The Preakness Stakes

EVENTS

This Saturday is the 139th running of the Preakness.  This event takes place right here in Baltimore, Maryland.

Pimlico Race Course is the home of the Preakness.  Every year the place is packed full of people hoping to see a winner, hopefully a triple crown.  This year  California Chrome will line up to try and win the second race of the triple crown.  If he wins the journey will continue and after the race, my favorite part takes place, the painting of the weather vane.  Right after the winner is declared a painter climbs up to the weather vane and begins to paint the winner silks and the color of the winning horse.  This will remain until the next year.  

They will also be covered with a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, our state flower.

There hasn't been a triple crown winner in years, the last one was in 1978! 

My grandparents used to go every year to watch the race.  I have a collection of these glasses and it just so happens that I have one from the last year of the triple crown winner!

How fun is that?

You will find people sipping on a signature cocktail while waiting and watching the race.  This cocktail is called The Black- Eyed Susan.  

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Vodka

1/2 oz St. Germain

2 oz Pineapple Juice

1/4 oz Lime Juice 

3/4 oz Orange Juice

Add a orange slice and sip

So lets wish California Chrome some luck this saturday and enjoy the race with a Black-Eyed Susan in hand.

Do you think California Chrome has what it takes?

Are you a horse racing fan like my family? 

Classic Prep: Rings

HIM/HER

Well I have to say when it comes to Baltimore classic style; a signet ring or family crest ring is a popular option.  These rings are usually seen around the preppy areas on both men and women.  Men tend to carry the family crest rings, while women have their signet rings on hand.  Anything family/monogrammed is a hit with the Baltimore prep.  Even some schools around here have their school rings that look a lot like these rings.  Garrison, Oldfield's, and St. Paul's are some just to name a few.  

I wear my school ring still especially when I have my silver jewelry on, it is white gold.

 
I personally have had my wonderful signet rings since I was in eighth grade.  I wear mine every time I have my gold jewelry on.  I couldn't live without it.  I have loved mine so much that when my husband and I were picking out our wedding bands, he decided to go with a family crest ring.  I was so excited because I am not a big fan of men wedding bands and that just really isn't his style.  Plus my dad wears a family crest ring so I was excited to see my husband opt for the idea as well. (It is said that most girls marry someone like their father!)

Classic prep is what really comes to mind when I think of these rings.  You can't go wrong with a little classic touch to your everyday style. 

Favorite: Kate Spade Edition

HER

Kate Spade has always been a favorite of mine.  I remember when I was in maybe the 6th or 7th grade I wanted the bags and wallets

Well it is safe to say my love for Kate Spade has continued to grow.

What am I loving right now?

Kate Spade Home

I registered for the Kate Spade fine china.  I fell in love with the Larabee Road Platinum Collection.  How can you go wrong with polka dots?  It is such a classic, clean look.  

They are such as cute addition to our kitchen and I can't wait to have people over to use them!

I have to say Kate Spade has such cute packaging.  I really love everything about the home section.

Love the color Pink!

Kate Spade Agenda

This is a new edition, you can read all about how tough it was to pick my planner this year in Dilemma: Planner Picking: Solved.

Kate Spade Jewelry 

  Every time I am in Nordstrom I have to stop and look at the jewelry counters.  I have to check out the Kate Spade.  I love her taste in jewelry.  I personally believe a lot of her pieces are classic, timeless pieces.  I know there are some that are a little different, but I usually purchase everyday wear items.

It is one of my favorite pearl necklaces, I have to say it was a good buy.

 The color is great and I can actually pair it with more than I thought!

I am loving these earring right now.  They are perfect for this fall feeling weather and how can you go wrong with anything tortoiseshell?

Oh Kate Spade you get me every time.

Kate Spade Watches 

Confession time- I have an addition to watches.  Ever since I can remember I have worn watches.  I mean I had all the Freestyle Shark watches in an assortment of colors, Baby G watches, the Roxy watch that had bands you could change out, I had a collection.  

So with that being said, here is a favorite watch.

 
Thank you Kate Spade for all you wonderful items.  

After Labor Day

HER

I have a love of white pants, I mean LOVE.  I look forward to Memorial Day when I can break these wonderful pants out of the closet.  They always remind me of summer and give a nice refreshing look when changing from the dark denim colors of fall and winter.

I collect these pants every summer and when I find a pair, I buy them.  This year I bought 3 new pairs, I believe you can't have too many because you never know what will happen.  They are white!  I actually have a "going out" pair.  Yes, a little crazy I know, but I don't want to have dingy white pants! Nothing beats that crisp, smart look of white pants and a nice top.

With that being said, I am so sad to have to put them away until next year.  I have a hard enough time with summer ending and to take away the summer classic white pants, it puts me over the edge.  I am a strong believer of no white after Labor Day and this belief has been passed down by many generations.  My grandmother made sure my mother followed and my mother passed it down to me.  

One last load of all the white pants and they will be put away until next summer.

Let us have a moment of silence while closing the door on the summer white pants closet.