Bar Trip

Shortly after final exams and law school graduation, law students in the United States embark on a two month process of studying for the bar exam. This culminates in the end of July with a two day exam, or a three day exam if you are like me and are taking the bar in more than one state. Studying for the bar is an eight hour a day commitment during this period of time between graduation and the actual test I am told. Friends who have recently taken it have advised me that the process of studying is comparable to running a marathon. I have never run a marathon so I don't know. Nevertheless, when it is over there is much cause for celebration AND a vacation seems to be greatly deserved. This is why many graduates seek to take a "Bar Trip" after sitting for the exam and before starting their new job in the fall.

The bar trip has fallen a little bit out of fashion due to the economic down turn and students who are graduating without jobs lined up are hesitant to spend money (often borrowed money) in order to take a vacation. Fortunately I have secured a position at a great law firm for myself post graduation and so taking a bar trip sounds very desirable. HOWEVER, my husband (who is back in college after serving in the navy for 5 years) is going to be taking classes full time all summer long so it is unclear whether we will be able to get away before I start working. Also, Maine is so absolutely wonderful and beautiful in August and I am not sure I could bring myself to leave for two weeks.

This does not stop me from day dreaming about where I would want to go if I do decide to take a bar trip.

I am fortunate enough to have done quite a bit of traveling in my life, largely thanks to parents who are basically obsessed with it . . .but I there are two places I have never been that I think would combine perfectly for a multi destination bar trip -- Ireland and Iceland:

Ireland

I can totally see my husband and I driving around, hiking and exploring the coast and the countryside while spending the nights in various bed and breakfasts or castles. Kind of a road trip vacation. Also, super easy and stress free because it is not that long of a flight and it is an English speaking country. Also, I am sure S would not mind sampling the beer. Then, before heading home, I would chose a return flight connecting through Reykjavik, Iceland and spend a few days there exploring:

Everything about Iceland intrigues me -- the topography, the cuisine, the culture.

If we don't make it on a trip this August, I am sure it will not be too long before S and I make it to these destinations, especially because of the frequency at which deals pop up in my weekly travelzoo email updates!

For Our Home

This less than spring like weather has me dreaming of warmer days . . . and longing for my patio! S and I are out on our patio EVERY NIGHT in the summer, whether entertaining or just enjoying our dinner together. It is so nice because when it is too cold to be outside (read- the entire winter) we usually eat in our living room and watch the news and hardly EVER use our dining room table which is kind of regretful. I love the intimacy of enjoying a glass of wine and a good meal together while sharing each other's company with no distractions.

SO there are a couple of things I would love to pick up to dress up our outdoor space.

A few years ago I ALMOST bought a ceramic garden stool at a very reasonable price and I constantly regret not purchasing it. Since then these little guys have become quite popular and I have noticed that the price has also gone up as well. The one I wanted was $40, but now it seems almost impossible to find one at that price and since then I have only seen similar ones in the $90 and above range.

Here, here, and here are some affordable options.

I love the way these are used both on patios and indoors. I think it would be especially cute in a bathroom. 

It is usually possible to find these at TJ Maxx or Home Goods this time of year so I will be keeping my eyes peeled : )

Seasonal Transitions

March/April in New England can be frustrating. The temperature can vary by 40 degrees from week to week. For example, 80 degree weather one week and snow the next. There is a saying in Maine that if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. This is certainly an apt observation for the weather this time of year. It is also the time of year when we grow tired of winter and check the extended forecast incessantly (at least I do!) waiting for consistent spring weather to arrive so that we can start gardening, pulling out the patio furniture, etc.

Here are a couple of things I have done around our house to ease the transition into spring:

New sheets I found on sale at the Ralph Lauren Outlet.

Bright utensils add a fun touch of color to my kitchen.

A new candle (from my mother in law) makes my bedroom smell amazing.

Spring also means deep cleaning . . . which is something I hope to get to in the coming weeks : )

ps it is snowing right NOW UGGHHHH

Wish List

As a student with limited income, I have learned to think long and hard about my purchases and avoid buying things on a whim (with some exceptions-- i.e. shoes!). To facilitate this, I create mental lists of things I want that seem practical and keep an eye out when I go shopping.

Currently on my list is a Chambray shirt. I cannot even believe I do not yet own one. This shirt is perfect because  it can be casual and I could probably pair it with a pencil skirt and suit jacket and wear it to work (with more neutral/formal accessories).

The one I want is available at JCrew and will hopefully be making an appearance in my closet very soon!

Have a good day!

Rainy Sunday

After an unseasonably warm week, the more typical weather over the weekend was a welcome change for me. It certainly makes it easier to stay inside and be productive!

I tried this recipe, which was easy and delicious. I will definitely be making it again:

I also played outside with my mud loving labrador

Rainy days are infinitely more fun in these.

the difference between dark blonde and light brown . . .

I decided to adapt the name for  my blog from the movie Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon. I really like this movie because, despite the fact many components of it are quite ridiculous (I mean no one starts at a 139 LSAT score and moves up to a 168, or goes to law school for the sole purpose of winning back an ex boyfriend for that matter), every law student has those "fish out of water" moments that Elle Woods experienced as a 1L. The movie also shows that you can be a law student, and be good at it, while staying true to yourself. 

In that regard, I have tried to channel Elle Woods. For the past three years, with the help of my husband, I have tried to lead a balanced, and dare I say FUN, life while maintaining an excellent GPA and making the most out of externships and other opportunities at school. Now that I am about to start my career at a large firm, I am hoping to continue to lead a balanced life while also become successful as a young attorney. My goal is to use this blog as a creative outlet so that I can share amazing recipes, a good bottle of wine I discovered, an interesting photo I took, or other random musings. 

Now -- to explain the title. 

All throughout my childhood I was blessed with natural golden blonde hair. Sadly, as I get older it has slowly gotten darker and darker. However, I REFUSE to color it lighter. Part of the reason is that my Mom has made be feel guilty about ever considering coloring it. But more pragmatic considerations have also kept me from coloring it-- I am very low maintenance when it comes to my hair. As much as I LOVE my hair stylist (seriously...LOVE) I hate going to get my hair cut. The thought of making appointments every 6 weeks to get my color retouched sounds awful. Also, if you look closely at my hair, there are colors ranging from platinum to gold to brown, and occasionally I notice black, which I usually promptly rip it from head. EVERYONE compliments me on the natural highlights in my hair. I am just not ready to color it and lose all of that. So for now, I will continue to characterize it as DARK blonde, but still blonde nonetheless!

Thanks for reading!