Three races tomorrow!

I just realized there are three races tomorrow- each with 100 points going to the winner! I'd better get off the computer and get my handicapping pen out.

36 days till the Kentucky Derby!!! And I have no idea what I'm going to wear. I'm trying not to stress about it.

Caterers and cafes offering boxed lunches for Oaks and Derby

Here are some caterers and cafes that offer boxed lunches for the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Be sure to order in advance, ask if their packaging complies with Churchill Downs's rules regarding food packaging (clear box or bag no bigger than 18"x18") and be sure to ask when you can pick up your order. Some places offer delivery with a minimum order. Plan your morning accordingly- give yourself enough time to eat breakfast, don your Derby finery and pick up your lunch! Gates open at 8 am and first post is 10:30 both days.

Cheddar Box Cafe - offers box lunches from $18-20, also has a "snack box" that feeds up to 6 people for $60. Pick up only, all boxes are in compliance with Churchill Downs rules regarding food.   

Lotsa Pasta - Box lunches start at $9.50

Red Clover - Box lunches starting at $18. Place orders by noon April 25, pick up hours are 9-12 Friday or Saturday.  

Paul's Produce - Box lunches start at $12. Order by Thursday May 2. Four locations to choose from for pick up. 

Anchorage Cafe Box lunches are $11.50. 

Victoria's Catering - $12, scroll down for small box lunch menu.

Stricker's Cafe - Located in Jeffersonville, IN so it's a good option for anyone coming from the north.

Another option is to bring a big, clear ziploc bag from home, pick up a sub from somewhere like Subway or Penn Station or even a grocery store deli, and put it in the ziploc bag. Voila! Instant "boxed" lunch! 

Here's a map with all the places I've listed- the A on the map is Churchill Downs. And here's a link to the same map if you want to punch in the address of your hotel and see which place works best for your route to Churchill Downs.

Where to buy Kentucky Derby hats

I did a very brief trip to shop for my Kentucky Derby hat this past weekend but it was a complete bust. I bought my hat last year on March 8th (yes, I scrolled through my Facebook feed to find out the exact date) but since Easter is three weeks later this year than last year, the store was barren of gorgeous Kentucky Derby hats.

So, where does one start shopping for a hat worthy of the Kentucky Derby?

For me, I start in a department store at the mall where the African American women shop. Let's face it, white women just don't wear hats of this caliber. I tried the big flagship Macy's but it wasn't in the right neighborhood. I also found that while Macy's might have better prices with all their sales, Dillard's has a much bigger selection.

My 2011 and 2012 Kentucky Derby hat

Costume jewelry stores are a good place to look, too. My first Kentucky Derby hat came from one of these stores. It was inexpensive and it didn't stand the test of time but it was a good place to start.

 My first Kentucky Derby hat, 2008

And then there's the internet. Here are some websites with a good selection of hats

Etsy has a ton of sellers with Kentucky Derby hats. A few of my favorite Etsy shops- The Original Tree, Carolina Hat Girl, and Award Design.
Dee's Crafts in Louisville has a mind blowing selection of hats. 
Hat-a-Tude
Hatagories 
Hats in the Belfry
Lady Diane Hats
Maggie Mae Designs
Just be sure to check the return policy if you order online!

Another tip- if you need a hat box, the Container Store has square hat boxes with string handles.

I'm going to try again in a couple weeks. I hope I have better luck!