KENTUCKY DERBY: MINT JULEP

Whether you are at Churchill Downs or in the comfort of your home, this is the perfect weekend to enjoy a mint julep.  Here is a recipe that is sure to get you in the Derby spirit.  Enjoy! 

Ingredients: 

3 Fresh mint leaves

1 Tablespoon of mint simple syrup 

Crushed ice 

1-1/2 - 2 tablespoons of bourbon 

1 (4 inch) cocktail straw 

1 Fresh mint sprig 

Powdered sugar (optional) 

Preparation: 

Place mint leaves and mint simple syrup in a chilled julep cup.  Gently press leaves against cup with back of spoon to release flavors.  Pack cup tightly with crushed ice;  pour bourbon over ice.  Insert straw, place mint spring directly next to straw, and serve immediately. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Image and recipe via Southern Living 

www.myrecipes.com 

KENTUCKY DERBY: HATS HATS HATS!

This week I am anxiously anticipating my first trip to the Kentucky Derby. When I decided to attend, I knew that this was the time to have a fabulous hat.  Unfortunately, there are very few occasions in the Northeast where one wears a hat of this style.  So with this in mind, I started looking.  Color, shape, scale, and embellishments were important items to consider.  My mother was also in on the search and sure enough, she found a great source!  Samuel's Hats in New York City.  If you are looking for a hat for the Kentucky Derby or any occasion, this is a great place to look.  www.samuelshats.com

My festive bright pink hat arrived in a round hat box and has patiently waited for it's debut. I will present my hat to you on Derby day, but  for the days leading up to Saturday, I will share festive inspiration.   

 

Images via Pinterest 

SPRING: GET THE LOOK

Get the garden stool look this Spring with one of these white or blue and white stools.  If you are thinking color, you should still check these sources because many of these are available in a variety of colors.  

1.) Williams - Sonoma Home Blossom Garden Seat www.williams-sonoma.com

2.) Williams - Sonoma Home Hexagonal Geometric Garden Seat www.williams-sonoma.com

3.) Safaviah Tao Garden Stool safavieh.com

4.) Wisteria Indian Rings Stool www.wisteria.com

5.) Ballard Designs Classic Garden Seat www.ballarddesigns.com

6.) Williams - Sonoma Home Cane Garden Seat www.ballarddesigns.com

7.) Safaviah Isola Garden Stool safavieh.com

Get the chinoiserie look this Spring without investing in an entire room!  Try framed silk panels by Bungalo 5.  The great thing about these, is if you decide to move or maybe change the decor of the room, you can easily relocate them to a different space.  

Bungalo 5 Sunset Set of 2 Silk Panels www.bungalow5.com

Bungalo 5 Green Garden Set of 2 Framed Silk Panels www.bungalow5.com

Bungalo 5 Cairo Set of 2 Framed Silk Panels www.bungalow5.com

SPRING: GARDEN STOOL

Nothing shouts Spring quite like a garden stool.  They are great as side tables, seating, or decoration, and can be used indoors or outside.  Garden stools come in a variety of shapes and colors, however my personal favorites are white or blue and white.  I find a garden stool to be a great addition to any space.  Here is some inspiration for your Spring decorating. 

Images via Pinterest 

SPRING: CHINOISERIE

This Spring I am loving Chinoiserie wall coverings for any room in the house.  Of course, my favorite are the gorgeous custom hand painted panels by Gracie, but there are many others including De Gournay and Zuber.  If you are looking for a way to turn your entry, dining room, powder room, bedroom, or maybe even your laundry room into a stunning gem, I suggest adding vibrant Chinoiserie paper.  Here are a few examples for inspiration. 

Images via Pinterest

SPRING: GOING GREEN

Today might feel like winter, but Spring is upon us.  Days will continue to get longer, trees will display chartreuse budding leaves, and flowers will fill once snowy garden beds.  Spring-like days can not come quick enough.  For this reason, I love anything that gets me into the Spring spirit and these days I can not stop thinking about the color green.  Perhaps, this began with the celebration of St. Patrick's Day.  Or maybe it was a recent meeting with Marvic Textiles, where I was inspired by Safari in Lime, a stunning vibrant chartreuse cotton velvet.  In addition to celebrations and design influences, I think the arrival of golf season has also played a part.  

I look forward to a casual afternoon of golf, either as a player on the course or as a spectator from the comfort of home.  Today marks the beginning of the Masters, and what better day, than today to enjoy this great game.  There is something very relaxing about watching these talented professionals attempt to maintain their cool, while achieving the fewest strokes to a small hole.  The color green plays an important role in the game of golf and the Masters.  Sprawling bright green fairways and greens are one.  But the iconic green jacket is what many think of when the Masters is mentioned. 

In order to continue my "think-Spring" fling, I will spend the next couple of posts sharing all things Spring that inspire me.  Some of these green and others not.  But for today and the remainder of the week, the Masters is where I will be tuning in. 

Images via Pinterest