Derby Days

Coming off one of my favorite spring sporting events of the year, The Masters, is the Run For The Roses.

THE Kentucky Derby. The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports.

Now for those who haven't been, this is not your run of the mill horse race. Attendees range from your who's who sitting in the Millionaires Row, to college students from around the country partying it up in the infield. The common denominator, everyone is dressed to the nines.

The following is your style guide to this year's Kentucky Derby. Remember, that every look is topped off with a famous Mint Julep (just don't get one of those super expensive ones, the classic one tastes just fine and will get you plenty ready to "Have Another.")

For Guys - The Dapper

1) Seersucker Suit/Khaki Suit - Either of these suits is a safe bet, but from experience I can say it gets a bit rowdy so I wouldn't be rocking the most expensive suit you can find. Any suit that fits right will do just fine.

2) Bowtie - This staple of the derby is a must for any Derby-goer. My favorite is the vinevard vines derby collection. You just can't go wrong and you will be dressed to impressed.

3) Shoes - I'll keep this simple. Just go with classic sperry boat shoes and you will be comfortable, stylish, and ready to party all day long.

Classy will be posting her version for the classy ladies out there soon.

That's my...Tahoe

Ever since college (5 years ago...yikes), I have been coveting a new Chevy Tahoe. Now, let me preface this by saying I have had a perfectly fine Jeep Grand Cherokee during that time and didn't really need a full-size SUV. Keyword, need.

The chiseled frame and powerful engine of a chevrolet wrapped in the elegant exterior of the Tahoe was too much for me to resist. This was a want, and boy did I want it.

My week started out after a failed attempt to purchase a Tahoe. Despite my best negotiations, the dealer wouldn't budge from his starting price. I'm talking not even one cent. Maybe this was because the car was located in one of the more affluent areas of Chicago or maybe it was because this 18 year old kid had only sold three cars all month. I'm going with the latter. Regardless, I left dejected and frustrated. I could barely concentrate at work the rest of the week because now that I had a taste of that sweet, sweet ride.

Then, classy did her internet sleuthing and found one in what can only be described as the country. I'm talking right price, right package, just perfect. After about an hour and half ride from the suburbs of Chicago we pulled up to this Chevrolet dealership in the middle of nowhere. Best decision ever. The salesmen came up and greeted us immediately and couldn't have been nicer. At that moment, I knew this was the place I was getting the Tahoe. After some small talk, we got down to negotiations. Complete 180 degrees from the previous dealer. I negotiated what I thought was a very fair price and even got the salesman to take an extra $150 off at the end. His exact words, "Ya, it doesn't really matter what I sell this to you for because I get paid anyways." Cherry on the top. I would recommend buying a car in the country to everyone because it was the least stressful and fair car deal I have ever been involved in.

3 hours later and I am walking out with this beauty, a brand new Z71 Tahoe:

Sweet, Sweet Love

If there is one food I could not live without, I honestly think I would have to choose chocolate. I cannot go a single day without having some form of chocolate goodness. Unfortunately to me, this love of chocolate doesn't quite bode well with my current quest to loose weight. (Life's tough, get a helmet - I know)

So what's a weight-loss trying girl to do? Make pounds drop off while eating chocolate! (or something like that...) Since I know I can't succeed at any diet plan that doesn't allow me to eat this yummy food, I had to find creative alternatives that both satisfied my cravings and didn't add pounds to the scale. Here are some of my favorite no-guilt chocolate treats! 

1. JELL-O Dark Chocolate Pudding Cups

For only 60 calories a container, I love packing these in my lunches for a no-guilt dessert!

2. Mini Sized Candy

As long as you can stop at one (or two!) I have found that mini-sized candy works for me. This allows me to give in to my sweet tooth without packing on the pounds. Most of the time, I have good self-control when it comes to this but I know for some people that is impossible so if that's you then skip this idea :-) 

3. Homemade Chocolate Milkshake using Sugar-free Chocolate JELL-O packet.

I got this tip from undressedskeleton.tumblr.com! Mix a little chocolate pudding powder with ice and skim milk in a blender and you will have a low-cal chocolatey treat that is beyond satisfying! 

3. Cadbury Double Chocolate Ice Cream Bars

My ABSOLUTE favorite low-cal chocolate treat! At 150 calories each, these taste amazing and satisfy my craving for both chocolate and ice cream! I usually end each night with one of these treats :-) 

Are you as addicted to chocolate as I am? What are your favorite no-guilt treats?

Some Things We Just Don't Want To Remember...

...Let's not talk about that ND game, okay? :-(

Titleist - #1 Name in Golf

If any of you have a golfer in the family, you have undoubtedly seen some gear with the name Titleist. This is one of the premier golf brands (along with Callaway, TaylorMade, and Ping) and is my favorite not only for the clubs but also for the gear. Particularly, the hats.

I pretty much wear hats anywhere I go and these are my favorite Titleist hats I own:

#1 - Visor









This hat is great for hot days on the course or a great day on the beach. It goes with pretty much everything and always fits perfectly.

#2 - Slouch Hat


I wear this style hat the most because it is the most fun and doesn't make you look like you are going on the course that day. I wear this in casual settings, out with friends, or just relaxing around the house.

#3 - Adjustable Repp Stripe

This particular hat was a lucky find. Sometimes your local golf shop with have special edition hats and this one had a blue and red repp stripe around the logo. I usually wear this when I want to look a little nicer because it has a classier look with the repp stripe.

#4 - College Hat



Unfortunately, my alma mater, Northwestern University, does not use Titleist so I can't get one of these hats. Still, this could be my favorite version of the hat becuase it is a perfect tailgate hat that adds a little bit of sophistication to your look.

Championship Food - Chicken Wings

Monday night is the BCS National Championship between Notre Dame (Go Irish!) and Alabama and nothing says football like Chicken Wings. Here is one of my favorite recipes that is sure to please any guy in your life, yet is easier on the old ticker than Hooters or BW3s. The major difference is that my chicken wings are grilled and not fried.

Championship Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings
Butter (Salted)
Franks Hot Sauce
Salt
Pepper

Start with store bought chicken wings (costco sells them in great packs). Begin by cutting the chicken wings at the V so each wing turns into a drum and a wing. Then wash the chicken wings and put them in a large mixing bowl. Add the same amount of salt and pepper until each wing is covered in a sprinkling of each (you should see the little specks of pepper on each wing).

On medium heat, place the wings on the grill and cook until golden brown. This is the most difficult part because if they burn they don't taste nearly as good, but if they are undercooked, well they are undercooked.

At the same time, microwave a mixture of butter and franks hot sauce in a separate bowl. To make the ideal wings, the ratio of butter to hot sauce should by 1:1. If you want hotter wings use more hot sauce, milder wings use less hot sauce.

Add the butter and hot sauce mixture to the golden brown chicken wings and mix thoroughly. Enjoy and cheer for Old Notre Dame!!

Bathing Beauty

Sunscreen...Check

Dresses....Check

Sunglasses...Check

Flip-Flops...Check

Bathing Suit... 

BATHING SUIT?! Oh crap. 

After recently losing 30 lbs, I realized as I was packing for our vacation that I no longer owned a fitting bathing suit. Since I didn't have time to shop before we left, I assumed I would easily be able to purchase one once we got to Florida. Note to self - never plan on that again! After trying about 5 stores including Macys and Dillards, I was beyond disappointed that I didn't find one that I liked. I went online to check out other options and nearly slapped myself for not quickly heading to my go-to store Nordstrom before leaving for vacay. Nordstrom currently has some of what I feel are the cutest swim suits out there. Whether you prefer a bikini, a tankini or a one piece, it seems like they have incredible options for everyone. These are some of my favorite picks! 

Luxe Sway Tankini

I feel like this suit is not only very feminine and girly but I have to imagine it is ultra-flattering. Wish I would've looked at this one! 

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Halter Bikini Top (Currently 33% off!)

As you know by know, I am a sucker for ruffles so of course I love this fun top! This is a great option to add a little character if you typically go for standard, no-frills suits. It is also a flattering option since the ruffles draw your eyes upward instead of focusing on your belly. (Woohoo!)

Seafolly Goddess Bikini Top
I wouldn't necessarily go for this suit but I think it is a unique style and I love the green color! I would be curious how it looks on.

Profile by Gottex Tutti Frutti

I love the fun, retro look of this suit. Not only are the color options perfect for a day at the beach but I love the strapless, sweetheart top that is perfect for tanning!

Profile by Gottex Tutti Frutti Underwire Tankini
I love this option for big-chested girls. The top is a flattering style while still very supportive. I also can't get enough of this color! Gorgeous!

What other stores should I have checked out? Where's your lucky place to shop for bathing suits?