Derby days

GO! GO! GOOOO!!!!!

I scream this a lot when I am in Louisville, Kentucky. My sweet friends, Carolyn and Kelly Morris have grown up in Louisville. I’ve been to their hometown a few times. Most of the time, it is for the Kentucky Derby.

This year, I spent the first weekend in May at Churchill Downs. It has been two years since I was last at Churchill Downs.

The loving Morris family hosts us for the special occasion. We all attend the Kentucky Oaks, which is always the Friday/the day before the official Kentucky Derby.

The theme for the Kentucky Oaks is pink in honor of breast cancer. Most of the attendees are in some shade of pink. Churchill Downs becomes a lovely sea of pink as the day progresses.

Of course, I bet on the horses. No, I do not know what I am doing. I simply bet based on the horses’ name. I love choosing a horse to root for based on how relatable his or her name is to my life. I am so interested in the creative names. It makes me happy when I see either my first or middle name included in one of the horses’ name. My favorite is from two years ago. The horse’s name is Carina Mia. Look her up!

And, I always bet in the same way. It is my favorite. I pick the horses I wish to win and place my bet with a “show.” According to The Sports Geek,
"a Show bet is a manner of horse racing betting wherein the bettor selects a single horse in the race to finish anywhere in the top three positions. If the horse Shows (finishes in first, second or third), the bet is won. The amount paid is unequivocal, (i.e. the payout is the same no matter whether the horse finishes first or second.)"

For me, this is the easiest. If I do not have enough cash on me, I go to the convenient ATMs placed around Churchill Downs. There is a fee, but it is worth it, in my opinion. At first, I was intimidated by betting. I thought I was going to get made fun of how I wanted to place my bet. But, I was proven wrong. Every time I have gone up to the counter to bet, I am greeted with a warm smile.

Besides betting, the way in which an individual is dressed is important. This spring, I wore a fascinator made by a family friend. Linda owns her own business called This n’ That Embroidery. She matched the fascinator to the Amazing Lace romper. I was more than pleased with my unique fascinator she created! She had never made one before. I was so thankful she took on the challenge. It was defiantly an upgrade from two years ago’s Amazon hat.  I liked being able to switch up this year’s look and wear something different. I wore heels by Steve Madden that complemented my purple theme. ​

Don’t ask me how much money I lost. A LOT is my answer, but it doesn't stop me from attending in 2019. I am slowly preparing by casually looking for inspiration for either a hat or fascinator. If you have suggestions or recommendations, let me know!


Enjoy the photos :)


Love always,
Carina