Happy Birthday KC! // 2019

Today is KC's birthday! He is turning 28, and we're in full swing of "bday week". :) :) If you're new here, and wondering why we do a WHOLE week... check out the bottom of this post!

Here Are 12 Things You Didn't Know About KC:

1) His hair is currently longer than mine. (read about the man bun saga, here)
2) One of his fave meals is buffalo chicken mac and cheese
3) As a kid/tween his favorite movie was The Matrix, but he hadn't seen it in at least 10 years until last night. :)
4) He has a kick ass 90s pop playlist, which you can find here. (Spotify)
5) He loves his flannel plaid and buffalo check shirts. And his hiking boots. Seriously, I have to hide them in the summer so he won't heat exhaust.
6) He's soooo laid back and that helps keep me calm.
7) He's very good at story telling and world building. He brings D&D sessions to life.
8) He's not a big drinker, but loves a good coffee/milk stout. (Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout is his fave)
9) He started baking bread this year! (Catch the action videos on Instagram Stories from time to time)
10) He often thinks about wing suits.
11) He loves The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings movies.
12) I asked him to read the Lunar Chronicles and he did. hehe (he liked them)

Why We Do A Bday Week for KC:

KC is absolutely the sweetest most selfless human I've ever met. I'm not saying that because he's my husband, I'm saying it because it's true. He'll do things he doesn't want to do when he really doesn't have to. He puts me, his family, his friends, and many others before himself nearly all of the time. He spoils me every day just by being with me. He gives his time and service without thinking. Because he so rarely asks for anything, or to do anything just for himself... I like to make a big deal out of his birthday. It's the only time when I can truly spoil him. I don't expect to make up for it, because he'll keep on being his selfless self... but I like to show him how much I appreciate him once per year. 

Bday week started back in 2012 after we got married. Each day I do something fun for him. It might be a gift, it might be an activity, a meal, etc. It's quite often something that's just his favorite. For example, we go to his favorite restaurants that I don't LOVE. One year I gave him a new board game almost every day. It just depends on the year. :) Some years are "better" than others based on time available, budget, etc. but I do my best to make each bday week enjoyable for him. Last year was pretty epically bad.. you know because my parents got divorced ON his bday... and that whole saga was super stressful anyhow... so this year I'm hoping that he really really really enjoys himself!

Anyhow, happy birthday my love! I'm so excited to spend another great year with you. I hope that this year is your favorite year yet!

XO,

Alexandra

KC's Bday Week Recap! // 2017

Last week was KC's bday week! If you follow me on IG then you've probably seen a bit about it, but I wanted to do a quick recap here on the blog. If you hadn't already noticed... KC made silly faces in almost every photo that I took of him! HAHAH

Monday 3/6

KC has been wanting Spotify premium, but refused to pay for it, for ages. While he ran out to get coffee I sent him a gift card for one month. "to start the week off right."

That night we had to run an errand out-of-town so we did that and then grabbed Baskin Robbins.... because we don't have one here! haha

This was all before we went to see The Fifth Element at Alamo Drafthouse. You guys, I swear they don't pay me to advertise for them... though I would!! (HA) We just love that they play some of our favorite movies on the big screen. This was another "movie party" so we had props (a cap gun, a temporary tattoo of the elements, a book of matches, and a sticker..) In addition to watching a fun movie! This is one of KC's ALL TIME favorites, so I knew that we had to go! I also don't usually feel like watching it, because even though I really like the movie, sci-fi is not my favorite genre. I'm so glad that we went! (as an aside... our state was filled with tornadoes that night, previously the weather man had called it an chance for "frisky storms") - LOLLOLOLOLOLOLOL - understatement.... Some of the state raged in fire and had tornadoes, luckily none touched down near us. It was all calmed down by the time we left the movie near us anyhow.

Tuesday 3/7 - KC's actual bday!

On Tuesdays I'm off work. So I got a bunch of secret groceries for the week, and also the groceries to make pie. This is his favorite cherry pie, so that's what I made.

We had lunch out at a great local pasta place. KC has been getting the sandwiches. He loves that Parks and Rec bit where Tom is shortening everything. "Apps and Zerts" LOL. So he snapped me this:

I gave KC a copy of a fun game called "capital lux", we played it a bit before dinner. Before dinner we also tried out the harnesses we got for the cats. I was surprised... Scali did not like it, but Duchess did... how backwards! We'll try again sometime soon!

KC's mom made his favorite meal, chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner. It was delicious as always, and nice to eat as a family.

We then did a little round of D&D. I'd been refusing to play, but figured saying yes would be a good bday week present for KC. He loves coming up with the adventures and the all the details!

We played as a family, it was actually more fun than I thought it would be, and I think KC had a really good time! (which is the most important part! hehe)

We finished the night off with pie and ice cream! :) I also gave him a Mouserat t-shirt ala Parks and Rec. It needed washed, so I figured I'd get it to him early in the week.

Wednesday 3/8

On Wednesday KC usually has D&D guys' night. So, he did that again. We went to Terrebonne, a local Cajun place for dinner. He loves it and I don't usually want to go.. but it was good. Their poutine is amazeballs.

Thursday 3/9

On Thursday KC and I went to grab lunch at his favorite sandwich places, and then after work we went over to our friend Rachel's house to play games and have Chinese with her and her husband and their foster kiddos. It was really fun as we had not seen those friends in a while, so it was really good!

Friday 3/10

KC really likes that movie What If, with Daniel Radcliffe. It's offbeat and funny, so I planned for us to watch that with his parents. If you've seen the movie you'll probably remember the giant "Fool's Gold" sandwich that Elvis was obsessed with. They talk about it a lot in the movie.

It's basically a huge PB&J loaf with bacon on it. It's served hot. KC has wanted to try this ever since he saw the movie. So I figured we'd better share. It actually turned out really well, it was pretty tasty, and I'm glad that we did not have to eat it all on our own! It was a fun night. I gave him another game afterward and we played that. It was one we had played before, but still did not own!

Saturday 3/11 

We basically spent most of Saturday unpacking and cleaning for our Sunday game night. We did take a break to get brunch with my mom and Olivia and also later in the evening to start Miss Fisher's with my in laws. It was fun watching the first episodes again. :) I did give him the last of his games... but sadly we didn't have a chance to try most of them yet. Hopefully this coming week! Of course with severe weather ("frisky storms!") on Monday, we ended up with snow on Saturday. LOL.

Sunday 3/12

We spent part of the day prepping (and making more pie), for KC's Pies and Ties bday party/game night.

tiny bowtie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sisters with their babies. LOLOL Cat lady for lyfe.

It gave us an opportunity to see some friends, it felt like it had been forever! Jess & Kalor came and brought the baby. In his tiny outfit complete with a tie. :) So cute! We had a great time! Plus I mean... pies!! Our friend Mariah made a bête noire. It was SO good.

Overall, it was a great bday week! I had a lot of fun treating KC to some of his favorite things and other things that he'd been wanting to try for a while. I'm not sure what my favorite part was, but I'm really glad that I got to spend it with him! :) I think that giving him games without time to play them was not the best choice on my part... but that's ok!

Last thing... here's the throw backiest picture of me and KC. 10 years ago. We had JUST started dating a few months before this. Drink that in. LOL

What did you guys do last weekend? 

How did you spend your favorite birthday?!

XO,

Alexandra

Happy Birthday KC! // 2017

Well friends, today is KC's bday! He is turning 26, and I've got a whole bday week* planned, which I'll have to tell you about later! *secrets* :)

As usual... I have a lot of mushy thoughts... and so I'll try to form some type of post... :) - sometimes I try not to repeat.. but do anyway.

12 Facts about KC

1. He has the prettiest sea green eyes.
2. He used to be the pickiest eater. Now he'll eat almost anything!
3. He has a ton of fun designing D&D adventures for his friends. He's still selling online guides, over $1500 made on just one!
4. When we first started dating, KC loooooved Bowling for Soup. I kid you not.
5. He made a playlist that's just for cleaning so he feels super pumped about dishes or an apartment sweep. (it's a good one!)
6. He has the sharpest and simultaneously most creative mind. He always amazes me with his abilities and new ideas.
7. He loves a lazy weekend.
8. He sticks up for what's right. (whether it's reminding young gamers that using "raped" in another context is not something to joke about, or sticking up for equality pre- and post- election.)
9. He loves Ron Swanson & also bacon. - those go hand in hand, obvs.
10. He's not concerned with stereotypical gender roles. He'll rock T-swift, he'll take me to see Pride and Prejudice, he'll laugh over cute cat videos, and tiny baby clothes with me. 
11. The man bun is still going strong... for those who were curious.
12. Growing up Robin Hood was his favorite Disney Movie.

*if you wonder why we do a bday week for KC's birthday, or if you're thinking... that's excessive and unrealistic. Here's why I do it: 

KC is absolutely the sweetest most selfless human I've ever met. I'm not saying that because he's my husband, I'm saying it because it's true. He'll do things he doesn't want to do when he really doesn't have to. He puts me, his family, his friends, and many others before himself nearly all of the time. He spoils me every day just by being with me. He gives his time and service without thinking. Because he so rarely asks for anything, or to do anything just for himself... I like to make a big deal out of his birthday. It's the only time when I can truly spoil him. I don't expect to make up for it, because he'll keep on being his selfless self... but I like to show him how much I appreciate him once per year. 

Bday week started back in 2012 after we got married. Each day I do something fun for him. It might be a gift, it might be an activity, a meal, etc. It's quite often something that's just his favorite. For example, we go to his favorite restaurants that I don't LOVE. One year I gave him a new board game almost every day. It just depends on the year. :) Some years are "better" than others based on time available, budget, etc. but I do my best to make each bday week enjoyable for him. 

Anyhow, happy birthday my love! I'm so excited to spend another great year with you. I hope that this year is your favorite year yet!

XO,

Alexandra

The Evolution of KC's Man Bun // Just for funzies

I wanted to start by saying that I don't particularly blog about KC frequently. Sure I mention him, I wish him happy birthday, show photos that include him from trips. But I don't blog about our relationship a lot. 1) maybe I should, because we're pretty good at it, I've thought of doing date night posts... (takers?) 2) I love this man more than you love oxygen. He's my best friend. And well, we get kind of mushy and disgusting. So, I try to spare you all. ;) On we go....

Why A Man Bun?

Well, about a year ago KC stopped cutting his hair. At first, I don't think he had a plan to grow it out, so much as he didn't schedule a haircut....

One night I had a random dream that he had a man bun, and it was "kinda hot". Upon hearing this he must have decided he was going to grow it out.

This is a long arduous process, certainly not for the faint of heart (or for MIL's who detest long hair ;) hehe).

Over the (almost) year his hair has taken on many "looks" during the various phases of growing it out, which I will now compare to figures from pop culture.

His last hair cut:

To give you an idea, this is the length/style that KC was rocking for about he first 8 years I've known him:

This photo was taken when we were in Florida last (late) July. It was for a family wedding... and so he had just gotten it cut.

Getting Longer:

Next he was kind of rocking an emo-kid and/or season 4 Dean (GG) kind of look. Long and kind of unruly, but still not that long. KC's hair is very straight though, and doesn't tend to get as bushy as season 4 Dean's hair. Also, clearly at Target in the left picture, no he didn't buy the shirt. ;'(

Not my favorite Dean haircut. But also not the worst. Poor Dean...

It's also a little like these. Shaggy, shaggy, shaggy. I like to call this "long unruly prince" hair.

Getting Annoyingly Long:

Eventually that was getting kind of annoyingly long and in his face, so he started doing one of two things:

1)  putting in a small clip to get the front out of his face, eventually looking kind of faux-hawkish. But on a smaller scale.

Or 2) putting on a hat...

Which was Ok... not my favorite look. Kind of reminds me of this:

Why are they all making hand gestures?!

But with sportier less ridiculous hats... I guess it worked in the sense that it was easy for him to keep hair out of his face and not have to mess with mini man buns yet, because this was as close as he could get: 

Mini Man Buns:

Then he was able to put his hair back into a mini man bun. It sort of depended on the day / what process he used how well it would stay back. His hair is really straight, so it didn't really like to stay back all day. It would fall out, and so KC would often put a hat on midway through the day.

As you can see, depending on the day it might be right on top of his head or a little further back. But the sides of his hair weren't long enough to pull it back more. How cute is that Christmas pic?! Just dying over here. Babies and kids of all kinds flock to KC because he's fun and cuddly. During this phase he kind of had warrior hair ala Li Shang from Mulan... but less floppy.

Finally Long Enough: 

Now his hair is pretty much long enough to put all of it back. Depending on the day his hair can look like: 

1) Longer half man bun. Pretty much the same as above, but longer....

 reminding me more of this:

Conversation the other day:

Me: Ah, going with the half man bun today? 

KC: Yeah, it's mostly in honor of Jon Snow. Partly the guy from Mulan though...

Me: LOL - fair.

2) full Man Bun, rejoice friends, it's long enough now! :P

So, getting pretty close to this:

Chris Hemsworth's won't stay all the way back either. hehe

3) what I like to call the "Ben Franklin" - he ran out of contacts and had some wispy vacation hair with his glasses on.

eh? - minus the receding hair line...

but perhaps this is a nicer comparison. Somewhere between Ben Franklin, and these:

4) the hat goes back on.... nooo! hehe LOL

no photo needed...

5) what I like to call "Disney Prince" hair. Which these are not the best example of, best example happens at very end of day - ya'll don't get to see him then! :P

See? 

Secret: I had a HUGE crush on John Smith as a kid. Still do?

It's also a little like this:

But I'm really glad he isn't gelling it back like b. coop's. Or like Jared's when he's wearing a hat like this:

Prince hair kinda makes me feel like this:

I digress.

What's Next?

Well who knows, maybe he's going for that longer celebrity man bun? 

Maybe he's going for something like this? :

Bottom Line:

I'm happy that he is taking an interest in his hair, and that he's doing what he likes with it. He may cut it, he may keep growing it. Who really knows? Perhaps not even him yet. Either way, he's my fella and I love him no matter what. While I swoon over prince hair, some days I miss the half man bun, and other days I even miss the silly hat. It's all good.

As long as we don't get anywhere close to these:

LOL.

It should be known that this is all written in love, good humor, and with KC's A-OK. ;) 

After all... this is me and my hair, on the daily:

Do you have thoughts on man buns, braids, hair, any of these characters, or life in general?

XO,

Alexandra