Fantasy Football Draft 2016 Tips and Picks

So last year some guy friends asked if I wanted to be part of a Fantasy Football League and I had heard about it but never participated. I went into it not knowing anything about the draft, rankings,etc. All I mainly remember about the draft is that I chose two quarterbacks in my first rounds (I realized this was a faux pas) and asking one of my co-workers and his friend at weekly trivia who I should take. This was DURING the draft! I ended up getting some solid picks and the more I researched the more I knew who to play each game and guess what? I won my league! Let's talk tips!

 

 

Beginner Fantasy Football Tips

 

1. Quarterback is important. "Experts" say to go draft your QB last but I say pick a dual threat early (basic meaning: a QB that can run with the ball and throw) so you can get more points. I had Cam Newton last season and he was my leader in points almost every week.

 

2. Pick Wide Receivers and Running Backs first and second. You have to have points to win so it makes sense to choose the players who are scoring the touchdowns, right? It might be tempting to choose players who you recognize from college but if it's their first year I would go more with a proven veteran who's be in the league and has a record. Keep in mind just because a player was great last year in college or NFL even doesn't mean they will repeat success.

 

3. Look at the updates on injuries. Your fantasy app especially ESPN will send you updates whether a player is out for a game, not in practice, injured, etc. This is especially helpful for choosing your lineup for the games.

 

4. Remember to set your line-up. Doing a little research and being familiar with teams can go a long way when you are selecting. It's not about favorites, it's seeing who can give you the most points. If you don't set your line-up it will do it for you or keep it set from the week before, it is much better to choose your own or it may not set at all so no points (insert sad face).

 

5. Defense players are important too! You get points for sacks, loosing yards, etc. and don't discredit kickers. Kickers win games! It's best to have a well rounded team if you can draft that way.

 

6. HAVE FUN! This is all for fun so don't get discouraged if you lose every game or start to be too braggy if you win every game (maybe a little humble brag). It's a great way to connect with friends, co-workers, family or even just joining a league to see what all the talk is about!

 

Fantasy Picks for 2016

 

Quarterbacks

 

1. Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers)

2. Aaron Rogers (Green Bay Packers)

3. Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts)

4. Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)

5. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)

6. Blake Bortles (Jacksonville Jaguars)

7. Carson Palmer (Arizona Cardinals)

8. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)** Will be suspended first four games so use back-up pick till he comes back

9. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)

10. Eli Manning (New York Giants)

 

Running Backs

 

1. Todd Gurley (LA Rams)

2. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)

3. Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys)

4. David Johnson (Minnesota Vikings)

5. Lamar Miller (Houston Texans)

6.  Devontae Freeman (ATL Falcons)

7. LeSean McCoy (Buffalo Bills)

8. Le'Veon Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers)

9. Eddie Lacey (Green Bay Packers)

10. Johnathon Stewart (Carolina Panthers)

 

Wide Receivers

 

1. Julio Jones (ATL Falcons)

2. Antonio Browns (Pittsburgh Steelers)

3. Odell Beckham Junior (NY Giants)

4. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys)

5. A.J. Green (Cincy Bengals)

6. Deandre Hopkins (Houston Texans)

7. Allen Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars)

8. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers)

9. Keenan Allen (San Diego Chargers)

10. Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

 

Tight Ends

 

1. Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots)

2. Greg Olsen (Carolina Panthers)

3. Delanie Walker (Tennessee Titans)

4. Jordan Reed (Washington Redskins)

5. Coby Fleener (New Orleans Saints)

6. Travis Kelce (Kansas City)

7. Tyler Elfert (Cincy Bengals)

8. Julius Thomas (Jacksonville Jags)

9. Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles)

10. Gary Barnidge (Cleveland Browns)

 

Kickers

 

1. Steven Hauschka (Seattle Seahawks)

2. Graham Gano (Carolina)

3. Stephen Gostkowski (New England)

4. Mason Crosby (Green Bay)

5. Justin Tucker (Baltimore)

6. Chandler Catanzaro (Arizona)

7. Chris Boswell (Pittsburgh)

8. Dan Bailey (Dallas)

9. Cairo Santos (Kansas City)

10. Brandon McManus (Denver)

 

Defense and Special Teams

 

1. Carolina

2. Arizona

3. Seattle

4. Denver

5. Houston

6. Kansas City

7. Los Angeles

8. Cincinnati

9.Minnesota

10. New York Jets

 

Sleepers (keep an eye on these)

 

1. Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago

2. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee

3. Clive Walford, TE, Oakland Raiders

4. Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati

5. Matt Jones, RB, Washington

6. RG3, Washington, QB

7. DeVante Parker, WR, Miami

8. Justin Hardy, WR, Atlanta

9. Paul Perkins, RB, NY Giants

10. C.J. Prosise, RB, Seattle Seahawks

 

There you have it! Hope these tips and picks help you out and let me know if you have any questions!

 

Happy Drafting!

 

xoxo,

 

 

 

 

10 Books to Read Now

Hello blogging world! Yes, I have been away for a few days but I'm alive! I've been so busy starting a new radio show, watching my first film come to life (and gearing up for two more), getting ready for classes to start (possibly applying to get my doctoral degree), working with the best guys on sports talk radio and life.  So the blog had to wait. Don't worry, I'm back!

If you follow along here or my Instagram, you know I love reading. It's one of the reasons why I love writing. Let's face it, if you don't read it's hard to write. Now what stories do I prefer? I love suspense, thrillers and horror! Stephen King is my all time favorite author and such a huge influence over my work. Now that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the classics or a good old love story (hello Nicholas Sparks, I know the ending will be tragic but I read anyway) or comedy like the fantastic Emily Giffin who penned the Something Borrow and Something Blue novels along with countless others. I also confess I love the Harry Potter series, I might have even gone to a few midnight release parties at the bookstore when I was younger.

I can always tell what books are going to be an instant hit with me and I have read some awesome one this summer, from suspense to love to horror to memoirs there is something for each of you! I even encourage you to try something you haven't before, a book might just surprise you!

1. The Girls by Emma Cline



This might be my favorite of the summer! What happens when some young impressionable girls join a Charles Manson-esque cult? You know it can't be good but you have to see what happens.

2. First Comes Love by Emily Giffin



A sweet but not sappy look at the lives of two southern sisters. The perfect match of humor, drama and storyline that will make you fall in love with Giffin's writing.

3. Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins



Go ahead and read this thriller before it hits theaters this fall. With a Gone Girl feeling this thriller will keep you wondering who to believe especially with such an unreliable narrator. This is going to be a big movie this fall so read it first!

4. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty



I got this novel on one of my longer plane travels this summer and I could not put it down! It's fantastic! If you want suspense, who done it, thriller, comedy all in one book....this is it!

5. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware



I just started this one but I can already tell it's going to be a good one! Ruth Ware did not disappoint with her first novel (In a Dark, Dark Wood) and her writing is so creepy it can give Stephen King a run for his money.

6. The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer



Unapologetic and uncensored might be the two words you see what is associated with Amy's name. Her first memoir dives into issues such as sexual abuse, relationships and more. I haven't read it yet (it was sold out at my bookstore) but I am interested to see the real Amy. I'm sure it handles difficult parts of her life along with happy moments with her trademark humor.

7. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah



Ok get your tissues ready. This beautiful story about two sisters in WWII era France is well done and perfectly written. Just a warning...you may cry.

8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr



The Pulitzer Prize winning novel about a young German boy and a blind French girl who meet during WWII is one that you won't be able to put down and rest assured will surely become a major movie picture soon. Read it now!

9. I'm Glad About You by Theresa Rebeck



A charming story about a successful actress and her on-again-off again boyfriend from high school who she's had a tumulus relationship with years unfolds in the pages of this breezy read that you will finish in a weekend.

10. Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll



Alright so this may have been the book of the summer last year but if you haven't read it yet...get to it! This thriller will make you stay up wanting to see what happens.

Have you read any of these? Any suggestions for me? Let me know!

Happy Reading!

xoxo,

Los Angeles in a Weekend

 

My most recent trip to LA was definitely one for the books! We had the best time taking in the sights and while we were only there for a weekend, we still did so much in the city and I'll show you some of the highlights and what is not to be missed!

Have In-N-Out Burgers

It's no secret my first stop after landing in Cali whether it be Disneyland (Anaheim), San Diego, or hopping off the plane at LAX (no cardigan though, too hot), my first stop is always In-N-Out. These famously trendy and delicious burgers are only found on the West Coast and are as popular with Hollywood celebs as they are with us normal civilians. They are fresh, decently healthy hamburgers (I rarely eat meat so this is always a treat) and French fries, which offer almost a popped texture rather than greasy. You can get your burgers done a variety of ways including the wildly popular "Animal Style" as well as low carb (lettuce instead of bread buns) and even vegan options, that grilled cheese though. There is even a Not So Secret Menu in addition to what you see on the regular options!

 

 Be A Tourist in Hollywood

This is almost like the LA equivalent of a Times Square in NYC. Touristy, historical and come on who doesn't like trying to fit their hands in the handprints outside the famed Chinese Theater. They have tons of film premieres and events that are held weekly inside the theater and we just missed the all new Ghostbusters premiere by a few nights! Luckily the Marshmallow Man was still inflated so not all hope was lost. Try and find your favorite celebrity star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame take cheesy photos and be a total tourist for the day!
 

Have a Drink at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Located right across the street from the Adobe Theater, you can't miss the old Hollywood haunt, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A fun place to stay but one you have to visit and have a drink at the bar just to visit where many Hollywood elites stayed and socialized. Marilyn Monroe loved this hotel and bar, in fact some say they have even seen her ghost, she even has a suite named after her!
 

Visit a Fun Movie Themed Museum

If you are a movie buff like me, LA and Hollywood are the places for you! There are tons of kitschy yet informative museums housing memorabilia from some of your favorite movies. These are especially good bets if you have kids, groups of all ages and anyone who is complaining about it being hot outside. I suggest The Hollywood Museum (the world's largest movie memorabilia museum)  , Madame Tussauds  (for real the wax figures look legit!), and just for fun Ripley's Believe It or Not.
 

 

Have a Milkshake or Early Breakfast at Mel's

I love the film, American Graffiti  so naturally we have to make a stop at the namesake restaurant of the movie. There is a Mel's located right by The Hollywood Museum and it's a good spot for early morning breakfast or late night food plus the prices are great which is always a good thing!
 

Take a Tour of LA by Double Decker Bus

If you are trying to pack everything in then I highly recommend a double decker bus tour such as Starline Tours which allows you to hop on/ hop off at various locations and even takes you to areas all over LA including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills and more. Make sure you look over the map and remember which color bus line you need to take and which one will get you back home. This is a lifesaver for those who don't want to drive, take an Uber everywhere or get stuck in LA traffic. The price for an unlimited one day pass is about $47 and worth every penny!

Get all the pricing, locations and more for tours here!
 

Walk Sunset Blvd for Shops During the Day and Live Music at Night

Sunset Boulevard is one of my favorite locations with it's quirky stores (Wildfox Couture!) celeb filled restaurants (keep your eyes peeled around here, endless boutiques and live music joints such as the famed Viper Room and The Roxy this is a can't miss for a day walk or night out during your stay!
 

Search for Hidden Gems in the City

I love finding fun little spots while traveling and we came across some of the cutest spots such as this ultra fun-ultra tiny shop, Pygmy Hippo Shoppe. It also has some really cool wall art on the back of the store, which I'm always on the hunt for! LA has tons of unique spots and you can go to a Nordstrom anytime, look for those really cool boutiques and shops that aren't found everywhere. If you see a place you want to visit while touring take a quick photo or jot down the address in your phone so you can remember!
 

Wander a Weekend Morning at The Grove

You can spend plenty of time at The Grove but on weekend mornings they have a farmer's market along with live music including a concert series at night on select nights mostly in the summer. There are also plenty of shops, dining, trolley rides, movie theater and yes, Sprinkles cupcakes!

Spend Time in Santa Monica

Whether it's to spend some time in the sun or just dip your toes into the Atlantic Ocean, Santa Monica looks right out of a movie. The Santa Monica Pier is home to carnival rides and a boardwalk type atmosphere. There are also finer dining, I recommend The Lobster (you might recognize it from Ocean's 11) as well as boutiques and shops around town as well.  Be sure to have an ice cream float on the pier at Soda Jerks. To reach your hippie haven, don't forget to visit Venice Beach about a 15-20 minute drive away!
 

Find Decorative Wall Art Throughout the City

Self-explanatory but I love finding walls like the one pictured below, great art, quotes and pictures!

Laugh and Sing Along to an Unauthorized Musical at the Rockwell

 

Check out the Rockwell for dinner and a show. Try the yummy drinks and delicious food as you wait and then watch a fantastic performance! Right now there are unauthorized musicals of cult hits Troop Beverly Hills and The Big Lebowski. More recently they had shows on Clueless and Cruel Intentions (yes, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair attended a show together!). The shows are well written with songs you are sure to recognize. Great for adults but may not be suitable for kids.

 

Get ticket info here!

 

Brunch at Bottega Louie

 

Get there early to not only get your hands on their classic Macarons but this downtown LA bakery and restaurant serves up a delicious brunch! We took a quick trip here before we boarded our plane home and yes, the Macarons were just as delicious a few hours later. Tables fill up fast and they don't accept reservations so get there early to avoid a wait! You can just walk into the bakery section and purchase Macarons if you don't have time for a sit down meal or just on the go. Enjoy!

 

Where to Stay?

Loew's Hollywood Hotel

W Hollywood Hotel

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Hotel Casa Del Mar

Viceroy Santa Monica

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Hilton LA/ Universal City
 

The weather is great year round and with so much to do, Los Angeles is the perfect vacation spot for all ages! Even if you are just there for the weekend, prepare for a whirlwind and get ready for a taste of glamour and sunny skies!

Happy Travels!

xoxo,


 

Thursday Tie-In

Hello loves! Hope you are all doing fantastic! Sorry, I've been a little MIA on the blog the past few weeks but I have been super busy with work, getting ready for classes to start back up (already?), getting one my first short film in post-production and getting ready to film my second (full length!) in August. I haven't forgotten about my besties here on the blog though! I'm catching up with you guys with a little Thursday Tie-In of some of my favorite looks and most commented on styles via my Instagram and we can catch up some at the same time!
 

Muah! Mug//  Hobby Lobby (found in store)

Summer 2016 has been a blast. It seems like just yesterday that it was the very first day of summer and we were prepping for shark week with the cutest cookies and keeping cool watching some fun films (so many good ones out this year!). I love an easy graphic tee and denim is an easy summer uniform that's easy to wear for running errands or came be dressed up for a casual date night. I love these fun Blaine Bowen tanks to pair with my favorite denim shorts!
 

Hangry Jaws Tank// Blaine Bowen  Shark Cookie// Edgar's Bakery
 

Summer is also the perfect time to put on my reading glasses (yes, I have to wear them now) and dive into some great books. I am a writer myself so it's hard for me to not walk into a Barnes and Noble and NOT buy something. Ok, maybe a few things. I love the horror/suspense genre (Stephen King is my aspiration) but sometimes you just need a book that feels like summer.
 

A Hundred Summers  What the Dog Saw  If I Could Turn Back Time
  

Kiss and Tell Shirt// Wildfox (Sale)  Sunnies// Karen Walker  Denim Cutoffs// Free People

Summer also means ice cream is a MUST! As you can tell I really do live in tees and denim shorts the majority of the time, I think this look can look easily put together and the price of this adorable sweatshirt is fantastic! Although they are a splurge and I don't spend money on sunglasses often (I've had the same blue Raybans since The Hills were a popular show). I found the most flattering pair of shades that I will keep for years to come!
 

 I've already said I love to read and I was pumped to see one of my favorite authors, Emily Giffin, was releasing her new book this summer! She is the writer behind Something Borrowed and many other novels. Yes, I may have been counting down till her new one, First Comes Love came out. It was fantastic!

 

First Comes Love  Dress// Draper James

Who doesn't enjoy grilling out with family and friends? I love having my own home to throw parties (yes, lots of them have themes) but sometimes an old fashioned BBQ is all you need. I wanted to rearrange a few things in my kitchen and with a few things from around the house, I have a nice little nook now for all my recipe books! Do you have any of my favorites in your kitchen?
 

July is already here and I'm just like where did the summer go? But also let me pose with this adorable ice cream truck real quick. Another favorite trend of mine that I won't be retiring soon (maybe ever) is the off the shoulder or "OTS" as some say (I've read that on other blogs so we'll just assume it's a thing).
 

Off the Shoulder Top (SALE!)

Celebrated the 4th of July in this beautiful country, no beach for us this year but we did see The Purge 3: Election Year (so patriotic I know), watched Independence Day (a classic), sang Party in the USA (had to) and got decked out in red, white and blue. Seriously though if you or someone you love is currently serving this country THANK YOU! It was a fantastic weekend filled with family, friends and fun. One of the best I can remember!
 

Clutch// Jackson and Hyde

You guys know I love to travel so it comes to no surprise I get a little stir crazy here in Bham at times. I'm super excited to be going to sunny Los Angeles this weekend and I already have some mini-trips planned through October...and maybe a few last minute plans before summer ends. Have you been anywhere exiting this summer?  Any places I have to add to my weekend list?
 

 

Speaking of Bham it has been HOT, HOT, HOT here in the South and on days when I feel like I'm sweating before 8am, I love throwing on a sundress. Bonus points for bright colors. Also, how cute is this ice cream truck bag!?
 

Sundress//  Lilly Pulitzer

Anyone been to any concerts this summer? I haven't been to that many this season, although I still can't believe I actually saw Beyoncé live back in May, I am hoping to make a few shows before fall hits. I am a music lover of all genres and yes, I have a soft spot for 90's tunes. The 90's style is back in a big way (remember those Delia's catalogues from your youth? Time to pull them back out!). Love these shimmery guitar pick chokers from the lovely Picks for Peace and best of all? The proceeds go to a great cause!

I think we are all caught up now, right? Well, maybe a little but we got a lot of the important things out of the way and it feels good to be back blogging again! I hope you guys enjoyed our little catch up session and maybe even found a few fun styles to incorporate into your wardrobe. I'll be back next week with some new travel posts as well as prepping everyone for the Nordstrom Sale as well as wait for it...fall fashions. Yes, we are already back at that time! But lets all enjoy the summer just a little longer.
 

Off the Shoulder Dress

Until next time! And happy almost Fri-Yay!

xoxo,


 

Deer "Head" // old but similar feel found at Target  White Dress//  found at Free People (lots of great white dresses!)