About Me
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Something Old
12:12 PM | 
Posted by
Sophisticated Stationery |
Something old . . .
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| Emma Invitation |
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| Vintage Dessert Bar |
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| Lace Cake |
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| White Flower Bouquet |
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| White Boutonniere |
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| Aisle Lights |
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| Bridesmaid Dress |
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| Jar of Honey Favors |
From top to bottom: Emma Invitation - Sophisticated Stationery; Vintage Dessert Bar, Lace Cake, White Flower Bouquet, White Boutineer, Aisle Lights and Jar of Honey Favors - The Knot; Bridesmaid Dress - Morilee
Labels:
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Graduation
Well, two down and one to go! That's what I told my husband this weekend when our second child graduated from high school. While exciting, it's also a little bittersweet. But before the tears begin to flow again . . .I thought you might like to see what we did for the luncheon we gave in her honor immediately following the ceremony.
We used the Red & Navy Stripe Invitation because she will be attending the University of Mississippi in August and the school colors are red & blue. Not her actual invitation pictured but you get the idea.
I used card stock paper and stickers to make these messages that hung from the chandelier with red and blue raffia. For the supplies, I went to Michaels and shopped the scrapbook aisle.
I had some extra daisies that I cut short and used two small mason jars to place them in. I love mason jars and keep a variety of sizes on hand that I use for all kinds of things. Wal-Mart always has a good selection.
This Fruit Salad recipe is a family favorite! It's a Paula Deen recipe I found in the March/April 2009 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen. I've made it several times since then and my family gobbles it up each time. So nice they gobble something healthy! Well, it is healthy under the whipped cream-cream cheese topping!!
For the citrus salad I just toss mandarin oranges, grapefruit sections and some toasted pecans with salad greens and then top with this old Celery Seed Dressing. My kids would eat it with a spoon if I would let them! This salad is yummy in summer and I often serve it with some grilled chicken and avocado slices as an entree on a hot summer day.
Who put that chair there? I think my little cousin twins did. They kept stealing strawberries off the table when they thought I wasn't looking! This is the danger of having fruit loose.
Well, two down and one to go! Our son, Ben, graduated in 2008, Grace in 2011 and our youngest daughter, Sarah Kate, won't graduate until 2016 so it will be a little while before another high school graduation and I think that's okay. Spreading them out just a little is good for Momma's nerves! Grace was tickled with the lunch and she deserved every minute of it. Hope you get an idea or two you can use from her special day!
Until next time! Lori
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| Red & Navy Stripe Invitation |
We used the Red & Navy Stripe Invitation because she will be attending the University of Mississippi in August and the school colors are red & blue. Not her actual invitation pictured but you get the idea.
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| We're so proud of you! |
I used card stock paper and stickers to make these messages that hung from the chandelier with red and blue raffia. For the supplies, I went to Michaels and shopped the scrapbook aisle.
I folded the 8.5" x 11" paper in half and taped them closed. Hole punched two holes and threaded the blue and red raffia through. Then I added personalized messages on both sides of the cards with letter stickers and tied them around the candlesticks of my dining room chandelier.
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| Messages on both sides of paper. |
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| Varying heights add interest. |
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| I just love easy centerpieces! |
Grace's favorite things are strawberries and daisies. It makes for an attractive centerpiece that's easy on the pocketbook. I layered the lemon slices and strawberries after placing a mason jar of water in the center of my larger vase. Then simply add the daises. We used the school mascot and a framed picture of Grace with more lemons and strawberries. The table runner is an old picnic tablecloth I had that I just folded to make the runner on the table.
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| Fruit Salad and Citrus Salad |
I had some extra daisies that I cut short and used two small mason jars to place them in. I love mason jars and keep a variety of sizes on hand that I use for all kinds of things. Wal-Mart always has a good selection.
I used my everyday white ironstone plates and kept the menu simple. A citrus salad with a yummy dressing recipe passed down from a friend's grandmother. (Recipe below.) A fruit salad, lima beans, poppy seed chicken casserole and rolls.
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| Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole |
I love to have varying heights on a table and I use all kinds of serving pieces not necessarily as they are intended. I used my cake stand that when you invert it they tell you to use it as a punch bowl. I thought it was perfect for the salad and as you can see I used my gravy boat to serve the salad dressing. I served the poppy seed chicken casserole in my Emile Henry Auberge Ruffled casserole dish that I just happened to already have in red! The lima beans were in an Emile Henry blue bowl from my collection.
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| "Diploma" cutlery |
I took a cue from the diploma she was to receive
and used just plain white dinner napkins to wrap the red and blue plastic cutlery. Tied with the red and blue raffia and placed in an antique milk bottle carrier, they were an attractive addition to the table.
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| Fruit Salad with Cream Cheese Pecan Topping |
This Fruit Salad recipe is a family favorite! It's a Paula Deen recipe I found in the March/April 2009 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen. I've made it several times since then and my family gobbles it up each time. So nice they gobble something healthy! Well, it is healthy under the whipped cream-cream cheese topping!!
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| Citrus Salad with Mrs. Henry's Celery Seed Dressing |
Here's the recipe:
Mrs. Henry's Celery Seed Dressing
2/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. celery seed
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 c. honey
1/3 c. vinegar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. grated onion
1 c. salad oil
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Add honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk together to blend. Add salad oil in a slow stream while mixing. (This dressing will be thick because of the honey. I store any leftovers in the fridge but set it out to bring it to room temperature before serving again, though with my family there's usually not much left.)
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| Poppy Seed Chicken |
I have to admit I cheated! I do make a nice
poppy seed chicken casserole, but this time I let someone else do the cooking! Sometime it's just easier and Katie's Kitchen does a lovely job. All I
had to do was pop it in the oven when we got back and by moving it over to my dish, no one was the wiser, well, until now that is!
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| Katie's Kitchen |
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| Miss Muff'n Strawberry Cake |
OK, I'd love to say I was talented enough to bake
this cute cake and while I might could bake it, frosting it is another matter! I picked it up from a lovely little bakery in town - so much easier that way! Miss Muff'n Bakery makes a yummy strawberry cake with strawberry filling and was the perfect dessert for our luncheon.
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| The whole table |
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| It wasn't us! |
Well, two down and one to go! Our son, Ben, graduated in 2008, Grace in 2011 and our youngest daughter, Sarah Kate, won't graduate until 2016 so it will be a little while before another high school graduation and I think that's okay. Spreading them out just a little is good for Momma's nerves! Grace was tickled with the lunch and she deserved every minute of it. Hope you get an idea or two you can use from her special day!
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| Grace Ellen Hanks - Class of 2011 |
Her cap and gown photo taken by Holland Studio of Photography. A momma has to brag a little right? Did I mention she graduated with a 3.8?! Love you Gracie!
Until next time! Lori
Friday, May 6, 2011
Something Blue
There is something so timelessly elegant about blue and white. Check out this idea board for a blue themed wedding:
L to R: Our own invitation, Sophia; Southern Living's Peony, Hydrangea and Garden Rose Bouquet; The Knot's Chocolate Cream Cake; The Pearl Girl's Shake it Up Bracelet; The Perfect Necktie's Navy Blue Bow Tie; Pegeen's Tulle Flower Girl Dress; and Wedding Splendor's Blue Bridal Shoes.
Monday, May 2, 2011
RUN FOR THE ROSES - THE KENTUCKY DERBY
Run for the Roses – The Kentucky Derby
The 137th Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2011. The Run for the Roses is the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Considered to be the greatest two minutes in sports, three year olds run their hearts out for a mile and a quarter on a dirt track. The Derby is the first round of the Triple Crown and is as big a social event as it is a race. No matter where you live, the Derby is an excellent excuse to throw a party. Check out some of these ideas!
Décor:
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| (Photo: Taste of Home) |
Think silver, roses (red of course) and horses! The Derby makes you think of men in seersucker suits and ladies with hats. Think along those lines and you’re sure to have a beautiful table.
Menu:
Every self respecting derby party will have on the menu:
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| (Photo: Southern Living) |
Mint Juleps:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs
Crushed Ice
Kentucky Bourbon
Combine sugar and water and boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Cool. Pour over a handful of mint. Refrigerate overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves and continue to refrigerate. This will keep several weeks and individual juleps may be made as desired.
For each serving, fill an 8 ounce glass with crushed ice. (Traditionally these cocktails are served in silver julep cups.) Add one tablespoon syrup and one tablespoon water. Add 2 ounces Bourbon. Stir gently until glass is frosted. Insert straw and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Recipe from The Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook
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| (Photo: Taste of Home) |
Benedictine Spread:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon dill weed
1 drop green food coloring, optional
3/4 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber, patted dry
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
Pita bread wedges or snack rye bread
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, white pepper, dill and food coloring if desired; beat until smooth. Stir in cucumber and onion. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with pita or snack rye bread. Yield: 1-3/4 cups.
Recipe from Taste of Home
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| (Photo: Southern Living) |
Kentucky Hot Browns:
4 thick white bread slices
3/4 pound sliced roasted turkey
Mornay Sauce
1 cup (4-oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese
3 plum tomatoes, sliced
8 bacon slices, cooked
Preheat broiler with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and broil 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until toasted.
Arrange bread slices in 4 lightly greased broiler-safe individual baking dishes. Top bread with turkey slices. Pour hot Mornay Sauce over turkey. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Broil 6 inches from heat 3 to 4 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned; remove from oven. Top sandwiches with tomatoes and bacon. Serve immediately.
Mornay Sauce:
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup (2-oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Melt butter in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Recipe from Southern Living
Games:
“Better’s Choice”
To add to the excitement of the day, everyone enjoys a friendly wager, be it matchsticks or money. For your pari-mutuel pool, first set a price for each ticket. A dollar is usually the simplest. Slips of paper can be passed around and each guest can write his or her name and choice for the winning horse in the Derby. Betting only to “win,” a guest may buy as many tickets as he or she wants. As soon as the race results are official, count the winning tickets, divide that number into the total money bet, and you have the payoff for each winning entry. Another idea is to have a large sheet of paper and list in order the post positions of all the horses running in the Derby on the left side of the paper. Across the top of the sheet write “Win,” “Place,” and “Show” and draw lines to form squares. The guests betting write their names in the square of their horse and whether they want to win, place or show. They may bet as many times as they wish at one dollar per bet. After the official results, the money is totaled in the “Win” column and divided among the winners. Do the same with “Place” and “Show.” With this method you can bet “across the board.”
For information on the field, according to www.kentuckyderby.org here are the top contenders for this year’s Run for the Roses:
Kentucky Derby Contenders
It’s almost easier to run down the horses that aren’t contenders in the 2011 Kentucky Derby than to cover the ones that are. A crazy turn of events among the highest profile contenders has left this year’s ‘Run for the Roses’ one of the most wide open in history. Below is a list of top contenders as of April 25 and their status for Kentucky Derby betting.
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| (Photo: Eclipse Sportswire) |
UNCLE MO: What a roller coaster ride it’s been for the former Kentucky Derby favorite. After a third place finish in the Wood Memorial his connections had a blood test performed that revealed he ran the race with a gastrointestinal infection. The 2010 Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Champion is now uncertain to even start the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Todd Pletcher says that he won’t start unless he’s 100% and that he needs to have a very good training performance in the next week or it won’t even be considered. If he’s in the field he’s a factor, but based on everything that’s been going on that’s far from certain. |
| (Photo: Eclipse Sportswire) |
THE FACTOR: Another horse that has gone from a popular choice among the betting public to questionable to even make the race. The Factor has been shipped to Churchill Downs and galloped this morning for the first time since his arrival. The Factor is coming off a 7th place finish in the Arkansas Derby as a 4-5 favorite. Trainer Bob Baffert revealed that The Factor underwent a myectomy following the Arkansas Derby—it’s a fairly common procedure for horses that flip their soft palette to make breathing easier during strenuous physical exertion. Baffert said that this was much of the problem during the Arkansas Derby:“He displaced really badly in Arkansas. He was gugrling like a son of a gun.”
Baffert was happy with The Factor’s gallop on Monday and will have a better read on where he’s at after a workout on Wednesday. At this point, however, he’s still uncommitted for the Kentucky Derby:
“He seems happy, but right now I’m not even thinking about the Derby with him. I just want to see what his energy level and make sure we keep him sound. I’m going to have to feel really good about it to run him in the Derby. I didn’t feel really good about Jaycito, so we took him out. If not, we have plenty of options for The Factor, like the Preakness, the Met Mile or I could even sprint him.”
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| (Photo: Reed Palmer Photography) |
DIALED IN: With the struggles of Uncle Mo and The Factor, the lightly raced Nick Zito trained Dialed In has become the top choice among the Kentucky Derby betting public and horse racing experts. Dialed In won the Florida Derby by a head over Shackleford. There is considerable debate about the significance of winning the final prep race before the Kentucky Derby—only 6 horses since 1991 have done so—it’s worth noting that 2 of the last five Kentucky Derby winners also won the Florida Derby.
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| (Photo : Eclipse Sportswire) |
MUCHO MACHO MAN: With the unprecedented turmoil among Kentucky Derby favorites a solid—if unspectacular—horse like Mucho Macho Man has become one of the top contenders by default. Has a record of two wins in his last eight starts, though his last two performances have been solid including a win in the Risen Star and a third place finish in the Louisiana Derby. |
| (Photo: Eclipse Sportswire) |
JAYCITO: Jaycito was an early ‘wise guy’ choice for the Kentucky Derby, but has had a lot of problems recovering from a foot bruise sustained in his second place finish in the San Felipe Stakes. He was scratched from his next two races and earlier today it was confirmed by trainer Bob Baffert that he wouldn’t be fit enough to run in the Kentucky Derby either. |
| (Photo: Eclipse Sportswire) |
TOBY’S CORNER: A horse that was considered an also ran earlier this year has become a serious contender due to the problems among the presumptive favorites and a victory in the Wood Memorial. The last horse to win the Wood and the Kentucky Derby was Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000. Son of Bellamy Road has four wins and two thirds in six career races. Opened a 150-1 as a Kentucky Derby betting pick at the Wynn Sportsbook, now priced at 16-1. |
| (Photo Eclipse Sportswire) |
ARCHARCHARCH: 3-1-1 in six career starts including a win in the Arkansas Derby. Another horse that has benefitted from the defection among the top tier challengers—opened at 250-1 in the Wynn Sportsbook futures betting market, now 12-1.THE FIELD: More so this year than in any year in recent memory—if a horse is in the field he’s got a legitimate chance to win the race. There’s just not a dominant horse in the field and with variables like the weather in play this could be a year for a big longshot winner in the Kentucky Derby.
Find a list of the entire field and all the racing information you could want at www.horseracingnation.com.
Dress:
It is considered to be good luck for ladies to wear hats to the Derby. Encourage your guests to participate in this fun tradition.
Check out http://www.ladydianehats.com
Or try
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