Super Bowl Not - Think Kentucky Derby Party

I realize that most people will be having or attending Super Bowl parties this weekend but why not use this opportunity to test out or visualize Kentucky Derby Party ideas?  Think food.  Party arrangements. Menu. Invitees.  It won't be that long before the first Saturday in May! 

Test out these Mini Hot Browns maybe?

Or maybe sample a Bourbon Bar this weekend!

 

And some of the Derby contenders are coming into focus although a lot can happen with horses in three months.  February and March start weeding out the real contenders.  There's a race to watch this weekend if you are a true follower - the Withers (G3) at Aqueduc (weather permitting).  Firenze Fire is the favorite to win this early Derby Prep.  Avery Island is another one to watch.

Rank	Silks	Horse / Sire	Rating	Trainer / Jockey	Last Start	Status
		Avery Island Street Sense	6.93	K. McLaughlin	2nd, 2017 Remsen (G2)	Probable
		Firenze Fire Poseidon's Warrior	6.85	J. Servis	1st, 2018 Jerome (LS)	Probable
		Marconi Tapit	6.76	T. Pletcher	1st, Aqu MSW (12/15/2017-R3)	Probable
		Coltandmississippi Pioneerof the Nile	5.91	T. Pletcher	3rd, 2018 Jerome (LS)	Probable
		California Night Midnight Lute	5.09	M. Maker	1st, Aqu MSW (12/10/2017-R3)	Probable
		Crea's Bklyn Law Sky Mesa	4.87	M. Dilger	4th, 2017 Nashua (G2)	Possible
		Factor This The Factor		E. Barker	5th, 2018 Jerome (LS)	Probable

May will be here before we know it!

The Books of Bill Steinkraus

The late Bill Steinkraus was a Renaissance man for sure.  If you aren't familiar with this equestrian enigma, read about him here.  I've never read his books, I'm embarrassed to say. And why hasn't someone written a biography on this incredible man who was one of the best equestrians America has produced?  But did you know he was also a concert violinist?  An editor? A writer?  Whatever he did, he did it extremely well.  With his recent passing at age 92, we've lost much more than a legend.  Hopefully I'll inspire you to read them as well.

He wrote four books:

* Riding and Jumping (1961)
* The U.S. Equestrian Team Book of Riding (1976)
* The Horse in Sport (1987)
* Reflections on Riding and Jumping (1991)

 (Buy it here)

You can find his books on Thriftbooks or Amazon.  The last one is rare. If you see it anywhere, pick it up!  He has inspired me to become a better horseman.  He was so meticulous in everything he did.  RIP Bill.  We'll help keep your legend alive.

Ann Taylor Picks

Years ago my entire wardrobe was from Ann Taylor.  While I don't work in an office every day like I used to, every now and then I still love this brand.  A recent trip out of town found me again in the store and their spring clothes are super cute. If you need work clothes, fun dresses and casual wear at a good price point, then you might want to give Ann a try.  Here are some of my picks.....

I didn't try this dress on  but I would have it they had it in my size.  Super cute in the store.  Might be a great dress for Keeneland in the spring.

 (Striped Dress)

This sweater is adorable. I love it in navy.

(Navy Sweater)

This short jacket is very cute in real life.

(Jacket)

This sweater is also cuter in the store than it is on the website.

(Sweater)

This lightweight gray sweatshirt is too cute for words.

(Sweatshirt)

This Carolina Blue and White top is far prettier in person.  The colors are lovely!

(Blue Top)

Cute stuff!

Pomegranate Super Sale - Equestrian Linens

There's a super sale going on right now at Pomegranate - up to 70 percent off.  Grab some of your coveted equestrian linens now.  This stuff won't last long at these prices!

Friday Musings

L.V. Harkness has these adorable books, notecards, pillows and onesies from local artist Ellen Skidmore.  Adorable stuff. Tell your Valentine!  Just too darn cute........

While we are on the cute button, who can't resist these cute Staffordshire-inspired cards and pillows?  If you don't want to stitch one, this is almost as good..... See the collection here.

And the J Crew Final Fabulous Sale just won't die.  They keep throwing stuff out there and the deals are just too good. I have bought two Liberty shirts, two coats, a pair of jeans. Everything fits.  Everything is a steal.  Love this graphic sweatshirt. It can be yours for $16, reduced from $49.50.  

(Graphic Sweatshirt)

Or this very Jackie-O cardigan for less than $30. Wool.  Fabulous. 

(Cardigan)

And lest you forgot, the Aussie Open Finals are this weekend and offers a very good match-up between Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep.  My money is on Halep.  The men's final is more predictable - a repeat of the Wimbledon Final - Federer vs. Clilic.  And then there's this little horse race, The Pegasus Cup.  Please tune in if you want to see the great Gun Runner run his last race. Unless he falls out of the starting gate, this one will be tough to beat. My money is on him!

Blood Horse Photo

Hempstead Threads' Monograms

Finding high quality linens - towels, sheets, duvets, shams - is difficult enough these days.  Finding these with exquisite custom monograms is even better. I am in love with Hempstead Threads.  Like Leontine, their price point is high, but this is all custom stuff.  Totally. Worth.It.

You can see all the goodies here.

Think Spring

We are almost through a horrible January and I cannot wait until spring.  I've already started my spring cleaning (because it's too darn cold to be outside) and my house is in order so once the warm temperatures arrive again, I can be outside. 

So what's making me think Spring?

The new clothes at Talbots are divine. Have they totally revived this brand?  Yes, they have. This navy trench is so cute.  It should land in my closet just in time for the March rains.  Shop the new collection here.

 

Easter is spring.  The bunnies come out and appear on everything and I pull out my few Easter needlepoint projects.  Stitch something for next Easter to remind you of spring.

Spring means Pottery Barn's Easter Collection.  Love it again this year.  Look at this cute stuff:

(Gingham Plates)

Use your own white plates, add the bunny salad plates and a set of gingham napkins and you have a great table ready for spring.  Hurry up Spring!