Okay, I wanna start this post by pointing out I go to two Thanksgiving Dinners on Thanksgiving Day. One is at my parents house; the other is at Grant’s Parents House. I am not a complete fatty despite the amount of food I ate.

Okay to start off this year mom and I picked up the bird on Wednesday afternoon and then we had to clear space in the fridge!

On Thanksgiving morning I woke up to the smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven. I don’t know about any of you but that is one way to get my butt outta bed before I’m ready! I walked up the stairs to head towards the yummy smell and to my happiness there was a pumpkin pie sitting on a cooling rack 🥰🥰🥰.

Fast forward through the day and it’s time for Grant and I to head out to his family’s Thanksgiving. We might’ve made a pit stop along the way and got an Apple pie from Bridgets house! It’s really great to be able to spend time with your bestie on Thanksgiving.

After spending some time with Bridget’s family it was time to head over to Grants house. We walked in the front door to the smell of turkey in the oven! At his house it was his parents and the his two younger siblings. We all hung out in the dining room and kitchen while everyone was putting the finishing touches on the food.

We enjoyed stuffing, mashed potatoes, spinach casserole, cranberry jello, turkey, and rolls. The food was amazing but the company was even better!

Then after dinner we were all hanging around the table talking as it was about to leave the doorbell rang and Grandma and Grandpa Horton had arrived! They even brought cookies! We stayed a few more minutes to spend time with them and then it was time to face the chilly air and head over to my house.

When we got to my house we walked in with the pie and we’re the star of the show since we had homemade apple pie. My house smelled amazing it was literally mouth watering.

On our table there was stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, corn bread, mac ‘n cheese and cranberries. It was wonderful. I might’ve been so full I couldn’t even eat dessert. (Which if you smelled Bridget’s homemade apple pie you’d know how hard it was to not eat it on the spot.)

I waddled to the couch and just relaxed until I texted Bridget to go out to Bath and Body works with me! If you wanna read about that adventure it’s back a few posts!

I would like to welcome Sonny the Sonic to the Carson Car Family!! A few weeks ago Grant and I were over at Priya’s house. When it was time to go home Sarah offered to follow me home in the Liberty so Grant could ride with me. Sarah and the Liberty seemed to be fighting which, okay the car can be mean I get it but something wasn’t right…. I hopped into the drivers seat and a pit in my stomach began to form. The Liberty wasn’t okay; the transmission was slipping out on me.

I got in the car on Saturday morning and tried to drive it. I was successful but barely. I made it to the body shop to book an appointment and made it home but that was it for my good old tank. When the appointment time came the car had to be towed over to the shop. A day went by without an update I kept feeling worse and worse about the diagnosis. When I finally got a call about it they said it was the transmission. I had serious doubts about them and waited to have my AAA go through for the extended towing and have my tank sent to my mechanic.

The Liberty was with Al for a few days before he called and broke the news to me. The other shop wasn’t wrong and that this would need to be a major repair. We talked for a bit and he said if I wanted he could help me sell the car. After complete devastation I knew it was time to start shopping.

Thankfully I was able to look at cars and catch some great savings. On Wednesday after working all day mom and I went over to Joseph Chevrolet and met Jason who took us on a test drive on the blue oasis sonic. The car felt right. I really liked it plus it had an automatic start. I’m a big fan of a toasty car on a cold morning! Jason wanted me to sign the paperwork right then and there but I held firm. I wanted Grant to get a chance to see it too before it became Monica’s car.

I went home that night and Dad looked into the car and gave me the its all good on the dad front. The next step was to take Grant. On Friday afternoon as a family (Mom, Dad, Bridget, Grant and I) we headed over to look at the car. Grant looked over the car and really liked it too. After that we sat down with Andrew who was amazing. He walked me through the entire process. We did some tough negotiations and the next thing I knew I had the keys to Sonny! Bridget, Grant and I piled in and headed down the road. Mom and Dad drove home in Dad’s Mazda. Both were very proud of me for doing all of this! It’s been a few days with Sonny and I know that I am pleased to say it is a match made in heaven. If you are a local Cincinnati native looking for a car I would highly recommend Andrew. He was nice and didn’t feel like a cars salesman. He felt like he was actually advocating for me to help me get a price point that worked with my budget while still getting the perfect car.

Can we start off with how exhausted I am right now?!?! Four am didn’t use to feel so tough but maybe? All I know is the alarm went off and I went to smack it but I was up!

I got my sleepy booty out of bed to get dressed and do my hair. About 45 minutes later I was functional!

I went upstairs and met up with Mom. Grant was quickly behind and we waited for Bridget to arrive. Once we were all there it was time to hit the road jack!

We got to Kenwood a little before 6; which meant we got a great parking spot. We headed into the mall. Our first stop was Anthropology which happened to have a thirty percent off sale going on this morning; which I couldn’t pass up. Plus it also applied to their clearance so hello extra discounts!

Then we went over to Francescas which was fifty percent off everything. While I didn’t get anything there was a really cute scarf that I might run back for; still debating to be honest. From there Madewell was next with a 30% off everything. I looked at everything but I wanted soft and cozy; whereas, they were more cute instead.

Athleta was next with 20% off and omg I was in soft cozy heaven. I could’ve literally curled up in those hoodies and taken a nap! If anyone reading wants to buy me a Christmas present I want the teal green crew neck sweatshirt in an XL.

I couldn’t go to Kenwood without hitting Lilly Pulitzer and I found the best organizational journal. It has check box spaces and appointment time slots. Lol literally the works! I don’t know what it is about good organization but it makes me the happiest of small children on the planet! I highly recommend it.

Hey, after that we hit Torrid for a nice 50% off the entire store. I tried on a really cute plaid cardigan I might be sporting all season long. (Oh hell, I’ll be honest. I’m gonna be sporting plaid for a good long while!)

Although our arms were falling off and exhaustion was kicking in we couldn’t stop; we had to power through. We proceeded to Bare Minerals. I love when I have to buy make up and I get it for 25% off! Hello backups of backups! I’m officially good for foundation through the year. Thank you Bare Minerals; you made my day!

I couldn’t leave the mall without finding a cozy hoodie. Thank you American Eagle for the 40% off even on the maroon crew neck sweatshirt! I’ll lay around under my cozy blanket and be all warmy.

Okay, at this point my arms were totally getting tired and the exhaustion was slowly replacing the adrenaline. It was time to make an executive decision on how much longer our group can carry on…. Last store I tell myself then food! For my last store I hit up the FCC Cincinnati booth for a lovely 20% off all the swag besides the jerseys which I get. I checked out the hoodies and jackets. (I’m feeling all about the cozy this weekend!) Go FCC!!

Okay by now we’re on the verge of serious exhaustion so time for food then the car! We grabbed a quick lunch at the food court then loaded into the Mazda for our ride home! Nap time here we come. ❤️❤️

Okay last day of prep before getting sworn in so I have to hustle today! I booked an appointment at Spruce for a manicure a while ago in preparation for today and it was time! I got over to the shop a few minutes before my appointment and was able to quickly find a parking space on the street. (I love parking apps that let me use my debit card to park!) I paid the meter then walked up the street into the shop.

I booked the top manicure with a hot stone massage I figured I’d want a little bit of pampering. At first I got lots of lotion and an arm massage, then a hot stone massage, then a sugar scrub. My arms felt baby soft it was time to move onto painting my nails.

I choose to get a French Manicure I wanted elegance and style. (Confession. My nails are really short. I had a botched SNS nail job over the summer so my nails are still a little weak.) My manicurist was amazing and the salon is so much better and healthier on the chemical front than most. I really appreciate that they are trying to be more safe for my body/nails.

After that I walked around a little more. I went in and out of the clothing boutique Kismet where I bought the most beautiful pink suede jacket! Then wandered into 1215; a coffee and wine bar! OMG could it get any better. Who doesn’t love coffee and wine? The atmosphere is great. It’s like the most chic, fun and relaxed atmosphere you could find. I would happily go back and keep sipping coffee there all day long! (For those that might ask I got a Ginger Latte.)

After drinking my latte I headed back to my car and began the trip home.

I have been hearing how great the Holiday Market in downtown Cincinnati is and I decided to check it out.

I got ready and picked out the perfect fly girl fall outfit then rounded up a few friends and headed out. We hit up McDonald’s for some sodas and were on our way.

When we got downtown we were driving around looking for a good spot. I was being a butt and refused to pay $20 for a parking spot. We did find a garage that wasn’t too far and only paid $10 for it!

The three of us walked over to the convention center bought, our tickets and began to explore the great holiday expo! It’s a little overwhelming when you first walk in with vendors everywhere! We decided to go with the tried and true fashion of walking every isle.

They had everything from hand lotion made with real bees wax from bees they actually cared for to ornaments that you can have the names of family members written on them.

I think I loved all the clothing options the most. I liked all the cool Ohio and Cincinnati shirts I saw. I was very tempted to get this Sherpa hoodie with a Miami logo but I decided to get a hoodie from LeiMarie Limited instead. It’s a double hoodie that’s grey and white with black stripes. (I’m currently sitting here in it as I’m working on this post!)

I also got the most amazing hot chocolate and coffee mixes. The hot chocolate was even great iced! (It’s peppermint coco, salted Carmel coco and s’mores coffee.) I was fortunate enough to get to try a decent variety of their flavors; they were seriously thebomb.com.

Plus I’m a big fan of family ornaments that list everyone’s name and the year. I’ve gotten them from the mall for years. This year I was fortunate enough to find the cutest one; it literally screams Monica. It’s a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallow floating on top. One marshmallow per person. It’s absolutely adorable I love it.

The one downside was I’m absolutely exhausted. We walked every inch of the shopping. It was exhausting but exhilarating.

Once my budget was cranky and my feet aching it was time to pack up our finds and head home. I walked back to the safety of my comfy car cushions and just relaxed on my drive home.

Okay, where do I begin today? Alright we’ll start with my alarm. I set it for 6:45am and to say I was awake before that is an understatement. I was up at 6:30 ready to go!

I hopped up out of my bed and got started on my make up. Today I wanted a more natural look with a hint of sparkle. I grabbed my knee length black dress that I wear to court, put it on, sprayed my perfume on and then I was on my way to Aromas. (In case you aren’t from Cincinnati this is my go to local coffee shop. It’s right up the street from my parents. It’s kinda been my place since they opened back when I was in high school.) I was able to get my friend Kandace to do my hair for the event.

I arrived over at her house with our coffee and she sat me down for the curling to begin. I don’t know how she does it but I sat there for thirty minutes and she turned my hair from a hot mess to a model!

After spending a little time with her and helping me pick a lipstick color (a really deep red!) I hit the road. I met Bridget at my house and she had Starbucks! Together we put the finishing touches on my outfit, we grabbed my clutch for the day and the heels. After that we loaded up the car.

Bridget, Mom, Dad, Nick and I loaded up in Dad’s Mazda (yes I know, I got the back seat middle hump) and we took a nice long ride to Columbus. Some parts were smooth and some parts had Bridget and I clinging together!

Once we arrived in Columbus we started searching for parking. Thankfully we were able to park right behind the theater. We walked about two blocks and were safely inside the heated building! (Trust me this is huge. It was maybe 24 degrees outside if I’m being generous and I’m dressed for court not Alaska!) We got to the building about ten minutes before the doors opened and just waited. After that the doors opened and a sea of people flooded into the building! The family went upstairs and I was told to go down and find my seat. I ran to the bathroom to do one last make up check with Bridget. When we were finished we walked back up and met Grant, John and Sherree for hugs, good luck and good byes.

I was sitting in row P seat 121. I found my seat then waited patiently; before you knew it, court was in session and the opening remarks began. It honestly just flew by before we were at the motion for admission where we were being called up. I walked up those stairs with my head held high then handed the judge my name card and walked to where I received my certificate ,shook hands with another judge who told me she loved my shoes and I was back down the stairs with my official lawyer certificate in hand.

Then boom; closing remarks! Court was over just as fast as it began. I went out towards the door and began to wait for my group to meet me.

Once I had everyone with me I walked over to the Supreme Court building in my sparkling shoes! Once we were in the court house I signed up for the Ohio Bar Association, got a cool new shirt and the took a picture in front of the Supreme Court bench!

After we took a picture we enjoyed a few refreshments. After this Nick ran to get the car for us so we could head over to enjoy dinner. We had reservations at the boat house; a nice restaurant in Columbus that over looked the river. It was really pretty. The food was good but the company was fantastic. We had a champagne toast and everything. It was everything a celebratory dinner should be!

After dinner we were back in the Mazda where Nick and Dad are squabbling like old ladies. I’ve lost count on the burns at this point. Quite honestly I think they both have lost while Bridget, Mom and I are just laughing. Ill let you know if we actually make it home in one piece.

P.S. We did make it and I might’ve jumped for joy to be outta the car!

Today, man, was just one of those days I woke up and it was still an hour before I needed to get up. This meant, hello, extra long hot shower!

After my shower I did my make up and got ready to go meet Kandace at Sally’s for hair supplies. (Okay fine. I had to grab coffee before I actually met her but hey I got her coffee too!)

When we got to Sally’s she had totally preshopped without me. When I walked in she led me over to exactly where we needed to go. Then walked right up to the checkout where the cashier already had the items she wanted. (Right, how amazing is she that she already knows it all!)

After Sally’s we headed over to the salon where we set to work! She diligently braided multiple sections of my hair to be able to sew in the extensions. Some parts might’ve been slightly painful (it probably wasn’t but I have a sensitive head.) As she was sewing them in I think at the end of the time every single person in the salon watched the process and complimented her skills and how well I looked.

Once Kandace was finished sewing it was time to style. I actually got really lucky and another stylist Todd was in the salon between appointments. (Todd cracks me up he is amazing!) So I was fortunate enough to get Kandace and Todd both with styling suggestions! Between the two of them it was an absolute blast and I couldn’t have had more fun!

After we were all done, sadly (okay, not sadly. I looked amazing) it was all over. My hair was perfect. I looked amazing! Kandace took a few pics and then I was off onto a shopping date with my mom! (If you wanna hear more about that look for the next blog post!)