Category: Uncategorized

Bourbon, Cocktails, Entertaining, Horse Racing, Recipes, Uncategorized

Talk Derby To Me

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Talk Derby To Me
Talk Derby To Me

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Photo by Elissa Wiehn

Derby is coming!  It’s my favorite time of the year in Kentucky.  Everything is so festive and fun.  Even the weather is going to cooperate.  So this week all Bubbly Horse posts will be Derby related.

Let’s talk mint juleps.  Not the juleps that you buy at the track, they aren’t very good.  Let’s face it, you can’t have a good craft cocktail when you are preparing for the masses!

The key is the simple syrup.  It’s soooo easy to make and you can keep it in your fridge for several weeks.  All it is sugar and fresh mint leaves boiled down into a syrup.  It makes the drink so much better than when you use the mix.  You’ll see!

If you don’t have julep cups then use a regular glass.  I had a mint julep served in a Moscow mule cup the other day which was really good.  Just be creative and have fun! xoxo

Yield: Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
1  ounce minted simple syrup
2 cups crushed ice
2 ounces bourbon (I would use a quality bourbon versus a cooking bourbon)
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Preparation

Add minted simple syrup, then 1 cup crushed ice, bourbon, and splash of water (or not). Add enough of remaining ice to almost fill glass. Stir well and garnish with mint sprig.

champagne, Lexington, Kentucky, Shopping, Uncategorized

Totally Awesome!

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Totally Awesome!
Totally Awesome!

Last week we went to a new store opening in Lexington.  It was called Total Wine & More.  This is their second store in Kentucky, the other one is in Louisville.  According to their website they are located in 20 states.

I’m a big Costco fan and Trader Joe wine fan.  They have great wine available for a great price and are always very knowledgeable.  To be honest with you, if I’m at home I’m going to drink a $10 or less bottle of wine.  There’s plenty of wine that is really good for that price point.

Total Wine & More was totally awesome!  They had such a big collection of wine, beer and spirits.  For example, I’m a big Cava fan and other places may carry one or two brands of Cava.  I’m not kidding there were 20 brands at Total Wine!  I was in heaven.  I couldn’t fit them all in the photo.

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When you go, be sure to look in the glass cases.  That’s where the really good stuff is that you will want to check out.  It’s not everyday you see a $1,000 bottle of champagne in a fancy bottle!

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Total Wine is a great store.  On site they have a cigar humidor, a classroom, free wif-fi and a growler station (that has something to do with craft beer).  The coolest thing I saw was a wine chiller, in case you need a cold bottle FAST!

Be watching for wine classes.  This is totally going to be fun! xoxox

 

Amazon, Beauty, Shopping, Uncategorized

Satin Dreams

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Satin Dreams
Satin Dreams

How many of you use satin pillowcases?  Well if you don’t, get some ASAP!

There are so many reasons to use satin pillowcases.  The first reason is that when you are a side sleeper or a stomach sleeper the satin lets the skin glide easily across the pillow.  This is good for preventing wrinkles and also for preventing hair breakage.  Both of these are super important!

The second reason is that satin pillowcases don’t absorb oil like cotton does.  Cotton pillowcases will dry out your face and your hair.  It sucks the oil right out.  We don’t want that!  We need to keep all the natural oil we have in our skin and hair.

And the last reason is that satin pillowcases are so pretty.  They come in a variety of colors.  Nothing says fancy like satin.  Here’s to looking good!  xoxo.

This post contains affiliate links.

Fashion, Shopping, Uncategorized

Sold Out

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Sold Out

In honor of The Royals returning to tv this weekend I wanted to share with you a recent Princess Meghan style moment.  I enjoy watching the young royals and their style.  Because Princess Meghan is American it really makes it fun to follow her.  Recently she donned a coat from JCrew.  The bad news is the coat is sold out, but I’m sure they will restock soon.  The great news is that the coat is only $300!

Photo Getty Images.

 

 

Pets, Shopping, Uncategorized

Hairy Subject

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Hairy Subject
Hairy Subject

Some of you may know that I am active with the Lexington Humane Society.  I was on the board for 8 years and truly believe in their mission.  I wanted to share a story with you.

I love my Chihuahuas.  I had Lucy and then I rescued Lilly.  Both of the girls are adorable but I always wanted a little, long-haired, white Chihuahua.

So I signed up for the First Contact Service from LHS.  You list a certain breed a dog and when they get one in they will call you and you get first dibs before the animal is placed on the floor for adoption.   What are the odds that they ever get in my dream dog?

2 days later they called me.  They had dogs that had been in a hoarding situation from New Albany, Indiana.  There were many more but all the rescue organizations had divided them up.  There were Chinese Crested, Chihuahuas and Yorkies.  I was in shock.  I really wasn’t ready to have another dog (I thought it would take years!).  I didn’t even return the first call.

I gave in and Gina, Brent and I went to see the dogs.  They were such a pitiful bunch.  20 dogs running around skinny and just about hairless.  One dog grabbed onto my leg as if to say, “Please take me!”.  So, I went home and cried all night.  I knew I had to get the dog.

So I brought Lola home.  She’s the sassiest dog I’ve ever seen.  I guess to live in an environment with 40 other dogs you have to be pretty self-sufficient.  The only problem was that she didn’t have any hair.  A hairless Chihuahua was not really what I had in mind.  She didn’t have one hair on her hind end!

I spoke to LHS and they could not assure me she would ever grow any hair, so I started doing research.  Every recommendation I saw said Omega 3’s were the best for hair growth.  Long story short, check out the difference it’s made in Lola.  I highly recommend a few squirts on your pet’s food each day.

Fashion, Uncategorized

Dayjammies

by Bubblyhorse2 Comments on Dayjammies
Dayjammies

I’m sure that you have been seeing designers such as Gucci, Celine, Balenciaga and even Target showing pajamas that are to be worn in the daytime.  Dayjammies (that’s my name for them) have been seen all over New York Fashion Week and also Paris Fashion Week.  I love all the bright colors and the satin fabric, but I’m not quite sure about wearing these outfits during the day.  I’m all for comfort and soft fabric but I’m just not sure about these.  What do you think?  xoxoxo

Shop New Styles at Pour La Victoire!

SPANX

Entertaining, History, Uncategorized

Dolley Liked Bubbles!

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Dolley Liked Bubbles!
Dolley Liked Bubbles!

In honor of President’s Day today I thought it would be appropriate to highlight a FLOTUS that you may not know much about.  You see, when I was in middle school we did a program where we portrayed historical figures.  We studied all about our chosen characters and then portrayed them in at a school play.  I studied and portrayed Dolley Madison.  She was very intriguing to me and I wanted to share a little of her background with you in honor of today’s holiday.

Dolley Madison was married to the fourth president of the United States, James Madison.  She was first lady from 1809-1817.  Some people may not realize that she was actually a widow when she married Madison.  Her first husband and one of her sons died from contracting yellow fever.  She happened to move down the street from then US Representative James Madison.  The rest is history.

Dolley Madison is known for her rosy cheeks, her love of French couture and also her fun parties.  She reportedly liked to wear decolletge gowns and satin turbans.  Dolley was quite the hostess in the White House.   She was the first FLOTUS to serve ice cream in the White House.  She also enjoyed cake and macaroons for dessert.   She served nuts and little candies with poems that she had written tucked into the plate.  Dolley also enjoyed, much like Bubbly Horse, serving fine champagne.

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According to historian Patricia B. Mitchell, Dolley had been cautioned by her husband to limit her champagne intake.  He’s quoted as saying, ” If you drink too much of it, it will make you hop like the cork”.  She always tried to limit herself to two glasses of champagne (she did a better job than I do!).

The great statesmen Henry Clay is quoted as saying, ” Everybody loves Mrs. Madison!” and Dolley responded, “Because Mrs. Madison loves everybody!”.  Even after she left the White House and her husband became secretary of state in 1801 she continued to serve as the female co-host to then widower President Thomas Jefferson.

Dolley Madison is credited for saving the portrait of George Washington that hangs in the White House by saving it from certain destruction from British troops during the War of 1812.  I hope you enjoyed learning a little about the fun-loving Dolley Madison. xoxox

Thanks to The History Channel and Patricia B. Mitchell for history and photo.

 

Beauty, gadgets, Uncategorized

Hey Baby!

by Bubblyhorse2 Comments on Hey Baby!

I don’t know about you but I’m done with cold weather!  I’ve had congestion and a scratchy throat for weeks.  Nothing seemed to help.  Not to mention that my skin gets very dry and itchy during winter months.

I’ve found a solution that you might want to try.  A friend of mine told me she uses a humidifier.  And I thought those were just for babies! So I drove to my local Walmart and purchased one.  It was only $25.00.

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This little jewel works great!  I sat it on a table right by my bed so it blows right around my head.  It blows cold water instead of hot water and according to reports this helps to keep bacteria and germs out of the tank.  It makes a little noise like the sound of water dripping, unlike the old type that hissed and made loud noises.

Let me know how it works for you! xoxox

pink, Shoes and Boots, Shopping, Uncategorized

Spring in your Step

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Spring in your Step

I’m loving all the new block heels that are currently in style.  They are far more comfortable and easier to walk in than those with thinner heels.  You can even go a little higher than normal.  I bought a pair of silver Gucci mules last summer and wore them a lot.  They were super sassy and really fun.

When I was shopping online recently I found these fun shoes.  Feathers- check, pink- check, block heels- check.  What’s not to like?  These Charlotte Russe faux suede sandals were regularly $32.99 but they are currently on sale for $15.99! Spring is right around the corner. xoxox

https://www.charlotterusse.com/feather-peep-toe-mules/302405537.html?dwvar_302405537_color=650&cgid=#q=Pink+shoes&sz=30&start=6

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Cooking, Food, Holiday Gifts, Recipes, Uncategorized

Sweets for the Sweetie

by BubblyhorseLeave a Comment on Sweets for the Sweetie
Sweets for the Sweetie

Valentines Day will be here soon.  I found this recipe from People magazine from one of the Chopped judges.  It looks really good and super easy.  You could add chocolate chips to make them even better. Homemade cookies are great gifts for your sweetie! xoxo

 

Maneet Chauhan’s Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground allspice
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, at room temperature
4 tsp. liquid red food coloring
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
¾ tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and allspice in a medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in food coloring, vinegar and vanilla until well blended. With mixer on low speed, add dry ingredients and beat just until combined (the dough will be soft and sticky).
3. Place powdered sugar in a small bowl. Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop scoops of dough into powdered sugar, rolling dough into 24 balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake until cookies are puffed and tops are cracked, 12 to 14 minutes. Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes; transfer to cooling rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

Makes: 24 cookies
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes