2009, where did you go?  I feel like it was just yesterday I was ringing in 2009 as a new college graduate with grand ideas about what the year would bring.  I worked and played and created opportunities for myself where there weren't any.  I took trips, laid out at the beach and made time for friends, new and old. Now I'm about to start a new year with new dreams and a new job I could have never imagined a year ago.  Although I'm not a resolutions kind of gal (use of the word gal, that was for you mom, I know how you love it.) I do have some goals for the new year:

1.  Rock my new job like nobody's business

2.  Be healthier (isn't that a pre-req on any goals/resolution list)

3.  Make time to visit friends in other cities.

4.  Blog at least 4 times a week.  I'd say everyday but best to be realistic when making goals.

5.  Be the best daughter, sister, girlfriend and friend I can be

6.  Read more: books, blogs, newspapers


I'm sure goals will be added, subtracted and altered but I'm determined to fill 2010 to the brim with vim and vigor.  From where I'm sitting 2010 is looking bright.  Cheers 2010--don't let me down!

xoxo,
EHK

So here's the outfit I put together on our look for less outing.  I have to say The Gap was a life saver--all reduced merchandise was an additional 40% which is how I scored the silk ruffle top and skirt for such great prices.  I didn't go into this was a look in mind but i love the outfit I created.  I also got a buffalo plaid ruffle button down from the Gap and still have 18 dollars left over :)

Hi Readers!

Does anyone remember the show The Look for Less with Elisabeth Hasselbeck??  Well I'm getting ready to embark on my own look for less adventure.  Mumsy is taking Sister and I to the mall--giving us $100.00 and having us put together a "look for less."  I think this is the perfect Christmas challenge and I can't wait to show you what we get!

xoxo,
EHK

Pretzel Hugs: Courtesy of the sparkly Queen Bee Swain--place Hershey's hugs on top of round pretzels and put in oven at 250 degrees until hugs melt.  Put M&Ms on top and press down.  Put in the freezer until hardened.  DYING to make these before Christmas :)

Felt Bow Pin:  Twig and Thistle is featuring fun holiday crafts with felt--this bow reminds me of the bows Kate Spade is using on shoes and jewelry.

Cross Stitch Pin: I love this handmade pin from Treefox via Etsy.  Clearly I have a thing for pins today...

Life Size Calendar: via Design Sponge.  I'm thinking this could get a little dusty but what an impact in a study or home office!

Happy Weekend--only one week 'til Christmas!!
xoxo,
EHK

Reindeer Chow:

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 stick of butter

Melt all these on the stove (I melted the butter in the micro and added to after the chocolate and pb started to melt because I was concerned about the butter burning)

Take off the heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla.
Pour over plain rice chex and mix

Put chex mixture in a ziploc with 1 and 1/2 cups of powdered sugar--zip up and shake it!!

Spread chow on waxed paper covered cookie sheet to cool!

If only I had an endless supply of cards and all your addresses.  I thought I'd post our Christmas card on here as the next best thing :)

Last Friday I got some really incredible news.  I got a new job!!  I am so thrilled and still can't quite believe it.  The best part is the job is with a FABULOUS blog!  While I won't actually be blogging, I will be doing some research and advertising sales. Today is my training session and I am super excited and anxious to learn all the ins and outs of my new position.


After looking for a full time job for nearly a year, I feel super blessed to have found something that I feel is the perfect fit for me.  Thank you for all your encouragement and kind words these past several months as you've been along for my roller-coaster job-hunting ride, it's meant a lot.




xoxo,
EHK

So I wrapped my first Christmas packages of the season this weekend.  There will be more to come for sure, but I thought I'd share a couple of photos of the first.  Maybe it will give you some wrapping inspiration.  I love using brown kraft paper and then dressing it up with patterned ribbons and ornaments or notions tied on.  Don't forget to pick up ornaments at after Christmas sales to not only decorate your tree but spruce up your presents too!  We got several of the large jingle bells pictured in red and a red/white polka dot last year at Hallmark.