Kentucky Derby Hats

Kentucky Derby Hats

And they're off! Off to go shopping for the perfect Kentucky Derby accessories, that is. Give them all a run for their money with the winning Derby-worthy accessory- the hat.
Derby Do: The Hat
Fabulous hats are an accessory must-have and a beloved tradition at the Kentucky Derby. Large or small, Derby hats are seldom understated. Some people even add their own homemade decorations, making their hats wearable mini-sculptures, from creative to outrageous!

Photo Credits: Brooke Shields, Diane Lane, Jenny McCarthy

Roses became the official flower of the Derby in 1925, so red roses are popular as decorations on hats- like on the exquisite one below at the Run for the Roses, as the Derby is known.

Photo Credit

Derby Style Tip
And since your headwear will be the champion of your ensemble, you'll show good horse if you choose your hat first- like the ones below from Charming Charlie, then plan the rest of your outfit around it, rather than the other way around. It's smart to bring your hat with you if possible while you shop for your dress and shoes, to see if the total effect is what you're after. It seems to be generally agreed that the more elaborate your hat, the simpler the rest should be.

Not going to the race? No worries. Now that you know what to wear, wear it to a Derby party or throw one yourself. Dressing up in Derby-worthy attire and accessories brings the atmosphere to wherever you're celebrating this time-honored rite of Spring.

Kentucky Derby Hats Charming Charlie

A Waffle House Valentine's Day

Because it's Valentine's Day (A day I hate. You will prob recall, I have written post on my disdain. Search Valentine if you dare), I thought I would rerun this cheeky/cheesey post on my cheap date from 2009. Enjoy. And lots o love!


 

Ha! How else to spend Valentine's Day than by being scattered, smothered and covered?

I took Waffle House regional manager, Calvin Stokesbary up on his offer to guarantee Big Daddy and I a "different & romantic experience" on the Waffle House. Not to mention that this idea made my penny pinching husband happy. I figured he'd get a charge out of going to work on Monday telling his coworkers how he managed to get lucky by taking his wife to WH while the others had to shell out a pretty penny on some hoitey toitey meal. And Hey! I am a adventurous one, one that likes fun....and one who doesnt get into the idea much of Valentine's Day and one that loves a big plate of hashbrowns...so what did I have to loose? I made my reservation. Yes. Reservation. Who woulda thought?

Thanks to my oldest son, Bama, Big Daddy and I had a night to ourselves. When we arrived, at the Calera Waffle House, Big Daddy and I had to wait just a short time before we were seated. Every single table was occupied by elegantly dressed couples, as if they had all just come from church or a broadway show. The Waffle House was only accepting reservations for tables. If you didn't have a reservation, those customers were seated at the bar. I asked Calvin, he said that reservations were booked through 8 PM (which was actually almost 9PM, due to the fact that they allowed a 45 minute turnover time to seat guest and feed them).

After being seated in a corner, I noticed how sweet the place was decorated. Red tablecloths on the tables, candlelight at each table, soft mood music playing, and what the waitress pointed out on the table, a big candy heart dish full of candy for each guest to take home after the meal. A nice touch! And what about that stack of heart-shaped and lip-shaped waffles that passed by!

Also noted was the lighting. Calvin told me that each globe actually has two bulbs in it, but for tonight's occasion, one of the two globes were turned off to create a cozier feel. The globes were wrapped in a red netting.

Lastly, in the corner....with Big Daddy and me....a FOX 6 News TVphotographer. How is that for romance? I was a bit embarrassed after I spotted the camera facing me. Ok, more than just a bit. I was mortified. I really needed some color on my hair not to mention a haircut and most certainly my double chin would occupy much of the shot. Big Daddy, however, wanted to take full advantage of embarrassing our sweet children at home and began to unbutton his shirt a couple buttons allowing chest hair to expose. I know. I really shouldn't even be mentioning this in a post on food, but I am being truthful here. Think John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Tell me that you know what I am talking about. Please.

I gave Big Daddy the stink eye and a few verbal threats through my fake smile. He must have known I meant business because he did button his shirt back up. For the love.....

"Excuse me, would you mind if I asked you both a few questions?" asked the photographer.

Heaven help me. Why was I freaking out so? I didn't want to be on tv. Again....my hair was the least of it. Surely he and Big Daddy saw my look of panic. Deer in the Headlights. I couldn't even speak. Me!!! What was up? I looked over to Calvin who was standing near the door, grinning from ear to ear. Were they incahoots?

"Sure! We'd love to!" answered Big Daddy. Who was this man next to me? Surely not my quiet husband, who hates attention and the spotlight. This was where I began to wonder if I was sitting in my own nightmare sequence. "I DO NOT WANT TO." I said aloud. And very convincingly, I might ad.
dream

"It's ok, you don't have to say anything. We'll let your husband talk." the photographer answered back to me. Like that helped. And with that, the camera and lights were on, capturing my panic, glistening grey hairs and double chin, for all the world...ok Birmingham and surrounding metro areas....to see. Before I knew it, it was all said and done. A pretty painless operation with exception to my stunned look...and whatever I might have mumbled into the mic about me being a cheap date. Yep, that would make the parents and kids sitting at home proud. I am trying to find the video. When I do, I will post it for a good laugh.

Onto the meal. I was in the in the mood for what the Waffle House is famous for, a plate of waffles. Big Daddy opted to be "scattered, covered and smothered, with a Steak sandwich for his main entree. I told you we are easy to please. The food was good. We left fat and sassy (forgive the use of the "F" word for effect, my children arent even allowed to use that word in our home. You know FAT, such an ugly word, but for lack of expression here).

Fat.
Sassy.

And impressed. What a cheeky.....yet cute and filling Valentine's day! That was certainly one for the books. We got scattered, covered and smothered for Valentine's Day...all for $15.00.

Did you? Don't answer that. I just hope it was a good one for you.

Links:

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/02/waffle_houses_in_moody_calera.html

http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0209/595139.html

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/13/alabama-waffle-houses-primp-valentines-day/

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AL_WAFFLE_HOUSE_VALENTINES_ALOL-?SITE=WVTMTV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/1234516602298890.xml&coll=2

Sweet Melissa Host Christmas Clematogether

Hello Friends! I hope your Christmas was a good one! Mine has been one of many counted blessings which is always good. Its been a very busy couple of weeks leading up to the holiday! I hope to bring you up to speed this week before we move into a new year and new adventures.

My friend Sweet Melissa hosted our group of friends, you know the ones that refer to themselves as the Clematis Club, for a "Christmas Clematogether". 

Melissa was a wonderful host, welcoming us into her home...

While welcoming us with a smile....

She was so proud of that Christmas sweater she found, as a gag really to garner smiles from our group.

Speaking of our group...here is one side of the room commanding the sofa, while spinning some tales..

Being with these women is always special times.
We have shared so much in our lives, that our friendship goes beyond that, we are a family.

This year instead of store bought gifts my friend Boss and I came up with the idea of HOMEMADE gifts.
And in the name of Christmas, we discovered It was the best idea we have had to date.

My friend Zinnia, Warrior Princess brought her special secret spices...

While we also racked up with wood crafted Santa ornaments, curry dip, English toffee and friendship bread......... jewelry and more wonderful gifts.
My husband and family were delighted...."You should do this every year!!!!"
Of course they say this for their own benefit from the gifts I received.
But I whole heartily agreed!!!

But beyond all the homemade gifts, the greatest gift was evident....

FRIENDSHIP

That is priceless....its the cement.

Alright....yada yada yada...now lets get onto some real pictures that will make you drool, some of the yummies that were brought and shared tonight.....

Including Melissa's incredibly beautiful cheeseball tray.

Tis true! A feast for the eyes! I don't lie!

Might I tempt you with more....
Like this LA Caviar..

LA being "Lower Alabama".

And my homemade salsa-always a favorite with husbands....but they were no where in sight, so no sharing tonight!

The Grinch would not approve.

 It was a  Whos' feast!
Who-pudding! Roast beast!

WHo Hash...

My stash....

There were so much yumminess we we were running the floor

Melissa's homemade Toffee-it was to die for!

I went back and I went back for more and more and more....

It's enough to make you silly...or perhaps it was the wine.

No! Indeed it was the laughter...which truly is intoxicatingly fine.

As it is when good girlfriends get together!
Hope your Gatherings were as joyful and festive!

Santa Claus Came to Town!

Santa Claus arrived early recently for my friend Diva's annual Snacks with Santa!

Diva is always so kind to invite me to photograph the event!

Santa arrived to a houseful of delighted children of all ages.

He read "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

After the story, he took Christmas request list...

Even my own children did me the favor of attending this year.
You never outgrow Santa!

By the smile on Sister Sledge's face, she must have made the good list.
Although the final verdict is still out until Christmas Eve!

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Celebrations 2011

I hope your Thanksgiving was one that had you reflecting on many blessings. Mine did! While we were saddened by the losses of precious family members, we feel so fortunate to have such great memories and have had such good times!
Thank you all for such kind sentiments regarding the passing of both Big Daddy's grandfather and my father in law last week. Despite the loss, we were determined to celebrate their lives and know they would want us to continue on with plans. Therefore we did! We had our annual Thanksgiving celebration, hosted my my cousins Michael and Christie.
As always, they out did themselves...and as always I outdid myself with the seconds of food :)
After lunch, my family drove to Indiana to be with Big Daddy's side of the family and attend the funeral of his grandfather. We did get to spend some time with family up there, that we don't get to see often enough. Grandma is doing remarkably well. I am sure in the days to come, it will be more difficult, but his illness was one in which his passing is considered a blessing. He has the ultimate Thanksgiving, that I am certain.

Here is a look at our Thanksgiving celebration!...

Post Lunch :

Lots of picture taking....

Games (Dirty Santa)

And of course the annual Turkey Toss.....

Then it was in the car and on the way to Indiana....

Where we spent quality time with the Bratina bunch....

And on Saturday it was a rushed trip back home, leaving at the crack of dawn, literally.
Well actually before the crack of dawn....
but in everything there is something to benefit.
Like this beautiful show, that I would have missed had I slept in....

We got home JUST in time to watch the ball game.
Yes.
THE BALLGAME.
And the Tide ROLLED.
ROLL TIDE!
It was a game, well played by both teams.
This week, I cannot wait to show/tell you about my time spent with the "Man in RED"
Aka, "The Big Man"
Stay Tuned.

But for now....I am exhausted!