Apartment Living Blog

If you were at home on Sunday, you were probably watching the much-anticipated Super Bowl match up between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. This was a momentous event for the Saints and their fans since it marked the 1^st Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. The first quarter ended with the Colts leading the Saints 10-0, with a field goal by Matt Stover (the oldest player to participate in a Super Bowl) and a 38 second drive that ended with Peyton Manning hooking up with Pierre Garcon for a 19 yard touchdown pass.The Saints would answer back in the 2^nd quarter with two field goals made by Garret Hartley, but turned the ball over on downs when they failed to punch the ball in the end zone due to a goal line stand by the Colts. The Saints would go into the 2^nd half trailing 10-6, but the game was still in reach.

The Saints started the 2^nd half with a bit of trickery, as the kicked an onside kick to throw the Colts off balance and recovered it. They would capitalize off the recovery with Drew Brees throwing a screen to Pierre Thomas who would make defenders miss and dive in to the end zone after a 19-yard run after the catch. The Colts were not done Scoring as they drove down the field, and capped the drive off with a Joseph Addai running touchdown.

The third quarter ended 17-16 going in the Colts favor; the 4^th quarter was all Saints though. New Orleans scored with 5:42 to go in the 4^th quarter with Drew Brees throwing to Jeremy Shockey on a slant route to take the lead 22-17. The Saints then went for a two point conversion which was completed by Lance Moore to put them up 24-17.

The game was still in reach for the Colts with five minutes on the clock and the ball in Peyton Manning’s hands. But one mistakes put the game out of reach for the Colts. With Manning being rush by an all out blitz, and Reggie Wayne seemingly open, Manning threw to the quick option. Unfortunately, Manning failed to notice the cornerback, Tracy Porter, sitting on the route, so when the ball was thrown, Porter made a play on the ball, picked it of and raced down the field to put the Saints up 31-17. The game was out of reach there and all else was irrelevant. The Saints had won their first Super Bowl and franchise history, and Mardi gras started early on Bourbon Street. The Saints’ “Who Dat Nation” is finally on the map and the team’s alias as the “Aints” is officially revoked…for now anyway.

And the Saints go marching in… The New Orleans Saints reaching the Super Bowl is the feel good story of the year.  And there are so many integral parts to this great Saints team.  Representing the NFC, this year’s New Orleans team clicked on all cylinders.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the key parts to this Super Bowl-bound team.

Darren Sharper.  What can I say?  The man is just awesome.  At 34, after 13 seasons in the NFL, he still plays on a high level - and has major impact on the Saint’s defense.  This safety is returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since his rookie season after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers.  Sharper was selected to his fifth pro bowl this year, capping off the season with nine interceptions; three of which were returned for touchdowns.  He also ran for an NFL record 376 interception yards.  Sharper’s got your number, Manning.

Reggie Bush.  These days it’s not about keeping up with the Kardashians.  Bush has finally come into his own this season, learning his role in the Saints’ offense.  He came into the league as the number two pick out of USC amid great hype.  But that hype died down and questions began to arise as people wondered “Is this kid a bust?” when Bush had less than exceptional numbers his first 3 seasons.  But Bush shut those critics down with 725 all purpose yards, 47 receptions and 3 touchdowns.  These numbers may linger in the realm of mediocrity, but Bush is playing a crucial role in an offense inundated with playmakers.   He is the X factor in Sunday’s matchup.

Drew Brees.  It’s all Breesy baby!  Brees put up Hall of Fame-like numbers this season; 4,388 passing yards, 363 completions and held a passer rating of 109.6 during the regular season.  His post-season numbers were ‘modest,’ for Breesy anyway; 444 passing yards, 40 completions and a passer rating slightly higher at 116.1.  Yes, Manning is playing like he’s on another planet, but Brees is in close orbit.  Brees will have to be on his absolute ‘A’ game in order to ride the championship waves of victory.

Sean Payton, Saints head coach extraordinaire, came to the organization in 2006 amidst the city of New Orleans’ darkest hour.  Payton has done a tremendous job with New Orleans in the past four seasons, which is why it would be tough to pick against the Saints - I’m picking the Saints all the way!  Sean Payton and Drew Brees are among the OG’s and vowed from the beginning to support the city in any way possible.  I bet bringing a Super Bowl championship home would be enormous support.  Just a thought.

Okay, so I don’t know about everyone else, but every time I hear of the city Miami I think of two things. First thing I think of is the Miami Dolphins football team; my poor friend knows they won’t be playing this weekend. And the second thing is Will Smith’s Miami song. “Bouncin’ in the club where the heat is on, All night on the beach til the break of dawn. I’m going to Miami, welcome to Miami.” I just LOVE Will Smith, I think he’s great! And for whatever reason, it may sound absurd, I just can’t get enough of that 1998 single.

However, come this Sunday when I hear Miami I’m going to be thanking about the Super Bowl!! To celebrate the Super Bowl in fashion, I’m going to be hanging out over a friend’s apartment for the game. This year, unlike years in the past, we’re going to be doing a fiesta station with tacos, nachos, rice and tortilla soup instead of the traditional appetizers or pizza and wings. And who can forget the Spicy Seven Layer Dip?

The New Orleans Saints versus the Indianapolis Colts is sure to be a well matched game! Who knows? All I know is I’m looking forward to getting together with friends, eating and having a great time. I’ll definitely be watching the game occasionally, but my Super Bowl days (or any football Sunday) usually include the girls in one room chit chatting and the guys in the other room hooting and hollering.

Arrivals will start around noon to kick-off watching the pre-game show. The actual game isn’t until 6:30pm, but the guys will definitely be trash talkin’ it up, making jokes and talking theories on whose going to win. I will take my place in the kitchen or wherever the hostess will need me as will most of the female guests. Typical of our group gatherings, each person is to bring something to contribute to the event almost like an inside tailgate; this helps take the burden off the hosting person or couple.  My job is dessert….thinking yellow cupcakes, chocolate frosting and maybe tiny football sprinkles! Its sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Whatever your plans are for this Sunday, just have fun and be safe!

At the end of the 2009-2010 NFL postseason, two teams remain in contention for the Lombardi Trophy. One team still in the running for Super Bowl Champion is the Indianapolis Colts. This team had seven players inducted in the 2010 Pro Bowl and two players currently on the roster inducted to the All Decade team. The Colts began the season having aspirations of having a perfect season like the 1972 Miami Dolphin team winning their first 14 games in the regular season. Unfortunately for the crew, Head Coach Jim Caldwell thought it was best if the starters rested for the last two games.  With that move the team lost the final contests to the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.After the two losses, concerns were raise about the team and about them losing too much momentum going into the postseason. With Wild Card teams’ starting lineup playing two more full weeks than the Colts’, there were doubts about Jim Caldwell’s decision to sit his starters was a good decision. History for the Colts definitely suggests that it is questionable. Former Head Coach of the Colts, Tony Dungy used to be notorious for resting his stars before the playoffs began and the strategy only netted him one Super Bowl appearance and victory.But if the Colts were supposed to lose in the postseason due to history, they did not get the memo. The Colts faced the Baltimore Ravens, their first opponents in the playoffs, and beat them 20-3 with the defense doing most of the work. Their second opponent was the New York Jets who went into this game defeating the Colts both time these teams met in the postseason. It looked like the Jets would triumph over the Colts again, when they took the lead in the first half 13-17, but again Colts were not about to make history their downfall. The Colts’ offense rallied in the second half and the defense showed up to keep the Jets at bay for a 27-17 Colts victory.The Colts are now in the running to win their third Super Bowl in franchise history. They will be facing a team that is still hunting for their first championship.  Most of the Colts’ players were on the field during Super Bowl XLI, when the team won its second Super Bowl, so this is a veteran team in that respect. This game is thought to be an offensive battle, which is this teams’ forte. Can Quarterback, Peyton Manning lead his team over the determined New Orleans Saints? You will have to tune in to CBS on Sunday February 7 at 6:25 p.m. to find out.

Affectionately known as the ‘Magic City,’ Miami, Florida is considered one of the most exciting places to live in the U.S.  If you’re thinking about moving to this remarkable town, buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.

Miami is estimated to be the fourth largest urbanized area, per Wikipedia, trailing only New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.  This historic city also holds the unique distinction of being the only metropolis founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle, a wealthy Cleveland native.¹  Miami became an official city on July 28, 1896 with a population of slightly over 300.¹

If it’s culture you seek, then you’ve definitely found the right place.  In Miami you will enjoy the Miami City Ballet, as well as the Miami International Film Festival.²  The Miami Nightlife & Entertainment Guide highlights some of Miami’s celebrated theater companies, including the Actor’s Playhouse and GableStage at the Biltmore.  These activities will keep you occupied during the daytime hours, while Miami’s nightlife will provide countless venues for entertainment.  Enjoy a good mix of clubs and bars in the South Beach, Downtown Miami and Coconut Grove areas.   The Design District area is well known for live music, if that’s your thing.   Since Miami is considered a cultural hotspot, there’s an endless quantity of dance clubs; Little Havana features Afro-Cuban and rumba rap, while the West Bay area is home to Brazilian, indie rock, electro pop and classic new-wave music.²

And the main attraction:  the beaches!  Miami is heralded for its long beautiful stretches of beach to go with its almost tropical climate.  Some of these gorgeous beaches include the famous North Beach and South Beach.  Sunny Isles Beach features two miles of attractive white sand, while Bal Harbour Beach features a jogging path and fishing area.³

As if these attractions weren’t enticing enough, this year Miami hosts Super Bowl XLIV.  This is Miami’s record tenth time hosting the Super Bowl and will prove to be just as exciting as past times.  The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts kick things off on Sunday, February 7 at 6:25 PM Eastern time on CBS.

There’s simply too much to do to ever get bored in this “magical” city so take your time when searching for that perfect apartment.  Take into consideration your budget and whether you’d rather live in a city area versus that of a suburb. Get your search started by checking out Miami Apartments for Rent . Whatever you decide, you’ll never be far from fantastic entertainment.

1.  Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami
2.  Miami Nightlife & Entertainment Guide:  http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/
3.  Miami Beach 411:  http://www.miamibeach411.com/

 What better way to celebrate the Super Bowl than to have a Super Bowl party?  This has been an annual tradition with my family for many years.  We hold it at the same place and the same time pretty much every year.  We have family and friends gather for good food, excitement, and a whole lot of fun.

This year will be no different than the others.  But we are going to try to switch up the menu a bit.  We’ll venture away from our traditional menu of pigs in a blanket, chips and dip and trade it in for more exotic foods.  And we’ll add a little spice with the arrival of our traveled cousin Vinny.  He never lets us down with new foods and ideas.

And let’s not forget the main attraction, the game!  This year is extra special because both the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints made it to the big stage.  And I couldn’t be happier.  This is truly the Super Bowl I dreamed of - well, not just me, but I think my cousin’s pretty pleased with the outcome as well.  Kickoff is 6:25 PM Eastern time on Sunday, February 7 on CBS.

Our annual shindig requires minor preparation.  Invitations are sent out a few weeks prior; (even though pretty much the same guests come every year) decorated with each team represented.  Those hosting the event, my aunt, uncle and cousin, pre-plan the menu. In recent years I have contributed to this menu, as I will this year.  It’s exciting because it gives us a chance to be creative with our dishes.  I’m not sure what I’m making yet this year, but I know it will be different and fun.

As far as set up goes, we begin Sunday morning, lining up extra chairs in the main room (that’s the room with the big screen) and the den.  We set up TVs in just about every room in the house, so if you have to leave the main room or den, you won’t miss a play or commercial because we know Super Bowl commercials are the best around.  Yes, there’s even a TV set up in the bathroom.  We also have one set up in the dining room, where all the food is on display.  My cousin says it’s not about presentation, “I don’t care what it looks like, it just needs to taste good!”  Never a dull moment.

I’m sure there will be a good mix of who’s rooting for whom; I’ll be rooting for the Saints, but won’t be upset in the least if Peyton and the boys win.  Manning’s a good guy.  Either way, this party will be one for the ages.  Who dat say they gon’ beat them Saints?  Geaux Saints!