A New Piece of Jewelry...

Happy Monday....

I know that I have been neglectful of the Daily Days (I feel like I have a post like this on a weekly basis...) but in my defense I have been battling strep-throat and I have been trying to medicate myself to prevent from having coughing (I always cringe when people cough and don't get a mint/drink or something and out of respect for my co-workers I stayed home part of last week) spats that could rival a lifelong smoker. I went home from work early on Friday (my supervisor told me that I looked awful, and suggested that I go home....) and sat in my chair all afternoon. I was totally expecting to delay plans with the BF since I felt like a "whipped chicken" (Sissy, my grandmother always made that reference when we were sick) but he insisted that we still have our Friday night date. I rallied myself about 4ish (after watching RHODC/Jersey Shore) and got myself together. I felt sickly (and was completely groggy after my daily dose of medicine) but I found the strength to get dressed and look presentable. The BF was being extra cagey when he picked me up. He was all nervous and fidgety acting and I even commented, "What's wrong with you? You look so nervous, are you getting sick?" He laughed it off and said that he had a great day at work and was looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

After a few moments of awkward looks and more questions we headed out for what I thought was going to be a relaxing "normal" Friday evening. When we got into the car the BF handed me a personalized hardcover book of our courtship. Inside the book there are pictures and special memories of the past two years. I could kind of sense that the BF was still antsy as he was still dodging questions (I ask LOTS of questions...) and I knew something was up. After several meaningful stops (I will not share the details as they are special to the BF and I) we ended up at our favorite restaurant. After being seated in a private room with a table set for two (the waitress was also acting nervous) we enjoyed a nice dinner. At the end of dinner (before the cheesecake arrived) the BF made some reference to the book that he made and ended up pulling his chair next to mine so we could flip through the final pages together.

Please Insert:

Smiles, an IMPORTANT questions, more smiles, and an IMPORTANT answer

I said Yes!

I think he was nervous....

After leaving the restaurant the BF/ FIN (I think the word fiancee sounds weird so I his new blog name will be the FIN) told me that his parents (Mommy/Daddy TX) and his sister and bother in-law were here to enjoy the rest of the evening with us. I was super thrilled and very excited that they had made the trip from TX to share our special night. 

***Please note that I still wasn't feeling well and please don't pass judgement on my paleness in the pictures that follow below....

The FIN, MKH, Courtney & Matt

Weddings GALORE.... A wonderful surprise waiting for us when we got back to the house!

Red Velvet Sprinkles cupcakes with an engagement ring topper...

Overall it was a wonderful evening. On Saturday we all (plus Mallory) ventured to small-town KY to visit the Makers Mark Distillery. I had never been on any part of the Bourbon trail and I have always thought it would be a fun touristy thing to do. The tour guide was very informative and the weather was great. At the end of the tour we even got to dip our own bottle of Makers Mark to take home. We thought that it was appropriate that the bottle say, "Engagement, 8.26.2010."

Suiting up to dip the bottle... 

I was listening very intently.... That wax lasts forever...

With our bottles....

The dipping lady told me that my bottle looked GREAT with 5 1/2 drip spots around the bottle. I should have asked her for an application for employment but I don't think my ISC degree would have been too terribly useful. After making it back to civilization we went to dinner at Portofinos. Dinner was wonderful and it was nice to sit an relax and unwind with a nice meal. Portofinos is one of the FINs and my favorite places to eat. We have eaten there for the past two years on Valentines Day and New Years, and even are thinking of hosting the rehearsal dinner there. 

At dinner... 

Please notice that I am the only one without something green on their plate:)

The FIN and I have already started to make plans and I have set up a few meetings/appointments for this week. Things will begin to move quickly and I am excited to start this new part of my life. I have no excuse for lack of material for the Daily Days now... I just hope the BF  FIN is prepared for the camera to be our new best friend. I know this post has been vague but I think that spilling all details is a bit much (aka- plastering the new Jewelry everywhere). I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of my blog buddies and I can't wait for suggestions/thoughts/ideas. 

Until tomorrow....

LOVE, MKH/ The Future Mrs. MHG

3-Day Weekend!

Happy Monday....

Its been a great Monday because I've had a three day weekend! I made the most of my extra day today by laying out by the pool, and going to the grocery (which I dread so it is a WIN that I even went). The weather in Lexington has been wonderful. The temperatures have began to cool-off (mid 80's) and I can feel that Fall is right around the corner. The BF and I had a wonderful weekend. On Friday night we had an early/easy dinner at SMASHBURGER. The BF had never been and he agreed that it was wonderful. We ate outside on the semi-patio/picnic area. The weather was breezy and it provided for some good people watching.

He was super excited about the food, and I was too!

On Saturday morning I went and picked up Mallory and she came over (with her laundry...) and we had an enjoyable afternoon. After taking Mallory and her laundry back to the dorm the BF and I headed to Cincinnati for some shopping and dinner. Until recently I had never shopped at Kenwood in Cincinnati and I was surprised by the selection of stores. We have been back a few times since then and we always make an afternoon of it. We put our name in at Maggainos after we parked and it was good that we did because the wait was over an hour and a half. We began to walk and ended up stopping at Pottery Barn. I had been on the lookout for some new decorative pillows and never having purchased anything from Pottery Barn I didn't know what to expect. As I browsed the store there were so many things that I saw that I wanted to purchase. The only problem was that all of these items were rather large and my apartment is 540 square feet. I had square footage envy before I even entered into the Bath/Bedding section of the store. After surveying the entire store (Saturday was the first day that I had even been into a PB store) I kept coming back to a set of golden pillows with tan wicker braided detail. I would pick them up and then find something else but I kept coming back.

Very bright yet not overwhelming...

I am so glad that I did because after I placed them on my Cinnabar colored chofa (chaise lounge paired with a sofa) I was thrilled.

LOVE LOVE LOVE color.... wonderful!

I thought that the chofa pillows would be all that I would be interested in until I saw a new bedding collection. I wish that I had found dear sweet Pottery Barn a year ago when I moved into my cracker-jack box (small yet sweet and its all mine....). I would have definitely purchased this bedding collection that was displayed but since I was in no need for one I opted for one of the new throw pillows.

Linen lust....

My single PB throw pillow... she looks so sad:( but she is happy that she was picked by a loving family that wont allow people to sit/lay on her...

After leaving Pottery Barn the BF and I headed to Nordstrom in hopes of finding some new fall boots (for me not the BF...). I saw the pair that I had seen online the second we walked into the store and I had my fingers crossed that they would fit perfectly. I was in luck because they had my size (in both black and brown) and they fit fairly true to size. The salesperson was tolerable and didn't try to bring out any gross suggestions.

The BF was such a trooper.... He wasn't feeling well but he stuck it out, at least the couches at Nordstrom are super comfy.

As we were waiting for the salesperson to come back with another pair of shoes I walked around to check out some other shoe tables, (I think the stores are in a weird spot season wise because the boot/winter shoe selections was limited and the summer sandals hadn't yet gone on sale.) when I found a whole section devoted to rain boots. When I think of rain boots I think of the clunky/masculine/solid color boot that I wore while walking to class at UK. I had no idea the market on rain boots had taken off. 

When did rain-boots become SO fashionable? I would have loved this pair...

After the shoe experience was over we headed back to Maggianos for dinner. The BF had never eaten there and I had only been there once a few weeks ago. I had never really eaten much Italian food (pizza was my only Italian indulgence) before I met the BF and now it dominates our menu choices. The restaurant was much larger than expected and we were seated next to the staircase which povided for some more people watching. We watched as this waitress dumped and entire bowl (family size) of spaghetti and meat sauce into the booth where this older woman was sitting with a young baby. The bowl shattered and nearly missed her foot. Her reaction was priceless and the waitress then began to tell the woman about her young children (Cohen & Sebastian) and show the table their class pictures (yes, she pulled the pictures from the bill booklet and passed them around the table). The BF and I both were astonished that this had happened (spaghetti in her lap) and that she never even acknowledged that she dropped it and then began to jabber on about her kids. I wonder what those people at the table thought? 

This should be on the Maggainos website...

Lovely dinner...

Overall it was a wonderful day trip and I look forward to going back. We had a great weekend and I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. Oh well, a four day week is better than a five day. I am also counting down the days till Labor Day (9 working days) and our trip to Savannah (11 working days). I have started re-reading books by my favorite author Mary Kay Andrews as all of her tales are set in Savannah and on Tybee Island. I figured that she could put me in the Savannah mood.

Must read for any weekend getaway...

I hope everyone has had a great weekend/Monday!

LOVE, MKH

p/s- I have been anxiously awaiting the fall schedule to be released for all of the major networks (LAME... I know) and I am super excited for October 4th.

RHOA... They're BACK!!!!

I am embarrassed that I even watch it but they make it so hard to look away. RHOA premieres on October 4th, and I can't wait! Everyone has a brain-rot show and this is mine!

MONDAY MOVE-IN RECAP...

Its Monday... Enough Said.

I found my camera cord and have since uploaded the pictures from Saturday's move-in. I went over and dropped off some hair spray and a camera cord (yes, the one that was misplaced) to Mallory this afternoon and I didn't dare go in. I feel like if I went in and saw chaos and stuff everywhere I wouldn't have left until it was cleaned and everything was put away. I stifled my urge to obsessively fold and refold anything in sight by coming home and doing some laundry. I secretly enjoy laundry, and after asking Mallory and her being honest about the state of her room I felt that if her dorm room (aka jail cell) was dirty my apartment HAD to be clean. Since I didn't go inside (NO visitation for 2 weeks... so it really is like jail) I couldn't document the mess so I figured I would just share the photos from Saturday.

Be warned that there are several pictures and yes the dorm room is less than ideal. Just remember that communal living "builds character" (my Dad said that to me when I moved into the dorms 5 years ago, and he said it to Mallory on Saturday... and I think that we both mumbled under our breaths and tried to hold back tears).

Trying to unload the car... Notice how Mallory was just standing there. My Dad is in the background saying, "Morgan, Why are you taking pictures, can't that wait?"

Seeing the room for the first time... Her face was priceless

Her closet... Wood-Panel Chic

Starting to fill the room... Notice how Mallory is still standing. I think at this point she was questioning why she brought SO much stuff...

Stuff, Stuff, and MORE Stuff....

Bunk Beds... Mallory is on the bottom bunk

Her monogrammed sheets... We share a LOVE of all things monogrammed

Room 233 looks like Pottery Barn exploded. All bedding/towels/ and most accessories are PB DORM

Closet close-up... Notice the organization:)

All clothes were folded and hung and all towels rolled and re-rolled to fit into the tiny space...

Mallory's Desk... neat and orderly

I had to take a picture of the door. It was industrial prison strength and even had the prison numbers stenciled on the door.

The BF and Uncle Jack trying to figure out something with wires...

After a long hot day of moving... Mallory and Jenna!

I almost forgot to take a picture of Teddy and the horsey blanket. Mal has had several Teddys (due to raggedness and normal wear and tear) over the years and he even made the trip to Lexington, he wanted to experience prison  dorm life too. 

Overall it was a wonderful day and I am SOSOSO happy that Mallory is finally in Lexington. I am looking forward to spending time together and having fun.  I am sure that I will be going over to pick up some laundry within the next week or so...

 I hope everyone has had a great Monday, I am already looking forward to the weekend. The BF and I are planning a day trip to Cincinnati to do some shopping (Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, and The Container Store are calling my name...) on Saturday and I am super excited. I have checked the weather and it is supposed to be rainy and gross on Saturday so I don't feel bad not taking advantage of one of the last days of Summer. It is so hard to believe that it is already mid-August, its sad that the pool is going to be closing soon and that warm weather will soon be coming to an end.

Enjoy Tuesday.... 4 days until the weekend:)

LOVE, MKH

Hair Care Review....

Happy Sunday...

As promised I am posting today to relive yesterdays move-in by way of a photo montage but I have misplaced my camera cord. I think I was maybe a bit frazzled from the heat or something yesterday because I normally don't lose things. In the midst of the mayhem yesterday my brain has been temporarily fried and as a result my camera cord has been lost. 

In the absence of my camera cord I thought I would share on a great new find. I am religious about my monthly hair appointment (snow/ice, a broken ankle, or car catastrophe can keep me away from my hair fairy...) and at my last appointment I asked for something that would keep my hair shiny and blondy without making it greasy and heavy. I have really thick hair (very lucky because I only wash it 2x a week) and sometimes it looks brassy (my hair isn't naturally blonde and when the dark starts to show I begin to twitch...) and I asked my hair fairy to recommend something. She knew exactly what I needed and I ended up going home with a bottle of Moroccan Oil.

LOVE LOVE LOVE...

Ever since I have started using the Moroccan Oil I have been hooked. It puts the moisture back in your hair and doesn't make it oily. I put it in my hair before I dry it and after I lay out at the pool. It rehydrates and adds tons of shine. It doesn't take very much to do the trick and it smells wonderful. It has the consistency and texture of honey and smells like Coppertone sunscreen (great combo...). I have used this for 3 weeks and I can tell a HUGE difference.  Carrie Underwood was also featured in People Magazine as having used Moroccan Oil. 

If it works for Carrie.....

I am also looking for a different shampoo/conditioner combo. I have been using Redken Real Control and Redken Blonde Glam for the past year and I think it is time for a change. I have been reading some hair care product review blogs and I think I am going to try the Pureology Systems line.

Thoughts???

I am going back for my monthly maintenance on Friday and I am very excited. My roots and eyebrows are both gross and I need a touch-up.  I am going to start looking for my camera cord again and make myself upload the photos from yesterday. I hope everyone has had a great weekend and enjoys Monday!

Happy Sunday-

LOVE, MKH

p/s- UK Basketball starts tonight (yes it is August and yes UK football hasn't even started..) and I hope that the new team WINS.... If not it may be a long evening and an even longer week with the BF. Its like Christmas is cancelled if they lose.

p/s/s-  BRAVO just announced that TOP CHEF, DESSERTS will be premiering September 15. I have just gotten into the re-runs of TOP CHEF (it makes for great treadmill watching...) and I am super excited. I am super picky but I live for dessert. I LOVE LOVE LOVE anything sweet and I think that I would be a great judge (Dear BRAVO, please pick me to be a guest non-celebrity judge). BRAVO is becoming my favorite network and I can't wait for this series to start. Who knows, it may even spark my non-existent interests in cooking....

TOP CHEF, DESSERTS- Sept. 15th, 10pm EST

Desserts make me happy...

Happy Sorority Week!

Happy Saturday-

It is raining in Lexington and after a long day of move-in with Mallory I am enjoying my quiet time. It has been a long day and I can't even think about moving/organizing/folding anything for days so I thought that I would reflect back to my "glory days" of being Greek. When I was helping Mallory move-in today I was a bit nostalgic as it was 5 years ago today that my parents dropped me off at school and I was left to be on my own. 5 years ago today Mallory was 12 and she was there helping me pack in bags and bags of clothes/bedding/ and other "necessities" and I'll just say things don't change. The elevators were broken (granted it was only 4 floors, but still it they should have been prepared. What would have happened if I had sprained my ankle or something?) and the heat was suffocating (Lexington has had the hottest summer in 45 years this year and it didn't break today) but overall I had a great day. I think that my secret calling in life is to be a professional organizer. Granted I am slightly OCD (no shoes allowed in my apt/ dirty laundry makes me twitch, and don't sit on the bed) and I would like to transfer those tendencies to Mallory (she isn't having any of it...) and I hope that her dorm stays somewhat clean. More on the dorm move-in tomorrow as I have to upload the pictures and that in and of itself is daunting.

Having been a faithful member of the Delta Beta Chapter of Delta Gamma at the University of Kentucky the first two weeks of August mean hard work, long days and even longer nights. When sorority recruitment week at UK comes around you know that your life belongs to your House. Recruitment starts tomorrow and I am reminded of the fun times at the DG house.

MKH, Steph, and Michelle (Matching T-Shirt Day.... Open House 2008)

Glitter Galore.... DG LOVED the sparkle!

Preference Day 2008... 

More to come with Mallory and the move-in. I felt like a proud parent... My little Mallory is all grown up!

Happy Rush!

LOVE, MKH

A New Monogram....

Happy Monday-

Before anyone starts, I am well aware that I have been neglecting The Daily Days but I have good reason. For the last week or so I feel as if I have been running around like a crazy person trying to do a million different things. The BF and I spent this past weekend in Nashville (yes, the third weekend in 5 weeks... but so worth it) for a wedding. I left work on Thursday and headed home (to the land of dial-up Internet...) to spend the night before heading to Nashville for pre-wedding festivities on Friday. I have looked forward to this all Summer long and was so excited to be a part of Gable and Catherine's wedding. The wedding was gorgeous and the BF and I had a wonderful time.

Bridesmaid Luncheon on Friday morning... The MOH, MKH, and Julie 

The group plus two sweet flower girls...

The set-up was beautiful...

The Bride and MOH getting manicures/pedicures after lunch...

Enjoying a relaxing afternoon...

The Rehearsal Dinner at Maggianos...

The Bride and the flower girls.... too cute!!!

The Bride and her Mother...

My place setting at the Rehearsal Dinner...

Close-Up of the Personalized Menu...

Julie, MKH, the Bride, and MOH (Caitlin)

The MOH preparing for her speech... very touching, my eyes got a little misty.

We both held it together....

Before the ceremony....

Inside the dinner tent... GORGEOUS...

Another shot... please excuse the families that are eating...

The BF and I...

The Bride and her Father dancing...

Cutting the cake...

The Beautiful Bride...

3-205... Roommates 2009

Delta Gamma!!!

Sarah Kropp and I... I enjoyed meeting Sarah so so much through all of the wedding parties

Outside of the Reception... Everything was beyond gorgeous...

An Ice-Cream truck was another surprise... It definitely hit the spot!

Lauren W. and I at the reception

Bride and Groom dancing the night away!!!

The garter toss...

Mr & Mrs. Gable Adkins leaving the reception and headed to MALTA!!!!

Gable and Catherine's wedding was so wonderful and I was glad that I was able to be a part of their celebration. During the ceremony the officiant remarked that Catherine and Gable are the happiest and most in love that he had ever seen a couple, and I couldn't agree more. Since I have known Catherine she has talked about getting married and her fairy tale came true on Saturday. They are so happy and Catherine had a glow about her that I hope lasts forever. They are truly meant for one another and I am excited for them to start their lives together.

After leaving the reception the BF decided that he was still hungry.  I was like "OMG, we just ate like hogs and now your still hungry?" After him saying that he was hungry I decided that I could eat something too. We ended up driving past Sweet CeCe's and we had to stop. I was prepared this time with my camera (as the last time we went with Klay & Taylor a few weeks ago my camera was left in the car and I wasn't able to document anything...). It was so worth it and I am glad that we stopped!

Pure goodness...

Toppings GALORE...

The BF was enjoying the late-night snack!

Can't wait to go back... this is what Lexington needs!

Overall it was a FANTASTIC weekend. I took over 340 pictures this weekend and I thought that I would share the most that blogspot would allow. I hope everyone enjoyed your weekend. Little sister Mallory is moving into the dorms this weekend and I CANT wait. It will be another busy weekend!

Enjoy Monday!

LOVE, MKH