Emily's Wish List

My wish list this Christmas is pretty simple. Glitter, world peace, and coffee.
So perhaps that middle one isn't simple. Instead, I guess I could ask for some of the following things:

A bottle of Leila Lou perfume from The Crushed Violet in Lexington

This truly irresistible perfume oil is made with 100% essential oils. With notes of Pear Blossom, fresh cut grass and tangerine, Leila Lou captures the alluring scent of innocence and freshness.

A Moon & Lola monogram necklace from Olive You Boutique in Richmond

Some Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray from Sephora

A gift certificate to The Morris Book Shop in Lexington

Any assortment of Keurig Vue cups (NOT K-cups) for my new coffee lovah!

Race Registration to Color Me Rad in Lexington on March 2, 2013

What's on your list?

Megan W.'s Wish List

I have a minor obsession with cool* t-shirts. I've spent the last couple of weeks on some of my favorite t-shirt web sites, because I had the brilliant idea that this year, if I'm buying a gift for someone, it's going to be a fun t-shirt.

Of course, all this has really led to is ordering three more t-shirts for myself.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME.

Actually, the fact that I've only ordered three shows a tremendous amount of self-restraint on my part. I'm sharing a few of those here because my mother reads this blog and I know she wants to buy them all for me.

Warning, lovelies: You're about to get a full dose of my complete geekery.

(Psst, Mom, you click the picture to go to the site where you can purchase it. And yes you'll have to do it online. Dad doesn't even need to know.)

I will never grow tired of video games.

Big Bang Theory. One of the best shows EVER.

I can't even deal with the awesomeness of this shirt.

HAHAHAHAHA Oh Bono.

It's so random it's HILARIOUS.

Yes. That's Michael Bolton.

Because I love this place so much.

*COMPLETELY subjective, of course.

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.

HerKentucky Business: Lydia Powell Bookkeeping

The HerKentucky team is thrilled to present HerKentucky Business, a monthly spotlight on female entrepreneurs in the Bluegrass State. 

Just as Emily did in March, I'm here to talk to you about a new business I launched this year - Lydia Powell Bookkeeping. It seems a bit odd to conduct a self-interview, but I wanted to share my story in the hopes it might inspire other Kentuckians to find their way in business. Thanks to Heather and the other HerKentucky women for allowing me this space!

Bio: 

Lydia Powell holds a degree in accounting from Transylvania University and has 10+ years of experience in accounting and auditing. She's worked with non-profit organzations, governmental entities, small businesses and been employed by major manufacturing enterprises in Kentucky.

1. Are you a native Kentuckian? Why have a Kentucky business? 

I am a native Kentuckian and very proud of it! Kentucky is my history and my home. When faced with the potential relocation of my job, my husband and I had some difficult decisions to make. We cast about, testing out the dream of living abroad. When we decided that wasn't exactly what we wanted, we briefly reconsidered pursuing relocation with my job or making a major relocation to a different area of the United States.

In the end, we decided that Kentucky was our home and held our future. Our family and many of our friends are in Kentucky. Our support systems are here. The cost of living is definitely right! Honestly, while I enjoyed the thought of moving to far off lands, I couldn't quite wrap my head around what it might be like to live somewhere else!

When we decided to remain in central Kentucky, I decided to start my own freelance bookkeeping company. Not only can I take full advantage of my education and career experience, I'm also passionate about helping other small businesses succeed - in Kentucky and beyond. 

I'm of the mind that we should enjoy what we do and do it well. I enjoy the organization and analysis aspects of finance, and I want to help business owners get out from behind their computer screens, struggling with their books and back to what they enjoy and do well! 

2. Many younger people say they can't find many corporate-type jobs in Kentucky, so they leave the state. What was your experience?

My experience has been extremely positive! Other than a brief stint in state government during and just after graduation, I've been employed by Kentucky businesses in corporate-type jobs. 

When I was in high school and even college, the trend was for young people to move out of state as soon as they could. I think that trend is reversing or, at least, changing. With impressive improvements in our state university systems and a cost of living that remains below the national average, I think young people are realizing that Kentucky is a hidden gem. I know lots of young people, just like our own Sarah Stewart Holland, who ventured to larger markets to begin their careers but moved back to Kentucky to begin their family and continue their careers.

3. What was the hardest part of starting a new business?  What do you wish someone had told you before you started Lydia Powell Bookkeeping?

While I can often be cautious with new adventures, when I get an idea in my head that I'm passionate about, I tend to jump in head first with eyes closed tight! The hardest part of starting my new business has been making myself go slow, make plans and strategies for the long run and implementing those in a methodical way. I hope that this planning and considered action will set me up for success in the long run!

Luckily, I have a strong business education and background, so I feel like I may be better suited to navigate the confusing and complicated waters of starting a business. I think other entreprenuers may have a great idea but not a great foundation regarding how to get that idea turned into an operating and profitable business. I highly recommend the resources of the Small Business Administration, the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal and the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office. I urge other new business owners to go through the exercise of creating a business plan - even if no one but you ever sees it, sitting down to write out a plan makes you think!

4. What is the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship/small business ownership?

I've only been in operation for about a month. So far, though, nothing I've done for my business has felt like "work." You know that Sunday-night-dreading-Monday-morning feeling? I don't have that when I think about the tasks I need to accomplish for my business. I've also met some amazingly inspiring and encouraging people. When I announced my new business venture, I never expected the support I've received from friends and strangers alike. It's awesome to know that other people want to help you succeed.

5. What suggestions do you have for women who want to start their own business?

Believe in yourself or fake it until you make it! 

Go outside your comfort zone. I hate to do it, too, but it's good for you. I've met potential clients I'd never met before for coffee, I've called people I don't know on the phone - both things I normally hate to do, but that were so rewarding!

Seek out and network with other women in business. I've been lucky enough to have a supportive group of women to turn to when I need reassurance and to ask practical questions of. Basically, we inspire and support one another and it's wonderful. If you don't know where to find a group like that, ask at your local Chamber of Commerce if they have a women's group, check out Femfessionals to find a local chapter (Lexington has one!) or join and participate with a group on sites like LinkedIn.

And now: the quick-fire round!

1. Bourbon or martinis? Ack! I'm a beer girl - the craftier the better.
2. One dream you still want to reach?  I really want to visit Ireland with my mom someday.
3. Favorite Lexington restaurant? I'm a new Table 310 convert, but really want to try out the food at The Village Idiot (the beer selection is great). I can't wait for 21C to open a new hotel and restaurant in Lexington, as well!
4. Favorite way to spend a Friday night. My 22-year old self would be so embarrassed, but now I love a good Friday night at home with pizza and beer, some popcorn, a good movie and my husband and the dog on the sofa.

Local Spotlight: Lou What Wear

I recently came across a blog that spotlights Kentucky Fashions in both Louisville and Lexington.  

Being a fashionista and fashion blogger myself, I instantly realized what a great idea these two blogs are! 

The below was taken from the Lou What Wear "about me" page: 

Gah she looks cute…

Don’t lie, you’ve said it. You’re surveying the room at (the bar, wedding, cocktail party, charity event) and you spot her. The best dressed girl there. She’s perfectly put together from top to bottom and suddenly you’re struck with a case of outfit jealousy.
Well, if you all can’t admit it, I will (maybe you’re that really cute girl and if so, I applaud you). I can get a pretty serious case of outfit jealousy from time to time. Whenever it strikes, I vow to never have it again and commit myself to mastering the art of styling so I can be “that girl” (the cute, pretty kind of that girl – Not the over-served, out of control kind of that girl) next time.
But really, we all know that celebs look good when they head out on the town but when you’ve got a gaggle of professionals picking out the perfect look from head to toe – you should look good. What I’m impressed with are the gals that pull it all together on their own – those lovely ladies are the inspiration behind LouWhatWear.
So move over New York, out of the way L.A. – the little city in the middle that is Louisville is vying for some of the fashion spotlight. Next time you’re out and you see a tall girl with a camera coming your way, get ready to reapply some gloss and get your pose on.

This is a fun collaboration they did with other Kentucky Fashion Bloggers for how to wear a fur vest: 

So there you have it, fellow Kentuckians! Keep up with style spotting across the state with Lou What Wear !

Bacon Sandwiches with Bourbon-Caramelized Onions and Feta

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Oh, y'all. 

 Tonight, my brother and I found ourselves cooking a quick and simple supper that was so very good. We took my trusty cold-weather potato soup and livened it up with some amazing bacon sandwiches. The bourbon onions on the sandwiches (Little Brother's creative concoction!) were downright amazing, and added a little taste of Kentucky!

Bacon sandwiches with caramelized onions and feta cheese

• 6 slices bacon
• 2 medium white onions
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Bourbon
• Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
• Feta cheese crumbles

Caramelize the onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat in a saucepan. Add sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover. Simmer until translucent and tender, 10-15 minutes. Remove cover, increase heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon butter, brown sugar and a dash of pepper. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Add splash of bourbon, simmer another 5 minutes.

For each sandwich, use three slices of bacon. Cut each slice in half. Lay three of these pieces vertically side-to-side. Lay remaining pieces horizontally on top of the vertical slices and weave in an over-under design, creating a bread-shaped square of bacon. Place in a shallow baking dish lined with aluminum foil. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until brown and crispy.

On toasted sandwich bread, add a layer of feta cheese crumbles, a bacon square and caramelized onions.

Potato-leek soup

• 6-7 slices bacon
• 2 leeks, chopped (white and light green portion)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 7-8 Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into quarters
• 64 oz box chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
• Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper

Cut bacon into lardons. Place in dutch oven over medium heat; cook until bacon is lightly browned and fat has rendered. Add leeks and garlic, cook until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add potatoes; let cook for 10-15 minutes. Add chicken broth (It's better to use homemade stock, but packaged broth will do in a pinch...) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let cook for about 25-30 minutes, until potatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Using an immersion blender (or a food processor), blend most of the soup, leaving a few chunks of potato. Add half-and-half and let cook another 10 minutes or so before serving. If leaving on the stove for a while, you may need to gradually add water to keep from thickening too much.