TGIED...

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)....

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....

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?

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

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...

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

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

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

Try it here...

Scary...

It literally peels off in one piece...

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

Check it out here....

Hope everyone has had a great week!

LOVE, MKH

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

GO CATS....

Please excuse the tired faces.... 

Savannah... A Story in Pictures

Happy Tuesday-

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

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

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

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

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

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

The great beach-side wrap around porch...

Pirates of the Caribbean...

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

Curb Appeal....

We finally made it to the entrance....

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

Savannah Bee Company...

 

Leopold's Ice Cream... fantastic!

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

One of many public squares... gorgeous

The homes were beyond beautiful....

SoSoSo pretty...

Headed to Hilton Head, SC....

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

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

Our shrimping vessel...

I didn't even need my floaties...

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

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

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

Real life puffer fish...

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

Proof that I actually ate the shrimp...

Group Shot....

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

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

Inside the restaurant... literally things everywhere

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

Daddy TX and Chef became fast friends... hahah

Paula Dean's on Sunday

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

Wonderful end to a wonderful trip...

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

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

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

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

LOVE, MKH