Honoring a Family Hero on Memorial Day
Remembering a family hero.
Read MoreRosemary Clooney
Remembering Kentucky-born singer and actress Rosemary Clooney on the anniversary of her birth.
Read MoreA Thank You to Kentucky Teachers
Kentucky teachers who've made a tremendous impact on the Commonwealth.
Read More
Derby Celebrations for the Entire Family
For the past week or so, we've given you tips about all the special events and observations that make the Kentucky Derby such an incredible and unique event. As we bid you a Happy Derby Day, I want to reflect on my very favorite aspect of Derby: the sense of community that unites Kentuckians, especially Louisvillians.
The Kentucky Derby can be, as the gonzo genius Dr. Thompson wrote, Decadent and Depraved. Of course it can; there's bourbon to drink and bets to be made. Things can get really weird in a hurry.
But, the thing that is so very magical about the Kentucky Derby is that it isn't just a horse race. It isn't merely a day, or a single occasion. It's Louisville's very own two-week Carnival Season. There's something for folks of every age and income bracket, from parades and firework displays and food trucks to galas and private parties.
Ensley O. with the Derby Princesses on the Fillies Float at Pegasus Parade
My favorite part, though, is the way that the youngest residents of the Commonwealth aren't excluded from the festivities.
Heidi P. Walks the runway at the Derby Princess Tea
Throughout Louisville, there are opportunities for kiddos to celebrate Derby. Of course, they can watch the Pegasus Parade, but many local preschools and elementary schools also put on parades of their own. Last year, I even saw some little girls in my neighborhood dressed up in their Sunday best on Derby morning, running a Mocktails stand. (They had non-alcoholic mint juleps and everything, y'all. Cutest. Thing. Ever.)
Madison and her dads watch the Pegasus Parade
Foster K. at a school parade
Eloise and her classmates at a preschool parade
Eloise's sisters Anne-Miriam and Bea take in the parade
Brayden S. gets some tips at the track.
I love that these kiddos get to have fun with Derby week in their own way. If it teaches them a little bit about tradition -- and maybe even the words to our state song -- then that's even better!
Sam C. at Keeneland's Derby Party
Katherine Belle F. in a Derby-themed Lilly dress and a Beaufort Bonnet.
Happy Derby to your entire family from HerKentucky!!!
Blogger {View} Wednesday: Josh Johnson of The Kentucky Gent
Today's Blogger{view} Wednesday interview is with Josh Johnson, known to the blog world as The Kentucky Gent. I'd describe Josh's style as urban hipster with a dash of Southern charm; he's always the first on the scene to check out Louisville's latest hot spots. And, as I recently told my friend Emily, Josh's man-bun is just as awesome in person as it is on his blog! Thanks so much to Josh for answering a few questions for us!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a 20 something creative living and working in Louisville who happened upon blogging kind of by accident, but it’s quickly turned into the hardest, yet best job that I’ve ever had. I’ve gone on to work with global brands like H&M as well as local companies like 21c.
How did The Kentucky Gent get started?
Originally the blog started as a way to show that guys from Kentucky have more style than people would normally assume. Since then it’s grown from just a personal style blog into a men’s fashion and lifestyle blog which encompasses all facets of my life including fashion, food, and booze.
What’s your favorite thing about Kentucky?
Hm. Hard to say one thing, but being from Louisville I’d have to say that my favorite thing is that I get to be part of the renaissance we’re going through currently. The city has definitely grown leaps and bounds over the last few years, and we’re showing no signs of stopping.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a blog?
Don’t stand in your own way. You’ll come up with 101 reasons why you shouldn’t start a blog, and just as many reasons as to why you can’t do it. Just do it. Also - invest in people that are 100% on your team.
Now the important questions:
1. Cats or Cards?
I always root for Louisville since I call it home, but I’m one Kentuckian who doesn’t go crazy over sports.
2. Louisville or Lexington?
Louisville
3. What’s your favorite bourbon?
4. What’s your favorite local restaurant?
5. What’s your favorite local shop?
Hard to pick just one, but it’s between Regalo, Revelry, and Scout on Market.
The Best Swag For Bluegrass Babies
So, I'm going to be an aunt soon. Like, any minute now.
Since I can't seem to stop shopping for baby clothes, I thought I'd share with y'all some of the best Kentucky-themed onesies that I've run across.
Born and Breaded Onesie, Kentucky for Kentucky. This just makes me laugh so hard.
Y'all Onesie from Kentucky for Kentucky. I wear the t-shirt version of this one all the time; my niece and I should coordinate, no?
Kentucky Kicks Ass Baby Onesie from Kentucky for Kentucky. Who can resist adorning a child with mild expletives?
Commonwealth Baby Thermal -- High Street Fly. This just looks so snuggly!
via High Street Fly
502 Onesie from WHYLouisville.
via WHYLouisville
Kentucky Home T Onesie via The Home T (available locally at The Prickly Pear) It's never too early to teach them where they come from.
via The Home T.
The Transy Kids "Spot Mandy McMillian" Snow Day Game
My friend and Transylvania classmate, Northern Kentucky native Mandy McMillian, is an actress. Quite a good actress, really. When we were freshmen at Transy, she knew what she wanted just as much as the future doctors and lawyers and teachers of the world. And, she's accomplished it. She thought outside the box and she's a singer and actress living in L.A. How awesome is that?
Since we're all snowed in, bored sick, and looking for something fun to do, here's a fun way to binge-watch with a mission. My fellow Transy alumni and I always have fun spotting Mandy on our favorite TV shows; it makes a really fantastic snow day "Spot the Kentucky Girl" game!
- Charmed, Season 8 Episode 1 "Still Alive and Kicking" (Streaming on Netflix): Front Row Patron
- The Unit, Season 1 Episode 2 "Stress" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Pamela
- Gilmore Girls, Season 6, Episode 20 "Super Cool Party People" (Streaming on Netflix): Nurse #1
- Monk, Season 6 Episode 8 "Mr. Monk and the Wrong Man" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Yvette
- House, M.D., Season 4 Episode 8 "You Don't Want to Know" (Streaming on Netflix): Nurse #1
- Mad Men, Season 1 Episode 13 "The Wheel" (Streaming on Netflix): Rita (LOVE this one; she's one of the jingle singers!)
- The Mentalist, Pilot (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Jenny
- How I Met Your Mother, Season 4 Episode 2 "The Best Burger in New York (Streaming on Netflix) : Waitress
- My Name is Earl, Season 4 Episode 14 "Got the Babysitter Pregnant" (Streaming on Netflix): Business Woman
- Criminal Minds, Season 4 Episode 15 "Zoe's Reprise" (Streaming on Netflix): Amber
- Lie to Me, Season 1 Episode 9 "Life is Priceless" (Streaming on Netflix): Woman
- HawthoRNe, Season 1 Episode 2 "Healing Time" and Episode 5 "The Sense of Belonging" (Streaming on Netflix): Nurse Marian
- Justified, Season 2 Episode 10 "Debts and Accounts" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Winona's Lawyer
- Law & Order LA, Season 1 Episode 16 "Big Rock Mesa" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Linda Manning
- Modern Family, Season 3 Episode 20 "The Last Wait" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Francine
- Private Practice, Season 6 Episode 2 "Mourning Sickness" (Streaming on Netflix): Catherine
- The Client List, Season 2 Episode 8 "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Wife #2
- Men at Work, Season 2 Episode 5 "The Good, The Bad & The Milo" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Rhonda
- The Middle, Season 1 Episode 23 "Signals", Season 4 Episode 15 "Valentine's Day IV" and Episode 22 "Hallelujah Hoedown" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Henry's Mom/ Miss Poltorak
- Shameless, Season 4 Episode 2 "My Oldest Daughter" (Streaming on Amazon Prime): Gena
- Bones, Season 10 Episode 4 "The Geek in the Gluck" (Streaming on Netflix): Jen Park