Have Yourself a Magic Little Christmas

On Christmas day, children happily wake to the arrival of Santa Claus and his bounty of gifts, adults sip their eggnog and wonder why they have to spend the day with their in-laws and everyone over-indulges in chocolate and other calorie-laden goodies as they hum along with their favorite Christmas carols. In my household, we vary on this routine just a bit, but rest assured, Santa did leave me some choice pieces from Henri Bendel and Saks under the tree. Happily, I am now the proud owner of my very own eye-mask just like Holly Golightly's in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Andy procured this extremely thoughtful gift at the amazing Patchouli's in Rosemary Beach and now my beauty sleep is going to be just a little more beautiful. After tearing through lots of gift boxes filled with more lovely things from my darling husband, taking a long walk with 'Santa Scout'* and sharing a leisurely and not-so-healthy brunch, we were off for our own Magical holiday tradition.

We spent the day watching the Orlando Magic play, and beat, the Boston Celtics in an incredibly exciting game. Red and Green might be the colors of the holiday, but not so at the Amway arena (and faithful readers would know that I wouldn't be wearing green anyway). Only Magic blue and maybe a little red just in the logo of Superman's cape were to be seen, save for the few unfortunate Boston fans. The only other green visible was on the Celtic jerseys donned by the Big 3 and company. Or at this point, should we call them the big 6 or 7 or 8, as their talent runs very deep? It was a truly amazing game and I am so happy that the husband and I were there to 'witness' the event. And of course the Magic win over such a talented team is a tremendous Christmas gift.

Throughout the holiday season, we receive lots of very interesting, creative cards with adorable pictures of adorable children, but this one of a kind card tops all. My very clever niece Sallie sent us this very appropriate Christmas card. She created it just for us, complete with the verbiage, while the rest of her fans received an equally precious photo, sans the basketball. It must be nice to have an uber-talented photo-journalist dad to snap such great pics, and a savvy and thoughtful mom to create the card. (*the photo of Santa Scout is one of Devon's shots too)

So just as Devon, Mathilda and Sallie wished, I did have a a Magic Christmas, and I hope you and your loved ones did too.

Happy Holidays,

xoxo

The Girl Who Rocked the Hornets Nest

Happy Saturday from the Big Easy, where I am presently enjoying a spendid view of the Mighty Mississippi from my hotel room. If New York is the city that doesn't sleep, I can't imagine what to say about this fine city. It's been action packed since the moment I rolled into town with my charming husband and sweet but beastly dog in tow, beginning with a quick stop at Saks, and what better way to start the evening/end the afternoon than a drink at the the royal environs of the Windsor Court with these festive blonde beauties and dear friends, Heather and Wendy, true-life queeen bees.

Next stop: New Orleans Arena to see the New Orleans Hornets play the Oklahoma City Thunder, with friends Jay, George (of Smiling Fish Cafe fame) & Gayle, who was definitely the classiest and most beautiful fan in attendance. This was my first time to see either team, and you can imagine my delight at seeing CP3 (Chris Paul) take to the courts with calm control of his team and to "witness" last years NBA scoring champion, Kevin Durant silently and without fanfare make shot after impossible shot. These two players are truly some of the most talented guys in the sport today and I am so thankful I was able to see them live.

After getting cozy with one of the Hornet Girls, I'm sure Andy and George were sold on "bee"ing for the home team. Naturally, I too was cheering for the Hornets given my love and familiarity with this city (although if it was Hornets/Magic I think you know it would be a different story). So, I was a Hornets fan last night, but not so blinded by my team du jour to miss the importance of seeing the rising power of this powerful, young and upcoming Thunder team. The teams played close the entire night, with the Hornets keeping a small lead most of the game. It was a high scoring, high action game...but when it came down to the last few minutes, even with our fan power, the Thunder rumbled to 97-92 win over the Hornets. I suppose it just wasn't meant to "bee".

After apologizing to the nearby Hornets fans for showing loyalty to the visiting team, and after elbowing several young kids out of my way, I made my way down for some high fives with the Thunder. I feel inspired to have been touched by the greatness of Kevin Durant. I hear people say they don't want to wash their hands after shaking with the likes of the Pope, John BonJovi, etc., but me, I'm just going to go with the more sanitary route and keep the memory and this photo.

And just when you think the evening is over, not so...On to a loud and crazy holiday party at a friends loft. Ahhhh, New Orleans--so much to do!

Must end now as I am on to Galatoire's to linger over a recovery lunch with the husband.

xoxo

Homecoming

Who says you can never go home again? Going home is usually a sweet experience as we are surrounded by the people that love us best and welcomed into such familiar and comforting environs. Isn't that what the holiday bustle is about, preparing our homes to warmly welcome friends and family? There's even the Christmas song, "I'll be home for Christmas" la la la "if only in my dreams".

Well tonight might be more of a nightmare than a dream for LeBron James as he returns to the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland to play his former team for the first time as member of the Miami Heat. It sounds like he wont be getting such a warm welcome at this homecoming of sorts. Since his extremely public and ridiculous announcement that he was "taking his talents to South Beach", his former fans in Cleveland have turned very bitter towards the self proclaimed King. It's been reported that they will beef up the security in order to keep LeBron safe from the hostile fans as their anger towards the former league MVP might lead to violence. In addition to the extra security precautions, Cleveland is banning any "Anti-LeBron" clothing from the game. Hmmmm, I wonder what anti LeBron clothing is? Do they have anti LeBron shops now that the city is bound together with their fury over the humiliating departure of their hometown boy, the beacon of the Cavaliers for all those years? As seen in this photo during "the Decision", Cav fans not very happy.

Tip off is at 7:00 Central on TNT, and trust me that this game will be pure entertainment, as well as good basketball. Let's not forget that the Cleveland Cavaliers still have some amazing power players (i.e. Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao) and they aren't far behind as the 8th ranked team in the Eastern Conference (7 wins, 10 losses) compared to Miami at 4th place with 11 wins and 8 losses. Will the excessive booing hype up the Cavaliers, or will LeBron and team embrace the Boos and turn LeBron's homecoming from a nightmare to a dream come true?

In his Nike ad, LeBron asks, "should I accept myself as a villain? What should I do?" If he's asking me, I think he should stop belly-aching and play ball. Happy Homecoming LeBron...

xoxo

Giving Thanks

On the night before Thanksgiving, households around our great country were occupied with final preparations for the upcoming feast, bickering over turkey cooking techniques, deciding between marshmallows or pecans for the sweet potato topping, and lamenting the sad fact that Kraft no longer makes that odd log-shaped, jalapeno cheese product that is oh so necessary for the perfect spinach madeleine. While I do find all of these topics to have some level of merit, such was not the case in my household. We dismissed all concerns for the Thursday meal and instead spent the evening at the new Amway Arena cheering for the Orlando Magic as they took on the Miami Heat. Apparently boxing great Floyd Mayweather wasn't concerned about the great pumpkin vs pecan pie debate as he was in attendance too, on the front row with a team of bodyguards. There wasn't an empty seat in the house and the atmosphere was electrified. It felt more like a playoff game than a regular season match up as everyone was so anxious to see how the Magic would perform against the over-hyped, super-star threesome from Miami. It was Superman versus the King, as depicted in the photo of this adorable father-son, Howard-James pair.

Keeping up with the meaning of this special American holiday, I thought of all of the things that I am most thankful for...and on Wednesday night I was very thankful that the Orlando Magic redeemed themselves with a win over the Heat, especially after that humiliating loss in Miami in October. Dwight Howard was also at the top of my list, as I am always thankful for his power, skill and ridiculously overdeveloped deltoids. Oh, and his very sweet smile. JJ Redick made the cut on Wednesday night with his 20 points and nice ability to sink 3's at just the right time. I was thankful too that I witnessed Eric Dampier (formerly of the Dallas Mavericks) dress out for the first time as a member of the Miami Heat. While not necessarily a Heat fan, I was happy about this because he and I share a mutual close friend, so I think that makes us friends once removed, right? I was also feeling thankful for the new state of the art home of the Orlando Magic, full of chic spots and super cool fan features, such as the life size cut outs of the starting players (where I am happily photographed with a cardboard Dwight and my trusty blue foam, number one Magic hand). And most of all I gave thanks to my charming, sweet husband for allowing me to spend exorbitant amounts of his hard earned money so that we can attend games like this one. All in all, I felt like a very lucky lady this Wednesday night.

While basketball does occupy a large portion of my daily thought process, there are a few things that are more meaningful to me. And that is what I am most thankful for... an amazing husband, a loving and wonderful family, the most incredible and beautiful friends on earth and a spoiled rotten but precious black labalike. Their health and happiness is what I am truly thankful for, this day, and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

Tipped Off

Greetings sportsfans. The season has officially begun. After a long hot summer full of exhausting self-promotion (LeBron), a newcomer ascending to the throne as the new king (Kevin Durant) and big guys going organic, and green (as in Celtic green a la Shaq), the 2010-2011 NBA season has finally gotten underway. And so far it's promising to be a very entertaining year for all of us hoops-lovers.

The season "tipped off" in Boston with the Celtics taking on the possibly overrated superstardom of the Miami Heat. I'm afraid those blinded by the Heat-centric propaganda saw the light as the men in green won that game. Immediately after the game, Craig Sagar, complete in purple sport coat, had the poor sense to ask Rajon Rondo (Celtics Point Guard) "Is Miami the team to beat in the East?" And this just after the Celtics beat the Heat. Obviously not. But the Whiskey Tango in Hollywood, Florida was betting heavy on the Heat. They offered to pay the tabs of patrons of their bar on the night of the first Miami loss. I'm betting they were a little "tipped off" that they had to pay up on that bet as early as opening night.

In the West, the Lakers naturally defeated Houston in their opening game. No surprise there, except possibly for the shock that Khloe Kardashian has lost her spot as the most famous and stylish of all the Laker's player's wives. It's true, wedding bells are ringing for newly engaged Lakers Guard Sasha Vujacic and tennis great/total hottie, Maria Sharapova. As if the Lakers needed more starpower sitting courtside. So move on over Khloe, looks like you've got competition.

And speaking of competition, there's a big game tonight as the Heat take the floor against the Orlando Magic. This will be the debut appearance for the new big three on their home court. They'd better watch out...looks like Superman has dusted off his cape and is ready to play.

xoxo

Lucky Number Three

I've been noticing a lot of 3's lately in the world of sports and want to share my thoughts on this series of important "trios". And, with fall upon us, I must also share my top three favorite fall finds and the three staples I can't do without. After all, the real basketball season commences next week, and I must be an appropriately attired fan, right?

Important 3's in the hoops world:

• We have the three superstars teaming up in Miami. Will they make believers out of all of us doubters? Are they really as good as all the hype? Hmmm....if you look at their preseason stats, they have three wins, but 4 not so pretty losses. Let's see what happens when they make their debut in Boston on Tuesday night.


• Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are going after their third consecutive championship this year. Don't be fooled, this team has not been distracted by the summer's LeBron Mania and they are hungry for their own lucky number 3 (or lucky number 6 total championships for Kobe).


• And three Ben Franklin's my friends, that is what you must pay for a seat in the lower level to watch the Orlando Magic take on the Miami Heat in Orlando on the day before Thanksgiving. A nice appetizer before the turkey day.


• Three--the number of times I've threatened my husband with sleeping in our non-existent dog house due to outrageous and completely unfounded pro-Heat statements.

And in the world of Gator football: The University of Florida has three consecutive losses, something that hasn't happened since 1999. Can they break their losing streak? With the hopeful return of number 3, Chris Rainey, the Gators might be able to change their pattern next Saturday at the worlds largest cocktail party, also known as the Florida/Georgia game.

In other Gainesville football news, my nephew Phillip is number 3 (times 5) so actually number 15, playing Safety and Wide Receiver. Formerly a player for St. Ed's in Vero Beach, he's 'taken his talent' to Gainesville and the Oak Hall Eagles. I'm hoping he's not growing too fond of the team colors which seem to me a slight variation of Garnet and Gold. Coincidentally his dad, Tom, was number 3 on his 8th grade football team where he and fellow Lovett Lions won their county championship. What an athletically gifted family I have.

As for my favorite three fashion finds this fall:

1. Hunter Boots--I know, I live in Florida, the sunshine state, but my friend Patty assures me that she has worn her Hunter's "a hundred and one times" in Miami. You could spot me wearing them on a day when my toes might be a little warm, but I just couldn't pass them up, especially with those super cute sock liners!


2. Hudson Jeans--I'm still a little sour at Sissi and Kelly for not forcing me to purchase these earlier, they're soooo flattering.


3. These adorable Tory Burch flats--I'm totally channeling my inner Blair Waldorf with these cuties.

And as for the three staples I can't do without, this season or any other:

1. A nice supply of bubbly, like the case of Veuve that Susan and I "won" at an autism charity event last Sunday.


2. A beautiful string of pearls, or 2 or 3 or more...


3. A really sassy haircut, such as my new do, compliments of Dan Findley, an old friend and true architect of style.

So there you have it friends, threesomes abound in the world of sports, and so much more.

xoxo

Where the Girls are the Fairest

I realize this is a blog primarily focused on basketball, but I am taking this opportunity to discuss a little football, Gator style. I recently had the great pleasure of meeting up with 7 other girlfriends from the college days (all Tri Delta ladies, of course) and hanging with my sister and her family as they have just relocated to Gainesville. We all gathered for the Florida/Kentucky game, in which Florida made a very promising performance and beat Kentucky with great finesse. Prior to the game, one of the Delta ladies and her lovely beau took us on a tour of the "behind the scenes" areas at Florida Field. We even went out onto the field that other teams know and fear as "the Swamp". At this point I was with my brother in law, niece (of Vero Beach Rivers Volleyball fame) and nephew (also famed, but not yet discussed in the Full Court Dress) and the three of us dropped to the ground to touch the fine blades of grass as we stood in the south endzone. In addition, we checked out the training room, the fitness center, the locker room, the lucky gator the team touches on their way out onto the field and the storage room stacked from floor to ceiling with Gatorade, that tasty beverage invented by the fine folks at the University of Florida. Really, this was a Gator fan dream come true.

I am writing this now so that I can remember good times with the Gators, rather than the heartache inflicted by that houndstooth-loving, semi-pro team in Tuscaloosa. Ouch!! And many thanks to my friend Mark, a big fan of this blog, and an even bigger Bama fan, for not heckling me during the game and after the miserable loss. That was a true act of kindness.

The Gator defense may have been lackluster last week, but I have a little defense of my own for my alma mater. I hear a great deal of criticism of the game day attire worn by the Gator Nation. I'm sure it's shocking that unlike our oh-so-southern rivals in the SEC, we don't do cocktail dresses and you'd be crazy to wear a tie, let alone a sportcoat into the great sweltering heat of Ben Hill Griffin stadium. But I do have evidence, as I am photographed here tailgating with my friends, that we are looking quite nice for our game and very stylish, in a relaxed UF kind of way. We may have left our pearls and stilettos from the previous nights outing behind, but I think we look quite nice and are proof of good Gator fashion. Krissy (third from right) even managed to find an orange and blue, lightweight Tory Burch dress for the occasion. I mean, really, how cute is that?

Now I've got to go assemble my own game day attire as the Gators play those crazy Tigers from LSU tonight. I'll be watching from home with my husband and a nice glass of wine, hoping for a Gator win. (Sorry Mr. Baton Rouge)

Wins and losses aside,

It's great to be a Florida Gator!

xoxo