Heather C. Watson Heather C. Watson

Kentucky Against The World

The HerKentucky Guide to Great Gifts-2.png

How's y'all's holiday shopping coming along? Every year, it seems like there are some folks on my list for whom Christmas presents are very easy to buy, and others that are really, really tough. If you have the same problem, then HerKentucky is here to help! For the next few weeks, we'll be spotlighting one gift per day to help you find the right present to round out your holiday shopping!

Today's find is this awesome "Kentucky Against the World" shirt from 2Nostalgik. I LOVE this shirt, both in tee and sweatshirt versions! The creative force behind 2Nostalgik, Brittany Morton, is a Kentucky girl living in Los Angeles, and she's done an amazing job of getting a fun message on the perfect shade of blue.

{Images courtesy 2Nostalgik.}

I love to wear mine on game days. It kind of reminds me of Coach Cal's saying that every team plays their Super Bowl against UK.

Happy shopping, y'all!

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HerNashville, HerKentucky Shops, Holidays Heather C. Watson HerNashville, HerKentucky Shops, Holidays Heather C. Watson

The HerKentucky Guide to Holiday Shopping in Nashville

We all love to shop locally whenever possible, but there's something so fun about taking a trip to a different city to find unique sources for holiday gifts. Last week, my beau and I made a quick trip to Nashville. He had a conference to attend, and I had some Christmas shopping to tackle. My shopping expedition had two rules: find some unique presents, and stay far, far away from the tourist mayhem at Opryland. With those rules in mind, I've created the HerKentucky Guide to Holiday Shopping in Nashville.

For the Prepster:

Vineyard Vines is always a fun place to start! The bright, preppy prints draw you in, and you're likely to hear an upbeat Jimmy Buffett Christmas Carol playing in the background! (Hill Center Green Hills 4015 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 105 Nashville, Tennessee 37215)

For the College Student:

Every time I walk in Bink's Outfitters, I'm equally jealous and relieved that this store didn't exist during my sorority girl days. With their amazing selection of Hunter boots, Yeti Coolers, The North Face, and all the other things that you "really really need" for barn dances and field parties, I'd have spent all my time and money there. Hopefully, you can show more restraint whilst shopping for the college kid or outdoorsy person on your list. (Hill Center Green Hills 4017 Hillsboro Pike Suite 304, Nashville, TN 37215)

For the Southern Belle:

Draper James is, of course, Reese Witherspoon's new lifestyle brand.  The flagship store in Reese's hometown of Nashville is simply adorable, featuring clothing, accessories, and small gifts with a sassy, feminine flair. The sales associates are so friendly and helpful, and they offer you a cup of sweet tea when you enter the store! (2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204)

For the Hipster:

Just down the street from Draper James are two simply enchanting local stores that will fulfill your favorite hipster's requirements for simple, well-made, unique, and thought-provoking items. White's Mercantile, owned by Hank Williams Jr's daughter Holly, is a fabulous, dog-friendly general store chock-full of amazing, quirky dry goods. (2908 12th Ave South
Nashville, TN 37204)

Imogene and Willie is known for high-end denim, but also features unique clothing, gifts, and more. Founded by Henderson, KY natives Carrie and Matt Eddmenson in an old filling station, Imogene + Willie offers unique, hip presents for the coolest people on your shopping list.(2908 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204)

For Just About Everyone:

NORDSTROM - Shop the Seaon's Best Fine Jewelry

If you have to go to the mall for holiday shopping, you might as well go to a really, really good mall. The Mall at Green Hills features a fabulous mix of mall standards like Macy's and Williams-Sonoma and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and David Yurman. Nordstrom alone is worth the trip.

Happy Shopping, y'all! Where do you shop for your holiday gifts?

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The HerKentucky Guide to Repeal Day

On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, marking the end of Prohibition. Led at its most fanatic fringes by temperance activists Garrard County, KY, native Carry Nation, the prohibition of sales and manufacturing of alcoholic beverages was intended to increase the nation's public health and morals. Of course, Prohibition merely drove alcohol production and procurement underground, often resulting in dangerous (not to mention unpalatable) concoctions. Here in Kentucky, we also suffered a major economic setback, as the bourbon industry was shuttered for a decade. (Read more about Kentucky and Prohibition here.)

Here in Louisville, we're always looking for a fun party, especially one that celebrates our native spirit. Here are some fun Repeal Day happenings in the Derby City this weekend:

Happy Repeal Day, y'all! Here's to Kentucky's finest spirits!

You may also enjoy:

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HerLexington, Holidays Heather C. Watson HerLexington, Holidays Heather C. Watson

6 Holiday Decoration Tips When You're Short on Time

Lexington, KY Interior Designer Liz Toombs shares tips for quick, fun, and stunning holiday decorations.

 This time of year is crazy for everyone. It seems like there are more commitments every single year, and less time for holiday cheer. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle, Lexington-based interior decorator Liz Toombs of Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors has five tips that will make your holiday decorating fast and fun!

Trust me, Liz knows what she's doing. She and her team from Polka Dots & Rosebuds decorated the entire Alltech arena for the Junior League of Lexington's Holly Day Market in short order. Since I assume that your home is smaller than the arena, you can get your decorations up in a day or two, too! Here are Liz's five tricks for those of you who can't find more than a free hour to deck the halls:

  • Hang a wreath on your front door. Toombs suggests, “Beautiful wreaths can be purchased pre-made. Even if the inside of your home is still decorated for July 4th, a wreath makes it appear to the outside world that you are in the holiday spirit!”

 

  • Let your light shine with candles. Whether pillars, candelabras, or battery-operated, candles set a festive, warm mood. Plus, they make your home smell like the holidays too.

 

  • Use what you find at the grocery. “You will have to be at the grocery anyway, so use it as a time to pick up decorations. Pine cones look festive in a bowl. Sprigs of fresh greenery bring a nice touch and scent when placed throughout your home. And, pomegranates and cranberries floating in water look nice in a tall vase that holds fresh flowers,” Liz adds.
Holiday Decorations by Polka Dots & Rosebuds
  • Try a tabletop tree. “I decorated several tabletop trees this year for clients,” Liz says. “Just because a tree is going on a table does not mean it has to be small. Depending on your space, full-size trees can be very impactful on a tabletop. Plus, if you live in a cramped apartment, a tabletop tree frees up valuable floor area.”
  •  Throw a decorating party. This option is a win-win; you catch up with friends that you may have been neglecting due to your schedule and they can help you decorate.  “Turn a girls’ night out into a girls’ night in! Decorate trees, make wreaths, bake cookies, have some holiday cheer - your friends will want to make this party a tradition,” Liz suggests.
Holiday Decorations by Polka Dots & Rosebuds
  • Pick a hot spot. Choose one room, or even one area of a room for focus. A mantel, chandelier, staircase or dining area can pack a lot of punch. Once you’ve chosen your hot spot, go all out!
holiday decorations by Polka Dots & Rosebuds

 Thanks so much to Liz Toombs for this awesome holiday advice, and check back tomorrow for her advice for holiday decorations when you're short on time.  Liz's award-winning firm,  Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors, offers complete design services for homes, offices and Greek housing.

{Photos courtesy Liz Toombs.}

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HerLexington, Holidays Heather C. Watson HerLexington, Holidays Heather C. Watson

5 Holiday Decoration Tips to Add Kentucky Flair and Heirloom Charm to Your Home

Lexington, KY interior designer Liz Toombs shares whimsical Christmas decoration ideas.

5 Holiday Decoration Tips from Polka Dots & Rosebuds

For most of us here in the Bluegrass State, it's second nature to throw in a few Kentucky-themed items in our home décor. Whether your tastes reflect a passion for bourbon, equestrian pursuits, team pride, or family heritage, you probably have more than a few items lying around the house. Of course, it’s easy to go overboard on the Kentucky love, so I asked Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and owner of Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors in Lexington, for some holiday decoration advice.  Liz was kind enough to share five tidbits about embracing your own personal Kentucky style:

Rustic Kentucky Christmas tree by Polka Dots & Rosebuds

1. Choose decorations that mimic the Kentucky countryside. Whether your style is rustic or luxe, there's a way to adapt the colors of the Bluegrass State to decorate your Old Kentucky Home. “As Kentuckians, we can easily use many of the fabrics and symbols that represent our state in our holiday decorations. Classic burlap and plaid fabrics convey Kentucky country homes, while shades of purple and green reflect the shades of Kentucky bluegrass,” advises Liz, who plans clients’ holiday décor months in advance.

Rustic Kentucky Christmas tree by Polka Dots & Rosebuds

2.    Try a flocked tree. Liz loves the trend of trees that look like they were just plucked from a snowy field, noting that pairing these trees with warm textures bring the vibe of a Kentucky winter into your home. Flocked trees are beautiful on their own, and require minimal decoration to provide a significant impact. She notes that you can find reasonably priced flocked trees at stores like At Home and Lowe’s.  Add Maker’s Mark and Louisville Stoneware ornaments for a Bluegrass touch.

3.  Work with collections.   Have a collection of Christopher Radko or vintage ornaments? Liz suggests that you pair them with new pieces: “Vintage crystal ornaments look beautiful when paired with old-world beaded garland. I love mercury glass! I’m so glad that it’s popular again; it pairs well with newer decorations.” She also suggests tucking magnolia stems and long pine needles/sprigs into trees, mantles, and wreaths for a classic, Southern look.

Radko ornaments on a tree by Polka Dots & Rosebuds

4. Use those heirlooms! Most of us have statement heirloom pieces that may just be collecting dust in a china cabinet. Use the holidays as an excuse to let them shine! Liz suggests that you set your tables with your very best pieces:  “It’s so Southern to place pretty heirloom pieces such as silver platters, soup tureens and punch bowls on your buffet or dining table. They look festive filled with ornaments or floral arrangements,” Liz suggests.  “Depending on their size, you can arrange some heirlooms, such as flatware or china tea cups, in a tree by twisting the branches to hold them.”

Whimsical Christmas Decorations by Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

5.  Re-purpose well-worn heirlooms! Those pieces that have been passed down for generations often start to show signs of love – and wear! If, say, you have a collection of stockings that your great-grandmother hand-stitched that are too worn for display, but too special to be tossed, Liz suggests draping them over the side of an heirloom bowl or vase for an unexpected look or arranging them at the base of your Christmas tree for an unexpected alternative to a tree skirt.

Thanks so much to Liz Toombs for this awesome holiday advice, and check back tomorrow for her advice for holiday decorations when you're short on time.  Liz's award-winning firm,  Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors, offers complete design services for homes, offices and Greek housing.

Whimsical Christmas decorations by Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

{Photos courtesy Liz Toombs.}


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Heather C. Watson Heather C. Watson

HerKentucky Shops! Guide to Black Friday (Part 2)

Happy Black Friday, y'all! I hope everybody is still in their flannel pajamas, snacking on leftovers, and avoiding the malls!

Of course, today is a great day off work to begin your holiday shopping. I suggest that you start with local boutiques and brands and then move on to online retailers. There have been so many great additions to last night's HerKentucky Guide to Black Friday that we needed to extend the list!

Kentucky Brands and Stores

A few other sales you shouldn't miss:

  • Rue La La: Massive markdowns on the luxury retailer. While Rue's headquarters isn't Kentucky-based, did you know that most of their shipping and studio photography takes place right her in the Bluegrass State?
  • Tervis Tumbler: 25% off sitewide + free shipping on all orders over $49. Everybody knows that Tervis Tumblers are THE BEST holiday present!
  • Shutterfly: 10 Free Cards + 40% off additional cards. Get a head start on your holiday cards!

Happy Shopping, y'all!

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