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Better in the Bluegrass + The Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail
It wasn't an ordinary Wednesday afternoon for me, last week I got to take a day trip down to Lake Cumberland State Park for a lunch previewing the new Better in the Bluegrass Culinary Tourism Initiative with the Kentucky Department of Tourism and Kentucky State Parks. The afternoon was warm and sunny, and the state park was the perfect setting with amazing views of Lake Cumberland from every angle! The purpose of the event was to kick-off the new Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail (more on how to participate in that below), taste some of the amazing signature dishes that had been thoughtfully planned and prepared to represent each region of Kentucky, and overall just promote the impressive and ever-evolving food scene we have here in Kentucky.
Derby Party Recipes
Derby parties are one of my favorite events to host and a great way to kick off summer outdoor entertaining. Last year I collaborated with Lex Eats to pull together a collection of all our favorite Kentucky Derby party recipes! Our menu incorporates lots of finger foods + bite sized appetizers perfect for snacking on all day throughout your derby festivities. We also included an easy + refreshing cocktail as well as a fun dessert option! Check out the full menu + recipes below. You can even print out the menu to use for your own derby party! Also don't forget to check out the full list of Derby themed posts from other local Bluegrass bloggers!
{New in Lex}: Varnish Nail Shoppe
I'm always so excited to try out new local businesses in the Lexington area, but especially when one of my dear friends is one of the owners! Lexington's newest must-visit spot is Varnish Nail Shoppe, an chic and high end all-natural nail salon. They truly nailed every detail in this shop from the minimal, midcentury decor to the well-curated array of products and services. The service is top-notch and you really feel pampered every step of the way! One of my favorite parts of my manicure is when they mixed up a custom sugar hand scrub with my favorite scents right in front of me. I also really loved the selection of stylish polish colors that they had available AND they specialize in doing some super chic nail art too!
{SOLD OUT} Creative Collective Meet + Mingle at The Amsden
Starting a business is so rewarding. It's also hella hard work. It's incredibly difficult to navigate all of the firsts of running a business, especially when you're going it alone. Insert Creative Collective. We have experience in retail, renovation, marketing and branding, art, photography, design, blogging and more. And we're here to help.
We'll host mixers, workshops, and events designed to help you make the most of your skills and ideas. Whether you've started a business already, have a side hustle, or are thinking about taking the leap, we'll share what we've learned so far.
Our launch event will be Thursday, April 12th at 7pm. We'll be meeting at The Amsden (151 South Main, Versailles) for a quick, networking mixer. Get to know us and come ready to make some connections. Don't forget to have your business cards in tow. Your business bestie awaits!
How to Make the Coziest Bed
There are a few things I believe are super important to invest in as far as home decor, and bedding is definitely at the top of the list. When you sit back and think about it, this is something you use probably more than just about anything in your home! Not only that, but your sleep is also so important to your overall health- so it's so important to give yourself the most welcoming and comfortable environment for a good night's rest. Over the years, I've tried so many different pieces and methods for making up a cozy bed and I feel like I have finally perfected my technique! I've narrowed down 6 easy steps to making up the coziest bed for you below. I've also linked up my favorite tried and true bedding basics for you to shop!
{SOLD OUT} Kentucky Landscape Painting Workshop with Kayla Weber Nord
We are SO excited to host a fun night of painting with the talented + beautiful Kayla Weber Nord. Kayla is a dear friend and fellow blogger and small business owner who I love and I know you all will love her too! Come learn to paint your own Kentucky landscape painting (pictured above) while enjoying some coffee + treats from Amsden Coffee Club. This class is being held at the coffee shop after closing so we have the whole space to ourselves! You can find all the details + purchase tickets below! Hurry this one will surely sell out fast!
Blogger Brunch at The Amsden
This past weekend I was thrilled to host the most fun little brunch at The Amsden for a group of my local blogger friends. I'm hoping this will be the first of many events like this in our spaces and I had so much fun decorating and setting everything up inside the coffee shop. I decided to keep it simple and go with a winter white theme on the table settings. I found the table runners, napkins, and cute disposable plates at Homegoods. I wanted to keep cleanup simple so I also used this disposable wooden flatware which was super cute but also practical! I put together some quick floral arrangements in gold jars using all white flowers, eucalyptus, and baby's breath. I also cut some extra stems to lay on each place setting on top of the plate and napkin.
