Oh, yeah, that works for me every time.

Product Description:
The Kentucky Wildcats Peel & Stick Laptop Art features a variety of custom team graphics, vibrant colors and tonal accents, making for a functional show of team pride that’s just for Wildcats fans. Plus, it’s waterproof, repositionable and reusable, so you can even deck out your dorm room, locker, binders and more in major team spirit!

See for a closer look. Kentucky Wildcats 8” x 10” Peel & Stick Laptop Art.

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Product Description:
Protecting your laptop from the elements doesn’t have to be boring when you dress it up in vivid team style with this peel-and-stick cover! It features a variety of custom team graphics, vibrant colors and tonal accents, making for a functional show of team pride that’s just for Cardinals fans. Plus, it’s waterproof, repositionable and reusable, so you can deck out your dorm room, locker, binders and more in major team spirit!

See Louisville Cardinals 8” x 10” Peel & Stick Laptop Art for a closer look PLUS more U of L merchandise.

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Okay. Imagine stepping into an Avon brochure. Except instead of Avon Fragrances and make-up, you’re surrounded by every other perfume, cologne, nail care, makeup, and skin care product imaginable. Now imagine that there are also hair care products and tools, bath and body products, beauty magazines, and a beauty salon.

Yes. A beauty salon.

This dream of a store is Ulta and their Owensboro, Kentucky location is now open. Just in time for Christmas!  Not only can you get extra glamorous and gorgeous for the holidays, you can do some pretty outrageous Christmas shopping – all in one fantastic store.

Ulta has their own wonderful brand of products (it seems each is even better than the last) plus they sell all of your favorite brands.  You name it, they have it. Well, except for Avon.  In the makeup department I found everything from Cover Girl, Maybelline, Almay, and L’Oreal to Iman, Rimmel, and Laura Geller. They also have a better selection of hair color, shampoos, and conditioners than your average department store.  And it’s so much more convenient to simply walk in and quickly grab what you need.  I guarantee you I’ll never go in a grocery store or department store just for makeup or hair care products again.

I have a confession to make. I’m EXTRA girly. I love fragrances, lotions, makeup, nail polish – the works.  I have a special fascination, for some reason, with pampering my feet. I got a great Foot Cream at Ulta a few days ago called “Love Heels All” (clever, right?) that I’m obsessed with. It has a great minty smell, making it perfect for men or women. It feels incredible on your feet and leaves them extra, extra, extra soft.

I’m also nuts about the Ulta brand Hair Care Products line. They’re extraordinary.

I could go on and on (trust me) about the unbelievable selections of makeup, skin care, and beauty products.   But you know the best way to find out how remarkable Ulta is… go and see for yourself!  You know me, always on my soap box about supporting local businesses, keeping your money in your community and all that.  Well, here’s an excellent chance for you to do just that.  Make Ulta a regular stop on each of your Owensboro trips – whether you’re an Owensboro resident, like me, or one of our cherished visitors.

Welcome to Owensboro, Ulta. This is going to be a BEAUTIFUL relationship.

Find Ulta in Owensboro:

Owensboro’s Ulta is on Frederica, in the Owensboro Towne Center (near Target and Best Buy) – In Goody’s old location.

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I just posted a recipe on my food blog for Pig Poke Buttermilk Pie (now, how Kentucky does that sound?). You HAVE to try this amazing recipe, it really is something special. It would be a nice addition this autumn to the traditional Sweet Potato, Pecan, and Pumpkin Pies.

The recipe is from Sunrise To Sunset In Kentucky, a cookbook filled with recipes from Kentucky Bed & Breakfast kitchens. This particular pie recipe is courtesy of the Coffee Tree Cabin in Bardstown, Kentucky.

If you live in, or near, Kentucky, look for this great cookbook in your local library. If not (or if, like me, you simply want your own copy!), you can buy it on Amazon at a crazy low price: Click HERE.

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My husband, Michael, and I frequently make trips to Kentucky Lake.  You can’t help but fall in love with the area. The beautiful lake, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, friendly people, fun shopping, antiques, a gazillion and one photo opportunities, and wonderful food.

What’s not to love?!

A favorite spot, and one we joyfully hit each time, is The Hitching Post and Old Country Store in Aurora.  It has been a favorite destination for years – even before the new owners.  However, with the re-opening of the wonderful old country store, this is a not-to-be-missed step back in time.  An extra treat is the hot dot vendor in the front parking lot. These fresh and unique Chicago-style hot dogs make you think you’re in Heaven while you’re eating them – then you spend all day thinking about them… wanting to go back!  They’re THAT good.

• High quality hot dogs (too good to even be called hot dogs actually)
• High quality buns (too good to be called buns)
• Extremely friendly owners (artisans of the American classic!)

The Hitching Post has been a favorite with tourists, frequent quests, and Kentucky locals since 1941. It’s a beautiful Kentucky Lake tradition, you simply can’t have one without the other. Many years have passed and millions of feet have walked through the front doors but it’s still THE best place for Kentucky souvenirs, novelties, Kentucky food specialties, toys, T-Shirts, jewelry, crafts, fudge, honey, jams, jellies, bar-b-que sauces, soap, cookbooks, hats, home decor, garden decor, old fashioned candy, and on and on and on.  The past few Christmases I’ve gotten a few wonderful, completely unexpected and original gifts for family members at The Hitching Post.  Of course, I also buy just-because treats for my daughters frequently – something they absolutely love.

My favorite section of The Hitching Post (besides the front counter where I could stay and visit with the owner and workers for days) is the Kentucky food specialties wall.  I think we’ve tried just about all of the sauces, jams, and jellies and have loved each greatly.  The unique flavors positively cannot be found in stores and they take homemade buttermilk biscuits and cornbread to a whole new level.

A favorite appetizer in our home is simple and involves one of these jellies.  I place a block of cream cheese on a platter and smother it with Red Pepper Jelly (the kind from The Hitching Post tastes just like the Red Pepper Jelly my mom used to make up and give as gifts every Christmas).  I serve it with Ritz crackers and watch as it magically disappears.

On this particular trip, we got the excellent Yoder’s Homestyle  Blueberry Jam – from Crab Orchard, Kentucky.  It has an appointment with buttermilk biscuits.

You can find some of their food items on The Hitching Post’s website, including Pappy’s outstanding Bar-b-que sauce.  Pappy can dish it out, as hot as you want it!  Click HERE to browse the selection of Pappy’s BBQ sauces as well as an EXCELLENT Hot & Spicy Mustard that was made to be served with pretzel sticks.  It makes an ideal game-day snack.  

After eating our amazing hot dogs and drinking our cans of soda (normally my husband drinks ice cold sarsaparilla from inside The Hitching Post but he branched out today), we sat on the front porch and played a classic “boxing” game my husband remembered from his childhood.  The boxers looked like crosses between Howie Long and Transformers.  My Howie Transformer cleaned my husband’s clock!

You can also play checkers on the big,  shady, beautiful front porch, or just sit, relax and take in the ambiance – which is golden by the way.

You’ll want to stroll around the property – which is such a delicious step-back-in-time.  It’s also a photographer’s dream come true!  There’s an authentic moonshine still, antique buggies, old blacksmith and wagon shop, antiques, and a life-size paper mache horse that has long been a favorite site for photographs.  He’s incredibly life-like and has, literally, stood the test of time.

The Country Store

A new favorite spot is the renovated, overhauled Country Store.  It blows my mind straight out of my head.  It’s a store, make no mistake about it, and antique lovers will get weak in the knees.  However, it’s like an adorable, charming, amazing museum – again, a step back in time, to a simpler time.

• Before grocery carts
• Before intercoms
• Before dvds
• Before technology took over the world

You walk in and you’re instantly transported back to “the good old days.”  The beauty is, you can take some of the good old days home with you.  My husband and I collect old books.  I specialize in old cookbooks (many of you know I have a food blog and cooking and recipes are an obsession with me).  I also LOVE old antique kitchen gadgets, dishes, and cooking tools.  I’m just in Paradise in the Country Store!

Another obsession of mine is coffee.  How I keep from smelling like coffee is beyond me (I guess my Avon perfumes cover it up).  My eyes popped out of my head and my pulse began to race when I saw their coffee beans near the front.  They even have a Hitching Post Blend.  I love it!

Su (the wonderfully friendly owner) has put an unbelievable amount of time, money and effort (and even more love) into renovating The Old Country Store. Honestly, it’s mind-boggling. If you could see BEFORE and AFTER pictures, you’d wonder where this woman hides her Wonder Woman cape. I stopped looking for it after a few visits, I figure if she wants her cape to be found, it’ll be found.

You know me well enough to know that I get around my beloved Kentucky. My daughter and I were looking through Kentucky brochures a few days ago, because she and her boyfriend were wanting to see something new, and I was amazed at the number of places she and I had already seen. She kept saying, “We’ve been there, but he hasn’t..” Something else struck me – why would anyone ever leave Kentucky for a vacation?!?!

Before I climb up on my stump and begin preaching about Kentucky, let me just say, I’ve seen a lot of Kentucky! I can honestly say that, not counting home (of course), there’s no place I’d rather be than in Aurora, Kentucky enjoying a step back in time at The Hitching Post & Old Country Store. There’s no place quite like it and I know you’ll feel it’s magic just as surely as we do.

The Hitching Post & Old Country Store
16474 US Hwy 68 East
Aurora, Kentucky 42028
www.hitchingpost.us

Hours:
Summer hours (Memorial day – Labor day):
Closed Mondays
Tuesday – Saturday  9:00 – 6:00
Sunday 10:00 – 4:00

Find more pictures of The Hitching Post & Old Country Store in our Aurora, Kentucky Photo Album

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Kentucky’s First Lady is thinking about the young people in Kentucky – specifically about their reading habits. She has created a Summer Reading List for Kentucky’s young people.  Even kids who don’t live in Kentucky will love these fascinating books.

Jane Beshear’s summer reading list is one each child should complete this summer.

In an effort to increase student reading during summer break, First Lady Jane Beshear today announced her Top 10 Summer Reads as part of the First Lady’s Reading Recommendations initiative.

“Educators have long known that reading over summer vacation leads to improved performance when school resumes, and fosters a lifelong love of reading,” said Mrs. Beshear.  “The books on my summer reading list have been chosen not only to entertain and educate students throughout the summer months but to increase their awareness of the outdoors, community service and compassion for others.”

1. Summer Reading is Killing Me!, Jon Scieszka (Ages 9-12)—“In this latest adventure of the time warp trio, Fred, Sam and Joe find themselves traveling through time when Fred puts their summer reading list in The Book, which causes them to meet up with a number of familiar children’s book characters.” (On Amazon: Summer Reading Is Killing Me! #7 (Time Warp Trio))
2. Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt (Ages 9-12)—“This enchanting and timeless tale is a story of fantasy while also tenderly dealing with the real world issues of mortality and the cycle of life.” (On Amazon: Tuck Everlasting)
3. The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton (Ages 13-18)—“This classic tale of the struggle of young boys trying to find their place in this world is as relevant a social commentary today as it was when it was published more than 40 years ago.” (On Amazon: The Outsiders)
4. Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell (Ages 9-12)—“This 50th Anniversary edition is the story of a young Indian girl separated from her tribe and stranded on an island for many years. It provides a strong female lead character in a story of human resourcefulness and a will to survive.” (On Amazon: Island of the Blue Dolphins)
5. Slow Down for Manatees, Jim Arnosky (Ages 4-8)—“This beautifully written and illustrated story encourages young readers to be mindful of the world they share with other creatures and the threats that humans sometimes unknowingly pose to them.” (On Amazon: Slow Down for Manatees)
6. Riddle of the Reef, Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz (Ages 4-8)—“This book features adventure and an important message of conservation as Riley and his family visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.” (On Amazon: Riddle Of The Reef (Adventures Of Riley))
7. Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder, (Ages 14-18)—“A New York Times Best Seller and Pulitzer Prize winner, this book tells the remarkable and inspiring story of Dr. Paul Famer’s efforts to bring healthcare to the poor and sick of Haiti.” (On Amazon: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader’s Circle))
8. Gods of Manhattan, Scott Mebus (Ages 9-12)—“The first in a series of books about a spirit world that exists within Manhattan, the story of Rory and his kid sister Bridget provides a great deal of adventure and fantasy, as well as a little history of New York City.” (On Amazon: Gods of Manhattan)
9. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, Kimberly Willis Holt, (Ages 11-15)—“Set during a small-town, Texas summer, this book tells the story of 13-year-old Toby Wilson, his struggle to find how he fits into this world and the realization that, as difficult as his life may seem, others may have it worse than him.” (On Amazon: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town)
10. Scat, Carl Hiaasen, (Ages 9-12)—“When their unpopular biology teacher inexplicably goes missing, Nick and Marta set out on an adventure to unravel the mystery of Mrs. Bunny Starch’s suspicious disappearance.” (On Amazon: Scat)

What’s new at Genuine Kentucky:

I added a new article to the Bird’s Articles: How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

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The Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky

We were in Aurora, Kentucky recently – visiting the wonderful Hitching Post and it’s remarkably friendly people and grabbing hot dogs so sensational you have to see them to believe them and taste them to truly experience a hot dog.  They’re called Dixie Dogs and you only think you’ve had a true hot dog before.

Aurora Bar-B-Que in Aurora Kentucky

While we were in town, I wish we had eaten at Aurora Bar-B-Q (delicious!), but we were anxious to try another barbecue restaurant in the Land Between the Lakes region.

Big mistake.  The service was decidedly unfriendly (as cold as ice cream) and the food wasn’t fit to write about.  Literally – since I don’t do negative food reviews on Genuine Kentucky.  If we have outstanding food and service, I write about it on Genuine Kentucky – if it’s the pits…. I pretend it never happened.  A throwback to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”

See, mom, I was paying attention.

Honestly, if you want the best bar-b-que in and around the Land Between the Lakes region, you simply have to make your way to Aurora and the home of the winking pig.  Trust me.  We’ve had bar-b-que from just about everywhere in the Lake’s region and Aurora’s home to the absolute best.  The workers are friendly, the service is wonderful, and the food is outstanding.

I’ve said it in other posts on this site before, but I’ll say it again (after all, when I’m truly impressed with people and/or food, I’ll sing their praises for the rest of my life – I’m nothing if not loyal):  You have to spend some time in Aurora, Kentucky. It’s one of my favorite places on earth.  The town is very small, quiet, and unassuming.  It’s also extremely charming, friendly, warm, and fun.

Dixie Dogs in front of the Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky

What makes Aurora Kentucky so special?

• The people couldn’t be nicer if you paid them to be.  Not once have I come across an unfriendly person Aurora.
• In my personal opinion, the Willow Pond Catfish restaurant in Aurora is the best of all the Willow Pond restaurants. They’re all outstanding, mind you, but the one in Aurora Kentucky is just a little better.  The servers are a little friendlier and the hushpuppies are a little better.  Maybe more than a little.
• The Hitching Post is one of the most outrageously cool and fun places you could hope to spend an afternoon in. The new owners have made the Hitching Post such a wonderful place to visit that it’s a wonder they don’t charge admission.  They obviously have a great passion for what they do and a great love for their guests.  The Hitching Post is, at once, the funnest and coolest gift shop you could ever conceive AND a remarkable little “Step Back in Time” museum.  They have put a great deal of time, money, and work into renovating a little country store beside the Hitching Post’s main shop.  They proudly display some truly remarkable things from the distant past – it’s simply outstanding.  I’ve seen (and paid) admission required for far less fascinating exhibits.
• Right out front of the Hitching Post is Dixie Dogs (click the link for my other review of this deliciousness)! After browsing around the Country Store and gift shop (be sure to grab a bottle of pop), you’ll want to walk out to the Dixie Dogs stand and introduce your taste buds to the most remarkable hot dog they’ve ever met.
• Another of my favorite places on earth to visit is the gorgeous nearby Elk and Bison Prairie. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world and these majestic animals just take my breath away every single time. We once had the pleasure of having our vehicle completely surrounded by peaceful bison. They’re a favorite animal of mine, so I literally had tears in my eyes.  It’s moving to be so close to such amazing animals as elk and bison.
• The nearby Nature Station and the Bison Range are also great experiences and provide wonderful photo ops along with memories for a lifetime.
• Kentucky Lake! Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes and is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a family vacation. Over 160,000 acres of water and 2,064 miles of shoreline are populated with over 100 species of fish, including catfish, crappie, bluegill, stripes any more. Talk about an outstanding fishing vacation.
• Kenlake Lodge is a quiet, charming, understated, and wonderful place to stay and/or eat.  I often call it the best kept secret in the Land Between the Lakes.  Click the link to see what makes Kenlake State Resort Park so special.

Kenlake State Resort Park

Do yourself and your family (of all ages!) a huge favor and spend a weekend or a week in Aurora Kentucky on your next vacation. While there’s something to be said for keeping our dollars in Kentucky, it wouldn’t be worth it if there weren’t extraordinary places to see, visit, and stay.  Fortunately, Kentucky is full of remarkable places and Aurora, Kentucky is one of them.

The Land Between the Lakes is an outstanding place for people of all ages and will provide fun memories that’ll last forever.  When the vacation comes to an end, your only question will be, “How soon can we come back?!?!”

This, I promise.

EDIT:

Since writing this particular article, I’ve found something else to strengthen my Aurora obsession:   The Brass Lantern!  I’m in the process of writing an entire article about this outstanding (seriously OUTSTANDING) restaurant – I’ll link to it as soon as the article is published.  I’ll just sort of whet your appetite by saying this: I’ve never eaten anything better in any restaurant, anywhere, at any time.  This beautiful Kentucky restaurant is just exceptional and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. – Joi

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One of my greatest passions is gardening. When I’m in my herb bed or one of my flower gardens (working alongside my beloved cats as the birds serenade us with the most beautiful music on earth), all’s right in my colorful world.

I get most of my plants, seeds, seedlings, and so forth here in Owensboro, Kentucky. My favorite Kroger has really been on its game this season, offering some truly outstanding plants. My husband would say that I’ve rewarded them by buying every single one they put out, but I don’t know if I’d go that far.

Okay, maybe.

We were in the Lakes region a few days ago (on route from Aurora, Kentucky to Grand Rivers, Kentucky) and happened to drive past what looked like a beautiful, locally-owned florist.  We’re both all about supporting locally owned businesses and I’m all about shopping, so we stopped.  Besides, I needed some fresh chives for my herb bed and I’m always on the lookout for red salvia or geraniums to attract hummingbirds. The little guys are drawn to red like I am to chocolate.

The name of the beautiful nursery and florist was Gateway Nursery & Florist and they have an incredible selection of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and other lovelies for your garden, yard, and home.  The people were extra-friendly (especially a lady who was outside watering the plants at the time – she had that small-town Kentucky charm that makes you proud to be a Kentuckian) and the prices were uncommonly fair.

Gateway Nursery & Florist is located at 960 US Highway 68E in Benton, Kentucky, just east of the Purchase Parkway’s Exit 47 in Draffenville.  They are closed on Sundays – as their website says, “Closed Sundays – See you in church!”

I just fell in love with them a little more.

Visit their website (http://www.gatewaynursery.com) for more information and be sure to stop in to say “Hi” and grab some loveliness for your world.

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We’re pulling out all the stops in our house – the entire place is slowly becomming blue and white… like the good old days.

I’m loving the UK gift bags at Kentucky Collectibles.  Throw a red bow on them and you’re good to go with Christmas wrapping. My favorite bag may be the one above, but there are others. There are also countless other UK goodies, you’ll have to go to the site and check them all out.  They’ll blow you away.

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Boaters, you’re going to love the people behind this great family-owned and operated businesses.  They love the boating and fishing life as much as anyone.   The team behind RAGGEDedge Products is a mother and daughter. They are extremely passionate about the products they make and it shows in the details.

The beautiful boat tote above is the Sailcloth Tote Bag.

From the web site:

The pretty colors of this big tote bag remind us of warm beaches and tropical waters.. Colorful, cool and fun as well as incredibly practical. Looks fabulous to carry, easy to clean, and lightweight. From dress up to casual, our big tote bag can go every you need to go.

Features:

RAGGEDedge has other totes, organizers, handbags, portfolios, pocket folders, and pouches. If you’re “all about” having highly original, exceptionally crafted, and down-right gorgeous things around you – this is something that will…. ahem… float your boat.

As a bonus, I’m ALWAYS eager to support an American, family-owned business. I’m know you feel the same.

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