Go Hard or Go Home

So, my newest obsession is the fashion finder section of asos's website. I've been putting together outfits for a little less than a week now on it, and I love it. It's like playing with virtual barbies! Anyhoo, it also allows me to create ensembles that I may not get a chance to wear in public. This rock and roll look is definitely one of my favs!!!

Suede Jacket- coggles; sequined top- oldnavy (similar); leather leggings- farfetch; leather wrap watch- asos; snakeskin booties- payless; smoky quartz earrings- argento; Tom Ford sunnies- farfetch.

It's a Lin-ter Wonderland

Two weeks ago, Jeremy Lin was struggling to make a living doing what he loves: playing basketball professionally.

Now? He's playing to standing ovations and breaking scoring records of players such as Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan.

I almost didn't write about the spunky young New York Knick because the "linsanity" surrounding him has become ridiculous. But then I thought "You know what? This kid is amazing. He DESERVES to have people talking about him." So I jumped on the bandwagon.

Honestly, it's hard to believe that it's taken 23 years for this kid to win the media's attention. The Taiwanese-American from Palo Alto, CA finished his senior year as captain of the California Division II championship winning squad and was named both the player of the year and a first-team All-American. But because he wasn't recruited by in-state schools Stanford, Cal, and UCLA, Lin  had to go cross-country to Ivy League magnate Harvard University....a school that doesn't offer athletic scholarships.

I know, boo hoo, right?


Of course, while a Harvard diploma can lead to many things, a NBA draft pick isn't usually one of them. The last ivy-leaguer to be drafted was Jerome Allen from Pennsylvania University in 1995. The last Ivy-Leaguer to actually PLAY in the NBA was Yale's Chris Dudley in 2003. And yeah...the last time a Harvard player played in the bigs? 1954.

After being picked up and discarded by several teams, Lin seemed once again dead in the water and ready to be dismissed by New York. But then fate stepped in, as fate often does. Absences by marquee players Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire left a gaping hole in the starting line-up.

Enter Jeremy Lin.

On February 3rd, Jeremy played 7 minutes and scored 2 points. Since then? He's scored totals of 25, 28, 23, 38, and 20 and is averaging 39 minutes a game. And lest you think that these came against cupcake teams, let it be known that Lin's 38 came against a Kobe Bryant-led LA Laker team. For the record, Kobe only scored 34.

In other words, whoa.

Yeah, it's pretty safe to say that Jeremy Lin has provided a much needed spark to a league that was very much in jeopardy of losing its season. Whether he can keep on living up to his near mythological hype is yet to be seen, but for now....we're all living in a Lin-ter wonderland.

Image provided by thegospelcoalition.

Say My Name

In sports, talent, dedication, and physicality mean a lot. But sometimes it's that intangible quality that destines one to be a superstar.

Like one's name, for instance.

Think about it....Picabo Street? Coco Crisp? Pops Mensah- Bonsu? What else could these folks do but become great athletes?

With that in mind, I wanted to pay homage to some of the most fantastic named players in Big East basketball right now. I know, there are plenty of other superbly named b-ballers in the country, but since I follow the Big East, and it's my blog, I get to honor who I want.

So here goes (in no particular order):

SCOOP JARDINE

Syracuse Orange

Scoop has been a favorite of mine now for the 20+ years he's been playing at Syracuse. Every time I hear his name, I either want a tostito chip or I want to give him a hug. No correlation there, I'm sure.

FAB MELO

                                                       Syracuse Orange

The Brazilian 7-footer is well on his way to living up to his name. You know, when he's actually playing (darn those academic standards).

SHABAZZ NAPIER

                                                        UConn Huskies

In all honesty, I'm strongly considering naming my future child Shabazz Scoop Peterson. I don't know if it's because Shabazz conjures up images of any movie Sinbad might star in or what, but I dig it.

ALEX ORIAKHI

                                                         UConn Huskies

Oriakhi rhymes with teriyaki. And let's be real....I love me some Japanese food. 

CASHMERE WRIGHT

                                                   Cincinnati Bearcats

Cashmere....every girl's dream fabric. Cashmere Wright? Every sport's writers' dream name to say.

                                             JABARI HINDS
                                                     WVU Mountaineers

This little freshman guard has already earned a place in the Mountaineers's starting line-up. And his name has won a place in my heart.

And finally.......................

VANDER BLUE

                                                 Marquette Golden Eagles

His name is Blue. He wears blue. It's like a match made in sports name heaven.

Honorable Mention: The St. John Red Storm roster, which includes Moe Harkless, God'sgift Achiuwa, and Sir'Dominic Pointer. 

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What did you think of the list? Did I leave someone out? What are some other great names in college ball right now? Let me know!

Images provided by sportsillustrated, media.wktv, grfx.cstv, rushthecourt, images.sportsnetwork, msnsportsnet, and a.espncdn.

(S)NO PROBLEM

Truth be told, I hate winter. With the fire of a thousand suns.

Fortunately for me, we've had quite the mild time of it here in the mid-atlantic region. So, I'm not complaining. Much.

That's not to say it hasn't been cold. And yes, at brief times a bit snowy. This might make the best of us want to curl up on our couch in oversized sweats and wool socks and call it a day. But I'm here to tell you, winter is no excuse not to look cute and STILL be warm. ('cause....not cute? frostbite).

Here are a few of my fashion staples to keep fashionable in these dreary few months:

OLD NAVY CABLE SWEATER

GAP 1969 ALWAYS SKINNY PANT (I prefer the cords)

WHITE INFINITY CABLE KNIT SCARF

UGGS EDMONTON WEATHER BOOT

LANDS' END CHALET DOWN COAT
I've been living in mine this winter!

So unb-ELI-evable!!!!

Before the Super Bowl began Sunday, it was said that Patriot QB Tom Brady was pissed off.

He was sick of hearing about the Giants. Sick of hearing about Eli Manning. Sick of hearing about New England's loss to those Giants and that Manning in the 2008 Super Bowl.

And really, who could blame him? This is the man who is used to being the star. Used to being married to a supermodel. Used to taking his team to the Big Game (5 out of 10 years). Used to winning that Big Game (3 out of 5 times).

Yet, the deck was stacked against him. Tom and Co. were marching into a stadium where not only is the name "Manning" synonymous with "best guy ever", but the name "Brady" isn't exactly revered.

And after the good part of the first half, with a grounding-turned-safety and too many men on the field resulting in 9 New York points, it wasn't looking good.

But then Brady did what Brady does: led his team back to a solid, if not commanding, 17-9 lead well into the 3rd quarter.

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Mario Manningham makes an outstanding catch to
 keep the Giants's winning drive alive

Although the Giants chipped diligently away, field goal by field goal, at the 8 point deficit, it just didn't look like things were going to end the way of the 2008 Super Bowl.

Then Eli Manning did what he does best, at least this 2011 season: mounted his seventh fourth quarter winning drive.

And what a strange drive it was.

First, Receiver Mario Manningham made a spectacular 40 yard grab to keep the Giants's hopes alive by somehow staying in bounds and maintaining possession with 2 defenders on his back.

Then, Ahmad Bradshaw scored with with less than a minute left to give New York the lead. Except, he wasn't supposed to.

As a calculated move to save time, the Patriots D opened up and let Bradshaw run in the endzone untouched. Realizing the strategy, Bradshaw tried to sit down at the one yard line but fell backwards for the unwanted score.

Yep, you read that right....the UNWANTED score.

Oops.

After a failed two point conversion try, Tom Brady and Patriots had a chance to drive the length of the field. For a veteran of Brady's caliber, a minute is like eternity. New England's victory once again seemed very possible, if not probable.

However,  fate once again smiled on the New York Giants. Their late season momentum-gaining  pass rush defense  forced the Patriots into a last second Hail Mary try.

Yes, it was close.  But, as they say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. And though Tom Brady played lights out, it was once again a Manning who was victorious in Indianapolis.

                         ********************************************************

So football fans, what did you think of the game? Glad of another exciting finish? Sad the season is over for another year? Still hungover from Sunday partying? Let me know!


Image provided by annarbor.

To Sir With Love....

I have to say, my latest obsession on pinterest (the most amazeball site ever, if you don't know what I'm talking 'bout), is "pinning" things to my humor board. And about....oh....60% of those pins come from someecards. Ranging from topical to every Hallmark category you can think of, these e-cards are often times inappropriate, but always hilarious.

Since we have an event on Sunday that will be BOTH topical and special and sports-related, I thought I'd share some of my recent favs with you all.

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And I think the Redskins should see if it's possible to play only in pre-season. Just sayin.

Thank God that's not often!!!!!!

I don't know...I bet there will be a lot of booze at that party. 

Just in case you missed me posting this last Friday........you're welcome.

and finally.......

No, really. It's the ONLY day. 

Hope these have made your Friday a little more funny and a lot more inappropriate. Have a great weekend and a fabulous Super Bowl everyone!!!!

Images provided by someecards.

Block in the Bag

I'm am super crazy in love with all things color blocked right now. And when it comes to spring, nothing gets me more hyped up than a bright new shiny bag. That's why I'm all about these adorbs color blocked totes!!

Banana Republic Market Tote

Dooney and Bourke O-Ring Shopper

Old Navy Color Block Tote

Fendi Borsa Colorblock Zip Tote