the Royal Ascot...is not the Kentucky Derby.

I'm talking hat wise.

I can get down with some fascinators, I can even deal with some of the more "creative" things I've seen at British weddings. I'm a bit worried when I can't tell if your hat is legit, or if it's a manic bird attacking your head. There's a problem if I might need to shoot your hat. That's all I'm saying.

(I still secretly love all the ladies who wear the crazy hats...it takes some fashion cojones to do it, so mad props...even if I have an urge to shoot your hat).

There were some new "fashion" rules at Ascot. I don't know what they were. It didn't seem to stop the hats at least.

Patriotic ladies! They look fabulous!

THIS lady...is my favorite. 

I'm not kidding. I love her. She can come over for red velvet cake and mint julies anytime.

sea of hats...and top hats! I love the top hats!

Might be the best dressed ones! 

Images are from Hats off for the Ascot Races

Accompanying article that explains Royal Ascot and more pictures, Hold on to your hats, it's a windy day at Royal Ascot and UK's posh Royal Ascot clamps down on wild fashion

What a Supermoon looks like

Last night there was a supermoon. I had never heard of a supermoon so I skipped outside around ten at night to see this phenom. I had two problems of course, lots of trees (we like in an area surrounded by Canopy roads/neighborhoods) and apparently the actual area where i live. The moon was bigger of course, but nothing like some of the area photos that popped up on the news today. Oh well. It was still pretty cool.

Supermoon over Athens, Greece (Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion)

I wanted to work for NASA when I was younger, I had TONS of magazines and books about space, stars, black holes. I found the entire thing to be thrilling. And then I thought about the fact that when an astronaut goes out into space, he/she can look out to the left and right and above and see for such a long distance...but that same thought applies to below. Because there's not really ground in space. And that freaked me out and that was pretty much it for my space dreams. Weird right? I can't explain my bizarre thoughts.

Cairo, Egypt (Mohamed Ali Mosque), with the supermoon behind the minaret

NASA's  YouTube page explains that a supermoon is officially called a perigee moon. In this case the moon was 14% larger and about 30% brighter. Got it. Big and shiney.

Also, for those recovering from margaritas or mint julies...Cinco de Derby is over (sadness) and the horse, I'll Have Another, won the 138th Kentucky Derby. It was kinda a neat nod to the day because the winning jockey is from Mexico. Cinco de Derby indeed!

I'll Have Another and winning jockey Mario Gutierrez

Images from : 

Supermoon rises around the world, MSNBC's Photoblog
I'll Have Another wins 138th Kentucky Derby, MSNBC's Photoblog



More Info/Pictures on Supermoons:


Spectacular Supermoon Wows Sky-watchers Around the World
Supermoon illuminates, captivates around the globe
NASA explains the supermoon of May 5

More Info on the Kentucky Derby, I'll Have Another and Mario Gutierrez


I'll Have Another Wins 138th Kentucky Derby

How to Make Mint Juleps

HAPPY CINCO DE DERBY DAY!!!

That's right...two holidays but only one day (somehow I feel like I'm getting jipped). I'm not sure what to celebrate but since I'm in a southern town that's filled with college students who are mostly Hispanic (than southern)...I'll probably be getting some Mexican food tonight. 

from Kentucky Parties

But my favorite holiday is Derby day (technically not an official holiday). Sure...I kinda zone out when the horses run..mostly because I'm not a massive horse fan. But I love the hats, the dresses and the mint juleps. 

I don't drink anymore because alcohol can trigger the most painful migraines I've ever had. But the first time I had a mint julep-I fell in love. It was possibly the best drink ever. My friend and I drank them all night long and thought they were the yummiest and weakest drink on the planet. 

from Mint Julep recipe from allrecipies.com

We learned our lesson. I walked into a door and she fell down somewhere (after three of them). So word to the wise...yummy and strong. We also started calling them mint julies. Actually typing juleps and not julies has been hard.

Anyways, the whole point of my posting on Saturday (the most holy day of rest and relaxation!) was because I read an article (news junkie me!) that said that people should skip mint juleps because they're a pain to make. The only places I can't get a mint julep was this bar called mint julep in Orlando (and some random places in NYC who didn't understand and kept giving me a mojito). Skipping mint juleps on derby day is a sin y'all. Uh-uh. No. 

Sure, there's a super proper way to make it, but if I (art history major) and my friend (finance) can figure out simple syrup + bourbon (Kentucky) + mint while doing out hair and make-up...then really...there's no excuse. 

So, just in case you've not grown up in a southern house that watches the Derby, drinks Mint Juleps, and blesses hearts (especially yours Mint-Juleps-in-Orlando-that-doesn't-make-MINT-JULEPS)...here are some easy recipes. 

Mine: 

1.) Take a shot of Kentucky bourbon. Realize how yummy bourbon is. Realize your daddy has neglected to mention how yummy bourbon is. 

2) Cover mint leaves with small amount of bourbon. Start the eye makeup and remind your friend that there's a shoe-sale going on at the mall. 

3) Go back to the kitchen and mix equal parts water and sugar (ie...make sugar water). Realize it's supposed to be about one cup of each. But know you'll get distracted talking about the hot bartender that looks like Ashley from Gone with the Wind. Remember you've left said mixture on the stove. After sugar dissolves (and you've stirred gosh darn it) turn off the heat. 

4) Finish dressing and shoes and makeup. Talk about the crazy students in your art history class that don't really think shampoo is necessary. 

5) Somehow mix sugar water, bourbon and mint stuff together. Realize you've added more bourbon than your aunt told you to add. Do your hair (the higher to god the better) and realize bourbon is weak and you'll be fine. Have another glass. 

6) Avoid glass doors...they are tricky little things. 

Obviously this is not the correct way to make mint julies. Or any sacred southern drink. But forgive my attempt. The bartender was really hot. REALLY hot.

For more "correct" ways to do it, here are some basic ones. 

• Mint Julep Recipe from AllRecipes.com
• The Ultimate Mint Julep Recipe from the Huffington Post/Meathead Blog
• The Perfect Mint Julep from Food Network
• Mint Julep Recipe and history from Wikipedia (recipe is on the right side in a little box)

And don't hold your breath hoping for a mint julie at misnomered Mint Juleps in Orlando. It will only break your heart. Bless their hearts.