Shop Hats: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven A Day at the races is no day at the races without the Whisky Chicks and Brown Forman! The weather was perfect at Churchill Downs, which is one of the most famous horse tracks, stemming from the long tradition of the running of the Kentucky Derby. The atmosphere was great for betting and dabbling in a couple of spirits. Completed by a view from the Brown Forman Suite. The Brown Forman Corporation is one of the largest American spirits and wine companies. Their brands can be found in over 160 countries, which include Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jack Daniel’s.
This was all organized for Mother’s Day by the Whisky Chicks. If you do not know who the Whisky Chicks are then you should! It is an organization that allows women of all ages (21+) to come together to embrace the unique taste’s of whiskey. They pride themselves on being libation liberators; meaning they help women appreciate and love cocktails that are outside of their standard norm. They are whisky educators promoting knowledge of a drink that is rich in Kentucky history, and friend facilitators allowing others to meet and form lasting friendships. This Mother’s Day Event was truly wonderful for all who attended.
Want to come to the next Whisky Chicks event? Sign up for a membership here and check out their upcoming events.
*I attended the Mother’s Day at Churchill Down’s Event as the Whisky Chicks’ guest
We all know that I love to travel! So I definitely take advantage of seeing the world when I can. As you know last month I had the opportunity to explore many parts of Australia. While exploring this beautiful county I was able to visit Canberra, which is the national capital. The name Canberra means “Meeting Place” in the Aboriginal language. The territory of Canberra is very gubernatorial, modeled after Washing DC, having the Federal Parliament located in the city’s center, it was selected as the capital in 1908 as a compromise between the rivals Sydney and Melbourne, which are Australia’s two largest cities.
Canberra is home to many amazing sites such as Parliament House, The Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery, the National Museum, an amazing view from the Black Mountains, and the native Kangaroos. So there is a lot of history and a lot to see in this town. Make sure you set aside at least 2-3 days to view it all and take it all in. Find out all you need to know to plan your trip to Canberra here.
If you are planning to explore Canberra I suggest wearing something comfortable because there can be a lot of walking depending on the activities you do though out the day. I planned my outfit around visiting museums, so I wore comfy jeans and shoes. See all the great pictures of my experience in Canberra below and also shop the look.
The whole continent of Australia is beautiful. I spent my time there in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. Sorrento is a townships in Victoria that I had the opportunity to visit. Located off the shores of Port Phillip Bay in the Mornington Peninsula and about an hour and a half from the city of Melbourne, Sorrento is a great getaway.
This quaint village is sprawling with amazing views, boutiques, and eateries. If being on the water is your thing take a full day Kayaking Tour (details here), or capture the scenic views on the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail. If you are a foodie Sorrento is known for its vanilla slice, Just Fine Food is known to have a tasty one and if you are staying a little longer Stringer Store is the go-to grocery for visitors and locals. Sorrento also has great shopping. A couple of my favorite stops were Country Road, Witchery, and Emia. Although I was only there for a day trip, I also know that Sorrento has some prime real estate and some great places to stay for a weekend holiday. Check out the Sorrento Beach House or the Buoys on Queens.
When we finished our day walking around the local strip we took the Seared Ferries, a 40 minute boat ride, from Sorrento to Queenscliff, which is the gateway to Great Ocean Road (a must see) for our next adventure. Check out the video below where you might see some dolphins.
Graffiti….one of the best back drops for a photo, especially for a blogger. These works of art are all over the lane ways in Melbourne, Australia. You can find this one outside of Spice Market, a great place to grab a drink if you are in town. The decor is enough to make you want to stop in.
The graffiti goes great with a this geometric print dress (similar here), that I paired with black flats and a oversized tote, which is idea for travel. As you will see me toting it all around Australia in my next couple post. So stay tuned, many Australia travel post to come!
Part 2 of the American Craft Distilling Tasting Series organized and executed by the Whisky Chicks was another sold out event (read about part 1 here). The Whiskey Chicks organize functions centered around educating women and men about the delicacies of whiskey and provide a social atmosphere to do so.
Westport Whiskey & Wine was the venue for part 1 & 2 of the tasting series. Their tasting room is spectacular, great for events and date nights. The shop prides itself on having hard to fine whiskey, wine, beer and spirits. If you are in the Louisville area I would suggest you check it out. In part 2 of the American Craft Distilling Tasting Series participants experienced six different whiskeys, which are listed below.
Kentucky Artisan Distillery is the home of Jefferson’s Bourbon, Whiskey Row Bourbon, and Highspire Rye. This distillery provides a place for entrepreneurs to learn the craft of spirit production.
A blended bourbon of 3-4 different brands of region’s best bourbons. House brand of Kentucky Artisan Distillery. An 88 proof bourbon with a bit of spice (44% ABV).
Calumet Farm Bourbon Bourbon made up of a mash of corn, rye and malted barley. Calumet Farm Bourbon is 86 proof with tastes of butterscotch, oak and little hints of brown sugar and white pepper (43% AVB).
Rivulet Pecan Liqueur A small batch distilled pecan American brandy that is 60 proof. With it sweet and nutty finish, this liqueur is a great after dinner drink (30% ABV).
Ballotin Original Chocolate If you are a chocolate lover? You will love the mix of chocolate and whiskey in the Ballotin Original Chocolate. This 60 proof rich chocolatey fudge whiskey with hints of vanilla and oak is great to drink straight or mixed in a cocktail. (30% ABV)
Want to come to the next Whisky Chicks event? Sign up for a membership here and check out their upcoming event below. Make sure you get your ticket before they sell out.
What is your Whisky story? Mine is simple. I am from Kentucky and grew up hearing the words bourbon and whisky often, if you are from these parts you definitely understand. When I became of age and was able to drink, like most other college kids I reached for the beer and the vodka (this could be the fact that most undergrads know these are cheap and usually alway available). As I grew older my pallet changed and I began to appreciate the taste of bourbon, so it soon began to be one of my go to drinks. Insert the Whisky Chicks 😉 If you haven’t heard of them you should.
Whisky Chicks are a group of ladies of all ages (21+), who embrace the unique tastes of a good bottle of bourbon. They pride themselves on being libation liberators; meaning they help women appreciate and love cocktails that are outside of their standard girly norm. They are whisky educators, and friend facilitators. Whisky Chicks started over cocktails and conversation about how hard it is to meet other women with similar interest. During that conversation with founder Linda Ruffenach the idea of Whisky Chicks emerged.
Why do women love attending Whisky Chicks events?? From talking to other ladies at their events women love a place where they feel welcome to come by themselves, where they have an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, a great place for professionals to network, and be educated on the different brands of whiskey the world has to offer. You always leave with knowledge on how to make a new cocktail, a new friend, or even a great idea. As many of us know most great ideas and business ventures start over cocktails. Whisky Chicks’ events are not only attended by females, males are welcomed too. Lots of husbands, boyfriends, and men that are interested in learning about bourbon have always been a fixture at many of their events.
Jack Daniel’s Savor & Share with Maureen Petrosky was an exclusive event hosted by the Whisky Chicks. Savor & Share is a collaboration between Jack Daniel’s and Maureen Petrosky. Maureen is a lifestyle Expert who has written books such as, The Cocktail Club and The Wine Club (find books here), a columnist for Today.com and thekitchn.com, a chef, an event host and brand ambassador. Check out her website here. Savor and Share consist of a series of videos featuring cocktails, sample recipes for simple appetizers and easy tips for throwing a party. (Savor & Share Autumn Brunch video, Fall Fire Pit video)
This Whisky Chicks’ event did not disappoint. As soon as you walked in the door the attention to detail that the hostesses laid out was a whiskey lover’s dream. I mean who doesn’t want an elevator cocktail to start! Yes please! Sparkling Apple Sangria with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel for the win. The night was filled with appetizers, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel tastings, great cocktails (especially the awesome spiked s’mores hot chocolate you will see below) and a little bit about how Savor & Share with Maureen Petrosky and Jack Daniel’s came about.
Ana Kornegay, Brand Director for Jack Daniel’s Craft and Luxury, educated the attendees on Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey. She says it is one to pull out for your favorite guest that you are trying to impress. This collection is made from Jack Daniel’s finest stock of whiskey, bottled in the smallest batches one barrel at a time.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey consist of:
*Single Barrel Select- Your pallet will taste rich toffee, caramel, cinnamon, orange, clove, and oak.
*Single Barrel Rye- 94 proof with a bold taste of rye mixed with ripe fruit and toasted oak, which gives a peppery spice finish.
*Single Barrel Barrel Proof- A smooth taste of brown sugar, toasted oak and a hint of dark spice.
Single Barrel 100 Proof- Traveler’s exclusive with toasted oak, sweet vanilla, and a light spices.
If you love whiskey Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is one to try.
Want to come to the next Whisky Chicks event? Sign up for a membership here and check out their upcoming events below. Make sure you get your ticket before they sell out.
Who doesn’t want a brownstone in NYC? If I ever really do live in the city I totally think a brownstone is the way to go. Now all I have to do is figure out how to pay for it. This is definitely a future goal. For now I will just take pictures in front of cute ones. When I was in NYC last week, that is exactly what I did.
While navigating through Chelsea and other great areas such as the High Line (A 1.45 mile linear park in Manhattan that is elevated on one of NYC’s old railroad), I was a total tourist and used the city as my back drop. If you are ever in NYC you must visit the High Line.
For my outfit while taking it all in, I went for the comfortable but put together look. It was great for the continuous walking we did while there. I paired skinny jeans with a gingham button down, and a puff vest, which is idea for the colder weather. I accessorized the look with riding boots (great for walking long distances, considering I was doing an average of 25k each day), a tote to hold all my gear and sunnies since it was a bright sunny day.
This was a great outfit to play tourist in. What is your favorite outfit to explore a city? Shop my outfit below.
Still dreaming of the warmer days of last week in Santa Monica. I am back in Kentucky where the temperature has been 18 degrees all the way to almost 60. Mother natural cannot make up her mind. Anyway, my travel style is casual. This is one of my favorite sweaters and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. I paired it with simple black leggings and a v-neck short sleeved tee. I accessorized with aviators sunglasses from Diff Eyewear, which is a company that provides reading glasses to people in need, meaning that every pair of sunglasses that is purchased by you or someone else allows a child or adult to see clearly, the Maddison May crossbody; found here, and a cute wood necklace that I received as a gift all the way from Australia. Shop similar items of this super easy look below.
If you are outdoorsy and looking for a beautiful place to vacation let me suggest Yellowstone National Park. It is beyond breathe taking and surreal. A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit this scenic view. Although I only got to see 1/3 of the park (coming in through the west entrance) because it is so massive it was well worth it to see Buffalos, Elk, Old Faithful and many other natural wonders. If you are any where close to this beautiful place you should plan a day trip or weekend trip because it is well worth it.
When you visit Yellowstone you will definitely need some cold weather activewear. If it snows you need good insulted/water proof boots. I like these here. As well as a puffy vest and a long sleeve jacket or hoodie. Lastly, long athletic pants are a must too, try these here. What is your favorite type of activewear? Shop mine below.
I do not know about you but I think that every fall I need to get a new coat. So during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale in August I scooped up this collarless crepe topper. I paired it with white skinny jeans (yes you can wear white after Labor Day), a simple gray tee and gray booties, which are great for transitioning to cooler temperatures. I additionally accessorized this outfit with a cute scarf that has skulls on it, bright earrings and necklace, and a cross body. A cross body is great for travel because it is easy to carry and more secure.
These pictures were taken while I was in Big Sky, Montana. If you have never been to Montana I recommend it. Big Sky, Montana is a ski resort village nestled on top of the Lone Peak Mountain and Mountain Village. If you are an avid skier, then I am sure you have been there, considering that Big Sky is known to be the biggest ski place in America. They have lots of activities for the non skier too. Check out their website to plan trip.
What is you favorite type of coat for the fall and winter? Shop mine below.
