March Madness is Real / CMN + Prayers for Paxton Update

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.

See y'all next Friday....maybe from New York? :-)

Ramsey Tells Her Story / Contest Winner(s)

PART 1: Interview with Ramsey

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Kq_ftwymE

*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!

See y'all next Friday!

The Kind Of A Big Deal Kentucky-Themed GIVEAWAY!

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!

GOOD LUCK!

Prayers for Paxton Fundraiser

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.

Stay Paxton strong!

Random 5 Friday

Hey y'all! 

I have taken a cue from Michelle at It's A Small Town Life and chosen to do a "Random 5 Friday" for today's post. From what I gather, it is a collection of 5 random things you want to share with your viewers ... on a Friday. :-D

Here goes:

1. Southern Belle Glitz.  To put it simply: they are amazing. I recently made my first purchase there and I haven't taken this Kentucky state necklace off since! Not to mention, their packaging makes you feel like a Queen! They have SO many cute Kentucky-themed accessories, but they also have incredibly adorable and affordable pieces suited for all occasions. Visit their website at www.southernbelleglitz.com

2. 100 Happy Days: This project has been flooding my newsfeed and I am so happy to be participating. If you need a daily mood-booster or simply want to document all the awesome little things you find to be happy about, you must do this! Follow me on instagram (username: kileyinkentucky) to see my #100HappyDays as they happen. Sign up for the challenge here. 

3. Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser Update: I have raised $72.00 for CMN since I began selling notecards through my etsy store. I have had 3 more orders this past week....and will have new designs coming out in the next week. Keep an eye out!

4. On the horizon: MS Awareness month begins March 1st. My best friend and MS Warrior, Ramsey, will be featured (complete with video interview--and OMG SLEEPOVER)! Look out for her on March 21st! 

5. It's A Small Town Life: If you don't follow this blog, you should! Michelle is the first real blogger I was ever exposed to. She makes the most minute details interesting and captures the Kentucky countryside so beautifully. Check her out at www.itsasmalltownlife.blogspot.com

I'll see y'all next week!

A Short Trip Down Memory Lane + Osborne Wedding

Hello and Happy Friday! I have been looking forward to this week's post for over a month---ever since I ran into Hayli Beth Davis (as she was then) at Jury Duty. It is truly hard to believe that we are grownups, old enough to be taking off work for things like Jury Duty; "old enough" to be changing our last names and planning for babies. I don't know if I'll ever feel old enough for any of that....only time will tell. 

Seeing Hayli was a wonderful surprise and brightened my whole day. We whispered about her upcoming wedding and I had a million questions about how her new career as an elementary school teacher is going. 

A few nights later, I sent her a quick message asking if I could document little details of her big day for my blog. Much like she did when her (now) husband got down on one knee, SHE SAID YES!

Before we get to the wedding part, I had to take y'all down memory lane. Memory Lane meaning...the depths of my Facebook photos. I traveled all the way back to 2009...aka The Glory Days...to our senior year of high school when the only events we planned were prom and homecoming.

From L-R: Laura, Hayli, Val, me, and Sam at Class Night

As much as it PAINS ME (look at my chubby baby face) to post this picture, it is iconic in our friendship. We were often told we looked like fraternal twins!
P.S. Hayli, you are every bit as pretty as you were in high school!

This was a Student Council photo shoot held on the famous Buckner Hill. We were excused from school to take photos for the yearbook. Hayli is in the gold, looking so Girl Next Door.

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

Ok! Trip is over. We've come back to the (recent) present....when Hayli and Jordan got engaged. The awesome Brittany Dile, of BDile Photography, signed on to do her engagement and wedding day photos. I think she did a pretty excellent job capturing Hayli's style and personality. 

I don't know Jordan, but I adore the way he is looking at her in this one! They make the sweetest couple.

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

Now fast-forwarding to February 15, 2014. Hayli + Jordan become husband and wife and Hayli Beth Davis (HBD) becomes Hayli Beth Osborne (HBO). PRIMETIME, BABY! (pun intended)

I arrived at the venue, my best friend Val in tow, on Lemon Bend Road an hour early. It was a chilly day, but the sun was shining and that was enough to make it the perfect day for a wedding. We walked in and this sign was the first thing I saw.

It was painted by the Bride herself....I may or may not be stealing this idea for my future wedding (many, many moons away).

These jars were lined with the most unique buttons! They hung in two rows, making an aisle for the guests as they entered, and later, the wedding party.

I'm calling this one the "Shabby Chic Chandelier." It was made by my 5th grade science teacher, Ms. Lisa Curry. The blurry picture was not on purpose, but I kept it because it shows how soft the lights were in real life. 

The guest book station. I loved the programs and the little details that made it delicate, feminine, simple, and country all at the same time; a hard balance to find, executed to perfection.

Yes, there was a horse :)

Gorgeous Val is not used to being in front of the camera, but the horse took an interest in her and I had to capture the moment(s).

The Band is back together! (Minus Laura)

I'm not an official photographer and it didn't feel right to snap any pics during the actual ceremony. So, I asked Brittany Dile if I could share some wedding day photos with my KileyinKY viewers.

Take a look and read through a short interview with the new Mrs. Osborne :)

KileyinKY: How long have you and Jordan known each other?

Mrs. Osborne: Forever!

KileyinKY: Was it love at first sight?

Mrs. Osborne: I didn't give him the time of day at first, because I didn't think he was my "type." But after the first date I was hooked! We've been together for 5 years.

KileyinKY: What was the hardest part of planning a wedding?
Mrs. Osborne: I wanted a very simple country wedding. It was difficult to talk everyone into the simplicity I wanted...some things I could really care less about.

KileyinKY: What are you most excited about as Mrs. Osborne?
Mrs. Osborne: I'm excited to simply be married to my best friend...and hopefully, move my clothes into his big walk-in closet!

KileyinKY: Do your students call you Ms. Davis or Ms. Osborne?
Mrs. Osborne: They still accidentally call me "mommy" on a daily basis! But, I couldn't stray from Ms. Davis this year. I'll start over as Ms. Osborne next year!

 Thank you for letting me share in your big day, and letting me share it with the world!

A special thanks to BDile Photography for allowing me to use your amazing photographs. If I were a fraction of the photographer you are, I would be in business myself.
If you'd like to see more of the Osborne Engagement or Wedding photos, or to see more of Brittany's work click here.

Greeting Cards for sale on Etsy!

Hello! Happy Friday and Happy Valentine's Day. I hope your week has been as productive and harmonious as mine has been. If not, TGIF. Actually--no matter how good my week has been, it's always TGIF.

Today is the day my Greeting and Thank You Cards go on sale. I talked about it in last week's post and have been very busy at work getting them ready for you. (I didn't realize I was such a perfectionist...it's a lot of work being detail oriented!)

Besides the making of the cards, the biggest step was to open up my very own shop on Etsy. Until my products are in stores, this will be an easy way to make some sales!

Remember, my primary reason for doing this is to raise money for The Children's Miracle Network. My goal is to raise $300.00 by July 1st. All profits made from these cards will go toward that $300.00 fund! And I am more than open to surpassing that goal. I will sell as long as y'all are buyin'!

There are 2 cards for sale starting today!

You may recognize this design from last week's post. I decided I liked it better in blue! What do you think?
You can order it here (in customizable colors)!

The second design:

This Thank You Card is great the way it is or be customized to convey any message you would like.
It can be purchased here.

My official logo appears on the back of each card.

My official Etsy store can be found by visiting www.etsy.com. Once you arrive at the site type "KileyInKentucky" into the search bar....my little shop should appear!!

More details about the cards (size, number per pack, custom designs) are included in each item description on Etsy.

At the moment, I am working on two really colorful and fun designs. As always, I will keep you updated as they are finished and ready for sale.

I will be personally donating your funds to my donation page on The Children's Miracle Network website. After the first donation is made, I will include a link so you can keep up with my progress and watch the numbers rise!

I hope that many of you will take advantage of this time to not only replenish your collection of thank you notes, but to make a donation to The Children's Miracle Network through me. I couldn't think of a better cause to put my time toward!

*To quickly acknowledge Valentine's Day and give a shout out to my favorite boyfriend, here is a picture of the card I mailed him this week!

Here's to you, Daniel, for not passing judgment when I tell you what I had for lunch and include that I put copious amounts of tabasco sauce on it. You are truly the best!

Now, to spend my Friday night in a state of relaxation! Tomorrow, I'm off to a wedding and a reunion with my very best friend. I hope your Saturday is looking as bright as mine. Love y'all! See you next week.