Kentucky Girl

Days 20 & 21

2012-11-21T22:44:00.000-05:00

30 Days of Thanksgiving

November 20, 2012: I am so grateful for my friends. I love that we get together once per month to catch up & laugh uncontrollably. We had a great dinner and great conversation tonight. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful, talented, intelligent, and loving women. I don't know what I would do without you.

November 21, 2012: I am grateful to live in Kentucky and I am grateful for UK basketball! Go Cats!

A Week of Thanks

2012-11-19T20:49:00.001-05:00

I am getting really behind on 30 days of giving thanks........so here is a week of Thanksgiving posts.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012: Today, I am grateful for Adam Scott. He is the only reason I allow my husband to watch hours of the Golf Channel.

All photos from adamscott.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012: I am thankful for my friend, Stacy. I hope she had a wonderful birthday! Unfortunately, I had to work the evening shift & couldn't call to wish her a happy birthday.

Thursday, November 15, 2012: I am grateful for the X Factor. I am loving this show! This season is so much better than last. I have always loved Britney Spears and she is doing amazing as a mentor to the young performers.

Friday, November 16, 2012: I am grateful to have a job, but even more grateful to see the work week come to an end!

Saturday, November 17, 2012: I am grateful for Saturdays! I love sleeping in!

Sunday, November 18, 2012: I am grateful for a wonderful day. We enjoyed a great church service, then had a great meal at my parents home........with a visit from my brother, SIL, and my 2 favorite little people!

Monday, November 19, 2012: I am grateful for a 3 day work week!

Days 9,10,11 & 12

2012-11-12T19:58:00.001-05:00

30 Days of Thanksgiving!

Day 9: I am grateful for FRIDAYS!!!! I wish everyday could be a Friday!

Day 10: I am grateful for good wine, good food & great friends. I hosted a spa party tonight and it was wonderful to have a relaxing evening with the girls.

Day 11: I am grateful for our American Veterans. I always cry when I see a man/woman in uniform. I am so thankful for the sacrifices each of them have made to keep us safe.

Day 12: I am grateful Mondays only come once per week!

Days 6, 7, 8

2012-11-08T20:38:00.000-05:00

30 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING

Day 6: Election Day! I am grateful I did not experience a massive MI while watching the election results....not one of my best days.

Day 7: I am thankful for the gift of prayer. I am praying for God to guide us in the right direction as we are forced to make a life-changing decision over the next few weeks. We didn't want to see this day come, but it is here and now we must accept it. I am also praying for the 90+ additional coal miners, in our town, who lost their jobs today. It has been a devastating week.

Day 8: I am grateful to have a job.........for now.

Day 5 of Thanksgiving

2012-11-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

Day 5: I am grateful to live in America! I love this country and still believe in the possibility of the American dream. Tomorrow is an important day for our country as we will ultimately choose a new path for our country or accept what our Nation has become. I am so thankful we have the right to choose our next leader. Over the past 4 years, I have witnessed so many friends and loved ones lose their jobs. My husband lost his job as a railroad engineer just 1 week ago due to decreased coal production in Southeastern Kentucky. He will have other opportunities to relocate within the company, but that means leaving our home and our families. Even if you do not support the coal industry, please think of the other businesses and careers that are being destroyed in this part of the country. Coal miners are not the only people losing their jobs. I have seen clothing stores, restaurants, gift shops, clinics, funeral homes and many other businesses either close or drastically decrease employees during the past 4 years. Our communities are literally dying. Please, exercise your right to vote tomorrow and save our country.

VOTE ROMNEY/RYAN 2012!!!!!

Thanksgiving

2012-11-04T20:22:00.001-05:00

So I am just a few days late in starting 30 days of Thanksgiving......I will try to catch up....

Day 1: Due to an unexpected Halloween snow, Trick or Treating was postponed to November 1 so we were able to spend the evening with some of our favorite people. I am so thankful for my family. I have been blessed with great parents, wonderful in-laws, a kind & loving husband, a fantastic brother & sister-in-law, and my precious little neice and nephew.

Carsyn & Shane

Hank as Elvis

Carsyn as Belle

Day 2: I am grateful to know a loving and forgiving God.

Day 3: I am grateful for my friends. We were able to spend the evening, dancing and laughing with some great friends.

Day 4: I am grateful for my grandfather. We had the privilege to celebrate his birthday today. I am so thankful to have the honor of knowing a man who has made loving God his top priority in life. He has always been grateful for the simple blessings, loving and cherishing his family and never falling prey to greed.

Show Us Your Life: Favorite Beauty Products

2012-09-15T00:36:00.000-04:00

I have not written a Show Us Your Life post in some time, but this is a topic I LOVE to discuss. I think I have tried every beauty product...at least once. Here a few of my favorites:

1. The Cleanser: I have tried too many facial cleansers from all price ranges and I always...ALWAYS...come back to this. It is simply the best.

www.cetaphil.com

2. Wrinkle Control: So I am in my 30's....and the wrinkles become more obvious everyday! I don't want to start Botox just yet, so these are a few of my favorite wrinkle fighters of all time.

www.cremedelamer.com

Seriously, I have tried so many eye creams from Olay to Obagi and the Eye Concentrate by La Mer beats them all. Nothing else can even compare. I actually see a difference in my skin if I forget to use this for one night. It is a miracle product......expensive, but a little bit goes a long way....one jar will easily last 6 months.

If you are over 30, then you need to use Retin-A every night. This prescription-only cream can actually prevent wrinkles!

3. The Eyes: I use too much eye make-up, but I just love it!

www.lancome-usa.com

I line my upper eyelids with Lancome liquid artliner. It is very mistake proof.

www.lancome-usa.com

I use Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof eyeliner for the lower lids. I have to use waterproof eyeliner & mascara for the lower lashes because I am an emotional wreck.

www.lancome-usa.com

I use the non-waterproof version of Hypnose Drama for my upper lashes.

www.dior.com

Dior 5 Couleurs is the BEST eyeshadow on the market. There is no reason to try anything else.

Even though, I have tried several different under eye concealers, I have never been able to find a product that completely satisfies me. If anyone has any concealer suggestions, then PLEASE post a comment with your advice.

4: The Face: I have used Studio Fix by MAC for several years and I love the product. However, as I am starting to age, I notice that this make-up will thicken over my lines and almost make them more noticeable. Today, I tried Bare Escentuals READY foundation for the first time. I do like this foundation because it feels so light, but I almost wish I had tried the original Bare Escentual foundation first. Please, let me know if you have tried Bare Escentuals or if you have advice for best make-up for the aging face.

These are just a few of my favorite products. I will stop now, because I could on for days about beauty products & skincare.

The Harbinger

2012-09-07T23:44:00.000-04:00

I recently finished this book:

If you are concerned about America's future, then I urge you to read The Harbinger.

Perhaps, it is time for this country to seek God and pray.

We have a new addition!

2012-07-23T23:34:00.000-04:00

I am so grateful for the new addition to our family. My nephew, Hansford Mitchell --aka Hank, was born on July 19, 2012 and we couldn't be more thrilled. You can see a pic of this cute little fella here at my SIL's blog. I know sweet Carsyn will make a wonderful big sister! I am beyond thankful to my brother and SIL for bringing another wonderful blessing into our lives!

GOP Vice President Contenders

2012-07-15T02:57:00.000-04:00

As much as I would love to see former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour or current New Jersey Governor Chris Christie campaign alongside Mitt Romney as a potential Vice President, I am certain this will not happen. The management skills of Barbour are unparalleled, but he has too much recent baggage for this election. Perhaps, we will hear from him in 2016. I also think Governor Christie will wait for a Presidential run in 2016.

I can really only see two possible contenders at this point. Number One: Rick Santorum is a strong possibility. Despite my past support of Santorum as a Presidential nominee, he gives a more conservative balance to the ticket. Romney also needs the support of Pennsylvania if he plans to beat President Obama.

Number Two (I predict this man will be the choice running mate): Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada.

photo from Wikipedia.

Read more about Governor Sandoval here .

Nevada is another state where Obama is ahead in the polls. Romney needs this state. Why do I like this man?.......He has a background in economics, which this country desperately needs. When he made state budget cuts as Governor, he refused a personal salary increase and further agreed to a 5% pay cut to coincide with pay cuts experienced by other state workers. I think the American voter can support his lack of personal greed. (Information obtained from this article ).

Who do you think will secure the position of Vice President nominee?

Obamacare

2012-06-29T23:29:00.000-04:00

Obamacare? Really? Are you kidding me?

I am so beyond furious, I don't even know what to say. I don't know if I am more upset that the Supreme Court upheld this insanity or the fact that I keep hearing people say, "I really don't understand what this means. I guess it is a good thing that everyone will have insurance". These same people are allowed to vote! This is not a good thing. This is the final nail in the coffin of the American economy. It's over! The people who actually work in this country cannot afford to pay for all the people living off the Government right now. How in the HELL are we going to cover the additional insurance costs of 30 million more people? I will give you a glimpse into the future......businesses will no longer be able to afford to provide health insurance to employees. People will be forced to purchase health insurance at an astronomical cost. Insurance companies cannot cover all pre-existing conditions for every American without increasing premiums for EVERYONE. I foresee the average American being forced to purchase health insurance for at least $1000/month per individual. The average working family struggles to buy groceries each month...They can't afford the additional cost of skyrocketing health insurance premiums. Physician salaries will decrease, therefore decreasing the number of working physicians in America. There will be too few physicians to care for the growing number of insured individuals, then the Government will decide who receives health care. I predict a complete breakdown of the American health care system, resulting in one of the greatest economic depressions in history.

I urge every American to please vote for Mitt Romney in November!

Patriot Voices

2012-06-11T23:09:00.000-04:00

If you have read my previous posts, then you are well aware that I supported Rick Santorum. I have not written anything about the upcoming Presidential election since Santorum dropped out of the race, but now I think it is time to fully support Mitt Romney in his effort to defeat President Obama. On June 8, 2012, Rick Santorum launched Patriot Voices , an online community for Americans to come together and help defeat President Obama. As I look at falling stocks, a forever dwindling economy, and stagnant home prices, I am overwhelmed by the staggering need for rapid change in our country. Living in Eastern Kentucky, I have witnessed the coal industry come under attack by this Presidential administration. Thousands of coal miners have lost their jobs and cannot find employment with comparable pay or benefits. As unemployment benefits come to an end, more and more people from this area will be forced to move to larger cities. Our small communities are dying and few people seem to care.

There is also an urgent need to repeal Obamacare before the American economy is beyond repair.

If you are worried about the future of our country, then I strongly encourage you to join Patriot Voices !

Back to Reality

2012-05-27T02:37:00.000-04:00

I know it has been months since I have posted a word, but life has been very stressful.....to say the least. I finally had a much needed escape to Aruba!

We stayed at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and it was wonderful. We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary while eating dinner with our toes in the sand and watching a beautiful sunset. You really can't ask for much more....

I finally had the time to start reading this:

All I can say.....

Awwww Mr. Grey.......I am fifty shades of .....READY! ........just kidding!.......maybe.

I will admit I was very intrigued and actually finished Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker while on vacation. I started reading Fifty Shades Freed today. I cannot wait to see these movies! I also can't wait to see who will play Christian Grey. While reading the books, I envisioned Robert Pattinson or a young Matthew Mcconaughey. I also pictured Miranda Kerr or Alexis Bledel as Anastasia Steele.

Have you read these books? Who would you pick to star in the movie?

New Kentucky Product---Great for Grilling

2012-02-29T00:26:00.001-05:00

Moonshine Marinade Baste and Grill Sauce

http://www.hillbillyspecialties.com/

I don't know if you have ever heard of this grilling sauce, but I strongly encourage you to give it a try. The taste is unlike anything I have ever experienced...........delicious!

You can purchase online or at these Kentucky locations:

Lexington, KY:

1.) Critchfield Meats
Zandale Plaza
2220 Nicholasville Rd. Ste 166

2.) KY Proud Market
410 West Vine Street, #220

3.) Windy Corner Market
4595 Bryan Station Rd

Louisville, KY:

Theater Square Marketplace
651 South Fourth Street

Pineville, KY:

Longs Pic Pac
134 N. Pine St.

Renfro Valley, KY:

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum
2590 Richmond Rd.

Hope you enjoy!!!

Please Say a Prayer

2012-02-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

I usually don't ask for prayers, but I have some very important decisions to make this week. Please, pray for the Lord's guidance as I make this choice. Thank you.

Favorite New Discoveries

2012-02-22T20:24:00.000-05:00

1.) Brazilian Peel

This item can be purchased at http://www.nordstrom.com/

The Brazilian Peel consists of 4 weekly glycolic peels. The effects are amazing. Your skin will feel like silk after the first treatment. The best part---you can do the treatments each week without having to leave your house!

2.) Naked 2 by Urban Decay

This was a recent gift from my SIL and I absolutely LOVE it! The colors are so light & natural..... One of the best gifts ever!

3.) Phloretin CF by Skinceuticals

This is a must skincare product. I use this before my moisturizer every morning. It corrects sun damage, acne, and protects against future sun damage. I cannot tell you how much I love this product!

4.) Dance Moms

New episodes Tuesdays on Lifetime

I really don't know how I have missed this show up until now, but let me tell you.......It is WONDERFUL! The moms are soooo mean.....I love it almost as much as Jersey Shore......

that's saying a lot!

Tell me about your favorite new discoveries......

Go Rick!!!!

2012-02-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

Rick Santorum is finally taking the lead!!!!

Please read this recent article here .

As I said before, he is the ONLY Republican candidate who can actually beat President Obama!!!!

Please Pick Rick!!!!

2012-02-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to see Rick Santorum win BIG last night. I have come to the realization that he is the only GOP candidate who can beat President Obama. I like Newt Gingrich, but his baggage will kill him in a Presidential election. Mitt Romney seems like an intelligent, successful businessman and I have a great deal of respect for him, but let's be honest.....he couldn't beat McCain! How can he beat President Obama? Rick Santorum is likeable and demonstrates the core values our country needs right now. I know he is a Republican, but he reminds me of John F. Kennedy. He is inspiring and you can't help but believe in him. Hopefully, his recent successes will bring more endorsements and contributions. I beg of you.......PLEASE PICK RICK!

you can donate to his campaign at http://www.ricksantorum.com/

TAG

2012-02-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by my SIL to answer a few questions:

1. What's your favorite movie?

I have so many favorites: Steel Magnolias, The Hangover, You've Got Mail, Valley Girl, Urban Cowboy (just love Bud & Sissy)

2. How do you relax?

I love to take a hot bath each night when I get home from work........My favorite part of the day. I often add a glass of wine if it has been a really bad day.

3. Do you workout? If so what's your favorite?

Right now, I am at day 27 of Metamorphosis by Tracy Anderson. I love this workout.

4. Describe yourself in one word.

Loyal. People who know me would probably describe me as---Crazy!

5. What would I find in your handbag right now?

Lipstick, powder, brush, phone, wallet

6. What would your dream job be?

My first choice would be dancer, but with my rapidly advancing age.....I would now say my dream job would be to own a gift shop.

7. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

7-8 on weekdays, 10 on the weekends.

8. Do you like Walmart? Be honest!

I hate it! I only go when I completely run out of food and toilet paper.

9. What's the last meal you cooked?

Taco Salad

10. What's your favorite vacation destination?

Turks and Caicos

11. Who's your favorite musician of all time?

I have several favorites: Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Dolly Parton......I know.....a very eclectic mix

12. What one item would you pack if you were on Survivor?

Mascara

She dreams of paradise..........

2012-01-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love Coldplay.........and oh how I long for a vacation.

Work has been soooooooooo stressful. I need to feel the sun and sand on my skin......NOW!!!!

Here are a few of the places I would like to go:
(please comment if you have any vacation suggestions!)

British Virgin Islands

Little Dix Bay

Scrub Island

______________________________________________________

Aruba

Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

_____________________________________________________

Bermuda

Elbow Beach Bermuda

________________________________________________

St. Bart's

Hotel Guanahani and Spa

____________________________________________________________

Please, post a comment with your suggestions for favorite beach destinations, including your favorite hotels and restaurants!

Winter Blues

2011-12-29T13:17:00.000-05:00

As I sit on the couch looking at the Christmas tree, I can't find the motivation to take it down even though I am so ready to have my living room back. The sun is coming through my window and it looks so inviting. My body is literally craving SPRING! I just want to wipe away my Winter tears and start to live again. Does Winter depress everyone or is it just me?

I know I have been a bad blogger for a very long time and I apologize. Perhaps, old faithful followers remember my love for WEDDINGS. I opened my email this morning to see the new White by Vera Wang Spring Collection for David's Bridal.....just love that she is offering an affordable line filled with gorgeous gowns. The soft, flowing fabrics embrace Spring and romance. The pictures instantly made me happy so I thought I would share a few pics with you. I hope they make you think of Spring and bring a smile to your face.......

You can view the entire collection here .

Christmas Project

2011-11-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

I have never been able to make a bow for Holiday decorating, but I decided to save money this year and finally teach myself.....

My recent project....

I bought this swag from Grandin Road

Then, I made my (first ever) bow

Then, I added a few more decorations to complete the swag for my front door. It may be a bit tacky, but I am still proud of myself.

The finished product:

Robby really hates the red reindeer, but I think they're cute!

Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-26T14:14:00.001-04:00

I think this protest is going to last for a while.......

Occupy Wall Street seems to be gaining momentum with no end in sight. I think most Americans are angry and want much needed change, but where is the anger directed? We are all upset the economy is crumbling quicker than a week old cookie, but I believe the blame lies within us all. I, too, am upset and disheartened by corporate America. All too often, you see companies make millions of dollars in profit; the CEO gets a $5 million dollar bonus and the employees may see a $1000 dollar pay raise or they may see no reward whatsoever. The incentive for employees to be more productive is gone. Why should Americans work longer hours with less pay to see a few people become billionaires while the common worker is losing everything? I understand the anger!!! A college education in America could easily leave a graduate owing over $100,000 in student loans. The college graduate will be lucky to find a job, much less pay off the loan. I understand the anger!!!

However, I am also angry that greed has overtaken America on all economic levels. Right now, I owe money on one of my credit cards. What does this tell you? I spent more money than I should have! As a country, we have been educated, persuaded, and encouraged to buy things we cannot afford! I want to cry when I see people lose their homes because they can no longer pay the mortgage. Losing a home is one of the most devastating losses any family can ever endure. In many instances, a job has been lost or a homeowner has become disabled and can no longer afford the mortgage. Sometimes, we are just not prepared to face the circumstances life gives to us and I completely sympathize and grieve for the people who have endured those hardships. However, there are also instances where Americans have bought more home than they could afford just to satisfy selfish want and greed. In those instances, do you blame the banks for lending the money or do you blame the person who purchased a $300,000 home while only earning $30,000/year? As a country, we have to stop greed at the individual level before we can force the same type of change on corporations.

I may anger many by sharing this opinion, but I also see greed even at the lowest socioeconomic levels. Anyone at any time could face financial hardship due to job loss or illness. In those instances, I feel so grateful and privileged to live in a country, which offers financial assistance in those situations. However, I do see some people living in this country who do not have any desire to work even though they have the physical and mental ability to do so. Many of those people, who CHOOSE not to work, still expect and believe themselves to be entitled to receive government assistance and free healthcare. This is greed in its truest form. As a healthcare worker, I have witnessed some cancer patients continue to work while undergoing chemotherapy treatments and have their insurance only cover 80% of medical costs. The remaining 20% of medical costs could easily cause the patient to lose his or her home due to the financial hardship of covering the medical bills. If the United States Government is going to cover the medical costs for a patient who has never worked, then why can't they also cover the costs for a patient who works every day and actually contributes to Social Security?

I do support the protesters and their desire for change......WE NEED HOPE and I think they are forcing everyone to realize that GREED is the ultimate enemy. I am just not sure the "war on greed" can ever be won. Until we all choose to put the happiness and well-being of others ahead of own agenda, we will never progress and our country will inevitably collapse.

Fall Events

2011-10-12T00:25:00.000-04:00

I have basically neglected the blog world for some time now. There is really no excuse........just overwhelmed with life right now. However, I do want to post a few pics of Fall events that have taken place since my last post.

My niece, Carsyn, celebrated her first birthday in September.

She loved her first bite of birthday cake. Perhaps she really does have some of her Auntie's genes. I just love this little girl and I am so grateful she enjoyed her 1st Birthday!

On the first Saturday of October, we attended my friend Stacy's annual Fall party. Of course, I didn't get any pictures and I am so upset because the party is always beautiful! We had a wonderful time....loved the live band....loved the food....and especially loved the open bar! We also loved seeing her tiny baby bump...she is pregnant with twins!

This Saturday, we attended a gorgeous wedding.......

This photo is by Christine Cornwell

You can visit her blog here.

Congratulations Vandi and Derrick! The wedding was beautiful and the reception was amazing. Open bar two weekends in a row.....life is pretty good! We danced for hours and really didn't want to go home at the end of the night!

To Vandi and Derrick:

As you start your new life together, I hope you are embraced and enriched with love and kindness for one another. I wish you a lifetime filled with joy, happiness and forever-evolving friendship.....

Busy Weekend

2011-08-21T22:56:00.001-04:00

I feel like this weekend has lasted about 2 seconds. It has been wonderful, but very busy. Yesterday, we had a girls' luncheon at my house for one of our favorite people, Ella. I have some photos of the decor, but we were so busy talking...I forgot to take any pictures of US! Ella has been a friend, mentor and second mother to me and most of my friends. We all cherish this friendship. Her daughter, who was one of our best friends, taught us the meaning of friendship so many years ago and we have held onto that enduring bond. We all miss her, Merri Kathryn, so much. We had a wonderful luncheon, which lasted into the evening. It was great to see everyone. I am especially grateful that our friend, Stacy, was able to make the trip. It had been way too long since we had had the pleasure of enjoying her company. She kept us laughing all night. We are also thrilled with her exciting news!!!

Today, Vandi had her wedding shower and it was just gorgeous! The food was also amazing!

Vandi and Cydni

How much do you love this cake?

Vandi and Chas

Cydni and Caroline

Caroline had just woke up from a nap and I couldn't get her to turn around for the pic, therefore I stole the picture below from Vandi's facebook.

Four Generations....Too sweet!

Congratulations Vandi! You will be a beautiful bride!!!!!

Later today, I had the pleasure of seeing my niece, Carsyn. It had been 2 weeks since I had seen her!!!!!

Just love her!!!!!

The 2 pictures below are from Robby's babysitting experience a couple of weeks ago. I was soooo jealous. He got to babysit while I had to work!!!!

It has been a great weekend, but I need a few more days off just to recover!!!!!