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!
Dressing up for the Holidays
If you're like me, you've been adding to your wardrobe whilst holiday shopping for others. I just love seeing the joy on their faces when they see my perfectly polished holiday haute couture...um, I mean their well-thought-out presents.
All kidding aside, I LOVE dressing up for the holidays. I always strive for festive, yet not over the top and I like to find pieces that I can mix and match with what I already have in my closet. If you haven't updated your holiday wardrobe in a while, there's still a few days left before the big day. I say it's time to treat yourself, whether you've been naughty or nice!
Add a pop of red or green underneath your blazer for a festive holiday look.
You can pick up this bowtie beauty at Target.
For a more casual look, try a red tartan plaid button down with black skinny jeans.
This fun shirt can be found at Old Navy.
Prance your prancer in a metallic skirt. I just love this with a cashmere twin set!
You can pick up this fancy skirt at New York and Co.
Channel your inner Sugar Plum Fairy with this dreamy tutu. I am pairing mine with a black turtle neck!
Shabby Apple makes this fluffy confection.
If you're feeling extra festive and merry, feel free to don your favorite ugly Christmas sweater!
Surviving the Holidays Beautifully
Our new contributor Julie Jorgensen, aka The Beauty Junkie, has holiday beauty under control, y'all.
“Just Like a Duck....”
How does that saying go? “Smooth and calm on the surface, but paddling like the Dickens underwater.” If any of y’all are like me, you know that exact feeling during the holidays. Trying to balance the shopping and cooking and wrapping with #alltheparties and the accompanying stress can rattle even the best multi-tasker’s cage. Take a collective deep breath, ladies. I've put together the best holiday survival kit you’ve ever seen, and will have you gliding into that after-work party like you own the place. Y’all ready? Okay, let’s go.
At some point or another during the holidays, we all find ourselves rushing around to this function or that party with no time to go home after a long work day. We look in the mirror in the car and think, eek! Faded makeup! Limp hair! These busy-woman woes are easily addressed in a flash, provided you have the right products. I like to keep a separate little makeup bag in my car for my on-the-go products. Some of the products are duplicates of what I keep in my makeup drawer at home, others are little bits of genius that are perfect for looking pretty in a rush. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is at the top of the “genius” list. This velvety cream pats on over my makeup and for an instant boost of radiance. Fatigued skin doesn’t stand a chance on its watch. A penny-pinching alternative is the travel Evian atomizer. Tired, thirsty skin gets a welcome drink of mineral water delivered in a fine mist. A little touchup around the eyes and nose with Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, and you’re back in business.
Now, let’s tackle those peepers. I’m never without Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel (to tame any stray hairs) and a pair of mini Tweezerman tweezers (to address what I may have missed the last time I tidied my brows). For a subtle lift that prompts “did you get a nap today?” questioning, glide a shimmery highlighter under brow bones, at the inner corners of your eyes, and above cheeks. The Multiple from Nars is perfect, and its chubby-stick format is foolproof. My favorite shade is Copacabana, a glistening pearl. Nothing makes eyes “pop” like jet-black mascara, and the holidays are the perfect time to rock a more-dramatic eye. I am never without a tube of Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara in my travel makeup bag. The volumizing formula and big ol’ rubber-spoke brush fatten up my lashes without clumping, flaking, or otherwise making me mad. Lastly, rim inner lower lids with either a nude or black eye pencil. Nude will make eyes appear larger, while black will add extra oomph and smokiness.
Get your pout ready for some party pucker-ups with a quick swipe of e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator. Brown sugar granules banish dry, chapped lips faster than you can say, “happy holidays!” Top with Beautycounter Lip Conditioner for soothing moisture and a blue-based lipstick to make teeth look whiter. Dab a little of The Multiple at the center of your bottom lip over your lipstick or gloss for a fuller look. Don’t pop a stick of gum-- it looks tacky at parties. Opt for a breath spray or strip instead. Keep a travel-size spool of dental floss in your purse to avoid any hors d’oeuvres disasters.
Refresh your hair with a dry shampoo and a good brushing, or throw your tresses up into a high ponytail or messy bun. I like Dry Shampoo Invisible Spray from Oscar Blandi. Use your eyebrow gel to tame any flyaways. Slick on a fast-absorbing hand cream and, if you have time, add a spoonful of sugar or salt for a manicure stand-in. Scrub, rinse, and go. A little Past Tense essential oil blend from DoTerra on the back of your neck will stop tensions headaches in their tracks, and Whish deodorant wipes eliminate any embarrassing “stress sweat.” Spritz on a sample of your favorite perfume, smile, and walk into that party like you own the place! Cheers and happy holidays!
Shop the Look!
‘Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!’ (KFC's Christmas in Japan!)
‘Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!’: Japan's tradition of KFC for Christmas Dinner.
I love Christmas. A lot.
Basically, from the moment the Thanksgiving turkey is divided up into meat for hot browns and bones for stock, I'm all about twinkly lights and cheering on Dreamy Prime Minster Hugh Grant as he tells off the creepiest of American Presidents, Billy Bob Thornton. The entire month of December, I'm high on bourbon balls and tinsel. Today, I learned a factoid that takes my Christmas obsession to the next level.
Did y'all know that EATING KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN IS A CHRISTMAS TRADITION IN JAPAN?
Let's say that again: EATING KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN IS A CHRISTMAS TRADITION IN JAPAN. Sorry to shout, but this makes me unbelievably happy.
It seems that, in 1974, Kentucky Fried Chicken's Japanese Operations (the chain is known simply as "Kentucky" in Japan) was struggling, one million yen in debt, when they unveiled a simple advertising strategy: ‘Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!’ ("Kentucky for Christmas!"). Now, forty years later, many Japanese people pre-order a catered KFC meal to celebrate the holiday.
In a country where less that 1% of the population is Christian, and poultry dishes aren't all that common, Kentucky Fried Chicken has established a kitschy American Christmas tradition. I love the Kentucky connection to the Japanese holiday. I mean, my granny always made fried chicken for Christmas Eve; why not celebrate with the Colonel's famous version of the same dish?
Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii, y'all!