Friday, May 1, 2009

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.

26 comments:

  1. Miss J, you will be just darling!

    I'll be at the pool tomorrow most of the day I'm sure, but will be coming inside for the race - of course wearing my gigantic hot pink sun hat in honor of the race! Have fun!!!

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  2. Miss Janice - you are so wonderful! Oh, to be in your circle......

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  3. We'll be going to a Derby party tomorrow afternoon also. I hope that the mint juleps there are half as good as your look!

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  4. Yes, your gift is chic and ever so Southern. The box with the wisk and tacky bow - that is a no. Have a fab time tomorrow!! You will look darling.

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  5. The outfit & the hostess gift are just perfect. I LOVE your new sandals. Are those usually true to size? I'd love a pair of monogrammed sandals for the summer. Have a wonderful time at the party. They are blessed to have a guest as thoughtful as you.

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  6. Thanks for the recipe, I plan on making some juleps later! I also love your outfit choice and hostess gift!!

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  7. Love your outfit! What a cute way to present your gift too. One day I will attend the Derby, but today I must watch from afar. I'm not sure they know how to make a mint julep up here in Michigan?!

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  8. Miss Janice! So classy and so elegant! Happy Derby Day you doll :)

    kHm

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  9. Perfect as usual! I'll have to try your recipe. I have never had a decent julep but I have never been to the south so what do I expect? :)

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  10. I ran to the fridge to get something to eat several times today. I fell once after too many mint juleps.
    Teresa Jane, your BFF and person who mosts wants to be like you. hee hee

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  11. Oh my, Miss Janice, you are a wonderful person. I love the bermuda bag and have been looking for a pattern to make one. Have a fun day.

    Cynthia

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  12. Sounds like such a fun day! Your dress is so cute, very bright and cheerful. :)

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  13. Hi Miss Janice, :)
    Thank you for entering my Red giveaway and posting about it.
    I always appreciate your kind visits.

    I must come back and read all your recent posts I have missed. So many lovely details to take in.

    Have a blessed Sunday.
    ~Melissa :)

    PS I cannot believe I have never tried a Mint Julep...
    Yours look very tasty!

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  14. Sounds like you will have a busy and interesting day, hope it's fun!
    Valerie

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  15. Hope you had a good day! Your outfit is darling! I've never tasted a Mint Julip. They sound good!

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  16. Janice...thanks so much for this yummy recipe! I will have to give it a whirl. I love that word "tacky"...it covers sooo many sins with one little word! LOL
    Love your Lilly dress and those darling sandals! Hope your race went well and you had a fun, fun day! Susan

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  17. I love this post!! My husband went to the University of Kentucky and knows the song well, it always brings him great memories!

    LOVE what you did with the mint julep mix!

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  18. Miss Janice, I just love this...OH so Southern Post! Love the outfit! And the way you fixed up that Mint Julep gift is adorable!!!
    Nancy

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  19. I love the Lilly dress!
    I just wanted to say that I've been a reader of your blog for a while and just today read through some of your older posts which enlightned me of your proximity to my parents who live in PGA Village. It's a very small world!
    xoxo Caroline

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  20. Your Majesty, I have your crown awaiting you this morning so please come by and pick it up so you can begin wearing it as soon as possible. :) Have a great Monday! XOXO

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  21. Miss Janice, I can't wait to try your recipe. And leave it to you to re-package your gift so perfectly:-)
    Hope you had a good run. We used to run the Turtle Trot too and I so miss it!
    Blessings, Suzanne

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  22. I wasn't in teh grandstands thsi year, sipping on a mint julep...maybe next! ;o) It really is on my lifetime to-do list.

    I did, of course, watch the race & I often serve mint juleps & hot browns but I skipped all the fuss this year. YOur get-together sure sounds like fun & I know you looked pretty in your outfit.

    Thansk for your kind comment on the loss of my Gizzy. He will be missed forever but Rudy is helping me to deal w/ it.

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  23. Being from Kentucky, I am a die hard fan of the Derby, I watched, wore a hat in honor of the day and sang my heart out on My Old Kentucky Home......
    But where oh where can I find the Mint Julip cup and straws??"??
    Help me please....I am a displaced Kentuckian and can't find them in Mississippi.
    Miss Kara
    PS: love the dress and Hostess gift.....you ROCK sister...

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  24. Miss Kara...Try Ebay, start there and then let me know if you can't find 'em and I'll do some research!

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  25. Thank you for the Julep recipe. I must ask, where can you find the wonderful spoon/straws? And also which bourbon do you suggest? I have always heard Makers Mark and nothing else. But today I read that the official Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby is made with Early Times Kentucky Whiskey.

    You will be the belle of the ball,er, derby party in your outfit. I love it. My husband would especially love the dress with butterflies as that is our personal little "love thing".

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