Lately

I am back! I turned in my last final yesterday at 1:20pm (Only 5 hours after I entered the room... ugh) and am on break for a few weeks. After months of studying non-stop, it feels so amazing. Year 2 of law school is in the books and I am 1 year away from graduation.

Lately...

I joined Class Pass! After debating in for a while, I decided to try it when Class Pass released a great special (buy three months, get $100 back). I am loving it! Here is what I have tried so far:

Tuesday: Forme Barre Fusion at Forme Studios. This class was basically a barre class without the barre! My abs are so sore from all the core focus, and I found the class really challenging. I never realized how dependent I am on the barre for stability. The instructor was excellent, so I plan to go back next week and bring a friend.

Wednesday: Yoga at Wide Angle Yoga. I took this class yesterday afternoon so decompress from finals. I hadn't taken a yoga class in about a year (I know. Don't judge), so I was really nervous about my flexibility. The instructor was really hands on and helped me get into each pose and stretch was further than I thought possible.
I really loved that this class was so small - a lot of yoga classes are huge and I don't feel like I get proper assistance. It makes me worried that I will injure myself! So this was perfect for me.

Thursday: Today I am trying Extreme Core Fusion at Exhale Spa and Fitness. No idea what to expect on that one, so I will keep you posted.

The end of finals. AR brought home prosecco and tulips for me last night to celebrate the end of finals. He is the sweetest :)

Last night I make these chocolate chunk cookies from Smitten Kitchen for AR to take to his office today. Obviously, AR and I had to sample them and they are excellent. I used two large chocolate bars and I left them in huge pieces. I love the big pools of chocolate as compared to the usual chocolate chips. It absolutely upgraded my cookies. I did omit the flaked salt because I didn't have any. Oops.

Tonight, AR and I are going on a picnic! He finishes a huge project at work this morning and I finished my second year, so we wanted to celebrate. After talking about a few restaurants, we decided to embrace the gorgeous weather and head to the park. I'm heading to Alon's this afternoon to pick up some goodies. (check my instagram if you want to see what I find! username: hrw1126).

How is your week ending up? Any fun weekend plans?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Law School: Looking forward to the second year

This is my last week at my amazing summer internship. I have so enjoyed my 10 weeks in my office and cannot believe it is over already.

What I really can't seem to believe is that I am about to start 2L year. For those who aren't familiar with law school, we call ourselves 1Ls, 2Ls, or 3Ls, depending on the year.

1L year was pretty rough. For those of you who read my blog regularly, I'm sure you saw the bags grow under my eyes with each passing week. Transitioning from teaching first grade to attending law school was awkward. Going home each night to 200+ pages of reading was exhausting. Knowing my entire grade depended on only one exams was terrifying. I learned a lot about my own study habits and made some good changes between semesters. It was a transition, but I am better for it.

A beautifully labeled Civil Procedure outline I made.

My Property law flashcards. My friend Kate and I bought every large note card we could find and used them ALL. We eventually ran out and switched to smaller one. Sad. 

I am so excited to start the next year. I feel like I know how to approach the classes better now. I feel more confident in my abilities and more excited about the materials I am studying.

Interviews for next summer's internships start in August (thinking about law school? Remember that both your 1L summer and 2L summer internships are decided on your first year's grades. And most people get offers post-graduation from their 2L summer internship. That means everything rides on 1L year. No pressure.). I have a great selection of firms lined up and I am so excited. I am obsessed with learning everything about the firms, their partners, their clients, everything. Interviewing is so much fun, but also worrisome. I am so happy to have options and a great support system.

1L year is suppose to be more challenging than the other years. Once you learn how to study the law, it becomes easier. Many people become less worried about grades after the first year too. I don't think that is likely for me, I am too competitive ;) I do hope I am able to enjoy other things and not be so totally enveloped in classes the entire year.

For now, I am trying to focus textbooks and class schedules so I don't become too stressed. I have a couple weeks off before classes start, thankfully. I need to stock up on sleep for the upcoming year! I hope this next year includes a little more fun and relaxation than the previous one. Grades are wonderful, but relationships are essential. I want to invest in both this time around.

Here's to another year!

Hannah 

5 on Friday

Linking up with the lovely Natasha for a little 5 on Friday!

1. Today is my last exam of 1L year. 
While Law school has got nothing on my time Teach for America, the year has still been extremely exhausting and challenging. I've studied more this year than in my entire life. I've also made some incredible friends. So happy this year is done, but so happy it happened. Law school is so competitive and this quote from Sequins and Things totally summed up my thoughts and feelings on it.

2. This weekend I have a major project with an awesome reward!
AR and I are cleaning out our closets on Saturday, with plans for a shopping trip on Sunday afternoon. I'm planning on trying things on with a critical eye and making some space it that room.
I really need to stock my closet for summer. After dressing as a First Grade Teacher for 2 years, then as a law student (read: exhausted bum), I am excited to be back in an office for my internship. I'm hoping to snag a few pencil skirts and a good gray blazer at the J.Crew and Banana Republic outlets.

3. I'll be making these again.
These whole wheat biscuits have become a weekend must in my home - and I finally posted the recipe yesterday. I'll be baking them tomorrow morning with scrambled eggs and fruit :)

4. Plus a hair cut!
And I am finally getting my hair cut! For those who don't know, I usually get my trims done at the Aveda beauty school. Don't be concerned, they do an excellent job and the instructor always checks more closely than an actual stylist. And it is only $12.
But I am actually getting a real hair cut this weekend. My sweet friend made appointments for both of us, so it will be a fun girls day!

5. Snapshots from last weekend.
Last weekend I celebrated the first half of finals with an excellent dinner at Ecco. Thanks to those who gave input on my outfit choice - I went with the brocade shorts (even though it is April) - a perk of living in the south!

5 on Friday

Happy weekend, friends! As May quickly approaches, weeks have just become more beautiful, haven't they? I'm making a walk through Peidmont Park a regular activity on Saturdays right now and hope it sticks all summer :)

So happy to link up with the ladies for 5 on Friday. Please comment below so I can read your post too!

1. This smoothie 

I told AR not to let me slip with my workouts during finals and he has been on it. We ran 4 miles on Wednesday night after my Constitutional Law final, then woke up for another 3 on Thursday morning. 

I refueled with this protein smoothie, which is becoming a fast favorite!

Blend:

1 c. frozen strawberries

1 banana

1 c. chocolate almond milk (I use Almond Breeze)

1 c. ice

2 scoops (or servings) of your favorite protein powder. 

(serves 2... or 1 really long run ;))

2. Speaking of running...

Saucony (my favorite shoe maker!) posted this info about the Boston Marathon and I thought it was so neat!

3. Flash card diva

I have two closed-book exams this weekend (Friday & Monday), so I am becoming a flashcard queen. Yesterday AR came home and I had the entire living room covered in cards. 

Property Law, anyone?

I can shout out the elements of rape faster than a Law & Order SVU episode. 

4. My sweet Mother

My mom sent me the sweetest care package for Easter and finals. It included all my favorite things (like Target and Annie's bunnies), and a new top from the Lauren Conrad line. Have you seen her things at Kohls? I like the top, so I might have to go look at them!

5. Weekend plans

Tonight I am heading out to dinner to celebrate being half way done with finals. I am considering doing brocade shorts and a long sleeve silk top. Is it too early for that? Should I wait another month?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Easter weekend + meals/fitness for the week!

Happy Monday and good luck to everyone running the Boston Marathon today! So excited for my friend Natalie, who is running today and coming back to take a final on Wednesday. #badass ;)

My weekend was what you would expect the weekend before finals: I studied a lot.

I spent all day studying on Saturday and was happy when AR came back to ATL on Saturday afternoon. Life is better when he is home.

Easter Morning was lovely, but short. I made whole-wheat buttermilk biscuits (recipe coming soon!) and headed to the library when it opened.

In the afternoon, AR and I enjoyed a wonderful 5 mile run in the sun. Last week I got 5 workouts in, which made me thrilled! For the week before finals, I was just glad to keep moving.

This week, my workouts will include:
M- rest
T - indoor run and strength training
W - outdoor run & a final!!
Th - indoor run and strength training
F - rest and a final!!
S - strength training and cross training
S - long run (maybe 7?)

Meals
M - Spaghetti with tomato sauce and veggies, served with broccoli (meatless Monday!)
T - Chicken Lettuce Wraps
W - Greek grilled shrimp with rice and broccoli (AR is cooking this)
Th - left-overs
F - Out to celebrate the first half of finals!

Have an excellent week!

Hannah

the truth about finals

I've given up on weekend recaps, because who's kidding, I spent all weekend studying. I know no one cares about how obsessed law students are at finals time, but let me say: it is real.

Evidence:
- I'm wearing my glasses because the bags under my eyes are horrendous. No amount of benefit concealer will fix it. So I didn't even try.

- I carried a 16 oz of fruit juice, 16 oz of coffee, and 24 oz of water to my first class. Hydration energizes, right? Wrong. It makes you have to pee.

- I'm now carrying flashcards in my purse because they are my security blanket. I'm also praying osmosis works, because I haven't read them near enough.

- On Saturday night, the only thing I could think of making for dinner was oatmeal. Thankfully, AR did the meal planning for our grocery trip yesterday. Otherwise we would still be eating oatmeal.

- I didn't do my long run yesterday because I studied from 8-8. What am I becoming?

Happy Monday! I am planning on continuing my study sesh before heading home around 8 tonight. On the menu for dinner: pumpkin soup and tomato-cheese Paninis. #comfortfood

 

x0x0,
Hannah

Lately

Life has been a little hectic. With finals less than 2 weeks away, studying 14-16 hours a day has become the norm. I'm packing a whole day of food and camping out at the library into the night, then working out the next morning at 5:30 in order to fit it all in. 3 more weeks and I am done. Hallelujah!

Here is what I've been up to:

Eating
So many awesome meals. Because I studied all weekend, I had no time to go out, so I cooked every meal at home. Top meals included:

1. Spinach & Sun-dried Tomato meatballs with mashed red potatoes and roasted asparagus. Asparagus has been a go-to side for me lately and I am finally becoming better at timing it right. I also cannot remember the last time I made and ate mashed potatoes, but they are so excellent.

We used the leftovers to make meatball sandwiches and AR made these amazing sweet potato fries and were both sweet and spicy. Yum.

2. A Whole Foods double chocolate cookie that AR brought me one night as a study treat. The perfect Property Law pick-me-up!

3. Peanut butter toast and fruit. I am usually an oatmeal girl, but toast, fruit, and eggs have been calling my name lately. We know my PB addiction is real.

Workouts!
With time as the essence, shorter workouts have become better. This month, I have already acknowledged that I won't fit as many workouts in, so I am walking more to make up for it! The extra rest day is much needed to catch up on sleep! So far this week:

S- rainy long run

M- rest

T- 4 miles and some ab work

W - speed work at night

Th -rest

Weekend goals:
1. Long run and a good full body workout.
2. Sunshiny walk with AR - maybe at the Farmer's Market!
3. Take an evening to sit on the couch and watch a movie.
4. Pack up some winter clothes and get out some summer ones!!
5. Visit Ulta before I have no makeup left!

x0x0x,

Hannah

5 on Friday

Happy Friday! I hope your week is going well. Linking up with the beautiful Natasha for some 5 of Friday fun to share some randomness.

1. Yay for Friday! This evening, I am excited about finally getting some chores done. My life is so exciting. Does anyone else do you on the weekends? AR has been working out of town and won't be back until late. I plan to put of some music, comfy clothes, and clean tonight.

2. Tomorrow is Barrister's Ball with the Law School! I am doing a big dinner with a bunch of friends and then to the event. I am really looking forward to a fun evening and a break from school. We are going to this amazing restaurant and people keep inviting more people. I cannot call and change the reservation again, so we will be sitting in each other's laps.

3. I am wearing a long gown to the event which I *love*. My mom brought me a bunch of  my dresses over spring break so that I could pick one. Some were old pageant dresses and I laughed so hard. Any past pageant girls? floor length, orange, with sequins, is only okay is so many situations. ;)

(Now all I can think about is how much I want to watch this movie tonight. love it)

4. I didn't run until 7pm last night (yay for almost 5 miles!) and ate scrambled eggs for dinner. How embarrassing. Then I started my reading for the next day. At like 8:30. It is like my life is falling apart.

5. I've been doing some vegan baking this week and playing with a black bean cookie recipe. Do you think some recipes don't taste good purely because you know what is in them? I'm trying to blind test people and get their thoughts on the treats before I tell them the ingredients...

x0x0,

Hannah

Five on Friday

 

one. This woman makes me want to cry. And workout.

Have you seen this video floating around social media? This woman changed her outlook on life by going to the gym for 100 days. Her positive attitude is so inspiring. I've watched it on repeat about 97 times in the last day.

 

two. Morning Workouts

Speaking of working out... morning workouts. I shared last week that I am trying to work out in the morning this semester because of my schedule. Last semester, and while teaching, I became a happy evening runner. I came to love my slow mornings and I like ending the day with a sweat session. Switching back has been hard! I only missed one day this week, and on that day I made it up with a gym session in the afternoon. Not my best, but I am working on it.

three. Reading

I want to rant about law school for 2 seconds. I got assigned over 145 pages of really complex reading to read and brief on Wednesday night for Thursday classes. Talk about ridiculous. I was so tired and brain-dead by the end of it :(

 

four. Apartment Updates

Last weekend, AR and I did some major apartment work. I got all new bedding at West Elm (they are having a huge bedding sale) and I am in love with it. It wasn't a color I had even thought about, but it is so perfect in the space and really warms the room up. I love have new sheets, throws, and duvet cover! We also got a cute shelf for the office, complete with baskets to aid storage. No more books in boxes now! I feel like things are finally coming together (5 months after move in... opps!).

 

I'm still shopping for throw pillows, but this is it! I'll post pictures of the finish product with all the throws and pillows :) 

 

five. January Cure

I signed up for apartment therapy's January Cure. Have you heard of that? I have to admit, I am not following it completely, but so far I am excited about it! Each week day they send something to do for your apartment/home to make it a space you love. The ideas are really helpful in making me focus my desires/concerns rather than say "I want to fix my ____ space".

My next project is the entry way... I want a little table/check in station!

 

 

Do you have any winter/spring goals for your home?

Morning or Evening workout?

 

Have a good weekend!

Hannah

WIAW # 18

Happy Hump Day! It is my first week back at class, so it really feels like a Wednesday to me. To top it off, its freezing cold outside and I've already read over 300 pages. Can we say sad week?? But I am excited to share some of my yummy eats with you. Rather than showing just one day, I have a snapshots of yesterday's meals, and then some extras.

 

As usual, thanks for hosting, Jenn! If you participated in What I Ate Wednesday, please comment below so I can read yours! I love getting new ideas for what to eat and serve :)
 

 

 

1. Tuesday Night's dinner: Quesadilla filled with cheese, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Served with kale chips! (Worried about kale chips? don't be! 400* over, mixed with olive oil and salt, baked for about 8 minutes. If you don't like it, put the rest in smoothies or soups).

 

2. Whole wheat drop biscuits with mozzarella, served with lentil soup (see below). I posted the recipe, so be sure to check it out. These are a favorite because they are quick, easy, and only make a couple. Sometimes I leave out the cheese and serve these for breakfast on a weekend.

 

3. My grocery cart at Whole Foods. It was SO crazy on Sunday night! I think people were afraid of the cold weather and buying everything in sight. I've never seen anything like it. I waited in line for ages and they were outs of everything at the coffee bar. Including espresso.

 

4. Tuesday's Breakfast: Still my favorite meal right now. Bob's Red Mill 10 grain cereal, cooked with pumpkin puree and cinnamon, topped with a banana and almond milk. So yummy and it gives a fruit and veggie serving at breakfast. Can't beat that :)

1. Stuffed bell pepper, made with turkey and served with spicy cornbread and kale salad. I'm playing with this recipe and will post soon! We had this once last week and once over the weekend. Clearly, we like it. Also, kale has been on sale a lot lately, hence my kale-filled meals. Yay?

 

2. Tuesday's snacks: raw walnuts, enjoyed with tea while studying. (not pictures) a Cliff Z-bar in the morning. With this cold weather, I'm having like 10 cups of tea a day. I'm drinking tea as I write this, actually.

 

3. Cornbread with jalapenos and cheddar. SO GOOD and perfect with soups or stews. Or stuffed bell peppers. I enjoyed this with some black eyed peas and greens over the weekend too.

 

4. Tuesday's lunch (and Monday's dinner): Crock pot lentil soup! This recipe is SO great and I know I will make is again soon. My friend Caroline sent it to me and I made it right away.

 

On a side note, I got 3 cookbooks for Christmas and am having so much fun flagging the pages for new recipes. One of them was Pippa Middleton's book, Celebrate. Have you seen it? It makes me want to host lots of parties and the pictures are gorgeous!

 

Have a happy hump day!

Hannah

2013 Review

As a way to close 2013, I wanted to write down all the highlights of the year, month by month.

 

January

My first MARATHON! AR & I ran the Houston Marathon in January, after months of training. It rained/hailed the entire race, but I left saying "I cannot wait for my next one" :)

 

 

 

February

I started hearing back from law schools. I had not told any one but family and AR that I was applying at this point. It was so exciting, but also hard to keep to myself!

 

March

I ran my first 10k (Yes, I know, wrong order), in 48:23 and felt pretty proud of myself. Yay for first in my age group. I still think a 10k is my favorite race distance.

 

April

LOTS of travel. I took a trip to London to visit my brother Jesse. The trip was incredible and we packed so many things in.

I also traveled to Atlanta with my mom... little did I know, I would be moving there a few months later.

I also started my blog  as a way to capture the crazy year. I had no idea how much there would be to capture!

 

 

 

May

AR and I took a trip to New Orleans. It was fun and romantic and such a great escape. The haunted history tour was probably my favorite part. If you haven't taken one of these, I recommend it!

 

 

June

I tried to say good-bye to 2 years of memories in San Antonio. This was really hard. Saying good-bye to friends and family. Saying good-bye to my first *real* apartment. Saying good-bye to my students was the hardest. I cried. They cried.

AR and I took a trip to apartment hunt in Atlanta and I got excited about the prospect of starting something new. We also celebrated 2 years :)

 

July

AR and I moved to Atlanta. That was an adventure all in of itself, oh my goodness.

AR started traveling M-F, and I explored the city little by little.

 

 

 

August

Law school started! I met new people and started a whole new adventure. I also made a short trip back up north to see friends and family.

 

 

 

September

Law School got real. Transitioning from teaching first grade to being a law student was interesting. Getting in the habit of reading over 100 pages a night wasn't fun.

 

October

My second MARATHON. AR and I ran the Atlanta Marathon. This wasn't my favorite running moment, but still a good experience.

 

 

 

November

I visited Kathryn in Nashville for the first time and had so much fun. We went to hear live music, tried some new restaurants, and I paced her for the last part of her first half marathon :)

I made a trip to Louisiana with AR for Thanksgiving. I spent most of the time studying, but it was still a nice visit.

 

 

 

December

FINALS. 2 weeks of torture.

Kathryn came to visit Atlanta and we had an awesome visit.

Christmas in Texas with all my family, plus catching up with friends. I couldn't believe how much I missed everyone and everything

 

 

 

2013 was a jam packed year. I'm actually hoping that 2014 is a little less eventful, haha. Can't wait to see what is in store. Please follow my blog, instragram (hrw1126), or twitter (hannahwahlen) to keep up!

 

Thanks for joining me in this crazy year.

 

x0x0,

Hannah

Dear Aaron...

Dear Aaron,

 

Thanks for putting up with me throughout this entire first semester of law school. You've been wonderful - supportive, loving, encouraging - every step of the way.

Last night, we spent the evening at Target and ate greek takeout for dinner. After dinner, you sat and cut out construction paper circles because I wanted to make a snowman for our front door. It's a far cry from the Saturday nights we use to have :) Yet I couldn't be happier.

 

 

 

I know you do far more of the chores right now. And I know I look like a mess much of the time. Yet you still tell me I am beautiful and hold my hand in public. You are patient when I snap about little things and you act interested when I discuss Rule 14(a) party joinder.

 

On Friday, you called me on the way home from work and we chatted until you got to my front door. I think it is a sign you found the right one when you want to chat on the way home to them. I am a pretty lucky lady.

 

Thanks for everything,

Hannah

 

On the move to Atlanta!

 

Law School Exams 101

I am in the middle of final exams right now, in case you can't tell by my crazed demeanor. For those who don't know, law school exams are a nightmare. They are usually 3-6 hours and the only grade for the entire semester. Yes, that means that is you bomb it, you just fail. :(

To make matters worse, the questions are generally all essay. As a result, you write PAGES and PAGES of information. It isn't uncommon to hear that someone wrote 20 pages in their exam. Sure, you do it on the computer, but 20 pages gives plenty of room for mistake.

Often, professors allow the exam to be open book and/or open notes. This means that students might bring their books, notes, and an outline of the course to the test. When I say outline, you may imagine a 20 page outline bulleting the main subjects of the class. Wrong.

 

These people bring in BOOKS that they write. Seriously, these outlines might be 80 pages with very little white space. (Side note: girl behind me on Monday had a binder of every slide, every note, every handout, EVERYTHING from the entire semester. True story) Law students pretty much hoard every piece of information in fear of the exam. We all look like crazy people with a million tabbed documents as we approach the exam. See exhibit A below:  

 

Part of my Civil Procedure outline... isn't it pretty?

 

I took my first exam on Monday and have another on Thursday. In all honesty, it wasn't as horrible as I envisioned (I have a vivid imagination).  I understood each question. I had notes on each topic. I didn't run out of time. In reality, I don't feel I could ask for much more. At this point, I cannot even remotely speculate on my grade. While I feel I worked really hard in preparing for the exam, it seems like everyone worked really hard. Going to a competitive university often means that almost every student it really competitive and hardworking. I am studying like crazy, but I don't think I am doing anything different than anyone else.

 

Grades do not come out until the end of January... lets hope I don't cry! The university is going above and beyond to make exams okay. Free coffee, bagels, and donuts in the morning, hot cocoa and cookies in the evening. They had massage therapists visit, movies and board games delivers, and daily visit from puppies! You can guess what activity I signed up for :)

 

To all the other students out there: I fee ya.

Hannah

Weekend Recap! Football, Thanksgiving, and a Roadtrip

Hey all, happy post-turkey day! I love thanksgiving, partially because it always coincides with my birthday, and because it combines some of my favorite activities: cooking, eating, and spending time with family. Many fun things happened over the weekend, so I thought I would recap in photos. Enjoy!

 

I got ready for the weekend with some baking! Chocolate chip muffins for my friend before her family came to visit, cinnamon bread for Aaron's family. My kitchen smelled amazing.

 

 

Road trip: On Wednesday morning, Aaron and I went to the gym and then left for Louisiana. I packed an entire bag of books to study (law school is such a blast). At one point, I ran out of water for about 45 minutes and nearly DIED (lack of water sends me into a panic attack. Can I get an amen on that?). At the next stop, I bought three liters of water. Guess who had to take a few bathroom stops... oops ;)

 

Thanksgiving Day! Aaron and I celebrated twice, first with his mother and her side of the family. Mid afternoon, we headed over to his sister's house to celebrate with his dad's side of the family. I ate my main meal at his mother's house, but saved dessert for the second stop. So glad I did that - both were amazing!

P.S. He is a cutie, huh?

 

Friday morning started early with some shopping LSU Football! We made a run to the daiquiri(such a LA thing) store, then headed out to tailgate. I was a little worried it would be cold, so I wore like 500 layers. I felt like the kid in A Christmas Story. We got to hear the band come down the hill, wave hi to Mike the tiger, and watch the cheerleader. My favorite parts of football might be before them game starts, lol.

 

Check out this dog that someone painted like a tiger. LSU people are crazy.

 

 

Sadly, I left when the game started to go study. I sat at Starbucks for a good 5 hours, which was really helpful. Check out my color-coordinated outline for my exam. Aaron and our friends came to pick me up and rescue me from all the studying.

 

We came home Saturday, and Sunday was filled with studying, a massive Whole Foods trip, and a TREE! Look at my adorable Christmas tree! All my decorations are out now, and I will be sure to add photos once the tree is complete :) 

 

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you celebrate more than once?

Who has their tree up and decorated already? I love seeing all the photos that people keep posting of their trees!

 

x0x0,

Hannah

5 on Friday - Thankful Thoughts

Hey loves, its Friday and first-year law student has her LAST day of class today! Hallelujah! I'm continuing the thankful theme with Natasha at Hello! Happiness today - I have so enjoyed reading other's posts each week. What a sweet reminder to appreciate everything around us.

one. New friends.
Yesterday at school, one of the ladies brought me a piece of carrot cake for my birthday! I had mentioned that I wouldn't be celebrating much because of finals, but she remembered. I am so lucky to have met some amazing friends at school this semester. I feel like I "click" a bit more here (does that even make sense?) then I did in San Antonio, which has been a welcomed feeling :)

two. The Pioneer Woman.
This is going to sound silly, but I tend to get a little weird with my food. If left alone too long, I can become paranoid about butter, sugar, preservatives, EVERYTHING. I'm much better than I use to be, for which I thank people like the Pioneer Woman. She makes amazing food, gives hysterical narratives, and always throws in extra chocolate and butter. This week, I am making her Cinnamon Bread to take to AR's family for Thanksgiving. It is amazing.
--> For other recipes I've tried from blogs lately, click here.


Source: The Pioneer Woman. (Mine didn't look exactly like this...)

 three. Small Holiday Treats
It is amazing how some little holiday treat can make things seem brighter. Candles, stickers, lights. They don't cost much, but they make my apartment seem to much more cheery and inviting. I spend a lot of time sitting at my desk right now, reading and studying. Burning a holiday candle is just the pick-me-up I need. It doesn't need to be anything extravagant, just a simple reminder of the season. Note, the Christmas tree is NOT up yet, because Scrooge AR says we cannot put it up until after Thanksgiving. I've got a countdown going on the calendar.


This is what I want my home too look like right now.

four. A Walkable City
Now that I live in Atlanta, I am reminded how much I missed walking everywhere. I LOVE being able to step out my door and walk to the store, the coffee shop, the gym, anywhere. It is such a freeing feeling. AR and I have really enjoyed talking walks to the farmers market and out to dinner in the evenings. It is such a great way to unwind and enjoy my surroundings.

five. Ear Plugs
It is football season and finals start in 10 days. Enough said.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hannah

 

P.S.  If you did a post on what you're thankful for, please comment so I can read it!

Weekend Recap & Plans for the Week

I've become so boring. I have one more week of class, a week of holiday break, and then finals start on December 2nd. You can imagine what I do all the time now...study. My eyes and head hurt, but I am going to make it. I submitted my final research memo this weekend, so I feel a huge weight off my shoulders. One class down, four to go!

 

I was a networking machine this weekend: One on Thursday, two on Friday, plus a happy hour. I met some amazing women - including Georgia Supreme Court Justice Carol Hunstein (she was SO sweet and informative). I am constantly in awe of how hard these women fought for their place in the legal profession. They were so encouraging and helpful when I asked questions :)

 

I got home on Friday at about 7pm, and really wanted to put on sweatpants and watch a movie... I was "this" close to doing it, when AR called and asked if I would come meet him at his office happy hour. I quickly changed clothes and headed out (in the cold and rain) for an hour. Afterwards, we went to dinner at an amazing Indian restaurant and split several veggie dishes. Talk about making the networking circuit - 4 events in 24 hours.

 

(Side note, I wore these amazing pants from J. Crew and I am in love with them. I might wear them every day now. And they are currently 40% off. Just saying.)

 

Saturday was full of errands, the farmer's market, a hair cut, and shopping for bedding. AR and I are still trying to make up our mind. More on this later. AR cooked dinner, I studied --> This is now the pattern of our life. I found such a keeper.

 

Atlanta friends, this stand has the BEST chicken sausage.

 

Sunday started early with a run and workout, LOTS of studying at Panera (with a peppermint latte and Christmas music!), and a trip to Whole Foods. The security guard there knows my name - is this a bad sign? I made veggie burgers for dinner while AR prepped dinner for the other nights this week. Here are my plans for the week:

 

Meals:

M - AR's red beans and rice (with brown rice and turkey sausage) + Brussels sprouts

T - Turkey tacos

W - Black Bean burgers + sweet potato wedges

Th - Roasted squash soup + grilled cheese sandwiches.

F - Out

S - Whatever looks good at the farmer's market!

Lunches (salads with roasted veggies + turkey, baked sweet potato, squash soup)

 

Workouts:

M - Spin class

T - 3 miles + abs + arms

W - Yoga class + 3 miles

Th - 4 miles + abs

F - rest

S - yoga class + strength

 

What are your workout goals for the week??

Do you prep/plan out any of your meals for the week?

 

Hannah

Friday Favorites

Welcome Friday, we have missed you! In keeping with Natasha over at Hello! Happiness, I wanted to share some things for which I am thankful.

 

one. Family.

This is exactly how I would look with blonde hair and blue eyes.

 

Living away from may family has really reminded me how much I love them. There are weeks when my mom and I talk every day. While I won't be spending this thanksgiving with them, I am so thankful for them! It is a shame we have to spread ourselves out across several states and countries (I am looking at you, Jesse. Get yourself back to the USA ;))

 

 

two. AR

He even moved with me. Who would do that?

Last night I was chatting AR on the phone while I was eating dinner (this is our date night. jk) and I told him "I just miss you sitting next to me when I study". Sappy, but true. I have no clue what I would do without him. He did the long-distance thing with me for 2 years. Then he moved across several states with me. He's trained for two marathons with me and crossed the finish line next to me in 6 races. We've taken road-trips, spent holidays with each other's family. We survived the first year of teaching, new jobs, and now law school together. He is a keeper.

 

 

three. Baking

 

Don't laugh. Baking is my refuge. It is how I relax and decompress. It lets me feel creative and productive after a day of reading cases from a textbook. I'm thankful for something that takes me away - and my mom for answering my questions. I cannot tell you how often I call and say "why do you this x is happening?" or "I don't have x, what can I use instead?". Bless her heart.

 

 

four. Running

 

I am so sore right now, it actually hurts to sit (tough yoga class + running + not recovered muscles). And yet I am still thinking about how much I'd like to go running.

Running makes me feel successful when everything else is a mess. I know that if I put on my shoes and keep running, I will get better. Few things in life are that simple.

 

five. Friends

I am off to Nashville this weekend to visit one of my dearest friends, Kathryn. We lived together in D.C. about 5 years ago and always pick up where we left off. We've both finished college, worked a bit, and are now plugging away at graduate school. I am so lucky to have friends to cheer me on, make me laugh, tell me I am crazy, and encourage me when I need it.

 

I am also linking up with Heather at Housewife Glamour. Be sure to stop by and catch her fall favorites!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hannah