Daily Days of MKH

Hana Pro... AKA Life Changer

2012-01-02T15:39:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012...
I will be blogging about the rest of our Christmas/NYE happenings tomorrow but I have to let you all in on a little secret and her name is Hana. I started using a new hair-dryer a few weeks ago and it has totally changed my entire hair routine. My hair is normally very thick/bushy/unruly if I don't blow it out straight after washing it. Before using the Hana I was using a cheapo Revlon hairdryer that I had a coupon for from Ulta. It worked fairly well but sometimes it smelled "kinda burned" and I was almost afraid to use it. Needless to say the Hana came into my life at the right time. It is literally the best hair dryer I have ever used. The temperature controls were wonderful and a much needed baseline for me as I tend to "overheat" my hair sometimes just to get it dry quicker. Using this hair-dryer cut my dry-time in half which I wasn't expecting and the frizziness was minimal. The only downfall to the Hana is that the cord isn't retractable, but the other positives definitely outweigh the cord issue. The online Hana shop also has CHI hair-dryers and other CHI products if you tend to go in that direction. I tend to steer away from product endorsements but I had to let everyone know that you truly haven't lived if you haven't used a Hana hair-dryer.

I hope everyone had a great NYE.
LOVE, MKH-G

Even The Animals Enjoy The Weekend...

2011-12-30T14:05:00.000-05:00

Happy NYE Weekend!

Happy 2012-Almost!
LOVE, MKH-G

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T12:40:00.002-05:00

Front of 2011 Card

Back of 2011 Card

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

LOVE, MKH-G

A Drowned Rat With Misty Eyes....

2011-12-23T22:39:00.001-05:00

Its Christmas Eve Eve and Chad and I are in Kentucky enjoying time with my family. We flew back into Nashville on Wednesday and we have been going non-stop since we landed. The entire month of December has flown by and I am looking forward to the beginning of 2012. Our flight was super quick and relatively painless as it was non-stop and on time. Mallory (my younger sister) was "supposed" to still be in Lexington when we arrived and we were planning on seeing her when we went to the basketball game yesterday (Thursday). She however was keeping a secret and popped out of the car as Chad was loading our bags. I was so surprised to see her and even started to get a little misty (I try not to cry, and I like to refer to it as my eyes getting misty). It has been a long six months without Mallory and I have realized since moving that I need her more now than I could have ever imagined. I am so thankful that we are so close and if we didn't talk atleast 4-5 times a day I wouldn't know what to do. So naturally the photo-shoot started once we got out of the car at home.

Constantly laughing....

Hands on hips, smiles on lips...

MJH & MHG

CWG & MHG

For Christmas we gifted each other with UK Basketball tickets and we spent yesterday in Lexington. It was great to be back in the town where we met/married/and moved from a mere 6 months ago. Of course the Wildcats beat Loyola and Chad enjoyed the game so much.

I didn't think to ask the nice people sitting next to us to snap a shot of Chad and I and I regret not doing so. When we walked outside of Rupp Arena the heavens opened and it rained (and we were without an umbrella) so hard that my clothes (Royal blue ruffle top and cashmere cardigan) were drenched. We were going to eat with friends at Pazzos after the game and we had to stop and buy me a t-shirt because me clothes were so wet. I will save you the pain of looking at my hair as it was reminiscent of my 7th grade school picture which was before my monogamous relationship with Paul (my Paul Mitchell flat-iron that is). I was drenched and it looked like Chad could have been participating in a wet t-shirt contest as his button-up was soaking wet and see-through and we resembled drowned rats. Even though the weather wasn't fantastic we both agreed that we wouldn't have changed anything about the entire day as we were so happy to spend the day in Lexington. Rain or shine the Wildcats never get old.

Until Tomorrow...
LOVE, MKH-G

In & Out Birthday...

2011-12-05T22:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday.
Its a warm 35degrees in Dallas and I am beyond excited because I feel like I can finally bring out the Uggs and not be a fair-weathered winter Texan. I joked with Chad that everyone busted out the Ugg boots and parkas when it dipped below 65 and sunny. Its been a busy last few days and I have several different snippets to share. Here goes, last weekend Husby and I went to see J. Edgar at the iPic. If anyone lives in the DFW area I would suggest running to the iPic in Fairview because it is the movie theatre of my life (and I usually prefer to watch movies from the comfort of my own couch so going to the movies isnt that great for me but I will jump at the chance to go to the iPic). The movie was great and I can't wait for January when the new slate of movies premiere.

Doesn't it look FANTASTIC....

That Friday Chad's first born child turned four. I have only been around for her calmer adult/non-puppy years and I am secretly thankful. In the beginning we didn't have that great of a relationship as she would growl at me and sit on the other side of the room. I was convinced that she was going to use my Louis Vuitton as a chew toy. She spared my handbag and opted for Chad's Burberry reading glasses instead. I tell him that he has raised a Diva dog and she is conscious of the brand names just like anyone else would be, and he secretly agrees. We eventually adjusted to one another and we have become friends. Granted we still have rules like no dogs (Chad says child, I say dog) on the furniture but we decided to splurge because Hagen is so special. For her birthday dinner she enjoyed a plain hamburger from In&Out. She loved every bite and was so pleased with herself. Her father told her that this was only for special occasions and she wouldn't be getting this very often. She understood and decided to pose for some pictures to thank us.

Wait for it....

Wait for it...

Happy Birthday Hagen!

Since I started blogging I have documented my quest for domestic greatness that centers in the kitchen. I have burned pots trying to make macaroni (not possible you say, I have the photo below to prove it) and I have successfully made lumpy kindergarten pretzels all the while having little motivation to do anything in the kitchen that would be of some great significance. I can make break and bake cookies with the best of them and I have a variety of festive plates to display them but there is something about the fact that I generally have no desire to cook anything for myself or for anyone else. We have loads of decorative plates and super cute cutting boards and dazzly accessories galore but sometimes I open the kitchen drawers and have to ask Chad what these "things" are. I am a high functioning "almost adult" that loves laundry, cleaning out the refrigerator, and vaccuming but until recently I have been missing the "let's cook" gusto. For some reason I got an itch a few weeks ago to try and bake some easy recipes from The Plain Chicken. I happened across this blog by total accident and I found several starter recipes that looked so simple that I had to see if it was as easy as it sounded. I am a tad bit picky to put it nicely and I started going through the recipes trying to find ones that I would enjoy to eat. I found several and I took pictures of everything to prove that I did in fact cook something and it wasn't a figment of my imagination.

MKH-G 2009

Burned macaroni pots...tramatic

MKH-G 2011 (the camera has also improved)

Homemade Cheesy bread

Potato Soup

Jim & Nicks Cheesy Biscuits

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

No cause for alarm as I didn't make all of this calorie infused goodness at the same time. This has been spread out over a few weeks. I also decided that it was time to get into the holiday spirit and figured that I would try and bake some festive sweets. From the small amount of kitchen related tasks I engage in I definitely prefer baking to regular meal cooking (my goal is to cook a full meal in 2012, stay tuned for that post). I found some easy recipes for sugar cookies with edible glitter as I call it (sprinkles to most people) and I was pleased with how they turned out.

Sugar Cookies with Peppermint Hugs

I put them in super festive bags with a glitter Santa to give as treats to my co-workers.

I also made chocolate covered oreos and chocolate covered Snyders pretzels. I didn't take a picture of them because they were extremely messy but they are beyond easy to put together. I did find these snowman Chinese takeout boxes to go with my Santa treat bags that I took to work. Inside were white chocolate and milk chocolate covered oreos and pretzels. I made just enough to fill six boxes so we wouldn't have any leftovers. Chad and I can be snackers and I didn't want either of us to be tempted.

They were the perfect size and very fitting for this chilly weather...

I enjoyed putting these treats together and I will be continuing my kitchen conquest after the Holidays.Since Thanksgiving has come and gone I was beyond thrilled to mail out our Christmas cards. I have had these cards stamped, address, and sealed since October. I LOVE sending out Christmas cards (any cards really) and I couldn't wait for the Friday after so I could drop them in the mail. Knowing how excited I was Chad told me that I needed to take a picture so I could eventually blog about (a week or so late but at least its happening). I was so pleased with how they turned out and most of the cards have already reached their rightful recipients. We sent out 100 cards and I can't wait to start thinking about next years. I already have some ideas in mind...

Merry Christmas card mailing day...

It was early and my eyes are still sleepy but I was so excited.

I think its going to be a new tradition for the day after Thanksgiving

I know this post has been random and somewhat shocking as my basic cooking skills are coming out. Believe me, no one is more shocked than I am. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Happy Tuesday!

LOVE, MKH-G

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T17:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Turkey Day....

I hope everyone is having a "thankful" day with family and friends. I am so thankful for so many things this year. As this is my first holiday away from my old Kentucky home my heart is heavy but I am thankful for Husby and his wonderful family. We had a wonderful meal and are enjoying some relaxing down time. With Thanksgiving Day almost behind us I am counting down the days until we travel back to Kentucky. The daily countdown at work has started and I'm beyond excited to get back to Lexington. For Christmas (I know Thanksgiving isn't over yet and I have already cracked and told the gift) I gifted Husby with UK basketball tickets. If you haven't read my blog before Husby is BEYOND obsessed with the UK Wildcat Basketball team/the coach/the players/ and all things royal blue and white. A small part of him died the day that we moved to TX as the accessibility to the Cats became much more limited.

Enough Christmas talk as I have always felt sympathy for the Thanksgiving holiday as people seem to rush through the day in order to put up their Christmas garb. The lights in Dallas have already been lit and it looks like it should be December (and its been that way for a few weeks now)granted it s still 72degrees and sunny but you can't have everything. Poor Thanksgiving has always been overshadowed, it's like the step-child holiday that is just a stepping stone to something bigger, better, and more sparkly, (not really but you get the analogy.)

What are you thankful for?
More Later...
Love, MKH-G

TGIF

2011-11-18T14:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday...
I found this picture and had to share:)
Happy Weekend

LOVE, MKH-G

What Im Loving Wednesday...Puppy Style

2011-11-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday...

I am so ready for the weekend that I can hardly stand it. I feel like this week has been dragging by and I am ready to relax this weekend and just get caught up on things around the house. I am planning on making my first batch of Christmas goodies this weekend as a test-run and I will be sure to post about the progress. As I posted last week our Christmas cards arrived and I have spent the past few days stuffing, addressing, and stamping them. Lets just say that it has been a work in progress. I am so thankful that I was diligent enough to maintain an excel file of all addresses from the wedding invite purge that it made addressing them so much easier. Note to self to keep all addresses updated:)

I'm thinking that there are a few letters to Santa in the pile...

In an effort to still catch up on all of the things that have been happening since moving to the Big-D I had almost forgotten to share that Husby turned one year wiser a few weeks ago. Granted, I didn't blog about the special day but I was there to coax him to smile before he opened his birthday gifts. Photographic evidence below...

I pretty much held the gifts hostage until he agreed to smile for the camera. I only took three pictures so he came out unscathed as far as I'm concerned. He was beyond thrilled with his gift (DFW Drive Your Dream) and he was so excited to relax and watch UK Football. Happy 29 years young CWG I am so glad that you were born:)

I know that I have mentioned that since moving to the great state of Texas I became a mother of sorts and we now have another dog. Her name is Hazel and she is almost 5 months old. We had her female surgery two days ago and were able to bring her home yesterday. Me and my limited knowledge of all things canine related I was expecting her to be drowsy, incoherent, and lazy. She is typically very lazy and prefers to lay on the couch with Chad so I assumed that she would return to her normal routine, but after getting her home she wouldn't sit still and was running and jumping (big No-No) and wouldn't settle down. As full of energy as she was she did calm down for a mini-photo shoot. So on this Wednesday I am loving that Hazel posed for pictures less than 24 hours after her doggy procedure. (I said that I would never be the person that posted obnoxious pictures of their animal but I am going to give myself a free pass just this once!)

And just so I am not showing any favoritism Hagen also wanted her picture taken...

As it is clear that Hazel has posted up to her rightful place on the couch and is perfectly content to stay there, the couch is another battle for another day. I hope everyone has had a great first half of the week and Happy Thursday!

LOVE,

MKH-G

Wedding Part #2- Formal Wedding Pictures & Bridal Portraits...

2011-11-07T22:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday...

Husby and I traveled this weekend and it feels good to be home that I can hardly stand it.

In an attempt to catch everyone up on all things wedding related I am wanting to share the pictures from the big day. I am beyond pleased with the wedding photos and cannot wait to see the final shots and put together our photo books. We had a wonderful photographer that has an impeccable eye. He has worked with everyone from Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, the Tennessee Titans football, and of course MKH-G so I felt like I was in great hands to say the least. He was able to take my bridal portraits in April in Nashville at Carnton Plantation and I was so thrilled with how they turned out. From all of the expenses that are incurred with a wedding I can honestly say that hiring a professional photographer (no matter the price) was worth it. Prepare yourself for photo overload...

**All pictures shown below are property of Cameron Powell photography and may not be duplicated**

Photographer: Cameron Powell

Hair & MakeUp: Amy Lynn Larwig

Dress: Paloma Blanca

Wedding Day Pictures at Keeneland in Lexington Kentucky below- ENJOY!

Wedding Venue: Keeneland (Lexington, KY)

Photographer: Cameron Powell Photography

Band: Skyline Drive

Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew

Flowergirl Dress: JCrew

Bridesmaid Accessories (shoes & jewelry): Piperlime

Cake: Tinker's Cake Shop

Flowers: Stems, LLC.

It is hard to say what was my favorite part of the day being that it was all so wonderful. I remember thinking that I wanted to enjoy the last few moments in Kentucky with friends and family before jet-setting off to Turks & Caicos (another story for another day...) and beginning my new life in Texas. We chose Lexington because it did and always will hold a special place in our hearts. The first move that I ever made (yes I lived in the same house that my parents brought me home from the hospital to until moving into the dorms circa 2005) and it was home for almost six years. I think that we both will always be a bit biased when it comes to Lexington and we are already planning a day trip when we are visiting my family at Christmas. Watch out Lexington MKH-G is back and ready to hit the town (as in eat at Pazzos and visit Mallory).

I hope everyone had a great weekend and I am beyond excited because my Christmas cards are due to arrive tomorrow. I have been chomping at the bit since have our photo taken a few weeks ago. I will give you a sneak peak below, as if you hadn't seen enough of me tonight!

Yes I am a mother and yes my children are dogs...

This is as close as I could get to matching outfits...

Happy Tuesday!

LOVE, MKH-G

Wedding Recap Part#1

2011-11-02T23:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday....Almost (I'm so ready for the weekend:)

My re-entry in to the blogging world has been all but consistent. I have been busy busy with work traveling to parts unknown and am still trying to get used to a routine. In my promise to myself to do justice to all things wedding related I am going to overload you with a barrage of pictures of MKH-G, Husby and friends. The week before the wedding was very relaxed and it was nice to spend a few last days with my friends and family. The week went by very quickly but I am so thankful that I was able to have that time with the special people that were sharing in my special time.

Since a majority of the wedding guests were from out of town I poured over ideas of what special items to include in the out of town gift baskets. Being that the wedding had a Kentucky theme (and since almost half of the guests were from Texas and had never been to KY) I felt that it was fitting to include Kentucky products. We collected most of the items from Sams and we able to put them together in a few hours one morning. I thought that it would be super personal if included in the bucket were items that both Chad and I loved. We included the items listed below.

Chad's favorite candy...

It was only fitting to have a ring-pop...

Kentucky produced potato chips... Big hit!

My favorite candy

Kentucky Proud Product- Ale8 Ginger Ale

The assembly of the buckets (12piece KFC buckets) went rather quickly. The guests loved them and it was one of the only DIY that I did for the wedding. Photo montage below. Enjoy!

After the buckets were assembled we headed back to the hotel to relax. I was treated to a sweet shower the night before the Bridesmaid Luncheon. It was so nice to take time to enjoy the company of such sweet friends and anytime cupcakes are included it makes everything that much better...

Overall the week before the wedding was filled with love, family and friends. It was a whirlwind and I am so glad that I have the pictures that prove that it actually happened.

I hope everyone has had a great week. Happy Almost Weekend!

LOVE, MKH-G

TV History ... Texas Style

2011-10-09T15:48:00.002-04:00

Hello Lovelies....

In an effort to catch up on all of the things that have been happening since moving to Dallas I am trying to back track and post about all of the "Dallasy" things that we have been doing. A few weeks ago Husby and I went to Southfork to see the filming spot of my all-time favorite (beside I Love Lucy) TV show DALLAS. If you aren't familiar with the show I suggest "googling" it on the Internet because it is the one of the original prime-time TV dramas. Think Keeping up with the Kardashians in 1978 but truly scripted. When I was in high school (pre-RHONJ) I would watch the Dallas seasons on DVD. I haven't started collecting them for my stash but I think that is coming soon. I had always wanted to go to Southfork to see where the show was taped and Husby surprised me with a day trip. I felt like it was Christmas but only 100 degrees and we were on a ranch. The evidence is below...

I was hoping to see the Ewings at Southfork but I was shocked when they weren't there to greet me...

It was so neat because it was like time had stood still on the grounds. Everything looked exactly how I remember from the TV show. The furniture, the art on the walls, and the patio furniture is all original from the filming of the show. I am a total sucker for anything that has a place in "TV history" so I was beyond thrilled with our day trip. I am assuming that there are other TV buffs that visit Southfork becuase there was a gift shop that rivaled any tourist trap that I had ever seen. We picked up a few goodies and even had lunch at the diner on site. Overall it was a great Saturday.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and I will be doing a play by play of the wedding events this week.... I keep telling myself its better late than never- right?

Happy Sunday!
LOVE, MKH-G

p/s- I picked up a new top for Pure Barre yesterday and I can't wait to sport it this afternoon. Who knew that work out class was also a fashion show?

Lucy workout clothes.... Buy it here

Bridesmaid Luncheon... Picture Overload

2011-10-02T14:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday....

I hope everyone has had a great weekend, I know that it has gone by way to fast for me. Husby and I have been busy painting in his new office, and he will officially not be working from the apartment as of tomorrow. I know he is beyond excited as looking at the same four walls gets old really quickly. My new job is going great. I have been there for over a month and on Tuesday a new buyer is starting so I will no longer be the "new girl." Again, I apologize for the intermittent posting but things have been beyond busy and I have started traveling with work. Two weeks ago I was on six flights in three days, I toured facilities in Buffalo, Minneapolis, and Syracuse. I will be traveling at the end of this month too and I am excited because it is only a day trip, fly out in the morning, and I am back at the DFW airport in time to go to Pure Barre.

**On a side note I started Pure Barre two weeks ago and I am beyond obsessed. I am going four times a week and I love the workout and how I feel afterward. Husby and I worked out with a trainer before the wedding and as much as I enjoyed that type of training Pure Barre is that much better. If you have a Pure Barre studio in your area I would highly recommend enrolling in a class to see if you like it. **

Now on to the good stuff.... Wedding Re-Cap. I can't believe Husby and I have been married for over three months. I feel like we just got back from Turks and Caicos yesterday. The day before the wedding my aunts hosted a Bridesmaid Luncheon at Dudleys on Short in Lexington. We lunched on great food and had a wonderful time just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Mary Ellen from MEllen Designs put together custom invitations menus, and place cards that were divine....

Invitation.... Blonde Bride and Brunette Bridesmaids

Menu for each place setting

Personalized Place Cards...

I LOVE the gold chippendale chairs that served as place card holders

(the picture is fuzzy but you get the idea..)

It was a great luncheon and there were 26 special people that attended. The food was wonderful and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I have included (at length) the photography session from June 24, 2011; the Dudley's Luncheon.

The hostesses with the mostestess...

I told you it was picture overload.... It was a great time and I wish I could have all of those people in the same room enjoying a nice time more often. I seriously have pictures galore from all of the wedding week events and I am going to share when time permits.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, I'm off to Pure Barre

LOVE, MKH-G

I'm Backkkkk.....

2011-08-15T22:37:00.000-04:00

Hello lovelies....

Before anyone goes on the attack about my inexcusable absence let me just tell you this has been the best, most crazy busy summer of my life. Let me begin with a trip down memory lane. My last post was around Easter Bunny time and I had mentioned that there were some big changes in store for MKH and the FIN (bullet points to follow). Yes the said changes happened and here I am a mere 4 months later rejoining the blogosphere to vent/chat/and reconnect with my bloggy buddies. I am going to try and keep this post somewhat organized (if at all possible) and try not to overwhelm myself with the massive amount of pictures/information/fun occurrences that I have been subjected to and will ultimately show and tell to all of you...

Since I am an avid list maker, let me outline the major things that have happened in the last 4 months (or atleast since Easter baskets and candy time).

MKH quit her job and has been de-throned as the reigning "Cube Queen." (tears are not necessary.)
MKH packed her belongings into a UHAUL (actually I watched as the FIN packed the belongings into a UHAUL) and the FIN drove the ridiclous amount of furniture/clothing/and knickknacks to our new home a mere 1000 miles away.
MKH spent two weeks before the wedding in my hometown aka the land of dial-up Internet and no 3-G.
MKH married the FIN and became Mrs. MKH-G
MHG said "See you soon" to her dear family and couldn't look back at the airport because of massive amounts of tears. (I keep telling myself that Christmas isn't too far away...)
MHG traveled internationally for the first time. Yes I have a passport and I am not afraid to use it.
MHG successfully unloaded and decorated the "G" household.
MHG became a mommy/babysitter for the 1st time (to a 4-legged child named Hazel)
MHG found a new job and starts tomorrow.
MHG unwillingly (not really) spent almost a month lounging by the pool and soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible.

So needless to say that it has been a great big hectic summer. In my last post I mentioned that something big was coming for us in the coming months and I had no idea the stress of a move and a wedding could take on you. I am all for change but looking back there are times that I don't understand how I managed to get through the day after leaving everything behind that I knew and loved. Husby and I decided months ago that we would be moving to Dallas, Texas. We both wanted a fresh start for our new life and we knew that Dallas would be the place to make the change. We worked out a plan for him to move our things down into our new apartment two weeks before we got married and the he would come back to Lexington for the wedding week events. We had it planned so that when we left Lexington the morning after our wedding we would fly back into Dallas when our Honeymoon was over. In reality this plan was the best because in a sense it "ripped off the band-aid." We left the wedding on such a high note and if we would have had to come back and say "See you soon" to all of my family and our friends I would have been a wreck. I normally try to keep it together in public because when I cry my eyes get terribly puffy and my face blotchy but that morning leaving Lexington and saying "See you soon" to my Dad and sister Mallory was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. We were all teary eyed and I will never forget that moment. It was the first day of being Mrs. MHG but I knew things were changing and I didn't know how to process what was happening. I was BEYOND happy but I couldn't help but wonder if we were doing the right thing by moving and uprooting everything that we knew as MKH and CWG.

We had a great time and the weather in Turks and Caicos was wonderful but in the back of my mind I was secretly scared of coming home because home wasn't what I knew and everything was going to be different. As a self-proclaimed adaptable person I was a bit shocked of the nervousness that I had swimming around. I was nervous about the apartment, I was nervous that I wasn't going to be able to find a job, I was nervous that I wouldn't make friends as easily as I had done freshman year in college. All of the same emotions that I had when my parents dropped me off at college came rushing back to me and I felt very small.

Fast forward to today as I sit in my wonderful apartment and Husby is glued to the computer watching a streamed version of the UK basketball Legend game (somethings never change....haha) I feel very much at ease. I have found what looks to be a wonderful job that I was excited to interview for and even more excited to accept, I have a husband that loves me and wants me to be happy, and I feel that I have settled into a nice routine that allows for MHG time and things have settled down in a refreshing way. When I started blogging I was trying to figure out who I was and what I was trying to accomplish and after the whirlwind of the last year I have realized it is much easier to go with the flow (GASP... I can't believe that came out of my mouth). I know that I have said in the past that I am going to try and blog more consistently but I now more than ever I feel like I need to do this for me and my thoughts.

I know this post has been a bit heavy (I have had to wipe the tears from my keyboard) and I will outline the wedding activities in detail in future posts. I hope everyone has had a great summer and I will leave you with a few of my shots of my bridal portrait session.

Cameron Powell Photography

Until next time...

LOVE, MHG

Spring Means Wedding Showers for MKH....

2011-04-24T19:20:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter. The FIN was in Dallas visiting with his family while Mallory and I traveled to my hometown to celebrate this special day. It was nice to relax and enjoy some quiet time. Before the FIN left on Friday we exchanged Easter baskets. It was the first time that we had exchanged Easter baskets and I am excited to start a new "G-Family" tradition.

Peeps and Bunny Ears...

The FIN's Easter basket...

MKH's Easter basket... Funfetti Cupcakes from the Easter Bunny himself!

The pink grass was even edible...

I know that I have been beyond absent from the blogosphere but we are in wedding overdrive. This coming weekend will be the first weekend that we have not been traveling in the last six weeks. The FIN has been on a plane every other weekend for the last six weeks, and he has even made friends with the local TSA agents (j/k- but the are definitely looking familiar). We have had three wedding showers in the last month and there are tons and tons of pictures. We have been so blessed with friends and family that have been more than generous throughout this entire process and we are more than excited to set up our new home! The pictures below are from the shower hosted by 18 ladies from the FIN's hometown in TX.

*All photos are property of Lissa Anglin Photography*

The shower munchies were Kentucky themed as were the drinks and the entire set-up was beyond wonderful. It was so nice to think that 95% of these women had never met me but they knew Chad and they were so supportive of this new chapter in our lives. I guess it is true that weddings really bring out the best in people. I will post pictures from the other shower later this week! I hope everyone has a great Monday:)

LOVE, MKH

Welcome Back... and Spring is HERE!!!

2011-04-05T19:14:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally here in the Bluegrass and I couldn't be happier. I apologize for my absence and my neglect to the Daily Days, I have received several emails about my lack of posting and I can honestly say now that I know what it feels like when people say that there aren't enough hours in the day. I feel like I have been going non-stop for the past 3 weeks (literally traveling every weekend) and its wedding crunch time. I want to give proper attention to all things wedding related so I am going to try to blog consistently over the next two weeks to catch up on the happenings. The FIN and I are going to be going through some major changes in the next few months (besides getting married) and things are going to get hectic.

I appreciate all of the emails and supportive comments that I have gotten over the past few weeks and it makes me realize why I began to blog in the first place. I hope everyone has had a great start to the work week and I will be back with tons of pictures soon!

LOVE, MKH

Lets Recap...

2011-02-22T22:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a great long weekend! I feel like I have so much to share and I don't even know where to begin. As usual I will begin with a weather update. We had some wonderful weather in Lexington over the weekend and it was so nice to get outside without heavy layers of clothing. I have been checking the weather in Turks and Caicos (honeymoon spot) daily for about the past week and I am beginning to like what I see. I am so looking forward to lounging by the pool and taking it easy that it is making it hard to even drag myself out of bed in the morning to go to work.

Last week the FIN and I celebrated Valentines Day (yes, I haven't posted about V-Day yet) at one of our favorite restaurants, Portofinos.

Last V-Day as MKH...

We enjoyed a nice meal and it was great to relax and not talk about the wedding. We joked and said that we have eaten at Portofinos every Valentines Day that we have been together (this year makes year 3). The weekend before Valentines Day we were also super busy as we went to UK's Greek Sing. Mallory was dancing and it was great to watch and see all of her hard work. Some of the girls looked more like Lady Gaga than sweet sorority girls, and Mallory was one of them.

Watch the DG's dance...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJTPd41gcMw

Speaking of dance, the FIN and I took our first dance lessons last week. I was beyond excited about the lesson and I couldn't wait for Friday to get here, and much to my surprise the FIN was also enthusiastic. We didn't know what to expect as the guy that we spoke with on the phone was VERY peppy about the idea of dancing. When we got to the dance studio I was scoping out the place from the parking lot and the FIN was more concerned with the authentic Mexican restaurant next door and was saying if we come back for a second lesson we could have dinner after dancing. I thought if I didn't get him out of the car that we may get side-tracked and end up eating chips and salsa instead of learning to salsa.

Store-front...

Inside the studio...

When we walked in I think that we were both like, "OMG, there are tons of people and why are they all here?" It turns out that people like to "socially" dance and apparently its popular enough that they have between 150-200 people every Friday night (I asked the receptionist what was going on, and she started giving me the "sell" on the studio and how great it was). I had no idea that Dancing with the Stars had made an impression in Lexington, KY but I guess it has. We were introduced to a super nice gentleman that was about my age that guided us through the beginning stages of a few basic dances. He was a great teacher and he will be teaching us again next week when we go back for our second lesson.

The FIN really enjoyed the dancing... (ignore my lazy eye)

Great form... haha

Overall, it was a great night and I think that we are both excited to go back and learn more. We practiced a little bit on Friday after leaving but I think that a refresher may be needed tomorrow night. Granted we have only been to one lesson but I would totally reccomend taking private lessons before a wedding/or other special event where there will be dancing. Its completly harmless and the hardest part is actually walking through the door.

In other wedding related news.... MY WEDDING DRESS ARRIVED TODAY! I came home to find this oversized lightweight box at my mailbox.

Yes, I moved my foot mat so the box wouldn't

get the gross cardboard dust on the floor...

All wrapped up...

Still wrapped up....

I was so glad that the dress arrived today. I have made an appointment to take the dress to the boutique seamstress next weekend for my first fitting. I had mixed emotions when I opened the box. The dress that I chose has been featured in several publications and everytime that I see it in print I always wonder if I would like it as much on the day of the wedding as I did when I first tried it on. I usually don't have buyers remorse and I am hoping that it doesn't kick in. I didn't try on the dress because I didn't have anyone to help me with it so I figured that I would just wait. I did take it out of the garmet bag and it is as wondeful as I remember it to be. Don't worry I didn't shed any tears....

The FIN and I are getting our open water SCUBA certification this weekend and I am super excited. We went and got our fins/goggles/masks/and water shoes this weekend and we both cant wait to try everything out in the water. I will be sure to take tons of pictures so everyone can have a good laugh!

Happy Wednesday!

LOVE, MKH

Blogging Space Needed...

2011-02-12T23:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Weekend!

Yes, it is Saturday night, and yes I am blogging at home. I know that sounds borderline sad but its been a busy week and the FIN is feeling fluish (which means GERMS...) so I am trying to steer clear of any bacterial grossness that may be happening. I told myself that I am going to try maintain a better disposition/bed-side manner when it comes to be sickly/icky feeling but all I want to do is Lysol everything and bathe in Purell, and if the FIN would allow I would gladly sanitize/disinfect everything. Even though the Cats lost AGAIN today it has been a relaxing Saturday, I have been cleaning and re-cleaning all afternoon. There is still some snow/salt on the sidewalks and anytime I leave and come back into my apartment I always seem to track the grime in with me. I have gotten to where I take my shoes (in this weather Uggs) off at the door before I get into the apartment so I wont have to continually wipe the floors down. Another reason I am ready for warmer weather, no salt residue to clean off of the floor.

In other news, I have been perusing my favorite home magazine websites lately and apparently being a "blogger" is fairly trendy and is now requiring adequate space. I know that I blog from my corner chair but thats out of necessity since my apartment is a spacious 540sq feet. Sure I could sit on the couch or lay in bed to blog but I have taken a strong liking to my patterned chair.

Wonderful memories...

On some of the home websites I found some wonderful blogging corners/cubbies that I would love to occupy at some point. I joked with FIN about him having an office in our future home and that I would also need a space that I could work quietly and collect my thoughts while blogging/crafting/reading. I had no idea that home office spaces had become so trendy, and it gives me inspiration to put my previously un-discovered decorator talents to use.

LOVE the animal print rug and white claw foot table...

Closet office, literally. Small but very functional...

Clean and practical...

Roomy and bright...

I'm not a huge pink person, but I could "blog" in an office like this.

Family friendly...

A lovely little corner...

I have been saving magazines snippets from home catalogs for years (literally since freshman year in college) in preparation for home-ownership one day and I have since started a folder on my desktop of online photos. I am a browser by nature (the FIN isn't always fond of my dwadling) and if I am not careful I could get lost looking at home/interior design magazines. Since the wedding is less than 5 months away I should be reading books "Cooking for Dummies" but its hard to get past the first few pages and there aren't any pictures.

I hope everyone has had a great Saturday!

Happy Weekend!

LOVE, MKH

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

2011-02-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

I've been neglecting the Daily Days as of late and I am blaming it on the weather and the weather only! The FIN and I have been super busy with wedding plans and making arrangements for the next few months. We are going to get SCUBA certified at the end of this month and I am getting really excited. I will be sure to document the water training as best as possible. We are also scheduled to take dance lessons which I am SO excited about. I took dance for over 13 years and I am so so glad that the FIN is being a trooper and wanting to learn for the reception. We have TONS going on in the next few weeks and time is ticking away to June 25th.

After becoming engaged one of the first things that I crossed off of my list was asking my dearest friends to be Bridesmaids and share in our special day. All of the Bridesmaids are girls that I feel I have a close personal connection with and I have shared wonderful memories with each of them. To show them how much I care for each of them and how special they all are I sent each of them a "Will You Be My Bridesmaid" box.

The BM bag is really an organic lunch basket from Target.

It was the perfect size for the items inside.

Bridesmaid Invite in the color scheme of the wedding...

The card says it ALL. Courtesy of Mary Ellen at Mostly MEllen

Personalized M&Ms in the color scheme of the wedding...

Yes, those are our faces on the M&Ms....

Our initials and wedding date are also were screened on the candy!

I LOVE Lilly Pulitizer, and I thought a nice springy

water bottle/coffee mug would be a nice addition to any collection!

**Let the photo montage of the BM's begin**

MOH: Mallory

BM: Emmy

BM: Caitlin

BM: Catherine

BM: Ashley

BM: Courtney

(family picture in Dallas last April, please ignore the mess on the table)

I also included my flower girl, Anna Laura with the pre-wedding garb. Even though she is only four I wanted her to feel included. I sent her the card below along with something more age appropriate. I would hate to give her chocolate and have running around like a wild child and she doesn't work out or drink coffee so I had to be creative!

Flower Girl Invite...

Ms. Peony (wedding flowers that we chose) from Build-A-Bear...

Yes, I stuffed the bear and helped dress/name her...

This weekend we (my Aunt Juli and Aunt Brenda) were able to scout out a few places for the BM's Luncheon. I am so thrilled that we found a place and I am so excited for everyone to be together in a relaxed setting before the wedding. I can't believe how fast things are passing and soon MKH will be MHG.

I hope everyone has had a great start to the week, and at least tomorrow is Wednesday!

Its halftime at the CATS are currently beating UT (Tennessee)!

GO CATS!

LOVE, MKH

Let's Register...

2011-01-27T21:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday! I am so ready for the weekend that I can't stand it. Work is still boring and the official wedding countdown has began. We are less than 5 months and I can tell that we are both getting very excited. I was perusing my blog reading list today while at work and I came across a giveaway on one of my dailies. I am thinking about doing a give-away once I hit a certain "follower count." I discuss it with the FIN on almost a weekly basis but I am still working on ironing out the specifics. Until I get it together I suggest everyone check out Tracy's blog for a great giveaway!

Then I Got To Thinking..

In the spirit of all things wedding related, I thought that I would provide some updates on what we have accomplished in the past few weeks. When the FIN and I first started talking about registering for wedding gifts I thought the biggest issue was going to be the color scheme and thread count of the sheets. I couldn't have been more wrong/misinformed. Granted the registering process was super fun but it was also a tad bit overwhelming/daunting. It is no secret that I am a challenged version of Martha Stewart in the sense that I have no clue about daily kitchen appliances/equipment/tools. I also thought that the "scanner gun" would be a fun way for the FIN to engage in the situation but again, it wasn't that easy.

We started the registering process at Williams Sonoma, and it quickly went downhill. The "scanner gun" wasn't ready for us to use and 90% of the items that we wanted to register for had no barcodes. It was a bit frustrating and after we finished I thought that registering at Macys would be a breeze. I even asked the sales associate at Williams Sonoma to take our picture, and lets just say that she looked at me as if I was crazy. I thought about telling her about my blog but I didn't think she would have cared.

We were exhausted and it was only the first stop...

After leaving Williams Sonoma we headed to Macys to look at other items. Macys proved to be much easier and less problematic. We had a nice Macys helper named Paulette. She was very helpful with ideas about quantities and patterns. We ended up picking out most of our formal dinner and flatware at Macys and am really happy with what we picked out.

Round #2 was a success

We were able to knock out the majority of the items in one major swoop on the first day, and lets just say it was a long afternoon. Over Christmas break we traveled to Texas to spend time with the FIN's family, and while we were there we registered at a local store for our everyday dishes. Before we were engaged I was looking through a magazine and I found the dishes that I liked. I tore the back cover off of the magazine and I kept it as a reminder. When Mommy TX told me that the store carried the dishes I was so excited.

Posing with our cereal bowls.

Can't you tell the FIN is thrilled..

Looking at linens with the Registry Attendant, she was so very helpful...

MKH + CWG's registry items set up on the Bridal table...

Close-up of the Registry placard...

I am more than pleased with our selections and I can't wait to put the items to use in our new home. I can fully understand the pressures of registering as it can be overwhelming at times, but a well thought out registry makes for a nice start to a home. I wish I would have sneaked and taken a few pictures of the FIN with the scan gun but I have the frustrated mental images and that will be more than enough. It was so cute that he was trying and I was happy that he wanted to be a part of the process. Overall I am very happy that I have been vigilant about taking pictures and documenting the wedding planning process, and I am sure that there will be more to come.

I hope everyone has had a great week and is looking forward to the weekend!

LOVE, MKH

Weekend ReCap, and GROUPON

2011-01-25T21:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Temperatures hit 43 degrees in Lexington today and it felt like a heat-wave. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and has had a great start to the week! The FIN and I spent the weekend in my hometown and we had a wonderful time. We had lunch on Saturday with my dear friend Ashley (and I totally forgot to take a picture, boo...) and it was the first time that I had seen her since Thanksgiving. It was nice to catch up and just take it easy.

Before lunch...

After lunch we headed to the best place EVER, The Frosty Freeze. We enjoyed a nice old-fashioned milkshake, (chocolate for me, and vanilla for the FIN) and it was wonderful. The FIN and I have been trying to eat healthy since we are T-Minus 5 months and counting.

So bad yet so good!

Best food in Franklin, KY

We had a wonderful weekend and it was good to spend time with friends and family. I don't feel like we have enough time to visit with family as it is and I have a sneaking suspicion that the time will be cut in half after we get married. I hope that we will be able to find a nice healthy balance between family and fun time. On a lighter note, I took the plunge and joined Groupon last week. I have never been a big coupon person but I thought that I would give it a try, I even downloaded the iPhone App to make the tracking of the deals easier. This morning I was pleasantly surprised when I checked the deal of the day and found that is was a yoga promotion.

$15.00 for 1-month unlimited YOGA classes at Barefoot Works.

I have never done yoga and I have been wanting to try so I figured now was the time to sign up. I am hoping that the classes are all they are cracked up to be. I have heard wonderful things from friends about the sessions so I am excited. If you haven't signed up for Groupon I would definitely suggest it, there are great promotions and you don't even have to clip the coupons.

I am already thinking about what color yoga mat I am going to invest in. I feel like it will be the first day of school and if I don't have a cool backpack (or yoga mat) I won't make any friends. LOL

Monogrammed Yoga Mats...

At least no one will confuse it as their own...

Happy Hump-Day!

LOVE, MKH

Busy Busy Weekend!

2011-01-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their long weekend, I know that I did. I am trying to get back into the routine of going to bed early and waking up even earlier. After this weekend I am exhausted yet I feel somewhat refreshed. The FIN and I accomplished so many things this weekend that even I am impressed. On Saturday we met (along with my Mom) with the florist and came up with a game-plan for the ceremony and reception. The FIN jokes and says that I am not the typical female because I'm not a fan of flowers. I never have been and I think that they are unnecessary in most situations, attract gnats, and some even smell like nursing homes. Out of all of the things that we have done/or are in the process of doing for the wedding the flowers was the thing that I was looking forward to the least. We had an appointment at Noon on Saturday and when we got there I was a bit apprehensive and didn't want to even get out of the car. It was in the seedy part of town and I couldn't imagine anything in these crummy looking buildings being what I wanted.

STEMS, LLC... Looks can be deceiving!

Oh how I was wrong. Granted her shop was an organized chaos of vases/bird cages/stands/and arrangement baskets but her demeanor and confidence was so contagious my mind was set at ease. I had done my research and was armed with photographs that encompassed what I had in mind. We discussed different situations/color palletes/styles and my mind was opened to the world of florals. Granted, I am not wanting a dozen roses for V-Day but I am way more open to the idea of using flowers while entertaining and even incorporating them into everyday decor. I didn't have a chance to take any more pictures as there was another Bride-to-be and her Groom waiting to meet with the florist too. All in all the flowers were a SUCCESS...

After the flowers we took a lunch break (the FIN was hungry and we needed to keep him fed to keep him happy....) and headed to pick out the tuxes. I didn't know what to expect I just knew that I wanted black, and more black. The FIN was a trooper and we ended up picking out everything and getting all of the Groomsmen's attire registered too.

So Patient....

Such a trooper...

His smile hides his angst as UK Basketball tipped

off while he was waiting to be measured... GO BIG BLUE!

We had a successful weekend and we even played racquetball on Monday. Let me tell you I wish I could watch us play. By "us" I mean me because I am sure that I look like a scared/slow rabbit as I try to hit the ball. I asked the FIN if I could take a picture of us in our goggles and with the racquets and he wasn't thrilled with the suggestion so everyone will have to use their imagination, hahah!

Its halftime with the CATS, so I am going to try to watch the last little bit of the game! Happy Wednesday, its almost the weekend.

GO BLUE & Happy Flowers!

LOVE, MKH

I'm Ready for Spring/Summer

2011-01-13T21:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Weekend!

Tomorrow is a blonde appointment and its been a long week so all I have to offer is a Spring/Summer set. I hope everyone has had a great week! The FIN & I have tons of wedding stuff to do this weekend so I will have tons to chat about next week!

SPRING IS SPRINGING by mkhend21 featuring diamond jewelries

Happy Weekend!

LOVE, MKH

We All Need to Pray....

2011-01-11T18:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Its still snowing in KY and I am officially OVER IT. Short post tonight as their isn't anything that is feigning my interest currently. This weather puts a damper on most things or at least it does for MKH. It is however a Tuesday night in January which means only one thing; UK Basketball. After a poor performance from both UK teams (football and basketball) on Saturday, the CATS need to step it up tonight. I will be watching the game from my quiet corner in my quiet apartment (just the way I like it...) and I will be crossing my fingers in hopes of a UK victory.

Even Coach Cal wants us to pray for a WIN...

My favorite part of the whole game... The "K"

C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS.

Go Big Blue!

Love, MKH

Dress Much...

2011-01-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday!

I hope everyone has had a nice weekend, I know that I have enjoyed my day off. I am almost excited to go back to work tomorrow as I have a long weekend coming up in celebration of MLK Day. I already have a huge list of wedding things planned to do next weekend. In preparation for the wedding related festivities and honeymoon I have been perusing the stores and online for summery clothing. I am trying to plan with the tropics (Turks & Caicos is where we are going on our honeymoon) in mind. I have picked up several things and I have started stashing them in my coat closet for fear of wanting to wear them beforehand. I have also found several things online that I am debating on. I purchased a few swimsuits and bright colored coverups last week (I know its January but they had a nice selection, so it only made sense...) and I will probably look for a few more closer to time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE wearing dresses so that is where is my attention is currently focused. Thoughts on the current choices below?

LOVE the pleats...

LOVE the bow and studded buttons...

LOVE the neckline...

As I drool thinking about warmer weather I am reminded that there is snow on the ground and the temps are in the 20's. I am ready for Old Man Winter to GO AWAY. Until then I am reminded that one of the perks of colder weather is the darker side, darker nail polish that is. I have blogged before that I LOVE dark nail polish and I couldn't help myself when Emmy and I went to get our nails done last week.

"Teasy Does It" by OPI Nails

One of the only perks of cold weather... dark nail polish

My tooth whitening sessions begin on Tuesday and I am going to have my last Sonic sweet tea tonight. I hope that I don't go into shock whenever I pass by a Sonic on Wednesday before work. I think this is the intervention that I have been needing.

Happy Sunday!

LOVE, MKH

The First Decade I Remember.....

2011-01-04T21:06:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Its the first Tuesday of the 2011, and its still super cold in Lexington. I know that I am a few days late, but Happy New Year!

I can't believe that its already 2011...

When I had lunch with Emmy on Friday (I totally forgot to ask the nail lady to take a picture, but her English wasn't all that great and all I could picture was my camera going into the pedicure bowl while we sat there smiling watching it...) we were both like, "OMG, its a new decade and we actually remember it." Granted I grew up in the 1990s but I was only 2 when everyone rang in 1990 so the details are a bit fuzzy (I'm sure I had a milk buzz...). Emmy and I had a nice time and it was great to catch up. The FIN and I also had a nice dinner at Portofinos and we enjoyed dessert on the patio at Harrys. I tried to make the photo session as quick and painless as possible but we had to do a few different shots do to lighting issues...

Portofinos...

Cheesecake at Harrys...

Cookie Desert at Harrys.... So Wonderful!

Yes, I was that person that was taking pictures of the food on the table, but I refrained from picking up my plate and trying to position it under the light. There were people watching so I thought it wasn't the right time/place for a food photo shoot. We had a wonderful night and it was nice to ring in 2011 in Lexington at some of our favorite places. Our NYE dinner date spots even made it on to our SaveDate cards.

MKH + CWG = June 25, 2011

I figured that since we are getting married this year I should act somewhat adult and make a few resolutions for 2011. I have listed them in no specific order below!

1. Try to eat a variety of foods, as in try not to be as picky. (I actually had a salad on NYE, which to me is the equivalent of rabbit food and I managed to get a few bites down. I also had a steak on Sunday night, which is a big step in the right direction as far as I am concerned. The FIN eats his steak rare and my steak was still "mooing" on the plate so I ate almost 1/2 of it but I think in the future I want to make sure that my food is cooked/charred to perfection. For being Day 4 of 2011 I think I am making a valiant effort).

2. Blog more regularly...

3. Try to manage my stress levels without bingeing on sweet tea or Flintstones Gummy Vitamins. (I haven't had any gummy vitamins in days and I am trying to ween myself off of sweet tea all together because of my teeth whitening regimen that I start next week! Baby Steps....)

Here's to 2011, and I hope that everyone had a wonderful evening!
Until the next post!
LOVE, MKH

Lets Look At Pictures of MKH + CWG...

2010-12-30T22:49:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday and Happy Eve of New Year's Eve... I am up super late tonight (its 1015 in KY and I feel like a rebel because its SO past my bedtime...) because I don't have to go to work tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited. My long lost BFF Emmy is coming into town tomorrow and we are going lunch and to get our nails done and catch up. I haven't seen Emmy since her housewarming party back in October.

Unintentional Matchy-Matchy....

The FIN and I also have a dinner date tomorrow night. It will be out last date of 2010. I don't feel like its time for NYE, but then again I wasn't prepared for it to be Christmas so whose to judge? I feel like I have been somewhat busy this week trying to get things back together after the Holiday and being away. I was super excited that I had a nice surprise waiting for me in my mailbox when I returned home. Alas, my our engagement discs arrived while I was in TX. I knew this was waiting because Mommy TX received her disk in the mail while I was visiting and I told myself that I wasn't going to peek until I had ample time to go over all of the pictures. So when I got home this afternoon I settled myself in my chair with a sweet tea and started going over the shots (by "going over" I mean zooming in and out and trying to imagine the different pictures in frames...). Don't fret I hadn't forgotten what they had looked like because every so often I would "re-look" at the proof section of the photographers website. I have added my "top" favorites below. There were so many to choose from I narrowed it down the best that I could!

For your viewing pleasure...

I couldn't be more pleased with how the photos turned out. We were so fortunate enough to be able to work with Cameron Powell out of Nashville. He will be doing my bridal portraits, our wedding day, and he will be putting together the slide show that will be shown at the rehearsal dinner. I can't wait to see how everything else will turn out.

Its now almost 11pm EST and I am about to turn into a pumpkin. Hopefully the MKH + CWG photo montage hasn't scared anyone and I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe NYE!!!!

2011 is almost here!

LOVE, MKH

Christmas 2010 Recap....

2010-12-28T21:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Its still cold in KY and I am counting down the days until warmer weather arrives. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I am unfortunately back at work this week but I only have two more days until I am off for NYE and it cant get here soon enough. Work has been boring at best the past few days. It was so hard to get back into a routine after being off work for almost 10 days. The FIN and I traveled back to visit with his family for the week before Christmas. I came back to KY by myself to spend my last unmarried Christmas at home with my family. I called my dear friend Emmy while I was waiting in the airport and she asked me if I felt funny about this being my "last Christmas as MKH." At the time it didn't strike me as funny because Emmy always asks "those type of questions," and I always laugh but this time I was like, "OMG, MKH will be MHG next Christmas!" (Granted, I don't always speak about myself in the 3rd person, but you get the idea...). MKH is growing up... hahah

In preparation for my upcoming name change Mommy TX also gifted me a few goodies with my new monogram for Christmas. I have tucked them away and have told myself they cant be used until after June 25, 2011. Since I am a fool for anything monogrammed I have been trying to slowly replace my MKH garb with MHG and these make-up storage pieces will work nicely! Overall it was a wonderful Christmas and I am super excited for 2011.

Keeping up with my photo rule I thought that I would share a few photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve with Mal...

Grandkids & Grandparents...

KLK, KTK, MKH, & MJH before Santa came...

Christmas Day... please notice my over-sized ski jacket... It was SO COLD!

I have a wonderful airline story that I will share tomorrow!

LOVE, MKH

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from MKH.... Its snowing (about 6 inches) in KY and it is the first white Christmas in 17 years! I forgot to post our first Christmas card when they arrived, but I thought that it would still bring some Holiday cheer today!

Christmas Card 2010... Special Thanks to Mostly MEllen

I hope everyone has a blessed day with family and friends! I hope that everyone remembers the true reason for the season. I was reminded of this verse last night as we read the Christmas story at my Grandmother's house.

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. (LUKE 1:35).

Merry Christmas and I hope that Santa was nice to everyone!
LOVE, MKH

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

2010-12-08T21:46:00.000-05:00

Well its Wednesday and I have been ready for the weekend since Sunday afternoon. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday and is looking forward to the upcoming weekend! Being that its Wednesday and I haven't blogged yet this week I thought something fun and easy was needed. For the past few Wednesdays I have noticed that some of my bloggy blog buddies have been posting specifically on "What They're Loving." So to keep up with the pack I thought I would join in...

On this Wednesday, December 08, 2010 I am loving the following things (in no specific order...)!

I'm loving that my dear friend Caitlin D. has started her own blog. I am so glad that she has joined me in writing this online daily (almost) ramblings. Check her out over at I Could Write A Book, and you will be loving her in no time!

MKH & Ms. I Could Write A Book

I'm loving that all of my laundry is DONE and all my t-shirts, towels, and delicates have been put away in their proper home... success

I'm loving our wedding website, check it out here.

I'm loving that the FIN and I had a lovely weekend and enjoyed a nice afternoon watching the UK vs. UNC Basketball game at Harry's (our favorite place...). I'm loving even more that I tried a new dessert and yes I was that person at the restaurant that took a picture of my plate (no flash of course...) I am however NOT loving that UK lost to UNC...

Pure goodness...

I'm loving that I went back to the dentist today (for the second time in two weeks) and I made the appointment to get my teeth whitened. The only down side is that no colored liquids (as in my beloved Sonic Sweet Tea) allowed after I begin the treatments. The hygenist told me that I would be sleeping in the trays 3-4 times a week. I was secretly thinking what happens if I swallow some of the bleach, will the bleach stain my pillowcases, and will I have terrible morning mouth when I wake up? I didn't ask her any of the questions I was asking myself, I thought of more questions as I was driving home. I wrote them down on a notecard so I will be sure to ask when I go back for my impressions. Don't worry they are purely dental related and nothing to do with bad breath or the possibility of stained linens.

I'm loving that next week is my last week of work in 2010. I am taking the week of Christmas off and the FIN and I are heading to TX to spend some time with his family. I will be back a few days before Christmas so I can travel to my hometown and spend the rest of the holiday with my family.

Christmas 2009 in TX...

I'm loving that our Engagement pictures turned out so well. I finished addressing our Christmas cards last night (I know... I'm a bit behind, but only by a few days) and I thought that I would just thumb back through them and I picked out several "favorites." My current "favorite is below! I will post the slideshow of engagement pictures once all of them come back from the photographer...

Love, Love, Love

I'm loving that I am getting my hair done next week. My roots are extra gross, and my eyebrows are out of control. My monthly hair appointment (you can set your calendar by my consistency) is something that I look froward to from the time that I walk out the door of the salon until I walk back in four weeks later.

I'm also loving that it is now bedtime!
I hope everyone has had a wonderful Wednesday!
LOVE, MKH

Save the Date...

2010-11-30T21:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Its been raining and is super chilly in Kentucky and I think our last few warm days are far gone. My Monday and Tuesday have been fairly uneventful and I am already on the countdown for the weekend! As promised I have some wedding news to share. I have received several emails asking about the status of wedding plans and despite the lack of posting all of the major elements were taken care within the first 4-6 weeks of saying "Yes!"

A few weeks ago the FIN and I traveled to Nashville to take our engagement pictures. We were so lucky to have a wonderful photographer who made us feel comfortable (photo slideshow is another post for another day... ). The pictures turned out great and we were both more than pleased. Before even taking the engagement pictures I knew how I wanted the Save the Date cards to look. I am a total sap for all things related to stationary and I knew that I had a few special thoughts that I wanted to incorporate into our Save the Date cards.

When I first began blogging I came across a great blog that encompassed personal design and a touch of whimsy. I immediately began perusing her portfolio looking for stationary ideas or any paper product that I could monogram (I LOVE LOVE LOVE monograms). Granted, I haven't always dreamed of wedding details but once I saw the online store I knew that I wanted to work with Mary Ellen over at Mostly MEllen. When it came time to put my my thoughts on paper I provided the photo that I wanted and a few places that I wanted to include and she did the rest. I was nervous to see the final product (as that is my nature) but once I saw them I couldn't have been happier. I couldn't have imagined them turning out any better, they were better than expected!!! When I opened up the box with the cards I felt like it was Christmas, and like I was 6 years old all over again.

After checking and re-checking all of the envelope addresses against the excel list that was complied by Mommy TX and myself I felt confident enough to mail them, (I am writing about this only because the cards have been mailed and most people have already received their card). The FIN and I spent last Monday night stamping (Me), and licking (The FIN was volunteered to seal them but he didn't seem to mind, which is good because envelope glue makes me gag...) all of the invite cards.

Even Hagan wanted to help with the cards...

When we went to mail them I didn't want to let them go. I had convinced myself that they were all going to be lost somewhere in unknown post-office oblivion, or that I hadn't put enough postage on the envelopes (which I triple checked with Mary Ellen and the Lexington Post Office). I was relieved to find out that people had received the cards in both KY and TX. I imagine it compares to sending your child to school for the first time, you know that everything will work out but until you hear others say it you aren't sure. (I know that is a bit dramatic but I feel as if these cards have been my children for the past week.)

Waiting to be mailed... Mary Ellen did a wonderful job on the envelopes too!

He was a trooper, but I think that he was glad that they were finished!

I found my dear friend Emmy's invitation and thought that a blog picture was needed!

Going, Going, Gone...

Mary Ellen also featured our design on her blog. Check out the post here!

I have also included a shot of the front and back of the card below. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

Front!

Back!

On the back of the card was another photo from our engagement shoot along with our personalized wedding website. The FIN built the website and I couldn't be more excited with how it turned out. I love the picture choices and our personal stories that we were able to incorporate. I couldn't be more thankful for his help during this slightly busy time of our lives.

www.morganandchad2011.com

Until the next post....

LOVE, MKH

Happy Late Thanksgiving!

2010-11-27T21:10:00.001-05:00

Happy late Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I have been at home for the last several days (aka the land of no 3G service and dial-up Internet) and I have been slacking on the blogging yet again. I can say that I have been super busy these past few weeks with wedding things. I will be sure to dedicate a full post to wedding related garb in the next few days, I promise.

It was so nice to see family and friends this week and just relax. The FIN was back in TX with his family celebrating and I am so ready for him to come back to KY. When we spoke last night on the phone I commented that this was the last Thanksgiving as MKH, and that next year we will be spending Thanksgiving together away from one of our families. I know thats too much emotion for a blog post so I will stop there because my eyes may get misty:( Until then I have a few pictures from Thanksgiving for your viewing pleasure!

Cousin Klay and MKH...

Being silly...

I felt like I ate until I was about to explode and even thinking about turkey makes my stomach hurt. I did however accomplish a major milestone as I used my first real piece of kitchen equipment over break. It is no secret that I am somewhat challenged when it comes to cooking/navigating around the kitchen but on Thursday it was decided that it is time for me to learn. A few months ago my friend/neighbor Lauren had called and asked me if I had a can opener that she could borrow. I am sure I looked like a deer in the headlights because I knew what a can opener was and what it did but I had no idea if I had one in one of my drawers or what one looked like. Needless to say I didn't have one that she could borrow and in repeating this story to family members they decided that they needed to stage an intervention. So on Thursday it was all business as I was tasked to open several cans with said can opener, and the picture below pretty much sums up my experience...

One piece can opener in two pieces.... very dramatic

Please excuse the DG pajamas and nasty hair...

Granted, it wasn't as bad as the picture above makes it seem. At least I know that when I am married Chad won't starve because we can eat as much canned food as possible. I think that is a comforting thought to his parents and my family both. Who knows on Christmas I may try to boil water...

I am dreading going back to work on Monday as my 5 1/2 day weekend has spoiled me. I am counting the days until my weeklong Christmas Holiday. Only 15 working days until I'm in Christmas bliss (aka my week away from work!!) and I couldn't be more excited. In preparation for the upcoming festive season I purchased a few Christmas ornaments that have special meaning to the FIN and I. After we marry I am not sure how I will display them, but I am thinking that an apothecary jar may do the trick.

Close but not quite, but you get the idea....

I tried to photograph the ornaments as best I could but they are so shiny that it made it difficult.

"We wish you a Kentucky Christmas"

"And a Wildcat New Year!"

" I Love UK Gameday!"

"GO CATS!"

"Just Married Wildcats!"

I think that the "Just Married" ornament is my favorite and I can't wait to display it during Christmas 2011. My only wish was that the ornaments themselves were date-stamped so I could remember which year that they were purchased and displayed. I guess that having the boxes marked is the best I can do. The weather has been super chilly in the Bluegrass and it finally feels like Christmas is coming. I hope everyone has had a wonderful week full of family, food, and fellowship!

Don't eat too many leftovers!

LOVE, MKH

Lets Be Blue for Christmas....

2010-11-04T21:17:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday!

With my current work situation not looking too promising in terms of an expanding workload I had ample time today to re-read one of my favorite books, Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews. Yes, I read the whole book today in one sitting (its barely 200 pages) while atop of my throne (the uncomfortable black swivel chair).

At bookstores near YOU....

I have read it a few times and every time I do I always wonder what it would be like to decorate for holidays with the color blue. Granted, the whole idea of Christmas decorating is a bit intimidating to me because it can very easily consume you and your home. There are so many things that catch my eye but I feel like it never ends, there are so many different themes, color schemes, and knick knacks that I would love to collect but in reality it would most likely be a jumbled mess. Since I have an exobortant amount of down time from the hours of 700am-330pm I find myself thinking about seasonal room displays and what I would someday like to decorate my home with. Blue Christmas got me to thinking about Kentucky's favorite color (Wildcat Blue) and how it could be incorporated into the festive seasonal decor.

Norman Rockwell meets the Kentucky Wildcats...

Sadly, the FIN would probably think this would be festive and COOL...

Very understated, but VERY blue...

Blue at the beach...

Blue Christmas meets country charm...

Yummy blue cupcakes...

Something for every Wildcat...

More my speed...

Even Elvis sang about a Blue Christmas....

I think I am going to order one of these and have it dated for 12/2010,

symbolizing the our first "Engaged" Christmas...

I hope everyone has had a great week! Its almost the weekend! The are calling for snow flurries in Lexington tonight and that makes me blue (missing Summer already)....

Don't be too BLUE!

LOVE, MKH

TGIED...

2010-11-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday, but more importantly Thank Goodness Its Election Day (TGIED). Election results in Lexington have been buzzing for the last few hours and the polls closed hours ago. Despite the massive shakeup that today was to bring to US politics I can honestly say that I am glad that today is almost tomorrow in terms of the election. I hope that tomorrow I can drive without seeing some crazy donkey (literally) dancing holding a sign that says, "Vote for ________" and I am also over the whole slanderous tv and radio ads. I know its the name of the game, but sometimes I wish everyone could play nice and act like adults. I just want to listen to my Britney Spears on the radio without any political interruptions, is that really too much to ask?

I haven't spoken about my "Cube Queen" duties as of late and I am frankly about to relinquish my spot on the throne. Since I transitioned to _________, my daily routine has been less than glamorous. On Monday my inbox was at zero and I decided that I couldn't handle it any longer. I figured I might as well be proactive since this whole wedding thing involves tons of work on the front end and I thought I've got nothing but time. On Monday morning (730ish EST) I made a to-do list for myself for the day and I was able to cross off all of the tasks that I was going to finish after work. I have listed the list below to show just how empty my day was while I was at work.

MKH To-Do List for MONDAY...
1. Successfully print-off and apply for passport (Complete)
2. Compile address list for my section of the wedding guests (75 people) and input into excel (Complete)
3. Make lists of different items to put on registry (Complete)
4. Click refresh on my email inbox just in case someone needs something.... (Complete)
5. Read 175 pages in the "Bluegrass Conspiracy," a Lexington classic (Not on my list but I had extra time)
6. Read 143 pages in "Savannah Breeze," one of my favorite books to finish the series (Complete)
7. Click refresh on my email just in case someone needs something.... (Complete)
8. Email wedding photographer/planner/invitation guru several questions (Complete)
9. Clean desk and organize non-existent paperwork (Complete)
10. Click refresh on my email inbox just in case someone needs something... (Complete)

If only I was able to do laundry, clean my shower, and vacuum out my car while at work, I would have been super-productive. I can honestly say that I finished all of the above mentioned tasks before 1pm EST. I created the excel invitation list all without making any phone calls, and I started the registry list(s) without browsing domestically centered websites. As much as I accomplished I wish that I would have been doing actual work. I can't stand being idle at work for very long and until all of the necessary steps are completed with my new employer my co-workers and myself (2500+ people) are basically idle. I can use some down time every once in a while, but just not daily.

My home, M-F 7:00am to 3:30pm, and yes the black swivel chair is my throne!

I am trying to catch up on my daily bit of news and all thats newsworthy is the Election 2010. Maybe tomorrow people will calm down a bit. As long as there aren't any more dancing donkeys I think I can manage.

Happy TGIED....

LOVE, MKH

p/s- The FIN and I had our engagement session this weekend in Nashville. The shoot went wonderfully, and I will be sure to post pictures soon! We had an amazing time and Cameron was AMAZING...

A little sneak peak.....

A Loveless Relationship (with the blog of course)....

2010-10-26T21:31:00.001-04:00

Dear Daily Days of MKH....

I am so sorry that I have neglected you for the past two weeks. I am sorry that I have had little time to upload pictures to make you interesting. I am sorry that your other blog buddies are having visitors stop by and new friends are leaving comments. I am sorry that you feel alone. I left you a nice photo below to express my true feelings....

I promise to do better, and I really do LOVE YOU!
Love, MKH

J'adore blogging....

I have been feeling quite terrible about my behavior with the Daily Days. I have been busy beyond belief and I think things are about to get even busier. Two weekends ago the FIN and I traveled to TX to celebrate his 28th birthday. We had a wonderful time and it was nice to relax. After arriving at the airport we (Mommy/Daddy TX, the FIN & I) went to the jewelry store to look at wedding bands. I was fortunate enough the meet the super sweet lady that helped the FIN with my engagement ring, she was wonderful and was gracious enough to pose for a photo(s). We took several pictures while at the jewelry store (I am hoping that I have taken enough pictures to compile a "Wedding in Process" photo book") and I was hoping that the FIN would want to try on different wedding bands. I have never seen him wear a ring (except for his UK class ring.... ick) and I didn't know what to expect. I was surprised that he was so strong in his band options, he wanted NO beading/shine/girly/blingy aspects at all. Who knew that boys had such strong accessory opinions?

Success....

The weekend in TX was wonderful and it was nice to relax. Before heading back to KY we had a layover in Dallas and had some extra time so Chad's sister and husband (FSIL- Future Sister in Law & FBIL- Future Brother in Law) met us and took us to dinner. It was so nice to see them and I told the FIN that I wished that we all lived closer so our time together would be more than just flight layovers and holidays. Being that it was the FIN's birthday Courtney (FSIL) greeted us with some yummy goodies.

Red-Velvet birthday cupcakes...

Those cupcakes were super yummy and it was sweet treat. It was so funny when we walked back through security because all of the airport employees were very inquisitive about the cupcakes and what flavor they were. At one point I thought that one of them was going to ask to sample one. I wonder if the FIN would have shared them?

Over the weekend I had worn a new pair of flats, and my poor ankles are very sensitive to any shoe that isn't a flip-flop. I had doctored my heels with band-aids and thought that I would be fine until I got back to Lexington. I will spare you the details and the gross pictures but lets just say that my heels didn't get the memo about the fast paced walking. At one point the FIN was eating a cupcake before the plane was to begin boarding and I had to go to the bathroom. I kicked off my shoes and took the FIN's flip-flops. Don't worry, he had his carry-on to rest his feet on (I would never ask someone to put their bare feet on the nasty airport carpet), it was that bad!

The culprits....

Yes, I walked through the DFW airport with my jeans tucked into my flats.

I looked like a total LOSER, but it was the only relief...

After returning home it was only a few short days before Mommy TX came to KY to start planning the rehearsal dinner. She was here for 4 days and even though I was in prison from 700-330 (aka work) we were able to make the most of our time in the afternoons. I was able to show her some of the quaint Lexington shops on Saturday before she left, but the week went by too fast:(

On Saturday afternoon the FIN and I headed to Commonwealth Stadium to mingle with a few friends before the UK vs. UGA football game. The weather was perfect and it was a great game-day (even though UK didn't play well). My camera was almost dead so I was only able to snap a single picture. My dear friend Lauren and I always manage to take at least one picture whenever we get together. We met a few years at a UK football tailgate and have been friends ever since!

Lauren & MKH....

Overall it has been a busy few weeks. The FIN and I are traveling to Nashville this weekend to take engagement pictures. I CANNOT tell you how excited I am. I have been pouring over different outfit choices for over two weeks and I am thrilled to be taking the shots this weekend. I will be sure to post about the session and the weekend happenings. I hope everyone has had a great week! TGIW (I couldn't wait for TGIF so Wednesday is the next best option).

Happy Almost Wednesday!

LOVE, MKH

A Poignant Moment for MKH....

2010-10-12T20:48:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

I feel like it should be Thursday but the calendar still says its Tuesday. Work has been uneventful to say the least and I have read the same two books twice in the last week. Being the reigning "Cube Queen" is becoming more and more "un-glamorous" and overrated. While I was sitting at my desk making mental to-do lists my mind began to wander to what I was going to have for dinner. Being that my domestic skills are lacking (and that's putting it lightly...) I figured that I would save myself the trouble and get something quick and easy. I wasn't particularly hungry after I worked out and nothing sounded extra yummy so I began to drive around hoping that something would appeal to my extra-picky eating habits.

After fighting through traffic (which I always complain about and regret getting into) I found myself at Panera. Those that know me often joke that my second favorite food group (my first true love is dry cereal...) is bread. I really wasn't in the mood for a sandwich (as the only sandwich that I will eat is a plain cheese or PB&J) so I opted for the newest addition to the Panera menu, the Mac&Cheese. I had heard wonderful things from other bloggers (Confessions Of A 20 Something & Le Petite Blog) in regards to the Mac&Cheese. I figured that Mac&Cheese is pretty basic (even though some people add tomatoes...ick) so I ordered it off the children's menu. I would most always prefer to order off the kid's menu as I don't feel as bad if I turn out to be not as hungry (or if things don't taste the way I had expected..) and I also like to nibble on my food, I am definitely not a plate-cleaner.

Photo Courtesy of Panera...

When I got home I still wasn't overly hungry but I opened the cup and sat down to watch last night's episode of the RHOA. I can honestly say that I had to go back and re-watch the first few minutes of the show because I was so very focused on my Mac&Cheese. The Mac&Cheese was so good and I can agree with the other bloggers/foodies about the hype that is surrounding this side dish. I almost wish that I hadn't tried it because whenever I get the taste for something small yet filling I will be racing to the closest Panera.

Panera's Mac&Cheese is a life-changer and I suggest everyone try it ASAP. I would have never thought the highlight of my day would be be focused around a cheesy drive-thru pasta. Maybe a different food group will inspire me tomorrow:)

Its almost Wednesday!

LOVE, MKH

Where Did the Weekend Go?

2010-10-10T15:44:00.000-04:00

Its Sunday and I can't believe that the weekend is OVER! Its been a great and busy weekend for the FIN and I. The weather has been perfect and it is hard to believe that is October. I feel like the FIN and I have been going non-stop for the past six months (literally) and we are looking forward to heading to Texas this weekend for his birthday. I have spent most of the morning and half of the afternoon doing my usual "Cinderella" duties. Being that I was about to break into a mild sweat I thought it was time for a break and felt that a weekend re-cap was needed...

On Friday evening the FIN and I went downtown to the Spotlight Lexington event that has been going on in conjunction with the World Equestrian Games (WEG). We had seen the signs and the masses of people that were congregating downtown and figured that we would check it out before dinner. It was great weather but I forgot my camera so I don't have any pictures to share but I was able to pull some shots from the official Spotlight Lexington website.

Banners all over Lexington advertised for the 2 Week Festival....

Start of the Spotlight Lexington event...

After leaving downtown we headed to meet with Catherine and Gable (see Wedding Post here) for dinner. They were in town for Keeneland and the UK football game. It was so nice to see them and catch up. Again, my camera was at home on my desk so I don't have a group shot from dinner, but our dinner was fantastic (as always...). On Saturday we put on our UK Blue and headed to the stadium for a few hours to socialize with friends. We weren't able to go to the game due to a prior engagement in Louisville but we had almost 2 hours to mingle before we had to leave. I remembered my camera and was able to take several festive UK blue photos.

Lauren and I at the Powell Family Tailgate....

GO BIG BLUE....

The FIN & I.... Proud Alumni

Amanda and I.... We LOVE UK!

Even though we couldn't stay for the game I had a great time enjoying the fun that football season brings. The FIN was able to listen to the game in the car and was getting updates on his phone so he was well informed as to what was happening. UK wasn't able to pull out a win but I'm sure everyone still had fun.

After we left the stadium we changed clothes and made our way to Louisville to our dear friend's Emmy & Austin's housewarming party. It had been several months since I had seen Emmy (even though she only lives an hour away getting together has proven to be difficult...) we were super excited to see her and Austin's new home. The party was super fun and it was great to see old friends. Even though it had been a while since I had seen Emmy I felt like we were back in college almost as if she had never moved back to Louisville. The food was yummy and they are planning on hosting a Christmas party and I CANNOT wait. I love anything festive and that involves matchy-matchy themed clothing (I am secretly hoping that they have a tacky Christmas sweater party). It was sad that we had to leave and I am excited for the next gathering....

Emmy and I...

The FIN & I...

Emmy & Austin....

Newtown Crossing's Finest....

Group Shot...

Overall it was a great day and weekend and it went by too quickly. I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend.

Happy Sunday!

LOVE, MKH

Wedding Weekend- One Week Later

2010-10-03T17:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday!

The weather has cooled off here in Lexington and I am having mixed emotions about the change. I love my flip-flops and am having a hard time coming to terms with having to pull my UGGSs out of my closet. I am very ANTI sweat-pants and as such it makes it very hard to wear bright colored dresses when it gets cool. I am working on finding a balance clothing wise, and I will keep you updated on my progress. I don't necessarily LOVE hot weather but I enjoy the benefits that come with the warmer temperatures (pool time/patio dining/sunglasses all day everyday).

Last week my dear friend Ashley said "I Do" in a fall themed wedding. I was a bridesmaid and I was so happy that I could be a part of her big day. Ashley and Brad were engaged for over a year and it was nice to see the end of their engagement and the beginning of their marriage. She was so happy and it was a wonderful weekend. Pictures are limited as I was busy doing other "bridesmaidy" activities. I even got the FIN to dance at the reception (just once.... it was his first attempt at the Cupid Shuffle, and he did a great job) and even though it was just once it was a step in the right direction. He will be a "dancin' fool" before next June 25th.

The Bride & Groom after the rehearsal dinner...

Muchie table at the Salon while getting ready...

She was sooo happy!

Bridesmaid bouquet...

Last minute details...

Almost ready...

At the reception... he was winking at the camera

Fall decor...

Klay & Taylor at the reception...

Fall fireplace...

Klay, Ashley, and MKH.... dear friends since FSHS!

It was a great wedding and it was so nice to see Ashley & Brad happy and married. It makes me even more excited to get married seeing how happy our other newly married friends are! June 25th, 2011 will be here before we know it.

Being that I was a bridesmaid the FIN and I drove separate cars home this weekend. While driving home from the rehearsal dinner on Friday night I saw this moving object run onto the interstate. I suddenly saw what was running and then I felt it underneath my car. The car in front of me had hit a deer and then I was fortunate enough to finish "Bambi" off. I honestly didn't know what to do but since I was still driving and I was on the interstate so I figured if there was any damage it could wait until I got home. When getting home I didn't see any damage and figured I would wait until the morning to see if I carried any of "Bambi" home on my front bumper. When I got up the next morning I didn't even think about it until I walked around the back of my car to get my dress out. I couldn't help but laugh... even though I was an accomplish in the death of poor sweet "Bambi." I think I am going to try to find a bumper sticker that says, "I brake for deer." In most cases I would have but due to the circumstances I had no other choices.

Blood splatter... literally

Gross, but I figured that I had to document the accident

as it was my first "Bambi" accident.

Overall it was a great weekend! I hope that everyone is enjoying the cooler weather.

Happy Sunday,

LOVE, MKH

Black is Back...

2010-09-29T19:07:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-21T21:40:00.001-04:00

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....

2010-09-16T21:54:00.000-04:00

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....

2010-09-07T17:47:00.000-04:00

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....

2010-09-05T15:42:00.000-04:00

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

A New Piece of Jewelry...

2010-08-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-08-23T17:52:00.001-04:00

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...

2010-08-16T20:45:00.001-04:00

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....

2010-08-15T17:40:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-08-14T22:15:00.000-04:00

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