Southern Belle Glitz

Hello and TGIF! I am in a rush today, folks. I've got a little bit of everything going on right now, but I simply REFUSE to miss a Friday blog post. SO! In honor of Miss Kentucky 2014 Orientation taking place THIS weekend I am taking this opportunity to thank one of my incredible sponsors, Southern Belle Glitz.

Natalie (the owner of this fabulous online jewelry store) and I got to know each other through my various purchases from her collection. My first purchase was and is my all-time favorite: the Kentucky state necklace (that I have been known to wear...well, every day of the week).

Knowing that my fellow Miss KY competitors are always on the hunt for affordable, stylish jewelry, I asked Natalie if she would like to place an ad in the 2014 Miss KY program book and...

This lucky lady right here got to spend a whole Sunday with the adorable  Natalie and her talented friends, Brandi and Kayla. Brandi Scarborough of BrandiKristinaPhotography was absolutely amazing behind the camera...she captured Natalie's vision of a full stylized glamour shoot perfectly. Kayla Jackson of TieTheKnotHair made me feel like a real live doll--I was in LOVE with the up-do (seen below) she whipped up out of thin air.

Here are a few (can you believe this isn't even half?) of Natalie and Brandi's favorite photos from our shoot. All jewelry seen below is from the Southern Belle Glitz collection. 

Lastly...here is the ad that will appear in the program book!

There aren't enough ways to say thank you to Natalie, Brandi, and Kayla for the time they have invested in me. Each piece of jewelry I wear this weekend and during the week of Miss Kentucky will be from Southern Belle Glitz. Not only can you find statement pieces and other eye-catchers at SBG, but there are plenty of simple (but sassy) pieces that are perfect for a more understated look. 

*HEAVEN*

And.....because I had to post at least one real photo of myself. :-D

I've GOT to go. I'm off to Lexington for a weekend of busy, busy, busy pre-Miss KY activities. We're on the homestretch now, folks....the big show is only 6 weeks away.

I'll see y'all next Friday!

What I learned from #100HappyDays

Hey y'all! THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS HAPPENING! I had a wonderful Saturday at Art in the Alley (blogpost coming soon) and had a fabulous Sunday with some lovely people (another blogpost coming soon)...but I have been saving this one up for a while. And I'm just now ready to share it. 

In a previous blog post I announced my participation in the #100HappyDays project and encouraged you all to sign up. It's very simple. You go to www.100happydays.com, submit your e-mail address, take a short survey about your current happiness level, and choose the social media outlet you will use to document your journey. The premise of the project is to post one picture a day for 100 days straight. Each photo is representative of something that gives you the warm fuzzies and the purpose is to help you become more aware of all the *little things* you have to be happy about. If you complete the challenge without missing a day the foundation sends you a small book with your 100 photos in it...a keepsake made completely of your own happiness, if you will.

Needless to say, I was ALL about it. I didn't even have to think about it...I was immediately on board. I viewed myself as a pretty happy person already (maybe that's where the trouble began) but, I wanted to accept the challenge, and I wanted that little book.

So, it was with great pleasure, excitement, and positivity that I began my #100HappyDays project. I chose Instagram as my method of documentation in an effort to take more pictures (as if I don't take enough) and to challenge myself in finding creative ways to document said happiness.

What I didn't know when I began the #100HappyDays is how immersed in the "image" of being happy I would become. What I didn't know when I began my #100HappyDays is that my family would suffer the prolonged sickness of a loved one, and, in the midst of those 100 days, the death of that loved one. What I didn't know when I began my #100HappyDays is that I most definitely did not need a viral social media trend to prove to myself what I already knew: I am a happy, blessed, optimistic little lady without having to let the world know. 

Day 1: I got my hair cut and indulged in the rare treat of Starbucks. I was elated with my much shorter 'do, and really, I'm borderline addicted to coffee, so it was safe to say the 1st day of my 100 Happy Days was off to a roaring start. 

Day 2: Already struggling. I received my first Julep Box in the mail, wore a brand new shirt, and it was Friday (#TGIF). I made a collage of these things and prepared to post it. In the process of posting, I was already unhappy with myself for documenting material items as what made me particularly happy that day. And...how do you really document the feeling of a Friday (that ISN'T a selfie of you making a ridiculous face) other than take a picture of the calendar? 

The next 25 days were fine. I took the pictures, I posted them to instagram, I hashtagged them appropriately. No big deal. 

Day 27: My Popadoc is sick and in the hospital. It doesn't look good. It's not good. The last thing I want to do is post a happy picture. But, I find one and I post it, because I don't want to be part of the 71% of people who couldn't complete this challenge. I'm pretty sure posting something "happy" because you have to defeats the purpose...don't you think?

Day 32: I've been in New York City visiting my amazingly wonderful boyfriend (a very happy thing), but this particular morning I received the news that my grandfather had passed. I would be heading home for his funeral the next day. I was so happy to be spending time with my boyfriend but so guilty about posting a happy photo, despite the immense feeling of sadness at knowing I would never hug my grandfather again.

Day 45: I'm over it. This picture of a paper banana was the only thing "cool" enough to photograph that particular day. No, I wasn't having a bad day. No, I wasn't in a bad mood. There was simply no photographic evidence of my contentedness that day. So, I chose this. A+ for effort, right? 

.................

Nearing the end of my journey, I realized my hashtags were on autopilot. Meaning, I was taking 1-2 pictures a day and labeling one with the appropriate hashtag of #100HappyDays without much thought at all. Being that I'm not one to post anything negative, each of my posts could have counted as something happy in their own way. In the end, I wasn't even looking for anything special. I was going about my day and labeling it as happy whether I truly felt it or not.

I made it all the way into the 60's. Why aren't I specific about the exact number? Because somewhere in the midst, I FORGOT to post one day. It wasn't a conscious effort, because like I said, I am NOT one to back down from a challenge. But it happened....life happened. I posted 1-2 photos each day since the challenge began and yet, I forgot to hashtag ONE of those with #100HappyDays so that it would count. Pretty lame, right? Right. 

When I discovered I had missed a day somewhere in the mix, I felt like crying. I was so incredibly frustrated with myself that I hadn't acknowledged happiness one day sometime in April. My mind was full of questions.

"What if people notice that I just stopped with the happy stuff?"

"I'm sure no one has noticed...should I keep going?"

Finally...

"Why do I feel so relieved?"

The next day, when I got the urge to post a picture...my first one without the #100HappyDays hashtag... I felt like the whole world would suddenly realize my "happiness" had come to a very premature end.

And the next day, when I would post yet another picture, I felt a little of that feeling. This time, there was more relief than worry. 

And now, a few weeks later, I can assess my experience clearly. It wasn't a bad experience by any means...but I found it to be more of a hassle than an opportunity for growth in optimism. I found that I am most certainly a happier person without the pressure of being happy. I am happier with my surroundings when I'm not worried about which thing to photograph and how to present it. I am happier keeping some things to myself. And I am happier when I am "allowed" to have a day of sadness when something truly sad has happened. 

However, if I had not accidentally missed a day, I am positive I would not have quit the challenge. I would be somewhere in the 80's, most likely still on autopilot. That's not a very happy thought...it's actually very sad.

For those of you that are completing this challenge (and I'm following a lot of you!) I totally support what you're doing. Knowing that this was more of a challenge than I ever expected should be further encouragement for you to keep it up!  

I also realize that I entered into this journey with the wrong state of mind. Whether or not I wanted to make myself a happier person, I wanted to say I completed the challenge, join the 29% of happy folks, and get that little book. Subconsciously, I entered without realizing I would be so conscious of what I put forth on a platter for everyone to see, labeled as my "happiness." This is not the intent of the foundation, and I shouldn't have tried to fix in myself what wasn't broken, just because I wanted to say I did it.

"They" say you shouldn't criticize something unless you have a suggestion of how it can be improved. What would have been more effective for me is a name change: #100HappyThings. There are countless happy things in a day, most of which we don't take time to recognize. But, the unhappy truth of it is that not every day is a happy day. And it really shouldn't have to be.

The moral of my story is....
*Find your own happiness in whatever way you can, whether it is completing this challenge or not. But if you tried and still didn't feel the "happy" and felt like it was all your fault....you're not alone. This extremely happy girl was unable to complete the happiest challenge on earth.

I want to hear your thoughts on this! For those of you that are completing the challenge, do you think it helped you? Did you feel any of the things I felt? I am open to any and all opinions. I love new perspectives.

Have a happy Friday....only if you want to :) and I'll see y'all soon. 

Art in the Alley - Greensburg

Tomorrow, May 17th, marks the 10th anniversary of Greensburg's annual Art in the Alley celebration. Every May, vendors from across Kentucky (and sometimes Tennessee) set up in Greensburg's most "charming" alley and sell their own unique and handcrafted products of all kinds.

I absolutely adore the concept of Art in the Alley--I only wish it could happen more often! It's a chance to support locally owned and small businesses (my favorite types of business) and stock up on jewelry, scarves, paper goods, and countless other items you absolutely won't find in stores.

This year, I'm so excited to be attending as a vendor and not just a customer....although, I'll make sure I take some time to shop the other 40 vendors that will be there. KileyinKentucky will be there selling note cards and a few hand-painted prints to continue raising money for The Children's Miracle Network and Prayers for Paxton. My friend and fellow crafter, Audrey, is joining me at my booth to sell her fabric flower broaches and take donations for CMN and Prayers for Paxton as well.

This sign makes me feel so professional! Thank you to Signs Unlimited for making my logo look so darn spiffy.

As for my inventory, I'll be bringing my most popular note cards, the original floral print cards, with three different messages available.

                    "Thank you"                                "Thinking of you"        "You make my world happy"

 
I've had a lot of fun (and a little stress) with my hand-painted prints. My perfectionist side screamed "NO!" the whole time, but finally, I settled on three of my favorite designs. I'm still touching them up so they will be perfect for tomorrow (no procrastination here!), but I did snap a picture of the one I had the most fun with! Of course, it wouldn't be me if I didn't have some Kentucky-themed things available. You'll have to visit my booth to see those!




If you stop by Art in the Alley tomorrow, you'll get something of mine whether you like it or not! I was asked to draw a simple but sweet map of Downtown Greensburg to be passed out to out-of-towners detailing historical sights, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of the celebration. Here's a look!

I am headed off to get everything organized for tomorrow (and get a manicure...thanks mom!). I'm so excited to take part in tomorrow's celebration and raise some money. I hope to see all of your shining faces, even if you just stop by to say hi!

Keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram tomorrow for lots of pictures!

So, I went to the Kentucky Derby....

And I have a story, a really good story, I want to share with you. I've waited all week, so incredibly excited to put my Kentucky Derby experience into words, but of course...when it comes time to spill, I don't even know where to begin. And, I begin into this knowing nothing I say will do justice to the kind of day I had.  

In short, I began the day as a (pageant) Queen, then I met a (real) Royal Prince, drank a mint julep while watching the Derby from the finish line, and came home with the most magical story.

All the hats before the Red Carpet

I'll begin. Ramsey (remember Ramsey?) invited me to walk the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet with her as Miss Kentucky titleholders. In all reality, I could stop here, describe that experience and leave you with a wonderful story. But, I won't. :)




However, the Red Carpet experience was awesome! Thank you to DeDe Cox for allowing us to have those moments in the spotlight. I managed to sneak in a few pictures with famous faces!

With Terry O'Quinn (aka: John Locke) from 'Lost'

With Miranda Lambert

When Ramsey and I reached the end of the Red Carpet and became regular people again we met back up with our fabulous friend, Todd! (Miss Central Kentucky and Miss Kentucky Committee Member) Ramsey, Todd, and I had made plans to spend the day together--guaranteeing a good time no matter what.

The three of us stood around talking and taking pictures with passersby. We didn't expect it, but the sashes we wore had drawn people's attention. All afternoon we were stopped for picture after picture (no complaints) and fielded countless questions about our titles. Before heading to our next destination, we stopped for one more picture with a group of sharp-dressed men. They had all the usual questions:  

"What do these titles mean?"

"Where is Monticello?"

"When is Miss Kentucky?"

"How can you be best friends when you have to compete with each other?!"  

Next, a question I couldn't answer.

"You know who you just took a photo with, don't you?"

I said, no, glancing back at the gentlemen he was referring to looking for a clue that might give away his identity.

"That's the Prince Albert of Monaco."

"As in Grace Kelly's son, Prince Albert of Monaco?"

"Yes."

I once googled pictures of Grace Kelly on the internet, in awe of her timeless beauty, imagining one day I would wear a dress like this on the Miss America stage or my wedding day. Now, I'm shaking hands with her son, a Prince.
...little ole me from Greensburg, Kentucky.

Grace Kelly in "the dress"

Next thing I know, I am on the Skye View Terrace with Ramsey, Todd, and the Prince of Monaco. He wanted to treat us to the "real" Derby experience, something we thought we had already gotten, but no. We simply had no idea. The Terrace was packed with celebrity housewives, country music stars, professional athletes, pro team owners, and household names I probably passed right by.

And here I am, little ole me from Greensburg, Kentucky. 

As the day progressed, the three of us learned what we had been invited to be a part of. I was a participant of a longstanding and very delicate tradition. A legacy started by John B. Kelly, brother of Grace, that began with a trip to the Kentucky Derby with friends and fraternity brothers. They made it back to the Derby year after year after year and, 69 years later, the sons and grandsons of those men are still traveling to Kentucky on that first Saturday in May, keeping the tradition alive.  

And here I am, little ole me from Greensburg, Kentucky.

I snacked, sipped a Mint Julep, took a few pictures for Map Dot, Kentucky, and watched the races. Standing on the balcony with Todd, he looked at me once and asked very seriously "how did we even get here?" I didn't know, but it was beginning to feel less and less strange.

Looking back on it, the longer I spent wandering the Terrace and getting to know the personalities and life stories of these incredible people, the theme of my day went from "little ole me" to "we're not that different." I found I had things in common with each person I spoke with; small details, but important ones nonetheless. I didn't feel the pressure to impress or be someone who I wasn't. And so, I was myself the whole day: Kiley from Greensburg, Kentucky, enjoying the 140th Annual Kentucky Derby.

We lined the Terrace Balcony to await the running of the Derby and sang My Old Kentucky Home, (I will admit, I got a little teary-eyed). As soon as the race began, it was over, and California Chrome had bested the rest in the most exciting two minutes in sports. I saw him cross the finish line, I was just close enough to see the smile on the jockey's face as he realized what was happening, and I saw it all with two of my best friends, Ramsey and Todd...oh, and my new friend, Prince Albert of Monaco.

I went to bed with all the details buzzing around in my head. Ramsey and I shuffled through them as we fell asleep, and I had intentions of including them all. As the week passed and I made the swift return back to the reality, the thing I remember the most is not the people I met or the titles they had. It was how much fun I had with Todd and Ramsey, and how, as Ramsey said, it wouldn't have been the same with anyone else!

Map Dot, Kentucky

When Cory Ramsey asked me how I take my coffee, it was then that I knew we would be friends.

Ramsey, born in Hickman, Kentucky, population 2,000, was raised as a true country boy fishing on the Mississippi River. His love of the outdoors, especially the scenery of his home state, stayed with him through college at Western Kentucky University. Some years after graduating when Ramsey was working in Bowling Green he got the news that he was being laid off. Not knowing what to do with this newly found free time and unsure of his next step, he stepped outside.

"I just picked up and went. I was hiking all the state parks, finding new trails, spending hours online looking at where I could go and... just start driving."


What began as a way to actively kill time got social media all a-buzz. Ramsey's past in journalism gave him the voice, marketing skills, and the contacts to build a large social media following and put his name and brand out in state publications.
"All of this led to writing for the state tourism blog, Get out Kentucky. I was the original blogger when that first started up. I worked with Frankfort there. But when they caught wind of what I was doing with my free time, it turned into something bigger."
Cory started visiting state parks as a VIP writer/blogger (aka: livin' the dream). He was then featured in Kentucky Living as somewhat of a state celebrity...we found his face on a magazine in City Hall!

"KET found out about it and put me on with Dave [Shuffett]. I stay in contact with those folks...there's always a possibility of doing something with them in the future."

And this is where the "Map Dot Stuff," as Ramsey casually refers to it, begins.

"It was kind of a spin-off of the hiking. As I began traveling, I saw that Kentucky is predominantly small towns; little map dot places. When I contrasted that with what I saw in the way of Kentucky Tourism in Frankfort, it didn't match up."

What Ramsey noticed was that the nationally-promoted Kentucky "brand" didn't fit with what he had observed first-hand in his travels. The recognizable "face" of Kentucky is horses and bourbon, two really lucrative and unique assets to our state. While the image adds an air of prestige to the Bluegrass, Ramsey's campaign was to pull the focus back to the tiny dots on the map.

"Let's create this alternative to show what else is out there."

Just as the idea for Map Dot, Kentucky was forming, Ramsey, now employed in Bowling Green, was balancing a non-negotiable 7-day work week with traveling the state...not for the faint of heart.

"Psychologically, I needed a break. I would take mini-vacations every morning. I would get up, hit the road, act like I didn't have to work, and at about noon, I would circle back around to Bowling Green and clock in."

After doing that for several months and having snapped approximately 2,000 photos from his travels, he created the Facebook page that would celebrate the "Map Dot towns." He launched Map Dot, Kentucky.

"It launched and struck gold. Since August, it has gained 7,000 followers. It go so big that I couldn't do it alone, so I involved three of my friends and now it has taken on a reality show set up... We are a road-trippin' crew goin' places. We head out in the morning, take pictures of road signs along the way, find someone, get a story, snap a few more pictures, and put it on the Facebook page."

As easy-breezy as he makes it sound, Ramsey and his crew are doing something important. The pictures and stories he posts connect with people on a deeply emotional level. The sense of community Map Dot, Kentucky has created is different than any other widely popular Kentucky-themed brand.

After our chat, Cory and I took the camera and went on a walk. He is an old pro at posing for photos, and I got a little bit bossy with my "Stand there! Smile. Move left. Stand here! Ooh, let's go here next..." But I think he enjoyed himself!

Tomorrow, I'll be attending the 140th Annual Kentucky Derby for the first time in my 23 years as a Kentuckian! I'll be in correspondence with Map Dot, Kentucky for live derby coverage and I couldn't be more excited.

Follow Map Dot on Facebook and Instagram (mapdotkentucky) to keep up with Derby Coverage and beyond. Ramsey and his crew are posting photos every day as they continue traveling across the beautiful Bluegrass.