last minute gifts for the grad

It’s that season again—for graduations!  While many college ceremonies are over, most bluegrass high schools will commence Memorial Day weekend, along with a few universities.

If you are like my family, we have several to attend this year, which begs the question: what do I buy as a gift? 

Here are a few of our favorite graduation gifts for the bluegrass grad:

image by Melanie Mauer

• A keepsake piece of jewelry: earrings, pearls, cufflinks or tie clip.  When they wear them, they will remember the occasion.
• Classic Jefferson Cups engraved with the graduates name or monogram.  This is a tradition in my family!
• My favorite pillow from House by JSD with the coordinates of your graduates hometown.
• A lovely coffee table book.  I’m wild about anything TASCHEN!
• Personalized stationary or calling cards.  I’m crazy for these.
• A piece of Kentucky memorabilia, especially if your grad will be moving out of state. Check our the Kentucky for Kentucky shop for something fun!

What are your favorite grad gifts?  Did you get something special at your own graduation?  Do share!

grandma sprinkle {guest post by alice greene}

From the moment I heard the exciting news that my sister-in-law was going to be a Grandma, I just knew that she was going to need a Grandma Sprinkle.  You may ask, “What is that”?    Well, it’s a baby shower given for the grandmother of the baby-to-be when the circumstances are either that the grandma is going to be the “baby-sitter” while the Mom and Dad work and therefore needs to be equipped with doubles of all things baby.  Another reason for a sprinkle, as was the case with my sister-in-law, is when the grandma lives so far away from the baby that she will need lots of reminders of her new role like photo frames, photo albums, etc.  and probably will not be able to attend any of the regular showers that the parents-to-be will be attending.

Since this is a fairly new concept for some folks, I included a list of items that guests might purchase along with the invitation to the Grandma Sprinkle Lunch.  Things on the list in addition to the photo frames and albums were a piggybank (for the grandchild’s college fund), a proud grandma t-shirt, a new grandma mug, grandma memory books and even a website that contained lots more gift ideas.

photo by dthoskins
Since the Mom-to-be loves all things astrology and zodiac and since she was doing her son’s nursery in a jungle animal theme, I found these adorable Jonathan Adler zodiac mini-notebooks at The Dandelion Patch and purchased the astrological sign for  each of the guests .  I also visited a zodiac website and printed out the attributes of the new baby as well as the signs of our guests.  It was a fun topic of conversation for the table as we decided if we each fit the characteristics that were listed.

 

photo by dthoskins

For the centerpiece at the table, I used a “grandma mug” that I had purchased and filled it with colorful flowers.  I presented it to the grandma to take home at the end of the lunch.  By the end of the “sprinkle”, my sister-in-law not only had a wide array of grandma items but felt the love and excitement that is reserved only for grandmothers.

As a proud grandma myself, I would encourage BGT readers not to forget those important Grandmothers when welcoming a new little one into your family!

 

-Alice

Alice is a native Lexingtonian and quintessential southern lady, who enjoys cooking, baking and entertaining. 

 

expecting {bluegrass baby}

Above: my 6 1/2 month baby belly- thanks so much to Lindsay from Shrimp Salad Circus for the photo tips–I could have never gotten this pic without a remote!

Yes, it’s true!  I am expecting a baby in July and I wanted to share with you the fun and delicious way that I revealed the gender of our little one to friends and family:

photo by dthoskins

Cupcakes!  Take a bite and surprise…It’s a boy!

I decided to go with one of my favorite muffin recipes from Giada De Laurentiis, and used the frosting as a filling as well as a topper.  These muffins are very sweet and can definitely pass as cupcakes.  People seemed to enjoy them, so here is my slightly modified version of the recipe:

Banana Muffins (Cupcakes) with Mascarpone Frosting

Ingredients

Muffins:

• 3      cups all-purpose flour
• 1      teaspoon baking soda
• 1      teaspoon salt
• 1/2      teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2      teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2      teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2      cups sugar
• 1      cup vegetable oil
• 3      large eggs
• 1      tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4      ripe bananas, peeled and coarsely mashed

Frosting:

• 3      ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 6      tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3      cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 3      tablespoons honey
• 1/2      cup chopped walnuts, toasted (optional-I leave these out when using this recipe as cupcakes)

Directions

Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to blend. Beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the banana. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake the muffins on the middle rack until the tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out with no crumbs attached, about 25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a rack and cool slightly.

For the frosting/filling:

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the mascarpone cheese and then beat in the honey. Set aside half of the frosting.  To the other half, add the food coloring of your choice.  Using a filling tip, fill a pastry bag or cake decorator with the colored frosting and fill the cupcakes.  I actually sprang for a contraption for the frosting/filling and I loved it!  Click here to see what I used.  Frost cupcakes with remaining uncolored frosting.

Orb and Shug {guest post by Alice Greene}

image via

Whether or not Orb was your pick to win the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, you’ve got to love the fact that Claude R. (“Shug”) McGaughey III finally got his win as a trainer.  The Lexington, Kentucky native finally got his roses on Saturday, May 4, 2013, having waited his whole life (62 years that is) to do so.  Although he has come close to winning in the past, this was THE horse.

Whether or not you put your money on Orb, you have to feel pride as a fellow Lexingtonian that the kid from Chevy Chase, who grew up on Lakewood Avenue and attended Tates Creek High School added to his credits of winning the Belmont Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, Travers Stakes and the Wood Memorial that of  The Kentucky Derby.

Now preparing for the next leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, I only hope he will take a little time and let the magnitude of his achievement sink in.  Congratulations “Shug”!

-Alice

Alice is a native Lexingtonian and quintessential southern lady, who enjoys cooking, baking and entertaining. 

Thanks, Alice!  If you have something you’d like to share with our readers about bluegrass living and style, send us an email at katherine@bluegrassthreadsky.com or diana@bluegrassthreadsky.com.

all things derby {with the kentucky gentleman}

Above: Diana’s Polyvore set, “Derby Day“

Hello again, bluegrass THREADS readers! I know there are two more days before the weekend, but a Kentucky Gentleman does not tell a lie – I’m in total Derby mode. I know you are too, so let’s run through the crucial details.

The perfect Derby Day is a multi-faceted experience. I wrestle with the tough questions myself, so I know you do too. Don’t worry, I’ll hold you hand through this most noble of days: the one not full of Julep Cup, of course.

What To Wear to the Derby

Dressing like a Kentucky Gentleman looks effortless, but is quite the opposite. The perfect Derby outfit for Him takes time and thought – it also needs my guides to dressing for the Derby, found here (shirts, ties and cufflinks) & here (sport coats, pants and shoes). If your beloved needs advice as well, fear not – bluegrass THREADS has you covered with both florals and neutrals.

What To Drink at the Derby

Bourbon is the undisputed king of spirits in Kentucky. I’ve spent a good deal of time outlining my advice on Bourbon. Your Derby Day is guaranteed to include at least a half-dozen conversations about Kentucky’s native drink, so make sure you’re speaking the right language. For the Derby classic, look no further than our perfect mint julep recipe. It’s fantastic!

Throwing the Perfect Derby Party

If your tickets to Millionaire’s Row seem to have been lost in the mail, throwing a festive Derby party is a perfectly acceptable alternative. We’ve even uncovered a fun, new take on a classic: mint julep cookies (love these, Lindsay!).

Who Will Win the Kentucky Derby

Even I can’t predict the biggest detail of the day, but if you follow these pointers you’ll be a winner yourself. Enjoy!

 

Yours in the Commonwealth,

 

The Kentucky Gentleman

free local concert at opera house {central kentucky concert band}

poster by Andrew Owens

Need a fun outing for Cinco de Mayo (pre-margaritas, that is), the Central Kentucky Concert Band is performing a free concert at the Lexington Opera House on Sunday, May 5 at 3 pm.

“The C3 concert will feature several great musical offerings including “Celebration Fanfare” [Reineke], “Third Suite” [Jager], “Carlyle Trilogy” [Halferty], “Amparito Roca” [Texidor], “Toreador Song” from Carmen” [Bizet, featuring Peter Pickett and TJ Thomas] and “Malaguena” [Lecuona].  Featured Soloist Charlie Kahn will share his incredible artistry with the North American debut of “Concerto del Simun” by Ferrer Ferran.” (CKCB)

Hope to see you there!

peachy & pregnant

Above: My maternity inspired Polyvore set.  Click the image for where to buy

green smoothie goodness

photo by dthoskins

This is a favorite go-to easy breakfast treat!  Surprised to hear that a green smoothie is a treat?—You haven’t tried the right recipe yet.

I personally love this one.

What you’ll need:

• 1 banana
• 2/3 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/3 cup frozen mango
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 large handfuls of organic baby spinach (it is much more tender)

Step by Step:

1.  Add the spinach and water to your blender and pulse until pureed.

2.  Add the banana and frozen fruit and pulse until pureed.

3.  Serve and enjoy!

This recipe makes 1 large smoothie or 2 small ones (perfect for an afternoon snack to share).  My 2.5 year old is particularly fond of this smoothie, so mine is usually divided into two.

I’ve read that for optimal nutrient absorption, your green smoothie should be consumed by itself and you should not have eaten 40 minutes prior or again for 40 minutes after.  You won’t mind!  The smoothie is incredibly filling and lasts me well until lunchtime.

Give it a try!  You might be surprised.

daytrip: a taste of Japan

Whether you are a local resident, or just visiting Central Kentucky, let this daytrip transport you to another culuture right here in the Bluegrass!

Above: The end of the line in the production of the Toyota Camry

To begin your journey, take a free tour of the the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant located in Georgetown, Kentucky.  This 45 minute tour is a fascinating glimpse into the Toyota Manufacturing process and philosophy.  See how they make the Toyota Venza, Camry, Avalon and hybid models from rolls of steel to a finished product.  Make sure you make reservations in advance because the tours fill up quickly.  Click here for tour information.

After your tour, travel to Lexington for a bite to eat at Osaka Japanese Restaurant.  Good service and delicious food, Osaka offers sushi, noodles, tempura, and beautifully comprised bento boxes.  Enjoy a complimentary pineapple to finish your meal.

 

After lunch, stay in town and check out the origami exhibit located in the atrium of the University of Kentucky’s William T. Young Library.  The exhibition, running now through May 24, 2013 is co-sponsored by the UK Asia Center and UK Libraries and is free and open to the public.  Click here for more information.

Above:  Origami crane created by Diana.  Click here for the video tutorial;  photo by dthoskins

diy menus

 

images by dthoskins

When I have guests at my home for a dinner party or special event, I always like for them to know what will be served.  It is nice as a guest to know what is coming next.  Will there be dessert that I should be saving room for?  Plus, a menu is a fun take-home for your party goers to remember their lovely evening.

Both of the menus above were for parties for my in-laws birthdays.  (I love the color nail polish that I was wearing in the top shot—Candy Pop!  Thank you to my mom for lending her hands in the lower image).  For each one, I simply used a box of fun card stock stationary that went with the theme of the event.  It is a great way to use up stationary and you can even mix and match designs for an interesting twist.

I like to situate my menus at each place setting, like at the parties I hosted below.

images by dthoskins

Are you ready for a party yet?

raspberry bars

photo credit: dthoskins

I am a complete raspberry fanatic, so these raspberry shortbread bars are a personal favorite.  I served them at a recent family brunch as the dessert (the crumble topping includes granola—so that makes them breakfast food, right?).

You can find this easy recipe here.  My one note on the recipe is that the crumble topping needs to be pressed on, so that the bars stand up to cutting.

 Enjoy!

fun gift pillow

It is truly better to give than to receive.  That has always been my philosphy!

I love seeing the look on a loved ones face when they open their present, big or small.  This is one of my favorite birthday gifts that I had made for my father-in-law’s 65th birthday (more on that party later).  He is an avid sailor, so I had a pillow made for him by the fabulous boys at House by JSD.  If you haven’t been to House yet, you should check out this amazing store.  It is a Bluegrass Threads favorite!

photo credit: dthoskins

The coordinates are those of the city where he was born and raised, Bowling Green, Kentucky.

I just love creative and personal gifts like this!  Wouldn’t this be fun for a graduation gift?  A pillow of your hometown to take with you to college.

 

What are your favorite gift ideas?

 

keeneland style

It’s that time of year again!  Keeneland, a true bluegrass institution, opens April 5th and runs through the 26th of the month.  I especially find the April meet to be a fun and fashionable, as everyone sports their new spring looks.  Since its not quite sundress weather for me, here’s my style inspiration:

 

Will you be there?  What will you wear?

It’s our blogaversary!

It’s hard to believe that Bluegrass Threads is two years old!

photo credit: dthoskins

 

We are so thankful to readers like you, who make this all worthwhile.

To many more…

 

Happy Easter!

Wishing you a wonderful Easter day!

Polyvore by dthoskins

easter dinner

Above:  The pork roast that I served for Christmas 2012–the rib bones make for an impressive presentation; photo by dthoskins

I made this pork roast for Christmas and it was a total hit, so I thought I would share this recipe and a few side recipes for those of you who might be feeling like making something a little different this Easter.  Enjoy!

The following recipe is my slightly modified version of this recipe originally from epicurious.com:

Stuffed Pork Roast with Dried Fruits and Port Wine Sauce

Ingredients

For stuffing:

• 1/2 cup California dried apricots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup figs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup mixed dried berries (e.g. cherries, cranberries, and raisins)
• 2/3 cup ruby Port
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3/4 stick unsalted butter
• 1 tart apple such as Granny Smith, peeled and cut into      1/2-inch pieces

For roast:

• 1 (6-pound) bone-in pork loin roast (10 ribs), frenched  (very important that your butcher does this correctly or you will have trouble carving at serving time), at room temperature 1 hour
• 9 or 10 bacon slices (optional)

For port sauce:

• 1/2 cup ruby Port
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups water, divided
• 2 teaspoons flour

Preparation

Make stuffing:
Simmer dried fruits and Port in a small heavy saucepan, covered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.

Cook onion and shallot in butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add apple and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until apple is just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in port mixture and cool.

Stuff and roast pork:
Preheat oven to 500°F with rack in middle.

Make a pocket in center of roast by making a horizontal 1 1/2-inch-wide cut into 1 end of roast with a long thin knife, repeating from opposite end so pocket runs all the way through. Then make a vertical cut through center (forming a cross) to widen pocket. Push about 1 cup stuffing into pocket using a long-handled wooden spoon (you may need to stuff from both sides if roast is long). Reserve remaining stuffing for sauce.

Season roast with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and put in a large flameproof roasting pan.

Optional: Wrap with bacon, between rib bones, tucking ends under roast.

Roast pork 20 minutes, then reduce oven to 325°F and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted 2 inches into center of roast (do not touch bone or stuffing) registers 155°F, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours total.

Transfer roast to a cutting board, reserving pan, and let stand, loosely covered with foil, 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature of meat will rise to about 160°F; meat will be slightly pink.)

Make sauce:
Skim fat from pan drippings and reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons fat. Straddle pan across 2 burners and add Port to drippings, then deglaze pan by boiling over high heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Strain pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids.

Cook shallot in reserved fat in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in pan juices, 1 1/4 cups water, and reserved fruit stuffing and bring to a simmer. Whisk together flour and remaining 1/4 cup water until smooth, then whisk into sauce with any juices from cutting board.

Simmer sauce, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Carve roast into chops by cutting between ribs, then serve with sauce.

Side Dish: Kale with Toasted Pecans

photo by dthoskins

Here is another modified version a favorite side dish from epicurious.com which uses walnuts instead of pecans.  Click here for the original recipe.  Either way, this is a wonderful accompaniment to the pork roast:

• 3 pounds kale, stems and center ribs discarded
• 1 cup chopped pecans (3 1/2 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Preparation

Tear kale into large pieces, then cook in a large pot of well-salted boiling water, uncovered, until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain kale, and, when cool enough to handle, press out excess liquid.

Cook pecans in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add kale and salt and pepper to taste and cook, tossing, until heated through.

Serve kale warm or at room temperature.

Side Dish: Yorkshire Puddings

For your grand finale these Yorkshire Puddings are sure to make this Easter dinner unforgettable.  Click the picture for the recipe.

photo by dthoskins

Happy Easter!