Doggy Daycare at PetSuites Fern Creek

{This post was sponsored by PetSuites Fern Creek. Thanks so much to PetSuites and all the business that support HerKentucky LLC!}

Last October, we brought home the absolute cutest puppy. He’s adorable, and oh-so-sweet, but kind of a wildcard. Harry is a Labrador retriever - Great Pyrenees mix, and we aren't quite sure how big he’ll get. At nearly 6 months old, he’s already the size of a standard black Lab, which means that normal puppy behavior can easily become A LOT. We’re experienced dog owners who know how to train large dogs, but we definitely needed some help. That’s why we were so excited when PetSuites Fern Creek reached out to work with us!

Bob and I are pretty picky about our dogs and their care, and we loved that PetSuites offered us a tour of their facility. They are so committed to keeping the facility clean and to keeping the dogs safe and happy. Those are, obviously, the same goals we have for keeping our dogs in our own home, so we immediately felt at ease. We loved seeing the dogs at playtime; they were clearly having a great time! It was also nice to see that the boarding areas — with names like “luxury suites” and “condos” — looked so comfortable and inviting. Some even have TVs with animal-themed programming!

Once we were comfortable with the facility, we were really able to focus on the attention that our buddy would receive at PetSuites. Because he’s under 6 months old, Harry was placed in puppy preschool. It quickly became his favorite thing ever!

At PetSuites, Harry gets to play with other puppies his age, and there are often other large breed puppies — he’s made friends like a Cane Corso, a husky, and a Great Dane! — in his group. He’s also learning to be gentle with smaller and younger puppies. They have several controlled playtimes during the day, which ensure that he’s good and tired when I pick him up. The PetSuites staff often texts me pictures of Harry and his friends at playtime, and they post often to their Instagram and Facebook. I love getting these reminders that our little guy is happy, and I love that the PetSuites staff is so committed to his happiness! The socialization skills he’s learning will set him up for a lifetime of good behavior!

I also love that Harry gets one-one one behavioral training. He’s so much happier, more confident, and more controlled in his behavior. After the first week at PetSuites, we noticed that he immediately put himself in a sit position while trying to let us know what he needed. He’s flourishing after only a couple of weeks! The best part is that he is so excited to go to PetSuites! When I say “let’s go to school”, he’s so excited to get in the car! I know that he loves his friends — both canine and human — at PetSuites and that he loves the experience. I can go about my work day knowing that Harry is happy and stimulated. It’s a great setup for us all!

PetSuites Fern Creek has graciously offered a promo code to extend Harry’s great experience to y’all and your furry friends. Use code SOCIAL35 when booking online, and you’ll receive $35 off your first service at PetSuites Fern Creek (boarding, grooming, or daycare). I hope your pets love the PetSuites philosophy of “Stay & Play” as much as Harry does!

The 11 Non-Grocery Items I Never Pass Up at Trader Joe's

Everybody knows that Trader Joe’s is the absolute BEST grocery store. If there’s a TJ’s in your town, then you find about a million reasons to go there. Their prices are insanely low. Their cheeses and seasonings and salad dressings are the best you’ll find anywhere. And the little coffee samples are just enough to keep you going as you shop. Today, I’m rounding up the top eleven non-grocery items I always buy at Trader Joe’s. These are some of my favorite deals on absolutely great items!

Fiddle Leaf Figs and Mini-Succulents

I LOVE those Instagram accounts by self-proclaimed plant ladies. My friends Anne and Mindy immediately spring to mind; they have gorgeous plants that always seem well-maintained. I don’t quite trust my own plant lady skills, so I tend to stick to inexpensive plants. The $1.99 mini-succulents at Trader Joe’s are, I’ve decided, my gateway to plant lady status. I’ve started picking up these tiny planters (like the teensy one in the above photo), repotting them, and basically leaving them alone in a sunny spot. I couldn’t resist picking up a couple of the Fiddle Leaf Fig plants at TJ’s as well; they require a little more work but are so gorgeous!

Kitchen Towels

These cotton kitchen towels legitimately might be my favorite Trader Joe’s find of all time. I have them in every color and use them for everything. They wash up so well and are so soft and handy. They don’t attract lint, so they’re fantastic for any household need.

Skin Care Products

Y’all. These are a game-changer. The antioxident serum provides my nightly retinol, the moisture boost serum plumps and brightens my skin in the morning, the eye cream moisturizes and decreases puffiness and the microdermabrasion scrub is fantastic for light exfoliation. But, the absolute star of the TJ’s skincare line is the gel moisturizer. My oily, sensitive skin is prone to breakouts and clogged pores. I’ve struggled to find a moisturizer that doesn’t cause as much damage as good. This product has transformed my skin. Oh, and each of these skincare products is priced under $10.

Ginger Grapefruit Sugar Scrub and Lavender Salt Scrub

These smell fantastic and leave your skin smooth and moisturized.

Peanut Butter Dog Treats and Chicken Jerky Sticks for Dogs

Harry and Sophie love these. We use the cookie-style peanut butter treats as a special reward for very good behavior, as they are pretty big. Sophie is one of those dogs who doesn’t hesitate to reject a dog treat that doesn’t meet her exacting standards, and she loves both of these!

Are y’all TJ’s fans? What do you never pass up?

Agave & Rye Louisville

{Disclaimer: Bob and I were guests at Agave & Rye’s Soft Opening. Our food was provided at no charge; no additional compensation or consideration was provided. All opinions are our own.

Bob and I were recently invited to attend the soft opening of Agave & Rye. We were immediately impressed by the fun decor. The tributes to Muhammad Ali were such a fun touch, a nod the local hero’s famous “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” line and a play on the regional restaurant chain’s bee mascot.

And, oh my, y’all. The food at Agave & Rye is so good. We started with the sweet corn fritters with Serrano aoli, which might be my new favorite food anywhere. These were amazing, with just the right balance between sweet, salty, and spicy. I absolutely adored them.

We also went with an order of tortilla chips with all the sides. The queso, guac, and salsa were all fantastic, and the huge chips were great.

When our tacos arrived, we were in for a treat. Now, Agave & Rye bills their concept as the home of the Epic Taco, and they lived up to this claim in every sense. The tacos were huge — you could easily make a meal on one or two tacos alone — and filled with creative and fresh ingredients. I think my favorite was The Alderman, filled with carne asada steak, Mexican street corn salad, cojita cheese and arbol salsa. It was incredible.

After dinner, we made our way to the back of the restaurant, where a large area is filled with free-to-play vintage arcade games. I may have spent a while at the Pac-Man game, and can certainly see myself passing an afternoon with a margarita or two, an order of those corn fritters, and challenging my Pac-Man score! Agave & Rye is one of those rare spots that works as well on the drinks and entertainment front as on its menu.

We left Agave & Rye with smiles on our faces and a bag full of leftovers. It’s a great addition to the HIghlands food scene, and I can’t wait to go back! Thanks so much to Agave & Rye for hosting us!

Angel's Envy Cellar Collection: Tawny Port Cask Finished Bourbon

In February 2020, Angel’s Envy will release the latest bourbon in their Cellar Collection: a 10 year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished for 10 months in tawny port casks. I recently had the opportunity to attend a press tasting for this limited edition release and can’t wait to share my tasting notes with y’all!

Since its founding in 2010, Angel’s Envy has become a cult-favorite craft whiskey label. The brand was founded when former Brown-Forman master distiller Lincoln Henderson came out of retirement to team with his son, Wesley, to distill bourbon which would then be finished in port barrels. Over the past decade, the senior Mr. Henderson has since passed, four of Wes’s sons have joined the Angel’s Envy team, and a stunning distillery and tasting area opened in Downtown Louisville. It’s always a delight to attend a tasting with Wes and his sons Kyle (AE’s Production Manager) and Andrew (Lead Distillery Operator). They are warm, funny, and so very passionate about their whiskey. I’ve had the opportunity to taste with the Hendersons several times now, and I look forward to the Hendersons’ high-energy, hilarious presentations almost as much as I do the whiskey itself. During this tasting event, Wes Henderson laughed that, while many of their ideas produce interesting, high-quality whiskeys, “there are a lot of dumbass ideas, too, that should probably never see the light of day.” While the Hendersons speak of one another with a mixture of good-natured ribbing, respect, and self-deprecation, the mood turns far more serious when speaking of the late family patriarch; Wes always takes a moment during a tasting to reflect on the goal of making bourbon that his dad would make his dad proud.

Andrew, Wes, and Kyle Henderson

As for the whiskey, the Tawny Port Cask finished release in the cellar collection is an interesting and complex offering. The Cellar Collection is an experimental line of limited edition, small batch whiskeys. The first in the series, Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, was released in January 2019; however, these aren’t necessarily an annual release. Rather, says Kyle Henderson, the offerings will be released as they mature and are ready. Says Wes Henderson, “I never want to be on the innovation trail just to be innovating.”

The Tawny Port Cask release features a minor bottle redesign, including new gold lettering. The release of 5400 bottles at just under $250 will be available in KY, CA, FL, IL, NY and TN as well as at the distillery. The release is available for pre-purchase now.

We tasted the release alongside the flagship Angel’s Envy bourbon. It was immediately intriguing to see the color difference between the AE flagship bourbon — finished in ruby port casks — and the Cellar Collection expression. The new product had a far deeper amber color, a great indicator of a richer, more complex bourbon.

Tasting Notes:

Proof: 111.6

Nose: {AE provided tasting notes: dry fruit and oak}; my tasting notes: green apple and oak

Palate: {AE provided tasting notes: black pepper, toasted nuts, clove and delicate cinnamon spice}; my tasting notes: cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, golden syrup (treacle) or light molasses and dried apricot

Finish: {AE provided tasting notes: light and lingering, reminiscent of dried fruit dipped in dark chocolate); my tasting notes: rich and fruity, dried oranges dipped in wildflower honey

There’s a mellow warmth to this whiskey; it’s surprisingly delicate for such a high proof. I far prefer this one to last year’s Oloroso Sherry release. It’s definitely a great bourbon for fans of Angel’s Envy’s distinctive finishing style.

Thanks so much to Angel’s Envy for the invitation to taste this product. As always, all opinions are my own.

Ensley's Make-a-Wish Story

Ensley Ogden on her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii

Today’s post is so very special to me. I want to introduce y’all to my friend Ensley Ogden.

Ensley is a very special young lady. She’s a hard-working, smart, and compassionate high school student here in Louisville, and she was diagnosed at age 13 with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare type of cancer, in her brain. I’ve had the good fortune to know Ensley’s family for years and actually was sitting on a charity board with her mother, Lauren, when this diagnosis occurred. I watched the Ogdens fight this terrible diagnosis with a remarkable degree of grace. Ensley was awarded the Dick Vitale Award for Hope from the V Foundation, which carried a special message from Dickie V that even Cats fans (like me) and Cards fans (like Ensley and her parents) can agree upon: Miss Ensley is one tough lady!

I’ll be sharing updates from the Make-a-Wish Foundation gala tonight over on Instagram, and I wanted to share Ensley’s story of all the ways that Make-a-Wish can help an ailing family heal!

Ensley Ogden on her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii

Ensley, do you mind telling me a little about your illness and your diagnosis? I know it had to be so scary.

I was diagnosed with LCH when I was 13 years old after having symptoms for about a year, such as uncontrollable thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, low-grade fevers, headaches, delayed growth, and low thyroid. I had my craniotomy on March 3rd, 2016 and was diagnosed around that time. Luckily, I was able to keep hold of hope (for the most part) because of the overwhelming support I had from my family, friends, school, nurses, doctors, and even people that I had never met! I could not have done this alone.

Ensley Ogden and her family on their Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii

Your treatment took close to two years, if I remember correctly, and y’all were traveling a lot. I’m sure that made life so different. Can you tell me a little bit about how traveling for treatment affected school and life for you?

When I was first getting my surgery and being diagnosed, I was in Houston, Texas for a long time. It was really hard not being able to see my friends and family back home and not being able to participate in school. But, even though I didn't have everyone supporting me in person, I received so many messages, letters, and packages from friends back home and even teachers at my school! Each and every one that I received really brightened some of the hardest days. After I was diagnosed, I was able to do treatment in Louisville, which was so amazing because I had my support system right there with me along the way. Even though I had to go to Houston regularly, it was comforting to be able to treat at home. 

Ensley Ogden on her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii with her mother and aunt.

You are so blessed to have such an amazing support system. I remember talking to your mom several times during your illness and she always stressed the value of keeping your life (and hers) as normal and positive as possible. I know that having this kind of support had to make a scary situation a little better, right?

Yes! As I said previously, I couldn't have done it without my support system. Everyone from my friends and family to my school to my nurses and doctors to complete strangers served this role. I would always make sure to have plenty of visitors while I stayed in the hospital. It made me feel like everything was normal when I was around people.

Ensley Ogden and her parents on their Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii

Can you tell me about your experiences with Make-a-Wish and your Wish Trip? It had to be such a great way to change your outlook and celebrate your prognosis!

My experience with Make-A-Wish was absolutely incredible! My Wish Trip was a cruise throughout the Hawaiian Islands. I got to bring my mom and dad and because I don't have a sibling, I got to bring another person. I chose my Aunt Mary. I had the best trip I could have ever imagined. Since I had to wait until I was finished with treatment because I couldn't be that far away from a hospital and I couldn't swim in the ocean with my port, I had something to always look forward to. My mom even bought be a book about Hawaii to look through during my hospital stays. It felt like such a huge accomplishment when I finished treatment and this trip was my reward. Also, it was the first time I got to swim in the ocean since I received my port two years beforehand! I will always remember this trip and all that Make-A-Wish has done for me and my family.

Ensley Ogden on her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii

Is there anything you’d want a kid facing a diagnosis like yours to know?
Just to stay strong and keep people around you. You are stronger than you know. (Click to tweet these remarkable words of wisdom!)

Ensley Ogden on her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii

Thanks so much to Ensley for sharing her story! Follow me on Instagram for more from tonight’s gala, and feel free to touch base with me if you’d like to learn more about how to get involved with Make-a-Wish in your area!!

Stoneware & Co Summer Gift Guide

Summer is a time of new beginnings — people move after graduation, they get married, and they purchase new homes. I feel like I’m always on the lookout for meaningful keepsake gifts, and I find myself, time and again, giving presents from Stoneware & Co. I especially like to give pieces from the Embossed Running Horse collection. The neutral tones and subtle pattern complement nearly any decor, and are a great way to add a piece of Kentucky heritage to a home.

I’ve teamed up with Stoneware & Co. to show you some of my favorite Embossed Running Horse gifts, and Stoneware has graciously extended a coupon code for HerKentucky readers. Use code SUMMERTIME at online checkout, in-store, or on phone orders to take 10% off your Stoneware order. (This offer is valid from today, Friday June 21st, through Thursday June 27th at midnight.)

Here are a few of my favorite Stoneware pieces for summer gifting.

For a first apartment or dorm room

The Embossed Running Horse Julep Cup Soy Candle is such a great present for someone who’s just starting out in their first apartment or dorm room. It’s a clean-burning candle AND a keepsake julep cup. I love using Stoneware julep cups as small vases for fun, informal flower arrangements.

For a first home

1. The Embossed Running Horse 1 quart bar pitcher and julep cups are such a lovely housewarming gift for the new homeowner. Whether they choose to serve lemonade or Manhattans, they’ll entertain in style!

For the newlyweds

The Embossed Running Horse Wine Cooler and Saucer makes the absolute best present, y’all. It’s not only an elegant serving solution for chilling wine (you can store it in your freezer ahead of time to keep your wine appropriately chilled!); it also makes a gorgeous vase for tall flower arrangements! This is such a great present for newlyweds!

For the home chef

If you’re giving a gift to a serious home chef this summer, I suggest the Embossed Running Horse Large Oval Platter. The serving possibilities are absolutely endless with this piece. I plan to use mine as an elegant way to present my next charcuterie board, and it’s always fabulous for serving main courses!

I love that Stoneware has been producing unique Kentucky pottery — made from local clay and hand-painted and -fired by local artists — since the early 19th century. I love to gift Stoneware because it carries such a lovely story and provides your loved ones with a true heirloom. Let me know if you’re giving Stoneware gifts this summer, and don’t forget to use the special coupon code! Use code SUMMERTIME at online checkout, in-store, or on phone orders to take 10% off your Stoneware order. (This offer is valid from today, Friday June 21st, through Thursday June 27th at midnight.)

How to Curate a Home Bourbon Bar

Stoneware Mint Julep Cup | Bourbon & Boweties Bourbon Barrel Bracelet exclusively at Sweet Mash Goods | Draper James Dress

Today is National Bourbon Day! 

Here in Louisville, it seems like every day is National Bourbon Day. The bourbon industry is booming, with tours and culinary experiences and so many amazing tributes to Kentucky’s favorite spirit. And, of course, there’s nothing like enjoying a bourbon at home with your friends and family. Today, I’ve teamed up with Stoneware & Co. to provide you some great tips for curating your home bourbon bar, featuring Stoneware’s stunning Embossed Running Horse serving pieces! (Check out the end of this post for a Bourbon Day gift to y’all from Stoneware and HerKentucky!)

Stoneware & Co Julep Cups and Ice Bucket in Embossed Running Horse

Step #1: Keep a range of flavors!

Here’s the thing. You don’t need to spend a fortune stocking your bourbon bar. Yes, there are some fabulous high-end, high-priced selctions. But there are also some great entry-level bourbons that your guests would love to enjoy with you. You just need to know a little bit about your bourbon. I suggest that you start with a range of flavors by mixing up the mash bills in your collection. Federal law mandates that, to be called a bourbon, a whiskey’s mash bill, or recipe, must consist of at least 51% corn. The remaining 49% of grains in the mash bill contribute strongly to the flavor of the bourbon. As a general rule, a mash bill that contains wheat will provide a sweeter note, while the addition of rye provides some spice. The biggest trend in whiskey right now is barrel finishing — finishing a bourbon in a second barrel, whether it’s a different oak barrel, a custom-staved barrel, or a barrel that once housed a different spirit. I like to keep a couple of “finished” bourbons on hand to provide a different tasting experience. And, while it’s not an actual bourbon whiskey, I like to keep one or two rye whiskeys on board (produced at Kentucky’s distilleries, of course!) to accommodate those folks who like a truly spicy whiskey. At my house, Bob especially likes ryes for cocktails. Here is a great overview of popular mash bills.

Step #2: Select a range of proofs.

Proof is an indicator of the alcohol content by volume. In the U.S., this is indicated as a number representing double the alcohol percent. So, for example, an 86 proof bourbon is 43% alcohol. Obviously, a lower proof will result in a less intoxicating substance. Some folks prefer to sip on low proofs, while others like a higher. If you’re entertaining a group of true bourbon drinkers, you’ll want to have a couple of proof options to meet different tastes. Here’s a fun fact: In blind taste tests, it’s often found that female bourbon drinkers will prefer a higher proof.

Stoneware Julep Cups serve double duty as THE CUTEST vases for flowers!

Tip # 3: Don’t forget the finishing touches!

While many bourbon purists drink the product straight, your home bar should also include bitters and vermouth for popular cocktails like the Manhattan. You’ll also want to stock up on sugar cubes, oranges, maraschino cherries, and mint for garnishes. I’ve recently seen a lot of creative cocktails that utilize more savory herbs like basil and rosemary — the sky’s the limit! (Check out my sorority sister Heather Wibbels’ award-winning basil julep recipe here!!) I also love to have plenty of simple syrup on hand. I usually make a double batch of simple syrup — using a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water — and separate it into halves. One stays as simple syrup for drinks like an Old-Fashioned, while the other is mixed with lemon juice to make a sour mix. I love Stoneware’s 1 quart Bar Pitcher for serving syrup —it’s so easy to pour your desired amount into each cocktail!

Tip #4: Serve water and Ice in style!

Here in Louisville, we’re fortunate to have the very best tap water — it’s actually won awards! In fact, Kentucky’s water supply is pretty special. The rich limestone throughout central Kentucky provides the clear-tasting water that first made our bourbon special, and that nourishes our famous racehorses. Of course, no bourbon bar is complete without ice and a pitcher of water. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to drinking bourbon — some folks like to dilute their spirits with just a drop or two of water, and some folks prefer a few — or a lot — of ice. I love Stoneware’s Embossed Running Horse Bar Pitcher and Ice Bucket to serve up water and ice in style. The best part is that these pieces, along with the julep cups, can be stored in the freezer so they’re appropriately chilled for maximum serving efficiency!

Tip #5: Keep some snacks on hand!

Don’t forget to have some snacks on hand to both compliment the flavors of the bourbon and to keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach! Play with flavors you like to pair with bourbon , from salty cheeses to dark chocolate! It’s amazing how well so many different tastes coax out amazing notes in your whiskey!

Stoneware has graciously provided a coupon code, valid through June 20th at midnight, to help y’all stock up your own collection of handmade Kentucky pottery. Use code BOURBONBAR at online checkout, in store, or on phone orders to take 10% off your purchase!

Cheers, y’all! Let me know how your favorite tips for entertaining with bourbon!

(Stoneware & Co provided me with products for use in this post; as always, all opinions are my own. In fact, I collected Stoneware far before I had the opportunity to collaborate with them!)