Gary Stevens Defies Everything

Who says older isn't wiser or you must be young to be at the top of your game in the sports world?  Gary Stevens has defied the odds, again and again and again and I expect him to be a real threat as he rides Firing Line in the Preakness on Saturday.  You gotta love a man, who in his early 50's, could retire and live a cushy life but instead, chooses to hang out with the youngsters.  This is a wonderful piece about him in The New York Times.

 You go Gary!  Pulling for you on Saturday!

The Art of Clara Blalock

A few people in my family have the artistic gene, the most obvious being my father's aunt's daughter Clara Blalock. Yes, we are related somehow.  She has the gift and I am lucky to own one of her paintings which she created for our living room in a past house.  Her work is abstract now and I love it!

Here is her studio.  I am reading The Swan House and I imagine Clara's studio to be much like the one talked about in this book.  Both are in Atlanta, hmmmm.....

You can learn more about her work here.

Mother's Day Picks

It may be a little late as Mother's Day is this Sunday but for those who haven't shopped yet (and there is always express shipping) here are a few ideas for your mom!

Who does not love Herend bunnies? If your mom does not have a collection then maybe you should start one for her.  See this one here.

 Any mom will love new clothes.  I am partial the aqua jacket below.  See it here.

Does your mom also ride or does she follow you to shows? She might like this cute bracelet:

Handbag?  This cute clutch will go with everything this summer.  See it here.

Something for her bath? Or a lotion or better yet, her favorite perfume.... See this here.

And I love these necklaces. These also will go with everything. You can find all kinds of great finds here.

Happy Mothers' Day to everyone out there who is a mom!

Horse Care Products - Where to Shop

I'll let you in on one of my horse-related secrets.  I love to buy products from T.T. Distributors in Ocala, Florida. I find their prices are almost always cheaper than anywhere else and they have unique products (for the horse racing industry) that no one else has. It's not a fancy place but I went there for the first time almost 20 years ago when I went to HITS in Ocala.  Every time I go to Ocala, I stop in.  They will ship and you can shop off their website here.

The other "go to" place is Farmvet. Farmvet caters to the horse show crowd but they have all the products you will ever need for hunters and jumpers:  boots, leather cleaners, supplements, ear plugs, brushes, lead ropes, stable supplies.  Neither place sells a lot tack or riding clothes, but they have everything else. Farmvet gives USEF members a 5% discount.  Shipping is free if you buy more than $50 or $75.  You can see their site here.

Le Jacquard Francais Equestrian-Themed Table Linens

Le Jacquard Francais has some amazing equestrian-inspired designs which are now on sale from their 2013 Fall Collection. The imagery in "manege" is really beautifully done, and they resemble antique etchings of horses, equine gear, and show regalia. 

"Manege" comes in three colorways and a variety of sizes.  I love the beautiful "Hermes" orange color. I could almost wear this!  They make placemats, napkins, table runners and table cloths.  You can see the collection here.

Preakness Party 101

Now that the Derby is done, it's on to the Preakness.  Preakness Party anyone? Baltimore seems to be in the news a lot these days, so why not celebrate?  And maybe we have a horse this year with enough quality and depth to go all the way.....

So here's so suggestions on how to make your party be a winner........

I'd start with these party invitations from Etsy.  Are they not wonderful? You can find them here.

I love dishes so these with jockey silks would make your table a winner by anyone's standards.

See them here.

These topiaries are so cute. Put this one in a pot of ivy and you have a great centerpiece. You can use this for the Belmont too!

See it here

This great wooden cut out in the Preakness colors would look great on your door to welcome your guests:

Serve your guests in authentic Preakness Cups. You can buy there here.

Or these:

You might add this vintage decanter from the Preakness.....

 See it here.

The host might wear this great hat which is done in the Preakness' colors of the black-eyed-susan.  See it here.

Sara Campbell Dresses

I fell in love with this designer when I saw her beautiful dresses at the Charlotte Moss outing in Charlottesville.  Sara Campbell has stores in select cities across the U.S.  Lucky for me (well, maybe not), she has two in Virginia, one in Alexandria and one in Richmond.  You'll see what I mean....

The dress on the left was on the mannequin and I fell in love with it. How perfect would this be a summer wedding or cocktail party? It is silk taffeta, probably one of my favorite fabrics.  

 I love this for summer...

 This dress is so cute in person. It also came in a denim looking chambray.  The aqua color looks better in real life....

 Here is the same dress in a pink..

 I love this look too....

 She has some great looking coats, and you know the problem with coats....have way too many!

 This is too cute...