Hello and Happy Friday! Not only am I a nervous wreck about the UK/UofL Sweet 16 game tonight, but I am packing for a trip to New York City. March has been a non-stop, crazy, up and down, happy and sad, ridiculously busy month. I'm beginning to think March Madness has spread to other areas of my life. Who else feels this way?
Disheveled Kiley still sports UK
So, what does Kiley in Kentucky pack for an out-of-state trip? Here are a few of my KY essentials. Some are subtle, some are blatantly Bluegrass. And that's okay.
This scarf keeps me warm and cozy + blue and white.
Are you eye-rolling at my obsession with this necklace yet?
Whether or not we win tonight, I am going to get my exercise on with PRIDE in NYC.
A little airplane reading material
These boots have walked their fair share of NYC miles in the past year. I wouldn't dare leave them at home.
CMN + Prayers For Paxton Update
Thanks to my incredible customers, I donated $200.00 to charity today. Half of it went to Children's Miracle Network and half of it is going to Prayers for Paxton. I can't tell you how much joy I had in totaling up the numbers. I love and appreciate you all and the impact you're making on the lives of those that reap the benefits of your purchase!
Introducing....
The "Just Because" card
Thanks, Natalie, for purchasing the first set of these!
I'm back to work, back to packing, back to stressing. But I couldn't be more thankful for the reasons I stay so busy.
The first time I heard the name Ramsey Carpenter, I knew it had to belong to a girl beyond the definition of “interesting.” She would be fun, spirited, generous, and smart.
When I met Ramsey Carpenter, I gave myself a gold star for being 100% correct. Besides being fun, spirited, generous, and smart... she is humble, she is REAL, and she's gorgeous (as you will soon see).
I met her in April of 2012 and we have been best friends for almost as long.
At Sal's in Lexington
Miss Kentucky 2013 Gala
The first time we tried this whole interview thing
As March rolled around, I knew I wanted to interview Ramsey about her winning battle with Multiple Sclerosis. As I have learned more and more about what it means to have Multiple Sclerosis, I understand more and more what it means to support the cause for finding a cure. Our busy schedules didn't allow us to meet up during MS Awareness Week earlier this month, but that doesn't matter. MS Awareness shouldn't be confined to one week or one month out of the year.
Ramsey will make a good case for that.
She’s a special girl, that Ramsey.
Click the link below to watch my interview with Ramsey:
*Please keep in mind that I am not a professional! Ramsey sure makes up for it, though. :)
PART 2: CONTEST WINNER(S)!
For some reason, I had butterflies in my stomach as I drew the names for first and second place in my "Kind of A Big Deal Kentucky Themed GIVEAWAY."
As this week came to a close, I was simply astounded by the amount of participation and support I had received. I hope to do another Giveaway in the Summer! But for now, I'll give the winners some glory:
1st prize: LAURA JONES 2nd prize: lizzybell221
Laura will have a "Y'all" t-shirt from Kentucky for Kentucky and a Kentucky necklace by Southern Belle Glitz delivered to her doorstep very soon!
lizzybell221 will receive a custom set of notecards! I can't wait to collaborate with her to design the perfect card for her thank you note needs!
Thanks to EVERYONE that participated. Stick around, I promise I will keep the good stuff coming!
So, there is a reason I work better amongst chaos.
After last Friday's blog post, I immediately started planning for this Friday. I filmed an interview with my best friend, Ramsey Carpenter, regarding her winning battle against Multiple Sclerosis. I visited her in Lexington, filmed the interview Sunday AM, and it was edited by Tuesday. Maybe you don't get the significance of this: I almost never have my blog post done by the morning it will be posted, let alone the previous Tuesday. It was one of those rare weeks where the stars had aligned so perfectly.
But, alas, all the planning in the world didn't guarantee success. I'm heading back to Lexington this weekend to re-film with Ramsey. Neither of us are upset...in fact, we are pretty excited to spend another day together!
In other news! This week, I started a Facebook page for Kiley in Kentucky. There, I will be sharing my blog posts and taking/discussing details of card orders. A lot of you have "liked" the page since yesterday, and you definitely don't want to miss what will be happening this week and the next!
Now for the good stuff....
It may or may not be a secret to you that this Friday begins the drawing for a GIVEAWAY! I couldn't be happier to make an investment in my followers since you have been so kind and supportive of me. I am not asked for anything to be donated...this is truly something I am doing to say THANK YOU!
I made a short little video outlining all the details about what you will win and how to enter! Watch below or click here to view it on YouTube. Watch it at 720p HD for best quality.
And just in case...
Here's one more outline of contest details:
+1 point: You MUST "like" the Kiley in Kentucky Facebook page
(If you have liked it prior to this point, you are automatically in the drawing!)
+1 point: follow me on Instagram at kileyinkentucky (click here for the link)
+1 point: like my giveaway photo!
(if you already follow me and you like the photo, you will get th 2 points)
+3 points: SHARE the link to the Giveaway video from the KILEY IN KENTUCKY Facebook page. If you share it from a friend's page, I will not be able to see what you did. That is very important.
I will draw for the winner next Thursday night and announce it on next Friday's post. I will contact the winner through Facebook to get preferences for your gifts.
Go forth into the weekend and impending work week, and enter the Giveaway! Even if your name only goes in once, you still have a chance!
The Bloyd Family - Paxton, Cheslee, Jamie, and Ansley
Hello and happy Friday, everyone. This week has reminded me how lucky I am and how fragile life is, as a whole community has learned the news that a sweet little boy has begun a battle against cancer. This week, Paxton Bloyd, age 6, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt's Lymphoma. Paxton's family is from Greensburg and I have known many of his family members my whole life. My heart is broken for them as they begin the process of Paxton's treatment, but I believe in the power of prayer and positivity. The oncology team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital is hopeful and so am I!
Paxton, pictured with cards and care packages
Cancer research and awareness is near and dear to my heart. In the past 10 months, my Mamaw has fought (and won!) against breast cancer... and just when we thought we were in the clear, my Uncle Trent lost an unexpected and brief 37-day battle with cancer in January. Seeing, first-hand, the effects of that dreaded word makes you all the more sensitive to what others are going through... emotionally, physically, and financially. In an effort to raise money for Paxton's treatment and further awareness of Burkitt's Lymphoma, I am dividing all profits from my card sales in half. Half will go to Children's Miracle Network and half will go to Prayers for Paxton. For each set of cards you purchase, $5.25 goes to Paxton, $5.25 goes to CMN. In the days since Paxton's diagnosis, numerous ways to donate to Prayers for Paxton have been created: -Bracelets and t-shirts are in the making and will be available for purchase soon. More details can be found at the Prayers for Paxton Facebook page. -A donation to the "Paxton Bloyd Special Fund" may be made at any Forcht Bank Location -A Give Forward fund can be found online here. With that in mind, before I even began writing this post, I tackled one very good question: Q: Why should I buy a set of thank you notes when I can donate directly to Paxton's fund? A: I support making a donation in any way possible, including any of the above avenues. However, this is a donation to Paxton as well as a donation to Children's Miracle Network. CMN takes care of kids like Paxton every single day. CMN Hospitals house families like the Bloyds every single day. CMN exposed me to awareness of childhood cancer research and the celebration of a child's strength and resiliency. In addition to making these donations, you are gaining something tangible. Each time you go to write a thank you note or a "just because" note, you will be thinking of Paxton. And thinking of the thousands and thousands of kids like him who are stronger than we could ever hope to be. As the plans for this fundraiser were coming together, I have stayed up way past my bedtime brainstorming any and all ideas to offer buyers more bang for their buck. The perfect solution arrived as I have created special, custom envelopes that will be included in each pack of 10 note cards. These envelopes will replace plain, boring white ones (seen on Etsy) and ARE self-adhesive--no spit required ;-). I am also in collaboration with my cousin, Brandon (and friend to Paxton's father), to create a special card in celebration of Paxton. I hope to have that available in the next week. As much as I wish I could spur my creativity on a little faster, I want to take my time to ensure a quality product. My cards are still available on Etsy. If you are in Greensburg or Campbellsville, send me a private message on Facebook with your request in order to avoid shipping costs.
Pictured below are examples of envelopes and patterns I have available. The amount of patterns I have is countless. I chose my favorites to show you.
The patterns can be a little loud. If you'd prefer, I can make it so the pattern is a pleasant surprise! Thanks for the inspiration, Mom!
Belle is found modeling a few envelopes. Don't worry, these are samples. No allergens coming your way!
As I have mentioned, I can do custom text on any card. This is an example of a request I had this week. I love it, don't you?
I received 5 orders in one hour today! Keep 'em coming, y'all.
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