Kentucky Derby Essentials

The Essentials: Kentucky Derby - Drawing by B.Nute productions

"And they're off…"

They say it's the fastest 2 minutes in sports. I say it looks like a great party! The Kentucky Derby is coming up this weekend. I've never been, but it's definitely on my bucket list. I love the tradition surrounding the event- the chilled mint juleps in silver mugs, the festive hat decked out with flowers and floating butterflies if you'd like, and the red roses… lots and lots of beautiful blooming red roses.

Of course, there is actually a horse race involved too. A horse race seeped in history filled with skilled jockeys and well bred horses. Don't forget about a little luck. Sometimes it's the underdog who surprises the crowd!

I had a great time creating my "The Essentials: Kentucky Derby" drawing above. It includes all the necessary items for a wonderful Kentucky Derby-- from the mint julep, to the prize trophy. It's a great snapshot of a wonderful tradition that fleets by every year!

Happy Easter!

The Chocolate Bunny - drawing by B.Nute productions

Happy Easter. I hope your day is filled with Easter egg hunts, family, and lots of chocolate bunnies!

Holiday Traditions: The Easter Dress

Holiday Traditions: The Easter Dress by B.Nute productions

I can still remember my daughter's sweet little yellow Easter dress she wore one year when she was a toddler. The bright yellow pressed cotton, the smocking with tiny adorable embroidered flowers on it, and the precious peter pan collar. She looked perfect for a bright Easter morning brunch!

Each year, my mom continued the tradition she started when my daughter was born by getting her an Easter dress to wear. It's always been the same, sweet traditional style I just love, until more recently. Although I couldn't be more proud to watch my daughter grow into a young woman, it's hard to say goodbye to those sweet dresses!

I did tuck a few into a box to save for her when she's a mom. With such a timeless style, perhaps her daughter or daughters could wear one as well. I can only hope she'll keep up the Easter dress tradition. With such a casual lifestyle we lead, it's always fun to get dressed up once and awhile!

The Little Things

One of our holiday decorating traditions in our family is to put up a small tree in each of the kid's rooms. It's not a real tree, gorgeous fresh sprigs of greenery planted in a cute vintage tin... and it is not an elaborate, yet always creative Martha Stewart creation... it's just one of those fake little ol' trees from the craft store... but the kids just LOVE it!! When the decorations come out, this is the first thing that is requested... "Where's the tree for my room?"

Along with the tree, I bought a couple packages of the mini-ornaments. They love the little candy canes, and presents. Yes, if I get a moment of extra time, these candy canes can be hand made from pipe cleaners, and the little presents made from extra scraps of decorative papers... but for now, they are just the store bought ones... and again, LOVED!

Some years, they add some of their own art creations to the tree... the construction paper star (that's almost 1/3 the size of the tree) is one of my favorites. Some years, the tree stays pretty much as it was initially decorated.

One of these years, we'll try a fancier version of this tradition, but for now, our lil'store bought trees are just perfect.

What are your little traditions this time of year?