Black is Back...

Well its Wednesday.... and that means only 2 more days until Friday! I feel like I am in elementary school where there was an entire bulletin board that was dedicated to TGIF, and I have to say that not a lot has changed when it comes to me being excited for the weekend!

"Cube Queen" duties are boring at best these days as it seems there isn't any need to give me a working computer/employee ID#/or really anything else that may be helpful or necessary to do my job. The FIN and I had a busy weekend as my dear friend Ashley got married back near our hometown. She and I were schooled on the ins and outs of life (not really.... but it sure sounded good) at FSHS back many moons ago (only 5 years but it feels like a lifetime). I will be sure to post pictures of the wedding tomorrow as this post is going to be super short.

A few weeks ago I was doing my daily blog perusing and I found that PIPM had reviewed a new product by Sephora. She bragged how great it was and how the results were worth the trip to the mall. Of course when I went to the mall in search of the "wonder" product they were sold out. So being the diligent mall-goer/economy stimulator that I try to be I went back on Monday and purchased the face mask plus a few other goodies. The face mask made by Boscia looks and feels like tempera paint. I applied the mask as instructed on the bottle and waited for 15 minutes. I was at the FINs house when I decided that I would try it out and thinking that it would be messy I put on a ratty t-shirt. When I walked downstairs I didn't think anything about it but I think I may have scarred poor Hagan (the dog/ 1st born child) as she looked at me and let out some sort of whimper and then ran off. After the mask dried I looked in the mirror and I think that I would have been traumatized myself.

Try it here...

Scary...

It literally peels off in one piece...

I will say that I am not much of a product person as my skin is super sensitive but I would definitely recommend the mask. If nothing else it is super funny to look at and could possibly double as a Halloween mask. I am also glad that the weather has gotten cooler as I can not put away my summer love (OPI's Strawberry Margarita polish...) and bring out the darker nail colors. I picked up Sephora's house brand of polish that is made by OPI at the same time I bought the mask and I can't wait to wear it. I'm thinking that it will give my co-workers something else to talk about as they will probably think that I am one of "those" people that not only enjoy sparkly monogrammed things but also wear dark/gothic nail polish. The polish that I purchased is called "What's a tire, Jack?" I think that the nail polish gurus are so clever with the names that they come up with. I think that I will add that to my list of possible qualifications, I could be the next "Nail Polish Namer"....

Check it out here....

Hope everyone has had a great week!

LOVE, MKH

p/s- Here are the photos from the UK vs. Akron game last week. I forgot to share the pictures:)

GO CATS....

Please excuse the tired faces.... 

Savannah... A Story in Pictures

Happy Tuesday-

Today is day two of my continued reign as the "Cube Queen" at my new place of employment. I was correct in saying that the personal styles of my co-workers are less than thrilling and they have little appreciation of things that involve wedding planning/celebrity gossip magazines/ or really just anything fun and pretty. I rarely even mention things that involve the upcoming nuptials of the FIN and myself while at work it would be nice to have someone to talk to and chit-chat with, (insert violin music as I am having a small party for myself about my lack of workplace buddies.....).

Enough "Cube Queen" talk lets talk about Savannah and the wonderful time that we (Mommy/Daddy TX, the FIN, and MKH) all had. If you have never been to the great state of Georgia and to the Savannah be warned that it is the hottest place (by far) that I have ever visited. I feel like we all were sweating the entire time but it was wonderful (we were stinky and happy....). We enjoyed some great food and had some great sunny weather. We ventured to Hilton Head Island, SC one day and enjoyed some great seafood (yes, I ate some grouper), and I now know why everyone LOVES Hilton Head. It was gorgeous and I felt that everything was very relaxed and easy, I had never been to SC and didn't know what to expect but the FIN and I both agreed that we would LOVE to go back and stay longer.

In between the great food and our day trip to Hilton Head we ended up going to another beachy community and spending a few hours on a shrimping boat. Yes, I said shrimping boat and what you are thinking is correct, I felt like I had channelled Bubba Gump. The captains of the boat named "My Lady Jane" were wonderful hosts and we had a great time. We ate fresh boiled shrimp (I had one piece, as I am more a fried shrimp person) and I even got to hold a freshwater shark (yes, I said shark) and a puffer fish (think Nemo but with spikes). It was by far the most outdoorsy/naturey thing that I have done in a LONG time and I actually enjoyed it.

Before we left to head back to KY we had to eat at Paula Dean's restaurant. We got up early and waited outside for our name to be called. I felt like I was back in 7th grade waiting for my name to be called for a competitive game in PE (I was almost always picked last for my lack of team sport prowess) and there was a large crowd that had already formed across the street from Lady & Sons. We were summoned by the hostess and made our way into the restaurant. I felt like it was some sort of modern day fortress as all of the employees wore headsets and the front door was only unlocked as people were coming in for the assigned time. I had heard mixed review about the restaurant and the food but I enjoyed my meal, but I was disappointed that KeyLime pie wasn't served on the menu.

Overall it was a great first trip to Savannah and I am so glad that we were able to getaway for a few days. I have included a few (aka lots...) of photos from the weekend. All photos are courtesy of Mommy TX, YAY!!!!

Our beach cottage on Tybee Island.... super CUTE

The great beach-side wrap around porch...

Pirates of the Caribbean...

The line to eat at Mrs. Wilkes House...

Curb Appeal....

We finally made it to the entrance....

At the table with our bowls of BBQ, macaroni, and fried chicken... YUM

Savannah Bee Company...

 

Leopold's Ice Cream... fantastic!

First of many trips past Lady & Sons... hahaha

One of many public squares... gorgeous

The homes were beyond beautiful....

SoSoSo pretty...

Headed to Hilton Head, SC....

Harbour Town Golf Club... Please excuse the sweaty/gross appearance as it was BEYOND sweltering outside...

There are even alligators in Hilton Head... We were super close to him:)

Our shrimping vessel...

I didn't even need my floaties...

It really is how it looked in Forrest Gump... 

They send the nets out and then drag them back to the boat...

Some type of giant hardshell crab.... Watch out Discovery Channel

Real life puffer fish...

Who knew that MKH was brave enough to hold a shark....

Proof that I actually ate the shrimp...

Group Shot....

Old School Diner... As seen in Southern Living.

Carpet squares cover the parking lot.... seriously!

Inside the restaurant... literally things everywhere

Chef Jerome himself came out to greet us....

Daddy TX and Chef became fast friends... hahah

Paula Dean's on Sunday

The cattle call before brunch... I'm not joking

Wonderful end to a wonderful trip...

Last stop before the airport.... Wormslowe Forest Refuge... 

Again, please excuse the sweaty/gross hair....

Even though I have never sweat as much in my entire life as I did in Savannah I had a great time, and even though my hair was in a dirty pony tail for 99% of the trip I think the pictures turned out great. I enjoy any rest and relaxation that I can get and I LOVE little weekend trips. I can now check Savannah off of my travel list and the FIN and I haven't stopped saying how we would love to go back to Hilton Head and spend some more time. Savannah was beautiful and I enjoyed our time there:)

Its almost the weekend (not really but I can always dream)

LOVE, MKH

Lets Talk About Cake....

Happy Thursday....

I have been super busy this week at work as I am starting a new job on Monday. Don't worry I will still be the reigning "Cube Queen" and I am sure with this new position will come a whole new crew of unfriendly co-workers and a lot less appreciation for all things colorful/monogrammed/ and sparkly. I am one of the first people from my group being transferred and I have mixed emotions as I have flashbacks to my first day on the job and I get nervous...

As I posted last week the FIN and I were in Savannah with his parents. None of us had ever been to Savannah so everyone was excited. I only took one picture the entire trip (no judgements as Mommy TX took pictures and it was easier for me to just stand there. I am usually the only one with a camera so it was nice for someone else to coordinate photo-ops...) but no worries Mommy TX took tons. I want to devote and entire post to the pictures so I will tease you with a photo of me and the FIN. For it being the only picture that I took I think it turned out fairly well.

A vision in pink.... 

We had a great time and I will be sure to post about our adventures after I receive the pictures. I try not to  blog without having photos as my attention tends to get lost in lots of text and I assume that readers may get bored. Before leaving on Wednesday the FIN and I did our first "engagey" thing by going to taste wedding cakes. I was super excited as I LOVE LOVE LOVE cake, I think the FIN was excited too as the cake doesn't involve linen choices/flowers/ or invitation fonts. I of course was prepared to eat tons of cake (mainly looking forward to the red-velvet) and I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the shop.

I had heard wonderful things about Tinker's Cake Shop and was hoping that it lived up to the hype. I had already perused the website so I would be more than prepared and I even had a list of questions about designs/colors/flavors. 

Super cute store front...

You can tell he was excited... he was channeling Vannah White:)

We rang the cute door bell and Cam Tinker introduced himself and I was instantly in sugar heaven. When walking in the front door the smells were beyond perfection and the displays were gorgeous.

They looked so YUMMY...

Works of art....

I wanted to try all of them... 

After browsing through the room the FIN and I were presented with 8 sample flavors with buttercream icing. Mr. Tinker detailed each of the flavors and they were all wonderful. We decided on a specific cake  style and flavors and are still tossing around design ideas. I just hope that all of the decisions that we make are as easy and sweet as the cake decision.

Obviously it was wonderful... we didn't have any room for debate because it was all gone!

He was smiling because of the sugar...

Photo Courtesy of Cam Tinker....

After leaving the FIN was very excited about other wedding plans that would possibly involve food or the tasting of different options. He has been wonderful about all things frilly/bridey and when I ask him a million questions he always smiles and just says, "Whatever you want honey, I just want to be married..." I know that is totally cheesy (I can't believe that I actually wrote that...) but if you aren't careful I can see where some people are lost in the whole wedding planning process. It takes time/effort/ and extra attention and at the end of day those things are second to the fact that getting married is the real reason for the celebration. Frills/food/and favors are forgotten but a marriage is forever. I have had several wise people tell me that after everything is over it will just be Chad and I and that while a wedding is fun there are other things that are more important, (who knew this was going to turn into an advice column by MKH) and that is what we should focus on.

Enough of the heavy... I am getting my hair done tomorrow and when I post the pictures from Savannah you all will see how gross it looks. Mallory even commented that some of the pictures my hair looked abnormally darker. Trust me that will be fixed tomorrow afternoon as will the eyebrows...

I hope everyone has had a great week and has tons of fun planned for the weekend!

LOVE, MKH

Savannah Here We Come....

Happy Tuesday-

I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day weekend. I am beginning to think that I need at least a 3-day weekend every week and I wonder who I need to talk to about that? I am off work all this week and I am already dreading going back to the office next Monday (6 days from now....) as I know that my weekends at the pool are OVER and the weather is about to change. As sad as I am to see Summer drift out I have been looking forward to this week for what seems like ages. The FIN and I are going to be meeting his parents (Mommy/Daddy TX) in Savannah, GA on Thursday. None of us have ever been to Savannah and I am super excited to make the trip. I have heard wonderful things about Savannah (home of Paula Dean) and I am thrilled to be getting out of town for a few days.

In preparation for our weekend getaway I have been trolling the Savannah tourism website (I have no idea why.... its not like I know what I am looking for  or even have anything in mind to look for....) and I have been constantly checking the weather forecast. Two years ago the BF  FIN invited me to Boston to meet his parents (yes, for the very first time) and watch the Yankees/RedSox game. I was super excited and never having been to the NorthEast I didn't feel as aptly prepared as I should have been and thought that I would do some weather research.  I spent the week and days leading up to the trip googling the Yankee's Official Team Shop and laboring over what I was going to wear (of course the most important thing...). Thinking that it was September and that it wouldn't be terribly chilly I opted for a nice navy cable knit sweater (very light) and an equally as nice white ruffle shell. I would have never assumed (you know what they say about assuming....) that we would be in Boston at the same time that a Hurricane (can't remember the name) was making its way up the Eastern seaboard. Needless to say it rained the entire time (literally from the time we touched down till the time we left... and then some) and my sweet little sweater was under a plastic Boston RedSox poncho for most of the weekend (which I still have folded in a zip-loc bag). My hair was reminiscent of my 7th grade yearbook photo (before I ever discovered the joys of a flat iron...) and was under a baseball cap for much of the trip.

Exhibit A.... My cute sweater is no place to be seen:(

It was a wonderful weekend and a great memory but now I am ever watchful of the weather systems whenever I travel. There is a slight chance of rain on Saturday/Sunday but for the most part the weather looks lovely. I will be sure to post pictures of the vacay when I return. I hope everyone has enjoyed a great weekend and has a great week back at work.

Happy Wednesday (almost)

LOVE, MKH

p/s- the FIN and I are doing our first official engagey thing tomorrow... We are going to be doing a cake tasting for our wedding cake. The shop that we want to do the cake doesn't take orders less than 8 months in advance so we have had to move quickly. I will be taking my camera so I can document the adventure. 

Just Breathe....

Happy Sunday

6 Days since my last post and I am sorry yet again. I give myself the (non-existent) truancy award for lack of blogging. I feel like I have been going non-stop for the past week. Work is crazy and is about to get even crazier and family has been in and out of town all week and weekend. The FIN and I are leaving on Thursday to take a weekend vacay with his parents to Savannah, GA. I am super excited and cannot wait to get out of town for a few days. Since last week I have checked my email on three times and have been on facebook only a few times. I have had no time to breathe and as I write this I feel as if I am taking a much needed moment for MKH.

Due to my lack of email checking and connection to anything blogging/Internet related I missed that I was tagged by one of my blog lovelies over at ATLYankeeBelle.

I love getting tagged or having comments posted on the Daily Days and this made my day when I saw it.  I also feel that it is appropriate since my life has been a bit chaotic lately. Better late than never and a big thanks to ATLYankeeBelle for the tag. This tag asks a series of questions and then suggests passing it on to 5 other blog pals.

Q#1: What is your signature color?

A#1: I thought that this was funny because several of my friends joke that I am always wearing black. I love a good Lilly dress as much as the next girl but the majority of tops/blouses/dresses are of the darker variety. One of my girl friends joked that she was expecting the colors of the wedding to be black or gray. I think that black is classic and its easy. I'm not much on loud prints/patterns.

Q#2: What is your most embarrassing moment?

A#2: IDK- I think that in every ice-breaker I have participated in this question has been asked, and I have always used someone else's (a friend or family members) story. 

Q#3: Would you ever get anything besides your ears pierced?

A#3: I had my belly-button pierced back when it was cool in high school, but other than that I wouldn't. I am scared of needles and the diseases that I could possibly contract from a gross piercing place.

Q#4: Are you a social butterfly of homebody?

A#4: I think I am very social but I also like to stay at home. I don't have to be on the GO GO GO all the time but I do like having plans and having fun with friends.

Q#5: Are you done having babies, or do you want to have children?

A#5: I have no children and babies make me extremely nervous.

Q#6: Do you remain loyal to your hair-stylist or do you try every new one in town?

A#6: I am very loyal to my hair fairy. I trust her and I consider her to be a friend. She acts as the impartial jury when I vent to her all things friends and work related. She is great and I don't cheat on her with any other hair people.

Q#7: How many times have you moved in your life?

A#7: I have moved only three times in my life. My first move was from my childhood home into the dorms. I then moved to my first off-campus apartment where I was for 3 years and now I am in my first grown-up apartment and I have been here for a year and am loving it.

Q#8: If you could plan a vacation with your love where would it be?

A#8: Anyplace tropical. I love the sun and laying out by the pool or at the beach. Pretty basic. Anywhere that they have ice-cream is also a plus!

Tagged ladies:

1. Jess

2. Katie

3. Melissa

4. Bluegrass Love

Happy Sunday-

LOVE, MKH