A Very MEllen Christmas to You!

Y'all know I'm just obsessed with MEllen Designs! 

Ever since I interviewed Mary Ellen for HerKentucky earlier this year, I can't get enough of her whimsical designs!

I mean, who wouldn't love to send a Christmas card featuring these adorable ladies?

And how lovely is this calendar? A year of MEllen sure sounds fun!

I am so excited that Mary Ellen has graciously offered one lucky HerKentucky reader a chance to win my very favorite design -- a customized set of KY Lady Flat Cards. Silks, a horseshoe, and a julep -- it doesn't get any cuter than that!

Just enter the Rafflecopter drawing below! The contest lasts through midnight Monday December 10th. We'll announce a winner on Tuesday the 11th. Good luck, and I hope y'all have a very MEllen Christmas!

Edited to announce: Congratulations to Allison P. for winning this drawing. Allison, look for an email today!
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Vineyard Vines Wish List

Vineyard Vines is one of those brands that I just love for fun, classic pieces with a bit of a preppy twist. I adore the company's motto of "living the good life," and their iconic whale logo never fails to make me smile. 

This year,  I was thrilled when our friends at Vineyard Vines sent over some suggestions for HerKentucky readers.  I want all of them!

The Fisherman Scarf: Oh my word, I love this! The color is amazing (they call it "Pink Tulip"!) and would match pretty much everything I own. When I took up knitting a few years ago, I had visions of whipping up fancy cable-knit scarves like this to give as presents. It hasn't quite happened yet.

I'm always looking for the perfect winter coat. I spend a lot of time outside with the dogs (that's what black labs do!), so I need something sporty and warm. This Harvest Down coat does the trick.

How much does my beau need this?

What's on your holiday wish list?

The Best Kentucky Etsy Shops

Everyone loves shopping local but local can mean lots of different things. I take local to mean the entirety of my home state of Kentucky. Artisans all over the Bluegrass State are producing the most amazingly special holiday gifts for you and yours and most of them make in abundantly easy to buy their wares on Etsy.

So, behold the best Kentucky Etsy Shops!

Gifts for your Girlfriends

Based in Louisville, Kluster Shop sells what they describe as "happy jewelry" and do they ever mean it. Custom designed with sterling silver and semi-precious stones, these necklaces and earrings would make even your cool and collected mother-in-law squeal with glee. How happy would your besty be if she opened these poppy read beads over Christmas coffee? Passing this site along to husbands or beaus also seems like a wise idea.

Gifts for the Man in your life

Out of Russellville, Sillyette Shop is doing some seriously cool things with old vinyl, including cutting the silhouette of the Queen on an old recording of The Royal Wedding or a band rocking out on a Journey Album. Show your guy (or impossible-to-buy-for younger brother) that you still think he's the coolest guy around with one of these "sillyettes" to hang on his wall. 

Gifts for your Boss

The only thing better than a hot cup of coffee is drinking that cup of coffee from a work of art. Derby City Ceramics, from Louisville, have turned the ordinary mug into just that. Your boss (or Mom or favorite manicurist) doesn't drink coffee? No problem! They also sell gorgeous bowls and cups. 

Gifts for your Mom or Dad

Whether it's for your mom that has lovingly tended her garden all year or your Dad whose model train hobby has reached new heights, back.yard.photo, based in Guthrie, has the perfect fine art print for you. The beautiful photographs would be the perfect addition to any wall. 

Even if these gifts aren't a perfect fit, make sure and click the "Shop Local" button whenever you shop on Etsy to see if a Kentucky artist or crafter has just the gift for you!

~ Sarah Stewart Holland

Christmas in Ashland

A few weeks ago, I found myself in Ashland with an hour or so to kill, so I took a walk downtown to look at the Christmas decorations. I've always adored the way that town decorates for the holidays. It's so delightfully old-fashioned and fun.

The Holiday Breakfast Buffet

Thanksgiving isn't my favorite.

I never quite know what to wear. The menu is the same year after year. And there's Thanksgiving's ongoing battle with Christmas. It seems Thanksgiving brings out my most neurotic tendencies.

Easter Breakfast

When I think of Thanksgiving, I also think of all those times we waited and waited to eat. When we were kids, there was always this sense that "there's no need to eat when we'll have all that food." But, you know, Thanksgiving dinner wasn't until 1 or 2. That's a long-assed time to wait.

Christmas Breakfast

As an adult, I often find myself at my parents' for the holidays. I've fallen into the habit of preparing a holiday morning buffet. Easy recipes I make time and again. Things everyone loves. It's a great way to start the morning, and you don't have to wait so long until the big holiday meal. Sometimes, I make a quiche. Sausage balls are always a good call. And country ham biscuits (always on Sister Schubert's rolls!) are everybody's favorite.

This morning, I put together the traditional buffet. We talked UK basketball. And we eased into the holiday. It was a great start to the day.

Did Somebody Say Jello?

It's just not a southern holiday until somebody makes something with Jello.

Like Megan, I am blessed to have grown up with a grandmother who's an amazing cook. As my granny has gotten older, however, she hasn't been able to cook like she once did. She still quilts like a boss, but she's no longer able to cook.

This year, she asked for my help in making her cranberry salad. This concoction has three packs of Jello, and is the most Thanksgiving-y thing around. There aren't many of us who actually eat it, but it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without this dish on the table.

Nan's Cranberry Jello Salad
3 packs strawberry Jello (cherry works, too.)
1 cup sugar
3.5 cups hot water
1 Red Delicious apple, peeled and diced
Zest and juice of 1 orange
1 cup pecans
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can crushed pineapple (use the juice, too!)

Mix together Jello and sugar in large bowl. Pour in water and allow to thicken slightly. Stir in other ingredients and pour in flat-bottomed dish. Let chill overnight.

Boom. Thanksgiving in a dish.

What Do You Wear on Thanksgiving?

Remember that episode of Friends where Joey wore Rachel's maternity pants as "Thanksgiving pants"?

That's always the problem with Thanksgiving for me. It's a holiday, so I want to look nice. But, it's a holiday built around carbohydrates and football.  I don't want to wear a dress if everyone else is super-casual. And, you know, a more forgiving pair of pants sure wouldn't hurt.

I don't want to dress like I'm headed to yoga...

Casual Thanksgiving 2 by heathercwatson

... But I also don't want to be overdressed.

Dressy Thanksgiving by heathercwatson

I find that, at least for my holiday purposes, dressing down is the key. I wind up playing outside with the dogs a lot on Thanksgiving. I try to layer up and stay comfortable. And hopefully not venture too far into "Outdoorsy Ralph Lauren-ish costume" territory. 

Casual Thanksgiving by heathercwatson

Ok, sometimes I may fail on that endeavor, but I sure am nuts about those Winchester Shell earrings. (In case you're wondering, Santa...)

What do y'all wear to Thanksgiving Dinner?