Sunday, May 06, 2007

Street Sense wasn't the only winner

What an exciting race! Street Sense came from way behind to win the Kentucky Derby yesterday. I was so touched by the jockey's emotional reaction. The crowd had a beautiful day to watch the race and wasn't it fun to see all the beautiful outfits at Churchill Downs and especially the hats! Our neighborhood friends hosted a Derby party and it was great fun.

Winner #1: There was betting on the race - I bet $10 on Liquidity because he had the same birthday as me and the jockey wore purple, my favorite color. So what he came in 14th. LOL. My husband picked Street Sense and turned his $5 bet into $55 (I made him give me back the $10 I lost so I actually broke even.)

Winner #2: The food was incredible - beef tenderloin, skewered chicken, beautiful salads, Derby pie and of course, some traditional Derby drinks - Mint Juleps, something called an Ice Pick (tea + vodka). But the Bourbon Slushies were a big hit with partygoers (I found the recipe at drinksmixer.com and sent it to my friend):

Bourbon Slush

7 cups water
3 cups bourbon whiskey
12 oz frozen lemonade
6 oz frozen orange juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups strong tea

Mix all ingredients a day ahead and place in freezer. When ready to serve, take out of freezer and put desired amount in blender for a second or put in a bowl and mix till it is semi-liquified. Serve in old-fashioned glasses.

Winner #3: I won the hat contest! I had planned on making an elegant hat to go with the dress I made but when I found the rose garland and the champagne glasses last weekend, I had to do a more whimsical hat. A picture of the hat and a picture of me with my prize:



More party photos.......

The ensemble (Vogue 8182). I posted earlier that the dress was inspired by a RTW version. This dress was a pain to sew. Part of the annoyance can be blamed on me not reading directions. But I didn't like how the gathered lower bodice was assembled and attached. And I'm not at all happy with the zipper. I plan to rip it out and re-insert it.

I lasted about an hour wearing the shoes. Ditched the hat even sooner:



These are my good friends, Lisa and Steve:

They dressed as "Infield" Derby goers (for those of you not familiar with the Derby, there are two distinct areas. The grandstand and boxes where the classy, well dressed people are (ya know, like the Queen of England.) and then there is the Infield. That's the usually muddy area in the middle of the track. It tends to attract the not-so-well-dressed crowd that usually ends up crazy drunk and covered in mud. Notice the hats - they are made from Molson Beer boxes.

The ladies at the party:


7 comments:

vegasangelbrat said...

Congrats on winning for your neat whimsical hat :) You look great and looked like lots of fun was had!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, tres perfect for the event! The total picture -- shoes, dress and hat. Decorations are perfect for the event!

Your dress looks like it came out perfectly. Congrats for finishing it on time.

The whole event looks like it was loads of fun.

I'd be one of those ones in the beer hat and the mud, but drinking top shelf drinks, of course!

Anonymous said...

Read my last comment -- exactly how many times can one use the word "event"?

Allison said...

You look absolutely fabulous my dear! Sounds wonderful!!

Melissa Perreault said...

The hat and whole ensom. looks great!! I'm glad you won!!

Man, what a fun looking party!! And prizes?!!? All I get invited to is that dang Pamperd Chef, and you have to pay to get any of that stuff! Dang!!!

Janice said...

Congratulations to both you and your hubby for being winners!! Looks like it was a fun party! Your dress, hat and shoes look marvelous!!

monica said...

Sounds like it was a good time. Your ensemble is perfect for the occasion, great job!