:Weekend Look Book:

After the weekend's festivities, I am two days behind on this post - #sorrynotsorry - but the weather has also been AMAZING so there was no doubt I would rather be outdoors with the kiddos; which we are about to enjoy again today! But let's backtrack for a moment to another incredible Derby weekend, beginning last Thursday evening... [beware, of the photo overload].

Ferdinand's Ball was spent with friends, and even a selfie with the infamous Dhani Jones. Omgee! The highlight of my night for sure. 

Friday night was the Unbridled Eve Gala, where we shared a table with Mark Sanchez [Jets quarterback] and Rob Angel [the man who invented Pictionary]. I was on the hunt for Christian Kane, but failed. Afterwards, we headed on over the next event, Fillies & Stallions, where I met Nicole Murphy. Gorgeous! If only she was accompanied by fiancé Michael Strahan, my night would have been complete!!

Lastly, Derby day. We were lucky to be in attendance with some great people and spent the morning/afternoon .... losing our money. Boo. But what an incredibly beautiful day it was!!!

To conclude the amazing weekend, as mentioned, we spent the entire Sunday outside. How could one resist??? The day consisted of painting, sidewalk chalk portraits, and playing on the water slide. Afterwards we grilled out, and roasted marshmallows for dessert. #perfection 

Looking forward to this week of WARM WEATHER!!! Finally!!

Buckle Up! It's time...

Well it's that time of year!! Whether you're known around the world or just a little local, the party and events are merged as one. Yes, it's Derby time! The Run for the Roses!

Not a lot of content due to some serious procrastination. These last few days have had me wiped, so this is about as good as it gets. But! For anyone living under a rock unfamiliar with The Kentucky Derby, I can bring you up to speed here. 

Otherwise, stay tuned for a post-Derby update! Same as last year, we will be attending Ferdinand's Ball, hubs will be at Oaks solo; our daughter has school that morning, but back at it Friday evening for the Unbridled Eve Gala, possibly Fillies & Stallions, then of course Derby day itself. Buckle up! 

Good luck to all this weekend, and safe travels to those making their way in town!! Here we gooooo!!!!!!

:: weekend picture book :: Oaks & Derby

WHEW!! We survived the weekend... barely. It's day 2 of recovery, and I'm still struggling. Just so we're clear, the aches and pains are not a result of enduring too many adult beverages, but from the terrible choice in shoes for 3 days in a row - aka, my back and feet hate me. On a lighter note, and as promised, I'm thrilled to share some highlights of our weekend shenanigans - themed alongside Sami's Weekend Shenanigans.

Let's begin with Day 1:

Arriving at the hotel, the ladies are greeted with a beautiful red rose. 

To understand the significance in "the rose", check it out here.

The first event we were scheduled to attend was Ferdinand's Ball. Dressed up, and ready to go, we snapped a quick pic while waiting in the lobby.

The rest of the evening was full of entertainment! We're talking great food, friends, drinks, music and photo booths! Put all those together, and you're bound for a good time.

Moving on to Day 2:

Out of the three days, this was the longest. We would be spending the first half of the day at the track for Oaks, then that evening we'd attend the Unbridled Eve Gala. Just reliving that whole day exhausts me all over again! However, it was quite the experience; can't complain. 

It began (as did day 1) with a beautiful flower; a lily. 

For more on the Pink Out attire, visit here.

 Once arriving at the track, we made our way to our seats... 

... a perfect view, right alongside the finish line.

With no luck on our side, we left the track empty handed... and onto the Unbridled Eve Gala.

A photo description of this event does not do it justice. It was spectacular. We enjoyed a delicious meal, followed by an auction, live performances, then a couple snap shots on the red carpet. 

Without going into some serious stalk-mode, I wasn't able to capture many of the celebrities attending the event. Lauren Conrad, from The Hills, sat at a table next to ours; that was neat. Although, it didn't take much time for her to be bombarded with people wanting photos - she left shortly after dinner. The performances that evening included the winner of The Voice, Nicholas David; country legend, Jo Dee Messina; and the one and only Luke Bryan. I was definitely able to catch decent shots from those performances. They were amazing... 

Finally, onto Day 3:

With the weather forecast being 60% rain, and worried I wouldn't get the chance to wear my hat - compliments of my best friend - I tried capturing a photo before we left.

Making our way to the track looked as if it was going to be a miserable time... I mean, really???

BUT, we made the best of it - coats, rain gear, and all!

Again, hats were the big statement of the day, yet they made capturing photos a bit difficult.

Quoting Chris, "...my head's on a saucer." 

My friend and I even made it on national news! 

We were filmed, among others, sporting "fashionable rain gear". It was hilarious. If they would have asked the infamous question, "What/Who are you wearing?"... I'd have responded with, "Coleman's rain gear, from Target." Ha! So fashionable.

So despite the rain, and a losing horse, we had a great Derby 2013 weekend!! Exhausted, possibly sick [lost my voice] and band aids on my heels - like I said, my feet hate me - I'm enjoying this day in my pajamas, with my daughter, relaxing!!! Next year will be here before we know it, and I'm pretty sure I'll still be gathering up all my energy... whew.

A little thing called... DERBY!

It's that time of the year again!! The one event in which our little ol' town of Louisville, Ky gets recognition beyond its own population; and where spotting a celebrity or two... or three, seems as common as it would be in LA. Along with the infamous 2km horse race, hats, and celebrity sightings, it is quite the spectacle.

For those unfamiliar with this annual tradition; formally known as, The Kentucky Derby, here are some highlights...

The event is proceeded by a week of local festivities! It's a bit of an overload, so I'll get to the main event, which falls on the first weekend of May - divided into two particular days:

Friday - Oaks

Saturday - Derby

Location, is none other than Churchill Downs.

Attire is usually semi-formal, but for the women, the most popular accessory is the HAT! ie: here and here.

Regardless of the attire, this weekend is most certainly known for its heart-pounding, beat the program on the rail race of its beautiful thoroughbreds; as it's also deemed "The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports". Attending the Derby should definitely be on the bucket list. It's an historical event unlike any other. 

As for this household, the Derby festivities kick off this evening at Ferdinand's Ball. Friday (Oaks day) will be spent in our fun/matching attire (and yes, hats) at the track, then we'll magically spin around - you know, like Cinderella - and change into our more formal attire for the Unbridled Eve Gala. With whatever bit of energy left to gather, we'll then be back at the track on Saturday, Derby day (yes, more hats). This will be one eventful weekend!!

With that said, this post may be running until after the festivities!

As much as I cringe at that thought - as I like to be on top of things - I'm not sure my laptop would be an acceptable fashion forward accessory. So, I apologize in advance!

Our attendance, and attire, will be shared immediately following the weekend. 

Fingers crossed we pick a winner this year!!!! Good luck to all!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend. :)

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6