Succulent Gardening Event at Louisville Stoneware

You know how it is when you find out that someone is a collector? Suddenly, it's really easy to buy them a present: you just buy something in the motif or pattern or brand or team that they collect.

I've been collecting Louisville Stoneware since college, and I've gotten some pretty cool presents that way. From the very first piece of Stoneware I was ever given (a hot brown plate) to the most recent (a julep cup), they've all been special because someone took the time to remember that I love this uniquely "Kentucky" pottery.

One such gift has been sitting around for a bit, waiting for the perfect home. It's an older, round casserole bowl whose lid has long since vanished. My aunt, who happens to be a master antiquer,  knew that I'd just love it. 

Of course, I did! I recognized the piece straight away as "Vintage"; a holdover pattern from Stoneware's days as the John B. Taylor Company. I knew I wanted to do something special with this piece, and so waited and waited for inspiration to strike...

And now it has!

This afternoon, Stoneware is hosting a Succulent Gardening event with Three Toads Farm

as part of their Third Thursday Lifestyle Series.  This free event will be catered by Maison and will provide tips on planting and care of succulent plants. I can't wait to get some tips on how to transform my thoughtful gift into a unique decoration.

The Succulent Gardening Event will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm tonight at LouisvilleStoneware's studio at 713 Brent Street. I hope to see you there!

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Third Thursday Wine and Chocolate Event at Louisville Stoneware

Last week, in my HerKentucky Summer Fun List for Louisville, I suggested that y'all visit Old 502 Winery and Louisville Stoneware. This Thursday, June 19, there's a free tasting event at the Stoneware factory that involves their brand new event space, Old 502 wines, and Cellar Door Chocolates.

I'm going to let that sink in for a minute.

Stoneware, wine, and chocolate. 

All Kentucky Proud. At a free event.

I've heard amazing things about Old 502's Bourbon Barrel Red. I can't wait to try it, along with "Bore Dough", "Bach's Wine" and the dessert wine "After Choc." I mean, those names alone are reason enough to sip. 

The selections from Cellar Door look amazing, too. I never met a chocolate I didn't like.

I always look forward to any opportunity to check out the Stoneware Showroom. There's always a gorgeous new piece of pottery displayed in a fun manner.

Head out to Stoneware this Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for wine, chocolate and fun!

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Taxi Appreciation Day in Paristown Pointe

The 140th Kentucky Derby is in the books. The rest of the world has moved on from horse racing to baseball and the NBA finals and current events. Here in Louisville, we just need a little rest. For Louisvillians, Derby isn't just about big hats and mint juleps and bets. It's a week-long festival. No wonder Louisville has declared May as Hometown Tourism Month -- after that big party this weekend, we're all too tired to go anywhere!

Now, the Derby wore us all out, but the folks in the tourism and service industries worked extra hard this weekend. With all the parties, and all the reservations, and all the "can't miss" plans, the city's servers, hotel clerks, and bartenders were swamped. And I can't even imagine what the cab drivers had to put up with.

A specially designed 2014 Derby Cab, sponsored by Early Times and Louisville's Yellow Cab Co.

Tomorrow, May 6th, our favorite businesses in the Paristown Pointe neighborhood, Louisville Stoneware and The Cafe, are hosting a Taxi Appreciation Day to thank all the drivers who have endured bad directions, bad attitudes, and over-served patrons over Derby weekend. From 9 to 11 tomorrow morning, taxi drivers can stop by The Cafe and Stoneware to pick up special gifts.

I love the sense of community that The Cafe and Stoneware lend to Paristown Pointe -- they're adjacent to Downtown, the Highlands, and so many "must-see" Louisville areas; it's great that they're building a commercial identity for that area! As you're recovering from Derby, be sure to stop by The Cafe for their fantastic hot brown, and the newly renovated Stoneware factory for unique art pottery.  

Five Must-Have Items for the 140th Kentucky Oaks

The Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned event. With crowds reaching over 150,000 people and a cavalcade of celebrities descending on Louisville, Derby has become a bit of a production. Derby is one of those events that should be on everyone's Bucket List, but it draws larger crowds than the Super Bowl. That can be fun, but it isn't everyone's cup of tea bourbon.

Here in Louisville, folks know that The Kentucky Oaks has a longtime reputation as The Locals' Race. In recent years, the Friday event, with its signature Grade I stakes race for three year-old fillies, has become a celebration of all things pink. The Stargazer Lily adorns everything from the race's logo to the garland awarded to the winning horse. The race celebrates survivors of breast and ovarian cancer. The race's signature drink -- as Glenda told us last Oaks Day -- is The Oaks Lily. And, you can rest assured, most everybody in Louisville will be at Churchill Downs for Oaks. Louisville schools dismiss for the day and most offices close early. This morning, my barista was even getting into the spirit, pairing a festive pink fascinator with her Starbucks-issued green apron.

In the spirit of all things Oaks, Pink, and Louisville, I've rounded up a few must-have items that commemorate the 140th running of The Kentucky Oaks. 

Louisville Stoneware Oaks Lily Julep Cup

Available in-store only, this gorgeous cup is a beautiful addition to your Stoneware or julep cup collection.

Oaks Lilly Julep Cup from Louisville Stoneware

Rebecca Ray Design Oaks Tote Bag

I love this bag! So springy and fun, with an equestrian twist.

Kentucky Oaks Tote from Rebecca Ray Design

Beau Ties LTD. Kentucky Oaks Bow Tie

Deck your beau out in style!

Kentucky Oaks Bow Tie from Beau Ties Ltd.

Kentucky Oaks Poster and Glass

The Oaks poster and glass are gorgeous this year. I think this poster would be so fun for a guest room or office!

140th Kentucky Oaks Poster 140th Kentucky Oaks Glass

Happy Oaks Day, y'all!

Stock the House Divided with Louisville Stoneware!

I've always wondered how those "House Divided" people do it.

via Etsy seller Sporting Standouts

I mean, if my beau and I had different team allegiances, we'd just have to watch basketball and football in different rooms of the house. Or maybe in different houses. But, I've always wondered about how you stock a house in enough team gear for two. I mean, we have Kentucky Wildcats Tervis Tumblers and UK serving platters and homemade quilts. And then there's the shirts -- oh the shirts. It's nothing this time of year for us to have a full laundry load of Kentucky blue every week.

My grandma made this. Sweet, isn't it?

But, if you live in a "House Divided", do you try to keep an even supply of fan gear? Is it one Cardinal Red wreath for every Kentucky blue flag? Do buy duplicates in both fan colors? The mind reels. It could easily be a pricey scenario to have split loyalties.

Our friends at Louisville Stoneware asked us to let y'all know about a fun promotion they're running in-store this week for all Cats and Cards fans. All in-stock, regularly priced UK and U of L merchandise is 20% off. It's a great deal, and a great way to stock up on gorgeous pieces like that Chip and Dip platter I love.

We'd love to hear from y'all: Do you live in a "House Divided"? How do you decorate it?

Get Ready for March Madness Parties with Louisville Stoneware!

I bet you didn't know that Sunday, March 23rd is National Chip and Dip Day. Not exactly a red-letter day on the calendar, but it gives me an excuse to hear Pete Campbell say "Chip and Dip" over and over...

You know what is a red-letter day on my calendar? March Madness.

The first week of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is one of my very favorite times of the year. There's more college basketball on TV than I can possibly watch. I spend an insane amount of time filling out brackets, obsessing over mid-major conference winners, and generally blowing off real life. Now, I'd love to say that I throw elaborate, themed tournament-watching parties, but the truth is, I don't have time for that nonsense. It would cut into valuable game time. 

Our friends at Louisville Stoneware have a fantastic solution to my conundrum, with a side of Pete Campbell thrown in for good measure. These awesome Chip and Dip trays combine replicate the floor of your favorite arena with a Basketball tray.

You can choose Rupp Arena's floor; 

or the Yum! Center's.

These are in-stock now at Louisville Stoneware's store at 731 Brent Street. If you order online, allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Here's to unlimited basketball, your favorite team, and chips and dip!

Create Easter Memories with Louisville Stoneware!

Spring is just around the corner, y'all.

I know, it's still ridculously cold outside. And, some of us even awoke to a bit of snow -- oh, I can't even bear to say the "s" word anymore -- yesterday morning. But, believe it or not, March begins this weekend. I saw a few brave tulip leaves peeking up in my backyard yesterday, and was encouraged to see my neighborhood garden-supply store stocking up with a semi-truck's worth of mulch this morning! Before you know it, we'll be wrapped up in college basketball tournaments, planning trips to Keeneland, and planning for Easter.

One way you can get started planning for Easter is with one of these adorable Easter Bunny Creating Memories Platter. Our friends at Louisville Stoneware have designed a simply adorable personalized Easter keepsake for those of y'all with kids or grandkids. The design features your child's footprint on a 14" stoneware platter, along with the child's name and the caption "is someBUNNY special. This keepsake is recommended for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with a shoe size up to 3. The Creating Memories pattern requires you, and, of course, your little one, to visit the Louisville Stoneware retail store, although no appointment is necessary. The Creating Memories Platter is $95, which includes cost of plate, staff assistance with capturing your child’s footprints and artists’ time. UPS delivery is available for an additional charge. Creating Memories Plates purchased by March 15 will be guaranteed complete no later than April 19. Personalized items take 4 to 6 weeks, and because the platter is specially made for you, cannot be returned. 

With a little positive thinking, and some early planning for Easter keepsakes, it is starting to feel a bit more like spring!