Kentucky Olympian Dallas Robinson

At my house, we've been glued to the Winter Olympics for the past couple of weeks. It seems the TV (and the DVR) keeps finding its way back to Sochi. As is the case every fourth winter, my beau is all wrapped up in curling. We've both watched biathlon with the opinion that it simply looks like the most fun sport ever. And, like most of America, I've been charmed by the amazing commentary (and fashion choices) of Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir. But, the real story of the Olympics, at least at my house, has been Dallas Robinson, Kentucky's own Olympian.

Now, I've been a sports fan my whole life. I grew up around hard-core sports fan guys. My dad, my brother, my cousins, and, later, my beau all taught me that sports stars aren't heroes. That quote from Charles Barkley about not being a role model has been tossed around my dinner table more times than I can recall. But, you know, I've had the opportunity to talk with Dallas a little through the magic of social media. I've read a lot about his journey to Sochi. And he IS a hero.

Dallas Robinson is a soldier and an athlete who has worked toward the ultimate goal of Olympic competition for years. He quit a lucrative sales job to train. He's been a coach and mentor to young athletes across Central Kentucky and is currently Assistant Track Coach at Georgetown College.  He blogs from Olympic Village with a message of tolerance and humility. And, he stays true to his faith, constantly reminding us of his belief that God is first, we are second. 

Here at HerKentucky, our motto is "Follow Your Dreams."  We couldn't be more humbled or more proud to hear of this Kentuckian who has pushed so hard to follow his dreams of Olympic greatness.

This morning, in Day 2 of the Two Man Bobsled event, we'll be cheering for all the US teams, but especially for USA-3, the combo of Dallas and Nick Cunningham. It's great to know that there really are still heroes out there!

You can follow Dallas on Twitter at @DRobUSA

Get Fit(ted) with Fleet Feet Sports!

For me, getting to the gym is always a process. Usually, it goes something like:

Step 1. Thinking about going to the gym.

Step 2. Remembering that Jennifer Lawrence quote about how she prefers the couch to a workout.

Step 3. Remembering that I am neither Jennifer Lawrence's age nor blessed with her build.

Step 4. Putting together workout clothes at the last minute.

Step 5. Pulling and tugging at ill-fitting leggings and jog bras the entire time I'm on the treadmill.

Now, there's probably not a lot I can do about the whole "not being J-Law" thing. The old sports bras, however, I can (and probably need to) change. And, right here in Louisville, there's something I can do about it this weekend.

All day (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) Saturday February 15, Fleet Feet Sports is hosting a Valentine's Day Bra Fit Fest. They're offering bra fittings and apparel specials along with champagne and chocolates!

If you bring in a gently used bra to donate to Free The Girls: Fight Human Trafficking and receive 20% off a new bra. You can learn more about the Bra Fit Fest on its Facebook event page.

Follow Your Dreams Friday: Sarah Stewart Holland and Emerge Kentucky

I remember the first time I considered public office. I was in high school and I was obsessed with Barbra Streisand. I thought it was because I wanted to be an actress. Then, I realized what I really loved about her was her political activism. She seemed to care. People listened to her opinions on important issues.

Now, I realize that Barbra Streisand is a unique choice as a political role model but, hey, I was 15.

From that point forward, politics was a part of my life. I was a political science major in college and was a political activist for women's issues and income inequality. I went to law school not because I wanted to practice law but because I wanted to make laws.

I worked for campaigns. I worked in Congress. Always with the goal of someday running for office. 

However, the truth is I had a goal - I had a dream - but I didn't have a plan. I moved back to Kentucky. I had babies. I kept telling myself I was too young. I was too inexperienced. I suppose I was waiting to magically morph into this fantastic candidate people would pursue. 

Then I saw Raising Ms. President -an experience I've shared here before. Suddenly, everything was different. Suddenly, running for office wasn't a dream in the distance; it was a goal for which I needed to plan. 

As it turns out, Kentucky is a fabulous state to live in if you're a Democratic woman considering public office. I had heard about the Emerge Kentucky program - the premiere political training program for Democratic women - before but had put off looking into the program for a variety of reasons. It wasn't the right time. I had small kids. I wasn't "ready." 

With my newfound focus, I could no longer tolerate excuses. There is never a perfect time to pursue your dreams. It will always be hard. It will always be difficult. It will always be scary. That's how dreams work.

I applied for the program. I got in. I even received a scholarship. (Thanks, Kentucky Young Democrats!) Now, every month I travel all over the state of Kentucky to pursue my dream of running for public office. We've only met twice and it has already been one of the most incredible journeys of my life.

I still don't know when I'll run for public office but now I know I'll be prepared when that day comes. I'm no longer waiting for my dreams to come to me. Come hell or high water, I'm coming for them.

~ Sarah Stewart Holland

The HerKentucky Valentine's Day Wish List

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and we've been shopping a lot! This week, we've given you our Valentine's Day Wish Lists for guys and for t-shirt lovers. Today, here are a few great, Kentucky-made pieces for the woman on your shopping list, or some great ways to treat yourself!

W & M Custom Jewelry Silver Tulip Earrings

I went out to dinner with a dear friend the other night, and I found myself looking at her earrings repeatedly. Finally, I just came out with "Those are W & M, right?"  Well, of course they were! These delicate silver flowers go with anything, and make a great gift!

Louisville Stoneware Garden Boot Birdhouse

This gorgeous piece combines so many of my very favorite things: Wellies, Louisville Stoneware, and Kentucky-based celebrity gardener Jon Carloftis. It would be a fantastic keepsake for a Stoneware collector or garden lover!

Elva Fields Luck Abounds Necklace

I just cannot stop staring at this necklace. How perfect is it for a day at the track, a Derby party or, you know, anywhere?  Another thoughtfully-constructed, vintage-inspired piece from Kentucky's own Elva Fields jewelry.

A Bourbon Women Membership

If you really love her, say it with bourbon. Membership in the Bourbon Women association is a great opportunity for professional networking, and a unique chance to learn all about Kentucky's signature spirit.

Kentucky Cutting Board

This cutting board from Two Chicks & Co is a great way to display your Bluegrass pride! Wouldn't this make the most darling cheese tray ever?

Seven Great Kentucky T-Shirts

This is the week of HerKentucky Valentine's Day wish lists. Monday, we showed you a few items the guy on your list is sure to love. Tomorrow, we'll share our top pics for women. Today's list previews gifts any Kentuckian is sure to love: t-shirts.  I mean, who doesn't love t-shirts? You can wear them. You can sleep in 'em. You can even make a quilt out of them. Here are a few great ones that proudly display your love of the Commonwealth.

Louisville Love Letter from Why Louisville

"Dear Louisville, I Love You."  Perfect. Available at whylouisville.com or at the Why Louisville stores.

Y'ALL from Kentucky for Kentucky

Great for all of us who can't even try to disguise our accents. Available at Kentucky for Kentucky.

"I Wanna Go Home" from Sundy Best

My hometown's favorite band. This shirt is awesome, even if you haven't yet fallen in love with Sundy Best's down-home rock.

The Crafty Tee from River City Craft Wear

What a great nod to local craft beers! Get it here.

Welcome to Lex Vegas from Etsy Seller Bifftees

I think there's an argument to be made that what happens in Lex Vegas definitely doesn't stay in Lex Vegas. Still, this t-shirt is great.

Keeneland Dress Code from Southern Proper 

I love these! The perennial prep retailer Southern Proper has teamed with the Keeneland Gift Shop for these adorable shirts that bring you his and her "Dress Codes" for the track.

If you're still looking for the perfect t-shirt to express your Bluegrass State style, visit Louisville-based CafePress to create your own!

Disclosure: HerKentucky is an advertising affiliate for CafePress. All style selections are our own.

The 2014 HerKentucky Valentine's Day Wish List for the Guy in Your Life

The other day, I ran across the perfect little Valentine's Day present for my beau. I mean, how cute is this Hadley Pottery coaster? It's collectible, it's something we can use year after year...

...And it would totally be a gift from me to me. My fiancé doesn't exactly share my affinity for Louisville's artisanal blue-and-white pottery.  So, I started thinking of gifts that he'd actually like. And thus, the 2014 HerKentucky Valentine's Day Wish List for the Guy in Your Life was born. Here are some presents that are as quirky, fantastic, and uniquely Kentucky as the guy in your life.

Balls of Steel Whiskey Coolers

A few weeks ago, I got an email from the Balls of Steel company. Yes, that's the product's actual name. I mentioned it to my fiancé, and his immediate response was: "We must have some of those. Now." It turns out that Balls of Steel are stainless steel whiskey coolers that allow you to enjoy your beverage at the perfect temperature without diluting it.  Not only do they have a name you can't forget, but they fund a great cause.

15% of the purchase price of every set of Balls of Steel will go to testicular cancer research. What a great idea! The name will certainly catch your guy's attention, the donation is much needed, and the coolers can chill a variety of beverages, from a run-of-the-mill soda to the finest glass of Pappy.

Pappy & Co Flask

Speaking of the finest glass of Pappy, this Smathers & Branson flask will wow any bourbon drinker on your list. It's just gorgeous, and it sends the message that your guy only drinks the best.

Kentucky for Kentucky Ball Cap

Of course, I could just list "Everything in the Kentucky for Kentucky collection" as a must-have, but this vintage-style cap is just so fun!

Maker's Mark Label Upcycled Bow Tie

I saw this bow tie in a gift basket at a silent auction this weekend, and was just smitten. How fun for the Maker's lover or bow tie aficionado in your life! It's by artist Melissa Sinkovic and available via her Etsy store or at Revelry Boutique in Louisville.

J. Peterman 1903 Badger Hair Shaving Brush

A morning shave seems like the most miserable enterprise a man must undertake. Peterman's shaving brush adds elegance to the proceedings.

What are y'all getting your beaux for Valentine's Day?

Match My Monogram

I love monograms. My initials are on EVERYTHING I own. At one point, I even had a "monogrammed" car.

It's a Southern girl thing. Like Reece Witherspoon once said, 

My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it's not moving, monogram it.

This is all great, but sometimes I change my mind.

Recently, I've realized that my monogrammed Vera Bradley "shack pack" screams "sorority girl going home for the weekend." Now, that isn't exactly the image I want to convey. I'm slowly retiring  the flowery, girly pieces out of the rotation in favor of classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags.

The only problem? I have no idea what to do with a perfectly good bag that just happens to scream "HCW".

I was so excited to hear from Katy Chambers, the owner of Match My Monogram, an online marketplace for new and gently-used monogrammed goods. What a great idea! If you take your husband's name, or your no-longer-little baby hits a growth spurt,  then you can find someone to love those custom pieces as much as you do!

Match My Monogram is a great way to buy monogrammed items as well. Not only can you find new and like-new items from individual sellers, they also serve as a custom clearinghouse for many businesses that create personalized products and may have too many old samples or unfortunate monogram mishaps. It's a great place to find customized items at a discount!

I think you'll love Match My Monogram. I really enjoy being able to see what other HCWs have for sale. It's a great place to buy and sell kids' items, too. I love the idea of reusing these custom birthday banners! It's great to know that all the love, planning and expense put into these items will be paid forward!

Match My Monogram is offering a special discount for HerKentucky readers. For the next month (through March 5th), you can use the discount code HERKENTUCKY20 for 20% off the entire site! 


What do you monogram?