What's Up Wednesday

After several weekends with not much going on, this weekend was pretty full! And it was kind of nice to have a schedule and things to do again.

My dad recently announced his retirement date (June 29th 2018, so close!) and had his very last work trip to China scheduled for a Saturday departure. He normally spends the night at his place in NYC when he's going to be traveling over seas. Thus, he had a couple of theater tickets he couldn't use. I happily took them off his hands! They were for a tiny, little theater the next town over from me called the Ivoryton Playhouse. It has a rich history having been built in 1911 initially as a recreation building for a nearby factory and its workers. It was converted into a theater in 1930 and featured shows starring many well known names over the years. You may have heard of Marlon Brando, Groucho Marx, Katherine Hepburn, or Betty Grable. This month's show is "A Night with Janis Joplin."

I've obviously heard of Janis Joplin, and know some of her music, but I really didn't know much about her story. It was a great show. The actors all had incredible voices and tons of energy. Janis Joplin's story is so tragic, but the show was beautifully done.

Saturday morning I was up bright early to change Jampy's ice boots, but also because I was excited to go ride Bradley again! I'm seriously so ridiculously grateful to Katie for letting me ride him.

It was pretty hot Saturday in the high 80's with 90% humidity, so we didn't work for too long. But we did practice coming down on the bit and lifting that giant barrel of his. He was so good! After riding he got a rinse off and we went out for some grass.

I spent the rest of the day playing with my ponies at home. We had to dodge some snapping turtles that may or may not have been laying eggs in my ring.

But everyone had a nice walk and a good grooming.

I also cleaned up one corner of the feed room to make room for my new cabinet! I've been on the hunt for a nice cabinet to have in the feed room. I didn't want plastic or metal. But I also didn't want something made of particle board because that would fall apart in no time out in a damp barn. Looking for solid wood cabinets that weren't all fancy was a pretty tough feat. I eventually found one I loved, but it was going to be close to $1000 by the time I got it delivered to me. AND it came unfinished so I would have to poly it myself. But I had decided that was going to be the one since it was exactly what I wanted. I also decided to wait until after the winter to get it because it would be too cold for the poly to seal properly otherwise. I was just about to get organized and order the cabinet when an old acquaintance of mine posted one she found on the side of the road to her Facebook page.

She refinishes old furniture for a living, so she paid a friend to schlep it back to her workspace. I messaged her immediately and asked what she wanted for it. Lol. I paid $100. Granted it was the easiest money she ever made since it was free for her, other than whatever she had to pay to get it brought back to her shop. But $100 compared to $1000 was a great deal for me. It's not EXACTLY what I wanted, but it's pretty close, and will definitely do the job. I scheduled to pick it up Sunday morning at 10:30. Saturday afternoon/evening was pouring rain, and I needed some time to get the space ready.

Sunday morning I got up early as usual for Jampy's ice change. I had plenty of time to kill so I stopped over at my trainer's to pick up my Voltaire. Trainer got back from Florida this week. No, Badger isn't back yet. He is staying in Florida through June with another trainer. It's a long story. But at least my saddle is home! We talked a bit about Badger's future, and we're hoping this month will bring some answers to those questions.

I stopped for a coffee quick before returning home to wait for my friend to arrive. He was helping me retrieve the cabinet. Definitely not a one person job! It made the trip home easily, fitting perfectly in the bed of my truck. (Trucks are so convenient to have!) And it also fit perfectly in the space I had made for it.

The original cabinet I wanted was a bit taller than this one. But this will do just fine. I quickly made a few trips back and forth to the house to get all my boots to stuff inside. This was probably meant to be an older computer desk because it has a slide out tray build in. You know what that tray is perfect for?

Half chaps (in the back) and crops! What a nice little feature!

So I fit all my helmets in the top (excluding my show helmets) and boots everywhere else. Also excluding my show boots and the Regals. I'm excited because all of these boots have been residing in my dining room, and I was looking like a legit hoarder. (I mean I kind of am obviously, but I don't want to LOOK like one!)

I got everything tucked away in there just in time to meet up with a friend of mine who rides at the same barn as Katie and Bradley. We had so much fun riding together! That's the one thing I miss about having horses at home. You don't really get to ride with friends much.

Bradley and the horse my friend rides, Tally, used to live at another barn together, so they know each other from way back when. Katie actually used to ride Tally at the old place! Such a small world. I love that picture of them about to touch noses.

Bradley was a little tired from his work on Saturday, but he was still a very good boy. My buddy and I were on FOREVER (without realizing it) just walking around and catching up on life. But it was a cool day, right about 70 degrees, so the horses didn't mind hanging out.

I got home around 4 and took my boys out for their walks. Rio had a graze too. And then I headed over to the lake for the first band night of the year!

view from my walk over

These guys are actually good!

Of course I had a lobster roll for dinner! And I was surprised to see some family friends there that I didn't know were coming. So it was a lovely way to wind down the weekend.

Monday was really rainy. It had stopped by the evening when I got home from work, but I gave the ponies a day in anyway because I had a bunch of errands that needed running, and the ring was a bit muddy. They didn't seem to care as long as I fed them.

It's been cool here, barely hitting 70. So last night when I took Jamp out for his walk he turned into a Jamp Kite and I had to bring him back in right away. He really lost his poo there for awhile, and I was really worried he might have set himself back with his feet. I was also worried we might not make it back in the barn alive... Fortunately, nobody died on the way in. Though he only had two feet on the ground at a given time, he stayed out of my space. He gets a few points for that at least. And this morning his legs didn't seen any worse for the wear. He still has had a slight pulse in both legs, and they were about the same as they've been. So I don't think he did any damage. At least I hope not. I also hope he keeps himself together today for his walk. I really don't want to have to start him on sedation if I can help it. Hopefully this recovery process will move itself along so he can get back to being a horse again. Have any of you dealt with laminitis? How long does it normally take to strengthen the laminae back up and let them do horse things again?

That's about it from here really... P had to go to the vet last week because she had a nail grow too close to her pad. Turns out she was also brewing an ear infection, so I'm glad we went! She's on the mend.

and surrounded by friends I guess?

How was your week? Do anything fun this weekend? Horse shows? Something else? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Thursdays Threads!

It's OUTFIT DAY!!! Woohoo! AND a half day at work. That's a good Thursday my friends. After work I'm heading out to start my long weekend, so I wanted to wear something comfortable for the drive.

I also wanted to look like a construction worker apparently! Haha, just kidding. I love orange!

Polo shirt: Ralph Lauren

My favorite thing about this one? That horsey insignia is a jumping horse! And it's jumping really well too.

Jeans: Rue 21

PONY POCKETS! I love these jeans. Also sorry for the photo of my bum. But I had to show the ponies. The horse shoe is even turned in the right direction so the luck doesn't run out.

Belt: Designer inspired

I found this ostrich embossed leather belt strap on ebay for a steal, and added one of my H buckles to complete the look.

Shoes: Sperry

I'm not sure how much of a fashion faux pas it is to mix exotic leathers... but these are meant to look like alligator. I couldn't find ostrich ones, so I settled for these. I love them regardless!

Arm party!
Lefty:

Lefty is wearing a wrap bracelet with a bit for a clasp from Fornash and my iWatch which I'm sure you're tired of already. Our parent company is hosting a steps challenge this month though, so I have to wear it everyday! If I manage around 6,000 steps a day, I'll get a $75 bonus. Woohoo!

Righty:

Righty is all about the designer inspired orange today. The first two are ebay specials and that leather bangle is from Fornash.

I also have a whaley ridiculous riding outfit to share today!

In this very washed out photo, it's hard to tell how silly my outfit is... but you'll see when we look closer!

Polo Shirt: Vineyard Vines

Blue with pink whales ALLL over! I love this top. I found it two years ago when I went to Nantucket at the end of the season. That's the best time to go, not too crowded and EVERYTHING is on sale!

Breeches: Equine Couture

Blue seersucker with pink whales!!! So many whales... Now you see the crazy, yes? Whatever. I think it's cute. I stopped myself from also using the whale saddle pad... but only because I was too lazy to dig it out of the saddle pad trunk.

Belt: Vineyard Vines

I got this guy a few years back in VT at the Vineyard Vines outlet. It was a good find, but the way the buckle is, I have to wear the belt the opposite way I normally wear them. Not a big deal until I have to pee and can't figure out how to get it open!

So that's what I'm wearing today and yesterday. What do you have on? Have a favorite from above? Let's chat below!

Thursdays Threads

Happy Outfit Day everyone! Apparently it's September here in Ct, so my two outfits are absolute extremes of one another... Let's take a look!
First up is my riding outfit. This was from a couple weekends ago because I didn't remember to take pics last night:

Yes... it was warm that day. I tend not to condone wearing tanks to ride, because you know bouncing stuff, inappropriateness, road rash if you tumble... I could go on and on about how I don't approve of them. But it was 90 degrees that day,  and I ride in my backyard. So tank top it was!
Let's look closer:

Tank: Old Navy

I live near an Old Navy outlet so you imagine how crazy cheap tank tops are there. I stock up every year on new colors.

Belt:

This is an unbranded belt. I found it on ebay for 3.99. I love the anchor and the navy blue color! Also, I've seen similar (ok, identical!) belts around in the $40 range, so this was a steal. And what better belt to go with this week's breeches?!

Breeches: Equine Couture

You've seen my schooner breeches before I think... But they're awesome, so I know you don't mind seeing them again.

Boots: Tuffrider

These bad boys are starting to break in. I can't really complain since I haven't worn them all that much. But I am still a little bummed they aren't as soft and awesome as the Regals.

Spur straps: Mane Jane

I think I need to swap straps on these spurs. I have the horse shoes pointing the wrong way! Don't want all my luck draining out. These straps from Mane Jane are REALLY soft, and only a little bit too long for my child sized feet.

Ok that's it for riding apparel this week. Now on to my fall ensemble from today:

Yes. That's a sweater. Where is summer?

Top: Celsius

Ok, to be fair this is an open weave sweater and actually pretty sheer though it doesn't appear that way. So it's for sure a summer weight sweater. But still... More like end of summer! Brrr.

Belt: Sandy Duftler

Ew. Pardon my roll up there above the belt... Anyway, this is my Sandy Duftler belt that is inspired by that $800 Ralph Lauren version. I love this one, and don't wear it nearly as much as I ought to. Fun fact: All those spur belts the equestrians are wearing these days from Equestrilifestyle are made by Sandy Duftler too.

Pants: Express

I know you've seen these before. Dare I say it? I dare. I think these may be my favorite pants... Though that can change from day to day. These are a coated denim, and I LOVE THEM!

Shoes: C-Label

In an effort to remind myself that it is in fact summer (technically I think it's still spring...) I wore some sandals with my sweater. These are completely bad ass with all those spikes on them. And they are pretty sharp, so no sitting on my feet today!

Arm Party:
Lefty:

Lefty is wearing a bow bangle from Kate Spade (because they recently had a sale online...), my leather bangle from Rebecca Minkhoff that my SIL gave me, and my apple watch.

Righty:

Righty is a little nutty today... First up is a spike bracelet I've had for a long time, followed by that AWESOME sunglass bangle that I overpaid for on ebay by Kate Spade (money well spent if you ask me...), and a rhinestone and leather bracelet that I can't for the life of me remember where it came from... Forever21 maybe? Baublebar? I have no idea.

That's what I'm wearing today! What do you have on?

Thursday's Threads

Outfit Day!!!! It's gorgeous here today: Sunny, in the 70's... but of course WINDY. Because we can't just have a nice day now can we? So fickle mother nature....
Let's start with yesterday's riding outfit:

I was feeling very New England Nautical yesterday apparently. Between my Whalers hoodie and the schooners on my breeches. It was pretty chilly last night, hence the sweatshirt.

Sweatshirt: Hartford Whalers

Connecticut doesn't have any real sports teams. We have some minor league baseball and hockey, but no real teams since the Whalers left many many years ago. We CT residents are painfully nostalgic for the past (and hold on to hope that some day the Whalers will return), and thus this vintage apparel sells really well. You'll see it all over the place.

Breeches: Equine Couture

When I saw these schooner breeches online, I had to have them. Anyone who grew up in New England knows that boats, especially historic types like these are a huge part of our culture. Plus, what's cooler than boats on your breeches? (The answer is whales. Whales are cooler than boats. But fear not, I have those too.)

Belt: Equestrilifestyle

Equestrilifestyle had a coupon code for 20% off belts so I figured it was time I cave and order one of these spur belts. I like it, but to be honest, I don't think I feel good about spending the money on it. I probably should have sized up for starters, but that's on me. It's very well made, and certainly looks pretty. But I think I like the Mane Jane belts a lot better and they're less money. Just my two cents.

Ok, on to today's work outfit!

I really couldn't decide how to dress today. It was cool in the morning (high 40's) but is now in the low 70's. It's nearly impossible to dress appropriately with fluctuations like that! I settled on a long sleeve shirt and jeans. Let's look closer!

Top: Ralph Lauren

They had these tees at the outlet in the fall and I was so excited when I saw this color way! It's my barn colors! Woohoo! But that aside, I love the zipper detail on the shoulder (it's just on one side) and the elbow patches. The cotton is super soft too. Very comfy.

Pants: Rose Royce

I'm pretty excited about these. First they are super comfy, nice and stretchy but still feel like jeans and not like jeggings. Next, check out the details:

I love that all the hardware pieces are little roses. Even the button! But the best part? They are doing good things with their profits:

They donate a portion of their proceeds to rare disease research. I didn't know that when I bought the pants since I got them from Zulilly. I just thought they were sort of 80's tastic. And they totally are. But the charity part is definitely the icing on the cake. Glad I actually looked at the tag!

Belt: Christian Dior

I promise I'm not really cheating on my Mane Jane stirrup belt. This is a vintage Christian Dior that I picked up on ebay. I love that it's so simple. I think this will look great on breeches too.

Shoes: Ariat

Did you guys know Ariat makes boat shoes?! They DO! I got these I think last year on sale some place. I'm not sure I love them as much as Sperry's, but this color scheme is top notch.

Arm Party!
Lefty:

I should have gotten a better picture of that pony bracelet. The leather on the bracelet part matches my watchband almost perfectly. I'm not sure of the brand, I picked this up at my local tack store and didn't pay attention to the name on the tag. Sorry!

Righty:

Righty was all, "I wanna be fancy but classy today." Ok! First up is my Hermes leather wrap bracelet that my dad and step mom gave me. I love that one, and I've been super careful not to accidentally oil it like I did to the watch band... The other is my vintage Gucci bangle. Ditto on the being careful with it!
So that's what I have on today! What are you wearing?