Blogger Break!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas holiday. It came and went so quickly that I almost missed it. I had a wonderful time spending time with family and relaxing. I had been vacationing from my daily duties as the CQ (cube queen) and today was my first day back and it was super hard for my feet to hit the floor this morning. I only have a 2-day week so I am not complaining.

The BF and I had a wonderful time with his family in TX. I was able to spend several days with his family and it was nice to relax. The weather was nice until the day that I left (naturally) and I had a borderline traumatic experience/day at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport. Yes, I am being dramatic but I am not a good solo traveler and my attention span was definitely tested.

While in TX I was able to make a new friend. As most know I am not so animal/dog friendly but on this trip I was changed because I was mildly taken with Mommy TX's dog, Gracie. I know that sounds a bit much but I would totally adopt a pet if she was guaranteed to be like Gracie, she is so great that she even posed for some pictures.

Myself, Gracie, and the BF

Awkward prom moment....

No signs of Christmas:(

After leaving TX and the horrid Dallas airport I made the trip to my hometown for a few more days of relaxation. I was able to snap a few photos on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day pics soon to come, better late than never!

Cousin Klay and I.

Kendra, Klay, Myself, and Mallory

As most of my blogger buddies know I am mildly obsessed with Gigi's cupcakes. My sister knowing this  wrapped some up and gave them to me for Christmas. I know the way that I talk about these cupcakes people must think I am 300 pounds. I promise I am not larger than life but my love for Gigi is. Out of all of the gifts that I received from Santa and his helpers the cupcakes made my day. Mallory and my Aunt Juli risked their sanity to get these cupcakes in a super busy area of Nashville the day before Christmas. I enjoyed every morsel of the cakes and even skipped meals so I could savor every bite. I even got a giftcard to enjoy the calorie packed treats after the store in Lexington opens. I talked to my sister and to my BFF Ashley who lives in Bowling Green and they both said that the Gigi sign is up for a new store. I had no idea that Gigi was going to be gracing her presence in BG, but I am beyond excited.

I had a fantastic Christmas and I am sad that it went by so quickly and so did my vacay time. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and has safe New Years plans.

Happy Wednesday

Love, MKH (the dark rooted blonde, but don't worry blonde will be back tomorrow-happy highlights!)

Our Neighbors Would Have Not Been Happy....

In the spirit of Christmas, the BF and I decided to make a gingerbread house. I had never made one and I didn't think it would be difficult. I had always wanted to decorate with the peppermints and M&Ms (I thought that little colorful candies were M&Ms without the Ms but it turned out to be tart stale spree candies, yuck) and I figured that we could follow the directions.


The BF started the process of framing the house and everything looked as if it was going to be easy... We both soon found out that this was going to be difficult.

This was the sturdiest the house ever was...

The BF loved to decorate...his frosting/candy technique was impressive!

The semi-finished house...it soon went downhill.

I was having to prop up the left side so it wouldn't fall

Soon after I removed my hand...

Catastrophic....

 Colorful Disaster...

The next best thing...the BF eating the mess:)

Lets just say that if our gingerbread house was a real home we would have unhappy, mad, aggravated neighbors. Our house was THAT house, you know the house with the leaky roof, the unruly yard, and the dilapadated porch. Our house could have been a candidate for Extreme Home Makeover, the Gingerbread Edition.

After surveying the damage we both decided that it needed to be tossed for fear of the sides hitting the floor and all the bite size candies shooting off into corners unknown. It was a pitiful house but it was a good first attempt, we both got A's for effort.

I will leave you with some photos of my new snowy shoes...

They look funny, but they are super comfy.

Profile shot...I love the buttons

I hope everyone had a great Monday-

LOVE, MKH

Lets Play Catch-Up

On Thursday night I had dinner with one of my dearest friends. Lauren and I have been friends since our sophomore year. Lauren is a fellow small-town girl, she is a sorority sister, and is simply hysterical. We always have fun when we get together, and Thursday was no different. We have had so many great moments and I have so many great stories- all which involve Lauren.

As I have said before I take my camera everywhere and when thinking about this post I went through my pics and Lauren is in TONS of them. I was like "Oh Wow" but then I remembered that Lauren and I have done TONS of trips, tailgates, sorority events, and random nights together over the last few years, and yes all those times have been documented.

November 2009- UK vs UGA

Morticia Adams and I- Greek Sing 2009

Summer 2008

My Birthday, June 2008

Twister meets Tourist- Halloween 2008

Bid Day 2008

UK vs. Alabama in Tuscaloosa- October 4, 2008

UK vs Louisville- Sept. 2009

These are just a few of the photos that I came across while sifting through my digital albums.

Happy Sunday-

Love MKH

Call me Lucy, I Love Lucy

Maybe it was GIGI inspiring me to spread some Holiday cheer or maybe it was the cold weather but this afternoon I made some chocolate covered pretzels. I haven't made the sweet and salty treats in a few years and I had forgotten how much of a mess it made. I scalded my fingers a few times and by the time I was finished I had chocolate on my face, on my shirt, and on the floor. I was about to have a nervous attack about half way through looking at the mess that I had made. Literally the chocolate was everywhere and when looking around I immediately thought of the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy worked in the chocolate factory. In the episode Lucy ended up getting a job at the chocolate factory working on the assembly line. Before the episode was over Lucy had the chocolate everywhere.

I couldn't find the exact clip but this one is just as funny!!!

I have a few photos from my chocolate adventure this afternoon.

The necessary supplies!

Pre-melted chocolate. It was like little chocolate bricks!

Post-melt, it looks yummy but pure baking chocolate doesn't taste too good!

The finished product, notice the tree in the background!

I had a nice time semi-being domestic this afternoon. I tasted a few but then I had to box them up. I could eat these all day long, they are just so addicting.

I hope everyone has had a great and relaxing weekend!

Love, MKH

Emmy's Birthday and GIGI Again...

Today is my close friend Emmy's birthday! The BF and I went to Louisville last night to celebrate with Emmy and her friend (her friend is a boy, but I don't know what their status is so I don't want to out them on my blog). We had a great dinner at this quaint little restaurant and it was great to catch up! It was so cold but I managed to get a quick pic outside the restaurant. It isn't very good but the temperature didn't allow for retakes.

It was so so so cold!

Happy Birthday Emmy!

As I said in earlier posts I am mildly obsessed with GIGI's cupcakes. There happens to be a GIGI's in Louisville so the BF and I made a pitstop before meeting Emmy and Austin. I picked out the Birthday Surprise cupcake for Emmy and the BF and I got a few for the road.

The storefront, can't wait for the one in Lex!

Cupcakes for two!

The BF posing with his cupcake, he was just as excited as I was!

My cupcake...notice who is being needy and wanting her own treat!

The BF and I had a great night in Louisville. It was so nice to see Emmy and meet Austin (I wont say BF...) and I can't wait for them to come back and visit.

Happy Birthday Emmy-

Love, MKH

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

I awoke this morning to a dusting of snow. It finally feels like Christmas!

Happy Saturday and stay warm!

Love, MKH

SURPRISE...Christmas has ARRIVED!

Since being in college (I graduated in May, but I still consider myself a student) I haven't exactly decorated for Christmas. In years past I have purchased a poinsetta at Target and hoped I could keep it alive until Christmas or bought something small like buying a Christmas mug from Starbucks. I am totally not a Scrooge but the whole decorating in a small apartment did nothing but make my head spin- I am envisioning clutter as I am writing. While doing some shopping over the last few weeks I have seen the cutest Christmas decor, and this goes way beyond your average tree and garland. I always wish I had the space to put some of the knick-knacks and I love trolling through the Christmas decoration mags too.

I have found some of the cutest things at one of my favorite Lexington shops, Two Chicks and Company. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Two Chicks and every time I go I never leave empty-handed. The BF went with me one day and I think he was slightly overwhelmed. There stuff is super cute and unique, I like that the women are super friendly and I secretly would LOVE to work there. After visiting the store before leaving for Thanksgiving I found the best UK inspired Christmas item. I even left the store to do some more browsing and ended up coming back to make a purchase.

Even the UK Wildcats celebrate Christmas

The Wildcats were all nestled snug in their beds as visions of Bowl Games danced in their heads.

On the stand...I love the snowflakes around the edge-very festive!

The plate was a great find and I would have loved to have found a few more for gifts. Sensing that I was in need of some holiday cheer/decor the BF showed up at my apt with a tree and ornaments in tow. I was so surprised and it was so thoughtful. There were several bags with accessories and even a sweet tree skirt.

Dark...but shows the beginning of our tree!

The BF hard at work...there were lights on, I don't know why the picture didn't turn out...

Our first tree and a wonderful surprise...

The BF and our tree...Perfect!

I enjoyed putting up the tree, the only bad part is going to have to be taking it down after Christmas. As I writing I am admiring my apt's newest addition. It was a fantastic surprise and I LOVE LOVE LOVE our first tree!

23 days and counting till Santa-

Love, MKH

GIGI IS HERE...Almost

GIGI (I act as if I know her) is truly the be all to end all with cupcakes...and she is coming to LEXINGTON. GIGI herself of course is not coming but she is opening up a store in Jan. 2010 and I can't wait.

They just opened up a store in Louisville and it just so happens the BF and I are making a trip on Saturday. I think that the cupcakes would be a great treat before heading home!

Until later-

LOVE, MKH

My Newest Love

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving.

I think that I have found my latest LOVE, her name is GIGI and she makes cupcakes. While shopping on Wednesday (pre-Black Friday) I kept seeing people carrying these super-cute pastry boxes. So finally we asked someone and they pointed us in the right direction to the cupcake stand. When I say cupcake stand it is definately an understatement. This was a designer cupcake stand that had pewter serving trays and a strong following, the line was super long.

After getting up to the stand there were so many choices. I asked the cupcake girl what the favorite was and she said the Texas Chocolate and the Red Velvet. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Red Velvet so I went with her suggestions and was impressed. GIGI's cupcakes were fabulous and worth the splurge. Don't worry I took pictures to document the cupcake adventure.

Uncle Jack shares in my LOVE of Red Velvet. He was able to splurge too!

Up close with the cakes-YUMMY!

We LOVED every bite!

After...

The super-cute box matched Mal's sweater!

She was so thrilled to be posing with a cupcake box...

I would recommend GIGI's cupcakes to everyone and I can't wait to eat them again!

Happy Saturday-

Love the Cupcake Lover, MKH

Lets Be Thankful....

I saw this and thought I would share..

Lets Be Thankful...for everything.

Be Thankful Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.Find a way to be thankful for your troublesand they can become your blessings. Author Unknown.

Love, MKH

C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS

As the end of football season is approaching, the start of basketball is in full swing. If you have been living under a rock you may not know that John Calipari is the new Cats' coach. He is a media monger who genuinely looks excited to be at UK. I have gotten my Coach Cal fix since the BF is a huge follower.

In the spirit of basketball the BF and I went to the UK game last night. For those that have not heard it was a close game until the very last seconds. The game was packed and I was wedged between the BF and a college kid that had food-caked braces who was yelling pleasantries like, "Miss it," and "Boooooooo." When I say yelling I mean every other word. He and his buddy were doing the play by play after every move. I was expecting to see a headset with a microphone at some point (maybe they were practicing to be broadcasters, who knows). The older lady that sat next to the BF was decked out in the cutest UK gear that was circa 1970. She had the UK blue woven sweater with stitched cat paws. I wanted to ask where she got it but I didn't think it would be available in any retail establishment. She was so spunky and she was defiantly giving the referees a hard time, she had the enthusiasm of a younger fan. I was I could have sneaked a picture.

Even though the game was too close for comfort and the BF was on edge we had a great time. I have seen my dad and grandfather get nervous and get really into games before and the BF was no different last night. He was taking off his hat (nervous #1), chewing his nails/cuticles (nervous #2), and biting his lip (nervous #3). The game was a nail-biter and thankfully John Wall pulled out a buzzer beater at the end. It was a rocky start to the season and hopefully Cal's cats can get it together and FAST!!!

UK vs. Miami Ohio

My favorite part is when they bring out the flags... GO BIG BLUE

The BF and I before the game!

I hope everyone has had a great Tuesday!

Love, MKH

Poor Puppy...

I was so excited to give Hagan those treats, I mean I can't describe how excited I was. When I gave them to her she licked, chewed, and wagged her tail with delight. What I was seeing as a twinkle in her eye turned into a mean cookie monster in her belly. The BF said she has been sick and is kind of mopey since this morning.

I feel absolutely awful about her not feeling well. I always thought it was funny when the BF would say that Hagan had a sensitive tummy but I guess she really does. As someone who has stomach issues I can sympathize with her. I hope that she does not associate seeing me with feeling bad and having belly aches. Just when I had gotten her to warm up to me...

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

Love, MKH

Woof Woof...

So I blogged earlier today about trying to get a good jump on my Christmas shopping, I was convinced that I was going to be super productive. After making my first stop at Sonic for a sweet tea I hit the shops on Clay Avenue thinking I would find super-cute things. I could not have been more disappointed. I went to the Paperweight and to Peggy's and came up empty-handed. I think today must have been hateful employee day because all the sales people at the stores were less than welcoming.

While trying to parallel the Honda (which is no easy feat for me) I saw this super cute bakery and thought I would venture in. After leaving the Paperweight bag-less and a bit discouraged I walked next door and to my surprise the bakery was not a bakery it was a BARKERY. I noticed a sign on the front door saying that all animals must be on a lease, but thought that this shop was dog friendly. Imagine my expression when I walked in and there before me were dogs and their owners shopping/eating.

Rather than turn immediately and walk out I decide to walk around and see what they've got. Obviously this place is popular because there are people/dogs everywhere, and when I say dogs I don't mean those yippee purse dogs I mean like full size big horse dogs. I walk from room to room and finally make it to the back to the front where I decide that I am not interested in they are selling, and then I see what a display case with what looks like people treats. The treats look so real and yummy but they are only for four-legged creatures. I was slightly disappointed but figured while I was there I would pick up a few treats for Hagan. The BF says I bribe her to win her affection. I don't dispute that and I realize that if she and I have a bond that is based on treats/gifts I am fine with that.

Granted, Hagan has yet to try these awesome looking treats but I have heard great things about this BARKERY. As I was leaving the guy working the counter says, "Hey, follow us on Twitter." I smiled and thought oh my gosh what is the world coming to, dogs are even on twitter. I have posted some pics below of the super cute shop and the yummy looking treats. Hopefully Hagan will like them, she has a birthday coming up and I am sure she will expecting a cake/something from me since I try to reward her as much as possible (I know it is terrible, but I am trying to forge a friendship...haha)

Love the store-front!

A variety of goodies...they look so real!

A gluten-free doggie cupcake with sugarless sprinkles

They even come with cute paper wrappers...I love the cherry topper

A cocoa-free eclair. I wonder if dogs count their calories?

I still can't get over how bakeresque the BARKERY was. The guy working the counter was wearing an apron and he even picked each pastry out with the tissue paper as if it was a real bakery. Since finding this place I have googled and apparently they have more than one location and they get fantastic reviews.

For the dog-lover here is the link to the site....

http://www.bluegrassbarkery.com/

The funniest thing about the whole day was that the treats for Hagan was my only successful purchase.

I hope everyone had a great day

Love, MKH (the dog-briber)