Virginia Cabin or Farmhouse For Sale

I don't understand why this adorable house in Virginia has not sold yet?  It's in great condition, at a great price, in a great setting. Take a peak, won't you?

The Preakness, Sagamore Farm and Alfred Vanderbilt - Part One

With the Preakness is only days away, it's hard to think about Pimlico (where the Preakness is run) without mentioning Sagamore Farm and the late Alfred Vanderbilt.  Vanderbilt owned the horse farm located just north of Baltimore from the ripe old age of 21 and he built a racing empire there, most notably with the famous Native Dancer, who was born there and is buried there.

Vanderbilt bought the Pimlico Race Track and spent his life in racing as a breeder, owner, racing enthusiast and benefactor.  He dedicated his life to the sport of racing. It was Vanderbilt who secured the famous Seabiscuit - War Admiral match race (at Pimlico) in 1938.

While there is far too much history to mention in a short post (definitely more to come), it's worth noting that the famous Sagamore Farm is now owned by the founder of the Under Armour brand, Kevin Plank, and he's revived the illustrious farm (keeping it from being torn down and developed) and is racing his own horses now.  Thank you!

While I have not been to the farm, I have driven by it many times.  The house sits on top of a hill overlooking the stable and track area.

That must be Native Dancer in the mural. He won 21 of his 22 races.

 More to come!

Equestrian Jewelry

With graduations galore going on right now, what's a great gift for a friend who rides and never thinks of herself?  Equestrian jewelry of course!

Like this horsebit bracelet in sterling silver.

Or this classic pearl necklace with a horse bit accent.

Or this Five Foxes Bracelet if you have a budget.

Or this lovely necklace:

I love this bracelet:

Or this Bit Bracelet:

 (Pearl Bracelet)

I can't decide!

Reasons to Ride

I had a conversation last night with a group of girl friends (we all ride) about the intrinsic value of horsemanship.  We each chimed in about what we had gained from our relationship over the years with horses. So why would you recommend riding (any discipline) for a young person, an adult, anyone for that matter?

1) Work Ethic
Riding takes a lot of work.  I was up this morning at 5:30 am, mucked four stalls, fed, watered, hayed and rode a horse, was at my desk working by 8:15 am.  This is what I do every single day of the year unless I happen to be on vacation.  There are no "sick days" and whether I like it or not, I do it.

Then there is riding, going to horse shows, cleaning the truck, the trailer, the tack after I ride.  The work never ends. If you are lazy don't get into horses.  There are no short cuts. You have to be dedicated and persistent, regardless of weather, daylight, your own energy level. 

2) Developing a Close Relationship with Animals
If you are lucky enough to own a horse, lease a horse or just ride one regularly then you are familiar with the relationship that can be developed with a horse.  Horses are smart, loyal, want to be treated with respect and care.  They will reward you in priceless ways.

3) Developing Relationships with Other Riders
Some of my best friends I've met through horses.  There's a common bond, an unspoken covenant and it's always fun to be with people who love the things you love to do.  And the horse community rallies around it's own during times of trouble or need.   It's a great way to meet some wonderful people.

4) Keeps You Out of Trouble
If you ride and are really dedicated, you won't have time to do drugs, stay out all night drinking, or get into trouble.  You are far too busy and who wants to mess a good thing up anyway?  When I was young, I worked at a barn several days a week to earn money to pay for my expensive horse habit.  I had no free time to do anything that could or would lead to trouble.  And that situation continues to this day!

There are a lot of good things that can come out of a love for horses! 

My Colt - The Story of Traveller and Other Books About this Famous Horse

There is a cute new book out, for children, about this famous gray horse that lived with Lee after the war, in a stable behind his house on what is now the campus of Washington & Lee University. I understand from a source (but not verified) that the university is not selling this children's book in their bookstore (very sad).  But you can buy it online and support Corporate America instead.

(My Colt)

There are a few other books out there about this famous horse, mostly out of print, but certainly worth finding and tracking down.

(Traveller)

Patio Pots and Planters

Every spring, I pull out my pots and planters, make the trek to Lowe's and Ivy Nursery and fill my patio with flowers and plants that last through the fall.  In Virginia, we're lucky to have long summers and even longer falls. And almost every year, I add a few pots and toss out a few tired or badly chipped planters that have seen better days.

The good news is that there are so many sources now to find cute and unique pots and planters and then there's that old fallback, the plain clay pot, that can be purchased at Wal-Mart for less then $10.

Here are few ideas on where to find pots and planters to make your patio, front entrance, side entrance or deck look flowery all summer long.

I'm partial to natural looking, aged, pots.  No shiny pots.  

(Danish-inspired)

(Small Scalloped Pot)

(Clay Pot)

(Rodin Planters)

(Vintage Look Pots)

(Resin Pot)

Happy Gardening!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas - What Category Does Your Mother Fall Into?

There's still time to pick out the perfect present for your mother for Mother's Day.  What category does your mother fall into for gift giving?

For the Tennis Player
What mom wouldn't love to take this to the court? 

For the Horse Lover
A gift that comes in an L.V. Harkness box!  That is the perfect gift. I love their glassware collection, with an equestrian theme of course.

For the Rider
Nothing works better for summer riding than these EIS sun shirts.  They hold up too! They come in many colors.  Love mine!

For the Cook
Le Creuset will be familiar to your mother if she loves to cook.  These pots are one of the gold standards in any serious cook's kitchen. Love the color of this one, especially for Mother's Day.

For the Clothes Horse
This classic Tory Burch cardigan may get passed down to you!  I love this style, the lining and am so glad it's back this year in new colors. Navy is my favorite.  If you don't buy this for mom, add it to your own wardrobe. 

 

For the Jewelry Lover
 Anything Julie Vos will do if your mother loves jewelry.  Her timeless collection offers many choices that any woman will love.

 

For the Entertainer
You can't have enough linen napkins, ever.  Love these!

For the Clothes Horse Who Also Gardens
I'm in love with this Ann Taylor top and I bet your mom will love it too if she loves flowers and all things gardening.

For the Reader
I don't have this book yet but want to add it to my collection.  Any mom who reads, entertains, will love this!

 

Have you found your mom the perfect gift?  Hope so!