Boat Race and Derby Week

Sorry for being such a bad blogger lately. Just trying to keep my head above water.

I can't believe the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday! In Louisville, the days leading up to Derby are like a high holy week. As the days go on, more and more people will end up at the track and the tumbleweeds will begin to blow through office corridors across the city.

Alsa, we're not going to the Derby this year. Darn it. Didn't we look like we were having fun in 2011?

But, for 2012, we still plan to celebrate big with a party. We'll have plenty of food, juleps and online betting. We'll shoot for 2013 to watch the big race in person again.

Leading up to Derby, there are a number of events planned as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. We will join friends at the Louisville Boat Club for the annual Great Steamboat Race party later this week. The Belle of Louisville will compete against the Belle of Cincinnati down the Ohio River.

Folks watching the Great Steamboat Race from the docks of the Louisville Boat Club last year.

The boats take off from the wharf downtown, race a few miles up river and then head back. Watching steamboats race is not the most riveting of events, but it gives businesses, clubs and homes along the river a chance to throw a party. The dress code for the event is "dressy casual" and it's going to be HOT that day. So, I found a cute Ralph Lauren dress at Macy's that will hopefully fit the bill. What do you think?

Are you planning a Derby party in your neck of the woods?

Happy Derby, friends!
Images from Macy's and The Voice-Tribune. The top one is property of JMW-A Place to Dwell.

I Used to Like This Film...

Have you ever revisited a film that from your youth and shudder at the thought that one time you LOVED this movie? I’m not talking about cartoons or the like, but films that when you watch them today, you think, “Really? I liked this??”

The other night I was channel-chasing and landed on “Pretty in Pink,” the 1986 John Hughes hit about teen angst in suburban Chicago (as was the topic of all of his films). I remember watching this story of the pretty, artistic girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Andie, falling for cute, richie Blaine, and all of the peer pressure ugliness they faced. As teenagers, didn’t we all see them as star-crossed lovers? I still like“Duckie," and that was probably the height of James Spader’s attractiveness. It’s hard to believe he’s now Robert California on “The Office.”

Anyhoo, back to the movie. Fast forward 26 years (yes, that’s right) to 2012. I’m now watching this as a 38-year old mom and I happen to catch the scene where she shows up at the prom alone, but Duckie appears and escorts her inside. There’s Blaine, sitting alone in his dinner jacket, and suddenly he sees her. He walks over and tells her that he always believed in her, she just didn’t believe in him. Then he says he’ll always love her.

Okay, what the hell? What do you mean you always believed in her? Dude, the minute your rich friends started to dis you for hanging out with the poor, indie girl, you stopped calling her, wouldn’t return her calls and backed out of prom. Yeah, you always believed in her.

In a few years, I may watch this with my daughter. And, what am I going to say?

“You see that girl, Andie? She’s really smart and talented, yet comes from a poor family, so to help make ends meet, she works part-time in a record store.”

To which my daughter will ask, “What's a record store?”

After I explain that, I’ll continue my lecture thoughts on Andie. “You see that guy with a weak chin and no upper lip? That’s rich guy, Blaine, who has a super-creepy friend, Steff. Should Andie spend day and night obsessing over Blaine and letting his friends make her feel like trash? Hell-to-the-no. Andie, study hard, get that scholarship to art school and get the heck out of Chicago.”

To which my daughter will respond, "You are so right, Mom. I will always do as you say and never question you or your authority!"

Of course, I’ll always love Hughes’ “The Breakfast Club,” and perhaps "Sixteen Candles" for it's absolute silliness...

...and because of Jake Ryan. Sigh.

So, I guess I’ve not matured as much as I thought I had.

Do you feel this way about any films from your youth?
Images from IMBD

Racing Season = Fashion Season

Wow, it's been a week since my last post...a testament to how darn crazy-busy it's been at work and at home.

Now that college basketball season is over (Did I mention that my Kentucky Wildcats won the national championship?), we move on to another of my favorite sports seasons: horse racing.

During one of the race days at Keeneland, if you purchased a hat, you could also have it monogrammed. How cute is that??

Keeneland's Spring Meet runs April 6 - 27. Unfortunately, due to other commitments on the weekends, i.e., LOTS of soccer, it doesn't look like we'll make it down to Lexington for the races. Bummer, because I love Keeneland. If you have a chance to go, do so. And stop by the gift shop. Tons of hats and other great accessories available. Because, you know, racing season is also fashion season. In a big way.
 
Of course, once Keeneland's meet ends, Churchill's starts the very next day, which means Derby is almost here. Can you believe that two weeks from tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby?? Holy cow.

If you're going to the Derby or a Derby party, be sure to get a fabulous hat. Here are a few available at Keeneland's gift shop - perfect for the Run for the Roses, Kentucky Oaks or other horsey events you may be attend this season.

 

Have a great weekend, friends!
Images from Keeneland Gift Shop via Facebook

Anna Karenina

Have you seen images from the upcoming film adaptation of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina?

It stars Keira Knightly as the ill-fated Anna. Previous films have starred such legends as Greta Garbo and Vivian Leigh. The last American version was released in 1997, with Sophie Marceau and Sean Bean.

The latest adaptation will be released in November with what appears to be an amazing cast. Knightly is joined by Jude Law, Aaron Johnson, Matthew Macfadyen (Darcy to her Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice), Emily Watson, Kelly Macdonald and Olivia Williams, among others. It should make for a wonderful production. The costumes alone would make it worth going.

 

 
Anna's lover, Vronski, is played by Johnson, who looks rather scary in this photo. I read in an article that the role of Vronski could have easily gone to Jude Law - can TOTALLY see that - but that he wanted the challenge of Karenin.
 

Law plays Anna's older husband, Alexei Karenin. Hmmm, not the best look for my Jude.
 

Ahh, yes, much better.

For those of you who have not read Tolstoy’s masterpiece, don’t expect something light and cheery. I took two semesters of Russian literature in college. Bleak. So. Very. Bleak.

Happy Friday, friends!
Images from Beyond Hollywood, yourcelebs and Imbd

Whit Stillman Returns

I'm excited that Whit Stillman has finally released a new film, "Damsels in Distress,"  after a 14-year hiatus.

Stillman often explores the world of privileged youth, with loquacious dialogue peppered throughout. Believe me, though, I'm not complaining about the wordiness of his films. I rather like it.

His first film, "Metropolitan," focused on the world of Manhattan debutantes during the high-deb season, Christmastime in New York.

 His next film was "Barcelona"

...which was then followed by "The Last Days of Disco."

Are you a fan of Whit Stillman? If so, which film is your favorite?

We're closing in on the weekend, friends. Hang in there.
Images from The New York Times and IMDb

Say Yes to the Dress, Y'all

Okay, guilty pleasure time.

Sometimes, on Friday nights, the kids snuggle with me and we watch “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta" on TLC. We get such a kick out of this show, namely stylist Monte. He’s a hoot, especially when he and Lori get going.

You never know how much is staged and how much is a genuine reaction from the bride and her family and attendants. Sometimes it’s just fun to watch the back and forth – at least most of the time. There are moments when the comments are a bit too harsh and hurt the bride-to-be’s feelings. Why bring that many people when you are shopping for wedding dresses? Do you really want that many cooks in the kitchen, that many opinions on what you should or shouldn't wear? Not a good idea.

Although, there are times the bride just needs to hear it. For instance, ladies, please don’t wear a strapless gown with your Double-Ds hanging out. Is that really what you want to wear in a church? A little modesty wouldn’t kill ya.

This young woman was on last week's episode. She tried on this lovely gown - what she deemed her dream dress - knowing it was out of her price range. A no-no according to store owner Lori. Lori then dropped the price for her to fit within her budget. Suddently, the young lady had meltdown in the store, now unsure that the dress was "the one." That's why I could never work in the bridal industry.

Some of the dresses are divine and it’s nice to see how they put the final touches together. The bride is shedding tears of joy, the mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaids are fanning the tears from their faces. Okay, gals, get a hold of yourselves.

The original “Say Yes to the Dress” is set at Kleinfeld’s in New York. There’s a Monte version at that location as well, but I much prefer the Atlanta show, set at Bridals by Lori. The southern accents and twangs make it more fun and when you mix such characters as a pageant mama or a young woman shopping for “Southern Chic,” (to which Monte asked “What the hell is that??), it adds to the silly drama. Plus, it’s hilarious to hear my kids mimic them.

So, if you get a chance to catch part of an episode for a good chuckle or to catch a glimpse of some lovely bridal attire, do so. And for you future brides out there, it may make you think twice before bringing your mama, grandmama and 10 girlfriends to shop for your wedding dress.
Images from TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress - Atlanta"

Cheers to Bubba

Okay, who didn't shed a tear while watching Bubba Watson win The Masters yesterday? What a great achievement for this guy. And it was so touching to see him hugging his mom. Bubba lost his dad to cancer in 2010, so I'm sure the two of them were experiencing a number of emotions at that moment.

And, bigger yet, two weeks before the tournament Bubba and his wife, Angie, adopted a baby boy, Caleb. Angie couldn't be at The Masters because Florida adoption laws require the baby to remain in the state until the adoption is finalized. She did send photos, though, and I'm sure mother and son were over-the-moon for Daddy's win. Below is a pic Bubba posted on Twitter (Love. Her. Hair.)

And speaking of The Masters, what do you think of the controversy surrounding Augusta National Golf Club not admitting women? This issue reared its ugly head leading up to storied golf tournament because IBM has a new female CEO, Virginia Rommety.

IBM is a title sponsor of The Masters, therefore the CEO has always been invited to join Augusta. Now, the all-male club is being lambasted by many over this "tradition," as they decide whether or not to admit Ms. Rommety. The club is calling it a private matter and will not comment. Even President Obama and Mitt Romney have called for Augusta to allow women to join the club. Ms. Rommety was seen watching the tournament (above), but whether it was as a member or just a spectator, we don't know. To be continued.

In addition to watching The Masters, we had a wonderful Easter. Egg hunt, parade and LOTS of candy. One of the best exchanges of the weekend came from our kids:

Little Man: "Sissy, this remote-control Jeep can do anything!"

Miss E.: "Really? Let's see it eat a banana."

Where do they get this stuff??

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!
Images from the Daily Mail and Bubba Watson's Twitter feed

Easter 'Stuffers' and Grocery Store Happiness

What I'm liking lately:

Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter hand lotion from Farmhouse Fresh. I found this lotion at a local shop, The Urban Farmhouse Market, and fell in love with the scent. (It's also vegan, gluten free and paraben free.) How perfect would this be as an Easter basket-stuffer for your mom, wife, girlfriend or daughter?

Speaking of Easter baskets, Hubby and/or I will be jetting out tonight to stock up on the goods for the kids' baskets. Is your Easter basket inventory in-check?

Early this morning the kids and I had to stop by the grocery to get juice boxes for Little Man's Easter party at school. I also had to pick up a dozen plastic eggs and jelly beans for an egg hunt on Saturday. The kids were fascinated at the enormity of the Easter candy aisle, but even more so at the emptiness of the store.

"Where are all the people?" Miss E. asked. Well, it was 7:15 a.m. At one point, they were literally dancing in the wide-open check-out lane, as Little Man said, "Look, there's no one here!" Jiggity, jig.

Ah, the things that thrill the young.
Images from Farm House Fresh and ellinee.com

Easter, already?

Is anyone else as behind as I am when it comes to Easter planning? Holy cow, it's Holy Week!

It's terrible; we've been so busy and I feel as if we've lost sight of what we should be focused on this Lenten season.

My daughter goes to a Catholic school and they've been learning a great deal about this topic on a daily basis in religion class. (Again, over-committed mom has to rely on the teacher.) Last night I was helping her with a Stations of the Cross book she had to make for class. She was coloring one of the images and asked how they kept Jesus on to the cross. I began to tell her, quite honestly, which may have been a bit much on my part. She look horrified and then put her hands over her ears. Clearly they handle this with kid gloves in first grade. Way to go, mom.

But, it made me think. Aren't there so many in the world who figuratively put their hands over their ears and not want to hear about Jesus? Who have walked away? He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. What have we done in return? I'm not pointing the finger at anyone. I'm just as guilty for not being as "present" as I could during Lent. So, I have a lot to focus on this week. How about you?

For those of you who do celebreate Easter, I hope you have a blessed Holy Week and have time to reflect and rejoice.

Image from Martha Stewart Living

Champions!!

This was the scene last night near the University of Kentucky campus, after my Wildcats beat the Kansas Jayhawks for the NCAA Men's basketball title. I hope there weren't as many couches set on fire or cars turned over as there were on Saturday when we beat Louisville. Seriously, I don't understand that. Yeah, I guess I do. Extreme amounts of alcohol + sports fanatics = very bad things.

I stayed up well past my bedtime to cheer on the Cats. I'm so excited for this win and that it was achieved by such a great group of guys.

Congratulations, team. Well done. 

I'm sure many of you are sick of my college basketball reports. I promise, I'll focus on other topics starting tomorrow. I just want to relish this moment for a bit.

Cheers!
Images from kentucky.com