TGIF...

Happy Friday-

I am so ready for this weekend that I decided to start the weekend early by taking a half day at work. I know since I am the "Cube Queen" I will be missed but I think that my co-workers can manage...haha. The BF has been out of town on business since Sunday and he got back into town last night. I was super excited for him to be home but my excitement was curtailed by the fact that I had to pick up Hagan (aka the dog) at the pet suites. I am thankful that the BF is aware that I couldn't handle the dog on my own and he automatically takes her to Up-Town Hounds. Up-Town Hounds is more or less a Ritz Carlton for dogs. Literally the tile floor in the lobby is beautiful and the gift shop resembles any of the cute shops in Lexington. I admit I was nervous about being alone in the car with her, I mean she is totally harmless but she gets so excited that she can be a bit wild. She pretty much walked me out to the car (literally at one point I almost lost my balance trying to slow her down...pure comedy) and was super hyper/whiny once we got in the car. **Side Note: I had taken back my rental car (aka the police cruiser) about an hour before and I am very thankful that Hagan wasn't going to be a passenger because what happens next would have been not so good.** I called the BF and told him that things were good and things were in tact. We were stopped at a stoplight and not even thinking I look down and dear sweet Hagan has used the bathroom in the front seat of my car, (only #1, no #2.... I think I would have died if she had pooed in my car). She looked at me as if nothing was wrong and then turns away. I couldn't get mad because its not like I could scold her (not that she would have listened to me anyway) because we were in the middle of downtown traffic. All I could do was say, "OMG, this is not happening..." and obviosuly it didn't affect Hagan because she went back to whining and enjoying her surroundings.

After the incident... she almost looked Sorry...

She soon decided that it was Dad's fault for leaving her at the Pet Suites, and that I shouldn't be mad at her....

I guess accidents happen but I would much rather them happen in someone else's vehicle while she is in someone else's care. The BF remedied the whole situation as my car is being detailed as we speak, he felt bad but I think Hagan is having the last laugh...LOL.

Recently I have been perusing my favorite clothing sites for the first looks at the new fall garb I found a site that allows you to pull some of your favorite pieces. I wish that I had never found said site because I think that I may spend the majority of my free time trying to find new looks. I am super excited for FALL and can't wait to bring back out the jeans and sweaters.

C'MON FALL....

Happy Weekend!

LOVE, MKH

A Weekend of Firsts

Happy Monday! I hope everyone has had a relaxing weekend and a good start to the week. It was another scorcher here in Lexington this weekend and I spent most of the weekend inside with the A/C. I made a visit to the hair fairy on Friday afternoon for some much needed attention and I am so glad that I did. My roots looked super gross and my eyebrows looked like they had almost grown together (not really but in my mind they were AWFUL).

Last week I had decided that I was only going to work half day on Friday so I could enjoy some pool time before the weekend crazies invaded my outdoor solitude. Armed with my McDonalds Sweet Tea (Sonic was on the other end of town and the pool was calling my name...) I headed to pool and it was very relaxing. I usually don't like socializing while lounging by the pool, I much prefer to lose myself in a celebrity magazine/people watching behind my dark sunglasses. Being that most professional people were at work I thought that I wouldn't have any distractions or rude people to deal with. I ended up getting in the pool soon after getting there because it was so hot. As I was standing in the water about to get out I feel someone peck on my shoulder. My initial reaction was it was some sort of bug so I ignored it. Then I heard this sweet little voice, I turned around and floating behind me (in the cutest ruffle bathing suit and matching hat I had ever seen... literally) was my new friend, and her name was Mallory. Little blond Mallory (not to be confused with my sister Mallory) was 2 years old (she invited me to her 3rd birthday party which is in August, she doesn't know when, but a general idea is better than no idea at all) and possibly the cutest child ever. She was so mannerly and I ended up playing in the water with her for the rest of the afternoon. Her mother was also playing too (at first I thought, "Where is this child's mother?") but she was more concerned with her other child who was running wildly and having problems following the rules. After a almost an hour and a half in the water I had to leave and Mallory asked her mom if she could go with me. Kids say the craziest things but I enjoyed my afternoon with little Mallory.

My somewhat enjoyable afternoon ended there. After leaving the pool I headed home to change clothes to go to my hair appointment and when I get in the car and start driving all of the dials and such start making the craziest noises and the computer in the dash is reading, "Transmission, Over Temp," & "Perform Service Immediately." Please remember that I purchased my car 6 weeks ago and was totally flipping out while this happening, (I would have tried to take a picture, but I am all about safe driving and all...). I ended up going to the dealership, but I was so nervous while on the way there I ended up turning off the A/C (yes it was 95+ degrees outside) for fear that I was going to do more damage. In theory that sounded very smart and logical but in reality I could have ridden with the A/C going and it wouldn't have made a difference. After getting to the dealership I walked in the front door completely flustered, (I was in my bathing suit and terry cloth cover-up, and the BF was at work so I was on my own) once I got inside they asked all sorts of questions like "Who sold me the vehicle?" and they kept asking me to explain the problem. Eventually I became irritated and handed them the keys and told them they could look as the dash lights were still flashing and the beeps were still beeping. Long-story short, I am now driving a Dodge Charger, which resembles a KY State Trooper car. I have never had a rental car of my very own and I assumed that it would be like staying in a hotel. Its all fun, new and exciting but its not, and its almost like a vacation, but its not.

I made it to my hair appointment about 15 minutes late and my hair fairy thought that it was quite comical when I told her the story of my afternoon. When I walking into the salon I noticed a gentleman walking toward me with what looked like a can of hairspray. When I got closer I noticed that he was spraying his face with this can and I was like, "OMG, what is he doing? Hairspray kills the Earth (so they say...) so it can't be good for your face." I know now that it wasn't hair spray but rather Evian in an aerosol can. Apparently people carry Evian in a can to mist themselves when it gets hot. I was shocked and taken aback, thats a bit much.

I had never seen such things....

I guess its pretty popular though...

It even comes in travel sizes... Apparently Sephora carries the 3-pack, again SHOCKED.

After being exposed to the finer things in life (aka, the service department at the Jeep dealership and seeing that people carry cans of Evian to mist themselves...) I decided that it was time for some much needed Cinderella time. I ended up spending the day on Sunday cleaning, cleaning, and finally did some more cleaning. After the brownie debacle a few weeks ago I decided that I needed to "Self-Clean" my oven. Granted my oven has been used maybe 3 times since I moved in last August so it wasn't dirty but I thought it wouldn't hurt anything. The BF said it was super easy and that I could still clean and it would take care of itself. He was right, it was easy but in the 45 minutes that I started to the time that I had to stop I am convinced that my nose hairs were singed and my throat was made raw by the fumes. I literally had to turn it off because I was sure that I was going to pass out. When I talked to the BF last night before I went to sleep I told him that I was uneasy about laying down because I was worried that the gas part of the stove still wasn't right because of the smell. He assured me that there wasn't any gas because it is an electric stove (again, it sounded like a rational thought) and that the smell is strong but it goes away.  This morning it still smelled burned but I was so happy that I didn't have toxic fume overdose I didn't mind. I will say that I won't be doing any type of "Self-Clean" with the oven ever again.

Overall it was a weekend of FIRSTS:

1. My first rental car- not impressed...

2. My first time ever seeing an aerosol can of facial Evian spray...

3. My first experience with the "Self-Clean" feature on the oven...

Happy Monday again!

Love, MKH

p/s- Klay and Taylor (Klaylor) that I blogged about a few days ago got engaged over the weekend. I know that everyone is super excited for both of you. Congratulations!

Weekend ReCap... Better Late Than Never

Happy Thursday... I know that it is Thursday but I figured whats better than a weekend recap on a Thursday? Since it is almost the weekend I thought that I would share some photos from last weekend (Nashville Part#2). The BF and I had a great (but rushed) time traveling to the great state of TN (home of Dolly Parton, Country Music and 9% sales tax...) and I wish we could have stayed longer. It was my second weekend in a row to make the trip but it was worth it.

On Saturday the BF and I met up with Klay (my cousin) and Taylor (his GF) who both live in Nash. We figured what better way to see the sights and fun stuff (I grew up about 35 miles north of Nashville, but the extent of my Nash knowledge is limited to restaurants, the airport, and the shopping malls) than with two true Nashvillians, (Klay also grew up in the land of dial-up Internet and two lane roads but he made a quick exit after high school, so I guess he is a TN transplant...). Klay promised that he wouldn't take us anywhere country music related so I was excited for anything. We ended up going to the FRIST Museum of  Visual ART, and it was really neat. They had a Christian Dior exhibit that showcased clothing and styles throughout the decades. Photography wasn't allowed inside the museum (what kind of place says no to pictures...I thought that I would mention that this photo would be appearing on my blog but then I thought of the whole copyright/infringement issues that I could bring on myself so I decided against it...) so we had to make do and take pics outside. Please be warned it was HOT HOT HOT and my hair is a HOT HOT HOT mess.

FRIST Museum of  Visual ART

Just inside the entrance to the Museum....

Outside trying to find some shade... It was SO HOT, but don't you LOVE my hair blowing in the wind. j/k

After meeting my Cultural/Artistic quota at the museum Klay and Taylor (Klaylor...cheesy I know but I always think its funny combining names. Morgan + Chad = Moad) took us to get some frozen yogurt. They both raved about how wonderful this yogurt was and I was excited because I'll try anything ice-cream related. The shop was too cute and I could have gone back for another cup, I would recommend Sweet CeCe's and I hope to be able to snack there again. When the BF and I were in Dallas in April, Family TX stopped at a place called YogurtVille and it was very similar to Sweet CeCe's. I hope that Lexington gets something similar soon, I had never really eaten Fro-Yo before but I am glad that I was adventurous. 

Klay and I in front of Sweet CeCe's.. it was a busy little area and I couldn't get any closer without getting dirty looks from nearby drivers...

After leaving Fro-Yo heaven we headed to Catherine and Gable's kitchen shower. Of course we had to make stop for a quick outfit change. We also had to say Goodbye to Klaylor, I know that we only live a few hours and an email away but I was sad to leave. We had such a good time and I hope that they come to Lexington soon!

Klay & I before we left...

The BF and I in outfit #2

The kitchen shower was super nice and we had a great time. It was so nice to see everyone and I a, getting super excited for Gable and Catherine's wedding in August. The countdown had begun. I would have posted pictures from the shower earlier but I was having minor technical issues with my camera so please forgive me. (After looking through the pics I noticed that my dress looks AWFUL... it looks completely bland and boring. I promise that it wasn't, all of the nice ruffles and tiers don't show up:(, note to self.)

DG/ Roomate Reunion... the MOH, Bride, MKH

Such a fun night.... Super excited for August 7th.

Overall it was a great weekend. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend full of rest, pool time and more rest. I am getting my hair done tomorrow and let me just say it is so overdue. I was able to reschedule as my normal appointment would have been last weekend and there wasn't anyway that it was possible, so I am more than thrilled for my hair time. It is my hair-fairy's first day back with me tomorrow since having her son in March. I am excited to see her and I hope that she isn't grossed out by my 5wk old roots and even grosser eyebrows. I would show a zoomed in view but I am afraid that it may burn your retinas and I can't be held responsible for any eye trauma. 

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend! I promise to be more attentive/ computer savvy next week!

LOVE, MKH

Is It Fall YET?

Happy Friday-

I apologize for being an inconsistent blogger this week. I have been busy trying to get ready for Nashville PART2 this weekend and trying to get my apartment in order. I was gone this past weekend and I feel like when I came back on Sunday Hurricane MKH had blown threw the apartment and left dishes in the sink and unfolded laundry in the dryer. I never like to leave home without things put away and finished and this week I have had to play catch up from not having done my "Cinderella" duties last weekend. Having over exerted myself cleaning and being somewhat domestic I thought that some MKH time was in overdue and decided that I would treat myself to a pedicure and a Sonic Happy Hour beverage (Sweet Tea of course...).

I went and got a pedicure yesterday afternoon and I looked at the colorful selection but I wasn't too sold on anything fun and bright. I always look forward to the cooler months so I can wear the darker nail colors. I like the really dark (Midnight in Moscow and Vodka & Caviar by OPI are my go-to winter dream colors) almost black polish (not Gothic...let me be clear). Being that it is 90+ degrees and sunny outside I didn't feel that sporting super dark nails was appropriate so I opted for the basic french. I also thought that being that the BF and I are going to a bridal shower (for the bride and groom, I wouldn't ask the BF to go if it was a fufu girly shower... AND its being catered by a Mexican restaurant so I'm sure he won't be complaining...) it may be a bit much to show up with Halloween/Dead of Winter on my fingers and toes. It was relaxing and it got me thinking about fall and how I am kind of over this whole heat wave mess. I have been perusing the online catalogs of some of my favorite stores and I found a few items that will be making their way into my closet once Mr. Sun begins to sneak away. Several stores don't even have their FALL clothes out but I bet they will be swapping swimsuits for sweaters very soon.

I really like this color (Cognac) and they would be easy to wear with jeans....

Even though my black TB Revas aren't that comfy I LOVE these. I LOVE the tortoise bezel with the gold shoe... Great for FALL.

This scarf would match my Burb earmuffs that Santa brought me last year...

The more that I look at fall fashions the more excitement I have for cooler weather. Sorry this post is so short, I am trying to blog and get ready for the weekend trip. I will be sure to post pictures from this weekend and all of the happenings.

Happy Weekend, and Stay Cool!

Love, MKH

Its Monday....

Happy Monday-

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend, my weekend was a complete BLUR. I feel like it takes the weekend forever to finally make it and when it finally does its gone so quickly. This weekend as mentioned in my last post was my dear friend Catherine's bachelorette party. She is getting married in August and I am super excited. It was so nice to see everyone and just laugh like old times (WOW...that sounds completely OLD...). We had a great time and it was sad to leave on Sunday morning.

Before leaving on Saturday I met the BF at the vet for Hagan's (the dog) annual checkup. As I have posted many times before I wasn't exactly excited about the whole idea of the BF having a dog but I soon got used to it when I realized that she wasn't going anywhere and now I feel like she isn't so bad. I think I may "like" her (but don't tell the BF or Hagan) and I am still getting used to whole idea of an animal in the house thing. Anyway, on Saturday the BF called and asked if I wanted to go with him to the vet. Never having been to a vet's office I decided I could be there for moral support and it wasn't as bad as I had thought. I was totally expecting the inside of the clinic to smell like a wet dog and there to be unruly animals all sickly and such. Granted, it was a nice office but I am not counting down the days till I get to go back, I think I may not be a vet person. While we were in the exam room Hagan looked not so happy so I decided that I would snap a few photos (I mean what dog doesn't want a camera in their face and a blonde girl saying SMILE...).

She was nervous...

Getting a pep talk from Dad...

Hagan did great at the vet, much better than I do at the doctor. She had her annual shots and she didn't even flinch. She left a happy and well rewarded dog. After the vet I headed home to load the car and head to Nashville for a weekend of fun, fun, and more fun. The MOH Caitlin had planned a weekend with plans of a great dinner, sweet treats, and fun girl time. Let the photos begin...

Caitlin (MOH), MKH, and Catherine (BRIDE)... Roomies Senior year at UK (miss those days..)

Lauren, MKH, and Amanda

GIGI's Cupcakes were waiting... Pure goodness

The Bride opening gifts...

The Bride with her PINK limo for the evening...

GIGI's Cupcakes...they are EVERYWHERE (the picture is chopped because we were riding in the car and the light turned before I got my camera out...)

Dinner at LIME...

After being seated...

The Bride doing a Bachelorette dare... Ask a random guy to take a picture with you.

Another dare... Do the C-A-T-S cheer, we brought UK to Nashville. GO CATS

Someone wasn't feeling well...

Last photo of the evening...

After dinner we headed back to Hotel Indigo to wind down the evening. After heading back to our individual rooms Lauren had mentioned that something hadn't set well after dinner, thinking nothing of it we went to bed. In the middle of the night I woke up with a touch of food poisoning and lets just say the hotel bathroom floor (I hope to dear Jesus that it was properly sanitized before I laid down...) and I became fast friends. I rallied about 430am and got back in bed and slept until it was time to get in the car and make the trip back to Lexington. I thing I have an aversion to Mexican food (Please remember the BF's birthday in TX last year when I had my first and worst bought with food poisoning EVER...). This time wasn't that dramatic but it was definitely awful. Let's just say it was a long car ride home.

Despite my new friendship with the bathroom floor at Hotel Indigo I had a great time. Catherine is having a kitchen shower this weekend and the BF will attending as my PlusOne. We will also be spending the day in Nashville with my cousin Klay and his GF Taylor. He promised that they have super fun things planned (but nothing Country Music related...) and I am super excited to see them.

I hope everyone has had a great Monday.

Love, MKH

Brownie Debacle and HOT HOT HOT Thursday!

Its finally the weekend! I know that I only worked 3 days this week but that was 3 too many. I got so spoiled with having the long weekend and adding an extra vacation day, I wish I could do that every week. As short as my week was the weekend couldn't get here soon enough.

**Brief Sidenote**
Thursday July 8th was the hottest day of the year in Lexington, KY. When I walked out to my car after leaving work I began to sweat just in the short distance. I was amazed when I turned my car on when I saw the temperature. SO HOT...

102 degrees... Too hot to be outside!

As promised in my last post I said that I would detail the brownie debacle that happened in my apartment on Tuesday afternoon. Please note that Tuesday was my first time to even attempt to make brownies (or anything that required cracking an egg...) so please keep the judgment to a minimum. For the past few months I have been coveting this brownie pan that I had seen on some crazy late night/early morning QVC endorsement. The BF knowing this picked one up for me for my birthday. I had no idea that I even liked items from the "As Seen On TV" section at Target/Bed Bath & Beyond (everyone has seen it and I like to peruse that area whenever we frequent the store) but I thought that this would be a good first product to try.

Looks easy... don't be fooled!

Having never used the pan until Tuesday I was excited to see if the entire thing was as easy as it looked. I followed the instructions to the letter as directed on the box of Betty Crocker mix and even pulled out the directions for the brownie pan. After getting all of the pieces together it became quite clear that I didn't know which parts went where and how the whole thing was gong to be used. 

All of the necessary supplies....

Finally figured out how to put it all together...

What I didn't take a picture of (I was a bit flustered during this process) was when I went to go and put the pan in the oven the bottom fell out and the brownie batter ended up on the counter, on the floor (which I had just mopped), and on the rug (which I had just washed and dried). I have no clue how it happened and still don't. I salvaged what was left of the batter and ended up wiping the bottom and sides (thinking that it would be all gross and smell burnt if I didn't) before putting it into the oven. Thinking that I had fixed the problem I was ready to put the pan into the oven (try#2 of the afternoon). After successfully putting the pan on the rack I set the timer and went back to trying to clean what was left of the mess that I had just created. Soon after finishing wiping off the counter I started to smell something burning and was like "OMG, my pan and my brownies are on fire," when I looked in the oven I saw disappointment #2.

Small brown surprises left behind....

You guessed it, the bottom of the pan shifted yet again (shift#3 of the attempt) and left me with a mess to clean up. I had no idea that this pan was going to be such an ordeal, but after the brownies (they were very thin due to the lack of batter) cooled they were wonderfully delicious.

Brownies fit for the FOOD NETWORK.

It was a trying experience but the pan does really well. The brownies had perfect edges and were divided   and easy to pick up and put away, but the pan is not as easy as it looks. I would definitely recommend the pan but it should come with clearer instructions.

On a non-brownie note this weekend I am attending a Bachelorette party in Nashville. Catherine is getting married in August and I am super excited to see some of my close college friends again. Once we graduated everyone scattered and started their new lives in new places. 

Good Times with Good Friends...

I will be sure to post pictures of this weekend when I get back. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys their time off. 

I will be taking brownie orders in the next few weeks (after I learn how to use the required kitchen utensils...jkjk)

LOVE, MKH

Holiday Weekend Recap...

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday weekend. It was a scorcher here in Kentucky this weekend. The BF and I enjoyed a wonderful lazy weekend lounging by the pool. On Friday evening after dinner the BF and I hit up Target (another weekend ritual...Barnes & Noble is our other favorite) for some cleaning supplies. I ended up browsing through the store finding all sorts of goodies (I don't know how that always happens when I go to Target, I go in with the intention of getting a few items and end up with a whole buggy full of stuff...oh the mysteries of the world!). After our Target adventure (or the BF's misadventure) we decided to go to Cosi to enjoy some outdoor treats in the comfort of the A/C.

Marshmallows, Hersey's, graham crackers, and a fire at the table...

Our version of a campfire...

I had forgotten about the Sm'ore dessert at Cosi until a few days ago. I had eaten there a few summers ago with some sorority friends and thought that it was the neatest thing that they brought the fire to your table and you skewered the marshmallow as if you sitting by a real campfire. The BF had never experienced this greatness and I think he enjoyed it, (I think he was happy to sit and try to set the marshmallows ablaze...) I know that I would definitely recommend trying it.

After the Sm'ore experience I felt as if I had the domestic bug and thought "hey, its the long weekend lets be brave." By brave I mean brave in the kitchen with a bag of goodness that I have shown below.

Soft pretzel mix...Carb heaven!

I found the above mix at Williams and Sonoma several weeks ago and thought that it would be fun to try. The sales lady convinced me that it was super easy (she said her kids loved making them) so I figured that I (the BF too) could try them out. There were directions on the back of the bag and it seemed fairly simple. I am a sucker for anything that is bread/carb/starch based. I would rather have an extra dinner roll than have dessert, so I was super excited for this mini-project.

I felt like a Pioneer woman making bread....haha

After allowing my inner Betty Crocker (kneading all that dough wasn't as easy as it looked) to come out, STEP#2 was to let the dough set for an hour.

The BF rolling out the dough so we can "twist" away...

Watch out Auntie Anne's here we come!

Chef Chad brushing the dough with butter...

450 degrees and 8 minutes later...

I love initials...even when they are salted... M&C

The pretzels were FANTASTIC. I am super glad that they turned out so good. Even though they aren't the prettiest pretzels they still taste great. This was a super fun project as I tend to steer away from tasks that include more than one bowl/appliance/ingredient (so pretty much all kitchen related activities...) and I would love to try to make these again and maybe put some cinnamon sugar in place of the salt. 

On a note that doesn't involve food/kitchen/baking I was off from work today and I was looking forward to a quiet day at the pool. I got up this morning did some errands and then hit the pool (I am a frequent visitor at the BF's community pool, as the pool at my complex could pass as Cancun Spring Break 2010). There were several cars that were parked at the pool and I thought that it would be busy with school being out and the kiddies wanting to play and such. It was early (930ish) when I pulled in and when I walked down to the gate I was shocked...

I was thrilled.... 

I was so excited that there weren't any crying babies, obnoxiously loud cell phone talkers, (yes, some people have still not grasped the whole idea of cell phone etiquette) or children that would be inclined to splash that I almost didn't know what to do. I enjoyed my quiet time and floated around leisurely, it was wonderfully relaxing. After my time at the pool (it was so hot that I ended up leaving before I wanted to due to the heat) I came home to finish up my laundry. Overall, it was a great day to relax and enjoy being off from work. I have started making my lists for this weekend (Bachelorette PAR-TAY in Nashville) and I think that I have everything. It will be a busy week and an even busier weekend!

I hope everyone had a great day and is enjoying being back in the swing of things....

LOVE, MKH

p/s- In the midst of my almost domesticness this weekend I got a wild-hare about me and I decided that I needed to make some brownies. I will just say that the process and the results were disastrous. I will be posting about that tomorrow. Be prepared to laugh!