friday's fancies / how do you floral?

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about May flowers! I really love how far florals have come in the fashion world making a jump from frumpy to chic. Zara is currently my favorite store for modern floral prints. They feel a bit edgier than other florals and still keep bright colors in the mix. I have also really been loving floral dresses mixed with army jackets like I saw on A Bit of Sass, but agree with Long Distance Loving that on the Friday before Derby its gotta be a Derby outfit.

1 (similar one here) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In true Louisville fashion, I'm sure my mom will be cooking up her mint juleps today getting ready for the Derby tomorrow. Growing up in Louisville, shes a true believer in a mint julep tasting better when you make it the day before. See her recipe here.

Drink Recipe // Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

The 138th Annual Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, and at my house that means it's Mint Julep making time! With my mom growing up in Kentucky, the Derby is a big deal. She swears by making your mint juleps the day before so your ingredients have time to mix together to make the perfect mint julep for your Derby day.

Ingredients (modify recipe for multiple drinks)

Bourbon (I prefer Woodford Reserve)

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1/4 pack of fresh mint

Shaved Ice
Mint Julep cup(s)

Add 1 cup of sugar to 1 cup of heated water to help sugar dissolve, and stir to create simple syrup. Mull mint (leave some mint to the side in order to garnish cup tomorrow) with simple syrup. Add desired amount of bourbon. Place mixture in refrigerator and let sit over night. Prepare mint garnish and shaved ice in mint julep cup. Poor drink over ice and add mint.

Serve hors d'oeuvres and some light gambling ;)