Kentucky Derby Recap

Another Kentucky Derby.  Another year I have not been able to travel to Churchill Downs to cross this must-do Southern event off of my Bucket List.

What to do?  Well, I just got out my derby dresses and mint julep cups and pretended that I was there!

I kicked off Derby weekend on Thursday.  It was a dark and rainy day in South Florida, but I brought a little sunshine into the day during Afternoon Tea with my Outfit of the Day.  The Lilly 'Giddy Up' Del Mar dress is one of my faves.  I wore it with white Revas, a white cardi, and carried a white Bermuda Bag.  And, of course, pearls.

The Diamond Tearoom in Stuart has the best Afternoon Tea in my area!  Their Afternoon Tea includes soup, salad, tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets.  Everything was just perfect and I enjoyed the steaming hot fruit and almond tea.  If you are ever in the Stuart, Florida area, be sure to visit this tearoom, which is located at 3868 SE Dixie Highway.  You can contact them at 772.781.5153 for more information.

The Lilly Derby Day 'Low Riders' print shift is another all-time favorite of mine.  I wore this for 'Happy Hour' on Friday afternoon with a white cardi, white Jacks, and carried my white Bermuda Bag.

 On Derby Day, we went to the track to watch a few races and make our bets...then off to a Derby Party!  I wore the Lilly 'Just Add Mint' skirt, with a pink J Crew ruffle blouse and white cardi.  I wore my pink and green monogrammed Bonanno sandals and carried my Bosom Buddy Bag.  I adore the print of this skirt, but I'm done with the new Lilly skirts...they just don't fit me right.  I'll stick with the dresses from now on, unless I can find cute Pulitzer Prize old-school Lilly skirts.

I love going to the horse track...always have!

I always bet on horse/dog #1...makes it easy and I don't have to think!  Unfortunately horse #1 "Black Onyx" was scratched.  Well, that messed up my karma.  I then decided to bet on horse #6 "Mylute"--only because I liked the name and I like cute loot!  My horse didn't win but I had a fabulous day!

Of course, I had to sip a little Mint Julep before going to track...non-alcoholic, of course.  It is considered proper to drink Mint Juleps with a sterling Mint Julep strawspoon.  Simply use the spoon to stir the julep and sip your beverage through the tiny hole at the other 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, a large to-go cup of sweet tea, or when you've "taken ill and are in the bed."

Miss Janice's Mint Julep Iced Tea*

I provided the Derby Straws for the party...

Celebrating the day...Merlot Hour!

And, I prepared a couple of Kentucky Derby food faves...

The Hot Brown Sandwich is the favorite of many Southern hostesses during Derby.  The Hot Brown sandwich was created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville by Fred Schmidt in 1926.  It's an open-faced sandwich of turkey and ham, covered in Mornay sauce and bacon and tomatoes and then baked.

There are many different variations and recipes for the Hot Brown...Today I chose to prepare Paula Deen's Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole**  Packed full of calories, but definitely a crowd fave!

Benedictine Spread*** is another must-serve dish on Derby Day.  Miss Jennie C. Benedict, a Louisville caterer, created Benedictine Spread before the turn of the century.  Today I chose to make the spread for tea-style sandwiches and added a drop of green food coloring to the recipe.

Finally, I chose to serve a Derby Pie.  Delicious!  This pie was the specialty pastry of the Melrose Inn, at Prospect, Kentucky.  George Kern, manager of the restaurant developed the Derby Pie recipe and Kern's Kitchen bakes these pies today in a small family commercial kitchen.

The Derby Pie is best served by heating it in the oven at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  Top it off with a dallop of whip cream!

Next year, I will buy several of these pies...A huge hit!

*Recipe for Miss Janice's Mint Julep Iced Tea
10 mint leaves
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
3 cups cold, sweet tea
Crushed ice

Combine the mint, lemon, and lime in a 2-qt pitcher; crush the lemon, lime, and mint with the back of a big spoon.  Stir in the cold tea.  Serve over ice with a mint leaf for garnish.

This is a nice refreshing non-alcoholic beverage to sip during Derby time!

*Recipe for Paula Deen's Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole
8 slilces bread, cubed and toasted
1 lb. ham, cubed
1 lb. turkey, cubed
1 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 16-oz pkg processed cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 med tomato, seeded and diced

Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Placed toasted bread evenly over bottom of prepared baking dish.  Layer ham and turkey evenly over bread.  In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour until smooth; cook 2 minutes, whisking constantly.  Gradually whisk in milk; cook 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, or until thickened.  Add cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.  Pour over turkey, sprinkle evenly with bacon and tomato.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

***Recipe for Benedictine Spread
1 8 oz pkg of cream cheese, softened
1 tblsp mayo
3 tblsp grated cucumber, drained well with paper towel
1 tsp finely chopped green onions
Green food coloring optional.

Blend all ingredients and mix well.

Monograms on Monograms on Monograms

I do and I did!

So how much is too much monogramming?  I say "Too much is never enough!"

My traditional married monogram {jGs} is on my duvet cover and shams.  I use my traditional monogram on pretty much everything instead of using the modern version of my married monogram {jGk}, which includes my husband's first name initial on the right.  My husband doesn't care, because he's not into all the monogramming craziness anyway.

Fancy script font...

This is a font I don't normally use and I don't know the name, 'cuz I ordered this tote over the phone from The Snappy Turtle, but I think it worked well on the tote...

Monogrammed blouse pockets are popular now, and this one is monogrammed in a script font.

I love using monogramming decals on my glassware and the diamond font is one that I love!

Interlocking script is my favorite...I think it looks real prissy!

The circle font is another fave of mine...one that I used on bath towels and candles...

My monogram on the wall...interlocking script.

Interlocking script...pearls...pink and green cooler.  Perfection!

Love the circle font on my new notecards...

Fancy script on my koozies...

Interlocking script on my ponycap...

Fancy script on my soap...Lord have mercy that silver needs to be polished!

I just picked up these bandannas today...monogrammed in a diamond font.  I'm gonna wear these as headbands to keep my hair out of my face while I'm on the treadmill!

Of course, my shower mat must be monogrammed--navy blue in a circle font.

Since I've Been Gone

Y'all, I have been having some issues with my internet service, so blogging is a slow difficult process right now.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been spending time with my family for the past couple of weeks.

Celebrated Mama's birthday in Sarasota with family...

Stopped off in Clearwater and picked up my Mama-in-Law and we had afternoon tea at the Camellia Rose Tea Room in Plant City, Florida

This is a beautiful tearoom located in the historic district of Plant City--near Tampa.  I failed to make a reservation, so we had to wait almost an hour to be seated.  While we waited...we browsed the boutique shop full of tea accoutrements, dresses, shoes, jewelry, and other prissy loot.

The proper Afternoon Tea was worth the wait...We had "Camellia's Afternoon Tea"...Assorted tea sandwiches, scones, and assorted desserts, along with a an endless pot of apricot tea.

"Here's What I Wore"  The tunic top is by Top It Off and the white denim pants are by Ralph Lauren.  I wore some turquoise jewelry, gold Jack Rogers, and carried a metallic gold Tory Burch wristlet.

I wore this outfit for a casual lunch with my Mama-in-Law...a white shirt with a pink monogram on the pocket from The Snappy Turtle, black denim pants from Ralph Lauren, Lilly 'Spike the Punch' tote, and 'Miller' Tory Burch thongs.

Off to church wearing a pink and white geo print shift by Escapada, a white J Crewlet cardi, white Tory Burch Revas, and pearls.

Last week, we headed down to the casino.  Husband was playing in a poker tournament, so Mama-in-Law and I played the slots!  I love video poker!

"Here's What I Wore"  The black and white tunic is by Royal Standard and the black Bermuda shorts are Ralph Lauren.  I wore Chanel jewelry, carried a black Izod wristlet, and wore white Bonanno sandals.

On the way to take Mama-in-Law back to Clearwater, we stopped in for tea at the Moffat's Tearoom in Dunedin.  This tearoom is in the historic downtown area of Dunedin, full of shops, cafes, and the beach!  Win Win!

This quaint little tearoom was very cute and the tea foods and tea were awesome!  I will definitely return to Moffat's on my next trip to Dunedin!

"Here's What I Wore"  I wore an aqua and pink monogrammed chevron tunic with my white denim paints, carried a cute Mudpie 'flamingo' clutch, and wore my pink Revas.

For a casual dinner, I wore this orchid pink Lilly 'Cassie' dress, with the Lilly Jubilee scarf, gold Jack Rogers, and a gold monogrammed tote from The Snappy Turtle.

Friday was a sad day for me.  It was the one-year anniversary of the death of my BFF Teresa Jane.  I decided to send her some balloons with messages up to her in heaven!  As I released the balloons, I remembered all the good times and vowed to watch until the balloons disappeared.  It seemed like forever until they became little tiny specks and then I couldn't see them anymore.  Y'all, they were not tied together, but stayed together until the end.  Tears were flowing.

RIP Teresa Jane

I'm Busy With The Mamas

Checking in.

I spent all last week with my Mama over in Sarasota...celebrating her birthday with her and her sister and tons of cousins, nieces, and nephews.  This week, I am entertaining my Mama-in-Law who is over from Clearwater.  I really haven't had much time to myself to write anything of interest...just taking time to be with my family.

I'll be back later next week!

The Pulitzer Prizes...A Tribute to Lilly Pulitzer

Lillian Pulitzer Rousseau, 1931 ~ 2013

What to say about Lilly Pulitzer that hasn't already been said?  Preps on social media have been tweeting their condolences, posting Lilly quotes on Facebook, and Instagramming themselves in Lilly outfits.  Bloggers have posted their tributes of the preppy style icon--The Preppy Princess and The Classic Preppy both did a wonderful job.

What a colorful life Ms. Rousseau led...and what a legacy of beauty and color she left behind!  Of course, I love wearing Lilly and cherish my collection...every single piece!  I love the clothes, the accessories, and as you know, have even decorated a guest bath with a Lilly theme.  All of the Lilly items available to us today are must-haves for Lilly lovers, but for me, it's all about the shift!

This is one of my very favorite photos of Lilly and I used it as inspiration for the tablescape of a Lilly-themed luncheon I hosted several years ago.

Lilly Pulitzer in her store on Worth Avenue

The Soleil Classic Shift was the centerpiece of my dessert table.


Y'all know that this style, the Classic Shift is my very favorite style of Lilly.  The fit just works for me.  Of course, I'm also obsessed with the little bows at the hem.  In the post by The Preppy Princess, Lilly Pulitzer once said of the Lilly shift "The Lilly holds everything in.  When that whimsical shift is on, you can't tell what is happening underneath."  And that my friends, is the truth!  That is why I love them so.  They are cute and colorful, while hiding my not-so-perfect figure.

Becoming a Lilly Pulitzer Collector
Collecting Lilly is fun and easy.  As I mentioned above, there are many sites online to purchase Lilly Pulitzer.  Of course, Lilly Pulitzer has a site and there are numerous online Lilly stores.  But, for those of us who don't buy every single dress we want each season, we stalk eBay, Etsy, and the re-sale sites on Facebook.  So searching for that perfect Lilly item is fun!  I like to hunt for certain prints and styles...The Classic Shift is my favorite, but I also love the Krista!  Here are some terms used by sellers/buyers that you need to know when you shop:

ISO = In search of
DISO = Desperately in search of
PP = Seller accepts paypal
GUC = Good used condition
VGUC = Very good used condition
EUC = Excellent used condition
NWT = New with tags
NWOT = New without tags

"Holy Grails" is a term that you might see mentioned on Lilly re-sale sites on Facebook and on eBay.  What are sellers/buyers speaking of?  Well, that would be a coveted, hard-to-find Lilly.  I have never been comfortable with using the term "Holy Grails" for clothes or even worse, the term "I worship at the Lilly altar."

My friend Gracie Beth, blogger at Preppy Southern Princess and an avid Lilly collector, recently coined the term "Pulitzer Prizes" instead of using "Holy Grails."  I love it and I'm obsessed!

Pulitzer Prizes it shall be forever more!!!

Here are some Lilly Lovers wearing their "Pulitzer Prizes" and I've also included photos of coveted "Pulitzer Prizes."

Gracie Beth, second from left, wearing the Elias White Zin Pulitzer Prize dress at her college graduation.

This is a Pulitzer Prize which Miss Gracie Beth is ISO...Fiesta Tiger Lilly dress.

Gracie Beth is also ISO this fabulous Harmon Jubilee shift.  I'm also ISO of this beauty!

Melissa Caligiuri, blogger at Create The Life You Love and a fashion icon herself in this Lilly Loving world, is wearing a Pulitzer Prize, the Posey Daisy Lane Lace dress and the green Kat Kitten Heels.

Hopsy, at Kappa Prep, {who surely has closets full of Lilly}, shown here on a trip to India...wearing the Worth Not So Crabby shift that many of us are in DISO!

Susan Romano Trader at Re-Lilly loves this Florida Loopy Pulitzer Prize shift.

Rachel of Rachel's Lilly Pad on Facebook, loves this Pulitzer Prize...the Cali Jubilee Shift in Coronado Crab 

Lori Lee B, a cute Lilly Lover, looks great in the Eryn Yellow/White Wrapping Stripe dress...a modern day Pulitzer Prize

Rachel, of A Preppy State of Mind, is wearing the Lowe Pretty Pink Tootie dress, the Goodie Goodie bracelet and necklace, and the green Kat Kitten Heels--all Pulitzer Prizes.

And, just to make y'all smile, Miss Rachel's sweet shorkie Jaycee, loves Lilly and wears it well!  Jaycee definitely lives a colorful life!

 Angela, blogger at The Southern Fried Bride, wore the Pulitzer Prize Seamus Dripping in Jewels for her first wedding anniversary photo.

Lots of Lilly Lovers, including myself, are ISO of this precious Pulitzer Prize...the Jubilee Charity Shift.

Anything in the Checking In pattern is hard-to-find.

The Dark and Stormy is another Pulitzer Prize...and one that's also on my ISO list.

That's right!  It's never enough and I'm constantly on the hunt for "Pulitzer Prizes" and updating my Lilly Pulitzer inventory.  This is the binder I use for all my Lilly stuff...

I have kept photo copies of every "Lilly Outfit of the Week" post I did a couple of years ago.  They all still make me smile...especially this one!

The binder holds all my research info on how to collect Lilly, how to spot fakes, Lilly patterns, et cetera.

Of course, I have my list of ISO's and trust me, I search daily!!!

I cherish my Lilly collection and every single item is a favorite.  I do own a few Pulitzer Prizes and would never part with them...

This would have to be my hands-down fave.  In fact, I am attending the memorial service for Lilly Pulitzer on Thursday in Palm Beach and this is the front runner OOTD.  I have never attended a funeral/memorial service wearing anything other than black.  But, it's Lilly Pulitzer and I believe she would want a colorfully-dressed group of people attending her service!
*Edit on Tuesday evening...Change of plans--not going to the service.

The Andry Charmed shift...a Pulitzer Prize

The Oh Jackie shift is another of my faves...a Pulitzer Prize!

The Margarita Shrimp Cocktail Krista, with bows at the hem--love, love, love this one!

I love the Cabana Banana Classic Shift.  It is a fabulous print and has the little bows at the hem.

So, what are your Pulitzer Prizes?  What print are you ISO?


"That's what life is all about.  Let's have a party.  Let's have it tonight!"
~Lilly Pulitzer