EleVen Women's French Open Apparel

Venus Williams for EleVen 

Venus's new French open collection is OK, (seen above) much better than the last collection, "Straight Sets" (below)~ I'm not a huge fan of all the busy prints.  It just doesn't work for everyone.  The new collection in  the hot pink is less busy, more body types can pull it off.  I can actually see someone over the age of 18 wearing it.  It's just not flattering for the 30-40 plus ladies, however, you can mix match the solids in to your existing collection of tennis apparel.  And you can have something to wear for your next cancer awareness tennis event. (WPFT)  http://www.womenplayingfortime.org/  I don't really think that Venus has our age group in mind while she is designing.  ;) that's OK! ~ I do get excited to see what flashy designs she's going to create next. 

Can't really see my tennis team sporting this outfit~ that would be hilarious !!  

You can find both collections at http://www.midwestsports.com/womens-tennis-apparel/c/600/filter/100000001884eq100000001898/ 

http://elevenbyvenus.com/

Tennis Fashionista Sharapova Graces the Cover of Esquire (Latin America)

Maria Sharapova Talks Fashion and Candy

Maria Sharapovia, ranked #2 wta, talks fashion and candy in the upcoming June issue of Esquire Latin America http://www.esquirelat.com/mujeres/592814/maria-sharapova-diosa-rusa-esta-cima/   Maria is planning on launching her Sugarpova, http://www.sugarpova.com/, candy brand in London and Paris later this year.  She also discusses her love of fashion and some of her favorite designers... Alexander McQueen, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs and Bottega Veneta.  
Maira is quoted saying “Men, unlike women, do not wear much jewelry or rotate accessories daily,” she said. “So a watch is an important fashion statement to them, and the value of a piece is maintained over time. Every man should own a good watch that will be useful for any holiday occasion.”  
So ladies... if you are thinking about a Birthday gift or stocking stuffer for Christmas, take Maria's advice and get your man a watch.  I think my hot hubby needs a new one! 

But hey lets talk about this oxymoron of candy and bathing suits.  Looking at Maria in her swimsuit, I find myself wanting to avoid all candies, cakes and sugar, and want starve myself for the rest of the month, so I can look at least half as good as this 26 year old Sugarpova entrepreneur.  Talk about mixed signals in advertising.  However, there is no doubt that she is showing us that it is hot and fashionable to rock a one piece bathing suit!!  That's it... I'm getting a new one piece, so this almost 40 something tennis momma can look sassy like Maria. I can drink more wine and eat more candy and hide it all behind a one piece swimsuit!  Oh yeah oh yeah!!!  Love it Maria, you are so sugar sassy!!!

Tennis, Horses and Hats. Steffi Graf at Kentucky Derby

Steffi Graf Sassy Girl of the Month!!! 

Steffi Graf and Supermodel and judge on "The Face", Coco Rocha, both served as judges at the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest at Churchill Downs. Both ladies looking super sassy sporting the traditional hats.  Steffi~ looking good girl... making the 40 something sassy tennis girl proud!!! 

 Coco looks pretty good too ;)  Like to see her play some tennis. 

Tennis Banquet Helps local Charities

End of the Tennis Season Banquet

What a fun way to end the tennis season.  Lunch, wine, lots of vendors for plenty of shopping, an amazing raffle that raised lots of money for great charities.  It's so much fun to get dressed up, looking sassy, and socialize with all of the ladies you have been playing against all season.  I do admit it is sometimes incredibly hard to recognize everyone when their hair is down, no sunglasses, no visor, high heel shoes and full face of makeup on.  I always have tons of fun and tons to say about ladies fashion on and off the court. ;)  hee hee!

My team volunteered to be in charge of the raffle for charity this year.  We had many wonderful prizes... Louie Vuitton bag, Michel Kors watch and hand bags, Coach braceletes, many many wine baskets, Plastic surgeons basket (lots of goodies included), restaurant baskets, money trees,  martini baskets, the list goes on and on.  Unfortunately,  my team did not win one single prize!  Bummer, but we did feel like winners anyway... we helped raise $7500.00 of donations that we decided to spilt  between two wonderful charities: IDignity and Nathaniel's Hope.  

IDiginity http://www.idignity.org/   

IDignity was created to help the disadvantaged in Central Florida overcome the difficulties of obtaining the personal identification that is crucial to enabling them to become self-sufficient. The need for such a program was recognized by members of five downtown churches who were unable to find a resource that provided such a service. The documents that IDignity provides are required to apply for employment or school, obtain access to most shelters, vote, seek help from many social service programs, open a bank account or cash a check, secure housing or overcome many other obstacles to becoming self-sufficient. IDignity is a program that has proven to be very organized and more successful than anyone’s expectations. The demand for these services has yet to ebb and it appears that it is likely to increase during these difficult economic times. 

and Nathaniel's Hope. http://www.nathanielshope.org/  

Nathaniel’s Hope is dedicated to sharing hope with kids with special needs (VIP kids) and their families.

This includes:

• Bringing hope and resources of encouragement to VIP kids and their families
• Providing practical assistance by offering free respite care for VIP kids
• Educating the community on how to be a Buddy to VIP kids and their families
• Equipping the community, especially churches, with opportunities, tools, training, and resources to reach out to VIP kids and their families
• Extending hope to VIP kids overseas
• Sharing hope with grieving families

(Kids with special needs are our VIPs. Buddies are friends of VIPs.) 

http://www.nathanielshope.org/about-us/nathaniels-story/

We raised much more than we expected.  It was a great day.  A great way to celebrate the end of another wonderful season, congratulate the winners and a great way to give back to the community at the same time. 

PS... my team finished second place this season.  Woot Woot!  

Tennis Weekend in Boca Grande Florida

We ladies like to go away for a tennis weekend. and for your next getaway, I am suggesting a couples weekend getaway to Boca Grande, FL.  You could have a ladies match, a guys match and then a mixed doubles round.  Afterward, the men can go out for a late morning  fishing expedition, and the ladies can enjoy the spa at the Gasparilla Inn.  We have been to Boca Grande many times for a mini vacation.  Our favorite place is the cottages at the Inn 

http://www.the-gasparilla-inn.com/act_tennis.php

http://www.bocagrandeclub.com/Tennis-(1).aspx

Boca Grand holds a special place in my husband's heart so he has requested (demanded) to coauthor this article with me (incidentally, my husband will be a guest author of future articles).  This is Boca Grand in his words:

 Many articles have been written about the quaint, gulf island getaway of Boca Grande.  My family has been visiting Boca Grande for decades and much change has occurred over the years, but I am happy to say that all of the important things that make BG special are still robustly intact.  BG is most famously known for its world-class fishing grounds, particularly tarpon fishing.  However, BG has developed into a uniquely well-rounded destination, whether you like to take leisure strolls on gorgeous beaches, watch unrivaled gulf sunsets before heading to the Temptation (town watering hole) for a "dark and stormy", take a pleasure cruise to one of the many islands for lunch at a nostalgic inn, stroll along park avenue for some boutique shopping, play a round of golf along the bay, and oh yeah, play numerous sets of tennis.  If you were to mix together one part Palm Beach, one part Key West, one part Martha's Vineyard, and one part ole' cracker Florida, you would begin to approach the flavor of BG.

In days past, fishing, sun frolicking and beverage drinking were the order of the day for me, but recently I have discovered that BG is a legit tennis destination.  The Gasparilla Inn and club has seven, well-manicured Har-tru courts available to its guests.  Also, the island has several hard courts open to the public.  Once you have had completed your tennis workout, you can walk over to the Beach club to cool down in the pool, assisted by a pina colada (with optional Myers topper), before you head down to beach and soak your body in the therapeutic warmth of the gulf waters.

If you have a boat,  I highly recommend crossing the Boca Grande pass over to Useppa Island for a day trip or stayover at the historical Collier Inn.   http://www.useppa.com/inn.html

Once you step off your boat at the marina, there is a palpable feeling that you have taken a step back in time.  The Collier inn is a bit of hike from the marina, but it is unique stroll through a banyan tree covered walkway through the many villas and cottages of the island.  Upon entering the anteroom at the Inn, you are greeted by walls adorned with countless photos of old fishing photos, many dating back to at least the early 1900s.  One can feel the presence of the lingering happy spirits of fisherman who found this fishing paradise decades ago.  You also immediately get the feeling that this place has seen more than its fair share of good times over the years.   A warm chuckle tends to bubble up in my throat as I realize that I have contributed my fair share as well.

 The Collier Inn has great food and is a great place to have lunch.  And oh, if you think to bring your rackets, the Inn has three clay courts that are available to its guests.

If it is not clear so far, I love Boca Grande and the surrounding islands.  Since my wife was writing an article about our recent trip there, I felt I needed to provide my two cents.  Overcrowding of the island is the only danger I see to this place.  So do me favor... if you have a chance to go there, please don't tell anyone how awesome it is.

TENNIS GEAR SALE

Looking to buy new duds for upcoming season??? 

Here's a great way to save... http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/?from=point&utm_source=tpmailer&utm_medium=tpemail&utm_campaign=25off+Liquidation+Apparel

If you are getting ready for the up coming season....Check out one of my latest articles Getting Geared Up for The 2013-2014 Tennis Season (And Loving It)  I just received my new bag from midwestsports.com, made by Asics, and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!   It's the "Court Diva Bag"  I'm definitely a court diva~ should be perfect!!  Also available at ://www.asicsamerica.com/accessories/bags/court-diva-bag-zr1181-womens/

The side pocket for shoes or wet clothing storage makes keeping the "perfect pedi" even easier.  I can not wait to take my stinky, wet tennis shoes off  and actually have a place to store them.  I'm anticipating an awesome season.  No yucky toes for me:)  http://tennis-speak.blogspot.com/2013/02/tennis-toe-yuck-how-to-protect-
All ladies tennis bags should come equipped with a shoe storage!  Bags and shoes a sassy girls best friend!!!

Headed out for the annual team trip... decided to go on a 3 night cruise with the team.  I am including some of the sassy girl essentials in my travel bag... wine cork (of course), WINE, dancing shoes(no tennis courts on cruise ship~ bummer ) and the IBProfen... I'm sure there will be some aches and pains.

Congrats to Orlando Tennis Center (OTC)

Big Shout out to Orlando Tennis Center,  http://www.orlandotenniscenter.com/ located in downtown Orlando Florida, who hosted the ITF Pro-Circuit Tournament.  What a great weekend in Central Florida.   We took in the tennis tournament and Winter Park Arts Festival all in the same weekend.  We visited the tournament many times throughout the week but by far our favorite day was Saturday morning singles and the doubles finals.  This was followed up by the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the festivities in Winter Park. 

OTC made this event a great success for both the players and fans.  The courts were in great shape, and the tournament ran exceptionally smoothly.  As a fan, this event was a great opportunity to see many upcoming players. 

The singles final gave the fans a classic.  Masa Zec-Peskiric of Slovakia took on Michaela Boev of Belgium.  Michaela won the first 9 games.  At 6-0, 3-0, it appeared that this was going to be a blow out.  However, Masa won a hard fought 10th game, and from their stole all of the momentum of the match.  Masa ended up winning   0-6, 6-4, 6-1.  Congrats to Masa and Michaela for a great well fought contest.  

 Masa ZEC-PESKIRIC (SLO)~ Singles champion

 Nikola FRANKOVA (CZE)  /   Nathalia ROSSI (BRA)~ Doubles Champions

It was great to get a glimpse of the gritty, tennis trenches of the ITF pro-circuit.  A wonderful day of watching tennis could only be appropriately followed by a stroll of the cute shops, cafes and boutiques of Park Ave, Winter Park.  The WP Art Festival was underway, and it appeared that all of Central Fl was strolling the Ave that day.  

We sat outside on the patio for an evening of Delicious Mexican food, mojitos and margaritas with friends.  The atmosphere was wonderful and so was the food.  A little pricy for your typical Mexican menu but the surroundings and the drinks makes up for that.  My personal favorite was the mojitos!!  Woot woot.