One of my first major girl crushes as a teen was Sandra Bullock. Sure, my knee-high socks and school girl mini I rocked for a short minute might suggest otherwise, but my Cher Horowitz in Clueless impression didn’t stick. It was Bullock playing Lucy who stole my heart in the breakout romantic comedy “While You Were Sleeping”—released the same year. Sandra’s chemistry with a young, dreamy Bill Pullman made my heart sing. The movie remains one of my top Christmas faves.

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Three years later, Bullock starred alongside Nicole Kidman in “Practical Magic”. With their long flowing locks, bohemian style and enigmatic powers, Sally and Gillian were undeniably cool. I watch Practical Magic nearly every year as my Halloween flick of choice.

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My favorite scene in the movie includes a blender, midnight margaritas and of course the wildly popular Harry Nilsson tune Coconut. Coconut has been one of my go to requests for Alexa to play these past few weeks, as my excitement for my beach trip builds.

If you want a taste of just how brilliantly strange Harry Nilsson can be, check out this version—assuredly fit for Halloween.

Now, I would be remiss not to mention a scene from Reservoir Dogs, when song-dropping Coconut and YouTube does have a great fan video posted … but sorry guys, I will forever associate the tune with midnight margaritas, belladonna and my love for Bullock.

Lastly, I will admit that in no way do I believe Practical Magic is a cinematic masterpiece. And Griffin Dunne clearly can’t hold a candle to Tarantino. But, the movie is a guilty pleasure that I partake in yearly, if only to feel the uncomplicated nature of a teenage girl crush on a star she’d love to be.

Love,
L.N.