2.) Words

Day Dos Folks! I have held on to this magazine cover for a while now.  I keep it at my desk and pull it out every now and then.  That's exactly what I did today actually.  My first attraction was the font, how beautifully the letters started, ended, and interconnected.  Also, I love grey & yellow color combination.  But the word transformation applies to my life as of recently.  I am trying to figure out basically what I want to be and when.  

What I mean by that is, we hope to start trying for a family this year.  But due to outside constraints and complications (none health related God willing) the timing is not ideal.  And I am hoping very soon for that transformation of becoming a mother to happen sometime very soon.  

Also, I am enjoying teaching at UK so much.  I am slowly transforming into an educator.  I never thought I would become one, in the academic sense of the word.  But, I enjoy teaching my students about the professional side of design and that there's more to it than funky curved walls and theories.  Do I want to this forever? I am not sure yet. 

Thanks for stopping by! I am excited for the upcoming weekend! Lots of happenings with family and friends! 

XO

C

1.) My View Today

I wish this was more picturesque, but that is why this is a challenge right?

So here it is! My View Today! Bahaha! But this is the honest truth.  Most of my day has been at my desk working hard on a hotel design project.  We are beginning the drafting phase, which means a lot of:

-Pandora listening

-Hand cramping (which is why I have Silly Putty, lower right, to work any kinks out)

-List making

-Eye Crossing

Wish me luck!

another designer's view today, jealous!

I will also be seeing my wonderful students today, but thought that would be creepy to take a photo of them all!  Let's see what tomorrow brings friends!

XO

C

Wednesday from H.E.Double Hockey Sticks

I am super stressed at work, big deadline coming up.  I've got class tonight on campus and haven't finished preparing.  And my hubby is out of town, so me and Hudson are left to fend for ourselves!  Nothing left to do but take a deep breath, take one step at a time and.....

School Eve

Tomorrow is my first day of school, as a teacher! I am super excited about this new adventure.  Although I don't think the students are as excited as I am.  I know when I was a student I wish more alumni were around to support us and advise us.  So now this is my chance to give back! I'll let you know how my first day goes.

Our Hudson is almost one year!  I cannot believe it, but we excited to see him grow!

My boy only eats organic natural.

To top it off, it is a full moon so all the crazies are out and my moods are unpredictable.

From our deck.

Hey Big Spendah!

My latest Essie color added to the family, called Big Spender.  Hoping it will brighten up a dark winter wardrobe and pathetic winter season we have had thus far here.

Lately

Lately I have been sssssuper stressed.  About work, home, holiday weight gain, etc.  I worry too much and this is a fact that I am coming to terms with.  I believe that you should give your worries to the Lord and He will never give you more than you can handle, but there is that control freak in me that thinks I can handle it all.  I am up against several deadlines at the office and all are due yesterday I feel like.  At home, the Christmas decorations are slowly coming down and I need to clean it thoroughly. My other stress is my weight, and I just didn't care what I was putting into my mouth during the holiday season.  It sure was fun, but now I am paying the price.  I went for a jog last Wednesday and it kicked my hiney!  So per usual start to the new year I am trying to get back to a healthy, happier and less stress routine.  

So for today, since I haven't posted in a while, just wanted to keep my blog afloat and talk about some fun things.  I recently tried out a shellac manicure for the first time and really loved the results.  However due to my nail biting habits it only lasted 1.5 weeks, as the promised 2.  But I do love to have painted nails and my absolute favorite brand is Essie.  Then the $8 price at checkout just kills me for some reason.  I'm like, "What if I don't like this color?" then I'm stuck with this polish forever and have dropped almost $10 on it!  (That's the deal finder in me).  So, sometimes what I like to do for trial reasons is to buy a different less expensive brand to test out different color types.  Then if I use that color quite a bit I will go all out and buy the fabulous Essie version. 

Vintagey.

I bought this Petites brand in the color Vintage Gray and have worn it several times.  It lasts about a week and that is with a base and top coat.  Sometimes with this gray I will imprint newspaper using rubbing alcohol so that my nails resemble a newspaper (thank you Pinterest!).  But now I think it's time to upgrade to the good stuff.

This past week my Dad was out in Phoenix on business and being the fabulous only child that I am, I invited my Mom to come join my husband and I for dinner this past Wednesday.  I made Mini-Meat Loaves which is a super recipe I found in a local cookbook called Beyond The Fence.  And for dessert:

All-American.

The Pioneer Woman's Flat Apple Pie!

Her recipes have never let me down!  I love them all!  My Mom got me her cookbook and biography for my past birthday this year.  This was my first technical pie in the baking department.  I have made cold pies such as peanut butter pie and lemonade pie.  So I was very excited to make this American treat on a cold winter's night (although today will be a balmy 56 degrees).  This recipe is not available online however, ya gotta get her cookbook.  But I'm sure a quick google search can solve anyone's recipe search problems.  This pie was easy, fast and DELICIOUS! 

Tonight I am going to give her steak with a whiskey cream sauce a try, so wish me luck!  Here's to a stress free weekend everyone!

Catching Up

Last night I met one of my BFF's for our annual Christmas Dinner.  We elect to go out to dinner, just the two of us, to catch up and sip martinis rather than trying to find each other a gift. It's a great date that we always have around the holidays.  Since she doesn't live in the same town anymore, keeping in touch and getting together just gets harder and harder.  

We always go to Bonefish Grill.  And we love their pomegranate martinis! They are delicious!  Rather than olives found in a traditional martini, frozen grapes are the garnish of this drink.  So scrumptious that I have to stop at two, although I could probably drink eight because they taste so good!

And of course, their classic Bang Bang Shrimp for our appetizer!

It was wonderful to catch up and get to see one of my dearest friends.  I love these times and keeping in touch is so important for friendships to last.  But every time me and my friend get together it's like no time as passed, we just leave off where we were last. 

Blessed Beyond Belief

I hope the holiday was a happy, safe and relaxing one. Ours was fantastic and the husband and I both are back at the office today. Vacations never last long enough, I always want one more day! My husband and I were able to spend time with both of our families on Christmas Day, which was exhausting, but wonderful!  We finished off Christmas with our own gift exchange at the end of day, just us.  We are so blessed that everyone made it to where they were going safely, that we are able to give gifts and share scrumptious meals together!  This was the best Christmas I think!

My big gift from my parents was an iPhone 4S and I am in love with it.  I am sure the excitement will eventually wear off, but right now I can't keep my little paws off of it.  It's amazing all I can do with this little thing!  From my husband my big gift were these:

Michael Kors Black Pumps

I had asked for a classic pair of black pumps and this is what he got!  There are comfortable, beautiful and the perfect staple for almost any outfit.  I am wearing them to work today actually!  Thank you honey!

Our 11 month old pup Hudson was off course along for the ride and Santa brought him a huge braided bone shaped like a candy cane.  He carries it around with him everywhere!

On Christmas Eve.

We are all so blessed and are thankful that we have a reason to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! What a great year 2011 has been.  We are looking forward to 2012 and the surprises and blessings it holds.

Just Call Me Professor

I cannot, cannot believe that I haven't posted in this long amount of time! For this, please forgive me.  Time has just slipped away this holiday season!  Thanksgiving was a busy weekend for us, considering we still have to go to both my husband's and my family's house to eat (but I don't complain about the whole eating thing).  It was wonderful to be surrounded by family that loves us all under one roof counting our blessings.  

Hudson, our pup, has happily turned 10 months old and is still going through some teenage growing pains, defying us at every possible turn.  But we find ourselves excitedly planning on what we are going to buy him for Christmas!  Ah, having fur babies is always an adventure

Thoughtful pose.

Sure, he looks sweet now.

Last weekend I attended a retirement celebration for one of my favorite college professors, Terry Rothgeb.  He traveled with a group of us in school to Germany and he was a blast to travel with.  He was a wonderful educator, mentor and friend.  I can't imagine my school without him.  But, I am very happy for him and hope he has a wonderful retirement (he told me about his future travelings to Palm Springs, Munich, Berlin, just to name a few).  

 The title of this post is referring to a new adventure for me starting in January.  I have accepted a part-time teaching position at University of Kentucky's College of Design and am looking forward to it so much. My class will be only two nights a week for two hours each class, so this way it won't interfere with my full-time position.  I can't wait to give back to my school that I am so proud of.  I am also excited to teach the students about the "real world", and what it is really like to practice interior design day-to-day.  The Lord has blessed me with this opportunity and thanks to a wonderful friend's recommendation of me, I finally get to educate!  Wish me luck!

And another update, I have been working on a new hotel/restaurant project that has taken up every waking minute of my work week!  Very exciting new project though and very blessed to have it.  I have been waiting 5 years to work on a hotel and the opportunity has finally arrived.  Hooray!

Hopefully this weekend the hubby will be painting our kitchen and living room.  It was one of my hot items on my Christmas list.  And tomorrow night is our family's annual family dinner at Sal's (an absolutely fantastic restaurant here in Lexington).  My husband'sHere comes the weekend!

A Thanksgiving for Interior Designers Only

West Elm.

An entire Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, but to attend you must be a graduate of UK's Interior Design School Class of 2007!  This tradition has been going on for about 7 years now and we sometimes can't believe it.  Back in design school (second year) a few of the girls decided to have their own Thanksgiving and invite all the designers over to feast!  I actually did not attend the first dinner, for whatever reason I can't remember now, I think I was out of town.  But I made up for it with my participation third year of school, and the "Interior Design Thanksgiving" Tradition stuck.  We actually cook a turkey and by "we" I mean not me!  HA!  And each person brings a side or dessert. And we dig in! 

This Saturday evening will be our 7th year doing this.  The only difference now is that most of us are married (only one of us has a kid), we have paying jobs, we own property, get more sleep, improved our cooking talents and a lot of people have to travel now to our dinner.  Our class is now spread across the country: Lexington, KY to Yuma, AZ to New York, NY to Cincinnati, OH to St. Louis, MO!  Now not everyone travels THAT far to come and I can't blame them, although it is quite an event in our circle!  Even our favorite professor joins us, who is finally retiring this year after 40 years at the school. 

I hope this tradition can continue as long as possible, I know as time goes on schedules will get busier, people will have children and phone calls will be less frequent.  But for now we are staying strong and it's pretty impressive.  Traditions can weigh on people sometimes (I can think of some crazy family traditions that sometimes I'm just not in the mood for), but when it comes down to it they're something that you can depend and brings comfort to the soul.  I was going to include some pictures of our dinners, but there are NONE! I can't believe this.  We better start a new tradition this year of taking pictures, we are usually way to busy catching up, talking and laughing! Ah, good times.

The Best Show Period

I haven't yet talked about my Zooey Deschanel obsession, but basically I look up to her.  I look to her for fashion, hair, music and so much more.  I model my bangs after her! She always has great looking hairstyles!  Unfortunately the recent news of her divorce with Death Cab husband can't be easy to deal with.  Fortunately however, she is the star of the greatest show on television (I hope this helps with the pain, if there is any pain).

Everyone must watch this show!

It's called New Girl and airs on Fox at 9 p.m. (EST) right after Glee for all those gleeks out there.  I think it is absolutely hilarious! I laugh out loud, literally!  It takes a lot for me to laugh like that.  I have one of those loud hearty laughs so when I think something is outright funny, everybody within a  5 mile radius knows about it.  It is about Jess, a school teacher, who after finding her boyfriend cheating needs a new place to live and finds three men needing a roomie on Craigslist.  Jess discloses that her best friend is a model and the douchiest of the men (Schmidt) excitedly accepts her as a new roommate even though the other guys are weary to live with a woman.  Then the hilarity ensues!  The guys help Jess with men and vice versa.  Schmidt also has a Douche Bag Jar that he must put money in when he does something....well...douchey.  There is some obvious tension between Chicagoan Nick and Jess.  And Winston and Schmidt have competitions with each other constantly.  Jess is hilarious and the quirky girl that is true to herself.  

Helping a girl out.

For example, in last Tuesday's episode she went to pick up her model bestie at da club and showed up in pj pants and a hoodie, and I'm like, "I have totally done that!"  And she sings and makes up songs about random things and my husband is like, "You totally do that!"  It is a really enjoyable show and is just fun to watch.

Falling in heels, ever so graceful.

Crying and watching Dirty Dancing, we've all been there right?

I feel like the comedy this show has, reminds me of how me and my friends interact with each other.  That is refreshing and I feel like I'm watching friends act goofy on TV rather than too cool people that I would never know living in their loft sipping espresso.  So I recommend to take the plunge and give the show a whirl.  My Friday so far isn't turning out as I'd hoped, but I know I've got all my New Girl episodes to keep me company and make me smile when I get home!

Happy Weekend Everybody!

S.A.D.

The time change does this to me every year.  Bring on the Seasonal Affective Disorder (or S.A.D.).  Now it is sunny on my way to work, but practically dark when I get off.  Boo!

Yesterday my husband, Hudson and I took a walk, made dinner, ate dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, folded some laundry.  Landing us on the sofa for some "tube time" about 6ish and it was PITCH BLACK OUTSIDE!  I began to feel drowsy all of a sudden and had the urge to get ready for bed, but it was only 6:30!  Every year, it never fails.  I become perpetually depressed, lets hope my weight isn't affected by the upcoming hibernation.  Bring it on winter, do your worst.  This year is going to be different.  I'm going to accomplish everything and more! Mwah-ha-ha! 

Boo Time

It's Halloween Week! And now that I am what I call "an official adult" (not sure what that means, but after I got married I all of a sudden felt a lot more grown up) although I don't necessarily act like one sometimes. I have decided to have a Halloween Party!  Costumes are mandatory of course! I am debating on who/what to be.  My favorite that I have come up with is Red Riding Hood.  With recent movie release, heroine is brunette (usually), and it just sounds comfy to wear a cozy cape instead of a binding Halloween getup.  Smurfette was another that I thought of, with the movie coming out and everything (but I just don't look that good in blue).  So after much debate and inner struggle I have decided that Red Riding Hood would be best for me and Hudson can be my Big Bad Wolf (I asked the hubby and the offer was quickly declined).  

pretty

 Now to make a cape.  And hopefully I can find a pretty prairie girl dress like the one above.

As for the hubby, working on it.

I am however quite talented thanks to one of my best friend's help.  My friend Brittany taught me to sew and thanks to her I have been able to make some great costumes! For a few years we stuck to Will Ferrell characters.  We were actually on our honeymoon in Hawaii last Halloween so we didn't partake in the celebration last year, but here are some looks at past Halloweens. 

Octomom! 2009

Zoolander. 2008.  I made this suit but in red and Britt was Mugatu.  I can't find the pictures though!

Blades of Glory, 2007! This was a lot of sewing and my first crafted costume!

It's all in the details.  See the headband!

In 2006 Brittany made an amazing Ricky Bobby jumper, I was Chaz from wedding crashers and our friend Shayna was Elf.  We were a Will Ferrell Trio, so much fun!  Looking forward to getting back into costume making! Hope I didn't forget how to sew, hopefully it will be like riding a bike.  Happy Wednesday!

Keenelanding, a verb you should know

In my hometown there is a magical place called Keeneland, a place where dreams come true.  Well, maybe not everyone's dreams.  And maybe no real magic happens there, but I sure do love it.  Keeneland is a racetrack that is located here in Lexington and this year is celebrating it's 75th anniversary!  Something that is older than me for once (hehe).  

I have childhood memories of coming to this track as a child and bewildered at its beauty.  What makes Keeneland different than your average racetrack is its architectural beauty, landscape and tradition.  Also, unlike Churchill Downs (where the KY Derby takes place) hats are a no no.  Now if you hat the sun in your eyes or have a skin condition I'll allow it, but other than that no hats! Go to Louisville for that (although wearing those beautiful hats are fun, but fun on Derby Day).  

 There are two live racing meets that last 4 weeks each during the year.  Spring Meet (April) and Fall Meet (October).  I prefer Fall Meet, the weather is slightly more predictable and the colors of the trees that time of year are stunning.  Like anything worth doing in this town, you tailgate for Keeneland.  Some bring cornhole, beer pong, etc.  Others bring a spread of food that you think you are at your Aunt Lena's for Easter Brunch!  Kegs are around, Mobile BBQ cookers, party buses and more.  I usually try to show up between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. to mark out my tailgate spot.  Even though the first race does not begin until 1:05 p.m.  The lots fill up very quickly, especially on a beautiful day.  Record crowds can be in the 20,000s!  Gambling for fun is my thing, having never won any money at the track.  But for me, a gal, the best part is dressing up (packing flip flops for later) and seeing everybody all dolled up (even the dudes). That's why I call the act of participating the meets and going here, Keenelanding.  This is something you do, all day! 

It's a wonderful time and you get to see beautiful horses, landscape, guys and gals!  Everyone should visit it once and experience it for themselves.  In fact, I love Keeneland so much that the hubby and I had our engagement portraits shot here.  But why am I still writing this post, I've got to get my bootay to the track! Well, not today though.  Keeneland is closed on Monday :( but maybe tomorrow?

One Year

This picture shows just how happy we were/are!

We did it!  One year ago on this day I married my best friend!  They say the first year is the hardest and most trying and I completely agree.  It's amazing how you can be so in love with someone and no matter how mad you are at them, how much they annoy you and drive you crazy that you still love them unconditionally and no matter what!  Tonight we will be staying in the same hotel we were the night after our wedding.  What a wonderful day it was, it know seems like a dream.  Dinner will be at a local fine restaurant (I'll post about the meal later, hopefully it's divine) along with a recreated wedding cake topper for us to enjoy (since we hardly got to enjoy the cake at our own wedding!) and my parents will be watching our fur child so we can relax!  Happy Anniversary to my partner in crime, best friend, future father of my children, husband! I love you!

That's about all the cake we got to eat! But it was a great party!

Romantic.

The best season EVER

I love fall! Honeycrisp apples, pumpkin carving, cider, my anniversary, great fashion and more!  Love Love It!
Tonight I am going to a friends house to carve up a gourd and enjoy the crisp weather! Have a great weekend!

Giant Honeycrisp Apples. Nom Nom.

Furry Terror

Our little man turns 9 months today, I can hardly believe it!  He can handle sit, lay down, stay (but not for too long), off (some of the time), playing well with other pooches and walking on a leash (thanks to the genius gentle leader!).  But as far as jumping, hopping up to see whats happening on the kitchen countertops and chewing on EVERYTHING he does not have a handle on.  Hudson tests my patience every single day, but I still love 'em.  We are working on the other issues, I know it takes time.  And I've heard it takes 2 years to train a great dog.  Hudson is one of the smartest dogs we've ever seen, so when he does misbehave (even though he knows better) we forget so fast that he is still so young and not even one year old yet. 

He also isn't getting as big as we thought.  He is about the size of a border collie rather than a Labrador. Now I am not complaining, but I was expected a larger animal.  And I must say he is one the most handsome dogs I have seen in a while (but maybe I'm biased?).  We love him and sometimes I still can't believe I have a dog of my very own!  Happy 9 month fur kid!

3 months.  I could pick him up with one hand!

9 months and 40 lbs later! still so flipping cute!

Warning: I am a nerd

The day has finally arrived.  Sorry folks, but I started reading these books when I was 13 years old.  My mother took me to see the first movie when I was in high school (because I didn't want any of my friends to know that I was into the Harry Potter series).  Now that I am older I am much more open with my love for the series.  And, I even got the husband into them.  The movies anyway, because they are just really good films.  I am unable to go to the midnight showings because I have a job to go in the mornings so I have to wait until this evening.  Is it 7:30 yet???  

Alas, I don't dress up in the costumes nor do I make t-shirts.  My mother and I get there early to make sure we snag a good seat and have popcorn, candy and soda for dinner.  Super healthy I know, but these movies only premiere so many times and now it's the end.

I know I will be crying, I am a cryer.  But I am very much looking forward to it.  I am also looking forward to hanging out with one of my besties at the pool all day tomorrow, ah I love the pool!  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Peachy Keen

 Last Saturday the husband, pup and I went over to join my aunt, uncle and cousin at my parent's house for dinner.  Although the heat was stifling, it cooled down enough by dinner time to enjoy our meal patio side.  Marinated chicken, fresh farmer's market green beans, cornbread  (this cornbread recipe of my mom's is wonderful and I will have to post this separately!), coleslaw and corn-on-the-cob was served.  We were all so stuffed!  Everything was absolutely delicious, included our impromptu appetizer: my aunt had made pasta salad with pasta from the farmer's market, tons of veggies, Italian dressing, basil oil and herbs. She threw all the ingredients in a bowl, tossed and the result was scrumptious! 

Everything was so wonderful I wasn't sure how dessert could compare, but oh how surprised I was!  My aunt had purchased fresh peaches from the farmer's market that morning and cut each one in half and removed the pit.  My father lit up the grill and placed each half face down on the grill until grill marks were made, this took about 6 minutes on high heat.  He continued to turn them over the check on how they were looking.  Then my aunt mixed Marscapone, cinnamon, honey and some powdered sugar in a bowl.  Adding each ingredient as necessary for taste.  Then placing the peaches face up so the grill marked were exposed, she dolloped a helping of the Marscapone  mixture on each peach and served immediately.  

My aunt and uncle just returned from Germany and brought a delicious summer sweet wine called Sommer Zeit, it went wonderfully with the peaches.  I hope to make this at my own house very soon!

A Delightful Distraction

Having one curious young pup named Hudson can lead to all sorts of ways to entertain the youngster.  On this particular afternoon, our little fur child was rambunctious and wanted to chew on everything in his sight.  The husband and I led him to the backyard for some physical exertion which immediately backfired.  Hudson began finding items he wasn't allowed to have and running around the yard with them in his mouth.  My husband brought him an ice cube to play with and eat, then my husband went back inside.  Hudson happily chewed on the cube then perked his ears up once my husband opened the back door to join us back outside.  My husband had the ice cube tray over his shoulder and walked into the middle of the yard and dumped our entire stock of ice cubes into the yard.

See.

 

 

 

 

 

 Hudson was in dog heaven! He didn't know where to start, so he just started circling the pile and licking all of them.

If you can't tell he is smiling.

The ice cubes kept sticking to his warm furry paws and he tried to kick them off all the while still licking every single ice cube.

Have at it furchild.

After touching at least every ice cube, the husband dispersed them throughout the yard using a Frisbee.  This made is look like it was raining ice cubes and Hudson happily jumped up and down trying to catch them as they fell.  It was very entertaining for both us and the pup, I recommend this to all puppy owners looking for a moment of sanity and laughter.  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Hudson lending a paw to me at my office.

M.I.A.

No, not the British rap artist.  I am referring to my lack of posts.  So to all of my adoring fans and readers (ha ha), my recent absence has been long and for that I apologize.  No excuse, just been busy.  House-sitting, dog sitting, puppy raising, working, and a quick road trip to Maryland can really wipe out the month of June fast!  

Our young pup Hudson is now 5 months and comes in a whopping 21 lbs, which is a lot when you think he was only 5 lbs when he arrived! But now with his vaccinations all over, we are now frequenting the dog park.  Hudson is one of the gentlest dogs, he wants to give everyone canine and human kisses.  I hope he stays that way.  But taking your pets to places such as dog parks and dog pools is great for socializing your pet.  Hudson can't get enough of everyone, it also tuckers him out so at home I am not running after him the whole time.  The husband and I are going to take Hudson to a local dog pool to see how he likes it! 

The facilities at Uptown Hounds are so nice, I wish I could swim there too.

 My hope is to get back on the wagon and continue posting.  I need to tell my friends and family that I am even posting or else no one will know what I am writing!  I just need to have confidence in myself, that's all.  Happy Friday and I hope your holiday weekend is a wonderful one!