Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Kentucky Derby Tea Time


Well, what a very busy weekend!

Did anyone attend the Kentucky Derby this year?

I did not get to go, as I attended my annual civic women's club
 Spring Fling Ladies Brunch and Style Show.






However, I made up for not being there in great style!

I recently won a wonderful tea giveaway
from Linda at her blog called FRIENDSHIP TEA.

She gifted me TWO large containers of the most wonderful
Black and Green Teas which she explains in detail 
on her giveaway post here.

They came in those wonderful nylon pyramid sachets, 
and both are so very tasty!










I had a whirlwind weekend -  had an out-of-state tea sister
 come in late on Friday for a fast overnight stay.

 She was in town to attend her daughter's
smaller local second bridal shower in our area.

 Then the next day she was gone by 9am to attend
 her daughter's final dress fitting (bought locally) for the wedding.

Then my husband grabbed my 7th grade niece while I got ready
to take her to the ladies brunch and style show by 10 am.

(We had a wonderful time! Such a good time I took no pics.)







After we finished there we came back to our house and 
put together a pretty planter and homemade card for her
mother (my younger sister) for Mother's Day.

A bit later we three attended Mass, and I sang in choir for the
Saturday evening service - as traditionally the little ones sing
for the mothers on Mother's Day sunday.

THEN we hurried over to our favorite local pub and got a nice meal
and watched the derby on all the large flat screens.

SUCH FUN! Such yelling! 

Good job there, Nyquist!

By the way, my little sister is a University of Kentucky graduate.
She loves The Derby and I will never forget the first time 
she went - with her sorority sisters (Pi Beta Phi.)

As we are true Yankees, it was quite a surprise for her to discover
at the Derby (and at all the school ball games) one can always
catch a whiff of Kentucky Bourbon in the air.  ♥









My sister didn't go this year because she was one of the organizers
 for a huge gala for the  Free to Smile Foundation philanthropy.

She organized the donations to help that wonderful cause. 

This annual event was hosted at the awesome
"Party Barn" at the Les Wexner residence. 
(These are the well-known Wexners who own The Limited.)

So between my busy sister and my busy self 
we had to celebrate the Derby the best we could this year.







So in honor of the Derby, and to happily
enjoy my own win - I baked white chocolate cookies,
brownies, oatmeal jam bars, and pecan chocolate chip cookies
and well enjoyed tea time yesterday.

Sipping on Elwood's Bourbon Tea was extra special.







Elmwood Inn

From Wikipedia on the net
Elmwood Inn in historic Perryville, Kentucky is nationally known because its signature facade is featured on thousands of tins of tea and recipe books that ship every day under the banner of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas company. Built in 1842 by local merchant John Burton, the Greek Revival mansion was used as a makeshift hospital during the 1862 Battle of Perryville in the American Civil War. The handsome building served as boarding school from 1896 until 1924 under the care of headmaster Thomas Poynter.
Elmwood was rescued by preservationists in 1974, placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and designated as a Kentucky landmark by Governor Wendell Ford. It served as a regional restaurant until 1989. Noted guests during that time included Ronald Reagan and KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders. The inn was transformed into one of America's best-known tea houses in 1990 under the ownership of Bruce and Shelley Richardson. In 2002, Elmwood Inn was named by the UK Tea Council as the first American tea room to be included in their prestigious publication "Best Tea Places."
Elmwood Inn closed to the public in 2004 and the grand house is now the private residence of the owners.
Elmwood Inn Fine Teas began importing, blending and packaging specialty teas in 1993 and now supplies teas to tea rooms, restaurants and gift shops in every state. Elmwood Inn's publishing division, Benjamin Press, is the publisher of over 17 books, mainly on the subject of tea.
The Elmwood Inn Fine Teas and Benjamin Press offices, blending and packaging operation is located at 135 North Second Street in Danville, Kentucky. A tea shop for retail and wholesale customers is located in that downtown facility.


One more thing I also had to miss this past weekend
 was our family's annual Cancer Walk.

Here is a cute pic of just a few of our family's "Mob" 
walking for a cure and making a difference, one step at a time.

Rest in Peace, Pop Patrick, we love you.







Sunday my husband Michael, and the girls and their husbands
all took me to The Worthington Inn for a Mother's Day brunch.

I ate so much I nearly needed a nap, it was so delish!


~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~



So - thank you, again, Linda, for helping me so enjoy
a little taste of your Kentucky at this special time of year.

I appreciate trying new teas, and these did not disappoint!

Linda is quite knowledeable and ALL about tea and travel.
 Be sure to stop by her blog for a visit soon!



As always, thank you all for your visit!


~Michele


Linking:











37 comments:

  1. I bet that Kentucky Bourbon tea tastes wonderful. No, we didn't attend and I have never been, my husband was raised on a Throughbred farm (Affirmed came from the farm)---anyways, hubby said he has seen enough of the horses. So, nope, prob. won't ever go.

    Have a beautiful rest of the week...

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  2. What a perfect giveaway win for you, Michele! It's such fun to try new teas.
    You did have a busy weekend! I used to love to go to the Worthington Inn! It was always such a treat and such an old historic home. Sounds like you had a great Mother's Day!

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  3. Your win couldn't be more perfect, Michele! It's always fun to try a new tea. I LOVE the horse on your tray. He has a very fancy saddle! We didn't get out to the Derby of course because well, you know where we live, but we did watch it on TV. Nyquist ran quite the race. We had a really busy weekend too but I think perhaps you were a bit busier than we were. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post and have a lovely week.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  4. Wow I'm exhausted thinking about all you did! The tea sounds wonderful and I enjoyed reading the history behind the Elmwood Inn fine teas. I bet the Bourbon black tea had a bit of a strong taste! Sounds like you had a fulfilling Mother's Day!

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  5. Congratulations on winning the Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, Michele! Your jam-packed weekend sounds exhausting but fun! Are your home improvement projects also finally done now?

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    1. Not really sure there is such a thing, Margie, haha! : - )

      But gettin there at least.....

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  6. Michelle, busy weekends are sometimes the best. '-)
    Glad you enjoyed so many fun time and shared Mother's Day with your children and grands.
    Love the vignette. Adding it to my Pinterest board.

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  7. The teas sound wonderful. You have been very busy, but it sounds like so much fun.
    Your desserts sound so good along with that tea - oh my......

    So glad that you had a wonderful Mothers Day. Have a great rest of the week.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  8. Very busy weekend indeed. I am almost wore out reading about it. How very clever to have a Kentucky Derby Tea. We watch it every year. Perhaps I should consider having a tea to coordinate. The people in my area were happy that Nyquist due to the Red Wing hockey team connection.

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  9. Such a gorgeous vignette. The horse is amazing and the tea canisters are amazing too.

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  10. A uniquely wonderful theme for your tea party...have never seen it done and am not one bit surprised that you did it. It has a manly tea party vibe. You have been enjoying a whirlwind of activity. Hope that means that the weather has become more tolerable. Tea party on!

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  11. My oh my, you have certainly been busy, sweet friend. But a good and fun kind of busy :)

    Your tea was absolutely delightful. Thinking of you, dear Michele. Love and hugs to you!

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  12. When we moved to Ky (Bowling Green area) we lived in our trailer for few months waiting to find/buy a house. It was right before KY Derby so there were many people in park there for derby.. We lived at KOA in B.G.
    Thought KY was so pretty everywhere we went, so green.
    One big problem for me, allergies and asthma. Most of my asthma attacks are allergy driven and there were dogwood trees blooming everywhere in park. Not a pleasant introduction to KY, we had moved there from MT. In rand Junction, CO now MT was allergic to cottonwood trees along the lake. We live few miles west of Grand Junction, CO now, only lived in KY for 5 yrs. Arthritis also very bad there. Hated to leave as loved our house/property out in country there plus all the great vintage/antique places to shop.
    Anyway you had nice tea party with special teas, wish I was tea drinker (except for sun tea in summer). You must have knowledge of many teas. Do you collect tea pots along with teas? Your tea cup/saucer is beautiful.
    It sounds like you had such a busy but lovely weekend and Mothers day.
    Thanks for history about that inn.
    I love your gorgeous horse on your tray, did you find it at an antique store or have you had it for long time? It is special looking horse, perfect to decorate with for the derby.
    Have special week.

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    Replies
    1. TY! I have had the horse for years. I had him packed away until not long ago - and I think he's going to stay out a while now. He's a good size- not too large, not too small. : - )

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    2. TY! I have had the horse for years. I had him packed away until not long ago - and I think he's going to stay out a while now. He's a good size- not too large, not too small. : - )

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  13. What a busy weekend and a wonderful Mothers Day Celebration. Congratulations on winning the teas, what a joy for you to try something new. Love the stunning setting, the horse looked amazing next to the tea. The saddle particularly beautiful. Take care.

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  14. I didn't know you were a Derby lover. I have watched the Triple Crown races since I was a little girl and never miss one unless I have to. My daughter took me to The Preakness for a Mother's Day gift 6 years ago, and we had the very best time. Great seats right at the finish line only a few rows from the rail. It was wonderful! Sounds like you had fun at the pub - I watched at home where I could yell and not have to feel like a fool :)
    Cindy

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  15. Oh you did have a busy weekend but it was a wonderful. I've never been to the KD as much fun as I am sure it is. Your KD tea sounds wonderful, especially with a dear friend and the vignette is perfect. Love the horse and canisters. We are just back from spending a week at the beach with our family so I'm a little late visiting today……….

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  16. You are welcome, Michelle. I am so glad these teas contributed a little bit of fun to your busy weekend. Your photography is lovely!

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  17. Watching the KY Derby was something we did every year when we lived there but seem to have gotten away from it. We are in Nascar country now, even though I am not a huge fan but my hubby and son is. You have been a busy girl for sure and it sounds like you had a wonderful Mother's Day. Enjoy the rest of your week, Michele :)

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  18. Michele, I'd need a nap after all that, too! I've never been to the Derby, but I do love horses AND hats (and tea)!

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  19. I've never heard of Bourbon tea! Hopefully I can find some to try! I love watching the derby on t.v. and next year hope to host a Derby party! Gorgeous post! ;)

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  20. I've not been to Kentucky, so no derby either, however I do love to watch, root and enjoy the festivities. This year, I actually put on a hat and enjoyed from the comfort of my own LR. Happy you got to enjoy some fun tea and happy times. Blessings, Cindy xo

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  21. The Kentucky bourbon teas from Linda sound interesting, congratulations on your giveaway win.
    It's always nice to catch up with where your busy life takes you and I'm glad you had a nice Mother's Day out, well deserved.

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  22. Sounds like you had an amazing weekend. I bet that tea is so good! Have a wonderful weekend! xxx Maria

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  23. What an amazing weekend! Must have been such fun! The tea sounds intriguing...so glad you won!thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  24. Dear Michele:
    What a wonderful post and I know so little about the Kentucky Derby! I hope you will post this at "Tea In The Garden" too. Some ladies post tea posts there because they can't be in the garden, etc. I am so glad you won Linda's Give Away - what fun! Thanks for sharing and linking this fun post.

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  25. Dear Michele:
    Just a word of congratulations as this post was featured on my blog today!

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  26. Hi Michele,
    You are such a busy lady! Wow! I thought I was busy. I used to sing in the church choir and miss it. Love your teacup and the teas sound lovely. Have a Wonderful Weekend! Karen

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  27. Oh my! Never a dull moment! Reminds me of ME! But I don't think I'm having as much fun. haha! Glad it was a nice Mother's Day for you. That seems so long ago now. . . .

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  28. Whew I got tuckered out just reading your post! :) But such wonderful memories were made I'm sure. Have a wonderful flower filled week.

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  29. My goodness - what as marvelous and busy week - so many wonderful happenings and so many wonderful people to celebrate with.

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  30. what a great post!! Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  31. ahhh, sounds like you celebrated the derby in style, even if you couldn't go. So glad you had family to share it all with and that you had a great time. xoxo

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  32. Sounds like it was a good Derby celebration for you.

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  33. What a fun tea. Love the décor! And how cute is your family walking for cancer photo?
    hugs,
    Jann

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  34. Wow, you were a busy girl in May! I *love* the photos of your Kentucky Derby teas ... so, so stylish! Love hearing all that your family is doing, too -- WITH each other and FOR others. Kindness seems to run in the family, eh? :)

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