Kentucky Born and Bred
For Sarah Stewart Holland, it was important that her sons got the right start in life -- as Kentuckians.
Sarah Stewart Holland of bluegrass redhead first published this essay on HerKentucky in 2012. She has since added a third son to her family; he is also a proud Kentuckian! -- Heather
Recently, I was talking to two close friends about birth options in the Louisville area. Apparently, most women who would like to give birth with the assistance of a midwife and avoid an increased risk of medical intervention take the bridge across the river to Indiana.
"That's not an option for me," I told them.
"Why not," my friend asked.
"Because my child has to be born in Kentucky."
They insisted that their children were still Kentuckians really. They argued it doesn't really matter where you were born.
Maybe for some but not for me.
Both of my children are ninth-generation Kentuckians. For over two hundred years, almost every branch of my family tree has grown tall and strong in the fertile soil of Western Kentucky. Kentucky is in my blood.
There is something poetic and important about knowing you took your first breath on the same land as generations of your ancestors. There's a reason I get angry at Illinois - the supposed Land of Lincoln. Your land is where you were born and Abraham Lincoln was born IN KENTUCKY. (Mitch McConnell wasn't. Draw your own conclusions.)
I know it might seem silly or antiquated but I do believe there is a certain magic to the place of your birth. Not that you can't make another place your home. I first visited Washington, DC, when I was in middle school and my best friend remembers me saying dreamily, "I want to live here one day." And I did. And it will always hold a very special place in my heart.
But where Washington, DC might hold a little piece of real estate there, Kentucky has taken over every remaining crevice and corner like kudzu.
Deep down, I hope the state holds the same draw for my boys. I want them to grow and explore and travel all over the world but then - if I'm being honest - I'd like them to come home. Every time someone asks where they are from or where they were born I hope the answer draws them closer.
"I was born in Kentucky."
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
{As always, any political opinions expressed on a post belong to the individual contributor; HerKentucky, LLC does not endorse any political candidate.}
Derby Detox with B.You's B.Silque Yoga
Detoxing from Derby with Silque Yoga
It's that time of year, y'all. Those few days after Derby when we realize that, as amazingly fun as it all was, we kind of overdid it. Some of us partied like frat boys, investment bankers, or any other character that James Spader would play in a movie.
Others of us didn't quite take it that far, but we certainly availed ourselves of the fun treats of the season -- bourbon, Derby Pie, and delicious, decadent appetizers were everywhere. I don't know about y'all, but I had an absolutely wonderful season of Derby Parties -- I took in the launch of Moët & Chandon's new label at the #MoëtMoment White Party, enjoyed amazing food, drinks, and friends at the Original Makers Club Pimento Cheese Social, tasted some of Kentucky's best wines at WineFest, and enjoyed the Historic Homes Foundation/ Garden & Gun Bourbon & Biscuits breakfast on Derby morning. (I even took over their Instagram for Derby Morning!) And... well, there may have been more parties. It's all one big blur of seersucker, and Lilly Pulitzer, and friends, and fun, and horse races, and trying to get some work done!
By yesterday morning, I was ready to relax and detox. I just wanted sparkling water, clean proteins, plant-based carbohydrates, and a gentle nudge back into normal, non-Derby life. My beau and I took in a morning movie (where I spent a lot of time trying to figure out why Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is so much taller than Lou Ferigmo's...) and I signed up for a B.Silque Yoga class at B.You Fitness.
It seemed right that, on my 30th class at B.You and on the first day of Derby Detox, I should try something new. Now, I've done plenty of yoga in the past, but to be honest, I've been more than a little apprehensive about trying a silque class. It just seemed so intimidating to integrate an aerial silk hammock into my workout routine.
When I got to the studio, I was relieved to see Beth, whom I know from the studio. She and I have taken classes together, she has been my instructor, and we have chatted many times. It was great to have a supportive instructor, especially one who knows my history of back injury.
I have to say, I absolutely loved the class! The silque was a great medium for enhancing stretches and reaching new positions and inversions. It was a little odd, at times, to realize that I was standing up in a hammock, suspended from the ceiling, but it soon felt natural, as though I was floating. One of my favorite things about my B.You instructors and classmates is that there is no room for competition and intimidation; the women are wonderfully supportive and friendly. We all acknowledged that flips and inversions are a challenge, and that even folks who'd achieved the postures in the past might not make it that day. It was a really freeing experience that helped everyone feel comfortable with their own yoga practice.
I can't wait to try more silque classes as I try to burn all of the Derby calories out of my system!
{This post was brought to you by B.You Fitness. All opinions are my own.}
Kentucky Derby Giveaway!
Happy Derby Day, y'all!
We've teamed up with Deanna at Mirabelle Creations to bring you a fun Derby Day Giveaway!
This set of Kentucky Derby Watercolor Prints are the absolute perfect way to show your love for the Commonwealth on Derby Day and throughout the year!
Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
Derby Celebrations for the Entire Family
For the past week or so, we've given you tips about all the special events and observations that make the Kentucky Derby such an incredible and unique event. As we bid you a Happy Derby Day, I want to reflect on my very favorite aspect of Derby: the sense of community that unites Kentuckians, especially Louisvillians.
The Kentucky Derby can be, as the gonzo genius Dr. Thompson wrote, Decadent and Depraved. Of course it can; there's bourbon to drink and bets to be made. Things can get really weird in a hurry.
But, the thing that is so very magical about the Kentucky Derby is that it isn't just a horse race. It isn't merely a day, or a single occasion. It's Louisville's very own two-week Carnival Season. There's something for folks of every age and income bracket, from parades and firework displays and food trucks to galas and private parties.
My favorite part, though, is the way that the youngest residents of the Commonwealth aren't excluded from the festivities.
Throughout Louisville, there are opportunities for kiddos to celebrate Derby. Of course, they can watch the Pegasus Parade, but many local preschools and elementary schools also put on parades of their own. Last year, I even saw some little girls in my neighborhood dressed up in their Sunday best on Derby morning, running a Mocktails stand. (They had non-alcoholic mint juleps and everything, y'all. Cutest. Thing. Ever.)
I love that these kiddos get to have fun with Derby week in their own way. If it teaches them a little bit about tradition -- and maybe even the words to our state song -- then that's even better!
Happy Derby to your entire family from HerKentucky!!!
The HerKentucky Guide to Derby Lunches
Box Lunch options for the Kentucky Derby
All week, we're bringing you tips for how to do the Kentucky Derby like a local. Nothing says "local" like ordering a box lunch for your trip to Oaks or Derby.
A trip to the track is an all-day affair. When you think of a trip to the Derby, of course, you think of sipping mint juleps. From a practical perspective, however, several hours at the track require more provisions than just cocktails. Of course, you can order food and drinks at the track. A lot of folks find it much easier and more economical to order a boxed lunch from one of Louisville's favorite restaurants.
The food guidelines for Churchill Downs allow the following:
- Food items in clear plastic bags (maximum size 18” X 18” - no trash bags)
- “Box” lunches in clear plastic bags or containers (maximum size 18” X 18” - no trash bags)
- Water and soft drinks – plastic bottles only (sealed, clear and unopened)
Here in the Derby City, our favorite restaurants find a way to accommodate most every taste or dietary restriction. You can order from chains like Panera or Chick-fil-a, grocery stores like Whole Foods, or one of our wonderful local spots. The best offerings I've seen have been from Stevens & Stevens Deli, The Cafe, Ghyslain, and Plehn's.
If you haven't already, go ahead and call in your order now!
The HerKentucky Guide to Last-Minute Derby Plans
Plan an outfit for Kentucky Derby in under two hours!
This week, we're talking about doing Derby like a local. Trust me when I say that the locals here in Louisville are still making plans for Derby, Oaks, and even Thurby. I've been in so many conversations this week that revolved around last-minute tickets, picking out ensembles, and generally how to put it all together.
If you find yourself with last-minute tickets to the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks, here's my shopping advice to you: DO NOT try to make an exhaustive search of all the stores in the area. Stick to a couple of your very favorites, places where you know the sizing, the sales associates, and the general look you're going for. I stopped by two of my own favorite stores, The Peppermint Palm and The Prickly Pear, this week and found that there are tons of great options available!
The ladies at the Peppermint Palm styled a couple of outfits that will stand out at the track. Elizabeth was even kind enough to model for us!
I love this green rose print. It's an unexpected interpretation of the classic "Run for the Roses" motif.
This hat is so striking with its perfectly balanced hues. It works well with a white lace dress!
The Prickly Pear Boutique has the perfect accessories for your trip to the track. The best part? Many of their accessories are on sale!
The hat selection at The Pear is fantastic!
The Prickly Pear also has a great assortment of ties by Collard Greens and Southern Proper.
I LOVE the mint julep ties!
Spend a few minutes at your favorite stores, and get back to enjoying Derby Week, y'all!
The HerKentucky Guide to Mint Juleps
Gear up for Kentucky Derby 141 with a fresh batch of mint juleps!
Happy Derby Week, y'all! Kentucky Derby 141 is almost here, and HerKentucky has a series of tips that will help you do Derby like a local. Today, we're talking about the Kentucky Derby's signature cocktail, the mint julep!
Mint juleps are one of the most iconic things about the Kentucky Derby. Oddly, they're among the most divisive, too. Some folks find the signature blend of Kentucky bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, and muddled mint to be a refreshing spring cocktail, while others consider it a waste of good bourbon. I love a julep around Derby Day, while my beau cites legendary Louisville newspaperman Henry Watterson's recipe: "Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form upon it ... Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey." "Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away and drink the whiskey."
Whether you love or hate the drink, it's pretty much a rule that you have to know how to make a mint julep if you're entertaining folks around Derby time.
The first thing you need to do is decide on a julep cup. A silver julep cup is, of course, the traditional way to go. I recently had a chance to talk to Matt Burnett of Wakefield-Scearce Galleries. For Matt, the julep cup is, quite literally, the family business. His grandfather, Mark Scearce, was a jeweler turned silversmith who was originally drawn to julep cup design while buying up coin silver during the World War II silver shortage. Over the years, Mr. Scearce developed a unique design that incorporates an English-style watermark and a seal denoting the current U.S. President. Silver julep cups are stunning, of course, but I asked Matt whether it was a lot of work to constantly polish a set. "Not if you use them often!" was his quick response. "Frequent use keeps them shiny!"
Stoneware julep cups from Louisville Stoneware are another fantastic option. These gorgeous cups are a colorful and unique way to keep your julep cold, yet staying comfortable to the touch.
When it comes to bourbon, I always advise people to stick to what they personally like to drink. After all, a mint julep is just like any other cocktail, and comes down to personally preference. Of course, you should keep that within reason; it's a travesty to mix 23-year Pappy Van Winkle with anything. Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark are always good. Old Forester makes for a delicious cocktail. (That's what the track is using this year!)
Another consideration is your mint -- most recipes call for Kentucky Colonel. This year, I picked up a Chocolate Mint varietal as well; can't wait to see how the flavors vary!
Of course, you can get as fancy or as simple with your sugar for the simple syrup as you like. I use demerara sugar for a little more complex flavor.
Classic Mint Julep Recipe
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (your favorite brand is the best!)
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Have a great Derby Week! Cheers, y'all!