khak-a-lackin

Survival Mode

2011-12-03T10:48:00.002-05:00

As I have just embarked on my first month of motherhood, I thought I would share those top things I couldn't have survived without.

I have this conflicting notion of whether to buy off of someone's registry or to buy them something unique.

For my wedding I was happy to receive something not on my registry, but with the baby registry I "needed" everything on my registry so I hoped to get those items first.

Creating a baby registry felt like a visit to hell and back so I wanted all of my stress and energy put towards it to be worth it.

Maybe that sounds bratty but until you've been through it you have no idea.

I loathed creating that registry and I am so glad it is over, until next time that is. Wink Wink.

For us, this is the Season of Babies.

We have a dozen friends expecting plus we just had our very own bundle of sweetness so we are deep into "all things baby".

It's amazing how quickly you learn and are thrown into this thing we call parenthood.

I bet the husband feels like an expert already although 45 days ago he felt like a lost puppy dog when the subject came up.

Funny how quickly things change.

Here are my top "can't live without items" for the first month.

In no significant order, just helping keep my sanity.

1. My iphone
This little device has been a godsend during my pumping sessions. It helps me keep track of time and entertains me. Words with Friends, Text Messaging, Facebook, Pinterest, TMZ of course all help the time pass quicker.

2. All things Lansinoh. Breast pads and HPA Lanolin Click here
Breast pads have been great for leaking and protection against clothing. HPA Lanolin is so great I wish I had stock in it. This is truly the number one item I would say is mandatory for any mom that is breastfeeding. You will understand once you begin that journey.

3. Skip Hop Bottle Drying Rack click here
Love this thing! We use it after every feeding so it is constantly being used. Every 3 hours! We use it for our breastpump accessories and our bottles.

4. Swaddles by aiden and anais click here
These are perfect for all weather types. Use as a swaddles, tummy time blanket, stroller cover-up, etc. The material is breathable and easy to wash. A friend showed us the "double swaddle" technique so you can never have enough of these. We have 8 and I wish I had more!

5. My girlfriends.
If I wouldn't have had my friends to ask for advice or their opinion I would have gone crazy. Having a few best friends who have had babies recently sure helped when it came to new products, breastfeeding advice, etc. Don't wait too long to ask for help. You will be surprised how much better you feel after you confide in a friend the obstacles you are facing as a new mommy.

6. Boppy pillow click here
This is my breastfeeding best friend. A regular pillow is not supportive enough. This is the perfect size for the little peanut to be propped up on for your nursing sessions. I recommend getting more than one cover so you can wash one and not have to worry about laundry all the time. One friend even mentioned having one for downstairs and upstairs. (My house is one level so I only needed one)

7. Fisher Price Rock n Play Sleeper click here
We used this as our bassinet. It's a great price and portable. You can move it room to room if you need to. Great for small spaces and for those who want baby sleeping in their room the first few months. Good for up to 25lbs. Cover is also washable which is a plus for me!

8. Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support click here
This accessory pairs well with the Rock n Play sleeper or any other swing or chair. It prevents flat-head since baby is sleeping a lot. Her head is perfectly round so it's working to keep her head round. All of the reviews I read, other moms had wished they had gotten it sooner so I bought it when she was 2 weeks old before we had a flat-head issue.

9. Sleep Sheep click here
I did not even register for this item and I received 2. I sent one to Grandma's house instead of returning it. It is convenient, is battery operated, and has a velcro latch so can be attached to anything. She loves the ocean sound setting but there are 3 others to choose from. We turn it on after each feeding when we put her down to sleep. She seems to like it and it helps baby relax.

10. Humility.
Remember, I said they are in no significant order. This one needs to be towards the top. A little bit of humble pie never hurt anyone. Being a new mother teaches you that it's way harder than you think and it's ok if you are not perfect. We all do the best we can and as long as we show our children love and support everything will be ok. This is not the time to strive for perfection. Your mommy instinct will guide you and it's always right.

11. Dr. Brown's Standard BPA-Free 4 oz bottle plus Premie Nipples click here
I love these bottles. Although they do come with a Level 1 nipple, I had to order premie nipples because the milk was coming out too fast for baby. (I ordered from Amazon because they don't sell premie nipples in stores.) She almost never spits up and we always get a good burp or two from her during the feeding.

12. MamaRoo click here
This swing is fun! It allows us to hook-up our ipod and play our music for her or we can choose one of the settings offered. This swing moves forwards-backwards, side to side, and up and down. We started her in this early so she would get used to it. Each day she seems to like it more and more. She loves it after her early evening feedings. We have it in the living room so mommy and daddy can have her in the room with us while we catch up on our day. It does not take up much room but looks like a spaceship!

13. Medela quick clean steam bags click here
These are great for on the go and at home. I use them at least once a day to sterilize everything after I wash with soap and hot water. Your breast pump accessories can be cleaned in these bags too which is an added plus.

14. Medela Pump-in-Style Advanced Backpack click here
There are no words for this one. It gets me through my day although I sometimes feel like it is attached to me. I chose the backpack for carrying to work but you can also choose the messenger bag style option. All accessories needed plus milk storage containers are included.

15. My diaper bag. Click here
I love this bag! I get so many compliments from it and people don't realize that it's not my purse. It has lots of sections along with a changing pad in the bottom for convenience. Great bags!

16. Husband
Last, but not least. Having a great partner to help you is priceless. We have learned even more how to work as a team. Let him help you!!!! I say this in the nicest way possible. We are all OCD to some extent especially when it comes to being a mommy, but don't do this to your partner or yourself. Let him participate in the bottle feedings, let him change a diaper, let him pick out clothes (it's ok, his fashion sense can't be that bad.) The few things dad does really make a difference in giving you a few moments to yourself. Don't feel bad waking Dad up in the middle of the night with you. I promise they want to help especially once they meet their sweet child's face!

So what do you think?

Is it a no-no to buy something not on one's baby registry?
If you feel like an expert and know what they will need or love something so much you want to buy it for others-is it ok then?
Tell me what you think.

I wish I could buy this entire list for everyone I know, even if they didn't register for my husband. haha.

These are my top 16. I was not paid for any of these endorsements. They are my honest opinion on being a new mother. You may not agree with me either and that's ok too. I just wanted to put the truth out there and let ya'll know how parenthood was treating us. I am sure I left something off the list so feel free to share what got you through.

Much love to all,
Momma KHAK

The hand on my shoulder

2011-10-20T21:56:00.003-04:00

As I am about to embark on this new journey motherhood, I couldn't help but share with you the overwhelming feeling I have had the last few days.

I believe in angels, do you?

I know we all like to think we believe in angels, but do you really believe?

I have five angels that I know and talk to pretty often (no, I'm not crazy) but they are loved ones that I have lost that are "with" me.

I know they are with me.

I can't see them, but I can feel them,

They keep me grounded when I know I am out of line.

They keep me sane when I am losing it.

And the watch over me when things are either really fantastic or tragically horrible.

I sometimes forget about these angels, it usually only takes a small moment in a day to remind me that they are always there.

I had a "moment" on Monday and have had it every day since.

On Monday morning as I was walking to the car to go to work, I got this overwhelming feeling of a hand on my shoulder.

I crossed my arm over and felt my shoulder, as if to hope that it was my husband's hand who was next to me.

Fortunately, it wasn't.

I brushed it off, and kept walking.

It happened two more times that day.

The second time, I brushed it off again.

The third time, I looked up, smiled, and said "Hi Daddy, I know you're here."

You see, this hand on my shoulder that I have felt everyday since Monday, is my Daddy.

I lost him at the age of nine, but I have not really lost him.

He is always here when it matters.

When it counts.

The last time I really felt his presence was my wedding day and now this week.

I wonder if you all have a "hand on your shoulder"?

Even if you don't feel it, you do.

I promise.

Even if you don't believe in this "stuff", I believe for you.

I want you to know you are all loved.

Know there is someone, proud of you.

Rooting for you.

I can't wait for my Daddy to see Baby Stace.

I know he will be proud.

And I know he will watch over Baby S, just as he has me.

The next week is up in the air and completely unpredictable but this hand on my shoulder makes it all ok.

Even though I am anxious, nervous, excited...

I know my family will be ok, because I can feel the hand on my shoulder.

Love, Peace, and Family,
KHAK

You lose You gain,

2011-06-23T20:58:00.002-04:00

Every day of my life, I can honestly say I learn something new.

Whether it be about myself, my family, my friends, my co-workers, even just mankind as a whole.

You never really truly know yourself until the next day.

What?

I know, that makes no sense.

But, what I mean is that we are all constantly evolving, changing, bettering, or worsening so knowing yourself is not a constant.

Things change.

People change.

The world changes.

The worries you have today will be gone tomorrow and new worries will arrive.

I know, I'm getting deep.

Right?

Well, I was thinking yesterday about the idea "is the glass half full or is it half empty"?

Well, it depends on the circumstance.

Then I got to thinking about the irony of losing and gaining at the same time.

I know, WOW!

This really is deep thoughts by KHAK.

But think about it.

You lose weight, you gain self-esteem.

You lose your mind, you gain awareness.

You lose a bet, you gain respect.

You lose your pants, you gain a chuckle.

You lose an election, you gain supporters.

You lose your soul, you gain evil.

You lose a loved one, you gain an angel.

The last one makes me smile since I have several angels.

So people, go out there and lose something because you just might gain something along the way!

Much love,
KHAK

The Sweetest Thing

2011-04-09T19:14:00.002-04:00

Do you know your love's favorite blow-pop flavor?

Well, don't feel bad.

Either did I until today.

We went to Rite Aid to look for some sewing materials and instead ended up "browsing" the candy aisle.

My eyes were on the Easter Candy while the husband chose a ginormous bag of Blow-Pops!

It was a fantastic idea indeed!

I love them.

They remind me of my big sister!

As we got in the car, he asked what flavor I wanted.

I paused for a moment, and said "Wait, what's your favorite?"

He quickly stated...GRAPE!

I said outloud, "Really?"

You see I would have never guessed grape for him.

I know he loves Mike and Ikes, Swedish Fish, and Peanut Chews.

But I had never asked about blow-pop flavors.

He made me think for a second..what else do I not know about this man?

Here's the funny part, by the time we arrived home he had changed his favorite flavor three times and finally chose Blue Raspberry as his favorite.

I simply smiled to myself and realized it wasn't my lack of asking that led me to not know, it was the fact that my husband is 100% completely un-predicatable.

Men!

The sweetest things,
KHAK

For his AND her pleasure

2011-02-18T13:02:00.003-05:00

Ok, get your mind out of the gutter.

This is not a condom commercial or a public service announcement about using protection during intercourse.

This is KHAK-A-LACKIN's first movie review!

To celebrate Valentine's Day the husband and I went to the movies.

Cinebarre to be exact.

You know the kind where you EAT, DRINK, and be Merry.

I got to choose the movie, well just because I did.

We usually take turns choosing, but I made the executive decision that it was my movie night.

To avoid a disappointed husband and nightmares of Swans for days, I did my research.

I won't talk bad about other movies, but I will say that the movie I chose did have the best review of all the Romantic Comedies out right now.

So, drumroll please........

We Saw.

It was so good.

Actually, it was so good the husband was still talking about it the next day.

He also, mentioned that he thinks it's going to go into the "classics" category.

I was proud. I picked a good one.

I must say I love Natalie Portman a lot more now.

And Ashton Kutcher gets more handsome every day.

Could it be his hot wife, wearing off on him? Possibly.

The music was spectacular!
Great songs by:
Color me Badd
Phoenix
Temper Trap

were feautured.

"I wanna sex you up" was the very first song in the movie, I immediately was taken back to sixth grade summer. Oh the memories.

There were slang terms my precious ears haven't heard in ages and also a few adult words exchanged too.

The movie was hilarious, especially with the one-liners from Ludacris, playing Adam's friend.

Emma's (Natalie Portman) adoring roommate Shira was hilarious as was the beautiful Lake Bell playing the quirky work colleague of Adam.

Kevin Kline's performance as the self-absorbed father of Adam (Ashton's character) is very much not the person you love in this flick. So I suppose his acting was good, because by the end of the movie, you despise him!

Adam and Emma have a connection beyond the age of 14.

Enjoy the ride of their romance and see how it turns out.

Natalie Portman "did funny" really well in this movie.

and Well, Ashton is Ashton. Funny as always.

This movie had so many one-liners it's hard to pick the best one and I don't want to spoil it for you either.

This movie is for boys and girls!

Run do NOT walk to this movie.

Enjoy it with some Twizzlers and Popcorn and your significant other.

You both will love it!
KHAK

2011-02-13T19:11:00.003-05:00

And the winner is.....

I used the random number generator here and it chose Number 11 for me.

MaryAnn is the winner.

Congratulations!

In lieu of the Lover's Holiday, MaryAnn will receive a Valentine's Day Themed Mix Cd "Made by Khak"

MaryAnn look for your winning prize in the next week!

****************************************************************************

In other news....I've been terrible at updating lately.

We have had birthday parties, work, and work changes the last few weeks so I apologize for not being "Present"

I really liked this when I saw it and I thought of you guys when I saw it.

A little background information..
I was responsible for ordering and picking-up plaques at the Awards/Trophy store for my professional organization last week. And when I arrived the manager had this sign posted on the wall.....

When I saw this I couldn't stop laughing and I asked the manager if I could take a picture of it.

I think we all have been in situations where our procrastination has caused another to freak out.

This was his way of saying it nicely.

Let me know if you like it.
I love it!

No shadow here.

2011-02-02T13:16:00.003-05:00

I love February 2nd!

It is my mother in-law's favorite holiday so I have sort of adopted it.

Every year we get Groundhogs Day Ginberbread Cookies sent to us in the mail.

They haven't arrived yet this year, hint hint.

I mentioned them to the husband the other day.

I hope they are coming soon!

We each get our own bag.

Consume at your own pace.

They are usually gone in two days!

Do you love this font above or what?

It's called LoveDrops.

I downloaded it for free over at How About Orange. Thanks Jess. Check out her blog HERE!

I intend to use it as much as I can between now and Valentine's Day!

I'm glad Phil the GroundHog didn't see his shadow!

It's 70 degrees here in Charleston today! Yippee!

Hope he's right,
KHAK

More to come on the giveaway winner!

Giveaway! Giveaway!

2011-01-25T11:53:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that you all have until this Thursday January 27th at 5pm to become a follower and submit a comment to be in the running for the Mixed Cd Make by Khak and a few other goodies.

Can't wait to see who wins!
KHAK

Weekend Recap

2011-01-24T13:07:00.005-05:00

How was y'alls weekend?

I won't bore you with all the details, but let's just say I had the best weekend!

I got to play a REAL scrabble game with my 12 year old friend.
It was a blast.

She and I both had different rules so we met in the middle and it worked well that way.

REAL game boards are so much fun, it was a nice break from my "Words With Friends" obsession.

Poor Aaliyah had no idea that I am the Scrabble Master (only kidding) or that I wasn't going to let her win.

A 12 year old is a pre-teen and I'm pretty sure they are mature enough to lose a game.

Plus, her older sister who is 14 told me that her Mom and Grandmother don't "let" her win, so I shouldn't either.

It was a great Saturday afternoon date.

I suggest all of you find a friend and play a board game at least once a week.

Now, I am not typically a gloater or one who brags, but I know for a fact that my dinner was better than yours last night.

While all of you were eating Nachos and Pizza Slices during the NFL Play-Off Games, I was eating Standing Rib, Collard Greens, Lima Beans, and my Mom's famous Cheesy Mashed Potatoes.

I hate to rub it in, but it was one of those "You had to have been there" moments.

Superb and Divine is all I can say!

Looks like it's going to be the Packers and Steelers on February 6th!

Hey, Did y'all I know I danced in the Halftime Show at the Pro-Bowl in 1997! Good Times!

And my question for today is...
At what age do you stop letting children win games, when is it appropriate to let them learn for themselves?

I sort of felt bad for winning that Scrabble Game, I need to know how you all feel about this!
KHAK

Here goes nothing....

2011-01-20T11:34:00.004-05:00

Here goes nothing....

That's what I was thinking exactly one year ago today when I started my blog.

Although, my idea of what I thought this blog would be has evolved, changed, and basically just grew naturally....
I somehow managed to write 132 posts about all kinds of things.

Khak-a-lackin is exactly one year old today!

Happy Anniversary Khak-a-lackin!

Wow, what a year.

No need to explain.

Just trust me, it's been a year.

Now, in honor of our anniversary...I ask you all a favor.

I have had so many of you silent readers mention to me how much you loved certain posts, thought I was funny, or really liked a recipe.

However, I did not even know you were reading.

Silly, you.

To all of you who read but do not follow...

please "Follow" Khak-a-lackin

Pretty please.

I like to know who's reading for several reasons..

It makes me smile to know who you are.

It helps with content (I've had a few gentlemen let me know they are reading and I need to know this!)

The blog world is about connections, so how can we connect if I don't know who you are!

I thank you for your comments and feedback.

Keep 'em coming!

To celebrate our anniversary and to motivate you to "Follow" us, I have decided to do my very first giveaway!

It's a "Made by Khak" gift.

The lucky winner will receive one of my Mixed CD's that I made for my loved ones for the holidays.

Remember how I said my gifts were going to be homemade this year, well they were and you get a chance to get one too...

Just by following me and commenting that you are following or if you already follow me, leave a comment on this post.

I may also put a little something extra in there too! ;-)

Happy Anniversary to Khak-a-lackin!

To many more,
KHAK

Are you blended?

2011-01-04T13:32:00.003-05:00

Step
Half
Diverse
Unique
Blended

...are all words we can use to describe family members.

I do not use the first two.

How do I mean?

Well, you see I have (what I like to call) a blended family.

We have steps, halves, etc...but not really.

We don't use those words and I can't stand them actually.

You see, if we used those words then that would make me an only child.

And THAT I am not.

An only child.

That is not possible nor will I even cater to the idea. Not for one second.

My brother and sister and I share the same mother.

Yes, we have different fathers, but they are my brother and sister.

I hate it when people say to me: So they are your step brother and sister?

No, you idiot! (that's what I'm thinking)

They are my brother and sister, but if you want to get technical we are half, but step would mean we don't share blood.

and THAT we do.

I actually cannot even relate (no pun intended) to people who do not have a blended family.

You know the perfect little 2.5 kids, with one dog, and no divorces or deaths.

I am envious, yes.

Would I change a thing?

NO way.

I "technically" have one step brother, one step sister, one half brother, one half sister, two other brothers that I claim whom share the same last name as my half brother and sister, a cousin (that's not really my cousin, but feels like she is so I love her) An Aunt and Uncle whom I call Aunt Sherrie and Uncle Phil (who are not really my aunt and uncle, they are my brother and sisters's aunt and uncle). I also have a step-sister that I claim who is not even my step sister she is my brother and sisters. Oh, and I also have one step-Dad and another step-Dad and step-Mom (who aren't mine either but we have a connection and that's all that matters too!)

Confused yet?

Yes, it is confusing. But it is the way it is supposed to be and I don't know what I would do without the steps, halves, reds, and greens.

Whatever the heck you want to be to me, come on over give me a HUG and let's call each other family.

And to all of you who don't think all this step and half stuff is for real, you've got another thing coming.

History is history.

And if you have been in my family my whole life, that means "TECHNICALLY" you ARE my family!

I think I've said my peace to the naysayers,
KHAK

Talk to me:
Are you blended?
If you are, isn't it great?
If you're not, come to one of my family dinners and stay awhile. You will wish you were!

My wish.

2010-12-30T14:03:00.002-05:00

I spoke with a dear "friend" of mine on Christmas night whom sounded for the first time in a long time:

rested
at peace
calm
still
and most importantly in love.

I mentioned to him how much the Christmas card he sent us meant to me.

In all the years I've known him, I had never received a Christmas card from him until this year.

It was a beautiful card, with words of his own written in it as well.

He told me what made his Christmas special, and then I told him that his Christmas card is what made mine.

I am not sure if he believed me, but I was telling the truth.

It really did.

He said to me "Well, you know all those years I was in the wrong place and my priorities were wrong"

As we hung up the phone, I began to think about what was different this year than any other year?

Two simple words are the difference for this friend of mine.

In-Love.

Being in love can change you.

It can change you for the better and/or for the worst.

In this situation love was all he needed.

The Beatles said it perfectly, "All you need is Love"

Although this idea seems a bit ridiculous and unrealistic.

I think it's true.

This friend of mine is:

In love with himself and who he has become for the first time in his life.

In love with his future spouse

In love with his relationship with his God.

In love with his life.

and...

In love with the idea of his future and what it holds.

So if you ask me what makes one happy.

I will simply say, being in love.

I witnessed it first hand on Christmas night and I just wanted to share the tears of joy I weeped for my dear friend.

Wishing all friends on earth the opportunity to be In-Love,
KHAK

Are you a PC?

2010-12-17T11:04:00.003-05:00

Are you a PC?

Actually, I'm not.

I'm a MAC.

But that's not what I'm talking about.

Ever since I moved to South Carolina, I have stopped saying Merry Christmas as much.

I pretty much don't like it either.

Reason:
I have met a lot of Jehovah's Witnesses and people of other beliefs who don't celebrate Christmas.

Well, so what! If you ask me.

I expect people of the Jewish belief to say Happy Hannukah to me, so I why can't I say Merry Christmas?

I don't know why South Carolina is any different than Virginia, but people don't say it as much here.

You would think the opposite with it being the "Bible Belt" and all, but it's not.

I respect and appreciate most religions so I expect others to do the same for me.

I wish I wasn't so PC.

Actually, I am going to try to not be in 2011.

Maybe it will be one of my resolutions.

Yesterday I said Merry Christmas to someone I know celebrates Christmas and they responded back with Happy Holidays.

What? Didn't I just say it to you so you should know it's ok to say it to me?

I don't get it.

And I also don't think it's the words that matter but the idea that you are wishing good will and fortune to someone this time of year.

I don't care if you say "Merry Flippin Pancakes" to me, I understand that you are wishing me "something" nice and warm and fuzzy.

I am silly, I know.

But guess what y'all.......

KHAK

Do ya think my tractor's sexy?

2010-12-16T10:56:00.004-05:00

Last night the husband and I ventured out to Wal-Mart to purchase items for the family of 5 we are sponsoring through the HALOS Organization.

They are a wonderful organization that I chose for my professional insurance association NAIFA to sponsor. This is our second year and I am in charge of the project.

Anyhow, Wal-Mart is out of control this time of year and in more ways than one.

I do not want to get political so I won't.

However, I will mention a little beef I have with buying toys.

You see, in looking for a Princess Scooter for the 4 year old girl in the family we are giving to...I found something I personally want if I could fit in it.
John Deere Kids Truck

However, I feel like I am little too big.

I REALLY want one of these.....for my farm! (this is the real deal)

However, this is almost $10,000 so I am going to have to wait for this.

I imagine myself tending to my garden and taking my husband for a ride on it. HA.

Let me get back to my Wal-Mart trip.

The John Deere truck for kids was $350!

That seems a little high to me. Plus it is something the child will outgrow.

I am thinking that spending $300 on a Wii makes a lot more sense than paying $300+ for a toy that the child can outgrow.

I have always the thought the Wii craze was a little outrageous but now it is making more and more sense.

What do you think?

A Wii (electronic device) or a Toy that the child will outgrow?

What do you think?
Is it a waste or is it all about the experience for the child?

I an not saying that gifts from Grandma and Grandpa would not be accepted, but as a parent I am not sure I would buy this.

For the record,
I say this now, but all bets are off once I become a parent.

PEACE,
KHAK

Red Pepper Anyone?

2010-12-13T19:13:00.003-05:00

Tonight I made a recipe that I have been wanting to make since September.

During our Saturday grocery store trip, I finally remembered to get the ingredients I needed to make it this week.

I wasn't quite sure exactly when I was going to make it, but the 30 degree weather definitely solidified my choice tonight.

This recipe is linked to a blog I read called Detox and Purification Program.

This is the blog for the local Charleston nutritionist who sponsors the 21 day detox I completed in September.

This recipe is featured as a recipe on Day 11 of the detox. Click on the link if you want to visit the blog.

I was not in the mood for soup when I was on the cleanse so it was perfect for a cold night like tonight.

The recipe serves one, but I had plenty leftover and packed it up for a part of my lunch tomorrow.

This soup was so delish and filling.

Also, once I got my ingredients in the blender is took no time to make.

I would say it took me 15 minutes in total from beginning to end.

Processing and heating up on the stove.

This was super easy and super fast!

So no excuses not to try this one, unless you don't like red peppers.

Okay, here it is:

Creamy Red Pepper Soup

1 red pepper

1 cup warm water

½ large avocado

5 baby carrots

1 tsp. onion, chopped

½ tsp. garlic, chopped

½ tsp. jalapeño pepper

½ tsp. Celtic Sea Salt®

Blend all ingredients in food processor until thick, & smooth (this took about 15 seconds in my processor). Heat soup in a saucepan until warm. Serve immediately.

It is seriously that simple and it's healthy.

It is approved for the detox which means it is super good for you!

Enjoy!

Is anyone else secretly hooked to Lifetime and The Hallmark Channel this month?

I can't get enough Christmas movies! My husband is a little concerned.

Night night,
KHAK

Sing-a-long

2010-12-10T10:55:00.001-05:00

I am woman, hear me roar

In numbers too big to ignore

And I know too much to go back an' pretend

'cause I've heard it all before

And I've been down there on the floor

No one's ever gonna keep me down again

I woke up singing this song.

Although, I did not know all the lyrics..I hummed along to the tune.

I needed this song to motivate me this morning.

Thought you might need it to!

Happy Friday,
KHAK

Secret Santa, I mean "Obsession"

2010-12-09T11:01:00.004-05:00

As a teenager, my brother watched TWC- The Weather Channel like it was a television program.

Eating his fourth bowl of Captain Crunch he was always in a daze. Just shoveling the spoon in his mouth as the weatherman spit out the weather forecast.

I was always so perplexed by this.

How could one seriously watch this channel all day?

His entire life depended on the weather (at least he thought so at the time, I bet if you asked my Mom she would have disagreed)

He was either watching for the next hurricane to arrive on the East Coast for some waves or a little snow in SouthWest Va so he could do some "flippy tricks" on his snowboard.

He was pretty fantastic at both so I don't blame him for wanting a good forecast in order to show-off his talents.

You see, you learn a lot from big brothers.

Even though at times, you wonder if you ever will.

Besides, how to give your little sister a "noogy" or how to pin your sister down in 3 seconds FLAT.

(he was also a "wrastler"- his only indoor sport)

So the pondering of The Weather Channel obsession has never left me.

Now I am married to a landscape designer who Surfs and Hunts for fun.

Ok, there you go more weather permitting activities.

The weather has become a pretty important aspect of my life.

I tend to always make conversation with strangers about the weather.

I think everyone does this, right?

Actually, NO!

Most people don't talk to strangers.

I digress.

Anyhow, so I have a secret.

Do you have a secret?

I have a secret that I do not wish to share, but feel I must in order to complete my thoughts for this post.

Here it goes:

I have become a techy nerd when it comes to my iPhone.

I don't have a ton of apps, but my iPhone is one of my closest pals.

I know, I know this sounds disgusting and ridiculous.

I know, this is why it's a secret.
I admit before I even to say Good Morning to the dogs or get out of bed- my phone is in hand and I always check the weather first and then see who might have "scrabbled" me while I was sleeping.

I have begun to feel guilty about this, but I have found someone to blame.

You see, it's not my fault that my husband's work day depends on the weather or that I grew up with a brother so close to weatherman either.

I blame external factors.

Is that fair? Am I off the hook?

Maybe just maybe, it might have a little to do with if I am going to wear open-toed shoes on a brisk morning or if I am flaunting a skirt or a pair of wool pants!

Fashion only is 10% to blame.

I check the temperature not just in the morning, but probably every hour.

I know, completely obsessive. and totally ME!

Sometimes you just have to embrace the things you obsess over, give them a big hug, and accept that you are a bit whack.

That's what I do!
KHAK

Too much is never a bad thing...

2010-11-23T14:00:00.004-05:00

The other night I baked a Spaghetti Squash to accompany our Sheepshead Fish and Roasted Broccoli dinner.

If you have ever baked a spaghetti squash you know how far one can go.

We had so much left over and I did not want to waste it, so after cleaning up the dishes, I did what I do best GOOGLE!

I found a Sante Fe Spaghetti Squash Casserole.

It sounded good, so I gave it a try last night.

I substituted a few ingredients and added a little bit of shredded cheese to the top (Did this for the husband, he was already upset that Meat was NOT involved in his dinner)

I did hear a scream from the other room, "Smells good in there!"

That always makes me smile, and also makes me think "Hope it tastes as good as it smells!"

I thought it turned out great and I do recommend this recipe for leftover spaghetti squash.

Two lessons here:

1. Try spaghetti squash, it is an awesome pasta substitute and is a Veggie!

2. Don't throw away leftovers, there is always something you can do with them!

Onion and Green Pepper

The ingredients

The Mix

Spaghetti Squash Mixed In

Adding the toppings

Out of the Oven and Half-Eaten

My portion, a little blurry

I found this recipe here

1 medium spaghetti squash
olive oil spray
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red or green bell pepper, chopped
1 (14-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
2/3 cup sweet corn
2/3 cup thawed chopped spinach
1 tsp chili powder, or curry, to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
2 Tbs fresh lime juice
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup bread crumbs (or tortilla chip crumbs)
1/2 cup pine nuts or pecans, if desired

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Halve and roast the squash in a 375 degree oven for 50 minutes until fork tender. Cool. Scrape out the squash halves with a fork (in strands) and place the squash in a bowl.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

4. Spray a large skillet with the olive oil spray and sauté the onion, chili and red pepper over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the drained beans, green chilies, corn, chopped spinach, and chili powder; heat through 1 minute. Remove from heat and add the cooked squash, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt. Spoon the squash mixture into a casserole or baking dish sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.

5. Top with bread crumbs and pine nuts.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for twenty to thirty minutes – until the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges.

7. Serve with Spanish rice.

Note:: This dish is easily converted to gluten-free: substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or corn tortilla chip crumbs.

Servings: 4

My changes:
I used a green pepper, used Walnuts instead of Pecans, and Added cheese for the melt flavor with the Tortilla chips!

Also note it says serves four, more like 15 in my casserole dish! Not sure how we are going to eat this by Thanksgiving.

Happy Dinner,
KHAK

Warrior of Symmetry

2010-11-22T12:36:00.006-05:00

My parents recently moved their Florida home to the good 'ol state of South Carolina.

There are many things to discuss regarding this move, but there is one topic in particular.

You see, my Mom is super creative and uses her talents to be a glorified "volunteer decorator".

She could make a living out of it, but chooses to keep it her hobby.

In expressing her love for interior design: she often finds herself a Warrior of Symmetry.

What do I mean by this?

Well, every thing has a companion.

Every lamp has a husband.

Every Vase has a girlfriend.

I mean seriously, I felt like I was in "crazy land" as looked at all the things unpacked.

You see, my Mom saw me taking pictures the other day.

I should have just told her I was taking them for her homeowner's insurance, but I cannot tell a lie.

So I admitted that I was going to blog about this.

At least I told her in advance, right?

Well, she was not happy. And said "you are not going to tell all your friends about this!"

My response, "yes, I am. and I have pictures to prove it.

My Mom's house is a museum.

If you, your husband, or children are not trained don't even bother coming over, because you will break something.

I'm only kidding, but we WILL have to train you once you arrive.

Kidding, again!

Here's my proof that she believes in pairs and is the Warrior of Symmetry.

Please excuse the mess, but really.

This is crazy!

Even two cans of COFFEE! They needed it for all of the unpacking.

She is going to be so mad at me for this!

Are you a Warrior of Symmetry?

Mom, please forgive me. I love you.
KHAK

Made by KHAK

2010-11-18T11:10:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about Christmas gifts and how I am going to pull this off.

You see, this is my all-time favorite time of year!

And I don't want to ruin it!

What I mean is, I don't want to stress out about the funds being low this holiday season.

I love giving, I am a giving person, but I can't be if I don't have any money, right?

Wrong!

I came to my senses last night and came up with a pretty good idea.

I'm thinking if my gifts are homemade, I can give to everyone I want to and still not spend much cash.

Please don't think I'm being cheap, but I have to get creative this year!

What do you all think, are you in interested in a gift "made by KHAK"?

This is not limited to food, drink, and crafts!

Sorry no clothes, I'm not that good!
KHAK

What can you go without?

2010-11-11T13:05:00.004-05:00

Ok, so last year about this time our refrigerator decided to take a temporary nap.

We were without a refrigerator for three weeks while waiting for the new one to come in.

Did I mention that it was during the holiday season?

Thank goodness it fell between my Thanksgiving Dinner with Friends and our Roaring 20's New Year's Eve party.

We thankfully had weeks in between to fix this mess.

Our kitchen was a disaster on my birthday and I spent my birthday night putting the kitchen back together.

The plus side of things: I got a DISHWASHER and a new stove, and a new microwave that all match!

Ok ok, so I probably made out in this whole debacle.

However, I said that I would never take having a refrigerator for granted.

We had to throw everything away. I mean everything. Except the freezer stuff that we could put in the big freezer temporarily.

Also, we learned later that it was a $20 part that needed to be fixed on the old fridge, so now we have an "extra" fixed fridge in the shed, which is great for entertaining might I add.

"Beer goes outside, boys!"

I love being able to say that now!

Ok, so now another year has past.

And of course something else had to break.

Isn't sort of your fate, to be fixing and breaking things around the holidays.

Having unexpected repairs is like rule #9 of what we call the adult life, right?

Always expect, the unexpected.

That's my philosophy and I'm sticking to it.

Last night our hot water heater broke and slightly flooded our bedroom.

Not really flooded, but water managed to soak the rugs and even run into the linen closet in our bedroom.

Bad news: we have hardwood floors.

Really bad news: I am OCD and had to clean it all up last night at 10pm.

I cannot possibly go to bed with towels and crap everywhere.

We went to Lowe's with 20 minutes to spare of them closing.

Picked out a new water heater and loaded it up.

This morning it was being fixed and should be completed by the time I get home tonight.

Thank goodness for a handy husband.

I had no idea the lingo the Lowe's employee was telling us last night.

I appreciated his eye contact, but "really I have no idea what you are saying so no disrespect if you ignore me as the wife"

This was my thought as he "Craig" was his name, was telling us about copper coils, etc, etc.

When we got home from Lowe's, the hot water heater was placed in my LIVING ROOM!

Hello, if you have ever seen my living room, it is tiny and has no room for such a large item.

Then I attempted to wash my face with freezing cold water.

That was torture.

And I highly suggest this tactic if you are sleepy and need to stay awake.

The water was so cold on my face, I was in permanent shock.

So dear Mr. Frigidaire, I love you so.

You keep my food cold and I love you for that.

I also love my hot water heater.

No, I am not cheating on you, but if I had to choose.

I'm not sure how you would feel.

A hot shower is pretty much irreplaceable.

Food can wait!

Thanks for understanding,
KHAK

granny

2010-11-10T10:43:00.004-05:00

When it comes to sleep time, I have always chosen comfort over style.

This may upset my significant other, but obviously he will get over it.

He likes to call my bedtime undergarments, "granny panties".

It's an ongoing joke and we still laugh about it.

This week however, I had to set the record straight.

I read an article that stated that the MAD MEN craze, has brought back the "granny panties" and they are granny panties no more!

They are sleek, stylish, and hip now.

I told the husband that I was ahead of the curve and he should be so proud.

What do you think?

Sexy and Chic or Ugly and Horrendous?

All, I know is that they don't ride up while you're sleeping and they are in the same place you put them when you wake up!

I want to hear your thoughts,
KHAK

It's a festive dinner

2010-11-03T18:46:00.005-04:00

I have been fighting the Christmas Music urge, but can no longer fight the spirit.

What spirit?

The Holiday Spirit!

I am so excited about the Holiday Season this year.

The Fall vegetables and smells were extra perfect this year, so I guess I am now ready for the next season.

I just put on my Christmas Playlist while typing and my first official song of the season is none other than Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas"

I could listen to this song on repeat for at least three hours.

Being in the festive mood tonight I decided to roast a butternut squash and bake apples.

We bought about 300 apples at Costco a few weeks ago and I am trying to figure out different ways to consume them.

We really only bought a dozen, but my my 12 apples can go a long way.

I feel like I eat one and three more appear.

Morgan wants to say hello!

She always get stickers on her head!

Starting with the butternut squash.

I bought this last week and have been waiting for the perfect moment to cook this.

Why oh why did I wait?

How yummy.

I did not even get a plate, I simply ate them right off the baking sheet.

So fantastic.

A mix between a sweet potato and Heaven.

Yup, I said it.

100% scrumptious.

To prepare, all I did was cut it up into slices, gut the inside seeds out, put on a baking sheet, and cook for 30 minutes at 400 degrees!

So easy.

While those cooked, I prepared the apples.

Cored and sliced 3 apples, then added other ingredients.
1/4 c. sugar blended with 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (more, if needed)
2 tbsp. lemon juice
(1/4 stick) melted butter

I used a bit too much butter, because the original recipe calls for 6 apples.

Mix all ingredients.

Then cook for about 30 minutes at 425 degrees, stirring the juices every 8-10 minutes.

Easy. Easy.

I am pretty sure if you are friends with Paula Deen you agree that you can never have too much Butta'!

I am loving this playlist.

I have already heard Michael Buble' "Grown-Up Christmas List" and Christina Aguilera is belting it out now to "Merry Christmas Baby"

I am such a nerd, but man I sure have missed this music since January 1.

The house now smells absolutley amazing and I am smiling.

The dogs got a few bites too so they are happy too.

Happy Dogs, Happy House!
KHAK

What's the big friggin' difference?

2010-10-29T15:18:00.002-04:00

I have a little story and it goes like this....

Male Co-Worker: "Wow, your hair looks really good this morning"

KHAK: "Ugh, Thanks"

Male Co-Worker: "Wonder, why it looks so different today?"

KHAK: "Wanna know the difference between today and the rest of the week?"

Male Co-Worker: with a perplexed look "The chill in the air?"

KHAK: "More like, 95% humidity!"

Male Co-Worker: with slouched shoulders "Well, it looks really good today!"

KHAK: wanting to say "thanks, I know it looked terrible all week!" but just smiled.

Morale of the story

For all your hair sufferers. I get it.

Cuz' I got it too.

I have had terrible hair all week, until today that is.

Actually, I thought I was having a bad hair day, which means my hair looked even worse all the other days than I thought it.

So here, I stand loud and proud.

Welcome Fall!

I heart you.

You are welcome to come to Charleston any time,

By the way, where the heck have you been?
KHAK

Make-out Bandits

2010-10-22T12:02:00.002-04:00

As I sat in traffic yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but notice the annoying couple making out in the car in front of me.

I seriously said to myself "Get a room!"

We all remember this phrase and some of us might still use it.

I don't say it out loud anymore, mainly because I do not have any friends that I have to say this to.

(Thank goodness)

Should this be on my 20 things I am thankful for on Thanksgiving Day this year?

Maybe, so.

Anyhow, we all have seen these wacky people.

I apologize if you yourself are one of these "make-out bandits" but I personally can't stand them.

In high school, I was always annoyed with the couple sucking face in the hallway or the guy with his hand half-way up his girlfriend's shirt at the lunch table.

Really?

Why do you think this is appropriate.

In my teens, my first thought always was "Do your parents know you act like this? or do you make-out on the couch next to your parents in the living room?"

How do people end up like this.

I was a little shy and would absolutely never kiss a boy at school.

No way No way!

But also, know what is right and what is wrong.

Granted, nothing makes me happier to see a best friend's husband give her a sweet kiss on the cheek or see one of my guy friends holding his girlfriend's hand.

These are all acceptable to me.

It's fine to show your affection, but leave the rest for the bedroom.

To the couple in front of me in traffic, you might want to wait til' you get home so you don't fog-up your windows!

Sounds like a safety pre-caution to me,
KHAK

A toast to cheers to.

2010-10-21T14:36:00.003-04:00

An epic meal occurred at our household last week.

It was so epic that I failed to take any photos.

We had one guest, named MAP.

And I think she appreciated how epic it actually was.

I know, I have said epic three times already.

Do you want to know why it was epic?

The husband "got" his first deer on our land in Va and we were able to enjoy it for dinner.

I know I know what you are thinking.

BUT, if you just think of it as surviving versus killing Bambi: you will be ok.

The meat is so lean and ridiculously good for you.

The meal consisted of:

-Roasted Sweet Potatoes seasoned with Smoked Paprika

-Roasted Broccoli drizzled with EVOO and Sea Salt

and the drumroll please!

-Backstraps wrapped in Bacon!

Yum Yum.

I have had this meal before, but the excitement of it being on our property was pretty cool.

It was so special that we made a special toast.

Here it is.

Prepare to laugh your A** off!

I have been saying it all week!

It's hilarious!!!

Here it goes.....

"Clap yo' hands!

Stomp yo' feet

Praise da Lord

We got meat!"

Best toast ever!

Another reason why I never have a dull day with A in my life!

Fluid check, anyone?

2010-10-14T11:12:00.003-04:00

This blog has become my diary of admitting my faults as well as realizing my dreams.

I have learned a lot about myself simply by writing it down.

I have always known that I am a bit crazy in the perfection department.

Clothes have to be folded a certain way.

Remote Controls have a specific spot, and I have to put them in their place before leaving the house.

Pillows have to pluffed and in their designated areas at all times.

Drinks left on the kitchen counter, turn me mad.

Lint Brushes are the best invention ever.

I hate white napkins in a restaurant, and if I am given a white napkin I almost never let it tough my lap due to lint "issues".

The shower curtain can never be tucked in.

Shoes do NOT get to lay around the house.

If I see an empty toilet paper roll, I have to change it even if it's not my house (see previous post)

Laundry detergent, paper towel, and toilet paper brands must NEVER be changed. I am loyal to the end.

As you can see, this list could go on and on.

I know I am a freak of nature and will never be able to be classified as normal.

Normal?

Normal is not in my genes.

You can't fake normal till you make it.

It's just not possible.

My destiny was chosen a long time, and "perfectionist, OCD one" was what I was chosen to be.

Normal, not so much.

Just this past weekend, two of my friends made a comment about my "quirkiness"

They simply said, "we know you won't do that KHAK"

Referring to a few household irritations of mine.

It recently came to my attention another thing to add to this list.

You see, I thought this specific thing everyone did.

One night a few weeks back, A and I were headed to the movies and my windshield got smudged and I was complaining about it for a few miles.

I told him I was going to stop at a gas station and clean my windshield.

He said "are you serious?"

Why yes, I am serious.

I stopped cleaned my window and on we went to the movies.

A thought I was so crazy, he just turned up the music and ignored my craziness.

I cannot handle a dirty windshield.

If anything blocks my perfect vision, I freak.

Then the next day, my washer fluid was empty.
My best "friend"

I begged Aaron to stop and get me some because I was out and I forgot on my way home.

He refused.

He said I am the only person who goes through windshield wiper fluid as fast I do.

Do most people make it between oil changes?

No way, do I.

The next day, I convinced him to get me a bottle and then he would not let me change it because we were going to a birthday party.

He made me wait another day, which made me completely crazy.

I am sure my neighbors think I am a bit strange because I am always have the hood up filling the washer fluid.

I am so good at it, I barely ever spill any and never use a funnel.

One day a few years ago, I was changing and a man offered to help and tried to get me to use a funnel.

I said "no thanks, I do this all the time"

I don't know if it was business attire or age that threw him off, but he could not believe that I just whipped up the hood, poured the fluid in, and went on my merry way.

I thought this was normal.

The man told me I have a steady hand.

Mainly because he was nosey and sat and watched me pour my fluid in.

The point here is that I need to know if I am the only one?

If I am, I know all of you have something you are crazy about it.

If not, at least humor me and make something up!

Loves,
KHAK

Who finished first?

2010-10-12T16:53:00.004-04:00

On a recent date night, Aaron and I went to an italian restaurant for dinner (It actually was Aaron's birthday and a special evening for us).

After a short walk there, we both needed to use the restroom upon entering.

We rushed to the restroom simultaneously, (mainly because the hostess was waiting to seat us) in a way that was sort of a challenge.

Who will finish first?

I am known, actually well known, for not rushing and taking a looooonnnnnnng time in the restroom.

I don't know why.

No matter what I do, I always seem to be the last one out.

Well, interesting enough. This time I was NOT the last one out.

As I waited for him, I thought to myself what the h*ck is he doing?

And this guy waiting, is probably wondering the same darn thing.

Men are not supposed to take a long time, they are always done in a jiffy, right?

Not this lad.

What gives?

I simply smiled at the gentleman patiently waiting and looked away.

A few minutes into our dinner, well actually about 30 minutes, Aaron looks at me and says I'm going to email you this picture and I want it to be my picture on your phone when I call you.

I gaze at it, and quickly realize that this was what he was up to in the restroom.

Giggling away, I realized that he was taking pictures on his phone of a painting in the restroom.

I still could not figure out why it took so long.

Shoot and Snap. It's easy.

He said he was working hard to get the borders right and to zoom in.

Hello?

The iphone is not made to take top-quality photos, much less ones in the men's restroom.

Only, AJS would do such a thing.

Life is one hundred percent interesting with him.

Every second of every day is quirky, unpredticable, completely crazy.

All you ladies, the next time you go out in public with your man, ask him if he was taking pictures in the restroom?

You never know what the answer may be,
KHAK

This isn't how it's supposed to be

2010-09-24T10:44:00.006-04:00

So, I have failed to mention to all of you that I have been doing a detox/cleanse for the last 17 days and I have 4 more to go.

I haven't mentioned it for several reasons.

1. It's not that important

2. I wasn't sure how it would go, and I don't like to be negative

3. It's not that important

Now, I do have lots of great things to say about it, but I still think "it's not that important".

The main point to take away from this is that I feel the best I have felt in 10 years!

That means I was 21. and that says A LOT!!!

If you want details, email me.

The basics (the important parts for me) of the detox/cleanse are:
No caffeine
No alcohol
No cheese
(Plus, only veggies and fruit, supplement shakes, and some protein)

Are you kidding me?

So for 3 whole weeks...
No coffee, no red wine, and no cheese?

Will power is the only way I've made it.

Frankly, it hasn't been hard for me at all, but there are moments when I have thought about the above three items.

Last night, the husband and I sat down to watch a movie.

When I watch a movie I want Popcorn, Twizzlers, and a glass of red wine.

Nope, not last night.

Can't have any of those. At least not until Wednesday.

I have been to the movies once already on this detox and I am going again on Saturday.

Am I trying to torture myself?

Seems that way, huh?

Anyway, very soon it will be normal again.

But, for now this isn't how it's supposed to be,
KHAK

PS. Donations of Bags of Twizzlers will be accepted after next Wednesday! ;-)

Letting it all out Friday.

2010-09-17T14:08:00.002-04:00

I have an issue, well a big, HUGE issue that came to my attention about a month and a half ago.

Here's the problem, it keeps getting worse.

And now puts me in a very bad mood every morning and afternoon as I leave my office.

I used to be so sweet with no opinion.

I also know that NOW I am a bit outspoken and extremely opinionated.

I like to call opinionated something new. Like, Passionate.

Ok, so now I'm very passionate about things.

-Politics.

-People, in general.

-How I spend my time.

-Social Responsibility.

I could go on and on.

But this one topic is eating me alive.

It is giving me high blood pressure (I don't really know this, but I can feel my heart racing every time I get upset)

Here's the situation:

Roughly about 2-3 miles before my office, they are doing construction.

I am talking big road construction.

Every day they are out there 20-30 workers, big machines, orange cones.

The whole nine yards.

It is such an extensive project that it is mentioned in the newspaper quite a bit and they even had to lower the speed limit down to 35mph, while it is usually 45mph and even 55mph that last mile before my office.

For some reason that I can NOT comprehend, no other drivers except me, good 'ol Kelly, feel the need to go the 35mph.

I'm talking not even police officers, government marked vehicles, construction trucks, shipping trucks, even the regular citizens.

Why is this?

Don't they see how close the workers are to the street.

This is for the workers safety!

Why wouldn't you want to protect them???????????

Listen, I know we are all "inconvenienced" by slower speed limits and that everyone has somewhere to go, but wouldn't this be much better if we all respected these workers and went the speed limit?

I mean, come on people, let's get real.

This frustrates me to no end.

I mean, I've got people basically riding my bumper because for some reason they don't notice all the signs displaying the new speed limit.

I have no patience for rubber-neckers who are going too fast in the first place.

I am a fast driver, and given the opportunity I am always one to be driving faster then I should be, but this is an exception.

I cannot believe that people are so selfish and self-absorbed that they can't slow down for a few minutes, to keep these workers safe.

This is something I cannot and will not understand.

Whew, I have been wanting to blog about this for days.

I feel better already.

Everyone in my office thinks I am crazy because I get so upset about this.

They laugh at me and roll their eyes but I know I am not the only one.

Please tell me I am not the only person in this place we call Earth who abides by construction area speed limits and cares about these workers.

If you're with me, please tell me!
KHAK

Fun with pictures!

2010-09-14T20:11:00.004-04:00

Michael at Inspired by Charm introduced me to this free photo site for editing, etc.

It's called PicNik, visit it here

I have ben trying to figure out how to hire a graphic person to do these types of things for me, but this site lets me to do it for FREE!

Yes, free!

Check this out...
Isn't this fabulous?

I loved this party we threw for New Year's Eve last year, and adding these extra's makes it so snazzy!

So wonderful!

It does not take a lot to make a girl like me happy.

I have been playing around on this site for an hour or so now, so I thought I would share it with y'all.

Some of you, HECK, probably ALL of you already know about this site.

I am not known for being the "early bird", if you get my drift.

I hope you find this resource exciting and a special thanks to Michael at Inspired by Charm for mentioning it in one of his posts a few days ago.

Bargain Spot:

Here's where I tell you a bargain I found today.

I am so excited about this one.

My favorite scented Yankee Candles are 50, YES, 50% off at Hallmark right now.

Run, do NOT walk to the nearest Hallmark store.

Even if you don't like these fall scents, then buy ME one for the next time you see me! HAHA, only kidding.

Love these and I am so wonderfully ecstatic about Fall I can barely stand it.

*Not sure how long this deal is for, I did not read the fine print, I was too excited when I discovered the deal.

I got both of these for roughly $23! That's a steal.

Happy Candle Shopping,
KHAK

BTW, do you like the additions to my photos on the side-bar?

Yummy Yummy Sweet Sweet

2010-09-09T20:25:00.003-04:00

Monday for football night, I also made a Potato Salad that was gluten-free.

It is also linked to Gluten-Free Goddess.

I love her Gluten-Free recipes.

You really can have fun without cheese and all the other fun stuff.

This potato salad had sweet potatoes, yukon gold potatoes, AND NO MAYO.

Seems pretty impossible for potato salad, right?

Aaron couldn't believe it didn't have mayonnaise in it.

This was really good warm, and still very good cold too.

Next time, I will serve it warm.

Monday night, I made all my recipes in advance so I could relax, but next time I serve this I will time it better to be warm for the guests.

It really was still fantastic cold too though. I don't want you to think it's not good cold, because IT IS!

Here's the deal:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, diced
2-3 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, diced
Sea salt
Cracked pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
Apple cider vinegar, to taste
2-3 teaspoons dill
Sliced or chopped red or purple onion, to taste

Place the cut potatoes into a pot of fresh salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender- about 20 minutes. Drain well. Season with sea salt and cracked pepper. Sprinkle with apple cider vinegar. Drizzle with olive oil. Add the dill and onion. Toss gently to combine. Taste test. Keep adding vinegar, sea salt and olive oil a sprinkle at a time; and toss; until the salad achieves the flavor you prefer.

Savor the taste of this dish,
Khak

Football Game Treats!

2010-09-08T10:32:00.004-04:00

Monday night we had some friends over to watch the VT vs Boise State Game, and also to celebrate Labor Day!

We grilled burgers and chicken, had a scrumptious salad a friend brought, and had the two gluten-free recipes I made.

The second recipe coming soon!

For starters/appetizer/cool munchies I served:

Carrots and Cajun-Crab dip (YUM!)

Trail Mix made of cashews, M&M's, and raisins (Super Easy, but oh so Tasty!)

Caramelized Cashews with Cayenne (These were flavorful, with a kick!)

Notice: more Vintage Pyrex!

This recipe is from Epicurous.

What you'll need:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
2 cups unsalted natural cashews (about 10 ounces)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (preferably Grade B)
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray sheet of foil with nonstick spray; set aside. Lightly spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Toss cashews and all remaining ingredients in medium bowl. Spread cashew mixture evenly in single layer on prepared sheet.
Bake nuts until golden brown and coated with maple syrup mixture, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Immediately pour nut mixture out onto foil, spreading evenly. Cool 10 minutes, then separate and break apart any nut clusters. Cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

I made these on Sunday night and it was a very fast and easy recipe!

Try these the next time you have a football watching party!
KHAK

Doin' it for my Motha'

2010-09-07T08:46:00.005-04:00

So my Mom was just diagnosed with celiac disease, so she has to change her diet drastically.

By drastically, I mean, she has to have a completely gluten-free diet.

To me this sounds really boring and dull, so I took it upon myself to try out a few gluten-free recipes for her.

We were having a cookout so I figured this was the perfect time since I had "taste testers" coming over.

This recipe is linked to Gluten-Free Goddess

Lime Quinoa Salad with Mint
1 cup dry quinoa
2 tablespoons fruity extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 2 limes
2-3 fresh mint sprigs, leaves removed and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves or parsley
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
A handful of sweet and ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons diced red onion- or use 2 chopped scallions
1 garlic clove, minced

Cook the dry quinoa as you would raw rice: in 2 and 1/2 cups fresh salted water, covered, until all of the water is absorbed. Scoop the cooked quinoa into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients, tossing lightly with a fork until combined. Taste test and adjust seasonings.

Cover and chill for at least two hours. Let the flavors mingle and get happy. I think this salad tastes even better the second day. Makes 4-6 servings.

This was plenty for the 7 of us with plenty left over as a side dish.

The flavor of the mint and lime was delicious and perfectly light.

If you have never cooked or eaten quinoa don't be frightened, you cook it just like rice and a little goes a very very long way.

Note: I used my red vintage pyrex dish! I also bought two more this weekend when I went antiquing. Hip Hip Hooray.

I am loving these dishes and patterns!

Happy Week,
KHAK

Do you care to be hip?

2010-09-01T15:34:00.004-04:00

Being the "fashionista" that I am (NOT!), I have been doing my research on what's hot and what's NOT so hot this Fall!

New seasons bring change in weather, food, spirits, and of course FASHION.

Here's what's (apparently) in.

Are you?

Military gear.
Specifically Cargo Pants!

Gray Accessories.
Clutch Purses
Bracelets
Shoes

Zip-Up Boots
Short and Tall

Big Chunky Bracelets with Stones
Pretty and Fun!

Do not run out and try incorporate all of these things.

In my opinion, doing just one of these things makes you hip!

Trying to fit all of these trends into one outfit would be a nightmare.

I anticipate it looking something like this....

Sorry Bjork, but you know this is awful!

What do you think of these trends?

Do you like or not!

Are you hip or do you care to be hip?

Let's talk about this, I want to hear your opinions!
KHAK

Am I the only one?

2010-08-31T11:25:00.003-04:00

How 'bout a little comic relief, shall we?

Often when visiting public restrooms, I come across an empty roll of toilet paper.

Last night, the above happened.

For some reason, I hesitated.

Do you know why?

Because I was slightly irritated that the last person in there who "used the last bit of toilet paper" didn't change it.

Isn't that irritating?

I mean there were five extra rolls in the stall right there in front of them to do it!

Then I began to think.

Am I the only one nice enough to help the manager out and change it myself?

Please people, tell me you are not too lazy to do this too.

For some reason, I began to think of people I know and considered who probably changes it and who doesn't.

I am aware that this is an odd thought, but it's the same people who don't change the roll in the public restroom -who don't do it when they visit my house!

I know, I know I am anal.

I know this.

Funny thing is I don't even care if the roll is over or under, I just want you to change it if you are the last one.

I realize that there is not a "Toilet Paper Sheriff" in town, unless I decide to monitor the bathroom use at my house, but still come on it's common courtesy.

Unless you are under the age of 16, you should be deemed capable of changing the roll of TP.

Just my opinion.

Ok, back to the public restroom thing.

Of course I do not do this at RestStops on I-95 or any other place where you have to have a lock and key to get into to those things, but last night was a nice seafood restaurant in Charleston, in which I felt I was capable of changing the roll myself.

So I challenge you to take part in my TP Initiative and change the roll whenever you can or see fit.

The "Interim" TP Sheriff,
KHAK

Someone's Listening....

2010-08-29T16:56:00.005-04:00

I have no real good reason that I have not posted in 16 days.

All I have to say is that August flew by and lots is happening around these parts.

Personally and professionally I have been super busy and managed to read two books since the last time I posted on here.

Oops! Please forgive a busy girl.

When I started this blog, it was intended for entertaining and all things related to the before subject.

I have somehow managed to blog about my opinions, interests, and family more than entertaining.

Oh Hells Bells! Who the heck cares, right?

As long as I offer something that is carefree, you don't mind right?

At least, I hope.

This month, I learned a few things but mainly ONE thing that stands out.

Some ONE is listening to my wants, needs, prayers.

Actually, a few are.

Let me explain.

Last year while antiquing in North Carolina I came across some vintage pyrex mixing bowls that were a set of multi-color bowls.

I fell in love with them and even though, I did not purchase them that day I could not get them out of my mind.

I mentioned them to my fantastic mother in-law and surprisingly Christmas morning, Santa Stace delivered them to me!

Yippee!

I was so excited! How did she find the exact ones! Turns out, she had them in her china cabinet and I had never noticed!
She also gave me these.
I love these for appetizer dips and for small leftovers.

Then after telling a friend about my "awesome" mixing bowls she mentioned that her sister had a similar casserole dish that she disliked that I would most likely love!

Score for me!

So this month, the above mentioned friend came to visit me, she arrived bearing gifts.

None other, than with the yellow casserole dish. Clear lid and All!

These things are like candy to me!

My in-laws came to visit that same week and also came bearing gifts.

Two more Vintage Pyrex dishes that she found at a local garage sale!

Who would throw/give these away!

They are heirlooms that can be passed down!

In my opinion.

I realize that most people do not get as excited about these as I do. But I am loving all of my vintage dishes.

They are circa 1950's.....

One square and one oval!

How fun!

I am so excited by all this COLOR!

I cannot wait to use all of these!

Someone WAS listening.

This made me realize that I am surrounded by wonderful people that feel I deserve gifts.

Thank you for all these splendid gifts and for all the great finds.

One man's trash is another's Jackpot!

I just found this blog completely dedicated to PYREX!

I'm in love!

Check it out, I want to decorate my "apt" in all Pyrex! I love all things vintage.

There is something to be said about things that have a story and have been around a while.

I am in love with all of the rooster, wheat, corn, patterns.

I've got to get more!

Love love love.

I know, I'm an old soul.

I can't help it!

Thank you again to all of you who love me enough to bring me Pyrex!

Love Vintage Pyrex Girl,
KHAK

Kitty Kat

2010-08-13T21:14:00.004-04:00

This week I have really been missing my Grandmother Kitty.

I am not sure if it is as I get older and realize how special the times were we had together or if it is because I am trying to begin the same traditions in my own family.

Together my grandparents were world travelers, Shriners, drinkers, and the life of the party.

The women still love Poppa with his harmonica in hand, he could easily have a new lady, but he chooses to cherish my grandmother and all her Pizazz.

She sure was a lady, my grandmother.

Her smile lit up the room and Poppa's musicality is one to envy.

They were the best together and the times we had were crazy, fun, and completely educational.

We learned:

How to snap green beans.

How to label our toothbrushes

Cereal is the Breakfast of champions

Pineapple calendars are the best

Always keep Coca-Cola in the fridge for a hangover

How to throw the best "tea party"

That Poppa naps after every meal, you must be quiet during this time

Always keep a AAA trash bag in the car for your "candy wrappers"

How to plan your meals two weeks in advance

How to read a Trip-Tik (do these even exist anymore?)

What trees are safe enough to climb and how not to get caught climbing the one's you're not supposed to climb

That Bush Light beer is good, or it's really cheap, either way it was always in the fridge (I'll have to ask Poppa about this)

To Always have two types of tea in the fridge- Sweet and UnSweetened or is it "really sweet" and "sort of sweet"?

Not to make the rocking chair bounce or the china cabinet will shake (oops, I did this a lot!)

That peanuts are a great snack especially the Planter's Honey Roasted!

That Lifetime movies Rock! and that WWE and WWF Wrestling is fake! (I almost cried when I found this out! haha!)

Keep the AC on high while traveling on road trips to help you stay awake, what? ( I was always FREEZING! I blame Poppa!)

That it's ok if you don't know anyone at your family reunion. You're family, so go give everyone a hug even if you don't know
them (this can be a bit odd for a 10 year old)

To treat your travel camper as if it is your home, still have "tea parties" every night and make your bed.

To sweep your outside rug under the awning of the camper. What? (It's outside it's ok if a piece of pine straw hits it, nope! Grandmother treated it like it was inside. Must sweep whenever one is bored.)

To always look busy while camping, so you do not have to do the above task. ;-)

To always have on lipstick and mascara no matter what! You never know when an unexpected guest may arrive.

That Avon boxes make great travel companions for covered dishes, so they won't spill. (Just the other night, I was wishing I had one to transport two dishes to a dinner party)

Avon apparently is the best product for no wrinkles. (I am pretty sure Grandmother had no wrinkles they day she passed, she was beautiful.)

That you must always have bubbles when you take a bath and of course they must be Avon brand!

I could go on and on.

I feel so great just writing all of this down.

We have learned so many things from her.

Momma, Aunt Debbie, Lisa, Amy, and I even though we are each a bit different we all share the most wonderful woman in the world.

She taught us how to value and cherish every thing you have no matter how much it cost, keep a nice house, and to always welcome guests.

Sound familiar?

I'm pretty sure each of us live by her rules, since we all love to entertain.

She was the best. I can't even explain it.

I decided to create a playlist of songs that remind me of her.
Each song has its own special meaning and memory behind it.
Rolling In My Sweet Baby's Arms Doc Watson and David Holt
On the Road Again Willie Nelson
Good Hearted Woman (feat. Willie Nelson) [Live] Waylon Jennings
Georgia On My Mind Willie Nelson
Crazy Patsy Cline
Always On My Mind Willie Nelson
I Love You Truely Sammy Kayne
Amazing Grace LeAnn Rimes
Bridge Over Troubled Water Aaron Neville
Come Up And See Me Sometime Mae West
I Believe In Santa Claus Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton

Do you have a playlist for your grandparents?

Music is my muse, so I am glad I created this so I can listen to it whenever I want to think of Grandmother and Poppa.

Grandparents are just the best and I hope one day I have a granddaughter blogging about how special her Khak was.

To family,
KHAK

Vanity or Creativity?

2010-08-12T21:44:00.005-04:00

In today's society we have many ways to express ourselves.

Instant Messenger ID names
Blog Names
Facebook Profiles
Vanity Phone Numbers
Vanity License Plates.

You name it, our country has a way for you to express yourself.

Have you ever considered your Wireless Network as one of these mediums?

Well, me either until this morning.

On my way to work this morning as I approached the stop sign at the end of my street, the wireless network of a neighbor popped up on my phone.

I have an iphone so of course it picks up networks for you to use as you leave your 3G network.

That's the technical part for those of you who have what I call "old school" phones.
(No offense to them, that's just what I refer to them as)

Anyhow, back to my story.

The name of the network that popped onto my phone screen was "FaceJugs"

Really? FaceJugs?

Do you really want all of your neighbors to know that you have named your wireless network "FaceJugs"

So strange.

On my street there are also the following wireless networks:

DeadBaron
Magnolia247
Dav
JFMBase
2Wire167
HippyLuv
Linksys

Diversity, right?

I guess variety really is the spice of life.

People are so interesting to me.

I am seriously considering walking door to door and asking people what motivated them to name their networks the way they did.

I am such a curious person when it comes to people's actions and motivations.

I know, I had a personalized license plate in my early driving years, but when I think about it now...I have no idea why I did.

Why would I want people to sort of know what my last name is? I don't consider this safe anymore.

For instance, "BethVB8" does not seem wise to use for a girl named Beth who lives in Virginia Beach on 8th Street.

You get what I'm sayin'?

Same for wireless networks, why did the one person put their address on theirs. I don't know, so people can stand on their porch and use their wireless?

Guess so...

I don't know, is it just me?

So odd. So weird. So strange.

What's your wireless network called?

Has this post motivated you to rename your network?

If not, it has at least given you the urge to snoop and see what your neighbors' networks are called.

I bet you are doing it right now?

Am I right?

Just askin'
KHAK

Ok, update on this post. This morning I found two more networks on my street.

Ching Chang Chong and Hallucinogenic Tiger

What?
This is getting more interesting.....

I waited 5 years for this?

2010-08-01T15:33:00.012-04:00

We consider ourselves "fly-by-the-seat-of-our pants" people so we woke up Saturday morning and headed out on an adventure.

I had a few things in mind that I wanted to accomplish along the way of our "local" road trip.

First, we headed to Myrtle Beach in search of a dump trailer for Aaron's landscaping biz. He found it on craigslist and wanted to see it in person.

Sounds good to me.

I on the other hand, said "ok, let's make a day of it".

You see, there is a "famous" barbeque joint in Holly Hill, SC that I have always wanted to go to.

In the five years that I have lived here the timing has never allowed me to visit this juncture.

I said, let's make a detour and head there after Myrtle?

We thought what the heck, ok.

This place is known for their all you can eat buffett as well as their sweet sweet tea and banana pudding.

You pay $0.71 extra for the puddin'. It must be worth it right?

We drove three hours out of our way to go to Sweatman's

The online reviews, plus personal references have proved that it is worth it.

Sweatman's is only 45 minutes from Downtown Charleston but since we took the scenic country route from Myrtle Beach, it was 3 hours out of the way.

As we drove into the quaint very small town of Holly Hill, Aaron started pumping me up about this place.

The fried chicken, the barbeque, the ribs, he went on and on and on.

We came around the bend of the country road.......

We found this....

and this.....

Holy heck!
You've got to be kidding me..
Of ALL the days that we could have picked to drive here, this is what we find. They close the last week in July every year.

A few locals let us in on that.

Aaron had talked this place up more than Wally World.

Aaron is known to act like Clark with his Christmas lights, crazy antics, and ridiculous outburts.

I wasn't sure how he was going to react.

We could not stop laughing while at the same time crying.

Plus, I was starving....

Aaron said "get out, I'm taking your picture!"

I could barely keep a straight face, we laughed so hard.

It had just started to rain and Aaron said "We're not leaving, we're gonna go peach pick'in.

In the RAIN!!!!

Ok, whatever, I said.

On we went.
As we arrived they were closing, so we came home with this instead.....
I can't even explain to you how good these are.
When we told the lady who owned the farm that we lived in the "city", she insisted that we buy some peaches.
Now, I know why!

These puppies are double the size of the ones we just bought at the grocery store.

Check this out. Look at the difference.

We decided that we are going to can some of these and we are actually going to do this the right way.

We went and got all of our canning supplies this morning.
Funnel
Canning Bath
Mason Jars
Fruit Fresh

We will be canning this evening so look out for a follow-up post.

This should be fun!
KHAK

PS. In case you didn't know I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason. We were meant to visit the peach farm for a reason. I'll explain later on that, but I will say that our future orchard plan is moving onward. Great ideas and influences were found yesterday!

Cheers to the road less traveled and an 8 hour car trip around SC!

Blind Date?

2010-07-29T12:14:00.003-04:00

Is a blind date really a blind date anymore?

With social networking at it's peak and the 500 Million users of Facebook, is it really appropriate to call it a blind date?

Cyber Stalking used to be just "goggling" a person, even yourself perhaps, but now the first place to find out the "juice" on someone is Facebook.

As you are sitting across the table from someone on the "first date", should you tell them that you already know their zodiac sign, their religion, and who they voted for in the 2008 Presidential Election?

What's the purpose of the first date if you have already researched this person like your high school term paper?

This is not fair, people.

Cupid is upset that you are not letting him choose your destiny.

Most of you are canceling the blind date before it even happens based on the "subjective" information you are gaining by googling and facebooking your potential date.

I see this as a major issue.

The date you just cancelled, could have been "the one".

Forget looks, opposites attract.

I know I don't take a good picture, so if I was being judged by my hideous profile photo, I would get cancelled on too.

Let's really make these dates blind and forget that we have access to the crystal ball.

The next time you have a blind date, promise yourself not to cyber stalk.

You may be surprised that you can't judge a book by it's cover, or is it "by it's Facebook profile".

Let go and let fate step in, you'll be surprised.
KHAK

Alfresco

2010-07-28T12:42:00.005-04:00

This time of year is just whimsical.

The fresh veggies everywhere, the different recipes to experiment with, and the good ol' sunshine!

Since discovering my new found love for cooking, I am always wanting to provide a tasty treat for friends and family.

Sunday we had a special day planned with two of our "like family" friends.

We had a long boat day planned so I took the opportunity to make the Mango-Pineapple Salsa recipe I have been so anxious to try.

It was the perfect treat for a long day on the boat.

The chill from being in the cooler was so divine, I couldn't have thought of a better treat at the time.

We were beginning to feel sun-kissed when I reached into the cooler to enjoy the little snack.

I attempted at making pita chips.

They were too chewy, but I know what mistake I made so next time they should turn out perfect.

I sort of feel sorry for all of our guests who become my guinea pigs when trying new recipes. They do not always end up perfect, but this salsa definitely hit the spot and I am definitely making this again.

YUM YUM.

The salsa recipe is linked to Charleston Outdoors Magazine

The pita chips recipe is from my book, The Beach House Cookboook

A great gift from my sister a few Christmas's back.

Cheers to the perfect Alfresco treat!
KHAK

Watch yo' mouth

2010-07-26T16:23:00.002-04:00

I am practicing something new this week and I am letting you know so that I can be held accountable.

I often mis-speak, speak out of turn, or say too much.

I also sometimes manage to do all three in the same conversation.

Shame on me.

I am too honest. As my sister's calls it, I am "honest Abe"

There is no holding back with me, that is, only after I have said what I should have not of said and then there you go....me trying to reverse my statement......

I can't tell you how many times a week, I lay in bed at night upset with myself for saying too much.

I believe this is my biggest weakness.

Uh. Why do I do this?

I know one should never apologize for honesty, but sometimes I put my nose where it has no business being.

I just realized that I offended a dear friend by insulting a purchase she made and although she says that I did NOT offend her, I feel that I should not have said anything in the first place.

What business is it of mine, to question her purchases, especially when she was having me over for dinner.

I sound like a real jerk, don't I?

Not this week.

This week I stand firm to not offer my opinion when it has not been asked.

Whew, this may be a long week.

To my dear friend, you know who you are. Please forgive me.

Disciplined,
KHAK

Juicy-Ness

2010-07-24T09:46:00.006-04:00

Last week while here

Here is the Eastern Shore of Va here our good friend Clinton gave us some tomatoes from his garden.

He has grown all types grape, cherry, large, small....yum!

Nothing makes me happier than fresh veggies.

I am anxiously waiting for the day that I get to have my very own garden.

Hopefully, it will be in the next decade.

My selling point is how much moolah I can save at the grocery store, aside from cereal which is highly over-priced, produce comes in second as the highest price point per unit.

*This is my own study, no official results have been collected so do not hold me to this.

Anyhow, I have told Aaron at least a half dozen times this week how I can't wait to have my "own" garden and be a farmer.

Back to the tomatoes.

Yum. Red. Juicy. Delish.

We put our Italian influence in motion.

Aaron loves making bruschetta/caprese salad on bread and makes it periodically.

It's so easy, but oh so scrumptous.

Small loaf of italian
fresh mozzarella
fresh basil leaves
the perfect tomato

Slice the loaf into thin slices, then toast in the oven for about 10 minutes @350 degrees

Cut mozzarella into small slices

Cut tomato into small pieces/cubed and put into small bowl, add a little fresh pepper and EVOO.

Rinse and break basil leaves into small pieces, add to tomato bowl.

Lightly mix/stir all ingredients.

After 10 minutes add the mozzarella to each slice, let melt a few minutes

As soon as you remove bread from oven.

Spoon tomato mixture on top of the melted mozzarella.

Finally, enjoy and relish in your creation.

This is a must-make recipe when you have a perfect tomato.

Chiao,
KHAK

Love Birds

2010-07-22T14:46:00.004-04:00

For some reason today I am feeling super in love and lucky to have my husband.

I periodically remind myself that I am married to Aaron ..... (not mentioning last name for privacy reasons, my blog is public)

I remember the days in junior high when I would play all the silly games telling me who I would marry.

The Apple Game:
I would twist the stem super hard in hopes that it will fall off at A for Aaron as I sang the alphabet. And if it didn't work the first time, I would twist super lightly the rest of the alphabet so I would make it to the second round, and I would make sure it fell off at the second A!

Any of you play that game?

And then there was..the house, mansion, shack game which supposedly told you your destiny.

That game just makes me laugh. MASH> we believed it though, didn't we?

At that point in my life, I believed that if I cheated a "little bit" I could determine my destiny and if I willed it, it would be.

So funny to think about now.

Then in high school came the more mature relationships and my life was sans Aaron.

I thought for sure, I was going to marry both of my high school sweethearts. Nope. Didn't happen, and for good reason too.

They are both great people, but were not a part of God's plan for me.

You see, I do believe that he has a plan, but I also know that I have a plan too!

Funny, me have a plan. Of course!

College came and went with me trying to fit a square into a round hole.

Sort of like the game I played with a 3 year old this past weekend.

It doesn't work.

This was my higher power telling me, to give it up. It was never going to happen.

Then, Aaron came back to me.

Whew, and thank goodness.

You see, all of my hoping he was "the one" in junior high, was accurate all along.

He was the one, but the timing was wrong.

Obviously, 13 is a little young for marriage, right?

At least in this country it is.

I am so blessed that things worked out the way they did.

We both constantly remind ourselves that we are married to each other.

We were just little kids dreaming of a life together when we were 13, not knowing it would come true one day.

My advice to anyone who is cheating a little bit when playing the romance games:

Let go, open your heart, and you will find your way.

In love with destiny,
KHAK

simple notions....

2010-07-20T20:43:00.007-04:00

Tonight as I cooked this recipe for White Turkey Chilli I realized a few simple truths.
I think I have admitted once or twice that my Mom is always right. Well, tonight I offer my notions about my grandmother Kitty.

She was always right too.

You see, the above recipe calls for me to puree a can of cannellini beans.

I immediately reacted the way I always do when I get to the difficult step that my eyes somehow missed when I glanced over the recipe when I first discovered it. Which is to say to myself, "Oh, sugarfoot!"

I really was not prepared to pull out the blender, clean the blender, you know that whole nine-yards.

I quickly remembered, "Oh yeah, I've got that little food processor Grandmother gave me for my wedding".

When she gave it to me she told me more than 5 times that she always gives this item as a wedding gift and she promised it would come in handy many times.

Of course, halfway through her story about how dandy this food processor/chopper was, I always went off into space and had those thoughts we all have when our outdated grandparents try to tell us something. We think "what do they know, they are not hip anymore?"

WRONG.

ABSOLUTELY WRONG.

She was so right.

I suggest you all go out and get one of these. (I have mentioned this in one other post when I made my homemade hummus)

This thing is the bomb-diggity.

Easy to clean, Easy to use, Easy to put away.

Perfection. Sweet Perfection.

I have one of those enormous awesome mixers for baking, cooking, making confections, but this little thing is the perfect kitchen item for quick simple recipes.

In and Out in a jiff!

My advice to you: Go get one of these pronto!

As I cooked dinner tonight, I decided to enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio and used this nifty glass.

I bought these at my favorite store in the world, Anthropologie

Aren't they purrrty?

I love Vintage glasses. You can drink juice, wine, water, anything at all in them. You can even eat ice cream in these.

Just wanted to share one of my loves.

PS. The White Turkey Chilli turned out so good, Aaron had two servings. He usually never has seconds so I know this recipe is a keeper. I froze the rest for a future last minute dinner option. This makes me smile. I love finding good recipes!

Night for now,
KHAK

Tick. Tock.

2010-07-19T21:44:00.004-04:00

This post is for educational purposes as well as your own entertainment.

I have had two run-ins with ticks this month already.

I am starting to wonder if ticks are a part of my destiny.

In the mountains of North Carolina for the July 4th holiday was where my first incident took place.

I am not sure if it was from the white water rafting trip, two morning hikes, or the dancing under the trees in the moonlight but somehow I managed to have one stuck into my waistline.

I immediately freaked because my fear of lyme disease is intense and often takes over me.

Luckily, it came off and left no "bulls eye" but I could not get it out of my mind, so a week later I went to get it looked at and to get tested.

They tested me for lyme disease and some other "mountain spider hee-bee-gee-bee"

Good news!

While, walking through the woods in Virginia this past Saturday they left me a voicemail to tell me it was negative.

Woo-Hoo!

Except, one big thing...while on this walk two ticks landed on me but I brushed them off so fast they barely touched me.

Aaron and I basically stripped down in the middle of the country and checked each other as soon as we were done.

We searched ears, backs, waists, etc....

Now that I think about this, this could have been a romantic opportunity but at the time it was more of a "you check me, I'll check you" type of moment.

HaHa.

Here's where we were......

"On a country road........."

Here are my tips....
-Wear long sleeves
-Spray all exposed areas as well as on top of your clothes
-Check yourself immediately after being in an area where you think you may be at risk
-Check all "nooks and crannies" they like ALL areas

If you do find a tick on you:

If the tick will not release from your skin, you may want to seek medical advice. Sometimes you have to use needles to get them out. (Note: I am not an expert)

Make sure you don't have a bulls eye around the spot where the tick was, if you do seek medical advice. This means it is infected.

Here's the kicker:
Aaron and I both have chiggers now! Awesome. I will educate you on chiggers at a later time.

For now just be glad you don't have chiggers. We are a little itchy itchy scratchy scratchy.

Peace,
KHAK

Don't even think about trying it twice.

2010-07-12T22:47:00.005-04:00

While in the waiting room of a doctor's office today, I decided to pick up the nearest reading materials.

The paper I picked up was named LowCountry Sun with their motto printed boldly stating for the young and active after 50.

I sort of hesitated and thought to myself, "why do I want to read this, this is not my age group?", but I did anyway.

My reading got pretty interesting as I turned the pages.

When I came across this article named "Senior Sex Guide", I couldn't help myself.

WOW! This article was hilarious!

The bad part, all I could think about was those family members in my life that happen to be in the category of young and active after 50.

Oh lordy!

This was just too funny!

Be sure to click on the photo to make it large enough for you to read. This is a MUST read!

Sorry, but I had to share.
KHAK

Porridge, anyone?

2010-06-26T10:41:00.005-04:00

You all have figured out by now that I am a little OCD, well a lot OCD, so of course I have a routine putting the house to sleep every night.

Because of my "quirks" I choose to be the "man of the house" and shut it down every night.

I am sure you are wondering what actually needs to be done, it can't be that hard right?

Well, yes and no.

I have to make sure both the front and back door are dead bolted, the appropriate outside lights are on or off depending on their location, let the dogs out one more time to go potty so they don't wake me @ 4:47am like they did today (that's for another day, another post), turn the light off in the kitchen, fill the dogs' water bowl, turn off all tv's, put the remotes back in their place of domain, fix the pillows on the couch that I know have somehow gotten out of place, etc.

So you get the point right?

Thursday night I forgot the most important step:

Putting the dog gate up!

OMG!

You have no idea how important this step is.

When this step doesn't happen, all hell breaks loose in my house.

A said as soon as he woke up and saw that Fraulein was not in her kennel, he knew we were in for some surprises.

You see, she is trained.

And when I say trained, she is not trained like Morgan. Well, no one is. Morgan had a special upbringing and great role models as far as how to be a good dog.

Fraulein on the other hand, not so much.

Her early years consisted of college daze and bachelor pads.

You get the gist right?

She was allowed on all beds, couches, and chairs.

That was before, I came along.

Thursday night she turned into Goldilocks from the GoldiLocks and the Three Bears story.

She tried out every resting place she could find.

The guest room bed, the couch, the other couch.

I wonder how many times she switched back and forth.

The life of a dog must be grande, well I know it is for this dog.

She left a trail of white hair on all furniture, so instead of drinking the porridge, she left hair as her evidence.

Geez. I forget one step of my routine and this is what happens.

This, once again proves that my nightly routine is not ridiculous, it is MANDATORY.

Here's to drinking the porridge and having your cup runneth over,
KHAK

Summer Fresh

2010-06-23T11:10:00.007-04:00

I have a had busy last few days. Mainly because I have had these two munchkins visiting me.

I have to say they are the sweetest two little girls in the world and they make the idea of two kids 18 months apart seem not too scary.

I guess the jury is still out for me, but if I am lucky enough to have girls like them, sign me up! Where's the sign-up sheet?

The saying "the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree" is correct and 100% accurate with these two.

They have the most amazing mother and friend to me who I often turn to for advice. They are super lucky to have her as their mother and will one day be amazing women just like her.

Moving on, a couple near and dear to our hearts shared their vegetable co-op with us this past week so we were spoiled and able to experience fresh local produce at our house.

Isn't this the most beautiful display of vegetables you have ever seen.

The colors excite me all on their own. I just adore all veggies.

Thanks Mom for making me eat them when I was growing up!

This got my head spinning thinking of new different ways to cook and consume FRESH produce.

I also just happened to come across an article in my Southern Living magazine that sparked my interest.

I have always wanted to can and make sweet pickles or pickled okra.

So, I decided to give it a shot. This reminds me of my Great Aunt Dee and my Great Grandmother Nanny Goat.

These women both seemed like Angels from Above to me. They were perfection in the kitchen and I always wanted to be like them, I just didn't especially like the prep-time involved when I was little. " Too much work", I always thought as a kid.

Now, I understand the process.

I found this recipe online.

It was described as simple and there you go. It had my name all over it.

I had to skip a step because not reading the details, I did not realize I needed special canning items. Such as a "hot water bath".

Apparently, canning is some serious business. They taste awesome and I can't wait to have them with a bloody mary, but because I skipped the "hot water bath" step, they will not last as long as a true canning recipe would. This means they will not last a year plus, but will last weeks. They will be gone before then anyway, so this is ok for now.

I am now on the hunt for some canning supplies.

Wish me luck @ my new amateur hobby.

Still needing to eat the veggies before they go bad.

I found a recipe on one of my favorite blogger's blog. Katie @ The Perks posted this recipe for Summer Succotash yesterday and I had everything I needed except the onion and corn so I went to the store and whipped this up last night.

I made a small adjustment to the recipe and added a dallup of my homemade pimento cheese! Yes, you said it.

It was yummy! Oo-La-La.

I just love cooking. It is becoming my newest hobby. I just feel bad for all of my closet friends and family who have to be my guinea pigs. It is sometimes hit or miss when you are trying something new.

Here's to trying new hobbies and Summer Fresh Produce!
KHAK

* Please note, I apologize for the poor picture quality. These were all taken from my iPhone. I am in the market for a small digital camera if anyone has any suggestions.

Once a CD user, always a Dork.

2010-06-16T11:52:00.003-04:00

On a recent trip to the Apple Store for my "Intro to your iPad for business professionals" class, I found myself being that annoying know-it-all. You know the ones, you want to slap.

Because they have either read the class material ahead of time or have had some sort of experience on the topic and love to brag to everyone else in class.

I did not find myself bragging, but I did however, nod in agreement to every thing the instructor said.

I nodded because I did know that everything he was saying was in fact, correct.

How to turn it on.

How to set-up your email.

How to order apps from iTunes.

How to move the icons to your liking.

I knew all of this since I own an iPhone and I own a MacBook.

Putting these two together, teaches a lot and is sort of like a pre-requisite for the iPad. It made sense naturally to get one and it was an easy addition to my electronics collection.

The other attendees were not in the same boat.

Of the 6 people in my class, two owned iPhones and the other 4 are still using rotary phones (haha) so it was an interesting class to say the least.

All of it, I knew and just shook my head in agreement.

I could not help myself, I am head nodder, I suppose.

Anyhow, when he finally began to speak on a topic I did not know.

My ears perked up and I stopped nodding.

Thank heavens for 7-Eleven.

I realized what I had been doing and I was sure the instructor was irritated by me.

Heck, I was irritated by me. I was wondering why I even came to the class and was just happy he was talking about something I did NOT already know.

My fellow classmates were asking me questions and talking over him because they perceived me as an expert.

Eww.. I did not like myself this way. Yuck.

The instructor began to speak about iWorks, for all you PC-users this is like Microsoft Works. Your typical word, powerpoint, excel but in Mac terms.

I had been wondering how I was going to get these programs onto my iPad.

Without hesitation and zero thinking, I yelped..."Yea, I have been wondering how I was going to get that CD into my iPad"

Simultaneously, holding my iPad in the air showing him that there is no insert for the CD-Rom.

The instructor busted out laughing and so did I.

People, there is no Cd-Rom on an iPad, it is not a PC. Hello!!!!!!!!!!

McFly, wake up and smell the coffee!

He quickly said,"Yup, great question"

You know he was thinking, "if you would just shut up, maybe I will tell you"

I could not stop grinning because although my statement was half a joke/ half my stupidity: I happen to laugh at my own jokes.

The answer to the ? is, you download the programs from the app store for $9.99/each.

What an easy solution.

I still think it would be way cooler if I could insert the Cd into it.

Oh well.

Once a CD user, always a Dork!
KHAK

Are you an inventory taker?

2010-06-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

Recently I had a conversation with a special person in my life and she expressed her disdain for an inventory taker in her life.

What do I mean by inventory taker?

Not this....

What I mean by inventory taker is- someone who takes score, remembers your mistakes, tells you your weaknesses, that sort of thing.

I know you all know one.

Sort of like, Jill Zarin on the RHONYC.

You know, that friend that wants you to write them a thank you note for them sending you a thank you note.

This concept makes me laugh, just thinking about it.

Inventory takers are exhausting and their motives are skewed.

I "used" to be great friends with an inventory taker and quite frankly the negatives outweighed the positives so I had to pry myself away from that friendship.

As a friend, you are not supposed to feel guilty if someone gives you a nice gift and you don't reciprocate.

How the h*ll are you supposed to know that the two of you are exchanging Halloween presents. I mean, come on.

I give gifts out of the kindness of my heart with no expecatations.

Inventory takers, are watching your next move waiting for you to make a mistake.

If you have 1 inventory taker or even 2 in your life.

Run. Fast.

Tell them to go stock the shelves somewhere else.

You have some shopping to do!
KHAK

Sometimes you just gotta......

2010-06-05T22:29:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just gotta:

Stay in on a Saturday night and BLOG

Let your spouse/partner be right, it's not worth the fight

Kiss your dog on the lips (I know I know some of you think this is gross. Not french kiss though like Jill Zarin from RHNYC)

Not make your bed (I am taking my own advice tonight and gonna try this again. My OCD'ness gets in the way and I have never successfully done this)

Go to your town's Saturday Farmer's Market (a must here in Charleston)

Buy an expensive piece of ART (you only live once)

Drink beer from a can (brings back memories, hey?)

Go without polish on your toes (it's like letting your toes breathe again)

Drink/Eat yourself silly, and then....

Give yourself a break, you can workout tomorrow

Realize that people are crazzzzzzyyyy!

Love your family, even when they make you crazy

Not wear make-up for an entire weekend

Hang with your friends, adult conversations are extremely important to all you Mommies out there!

Clean your house, ugh. No one likes it, but the results are stunning!

Go to the beach and not say a word to anyone. Just listen to the waves. Complete silence. My dream.

Have a homemade Pina Colada, holy yum! (A's are the best!)

Sing your heart out in the car with your windows down and not give a hoot if anyone hears/sees you

Give a hug to a friend

Volunteer! Don't forget to give back to your community

Stand up for your friends even when you know they are wrong

Wear your slippers out in public. (This seems to be popular in my house)

Buy a $30 lipgloss or $60 candle (just make sure you actually use them, don't save them for a museum display)

Realize your Mom is right (sometimes) ;-)

Pray. (Amen)

Read a trashy magazine (ie. celebrity gossip) and not feel bad about it.

Breathe. 1-2-3, 1-2-3

Watch the sun rise. Magic.

Watch the sun set in Key West, Fl. The best.

Yell really loud.

Admit when you are wrong. (I find this a very wonderful trait for someone to have)

AND...for all you men out there...

Burp!

and................................

Fart!

Laughing at my own humor.

Peace,
KHAK

Kids say the darndest things!

2010-06-02T21:31:00.004-04:00

Today is National Running Day so I decided to torture my body and run for the first time in a while.

As I geared up, earphones and all, the "kids" next door ran up to me outside of my house and yelled, "Ms. Kelly where are you going?"

Note: Kids= three sisters next door, plus 5 cousins. A mix of girls and boys.

Shanasia, Aailyah, Angel, Jamal, Windell, Maya, Ti'neece, and Jamaya.
Whew, that's a lot of kids!

I said, "I'm going running"

Jamaya, who rarely speaks says "Why you goin' runnin" you're skinny!"

I immediately love this child even more than I did two seconds before her praises towards me.

HAHA!

I literally started laughing and said, "well sometimes you just gotta run. thank you though!"

She smiled and said "You're welcome Ms Kelly".

Then she wrapped her arms around me and asked if I had a lollipop for her.

Funny thing, I gave her a lollipop two years ago and she always asks me this.

I appreciate her hugs and all, but she definitely associates with me as the candy lady.

I was about to lecture the kids on the fact that even though she thinks I'm "skinny", it's not just your weight but your heart and you have to keep it moving.

I smiled to myself and thought, no way.

Today I am duty-free of having to teach these kids a lesson.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for them and I know they are in no mood to hear about how to live a healthy lifestyle, the fact that they should read for 30 minutes before bedtime, or how they need to be more kind to each other, after all Family comes first.

They are frankly so sick of my life lessons it's a mystery to me that they still knock on my door every evening when I get home from work.

As I started down the road for my evening exercise, the kids waved me off and yelled "have fun Ms. Kelly".

These kids are a trip. I love them.

I love the way they make me smile and they remind me how the sweet little things in life can completely transform your day.

I highly suggest that you all go out and befriend a fews kids.

They're the best!
KHAK

quit yo' b*tchin'

2010-06-01T12:36:00.004-04:00

True Story:

A young handsome husband decides to take his bride on a boat booze cruise on a HOT afternoon on the Copper River. After gearing up the boat all day and getting it "pretty" for his wife he is excited, yet has a premonition that something may go wrong.

You see, this is the first boat ride of the season and he knows he has been working to get it in tip-top shape. He also in the back of his mind, remembers that he made a deal with his lady that he would not include her in the first ride of the season in fear that something may go wrong.

Several reasons why attached here:
First, He doesn't want her to be bothered with being stranded on the river if something were to happen
Second, He doesn't think he could handle it if some thing did happen due to her constant bitching and asking how could this happen
Finally, refer to the second reason.

OK, on to the story.

So, everything is grand. They are smiling and laughing on the way in the truck. They make a special trip the Teeter to get the cold beverages of their choice.

The boat ramp isn't too packed. It's hot as heck but they are happy as clams to be together and pretty stoked about the fact that they are about to embark on an epic first of the season booze cruise together.

All is fabulous in the world of this couple.

Not for long.

Not five minutes into their glorious ride the man says, "Did you hear that, the engine doesn't sound right?"

She immediately looks at him and says, "Sounds fine to me"

She did not think it was fine, but she decided to be positive (her role in the relationship) and keep her mouth shut.

In 2 seconds flat, the engine dies.

She looks around and thinks "No flippin' way".

She tries not to say anything. She tries so hard and it just comes out.

She fastly and sarcastically says out loud, "I don't understand, how could this happen? You've been working on the thing all day. Why would we come out here if this could possibly happen?"

She thought. Insert foot here. She needed masking tape for her mouth, but it was already too late.

I cannot say his response because this is a PG story. Well, maybe PG-13.

She realizes she has just set the tone for the rest of the day. If she would have only kept her mouth shut.

They were in the middle of the channel and the current was pulling them pretty quickly.

He drops the anchor in attempt the keep the boat from moving into the channel any further.

It doesn't work. The depth of the water is above 45 feet, the rope is too short for waters this deep. He brings in the anchor quick and grabs the paddle.

That's right. The paddle.

The cute cute man paddles and paddles and paddles and paddles.

The wife wishes she could help, but there is only one paddle.

She is concerned for his back and his foot. She feels helpless while at the same time sits back, enjoys her cocktail, and admires her husbands dedication to his boat and her.

She realizes he is trying to make it right and for her to be happy as quickly as possible.

She begins to cheer him on. "Go baby go! You got it. Keep going"

The closest public dock is nearly impossible to get to because of the current.

After many attempts to get other boats' attention. She blows the whistle loud enough for a boat at the private club to hear.

They wave them over and a family of three boys and an old chocolate lab save the day.

They agree to tow the couple back to their public ramp they launched from.

What nice people? she thinks to herself.

The man reminded her much of her deceased dad. Croakies around his neck, yellow shorts, and a tan to die for. She thinks it first and then says it out loud to her husband.

How quickly, her mind raced back to her childhood and the days on the boat with her dad.

She began to smile and realized this was a story. This was not a bad day on the water, this was plain ol' fun.

As she came back to future time in her mind, she realized her husband was doing all he could to satisfy her and she felt an overwhelming feeling of peace.

You know, peace love and happiness.

That kind.

As they approached the ramp, the professional boat towing company pulled up next to them and yells to the family helping, "You're taking my business away from me!"

He was being funny, but it was true.

He was towing a much larger vessel. The kind that looks like it should never break down. You know, the 80 g's kind, the mansion kind. Heck it was a fishing boat that looked like a yacht.

They all sort of smiled at each other knowing they had all been through hell and back. Breaking down and all that comes with it.

There were four breathing beings on the other boat. A man, two women, and a springer-spaniel.

The adults were in their mid-60's, as southern as they come, and as distinguished as a glass of sherry.

They were nice and glad to be at land. The dog was so happy it jumped off the boat onto the pier and ran until no one could see him anymore. His name was Beaufort.

As the wives stood together watching their husbands get the boats onto their trailors.

The young wife said to the other two ladies "I just don't understand why this happens"

The one older lady said "Honey, just be glad he wasn't by himself (sounded like heemself, with the southern draw)"

The young wife responded back "He said he wished he had been by himself"

The lady chuckled, "Because you were bitchin'. Quit yo' bitchin and he'll want you around"

The young lady laughed because she knew she was right.

The lady said once again "Listen to us old ladies, and quit yo' bitchin!"

She laughed knowing that even though she had just met these two older ladies, they knew her to a T. Why? Because they used to be her and they knew they didn't get anywhere complaining.

The young lady could not help but laugh.

She got in the car lauging and her husband wanted to know what was so funny. She told him the story and he said, "They really said that to you?"

She said, "Yea, and they are right"

The husband laughed in spite of all that happened. He knew his wife had learned a lesson and maybe she would officially quit her bitchin' on the water.

captive audience

2010-05-28T11:26:00.005-04:00

I know I am going to upset a few readers today, so I just want to put it out there that this is based soley on my opinion and I am OK with anyone that does not agree with me.

(Differences in opinion are the spice of the life, they allow us to see things through another lens and I appreciate the moments when I realize I may have been looking at something completely wrong)

Ok, so on to the purpose of my post.

I waited a day to write this because I feel like yesterday the TV watching audience of the US needed a little bit of time to digest the results of American Idol.

I have come to the conclusion of a few things.

I am the type of person who really likes to figure things, people, and results out.

I am simply astonished that the US chose LEE has the American Idol. Not, because I don't like him.

BUT, because CRYSTAL blew him away on final performance night.

HOWever, the DWTS's audience got it right by voting NICOLE the winner.

She WAS the best dancer on the show, and all other factors aside. She deserved to win.

How can it be that the viewing audience got it right for DWTS and NOT for AI.

Here's my hypothesis.

The audience is the number one factor. Their life experiences and realistic views are what makes the difference in voting patterns.

You may still be confused, but here it is in simple terms.

American Idol's fan base is much younger than DWTS.

My parents used to watch both, but they are much more devoted to DWTS.

Sorry, Mom if I just threw you under the bus. But it's true.

She and my Dad are baby boomers.

Which makes them much wiser, more experienced and REALISTIC.

It's easy for the DWTS voters to honestly say, "ok, she's the best, I'm voting for her".

Not, the case with AI's voters.

AI's voters are for the most part aged 12-44, I'm guessing here.

This age group still lives in LA-LA land and ALWAYS votes for the underdog.

I don't get this.

I mean, we all know they both will have great careers but shouldn't there be some sort of recognition for kicking some major A$$ final performance night?

Crystal was ridiculously good, gave me goosebumps, and moved me to tears.

Not so much for Lee that night.

I love the guy, think he's great.

BUT!!!!!!!

He did not win in my eyes on performance night.

Here's my bone to pick.

The AI voters did the same darn thing last year with Chris Allen. Again, love him too!

BUT, Adam Lambert was the winner from Day One and he should have WON that freakin' title.

Again, sorry with the caps and the frustration.

I just don't get it.

Life is not all fairytales and roses.

The person who IS the best, should win. Not the guy who needs the sympathy vote.

I am stern when I say, I believe this whole-heartedly.

We sure as heck don't vote for our President because we feel sorry for them, do we?

Sympathy votes. Should NOT count.

This is one life, and I personally only want to win an award because I deserved it, not because someone feels sorry for me.

Not feeling sorry for myself,
KHAK

PS. I bought "Falling Slowly" with Crystal and Lee on itunes and it's awesome!

Side-tracked

2010-05-25T13:21:00.005-04:00

Today I had an orthodontist appointment, I know how old am I?

Sometimes adults have to go for maintenance issues ie. my permanent retainer broke and $120 later, all is good in the Land of KHAK's mouth!

Hooray, my teeth are straight and I should be good for at least another 2 years for my next repair.

Since my appointment only took 20 minutes flat, I decided it was NOT a coincidence that TJ MAXX is a hop, a skip, and a jump away from my doctor's office.

Background information: I have always heard that Tuesday mornings are the best time to go there since their weekly deliveries arrive on Tuesday mornings.

SSShhhh.....this is top secret

You have to promise you will not tell a soul, except your shopping buddies.

I decided I had to take advantage of this situation!

I had to, I had to I tell ya!

I have a little bit of predicament in which I hate all of my work clothes and quite frankly I am sick of wearing all black every day.

I have no idea how my closet got this way, but I apparently have a love affair with BLACK and I need to end it really fast.

Like, today!

I scored so big today!

There is a reason for this being their slogan....

I found lots of great tops for work and a few loungin' weekend shirts too!

Wahoo!

One shirt I liked was Made in China, so I put it back. More on that later.

I bought 7 shirts for $125.

Not bad Not bad.

Although, every day when I check my bank account the money that I keep expecting to magically appear has not yet, so I cannot be spending too much!

I justify this purchase by the simple fact that I NEED Summer tops and I did not buy anything else.

No skirts, purses, shoes. Although I saw a few I would have liked to have purchased.

I also was super close to purchasing this awesome Lacoste Beach Towel for $14.99.

I may go back and get that puppy. Beach towels are expensive and I loved this one with alligators on it.

If you ever get the chance to visit your local TJ's on Tuesday morning, tell 'em KHAK sent ya!
KHAK

nice sentiment

2010-05-22T17:23:00.004-04:00

On a random night out with one of my best gal pals we began to discuss the friends in our lives and one specific gentleman came to mind. I don't remember how or why exactly we were talking about this person, but that's not the point.

The below statement was made about this friend of mine.

"He's got wings under his shirt"

This is in reference to angel wings in case you are wondering ;-)

What a nice sentiment, right?

Yes, of course.

The thing is, it's true.

This man is one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Never says a bad thing about anyone.

And would stand in front of a bus for me and my family.

Are these sentiments meant to be kept a secret or should I tell this person how awesome I think he is?

A little life dilemma of whether or not to tell a friend how great they are and how they have shaped and infuenced your life.

I make a point to always tell loved ones in my life how great they are, should I do the same in this instance?

Do you have a friend who has "wings under their shirt"?

If you do, you are a lucky son of a gun.

I know I am.

Here's to friends,
KHAK

Aaron wanted in on the fun!

2010-05-21T11:28:00.003-04:00

This is the closest thing to a guest post I can offer today. Many bloggers (the ones with um-teen followers) often have guest bloggers post on their blog.

It offers a sense of camaraderie and support of one another's work.

My version of a guest post is one the husband requested.

Although, I am doing the typing, he "sort of" asked if I could blog about this specific subject.

Have you ever made the mistake of taking out steaks, meat, etc to thaw out for dinner, all the while you have leftovers from the night before that need to be eaten.

There is nothing worse than wasting food, in my opinion and current economic status. Our household cannot only afford to waste food, but we also do not like to due to those suffering from hunger in other countries.

One beautiful, warm night this week, Aaron had this same dilemma.

He took out a rib-eye steak for himself and a piece of chicken for me to thaw out before he remembered he had Papa John's pizza leftover from the night before.

Once he realized this, he knew he had to come up with a solution fast on how not to waste either one of these food items.

In Aaron's world, you do NOT waste PIZZA! It is a sin to do so.

So, he came up with a pretty nifty pizza that involves bbq sauce and rib-eye steak.

Genius!

I tasted it and it was superb.

Rib-eye steak is not tough and it was so delish on the pizza.

Aaron was so proud of his Pizza recipe, he will most likely make it again.

A great way to not waste his leftover pizza!

One point for Aaron!
KHAK

Joke of the day

2010-05-20T15:45:00.004-04:00

I cannot resist sharing this with my readers. I really needed this today to help with my headache and all around frantic working this week. This is super funny and had me giggling super loud at work. Enjoy!

HInt: If you click on the photo it will be larger for you to read.

Do you know me?
KHAK

Twenty-four hours to THINK.

2010-05-17T13:17:00.002-04:00

It has been 24 hours since our stingray incident and I have been doing a lot of thinking since then.

One, how can I get the word out to other beach goers that this (stingray attacks) is a concern?

Two, how can I thank/find the nice couple who carried Aaron to the car while I packed the surfboard, beach chair, beach bag, etc.?

Finally, why in the world did we have to ask for help? and why were the four cute girls getting a suntan not concerned about us as I was sprinting back to our chairs to get a towel to wrap Aaron's foot? Couldn't they tell something was wrong as I was running and Aaron was screaming?

I really want to be able to thank the nice couple walking on the beach for helping us. I was in panic mode and I needed help getting Aaron to the car and getting the car packed. Thank goodness we were parked really close to the public walkway and that we did not have that much stuff with us. I literally threw every thing in the car as the nice couple helped Aaron into the car.

I want to find a way to thank them. They helped me so much by taking care of Aaron, so that I could get the car packed.

Aaron mentioned to me last night, that he noticed a group of beach goers coyly laughing at him.

What has happened to our society?

How dare we try and mess up their sun time. Not one person came up and asked us if he was alright, if we needed help, NOTHING.

I am astonished in how people can be so self-absorbed.

I wonder if the same thing would have happened if I would have drowned?

Would Aaron be able to get help or would the hippy-mind set of Folly beach have sunk in and the people sitting there remained seated.

I know that we are all strangers on the beach, but I also know that we are all ONE community.

Come one. What ever happened to "Love thy stranger"

Ok, I made that commandment up, but I do know that I practice what I preach.

AND I also know, that I will always ask someone if they need help especially at the beach.

I have read several articles that past few years about how our society "looks the other way" nowadays in hopes to not get involved in incidences.

That's crazy to me. I will not sue you, nor will I blame you for helping.

Be a volunteer.

Don't be lazy.

and for goodness sake, lend a helping hand because you never know when you will be on the receiving end.

Peace and OUT!
KHAK

story of pictures

2010-05-16T21:23:00.016-04:00

WOW! What a day...

Do you guys remember Highlights the magazine?

This was my favorite thing to look forward to every month growing up.

One of my grandmothers bought me the subscription every year and I loved it.

Specifically, I love the story of pictures.

I always "cheated" and skipped ahead to the story of pictures.

They were so fun and interesting to me.

Here's an interesting story for you.

My story of pictures:

Today

after having our morning coffee

The husband and I decided to go to the beach

I brought my book
and Aaron brought his surf board

We set out on our way and listened to a little bit of Kenny with the sun shining brightly on our drive

After I read for a little bit, Aaron wanted to show me how to paddle...

and maybe do a little bit of this....

Our fun time was rudely interrupted after Aaron was greeted with one of these

and one of these entered his foot

Which then caused him to do this...

all the way to this

After one of these,

well actually two shots in the butt and one in his foot

The doctors had Aaron do this

in HOT HOT WATER

It was the only thing that made him not scream and moan.

It was terrible and I felt so helpless.

After three hours and lots of drama queen

moments from the husband

(the doctor said everyone reacts as crazy as Aaron did, he was seriously saying every word under the sun, along with ''Christ Almighty". That one came out a lot)

We came home with some of these

Which he hates by the way. ( he never takes antibiotics).

These are to avoid an infection.

Once we got home and settled in he wanted this

from his favorite Mexican joint. So off I went to fetch his dinner.

I hope you enjoyed my story of pictures.

After researching our unexpected incident. The stingrays are out early this year and Florida was swarmed with them a month ago.

Also, the urgent care we went to said Aaron was their second sting of the season. Seems kinda early, doesn't it?

Tips to remember:
If you find yourself in this situation do not delay seeking medical attention.

Wrap your foot and apply pressure until you can get medical attention

To stop the pain asap, soak your foot in HOT HOT Water with White Vinegar. This helps to release the venom from your body.

Accept the pain medicine offered, you will need it.

Xrays are important to make sure the barb is not still in your foot. The barbs have a reverse hook and can sometimes require surgery to be removed. For this reason, be careful removing the barb on your own.

Thank you to the Doctor's Care on James Island. They were so nice and extremely helpful and understanding of Aaron's foul language.

Happy Sunday!
KHAK

variety is the spice of life

2010-05-13T12:32:00.005-04:00

My intent of today's post was to fill your brains with a lot of tips/resources for you as you walk this journey we call, life.

From saving money to making every day count, I hope I can add a little "FLAIR" to your day.

A few things you mat not know that I want to share with you:

1. If you have an American Express card you have access to early ticket purchases on ticketmaster.com for performances/concerts, etc. Typically, a week earlier than the usual ticket date you can purchase tickets. I have used this before and it was great! I was able to get the hubby and I, really great seats for John Legend. I am not supporting going out and getting an Am/Ex card. Lord knows, we all have too many CC, but if you already have one you NEED and MUST take advantage of this premium offering.

2. Today Subway had FREE BREAKFAST from 7-11am. A special promotion to push their new breakfast menu. The English Muffin was superb with egg whites and the coffee was great! Seattle's Best is strong and bold. Loved it. A new healthy breakfast option for those of you on the run.

3. This weekend I urge you to take advantage of the FREE scenery in your town. For those of you on the Coast, the beach is FREE, but SPF is NOT. DO NOT FORGET THIS, especially since it is the beginning of the beach season and your skin has been in hibernation mode. SPF SPF SPF!!!!!!!!

4. New restaurants are popping up everywhere in Charleston and they probably are in your town too. Commercial real estate is down so business owners are taking advantage of good lease options. Go ahead and support local. You are rewarding yourself and your community by getting the commerce flowing. Bon appetit and Salute!

On to other random things.....

Do you make the coffee in your house or does your significant other?

Mine recently decided to give up coffee for a bit.

No reason given but whatever.

I am upset about this because in exchange for him making the coffee every morning, I make the bed, dust the house, vacuum the house, etc. etc. you get the point.

His daily chore is to make the coffee and mine is to make the bed.

Why is he allowed to abandon his? I need answers and I mean quick.

When he told me he was no longer going to drink coffee, "he said are you ok with that?"

I said "yes, because you are still going to make coffee for me".

He laughed and said "that was not the answer I was expecting"

He should not be able to forgo this do you think?

I have not had coffee made by him in 2 weeks and I am starting to get irritated. Strangely enough, I have noticed that has been making himself lattes instead.

Um, hello? What's up with that Mister?

I am thinking this behavior needs to be put to a halt.

Am I overreacting? Or am I right?

Not only is my coffee fix delayed each morning, but I am having to spend $$ too!

Do I need to go on that Marriage Show? This would be a good argument to fight.

Ugh, irritated.

Still love him though.

Other things random.

In a recent phone call with my sister, she mentioned to me that "according to Oprah" she is overdue for a new pillow?

I love Oprah and all, but since when did she hang the moon?

Maybe Aaron is right.

She is the next brainwashing leader to hit the Free World?

We now have no phone zones (I do support this), we have Dr. OZ (that's all I'll say about that), we have Dr. Phil (he annoys me), and she has become the most influential person in the world (according to me).

I really do adore Oprah.

My point is that, my sister is the last person I would ever think would listen to what Oprah says.

Especially about when it is time for her to buy a new pillow.

Too funny.

Just had to share.

Question of the day: How often do you buy new pillows? Another recent friend mentioned to me that she needs to buy new pillows too. How do you measure this need? Is it time lapsed, softness, odor?

just wondering....

Happy Sleeping,
KHAK

MIA for a week...

2010-05-11T11:36:00.002-04:00

So so sorry for being MIA for seven days. I needed to experience my trip without the thought of online networking, decompose for a few days, and then share my emotions with you all at a later date.

As you know I went home to Virginia to say goodbye to Oceanfront Dance Company. After 15 long years, the show will go on, but with different leading ladies.

Things happen for a reason and God knows where we should be and he puts us there even if we don't want him to.

After a few days to think, review, and love; this is what I learned:

1. I love seeing friends experience new journeys. Congrats to the Millers and their beautiful new house. Can't wait for a pool day.

2. I never thought I could love my friends' children as much as I do. I am so in love with all of them.

3. Family is and will always be NUMBER ONE. I already knew this, but it is important to be reminded.

4. My friends are like FAMILY, so they are number one too!

5. My Sister is amazing. There is no way to describe her. If you don't know her, I suggest you go find her. She has a little free time now. She loves going to the beach so you might find her there.

6. I love the special bond my sister has with my friends. This is important for 2 reasons. My sister knows why my friends are my friends. And my friends know why my sister is my best friend.

7. Pretty sure I've talked myself out of my need to be a school teacher. After the hellacious dance parents I had to deal with this weekend, I'm done needing to fulfill that prophecy.

8. Mr. Dance Dad, your daughter's dance recital is just as important as your son's soccer game. He has 25 games a season, your daughter has been preparing for her ONE recital for 10 months. Let's get that straight. Do not underestimate the power of a dance class. (Can you tell one dad made me a little angry? I need to let go of this but I am still not liking this man.)

9. No Dance Mom will ever make me cry again. Last year she was a b*tch and made me cry, this year she was a b*tch and I just laughed at her. "No one's gonna bring me down. oh oh ooo..."

10. Dance parents don't get it until they see the show. Then somehow they forget all the hard work by the beginning of classes again. I guess that's just the way the cookie crumbles. Oh well.

11. 50% of parents appreciate me, 50% don't. AND that's ok. 50/50 isn't bad.

12. My sister uses me as the "messenger" so her dancers will hate me and not her. She's a smart girl, because I don't mind. That's what I'm there for. (example, I had to tell Advanced Co. they could not have their hair swinging in their face and no fly-aways. They did not like my announcement, Sorry.!) "Whatever happened to dippity-do?"

13. My nephew has no idea how much I love him. It is impossible for him to know, hopefully one day he will understand when he is not 15 and "too-cool for school".

14. My Cousin Lisa makes me smile inside and out. She is a beautiful person and I love her.

15. Mother's Day is special in so many ways. I miss my Gee-Gee but I know she was there watching on Sunday. I am pretty sure she is upset that Amy didn't dance in the recital. I am confident that will be the first thing she will say to Amy the day she arrives at the pearly gates. I can hear her now. She still makes me laugh just thinking of her.

16. All things must come to an end, and all things must also BEGIN.

Cheers to the next journey. I can't wait to see what it is.
KHAK

Letter to my Sister

2010-05-04T22:02:00.004-04:00

Big Sis,

The day has come for you to end a chapter, reach the end of the road, or simply said it's the end.

However, I don't think so.

This is just the beginning.

It's only just begun, my friend.

The man upstairs has so much more in store for you.

Everything you touch turns to GOLD and the world needs more leprechauns like you.

You are a genius choreographer, superb role model, and exquisite example of a person who knows how to "keep the faith".

You showed me how to love myself, enjoy each moment, and spread my wings.

I mean come on, there was a time when I was afraid to order a bloomin' pizza over the phone and Now there's a time where I moved two states away all for love and I never once questioned myself because of you.

All because of you.

You taught me how to trust myself and most of all, always be TRUE to oneself first and then TRUE to everyone else.

As we approach the end/middle/beginning or whatever the heck you want to call it, I have a few quotes that I would like to share with you:

First, a funny one. Love-it!

In the end we're all Jerry Springer Show guests, really, we just haven't been on the show.
Marilyn Manson

An intellectual one.

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
Winston Churchill

One that's deep, but makes sense.

What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.
T. S. Eliot

A self-reflection one.

What appears to be the end of the road may simply be a bend in the road.
Robert H. Schuller

One that truly makes the most sense and reminds me of you and the faith you have in God putting you in the right place.

I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.
Douglas Adams

One that explains what life is all about.

Wisdom begins at the end.
Daniel Webster

Last, one that makes me smile knowing you are the best doggone Ballet Teacher the girls at Oceanfron Dance Company will ever have. Their lights shine bright because of you and none of your dancers will ever forget the soul you bring to a dance class.

Most of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. (Dance) Teachers have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives.
Andy Rooney

Ok, so I edited the last one a little bit, but who's watching.

Well, you don't want me to start that list.

Nanny Goat, Daddy, Capt.T., Gee-Gee!

"Can I get an AMEN? AMEN."

I love you more than my words here can describe.

Cheers to you and the family you have raised at ODC.

See you on the stage,
KHAK

What's in a name?

2010-04-30T11:55:00.003-04:00

The definition of GodMother according to Wikipedia is:

Traditionally, godparents were informally responsible for ensuring the child's religious education was carried out, and for caring for the child should they be orphaned. Today, the word godparent might not have explicitly religious overtones. The modern view of a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development.

What does a GodMother or Father mean to you? and I don't mean this one:

My husband has the best GodMother ever. She sends a card for every holiday, always gives Aaron and I really generous holiday gifts, calls to check in when we are in town, always offers a big hug to us both when we see her, and most importantly is honestly interested in our life in Charleston and asks about our hopes and dreams.

She is the sweetest. Let's just call her Mrs. J.

Her husband is also pretty awesome. He is the quiet type, but with the best Smile and a great laugh.

I have not told you the best part about Mrs. J yet.

She makes her own cards.

Yes, she is crafty and oh so talented.

She recycles invitations, cuts them up, and creates her own card for you to go with your gift.

For my bridal shower she used the invitation to the shower for my card.

She cut it up re-used the letters, graphics, etc and voila a new card was born and there you go!

The first time she did this for me, I felt something familiar. As I looked closer I realized what she had done and everyone at the party was amazed.

The card got passed around and placed next to the invitation as a comparison.

I have tried to use her crafty idea a time or two, but I don't even think the recipient even noticed. After all that hard work and no recognition. Bummer.
(I must have not done a good enough job.)

This idea is very time consuming, atleast for me. I struggle in the arts and crafts department, but worth it.

I think we all like to know that someone took the time to make us smile. So the next time you receive an invite that you covet, turn it into your own masterpiece and make someone smile.

Cheers to Mrs. J and other God Parents for the responsibility they hold.
KHAK

a litte bit of this and little bit of that

2010-04-29T14:30:00.006-04:00

I have A LOT to say today. Wow, what a day it has been already.

1. Last night, I celebrated my 3rd Wedding Anniversary and it was so wonderful. I love the man I married.
This is where my husband took me to dinner. They catered our wedding so it was a meaningful choice.

2. A Little story about my trip to the bank today:

Bank Teller: Mrs. Stace would you like a copy of your balance today?

Me: No thanks. I'm good.

Bank Teller: Oh ok, with a half smile

Me: I already know it's low so I don't need a reminder.

Bank Teller: (busts out laughing)....Yeah, I feel your pain. I'm glad we get paid tomorrow cuz' I'm scraping by

Ok, so obviously the bank teller and I had a "moment" there didn't we?

She probably gave up too much information about herself, but basically she knows everything about me!

I have always felt like Bank Tellers know the secrets of the world since they know how much money everyone has. It's almost like they know the answers to the questions that no one else knows.

Does that make sense, what I'm saying?

Since I keep most of my accounts with a particular bank, I bet you this bank teller
Could..
A. Guess my credit score
B. Tell the world where I buy my groceries
C. Tell if I have a 6 month emergency fund saved up

I always feel completely exposed when I go into the bank.
Am I the only one, Please tell me I'm not..........

3. I need to piggyback on yesterday's post.
As I was receiving all of your comments, I began to think what do you think the equivalent of a "BAD HAIR DAY" for a man is?

Any guesses....

I was thinking and I can't think of much...which leads me to believe Men definitely got the good end of the stick.

What's up with that?

They don't have bad hair days
They have no idea what dealing with a monthly menstrual cycle is like
They don't have to carry a baby for nine months and then deal with trying to lose the baby weight.
If they did have to carry a baby for nine months, they wouldn't worry about losing the baby weight
They feel ok if they leave their house without make-up on
They don't have to wear high heels to feel sexy...

I mean, come on. The list goes on and on.

I am going to take a wild guess and say:

Men's equivalent to a bad hair day is forgetting to put on deodorant.

I don't have a clue...

OK, so this is a challenge...

Go ask the first man you see and ask them what is a "bad hair day to them"?

Then, post your response in the comments section.

I can't wait to see the answers...

Signing out with an ok hair day!
KHAK

It's in the (H)air!

2010-04-28T11:32:00.004-04:00

A recent poll done by Shop Smart Magazine a division of Consumer Reports found that 44% of women say their mood has been affected by a bad hair day. .

Can you believe this?

Of course you can.

Why, because you've had a bad hair day yourself. And If you say you haven't, you are LYING!

In case you readers did not know, I am attempting to grow my hair out.

In high school, I had long hair but every time it grew to my "bra strap line on my back"
(this was always the goal, and apparently still is because I still look to see how far I have to go. Silly, I know.)

I would cut it. I don't mean trim, I mean butcher.

I am not sure why this phenomenon existed, except that it really p*ssed my Mom off, so being a teenager in all, maybe that's why I did it. Who knows?

Anyhow, I feel like I have been growing and chopping off for my entire life. As soon as I grow it out, I chop it to my chin.

I have used:
Mane and Tail for horses to make it grow.
Spiral Permed (that was a long long time ago)
Used the Crimping Iron
Created the wave bangs of the 80's that took 30 minutes to construct with a half bottle of hairspray

I have even contemplated purchasing the hair dryer that costs about $500 but straightens and dries your hair in two minutes.

Geesh, hair is time consuming and irritating!

I hate my hair and the first invention I would invent if I was a magician, would be for me to step into a round-tubular machine, spin around a few times and voila my hair is dry and styled.

I have also asked my hairdresser on numerous occasions if she would like to come live with me so she can blow-dry my hair for me every day.

This would be quite expensive, but her skill vs. mine. Hands down is superb. I need help!

This brings me to my point.

Well, a few points.

One, my hair does not seem to be growing and I am going back on Monday and seriously contemplating telling her to chop it.

(Again, my Mom would still be P*ssed, even though, I have not lived under her roof for 13 years. She still thinks she is in charge, well we will let her think this, right?)

Second, I am an idiot!

Why, you ask?

Well, yesterday when attempting to dry my hair, the hair dryer fell on the floor and busted open.

Out came the end piece that holds all the lent in. Oh my gosh. You would not believe the amount of crap in there. I thought to myself, "oh goodness I need to clean this now".

It took me roughly one minute to do this.

I did not know or was not aware of the fact that the end piece is supposed to pop open for this reason, to be cleaned out.

I figured, I was just doing myself a favor and increasing my hair dryer's life span.

Uhm, not only am I not going to start a fire by collecting lint, I am also going to be able to dry my hair in half the time.

When I turned the dryer back on after cleaning the vent, I was blown away. Literally.

I was almost blown against the wall. The dang thing is so powerful now, my hair is drying in two seconds flat.

Not really, but a lot faster than before.

So, yes. I'm an idiot for not knowing that cleaning the vent would also help the performance of the dryer too!

Yippee! and a Hee-Haw!

I believe the statistic above. I was in a great mood yesterday simply because my hair did what it was supposed to do!

Also, it dried super fast and I was not late to my first appointment of the day.

If I had only known.

Did you guys know this?

Am I the only one who did not know performance is affected by all the crap it collects?

From your favorite Ding-Bat!
KHAK

"Turn down the dial, Drama Queen"

2010-04-26T11:06:00.006-04:00

Do you have a favorite show that's scripted lines you often want to add as your social-networking status update?

I do. I do.

I often feel the urge to change my "status update" to something witty or comical that has either happened to me that day or I view on television.

Most of the time I hold back due to the simple fact that I do not want "Sally Joe" from elementary school knowing what I am up to.

This brings me to another issue, sometimes I want to delete my current Facebook page and start a new one with only my closest friends. This way, we can converse, communicate, post pictures without feeling like the entire universe is watching. (Not to say that my life is interesting, but sometimes I feel a little exposed on the internet).

Anyhow, back to my "save the drama for yo' mama!" campaign.

This line was said last night on my favorite show Brothers and Sisters.

"Turn down the dial, Drama Queen"

L_O_V_E it!
It is so my family, and I love it for that.

We don't have as many brothers and sisters, but we have multi-personalities that make up for the lack of bodies.
That's for sure.

My reason for bringing this up is the fact that my family yearns and prospers through DRAMA!

Does yours?

I never realized this, until my insightful significant other pointed this out to me years ago.

The first time he said it, I said "What. No we don't. We do not love drama?"

Then for some reason, I could not get the thought out of my head. It's true.

It is true and it seems to get worse every day. Well maybe not every day, but at least every year it gets worse.

Why, you ask? I think it's because we love each other so much if we just sat around and hugged and smiled at each other, we would be bored.

Yes. I said it. We like the drama because it keeps it interesting, right?

Who wants a boring family that like my sister likes to say, "Sits on the beach and eats Bon-Bons".

How BORING?

No one likes to be bored so you gotta spice it up.

Frequent visitors to our family dinners, always know what to expect and love it.

For instance, I have one friend whom every time she attends a family function says, "I just love your family".

Do you know why she says that, it's because she gets to go home to peace and quiet.

All the while, my family is still duking it out in the kitchen while doing the dishes.

Yes, usually all of the arguments happen in the kitchen. Strange, I know.

The most interesting fact about my family's battles is that they end with peace, almost like they never happened.

The battles are meaningful, true, and honest, and then they are over. They end as quickly as they started.

Crazy, Weird. I know.

It's all I have ever known, so I am used to it. Others, not so much.

Cheers to the Fictional Walker family and all of yours!

Embrace the drama and the hugs!
KHAK

How many drinks did you have?

2010-04-23T11:13:00.006-04:00

Ever asked a significant other/husband/boyfriend/wife/girlfriend "HOW MANY DRINKS DID YOU HAVE?"

I know I have. After an evening out with the "boys" this questions is always asked.

Why, you ask? Well.

Maybe it's because my husband always comes home "chatty kathy" or has some crazy business idea or has a lot to say and wakes me up to say it.

Come on now people!

I support guys night 100%, I feel it is a must in order to stay in tune with your boys, catch up on life, and relax a little. I totally get it, and will never keep you from this.

I actually sometimes ask "When is your next guy night?".

Mainly, so I can have a break, but whatever the reason.

Go flourish, Enjoy!

BUT, when I ask you"HOW MANY DRINKS DID YOU HAVE?" do not look up into the sky and make up a number.

This is considered a fib. Tell me for real because I will know if you are lying.

One quiet night, a man comes home to his wife and two dogs, walks in the bedroom and starts to chat to his wife in the dark. Did he bother to ask "were you sleeping?" Well, no. Of course not.

The wife begins to listen to his crazy ideas, political views, etc. and then simply asks "HOW MANY DRINKS DID YOU HAVE?".

The man quickly answers, with no hesitation and no breath. TWO!

The wife says TWO?

OK, well then "HOW MANY DRINKS DID YOU HAVE at the house before you went?"

He shyly answers, ONE!

Ok, so here's the deal. He should have answered THREE! But instead, he answered the way that would make him to be perceived in a positive light.

You see women, we are smart.

We know what to ask next if we think you are only telling us HALF of the story.

Tell us the whole story when we ask in the beginning and then you won't be fibbing.

Tonight I am going to have ONE cocktail! Well, actually.
ONE at home.

ONE before dinner.

TWO after dinner.

Does this mean, I am going to have ONE, TWO, or FOUR?

Come on now. It's simple MaTH.

To all of you who will enjoy a simple pleasure this evening, enjoy your cocktail(s) and HAPPY FRIDAY!
KHAK

post about a post

2010-04-22T15:01:00.007-04:00

I have received many "private" responses in regards to my earlier post "advice to myself".

Thank you for your phone calls, voicemails, and emails about this post, but please do not be afraid to comment for other readers to see. If you need help learning on how to comment, let me know and I can help.

I want to clear a few things up.

First, I want you to all to know that I am not heartbroken over the loss of this friend, nor will I ever be.

Second, I am mainly P*ssed and Disappointed, but I will not continue to have this person evade my sleep-time and contribute to loss of sleep.

Third, this person was frankly not in my INNER CIRCLE, so again refer to number one. I am not heart broken.

Fourth, this post has re-itterrated to me how well I pick friends based on the amount of friends who have called to say, I am sorry for whatever you are going through. I know my friends who have not commented, are probably trying to figure out if they are the person I am upset with and the answer is NO. I love all of my readers and you will know if I am upset with you.

Fifth, I promise all my readers one thing on this day, if you are reading this, you are not who I was speaking of. This person does not even know my blog exists. At least I don't think.

Finally, all of these items show you how unimportant this particular person is in my life anyway, maybe this is all why. Unfortunately, this person has caused a dear friend to lose sleep, shed a few tears, and reevaluate things. For this, I am livid. I am a tough cookie when it comes to protecting my friends. Don't mess with my friends, or you will hear from me. (I have made the decision to sit out of this one for now, for reasons that I cannot explain, but I make no promise to not knock this person out the next time I see them.) Peace.

On to nicer things, like puppies and flowers....

The Today Show had a story this morning about the secrets to a successful marriage. As the story was starting Aaron happened to walk in the room. He usually doesn't listen to a thing NBC says especially Matt or Meredith. Well, for some reason it caught his attention and he stopped and listened. The story had a young couple who have only been married TWO MONTHS. The fresh new husband said "out loud", "All she does is nag nag nag". Aaron looked at me and said snarky, "They're gett'n divorced". I agree.

Hello, Mr YoungMan, do not call your wife, much less wife of two months a NAG on national television. Are you flippin' crazy?

The article went on about how the success is all about the little things, men picking up their socks, helping to unload the dishwasher, not leaving your dishes in the sink, etc.

Here's the thing, I agree 100%. If my household had a permanent built-in maid, there would never be a disagreement. EVER, I mean EVER.

Isn't funny, that all the nagging goes away, when you leave your house? (well, most of the time. Then it turns into how he's driving, etc). You get my point though.

When there are not chores to be done, all is grand in LOVE and WAR. Right?

After the story was over, Aaron and I continued doing our morning routines separately. He was working on paperwork and I was getting dressed.

As I walked past Aaron, all of a sudden he said "Did you see your flowers?"

Oh no, I quickly flung myself around in disbelief that I had not noticed flowers. I must be a horrible wife. I swoop around to the kitchen and this is what I find.

Gotta love the "VASE" Champagne of Beers! I am so glad he gave it a personal touch. I actually do like this idea!

You get my drift? See, men do want to make us smile.
Sometimes they just forget how to and it ain't by leaving their socks on the floor!

Tip to you women, maybe the TODAY Show wouldn't hurt your man.
If you sneak it in a few days a week maybe he will learn something.

*Disclaimer: I am not quite sure if the Today Show story had anything to do with Aaron cutting the knockout roses from our yard for me or not. He cuts flowers for me quite often so I cannot say this was a first, but I can say that maybe the story "reminded" him that he needed to do so before I went to work so that I could start my day with a smile.

And to that newly married young man, you better get your act together or you are going to be sleepin' on the couch buster!
KHAK

Pillow Swap!

2010-04-20T21:54:00.008-04:00

Three things I love....well, actually four...in no particular order...

Cocktail Napkins
Candles
People
THROW PILLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love love throw pillows...I spend more money on pillows than I do most of my shoes...they are just fantastic!

Mi Madre brought me some new ones yesterday and I am pumped.

The ones that I currently have in the living room are quite fantastic and super pricey, but I need a bit more punch of color.

My Mom is great at finding deals and has an eye for interior design.

Man, am I indebted to her.

She found these new pillows for me at the TJ MaXX in WPB (West Palm Beach) which for the record has the best TJ's.
I don't know why it is so great, but I always find stuff there.

These pillows are gorg....and you wouldn't believe the price. $29.99 for the burnt orange/red ones and $17.99 for the cream ones.
If you know anything about pillows, they were a steal! and are so exquisite.

They do take up much of the couch, so I know when guests come over I will have to move "some" of them.

Check these things out....I'm in love!

Here's the living room before

Here's after

Don't you think they had a PUNCH to the room?

If you feel like your living room is a little wintery or dull: add some color through some pillows, candles, or even cocktail napkins! HA! On a small budget you can update a room instantly by running not walking to the nearest TJ's.

*Note: this is not an advertisement, and TJ MaXX did not pay me for this post. ;-)

Thanks Mom!
KHAK

advice to myself

2010-04-20T10:17:00.003-04:00

The past two weeks I have been struggling with one issue that I typically come across every few months, but I always manage to move it to the back burner and forget about it.

Today, I am writing my woes down in order to make sense of it.

I am constantly told by my "oh so intelligent partner" that I should stop being so naive.

What? I am not naive.

Well, maybe so...

The issue I am speaking of is "character judging".

You ask, what do you mean and how is this relevant?

Here it is...btw, today's post is for my own good, but hopefully you may learn something too or even be entertained by it.

When meeting new people, I typically am quick to judge in seeing all parts of one's character. Having said that, usually, my first impressions are always off and even in most cases people I usually don't like the first time I meet them, become wonderful friends.

Well, a few weeks ago I learned something about someone and THOUGHT they would handle a certain situation in a decent manner.

Man, was I wrong.

I hate when I am wrong. So friend for proving me wrong, what gives?

Why do you let me down and act like an *ss. Man up and be a man, Much less be the person you claim to be.

I am realizing that my "flower-power of peace, love, and happiness" may not work for me anymore.

Maybe if I see true colors, I will never be let down, much less disappointed in others.

What does the Bible say, Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You - Matthew 7:12?

Yeah right. I think that has been lost in translation by most people these days.

I am so disgusted by the character of a "friend" that I am not sure I can look at this person again.

Am I the one in wrong thinking this person would act a certain way? Should I blame myself for only seeing the good in people. Maybe this person has a few good things, but a few good things is not enough to be significant in my life, atleast not anymore.

Today, I make a promise to surround myself, my husband, and my family with good, honest, mature, responsible people.

The heck with the outlaws, I have realized I am fine with only the truly good, just because you have one or two good things about you does not grant you membership into my club of friendship. I need whole heartedly good decent people in my life.

And you my friend are not.
KHAK

sloppy joe sloppy sloppy joe

2010-04-19T11:12:00.004-04:00

Last night I tried a new recipe in this month's Southern Living. It was featured in the "meals in 30 minutes" article. It was fan-flippin'-tastic. I made a few changes. I used ground chicken instead of beef, to make it a little bit healthier. Aaron loved it and so did I.

I paired it with an arugula, carrot, and goat cheese salad.
(Picture is blurry, yikes. Sorry for this) The perfect combo.

Pictured is Aaron's heaping plate. My plate only had one piece of texas toast on it. For obvious reasons.

This meal was easy to make, smelled delish, and hit the spot. Aaron approved it for future meals.

Click here for the recipe http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1975727

This recipe is great for nights on the go, I definitely see myself cooking this nights when I have soccer practice, dance lessons, and music lessons. My imaginary family. :-)

Point is, this meal is great for Moms and Dads on the go.

Enjoy!
KHAK

Ocho is the #

2010-04-16T20:49:00.003-04:00

Ok. So I am not a mother yet, but hope to be one day in the next decade ;-)

In this revelation, I have been taking note of the things that I plan/hope to "not do or fail to do" when it comes to raising children.

Most of these are through observation as well as my own experiences.

Here are the first eight of my list...

1. Don't fail to purchase school pictures each year. Even if your child is at an "awkward" stage, buy them anyway they are memories meant to be cherished.

2. Let them eat Ice Cream or whatever the heck it is that they want, that you don't think they need. Life is about the little indulgences, Enjoy it, it only comes once.

3. Never, Never, Ever, Never, Ever, lick your finger and then wipe the kid's face. Yuck, Eww, and more Yuck. Wipes are easily accessible these days, don't torture your child people!

4. Hug, squeeze, and tell your kids you love them every day, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

5. Say your child's prayers with them every night. Tuck them in and again hug, squeeze, and tell them you love them.

6. Let each child be unique. Every child is a gift of God's, they are meant to be different an unique!

7. Don't throw your child's stuff away without speaking with them about it. But also, don't wait until they are say 50 years old to start giving them knick-nacks when they come home for the holidays. Set a time to discuss this in their 20's when everyone agrees it's time for all things "child" to be out of the attic.

8. Never, Never, Ever, Never, Ever hang up the phone on your child (child, teenager, or adult). You are the adult. This act is illegal and citations are now being distributed for this type of violation.

'Nuff said,
KHAK

what's in a logo?

2010-04-13T20:26:00.003-04:00

I ask "what's in a logo"? I think, EVERYTHING.

One of the most influential pieces of marketing a business is a logo (in my opinion).

I have been harping on the husband for years, especially the past few months, to get his logo printed on his truck. His business cards are hip and modern and I have been wanting him to implement his image into his entire marketing plan.

Finally, he did it!

He has been holding off all this time for one simple fact. Patience.

Patience?

Patience and KSS don't mix. I am beginning to believe that he knew what he was talking about.

With my marketing and advertising background I would get furious, probably about once every two weeks, about the fact that he does not advertise or even have his company vehicle logo'd up.

He, on the other hand would always say, "I don't want business that I cannot handle, it takes time and one day I will, but not NOW".

This is not, anything I EVER want to hear. What do you mean, "Not NOW"? I am a "right now" kind of person.
Aren't all females?
If we aren't, that's still my mojo and I'm stickin to it. I am sure there are some men who are "right now" type of people, but I can only think of a few off the top of my head.

Why is this? If only he would have listened to me two years ago? Actually, I am starting think he may have been right.

By the grace of God, the business has supported us and has slowly prospered. All of sudden the business is growing perfectly and maybe all the waiting has paid off.

I think the husband may have been right all this time. Should I tell him?

I think, NOT! HA! I do admit when I'm wrong, but not every time. I think I'll sit this one out and maybe let him know he was right a few years down the road. He doesn't need to know now does he? Nah....he's good....

Back to the logo, I am so impressed with the sketch of the logo he created 4 years ago. It is very crafty and perfect for a business operating in the Low Country.

Think of the marketing genius Pepsi. Their logo is known world-wide. How about, Apple? The apple with a bite missing, is iconically memorable.

So ask yourself, what's in a logo? I still think EVERYTHING!
KHAK

Skip to my Lou

2010-04-11T14:29:00.007-04:00

Influenced by the SATC movie and Jennifer Hudson's character Louise from St. Louis, I decided to buy and watch Meet me in St. Louis. How in the world had I never seen this classic? I don't know who to blame, but I will definitely be introducing my (future) children to this movie at a young age. Not only is it a classic, but it is also a Holiday Classic.
Even better, since we all know my obsession with all things Christmas.

Did you know that Skip to my Lou and Have yourself a Merry little Christmas were both written for this film. Again, how did it take me 31 years to see this flick? I am pretty upset about this.

Judy Garland is simply exquisite and the dance choreography is effortless, yet genius.

I enjoyed this movie so much, I cannot wait to watch it again.

I found myself singing along to all of the songs. I especially liked Meet me in St. Louis and the song from the Trolley scene.

I absolutely 100% loved the wallpaper in the dining room. It is full of charm and would be great for my formal dining room. One day I will have something similar to this. I adore it!

Not only do I love the decor of the interiors I also love the simply dressed chic men in this film. The men are handsome and dapper. I favor this look much more than the t-shirt and shorts look most men of today tend to wear.
Hats, suits, and smiles I can take all day long.

I hope I have sparked your curiosity to watch this film. If you have never seen it you are missing out. And if you have seen it, watch it again. You are bound to fall in love all over again!

Cinema-tastic,
KHAK

exciting news....

2010-04-09T14:25:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I have a very special occasion planned tonight and I am so excited about it! It's a secret until tomorrow. I can't wait to tell you all about it! Stay tuned.....

In light of my surprise event, I am going to share with you my first DIY project. I know I am little delayed, well a lot delayed, with this but here it is.

My DIY project was to make a corkboard with fabric and ribbon on it. This was my inspiration...

Linen Pinboard from Pottery Barn @ $54/each.

I saw this in my winter Pottery Barn magazine and I figured I could make my own for half the price.

I decided to try a round shape for something different. I get bored by squares and rectangles all the time.
I went to Michael's arts and crafts store to buy the cork board, got the burlap fabric,ribbon and staple gun from A.C. Moore.

This project was pretty easy, except for the part of stretching the burlap tight. This was not the best choose in fabric for stretching smoothly, but I wanted the rustic feel and I love burlap. It is cheap cheap and looks cool.
My favorite BBQ joint has burlap sacks hanging from the ceiling and I love it!
Can't get enough of burlap!

Corkboard

Burlap

Adding the fabric

Pulled tight

Added the ribbon. Final product. Voila! Now it is ready to add invites, notes, bills to it!

I love how this keeps all of my invites together and also takes the photos away from the side of the fridge. The husband loves filling it with pictures, etc but I like to keep in clean and simple so this works for both us. I have this on his desk in the office so he can look at the photos there as much as he wants. It's all about compromise, right?

I hope you enjoyed my first DIY project. Simple but cost-saving brilliance at its best!
KHAK

2010-04-08T13:52:00.002-04:00

T'was a beautiful Easter Sunday
and all through the streets
Bunnies and Flowers were stirring
And even some Jerks
To you mean mean man
stay away stay away
How dare you try
and slam into my car
For the man above is watching
and can't believe your rude act!

I just needed to tell a short story about a mean man I encountered on Easter Sunday. For some reason, he suffers from the "entitlement" syndrome that has been deemed a popular illness to have here in the South. In his brand new white mercedes he felt the stop sign was not meant for him. As he began to run the stop sign, he decided it was appropriate for him to flip my entire family and I "THE BIRD". It was not your normal "flicking off" gesture either. He threw it up against his window like he does it often. Really? Why must some people be so unhappy and uptight that they forget the importance of one anther and completely come across like complete a**holes?

Was that appropriate on Easter Sunday, much less any other day of the week when you are the one not abiding the traffic laws? I think, NOT!!!!!

Mr. Mean Man in your white mercedes and seer sucker suit, I hope your wife/girlfriend gave you an earful because you deserved it.

Amen,
KHAK

Comfort Greens

2010-04-07T13:51:00.004-04:00

For lunch today I had my Mom's collard greens for the fourth day in a row. I could easily add collards as a daily entree.

Collards in my Omelet for Breakfast
Collards as a side for Lunch
Collards in Pasta for Dinner.

There are so many ways I could incorporate Collard Greens into my life on a daily basis. Good Blog idea, mmmmm...

Every year my Mom makes 50+ plus pounds of collards and sends (mails) them to all of us kids for the holidays. You can freeze them too! So wonderfully fantastic! She even cooks them for her most special friends. I think we all place orders with her in the fall for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of the great things about holidays with the family is my mom always makes way way too much so I (we) get the leftovers. Yippee! Hooray for Easter Dinner. Sunday we had her collards, along with everything else she makes!

I love anything green! Collard greens, broccoli, lime beans, green beans, mustard greens, okra. The list goes on.. I could go on and on like Forrest Gump goes on and on about shrimp.

My mom's collard greens are so good, I don't even put vinegar on them. They don't need a thing. So so so good.

I wonder if the reason I love green foods is because Green is one of my favorite colors. Maybe, so....interesting thought.

Pictured is my lunch @ work today. Collard greens and homemade sweet potato fries (I made these!).
It was mmm mmm good!

Question of the day: What does someone in your family make that you could eat everyday?

Livin' Green!
KHAK

little task, big result

2010-04-06T19:53:00.006-04:00

The best things you can send me is a greeting card. I love greeting cards, sweet notes, and stationary.

Greeting cards are so great because the writing is so perfectly written nowadays that the intent of the message is loud and clear.

Sweet notes with little purpose are so fun because they make you feel so good inside knowing someone was thinking of you and loves you enough to spend $0.44 a stamp on you!

And stationary is so wonderful because it allows an individual to express one's self without saying much. You can tell the mood someone was in when writing your note, based on which stationary they chose.

I have a casual,fun, and hip stationary and I also have a very formal "married" stationary. I am very fond of my formal stationary, but I don't use it very often. It really depends on the receiver.

Today, I went to World Market and I was in Heaven.

Just a wonderful display of greeting cards. So many to choose from and for so many different purposes. I hate places that mainly have birthday cards and only a few specialty cards.

I also love present wrapping supplies.

This was just exquisite to my eye.
The vibrant punches of color were love love love to me!

I will definitely be visiting World Market again for greeting cards. Truly Splendid!

Go out and send a friend a special something
and seal it with L-O-V-E!
KHAK

Finders Keepers

2010-04-03T13:54:00.004-04:00

Do you all remember the saying "finders keepers, losers weepers"?

I do and I still believe it today!

Randomly when I am sorting the husbands laundry, I will find some Cashola. Isn't it fair to say it's mine since I found it?

I think so. He may not. Especially, since I am doing HIS laundry. I usually find it after the wash so it is wet and needs drying, but a little water does NOT hurt anything.

I spent yesterday around town with my Mom and last night when we all jumped into the car to go to dinner, I found a $20 bill on the floor!

Woo Hoo! I quickly chanted "Finders Keepers!". They had no idea why I was saying that so I explained to my Dad why I was so happy.

Should I have just taken the money and not said anything or should I have yelled as loud for the cows to hear?

You tell me.

I was only kidding and had every intention of giving the money back to my Mom. It was clearly hers since it had fallen on the side of the passenger seat.

I think we all love pure, simple LUCK. I still pick up a penny if it's on heads and won't dare touch it if it's tails.

I guess that makes me a little superstitious, but whatever works I guess.

Cheers to the luck of the good 'Ol Irish and finding new things!
KHAK

crazy energy!

2010-04-01T23:01:00.002-04:00

OH my goodness! I went to the elementary school today to read to my third grader and holy energy! This place was bouncing off the walls!

You all remember the day before winter break, spring break, and the last day of school. Today, was the day before spring break and oh my golly wolly, it was obvious.

First, it was 85 degrees outside and sunny. Plus, it was hopping with bunny energy with these kids.

My cute reader was completely distracted and as much as she loves reading with me, I guarantee you she has no idea what happened in the book we read today. Too funny.

I kept asking her if she was ok, and she would just look at me like I was an alien, and say "yeah, I'm fine". She is so cute, but today she was not herself.

It completely brought me back to those days and I, myself, started to feel the excitement and I was excited for the break too.

This brings me to my point. To all you teachers and parents who had to deal with the crazy kids today. Give 'em a break. You remember how it was and I bet you yourself are excited about the break too. Actually, I know you are because I have about a gazillion FB friends who are teachers and they have all been counting down the days til break via their status updates. So as much as you roll your eyes at the idea of dealing with the kids the day before break, I know you are secretly screaming and jumping up and down too! Give the kids and break and celebrate your freedom for a week.

Happy Spring Break to you all! And kids remember, it's go time when you get back. I mean serious biz-nass!

School Nerd,
KHAK

Smiling from above

2010-03-31T14:10:00.002-04:00

Growing up, my brother and sister and I were so lucky. Not only did we have parents who took care of us, supported us, and rooted for us, we also had those "like parents" figures. You know the ones, who ask you how you are when you are a teenager and you answer them honestly, instead of the typical "fine" that you give your "real" parents.

The couple I am speaking of, let's just call them the "T's". Captain and Mrs. T were the most fun people I have ever been around. Mrs. T was full of class, sarcasm, and lots of giggles. Captain T was a bit scary to some, but to me he was the BEST. His eyes and smile radiated the room for me, and I called myself the "daughter he never had". They were the family you wished you could be a part of. And lucky for us, they let us be. We were a part of all dinner parties, birthdays, and holidays.

Easter was a special holiday for all of us. My mom always dressed me in some goofy, fancy dress that I hated, with the big bow in my hair. Ugh. I hate all of the photos from these days, but really love them.

Then there was Nana, Captain T's mother. Now she was a hoot. She always had something to say, good or bad but she always gave us homemade gifts and I yearned for those. I secretly always wondered on the way over the T's house, what Nana would give me this year. She was such a special lady and I admired the love she had for her son, Captain T.

I don't remember how it started, but one year Easter came around and it was a beautiful Spring Day. I was twelve years old and Easter dinner with T's, was at our house that year. All of the kids, boyfriends, girlfriends, aunts, uncles, and cousins (man, there were some crazy cousins) from both families were coming to our house.

I looked out the window into the driveway and here comes Captain T with his hands full with what looked like paper grocery bags. As he got closer, I realized he had a bunch of paper baskets in his hands. I said "Captain T, what is this?". He quickly said, "It's your "Easa Baskets"!".

I said, "My what?".

(Remember, I am the youngest child out of the two families and was very spoiled by ALL.)

I quickly smiled to myself and thought Captain T got me a Easter basket too!

Captain T then quickly said, "Go get everyone and bring them into the living room". I said, "Captain T, we don't go in that room you know that" ( you know the room that exists, but you don't know why because you can't step foot in it). He said, "I don't care what your mother says, I need everyone in here".

Side note: Captain T was the man, who every single time he came over for dinner he would rearrange the pictures on the wall. One time my Mom could not find a picture he had moved and she had to call and ask him where he had put it. My mom hated having to admit that he gotten her and his practical joke worked. I would actually secretly watch him to see if I could catch him moving the pictures. I did catch him ONE time. We could never figure out when he did this maneuvering because we did not let him leave our sight, in fear that the house and the furniture would be on the front lawn if he was left unattended. The point to this, is that even in my Mom's house, Captain T ruled the roost and if he said were going in the living room, I said ok.

After squeezing over 20 of us into the living room, he began to call names out. Every single person had a "Easa Basket". Even the ones, who we didn't know were coming. I thought, how did he know that person was coming, if we didn't. (That's one thing I learned from him, always have extras in case you have unexpected visitors.) Not one person was left out and without a "EASA Basket"

As we began to open our Easa Baskets, you can only imagine what was inside. JUNK JUNK JUNK and a little candy or something edible like peanuts. This was the funniest thing. I remember getting lighters that didn't work, a pair of broken glasses, a "Clark Griswold" fake turtle neck, and the list goes on and on. My brother got Cigars and a really old baseball cap. I have a picture of this. I don't think we have ever laughed this hard, EVER. This memory is so funny. The stuff that people opened was crazy. Hemorrhoid Cream, Condoms, Bengay, Chapstick older than me, old toothpaste so old you couldn't open it, dental floss, the list goes on and on.

I never got the chance to ask Captain T, but I am pretty sure he had saved 10 years of junk before he made the first "Easa Baskets"

Captain T is no longer with us, but I got the chance to speak with Mrs T last week and we were laughing about our "Easa Baskets". As we were talking I began to tear up just thinking of those days with family. Family is such a special thing. We may not have known it then, but Captain and Mrs T gave us memories to last a lifetime.

Yesterday, while in the garage. I saw a workman's bench and I asked Aaron where he got it and he said "it was Mr. T's, your dad passed it down to me".

Without hesitation and without looking Aaron in the eyes, I said "It's Captain T to you, mister". Aaron said "Oh, I'm sorry your mom says we have to say Captain". I said, "No, it's Captain to me and you and nothing else. That's the rule.". He smiled. and I smiled. Aaron knows the significance the T's had in my family's life and he likes hearing the stories as much as I like telling them.

The T's hold a special piece of my heart. If you have someone like the T's in your life, take the time to tell them how much you love them and how much you appreciate them. I know I will be calling Mrs. T on Easter this year to wish her a Happy Easa!

Hold on to the memories old and new. Make silly traditions. You never know who's watching and smiling down on you from above.
KHAK

sing-a-long

2010-03-29T16:29:00.002-04:00

It's been that kind of day. Two deaths in the family and a car accident. Not so great for a Monday. I thought I would send out some happy good feeling love.

Lyrics to Filet-O-Fish:

Give me back that filet o fish
Give me that fish
Give me back that filet o fish
Give me that fish

What if it were you
Hanging up on this wall?
If it were you in that sandwich
You wouldn’t be laughing at all!

It's the little things that make one smile and this is one of those things for me.

Lovingly,
KHAK

ya gotta laugh...

2010-03-28T20:35:00.011-04:00

I have had a horrendous of a day, if I can say so myself. I am going to avoid the details but I have not had the Sunday that I had planned for. Got home late, thank goodness Aaron had put a pot roast in this afternoon so dinner and a glass of red wine were ready for me when I walked in the door (the only thing I had to do was light the candle on the table ;-) ).

Any how, after my day I am just irritated and grumpy. Not to mention we had plans to sit outside by the fire tonight and then Mother Nature rained on my parade. Boo!

I am usually not negative or bummed out, but I am tonight.

I have been avoiding writing about this for some time now, but I don't think I can avoid it now.

Aaron has been singing this song around the house for a few weeks now and I am going to lose my mind!!!!!!

It is seriously funny, though.

I am not sure who exactly would EAT a filet-o-fish from McD's, but their gosh darn commercial is a riot.

Thought, I would lighten yours and my night. You have to watch this! It's a must and you must share it with others. It is arguably this year's best musical advertisement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csrPT9ClVUc

(I'm sorry I am having difficulties posting the video so copy and paste the url into a new browser window to watch, sorry for the inconvenience)

Enjoy and sleep tight!
KHAK

Love the life you're Livin'

2010-03-27T19:01:00.014-04:00

In honor of the challenge I gave you last week, Aaron and I decided to enjoy our beautiful city we call home. One wonderful thing about living here in Chucktown is the fact that Spring arrives a little earlier and Summer stays a little longer. Love it!

Today, it was actually quite chilly for the Charleston Bridge Run. The Charleston Bridge Run equals mucho traffico and much personas.
Because of this fact, I convinced Aaron (after two days of talking it up) that we should walk to Marion Square and enjoy the chaos by foot. So we did. We (I), had originally planned to start walking when the race started so we would arrive at the finish line at the same time as the Kenyans. Aaron did not like that idea so much this morning, so I had to be patient. We left the house around 10:30 and headed out. How fun?

I had a blast. First, Aaron is the cutest. Second, Charleston is just fantastic.

We passed lots of runners and supporters. When we arrived to Marion Square all places seemed packed. We decided to hit up a locals coffee bar in hopes that all the tourists wouldn't be there (no offense, but Starbucks had a line out the door).

So we went here, Kudu.

I got one of these. And Aaron got a Vanilla Latte, as usual.

I got a Chai assorted flavor. It did not need anything to be added to it, no sugar or honey. It was delish all by itself.
We sat outside in their awesome courtyard. What a great place to spend your Saturday morning.

This is Aaron in deep thought.

Only kidding. He was looking at this.

We basically talked about this tree the entire time. Aaron says it is dying and about 100 years old. I love it when he tells me about this stuff. My cute landscaper!
We went home a different way and decided to stroll by the infamous 190 Smith Street!
Aaron lived here for three years will some of the greatest guys! He has such great friends from college and they have so many memories here. I actually lived here for a month when I first moved here too. Wow, how it has changed. Aaron and I both kinda just stood there and stared at it for a second. Crazy how fast time flies and how things have changed. Life always seems so much simpler looking back.

When we got home I got the best surprise. My first blog giveaway winning present! I won a giveaway last week and I have been so excited to tell you guys. Since I am new to blogging (since January) I never thought I would win a giveaway.

I did I did! So exciting.
I opened the package to find this:

What was inside was a pair of earrings and a bracelet. Love these. I have a feeling my Mom will try to take the bracelet.

A BIG BIG Thank you to Michael at http://inspiredbycharm.blogspot.com
He is the owner of an adorable Bed and Breakfast in PA. Check out his blog, Inspired by Charm. He has great taste! Thanks again Michael!

Go out and enjoy your hometown and have a great evening!
KHAK

Candy Daze!

2010-03-26T11:22:00.005-04:00

I fight commercialism tooth and nail, since ya know most holidays were invented for Hallmark to make money. Yeah right. That's what we are supposed to say these days.

I had forgotten how much I love Easter until yesterday. I took an unexpected trip to Rite-Aid and found myself searching for the Easter Candy Aisle. Somehow it took a few minutes and at first I thought "what the heck, they don't have Easter Candy Aisles anymore?". It was hidden but I found it.

Note to merchandiser: you might want to make it seen a little better, not hidden and 8 rows from the door.

Anyhow, I was in heaven and memories of the past quickly filled my mind. My grandmother, Mackie had the best candy jar ever. She is responsible for my love for M&M's. She had this candy jar that always always ALWAYS had M&M's in it. Sometimes they were green and red for Christmas and sometimes they were pastels for Easter. Depending on the time of year, you always knew you could dive your hand into that jar and get something sweet!

Aaron loves Peeps so I surprised him and bought him some of these.

He was so excited!
Chocolate Bunnies for everyone!

Notice all of the candy is on sale. Yippee!
I love these!

I bought some jelly beans for myself. Although, Aaron tore into these when I got home. We were making all different flavor combos, don't you love that!

Happy Candy Shopping!
KHAK

times are a changin'

2010-03-25T11:17:00.002-04:00

This week has been full of new beginnings, endings, and new possibilities. Not sure which one I prefer upon the other. Most of the time we all are opposed to change, right?

In my life I have individuals getting married, having babies, closing businesses, and opening new ones.

Why is it, that in the split second after we make the decision to make a "change", we second guess ourselves?

I once worked for a company, that will remain unnamed, which I swear changed policies, rules, and processes once a week. Every Monday you never knew what the morning meeting was gonna be. New manager, new policy, new way to use the rest room. I am being funny here, but seriously it was insane. It was the running joke that "change is good". Well, I personally think there are two sides of the coin on that one.

Why do I say that? I say that because I think it opens up room for too much interpretation of one's self. Meaning, if we could take away the "split second" of second guessing than I would say it is good. The thoughts of "will it work?, will this make me happy?, will I be good at this?, etc" are the thoughts I am speaking of. Self-doubt is only thing standing in one's way, right?

I have a gazillion business ideas, but why haven't I acted on it? It's the fear of change and self-doubt. Especially in today's economy. It is scary to make a change now. Some of us have to make a change or we will lose our homes but the other half is sitting there complacent working at a crappy job afraid to leave because the guaranteed pay check may go away. I get that, I understand that. Society is actually telling everyone "don't make a change now, you'd be silly to leave your job now!".

I say the heck with the nay sayers. Put your big girl pants on and stand up for what you believe in. Make the change and be good at it.

Peace and Love,
KHAK

Leftovers Wednesday

2010-03-24T13:58:00.004-04:00

Last night I was treated like a queen, that was until I had to clean the kitchen!

When I arrived home from work, I quickly got cozy and hit the couch to watch my movie I had rented. New Moon. I know, some of you are either not interested at all OR completely obsessed and waiting in line until June for the premiere. Whichever, category you fall into, I promise it's a good love struggle story that can't help but be enjoyed.

The first 30 minutes, were uninterrupted (I turned off my ringer and ignored my phone) and then as the movie started to get good. I yelled to Aaron in the kitchen, "I would like some cheese and crackers and a glass of red wine, please.". And then I smiled to myself. Knowing that was not gonna happen unless I did it myself (kinda like, unloading the dishwasher). After about 15 minutes, Aaron walks in and says "which bottle do you want me to open?". What? he is actually gonna pour me a glass of wine while my lazy butt sits on the couch and watches a Teen Vampire movie? Ok, this is getting good.

As the rest of the movie continues, Aaron slaves aways in the kitchen for an HOUR! A whole hour! I thought he must have been raising the chickens or growing the carrots. All I knew was that the house smelled fantastic and my movie was really good.

Then, with 20 minutes left, Aaron yells "OK, honey bunny". That is our international signal to each other that dinner is ready.

Really, 20 minutes left and I have to hit PAUSE! This is not happening.

He was so sweet. He "let" me eat in the living room while I ate my dinner. yes! I felt bad though, because if I had cooked for an hour and then Aaron didn't eat with me at the table, I would be upset. He didn't mind, I think because he was watching Seinfeld and knew I would be scarfing down my food in order to finish my movie.

Movie ended. It was good. Now, I'm excited for the new one. Although, I know for sure I won't see it in the movies so it will be awhile before I see it. I am not a die-hard fan so I can wait.

Today, I am eating the leftovers from Aaron's slave-driven dinner last night. He worked so hard for it, the least I can do is eat the leftovers.
Aaron's chicken stir-fry.

The best part: everyone in my office is coming in and asking what is that smell, it's so good? It makes me smile that Aaron is such a grand cook and I get to enjoy it.

What office lunch smell do you love or hate?

I have read articles about some companies banning certain lunches from their premises due to their smell? Crazy, huh?
We have a lot of Tuna lovers here so I'm used to that.

Happy Lunch Time,
KHAK

bed-making 101

2010-03-23T12:23:00.003-04:00

Please help!

After a long battle of "how to make the bed the correct way", I think I am ready to surrender. If I don't, I will drive myself crazy trying to teach him, when I might as well do it myself because no ones is going to do it better than me anyway, right?

I need guidance from my readers.

Should I surrender and let the husband make the bed the wrong way, or should I tell him he is exempt from bed-making and I will just make the bed the right way every day for the next 60 years?

I am not sure which way is better. I admit, I have tackled half the battle. It only took me about a week when we first moved in together to convince him that the bed needs to be MADE EVERY SINGLE day. He took to this idea so easily I figured it would be easy teaching him how to make the bed the way I want it to be made. What is the point of having a beautiful sleigh bed if you are going to let the sheet hang out? HUH, I ask him?

This morning, I was the first one out of bed so I quickly said to him as he was half asleep, "you're making the bed today". He shortly said "whatever, you are just going to go behind me and fix it so what's the point".

Ladies and Gentleman, I tried I really tried to not correct his bed-making skills. But but but I couldn't help it.

The pillows were upside down, it wasn't smooth and tight, and the sheet was not tucked in. I know I should be so happy that he does it, but I am a PERFECTIONIST and I just can't go to work knowing the bed is wrong. I fixed it as fast I could but he caught me, got upset, and stormed out. Funny, right? NO! He was mad.

I humorously said, "if you would just adhere to my few things that I am particular about, then I will leave you alone". Without taking a breathe, he said "a Few, you mean ALL of your crazy things that you are obsessed about?

I burst out laughing and said "YES! All of them"

I know I am a royal pain in the *ss, but he has known that since the day he met me when we were 12. I have not changed and I can't help it. I try to relax and it does not work. Oh well, at least we laughed about it.

I think he secretly likes my quirks, otherwise he would have a heck of a messy house if it was up to him!
KHAK

fictional (well, true story)

2010-03-22T11:13:00.002-04:00

Here's my story for the day:

A young man, picture an early 30's, handsome, blue-eyed, surfer, gone entrepreneur, heads out to the doctor. What kind of doctor you ask? A rheumatoid arthritis specialist to get blood work done. As he walks in to the doctor's office, he shyly checks himself in and sits down. As he approaches his chair, he is thinking to himself, "how did I get here?" and "is my life over?"

At the ripe age of 31, he is waiting for his name to be called to find out from a nurse that he may have rheumatoid arthritis. His life is over as he knows it and he is wondering how he got into a doctor's office filled with senior citizens; the youngest person in the waiting room besides himself is easily 75. Granted, he has nothing against the older generations, he just doesn't know how he has become a part of the same company. How did he get here?

As his self-loathing continues he begins to hear a familiar sound. Rip, rip, rip.....magazine pages ripping....it continues. He ignores it at first. Then again. Ripppppp........He looks around and suddenly, as synchronized as an orchestra, the entire lobby is ripping pages from the magazines they are reading. Who knows what magazines they were. Maybe, Redbook or AARP? Who knows. He thinks to himself. "Are they stealing coupons or recipes?"

Does it really matter what they are ripping out? Isn't sort of "against the law" to rip pages from a doctor's office magazine? He couldn't believe that every single one of the 10 senior citizens were doing it? Geesh, rude much?

As I write this "fictional" story, I think of the times that I have been reading an article and when I go to read the "continue to page 120" in the back of the magazine only to find it ripped out making me not able to finish the article. Isn't that annoying!?!

I have always thought how rude of someone. The doctor's do not subscribe to these magazines for their patients to "steal" the recipes, etc.

My question for you is: Shouldn't it be illegal? I mean, I would NEVER do this. NEVER, ever, ever, NEVER, NEVER!

Funny story: Last night, i was re-reading a magazine of mine only to find the second page of an article ripped out. At first, I thought to myself, "where is the page?" Then, I realized I had done it to myself.

HAHA, AT LEAST I bought the magazine and PAID for it! I CAN rip all the pages out if I want to, right?

Happy Reading,
KHAK

put up a parkin' lot.

2010-03-21T11:07:00.006-04:00

Saturday Saturday oh beautiful Saturday how I love thee.

The G Love concert was A-MAZING! He opened with "Blues Music" one of Aaron's favorites, so we were super amped! We had four friends join us and we definitely had a good time. More "cold beverages" than I had planned on having, but I still felt great Saturday morning so it's ok.

Aaron had to do some work so I decided to venture out and enjoy the spectacular city we live in!

I decided to go to the ATM that is the most inconvenient, but puts me right in the middle of the Saturday morning chaos in the heart of downtown Charleston. Love it. Sun was shining, windows were down, music pumpin'.

After the ATM, I headed to get a pedicure (had been too long.....) In order to get there, I had to tackle Market.
Holy, a lot of people! It was a parking lot.

However, I didn't seem to mind. Why would I? I was not in a hurry and it was great to see ALL of the people out and about and contributing to the local economy.

Love the warm weather and all that comes with it!

After the traffic subsided a little, then I had the privilege of driving behind a horse carriage tour. These are my fav. So, again. I did not mind.
It is amazing how great I feel after getting my toes "did." I am now ready for warm weather. Yippee!

Continuing on with the "love your city you live in" theme Aaron and I headed out to the best sunset spot in Charleston.
So beautiful and pristine.
Ok, so you are thinking why is she sharing her entire day? I do have a point to this, I promise.

Go out and enjoy your city, town, or neighborhood this week. Take advantage of all your surroundings have to offer you. I saw father/daughter days, retirees walking the town, as well as college kids headed out for breakfast yesterday. I want you to observe and enjoy your local environment. Don't take it for granted because you never know what life has in store for you and you don't want to regret not enjoying your sweet locale.

Happy Sunday Morning,
KHAK

Hip Hip Hooray!

2010-03-19T16:20:00.005-04:00

Wow! it's Friday! Yippee!

Last night Aaron and I tried a recipe that I got from a fellow blogger's website, katiesperk.blogspot.com. Love her, btw!

We changed a few things up, but the Teeter was out of green food coloring (wonder why?) So I decided to buy Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and just add skim milk. This way it still felt St. Patrick's Day'ish. Score! This was so good! I gave Aaron almost double the amount I had and let me tell ya! He slurped that thing down. I'm sorry no photos. I was multi-tasking while making these, doing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen, changing laundry and trying to get the blender out of my way as soon as possible. What an easy recipe. Thanks to The Perks!

How I made ours:
Two cups of Mayfields Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
1 1/4 cups of skim milk.
Blend and Slurp Immediately!

Btw, if you have never had Mayfield's Ice Cream, you are missin' out! Not the healthiest, but oh so good!

This is Aaron's favorite, and it was a dollar off so I figured atleast it's on sale.

Tonight, we are headed to see our favorite boyfriend in concert, G Love. Yes, Aaron loves him too. Not like that, but he LOVES him!

So excited.

Love when he breaks it down on the harmonica.

Viernes feliz
KHAK

The day after....

2010-03-18T12:58:00.004-04:00

Last night I was not up for cooking the ritualistic meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage, so I went out searching for an alternative. My search was a success.

I found a great recipe @ recipes.kaboose.com and it was a hit! I was a little aprehensive because there were zero comments on this recipe (Usually there are good and bad, but NO comments I wasn't sure how to feel about that).

I had never bought corned beef from the deli, that was a first. This recipe made the house smell so good and it tasted good too.
FYI: I used a Whole Wheat pizza.

I paired it with a fresh mozzarella, yellow pepper, romaine salad and topped it with balsamic vinaigrette (Sorry no photo of the salad). This was good too!

Aaron swallowed three pieces of pizza before I finished my two! He was hungry I think. Wink Wink. This pizza was so filling that with the salad we had three pieces left. We usually do not have ANY left, because Aaron devours anything close to resembling bread. He lives for it!

I highly recommend this recipe for anyone who wants to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the spot without much effort. This is a real winner. We may make this again before next March 17th.

Recipe here:
Ingredients
2 cups of shredded green cabbage, shredded (about 1/4 head)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 purchased pizza crust (such as Boboli)
1/4 pound thinly sliced corned beef
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions:
-Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, saute the cabbage in the olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until it is soft. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and remove from the heat.
-Place the pizza crust on the baking sheet. Spoon the sauteed cabbage onto the crust and spread it out evenly to within half an inch of the edge. Arrange the corned beef slices over the cabbage. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the corned beef.
-Bake the pizza for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the pizza is nice and hot. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Any of you know what a Boxin the Fox or a Bogtrotter are?

Hint: I want to be a Bogtrotter one day!

A little Irish Trivia for ya' lad!
KHAK

My blessing to you and you and you

2010-03-17T11:04:00.003-04:00

My Irish blessing to you and yours.

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way --
Good health, good luck and happiness
For today and every day.

I am not Irish at least I do not think so. I am a little everything, not sure if Irish is involved though. I know I am German, Indian, Swedish, and probably a few other things but whenever I ask my mom this question she doesn't seem to know, so I assume that I am NOT.

This does not mean that I am not wearing green today.
Two reasons I am wearing green:
1. Kelly Green is my favorite color
2. I do not like to be pinched. It is actually one of my least favorite things. Tickle me all day, but do NOT pinch me.

Can you tell I was picked on by my older brother when I was little? HA!

Last night's, dinner was way way way better than Monday night's.
Although, that beautiful bag of chocolate covered pomegranates did end up in the dogs' water bowl last night. Ugh, why do I have the drops. So annoying.

I was cleaning out the pantry since today is trash day and the darn bag flew out from nowhere and fell into the dog bowl splashing water everywhere.

The worst part, A said "what did you do now?". What? So he thinks I am breaking everything these days.
I don't not know what's going on.

Do you ever feel like rushing or focusing too much causes you to fall, slip, break, drop something?
Please tell me I am not the only one.....

I made a not-so-homeade soup last night. So good. I found this recipe in my Women's Day Magazine I bought on Monday. It was so easy. The reason it was arguably homemade is because I bought a rotisserie chicken at the store and used that meat for the soup. Everything else was all me.

Aaron liked it and so did I. Aaron says I need a bell to ring when I make new recipes. Well, really a horn. He says I toot my own horn when I make something delish. Why shouldn't I? I made it and it's good. So, there you go. Toot toot.

I added a few extras to the soup and added crushed almonds instead of peanuts. So good!

Here's a picture of the result. Yum Yum.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
KHAK

simple lessons and sweet finds

2010-03-16T11:46:00.003-04:00

Remember, old folks are worth a fortune---they have silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs.

Love Love Love this! This reminds me of my grandparents and all of their wisdom. Not to mention my grandmother Kitty had the most gorgeous silver hair you have ever seen. My gray, on the other hand, that is coming in, is not so hot. I hope I embrace the gray one day, but for now I do NOT!

So for now, I will feast on these!

WOW! Are these delish! I found these at my infamous stomping grounds, Costco.
A woman in the aisle with me insisted that I purchase these and man was she right!

Everyone adored these at my get-together Saturday night.
They are definitely a winner and will definitely be purchased again!
Yum Yum Yummy!
A fantastic mix of sweet and sweet!

lessons learned

2010-03-15T21:09:00.002-04:00

I have heard of so many stories where a woman prepares and completes a fantastic meal, only to have the entire dish fall into the bottom of the oven when the pot holders slip; however I NEVER thought it would happen to me! Ugh.

I made a fantastic teriyaki pork chops with young potatoes and snow peas dish. The kitchen was filled with sweet teriyaki and roasted sesame seed oil aromas and then it happened. I honestly froze and was so completely irritated I wanted to scream.

The kicker, I had an audience. That would be the husband. He definitely has seen me freak a time or two, but for some reason I didn't want him to see me explode this time. I just froze, looked at the ceiling, threw the pot holders, and started pacing the kitchen. Why was I so p*ssed?

Tonight, I learned and was reminded of the love and dedication we put into our meals as women. I don't think a man would react the same as a woman. Do you?

All I know is that I had planned this meal, executed it, and in the blink of an eye I had ruined it. If Aaron had not remained silent, grabbed a can of veggies, put it in the microwave, I think I would have drowned in my sorrow and chugged the glass of red wine I had planned to enjoy with my dinner.

What was once pork chops, young potatoes, and snow peas ended up being pork chops, green beans, and sauteed yellow and orange peppers. Not bad, but not what I had planned. Remember, I am a planner and don't like detours.

Lesson learned: Oh well, life goes on. But I will not trust a POT HOLDER again. So there. Take that, pot holders of the world!

Night night!
KHAK

the more the merrier

2010-03-11T12:15:00.003-05:00

One thing about me is I love to bring people together and introduce them.

I love watching all "walks of life" meet and converse. It's like watching kids on the first day of school meeting new friends.

If we never meet new friends and stay in our comfort zone, aren't we missing out on life?

Each person you meet along the way teaches you something.
Whether it be humility, class, or even what you don't like in a friend.

For this very reason, every time I plan a social event I attempt to add someone new to "the mix". I think it adds something new to the evening and livens everyone up. It sometimes also means my friends are on their best behaviors. Maybe this is my secret reason for inviting new people? Only kidding, only kidding.

Last Summer, one of my friends "met a new friend" on the beach and invited her to my party. The funny thing is, she was a hit! Everyone was chatting with her and igniting new conversations. I do not know what ever happened to her, but I do know that she was cute, fun, and brought something new to the group.

Some people do not like to mix business with pleasure, but sometimes I think it is a good idea. I know people are completely different in the workplace then they are away from work, but so WHAT? I always invite peers that I have through professional work. Unfortunately, not everyone comes. I think they are doing themselves a disservice. They could missing out on business leads or even new friendships.

Be, the YES man! And attend your co-workers after hours parties. You may learn something. Try to attend events with new people, I promise you will experience something new!

Be Jim Carrey and attend all the costume parties and movie-themed parties you are invited to. You never know what could happen!

Have you ever attended a co-workers function or invited someone out of your inner-cirlce to a party? What was the result? Good or Bad? I want stories.....

My house guests will be here in less than 12 hours!
KHAK

bone to pick

2010-03-09T09:58:00.003-05:00

I have a huge issue with advertisers right now!

Since I worked in the advertising world for almost 5 years, I understand everyone has to make a dolla' and that you have reinvent the wheel as far as your landscape and where to put your name, BUT goodness gracious in the past week every single one of my favorite and most visited websites has the new Pop-Downs and I am going to scream!

Do you know which ones I am talking about? The ones that aren't there when you first visit the sight and then as you begin to scroll down the pop-down occurs and basically scrolls you back to the top and you can't see what you were reading.

For real people. get it together. This is only going to keep me from visiting your site. When I am trying to read the news, current events, and/or celebrity gossip do not stand in my way. It's like having someone stand in front of you at a concert or a movie.

I have checked my pop-up blocker setting "umpteen" times to make sure I do not have it off. I am going to swear off advertising completely if these things don't go away.

If you are wondering what set me off this morning, I was reading the news online and this pop-down occurred and when I went to hit the "close" button it took me to the company's website. Really? Come on now...this is just silly..

OK, I'm done. Have a great day everyone...sorry for the rant, ugh!

KHAK
What irritates you the most about advertising? I want to hear your irritations......