Monthly Archives: February 2017

my town-nick: week 8

Posted in Television by

We’re so close to the end! This week we had hometowns (and no rose ceremony), which included a lot of heartwarming and fun moments! Let’s get to them.

racquel-hometown-1Us too, Nick

My Takeaways

In my opinion, we started the week with the most successful home town date, which was an interesting choice by producers. I guess it was low drama so best to get the normal date out first. From the beginning, Raven and Nick’s chemistry was out of control. That make out in the rice field was HOT!

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I was genuinely moved by Raven’s dad telling her about his clean bill of health. I know first hand what its like when one of your parents is battling serious health issues, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. You can tell that this is a tight family, and Raven is looking for a love like her parents’. Nick got the stamp of approval, but was Raven’s dad worried about a shotgun wedding?

ravens-dad-hometown

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During her hometown date in Dallas, Rachel takes Nick to her church. I loved how welcoming all of the congregation seemed towards Nick, especially the lady who tapped him on the shoulder while the minister was addressing him.

rachel-hometown-church‘Hey, he’s talking about you’

At home, I think America was collectively disappointed that Nick didn’t get to meet Mr. Lindsay and accidentally call him Sam to his face. We did get to meet Rachel’s mom and sisters, and talk a lot about the fact that Nick and Rachel are an interracial couple. I understand that this is a serious issue, but I hope that Rachel’s entire season isn’t spent discussing interracial relationships in America. As far as I’m concerned, love is love.

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Corinne’s hometown date actually made me like her – kinda. I’m starting to see why Nick has been keeping her around – who wouldn’t want to spend time with that friend who is willing to throw down her credit card for a $3,000 shopping spree. I’m kidding (a little), it is evident that Corinne really does like Nick and he enjoys having fun with her. I don’t see them having a sustainable grown up relationship, but I don’t think Corinne is quite as diabolical as I did at the beginning of the season.

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Finally, we are graced with the infamous Racquel’s presence. It was really heartwarming to see how excited Racquel was to see Corinne, and I do think Corinne sees her as a member of the family. As exciting as it was to meet Racquel, the real star of this date was Corinne’s dad, who we never see without a drink in his hand.

corinne-hometown_2

I thought it was an interesting look into post-Bachelor life when Corinne’s dad asked her what Nick did for a job and she said, “he was a software salesman.” I don’t think Nick has been a software salesman since he was on Andi’s season. Corinne’s dad is very concerned that Nick won’t be able to support his daughter’s lifestyle on Instagram ads and paid appearances.

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I think Vanessa wins for best “date” portion of the hometown dates as she takes Nick to meet her students. You could really tell how much she means to them. It was a real ‘I’m not crying you’re crying’ moment when a few of her students started to tear up.

Vanessa’s parents aren’t together, so Nick gets to meet both parents separately. Vanessa’s family seems very hung up on what will happen to this relationship once it enters the real world. Where will they  live aka Nick will you move to Canada because Vanessa is not allowed to leave? While in the actual real world I don’t think anyone should be forced to move unless they are absolutely certain and ready, Bachelor world is not the real world. Of course Vanessa will move to L.A. to be with Nick, and perhaps to sit in the audience while he competes on Dancing With the Stars. (I think Kaitlyn is the only lead in recent memory to move for their fiancé).

vanessa-hometown_1

Vanessa’s dad is having none of Nick’s attempts to charm. He continuously questions Nick on whether he is serious about his daughter because there are still 3 other girls in the process. When Nick asks Vanessa’s dad for her hand in marriage, he scoffs at the request. He can’t give his blessing (happily) when Nick also asked three other dads the same question.

The rose ceremony will be back in New York City, and all the women are nervous. Not as nervous as Nick is though, when he opens his hotel room door to see ex-lover Andi Dorfman standing there.

Best Tweets

Best Dressed

Raven Hometown Outit

I loved the camisole Raven wore to her hometown date. I’m pretty sure it was the Zoe by CamiNYC, and I can’t find it in stock anywhere. You can find a similar top here (same designer) and more similar camisoles here and here (lower price point!).

Vanessa Hometown outfit

I also really liked Vanessa’s hometown outfit. The lace-up of the top adds some sexiness, but the fur vest makes it acceptable for that Canada weather. I found some similar lace-up tops here and here, and (faux)fur vests here and here!

I think Raven is my favorite going into the rose ceremony (besides Rach, obviously), although Vanessa is equally impressive. There is just a fun side of Raven that I like that I haven’t really seen in Vanessa Who do you guys think is going to take home Nick’s final rose? Let me know in the comments!

xo
Em

trust the process: why you should love this sixers team

Posted in Sports by

The Sixers are back after the all-star break, and are set to face the Washington Wizards at the Center on Friday night. With the recent Boogie Cousins trade, the Sixers’ future is looking better than ever – there is no better time than the present to get swept up in the excitment surrounding this team. Instead of boring (some of you) with stats and metrics, I’m going to share the personal reasons why you should love this team.

tj-and-jojo-buzzer-beaterSource: USA Today. Photo taken by Alex Subers

Jerryd Bayless

Let’s get someone boring out of the way. Jerryd has played in 3 games, and then had season ending wrist surgery. I don’t think he’s even in the Philadelphia area for his rehab.

Chasson Randle

Chasson is the most recent Sixer to join the team, after being signed to two ten-day contracts, and then a three-year long-term deal. He may have a bit of a Cinderella story career, but his dad was trying to set him up for success with the ladies from birth. On this episode of the BroadCast, Chasson says:

“My dad had a bet with his friends, and the first one to have a boy, was to name him Chasson, and his middle name was supposed to be Dames – like chasin’ girls. So that was kind of a joke that he had between his friends, and my mom wasn’t having it. So I got Chasson, but I didn’t get Dames.”

Sergio Rodriguez

Sergio was the starting point guard before TJ McConnell began his rise to the best point guard in basketball (I mean, Lebron wanted him.) Not only that, but he looks so much like the captain of the Sixers Dunk Squad!

Richaun Holmes
Richaun has great braids all the time, courtesy of his wife. Sometimes, the braids have to come out and get redone, and sometimes you just wear your hair out to practice. And that is when your coach becomes fascinated with your hair.

TJ McConnell

My love for TJ has grown exponentially this season. I mean how can you not love the most clutch player in basketball?

He also has a tendency to sprint like he’s just seen a ghost after every game winner he hits. Around the court, into the tunnel, it doesn’t matter for TJ.

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Nik Stauskas

If you follow Sixers basketball at all, you might be aware of #RaiseTheCat, a bizarre, only in Sixers twitter movement in which fans post pictures of them raising their cats after a Sixers win. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Nik’s cat Dribbles, who unfortunately resides with his parents in Canada, wanted to get in on the action.

Nerlens Noel

No longer the flat-topped big man we grew to love, Nerlens is now the braces-ed big man that we love. He’s tough (no mouth guard) and knows when to keep his mouth shut and keep that money in his pocket. After getting punched in the face by Serge Ibaka, and somehow getting a technical himself, he had this to say (at the 1:18 mark):

Robert Covington

I’ve always been a huge RoCo fan, even when he was having trouble hitting the broad side of a barn earlier this season. He seems like a great team player, who can get along with anyone. Last but certainly not least, he’s got moves (Nik does not).

Robert Covington Running Mansource

Jahlil Okafor

Okafor has really gotten a raw deal with all of this trade nonsense. He’s not terribly fun, but man are his hands huge.

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You don’t have to love him that much, he’ll hopefully be (having a great career, I only wish him the best) somewhere else soon.

Ersan Ilyasova

I had to get some input from my roommate about why we love Ersan. She likes to consider herself the biggest fan of eastern European Sixers players around. Her favorite thing about Ersan is that he is always in the background of sideline interviews. I haven’t noticed it, but she’s the expert so who am I to question her. I mean she came up with this gem of a hashtag #Ilyasogood.

Dario Saric

Dario’s personality is really starting to shine, but it is his friendship with TJ McConnell that brings it out the most. In the beginning of the season, the two seemed to share some tense words on the court and in the huddle, but ever since this water and profanity incident, the two have been thick as thieves. Heck, after a great game by Dario, he even gets a piggy back ride from TJ through the tunnel.

Dario Saric TJ McConnell Piggy Back Ride

Gerald Henderson

Gerald Henderson is the grizzled vet of this young team, but he still earns a “Great Job Gerald” from my seats everytime he hits a free throw. He may be a vet, but he’s not above letting the younger guys know when other teams are talking sh*t. From USA Today:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers guard Gerald Henderson sent a text message to his teammates before Monday night’s game reminding them that Nic Batum had guaranteed a Charlotte Hornets victory.

The fired-up 76ers responded by beating the Hornets 105-99 behind 18 points and 11 rebounds from reserve Dario Saric for their third straight win.

“Everybody pays attention that stuff,” said Henderson, who previously played in Charlotte. “It’s not the first guarantee that has ever been issued, but I thought it was something some guys on our team would look at and use it in the game.”

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

Before being drafted by the Sixers at #24 in the 2016 NBA draft, TLC played for Mega Leks in Serbia. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him so far this year, but nothing as much as this picture.

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Ben Simmons

There is a lot to love about the Sixers’ number one draft pick, and I can’t wait to see what his talents can bring to this squad. Ben can be credited with really helping #RaiseTheCat blow up, but my favorite thing about him is his apparent deep love for Nik ‘Sauce Castillo’ Stauskas. Just check out some of this tweets:

Joel Embiid

Obviously, I’m saving the best for last as Joel Embiid has more personality than any Philadelphia athlete in recent memory. He has ignited this city, and given us the superstar that we needed. I don’t even know if I can put into words how great he is, so I’ll let him do the talking.

Do you have other favorite Sixers moments? I’d LOVE to hear them. You can find me on Twitter @third_and_girl, where I’m constantly retweeting NBA things.

#TrustTheProcess

what if-nick:week 7

Posted in Television by

We’re in the home stretch of this journey, and we’re going to hometowns next week. Let’s get to the episode, and see how Nick’s relationships with the women are trucking along.

My Takeaways

nick_week-7_1Nick pulling the Mesnick

We pick up this episode with analysis of last week’s cliffhanger by the women and Chris Harrison. Chris and Nick have a man chat on the beach, while the women sit in their villa discussing the anxiety they are feeling about whether Nick is just going to quit the process all together. Lucky for the women (and ABC! Could you imagine the ratings if they had to air re-runs of Dr. Ken), Nick joins them at the villa to tell them that he is fully committed to the journey with these women. This has to be one of the more awkward dynamics among the women – my very good friends and I are very excited that the man we are all dating is going to continue to date all of us in the hopes that one of us will marry him?

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The first one-on-one date of the week goes to Vanessa, who kissed Nick after vomiting the last time they were alone for an extended period of time. I like Vanessa because she doesn’t seem caught up in the ‘Bachelor’ of it all. When Nick does something that is kinda lame, she calls him out on it. Many times on these shows you find women who look past all the Bachelor’s faults and see him as some type of Prince Charming. Vanessa doesn’t do that and sees him as a real person.

Vanessa_Week 7_1.gif

Despite his faults, Vanessa is falling in love with Nick and tells him as much at dinner. Nick, not wanting to tell girls that he loves them before the end of this whole thing, talks around the issue for an extended period of time. Seriously, I was watching with my roommate and she said, “what did he say to her, I literally was not listening.” Vanessa was a bit disappointed by Nick’s lack of enthusiasm over her declaration, but I think it was for the best. Just ask Ben how telling multiple women he loves them works out.

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The next date was the group date, featuring Corinne, Raven, and Kristina. Corinne is extremely disappointed because she is the only one of the women left who has not had  true one-on-one date. Plus, she really wants Nick to meet her nanny, Racquel. I think most of America wants this to happen as well.

With only three women on the date, it feels like it’s just a competition for Nick’s time. If Nick is paying attention to Kristina, Corinne needs to one up her. If Nick is paying attention to Corinne, Kristina isn’t going to let that happen. I love Raven even more than I already did for that fact that she seems to be above all of the competition. She chooses to spend her time talking to Nick about their relationship, and not worry about any of the other women. For that, she gets the group date rose, and is the only one who will be safe going into the end of the episode.

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The next one-on-one date this week was with Danielle M., who had the first one-on-one of the season. I’ve liked Danielle all this season, but I’ve always thought she was a little too timid and quiet for this experience. While I don’t doubt that there were a lot of conversations between her and Nick that weren’t shown on camera, but all we really know about her is that she’s sweet.

In this date, the conversation struggle was real. It was filled with ‘um’, Nick asking questions and receiving one word answers, and Danielle just reaffirming things Nick says.

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At night, poor Danielle pours her heart out to Nick, telling him that she is ready to take on life with him. Nick, however, only feels a great friendship with her and knows it’s time to send her home. He tells her that he doesn’t think their relationship can get to where he wants the love in his life to be. He tells her that he is sorry and that she is so great, and then the great heartbreak of the episode:

Danielle_Week 7_1.gif

Danielle, you are a kick-ass PICU nurse who deserves better than a guy who wears a hoodie on a nice date. You are great enough.

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Knowing that Nick is probably upset after sending Danielle home, Corinne decides that this is the time to go sneak over to his room and seduce him. In an impressive move, Nick turns down her advances, actually learning from his past experiences on the show. I do feel for Corinne though, this is the second time that she has attempted to throw herself at Nick, and has had him turn her away in some capacity. I think she is harder on herself than she should be though. Nick feels a connection with her, and I think Corinne thinks it is more just a physical connection, when I think that Nick actually enjoys her company.

corinne_week-7_1Finally we got this masterpiece in an episode.

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Rachel’s one-on-one is easy and fun, just like their relationship. They hang out at a local bar, and just chat with the locals and each other. We get more amusing conversations about how Nick should address Rachel’s dad, and I just pray that he somehow messes it up next week. I also enjoyed that they don’t shy away from the fact that this is an interracial relationship.

rachel_week-7_1

Although Nick was awkward in bringing it up, Rachel is very direct. No, she hasn’t brought a white guy home before but yes, she has dated white guys before. I never think Rachel has anything to worry about after her one-on-ones, and I’m once again proven correct.

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After his date with Rachel, Nick knows what he needs to do. I like that he is forgoing the formality of rose ceremonies, in order to have the difficult “break-up” conversations with these women who he has built strong connections with. Unfortunately, this break-up is with Kristina. As we learned last week, Kristina has been through some tough situations in her life, and she isn’t going to deal with Nick’s nonsense. As he is breaking up with her, Nick is tearing up and Kristina is shooting daggers. She does deserve someone who won’t sit in front of her and tell her that he has stronger relationships with someone else. Although she doesn’t seem the type, I’d love to see Kristina in Paradise, just so we can follow her journey more. I could see her finding someone there.

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We’ve got our final 4 ladies to head into hometowns. In a shocking (not really) move by ABC, we have already found out who our Bachelorette is for next season, and she is still in the running. Although I’m a little bummed to have the season spoiled a bit, I couldn’t be more excited that my girl Rachel will be the Bachelorette next season!

Best Tweets

Best Dressed

Unfortunately, I only really loved one outfit this week, and that was Raven’s dress from the group date. Luckily, I know where it’s from! You can get Raven’s STYLESTALKER dress here!

Raven Dress Week 7 .jpg

I’m seriously considering purchasing this beauty for one of the many weddings I have this summer. All I need is a little tan.

Sorry this got posted so late guys! Here’s to hoping next week is better. As always, I’d love to hear any feedback – you can always find me in the comments or on Twitter.

xo
Em

gif source.

realize-nick:week 6

Posted in Television by

So, I was wrong last week and Corinne did not go home – two people went home on a different one-on-one date. I don’t want to get ahead of myself so let’s get to the episode!

Nick Viall Drunk Dinosaur.gif

My Takeaways

The confrontation between Taylor and Nick was anti-climactic, with Taylor just telling Nick that Corinne lied to him. Nick tells her that the decision he made had nothing to do with what Corinne had said and everything to do with his heart.

The group is headed to St. Thomas. Upon arriving, Nick greets the women and whisks Kristina off on the one-on-one date of the week. We don’t get to see a ton of this date, which makes me think it was pretty boring. I did find it refreshing to see them drinking a couple beers while they chatted. I feel like these women are so often drinking champagne or wine. I certainly love a few glasses of wine or champs, but sometimes you just want a cold beer. Please forgive my minor tangent about alcohol, I’m doing sober February and watching the Bachelor makes the temptation real.

kristina-beer-gif

At dinner, Kristina finally tells Nick the story of her childhood. Her story is heartbreaking, and I admire her for everything she has been through. As Nick says, “when I was 5 I was complaining about going to kindergarten and Kristina was fending for herself.” There was no way Kristina wasn’t getting a rose after that story.

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The group date looked really fun, even though it dissolved into mayhem. The theme of the date was just ‘hanging out’ but Nick forgot that even that can be ruined by doing it with 6 with women who all want to marry you. I did find it really bizarre how quickly everything seemed to fall apart.  We know that they were all drinking (at one point, Nick made a call for shots), so emotions were already running wild but, it seemed like one minute they were playing volleyball and the next minute everyone was crying. This reaction shot of Raven summed it up best for me:

raven_volleyball_week-6:sigh: guys, I thought we were supposed to be having fun

At night, things don’t go much better. Rachel’s conversation with Nick was shown, and I think her experience probably mirrors most of the women’s. The group date situation isn’t natural, and it’s hard for them to just have fun when there is so much pressure on each relationship to move forward. The process is so short that a day spent having fun seems like a day wasted.

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Jasmine either didn’t have had any fun or had too much fun, because she was mad from the minute she heard that she was on the group date. She was the only woman there who hadn’t had any substantial alone time with Nick, and she felt like she was being overlooked. During their one-on-one time, she told Nick that she was frustrated how he seemed to be overlooking her and sometimes she just wants to choke him. Then she shows him how she would choke him, calls it sexual, asks him if he’s ever done that before, then tells him she’ll be the first to do it to him. It was a whole 30 seconds of awkward. Nick, not wanting to waste anyone’s time, tells Jasmine that he thinks it’s time for her to leave.

jasmine_week-5source

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Instead of being excited that one more woman was out of the running, they are shaken by Nick’s unpredictability. This theme continues with the two-on-one date. Whitney (she speaks!) and Danielle L. are chosen for the date, and are taken to the beach via helicopter. The beach is really just a great place to leave people behind (see: Olivia during Ben’s season). Nick has fine conversations with both women, but knows after speaking to both of them that Whitney is not the one for him. I was impressed to see that Whitney had a little spunk in her, and questionedvNick’s decision. Nick is not one to change his mind though, so him and Danielle fly off in the helicopter.

At this point, Danielle is probably feeling very confident, but she has not yet gotten the rose. At dinner, they talk about what they want in a relationship. It was obvious to see that Nick was trying to get her to not give a cookie-cutter answer when he asks, “besides communication and  honesty what are one or two words that describe the type of relationship you would want?” Danielle says, “trust”. I swear I could see Nick roll his eyes and kick himself for not including trust in his previous list of characteristics. I think that answer put the final nail in Danielle’s coffin, as he sends her packing as well. Unfortunately for Nick, during dinner Danielle had told him that she is falling in love with him. The process is getting to him, and he can’t figure out why he doesn’t love these great women who love him, and beginning to wonder if he is the problem.

nick-feelings-gifsource

In an odd, and possibly unprecedented move, Nick goes to the women’s hotel room after the date to talk to them. No knock either, he just barges in. He is visibly upset, and tells them that he is worried this process won’t work for him because he had so much excitement for his relationship with Danielle and it somehow fizzled out. He is worried that that will happen with all of their relationships as well. This is a lot to take in, so the women are mulling over what he says. In this time, Nick leaves the room. That’s Nick’s style I guess. Enter, drop bombshell, leave.

Next week looks to see pretty intense as it’s not even clear what the process will look like when Nick comes back to it. Luckily, we have Corinne and her platinum vagina to fix everything for us!

Best Tweets

Best Dressed

whitney_week-6_-rose-ceremony-dress

I loved Whitney’s dress during the rose ceremony. Her dress was by For Love and Lemons, a favorite of the Bachelor/Bachelorette ladies, and unfortunately is out of stock everywhere.  You can buy the mini dress version here, and the maxi is available on eBay here.  Another option for a similar look is a maxi skirt and crop top in the same style.

Rachel Week 6 St Thomas Arrival Outfit

Rachel’s look for arriving to St. Thomas looks like something I would wear on a plane. I love the graphic shorts and she looks so darn cute with the bandana as a headband! I wasn’t able to find her exact shorts, but I’ve included some other graphic black and white options here (only $5!), here and here.

danielle_group-date-dress_week-6

I thought Danielle’s dress during the cocktail portion of the group date was so romantic and easy. The dress is the Bardot Maxi from Flynn Skye.  I’m not sure that the exact print she wore the dress in is still available, but there are plenty of other gorgeous options here. I love the dress in ‘Day Bloom’.

What did you guys think of this episode? Are you starting to think this season is just going off the rails? Will Nick end up anyone? Let me know!

xo
Em

 

reading list-volume: 3

Posted in Books by

I’m back for another edition of the reading list! I’ve got a couple more book related posts coming, so look for a drop down menu on my blog header soon! Getting that all set up is on my to-do list for this week. Until then, you can check out the previous editions, here and here.

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  1. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynnsharp-objects_gillian-flynn

I finished Sharp Objects on a flight from Philadelphia to Orlando (well almost, I had to finish it while waiting in line for my shuttle bus). It is the story of a young reporter, Camille, who is reluctantly sent back to her hometown in order to cover the recent murders of two young girls. She is forced to stay with her mother, step-father, and half-sister, who all have secrets of their own. Through the story, Camille discovers connections between her family members and the victims, which culminates in a last-minute surprise ending. The book examines the relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as some of the emotions we feel when we go back to where we grew up.  However, it addresses these things in a decidedly dark and twisty way.

I’ve read all of Flynn’s books, and would recommend all of them if you like a good female-driven psychological thriller.  However, if you haven’t read (or seen) Gone Girl, my favorite of Flynn’s books, drop what you are doing and read it now.

2. Settle for More by Megyn Kellysettle-for-more_megyn-kelly

I’ve always admired Megyn Kelly as the type of woman who “has it all” – a kick-ass job, beauty, and I assumed a great family (although her kids and husband are largely kept out of the spotlight). In her book, Settle for More, these things were confirmed, but I also learned about the great deal of work that Kelly puts into her life in order to have it all.  She doesn’t shy away from the hard topics like the dissolution of her first marriage, her father’s death, or wishing she would get in a car crash due to unhappiness in her career path. By using these roadblocks, Kelly explains how a chance viewing of Dr.Phil led her to “settle for more”, and begin her career in broadcast journalism.

An interesting thing about the book that I didn’t expect was the amount of focus that was put on the most recent presidential election. Admittedly, I didn’t follow the election as closely as many people.  I followed the issues, but I tried not to be influenced by the media circus that surrounded it. As I learned, much of the circus was built around Donald Trump’s treatment of Megyn Kelly in the debates and on Twitter. The book gives Kelly’s side of the story, as well as behind the scenes details that weren’t previously reported in the media.

Politics aside, if you like books about strong women, I would recommend Settle for More.

3. The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gainesthe-magnolia-story_chip-and-joanna-gaines

As someone with two x chromosomes, I have a deep affinity for Chip and Joanna Gaines’ show Fixer Upper.  Ever since I watched the first episode, I’ve been inspired by their lovely family, and Joanna’s farmhouse designs. I’m guilty of selecting ‘Fixer Upper’ whenever it shows up on my TV Guide, and used to queue it up on Netflix while I’m falling asleep (Sidebar: WTH Netflix, getting rid of all the HGTV and Food Network shows?!).  When I learned they were putting a book out, I was quick to put it on my Christmas list, eager to learn more about two of my favorite television personalities.

If you like Fixer Upper, you will like The Magnolia Story.  It is written from both Chip and Jo’s perspective, with the text changing font to identify their changing viewpoints. The book focuses on their life as business partners and husband and wife, but branches into other areas of their life. I thought it was refreshing that they didn’t shy away from any of the non-glamourous parts of their story, whether it be financial trouble or Chip being arrested. Chip and Jo tell their story with the ease you would expect after watching them on television, and the book is just as authentic as they are.

If you want to learn more about Chip and Jo and don’t want to commit to the book just yet, Texas Monthly did a great piece on them that you can read here.

I went on an Amazon shopping spree the other month when the Lilly Pulitzer After-Party sale crashed (does anyone else ever just get a spending itch? Luckily I had Amazon gift cards), so I have a lot of books sitting on my bookshelf. Not sure what I’m going to pick up next, but I’m excited to share with you guys! As always, I’m always looking for recommendations so feel free to share what you are reading, either in the comments or you can find me @third_and_girl.

xo
Em

(all other images from Amazon)

 

oh, my nola-nick:week 5

Posted in Television by

I’m going to try something a little different this week, and give more of my impressions of the relationships than a general play by play of what went down.  I figure if you guys are checking this recap out, you’ve probably already watched the episode and don’t need to know every time Corinne was drunk in an ITM.

corinne_weird-face_week-5source

My Takeaways

We start this week where we left off last week, with the Taylor vs. Corinne feud.  We all knew this  relationship was going to come to a head at some point, and we get that with the dreaded 2-on-1 date. Although I am #TeamTaylor in this conflict, Corinne said some things throughout the episode that made me think about this feud in a different light. When arguing with Taylor at the rose ceremony, Corinne actually has concrete examples of how Taylor has made her feel un-welcome or disrespected. When Taylor responds that she doesn’t want to be fake to people, Corinne says, “that’s not what we want.” She isn’t making the confrontation entirely about her, which makes me think that there may be some merit to her complaints. There are two sides to every story, and the producers can choose to only one side. However, I question that when Corinne chooses to tell Nick that Taylor verbally attacked her and then gloat about her take down in her ITM.

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On a more positive note, the dates are heading to New Orleans and the first date of this week belonged to Rachel aka my girl crush. From all the one-on-ones that we’ve seen, I really think that Nick and Rachel have the best chemistry. The entire date, Nick can’t keep his hands off of her, and their chemistry jumps through the screen at you. From trying beignets to dancing with The Second Line, these two just really seem to be in sync. Something I thought was really refreshing about Rachel, is she acknowledges the process that she is on.  When The Second Line is coming down the street, she says in an ITM that she knows that it is for them.  Any person walking in New Orleans wouldn’t assume that, but she knows that this is a show, and things are amped up. There is none of the “oh my gosh, I can’t believe that there is a private concert/helicopter ride/hot tub in a corn field” with her.

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At night, Nick isn’t afraid to tell Rachel that he’s into her, even saying “I don’t know if I’m breaking the rules, but I’m super into you.” There doesn’t seem to be any hesitation in him when talking about meeting her family. He sees Rachel being here for the long haul. My favorite interaction between the two of them was regarding Rachel’s dad who is a federal judge.

Nick: Do I have to call him sir? I mean, I’m going to call him sir until he tells me to call him something else.
Rachel: Do not call him Sam.
Nick: I will not, ever. I’m not an idiot.

Nick thinks he’s going to meet Rachel’s family in the future, and he wants to get this out of the way in preparation. No surprise, Rachel gets the rose.

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The group date of this week had all of the women spending the day at a haunted house. It’s a perfect date for New Orleans, but it doesn’t have a ton of substance. The majority of the air time is spent on the girls being scared in the house, and odd “coincidences” happening due to spirits. I’m guessing there were a lot of producers in that house that night.

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The only meaningful interactions on this date happened in a few one-on-one sessions outside. In Raven’s time, she accidentally lets it slip that she loves Nick. I loved how she was not embarrassed about it, or anxious/paranoid that it was too soon. She had the outlook of “Eh, I feel it, I said it. It is what it is.”. Nick’s one-on-one time with Danielle M. was also pretty significant, as he gave her the group date rose. From what was shown, they did more cuddling and kissing than talking but I like Danielle M. a lot.

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As I said earlier, Taylor and Corinne are put on the two-on-one. On their  date in the bayou, you could cut the tension with a knife. Piggybacking on her previous conversation with Nick, Corinne reiterates how Taylor makes emotionally attacked her, called her stupid, and made her feel bullied. Nick asks Taylor about this, telling her that he was surprised, and despite all of Taylor’s insistence that it is not true and also surprises her, Corinne had already buried her too deep. Corinne gets the group date rose, leaving Taylor alone in the bayou. Unable to go out on Corinne’s terms, Taylor decides to crash Nick and Corinne’s dinner. I normally hate this move, but I don’t blame Taylor in this case. She wasn’t able to really, truly defend herself as she was trying to make a good impression and not spend her alone time with Nick talking about Corinne. After not being given a rose, she has nothing to lose, but she does have her reputation to protect. Obviously, we don’t get to see the conversation between Nick and Taylor, as we get the dreaded, “To Be Continued…”.

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We lost style star Sarah, Astrid, and Taylor in this episode, and from the preview it seems Corinne could be right behind them. Here’s to hoping!

Best Tweets

Best Dressed

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The shirt Danielle wore upon their arrival to New Orleans was so casual and cool. I wasn’t able to find Danielle’s exact shirt but you I found some similar cold shoulder lace tops with a similar vibe. You can check them out here, here, and here.

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My girl knows how to do casual like no other. I loved the sexiness of the open back of Rachel’s body suit, paired with some really cool distressed and high-waisted jeans. While trying to find the exact jeans (unfortunately I failed), I got really excited for spring, and the ability to wear distressed denim again.  Some similar bodysuit options can be found here and here, and some denim options can be found here, here, and here.

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Vanessa’s dress for the group date looked SO comfy.  If you know me, you know I’m a girl who loves to be comfortable (My boyfriend bought the majority of my Christmas presents by reading this Buzzfeed article, and I loved everyone of them). Besides its comfort, Vanessa looked amazing in this form fitting, grey, racerback dress. I’ve found some similar, and very budget-friendly(!), options here, here, and here.

What did you guys think of this episode? Are you hoping Corinne gets the boot next week or do you love the entertainment that she brings? Let me know in the comments!

xo
Em