It’s true. It’s real. It’s not a hoax. Nobody had to wire any money to Nigeria. What are we talking about? The Cayman Islands Trip Giveaway we ran in November 2016, in partnership with Luxury Cayman Villas, Turkish-T and Apartment Therapy, that so many of you signed up to win. We had a winner alright, and she hails from Louisville. Out of all those registrants, this longtime loyal StyleBlueprint reader and subscriber won the trip. She learned about it over email and didn’t believe it until she spoke with StyleBlueprint Marketing Director Megan Casey over the phone. It was during this conversation that we learned that this woman’s husband is currently in treatment for lung cancer. Winning the trip was a godsend. Meet our big winner, Lyn Lage, who is also this week’s FACE of the South. Let’s get to know about Lyn and hear about when extraordinary things happen to ordinary people.
Tell us about when you found out you won the StyleBlueprint Cayman Islands Trip Giveaway.
I first got an email from Megan, your Marketing Director, telling me I had won the trip. Really? Did I REALLY win? I emailed her back asking for her confirmation before I started packing my bags. In the meantime, I tried my best to verify that everything was official, and I wasn’t being scammed. She confirmed immediately and I called her. We had the nicest chat, and indeed, she assured me that it was really real, I had won the trip!
Did you believe it? Did your friends and family believe you?
Believe it? No way! I’ve never won anything in my life. I kept it to myself, and after about an hour of doing my due diligence, I let my husband know that I had won. I’m not so sure he was convinced either. As for friends and family believing me, I still get those looks that say, “Poor Lyn, she really thinks she’s won a trip!”
Have you ever won anything this big in your life?
Nope. Never. As a matter of fact, I can’t think of anything I’ve ever won, big or small. Not even a scratch-off lottery ticket. In addition to the Villa in Cayman, I also won $1,000.00 of merchandise from Turkish-T. I placed my order, and it arrived just a few days later. The best box that’s ever been delivered to my front porch! Absolutely the most gorgeous towels, bath robe, pillows, blankets and kimonos. I had read about Sue Joyce and Turkish-T on StyleBlueprint, and had fallen in love with her goods, but WOW, it’s special. I mean really special. I can’t thank Sue enough for her generosity.
How long have you been reading StyleBlueprint? Why do you like reading it?
I’ve been reading StyleBlueprint for about five years. It honestly is one of the first emails I open and read in the morning. I love everything about it … the shops, the fashion, the food, the decorating, the events, the “one day trips,” all of it. It’s a quick, easy read, and I enjoy reading about some of my favorite things, and being introduced to people and places around town that are new to me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone straight from StyleBlueprint to the web to learn more about the featured story.
When do you plan on going on your trip to the Cayman Islands?
We’re still in the planning stages of our trip to Cayman Island. I can’t think of a better escape from winter than to go in February. Ann, from Luxury Cayman Villas, has been so gracious to me. She’s given us the flexibility to schedule our visit when it’s convenient for us. Have you looked at these villas? Oh my gosh, it’s like nothing that I’ve ever experienced, nor could ever dream of! I don’t care if I eat a bologna sandwich for lunch, I just want to do it on those beautiful patios. (Is that what you call it, a patio? It must have a fancier name than that!)
Give us a peek at your agenda. What’s a typical day or week like for you?
My husband was diagnosed with cancer in April, and since then there hasn’t been a typical day or week. It has truly turned our world upside down. The only consistent thing from day to day is morning coffee together at the kitchen table.
What are some words that describe you?
Simple. Compassionate.
What advice do you treasure?
My favorite is from my mother. “Anything worth having is worth waiting for.” She used this advice for everything, from shoes to husbands, and everything in between. It’s guided me through lots of decisions.
Fill in the blank. You’ll never see me without my __________.
Cute pair of reading glasses. Honestly, I can’t do without them anymore, and I have multiple pairs.
Where can we find you hanging out around town?
I love antique and consignment shops. My husband and I have downsized, and I really don’t need a thing, but I do enjoy the thrill of the hunt. The Peddlers Mall in Middletown is huge, but I’ve found my favorite dealers and can get around pretty quick if I need to. I also like Consignments Plus in Fern Creek. In the spring when the weather is just warming, I grab a latte and head to a garden nursery. Wallitsch Nursery is at the top of my list. I can’t pass by Lotsa Pasta without stopping. I may as well get a basket as soon as I walk in the door, because I always need one.
Favorite thing to do in Louisville?
Definitely a day at the races at Churchill Downs. The hats, the dresses, the bow ties and juleps … everything about it is fun, and I’m always so proud of my hometown. There’s nothing better than going during Derby week because it feels like I’m part of the celebration.
Tell us some of your favorite local restaurants.
Uptown CafĂ©Â is my favorite. The food and cocktails are outstanding, and it holds lots and lots of good memories. I fell in love with Walter there. Havana Rumba is a great casual night out. Their Sangria is the best in town, especially on a warm summer evening. Jack’s. Who doesn’t love Jack’s? Consistently good, and always a fun evening. Can I give a shout out to our Dinner Club? Our group has bounced all over town trying new restaurants. We’re the loud table for 10.
What’s on your personal reading list right now?
Garden and Gun, and The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.
What are three of your favorite things right now besides faith, family and friends?
- Anything in bloom
- My Turkish-T bathrobe
- A gingerbread man from Plehn’s
Thank you to Adele Reding Photography for the wonderful photos. And happy travels to a very excited and deserving Lyn and Walter!
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Read about more inspiring women in our FACES of the South weekly features here.
