Halloween Weekend

I never look forward to falling back for daylight savings but I do love this time of year.  Halloween! Fall! Football!  And, randomly, my parent's 33rd Anniversary!!  Here's to 33 more, Mom and Dad!!  :)

Last Thursday I traveled to Louisville for the Florida State University vs. Louisville football game.  This game was a big deal!  And although UofL didn't pull off a win it was still fun.  Maybe a little too fun!

All the Betas before the game.

Friday I was back in Newport!  That evening was Halloween and I went out for my friend Nate's birthday! Last year we went to Below Zero and I've been looking forward to it again all year.  Mr Louisville dressed up as a nerd (um, not really a stretch for him ;) and I pulled out an old favorite, California Mountain Snake from Kill Bill!  The dance party was so much fun!  I could have closed it down but Thursday night's shenanigans caught up to me eventually so Mr L and I headed home around 1am.

Leyla finally met Mr. Louisville!

Becky creeping, Leyla, Hillie (who KILLED it as Red from Orange is the new Black, Kelly as My Little Pony and me.

Saturday, it was more Halloween fun!  But first, another birthday.  We met up with Mike and Abbey to celebrate Ab's birthday at Dewey's Pizza.  One of my favorites!  Then, it was off to Brett's for a party.  Mr. Louisville has quite the 'stache and after some contemplating we decided to go as a little girl and pedophile! I think we pulled it off!  The lollipops were a nice touch.

Finally, I don't think I can complete a Halloween post with out a picture of my niece on her first Halloween dressed as a little ladybug. I love her!

Summer Weddings

Erik & Angie
They were married at Elk Creek Vineyards.  DJ Buttonz (Dave!) was the DJ and there was a light show!  Made for a most excellent dance party.

Studs!

Mara and Brian, best dressed couple!

Matthew and Lindsey
I was excited to spend a weekend in Lexington, KY for their wedding.  I haven't spent much time there since I graduated back in 2007 so it was terribly nostalgic.
Highlights:
Visitng Sara and baby Luna!
Going to Enoteca with Scott and Laura Hunt on Friday night.
Lunch at Pazzo's Saturday.
Buying a new red dress at Black Market for $40!

The cake topper Sara made for the bride and groom.

This cake topper.  So cute!!

Little West Sixth Brewing cans on the back!

The lovely ceremony and fun reception with music by the Turkeys.

Myself, Dave, Clay and Chase looking down at the reception.

With Mr. Louisville in front of the Round Barn.

Brett and Jessica
These two got hitched the weekend before in Jess' home state of California.

Tyler and Kevin at the California reception.

Because I was going to Portland that same month I couldn't swing two big trips but I was able to make the reception they hosted the weekend after.  We all showed up at The Grand a little disoriented because we didn't come from a ceremony.  But the open bar and appetizers helped us get acclimated.
I danced the night away thanks to DJ Buttonz!

Abbey and Mike
After the bachelorette and shower festivities I was ready for their big day!  I was asked to do a reading at their ceremony so I was a part of the rehearsal dinner and wedding day.
They got married at a barn in Dry Ridge, The Josephina.

At the rehearsal dinner.

Pre-ceremony selfie with the bride.

Josh and AshleyLast but not least the winner for best reception!  These two got hitched at a barn in Union, KY, Farmhaven. They Turkeys played their reception and then DJ Buttonz took care of the music during their break and after, late into the night!  The fog machine and light show put this reception over the top!  So so fun.

The boys gettin' that garter!

Turkeys in the fog.

Whew, it was quite a wedding season!  Cheers to all the newly betrothed! 

Showering Abbey

This Sunday I hosted a Bridal Shower Brunch for Abbey.

 A picture of Abbey and Mike the night before the shower.  We went to Rhinegeist for our friend, Ashley's 30th birthday.

I kept the decorations simple.  Flowers from my parents' garden.

For drinks I had mimosas and a Blood Mary bar.

Over drinks, I asked Abbey questions that Mike answered for me earlier in the week.  Here were 2 of my favorites:

Q. What is your most commonly used phrase?
A. Hmmm? if someone says "That pisses me off!" I always say "It's better to be pissed off then pissed on". Also... I act that part out in the movie "Hook" Where I take my fingers and smush her face around and say " There you are Peter" pretty weird. 

Q. Who is her celebrity crush? Yours?
A. (Hers) Ryan Gosling (Me) Zoey Deshanel and Jessica Simpson.



For games, I downloaded a game of scattergories that went over very well!  At the last minute I picked up a few gifts at Kroger.  These little succulents were 2 for $7.

 

MENU:
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Powdered, glazed and chocolate doughnut holes
Baked ham and cheese sandwiches
Whole wheat penne with butternut squash and goat cheese
Bacon
Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Fruit

The shower was scheduled from 11am - 1pm and my last guest didn't leave until 3:30 so I'd say it was a success.

Forecastle 2014

I went to Forecastle for my 3rd year in a row this past weekend. My first year I went for just 1 day in 2012, last year was a blast and I was looking forward to doing it again.

This year, the festival got turned into a little Bachelorette weekend for my friend, Abbey.  We stayed at the Galt House which was a few blocks from the grounds which worked out perfectly!  I was in for the whole weekend but there were a few girls that came for just a night or two. 

I love live music and was excited to check out some new-to-me bands and some old favorites.  Below is a list of everyone we saw.  Sometimes we stayed for the whole set, other times we just plopped down and listened to a song or two.  Outkast was definitely my favorite show of the entire weekend!  I didn't think I'd see a show as good as Beyonce and Jay Z this year but Big Boi and Andre 3000 gave Bey and Jay a run for their money.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

Friday:
Gary Clark Jur.
Local Natives
Nightmares on Wax
Twenty One pilots
Spoon
OUTKAST!! 

Becca, Julie, Abbey & Kristen.  Waiting for the elevator after night 1.

Saturday:
Spanish Gold
Lord Huron
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Jason Isabel
Kygo
Band of Horses
Dwight Yokam
Jack White

Abbey, Jenn, Kristen, Becca and Jamie chilling on day 2.  We did a lot of lounging on the Mexican blankets!

Sunday:
Brett Dennen
Trampled by Turtles
Jenny Lewis
Nickel Creek
Tune-Yards
Ray Lamontagne
Beck

I'm already looking forward to next year!!

The bachelorette.

Fun Fact:
I puff about lot of good shows I go to but I am an equal opportunity concert goer! 
Mr. Louisville came to town last week with a few friends and I tagged along with them to the Def Leppard and KISS concert at Riverbend.  It was interesting!  I knew 2 songs the entire night.  Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Lep and Rock and Roll All Nite by Kiss.  But hey!  KISS is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  So, there's that.

Friday Five

1.  On the Run
I went to the Great American Ball Park a few weeks ago to see Beyonce and Jay Z.  It was the greatest live concert I've ever been to.  And I've been to a lot!!  The production was top notch and it was just so high energy and fun.  I went with Abbey and we had so much fun dancing the entire time.  Luckily, I was able to slip in my flask so sipping bourbon for the duration helped.

View from our seats.

2.  Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
I've professed my love of Nordstrom a few times before but this sale hit the spot.  I had a delightful time shopping with my mom and was able to find lots of great things.  I decided to splurge on a black leather jacket for myself.  I'd never wish summer away but I can't wait to wear it!  

3.  How does your garden grow?
After much success last year pickling jalapenos from my parent's garden I requested kirby cucumbers this year.  My mom planted 4 little plants and the cucumbers are growing like wild fire!  I tried a few recipes for refrigerator pickles but wasn't too impressed.  My mom tried this recipe and they hit the spot so I made some as well.  I'm sure I'll be making many more batches before summer's end. 
Also, their sunflowers came up and are absolutely stunning. It's so nice to pop over there to get fresh flowers that last a few weeks to keep in my house!

Care for a pickle?

4.  Charlotte Rose
When I was in San Francisco I popped into a little shop one day to get a gift for my favorite niece.  I had to stop myself from getting one of the gorgeous stacking blocks because she's just too young for them yet and I've been on a roll getting her things she loves!  Instead I got a little sunni rattle for her. Success!

5.  4th of July
I had a very low-key holiday this year but it was perfect.  Spent the day poolside with friends until Mr. L arrived in the late afternoon.

This summer is flying by.  Hope you are enjoying yours!

Keeneland

I try and make it down to Keeneland at least once or twice a year.  There is a meet in the spring and another in the fall so the window of opportunity is limited.

We left Northern Kentucky around 9am Saturday morning and arrived in Lexington a little after 10.  We tailgated with lots of friends for most of the afternoon and finally made it into the track around race 5.  I usually bet on some races but this time I didn't.  There was quite a crowd and I had the most fun just catching up with my friends, watching the horses and the people and sipping bourbon from my flask.

Abbey and I.

Andrew, Andy, Kyle.

Getting ready for our photo shoot.

So excited to see Nick and Tiffany!

Anyone else a fan of going to a race track?  It can't be just a Bluegrass and bourbon thing but I suppose it would be okay if it is.

Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I like to spend the entire month of October celebrating by watching horror flicks and I think about my costume throughout the entire year.

Costumes
2011 - Black Swan
2010 - 3 Blind Mice
2009 - Alex DeLarge
2008 - Mia Wallace
2007 - Witch
2006 - Beer Garden Girl
2005 - Minnie Mouse
2004 - Ms. Pac Man
2003 - Lady Bug

I think that's about right.  Hard to remember but that list doesn't include some quick costumes like a hippie, red riding hood, etc.

So, for this Halloween I helped my friend, Mike, plan a big Halloween Party for my friend (his girlfriend) Abbey's 30 birthday!  Best party of the year!

The invitations I made.

California Mountain Snake aka Elle Driver.

The spread.

My first liquor ice luge experience.

Beetlejuice and Lydia.  Birthday girl!