Run for the Roses

And they're off! Tomorrow, at 6:04 p.m. E.S.T. it's post time for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. In the world of sports, there is not a more moving moment than the one when the horses step onto the track for the Kentucky Derby post parade and the band strikes up "My Old Kentucky Home." Those ladies decked out in their spring outfits and gorgeous hats, what a fashion parade!

On Derby Day it's time for mint juleps*. It's not surprising that mint juleps are popular in the South, mint is a symbol of hospitality and this drink brings forth the ideal image of genteel gatherings sprinkled with that sweet Southern drawl...

*Recipe for Miss Janice's Mint Julep
1 tblsp. granulated sugar
8 mint leaves
1 tblsp. water
4 oz. Kentucky bourbon
Crushed ice
Sprig of fresh mint

Place sugar and mint leaves in a small bowl. Bruise mint well and muddle with sugar until they form paste. Add water and stir well. Add bourbon; pour into julep cups (which have been frosted in the freezer) and fill with crushed ice. Insert sprig of fresh mint and silver straw. Each julep should be made separately.

It is considered proper to drink mint juleps with a sterling mint julep straw/spoon. Simply use the spoon to stir the julep and sip your beverage through the tiny hole at the end. This is one of the very few times a lady should use a straw to drink a beverage. It's also acceptable to use a straw when you are drinking a coke out of a can or when you've "taken ill and are in the bed."

A sterling mint julep straw/spoon...stir with one end and sip from the other.
Could you possibly get more Southern?
I will be watching the race with friends...no fancy event. "Here's What I'll be Wearing." A very casual, but just darling Lilly shift with a butterfly print. The white cardigan sweater throw is from Land's End. I just love the embroidery work on this cute dress!

Since I simply cannot find a white cover for my Lilly Bermuda bag handle, I'm going with the lime-ish green cover and a lime-ish green ribbon bow for my ponytail. I'm wearing my brand-spankin' new white Bonanno's. The jewelry--a pearl bracelet, the matching pearl stud earrings, and my Cartier roll-ring wedding band

Hostess gift...hmmm, I found this Mint Julep mix at TJ Maxx awhile back. I kind of like the package, but that thing attached...and that tacky ribbon. No ma'am, it's cute, but not chic enough for me...

I took the julep mix out, placed it in a silver mint julep cup, made a gift card with several recipes on the back, and tied a silver mint julep straw/spoon with a green dotted ribbon. I wanted it to be Southern...and Memorable.

Saturday will be a fun-filled day for me. I'm starting my day running in the Turtle Trot 5K race in Jupiter, Florida. After freshening up, I will explore the town, come back home, rest a little and get ready for the Derby!

I hope that y'all have a wonderful weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by today.