Coming out of my Cave

Since the new year, I've been basically splitting my time between the office and my bar exam review class every evening. It's become routine to leave home at 7:00 am and not return until almost 11. Now its all temporary and in the scheme of things not too bad but goodness I better pass because I don't want to do this again!

I did shift hours around and took the risk of falling a bit behind in my bar review class to host one of my favorite ladies.

With K. in London in college.

She's been coordinating a study abroad program in Rome and is back in the United States for semester break. I was thrilled that she took the time during her brief sojourn in Chicago to make the trip to NJ. We spent the weekend eating long slow meals or curled up a couch getting updated on the last eight months of each other's lives. When it comes to the big life directions, there really isn't anyone I'd rather mull it over with.

Plus we began to lay the foundations for a late August girls' trip to Ireland. Does anyone take annual/semi-annual trips with their college friends or other scattered group? Have any advice for prioritizing and planning?

Go Irish!

After several weeks without college football, I'm excited to see my Fighting Irish take on the Florida Seminoles tonight!

Of course, I'd more excited if I was in Orlando for the game but I'm certainly there in spirit!




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The boys had to spend Christmas away from their families and even had a practice on Christmas
day, so fingers crossed all that effort pays off in dividends!

Go Irish!!!

When a (wo)man is tired of London, (s)he is tired of life.

I think it can be safely said that I am not tired of London, because I could have happily stayed in London for much much longer. Fortunately, I can comfort myself with the knowledge that I will likely be back for a few days in March (the joys of having friends stationed in Europe!)

My Grandmother and I had a lovely time and I'm so glad that we will have these memories to share. We covered the all the main London sites and I added a few of my personal favorites to combine for a balanced taste of London living.

Here's a sampling of my photos:

Parliament from the London Eye

London Eye

Tea at Fortnum & Mason's St. James

Sunrise from the inner circle of Stonehenge

Touring and Sharing

Recently, I began thinking about London at Christmas time and how much I love the charming city lights and how I first fell for the city at Christmastime over a decade ago. So, I ran some financials, conferenced with my mother and got the okay to invite my Grandmother to London.

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My Grandmother has never been to Europe and was terribly disappointed when she couldn't make it to visit me on either occasion when I studied there. So, off we go.

I couldn't be more thrilled to show her the city that I love best. We'll be visiting the traditional tourist sites and I can't believe that I get to experience London through fresh eyes.

What place would you love to share with your loved ones or that you'd just like to see again and again?

Back on Broadway

Last week I was fortunate enough to see Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway. If you've read this blog for awhile, you might recall that Hugh Jackman is a particular favorite of mine so when my mother read about his one man show, we scooped up tickets.

I thought it might be a little weird, the show is described as "Hugh Jackman sings his favorite songs and tells stories." But, basically, if it is Hugh's favorite song, I'm pretty sure that it is also instantly my favorite song. I mean, I sat through Van Helsing, so I figured this show could only be better.via

It was an absolute treat. His enthusiasm is infectious and you can tell that Hugh is having a ton of fun. I've heard that he is one of the nicest guys in Hollywood and unless he is a far better actor than he gets credit for, it is the truth. He was humble and at-ease and really it was fabulously fun way to a spend a day.

Would you ever see a one-man (or woman) show? Is there a celeb who's movie you would see no matter what?

On the Case

I fought the smartphone wave and held on to my super basic flip-phone for most of law school. I had a Blackberry as part of summer job and while I relished being able to surf the internet during my lunch break, I hated being constantly connected to my email. I missed being able to silence my flip-phone and basically use it as a glorified answering machine.

This all changed when I headed to London and got myself an iPhone. Gosh, I loved my 3GS last year. Back home, once Verizon hopped on board, I scooped up the 4S.

But, it must be said that I am a very clumsy person. As a child I had friends parents throw their hands up in desperation and cry "Can't you ever come over without spilled something?!" My own father was known to quip, "Well, it isn't dinner time if Kerby hasn't knocked something over."

So, friends, I needed to protect my iPhone. Clearly, an Otterbox would be the obvious choice. However, although I wanted to protect my gadget, aesthetics were still a consideration. Naturally, I clicked through Kate Spade's offerings, Lilly, and even Tory Burch. I almost bought this one (it's more of a hot pink in person):


But nothing made my heart sing quite like:

Cath Kidston.

It protects my phone and reminds me over my favorite city, what could be better?!
What cases do you use to protect your gadgets?

Thanksgiving Holiday

Happy Cyber Monday!

I spent the last week imitating this guy:



I haven't been on a "vacation"- vacation (sitting on a beach at resort) for years and this was my first family vacation since pre-college.

It is incredibly easy to be thankful when you're surronded by some of your favorite people and getting to wile away the days between a gorgeous lagoon and an perfectly heated pool. However, I'm also thankful to be back in "regular" life and to get ready for the holidays.




















I had a fantastic six days in the Florida Keys with my family, how was everyone else's holidays?