Earmuffs for lunch?-- Really, Dally???

Mr. MHH being out of town this week really threw me for a loop, as I suddenly found myself a single parent . . . of an animal who is bigger than me.  Said giant dog has recently developed a rambunctious streak- so she has been even more of a handful lately.  Any noisemaking toys have suddenly become the MOST exciting thing ever- at all hours of the day or night.  She is also waking me up at least once a night needing to go outside or just whining-- maybe being a dog owner really is prep for children.


Anyway, Dally and I got up early Thursday morning and primped for the day.

She got all dolled up in her pink bow (you can't tell, but the bow also has a rhinestone in the middle).  She was especially excited to wear her bow, since Mr. MHH was out of town-- he thinks it makes her look sissy.

I opted for a comfy-casual outfit and brought out a pair of my favorite boots for the first time this season!  My top is a woven tunic top from J-Crew, layered over a chocolate brown tank from Banana Republic.  On the bottom, I was sporting some great navy leggings - J-Crew Signature Leggings. (Sidenote- these tights are actually opaque!-- so many tights aren't and end up being see-through-- so I LOVE these!)  The boots are Report and I discovered them on Zappos last year.  They're grey suede and they fold over and have adorable brown leather straps down the back that fasten on the sides with buckles.  I wish they still made them! 

So, after a quick piece of toast with peanut butter Dally and I head out the door.  I was on my way to drop Dally off at doggy daycare, but decided to call them and make sure they had a place for her... ANDDDDDDD they didn't. Uh-oh.

SO, my outfit immediately changed from the leggings and oxford tunic to . . . BOOM- the Minnie Mouse pajamas I got for Christmas from my mom.  So much for the cute outfit.  (Which became Friday's attire)

Yeah, Minnie!

On the upside, my workspace was going to be my cube-- but once I was stuck at home my workspace got a lot cuter.  Also, the coffee is better at home!

MacBook + Anthropologie mug + Kate Spade planner = lovely day home!

Well, the workday Thursday was CRAZY busy- and because she wanted to participate in the circus that was my workday-- Dally decided to pull a few shenanigans.

1. At one point, I look out the back door to check on Dally in the yard.  She had about 5 or 6 toys out there-- but decided to chew on a board with nails in it instead.  Brilliant.
2. Made the decision to bring Dally inside. In retaliation, she decided to dump her whole bowl of water all over the kitchen floor and down the front stairs-- which I definitely slipped on.  Wonderful!
3.  To add insult to injury, she also chewed up my rabbit earmuffs rather than any of her toys which are always all over the house.

Thankfully, I was able to escape for the evening- as two co-workers invited me over for dinner--- they prepared a Cooking Light recipe for mushroom lasagna-- with homemade wheat noodles and exotic mushrooms.  Let me say- INCREDIBLE!  It is always so nice to have dinner with friends, especially when the Mr. is out of town--- cooking for one usually turns into "I'm eating cereal for dinner".

FACT: mushroom lasagna > cereal. Any day of the week!

So glad Mr. MHH was coming home Friday!  Home is much happier when he's around :)


Have a fabulous rest of your weekend!

xoxo,

Mrs. MHH

I lied because AllMyDaysRunTogether

Hello readers,

Isn't she pretty? (yes, those really are her feet)

Thanks to the fact that my dear friend (pictured with me at the Corner Office in my previous post and also pictured at right) has a brain-- I must admit that I have lied to you.

Contrary to what you may have read, that dear friend of mine and her man-friend did not join us for The Lion King in December . . . because Mr. MHH and I saw that show in November.  (Yes, in my mind I seem to have completely erased 3 weeks of my life)

Cher, I feel you on the "Clueless" thing!

Anyway, said friend was kind enough to text and notify me of my time lapse error- I must admit that when she text and said, "Cute blog pics! Although it says we went to the Lion King" i had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.  I very nearly text back, "Yes, it says that because we did go to Lion King"

Oh wait, no we didn't . . . RATHER, they joined us for a FABULOUS performance of West Side Story . . . .  So, oops!

I can only blame it on allmydaysrunningtogether annnnnnd maybe a bit of a blonde moment issue at times.

Am I the only person who seems to have time lapses?  I know some of you can blame "pregnancy brain" or "wedding planning stress" on forgetfulness . . . I don't even have an excuse!


Thankfully, even though I may not know what month it is, I had a pretty wonderful Wednesday!
For today's outfit, I wore my favorite J Crew Minnie stretch twill (most fabulous little pants ever and they are comfortable) with my J Crew tissue turtleneck tee, my Givenchy crystal necklace Mr. MHH gave me for Christmas, a necklace from my grandmother, my wedding gift necklace from the Mr.

aaaaaaand . . . . . 

MY CURRENT SHOE OBSESSION. 

Seriously, people-- These. Are. Amazing. 

Heaven bless the person at Cole Haan who decided to put Nike Air technology in their shoes, because these babies are ridiculously comfortable--- I wish I had bought them in all 3 colors when I found them on SALE in Dallas. 

I think it came together well, eh?

I felt a little Audrey Hepburn in the monochromatic outfit with the ankle-strap heels.  The Holly Golightly sleep mask I wear to bed these days might contribute to that feeling--- either way, I was quite pleased with the result-- and the fact that I didn't have to do any color coordinating this morning!

Holly's sleep mask . . .

My sleep mask . . . I only wish my real lashes were this thick!

One thing is for sure-- Holly's days were much more carefree than mine.  I certainly don't remember the part of Breakfast at Tiffany's where she spends her days in meetings, being punished by a trainer at the gym, doing laundry and studying. 

Alright, time to get a little sleep-- Holly Golightly sleep mask, here I come!

xoxo,

Mrs. MHH

p.s. Sorry for lying to you before . . . . please continue policing my content to make sure it doesn't happen again ;)

Christmas Road Trips With 9 College Boys and Dally VonDroolio

I can't believe I am actually in my own home enjoying a cup of coffee with absolutely zero commitments on the calendar for today.

This. Is. Bliss.

I should also take the time to make an announcement, Mr. and Mrs. MHH officially survived the holiday season!

I was lucky enough to kick off Christmastime with a night at the theatre with Mr. MHH-- we had tickets to see The Lion King.  As we had some friends who couldn't attend, we could gift them to two other friends, and we met them ahead of time for apps and cocktails at one of my favorite spots- The Corner Office.  They have the most creative cocktails (one comes with a stick of rock candy in it!) and the food is so delicious!

The Ladies

The Gentlemen

 Needless to say, regardless of how fabulous the pre-show fun was-- the show was even more amazing.  Mr. MHH and I have been really fortunate to get great seats whenever we go to a show at The Denver Center for Performing Arts.  Everything about The Lion King was amazing- the performers, the sets, and most of all-- the costumes-- just INCREDIBLE! 

The following day after work, I flew to Kansas for a long weekend home with my family.  Mr. MHH was headed to Chicago, so I was flying solo.

• Night one, Mother MHH and I stayed up until two in the morning- chatting and catching up.  
• Night two, my college age brother (who I sometimes think I share a brain with) stayed up with me chatting until three in the morning talking and hanging out.  The late night marathon chats with my family are one of my favorite parts about being home.  
• Night three, my parents had their annual Christmas party- where I got to spend time with other siblings and lots of old friends and family

The party is one of my favorite events of the year-- and not just because my mother lets me raid her fantabulous shoe collection.  (Her shoes are a Mrs. MHH DREAM COME TRUE-- and I love finding myself SO thankful for our identical shoe sizes!)  I also have to mention that I get to raid the rest of her closet sometimes too--- gotta love being the same size!  
 
Being home for my family's Christmas party was a wonderful time and I would have loved to stay in Kansas for weeks-- but since I don't get a month off for the holidays like my college-student brother . . . had to stay up super late packing to head back to Denver the next day for a few more days of work.

Luckily, the aforementioned brother was headed to Breckenridge with 8 friends and agreed to give me a ride back.

Wait, did I say "luckily"? About getting up at 5am for a road trip with 9 college boys?

Just a few of my travel companions . . .

Yes, I did.  

It was a surprisingly pleasant trip- I slept most of the way, had a couple interesting stops in a couple interesting Kansas towns . . . and none of the boys were even that smelly!

So, I was back to Denver for a few days of work, last minute present shopping, and a book club Christmas party until the day we were supposed to leave.  And then, as if it were a Christmas travel miracle . . . drumroll please . . . SNOWSTORM!!

That is our mailbox in a snowdrift.

So, Mr. MHH, the 23yr old bro, the 120pound Dally-dog, and I loaded into Mr. MHH's truck and headed for Kansas in a snowstorm-- let's just say that truck wasn't made for 3 adults and a dog the size of a gorilla to drive 9 hours.  

We would have probably been better off in a sleigh, but it was a few days early for Santa.   

Dally and the bro got up close and personal (she has a thing about drooling on people and sitting practically on their laps while in the car), we made a magical stop at the Oasis on the Prairie (since when does an oasis have snow??), and I got a lot of reading done-- until I relieved the bro of backseat duty.  At that point, the only thing I got was a leg covered in drool.  

Yes, this is the face of someone who would drool on you

Christmas shenanigans to be continued . . . . . 

Dear Snow, I have some gripes.

We get it- the calendar says, "December."

It has officially been snowing since Thursday, and while the sparkly white blanket all over everything is quite pretty- I'm filing complaints, so read this carefully!

Totally functional . . . yes?

•  I don't happen to own any crampons.  Even though I found some "girly" pink ones . . . I'm not so sure they'd work well with my usual heels.  I couldn't even make it up the driveway in my snow boots today!  (Someone once said something to me about function over fashion, but fur lined boots are functional-- yes?? ) Also, even if I could make it up the driveway/across the street to the watch party/ out on the back deck without wiping out-- how many days in a row can a girl live in snow boots before her outfit just becomes redundant and more snow boots must then be purchased? I'll be honest, 4 days is about my limit and I'm eying the Sorel Joan of Arctic boots.       

Dally loves snow, LOVES snow.  If she is outside, it is impossible to get her back in-- and when she is inside, she is begging to get back out!  She chases the snow, wrestles with it, eats it, chases it, lays in it . . . . and she only begs to get back inside the house when she is covered in it-  Completely soaking wet with actual snow balls matted into her fur.  110 pounds of soaking wet dog is so AWESOME!- especially when all that snow melts off her in the kitchen, creating huge puddles for yours truly to slip on.

• Dally loves snow, at 4am.  4am Friday morning, Dally wanted to go outside.  Since Mr. MHH and I have been trying very hard to get her housebroken, any time she asks to be let out-- we immediately jump up and let her out.  Unfortunately, it didn't go that way Friday morning-- it went more like this:



Yum! This stuff is great!

• Dally woke up Mr. and Mrs. MHH, Mrs. MHH agrees to go let her out.
• Mrs. MHH gets out of bed, leaving the lights off so Mr. MHH can sleep a little longer
• Mrs. MHH reaches for glasses, knocking them to the floor.
• Mrs. MHH bends down quickly to grab glasses from floor and BAM- smashes nose/forehead on corner of wooden night table.
• Mrs. MHH cries out in pain, waking Mr. MHH. 
• Mr. MHH takes Dally out, Mrs. MHH spends rest of night with bag of ice on face. - FAIL

• Friends don't travel well in snow.  Once we became Mr. and Mrs., I moved to the house in the 'burbs.  I normally don't mind the commute, but the snow makes it MUCH more difficult for friends living in the urban jungle to venture out.  Yes, snow- you are ruining my social life!

• Mrs. MHH doesn't travel well in snow, either.   I decided Friday evening that if I had to tolerate the weather, I may as well embrace it-- and plans were made to head up i70 for some mountain time on Saturday.  However, because the SNOW didn't stay up in the mountains where it belongs-- the roads were too bad to even drive up! So, I got to spend Saturday morning cleaning house! 

Denver averages 300 days of sunshine a year- So, I feel like it's about time for the snow to bid us all, adios.  At least go away long enough to melt the ice boulders so I can get out the driveway without tearing out the bottom of my car, eh?  Maybe even long enough for me to get some Christmas decorations up outside?

I know what some of you are probably thinking- "Why is this lady living in Denver if she doesn't like snow?!"  Let me clarify my gripes and let you all know that I do LOVE the snow . . . sometimes . . . not for 4 days in a row.  I love snow on Christmas, on the ski slopes, on days when I am not trying to go anywhere or do anything and can just relax with a good book while the it falls outside.  

So . . . 

Dear Snow,

Please go away. 

That, or do my Christmas decorating and shopping.

xoxo, 

Mrs. MHH

so, I can't blame 2 months of silence on a running injury . . .

No . . . I didn't die

The race did not in fact kill me . . .

AND

I ran the entire thing (as in absolutely zero walking) I'm not pretending like I set any records, but I did finish.

I know, I know, it was only a half marathon and not a full.  

However, given that less than two weeks before the race I thought I may have some rare jungle virus AND given that four days before the race a physical therapist told me that the ridiculous pain I was experiencing was actually me tearing my IT band with each step I took . . . and could not do any high impact workouts/run for 6 weeks if I did the race----

I'd say finishing without walking pretty much equals GOLD MEDAL!  (I was going to say, "Winning!"-- but Charlie Sheen is so February 2011).  

Smiling (kind of) across the finish line!

Quick recap of the weekend- and a pass/fail rating

10/7

•  fly to Wichita- get picked up at the airport by my sweet sister- PASS
• got to hang with the 'rents and have a glass of wine- PASS
•  good night sleep in humid air that doesn't leave me with a sore throat- PASS  

 10/8

• got up early to go pick up race packets- moderate FAIL (because of the getting up early)
• headed to Manhattan, to watch the Wildcats send Missouri out of the Big 12 with one last butt kicking- EPIC PASS (absolutely amazing!!)



sister, Mr. MHH, Mrs. MHH
soaked from rain, but finished!

•  bland pasta dinner, no wine, bed early - FAIL (because one of the best things about being home is the late night chats with my parents)

10/9

•  got up ridiculously early- FAIL
•  peanut butter toast breakfast- PASS (because who doesn't love peanut butter?!)
• race begins, 500 people sprint by me, Mr. MHH and my sis- minor FAIL
• Mom runs out on the course at mile 1.5 to give me water and a handful of pain reliever- PASS (and adorable)
• a light, warm rain starts- PASS
• rain gets in iPod, iPod starts skipping, expensive Beats headphones quit . . . so I have no beats- FAIL FAIL FAIL (thanks a lot, rain)
•  see the parents several times throughout the race- they were trying to see us a lot, and a friend from high school, and our dear friend Mary- PASS!
• FINISHED! - PASS
• Freddy's for lunch and then a home cooked family dinner- PASS

There you have it, the play-by-play-- yours truly finished a half marathon, did not die, kind of enjoyed it, and may do another!

Until then, back in stilettos where I belong!

xoxo,

Mrs. MHH

Running like a Mack Truck

Two posts in one week?  Something must be wrong . . . 

Well it is.  

Mr. MHH, my sweet sister and I have completely lost our minds and have decided to run a half marathon.  

Let me begin by letting the world know the following: 

I AM NOT A RUNNER

I am not swift like a gazelle with those long lean gorgeous yoga-esque muscles.  When I run my legs put on muscle--- rhino muscle-- not gazelle.  I do not glide across the running path... I more barrel down the street like a Mack Truck.

I'm not kidding-- my quads are like weapons--- great for a linebacker... not so great for a woman. 

Good news is that the hubbs thinks I look better than ever-- he hasn't noticed that we could now share pants. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit)

Did I mention said half marathon is less than two weeks away?

Oh yes, and I'm sick-- day 6 and it's bad. Loss of voice, coughing, runny nose, achy all over... my co-workers are calling me "Patient Zero."  Yes, it's pretty nasty. 

Needless to say, this has put a serious cramp in my training.  I rested Saturday and Sunday hoping that I would be raring to go yesterday for a 12 miler.  

Not.

So.

Fast.

About 3 miles in I had to stop-- the intense stabbing pain in my throat every time I took a breath was just a bit much.  So, back to the pavement this evening--- Mr. MHH has a guys' night, so I won't have to keep up with his pace and can just truck through it on my own.  We'll be keeping the fingers seriously crossed-- and the legs so they look slimmer.

xoxo,

Mrs. Mack Truck

Catching up on birthdays . . . .

So the last time I updated you all, it was a month late on my birthday celebration... so now we'll catch up on Mr. MHH's and what we've been doing lately.

For Mr. MHH's 29th birthday, I thought it'd be really really fun to throw him a surprise party.  I wanted to have it at our home and do all the cooking and baking and decorating myself.  After some thought/ reality check/ recovery from temporary insanity, I realized that the amount of work I was about to undertake was NOT going to be something I could keep a secret-- not with the bash I had planned!  So, I ruined my own surprise . . . that's just how I roll.

Regardless of the lack of surprise, it was a smashing success! More than 25 of our friends came and I had prepared a feast to celebrate the birthday of the love of my life!  We had sangria and other adult begs, shrimp chipotle wonton cups. black bean cilantro cakes, veggies with homemade hummus, mustard-rubbed pork tenderloin, and a 3 layer coconut-walnut-cream cheese cake.  (Take THAT Martha Stewart!!)

Thank goodness for friends who arrived early to help me finish everything off!  And it was DELICIOUS-- my first party at our new home and Mr. MHH was really thrilled.

It was a really great turn out, especially for a Wednesday night, and almost every morsel of food was gone by the end.  I think maybe we had 2 wonton cups, 1 black bean cake, and a glass of sangria left.  Success!

Mr. MHH's friends did point out that now that I set the bar so high, I'm going to have a hard time planning his 30th- so I've decided the big bash is going to be hot dogs and bowling next year.  After all, can't get too predictable.

I didn't disappear!

It has been awhile since I updated you all on the wonderful world of newlywed-hood- but we have been SO busy! 

I'll start at the beginning, a month ago (eek, can't believe it's been that long!) when Mr. MHH took me for a surprise pre-birthday dinner.  He took me to one of my favorite spots, Capital Grille. 

It. was. ah-mazing!  

They were having this fabulous wine event where you get to try all kinds of different wines with each course of your meal.  Since I was celebrating, it was a, "sure, why not!" moment.   May I just say, best. decision. ever.  The event was called The Generous Pour- and our server was generous.  Mr. MHH and I had oysters to start, followed by a filet for him and salmon for me.  We finished off with crème brûlée.  Every bite was divine, and I was delighted to have leftover salmon to take home so I could enjoy my birthday dinner twice! 

By the time we headed home, it was late enough that we were able to enjoy Larimer Square's fabulous July decorations.  I just love that lights are always up on that street, and that they decorate for holidays.  The American flags looked so patriotic! 

A week later was my real birthday-- and Mr. MHH pulled out all the stops.  All he told me was to be ready at 6:30-- but this was after he came to my work, brought two dozen roses and took me to lunch.  Anyway, I came home and changed into something less work-ish and at 6:30 the doorbell rang. 

Mr. MHH had rented aa town car to chauffer us around for the evening-- complete with champagne in the back seat!  We headed to a fabulous tapas restaurant 9th Door where I had some scallops to start the evening off with something delicious... and it was.  Hindsight being 20-20, I should have had more to eat. 




After 9th door, Mr. MHH took me to the Downtown Tavern where a bunch of my friends surprised me.  It was so special to see everyone and I felt so loved!  There were baloons, there was a cookie cake, some beverages, presents, and lots of fun!  We stayed for a few hours, until we were headed to the last part of my surprise, cigars and night caps!  It was only part of the group at this point, but we had a blast.  It was a fabulous day full of surprises.


Alright friends, I'll catch you up more tomorrow-- because we have lots to share!

xoxo,

Mrs. MHH

Go ahead . . . make my day. and the tale of the crazy kickballer

The State of Colorado has the most fabulous law commonly called the "Make My Day" law.  More or less it gives a person the legal right to use deadly force to defend their place of residence and any other innocent persons legally inside it, from violent attack or an intrusion which may lead to violent attack.  Last night I was taking full advantage of this law.

Don't worry, someone didn't break into our house . . . something did. 

One of the wonderful adventures of having a puppy (and a cat who is obsessed with being outside) is that your door is always open.  Dally can never seem to decide whether inside or outside is a more exciting place to be and so we are constantly assisting her relocation.  (Yes, "relocation" is the appropriate word-- she's a lot of puppy to move and each move usually requires food/water and at least one toy.)

As much as I looooooove our new sliding glass door, I am starting to think that a revolving door would have been more appropriate.  I also realize how convenient people must find those "dog doors" . . . those people probably don't have dogs the size of a large man though.  Hence, no other practical solutions have yet been determined to cut down on the amout of time our back door is open.

Because of the constant opening and closing of the door, not only should we buy stock in WD-40 to try and recoup some of our costs--- we are also being invaded by a number of creepy crawlies. 

Monday, my battle was against a particularly annoying mosquito who I could swear bit me about ten times while I was making dinner.  I would consider that a violent attack, wouldn't you?  I swatted and I swung and I even called the Mr. over, but the devious blood-sucking pest seemed to disappear each time Mr. MHH came to help. 

Fast forward to 12:30 at night.  I was wide awake, the Mr. was not interested in staying up super-late to hang out . . . so I decided to take a bath.  All was going well until I realized that nasty little nusiance has followed me into the bathroom!!!  As I sat in my blanket of bubbles, vampire mosquito flying around, I found myself wishing for a gun, grenade, something big and explosive to blow this nasty vermin to high heaven.  I imagined myself pulling out a hidden handgun and bam! "Make my day, mosquito."  Yes, I now realize that shooting the teeny bug would have done a tremendous amount of damage to my house and would not have been a good decision.  I would've felt better though. 

Not to worry, I did manage to rid the world of said beast before it infected my toothbrush, or bit me for the 100th time. 



At least she's not drinking Natural Light

In other news, we had kickball last night.  I really like kickball- the kicking is fun, the runnint is fun, Dally mostly goes for the beer. 
I like all things kickball, but am not the most aggressive fielder.  The kicking and running don't bother me . . . but I'm a little intimidated by the giant red ball hurling through the air at my head when the other team is "at bat." 

Anyway, we were a little shorthanded last night so yours truly got stuck at second base rather than my usual post at catcher.  So I'm standing there, about ten feet behind the baseline 3/4 of the way between first and second.  Fro boy on the other team was up to bat- he kicks the ball toward third, rounds first heading toward second (for some reason running the bases ten feet deep in the outfield--- right into me.  So, one of our guys throws the ball at the him to tag him out about 8 feet before he gets to second. 

That is when fro boy (who was also apparently celebrating a birthday) loses it.  He grabs the ball and chucks it . . .  AT MY FACE. (whaaaaaat??)

Yes-- seriously.

He then proceeds to argue with my husband about whether or not his behavior was appropriate and kept saying that it was "all in good fun" and he was "just having a good time" and "celebrating" because it was his birthday.

???

Let me make sure I've got this straight, Sir Psycho.

1) Losing your temper and throwing things at girls is "all in good fun"???
2) As long as you're "just having a good time" you have some kind of hall pass to act like a complete idiot???
3) You were "celebrating"????

I'd hate to see how this guy acts when he's having a bad day.

Needless to say, fro boy decided that getting into it with my husband (who was furious but managed to not kill the guy) was not worth it.  Mr. MHH is the nicest guy--- but DON'T mess with his woman.

We ended up winning something like 18-4.  Happy Birthday, Sir Psycho

If you're interested in seeing a picture of the crazy or just in reading a fabulous blog, check out my friend Lauren at Climbing Grier Mountain.  She's a foodie, photog and fabulous kickballer!

I Demand More Weekend. (or three of me so I can have thrice as much fun)

Hello my lovelies, (and handsomes if there are any of you)

It is Tuesday.  I am in a meeting.  We are waiting on someone to get back in here so we can continue . . . . so, now--- I blog!

If there were three of me, my weekend would have additionally included the following:
FYI: Me1= actually me.  Me2= alternate me also fun like Me1. Me3= healthy, responsible me, much less fun than Me1.

Me2 would have gone to Tablerock Lake for the weekend.  My sister. her husband and my darling parents were at our lake house with our family dog, Tucker.  Tucker is a giant yellow lab who had surgery last week.  Tucker's story will be featured in a blog later this week where I will spend time thanking my sister for being amazing/ probably saving Tucker's life. Me2 would have hung out with my family, waterskiied, cooked with my mom, swam around the dock and ridden around in our boat.  Me2 would have survived on ice cream, guacamole, and pina coladas (thus making Me2 vary thankful for Me3)

Me3 would have spent the weekend sleeping until 10 every morning, cleaning our house/sorting through my closet room from 10-12, working out from 12-4 and drinking water/ eating raw veggies to compensate for eating and drinking Me1 (real me) did this weekend

As there are not 3 of me, and I am limited to just Me1... I will go ahead and write about the fabulousness of the weekend I had.

Friday (As in "Friday, you charlatan") Mr. MHH and I took Dally to the vet to get her last round of shots so we could take her to doggy daycare for the weekend.  After marvelling at the monstrousity that is our puppy, the doctor recommended taking the 16 week old off of puppy chow.  Apparently she's growing too fast and weighing 60lbs at 4 months isn't exactly necessary.  There goes my dream of Dally growing into an enormous, fluffy, sweet, slobbering mess rivaling Clifford the Big Red Dog.  I'll have to settle for the slight 160lbs that she's planned to be.  Drat.

After dropping off Dally, Mr. MHH and I headed to Steamboat Springs to meet up with our friends from CGM for a weekend of fun. 



the part of the drive I was awake for

 

The drive up was absolutely gorgeous, and went by so quickly . . . . this may have something to do with the fact that I slept most of the way while Mr. MHH drove though.  (I tend to do that a lot in the car, thus road trips go by really quickly!)  Arriving at Chez Griswold, we were greeted with margaritas (ole!) wine (hurrah!) and the smells of a fabulous tortilla soup (ohh yes!).  Our first order of business was to change into comfortable clothes.  Hellooooooooo sweatpants! 

Have I previously mentioned how much I absolutely adore sweatpants?  If I were to make one of those "I'm a PC" commercials, my tagline would be, "I'm a PC and I love sweatpants" . . . "and stillettos, and my family, and my cat even though she tries to move out once a week, and thunderstorms, and bunnies"

Okay, maybe my commercial wouldn't work.  

Oh yes, back to the weekend.  After a delicious meal, I went downstairs to the room we were sleeping in-- full of yummy food, exhausted... and went comatose.  Sleeping was AMAZING-- the week had felt so long and I was soooooo tired.  LUCKILY, a few hours later Mr. MHH decided it was time for him to go to bed . . . or maybe he decided it was time to wake me up.  Either way, that's just what he did.  We were staying in a room that had twin beds, which I didn't mind because after sleeping alone for 26 years... I kinda like my space.  Well, Mr. MHH decides that not only is it okay to wake me up... he wants to cuddle.  IN A TWIN BED.  I couldn't decide if he was messing with me, or trying to be sweet . . . but I really wasn't having any of it.  I believe my quote was something like, "There are two beds for a reason, now shut up."  (I know, I know . . . . not nice.  But it was 2 in the morning!!!)

Saturday was Jeeping, walking around town, visiting an art fair in a park that smelled so much of sulpher that I almost threw up in front of 300 strangers, lunch at the Boat House, a nap, and then an incredible dinner at bistro c.v.   <-- This place is foodie HEAVEN!  I wish I could re-create their grilled romaine salad, or their hollandaise, or their potatoes, or their blueberry cobbler . . . all so good!  After dinner, we returned to the house and once again... food coma.  Luckily, this time Mr. MHH decided that the twin beds really only had room for one. 

Sunday we had the joy of going running with Mr. B and Lauren.  They ran 12 miles . . . . I was perfectly happy not even getting close to going that far!  After our run, Mr MHH and I went bathing suit shopping for me.  I had an incident with come tar in Little Cayman that has made my favorite suit unwearable, and my other go-to is starting to fall apart . . . so I was in need.  Here's something about shopping for bathing suits with your husband . . . you quickly realize that he is either A. insane B. blind or C. not thinking about  the fact that you actually wear bathing suits in public.  My sweet Mr. MHH marched himself over to the bikini rack in Quicksilver and grabbed far too large of a top, and far too small of a bottom.  Sweet of him, but so not happening.  We picked out some and I went to try them on--- and he picked his 2 favorites.  One of them is very cute and definitely wearable . . . the other is going to do a really lousy job of keeping my buns under control.  (Beginning daily runs . . . now!)



my rear is not this small . . . . hello brazilian



cute . . .



cute . . .

After our last lunch at the Boat House, we Mr. MHH was ready to hit the road (since we couldn't mountian bike because of the rain) and battle traffic back to Denver-- while I slept in the car.  The traffic was pretty insane, and no amount of Angry Birds and orange soda pop could make it go by anymore quickly.  On these rides, I always wonder, "Should we have left earlier?" "Should we have left later?"  "Should we have just stayed?" 

After picking up Dally, we arrived home to discover that Munchkin was outside the ENTIRE weekend!  She muxt have slipped out when we were loading the car.  She was very hungry but seems to have avoided the ferocious neighborhood fox.  (thankfully!)  

The weekend definitely went too fast, so if anyone out there knows how to make it longer or how to multiply myself so I can enjoy three times the weekend at once-- please let me know.  If this is possible, I may want a Me4 who will also work out all weekend and go to the office during the week so Me1 can play all day. 

Also--- enough with the rain already.



xoxo, Mrs. MHH

Friday, you charlatan!!!

Dearest Friday, or should I call you Monday?!!!

Ha!

Yes, that's right!

 I know it's you Monday-- despite your trickery, I have found you out! 

"How?" you ask . . .

"Why?" you wonder  . . .

Well, it didn't even take much Nancy Drew-ing because I am quite familiar with Friday and all the glory Friday brings!

Never. Ever. Ever. On a Friday would the following happen:

1. My flat iron died.  This CRITICAL hair rescue tool would never ever be so obtrusive as to die on a Friday.  This is clearly a Monday-only sort of event.
2. I found my favorite red pumps chewed to high heaven.  Even Dally in her 16 weeks of maturity knows not to chew up shoes on a Friday.
3. Ridiculous traffic.  Okay, fine. This happens in Denver on every day ending in "y" but still seemed a little inappropriate this morning.
4. Bagel drop- cream cheese side down.  enough said.
5. One and a half hour project kickoff meeting until 3:30 on a Friday.  Ruined my "work a half day" plan
6. Kickoff meeting outfit:
1. Pressed woven shirt: check
2. Pencil skirt: check
3. Mile-high heels: check (not really complaining about this one
4. Slip under pencil skirt: check (because my momma raised me right, ladies.)  
5. All of those add up to NOT "Casual Friday"

See, obviously NOT a Friday!


So, Monday-- please send Friday back my way in time for Mr. MHH and me to head to Steamboat Springs for the weekend!

anti xoxo, Monday!

Mrs. MHH

Breckenfridge-- Summer Style

Happy Thursday!

As I write this, it is after 5pm and I am sitting at my desk in my office.  Why you ask?  Well, apparently it is MONSOON season in Denver.  I left home in my 4 1/2in blush pink Joan and David's . . . and definitely don't have my trusty Hunter boots under my desk.  DRAT!



Bad in rain



Good in rain





Modis is a really gorgeous space



So, while I sit here and wait out the rain, I wanted to share about one of the best parts of being married--- weekend trips!



This past weekend for the 4th of July, we went up to Breckenridge.  We had a couple friends with us, but only for part of the weekend--- and we managed to steal away for a date night.  The first place we went was Modis for a cocktail.  I absolutely love this place.  They have a really eclectic drink menu and their food is fabulous as well.  However, we didn't stay-- because we wanted to hit a classic Breck spot, Downstairs at Eric's (because everywhere else just sucks) (not really, but that's what their shirts say).  I ordered their Southwestern Veggie Burger and it really was incredible.  The burger itself was really really flavorful and actually looked like a burger (sorry Gardenburger people, it might taste okay... but yours look kinda gross.)  I only finished half, so I got to have the rest of it the next day.... which made me a happy Mrs! 

On Monday, the 4th we had the entire day to ourselves!  (oh yes, an entire date day!)  There was a lot going on in Breck on the 4th and we were lucky enough to do a little bit of everything. We got up early and took Dally downtown to get some breakfast.  After we ate, we wandered through the art festival and spent some time with a watercolor artist, Laine Dobson.  His work is really beautiful and surprisingly masculine for watercolor.  His use of color reminds me a little of Richard Thomas-- who is one of my dad's favorites. 

The day was so gorgeous, Mr. MHH, Dally and I decided to hike up Peak 9 a little bit.  We had a great time and I got some fabulous photos!

Dally played in the runoff stream but only for a moment-- it was freezing!



Mr. MHH and Dally Bear





Mr. MHH loved it!



After nature-hike part of date day, Dally was exhausted... so we walked back to the condo and I finished my weekend mission:  TO MAKE AN APPLE PIE.  I did it!  I peeled 8 apples by hand, managed to make the crust without a food processor (the pastry blender and I battled), rolled out the dough, cut it for the lattice work, filled the pie, placed the lattice, baked the thing, and it was so yummy!  I have never baked a pie before and was quite nervous about the whole thing, especially considering that I was baking at 10,000 feet --- yes, altitude DOES make a difference. 

 

 

The rest of our day consisted of walking around town together enjoying the day.  We dinnered (I like that "word") at Mi Casa-- because you can't go to Breck and NOT go to Mi Casa, (hellooo margarita!) watched the fireworks (lame), and rested our eyes to prepare for the week ahead.



Why fire fighters are cute



What I dig about the Highlands

It's been a whirlwind couple weeks-- Mr. MHH has been crazy busy with work. we've been traveling a bit, and also doing lots of fun things during the week.  It's been fun loving things around our house and Denver as well. 

I want to share my latest favorites in one of our favorite neighborhoods, The Highlands:







Love the lights in Linger


• Linger--- Located in the former Olinger mortuary has an extensive menu featuring food from all over the world, and an amazing drink menu.  I went there one night with my lovely friend K-Spence and some other girls.  Having the bar in an old mortuary is a little creepy . . . .but lots of fun.  Of course, we got a little silly. 

River of pool balls









Yes, it's really this gorgeous

• Vita-- The upstairs patio here is AMAZING.  Mr. MHH and I were here for Mr. B's birthday (whose lovely wife writes a fabulous blog) and I also had my bachelorette dinner at this hot spot.  When Mr. MHH and I needed a location for a date last week before he was out of town for work, the obvious choice was Vita. 

• Lola- actually located right next door to Vita-- fabulous margaritas and even better food!  We went there with the Griers last Wednesday night and as usual, it did NOT disappoint!  I had the poblano relleno with some ahi and it was INCREDIBLE.  Mr. MHH had the caldo de mariscos and we all had some plantain tamale. 

• Little Man Ice Cream - This sweet little spot is actually located around the corner from Lola and Vita-- just down the hill from Linger.  It's the most adorable building- shaped just like a milk can and the ice cream and gelato are AMAZING!!!  Mr. MHH ordered ice cream after our Vita date while I opted for gelato.  There is usually a line down the street, but this place is not to be missed!

If I haven't made it clear . . . I dig the Highlands and all the great places to eat and grab a martini with friends!  The view of downtown is amazing and the cuisine is so eclectic!  I plan to do some shopping adventures there later this summer and will keep you posted on the great places I find.

xoxo,

Mrs. MHH

Friday Lovefest

Hello friends, family, foes, faithful followers!

I would like to start this post by giving a shout out to Friday.

FRIDAY, I LOVE YOU!!!
(for the following reasons)

1. You began with some dance time with Mr. MHH and friends downtown, followed by a delicious slice of pineapple pizza from Old Chicago
2. You are the eve of the day my parents are stopping in Denver to see me and Mr. MHH and meet our Dally bear
3. You let me sleep in this morning. (Actually, Mr. MHH let me sleep in... but you can have the credit)
4. You are sunny and a dry 81 soon to be 87 degrees.
5. You mean no work tomorrow, which I like quite a lot. (The cubicle is only a pleasant place to be for so long before a girl needs to get outside and breathe some non-stale air!)
6. You mean no morning traffic tomorrow, no bums bothering me on the way to the office, no Greenpeace people, no Planned Parenthood people, no smelly alley, and oh yes-- no work.
7. You helped me get through a tough afternoon workout (Okay, that was E my personal  trainer, but whatev)
8. You are the reason we are getting out of work an hour early for happy hour (actually, this one is my boss)
9. You bring fun with friends and my Mr. tonight, after some great playtime with Dally

Friday, you are my favorite.