After a another lovely Indy 500 Sunday in Indianapolis, H and I returned home late last night and I’m ready for a day of rest. No writing, no cleaning, no workout, no nada. Just sunscreen, pool and maybe a little cooking. Taking the time to remember and appreciate all who serve our great country. Happy Memorial Day!
My traditional night before the 500 usually consists of girl time with my best friend, Casie. We would cozy up on the couch of our hotel room, split a bottle of Oliver soft-red wine and snack on sundry shop goodies. Since this is usually the first time we get to see each other since the last race of the season, we have a ton to catch up on.
This year Casie won’t be in attendance and I’m not staying in Indy. Instead I’ll be at my house, cooking ahi tuna steaks (say a prayer), baking cupcakes for our friends in the Bell Helmet garage and enjoying a quite evening. I’ve tried my hand at attempting to replicate H’s favorite olive spread (using this recipe), which I’m hoping to surprise him with.
I won’t go to the traditional race day breakfast with my mom, but instead enjoy Clabber Girl biscuits and gravy with Drama, a tradition we started with each other last year.
I’ll make sure to try to remember every single pre race moment from H’s first Indy 500. I’ll say a prayer with my brother and dad before they go up to the spotters stand, a tradition we follow at USC games, but will just be implementing as a family here this year. My arm will be full with bracelets I wear to remember my friend. I’ll have the best bloody mary in the world.
Some things will stay the same. Like the balloons floating into the air just before the command to fire engines. And thirty-three cars lining up, hoping to find their way to the yard of bricks first and become an instant legend. A wreath adorned with lilly’s and red, white and blue ribbon waiting to be worn. And milk being drank so sweetly on a hot spring day after another 500 miles are in the books.
Not every year is going to be a great as the year before, but every year will provide us with the thrills and pains only the greatest spectacle in racing can. Enjoy your day. Cherish every special moment. We have to wait 365 more before we get another one, so we better make the most of what we get on this magical day.
Happy Indy 500.
If you’ve looked at the weekend weather forecast then I’m willing to bet you’ve already started hydrating in anticipation of the projected 91 degree heat wave. I can’t imagine being in that heat all day and consuming a mass quantity of frothy goodness known as coors light, so it’s a good thing that’s a race day tradition I don’t participate in. It’s going to take a lot of water, breezy clothes and a lot of patience to stay positive about Sunday’s weather, but don’t worry race fans, I’ve got you covered.
From top left, clockwise:
Hayes & Taylor Greatest Spectacle Tank (w/free coozie!), $24
Celine ‘Audrey’ Sunglasses, to order call 212.535.3703
T by Alexander Wang Marled Ruched Skirt, $140
Cleobella Mini Cantina Bag, $99
Mossimo ‘Pam’ Wedge, $24.99
Evian Face Mist Trio, $19.50
I’m not sure if it’s a natural let down coming from last year’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 and the magic that surrounded it or this years circumstances, but time trials proved to be less than exciting for me. Then again, maybe that’s just the sleepy onslaught from the Benadryl I consumed to battle my over-the-top allergies. Either way, the weekend was rather low-key and uneventful.
With the lack of bumping or normal time trial excitement, the laid back weekend was a great opportunity to unwind with old friends and family, enjoy basking in the warm hot sun and several meals from my favorite local restaurants.
Back home again…
Mug-n-Bun, a Hoosier staple.
Helio’s Race Day helmet in progress.
The Fast 9.
Enjoying the sunshine and practice.
Feasting on my favorite Mexican delights.
Bump Day breakfast of champions.
Great memories from last year.
Real life Bob Ross-esque trees at IMS.
A magic volcano to end the weekend.
Fluffy Ferrari had the most exciting weekend, escaping his baby gate confines twice. Do they have rock walls for puppies? Enzo would be a pro! He was absolutely exhausted when we got home and thrilled to finally get to snuggle up on our Missoni blanket that my dad kindly brought to us from Florida.
With the greatest spectacle in racing less than a week away, I can only hope the week-long race festivities create an avalanche of excitement and anticipation. Who is your favorite to win on Sunday?
It’s May. The month we’ve all been waiting for. The excitement, traditions, friends and family meet for the greatest spectacle in racing. The Indianapolis 500. At the end of last May I kind of knew a month like that would be hard to top, but I never imagined it would be hard to welcome this year.
Since childhood this magical time has brightened up my spirit and holds a special place in my heart so this year I’m going in big with no expectations, just gratefulness I get to be a part of something so magical. No expectations means no chance of disappointment and no disappointment sounds perfect to me. Stay tuned all month for exciting updates and tales of adventure, but most importantly embrace the spirit of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Enjoy May. We never know when it may be our last…
Today some of my racing family gathers in Indy to enjoy a lovely meal and share our thankfulness. Us ladies are going to slave away in the kitchen, whipping up traditional culinary delights such as mashed potatoes, stuffing and candied yams (my personal favorite). I’m sure we will enjoy a few several glasses of wine, dance around in our aprons and laugh, laugh laugh our heads off.
image source unknown
And what will the men be doing (besides watching football)? They plan on deep-frying a turkey. Hey, I love deep-fried turkey just as much as any other Hoosier, but it can be a dangerous thing, turkey frying. Thank goodness William Shatner and State Farm teamed up to boldly go where no youtube video has gone before. Like a good neighbor, they made us a turkey frying awareness video:
After watching that I have all the confidence in the world we will have a successful, un-flammable Thanksgiving meal. pDid has ordered me to stay at least five feet away from the frying turkey at all times, as to avoid any possible mishaps. Here’s to raising our glasses filled with Foyt Family Wines and enjoying the evening. And if you takeaway one thing from Mr. Shatner, please have it be that the thing that lowers the turkey into the pot is called a dingle dangle.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Trust me when I say I was born for Las Vegas. Forget the fact I love to wear sequins in the day, gold lame is my favorite color and Elvis is my dream man, Bright Light city is the only place I can think of (besides brunch) that drinking champagne before noon isn’t frowned upon, spectacular shopping is at my finger tips and I can set my own sleeping schedule, even if it means siestas by the pool.
[Elvis and Me]
This weekend my best friend Casie and I head to Sin City with the rest of IndyCar nation for the season closer and world championship at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I’m so excited I could burst into a million pieces of gold confetti. While I’m still trying to sort out which dresses to pack, I have my mixtape all ready for the plane ride.
It’s Now or Never – El Vez
Viva las Vegas – Elvis Presley
C’est Si Bon – Eartha Kitt
Las Vegas – Various Artists
Thirteen Men – Ann-Margaret
Heaven or Las Vegas – Cocteau Twins
In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins
Las Vegas – Tea Leaf Green
Luck Be a Lady – Frank Sinatra
Iko Iko – The Belle Stars
Waking Up In Vegas – Katy Perry
Strangers In The Night – Wayne Newton
Three Best Friends – Zach Galifianakis
Leaving Las Vegas – Sheryl Crow
To download the playlist in iTunes click Here
IndyCar image via
When I decided that I would rough it in the wilderness of Mid Ohio Sports Car Course for my birthday weekend the first thing that popped into my head was “how will I keep my dresses from getting wrinkled?” Needless to say I’ve never “roughed it” a day in my life. Sure, I spent most of my childhood attending off-road races and playing in the desert, but we had a motorhome with running water, shower, etc.
The thought of sleeping on a ground in a nylon structure just doesn’t sit well with me. With our golf cart rental and inflatable bed both secured for the big trip, I thought instead of actually roughing it, why not glam it up? As in glamping: glamorous camping. Although my list of glamping essentials is adding up at a rapid pace, here are my must haves so far.
[My dream tent.]
Rhubarb and Custard Bell tent
theglampingcompany.com, about $660.00
[A pair of jeans that can get a little dirty without looking a little dirty.]
Current Elliott Leopard Jeans
net-a-porter.com, $200
[Champagne in a can.]
Sofia by Coppola Blanc de Blancs Mini 187ML Can
bevmo.com, $16.99/4 pack
[An insect repelling candle that smells good and is eco-friendly.]
Wild Mint, Juniper & Tea Tree Mosquito Repellent Candle
hillhousestore.com, $56.00
[A cozy throw to curl up with around the campfire and at bed time.]
Missoni Home Montgomery Zigzag Wool-blend Throw
net-a-porter.com, $345.00
For more information about the Honda Indy 200 at Mid Ohio click here.
