This week kicked off the new year and so far so good.
I did not do anything exciting this week- I put away Christmas decor, cleaned my house, organized and studied. It was not a stimulating week but it was satisfying!
Friday, January 3, 2020
Friday Five 1/3/20
First Friday post of 2020!
This week kicked off the new year and so far so good.
I did not do anything exciting this week- I put away Christmas decor, cleaned my house, organized and studied. It was not a stimulating week but it was satisfying!
This week kicked off the new year and so far so good.
I did not do anything exciting this week- I put away Christmas decor, cleaned my house, organized and studied. It was not a stimulating week but it was satisfying!
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
The Pens Every Young Professional Needs
This post has been sponsored by Zebra Pen. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a nerd for life, former law student, and now young professional, I am VERY picky about my writing utensils. I am a huge pen snob, and I am super particular about what pens I use and what pens I prefer. I like smooth writing, clear ink lines, and a pen that is comfy in my hand. Want to know what ticks all my boxes? Zebra Pen. Particularly the Sarasa® Grand Gel Retractable Pen… this beauty is literally my favorite pen ever.
It is comfy to hold, writes amazingly smooth with crisp ink, and dries SO FAST. There is nothing worse than being in a big meeting, frantically scribbling your notes down and having ink that smudges. Not only can you not read that smudged writing later, thus defeating the purpose of taking notes, it usually smudges onto your hand too. Then you get ink on your clothes and look silly with ink stains everywhere. Not only does the Sarasa® Grand pen perform perfectly, it is beautiful to look at! I am very into aesthetic and having a pen that is functional and stylish just makes my heart sing. Check out more information here on how you can Choose Different!
 |
Meeting essentials!!
|
I also love the STEEL G-402® Gel Retractable Pens. I keep these in my work tote at ALL times because you never know when you'll need to jot down quick notes as a young professional. Again, these pens are pretty and functional. I love that they feature a durable steel/metal barrel for demanding situations. I work hard, and I need my pens to keep up with me and not break at an important moment.
The right pen is important to a young professional, especially in the legal field where notes and writing are our bread and butter. I am such a huge fan of Zebra Pen because they are always top of the line, durable, long lasting, and stylish pens that keep up with you in any setting. Inspired to Choose Different and stand out? Use my code "LegalDuchess25" to receive 25% off on Zebra Pen's site!
Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020 - 10 Resolutions for a New Decade
Happy New Year!
Yesterday I did my year in review so now I am starting 2020 with resolutions for a new year. Every year, I like to set some resolutions, intentions and goals for the year. It is a simple act but it can be powerful if you stick to them. I doubt I will achieve all of this... I rarely do. But the beauty of life is you can always keep trying.
This new year is more than just another year. It is the start of a new decade... it is a time to reset and move forward with intention into the 2020's.
Without further ado, here are my resolutions for 2020.
1. Exercise More
I think this is on my list every year but it remains true every year. I am always striving to be more active. I go through spurts of regularly exercise and then something always makes me fall of the wagon. I am setting a goal to run 2-3 times a week and do yoga 2-3 times a week with BBG workouts in between. I am also shooting for a 5K and to compete in a marathon relay.
2. Be More Gracious
I think this is a resolution anyone can set at any time. You can always be a more gracious person to yourself, your friends, your family, your peers and anyone you encounter. The definition of gracious is to be "courteous, kind and pleasant". I know I can strive to be more of than in the new year and new decade and it will make me a better wife, friend, sister, daughter and overall person.
3. Go to Church
For most of my life, I was a regular attendee of church. Through college and law school and moving to a new city, it is just something that was easy to skip in the hustle of life. I want to find a church in our city and begin attending regularly. Not only do I want to get back to the Lord and growing in my faith, I miss the companionship and community a church can bring.
4. Watch Less TV
I love TV... don't get me wrong. However, I feel that it is so easy to fall into a pattern where that's all you do every night. I am going to try to limit my TV watching a bit in 2020 and find other new hobbies to fill some of that time.
5. Discover New Hobbies
While I have a lot of hobbies already, I am a busy body and I can never sit still. I am hoping to acquire a few more small hobbies to do instead of watching endless hours of TV. My husband and I are going to try a few together to try to find new ways to spend and enjoy time together. If you have any ideas for us, please drop them in the comments below!
6. Explore My City
I think this will be a resolution every year but I truly do want to keep exploring my city and finding all the hidden gems. It is easy to love where you live when you find all the places and things that make it special.
7. Become a Professional
After 20 years of school, 2 bar exam attempts and living in a weird limbo of being an educated, trained professional but not really being in the professional world, I am ready to settle into a job in 2020. I want to pass the bar and get my career underway. I am not sure what that opportunity will be but I am excited to see where life takes me and where my professional life goes.
8. Get Outside
This is another resolution that will probably be on my list every year. I love to get outside but sometimes I need a push or reminder to make it happen. I hope to get outside and hike, explore, breath fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature.
9. Be More Positive
On social media, I probably come off pretty positive but in real life, I can lean a little negative/pessimistic. I try very hard to stay positive and in 2020, I am redoubling that effort. It costs me nothing to be a positive person and it can enhance the lives of those around me tenfold.
10. Spend Less Money
In our era, it is SO easy to spend spend spend. Amazon Prime makes it too simple. Social media puts everything you want/didn't know you wanted right in front of your face. I am going to try to spend less on random stuff and be more intentional. I would rather save my money for travel and a new home. Goodness knows I have plenty of stuff already!
Yesterday I did my year in review so now I am starting 2020 with resolutions for a new year. Every year, I like to set some resolutions, intentions and goals for the year. It is a simple act but it can be powerful if you stick to them. I doubt I will achieve all of this... I rarely do. But the beauty of life is you can always keep trying.
This new year is more than just another year. It is the start of a new decade... it is a time to reset and move forward with intention into the 2020's.
Without further ado, here are my resolutions for 2020.
I think this is on my list every year but it remains true every year. I am always striving to be more active. I go through spurts of regularly exercise and then something always makes me fall of the wagon. I am setting a goal to run 2-3 times a week and do yoga 2-3 times a week with BBG workouts in between. I am also shooting for a 5K and to compete in a marathon relay.
2. Be More Gracious
I think this is a resolution anyone can set at any time. You can always be a more gracious person to yourself, your friends, your family, your peers and anyone you encounter. The definition of gracious is to be "courteous, kind and pleasant". I know I can strive to be more of than in the new year and new decade and it will make me a better wife, friend, sister, daughter and overall person.
3. Go to Church
For most of my life, I was a regular attendee of church. Through college and law school and moving to a new city, it is just something that was easy to skip in the hustle of life. I want to find a church in our city and begin attending regularly. Not only do I want to get back to the Lord and growing in my faith, I miss the companionship and community a church can bring.
4. Watch Less TV
I love TV... don't get me wrong. However, I feel that it is so easy to fall into a pattern where that's all you do every night. I am going to try to limit my TV watching a bit in 2020 and find other new hobbies to fill some of that time.
5. Discover New Hobbies
While I have a lot of hobbies already, I am a busy body and I can never sit still. I am hoping to acquire a few more small hobbies to do instead of watching endless hours of TV. My husband and I are going to try a few together to try to find new ways to spend and enjoy time together. If you have any ideas for us, please drop them in the comments below!
6. Explore My City
I think this will be a resolution every year but I truly do want to keep exploring my city and finding all the hidden gems. It is easy to love where you live when you find all the places and things that make it special.
7. Become a Professional
After 20 years of school, 2 bar exam attempts and living in a weird limbo of being an educated, trained professional but not really being in the professional world, I am ready to settle into a job in 2020. I want to pass the bar and get my career underway. I am not sure what that opportunity will be but I am excited to see where life takes me and where my professional life goes.
8. Get Outside
This is another resolution that will probably be on my list every year. I love to get outside but sometimes I need a push or reminder to make it happen. I hope to get outside and hike, explore, breath fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature.
9. Be More Positive
On social media, I probably come off pretty positive but in real life, I can lean a little negative/pessimistic. I try very hard to stay positive and in 2020, I am redoubling that effort. It costs me nothing to be a positive person and it can enhance the lives of those around me tenfold.
10. Spend Less Money
In our era, it is SO easy to spend spend spend. Amazon Prime makes it too simple. Social media puts everything you want/didn't know you wanted right in front of your face. I am going to try to spend less on random stuff and be more intentional. I would rather save my money for travel and a new home. Goodness knows I have plenty of stuff already!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
2019 In Review
Happy New Years Eve!!
I am taking this moment to walk back through the past year and revisit everything that took place. It has been a year of highs and lows... but then again, every year is like that.
In January, I turned 25. I started my final semester of law school. I helped start an online book club. I spent a lot of time with my head buried in casebooks.
In February, it snowed a lot. I studied some more. I launched a small online business.
In March, I traveled to NYC for the first time for a Moot Court competition. I had so much fun exploring the city and competing!
In April, I finished out my final semester of law school. That final grind was rough but so worth it. Oh and I became an Aunt for the second time!
In May, I graduated from law school and attained my Juris Doctor degree. It was an amazing feeling to finally accomplish a lifelong dream. Then I began to prep for the bar exam.
All of May, June and July were consumed with bar prep. I can honestly say, those were three of the hardest months of my life. July ended with a horrible 3 day exam but thankfully it came to an end.
August brought me to Hawaii. We explored the Big Island and fell in love with that place. I also started my job as an admissions recruiter with my law school. I also went on a quick trip to Nashville for a bachelorette party.
September found me traveling all over for my recruiting job. It was super fun and also exhausting but overall a great experience.
October brought more travel and also the wedding of one of my best friends. We made some amazing memories! October ended on a sour note when I found out I failed the bar exam but just a few points.
November brought the beginning of bar prep round 2. We also hosted our first Thanksgiving and miraculously did not burn the turkey.
December was full of more studying but we also snuck away to Disney for a quick vacay before enjoying the holidays with family.
Overall, it has been a good year. I made some amazing memories, visited some incredible places, made new friends, lost some friends I can do without, learned some hard lessons, accomplished some great things and most of all, as with any year, I grew as a person.
2020 brings a fresh start, new opportunities, a chance at redemption and 12 months full of endless possibilities.
I am taking this moment to walk back through the past year and revisit everything that took place. It has been a year of highs and lows... but then again, every year is like that.
In January, I turned 25. I started my final semester of law school. I helped start an online book club. I spent a lot of time with my head buried in casebooks.
In February, it snowed a lot. I studied some more. I launched a small online business.
In March, I traveled to NYC for the first time for a Moot Court competition. I had so much fun exploring the city and competing!
In April, I finished out my final semester of law school. That final grind was rough but so worth it. Oh and I became an Aunt for the second time!
In May, I graduated from law school and attained my Juris Doctor degree. It was an amazing feeling to finally accomplish a lifelong dream. Then I began to prep for the bar exam.
All of May, June and July were consumed with bar prep. I can honestly say, those were three of the hardest months of my life. July ended with a horrible 3 day exam but thankfully it came to an end.
August brought me to Hawaii. We explored the Big Island and fell in love with that place. I also started my job as an admissions recruiter with my law school. I also went on a quick trip to Nashville for a bachelorette party.
September found me traveling all over for my recruiting job. It was super fun and also exhausting but overall a great experience.
October brought more travel and also the wedding of one of my best friends. We made some amazing memories! October ended on a sour note when I found out I failed the bar exam but just a few points.
November brought the beginning of bar prep round 2. We also hosted our first Thanksgiving and miraculously did not burn the turkey.
December was full of more studying but we also snuck away to Disney for a quick vacay before enjoying the holidays with family.
Overall, it has been a good year. I made some amazing memories, visited some incredible places, made new friends, lost some friends I can do without, learned some hard lessons, accomplished some great things and most of all, as with any year, I grew as a person.
2020 brings a fresh start, new opportunities, a chance at redemption and 12 months full of endless possibilities.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy new year!
Friday, December 27, 2019
Friday Five 12/27/19
Happy Holidays!
To those who celebrate this season, I hope you had lovely celebrations with family and friends. To those who don't celebrate, I hope you enjoyed the unusually warm December days!
I had a wonderful holiday with family despite a nasty cold taking my voice and most of my energy.
We recently had a little Disney getaway and that was so fun.
1. Relative Insanity
I purchased this for my mom for Christmas, we played it and it was a HIT! Everyone had a blast- from my 85 year old grandparents, to my parents and my husband and I. It was created by country comedian Jeff Foxworthy (who is a favorite of mine). He said he wanted a game that the whole family could enjoy in the spirit of Cards Against Humanity. It is less vulgar/dirty (aka you can play it with your parents without blushing) but just as funny and enjoyable. Seriously a perfect game to have on hand to enjoy with any group of people!
2. The Witcher
This new series on Netflix comes with great hype and so far it is interesting. We are only 2 episodes in but so far we are enthralled. It is super well done. I am excited to watch further!
3. Brittany Runs a Marathon
This movie is just awesome. It is about a women who is a bit lost in life who up and decides to run the NYC marathon. Along the way, she finds friends, love and herself. It was so heartwarming and uplifting and makes me want to go jump on the treadmill! I love the message of how a small change can impact your whole life.
4. Hulu Live
About a month ago, we canceled Dish and went all in with Hulu Live for our TV service. Thus far, I really have no complaints. We get everything we want to watch, we have DVR, we have access to Hulu things and we save over $50 per month. I don't think you can go wrong!!
5. Royal Wedding Series by Rachel Hauck
I read the first book in this series, Once Upon a Prince, a few years ago and loved it. I finished the remaining books in the series in the last 5 days and loved everyone. These are basically Hallmark movies in book form- full of love, fluff, happiness, princes, baking and all things that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. There is also a lot of reality- they deal with some big, nasty issues in those pages. It is a faith based series but I found the stories perfectly woven together. I highly recommend if you are looking for a heartwarming read!
To those who celebrate this season, I hope you had lovely celebrations with family and friends. To those who don't celebrate, I hope you enjoyed the unusually warm December days!
I had a wonderful holiday with family despite a nasty cold taking my voice and most of my energy.
We recently had a little Disney getaway and that was so fun.
1. Relative Insanity
2. The Witcher
This new series on Netflix comes with great hype and so far it is interesting. We are only 2 episodes in but so far we are enthralled. It is super well done. I am excited to watch further!
3. Brittany Runs a Marathon
This movie is just awesome. It is about a women who is a bit lost in life who up and decides to run the NYC marathon. Along the way, she finds friends, love and herself. It was so heartwarming and uplifting and makes me want to go jump on the treadmill! I love the message of how a small change can impact your whole life.
4. Hulu Live
About a month ago, we canceled Dish and went all in with Hulu Live for our TV service. Thus far, I really have no complaints. We get everything we want to watch, we have DVR, we have access to Hulu things and we save over $50 per month. I don't think you can go wrong!!
5. Royal Wedding Series by Rachel Hauck
I read the first book in this series, Once Upon a Prince, a few years ago and loved it. I finished the remaining books in the series in the last 5 days and loved everyone. These are basically Hallmark movies in book form- full of love, fluff, happiness, princes, baking and all things that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. There is also a lot of reality- they deal with some big, nasty issues in those pages. It is a faith based series but I found the stories perfectly woven together. I highly recommend if you are looking for a heartwarming read!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
