2015 Oaklawn Derby Day

One of my favorite days of the year is the Oaklawn Derby Day. It always seems to be the most perfect weather day - clear skies, bright white clouds, and abundant sunshine. 

We started out Friday night by meeting the rest of the group. Hot Springs never disappoints with their sunsets.

Friday night is always more casual - EH's parent's cook lots of food, pour lots of wine, and people lounge and drink and try on different hats for the upcoming day.

On Saturday, everyone wakes up excited despite the amount of drinking the night before. The Bloody Mary's and Screwdrivers don't hurt.

I love EH's bowtie! I switch up dresses but stuck to my favorite hat that I've worn approximately five times to Oaklawn. 

We headed up to the Jockey Club which has the best views.

The group varies slightly year to year but it doesn't matter who you're with when you're at the Derby!

Mimosas at this point are a necessity.

As are cupcakes.

Since we were early for the first race, we had plenty of time for pictures.

Some more candid than others!

This one ^ cracks me up. My BIL trying to stay out of the way (or trying to be in the way, who knows!) and my MIL with her alert face. Either way, my SIL and I look cute!

There is always a mariachi band too!

This one is always my favorite though.

After a few races, it's nice to head out to the infield to stretch your legs and feel the sunshine. And also take off your heels.

There are ponies everywhere!

It was somewhere at this point of time that I won $25 on a race, which is HUGE because I bet rarely and very cheaply. Everyone seems to have their own strategy and mine varies. This year was by name, cross referenced by successful jockeys. Other times it's the grey horse. Or the longshot. You just never know what will hit!

The majority of the afternoon was spent socializing though!

Another successful Derby Day! It's not about the amount of money you win (or lose), but the value of the company you are with!

See you next year, Oaklawn!

Opening Day at the Races

Hot Springs holds a very special place in my heart. I used to go with my family on fun day trips; since dating EH we have spent several weekends every summer going out on the lake; horse races, Valentine's weekends, and easily greatest of all - we were married there!

So with warmed up weather, we headed to our favorite spot again for Opening Weekend at Oaklawn Gaming and Racing.

Lake Hamilton is beautiful no matter what time of year. 

The weather was perfect for Opening Day. Sunny, 65 and very little wind. 

"Orange Thing" in hand, we all headed off. Parking is usually found in neighboring home's driveways at $20 for the day. After a bit of walking, you enter through the unassuming North Entrance - where admission is free!

We make it a habit to arrive well before the first race takes off - this gives you time to check out your program to make your selections and hit up the new Beer Garden where the offerings are a bit better than your typical Bud or Miller Light. Though the prices are the same.

The Beer Garden is one of many smoking areas throughout the track, though the bathroom lines are usually nonexistent compared to other areas. But their beer selection (or mimosa, bloody mary and the like) makes up for it. Plus shorter lines all around.

We spent the next several hours pouring over our programs and eavesdropping from other racing enthusiasts around us. While my in-law's study and use actual reasoning when picking their horses, I tend to gravitate towards a name I connect with. Or a grey horse. Or sometimes just a feeling.

Which paid off on the 2nd race! I bet the #2 to WPS on a whim, had to be walked through placing my bet by strangers, and ended up he won! So thank you #YankeeDime for tripling my bet. Sorry I ended up wasting it all at the casino.

One thing you have to do while at the races is treat yourself to a Reuben sandwich. They are to die for.

Also, get yourself lost in the Bronx region of the track - some weird 2nd floor bar area that is ridiculously less crowded but also a mystery. None of our group had ever seen this area before and we weren't quite sure how we got there. Or out.

I thought I had taken a better picture but maybe that's just the mystique of this strange area. The beer was .50 cents cheaper. I swore mine had the faint taste of bananas.

After a trip to check out the new extended casino, we headed back to the lake house to cook dinner and hang out.

Onion and shrimp stuffed peppers wrapped in bacon.

Vegetable medley and salad.

Steak. Lots of steak.

Wine and Whiskey. Lots of that too.

I love these weekends - everyone over eats and over indulges and there is so much laughter and fun.

Moose enjoys the scenic views the most.

That was our weekend! And we've already conquered Monday so this week is off to a victorious start.

Blame it on the Water

It's been a minute, huh? Or more like close to two weeks!

This time I'm going to blame it on the water. If you've been here before (hi!) then you may have seen me mention a certain camping trip. We started by buying and testing out a new tent.

It tested great in the living room if you're wondering!

Since we wanted to take Moose, we decided a snazzy life jacket was a necessity.

 This picture still cracks me up. A) His fluff is ridonkulous. B) He spent a few minutes terrified to move - after he realized it wasn't locking him in one position for the rest of his life he was totally fine, but man. He was not a fan in this moment.

And SINCE he was so terribly fluffy, we went ahead and got a summer haircut. 

He doesn't want to talk about it. But look how cute he is all packed up with the rest of the supplies!

So early two Friday mornings ago Engineer Husband and I shipped out super early to go claim a campsite. We ended up being WAY early (EH was convinced they would all get taken by 10AM) but it was all worth it because we got a great spot and were able to just sit around and relax until the rest of the group arrived.

Later our friends arrived and it was all about finding the perfect hot dog sticks, s'mores and of course, adult beverages. Since our phones had no service (which was awesome), I just locked it up in the truck for the weekend.

The next day we met up with another couple and headed out for the float! If you are from here or ever find yourself in The Natural State, I highly suggest experiencing the Buffalo River. We've had so much rain that the river was moving quickly but it is still one of my absolute favorite spots on the Earth.

 

We camped one more night but unfortunately were met with a torrential downpour. Luckily the campsite had a restaurant that made for an easy dinner and by the time we made it back to camp we were (albeit after much effort) able to start another camp fire and hang out a little bit longer.

After the whirlwind of the river, we made it through another work week and got ready for another weekend on the water - this time on the lake!

 

This picture does no justice to the amount of boats that were all tied up in the cove. It got even more crowded by the end of the afternoon. Hope you like your boat neighbors!

 

 Moose's life jacket was extra beneficial when paired with another life jacket.

 

 

I think he enjoyed the raft a little more though - especially when it was in the boat. Regardless, he was a trooper during both weekends. Good boy!

 All in all, they were both fun, somewhat relaxing and sometimes crazy weekends but we all made it - probably a little more sun burnt than we'll ever admit - but happy all the same.

Hope you have had a great couple of weekends - and a Happy 4th!

Lake Happenings

Another busy week/weekend over here!

On Thursday I met a few of my girlfriends from Supper Club. Out of 11 of us it feels like half are expecting or have welcomed little ones so it's hectic trying to all get together. Still, five of us met up at Baja Grill  - a former 2013 Best Food Truck Around the State winner turned corner restaurant in the Heights district. This particular spot has seen a lot of turn over in the past but with food like we had, I see this place finally sticking and becoming a staple. Fresh salsa, guacamole and queso plus unique options for tacos, burritos and more - sounds like your typical Mexican flair but their combinations were different and SO good! I went for chicken and cuban tacos but others sampled the naked and regular burritos and were equally impressed.

The only possible downside at this point is they do not have their liquor license (I believe I heard they are getting it by July though) but you can bring your own wine and just pay a corkage fee. FYI - it's one corkage fee for the entire table. So even though you may each bring a different bottle (what? supper club is not just for food!) they will only charge you the one time. Not a big deal at all (kind of nice to be honest!) so that + great food + great service? Definitely a victory in my book.

But before we hit the road on Friday, EH and I stopped at Taziki's for a "beer lunch" (aka lunch with an alcoholic beverage) - one of my most favorite things!

If you're a Little Rock local I'm sure you've hit up Taziki's. Friday afternoon sitting on the patio with the beautiful weather was the perfect start to our weekend.

Once we made it to Hot Springs, it was a casual dinner out with all the family then Saturday we all assembled to get ready for the boat!

Which included a waterfall..

 

An ombre arrangement of water balloons...which were promptly stolen by the guys to throw at unsuspecting people.

Baby Geese! 

There were seriously SO many geese wading by the dock but it was difficult to get a picture. I blame my in-law's labrador who decided right then was the perfect time to jump in the water!

After a long day on the water it was all about more patio sitting and wine drinking which led late into a night full of conversation, great food and several pool games.

So despite our (well deserved) sun burns, it was a wonderful weekend escape and I can't wait for many more this summer!

And even though it's a day late, hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day! Just for fun, here is one my favorite pictures of my Dad and I from our wedding. Love this guy!

To close, we've made it through Monday so have a happy rest of the week!