Lilly Pulitzer Beach Bash 2012

On Saturday night, I attended the Beach Bash benefitting the American Red Cross of the Palm Beaches.  Lilly Pulitzer's grandson, Bobby Leidy, was the Chairman of this party for young adults that was sponsored by the Lilly Pulitzer company. The Bash was hosted at the Beach Club in Palm Beach.  In attendance, amongst all the "beautiful people",  were James Bradbeer, Jr., President of the Lilly Pulitzer group and Mary Lane who is the Lilly Ambassador.  The Bash was a sold-out pink and green soiree with gourmet hamburger sliders, ceviche, fried calamari and ice cream.  Each guest was gifted with Lilly's Palm Beach Murfee Scarf.

Here are a few pics!

Ashley Cherowitzo with Beach Bash 2012 chairman Bobby Leidy

James Bradbeer, Jr., President of the Lilly Pulitzer group, with the Preppy American at the Beach Bash hosted poolside at the Beach Club.

Lilly-print live painting at the Beach Bash at the Beach Club in Palm Beach

Lilly Ambassador Mary Lane (left) at the Beach Bash held at the Beach Club in Palm Beach with the Preppy American

For a look back at Lilly, CLICK HERE for photos from the 80th Birthday Brunch hosted for Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau and Chaired by Mary Lane.

 

...and because of Winn-Dixie...

I'm loving the new Winn-Dixie that opened in suburban Lake Worth, Florida on Hypoluxo Road.  The store has a gourmet deli section with hot and cold cuisines along with an in-house chef.  This new Winn-Dixie is also a winner with its cheese and olives section that is staffed with a cheese and olives expert. 

Today, I attended the Taste of Winn-Dixie that featured a cooking demonstration by Chef Alexis; and wine tastings, desserts and jazz music.  I tasted the Beef Mongolian and ate a freshly prepared Shepard's Pie.

The Preppy American at Taste of Winn-Dixie in Suburban Lake Worth, Florida

 

Freshly prepared Shepherd's Pie at Winn-Dixie in Suburban Lake Worth, Florida

I have fond memories of Winn-Dixie from my childhood back when it was known as "The Beef People's" store because they have the best selection of meats.  The grocery chain has southern roots and was started in 1925 by the Davis family.  In 1960, the founders son, Mr. J.E. Davis, read Booker T. Washington's "Up from Slavery" and was inspired to make a profound commitment to support Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) that includes Tuskegee Institute, Bethune-Cookman College, Florida Memorial College and Rust College.

The Winn-Dixie name gained new fame with the popular children's book and movie "Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo.

Here are more photos from my Winn-Dixie field trip today:

Shepherd's Pie at Winn-Dixie is going...

and going....

...and still going...

and gone!

Cooking demos were conducted at the new Winn-Dixie in Suburban Lake Worth, Florida for their tastings event

Beef Mongolian at the Taste of Winn-Dixie

Selection of wines at Taste of Winn-Dixie

The gourmet cheese section at Winn-Dixie in Suburban Lake Worth, Florida

Goya drink tastings at the Taste of Winn-Dixie in Suburban Lake Worth, FL

Winni-Dixie makes cookies in-house

 

Kentucky, A State of Friendliness ( Part 1)

A history research trip led The Preppy American to Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.  The Shaker Village thrived for more than 100 years. It was established in 1805 on 3,000 acres which the Shaker's named Pleasant Hill.  It's now a National Historic Site. 

Have you heard of Murray, Kentucky? I've never been there but it recently won the Rand McNally USA Today "Most Friendliest" town designation. I'm not surprised by the recognition because I had previously traveled to the State of Kentucky (Lexington & Harrodsburg area) where I experienced a heaping dose of friendliness. Prior to my arrival to Kentucky for a history research project I really did not know much about the other side of Kentucky therefore I had absolutely no expectation of anything except my anticipation was that I would be greeted by a Confederate Flag at the Bluegrass airport. However, there wasn't a flag. Instead, strangers greeted me with smiles and friendliness. Kentucky bowled me over with their friendliness.  I had to re-orient my thinking. 

People in Kentucky (at least the areas that I visited) were so welcoming that I thought that I had entered into the Twilight Zone and at any moment Rod Sterling was going to appear in Black & White TV holding his signature cigarette. People in Kentucky are SUPER-friendly. It was a huge cultural shock and it blindsided me. Kentucky's friendliness did not feel manufactured but it's just the way many Kentuckians are naturally wired. Their affability touched me emotionally and it reminded me about the value of just being friendly! Kentucky's friendliness left an impression upon me that will last my lifetime. Prior to my work trip to Kentucky I had never experienced a geographic location within the USA with quite that level on kindliness. Ever since my visit I've been proselytizing about Kentucky's friendliness.

As an ode to Kentucky-friendliness, take a look at my photo album on Facebook from my history research trip to Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

And, check out Murray, Kentucky's Facebook page here.

The Preppy American at the Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, Kentucky

Click here for more photos of The Preppy American journey Kentucky.
Go here to learn more about the Shaker history.
Visit here for more information about traveling to Lexington, Kentucky