Monday Morning Review: ACC Tournament

Saturday we took on a tough and motivated State team (they were on the tourney bubble) without John Henson. It was extremely close throughout, but we won by two on a Kendall Marshall driving bank shot that many screamed was a charge. The game was full of questionable calls on both sides, so I'm just glad we got out alive. Following our game, FSU took on Duke and beat the Devils in a tight game, setting up a Noles v. Tar Heels ACC Tournament final.

Still John Henson-less, we got ourselves in a hole (up to 16 at one point) pretty quickly. We dug ourselves out of it at the end of the game, but lost by 3 after Hairston's long shot bounced off the rim. Florida State played great and is a really dangerous team. I'm ready to get John Henson back.

I think he COULD have played this weekend, but since our spot in the Tourney was pretty secure, everyone felt it was best to rest the wrist.

Last night they announced the NCAA tournament seedings. Despite our loss, we still got a 1 seed in the Midwest bracket. I'm really grateful for the Midwest as the South and West are really tough brackets. We play the winner of Lamar/Vermont on Friday at 4 p.m. Let's Go Heels!!

Monday Morning Review

I'm on a roll with Monday Morning Reviews!! Last Thursday the Heels took on State at home. State is actually having a pretty good season and rolled into Chapel Hill with a 4-1 conference record. We had to be ready! And thankfully, we were. The boys played a great game and won by 19 - but it wasn't even that close. I love getting a win over the Woofies!

Last night we beat Georgia Tech by 12, but again it wasn't that close. We got a little lazy toward the end of the game resulting in a score that was much closer than the feel of the game. We play tomorrow night at Wake!

This is a short work week for me - 3.5 days! Thursday at lunch I'm headed to the mountains with all of my best friends for a fun and relaxing weekend. As y'all know, I don't really do snow. I tried to ski last year and was awful and it was painful and I ended up spending most of the time at lodge bar (which is TOTALLY okay with me - drinks in a wood cabin surrounded by beautiful scenery is always okay with me). This year, I think I will have a couple of people joining me on the no ski front. I told them I'll be at home sitting in the hot tub with a glass of wine and will have dinner waiting for them when they get back. I'm so looking forward to a little r&r!

Monday Morning Review

Oh, look! It's actually Monday morning and I'm posting a Monday Morning Review! What has gotten into me? (Yeah, I know, I shouldn't actually be celebrating this when I've missed over a week of blogging, but it's Monday and I'll take what I can get!)

Some updates.

The bball boys lost an awful, awful game last weekend at Florida State. We got absolutely destroyed and played terrible.

We followed it up with a good win at Virginia Tech Thursday. But the happiness was short lived as Dex tore his ACL. What a huge loss! We are really going to miss his explosiveness. Feel better, Dex.

Our next game is this Thursday, at home, against State. State's been playing well lately so it will be a big game for us, especially without Dex. I'm already starting my "Can't go to college, go to State!" cheers.

TJ lost a tough one against the Ravens last week, ending the Texans playoff run. The Ravens defense really got to Teej and he threw some interceptions and didn't look as steady or confident as usual. It was a sad end to an amazing season. TJ didn't dress out for 10 games of the season and then lead the Texans the furthest they've ever been as a franchise. I'm so proud of him. #Yatersgonnayate (Am I becoming a person that uses hashtags in real life? Yikes!)

In other news, it's Triangle Restaurant Week!!! For those of you living under a rock, TRW happens twice a year and different local restaurants feature three course lunch and dinner menus for 15, 20 or 30 dollars. I cannot wait. I want to try them all. I'll update soon.

I need some advice, dear friends! I'm going to Atlanta in March and want to know what I should do, where I should eat, etc. Any and all advice is welcome!

Thought for the day:

Have a great week, kiddos!

Monday (Good try!) Morning Review

This weekend was a full one.

Friday afternoon Lauren, Anna and I went down to Charlotte for my cousin's bachelorette party! Dinner and drinks were a blast. I headed back to hotel a little early because I wasn't feeling great, but had a wonderful time! 

Saturday was back to Raleigh quickly because Lauren and I had tickets to see Cinderella. I loveloveloved it. For those of you who don't know, I have this fascination with princesses/pretending I am one and this was right up my alley.  We then grabbed dinner and watched my bball boys (a little too closely) defeat Long Beach State.

Afterwards, I went downtown with some friends. One of my good friends lives downtown so we usually walk from his house and take a cab back. Two of the boys decided not to take a cab back this time and were mugged. It was so incredibly scary. Everyone is okay - minus some stitches and broken orbital bone, but it's still terrifying! Sunday I went around hugging everyone and telling them how much I loved them and how grateful I was for them. You never think those things are going to happen to you, but they can and do and it's awful!

Sunday morning, I had brunch with my dear friend Meghan at Cafe Caturra. They have bottomless mimosas for $10 which I'm a huge fan of! I then watched my TJ lead the Texans to a one point victory with a touchdown pass in the last 2 seconds of the game. He's all over ESPN now. I'd just like to say one thing... you heard it hear first, folks. 

Make it a great week! Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet?

Monday (Close enough!) Morning Review

Last Wednesday my bball boys took the court against top-10 ranked Wisconsin in what was sure to be an epic game. It was a close game played by two dramatically different (but great) basketball teams, but we pulled out the victory. I'm sure it was my visit to Top O and the two Old Well whites I drank that helped.

Saturday we lost by one to #1 Kentucky in Kentucky. It was a great game all around that came down to the last few seconds. Down one we had the ball with time left. Henson went up for a shot and was blocked with four seconds left. Kentucky got the ball - we still had time to foul, but seem so confused by what just happened that we let time expire. Wish we had that one back.

I had a really great weekend overall though, despite the loss. It was the perfect combination of family, friends and me time.

Thursday (okay that's not really the weekend, but we'll count it) I went to my brother's Christmas show at school. He had a speaking role and all of the Christmas songs put me in the spirit. He also introduced me to his little buddy (the 4th graders get assigned a kindergartner that is their buddy) who may be the cutest thing in the world.

Okay, so my brother is devilishly handsome too, I know. :) 

Friday night a couple of friends came over and we decorated the Christmas tree. Unfortunately I only have a before picture, so use your imagination. I do have one of the mantle all done up and pretty though.

Christmastime!

Only $40 bucks for this 8 foot tree!

Saturday morning I got my hair cut! 7 inches off! Can you believe it? I really like it, minus the fact that I think it makes my face look fat. (Hence the weird expression).

Do you do this kind of thing in your office? 

After that I headed to mom's to eat pizza and watch the bball boys.

Ohh Capital Creations, you warm my heart (and tummy!)

After the game, I went to the grocery store and then got crafty with some Christmas centerpieces. Do you like?

Greenery, cranberries, distilled water and floating candles. So easy!

Sunday was spent at the bar because a certain TJ Yates has officially become the Texans starting quarterback and was starting his first game. Sorry I'm not sorry I told y'all how great he was ahead of time. I forgive you for doubting me. Check out this Bloody Mary from Barking Cow - complete with cheese stuffed olives, string cheese and bacon.

I don't like Bloody Marys but this made me want to.

Tonight it's back to Chapel Hill to watch the boys take on Evansville. God bless you 7:00 games that put me in bed at a decent hour and God bless you "not so great teams" that get me lower level seats as opposed to the upper level ones we have for most games. Yikes, I'm really not as spoiled as that just sounded. Always grateful to go to Chapel Hill no matter the time or seats. GO HEELS!

Monday (Let's Pretend!) Morning Review

Aye... the Heels did not play so hot this weekend. We took on Miami at home and quickly fell down 17-0. We made a second half comeback, but it was too little, too late and we lost 30-24.

This weekend we head down to undefeated Clemson (yikes). I'm a little scared for the game, but so excited because I'm actually going to Clemson! I am heading down Friday around noon to see my family and cheer for the Heels. I absolutely cannot wait to watch the Heels play, see some loved ones, tailgate hard and enjoy one of the greatest football atmospheres in college sports!

GO HEELS!

Monday Morning Review

Can you believe it? I'm posting a Monday Morning Review on a Monday Morning! What are the chances?!

I enjoyed a fabulous weekend. Friday night was super low key and was spent on the couch watching DVR-ed shows with the roomie and half a Pumpkin Blue Moon. I was up bright and early Saturday to make Honey Bun Cake and Bacon, Gruyere and Green Onion Scones for our tailgate. Then off to Chapel for a lovely tailgate and a (not so lovely) victory for the Heels.

The first half was awful and we went into halftime tied zero to zero. Yes, it was a thrilling half. Things got better in the second half and we pulled out the 14-7 win over Louisville. That makes the Heels 5-1! We play Miami next week which will be a tough test.

I was up bright and early again on Sunday for the Walk for Hope. Lauren (roomie), Lauren (friend) and I did a 4-mile walk and had a great time. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and watching some football at a new local sports bar, the Barking Cow. It is about a mile from my house and is AWESOME. I'm sensing a Sunday ritual...

What did you do this weekend?

Monday (I give up) Morning Review

Saturday the Heels took on ECU in Greenville. Other than Georgia Tech, this game was considered our toughest test to date - and we owned it!

Well, I should clarify. We owned the first half. Like seriously, dominated. The second half, not so much. But it was enough to give us the 35-20 win over those dirty Pirates and that, my friends, I will gladly take.

Our game was at 8 and I decided not to make the trip to Greenville because 1) Greenville is gross and 2) Greenville can be scary in a heated rivalry game, especially at night. Instead, I headed to the State game at 3:30 to tailgate and play with friends. We had a blast - and the Pack lost - perfect! We all then headed back to my place where I jumped up and down obnoxiously with every play while the State boys drank away their 2-3 sorrows.

Yesterday was my mom's birthday! We had dinner at Ruth's Chris and I gave her this little baby:

At dinner, I was reminded how much I admire my mom. She has figured out how to have it all. She is the perfect combination of strong, opinionated, compassionate, loving and kind. If everyone had what she has, the world would be a much smarter and kinder place. I love you, Mom!

Monday (Should I Change the Name of this Feature Since I'm Always Late?) Morning Review

Hey y'all!

As I mentioned, I headed to Nashville for the weekend to visit one of my best friends from college. We had an amazing time, complete with ridiculous photo shoot.

There was pure, unabashed laughter. The kind you only have with your best friends.

And pure sadness when we watched our Heels lose to Georgia Tech and found ourselves at the same bar as the Georgia Tech Alumni Association.

But mostly it was a fabulous weekend with a great friend.

I'm so incredibly blessed to have such FABULOUS people in my life!

Monday (I'm getting closer) Morning Review

Saturday the Heels took on Rutgers at home. The game was a little too close for comfort, but we ended up winning 24-22. This makes the Heels 2-0 to start the season! Our tailgate was also a success as I made a few new treats. Honey bun cake was definitely the group favorite!

We are at home AGAIN this weekend (have I mentioned how much I am a fan of this year's schedule?) and open up ACC play against UVA at 3:30. It's a HUGE game and would be a ginormous win for us.

I'll update on tailgate treats for this week's game soon. :) Happy Tuesday!

Monday (Errr... Wednesday) Morning Review

How was everyone's Labor Day weekend? Mine was spent enjoying a sound Tar Heel victory and getting some sun (burn) at the Lake.

Speaking of the game, my Heels dominated. Bryn Renner went crazy passing 23-24 with only one interception. We won the game 42-10 and played really well.

Ready for a tearjerker? Everett Withers and the team gave the game ball to Butch, who was seated in the Blue Zone. I love that. I love that Butch knows the coaches, players and most fans still support him and think what Thorp did was wrong. I would have loved to have seen Thorp's face when he heard.

We take on Rutgers at home Saturday - should be a tough match-up. First noon game - oh heyyyy mimosas. :)

Monday Morning Review: ECSTATIC Style

He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccckkkkkk.

Harrison announced today that he will return to UNC for his sophomore season, joining Tyler Zeller and John Henson in their earlier decisions.

I loved his statement.

"As an 18-year old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes says. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA.

"Opportunities, both beneficial and life changing, can seem to make the next phase of my journey an easy decision. But I am a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina. I'm here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education, and be part of the greatest basketball family in college sports.

"The experiences I've enjoyed on and off the court will be invaluable. These experiences will help fuel my journey in the NBA and beyond.

"I look forward to meeting the challenging journey in the NBA, but my decision on November 13, 2009, still holds true. I'm focused on being a student-athlete. And my decision is to continue this part of my journey at the University of North Carolina.

"As a team, we're preparing for a special season. My off-season plans are to diligently work on honing my basketball skills in all areas with one team-goal in mind -- to bring the 2012 national championship home to UNC."

The great thing is, as much talent as next year's team will have, I think they have equally, if not more, heart. Those are some loveable boys and I cannot wait to watch them play. Let's go Heels!

(Close to) Monday Morning Review

Saturday the bball boys took on Boston College at home. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the ugliest game ever. The final score was 48-46. It was that ugly. Nothing really spectacular to write about it, other than to say we got the W and it was our 20th win of the season.

Tomorrow night we take on the Wolfpack in the RBC Center. One of my clients offered me a courtside seat to the game. Um, officially freaking out over here. I could reach out and touch Harrison. I can see little John Henson's precious faces a mere few feet from me. This is insane. So, so blessed.

Monday Morning Review

Wednesday night the Heels took on the Dookies in Cameron. We started off the game on fire and took a quick sixteen point lead. I was so excited, but knew better than to count my chickens at that point. Growing up around here there are some things you learn. 1) Basketball is king. 2) Eastern NC bbq dominates Western NC bbq. 3) Dook will always make a run.

I'm sure there are other things you learn, but those stick out. Anyway, me being the smart southern girl that I am did not count  my chickens and therefore did not freak out when Dook made a run. Can't say the same for my Tar Heel boys. They are young and most aren't local - I understand. They will know better next year. We ended up losing by six. Disappointing, but okay. It takes a miracle to win in Cameron and I can tell how much we've improved. I think we've got a real shot at home.

On Saturday the boys took on Clemson at Clemson. I was at the mountains (post coming soon on my first snowboarding attempt) and the tv signal kept going in and out so I'm not sure of the details. From what I did see, and from what I've read, it was sloppy and HB had a crazy dunk. We snuck out of Littlejohn with a two point victory - I'll take it.

We play Wake tomorrow night at home. Wake is the worst team in the ACC (by far), so unless something crazy happens, we should be okay.

Monday Morning Review

Happy Monday y'all!

The bball boys took on FSU yesterday in the Dean Dome. No one was sure what to expect after the sudden departure of Larry Drew (now officially deemed Larry Who by many Tar Heel faithful), but K-Marsh quickly relieved that uncertainty. Marshall broke a freshman record for assists with 16 while commiting only 3 turnovers.

You know all that great play Larry Drew had been praised for since coming off the bench? Those 19 assists to only four turnovers? Well, Marshall had almost the same in one outing. Wherever Larry Drew was hiding, he heard about Kendall's game.

We won by twenty points and have moved up to #20 in the rankings. We play Dook Wednesday at Cameron. I'd love to win, but I won't be too upset if we lose. Playing at Cameron is almost impossible and playing at Cameron with such young players would be an even more difficult feat. My only concern is that a loss would affect that awesome confidence we are playing with right now.

It's so nice to be enjoying Carolina basketball again. Go to Hell, Dook!

Monday Morning Review

 The Tar Heels took on the Woofies Saturday afternoon at home. We pretty much dominated the whole game and won 84-64. Harrison had 25 points and Henson had 16 points and 16 rebounds. I think they are both adorable.

Before the game, Daddy and I went to a Coaches Circle event - a champagne brunch in the newly-renovated Carmichael. It was so much fun! We sipped mimosas, ate yummy biscuits and oh yeah, talked to BUTCH!! We told him we were so grateful for such a great season and he said to give all the credit to the boys and the assistant coaches. At that point, I really wanted to express my love for a certain Taylor Jonathan and declare to Butch that I do, in fact, LOVE YOU TJ, but I refrained. We then got a tour of the locker rooms in Carmichael which are incredibly nice.

At halftime of the game, the football boys were honored for their Music City Bowl win. Teej wasn't there as he is playing in the NFLPA game on Saturday (along with Shaun Draughn and Ryan Taylor), but it was good to see some of the boys. After the football presentation, one of my clients had a halftime presentation which was also very exciting!

How was everyone's weekend? I'm feeling refreshed and revitalized after a great weekend and getting more and more settled in the new house. Have a great week y'all. It's supposed to be 69 degrees on Wednesday. I'm sort of giddly like a little girl about it.

(Wow I'm really not close to it this week) Monday Morning Review

Hey sweet readers! Here it is, Thursday (thank the good Lord in Heaven) and I am just writing the Monday Morning Review. It's sunny out today which makes my heart smile ridiculous amounts. It's still chilly, but it's been dreadfully rainy and gloomy so I'll take what I can get.

All stayed right with the world last week when we beat Clemson for the 55th time in a row in Chapel Hill. I, unfortunately, came down with a bout of the flu last week (get your flu shots, my friends - it.was.miserable) and did not go to the game. Between the flu, moving and a HUGE work meeting, things have been crazy. Today has been the first day I've gotten a chance to breathe and boy, does it feel lovely.

Last night, the bball boys hit the road to take on Miami. We started off incredibly slow and got ourselves in a big, ugly hole, but managed to come back and tie it up at halftime. The whole second half was close, but we ended up winning on by three on a clutch 3-point shot by Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Barnes! He has hit several clutch shots lately. You will not here an "overrated" chant anywhere near the lips of this girl.

Next up: State on Saturday following a champagne brunch at Carmichael. Count this girl in! 

Moving was successful. I am so blessed to have a set of awesome guy friends that helped me and did most of the grunt work while I was feeling less than stellar. I love y'all! It's nice to have someone to lounge around with and have a glass of wine with at the end of the work day.

(Brief) Monday Morning Review

Last night the bball boys took on Georgia Tech in Atlanta. It was not pretty. The final was 78-58 and it was one of the sloppiest games I've ever seen. Hopefully we can come back strong against Clemson tomorrow night at home - after all, we do have to keep the streak in tact.

Monday Morning Review

I forgot to update on last week's bball game, so this will be a two-for-one. Last Sunday, the bball boys took on St. Francis at the Dean Dome. It wasn't our toughest task and we won rather convincingly. My brother and I went and had the best time together. Shammond was also there with his sweet baby girl, which was very exciting to say the least.

Saturday we opened ACC play at UVA. It was a (too) close game, but we pulled it out to start the ACC season 1-0. 

Quinton Coples announced that he will forgo the NFL draft and stay in school for next season. My brother and I have begun the official countdown to Spring Football.

In other news, my brother scored in his hockey game yesterday. I'm a proud big sister.

(What's Supposed to Be) The Monday Morning Review

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Mine was truly magical. I know I sound like a broken record, but I am so, so blessed.

I'll start with the basketball game last Tuesday. Carolina took on William & Mary in the Dean Dome. We won pretty soundly and my brother and I got to enjoy the awesome lower level seats. I've been so fortunate to go to many basketball games in the Dean Dome throughout my life and even more fortunate to have had season tickets since I was about sixteen - there is nothing better than Carolina basketball, even from the top row of the upper deck. That being said, lower level seats are pretty amazing. You can hear what the players are saying and see their sweat drip down their faces - too much for some I'm sure, perfect for me.

Christmas Eve was wonderful. While I miss my grandmother and Christmases in South Carolina dearly, nothing beats Christmas Eve at home with mom. We get on our pjs, drink apple wine (well, drink a sip because it's really sweet and disgusting before switching to regular wine, but we have to do it for Dolly) and make only our favorite parts of Christmas dinner - turkey, gravy, dressing and mac & cheese. Mom makes the most incredible homemade cornbread dressing and my macaroni and cheese is pretty delicious, if I do say so myself. We had a fabulous night and all three of us (Mom, Tuck  [my 11-year-old puppy] and I) fell asleep in her bed watching tv.

Tuck

Apple wine! YUCK! But a tradition!

You can't use pre-shredded cheese for good mac and cheese!

Perfection!

When I woke up Christmas day Mom and I opened presents. She, as always, was way too generous! She starts shopping so early and ends up getting more than she knows! I then went to my dad's and had a great time opening presents with them. After presents, we headed to my grandparents for more food, fun and family. It was all so much fun.

Another short week this week as I am headed off to Nashville tomorrow for the Music City Bowl. I am so excited! More to come on that later...