Gift Guide for Black Lab Lovers!
The perfect presents for Labrador retriever fans!
Lab Door Hanger, c/o ForPetesSake Potter
If you know Bob or me at all, then you know we’re fairly obsessed with our dogs. In our defense, they’re really great dogs. Well, most of the time. But they’re awfully cute.
A lot of folks love their Labs and Lab mixes as much as we do, so I found a few fun gift picks for the black Lab lover!
Classic Longsleeve Tee, The Black Dog. Bob and I both have tees from The Black Dog. They’re so soft and comfy, and just so fun!
Labrador Door Hanger, ForPetesSake Pottery. Y’all, I love this! It goes ahead and warns people that I’m a crazy dog lady before they even enter my home. ForPetesSake Pottery is run by the sweetest lady, Susan Brown, who just happens to be my neighbor here in St. Matthews.
(and 7) Labrador Bourbon Barrel Hanger, Drunkwood. Another great local present! Drunkwood’s owner, John King, makes the most gorgeous installations from used barrel heads. So, so fun!
Black Lab Cufflinks, Smathers & Branson. I feel like these need to be Bob’s Christmas present from Max, don’t y’all??
Black Lab Needlepoint Hat, Smathers & Branson. I have this in pink which, sadly, is a color they no longer offer. It’s perfect for taking Max and Soph for a walk!
Campfire Mug, The Black Dog. I mean, sooooo cute.
What’s your favorite dog breed? Do you
The HerKentucky Mother's Day Gift Guide
Gifts mom will actually love!
While we've been busy planning Derby and Cinco de Mayo and all the early May events, y'all did remember that Mother's Day is next Sunday, May 14th, right?
I'm sure you did, but here are a few absolutely great ways to celebrate your mama!
Elva Fields Earrings
Emily Maynard, the designer and owner of Elva Fields, is a dear friend of mine and one of the most compassionate, creative, cool ladies I've ever met. She's also an incredible mama to two darling girls. So, when Emily sets out to make a Mother's Day present, I know it's going to be something special. These earrings from Elva Fields are so lovely, y'all. They're just the kind of understated, everyday earrings that make a fantastic present. Even better, by purchasing these earrings, you're making a difference in the Louisville community. A portion of each purchase of this style will be donated to one of these three charities (you get to choose!): The Cabbage Patch, a 106-year-old organization that reaches at-risk families and youth through recreational, educational, and service-based programs and opportunities from tutoring, mentoring, after-school classes, scholarships, and much more; Kentucky Refugee Ministries, which provides resettlement services to refugees through faith- and agency-based co-sponsorship in order to promote self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community; or The Healing Place, which reaches men and women suffering from drug and alcohol addiction through one of the nation's most effective and hopeful programs, providing tools for recovery and restoring productive lives. They're a fantastic little thank you to your mom for raising you right.
Lilly Pulitzer Scarf
I'm guessing that you and your mom share at least a bit of your personal style. My mom shares my love for bright Lilly Pulitzer prints, and I find that a scarf like this one is the right little pop of color to share as a gift.
Draper James Trinket Tray
A trinket tray in a bright pattern is an adorable way to brighten Mom's day every day of the year. The Mother Knows Best pattern is adorable, but my very favorite is the You Are My Sunshine tray!
Anchal Project Makeup Pouches
These makeup/ accessory pouches are soooo gorgeous, y'all. Anchal Project is such an amazing company based here in Louisville. They employ women in India, many of whom formerly were exploited through commercial sex work, as designers and artisans who recycle the material old saris into scarves, quilts, and small dry goods. The designs are stunning, and the story of female empowerment is so inspiring.
Shop Local Kentucky Tees
photo courtesy Shop Local Kentucky.
For the mom with a sense of humor, "Kentucky's Okayest Mom" is the best title ever. Shop Local Kentucky has a tee that offers up that title.
Now y'all have absolutely no excuses for sending Mom an extra-special gift!
Shop Local for Valentine's Day!
Great Valentine's Day presents from local Louisville artisans!
Happy almost-Valentine's Day, y'all!
If you're still looking for an amazing gift for your sweetie, here are some absolutely gorgeous pieces made by local Louisville artisans that are fun, romantic, and unique!
Louisville Stoneware Mug
I debated putting this one on the list, because I want one myself, and I've heard a rumor that there are only a few remaining. But, these are absolutely the most adorable pieces of locally-made pottery! If your Valentine really, really loves coffee, this is the perfect gift. Available in-studio only at Louisville Stoneware.
Anchal Project Scarf
The Anchal Project is an AMAZING Louisville-based company that trains and employs former sex workers in India to create stunning, one-of-a-kind textiles. I had the good fortune to hear Anchal founder Colleen Clines talk about empathy a few months ago. After watching her speak, I'm OBSESSED with Anchal and their mission!
Elva Fields Necklace
Elva Fields is one of my favorite, favorite local companies. Owner/ designer Emily Wheat Maynard is one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet, and she is crazy talented. She scopes out lovely antiques and one-of-a-kind gemstones to make every piece an experience. Check out this Elva Fields necklace and this necklace!
Cellar Door Chocolates
This may be my all-time favorite take on the perennial "sweets for your sweet" gift. It's Phoebe Buffay's lobsters, reimagined in locally-made chocolate.
Just as a reminder of why this is so awesome,
A piece from Cuteopia!
Revelry Boutique Gallery in NuLu has some of the most fabulous pieces every day, but their Cuteopia exhibit is over-the-top fabulous. Who could say no to these declarations of love?
Here's to a perfect Valentine's Day with your sweetie!
The Best Kentucky-Themed Gifts for Grads and Newlyweds!
When your friends and loved ones are undertaking new beginnings, the best gift is a little piece of home!
It's the season for new beginnings. College and graduate school graduations are wrapping up, high school graduations are just around the corner, and pretty soon, you'll be attending a wedding every weekend. With these wonderful accomplishments come cross-country moves, new starts, and lots of changes. This year, why not send your loved ones out into the world with a little piece of their Old Kentucky Home to remind them of their heritage?
I wear my Maya Brenner Designs Kentucky pendant with everything. Seriously, I go for like a week at a time without taking it off. I love the symbolism of keeping Kentucky close to my heart. This would be a fantastic gift for a recent grad or bride who's moving to a new state, starting a new career, or simply loves the Bluegrass State!
This Hand-Embroidered Kentucky Pillow from UncommonGoods is pretty high on my own must-have list. It's such a gorgeous and unique way to celebrate all of the unique aspects of your home state! I love the way our friend Allison gets a new embroidered state pillow each time she moves for her husband's work. (He's an NFL player, so they've moved a little bit, but Kentucky will always be their home!)
This Richwood Creations "State Silhouette" Cutting Board is almost too pretty to use, but it certainly makes an elegant piece for newlyweds or for the professional school graduate who wants to add a sophisticated flair to a new home.
For most Kentuckians, no matter where we live, the Bluegrass State will always be home. These etched-glass coasters proclaim that sentiment tastefully.
For the graduate who's looking to furnish a new office, a Kentucky-themed clock makes a stylish statement. This one from Green Leaf Art adds a fun and tasteful touch of the Commonwealth to any space.
Here's to new beginnings and celebrating your roots!
HerKentucky's Holiday Wish List for your Favorite Kentuckian
Great gifts for your favorite Kentuckian.
For our final HerKentucky Holiday Gift Guide, here are a few of the best ways to show Kentucky pride. These are great gifts for your favorite Kentuckian, or even to treat yourself!
Hand-Embroidered Kentucky Pillow from Uncommon Goods. Such a gorgeous way to celebrate the Commonwealth
Bourbonware Rocks Glass. A seriously sophisticated way to drink your bourbon.
Andrew Jackson shirt, Kentucky for Kentucky This shirt makes me laugh. Bob and I each have one.
Shop Local Kentucky Buffalo Plaid Shirt. These are dropping just after Christmas. I'm trying to decide if I need the Blue or Red plaid. (Or both)
Maya Brenner Designs Necklace. This necklace is an amazing gift. I wear mine all the time, and get so many compliments. Sarah Holland has the version with a diamond over her hometown of Paducah, to nobody's surprise! :)
Kentucky Necklace from The Prickly Pear. This is so fun and unique. It reminds me of the iconic "Carrie" necklace from Sex and the City, and it's inexpensive enough that you can go ahead and pick one up for yourself.
Kentucky "Home" Shirt from The Home T. The Prickly Pear has sizes from baby onesies to adults. These are great for expatriates, locals, and basically anybody who loves the Bluegrass State.
Weep No More, My Lady Letterpress Print from The Old Try. What a charming way to add Kentucky Pride to your office or den!
Pottery Rowe Bluegrass Garden Kit from A Taste of Kentucky. Everything you need to grow a little Kentucky Bluegrass wherever you'd like. I think this would be amazing for your favorite homesick Kentuckian!
Our friends at Bourbon Ware have graciously offered a rocks glass to one lucky HerKentucky reader. Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget.