Movember
When you're a blogger, you get some really interesting emails from time to time. There's outright spam, weird promotions and some genuinely odd press releases. A week or two ago, I received an email from a PR firm suggesting that HerKentucky readers would be interested in learning more about Movember.
Solely for the purpose of research, of course, we'd have to include some photos of our favorite Kentucky-born actors, like Johnny Depp, Josh Hopkins, and George Clooney. Just, you know, for illustration's sake.
As I started to read a little more about Movember, I learned that I could not have been more wrong. The movement serves to draw awareness to and raise funds for men's health issues, including mental health and male reproductive cancers. It hit home. A few Novembers ago, a close relative began treatment for prostate cancer. It was a scary time, and we could not have been more blessed with the outcome. But, that was a combination of good fortune and good medical care. It doesn't always work that way.
I have to say, my gut reaction was "Isn't that when guys don't shave for a month? I mean, it works for a few men, but it mainly just seems like an excuse to pull out the Thanksgiving pants, Joey Tribbiani- style."
Then, I thought that it could be a fun piece to hear whether y'all like clean-shaven or scruffy guys.
Solely for the purpose of research, of course, we'd have to include some photos of our favorite Kentucky-born actors, like Johnny Depp, Josh Hopkins, and George Clooney. Just, you know, for illustration's sake.
Enjoy the photos of George, Josh, and Johnny for a moment, then make sure the men in your life are receiving the medical screenings they need. Trust me when I say that early detection and aggressive treatment are the keys to survival. Consider a donation to the Movember movement, even if you can't handle a mustachioed holiday season...
Are the men in your life celebrating Movember this year?
State Traditions Lexington Game Day Belt
I'm all about a well-chosen accessory. A fun belt can add a pop of personality to an otherwise conservative and tasteful ensemble. And, once I got past
I found that unique belts were a great way for my beau to personalize his everyday wardrobe.
The folks at
were kind enough to send us this gorgeous belt, part of their Game Day Collection, for review. We just love it. It has a high-quality leather buckle and a twill body that boasts a fun Kentucky pattern. It's a fun way to support the football or basketball 'Cats on game day, and is subtle enough to wear for Casual Fridays at work.
The Game Day Collection from State Traditions has
for repping your team and your state. I'm pretty sure the cuff links and bow tie are going in my beau's stocking, and the collar is calling my dog Max's name!
Thanks so much to State Traditions for sending this fun belt for us to review. My beau has already worn it several times, and I expect to see it on many game days from now through April! Thanks also to my beau for modeling and reviewing the belt!
HerKentucky Business: Stratton Eyes
Here at HerKentucky, we love sharing wisdom from women business owners from around the Commonwealth. Today, we hear from Dr. Dawn Stratton of Stratton Eyes in Lexington.
Why build your practice in Kentucky?
I came to Lexington in 1994 following graduation from Optometry school in Chicago so that my husband could finish a master’s degree. We fell in love with the area and decided to stay. Lexington often weathers recessions and downturns much better than most cities because of an abundance of colleges and universities in the area as well as a thriving healthcare industry and a diverse economy. These factors help small businesses thrive in the Bluegrass. In 2006, Forbes ranked Lexington, KY 21st among the Best Places for Business and Careers
You've been in business for a while now any words of wisdom or lessons learned along the way that you could pass along?
As quoted by John Wooden “Nothing will work unless you do”. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you push yourself. Sometimes success depends on your willingness to devote more personal energy and work longer hours. However, when challenges slow your progress, it’s sometimes hard to remember that something good might come from all your hard work. Self-doubt can leave you wondering if your goals are worth the mental fatigue that you’re enduring along the way. I have found over the last 20 years of small business ownership that almost always, a worthwhile goal requires tremendous effort and commitment. If your goal means that much to you, and if you’re willing to do the tough stuff and not give up, you have an excellent chance of achieving it.
What should people look for when picking out an eye doctor? Should there be different considerations for children versus adults?
A major factor you should consider when choosing an eye doctor is the recommendation of that doctor by friends, family members and coworkers. Word-of-mouth referrals often are the best way to find a friendly, competent and caring eye doctor and avoid unpleasant surprises when you go to have your eyes examined. The little details can make an eye exam a very positive experience for your child. An office with a great play area and scheduled appointments with no wait time, along with a doctor who leaves the clinic coat in the closet provide a friendly relaxed environment for your child to sit back and enjoy their eye examination!
What are the general guidelines for how often people should visit the eye doctor? Does the age of the patient determine how often they should go?
Children should receive their first comprehensive eye examination before the age of 3, unless a specific condition or history of family childhood vision problems warrants an earlier examination. Children ages 3 to 19 should see the eye doctor every year or two, unless more visits are recommended due to specific medical conditions. Adults from the ages of 20 to late 30’s should have an eye exam every two years. Yearly exams become important in the late thirties when changes in vision and focus along with eye diseases are more likely to develop.
I know a lot of people who avoid going to the eye doctor because they don't want to get their eyes dilated, but the past several times I've been, I haven't had to do that. What other options are there?
While eye exams generally include a look at the front of the eye to evaluate health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify that your eye is healthy. This can lead to early detection of common diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and even cancer. In the past, dilating the eye was the only way to get a full view of the retina. Thanks to new technology, the Optos Retinal Imaging System is able to provide a digital picture of the back of the eye without the use of dilation drops. The exam is quick, painless, and provides an image that can be saved for comparison at future exams.
Are there any trends in eyewear that you're seeing coming down the line? Will we all still want to wear hipster glasses?
Eyewear has become a must-have accessory for both men and women that provide an exciting way to change your style without having to buy an entire new wardrobe. The newest trends include streamlined cat-eye styles; dramatic patterns and colorful temples with a rounded frame; as well as shapes and retro-keyhole cut bridges. Hipster frames are on the way out, to be replaced by Statement frames in shapes that bridge the gap between rectangular and square; these frames can perfectly frame the face.
Here at HerKentucky, we love to support Kentucky's women owned businesses. What advice do you have for women who wants to start their own business?
Find your passion. Set a goal and go for it. Just prepare to do a lot of hard hammering, chiseling and polishing but the end result can be so worth it.
Quick Fire Round:
I came to Lexington in 1994 following graduation from Optometry school in Chicago so that my husband could finish a master’s degree. We fell in love with the area and decided to stay. Lexington often weathers recessions and downturns much better than most cities because of an abundance of colleges and universities in the area as well as a thriving healthcare industry and a diverse economy. These factors help small businesses thrive in the Bluegrass. In 2006, Forbes ranked Lexington, KY 21st among the Best Places for Business and Careers
You've been in business for a while now any words of wisdom or lessons learned along the way that you could pass along?
As quoted by John Wooden “Nothing will work unless you do”. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you push yourself. Sometimes success depends on your willingness to devote more personal energy and work longer hours. However, when challenges slow your progress, it’s sometimes hard to remember that something good might come from all your hard work. Self-doubt can leave you wondering if your goals are worth the mental fatigue that you’re enduring along the way. I have found over the last 20 years of small business ownership that almost always, a worthwhile goal requires tremendous effort and commitment. If your goal means that much to you, and if you’re willing to do the tough stuff and not give up, you have an excellent chance of achieving it.
What should people look for when picking out an eye doctor? Should there be different considerations for children versus adults?
A major factor you should consider when choosing an eye doctor is the recommendation of that doctor by friends, family members and coworkers. Word-of-mouth referrals often are the best way to find a friendly, competent and caring eye doctor and avoid unpleasant surprises when you go to have your eyes examined. The little details can make an eye exam a very positive experience for your child. An office with a great play area and scheduled appointments with no wait time, along with a doctor who leaves the clinic coat in the closet provide a friendly relaxed environment for your child to sit back and enjoy their eye examination!
What are the general guidelines for how often people should visit the eye doctor? Does the age of the patient determine how often they should go?
Children should receive their first comprehensive eye examination before the age of 3, unless a specific condition or history of family childhood vision problems warrants an earlier examination. Children ages 3 to 19 should see the eye doctor every year or two, unless more visits are recommended due to specific medical conditions. Adults from the ages of 20 to late 30’s should have an eye exam every two years. Yearly exams become important in the late thirties when changes in vision and focus along with eye diseases are more likely to develop.
I know a lot of people who avoid going to the eye doctor because they don't want to get their eyes dilated, but the past several times I've been, I haven't had to do that. What other options are there?
While eye exams generally include a look at the front of the eye to evaluate health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify that your eye is healthy. This can lead to early detection of common diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and even cancer. In the past, dilating the eye was the only way to get a full view of the retina. Thanks to new technology, the Optos Retinal Imaging System is able to provide a digital picture of the back of the eye without the use of dilation drops. The exam is quick, painless, and provides an image that can be saved for comparison at future exams.
Are there any trends in eyewear that you're seeing coming down the line? Will we all still want to wear hipster glasses?
Eyewear has become a must-have accessory for both men and women that provide an exciting way to change your style without having to buy an entire new wardrobe. The newest trends include streamlined cat-eye styles; dramatic patterns and colorful temples with a rounded frame; as well as shapes and retro-keyhole cut bridges. Hipster frames are on the way out, to be replaced by Statement frames in shapes that bridge the gap between rectangular and square; these frames can perfectly frame the face.
Here at HerKentucky, we love to support Kentucky's women owned businesses. What advice do you have for women who wants to start their own business?
Find your passion. Set a goal and go for it. Just prepare to do a lot of hard hammering, chiseling and polishing but the end result can be so worth it.
Quick Fire Round:
- Coffee or tea? Coffee
- Bourbon or martinis? Wine red and dry
- One dream you still want to reach? Creating a one stop shop all under one roof for busy moms that includes an optometrist, dentist, chiropractor, gym, gynecologist and, best of all, child care to entertain your kids while you take care of all your appointments.
- Favorite Lexington restaurant? Azur
- Favorite way to spend a Friday night. Dinner, movie and the company of good friends!
Thanks Dr. Stratton for sharing a mix of business insight and practical advice! Make sure to check out our other HerKentucky Business posts here.
Connecting with my Grandmother through Two Beautiful Cookbooks
A few weeks ago, I drove to Nashville to attend the Southern Festival of Books. (If you've never been, you should definitely check it out. It's so close and such a great trip. There are all kinds of booksellers there, as well as panels of authors and other literary groups to get involved in. You don't need to be a writer to enjoy it!)
Typically, when I have the opportunity to buy books, I immediately go to the Young Adult section. But fall always makes me miss my grandmother. As the temperature drops and the leaves start to turn, she never fails to enter my mind (as evidenced by this post I wrote around this time last year).
There are a million things that make me think of her—the scent of Estée Lauder's Beautiful, any well-dressed elderly woman with coordinating purse and shoes, prayer, loud talkers, mashed potatoes, decorating for the holidays, babies, hearing a great laugh, brightly-painted fingernails—the list goes on and on.
So on this day, I headed for another thing that always makes me feel close to her: the cookbooks. And right there, on the very top of one of the stacks, sat At My Grandmother's Table by Faye Porter.
My favorite kind of cookbook is the kind with stories intertwined throughout beautifully-photographed food and well-written recipes. A quick flip through the pages of this book, and I knew it was a must-buy.
I have this highly technical formula I use when I'm deciding if I want to buy a cookbook. I open it to a random page, and if the recipe on the page is something I would actually cook, I buy it.
In this book, that recipe was Sweet Potato Biscuits on page 53. The photo on the opposite page looked so good it'd make a tomcat spit in a bulldog's eye. (Learned that saying from my Papaw. You're welcome, dear readers.)
Usually, one cookbook would be enough, but then I happened to spot one with a cover so cute I had to pick it up: Y'all Come Over by Patsy Caldwell and Amy Lyles Wilson.
Basically any cookbook that has "Y'all" in the title is probably one I need in my kitchen. And it's ANOTHER one with stories and traditions scattered throughout the recipes.
I did my really complicated random page test and landed on page 55's Puffed Up and Proud French Toast.
FRENCH TOAST ALWAYS PASSES THE TEST. ALWAYS.
(A second random page had a recipe for Blackberry Wine Cake, which reminds me- have you tried Acres of Land's Blackberry Wine? I've never liked sweet wine but this one is incredibly tasty.)
My granny would've loved these cookbooks, even though she'd never have needed them. The woman simply worked magic in the kitchen. Her toast even tasted better than anyone else's. (You think I'm exaggerating here, but I'm not. Somehow she managed to completely drench it in butter but it still stayed crunchy. Magic, I tell you.)
And now, since I can't share these with her, I'm going to give one away to a lucky HerKentucky reader! Fill out the rafflecopter below, and if your name is drawn, you'll pick which cookbook you'd like to have and I'll send it to you! (You can't choose wrong. They're both so perfectly southern and beautiful.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Typically, when I have the opportunity to buy books, I immediately go to the Young Adult section. But fall always makes me miss my grandmother. As the temperature drops and the leaves start to turn, she never fails to enter my mind (as evidenced by this post I wrote around this time last year).
There are a million things that make me think of her—the scent of Estée Lauder's Beautiful, any well-dressed elderly woman with coordinating purse and shoes, prayer, loud talkers, mashed potatoes, decorating for the holidays, babies, hearing a great laugh, brightly-painted fingernails—the list goes on and on.
So on this day, I headed for another thing that always makes me feel close to her: the cookbooks. And right there, on the very top of one of the stacks, sat At My Grandmother's Table by Faye Porter.
My favorite kind of cookbook is the kind with stories intertwined throughout beautifully-photographed food and well-written recipes. A quick flip through the pages of this book, and I knew it was a must-buy.In this book, that recipe was Sweet Potato Biscuits on page 53. The photo on the opposite page looked so good it'd make a tomcat spit in a bulldog's eye. (Learned that saying from my Papaw. You're welcome, dear readers.)
Usually, one cookbook would be enough, but then I happened to spot one with a cover so cute I had to pick it up: Y'all Come Over by Patsy Caldwell and Amy Lyles Wilson.
Basically any cookbook that has "Y'all" in the title is probably one I need in my kitchen. And it's ANOTHER one with stories and traditions scattered throughout the recipes.I did my really complicated random page test and landed on page 55's Puffed Up and Proud French Toast.
FRENCH TOAST ALWAYS PASSES THE TEST. ALWAYS.
(A second random page had a recipe for Blackberry Wine Cake, which reminds me- have you tried Acres of Land's Blackberry Wine? I've never liked sweet wine but this one is incredibly tasty.)
My granny would've loved these cookbooks, even though she'd never have needed them. The woman simply worked magic in the kitchen. Her toast even tasted better than anyone else's. (You think I'm exaggerating here, but I'm not. Somehow she managed to completely drench it in butter but it still stayed crunchy. Magic, I tell you.)
And now, since I can't share these with her, I'm going to give one away to a lucky HerKentucky reader! Fill out the rafflecopter below, and if your name is drawn, you'll pick which cookbook you'd like to have and I'll send it to you! (You can't choose wrong. They're both so perfectly southern and beautiful.)
Do you have a favorite cookbook? I'd love to hear about it! Leave the title in the comments!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
2013 River's Edge International Film Festival
I know what y'all think. Even if you won't admit it to me, you think there's not a lot to do in Paducah.
Well, you're wrong.
We've got quilts and barbecue and we've got our very own film festival!
Founded nine years ago, the River's Edge International Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing quality independent films from around the world. For three days in early November, Paducah becomes a hot spot for theatric artistry and cinema innovation!
Run by our small arts cinema, Maiden Alley Cinema, and staffed entirely by volunteers, the River's Edge International Film Festival screens every type of film from features to documentaries to animated shorts.
So, if you love film and have been looking for a reason to visit us in the Western part of the state now's your chance!
For more history of the film festival and insider's tips, check out Paducah Life Magazine's cover story on the film festival from 2012.
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
Urban Outfitters and the Anchal Project
If I had to sit down and make a list of the things that we love here at HerKentucky, the very top of the list would include Kentucky, quilts, pretty clothes, woman-owned businesses, and helping others. I am so excited about a recent collaboration between Urban Outfitters and a Louisville-based non-profit organization that combines all of these things and so much more!
The Anchal Project is an organization headed by Louisville native and landscape architect Colleen Clines. The 501(c)(3) -- or not-for-profit -- group was founded to empower women who have been forced into India's sex trade by providing them with safe employment in the production of textiles.What started out as a small group of students passionate about designing change for oppressed women now touches the lives of women in 3 cities and employs over 60 artisans on a full-time basis.
I am so in love with this quilt!
And this one, too!
You can check out the entire collection online at Urban Oufitters' website, and in select stores, including the Bardstown Road location.
(Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to the Urban Outfitters website; HerKentucky does receive a small commission for purchases made through clicks from this post. Independent of any potential financial gain, however, we fully endorse the mission of the Anchal Project.)
 |
| Image via the Anchal Project. |
Here's how the Anchal Project describes its mission:
Anchal celebrates the creative, nurturing essence represented in the anchal and harnesses it for women’s social and financial empowerment. Through design, craft, community-building and education, we help provide new economic realities for commercial sex workers in India. Our goal is to create the infrastructure for creative, income-generating initiatives to run sustainably with local leadership. We believe that by providing a fair living wage and educational workshops to these women in need, opportunities can be pursued that build confidence, increase self worth and inspire entire communities.Urban Outfitters recently announced the Anchal X Urban collection, a limited edition collaboration with the Anchal Project, which includes gorgeous home accessories and clothing.
I am so in love with this quilt!
And this one, too!
(Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to the Urban Outfitters website; HerKentucky does receive a small commission for purchases made through clicks from this post. Independent of any potential financial gain, however, we fully endorse the mission of the Anchal Project.)
Pumpkin Spiced Manhattan
Pumpkins mean autumn. Pumpkin picking, pumpkin spiced lattes and pumpkin desserts...the list could go on forever! And while I love all of these things, I have been looking for a way to get my pumpkin fix at night. I mean really, why should the morning have all of the pumpkin fun? In my newest bourbon filled recipe for HerKentucky, I am taking pumpkin out on the town with my Pumpkin Spiced Manhattan!
The pumpkin spice marries well with bourbon's vanilla, oak and caramel profiles and serves as the bitters of this classic cocktail all while adding just a hint of sweetness. If your love for manhattans has been well documented, like mine, you will absolutely love this fabulous fall cocktail.
Pumpkin Spiced Manhattan
- 2 Ounces of Maker's Mark Bourbon
- 1 Ounce Sweet Vermouth
- 4 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Pie Filling
Combine all ingredients into a shaker full of ice and shake until well combined and frosty! Then strain your delicious cocktail over your martini glass.
Press the remaining pumpkin puree into your strainer until you get every last drop of pumpkin spiced manhattan goodness. There should be about one to two tablespoons of pumpkin puree left and it should look dry.
Enjoy!
