranquil Moments Sleep Sound Therapy (I would love to go to sleep to the sound of a thunderstorm or ocean every night)

 Heated Jackets (I can't think of a more ideal invention for the chilly fall/winter football games)

 
Once you find the perfect gift(s), you can save $10 on any online purchase of $70 or more. Just put in the discount code: 22SAVE.  You're welcome :)

The second gift idea is the online auction that Lexington Habitat for Humanity is holding, with all profits going to benefit local home builds.  The auction is called Bids for Builds and we collected various donations from around the community.  Many of the items are activities--such as private wine tastings for up to 20; a flight lesson with Officer Don; having Thai Orchard's chef cook a meal for 6 at your home; a private tour of Darley horse farm and then tickets to Keeneland; a bourbon barrel and a behind the scene tour of Woodford; UK basketball weekend: tickets, a dinner out, and a hotel room downtown; gym memberships; creating and naming a sandwich at 6 Friend's Cafe; and various gift certificates around town. Please check it out if you haven't already!  I can't say enough good things about Lexington's Habitat chapter and this is a great way knock out your christmas shopping list while supporting such an awesome charity.

Obligatory Finals Warning

As always with this time of year, I'm going to go ahead and apologize that I will be bad about blogging. I will try to catch up when I can, but no promises.  I feel so behind right now with finals being in only two weeks and I am still the beginning of September with some of my outlines.  I'm working into overtime on prep work so I can try to actually avoid the panic attacks that always come around Thanksgiving.  

I wish the weeks would slow down so I could get more done.  I feel like every time I look up, its almost Thursday and another week has passed by that I didn't get as much done as I wished.

At least this is the LAST YEAR that finals can invade on my Thanksgiving/Christmas celebrations, AND I will be done with finals in exactly one month from today.  Small victories, right? 

Ten on Tuesday: Random Things about Me

1. My least favorite chore is folding shirts.  I don't mind vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, sweeping up, or doing any other laundry, but I absolutely hate to fold shirts.

2. I confess, I used my straightener this week to get a wrinkle out of my shirt instead of pulling out the ironing board. 

3. I became a vegetarian when I was 4. My sister, Ang, told me I was eating Disney characters (Sebastian, Bambi, Flounder, Babe, etc) and I swore to never eat meat again.  20 years later, I still haven't had any meat since. 

 4. If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be Switzerland, hands down.  It is so beautiful, they speak German, the people are wonderful, its a train ride to anywhere in Europe, and it has the world's best cheeses and beers. 

 Picture I took from our friend's porch in the alps during the summer. Who wouldn't want to live here?

Cam at the top of the Santis throwing a snowball in shorts on the Fourth of July. I forgot how shaggy his hair was then...

5. I played the flute, saxophone, and piano until I was about 16. 

7. Prince William being engaged just killed my fourteen year dream.  I thought he'd get over the fact I'm an American Catholic that lives across the world and would fall in love with me.  Fail William, fail.  I do think Kate is cute (and i am married), so it's going to have to be okay. 

 

8. I really want to go skydiving once my life, and preferably in the next few years.  I am pretty sure I'll pee my pants until my parachute opens, but I think it will be worth it.

9. I just switched my toe polish from the summery "Cajun Shrimp" to a greige.  I'm loving greige nails so much that I even painted my fingernails (which NEVER happens). I like Sephora/OPI's Under My Trench Coat: 

10. I sleep on my stomach every night.

These Boots Are Made for Walking....

This is pathetic, but I do not own a pair of brown boots! My mom is awesome and said she'll buy me a pair for Christmas.  I have found a few I like: 


1) Steve Madden "Incca."

These are my dream boots, but I can't find them anywhere.  The ones they make now are called "Inka," and they are much cheaper leather.  Only other con is that the calf is tad bit wide.  If anyone can find these in a 6.5, I'd be eternally grateful!

2) Kenneth Cole Reaction "Break the Ice."

I think these are going to be the ones.  I liked how the buckle dressed it up, and the top buckle works well to take the calf in for wearing it with tights and then let it out for jeans.  I have small calves, so it's nice that they actually fit. My only concern is the size of the heel (about 2-3 inches).  

Anyone have any thoughts on these two? Or any other boots that they like witha  more wedge style heel?

First Gray Hair...

Last night, I noticed the first grays...

  ...on Ritz, our dog. 

It is so weird to think our pup is getting old enough to have grays, especially as she still acts so puppy-like. She is only turning 4 this year, and I absolutely can't believe that is old enough for grays. I suggested getting her "Just for Men," while Cam just stared at me.  Clearly I was joking (for the most part).  

After I found it, I consoled her and told her told her it would be okay, but I was clearly more upset with this discovery than she was--she was just happy to be cuddled.  It made me feel old to think our sweet dog (that Cam and I bought together) is already turning gray.

I just can't imagine what I'll do when I find the first gray on my own head...

Thankful Thursday & Winner

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

-Brian Tracy

In everything give thanks.

-I Thessalonians 5:18 

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say, "thank you?"
-William A. Ward




1. Veterans. I am immensely grateful for the courage and sacrifice of my step-dad (Marine in Vietnam), my grandfather (Naval coast guard in World War II), my uncle Gary (Navy), my Uncle Matt (Navy), my cousin Stephen (Army in Iraq), my cousin Erika (Army), Cam's brother Ryan (Air Force in Afghanistan), Cam's grandfather (Air Force in World War II), Cam's boss (Marine in Korea), our friend Jason (Army in Iraq), and every man and woman who serve(d) our country every day, at home and overseas. I am also thankful for the families, spouses, and children who stand by their soldiers and also sacrifice for our country. Today, and everyday, I am so appreciative for you.

2. Seminar Paper.  After a late night (and early morning) editing my paper, I turned in the first draft of my paper. Thank goodness I can quit looking at that thing for now...

3. My Health. I saw a helicopter landing at the hospital today, and it made me stop in my tracks and appreciate everything I have.

4. Cancelled Class. My morning class today was cancelled. Best part--he doesn't want to make it up.

5. A Busy Husband.  Specifically, a husband busy raking up the yard, taking the dog on a run, and sweeping the floors. He's the greatest. 

6. Apple Cider. Yum!  

7. Appeals. Because otherwise, I'd be much more upset about Enes.

8. Everyone who Participated in the Giveaway. But, there can only be one winner. And, that winner of the CSN giveaway, thanks to the random number generator, is: Laura (so alaurable).  Congrats! I'll email you the details!

  

Wordless Wednesday: Lazy Day

(**Don't forget the CSN giveaway ends at midnight tonight!**)

Ten on Tuesday: We Want Prenup, We Want Prenup!

In class today we discussed prenupital agreements, and we also talked about some bizarre (yet real, valid, and legally enforceable) prenup clauses. 

Can you imagine that trying to be the attorney having to sell these prenup clauses to the other spouse? Ouch...

1) Husband may only watch football with friends one Sunday a month. 

2) The mother-in-law is not allowed to spend the night at their home.  

3) The husband has to pay $10,000 from his separate account each time he was rude to the mother-in-law. 

4) The wife cannot weigh more than 120 pounds. If she goes over this weight by even a pound, she must pay a penalty of $100,000 from her separate account. 

5) The husband is subject to random drug testing. If he tests positive, he must pay a penalty of $100,000 form his separate account. If he tests positive for cocaine, he does not get a dime in a divorce. 

6) The husband does not have to go on any family vacations with his in-laws. 

7) The wife is entitled to all frequent-flier miles if the husband is unfaithful. 

8) The wife of an LA laker basketball player is entitled to season Lakers tickets for her entire family in the event of divorce. Because who doesn't want to watch your ex-hubby play every game of basketball? 

9) Every time the husband is unfaithful, the wife receives a $100,000 "bonus."

10) In an unusual agreement a couple has with her parents, if the couple split within ten years of their marriage, they have to pay her father back for the cost of their wedding (almost $40,000).  

Weekend Recap and Happy Birthday Mom!

I clearly win the award of most awesome weekend. I spent the entire weekend (and day today) writing my seminar paper (a requirement to graduate). 38 pages later, my first draft is done. Be jealous, I know.  

I took a quick break yesterday to have lunch and go shopping with my mom on her birthday.  She's such a great woman--I have been so blessed to have her as my mother. 


We went to church and Saul Good's for lunch.  We then made our bi-annual trip to the Talbot's Outlet.  If you are in Lexington and haven't been, you are missing out because they have fabulous prices for work-style clothes. 

Hope you all had a more interesting weekend than mine! Don't forget, the CSN giveaway ends in two days if you haven't already entered.

Thankful Thursday

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

-Brian Tracy

 

In everything give thanks.

-I Thessalonians 5:18 

1. The Spring. Today we finished registering for the spring semester, and I will get all the classes I want/need to graduate. My schedule won't be fabulous (I have a few big breaks in my day), but at least I only have to take 13 hours! 

2. Christmas Shopping. I bought my first few Christmas gifts this year, and it got me ready for hot chocolate and generally in such a good, holiday mood. It make it even better that they did free wrapping--my presents look fabulous and I didn't have to do the work :) 

3. Slow-Cookers. I know it seems silly, but I'm trying to be better about cooking, and I think our slow-cooker is going to be key in this. I'm making mac and cheese for tonight and it smells so freakin' good. 

4. My Mac. My computer is back and fixed, without losing any of my data.  That is a big relief! 


5. Comments. I don't know why, but I just get warm and fuzzy when someone leaves a comment.  I think it reiterates to me that someone is actually reading this and found it somewhat interesting. 


What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday: Funny Cats

(sound is not necessary--you can turn the sound off and still find it just as funny)

Halloween :)

I know this is few days late, but here are our halloween pictures.  Cam went as a sugar daddy and I was a trophy wife. I made my costume, and Cam borrowed his step-dad's old costume for the sugar daddy suit.

 

We clearly had a great time at the law school Halloween party:

 We also carved our pumpkins last weekend. I did the pirate ship, and Cam carved a screaming face. I think they turned out well, if I do say so myself.

 

We had so many trick-or-treaters this year that I almost ran out of candy (which is devastating--I'm a little upset that there isn't any left over for me).  It was fun to see all the little kids in costume and I dressed Ritz up while I passed out candy. She was a pretty pink pig.

Sorry for the crappy blackberry pic

She was a little hesitant at first of all the kids running through the yard, but when she realized that they all wanted to pet her, she loved Halloween as well. All the attention from the kids wore her out!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween weekend! It got cold here all of sudden, so it suddenly is beginning to feel like late fall.  Sigh--just another reminder that finals are a month away...

200 + A Giveaway

**NOW CLOSED** 

Happy 200th Post!

To celebrate, I am giving away a $35 gift certificate to CSN.



For those who don't know what CSN is, CSN is an online store with tons of fabulous items for great prices.  CSN has over 200 online stores where you can find everything--from briefcases (and what aspiring lawyer doesn't need one of those) to cookware to lighting! 


Here's what I'm loving on CSN right now: 

Vancouver Marble Top Table and Chairs

1940's Style Searchlight

Canada Passport Pillow

Fondue Dipping Set

There are numerous, easy ways to win the gift certificate.  Please post a separate comment for each entry and include an email so that I can contact you if you are the lucky winner! 

• follow my blog and post a comment on this giveaway (1 entry)
• follow me on twitter (@Bluegrass_Love) and re-tweet about this giveaway (1 entry):  

Win a $35 gift certificate to CSN :) http://bit.ly/df9djO

• blog about this give away (5 entries)
• put my blog in your reading list (5 entries)

I will select the winner by random after Midnight on November 10th, when commenting is closed.  Good luck!