Guest User 12/13/12 Guest User 12/13/12

The Gifts Every Kentucky Fan Needs

We all know that most of the people in this state are crazy for the color blue, right? We all know that some of the women that write for this site could be in the top ten for that crazy, too, right?

Because of all that, I wanted to make sure we've all got some options to give to the crazy Kentucky fan in our life - whether that be someone in your family or just a gift for yourself!

Some people like to bring you Kentucky news "in the most ridiculous manner possible." Let me continue the Transy tradition and give you some of the most ridiculous UK stocking stuffers possible.

UK "Duck" Tape

Let's ignore the fact that this isn't properly named "duct" tape and just carry on with the idea that if duct tape can fix anything, try to imagine what UK duct tape can do!

Gotta have it.

$6.67 @ Amazon for 10 yards. You could use it as Christmas tree garland!

Tire valve stem covers

You've seen all the bumper stickers, all the car magnets, all the window flags and license plate covers.

Show that you're a true blue fan with tire valve stem colors - because it's the smallest place on your car where you can still show your loyalty. Better yet? Take your car for a rotation and alignment in Louisville and laugh at the Cards fan who grimaces when he's removing these.

$10.26 @ Amazon for 4 OR buy five sets and be a total boss and trick out your 18-wheeler and have two left for your bicycle!

Silver Toned Stretch Band Ring

This might just be the perfect stocking stuffer for that Phi Mu lady/Wildcat fan in your life.

The ring, with that high-dollar stretch band that I'm sure wouldn't turn your finger green, is almost the perfect marriage of a quatrefoil and the UK logo.

I think the women of Rho Iota could all use one of these!

$10.95 @ Amazon

Wildcats Piggy Bank

All I'm going to say is that I hope Cal's former Cats have a lot of these - because those guys are making bank. This little guy even looks as sweet as a John Wall smile.

$13.37 @ Amazon

Nothing says a cozy winter night by the fire like UK blue hot chocolate - especially when the tin says, "Real Wildcats Drink Blue."

I actually really want this. I'm looking at you, family readers!

$18.44 for a pack of 3 - Okay, so it's really special hot chocolate!

UK Ceiling Fan

Pimp out your Person Cave (in our house, we don't subscribe to the more popular, sexist name for the sports/TV/beer drinking room) with a UK ceiling fan.

$359.00 @ Amazon (Note to family: DO NOT buy this for me. Seriously.)

Rubbermaid 32-gallon Can

I am not going to say that this would be the perfect dorm room accessory. It would not be the perfect beer keg holder or be a perfect mixing place for grain alcohol concoctions involving sliced fruit. I'm just not going to say it, but wouldn't your trash look classy in this?

$56.17 @ Amazon

Kentucky Fan Gnome Bench

Now, maybe these little gnome guys spelling "C-A-T-S" might actually be cute by my new front door. Maybe.

Ok. I've looked at too much ridiculousness if this is starting to look cute!

$24.95 @ Amazon

UK gift tags

Of course, you can't give any of these gifts without wrapping them nicely and attaching these UK gift tags.

$2.49 @ Amazon for a sheet of 10

Quick note: All the image links are affiliate links to Amazon.com

What's the most ridiculous sports-themed gift you've ever given or received?

Megan Bonner 12/12/12 Megan Bonner 12/12/12

5 Kentucky Boutiques for Christmas Shopping

1) AJ's Casuals - Lexington

867 E. High Street Suite 120
Lexington, KY 40502
AJ's Casuals is a charming boutique located in the heart of Lexington. They offer several contemporary brands of women's clothing, as well as other accessories.

Photo via AJ's Casuals Facebook

2) Peggy's- Lexington

112 Clay Avenue
Lexington, Kentucky 40502

In 1990, inspired by the small town gift shops she visited as a child, Peggy, with the help of her mother, opened Peggy’s Gifts. From the beginning, the goal of the shop was to combine the warm and personal atmosphere of a small town boutique with a wide selection of handpicked quality gifts. What began as a quarter of the building, has grown over twenty years, to encompass all 3000 square feet of the home on Clay Avenue.

Peggy’s is packed with wonderful gifts to celebrate any occasion! We feature a fabulous selection of jewelry, totes and purses, and chic accessories for your home and entertaining needs. As an added free service, we wrap all your gifts in our signature dot paper!

Photo and description via Peggy's Gifts

3) Peppermint Palm- Lexington and Louisville

Lansdowne Shoppes
Lexington, KY
859-268-1012

The Vogue
Louisville, KY
502-896-9190

The Peppermint Palm is Kentucky's go-to destination for Lilly Pulitzer, Stephen Bonanno sandals, CMC monogrammed gifts, and other preppy staples!

Photo via Heather Watson

4) Clodhoppers- Louisville

3725 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40207

Clodhoppers first opened its doors in 1993 as an unassuming storefront on an eclectic Bardstown Road strand of shops. At that time, the store windows were full of the used Levi’s and the clunky Doc Martens indicative of the minimalist, street chic era of early 90s fashion. But as the styles of their clients evolved with the years, so did the store. Co-owners Kathy Reiss-Miller and Kelly McDonald combined a strength in building business relationships with a penchant for style to swiftly move their boutique into shopping mainstream. They have since moved their business into the newly-remodeled, 4500 square foot Vogue Theatre building on Lexington Road, where they today sell several designer lines of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Over the years, Clodhoppers has matured into Louisville’s premier purveyor of luxury fashion and the shopping experience.

Photos via Clodhoppers

5) Blink- Louisville

3706 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40207

Blink Boutique is known for the beautiful selection of dresses, ensembles, shoes, handbags, denim and jewelry. We want to have something to offer every woman that comes into our door which is why we offer a variety of lines including: Bell by Alicia Bell, Halston Heritage, Hudson Jeans, Jay Godfrey, Joie, Karina Grimaldi, Linea Pelle, Paige, Shoshanna, 12th Street, Tom Ford, Vince, and Velvet Located in the heart of St. Matthews on Lexington Road, the boutique has a laid back yet sophisticated style where customer service has always been the focus. If you haven't been by, we encourage you to come see what Blink is all about. As much as we love fashion, what we love even more is our clients.

Photo and Description via Blink's Facebook page

Heather C. Watson 12/11/12 Heather C. Watson 12/11/12

The Bourbon Lover's Wish List

Every Kentuckian has at least one bourbon lover on her holiday shopping list.

Now, in theory, shopping for the bourbon lover is easy. You stop by the corner liquor store, and mark one present off the list. But, it doesn't really work that way. You can either pick up a tried-and-true favorite, or risk a flavor profile that doesn't suit the recipient. You sure aren't going to be able to find a bottle of Pappy anywhere. And the bourbon accessories that have sprung up in recent years are a tricky business as well. Bourbon lovers are very precise in their enjoyment of the spirit -- whisky stones and rocks glasses are the impetus for a million debates. Loving bourbon is a serious business, y'all.

I want that julep cup!

If you're shopping for a bourbon lover this year, why not give the gift of knowledge? The Bourbon Review is a quarterly, Lexington-based magazine that explores all things bourbon. From cocktail reviews to recipes to tasting notes, TBR is a must-have for anyone seeking the full Bourbon Experience. It's one of those magazines like Garden and Gun or Southern Living that I just can't wait to find in my mailbox. It's a fantastic gift for the bourbon lover in your life!

The guys at The Bourbon Review have graciously offered a one-year subscription to The Bourbon Review and a t-shirt from their Bourbon Outfitter merchandise line to one lucky HerKentucky reader. Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. The contest runs through midnight on Friday the 14th, and a winner will be announced on Saturday.

Cheers and Good Luck!

Edited: Congratulations to Townsley M., the winner of this giveaway!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Heather C. Watson 12/7/12 Heather C. Watson 12/7/12

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

Heather C. Watson 12/6/12 Heather C. Watson 12/6/12

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?

Heather C. Watson 12/6/12 Heather C. Watson 12/6/12

Fur Coats and Cabbage Patch Kids

My grandparents taught me that Christmas presents should sparkle. It's a nice tradition to uphold.

My grandparents always gave the greatest Christmas presents.

Now, looking back, most of those gifts were exactly what most kids our age were unwrapping. Toys that matched our interests. I seem to recall a couple of monogrammed sweaters. But, it always seemed like they'd hit the nail on the head. They got us exactly what we wanted, and sometimes things that we didn't even know we wanted. We were always so excited to open them!

There was the year we got Cabbage Patch Kids. That was exciting stuff in the year when EVERYBODY had to have Cabbage Patch Kids. There was the year they had "surprise" presents for us after everything else was unwrapped -- a collector's Scarlett O'Hara doll for me, and a 10 speed bike for my cousin. And then, there was the year of the fur coat.

Oh, y'all. A rabbit fur coat. From Dawahare's. Now, as every good Kentuckian can recall, Dawahare's was just about the best store ever. When you unwrapped a package to find their iconic bugler logo, you just knew that box was going to contain something really good!

As an adult, I try to think about those special Christmases at my grandparents' house as I buy gifts for the people on my own list. I want a present to reflect the recipient's interests and style. I don't want to give generic gloves or socks. I want to see an actual smile of appreciation when the present is opened. Like Mia, the comically saucy secretary in Love, Actually, I try to remember that Christmas isn't for things you need, it's for things you want -- pretty things.

Every year, my goal is to capture the joy of fur coats and Cabbage Patch Kids. That makes for gifts that are amazing to give and (hopefully) to receive.

Emily Ho 12/5/12 Emily Ho 12/5/12

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.