Sorority Rush Outfits

sorority rush  featuring print dresses

Pref Night featuring high heel pumps

Bid Day featuring aldo shoes

Musings of a Retired Sorority Girl

Every year, around this time, the calls and emails start rolling in. It's one of those late summer Southern rituals, like obsessing over the upcoming college football season or finding new recipes for all of those vegetables from the garden. A former colleague's babysitter is going through rush. Or a girl from your aunt's Sunday School class. And she sure would like a letter of recommendation.

View fullsize

More years ago than you'd like to count...

And so, you sit down with a good pen, your favorite monogrammed stationery, and the rec form from your organization's national website. You attempt to convey all the wonderful things you've been told about the young woman -- her involvement in her hometown church, her stellar (or otherwise) academic record, her potential for contribution to the chapter. If you're lucky, you've met the woman and can speak to her character and her demeanor. Other times, you're spinning a yarn that sounds something like "her grandmother is the most gracious lady I've ever met." 

Whatever you do, you try not to look at the birth date the young woman has provided on her helpfully enclosed résumé. If you do, it's all over. You start to do the math and realize that she was born after you pledged your own chapter. Suddenly, you find yourself thinking in the clichéd quotations of Shirley MacLane's character from Steel Magnolias. If you're forward-thinking enough to ignore that little string of numbers, you can continue to channel the Julia Roberts character from that film. (Who, by the way, was a Phi Mu as well.) 

As you seal up the letter, you think of all the ways that your sorority has impacted your life. The lifetime friendships as well as those fallen long to the wayside. The camaraderie that has arisen when you realize a co-worker or social acquaintance shares your Greek affiliation. The feeling of belonging that was so important to a painfully young first-year student. The lessons about working toward a common goal, even when you're on a team you don't like at the moment. The commitment to charitable causes. 

You need this. via Lilly Pulitzer.

As you address the envelope to the chapter lucky enough to make this young woman's acquaintance, you feel a pang of regret. You should be giving more back. Just after graduation, you served punch as an alumna hostess at those rush parties. You then moved up to advisory duties within the chapter. But then, life got in the way. You really should go back to the alumnae dinners, or see if the chapter needs your help in some way. You really did find it incredibly rewarding to help those young women meet their leadership potential. 

And so, you reaffirm your own pledge that you made more years ago than you'd like to count. Maybe you'll help, and maybe you won't. But it sure would be nice to pick up some new sorority swag. They make Lilly Pulitzer scarves and Tervis Tumblers now. And who can say no to that?

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Maker's Mark and Sea Salt

View fullsize

I love the combination of chocolate and bourbon, and I adore the intense taste of salty-sweet desserts. So, this week, I had a lightbulb moment. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Maker's Mark and Sea Salt. I just took a standard double chocolate chip cookie recipe and amped it up with some bourbon and a sprinkling of sea salt. These have a really intense flavor, with a crusty brownie-like exterior and a smooth, chocolate-y middle.  They're fantastic for a true chocolate lover, and I've found that the guys in my family love them. My dad, brother, and brother-in-law have all asked that I make another batch soon! 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces milk chocolate, 4 ounces coarsely chopped, 4 ounces cut into 1/4-inch chunks (or chocolate chips)
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky (or your favorite)
• Coarse Sea Salt

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt coarsely chopped chocolate with the butter in a small heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
2. Transfer chocolate mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add sugar, eggs, and bourbon; mix on medium speed until combined. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks.
3. Scoop batter using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop; place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.  Sprinkle each cookie lightly with sea salt.  Bake until cookies are flat and surfaces begin to crack, about 15 minutes. Transfer on parchment to wire racks. Let cool 5 minutes. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

C-A-T-S, USA!!!

My friend Leslee works for an eventing team.  A really, really good eventing team, that is. In the past, her boss has medaled at the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics.  It's been  a fun and unique experience to watch Leslee post her boss's success via social media this summer-- photos from qualifying rounds on Instagram, updates via Facebook.  I know very little about equestrian disciplines, but through the magic of the internet, I've found myself becoming a huge Karen O'Connor fan.

via AP

This week, I was having dinner with my parents when I mentioned this fact.  My mother was suitably impressed, noting that she'd never known anyone who had a direct track to the Olympics.  Without thinking, I flippantly said "well, we all know Anthony Davis."

It was a joke, but it kind of wasn't.  It's The Brow (TM).  As Kentucky fans, we spent a year inviting Anthony Davis, MKG and company into our homes.  We obsessed about their every move and we cheered when they dominated the NBA Draft. This once-in-a-lifetime team gave us so many amazing moments on their road to a National Championship.  Davis may be a Chicago native who only spent a year living in the Bluegrass State, but he's forever a part of the Big Blue Nation.  (Yes, the one-and-dones are full-fledged members of the BBN, and thanks to this crazy guy in Texas, I can now stand on precedent in my quest to name my first-born "DeMarcus.")  Anthony Davis is, as Coach Cal would say, La Familia. He's forever a Kentuckian.
 
It's an awesome feeling to cheer on your home country during the Olympic games.  These amazing athletes instill an incomparable sense of patriotism and pride in their fans.  Perhaps my connection to Ms. O'Connor is a little tenuous, as is my "his mom is a Phi Mu and so am I!" connection to Michael Phelps.  But, I certainly feel a kinship every time Anthony Davis performs one of his famous madman blocks on the international stage.  And I'll be cheering extra-loud for Lafayette alumnus Tyson Gay in the track and field events.  I'm even putting rivalry aside to root for U of L basketball alumna Angel McCoughtry.  Kentucky has a lot of great connections in London this summer. It's great to be part of such a winning team!

California Conveniences in Kentucky

When I was in high school (late 90s), I went to California every summer for camp. For 8 weeks, I would bask in southern California sunshine and enjoy things I couldn't get back in Lexington. When I arrived home from my trip, my dad would always ask what businesses they had in California that I thought would take off well in Kentucky. This morning as I ran errands, I realized that my California conveniences have pretty much all become a reality.

Starbucks: I remember the first taste of Frappuccino at the San Diego airport and becoming hooked. It was at least 2000 before Lexington got their first Starbucks, and it was located on UK's campus. Now, they're everywhere!

Jamba Juice: The delicious, sweet, ginseng-infused nectar of a mega cup of berries was enough to make me get a brain freeze. Lexington got their first Jamba Juice in the past year, located near the north end of UK's campus.

Conveyer Belt Sushi: While this is a concept versus a specific brand, I loved having drool-worthy fresh sushi rolling down a fancy conveyer belt for me to grab at my convenience. Imagine my delight a couple of years ago when new hotspot School opened in Lexington to make my conveyer wishes come true!

California Pizza Kitchen: Their chopped salad has long been a favorite of mine, and I can get it in Louisville. Still waiting for this chain to make it to Lexington, but for now, my waistline thanks CPK for staying geographically at bay.

Anthropologie: Pretty home things and accessories as well as clothes (that I admittedly don't fit into)? I am a fan. This year, Anthropologie is coming to Louisville and Lexington. Score!

Driving down Nicholasville Road today on my way home from the brand new Trader Joes, I also noticed Lexington will soon have a Panda Express. My half-Chinese self silently begrudged the arrival of Americanized-Chinese-Fast-Food, but perhaps others will think of it as progress.  Also recently announced? Plans for a Costco in Lexington! We've come a long way, baby.

What stores do you want to see? 

HerKentucky Story: s e e r s u c k e r + s a d d l e s

HerKentucky is excited to present a guest blog from Beth Parker of the popular Lexington-based fashion blog S e e r s u c k e r + S a d d l e s.  Documenting a  fashion love affair that dates back to when she was a young gal, Beth blogs about her love of fashion with an emphasis on her southern roots.  Beth's daily outfits combine classic preppy elements with equestrian flair and unexpected pops of color.   We simply adore her blog, and love the description that Beth provided for us:  S e e r s u c k e r + S a d d l e s – a place where the south and style collide. 

A quick little history lesson:

Our lovely Lexington, the beautiful place I now call home.  It’s where my 2 lovely ladies will grow up and learn to appreciate all things equestrian, wildcat, and bluegrass.  It’s my “SADDLES.”

However, the beachy, charming little town, Jupiter, Fl, is where I was born and raised.  It’s my “SEERSUCKER.”

A childhood chock full of boating, beaching, fishing, and the like, Florida will forever hold a near and dear place in my heart.  It is where my family still resides and we continually visit.  So what, you may ask, could possibly pull me away from this picturesque little town?  How about a Kentucky gentleman of course!  

 

Fast forward 8 years and I now consider myself a proud Kentuckian, married to a Harlan native, raising a lovely little brood,  and bleeding my fair share of blue (mixed with Garnet & Gold of course)!   So the takeaway of this little intro …I LOVE THE SOUTH!!!   Now onto the goodies…THE FASHION …

Oh it dates back to my younger years, indeed.   I have always been the type of gal that needs a creative outlet in one form or fashion, no pun intended.  Fashion & s e e r s u c k e r + s a d d l e s undoubtedly fit that creative bill.  For me, fashion is pure expression.  It is individuality & creativity wrapped up into one fun little rig (aka outfit).  

One rule of thumb I try to follow is to choose a piece that is versatile.   For me, buying something that I can use in a multitude of ways is pretty darn important.  For instance, let’s take this mustard blazer-perfect for work & play.  How about pairing her with a navy & white stripe tee, some skinny jeans, and leopard ballet flats for a weekender look? 

 

 Another fun little tidbit, treat leopard as a neutral.  In small doses,  it’s a fun little complement!

    

Take pleasure in the details.  I love the scallop cut to these shorts & the nautical rope handle on the tote…..seersucker all the way!

Family, friends, & fashion….it’s what I love, always have.  I sure hope s e e r s u c k e r +s a d d l e s provides a daily dose of closet inspiration…make it a good one, gang!

photos courtesy Kristin Tatem Photography

Easy Tomato Recipes

Kentucky's tomato crops are finally here! 

Now, if you're like me, you're thrilled to have all those farm-fresh tomatoes, but you're always looking for new ways to use them. I'm fortunate enough to have family with serious vegetable gardens, so I have access to all the tomatoes I could possibly use. I certainly try to cram a year's worth of high-level lycopene benefits into the weeks of the tomato harvest! My go-to-recipes are Caprese salad, gazpacho and salsa.

 Caprese Salad is so easy, fresh, and delicious that you don't even need a recipe. Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and even fresher basil garnished with a little salt and pepper and some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This year, I plan to get a little fancier, and make individual Caprese bites by slicing cherry tomatoes and stuffing with a mozzarella pearl and a basil leaf. The key to a good Caprese is great basil -- my basil hasn't been thriving this year, so I'm a little concerned about how my Caprese will turn out. 

Gazpacho is only worth eating when the tomatoes are fresh. I start with about twenty medium tomatoes; it's nice to add in a couple of different varietals here, for depth of flavor. I juice about half of the tomatoes, straining out all of the pulp and seeds. The others are submerged in boiling water for about 20 seconds, then peeled and pureed in the food processor. I then peel and dice a couple of cucumbers, a few garlic cloves, and about half a red onion and puree them in the food processor. I combine all this with a drizzle of olive oil and a couple spoonfuls of red wine vinegar, then season with some kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. I chill the soup for an hour or so and garnish with fresh basil. 

As for salsa, I'm trying desperately to find a great recipe. I kind of throw tomatoes, peppers, onions, lime juice and cilantro together when serving fresh salsa, but really want to hone my recipe. I've made a few stabs at canning salsa, but it just freaks me out. I'm a little afraid of canning, and all of the recipes I've found are emphatic about keeping acid contents at a certain percentage for stability of preservation. And, I don't like the flavor that boiling the cans lends to the tomatoes. All the awesome freshness is gone! I hope to work on my salsa again this year; I really love the idea of opening a can of homemade salsa without having to worry about all the preservatives and salt. In fact, I'd love to do the same with marinara. 

 This year, I hope to add tomato pie to the repertoire. What's your favorite tomato recipe?