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Climbing Onto My Soap Box

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Soap Box

I guess the image above lets you know an “I’m getting on my Soap Box” moment is coming!

And you’re still reading?  I think I love you.

The economy is on everyone’s mind and tongue lately. Personally, I think we’re on the upswing, but it won’t be an overnight success story.  All in all, people have done a pretty decent job of not panicking.  But we aren’t out of the woods yet, make no mistake about it.

So what am I climbing onto my proverbial soap box for?  Just this.  I think we should all concentrate more on keeping our money in our community.   Not just in our town or county, which is all well and good (darn good) but in our state.  There are exceptions, of course, but most of us simply do not have to go out of state (or online) to find things we need or want.  Is it convenient to buy online?  You betcha!

But wouldn’t it be more beneficial to our community and to our state if we bought from local retailers – as in BEFORE anyone else has to go out of business?  Of course it would.  These are our neighbors, friends, and family.  They’re our people!

I’m just suggesting that everyone think of giving their business, money, and loyalty to stores, restaurants, and so forth in their own community – and to especially look out for family owned businesses.  The next time you want to buy a book – find a local bookstore rather than ordering online.  Grab breakfast and coffee from a local diner and tip like you’d want someone to tip a member of your own family.

We’ll all benefit from keeping Kentucky money in Kentucky.

This would be me climbing off of my soap box and heading to the grocery store. God knows I do my part to stimulate the economy.  (That’s what I keep telling my husband. I”m not sure he completely buys into my thinking, but since most of the money I spend goes toward kitchen gadgets and groceries, he doesn’t complain much.)

Filed Under: Shop Tagged With:

Gorgeous Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky Art Print

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Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky
Street Rod Nationals, Louisville, Kentucky Photographic PrintBuy at AllPosters.com

I was rounding up a few Kentucky themed art prints and posters to add to the sidebar when the one above stopped me in my tracks. So to speak. I love this print! In our living room, we go with a vintage type theme. It’s a throw back to the golden age of Hollywood (which I obviously adore), old cars, and vintage Coca Cola ads. I have a few cherished Coca Cola trays I got from my mom as well as a beautiful framed print.

This beauty would go perfectly in the room.

However, it just so happens that in one of our bathrooms, I think it would go even better. I decorated this particular bathroom with my husband in mind. There are lots of little vintage cars sitting around, setting a 50′s theme. This art print would be a knock out. I love the colors!

Filed Under: Louisville, Shop, Signs of Ky Tagged With:

A Kentucky Author Is Mixing Things Up With Her Handcuffs

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handcuffs_bethanygriffinBethany Griffin, an English teacher at Bullitt East High School is causing a stir in fiction circles.  She has written a young adult novel, Handcuffs, and is set to compete mightily with Stephenie Meyer for avid young readers.

In an article that ran in the January 11 edition of The Louisville Courier-Journal, Bethany Griffin told the reporter, “The first young adult book I wrote, I was very aware that I was a teacher, and I never got very deep into any of the characters. But I just kind of went crazy with Handcuffs and I put in all the sexuality and stuff I had been afraid to put in before.”

The daily paper amNewYork named Griffin one of the five Potential Stars of 2009.  More praise comes from School Library Journal which claims that Handcuffs has “excellent” character development.  They also point out that Griffin “manages to tie the strings together clearly and cleverly.”

The popular website, YAReads.com raves that Griffin “captures the essence of adolescence superbly.”   They point out that her characters are “believable, raw, honest, and absolutely engaging.”

Click through either of the links above to read more about the book.

Filed Under: Louisville, News, Shop Tagged With: ,

Polar Bear Ties and Totes from the Louisville Zoo

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Want. Want. Want. Want. Want.

I haven’t been so overcome with wants since the last time I stepped into my local Starbucks. I gotta tell you, I love myself some polar bears. Aw, man – they’re amazing. If you took one look at my computer area in our home office, you’d see that it’s a bit of an obsession. But I’m “cool” with that.

“Bear” it all: Exclusive Louisville Zoo Glacier Run polar bear ties and totes available in time for the holidays!

Louisville Zoo’s new exclusive Glacier Run ties and totes feature polar bears, the beautiful icons of the Arctic (and Joi’s desk).

From the Louisville Zoo:

These special one-of-a-kind ties and totes were created through collaboration between the Zoo, Vineyard Vines and local retailer Parallel 38.

Both the ties and totes are available in either royal blue or red for a limited time only now through December 31 at Parallel 38 (3905 Chenoweth Square) or the Zoo’s Development Office (in person or by calling 502-238-5615). Ties are $85 and totes are $125 with all net proceeds going to support the Zoo’s Glacier Run Capital Campaign. The Zoo can also mail items for an additional $5 shipping and handling fee.

After December 31, the exclusive ties and totes will be offered only as a special premium with a contribution of $2,500 or more to the Glacier Run Capital Campaign.

“We are thrilled with this partnership and the sophisticated, stylish products,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “Not only will you be telling people that you support the Zoo and Glacier Run by wearing the tie or carrying the tote, you will bring awareness of how bold, beautiful and awe-inspiring polar bears are and how we must do everything we can to save them.”

To celebrate the partnership and exclusive launch, Parallel 38 is hosting a special in-store Zoo party on Thursday, December 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine, hors d’oeuvres and real live animals.

“We are delighted to help support the Louisville Zoo and Glacier Run,” said Terri Cardwell, owner of Parallel 38. “I’m an avid animal lover and have been a friend of the Zoo for many years. I’m excited to be a part of the Zoo’s efforts to inspire caring and conservation among visitors of all ages. Polar bears are symbols of environmental awareness and climate change, and Glacier Run is going to bring that message home to Kentucky.”

The Zoo’s Glacier Run exhibit, currently under construction and scheduled to be complete in 2010, will feature polar bears, seals and sea lions and will educate visitors about global issues hopefully inspiring them to take action for the planet.

“Glacier Run will be a life-changing experience,” Walczak said. “It will fundamentally advance the Zoo’s mission of ‘bettering the bond between people and our planet’ through education, recreation and quality family fun.

“Your purchase of these ties and totes and contribution to the Glacier Run Capital Campaign will ensure that our kids, friends, families and visitors will enjoy a world-class zoo experience—including up-close viewing of magnificent polar bears—right here in our back yard.”

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Vineyard Vines is an apparel company founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, inspired by their love of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

Louisville boutique Parallel 38 offers premier lines of clothing, travel and lifestyle products to experience the good life with well-known brands including Vineyard Vines, Barbour, Patagonia, Lacoste and Tommy Bahama. For more information, please visit www.parallel38.com or call 1-866-392-9375

Hmmm. As much as I want the totes, I think I simply MUST have the big furry guy in the middle.

Click each thumbnail to see the larger version.

Filed Under: Louisville, Shop Tagged With: ,

Genuine Kentucky Loves Green Turtle Bay

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I was in the process of rounding up links and images for the sidebar earlier this morning. After I grabbed (gently, of course) the turtle to link to gorgeous Green Turtle Bay, I browsed around their site for a while. My finely tuned nose smelled something I needed to spend money on.

Right! As Always! Sorry honey!

Check out the drop dead gorgeous hat and tee above. Are they smart or what? The hat/shirt combo comes in several color combinations. The one I’m showing above is the blue hat/tan shirt, but apparently it’s also available in a combination with a tan hat/orange tee. If you live in Tennessee, I guess the orange would be right up your alley – or down your field. For those of us who are standing by our Kentucky Mildcats, we’ll stick with the blue. Seems kind of appropriate this season. And last. And…

Anyway, I absolutely love these hats/tees. Click HERE to take a closer look. Better yet, do whatever it takes to get to Grand Rivers and Green Turtle Bay, in person. You can’t eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill online – and, trust me, you’ll want to eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill – for breakfast AND lunch.

Visit Green Turtle Bay’s website for information on condominium rentals. The prices are so much lower than you’d expect for such a breathtaking view. And Docker’s Bayside Grill. Obsessed? Why, yes, I am.

Also, while in Grand Rivers (after all, I’ve convinced you to have an extended stay, right?) be CERTAIN you take in at least one show at Badgett Playhouse. You’ll be thanking me for two forevers…or at least until UK hits the top 10 again.

The Green Turtle Bay Gift Shop’s hours are below:

Summer Hours
Monday – Saturday
8 am – 5 pm
Sunday
10 am – 4 pm

Winter Hours
Monday – Friday
8 am – 5pm
Saturday
10 am – 2 pm

Click HERE to read my open love letter to Docker’s Bayside Grill and their remarkable onion rings.

Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers Kentucky

Filed Under: Grand Rivers, Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, Reviews, Shop Tagged With: ,

The Hitching Post Gifts and Country Store in Aurora Kentucky

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Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky
Two of my favorite towns to visit when we’re down around Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Land Between the Lakes are Aurora and Grand Rivers. Grand Rivers offers a great deal wit it’s Badgett Playhouse, Grand Rivers Fudge Factory, Patty’s, Lighthouse Landing, and Green Turtle Bay. It’s a beautiful little village with a lot going for it.

Aurora has a different “vibe,” yet I enjoy it every bit as much as I do Grand Rivers.  Aurora, Kentucky seems to delight in being very laid back. This community is home to my favorite Willow Pond Restaurant, one of my all-time favorite BBQ Restaurants (Aurora BBQ – Home of the Winking Pig!), the Dinner Bell, and one of my favorite spots to unload cash that’s weighing down my purse – The Hitching Post Gifts and Country Store. I’ve never…never… gone into this charmingly fun store without exiting with loot that I can’t wait to take home.

In addition to an endless display of Kentucky memorabilia – from t-shirts, jewelery, and hats to candles, figurines, ornaments, and cookbooks – they carry a remarkable variety of Yoder’s Homestyle jams, jellies, etc. They also have BBQ sauces that’ll send you over the proverbial moon.

On our most recent trip, I got a jar of Yoder’s Homestyle Sweet Potato Butter. Have you ever had Sweet Potato Pie? Well, this Sweet Potato Butter pretty much lives in that delicious neighborhood. So, whether you put it on buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or toast, you get that same amazing flavor. Frankly, I can’t say enough great things about it. Their Apple Butter is also ridiculously good.  It’s great on toast, served alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.

The next time you’re in the Land Between the Lakes region, make a point of visiting the “down home” friendly people at the Hitching Post Gifts and Country Store in Aurora. If you time your day just right, you can work up an appetite at the Hitching Post, have lunch with the winking pig, explore the beautiful Kentucky Lake area, and then make an appointment with the best hush puppies on earth at the Aurora Willow Pond that evening.

It’ll be a day you won’t forget.  Just be sure to remember the apple butter!

Filed Under: Food, LBL, New, Restaurant Reviews, Shop Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Style

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 Kentucky Derby 2008 Logo

If you’re like most people, your excitement’s building for the Kentucky Derby.  In spite of all the cold, snowy weather here in the Bluegrass – we’re all beginning to focus our attention on Louisville and Churchill Downs.  Bring on the ridiculously large hats, the Mint Juleps, and most of all the horses.

If you’re planning your Kentucky Derby Party, there’s a web site you need to know about – stat!  It’s the Official Kentucky Derby Party Site  and I’m not sure you can have a legitimate party without it.

In addition to Bobby Flay’s advice and recipes, you’ll find Party Packages, Invitations, gorgeous square plates, souvenir cups, napkins, balloons, a Derby Sounds CD, banners, posters, flags, and more.  Click HERE to find these particularly pleasing, perfect party proppers.

Filed Under: Reviews, Shop, Sports

Calumet Horse Farm Print

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Calumet Horse Farm, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Calumet Horse Farm, Lexington, Kentucky, USA  Photographic Print

Buy at AllPosters.com The Calumet Horse Farm in Lexington, Kentucky pretty much screams, “Kentucky!” in every view.  I was looking through art prints earlier (in thumbnails) and knew before I ever enlarged the picture that this beauty had to have been photographed in Kentucky.  I was even 99 percent sure it was from Lexington.  The print’s more than just beautiful, it’s Genuine Kentucky!Calumet Farm, the beautiful horse farm in the print, has a record history of Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown winners and is proud to have the reputation of being unmatched worldwide.You know what they say, it’s good to be the king.

Click through to take a closer look and to see the other gorgeous prints featuring Kentucky.  There are a lot of UK Basketball prints and posters…not that we’re talking about basketball right now.  How about that football team, though?!

Filed Under: Shop

The Best Fudge in Kentucky and Possibly the World!

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The Best Fudge on Earth!

It may come as a surprise to you, but the best fudge in the world can be found in a beautiful little town in Kentuckyknown asGrand Rivers. The workers are as warm as the July sun…no, warmer. There are cookbooks, candies, jams, spices, mugs, and more things that will catch your heart and capture your imagination – but, make no mistake about it, the Fudge is the star of the show at the Grand Rivers Fudge Factory.

My favorites, so far, are: Peanut Butter Fudge, Dulce de Leche, Chocolate Pecan, Chewy Praline, and Snickers. The taste tests will continue, however!

If you find yourselfanywherenearthe vicinity of Grand Rivers, Kentucky, make a special effort to find your way to the Fudge Factory and begin your own taste tests.

Not in reach of Grand Rivers? Don’t fret, you can still hook your taste buds up with this impossible-to-describe candy. You can visit the Fudge Factory Web Site or call the Grand Rivers location at 1-270-362-2020.

You’ll be deliciously happy that you did!

Filed Under: Grand Rivers, Shop

The 2007 Kentucky State Fair

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The Kentucky State Fair is in full swing and will keep swinging until the 26th.  If you’re anywhere within reach, you’ll want to get in on the fun.  Click HERE for more information.

Something I’ve really gotten a kick out on their website is the posters for the fair – past and present.  I wish I could find them for sale somewhere – they’d be gorgeous framed, especially the ones from 2004, 2001, and 2002.  2005 – 2007 would be kicky fun in a basement or den. 

The one above is one of my favorites – it’s over the top fun and randomness… everything a state fair could ever hope to be.  Click HERE to see all of the posters in all of their glory!

Filed Under: Fairs and Festivals, Kentucky's History, Shop
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