The HerKentucky Interview with Adrienne Jones, Founder of coveRumps

You know when you see something that is so brilliant you wonder why you didn't think of it? That's exactly what happened when I saw coveRumps by Kentuckian Adrienne Jones. They literally cover your rump when you want to layer or get extra length from your top. They're super cute and can be worn so many ways from workout to weekend. Check out our interview with Adrienne below, and then enter to win your own coveRumps!

HK: Tell us a little bit about yourself? Are you native Kentuckian? 

AJ: I am a native Kentuckian, born in Pineville. I currently reside in Lexington where I moved after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. I am a wife and mother to two beautiful daughters. As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to have a career in the fashion industry and own my own business. I still can’t believe I’m finally doing both & I couldn’t be happier.

HK: What exactly is a coveRump? What inspired you to create them? 

AJ: A coveRump is a layering piece for women. I like to refer to it as an accessory, or ASS-essory! It functions in so many great ways, not only by helping women achieve a layered look without all the bulk, but also provides just the right amount of coverage to the rump area when wearing leggings or workout pants with tops that are a little too short. coveRumps complete an outfit, by adding dimension and color. They are fun, fashionable and functional! I was inspired to design coveRumps from a need of my own. I was tired of tunics and wanted to wear shirts with my leggings, but found them to be just too short, making me feel self-conscious and too exposed. I just knew there had to be a product already on the market, but found there was not. It didn’t take long to get my business plan together and turn my idea into a business.

HK: What’s the best part about being a business owner? 

AJ: The best part about being a business owner is the freedom. I make all the decisions that work for me and my business; I love that! I also love having enough freedom in my day to pick my children up from school, as well as attend school parties. I absolutely love being able to surprise my kids once a week and join them for lunch… priceless.

HK: What advice would you give to Kentucky women wanting to start their own business? 

AJ: My advice to all women is to go for it! You only live once. Believe in yourself and have passion about what you’re doing. The passion will drive you through the struggles, and there will be struggles in starting a new business. Keep a positive attitude, even when facing obstacles… tomorrow is another day.

HK: What can we look forward to in 2014 for coveRumps? 

AJ: 2014 is going to be a great year for coveRumps! I’ve been testing out a new avenue: in-home trunk shows. Our test markets have proven successful and we are very excited to add this fun way to shop. We are also attending more retail shows in 2014; check our website, www.coverumps.com and our coveRumps Facebook & Twitter accounts for event information. I’ve been sourcing new fabrics also, we want to focus on some fun prints to add into the line. I’m excited about the potential 2014 holds for us.

Quickfire Round: 

• Bourbon, martinis, or beer? Martinis 
• One bucket list item: Visit Paris, France 
• Favorite way to spend a Friday night: My favorite way to spend Friday night is at home eating pizza and watching a great Disney movie with my little family. We do this every Friday night and it never gets old. 
• Celebrity/Personality you’d most love to see wearing coveRumps? Well, I’m not going to be picky… I would LOVE for any celeb/personality to be seen wearing coveRumps. But if I did have to choose one, I would say I would love to see it on Bethenny Frankel or Kelly Ripa. Both are strong working mothers with talk shows that reach millions.

Giveaway:

Want some coveRumps of your own? Enter below to win 1 of 2 coveRumps. Winners can choose their preferred style. Enter before midnight, 12/21/13.

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The HerKentucky Interview with Kijsa Housman

Kijsa Housman has been taking Etsy by storm with her burlap pillows, chalkboards, and Verses of the Week. Of course, everyone here at HerKentucky first noticed all the My Old Kentucky home pieces  that now grace every single one of our Christmas lists!

Best part? She lives in Paducah and we are totally friends! So, I sat down (actually we stood because that's how crazy busy she is!) with the incredibly talented Kijsa for a quick chat about art, Kentucky, and dual citizenship.

HK: How long have you been doing this?

KH: This art thing? 20 years! I started with large scale murals and a lot of theatrical design. My first studio was in Lexington and I was there for eight years. Some notable projects I did were The State Theater - that was a 10,000 square foot mural I did by myself on 30 feet of scaffolding and it  took several months. That was a state commission. I did a painting for The Children’s Theater, The Children’s Hospital, the PBS affiliates, and PBS products. 

That morphed in to doing residential murals as well. I did a combination of that. We moved to Paducah about 10 years ago. 

HK: Are you from here?

KH: I’m originally from Dallas. I’m a Texas girl. My husband is from here and my children are from all over! One was born in Lexington. One was born in Paducah. One was born in Seoul. 

HK: We’ll give you a pass! Did you study art or are you self-taught?

KH: I'm classically trained. Undergraduate BFA in painting then graduate degree in art history then moved to Kentucky. I supported my husband through school on art! That’s pretty much all I’ve done professionally is paint. 

HK: When did you start doing the Kentucky pillows and Old Kentucky Home signs?

KH: I moved into the decorative aspects here and there just as filler in between. When you’re the sole income, you get real creative as an artist. I really started emphasizing a lot of the Kentucky stuff in the last few years. 

My motto is accessible art and I think the decorative arts is great for that. 

HK: Do consider yourself a Kentuckian after 20 years?

KH: You’re asking a Texan that! I will claim dual citizenship.

HK: I know the Verses of the Week are a huge project for you right now. Tell us about that.

KH: The Verse of the Week I started doing a little over two years ago and that has become a very signature thing. It started with a gift for a friend - coming up with something that would be useful and beautiful and inspiring all at the same time. It’s really turned into something that I consider more than work. It’s a ministry. 

I’ve had so many people tell me that the simple act of putting the verse on the board made it intentional. I even offer my signature writing on a decal so if you already had a chalkboard you can put it on there. It’s the simple act of making it intentional. 

HK: Any advice to aspiring artists?

KH: Lots of caffeine. No sleep. And work 28 hours a day!

Kijsa is giving away a Verses of the Week vinyl so you can create intentional art in your own home!

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. The contest runs through midnight on Wednesday, December 18th. 

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A Louisville Stoneware Holiday Wish List

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to tour the Louisville Stoneware factory.

It was so fun to learn about the pottery I've collected for years. It was really cool to see the actual raw clay that is transformed into beautiful pottery.

As I watched clay being purified, softened, and molded, I felt like a little kid on one of those candy factory tours they used to show on Mr. Rogers. I had a million questions about the production process, and I was thrilled to see some amazing pieces I recognized from my own collection. (Which I'm talking about today over at The Mint Julep Diary.)

While I toured the factory, I found some really great holiday gift ideas that I thought I'd share with y'all.

This coffee mug proclaims "I'd rather be drinking bourbon" and, well, wouldn't we all? It's a great gift for the bourbon lover on your holiday list.

These gorgeous ornaments reflect your favorite city, your college team, or your holiday spirit. 

These holly graffiti julep cups are filled with locally-produced soy candles and would make a fantastic holiday gift.

And I couldn't decide on a favorite among all the salt and pepper shakers; each set was cuter than the last.

 I was particularly partial to the Wildcats and the Colonels.

If you're in Louisville for holiday shopping, stop by the Stoneware factory at 731 Brent Street for amazing, one-of-a-kind Kentucky-made gifts. You can also order online at LouisvilleStoneware.com.

Thanks so much to Louisville Stoneware for hosting me for a tour! I had a blast!

Adding a little Sparkle!

I love the holiday season for so many reasons. The love, joy and time spent with friends and family, but what I really revel in, is the sparkle.The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for you to let your inner sparkle shine in home decor and fabulous frocks. No one will even bat an eye when you have decided to don sequins head to toe or put tinsel on every inch of your tree...you are just getting into the holiday spirit!

I know that the holidays can be a little taxing on our beautiful pocket books, so I have come up with ways to add sparkle without breaking your bank or your holiday spirit!

Work with what you have in your closet.

• Every southern girl has a string of pearls and several strands of faux pearls for that matter! I would layer them and tie a red ribbon around them and Viola! You are ready for the holidays!
• You could also revive an old choker, like 413 Sparrow Lane did. Adorable! 
•  Add shoe clips to jazz up your favorite black pumps. I love these shoe clips from The Dessy Group.
• Dust off your red cardigan or favorite hat and adorn it with broaches for a little extra sparkle. Thanks for the idea Ann Taylor Loft! 

Accessorize

• Accessories are the easiest way to update a little black dress. I love the statement necklace above from Zara. It is regal and was worn by a certain royal recently. It will take you from the holidays into spring! 
• Add a sequined cardigan to your favorite fancy frock. They are everywhere this season!  
• Add a pair of sparkly shoes. I love the pair below from Joe Jacey.   

Don a Sparkly Skirt

• Nothing says happy holidays like a little extra sparkle. This skirt can take you from the holidays to NYE with just the change of shirt. It is half off today too! Just use the code HOLIDAY when you check out at Ann Taylor Loft. 

 
I can't wait to start planning my holiday outfits! What will you all be wearing this year?

Photos courtesy of Ann Taylor Loft, Zara and DSW.

New Holiday Traditions

The holidays are all about tradition. The decorations, the celebrations, the family customs -- no matter your faith or background, there are traditions you observe every year.

In recent years, I've thought a lot about holiday traditions, as my beau and I attend Christmas gatherings with our respective families, and build traditions of our own.

Somewhere along the way, my go-to holiday dish has become Julia Child's boeuf bourguignon. It couldn't be more different than the huge Southern spreads that were customary in my childhood. And yet, I cook it with the same degree of love and attention to detail that my granny always applied to her customary Christmas Eve fried chicken. I find myself making the French beef-and-wine stew for special holiday meals with the people I love. 

This year, my beau and I stayed home for Thanksgiving. Despite the made-for-Hallmark-TV promises that we can all go home for the holidays, sometimes work obligations impose themselves. Since it was just the two of us, we scaled back Thanksgiving dinner to reflect a lower-carb sensibility. Neither Sister Schubert rolls nor pies were to be found anywhere. As we enjoyed our boeuf bourguingnon and pancetta-roasted Brussels sprouts, I realized that, just maybe, we'd created a holiday tradition of our very own.

Have you created any new holiday traditions at your house?

Kentucky Traditions: Southern Lights

Usually during the Kentucky wintertime, with its unpredictable weather, I spend a lot of time holed up in my house. I don't have kids, so there isn't a lot of incentive to head to parades or to see Santa. There is, however, one holiday tradition that I do brave the cold for: Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

Photo by whenlostin on Flickr

This marks the 20th year of Southern Lights, which is a wonderland of oversized lighted holiday decorations that run through the Kentucky Horse Park. You get to stay in your car and "ooh" and "aah" at the over 1 million lights while running the heat at full blast. My favorite display every year is the "12 Days of Christmas" which is illustrated through twinkle lights. There are also animated displays, which are fun.

Photo by osubeav on Flickr

I don't stay in the car for long though. I always pop out at the end where they have pony and camel rides (for the youngin's), craft vendors, refreshments, and other fun things. But the real reason I get out in the cold? The petting zoo.

I mean really, who doesn't want to feed the goats?!

I'm not quite sure why my husband and I love the petting zoo so much. It's just a fun thing to do, and you can get your hand tickled by animal lips as they eat feed. They're just so darn cute. 

The lights are on each night (from 5:30-10:00 pm) through December 31, and the indoor attractions are be open each night, with the exception of November 28 and December 24 through December 31.

Southern Lights is a great family event and is budget-friendly since you pay per car versus per-person.

• Personal Vehicle (Sunday - Thursday) $15.00
• Personal Vehicle (Friday and Saturday) $20.00
• Extended Van  $30.00

So, if you head out to Southern Lights, make sure to look for me at the petting zoo. I'll most likely be with the goats. 

The Christmas Repeal

We don't drink in my hometown. 

Well, people do drink alcohol, of course, but it's never been as socially acceptable to go out and have a glass of wine or a cocktail in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky as it is in the Commonwealth's bigger cities. Part of it is a religious distinction; there's a whole lot of Baptists in our neck of the woods. Part of it is economic; there isn't a lot of extra income for frivolous things like drinkin'. And, more than a little of it comes down to the booze we produce. The Appalachian end of the state doesn't produce Kentucky's storied bourbon. We don't have limestone in our water, nor do we have oak barrels charred to exacting specifications. We have a proud -- or perhaps infamous -- history of moonshine stills. Most of us have a 'shiner or two on our family tree, whether we want to admit it or not. When your spirits are less than legal, you generally don't announce them with pride.

via Maker's Mark

That all changes, come the holidays. Now, it's never been any surprise to me that the 21st Amendment was repealed on December 5th. You need to break out the good stuff for the Christmas baking. And, we may need a little nip in the house, because you never know if company will want some. Even the most devout Baptist grandmas suddenly know their liquor store order when it comes time to make holiday confections. They want Maker's Mark or Early Times. Or rum for the cake. It's not like we drink the rest of the year. It's simply a month-long lift on the Prohibition, in the name of good cheer.

My grandma Margaret would never touch a drop, but she sure would soak her fruitcake. My great-aunt Marie made these weird little cookies with raisins and cherries and a whole lot of rum; they were strangely addictive, and the whole family loved 'em. And then, there are the bourbon balls. My family's recipe. I can't make enough of them during the holidays; everybody wants some. It doesn't matter if you touch bourbon the rest of the year.

This week, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Prohibition's repeal, and the far longer-standing tradition of the Christmas Repeal. Here's my family's bourbon ball recipe, if you find yourself in the mood for drinking or baking.

• 1 to 2 cups good bourbon whisky (preferably Maker's Mark) 
• 1 cup chopped pecans 
• 1/2 to 1 cup whole pecan halves (optional) 
• 1 two-pound bag of powdered sugar 
• 1 stick butter, softened 
• 1-2 bags semisweet chocolate chips (preferably Ghiradelli)
•  paraffin wax 

1. Place 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans in shallow bowl. 
2. Pour bourbon over nuts, immersing completely. Cover and let soak 12 hours to overnight. 
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pecan halves in shallow pan and toast lightly for about ten minutes. Cream butter in stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. 
4. Combine bourbon-pecan mixture with just enough powdered sugar to form a stiff ball. Refrigerate to let stiffen slightly. Roll dough into small balls. 
5. In double-boiler (or a sauce pan placed over a cooker full of boiling water), add a third to a half a bag of semisweet chocolate chips and a small shaving of paraffin wax (no more than 1/4 cup). Heat until just smooth. Dip dough balls into the chocolate mixture. The key is to coat them quickly and make small, frequent batches of melted chocolate. 
6. Place bourbon balls on wax paper to cool. 
7. Top each ball with a toasted pecan half, if desired. Results are better if you leave them to cool at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator.