Saturday Share: Obamacare

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, I am going to skip the traditional link-share and instead share a list of articles and links related to the decision. 

I am trying to share information and insight from all sides of the issue and keep it informative, rather than political. If I missed something helpful, please let me know. I'd love to include more links if you find one especially interesting!

The full opinion (66 pages)

7 Ways Obamacare will Enormously Impact your Family - via Mommyish

How the Supreme Court Ruling will Affect your Business - via The Grindstone

Court Holds that States have Choice Whether to Join Medicare Expansion - via SCOTUSBlog

A Roberts Switch in Time - via SCOTUSreport

Individual Mandate Survives; It's a Tax Now - via Above the Law

Top Ten Takeaways from Obamacare Decision - via BIGGovernment

The Impact of Obamacare - via The Heritage Foundation

And...from the Administration: Obamacare Facts

I think it is really important to be informed, know your rights and know how this will affect you. If you're upset, do something about it. If you're happy, express that too. Either way, vote. Seriously. Always vote!

Fashion Friday: Outfit 1

 I had a job interview on Wednesday, which gave me the perfect opportunity to photograph my suit and share it with you. I consider this look to be a very basic, uber-professional look. It's not fancy, it's even a little boring, but it is the perfect no-fuss suit for an interview. 

In the photo, it looks black, but it's actually navy blue with a light pinstripe. You can see in the second photo, the mirrored buttons that add a little flair to the suit. I wore a ruched neckline, which adds a little dimension without being distracting. Finally, I wore nylons (gag!) and carried a structured work bag. Ultimately this is a basic professional wardrobe formula, which will never fail for an interview, formal work event, or a courtroom. 

Suit - Tahari / Top - Calvin Klein / Shoes - Thrifted / Bag - Target

Wordless Wednesday: Colorado Wildfires

Yoga Heals

Yesterday, I read this great article on Healthy Homefront (original article on Huffington Post) about a wounded Veteran, who, because of his inability to walk, had gained a lot of weight and became extremely unhealthy. Then, in his 50's, he discovered a special kind of yoga: DDP yoga. 

I have done yoga before and can certainly appreciate it's recreational and fitness qualities, but I have never felt as though it had "healing" capabilities. Perhaps that is my own negative feelings regarding "alternative" medicine and holistic healing. Perhaps it is my own inability to meditate and incorporate the other components of yoga mentality into my yoga workout. 

After watching the video and reading Arthur's story, I came to a conclusion: yoga can heal. It might not work for me, but it sure worked for him. Not only did he lose weight, but doing so allowed him to walk again - something the doctor's said he would likely never do! I assume that a large portion of this change came from the weight loss. It is a lot easier to complete the requisite physical therapy when you weigh less. It also seems, however, that his healing came from the fact that yoga gave him the right head (and heart) to heal properly and start walking again.I am in awe not only of his commitment and dedication to the process, but with his results! Amazing.

If nothing else, the story is inspiring and uplifting!

Read his story and use his technique for any healing you might be looking for.

Currently...

Stole this from Nicole, who stole it from someone else... 

READING Barbri. That's all I ever read these days. I'm one month from being able to read for fun again!! WRITING notes from the Evidence lecture LISTENING to the recap of the Evidence lecture THINKING Barbri is taking over my life and sitting by the pool would be a lot more fun than sitting at the library SMELLING nothing specific WISHING This barbri stuff was over and I had my license already! HOPING the next month goes fast! WEARING flip-flops, jean shorts, a turquoise tee and my hair in a braided bun = Summer! LOVING my husband, who is currently at home cleaning the entire house! WANTING coffee. A big mocha with an espresso double-shot! NEEDING a job, desperately. FEELING less nervous about this exam then I should be (time to face reality!) CLICKING through this video, hoping it is over soon!

Saturday Share

Another week gone...At this point, I am an expert on gathering and sharing my favorite web-links. You should see my bookmark folders which are broken down into categories such as "political," "diy/decor," "fashion," "money," etc...and then into subcategories: "shared," "not to share," "yet to read." 

Don't feel bad, I actually really enjoy the process! I just hope you like the shares as much as I like sharing them!

This week:


BE: Safe this summer by following this list of safety tips.
Great tips on health and safety for your home, car and the beach! Via Walgreens


LEARN: How to cancel on someone gracefully via Lifehacker


BUDGET: your life using this financial priority pyramid from Moneysense


STYLE: your hair in one of these braided styles - perfect for days at the beach or when you did have time to wash your hair! Via Real Simple


I am looking for guest bloggers or people who would like to provide a product for giveaway. This is a great way to promote your home business or etsy shop or just to get more traffic to your own blog! If you are interested, please message me (or stop by my Facebook page) to sign up!

Fashion Friday: Installment #1

Last week, I polled you, my lovely readers, on starting a fashion segment on this blog. I wanted to pull over some of the components of my now-deleted fashion blog and incorporate them here. I decided to focus the segment on dressing for the professional world. (For now, it might develop into more later, depending on the feedback!)


Is it too cheesy to call the segment ProFASHional Friday? 
Seriously, is it? 


On to this week's topic...


In the legal field, traditional corporate attire is required: two-piece suit in black, navy or charcoal grey with a modest top underneath; minimal jewelry and makeup; clean, simple hairstyle; and, to top it off, nylons. Granted, this is on the extreme end of professional attire, but many workplaces have similar rules. Even if you work in a field that allows a more relaxed dress code, you still want to be sure you present yourself in the best way possible! Dressing like this every day is not at all fun or unique and can even be boring - unless you use my simple tips for adding a little spice to your work wardrobe.


1. Add some subtle sparkle. An easy way to do this is with a few bangles or a pretty statement necklace. Steer clear of anything too bulky or over-sized. It is best to go with something with a little flair that still has clean lines or a simple design. 
Here are two examples of how this can add to an outfit, by two of my favorite fashion bloggers: 

Source: wendyslookbook.com via Mel on Pinterest

Whimsy - Wendy's Lookbook

Source: mystylepill.com via Mel on Pinterest

Lilly Loves - My Style Pill


2. Color is okay - So long as it is done tastefully. You do not want to over-do the color, or pick neon green or hot pink, but you can definitely incorporate color to freshen up a suit. My favorite way of doing this is with a bright top under a blazer or a pretty scarf, like this one: 

H&M
 Recently, my favorite professional fashion website, Corporette announced that even a red lipstick is okay professionally!


3. Carry a chic bag. This is the perfect way to show off your fashion sense without disrupting the formality of your outfit. Why? Because you only carry it to and from work, lunch, and meetings and if you need to put it away you can. I like to carry a structured work bag, and then another bright, fun, bag for running out for lunch with girlfriends or for meeting up with Al for dinner after work. Here is a great option for that: 

H&M


4. Don a pair of killer kicks. If you know me at all, you know this is my favorite way to add a little flavor to an otherwise mundane outfit! You still want to be careful for heel height and steer clear of anything too flashy, but this is an easy way to 
One way do this (and to be on trend this season) is to choose a pair of shoes with a little shine. These pumps from Lulu's are a great option:

It is important to note that you would not want to mix these together. A great bag and a few bangles is enough so long as you keep the rest of your outfit neutral and basic. Or, if you choose a bright colored top, stick to minimalist accessories. 


Next week, I am going to provide some tips and my favorite picks for dressing professionally during those extremely hot summer months. Stay tuned!

Homesick

This was a week of exciting events back home in Minnesota. 

Yesterday, my best friend (of 15+ years) got engaged to a wonderful man! 

(not my photo - from Caroline's FB)

I am so happy for the two of them - the ring is beautiful and they are great for each other! I want so badly to take Caroline out for wine, gush over her ring, and start talking about all the wedding musts! Caroline is like a sister to me, really, and I am sad to be missing the whole thing. 

Today, is my sister's 23rd birthday. {I don't know why, but that number is infinitely scarier than the 2-8 I turned last month.} She has this BIG weekend of events planned with all of her friends, and even some of mine, and I'm missing it. Again, I'm sad that I cannot share in the event and celebrate with her! Of course, that comes with the territory, and I can't fly home for every birthday, but still...

I've never been away from home long enough to miss these big events. Even last summer, when I was away for three months, I knew I was coming back, so I could "catch up" at that time. This time, I miss everyone so much. I am excited to be in the same place as Al and to start our lives together. But as I sit here in our apartment, alone (while he is gone for yet another field training), it's hard not to be terribly homesick. 

Still, my heart is full of excitement and love for my friends and family back home, celebrating such wonderful milestones!

Congratulations, Caroline and Andy! Happy Birthday, Ginger-cake!

It won't be long before we can celebrate together, hopefully...

Answers

Recently, I provided an opportunity for you to ask me questions so you could get to know me better. A few of you responded with questions and now is the time for me to answer: 


A Girl asked...


1. What is the best and worst thing about being a milspouse?


The best: The pride I have for my husband, who does an amazing job, without ever asking for a 'thank you.' The community of people I have met along the way. Oh, and the uniforms.


The worst: The inability to plan anything ever and the fact that we are constantly balancing my career with his. 


2. When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer and why? 


So cliche - I was 12 and I chose to shadow a lawyer for career day in 6th grade. I was good at speeches, debate team and mock trial and once I started working toward the goal, I never really looked back. 


3. Where is your favorite place to vacation and why?


I don't know that I have a favorite place, but having been born and raised in snowy Minnesota, I really enjoy warm weather and beaches. I also really enjoy exploring cities with a history or a story to tell. Ultimately, I enjoy adventures of all kinds and look forward to traveling to many different places, cultures and climates.


4. If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would it be?
Where would you never live? 


I would love to live in New York City or Boston for a year or so, just to have the experience. I would never ever live in Los Angeles or Miami - they just seem dirty and so not my style. 


You know the Baz Luhrman song "Always Wear Sunscreen"?
"Live in New York once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in California once but leave before it makes you soft." Ha!


5. Looking into the future, what do you think you and your husband will do when he is no longer in the Army?
I think we will move back to Minnesota (both our families are there) and buy a few acres outside the city. Al will probably work as an engineer, possibly running his own business, and building things in a shop out back. I will have my own firm, with flexible hours and a loyal customer base. We will have 2 or 3 kids, a Boxer named Junior, and a Boston Terrier named Winston. Or something along those lines...I haven't really nailed down the specifics! (right...)


6. What is your favorite time of year?
Early fall, when the days are still warm, but the nights are crisp. Just when the leaves start changing and it's perfect weather for a great pair of boots. Football season starts and Starbucks releases the pumpkin spice latte. Perfection.


JG asked...

1. Have you settled on an area [of law] to specialize in?


In a perfect world, (read: one I don't have to write a big check each month) I would start my own firm and help small businesses get started. I truly believe our country runs on small businesses and I would like to help those people with ideas, inventions and dreams get the legal paperwork and assistance they need in order to be successful. I would help with everything from drafting business plans, loan and credit documents, filing patents, writing contracts and purchase orders and other business protections that they might need. 
I never thought, when I first headed off to law school, that this is where I would fit, but it just feels like the right place for me!


Thank you both for asking. I enjoyed sharing my answers! 

Fathers Day

I was a daddy's girl growing up - in every sense of the word. I played the sliding trombone, was on a wrestling team, and learned the game of baseball at the age of 5. All because my dad did those things. He always made me laugh, and was a source of spiritual support throughout my childhood. As I grew up, I developed my own personality and my own interests and left a lot of those previous interests behind, save one. My love of baseball is something that will bond my father and I for life. To this day, I can call him up and talk baseball stats, news, and players for hours. No matter where I am, or how long it's been, baseball will bring us together. Baseball will keep us connected through miles and years, and baseball will always feel like home. I have my dad to thank for that.

I am blessed, in many ways, to have more than one father-figure in my life. Eight years ago, my mother remarried and my stepdad quickly became a significant person in my life. He taught my how to change a tire, how to shoot a gun, how to balance my budget, and provided me all the encouragement and butt-kicking I needed through college and law school. I am grateful for how he loves my mother and how, when he married her, he took my sister and I with it, no questions asked.

I am lucky to have two fathers, one genetic and one by marriage. I am lucky, because they both love me and support me, in different, but wonderful, ways. I am lucky, on Fathers Day, to have two men to look to as examples of fatherhood. I think that's pretty cool!

Happy Fathers Day, to my dad, my stepdad and all the other fathers out there.

Saturday Share

Another week...another list of links. Happy Saturday, y'all!

INVEST: time and money into the 4 B's 


USE: One of these 9 decluttering tips from top professional organizers


MAKE: use of your corners, by building an outfit-planning bar


LAUGH: At this pin...

Source: someecards.com via Mel on Pinterest

Comfort Zone

While my top priority right now is getting through this pesky test in July, priority #2 has been finding a job. After all, the whole point of that expensive diploma was to be employed when I was done. And I could spout off all the reasons why finding a job is hard (the economy sucks, the attorney-market is narrow, I am too busy studying, blah-blah-blah) but those are merely excuses. So even though a part of me wants desperately to rest on those excuses, bury myself in BARBRI and enjoy the gorgeous Colorado summer, I just can't do that. I can't afford it. And I will not be happy, truly happy, if I'm sitting at home under-utilizing (if at all using) my education. 

As a step towards employment, I attended a job fair on post last week. I, fortunately, received a call back from a company I met with during that fair. Turns out, I had mingled with the president himself and must have impressed him, because I got a call the very next day. 

The down side: the job is in finance. Not as an attorney. Which doesn't mean it wouldn't be fulfilling or even a good career decision, it just means that it is way out of my comfort zone.  I have built my life and my career, on knowing what my skills and abilities are. I know I'll be a damn-good attorney. I know what I can do well, and I'm also honest with the areas in which I need improvement. But the financial business is so far out of my comfort zone and I have no clue whether I will be any good at it. It has taken me many adult years to stop making financial mistakes and to properly manage my household finances, let alone help with the financial planning of others. 

Can I really do this kind of job? 

This hesitation, and lack of confidence in my own skill-set, prevented me from calling the company back that first day (Friday). I mulled it over for the weekend and talked it out with Al and my mother, arriving at the conclusion that it certainly can't hurt to go to the interview. Then I ran across this article on Happy Go Legal: Leave your Comfort Zone; For your growth, for your business. Okay, okay. I get it. I can't hide from possible opportunities simply because I'm uncomfortable. If nothing else, I will make another business contact and get more interview practice for other possible opportunities. The best case scenario: I get a job I really enjoy, push myself to learn a new field, and make some money. (Which I really need!)

I did call back. The interview is in two weeks. Which gives me two weeks to pull my stomach out of my throat, learn what I can about the field and the company, and practice a few "fake-it-til-you-make-it" confidence boosters. Send out some prayers and wish me luck!

Reflections

I have been living in Colorado a little over a month and a half and we are finally settling into a groove. It helps that we have done this before (sort of), when I spent the summer in Texas last year. But to say that the transition has been flawless would be a lie. As you might expect, we've had our share of complications. Arguments. Compromises. It's all normal and it's all really good for us, but it does make for some interesting stories. So, let me share what I've learned so far in the transition from being a wife to being a wife who lives with my husband. 


1. He is cleaner than I am. I am not a slob by any stretch of the imagination, but he is an official neat-freak. If the living room gets a little cluttered or the dishes are left undone for one evening, he gets a little crazy. 


Example: I stayed home and studied by video today. I had been up for a couple of hours, sipping on cup #2 of coffee and gradually preparing to start homework (i.e. clearing out email, Facebook and Google Reader.) He comes home between PT and work call and in the 45 minutes he's home, tidies up the living room and clears the clutter off the dining table. Basically, in that chunk of time he was more productive than I had been yet that morning. 


Instances like this, and the occasional, "you didn't get the dishes done today?" make me feel lazy. Or like he thinks I'm lazy. And I'm not, at all. It is just one of those transitions there we're making: where he needs to learn to relax a little and I need to learn that I don't live alone anymore.


2. He is a cuddler. I am so not. It used to be that we would see each other for short periods of time, so the desire for physical connection was high for both of us. Now that we are together all the time, I feel a little smothered by the constant day-to-day touching. Don't get me wrong, he knows how to make me feel sexy and beautiful and I appreciate that, but sometimes a girl just wants to drink her coffee without being groped!  


3. He treats me like I am in the Army. This has without a doubt been the hardest transition for us - shutting off "Army-mode" at the end of the day and remembering that I am his wife, not one of his Joes. Sometimes it comes from vulgarity and inappropriate commentary, sometimes it's a complete inability to have a conversation without making jokes, but either way, it's hard for me to deal with.


And the change is mostly on me. He has been working on this significantly, and it has greatly improved. I need to lighten up a bit and continue encourage the positive behavior that comes out of his Army personality - the sexy confidence, great leadership and sense of humor. And the fact that he usually makes dinner, always has coffee ready in the morning and has been super-supportive of my joblessness. Working out these kinks is a part of any marriage and, really, I have it pretty darn good!

Input, please!

I have previously alluded to the fact that I am researching purchasing a domain and revamping my blog. The major changes will not happen until after this little pop-quiz in July (like how I down-play it's importance in order to perpetuate my denial?) In the meantime, I am spending a few hours each weekend making changes to my current blog.

In order to transition this blog into a bigger venture, I feel it is only fair to give it my undivided attention blog-wise. As such, I am shutting down my fashion blog by the end of the month. I do, however, want to pull some of the features from that blog into this one. 

One feature I am cultivating in my head is a weekly segment on fashion for business professionals. Some weeks, I could round-up great professional finds and share them, other weeks I would share my personal outfit and how I put it together. Would a segment like this be helpful? Interesting? Relevant? 

I am still working out the details, and I have many other ideas rolling around in my head, but this one in particular was something I've been thinking up for a while. I would really love any input you can give me on this idea - suggestions, critique, etc...

Please and thank you!

Saturday Share

This week has been a complete whirlwind, and, frankly I don't foresee that getting any better. We're only in week two (technically three, with the preview week) of my Bar class and it's only going to be more intense as we get closer to the bar exam. I am trying to stay on top of blogging, but after class, studying, job searching and spending time with Al, I'm usually pretty wiped. 

This Saturday, I've collected a lot of links to share with y'all, most of which have provided me much-needed study breaks. Hope you enjoy them too!

READ: The June issue of Matchbook Mag featuring (one of my favorite) designer Cynthia Rowley!

(Forgive me for this one, but...) FIND: The (valuable) lessons one can learn from Sex and the City (or any girly show)

REMEMBER: All these great things from childhood? Feel old yet? 


PLAN: a staycation in your city - is yours on this list? 


LEARN: How to use TriCare while on leave or vacation via Healthy Homefront


MAKE: Cupcakes (1 or 2) for your summer events or these delicious jello "mimosas"

Thanks for your support!

Inquiring Minds

Hello new followers, lurkers, long-time readers and friends.

I recently had an influx of new readers and a huge jump in "likes" on Facebook. I am delighted with the recent spike in interest and wanted to extend the proverbial olive branch in response. 

What I would like to do is open up the comments section for questions. You can ask me anything you'd like and I will do my best to answer. I reserve the right to ignore and delete questions that are inappropriate, offensive or contrary to OPSEC and PERSEC. Otherwise, I will answer your questions, openly and honestly. I'm not shy!


So, you can post your questions in the comments section until 23:59 on Sunday, 6/10. I will post my answers sometime next week and it may or may not be accompanied by another great giveaway! {hint, hint}


Happy Friday!

Love the Way You Miss Me

It could be because Al is in the field for the week, or it could be because Casey James has such a silky-smooth voice, or it could be the rock vibe to this song, but right now this song is where it's at!

I'm donning a suit and skipping BARBRI today in order to attend a job fair on post. I have a half-dozen copies of my resume, so I hope this pays off!


Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday: Where I've Been

12 in 2012: Month in Review

This month was a busy one! Let's see what I got done from my 12 in 2012 list: 
See past 12 in 2012 posts, here.

1. Speak up.

Check. Doing fine on this one. 

2. Spend less.

Check out my fashion blog for the specifics of this goal and my fashion budget tracker.

3. Spread the Love.

I actually did a bit of this during May. There were a lot of birthdays and other events this month, so I tried to send out some great cards, gifts and other notes to remind people that I love them! 

4. Snap it.

OK. This month sucked for posting photos. I will try to get my album updated very soon!

5. Spice it Up.

We created a June menu plan that started this week and I can't wait to try some of the new recipes on it. June should be big in this category!

6. Sweat.

Plan sweat it out starts Monday. Stay tuned!

7. Stamp It.

This should happen sometime this summer, now that I've graduated!

8. See the Sights.

This month, we traveled to Denver and saw a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field.
I also did a little exploration of my neighborhood and the city to get a feel for where everything is (mostly Starbucks and Target!) 

9. Style it.

I will be closing down my fashion blog, but I am working on ways to incorporate some aspects of it into this blog. Specifically, I am looking to do a professional fashion feature! Find my fashion inspiration here.

10. Save space.

I completed a lot of organization projects this month. 
1. Organized the desk, pantry, linen closet and my clothes closet
2. Organized the front entry-way storage closet

11. Slow down. & 12. Sleep more.

I did pretty good with this during the month. Although this week, now that I'm getting up super-early to commute, my schedule is out of whack again. 


You can always check out my 30 by 30 goals and my overall bucket list for my accomplishments there as well!

Saturday Share

Happy June! The weather is beautiful here in Colorado and I am going to enjoy some time outdoors today. 

First, of course, I wanted to provide you a little weekend reading. Enjoy!

LEARN: How to add 30 minutes to your day (and be more productive) 


WATCH: This CBS video featuring none other than the lovely Lori Volkman (and her husband) from Witty Little Secret


ORGANIZE: your home using this 130-sq-ft, apartment as inspiration


MAKE: time to check some of these 101 ways to embrace summer off your list


Have a great weekend!

Remotely

As I write this, I am sitting in an office lobby waiting for my bus. Yes, my bus. I am an official commuter now since I take the bus from Colorado Springs up to Denver for class every day. I'm still not sold that this is the best way to commute, as I have to allow an extra hour each day to get to the bus station and I still have to catch the metro rail train  from the Denver bus station to the actual school. The first day I traveled this way I ended up spending 3 hours in a classroom, 3 hours waiting for trains and buses and 5 hours actually commuting. Needless to say, I was a miserable  person by the time I got home.

This is day two and now that I know what to expect, it's already going  better . Plus Al agreed to let me splurge  and buy a tablet PC with some of my graduation money. In fact, I am blogging  on it at this very moment. My tech-geek brain is loving the new toy. I think it will make the commute, the class, and my summer that much better.

The commuter bus has wifi, which I think is pretty stellar. As does the law school, coffee shop and train station, so I haven't  missed the 4G one bit. So far. I might decide that I want to pay to turn my phone inot a wifi  hotbot if I start feeling "disconnected " but that isn't great for the budget and for now this works just fine!

Man, oh man. What did people do before technology?