Kentucky Derby 137

A fun time was had by all on Derby Day. I didn't cash a single ticket, but still had a heck of a time! It's always great to spend such a special day among friends. No one around us had the winner, Animal Kingdom. That horse came out of nowhere. Oh, well. We'll certainly be cheering him on in the Preakness in two weeks.

Here's a sampling of the many photos we took that day. I'll have to add more as I gather them. And God bless our friend, D., featured here in the black and white dress. She's six months pregnant and made it out to Churchill for the full day. You're a trooper, girlfriend!

The weekend ended on a lovely note as we celebrated Mother's Day. Hubby and the kids brought me breakfast in bed and showered me with gifts. There is nothing better than Mother's Day gifts your kids make at school (Hubby, I love my earrings and Derby prints, too!) We enjoyed beautiful weather, as we sat on the deck and grilled out.

Ah, feet up, kids playing in the yard and Hubby cooking my dinner. Doesn't get any better than this!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. The next big milestone is our son's birthday - he'll be four on Wednesday. I better get cracking on this. It caught up with me fast!

Happy Monday, y'all!
All photos property of JMW A Place to Dwell

Derby Day - It's Almost Here!

Here's a sneak peek of what will be adorning my head tomorrow - what do you think?

After I blogged about the odd line-up of celebrities that are attending or have attended the Derby, I had a funny thing happen yesterday. I was at the nail salon having a pedicure and everyone was talking about Derby, of course. The lady sitting next to me was quite the Chatty Cathy, so she just had to share what happened to her husband while he was shopping for a tie that afternoon at Von Maur department store. Apparently the young sales woman was providing him with a variety of options, many in pink, which he didn't like. Then, a random blond woman jumped in and started picking out ties for him, telling him he would look good in pink. He wasn't sure what to think, but apparently just went with the flow as two women tried to pick out his Derby attire. When he finally went to purchase the tie, the sales woman said, "You know who that was, right?" The man said, "No, should I?" The sales woman said, "That's Kate Gosslin. You know, 'Jon and Kate Plus Eight?' The man still didn't know who she was, so he had to call his wife and get the scoop.

So, that's how life is here in Derby City, it's like a weird little game of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Today is the Kentucky Oaks, the Running of the Fillies. For those who are going, have a great time.

Happy Derby! May the sun shine bright on my old Kentucky home, at least until the winner crosses the finish line. I can't have rain touch the new hat - that would NOT be good.

And Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there. Enjoy your day on Sunday - your deserve it!
Image property of JMW - A Place to Dwell

The 'Celebrities' Are Coming to Town

We're another day closer to the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby. As I was driving the kids to school this morning, I saw a lady in her car, wearing a big, pink hat. Yep, she was heading to the track this morning, along with many other folks in town (the spring meet started last Saturday, so regular racing is taking place, in addition to the Kentucky Oaks and Derby). By this time during Derby week, the traffic is a bit lighter, there are fewer cars in the parking garages and offices become ghost towns.

The Vineyard Vines pink tractors are out in full-force at Churchill Downs, prepping the track before each race. Apparently VV will have tents set up in the Jockey Club and in the Infield. For those VV folks working the Infield, may the force be with you. All I'm sayin' is it's not the same crowd as the Foxfield Races or Carolina Cup. There will be plenty of alcohol flowing, but very little preppy clothing. Often times, very little clothing period. You're doing well with the Jockey Club; definitely more your demographic.

Today is the Pegasus Parade. There will be floats, inflatables, marching bands and countless other people and characters marching down Broadway. And, for some bizarre reason, Kate Gosslin is going to be in the parade and will be a guest at the Derby. Seriously?? Why??

I don't get it, but each year there are D-list/scandal-prone guests who are invited to Derby. Not sure if it's the party promoters seeking extra media attention or what, but these folks manage to snag a coveted invitation as if they're more worthy than others. The likes of Kato Kaelin, Larry Birkhead (Anna Nicole's baby daddy), a Kardashian or two, Heidi and Spencer (especially gag-inducing), and the list goes on. Spare us.

On the other end of the spectrum, I've seen such dazzlers as Queen Elizabeth II, Jack Nicholson, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Bo Derek, Dennis Hopper, Alice Cooper (who is a super-nice guy and avid golfer; saw him arriving in Louisville sans eye make-up, wearing a pink golf shirt) and Justin Timberlake. Not that these celebrities are especially deserving, but they're well-known for having actual careers that have taken them to great heights in their respective fields, not for roles in sordid reality programming.

This year, Martha Stewart will be attending her first Derby. I've heard she's planning to craft her own hat from flowers, straw and other organic materials from her own garden. For her juleps, Martha will have her own mint flown in from her Bedford, N.Y. farm, with ice made from special Fountain-of-Youth mineral water. The ice will be crushed by one of her five assistants who will walk behind her -- five feet exactly -- throughout the day. And, no eye contact, of course. I also understand that members of her staff joining her on this trip will be partaking in their usual cocktail, the "God Help Me," which is a vicodin with a vodka chaser. Insert snarky smile here.

So, if you're watching the Derby at home, see if you can spot any celebrities. People-watching is one of the best things about the day. The hats, the dresses, ties and high heels are such fun. And when Jack Nicholson walks in front of your box on the track, smoking a stogie and waves at you, well, that's pretty darn cool, too.Images from Vineyard Vines Twitter Feed and phyllisaylse.wordpress.com

Book Recommendations and More Derby Prep

Just finished Josh Kilmer-Purcell’s “The Bucolic Plague,” as well as Julia Reed’s "Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns and Other Southern Specialties: An Entertaining Life (With Recipes)." I now want to be a lady farmer and market my own goat soap, a la the Fabulous Beekman Boys (Purcell and Brent Ridge), and make about every wonderful recipe in Reed’s book. Her epilogue featuring an ode to pimento cheese is great. In fact, at the art fair last Saturday, I dined on pimento cheese and Benedictine sandwiches, which I LOVE. Mmm, mmm.

Both books are entertaining reads that I highly recommend. You may not want to read them on an empty stomach, though, because the descriptions of fresh veggies, fruit and decadent Southern dishes will make your mouth water.

My next book purchase may have to be Reed’s “The House on First Street” about the home she purchased in New Orleans’ Garden District, four weeks before Hurricane Katrina hit.

So, dear friends, what are you reading these days and any recommendations you’d like to share?

Derby update: Found my cigar box purse! Yep, it was sitting right in front of me on a shelf in my closet. It may be time for another trip to the opthamologist

Had a video conference call with some colleagues in Pennsylvania this morning who asked why I wasn't wearing my Derby hat. Just because it's Derby week, doesn't mean we wear hats the entire week. But, it’s primed and ready, thanks for asking. 

So our kids can get in on the fun, I’m going to let Miss E. pick out one of my past Derby hats to wear during the race and Little Man is going to pick out one of Hubby’s bow ties. They’re excited. Last year we had a party at home, so they spent the day amid the craziness of a big Derby shindig. This year they’re perfectly content spending the day at home again, this time with Grandma and Grandpa. I know my parents are hoping naps for all are in order at some point that day.

Again, fingers crossed, hands folded in prayer and any other ritual you can think of to keep the rain away from these parts on Derby Day would be much appreciated. Last year it poured down rain and we lost power during our party. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen again.

Happy Wednesday, y’all!
Images from Harper Collins Publishers and Amazon

Guess Who Has Tickets?

Yesterday evening, I found out that on the first Saturday in May, I'll be sipping one of these...

While wearing one of these...

Here...


May the sun shine bright on my old Kentucky home...

Sincere thanks to my mother-in-law for giving us this opportunity. It's been a few years and we're extremely excited and grateful to be returning to a box seat at Churchill.
Images attributed to photographers Rick Schmitt and Sam English

Hats, Glorious Hats

Within the next few weeks, we will be seeing lots of hats. From Easter, to the Royal Wedding to the Kentucky Derby, ladies will have many opportunities to break out their fine millinery.

During Derby-time in Louisville, it seems like every other storefront you pass, there are hats in the window - even if it’s not a dress shop. Heck, florists, art galleries and candy stores get in on the act. It’s Derby; hats are EVERYWHERE.

So, for those out-of-towners who may score a last-minute ticket to Derby, don’t worry about finding a hat in your hometown. There is a HUGE selection here. I’ve heard many-a-story about last-minute buyers hitting the stores on Derby morning and finding a fabulous chapeau. Yes, Virginia, it can be done.

Kate Middleton attending Ascot. Oh, what a fashion plate she is - eight more days until the wedding. Woo hoo!

And, for those those ladies flying out the day after Derby, Hats for Hope always has a table set up at the airport for those who would like to donate their hats to the charitable organization. Hats for Hope raises funds for the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by holding a annual hat auction and cocktail party. Some hats are new, some are donated (cleaned, of course) and all are fabulous. Many out-of-town guests who attend the Derby have no itention of ever wearing their hats again. So, they donate the hats to Hats for Hope, get a nice tax deduction and help a good cause. Win, win, win!

Dear readers, will you be donning a hat for Easter, Derby, a wedding or other special event in the near future? If so, do tell!

By the way, our power was restored yesterday afternoon. As I was driving home with the kids, I saw three utility trucks leaving our of neighborhood. It was like seeing the cavalry coming to our rescue! Thanks to everyone for your kind words! And, In case I don't have a chance to blog during the rest of Holy Week and into Easter Sunday, I wish you the happiest of Easters. Celebrate the Reason for the Season, enjoy time with your families and dig into those Easter baskets. My Lenten chocolate fast will be coming to end this Sunday and I plan to eat myself into a chocolate haze. Yum!!
Images from kentuckyderby.com, thebusinesspage.com, blogtown.portlandmercury and paigingjoyblog

Princess for a Day

Well, it may not be Prince William and Kate Middleton, but it certainly gave my daughter a thrill to meet the Kentucky Derby Festival Queen, Trisha Maclin, and her court on Sunday during the Children's Tea with the Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses.

The event was held at the historic Seelbach Hotel (F. Scott Fitzgerald's stomping grounds when he was stationed at Louisville's Camp Taylor), where current and past Derby Princesses mingled with young ladies, enjoyed tea and walked the runway with the little girls. Miss E. was in heaven, as she gathered princess goodies, enjoyed finger sandwiches and cupcakes (although, she made a face after drinking the tea and asked for lemonade) and even won a giveaway. Before we started to eat, a past Derby Princess, whom I know from Junior League, gave an etiquette lesson, and to Miss E.'s credit, she followed along nicely.

After tea, each little girl was given a rose and allowed to "walk the runway" as her name was announced. They also had a professional photo taken with a princess.

Here's Miss E. with Derby Princess Caitlin Carter, a student at Western Kentucky University.

While folks outside of Louisville may see this as very pageant-like, or perhaps a little silly, these young woman are far from that. They serve as ambassadors for the city leading up to the Derby, attending just about every event (more than 70 events taking place during festival). Plus, there are major scholarship dollars involved - a huge reason why many young woman apply for the court. Many princesses have gone on to hold impressive positions in and outside the community, including former Kentucky governor Martha Layne Collins.

Here Miss E. and I are in our matching pink finery. Not sure why I look stiff as a board in this photo. Perhaps I stood that way because I was self-conscious of that dress. Putting it on a second time, I found it unflattering - perhaps it's the empire-style waist. Oh, well. I'm taking it to be altered today - just didn't have enough time prior to the tea.

Miss E. on the steps in the lobby of the Seelbach Hotel

After the festivities came to an end, we ventured home with our princess swag in tow. Miss E. gave her M&Ms to her brother, which thrilled him to no end. Hubby and Little Man had their own guys' day together, which culminated in stumbling upon a Revolutionary War reenactment at George Rogers Clarks' historic plantation. The two of them stopped the car across the street with some other passers-by and watched the festivities. A smoothie and muskets - can't beat that!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Photos property of JMW A Place to Dwell

My Newest Lilly

I’ve been jonesing for a new spring dress, especially now that the weather has turned warmer and a number of events are approaching, including Easter and my niece’s baptism (Hubby and I are the proud godparents!).

After pouring over the many options on the Lilly Pulitzer website, I trotted over to the Peppermint Palm here in town to try on some dresses. While I was tempted to order a dress online, Lilly dresses come in a wide variety of cuts and styles, so the best bet is to see it in person.

After trying on about eight different frocks, I decided upon the Finn Shift Ponte in pink (above). It’s a classic design and will work for a variety of occasions. The first event is approaching this weekend, the Fillies Children’s Tea and I’ll be sporting my new dress. And, hand-to-God, I did not plan this, but my daughter will be wearing her pink and white Lilly dress that my parents gave her for her birthday. Won’t we be so stinkin’ adorable?

My mother-in-law is a member of The Fillies, a volunteer organization that is heavily involved with the Kentucky Derby Festival. The Fillies sponsor the Derby Princess court, the upcoming Fillies Ball, Pegasus Parade and other activities. The tea features a fashion show, crafts, games and opportunities to meet and greet the Derby queen and her court of princesses. Because of my MIL’s health setback, I’m standing in for her at this event. Miss E. is VERY excited, so it should be lots of fun. She attended last year’s tea and came home with lots of goodies, including a princess pillow that she still keeps on her bed.  She’s very much looking forward to this year’s swag!

Dear blogger friends, bear with me as the Derby season approaches. As you can imagine, the Kentucky Derby is all-consuming here and I tend to be involved in one way or another; you may hear a bit (or a lot) about horse racing and related events over the next few weeks. If I’m talking too much about it, just rattle my cage and I’ll switch to another topic. ;)

So, anyone else in the market for new spring clothes? If so, what are your favorites this season? Any special items we should keep our eyes on?

Have a wonderful day!
Image from Peppermint Palm, via Lilly Pulitzer

Who is Styling the Derby??

Hmm, so Vineyard Vines has taken on the moniker of "The Official Style of the Kentucky Derby." Not sure how I feel about this one.

Don't get me wrong, I like Vineyard Vines (although, at times, they are a bit pricey for the product). But, I think of them as a resort/beachwear company, not an outfitter for the grande dame of horse racing. Clearly they're trying extra hard to branch out, and given they've been able to secure this honor, they've certainly landed the big whale (har, har).

VV does have a huge presence at Carolina Cup, a big steeplechase event in South Carolina, evident throughout their blog. You'll see countless photos of cute young college guys and gals mobbing the VV tent, trying to land as much swag as they can. So, they are "in" with a certain demographic of the horsey set. (On a sidenote, while I've never been to Carolina Cup, having only seen photos, I just need to know: If you are a gal between the ages of 18 and 25 attending CC, is a Lilly Pulitzer sundress and floppy hat the mandatory dress code? Seriously, EVERY girl is sporting that same uniform.)

The Run for the Roses silk sash from Vineyard Vines' Kentucky Derby Collection. Hmm. It's green. I guess it's intended to be a subtle nod to the garland of roses awarded to the winning horse, which is RED. Again, not sure how I feel about this one.

Granted, you'll see your share of Lilly and VV at the Derby; but more often than not, at least in spots like the Clubhouse and Millionaire's Row, the hats will be Frank Olive, Lulu Guinness and Christine Moore Millinery, and the clothing will be Milly, BCBG, kate spade, Chanel and on up the food chain. (I won't even try to describe the fashion scene in the Infield. It's an island unto itself and I don't travel to that island.)

The men's mint julep tie is a good look - so props to VV on this one.

Although, I think the gals at Southern Proper had this idea first (see above). Not to split hairs, but their julep cups are more authentic looking. I know, I'm really being obnoxious about this, aren't I?

Sorry I realize I'm coming off as a complete snob (or old lady) in this post. It's just that as someone who holds the Derby near and dear to her heart, I feel somewhat protective of my turf. Here comes a northeastern company claiming dibs on our southern belle. I get it; the marketing teams at both companies siezed on an opportunity. Believe me, I know how this works. Visa, Yum! Brands, etc. have their logos slapped all over the Derby. It's all a money-making venture. So, I'm not surprised that VV has joined in.

You better do right by us, VV. That's all I'm sayin.'

We're closing in on the weekend, folks. I'm happy to say I'm off work tomorrow and spending time with my kiddos for the last days of spring break. I'm very much looking forward to it!
Images from Vineyard Vines and Southern Proper

Back to Reality

Actress Diane Lane at the 2010 Kentucky Derby. She's starring in the film "Secretariat," due out October. 8.

The hoopla of Derby has come to an end and now it’s time to return to reality. Hope I didn’t bore you last week with the endless talk about horses, juleps and hats.

Our party went off without a hitch and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Okay, there was one hitch. For about 40 minutes, we lost power. Apparently a car hit a utility pole in the area and about 1,300 households were out. But, once it came back on, all was good. Alas, I didn’t have the winner, Super Saver. Why I didn’t bet on this horse is beyond me. Jockey Calvin Borel has an amazing racing record and Super Saver is a mudder, so considering the horrible weather we had that day, it was a match made in heaven. I bet Paddo O’Prado to win, but he came in third. Oh, well.

The Hollywood and sports celebs were out in full force this year, staking their spots on Millionaires’ Row. Those in attendance included Justin Timberlake, Diane Lane, Tom Brady, Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell, Terry O’Quinn (Locke from “Lost), Bode Miller, Johnny Weir, Dr. J., Jamie Pressley, Terrell Owens, Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz, Oscar Nunez (“The Office”), Smokey Robinson and so many more. Not sure when it happened, but Derby has turned into quite the star event.

Diane Lane is such a class act – loved her ensemble for the Derby (see above). She also served as grand marshal of the Pegasus Parade, since she’s starring in the film “Secretariat,” based on the story of the amazing Triple Crown winner. Of course, a great deal of it was filmed in Kentucky. The film is due out in October 2010.

If you bet on the Derby, hope you had a winner. By the way, did you see the guy who won the Visa contest and bet the $100,000? He bet Super Saver and won $900,000! Now he can buy a decent toupee. Sheesh.
Photo courtesy of The Courier-Journal

Raise a Glass to the Big Day

Tomorrow is the running of the Kentucky Oaks - we’re heading into a whirlwind of activity over the next couple of days, and given that, this is likely my last post as we head into the weekend. The schools are closed on Friday and most of the city shuts down. Believe me the tumbleweeds will be rolling through office buildings throughout the city. So, in honor of the Derby, I’ll share some Derby pics of Hubby, our friends and me at Derbies past.

Unfortunately, we did not score tickets this year. Boo!!! But, we’re doing the next best thing, gathering with friends for a big bash. Good food, games and plenty of Kentucky spirit(s). Oh, yeah, and a horse race or two will be watched.

Derby Picks
According to the sports writers, current favorites are Lookin At Lucky trained by Bob Baffert with 3 – 1 odds, and Sidney’s Candy owned by weight loss mogul Jenny Craig, with 5 – 1 odds. As of right now, I’m picking Dublin as my overall horse to win. He stands at 12 – 1 and is trained by D. Wayne Lukas. Not too bad.

Just because bets:

• Homeboykris, owned by Yankees Joe Torre, for Hubby (50-1 odds, what the heck)
  
• Backtalk in honor of my son, also a 50 -1 odds horse, but an offspring of Smarty Jones, so you never know.
  
• As I mentioned yesterday, I loved the look of Paddy O’Prado. You should always bet on a gray horse, no matter what. So, I may place a show bet on Paddy.
  
• For those of you who follow blogger Sara at Southern Comfort, her good friend is co-owner of Mission Impazible, so in honor of Sarah, place a wager on her friend's colt.
  
• Last, but not least, the filly, Devil May Care. You gotta place a bet on the only gal running in the race. Girl Power!

To those of you who are attending the Derby this year, cheers to you. It’s such fun and one of my favorite events of all time. There’s nothing else like it. Ladies, wear your hats proudly and may those heels not do a number on your feet by day’s end. Gentlemen, make sure your ties are straight and your white bucks are ready to go.

For those of you who will be watching the Derby from distances far and wide, raise a toast during “My Old Kentucky Home.” I will be, with a tear in my eye. :)

Derby Fashion

So, you have tickets to Derby. What’s your next step? A great hat, of course!

Some gals come into town with their hats in tow. They know what they’re wearing and are ready! Just hang around the airport later this week and you’ll see the ladies with hat boxes in hand. It’s quite a site.

But, say you’re from the area and you need to score a hat from a local establishment. Or, you received a last minute invitation, you’re coming to Louisville and would like to shop for one here. Where do you go? One of the best places to go is Dee’s Crafts. Dee’s is primarily a craft and gift shop, but around Derby time, they create the most beautiful hats. You can purchase a really inexpensive chapeau at a local department store and then take it to Dee’s to be all dolled up. If you already have an outfit purchased, bring it with you. The ladies at Dee’s can help coordinate the right colors to match your dress perfectly.

Another growing trend you’ll likely see at the Oaks and Derby this year is the “Fascinator,” a smaller headpiece for women who would rather not don the wide-brimmed hat (see above).

If money is no object, then go after the “hats made by the big daddies” – Philip Treacy and Frank Olive – which are available locally at Objects of Desire Gallery, the Peacock Boutique, Rodes, and Rodeo Drive, among others.

So, what if you need to buy a dress and you want to hit some of Louisville’s shops? You can’t go wrong with Rodes (which also carries great men’s clothes), Circe, Peacock Boutique, Clodhoppers or Blink, as well as the Peppermint Palm, should you prefer to wear Lilly on the big day. There are many options for great dresses in town, so you really can’t go wrong.

And where do you go for great accessories? In addition to these shops, I highly recommend Luna Boutique (which also carries hats by fabulous milliner Christine A. Moore) in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood. And, if the weather is nice, after you’ve shopped at Luna, head next door to Avalon, which has one of the best dining patios in town, and enjoy a cocktail. Or, head to the east end of town to Westport Village to accessory shop at Croquis Boutique. Then, if you need a break from shopping, venture across the village to Napa River Grill, which also has a great outdoor dining space.

So, those are few suggestions I have for Derby attire. Local ladies (and the out-of-towners who have attended Derby), chime in with your recommendations as well. Tomorrow, I’ll feature some of my favorite local eateries and great places to go for a cocktail or two while in the Derby City.
Images courtesy of Her Scene Magazine and Dee's Crafts

The 'Derby Daze' is Approaching...

Yesterday, I attended one of my company’s quarterly management meetings at Churchill Downs. Now, the spring meet has yet to start – it begins on Saturday, the day after Keeneland’s spring meet ends. So, it was interesting to be out there during the calm before the storm. And, it’s probably the closest I’ve ever parked to Churchill. On Oaks and Derby, forget about it.

I do know that many of the Derby hopefuls are already at Churchill, getting the lay of the land. It’s such an exciting time of year here in the Derby City. If you ever have an opportunity to attend the Derby, run, don’t walk. It’s great fun and we'll be sure to treat you right. ;)

So, as we approach the busiest week in Louisville, where it's all things Derby, all of the time, thought I’d share some news about the goings-on in Derby Town.

This year, the always-lovely Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast held at Farmington Plantation will be co-hosted by Garden & Gun Magazine and renowned garden designer Jon Carloftis. This annual event is always a favorite of the broad-brimmed-hats-and-seersucker crowd, so I think G&G’s partnership this year will complement the event quite nicely.
There will be live music, a southern breakfast buffet courtesy of Wiltshire Pantry and an open bar (Yeah, we start early on Derby Day; pace yourself, though. Derby is not for the faint of heart.)

So, if you happen to luck enough to score tickets to the Run for the Roses, consider purchasing additional tickets to the Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast, which benefits the ongoing operation of Farmington Historic Plantation, Thomas Edison House and Whitehall House & Gardens, three local jewels. It’s a great way to kick-off Derby Day in style.
Image courtesy of Garden & Gun Magazine

The Great Steamboat Race

As the Kentucky Derby Festival continues, today is the annual Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River, between the Belle of Louisville and the Cincinnati Queen. As you can imagine, a “race” between two steamboats is not action-packed, but it’s a wonderful excuse to gather with friends along the banks of the Ohio, and for some lucky party-goers, actually be a passenger on one of the boats.

On the way into work this morning, I took River Road and passed along the beautiful homes that have put up tents on their lawns to watch the race, including the Louisville Boat Club that has a big bash every year. Derby Week is all about parties, so be it a boat race, a parade or a horse race, we’re in high gear to get the party started!

The Running of the Fillies

Today, Hubby and I got an invitation to the Kentucky Oaks next Friday, which means I have to scout out a dress pronto. I already have a fabulous hat that I purchased at the Hats for Hope auction last year, but have yet to have an opportunity to wear it. Now I do!

Our host is taking us to a brunch at a local hotel, where apparently some Food Network personalities will be on hand. Apparently it won't be Ina Garten or Paula Deen, but, I’ll take what I can get! Then we’re off to the Jockey Club Suites at Churchill Downs and, hopefully, good weather.

It’s such a treat to go to the Oaks and/or Derby. For several years, we were so fortunate to be able to participate in the pageantry of the Derby, thanks to Hubby’s grandparents and their box seats. But, tickets don’t pass down through families (at least that’s what they tell you) and after his dear grandparents passed away, tickets were more difficult to come by. We have gone with his father, as well as another set of friends in the past, but the last couple of years, it’s not happened. In 2007, I was nine months pregnant, so to avoid going into labor at Churchill Downs, we stayed home. Last year, we didn’t make it to Derby, but did attend the Oaks with my mother-in-law, who had box seats at the time. But as I mentioned in a previous post, a monsoon hit and made for a miserable day.

So, I’m thrilled to be going to the Oaks. It’s such a great time of year in the River City. Can’t wait!
Photo courtesy of Bill Luster, The Courier-Journal

Hats for Hope

A great event is coming up in Louisville on April 9 called “Hats for Hope.” It’s a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The evening features an auction of Derby hats, as well as gift baskets, vacations, jewelry and more. Your ticket includes hor d’oeuvres, wine and dessert. It takes place at the Mellwood Arts Center.

I’ve attended the last three years and, unfortunately, I have a previous commitment this year and won’t be able to go. But, if you’re in the Louisville area, I highly recommend attending the event, especially if there’s a chance you will be going to the Kentucky Oaks or Derby. “Hats for Hope” makes for a fun get-together with girlfriends. Who doesn’t love food, wine and trying on fancy hats? And, all proceeds support a great cause.

I purchased a hat last year and I’m hoping I’ll have an opportunity to wear it to either Oaks or Derby 2009. We’ll see. The above photo is Hubby and I before the 2008 Oaks (FYI - he always wears his grandfather's hat for good luck. It's a vintage Stetson and one year, we got our picture in the paper because of the unique look and story to go with it). The day started out lovely and then it just poured rain non-stop. Oh, well. Spring in Kentucky - you never know what you’re going to get!