Bourbon, Basketball and the Bluegrass State

A weekend in Lexington worth every minute

We spent the weekend in Lexington, Kentucky where white picket fences are part of the iconic scenery. About ten years ago, some farm owners began painting those beautiful white fences black. Why? Money. Black paint is nearly three times cheaper to maintain.

It made financial sense. But something changed. The beauty and serenity that had been part of the culture of that community for generations quietly shifted.

It’s curious how easy it can be in life to pivot when something becomes difficult. To choose the more convenient path. The lower-maintenance option.

But is it always worth it?

I often think about the relationship I now have with my first husband and his wife. It is beautiful. Magical, really. We found a way to co-parent that feels like a modern family in the best sense of the word.

But we would not be here if we had not done the hard work at the beginning. The willingness to keep showing up even when it would have been easier to walk away.

Divorce can be bitter. Ugly. Mean. We never made it like that. I am sure there were awkward and uncomfortable moments early on. That was nearly two decades ago, so I honestly cannot pinpoint them now. Of course they existed. We simply pushed past them.

I see how easily people hold grudges, hang on to hate, and lean into blame. We didn’t.

Because of that, we share beautiful memories of raising our daughter and my bonus daughter together. Shared vacations. Shared milestones. And over time, a genuine friendship.

Almost a UK win.

We all feel blessed. And perhaps most importantly, our daughters only know a story rooted in mutual love and respect.

Sometimes the easier option costs less in the moment.

But the harder work preserves something far more valuable.

And some things are worth keeping white.

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A Quick Weekend Recap

Bourbon, basketball and my Bonus Daughter, Bre. That was the theme of the weekend and it made for a trifecta of fun. A sharp contrast to my days in Switzerland, but balance is important. I tried to lean into as many of my own rituals as possible (see below), but not everything translates and that’s ok.

Yes, this was bourbon for breakfast. When in Rome, right?

At the tail end of her junior year at the University of Kentucky, these moments will soon come to an end, so we embraced every minute together in the Bluegrass State.

Amazing dinners, a night out college-student style, a UK basketball game (almost a win), a bourbon tasting, and a whole lot of laughter. Exactly the kind of weekend you hope to remember.

Thank you, Bre for the such a fun weekend. We have the best Bonus Daughter ever!

Here’s what I brought with me for the weekend. And here’s what kept me quasi in my wellness bubble when bourbon was the drink of choice (when in Rome, right?)

Always EDITing,

Leslie

I am a firm believer in buying investment pieces that are timeless and last for years. Both of these jeans have held up beautifully, courtesy of Ralph Lauren and Veronica Beard, and have been in my closet for years. Same with the boots. I mix and match with trends, like the turtleneck sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch. If you follow my Edits, you also know I love a great vintage find. The vintage horseman buckle (another RL piece) was perfect for Kentucky. And my go-to belt? That one's an Amazon find, and I wear it all the time.

Leaving on Sunday, I was never more grateful for my outfit selection. Travel delays followed by a sprint to the gate when they unexpectedly changed our departure time, so comfortable clothes were non-negotiable.

The jeans are relaxed and effortless, courtesy of Reformation. Jenni Kayne is my top choice for luxe cashmere. It holds up, wears beautifully, and this one has been in my closet so long it feels like a blanket. A white t-shirt is always a closet staple and this one lives in that sweet spot between comfortable and still put-together. And the sneakers, I am honestly surprised I haven't worn them out yet. They slip on with everything.

The messenger bag was my most recent find. I battle between wanting the ease of a backpack and the look of a designer bag — and I own that I like designer goods. I wandered into my favorite local consignment shop and came home with the perfect companion for a short trip.

Lastly, here's what kept me grounded during a fast-paced weekend. Since I can't pack my seawater capsules (they're glass), I found the travel alternative from the same company. Backed by the same science and gut friendly. The travel pouches are also a bag staple, chalk full of daily vitamins. I am obsessed with ZO's Recovery Cream. It keeps my skin alive and glowing. The magnesium mist is something I discovered through my acupuncturist. I have a travel bottle and spritz my feet at night. That hack truly works for sleep. And the flat clip. You can actually rest your head on the head rest without having to readjust your hair. It's the simple things that make travel more bearable. All linked in case you're curious.

Questions about anything? Or if you have a great travel hack, I’d love to know. Drop me a comment.