The Search for the Perfect Planner

I have a confession to make.  I'm obsessed with day planners.  In fact, to prove to you that I'm obsessed, I'll take a picture of my current "planner situation" to attach to the end of the this post.  It's a problem, a BIG problem.  I'm just never satisfied.  I buy a planner, use it religiously and then my love for it dwindles and I move on to the next.  I just can't be loyal.

My boyfriend doesn't agree with this obsession.  He doesn't agree AT ALL and he makes his feelings known anytime I take the dreaded step into the planner aisle of any Target or office supply store.  He thinks that because I have a blackberry I have no need to keep a planner handy.  Little does he know that I take great joy in filling the pages of, well, multiple planners!

As 2011 approaches I've begun my search for my next planner.  And this time I vow to find one planner and STICK WITH IT all year!  This, my friends, means I have my work cut out for me.   I have to find the perfect planner.  The planner that can truly satisfy me all year long.

I know I'm not alone in my love for planners.  So I need your help!  Tell me about your favorite planner.

And as promised....

                (the worst part: this isn't even all of them...just the one's within arms reach!)

Cleaning Out My Closet

I own way too much so I've decided that it's time to purge!

Check out my Bonanzle Widget on the blog and click the link below to visit my page if you are interested in purchasing anything. 

Also, if anyone is interested, I can post some of the items on the blog.  Let me know!

My Bonanzle Page

RECAP: Interview # 1

So, Friday was the big day.  It was my first interview since graduating law school.  The interview lasted about 30 minutes and I was definitely asked some strange questions and things I never expected to be asked in an interview.  I felt I did fine, but unfortunately I didn't get a good vibe by the attorneys who interviewed me. 

I got the feeling that they were just looking for someone to do free work for them (which, by the way, is illegal).  They asked if they could send me some material and have me do research for them.  Apparently this is how they "try-out" the new help.  I agreed, but we'll see what happens.  I've decided that I just can't take a job for no pay when I'm not really fond of the attorneys/firm and don't see a future opportunity for myself there.

So, the job hunt resumes...

Interview # 1...Coming Soon!

Tomorrow is the day! 

I have my 1st interview!!!  And, it's in the area of law I want to practice!!!

Not too sure on the specifics yet, but there is a slight possibility the position may be unpaid.  While that is obviously not the ideal situation, I'm just looking forward to finally having an interview.  Wish me luck and I'll report back tomorrow!

In the comments, leave me any interviewing tips you may have!  Thanks!

My Favorite Recipes

I'll admit it, cooking is not something I claim to be any expert in.  In fact, up until a few months ago my cooking "specialties" consisted of Kraft mac & cheese, tuna sandwiches and anything microwavable.  But, when it comes to baking it's a whole other story.  Well...not exactly, but I'm MUCH better at baking and I actually enjoy it.

My mom wasn't the biggest cook, but she loved to bake-so I definitely think I inherited her culinary skills (or lack thereof, sorry mom!)  Another thing I inherited...her beloved cook books.  Even though she didn't use them often, she certainly had a lot of them!  She also put together a personalized recipe book for me that consists of all my favorite recipes that she made.  Some of my favorites: pumpkin bread, my grandpa's vegetable soup, cherry cola salad, dutch pancakes and my all-time favorite dessert, fruit pizza.

Since I have a decent amount of time on my hands, I've decided that now is the perfect time to learn (or attempt to learn) how to cook.  Besides the cookbooks, I've spent a lot of time gathering recipes online from:

• The Pioneer Woman
• Eating Well
• Food Network

 What are some of your favorite places to find recipes?  Any wonderful recipes (easy enough for a cooking dummy like me) you want to share?

Proper Attire

One of the things I'm most looking forward to about getting a job (besides the paycheck, of course) is buying new clothes.  I admit- I have clothes.  I have a lot of clothes.  However, I do not have a lot of work appropriate clothes. 

One of the things I spend my days doing is searching my favorite stores online and planning out my future wardrobe.  The only thing stopping me from going out and buying these new work clothes (besides the $$$) is the fact that some law firms range from more business casual to conservative and very professional.  Therefore, until I have a job and know what the "culture" of my firm will be, I will refrain from breaking the bank and stuffing my closet full of new pretties. 

However, a girl can still dream.  So, here are a few of my current favorites:

I love this Wool flannel jacket (minus the pants) from J. Crew for a more casual alternative to the traditional suit jacket.

Love this Calvin Klein Sheath dress.  Very conservative (paired with a cardigan or suit jacket), classic, yet still feminine. 

Another sheath dress paired with a ruffled cardigan jacket from Banana Republic.  Love this look (minus the shoes)-but only for a more casual day. 

Love this classic, pinstripe 2-button J. Crew suit.  I'd pair it with a nicer blouse/shell.

This Banana Republic silk ruffle shell would be perfect under any suit.

Nordstrom also has a wonderful selection of suits, dresses and shells.

What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?

Making Friends

 I need advice, and I hope you can help!

I moved to my current city about 3 months ago.  There were various reasons for the move: I had always planned to leave LA (where I went to law school), my boyfriend lived here, I had always wanted to live here, there would be better job opportunities, etc.  However, one thing I did not think so much about was friendships.  Outside of my boyfriend and some of his friends, I only knew one other person in my current city.  Actually, she is one of my best friends, but, she is currently teaching abroad for the next year :(

Since I'm currently unemployed I pretty much stay home all day.  My boyfriend works and goes to school (even on Saturdays!) so I'm home alone a lot.  I've always liked to be alone and never had a problem entertaining myself (only child over here), but I'm kinda getting sick of it.  Besides the occasional trip to the gym I really don't have anywhere to go each day.  I have no friends to hang out with.  For example, today, I'm considering going to a movie by myself-just so I can get out of the house and do something!

I had a wonderful idea a few nights ago:  I would join the Junior League.  For those of you who may not be familiar with JL, it's an international organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism and improving the community.  It's a wonderful organization that I would be proud to be a part of AND it would help me meet people and potentially make wonderful friends.  However, my excitement soon turned to sadness when I saw that applications to join had just closed a few weeks prior.  Soooo, my bright idea is no longer a possibility (at least for another year when they accept new applications).

So, my question to you is: how can I meet people?!  Outside of work, school and Church-what are some ways you've made friends?  Any organizations similar to Junior League that you know of?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!