Kentucky Derby Home Decor!

 Finding the perfect dress/ hat combo is only part of prepping for the Derby.... I had to get my decor in the vibe as well! This year I went a little simpler than I had sometimes in previous years but definitely still set the mood for a small watch party I will be hosting. 

On the kitchen island, I left things a little simple to have room to set out the food. I used my MacKenzie-Childs bud vase to display some red roses, a small chalk board to set the tone from the wedding section of Hobby Lobby (no longer available- similar here), and of course Derby napkins from the party shop. I will be serving my pulled pork as the main dish. I had a blog post previously with this recipe that can be found here. 

I also changed out my floral arrangement on the side of the fridge to incorporate the feel of the "run for the roses" by simply adding in red faux roses with MacKenzie-Childs ribbon and bee pick. 

In the dining room as well, of course the chicken on the buffet needed an update to incorporate and abundance of red roses as well. I also displayed 14 Hands wine with my Taste of the Derby wine glasses.

Also in the dining room on the fireplace, I used a candlestick holder to hold up an elaborate riding hat. I added in boxed red roses with a box wood topiary, antique horse head statue, and gift boxes I had for height. 

In the living room, right around the corner, I sat up the mint julep station.... of course using Woodford Reserve bourbon.

For another display in the living room, I used old horse bit the lay the foundation for another horse and hat displayed on a candlestick along with a photo of being at the Derby. 

For a full walkthrough tour visit my YouTube channel. Comment below, what are you doing for the Derby this year? Did you decorate? Are you going somewhere to watch the race? Also be sure to hit subscribe to receive notice of future blog posts. 

Prepping for the Derby!

The weather is getting warmer, the days a little longer and brighter, the Easter Bunny has hopped down the lane and now it is time to start planning for the quintessential event of the spring.... the Kentucky Derby!

I have already ordered my dress and plan to wear it with a navy fascinator I already have. For me, it is never an option to not get a new spring dress for the day... not that an excuse is really needed for a lovely new spring dress, but oh ever if there was one, the Derby is it!

When planning what to wear for the Derby, you don't really need to overthink it. There are no set dress rules, though there is the tradition of the dress and hat combo for women. All you really need to do is look to the spring trends for the year and find a dress you love then pair it with a wonderful hat (or even headband if hats aren't your thing!). If it is cold that day, layer over a cardigan or blazer to finish the look. Rain... change the pumps to Wellies or riding boots.... it will all look classic and appropriate. 

Below are some dress ideas I found online to help inspire you in finding your perfect Derby look for this year too! I just hope my dress fits like a glove when it arrives.

Below, I found a new company I had never heard of called Shinesty that had adorable Derby themed printed dresses. Isn't this Run for the Roses themed dress adorable?

Another new site I discovered with horse themed fabrics is Wolf and Badger....

We cannot not obviously forget Vineyard Vines in a post about Derby attire though! 

However, more budget friendly options can be found almost anywhere from Etsy to Shein to your local TJMaxx. Just find a spring dress you will love and feel comfortable in! This dress below is from Shein and is only $20!

Comment below on the dress you would choose.... also be sure to subscribe to receive notices of new posts. 

***All photo credits to the sites they are sold on and linked to. 

Buona Pasqua!

 I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter tomorrow! I just thought I would share last minute my table scape since I sat it ahead. 

To begin, I used gold chargers that I had previously but were from Michael's (I believe they still are available at this link).  On top of that I placed antique white fire king plates with gold leafing. For the actual dinner plate and salad plate above that though I used plastic Celebrate It dinner plates from Michael's that I picked up on a whim. The silverware used is the same brand and pattern. I know this may sound crazy, but they are beautiful, very sturdy and I just think cleanup will be a breeze using this. 

I just used my everyday glasses from Amazon because each glass has a different color bottom and they added to the cheerful colors. The tablecloth, I have had for years now. 

Let me know down in the comments, how did you set your table? Do you go all out? Also please be sure to subscribe to get notifications of new posts. 

Easter Bunny Lane 2022

 Back at the holidays I visited Kraynak's across the PA line from me in Hermitage, PA. There was a whole post in December on their elaborate display. However, the greenhouse and gift shop also goes all out in the spring as well with their Easter Bunny Lane display. Below are some scenes from the display and a full walkthrough can be viewed as well on my YouTube Channel. 

If you live anywhere near this gem, it is definitely worth a visit in person. The displays are animated as well and there is themed music playing throughout. 

The display begins at the county fair complete with booths, games, rides, and prize-winning animals....

As you continue on the scene changes to a backyard BBQ hosted by Mr. Cottontail....

There is also an elaborate boxing match display...

Before leading into a Noah's ark exhibit, a solute to our soldiers, and a Passion scene...

Again, as mentioned, these are only a few scenes from the display... a full walkthrough can be viewed on my YouTube channel by clicking this link. Please hit subscribe to receive alerts of future posts. Comment below if you have been to Kraynak's or have something similar near you.

Easter Decor 2022

Just like the sight of the first robin for the year, putting up the Easter decor around my home signifies the arrival of spring to me. The bright colors and cheery additions instantly brighten my mood. I hope by viewing my decor, you get some ideas for your own home as well. 

I began, of course, by changing the front door wreath. This wreath below is actually a garland I wired onto a grapevine wreath and added a bow to. 

Inside the door, I changed my usual display to add more lighter colors by filling a glass urn with bright faux Easter eggs and small bunny knickknacks found in the Target dollar spot this year. 

To the other side, I decided to pull my whimsical Easter village out of storage. I hadn't used these pieces in years! I collected these several years ago from JoAnn's, I don't believe they still make a village.  displayed the pieces at varying heights to be able to fit them all into a small space. 

To further brighten the living room, I added an Easter throw and covered the pillows with covers from Hobby Lobby.  I am also always amazed how Dante somehow knows to change his toys out with the seasons as well. He pulled this bunny toy out on his own!

The jackalope pillow cover on the chair inspired me to change by usual dough bowl out for a gold horn adorned catch all bowl as well on the ottoman. 

In the dining room, I changed the usual chicken fruit bowl on the buffet for this adorable straw figurine of a bunny couple in a gondola. 

I also opted to update the display on the fireplace to showcase my hand painted Orthodox Easter egg collection. 

To view a video of a complete Easter decor tour, visit my YouTube page! Comment below... what inspires you to feel spring? What decor have you added for Easter? Also please be sure to subscribe to receive notice of new posts. 

 

My Spring 2022 Fashion Wish List

Just last week here in NE Ohio we were teased with weather pushing 70 degrees and now as I write this post it is snowing outside again! I am determined to still not let that get me down.... the warmer weather is just around the corner, and I still have the spring fever bug! 

 Below is my Spring wish list of things to get for the new season.....

1. Toile print... this print seems to be just about everywhere this year from cute dresses, tops, and swimwear to home decor and bedding, and I am definitely jumping on the trend! The print is reminiscent to me of Grandma's old dishes....and of course has been synonymous for the last several years with Christian Dior fashions, especially the book tote.  Below are some of my top picks in the trend.
 

https://swim-she.com/collections/one-piece/products/reversible-tie-shoulder-one-piece-swimsuit

https://us.shein.com/Square-Neck-Floral-Print-Ruffle-Hem-Dress-p-1547666-cat-1727.html?scici=Search~~SuggestionSearch~~1~~Blue_20Toile_20Dress~~SPcSearchWordsSuggest~~0

2. Cute flat slide sandals.... I have been leaning toward seeking out a pair of the Hermes Oran sandals or the Dior slides (also fitting to the toile trend) but I do understand these can be pricy. Below I was able to find more budget friendly alternatives. 

Amazon.com: Amazon Essentials Women's H Band Flat Sandal : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

https://www.6pm.com/p/jack-rogers-sofia-slide-white-daisy-white/product/9528267/color/918766

And of course, my spring/ summer shoe wish list always includes Sperry, Jack Rogers, and cute sandals. 

3. A lady-like cross body bag.... last year I carried a large Neverfull tote in white almost all summer and tucked anything and everything in there at flea markets and farmers' markets but this year I think I want to be more hand free. This of course does not entirely mean my eye is not on the LV On the Go tote though! Below are my top picks for a new bag but I am sure a budget-friendly option or two could be found. Look for quilting and chain strap detail when trying to find a dupe. 

Chanel Pearl Crush- Chanel.com

4. Feel good pretty underthings and sleepwear.... My late Grandma Dee also taught me that it is just as important what underneath to make a woman feel good, so some lingerie is always on my list every season as well...

Recently, I have discovered a new brand for lingerie affordably from Italy and am loving the quality. I mean how cute is this floral set and both pieces are only $59!

https://www.intimissimi.com/us/product/bloom_e_blossom_sofia_balconette_bra-RID2451.html?dwvar_RID2451_Z_COL_INTD=869I

All photo credits to site they were found on as linked below photos. This is not a sponsored post. Also please be sure to subscribe for notifications of future posts. 

What is on your spring wish list? Comment below.....

St. Joseph's Day Dinner

 Just as in year's past I am celebrating St. Joseph's Day with my family. It falls on March 19th each year after the drunken haze of St. Pat's celebrations are well behind us. 

St. Joseph's Day has been celebrated by Italians since the Middle Ages. There was a major drought in Southern Italy and Sicily.  They prayed to St. Joseph for rain and the rain came saving the fava bean crop while other crops failed which kept them from starvation. As they prayed they said that if they were to be spared then they would celebrate a feast in the Saint's name every year to remember the miracle.  Depending on the region of Italy one is from they may celebrate a little differently but it is always a Lentin meal.

There are also always a few elements in every St. Joseph's Day display that are a must.  Lilies are always present as are doves.  Before Joseph was with Mary, he was suitor for the Blessed Mother and like every other suitor in the village he left a wooden staff to show his intentions outside her door. In the morning the staff left by Joseph had blossomed from the top into beautiful while lilies and doves flew from the staff. Mary knew he was the suitor to choose due to this and ever since we have associated these symbols with Joseph. Joseph also was a carpenter so wood is another essential element and just as the Irish have their St. Pat's green, it is red that is associated with St. Joseph.

While not as elaborate as some table scapes in Southern Italy, I made sure to still include all of the elements. I used red cloth napkins as a runner down the center of the table. I took three small bud vases to run down the table using olive branches on the outside but included the white lilies in the center vase. A small statue of St. Joseph and ceramic doves are of course also included.  For dishes, I used a mixture of my fine china with gold leave edge, green depression glass and fire king. 

My grandfather on my mom's side was "Grandpa Joe" and he always held St. Joseph's Day dear.  I chose to use the Fire King dishes because this light mint green was his favorite color. I think the mix of red, white and green gave an added Italian flair as well. 

Comment below, what ethnic traditions does your family celebrate that may not be mainstream?