Getting Fit

We've been talking about setting goals for ourselves on HerKentucky and I know that most everyone has made a resolution to be healthy and get fit. I know I did! While we are up in the gym working on our fitness, our transformations may take a little longer than two weeks so I wanted to share some style slimming secrets to get us through this transition.

1. Fit - Every southern girl knows that fit is the most important rule in looking slim and trim. When dressing, your goal is to create fluid lines that suggest a slender appearance...muffin tops are not included in this. So it's obvious that we had too much holiday fun or one too many bourbon balls, so what? It is easily fixed by purchasing a pair of pants the next size up to banish our muffin tops. Focus on the fit of your pants, not the size, and you will look slimmer in minutes!

2. Accentuate your thinnest point - Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes and with that, we all have different areas that we should highlight. If you have awesome legs, wear that short skirt! If you have an hourglass figure, wear a dress that accentuates your tiny waist. By highlighting your thinnest points, you are drawing the attention away from your trouble areas and thus creating the illusion of a slimmer you.

3. Wear the correct undergarments - This one is a must. The correct underpinnings will make a world of difference!

4. Accessorize - The art of accessorizing has been my best friend for a long time. Adding a little sparkle to your wrist, rocking a statement necklace or donning some killer heels are all ways to draw the attention away from unwanted areas. And if you think about it, your wrist is really your thinnest point! Everyone go buy a bracelet!

5. Belt it - Baggy tops and dresses do not aid in making you look slim and trim, in fact, they do exactly the opposite. Don't hide that waist under an ill fitting blouse, let it shine and you'll look slim in no time! If you do not have a natural waist, you can create the illusion of an hour glass figure by cinching your waist with a belt. I have been in love with these monogrammed belts from C. Wonder, they have southern girl written all over them!

Happy New Year to everyone and good luck on your goals for 2014!!

Handbag Heaven

Kentucky is so beautiful in October. The weather is perfect, the leaves are changing and Keeneland is open, what more could a girl want? I will not be able to make it to the bluegrass until the third weekend of October and I am feeling a little UK blue about it so I am easing my pain with some handbag shopping! Fall 2013 has some heavy hitting handbag trends and I just can't decide as I am loving all of them!

Quilted

Quilted bags have always been a southern staple but they are out to remind you how much you adore them this season. The simple studs give your old stand by an elegant update! This bag is from Mango and is $49.99.  

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a great trend but the bags in this category are sometimes too flashy for words. Kate Spade has achieved color blocking bliss with this little tweed number. It is on sale for $124!

Over Sized Portfolio

Over sized portfolio clutches are so in this season. I love how the hardware on this clutch adds a little something extra and I just adore a removable strap. This bag is by Jessica Simpson and retails for $45.56. 

Top Handle

This top handle bag by MICHAEL Michael Kors may be a little pricey at $168, but it will be wearable for years to come. The color is gorgeous and top handles are so classic. It will also transition from day to night seamlessly.  If you only buy one bag this season, it should be this one. 

COBALT

I have said it before and I will say it again, Cobalt is in this season! This Lord & Taylor bag retails for $127.50 and I love it for so many reasons; it is just about the perfect shade of UK blue, it is quilted and has elegant gold accents. It is also a cross body bag which will leave your hands free to cheer on the CATS!

Animal Print

Speaking of CATS, animal print accessories are the top trend this season. Everyone knows I love a little animal print in my life, but I know that it can easily look cheesy. This bag tackles animal print like one of UK's linebackers! It is from Nine West and retails for $79.   

I heart Kentucky

I love Kentucky. I am not originally from Kentucky and may have hemmed and hawed when we moved to Paducah, Kentucky my freshman year of high school but when people ask where I am from, I proudly say Kentucky.

A few weeks ago, I was in Lexington and I locked myself out of my friend’s house as I was packing up my car to go to Louisville. I only had my car key and my car.  So after about 10 minutes of panic, I got into my car and found the nearest establishment to see if I could use their phone.  I pulled into Rose and Jim’s, a biker bar off of Georgetown Road, and was met with southern hospitality. They let me use their phone, patrons bought me beers and I met my freshman year roommate’s high school teacher.  Their kindness really turned a terrible experience into one I will never forget.  

One of my new friends from work decided to go to the University of Kentucky for undergraduate on a whim and will be leaving for Lexington in two short weeks. I was so excited when I heard this and told her to read up on the rules of basketball!  She inquired about Kentucky because she has not been to Lexington yet and I talked her ear off. I told her that I have never met a state that is more beautiful and if there is a state that has more state pride, I have never found it.  I told her about the story above and her jaw was on the floor.  I told her about Keeneland and tailgating. I told her about Ramsey’s and Cheapside. I also told her to check out HerKentucky…the premier source for all things Kentucky!

I am putting together a Lexington guide for my new friend but I have not lived in Lexington for over 10 years. I am using HerKentucky as my main resource for all things awesome in Lexington, but wanted to know what is your favorite new thing in Lexington? What should I recommend?

Thanks for your help y’all! I really appreciate it!

Ina Garten's Foolproof

Ina Garten is a girl after my own heart. Her recipes are elegant, delicious and possess a wow factor that can make any southern hostess look like a master chef.

Photo credit www.amazon.com

While I was living in New York City, I had the opportunity to attend the book signing for her new cookbook Foolproof. At the book signing, we were treated to an hour long conversation where she discussed flavor profiles, frying latkes in clarified butter, Union Square Cafe (it IS as amazing as they say) and her fabulous new cookbook! Ina is even more adorable in person and her friends from her show, Barefoot Contessa, were there to cheer her on; it was so sweet! 

Please excuse the grainy picture.

Ina's signature

While this is not a southern cookbook, it centers around entertaining which southerners love to do! With recipes like Cosmos with fresh sour mix and Crab Strudel, you will have your guests impressed for weeks! She also includes a cake that features Maker’s Mark bourbon in this cookbook...did I mention she was a girl after my own heart?

Some of her recipes could even be considered southern! For an updated twist on a southern BBQ staple, give her Lobster & Potato Salad a try. You could also turn her Jalapeno Cheddar Crackers into cheese straws, a southern cocktail party favorite. And why not try frying your fried green tomatoes in clarified butter for an added touch of glamour and elegance?

Her recipes are always simple, easy to follow and full of fresh ingredients and the recipes featured in Foolproof are no exception.  To gild the lily, Ina provides foolproof menus, tips for cooking and elegant table settings. I recommend this cookbook to all who love entertaining.