The Women of Kentucky Bourbon now available for pre-order!
I’m excited to let y’all know that my book, The Women of Kentucky Bourbon: Makers, Leaders, and Legends is now available to pre-order, with a release date of April 27, 2027!
You can pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, or the University Press of Kentucky!
Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby 152 Collection
This year’s Official Derby Collection from Vineyard Vines
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The Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection is always a fun way to commemorate Derby, and this year’s drop has so many fun pieces. I LOVE the toile print, especially on this sweater and this dress. I think the tote bag and Infield shirt will sell out soon; they’re so fun and at a great price point. Happy Almost-Derby Season, y’all!
Christmas at the Kentucky Castle
I attended the Holiday Market at The Kentucky Castle for a girls’ day with my mom, aunts and cousin. It was such a fun way to kick off the holidays! We had a lovely lunch at the Castle’s restaurant, shopped the great local vendors (I stocked up on pieces from Winchester-based Dirty South Pottery!) and enjoyed the stunning decorations and the Castle’s grounds. Happy Holidays, y’all!
Chihuly x Maker’s Mark at Star Hill Farm
I recently visited the Maker’s Mark Distillery and had the opportunity to see the Chihuly Installation, which features several works by famed Seattle-based glass artist Dale Chihuly. I love the way Chihuly’s pieces look like an organic extension of the beautiful grounds of the Star Hill Farm campus.
You can book a tour to see Chihuly at Star Hill Farm for yourself. It’s well worth your trip!
Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby 151 Collection
The 2025 Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection is here! Vineyard Vines always combines the cutest colors and designs to capture the fun of Derby Week. I even worked with Campus Quilt a couple of years ago to create a t-shirt quilt from my collection of VV Derby tees!
Vineyard Vines graciously sent Bob and me some gorgeous pieces to help us get in the Derby spirit, including socks and a tie for Bob’s race-day outfits, and this amazing cashmere rugby and hoodie. I absolutely love all of this year’s collection!
Here are a few of my favorite pieces from this year’s collection. I love the old-school Derby souvenir vibe from this year’s tees and hats!
Happy Derby, y’all!
Woodford Reserve 2025 $1,000 Mint Julep
Yesterday, Woodford Reserve presented the 2025 $1,000 and $5,000 mint juleps and the charity partner, Our Mims Retirement Haven, in a press conference at Churchill Downs.
I never miss this press conference; it signifies the start of Derby season for me and I love that this program gives back to the equine community in a significant manner. This year’s charitable recipient, Our Mims, is a farm devoted to the care of thoroughbred mares in their later years. The haven’s motto is “Specializing in restoring health and spirit in aged mares”, which I think is so crucial, when you think about all that female horses have given the equine industry, both in breeding and racing. It was really touching to hear the haven’s President, Pete Mirabito, talk about his late wife Jeanne, who founded the haven. Jeanne’s deep connection with the prize-winning filly Our Mims, whom she rescued in 1997, led to the haven’s establishment.
This year’s charity mint julep program honors the three fillies who have won the Kentucky Derby — Regret, Genuine Risk, and Winning Colors — by combining three kinds of mint in the drink. A total of 151 hand-crafted julep cups, 51 fine polished pewter and 100 sterling silver with a heavy 24 karat gold plate, are available for purchase. Net proceeds from the sale of this year’s julep cups benefit Our Mims Retirement Haven. You can learn more about the $1,000 and $5,000 mint julep program here.
Cheers, y’all!
Brunch with the Babies at Shaker Village
A few years ago, I went on a press trip to Shaker Village. My childhood memories of Shaker Village were of a particularly joyless class trip when I was in 5th or 6th grade, and of the long-held family story that I behaved terribly at Shaker Village when I was around 2 years old. It was pretty nice to revisit the spot as an adult and see how beautiful and historic and fun it can be!
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill was established by the Shakers, a communal Christian society rooted in celibacy, equality of race and sex, and freedom from prejudice, in 1805. The original buildings have been restored, and the site features hiking and riding trails, a working farm and an excellent restaurant. A fun fact they did not teach us in 5th grade is that, while the Shakers personally abstained from drinking, their longstanding tradition of hospitality extended to honoring their guests’ choice to imbibe. In the spirit of that tradition, you can find a surprisingly good cocktail at Shaker Village, as well as an absolutely amazing slice of lemon pie.
In addition to that pie (seriously, it’s ridiculously good!), Shaker Village offers some absolutely stunning views of central Kentucky, the simple and beautiful architectural style for which the Shakers are famous, and a full working farm with a petting zoo. I seriously never turn down the opportunity to hang out with baby goats or farm dogs, so this was one of my favorite parts of the trip!
If your family would like to get in on the great food and sweet animals portion of the Shaker Village experience, they’re offering a “Brunch with the Babies” experience this April (every Saturday and Sunday, except Easter Weekend). It would be such a fun way to enjoy the Shaker Village experience without traumatizing the kids.