The Gifts Every Kentucky Fan Needs

We all know that most of the people in this state are crazy for the color blue, right? We all know that some of the women that write for this site could be in the top ten for that crazy, too, right?

Because of all that, I wanted to make sure we've all got some options to give to the crazy Kentucky fan in our life - whether that be someone in your family or just a gift for yourself!

Some people like to bring you Kentucky news "in the most ridiculous manner possible." Let me continue the Transy tradition and give you some of the most ridiculous UK stocking stuffers possible.

UK "Duck" Tape

Let's ignore the fact that this isn't properly named "duct" tape and just carry on with the idea that if duct tape can fix anything, try to imagine what UK duct tape can do!

Gotta have it.

$6.67 @ Amazon for 10 yards. You could use it as Christmas tree garland!


Tire valve stem covers
You've seen all the bumper stickers, all the car magnets, all the window flags and license plate covers.

Show that you're a true blue fan with tire valve stem colors - because it's the smallest place on your car where you can still show your loyalty. Better yet? Take your car for a rotation and alignment in Louisville and laugh at the Cards fan who grimaces when he's removing these.

$10.26 @ Amazon for 4 OR buy five sets and be a total boss and trick out your 18-wheeler and have two left for your bicycle!


Silver Toned Stretch Band Ring
This might just be the perfect stocking stuffer for that Phi Mu lady/Wildcat fan in your life.

The ring, with that high-dollar stretch band that I'm sure wouldn't turn your finger green, is almost the perfect marriage of a quatrefoil and the UK logo.

I think the women of Rho Iota could all use one of these!

$10.95 @ Amazon


Wildcats Piggy Bank
All I'm going to say is that I hope Cal's former Cats have a lot of these - because those guys are making bank. This little guy even looks as sweet as a John Wall smile.

$13.37 @ Amazon





Nothing says a cozy winter night by the fire like UK blue hot chocolate - especially when the tin says, "Real Wildcats Drink Blue."

I actually really want this. I'm looking at you, family readers!

$18.44 for a pack of 3 - Okay, so it's really special hot chocolate!



 
UK Ceiling Fan

Pimp out your Person Cave (in our house, we don't subscribe to the more popular, sexist name for the sports/TV/beer drinking room) with a UK ceiling fan.

$359.00 @ Amazon (Note to family: DO NOT buy this for me. Seriously.)




Rubbermaid 32-gallon Can
I am not going to say that this would be the perfect dorm room accessory. It would not be the perfect beer keg holder or be a perfect mixing place for grain alcohol concoctions involving sliced fruit. I'm just not going to say it, but wouldn't your trash look classy in this?


$56.17 @ Amazon





Kentucky Fan Gnome Bench
Now, maybe these little gnome guys spelling "C-A-T-S" might actually be cute by my new front door. Maybe.

Ok. I've looked at too much ridiculousness if this is starting to look cute!

$24.95 @ Amazon




UK gift tags
Of course, you can't give any of these gifts without wrapping them nicely and attaching these UK gift tags.

$2.49 @ Amazon for a sheet of 10







Quick note: All the image links are affiliate links to Amazon.com

What's the most ridiculous sports-themed gift you've ever given or received? 
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HerKentucky Business: Lydia Powell Bookkeeping

The HerKentucky team is thrilled to present HerKentucky Business, a monthly spotlight on female entrepreneurs in the Bluegrass State. 

Just as Emily did in March, I'm here to talk to you about a new business I launched this year - Lydia Powell Bookkeeping. It seems a bit odd to conduct a self-interview, but I wanted to share my story in the hopes it might inspire other Kentuckians to find their way in business. Thanks to Heather and the other HerKentucky women for allowing me this space!

lydia-powell-bookkeeping

Bio: 

Lydia Powell holds a degree in accounting from Transylvania University and has 10+ years of experience in accounting and auditing. She's worked with non-profit organzations, governmental entities, small businesses and been employed by major manufacturing enterprises in Kentucky.

1. Are you a native Kentuckian? Why have a Kentucky business? 

I am a native Kentuckian and very proud of it! Kentucky is my history and my home. When faced with the potential relocation of my job, my husband and I had some difficult decisions to make. We cast about, testing out the dream of living abroad. When we decided that wasn't exactly what we wanted, we briefly reconsidered pursuing relocation with my job or making a major relocation to a different area of the United States.

In the end, we decided that Kentucky was our home and held our future. Our family and many of our friends are in Kentucky. Our support systems are here. The cost of living is definitely right! Honestly, while I enjoyed the thought of moving to far off lands, I couldn't quite wrap my head around what it might be like to live somewhere else!

When we decided to remain in central Kentucky, I decided to start my own freelance bookkeeping company. Not only can I take full advantage of my education and career experience, I'm also passionate about helping other small businesses succeed - in Kentucky and beyond. 

I'm of the mind that we should enjoy what we do and do it well. I enjoy the organization and analysis aspects of finance, and I want to help business owners get out from behind their computer screens, struggling with their books and back to what they enjoy and do well! 



2. Many younger people say they can't find many corporate-type jobs in Kentucky, so they leave the state. What was your experience?

My experience has been extremely positive! Other than a brief stint in state government during and just after graduation, I've been employed by Kentucky businesses in corporate-type jobs. 

When I was in high school and even college, the trend was for young people to move out of state as soon as they could. I think that trend is reversing or, at least, changing. With impressive improvements in our state university systems and a cost of living that remains below the national average, I think young people are realizing that Kentucky is a hidden gem. I know lots of young people, just like our own Sarah Stewart Holland, who ventured to larger markets to begin their careers but moved back to Kentucky to begin their family and continue their careers.

3. What was the hardest part of starting a new business?  What do you wish someone had told you before you started Lydia Powell Bookkeeping?

While I can often be cautious with new adventures, when I get an idea in my head that I'm passionate about, I tend to jump in head first with eyes closed tight! The hardest part of starting my new business has been making myself go slow, make plans and strategies for the long run and implementing those in a methodical way. I hope that this planning and considered action will set me up for success in the long run!

Luckily, I have a strong business education and background, so I feel like I may be better suited to navigate the confusing and complicated waters of starting a business. I think other entreprenuers may have a great idea but not a great foundation regarding how to get that idea turned into an operating and profitable business. I highly recommend the resources of the Small Business Administration, the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal and the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office. I urge other new business owners to go through the exercise of creating a business plan - even if no one but you ever sees it, sitting down to write out a plan makes you think!

4. What is the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship/small business ownership?

I've only been in operation for about a month. So far, though, nothing I've done for my business has felt like "work." You know that Sunday-night-dreading-Monday-morning feeling? I don't have that when I think about the tasks I need to accomplish for my business. I've also met some amazingly inspiring and encouraging people. When I announced my new business venture, I never expected the support I've received from friends and strangers alike. It's awesome to know that other people want to help you succeed.

5. What suggestions do you have for women who want to start their own business?

Believe in yourself or fake it until you make it! 

Go outside your comfort zone. I hate to do it, too, but it's good for you. I've met potential clients I'd never met before for coffee, I've called people I don't know on the phone - both things I normally hate to do, but that were so rewarding!

Seek out and network with other women in business. I've been lucky enough to have a supportive group of women to turn to when I need reassurance and to ask practical questions of. Basically, we inspire and support one another and it's wonderful. If you don't know where to find a group like that, ask at your local Chamber of Commerce if they have a women's group, check out Femfessionals to find a local chapter (Lexington has one!) or join and participate with a group on sites like LinkedIn.

And now: the quick-fire round!

1. Bourbon or martinis? Ack! I'm a beer girl - the craftier the better.
2. One dream you still want to reach?  I really want to visit Ireland with my mom someday.
3. Favorite Lexington restaurant? I'm a new Table 310 convert, but really want to try out the food at The Village Idiot (the beer selection is great). I can't wait for 21C to open a new hotel and restaurant in Lexington, as well!
4. Favorite way to spend a Friday night. My 22-year old self would be so embarrassed, but now I love a good Friday night at home with pizza and beer, some popcorn, a good movie and my husband and the dog on the sofa.

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Small Business Saturday Shopping

Here's a true confession for you: I'm not much of a shopper. I dislike crowds, I dislike trying on clothes, and I dislike pushy salespeople.

With all of that in mind, plus the fact that I really like sleep, there's a very slim chance that you'd ever find me joining in the madness and mayhem of Black Friday. (I also really hate the new trend of of pulling employees away from their families on Thanksgiving Day so mega corporations can have a few more hours of sales.)

Last year, though, I got on board with the idea of Small Business Saturday. I got turned onto the idea of a day dedicated to shopping in locally owned stores when I got an email from American Express touting a $25 statement credit for purchases from small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Saving money and supporting my community? That's a deal I can get down with!

I've preregistered my AmEx card and will be visiting some new small businesses and going back to some old favorites. On Saturday, I plan to buy some gifts for myself and my family and friends from:

  • Larkspur Press - a specialty letterpress print shop in Monterey, Kentucky. I love their broadsheets and special editions of Kentucky authors' works (Wendell Berry, Ed McClanahan, and more).
  • Poor Richard's Books - my local bookstore will see some purchases for me and family members. I'll likely stop in for my favorite Chai Latte at the Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe next door.
  • Finally, to counteract the roughly 4000 calories I ate on Thanksgiving Day, I'll be heading to the local running shop, Cool Comfort Shoes, to buy my favorite running socks and check out their deals on Uggs and Sperrys (I may give in to the Uggs fad. Uggh.).
 Where will you be shopping this Small Business Saturday?
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"cooking", "holidays", "thanksgiving" Guest User "cooking", "holidays", "thanksgiving" Guest User

Turkey Day - One Week Away

Thanksgiving Wreath

One week from now, most of us will be cooking, searching for our holiday sweatpants or eagerly anticipating Thanksgiving Day football. For me, I'll be staying as far away from the kitchen as possible - in my sweatpants, watching the Macy's Day Parade and ready to eat copious amounts of food.

No one wants me in the kitchen unless it's time to do dishes. Every year, I somehow magically disappear when it comes to dishes time! If my family is reading - I swear it's not intentional. Of course it isn't!

I listened to a fascinating NPR interview of chef Alton Brown yesterday and realized that people really get into Thanksgiving. Traditions are important to people, that much I know, but I guess I never realized that some people feel pasionately that there is a right and wrong way to cook a turkey. Who knew that stuffing preparation (inside the bird or out?) could be such a divisive holiday issue?

I pretty much just show up to eat and nap. I do remember the year someone forgot to make the mashed potatoes. That was terrible.

That's why I decided to consult my sister to bring you some tips for Thanksgiving that are actually useful. I'm pretty sure my tips on the best strategy to maintain your comfy couch seat in the face of would-be seat stealers aren't very helpful! I can attest that she knows her way around a kitchen.

Turkey Day is a week away. Here are my sister, Kate's, best tips to make it a day that your family AND you can enjoy. It sounds like she feels there is a right and wrong way to go about Thanksgiving, too.

  • Plan ahead of time and be organized.  This allows you to spend as much time with friends and family and out of the kitchen! 
  • Fresh turkey is the best, but frozen will do.  Just make sure to plan enough time to defrost! 
  • What is that saying, “Butter is better”?  Well, it’s the truth.  Fat equals flavor and there’s no better tasting fat than butter.  I usually have a pound (or two) of softened butter sitting on my counter top ready to go.  I use it on my turkey (flavors turkey and drippings used for gravy), in my mashed potatoes, in corn, on bread, in desserts, and anywhere else I can think of.  Last year, I even used it on my son’s arm when he got it stuck in between the chair rungs. 
  • Nothing makes better gravy than the turkey drippings.  Pour drippings into a large measuring cup.  The fat will rise to the top while the dripping settle to the bottom.  Skim off fat and use to make a roux.  Add strained drippings and chicken stock (if necessary) to make gravy.  Season to taste.  Nothing is better. 
  • Pumpkin pie screams Thanksgiving, but it’s nothing without whipped cream. 
     
  • Thanksgiving Pantry Must-HavesButter
    Sage
    Kosher Salt
    Fresh Ground Black Pepper
    Chicken Stock
    Poultry Seasoning

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tip or a tradition you can't imagine not honoring next week?
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Getting Pinterest Crafts Done!

If you're like most people, you're enamored with Pinterest and have pinned every cute little craft and DIY you see. If you're like me, you've pinned lots of magazine photos and thought to yourself, "Hey, I could do that!" HerKentucky even has our own collaborative Crafts board!

Have you done any of those projects?

If you have, then you're awesome. If you haven't, then it seems like you aren't alone.

Last month, my sister came up with the brilliant idea of having a monthly Pinterest Craft-a-Long. She corralled me, our mom, our cousin and her daughter for the inaugural event. We each emailed craft pins to the group and decided on one to make. My cousin, Kim, hosted the event for October and we got our paint, cut and glue on! (Well, they did. I ended up having to work. Boo.)

The group each made this project:


 




I was at my cousin's house over the weekend and was excited to see her creation. It looked pretty awesome, and she reported that they had a lot of fun!

We're already planning our November Pinterest Craft-a-Long and trying to round up ideas on what to make. This project is getting my vote:



Have you tried a Craft-a-Long for those undone Pinterest pins? If you were going to do it, what's the first item you'd make from your boards?
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Hope Conquers - A Campaign to Help Children With Cancer

I read as an escape, as a form of entertainment and as a way to learn. I've never thought about the idea of "reading for good," but I'm happy to introduce a way to do just that. Tammy Blackwell, a Kentucky author, is with us today for a post on her campaign of kindness - Hope Conquers - which aims to help children and families of children diagnosed with cancer.  - Lydia

I have lived in Marshall County, Kentucky, the majority of my life. When you live in a county of 31,000 people, there is no way to know every single person, but after thirty-something years, you feel like you do. You certainly know every member of your graduating class well enough that you feel a profound sense of sadness when one of them has a child be diagnosed with cancer. And when a person you grew up with is forced to bury their child, your heart becomes a raw ache inside your chest.

I was a member of the Marshall County High School Class of 1996. There were 300 of us. Three hundred. Out of that 300 people, four of them have recently had a child diagnosed with cancer. Two of those children died from the disease.

You would think that was enough for one small town, but unfortunately life wouldn’t agree. There are currently three teenagers in Marshall County missing school as they undergo cancer treatment. Three kids who should be worrying about exams, papers, and unrequited love are now worrying about blood levels, treatment options, and whether they will ever truly get to experience life again.

Cancer is cruel; it’s wrong; and it is certainly not fair.

I recently realized I could just sit around and feel sorry for all the families around me struggling, or I could do something to help. My day job is as the Young Adult Services Coordinator for the Marshall County Public Library. Over the years, I’ve seen how books can change a teen’s perception and attitude. I’ve seen books change lives. And so, armed with that knowledge, I came up with the Hope Conquers campaign.

The Hope Conquers campaign is simple: During the month of October, I will be collecting books inscribed with messages of inspiration and encouragement signed by the author. Those books will be donated to the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, the place most seriously ill kids in Marshall County go to receive care. I’ll also be donating all the profits from the Kindle edition of my novel Destiny Binds
to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides assistance to families with sick children.

I know in the grand scheme of things, Hope Conquers isn’t a lot. I’m going to give some kids some books and donate a little bit of money. So what?

Here’s the thing, though. I think it will make a difference. Actually, I know it will. I know, without a doubt, that every little bit helps. I know that if we work together, if each of us does what we can, our little bits will add up to a big something.

I encourage you to do what you can this month for kids with cancer. If you want to help the Hope Conquers campaign, you can do so by picking up a copy of Destiny Binds in the Kindle Store. (Don’t have a Kindle? No problem! Most app-enabled devices, like computers and smart phones, have a free Kindle app. And Destiny Binds is only 99¢!) Even if you don’t want to buy the book, you can help by
spreading the word about the campaign. Or by making a donation of your own to a charity that supports seriously ill children. Or by dropping a few coins into the collection boxes at McDonald’s. Please, just do something, anything, to get involved. 

Together we can make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.

Tammy Blackwell works at the Marshall County Public Library in Kentucky and is the author of the popular YA series, the Timber Wolves Trilogy. You can visit her online at www.misstammywrites.com or follow her on Twitter (@Miss_Tammy).



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The Sky Scarf - September 2012

What was it Robert Burns wrote about "the best laid schemes of mice and men...?" I think that it was something about how everything can go crazy in a short time! September was that time for me! I would suspect that, with back-to-school routines ramping up in so many families, I am not alone.

My Husband and I started the month of September in Costa Rica under beautiful, bright blue skies. Everything there, from the palm fronds to the butterflies to the fruits, was brilliantly colored. I diligently took pictures that included the sky so that I would remember the shade for The Sky Scarf.

When we returned, my situation at work got a little crazy and the first rows of my Sky Scarf never got started. 

However, I've kept notes each day on the shade of my sky. Being the super nerd that I am, I've organized them on a special Google Calendar!

I bought my yarn before our trip, and I love all the shades I found. 

Sky Scarf Yarn

Things look promising for this Sunday to be my "catch up on September's rows" day.

How are your sky scarves coming along?
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