Monthly Archives: May 2016

the luckiest-jojo: week 1

Posted in Television by

AAAAAND we’re back rose lovers!  I really feel like I finally have something to live for again, now that Chris (B.) Harrison is back on our TVs. This time around he brings us JoJo Fletcher, she of Ben Higgins blindside fame, and the 26 men vying for her heart.

WhatJustHappened_JoJoEp1
My Takeaways

1. After the intro packages for JoJo (did you know Ben told her he loved her and then blindsided her?), and a few of the men, we get to the limo entrances. It’s pretty well known that the men who make the first and last entrance are normally ones to watch, and this season was no exception. Jordan Rodgers, brother of MVP and Superbowl winning quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was the first one to exit the limo, and all 6 foot 3 (with an extra couple inches for that coiffed mane of his) of him was looking great. He didn’t need a fancy entrance and JoJo was into him.

RobbyWine_JoJoEp1

Robby had a great entrance, presenting JoJo with a bottle of wine and taking it to the face similar to Mrs. Fletcher in Ben’s hometown visit last season. JoJo is in on the joke and says “My mom would like him”. Chase exited the limo with every mustache pun in the book ready to go, but if I’m being honest they would have made me giggle. Wells exited the limo with Grammy Award winning pop group All-4-One singing their hit “I Swear”. Although most of the men couldn’t appreciate a good entrance (more on that later), they all seemed to think Wells’s move was pretty smooth.

The last entrance was Luke, who didn’t come out of the limo but rather riding a unicorn, or a white horse with a horn strapped to its head. Luke is from Texas, like JoJo, believes in unicorns, like JoJo, and is ruggedly handsome, which I don’t think is like JoJo but I’d guess she definitely likes it.

2. Once all the men were inside, we really got to see their personalities come out. And by personalities I mean drunkenness because most of these guys were hammered! Between taking off all their clothes and jumping in the pool (Daniel), to interrupting JoJo filming her ITM’s with producers (Nick S. and Vinny), these guys were not holding their alcohol very well. Daniel continued his drunken escapades by poking Evan in the belly button, something that many of the guys told us was something you just do not do.

Chad_DressBright_JoJoEp1

Another person we saw a lot of inside was Chad, and that is because he thinks he’s the greatest person alive. Chad took it upon himself to pretty much bash every man that came out of the limo. When doing my fantasy draft for this season (I have Jordan, Chase, Nick B, Derek and Alex by the way), I was trying to figure out who the man was that all the other men would hate but JoJo would love. I was between Chad and Daniel, and if the “this season on…” is any indication, it is definitely Chad.

3. At the rose ceremony, we get a “shocking” entrance by a former Bachelor aka Jake Pavelka who just happens to be a Fletcher/Patton family friend. ABC teased this up like he was going to join the cast, and it was funny to see JoJo’s momentary look of panic when she thought this too.

VinnyConfused_JoJoEp1

Luke gets the first rose (Jordan had been given the first impression rose), and the eliminations were not too surprising. Honestly, I think there are only about 5 guys that JoJo may be into, probably another 7 that she thinks are nice guys, and the rest are just producer planted nut jobs. I can’t think of another reason that Daniel and Vinny would be given roses, after their drunken escapades.

My favorite part of the episode may have just been the scene that rolled over the credits. I couldn’t find a youtube video of it, but I really suggest taking it upon yourself to get on over to Hulu and watch.

JamesHorse_JoJoEp1

Best Tweets

https://twitter.com/jenniferweiner/status/734927848293683201

Not really a tweet…but so funny.

Top 3 Guys
Tonight wasn’t a big night for fashion, so I’m going to kick off the season with my front runners for JoJo.

Jordan

1. No surprise here, but I think Jordan Rodgers is the top contender for JoJo’s heart. Who wouldn’t want to join the Rodgers family and get to strike up an insta-friendship with Aaron’s girlfriend Olivia Munn. The previews for the season show a little drama with Jordan, and whether he is there for the right reasons (shocker) but I don’t think that will phase JoJo that much. They really did have a lot of chemistry, and he was one of the only guys that she was comfortable with on Night 1.

Luke

2. I give Luke a pretty good shot at the final rose as well. Besides the first one/last one limo theory, I think that he and JoJo have a lot in common and were raised in similar ways. Luke is definitely cuter on the show than he is in his ABC bio photo, and I wish I would have known that when drafting my fantasy team.

Wells

3. My dark horse of the season is Wells. His entrance was memorable, him and JoJo had a good conversation and he just seems like an all around cool guy. He didn’t give me the overly “done up” vibe that someone like Jordan or Robby did. He is the kind of guy that you would want to go catch a show and a beer with, and I think that’s the guy that you want to spend your life with.

That’s all I’ve got for you guys after night 1.  What did you think of the premiere?  Does anyone not think Jordan is a front runner? Let me know!

xo
Em

simply the best-dwts:week 10

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After missing last week, I’m back to recap the two night finale of Dancing With the Stars.  Honestly, I sometimes had a hard time finding enough material to write these posts, so I don’t think they’ll be a staple around here when the new season starts in the fall.  I still love the show though, so I’m sure there will be some “checking in” posts.  I’m still working to figure out this blogging thing. Figuring out what I want to write about, and more importantly, what you guys want to read is pretty tough.  I hope you guys will bear with me. Enough about me, let’s get to the finale.

PetaNyleSpider_DWTSFinaleNot to bury the lead, but congratulations to Nyle and Peta on their victory!

Favorite Dances

1. There was something about Paige and Mark’s salsa that was so exuberant, feisty and full of life that I couldn’t help but smile and get teary eyed at the end of it.  It just seemed to be a triumph for both of them. Paige has become so confident through out this process, and I loved watching her having the time of her life on the stage.  Girl was giving faces! I don’t know what Len is talking about when he said there wasn’t enough hip action, but he cost Paige her perfect night.

2. Ginger and Val’s freestyle was the only one that I thought captured the spirit of previous freestyles – really inhabiting another character and having fun.  Ginger looked like a Hollywood starlet with her high waisted pants and pussy bow blouse, and I loved every second of it.

3. I don’t know that I agree with Carrie Ann that this was the best dance ever performed on Dancing With the Stars, but Nyle and Peta’s freestyle was pretty freaking amazing.  There were so many intense (and gif-able) moments in this dance, and the story about inspiring the deaf community was very beautiful. The only knock that I can think of for this dance was the fact that Peta didn’t choreograph it.  I give her credit for knowing when something isn’t her strong suit, but I always thought the professionals choreographing the routine was part of the deal.

Did Ya Catch That? 

ValExcited_DWTS Finale1. Val was really excited for the night.

Julianne DWTS Finale
2. Julianne Hough was in the audience last night, and I’m really surprised that Tom never went to her for comment.

Chris Soules_DWTS Finale Full
3. In honor of the Bachelorette starting this week (check back for my post on the premiere tomorrow), we have a Bachelor Chris Soules sighting.  Does anyone know who the girl with him is?  She was in many of his snapchats from the finale party as well.

Dressing With the Stars
Peta and Nyle did a country inspired quickstep for their redemption dance, and I thought that her white dress and denim top combo was really re-creatable for summer. (Clearly I’m a fan of the look if you check out my picture in the sidebar).

Outfit 11. Dress: Bobi, Shirt: J.Crew

Outfit 2
2. Dress: Adelyn Rae, Jacket: J.Crew

Outfit 3
3. Dress: Riffraff (I have this dress and absolutely love it!), Vest: Gap

What did you guys think of the finale? Were you excited Nyle won?  Let me know in the comments!

xo
Em

 

don’t stop me now-dwts:week 8

Posted in Television by

Happy weekend, everyone! First, I want to say thank you for all the great feedback I got on my Key West post (if you missed it, you can find it here). I’m planning on sharing more of my life on here, and it means so much to me that you all enjoyed the post.  As anyone who knows is aware, my love for TV is also a huge part of my life, so I’ve got another Dancing With the Stars recap for you today!

Paige_Antonio Spin

Favorite Dances

1. Jodie and Keo’s Jive was my favorite dance of the night.  Sadly, it was also their last performance together as she got eliminated at the end of the episode. Jodie’s footwork was quick and accurate and I agreed with Len that she had become more comfortable on the stage.  This was evidenced by the moment when the two of them are fanning themselves while traveling across the dance floor, you could tell she was comfortable in character and just having a great time!

2. Ginger and Val’s Argentine Tango was actually not originally one of my favorite dances of the night.  However, after re-watching the episode, I was impressed by the technicality and skill that I imagine went into this dance (because I have no dance training and only know what I think looks good). I loved how it went from slow to fast, and you could feel the intensity, emotion, and intention behind the choreography changing.  Ginger is one to watch out for in this competition, for sure.

3. Team Len’s Judges Challenge Samba was the most fun dance of the night.  I’m well aware that this dance was not the most technically difficult but I’m a sucker for Len, and especially a cheesy, happy, dancing Len.  Some stand out moments: the giant cut out of his head in a rock formation, Wanya’s glitter six pack shirt, and the hip thrusts Len threw in at the end. If it was up to me, 10’s from Len all around!

Did Ya Catch That?

Waving Len1. See: Note above about my love for a happy and goofy Len.

Mark_Paige Producer Push
2. Paige and Mark apparently weren’t following their cues, and got pushed on stage by a producer.

Beverly MItchell
3. Beverly Mitchell made a trip to the ballroom this week, sitting behind Season 21 champion Bindi Irwin and her family.

Dressing With the Stars

Sharna WorkoutThis week, I want to bring attention to the athleisure wear that the female professionals dancers are wearing in the practice packages.  I certainly don’t look that cool when working out, but I can admire anyone who does.

Sharna Workout Tank
1. Sharna tops her outfit with a laid-back grey pocket tank.  For some reason, wearing loose tanks makes me feel pretty bad-ass, like a boxer or something, so I might be stocking up on these tanks soon.  This one is American Eagle and can be found here.

Sharna Harem Pant
2. I couldn’t find Sharna’s exact pair of floral harem pants, but these Lovers + Friends floral ones are pretty close.

NIke Wedge
3. I’ll never understand how these women dance like they do in heels, although these Nike wedge sneakers may make it a little easier for us mere mortals.

What did you guys think of this week’s episode? Were you sad, like me, to see Jodie go? Everyone still in the competition is so good, I hate seeing anyone go!

xo
Em

margaritaville-key west vacation recap

Posted in Personal by

Hi everyone! I’m finally starting to get back into the swing of things nearly a week after coming home from our family vacation. I’m detouring from my normal TV recaps for today (and hope to do so more in the future), and am sharing a little Key West vacation recap with y’all!

Key West_Boat

Things To Do 

Key West_Sail Fish1. My favorite activity in Key West was definitely deep sea fishing.  Although I’m prone to a bout or two of sea-sickness, that’s not going to keep me away from the water (an air conditioned cabin for naps also didn’t hurt).  All the guys on our trip were out on the boat, so I had to hold it down for the girls. I ended up catching the biggest fish of the day (that we could eat, my dad and cousin each hooked a sailfish) – and provided us with a lot of fish to eat for the rest of our vacation.  My favorite way to cook up some Mahi – with some spinach, tomato and parmesan cheese!

Key West_Hemingway Cat
2. On an overcast day (but no less humid or hot) we went to the Ernest Hemingway house.  Hemingway didn’t live in the house very long, only about 9 years, but he wrote many of his great works in his office on this property.  An added bonus, many of the descendents of Ernest’s polydactyl (six-toed) cat Snow White still live on the property.  The cats kind of have the run of the house, as evidenced by this Instagram.

Key West_Cocktail Champion
3. Key West is a huge party town, and I’ve never been one to say no to a good time. My mom and I decided to take up the Key West Cocktail Challenge – and were victorious.  The challenge was to have the signature drink at six particular bars throughout the island. Upon completion, you received this super cool shirt. The t-shirt may have cost about $100 in drinks, but we think it was worth it. (Sorry for my poor Snapchat screenshot photo).

My Outfits
I had a minor panic attack on the Friday before leaving, because the order I had put in at Forever 21  a week and a half before still hadn’t arrived.  Luckily, as I was loading up my car to drive home, the package arrived!

Key West_Smallest Bar1. Outside the World’s Smallest Bar
Shirt: Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shorts: Forever 21, Purse: Kate Spade (old, similar here)

Key West_Tie Dye Dress
2. Key West has some of the most amazing trees.
Dress: Old Navy(old, similar here), Hat: Heavenly Couture (site launching soon!), Sunglasses: H&M, Shoes:Schutz (old, similar here)

Key West_Open Shoulder
3. Not the best picture – but I had to show how this dress swings.
Dress: Forever 21 (seems to be sold out but similar here

Capturing Key West
Key West is a place unlike any other I’ve ever been, and sometimes the best way to understand is just to see for yourself! If you can’t jump on a plane and head there soon, I’ve got three pictures that I think capture the town.

  1. Key West_Chicken
    2. Key West_Sunset
    3.
    Key West Dog

I think I can say I saved the best for last! Have you guys ever been to Key West? Thinking about going and have some questions? You can always connect with me in the comments or on Twitter @third_and_girl.

xo
Em