Gardening with kate

If I had a serious green thumb, and lots of cash to spend, I would have to purchase this gardening bag from kate spade. How cute is that? But, really, would you spend $345 on something that you're going to place in the dirt? I guess for the wealthy, it's not a concern. :)

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!

Sunny Days

The weather has been gorgeous and I took full advantage of the outdoors this past weekend, which resulted in sunburn and overactive allergies. Oh, well, I'm just so thrilled for warm, sunny days.

Miss E. had a soccer game on Saturday - Hubby is the assistant coach. It's been so much fun watching her and the other kids play. They're having a blast. Little Man is chomping at the bit to get out there and play. Next year, Buddy. But, I've come to find out that the best part of the soccer game is at the end - snack time. They can't get enough!

A Big Week Ahead...

Thanks to Kristy over at Le Petite Blog for e-mailing me the J. Crew coupon (a special Derby offer at Kentucky area stores). My mom and I are meeting tonight to scout out dresses for Oaks day and should I find anything at J. Crew, this coupon will come in handy. I saw this pink frock online - very cute. At this year's Oaks, they're encouraging everyone to wear pink, because a portion of the proceeds from the day will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

By the way, if you're in the Louisville area this week, the Kentucky Derby Festival will be in full force, so be sure to check out some of the festivities. Tomorrow is the miniMarathon and the Great Balloon Race. Another event we love to attend is the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair. While not an official Derby Festival event, it's a great place to buy arts and crafts, eat good food, listen to music and walk around one of Louisville's most beautiful neighborhoods. See you there!
Photo courtesy of J. Crew

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

Dish Dilemma

Well, I think it’s time to invest in some new everyday dishes. The set we purchased a few years ago from what I thought to be a reputable establishment, has not lasted the test of time (a very short time, I might add). One dinner plate broke in half as my husband was about to place it on the table – it already had a crack in it, so I guess the weight of the food just sent it over the edge. My daughter then accidentally broke a dessert plate placing it in the sink (props to her for carrying her dish to the sink, though). And, several bowls and other plates have chips or cracks in them. (Thank goodness my fine china is in excellent condition, of course, it only comes out of the china cabinet on special occasions.)

I’m thinking of returning to Williams-Sonoma where I purchased some soup bowls a few years ago, which we primarily use for cereal, fruit or snacks. I’ve had them for years and they’re still in great condition. Plus, they’re white and that never goes out of style. There’s also a nice setting I have my eye on at Crate & Barrel; again a simple white design that goes with everything.

If anyone has suggestions on nice, affordable everyday dinnerware, please send the information my way. I would greatly appreciate it!
Image courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Gentlemen and Players

I just finished reading Gentlemen and Players by British author Joanne Harris – a novel I highly recommend. It’s a murder mystery set at a boys’ academy in England and I have to say, I didn’t see the ending coming. Usually, I have a good idea who the killer is in a novel, or I can at least see the direction in which a story is headed. Not this one. In fact, when a major bombshell was dropped toward the end of the novel, I had to reread the page again. “Surely I read that wrong,” I said. But, I didn’t and I was really pleased with how Ms. Harris completely surprised me.
Image courtesy of www.amazon.com