Kentucky Derby Soiree

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good party. Especially when that party involves fun friends, delicious food, cute décor…..and costumes! So of course, when my horse-loving friend Liz decided to host a Kentucky Derby Soiree for the girls, I was *pumped.*

She assured us that no prior knowledge of the Derby was required <good, because I have none!>, and instructed us to come in our Sunday best, with candy bars for betting, and the biggest, most creative Kentucky Derby hats we could dream up. Now that I could do.

After a little Pinteresting <yes, it’s a verb now> I set out for the Dollar Tree to make my Derby hat dreams come true. I decided to go with borderline gaudy vs. a big, beautiful hat…mostly because, let’s face it, it’s waaaaay easier to find gaudy at Dollar Tree than it is to find beautiful. <If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!> I settled on a fairy inspired hat, complete with pink money for “betting” and trophies for the race winner…sure to inspire my horse to “fly” to victory.

“Derby Fairies”

All the husband could do as I made the hat was shake his head and repeat how thankful he was he didn’t have to be seen with me in it…but I know that what he realllllly meant by that was how impressed he was with my creativeness. He just didn’t have the words to verbalize that, I’m sure.

On race day I got all dolled up, pulled on my pink gloves <also from Dollar Tree> like a true Southern lady, and cut a few fresh roses from our backyard gift to take to our lovely hostess…carried in a mason jar, of course.

Heels, gloves, and a veil over my face…what more does a southern girl need?! 😉

The party itself was charming…mint tea <she grew the mint herself!>, a table filled with girly food, lovely ladies all gussied up, and the hats….oh the hats. Gloriously large hats.

Our hostess taught us all about horse racing & helped us each pick a horse to bet on…then hooped and hollered louder than any of us when the horses actually left the gate. 😉

Once the dust settled <literally!> it turned out that the horse I was betting on <Golden Soul, I believe> came in 2nd! I had no clue where my horse was while the race was happening <kind of like how I can’t keep track of where the football is during a football game> so I had quite the celebration when I figured out my horse had placed.  

We had so much fun at the Soiree that we decided maybe next year we should have our men dress up & come along….oooooooor maybe not. *wink*

KEEP CALM & SOIREE ON!

Little Man Mustache Bash

Happy belated 4th of July! The husby and I ended up having a quiet celebration at home…it reminded us of our 1st married Independence Day. Our honeymoon cruise docked early that morning, we kissed Texas soil (literally!), drove all day, and arrived home in time for….a nap. 😛 We missed the fireworks, but is it awkward to say we made some of our own? *wink*blush*couldn’t help myself*

An.y.way.

What I realllly wanted to share today are a few pictures from my adorable nephew’s 1st birthday party. He turned one back in May, and my sister-in-law turned me loose on the décor & party planning. We were short on time and $$$, but I think in the end our Little Man had a birthday party he could be proud of & a fun time was had by all!

Presenting…The Little Mister Mustache Bash!

Mustaches & ties were provided for all the guests to wear…

Our color theme was black, lime, and teal…I found free printables to match the theme, decorated with pics of our Little Mister, and made a pretty darn stinkin’ cute banner. (Thanks to this party I also fell in love with washi tape. Now I’m obsessed.)

Real men eat cake.

The drink station…striped paper straws are a must for any legitimate pinterest-inspired party. 😉

I love a good mustache bash!

Cousin Matthew provided the entertainment…a magic show…with the help of his little assistant. (Check out her shirt btw…too fun!)

Of course there were presents…(look at those chubby cheeks! Agh!)

And a photo booth…

And one super cute & loving big sister to the little mister. (This picture makes my heart melt!)

And of course, there was cake. (Could that birthday boy be any more adorable?! I just don’t think so…)

The little man & his happy family!

KEEP CALM & SQUEEZE THE LITTLE MISTER’S IN YOUR LIFE!

P.S. – My in-laws hired a photographer to come & capture the fun…didn’t the pics turn out great?! If you live in my area & are interested in her info, leave me a comment below!