KS does it again

Dear Kate Spade-

    Thank you for making the perfect 30th/NYE dress for me. No thanks for pricing it at $428. I will now need it to go on sale at least twice before the holidays to make it mine. If that can happen then all will be right in the world.

 

 

xoxo,

    Taylor

Book 70

Lately I have been slacking on my blogging and my reading. Lot's of life changes are coming my way like a move to Houston at the end of the month and starting my new, what I think is my dream job, there. I am super excited and all the interviewing etc has caused me to neglect the blog and I haven't been reading as much.

 

I finished my 70th book yesterday and I just torn thru it. It was The Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. It's set in the early 1900's and a man puts an ad in the newspaper for a wife. It was a good light right and I kept turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen. It didn't disappoint which I was happy about. I highly recommend it.

 

I also recently read Andy Cohen's book, Most Talkative. If you love Watch What Happens Live and most of Bravo's programming and think Andy Cohen is the man, then you will probably love this book. Another plus of it was all the great old school pictures.

I heart Zara

Earlier this summer I popped into Zara to see what they had. Some of it is not my taste and a bit out there but I liked enough stuff to add it to my list of places I swing by. I found these great linen shirts and at $19.90 each they are a steal. They are so freaking cute and comfortable. I highly recommend them. I was reminded about this again this week when my friend LG mentioned she had gone in and purchased one and that they had a 3/4 sleeve one too. 2 thumbs up for sure.










Also, I got a bit wild and crazy and picked up these flats. A pretty different departure for my normal classic and pretty style but I paired them last night with skinny jeans and a striped shirt. I was rather pleased with the look!























Didn't see these in the store but saw them online and am also swooning over them. I love an animal print.

In news that warms my heart and has no bearing on my life

I saw that Bill and Giuliana Rancic's surrogate had their son. When I read the article on both People and US Weekly, I got chills. Like happiness chills. Do I know either of these people? Nope, but they seem like really nice people who really wanted to have a baby. They will now be roadtripping it with the bambino from Denver to Chicago. Best of luck on a long drive. I am sure both of them read of blog religiously, so congrats you two!

File this under things you didn't know you needed

I bought this because two of my most culinary friends had one. It seemed silly but dang if it doesn't serve a purpose and look cute. If you need someone to core your strawberries, I'm your girl!

Slipper Follow Up

I tried the slippers below on and sadly, they were not comfortable. Love affair over!

Sweet Slipper

I need to get my bootie to the Gap to try these beauties on! The reviews aren't super favorable on their comfort level so I need to try them on to be sure.

Yappy Hour

Friday night we had a fantastic bday dinner/drinks for one of my nicest and dearest friends D. I was telling them how I was getting a dog for a week next month, which side note, how in the world is it almost September??? I babysat for a little boy and he has a pretty sweet dog, Cori. Cori just hangs on the couch with me while I read after the kiddo has gone to sleep. I mentioned my pet sitting skills and she mentioned that Cori normally stayws with the person watching her. I have never had a dog stay with my before in my 420 feet of fun palace. I assume she will chill in the book nook all day long like any good dog. While telling this story one party guest, A, told me I should have a Yappy Hour when Cori stays over. I mean it's brillant. Who wouldn't want to come over for some cocktails and appetizers to meet my dog for a week. I am so doing this. Yappy Hour evites to follow!

A vow of job silence

Today, after getting what felt like rejection #120299 for a job I applied for and interviewed for, I decided that I am going to take a vow of job silence. I don't really talk about my job stuff on here other than sharing stories about annoying co-workers, but I have been looking and applying for a new job for 1.5 years. It's the most frustrating thing I have ever done and has been filled with rejection. All rejections no offers. I haven't turned down any opportunities. I think every interview goes well. I feel really good when I leave and then the waiting begins and it always feels like it's been too long, and when it feels too long, it means you didn't get the job. When the email or letter finally comes letting me know I didn't get the job, I am not surprised but am still sad.

 

I can't wait for the day when I finally get an offer but it feels like it will be never. Yes, this is not a very positive post, lo siento, my life is not all rainbows and unicorns. I know I am lucky to have a job. I never claim to not be but this rejection business does a number on your self esteem, which is my case, is already not very good to begin with.

 

After this mornings email I decided I am going to try something new, a vow of silence. I am not going to talk about the job hunt. The interviews etc. I am just going to do it. It's too hard to talk about or run into someone and they ask and they are asking about a job 10 applications before. Moving forward radio silence on this front. This will be hard for me because I am a sharer, but I am going to give it a go. The fact of the matter is, when I have a new job, I will be shouting it from the rooftops and leading my own parade. Until that time, I am keeping it real quiet around these parts.

Who wouldn't need this?

Give me one good reason I don't need this for my bookcase??

Hot or Not

When I first saw this my intention was to make fun of it. The more I look at it, the more I don't hate it and think it's kinda great. It might just be because I am excited for something shiny after my boring day.

 

Do I need this as my 30th bday outfit?

The Olympics

Sorry for the lack of posts. The Olympics have taken over my life. I am also obsessed with Ryan Lochte. Mainly his body and perhaps his grillz.

Bachelor Pad

I don't think I am going to be doing recaps of Bachelor Pad. I know everyone is very sad but I am pretty sure I never got comments on them anyway.

That being said I was chatting about last night's episode with  AS. I was commenting on how based on the "This season on Bachelor Pad previews" that Chris was going to be quite the lady's man. I don't get this at all. He is not attractive to me. She then sent me this image in a link and said it was him. It really is uncanny how much they look alike. 

All I can say about this season is that I hope Kalon and Erica Rose stick around because they are my main source of entertainment. I will also be catty and say how in the world did Jaqui makes it on the show in the first place? Her nose job is terrible and she is not up to the normal ABC standards. Beyond not being very attractive on the outside, it was clear from this first episode that she is even uglier on the inside. 

And we are done!

the most dramatic television of the summer....I knew they would have to throw in most dramatic somewhere. They also informed me this would be 3 hrs total!! Good lord this is going to be a long night!

Ricki runs out wearing a fanny pack. I hope this is signs of great things to come. 

Emily tells Jef he looks nice. Yes, he clearly spent a lot of time picking out the white hanes pocket t! I don't have much more to say about this because I kinda zoned out/fast forwarded thru a lot of this. Like I said a few weeks ago, I am just ready for this to be over.

Enter Arie and another Henley shirt. He is to Henley shirts as Emily is to sequins. Arie, in an interesting turn, also kept all of the roses she had given him. Interesting. Not sure if I believe he really did this or just found some later and thought this might be a good idea but oh well, points for him. 

I am wondering if Emily and her mother go to the same person for botox. Neither of their foreheads seem to move. She also says she doesn't want to be the girl that has been engaged 3 times. Well here is an idea, pick a guy, but don't get engaged. See where it goes. I know this won't happen. 

They always tell her she looks amazing. This is a reality dating show and clearly they aren't going to let her look like crap! She is talking about what a big decision it is to introduce the guys to Ricki, I feel like you can't consider getting engaged to someone without them meeting your child. I am generally interesting in seeing if she let's them meet her or not. She decides to introduce him to Ricki. It just feels awkward. I am sure it is the setting and that there are all these cameras around. I also glimpsed some sort of tattoo on Jef's forearm and I am interested to know what it is. It looks like it says something but not sure what. I think Jef did well with ricki and that Arie is going to have big shoes to fill in the baby daddy situation. 

But we won't see that happen because she has decided that Jef is the one for her and Arie will not be meeting Ricki. I still have 40 mins in the show and know they will drag this out to the bitter end. Lot's more fast forwarding for me. Arie cooked something with some random lady and Emily shows up and starts crying. It's the beginning of the end for the handsome Arie. I am sure this won't be the last time we see him. I feel like he handled this well. She keeps saying this isn't what she wanted, I mean what did she think would happen and please stop crying. You are getting a great guy and Arie is getting sent home. You don't get to keep talking to him. Let him go and spare him. I felt like she was being a bit selfish.

I did really appreciate that she let him go without having him get all dressed up and propose to her. I hate when they do that. Waiting until he is down on bended knee professing his love for her before she tells him, sorry but I am picking the other dude. Future seasons take note. 

Now to Chris Harrison and the audience. I feel bad for them because they can't fast forward thru al the boring stuff. I also think they told the audience to look as sad and depressed as possible. Let the people at home think you have really been upset by the end of a relationship where you don't know either of the people. Now we will interview people in the audience like Ashley and JP. Way to drag this out ABC!

I am applauding the blue pant choice by Jef. Bold move and I approve. Emiy is getting ready in yet another sequined gown. I can only hope/assume she will wear this to the after the rose ceremony as well. Jef does look handsome in his suit. I am willing to look past the skinny tie. When she is telling him that Arie is gone and it's just them it just seems so fake or maybe she just talks fake all the time. I also think it's a bit odd that he is going to propose and she hasn't met his parents yet. Insert the well placed Neil Lane diamond box shot out. Also, do they require them to wait like 10 seconds before saying yes on the show. Ugh, this music is terrible. 

I guess I am also giving up hope on the Chris Harrison love triangle aspect. He is thanking Arie for being there. Yeah Chris, Arie doesn't really get a choice. Pretty sure that he signed a contract and that was what was required of him. Arie is so dreamy. He is going to be one of those men that grays naturally and handsomely. Like George Clooney. 

Arie and Jef have a great friendship. I really hope this means that Arie will be a groomsman. That would be amazing if we actually get to the wedding. That's a big if since pretty much none of these things work out. 

Season over, Bachelor Pad starts tomorrow. Thank god! Que the drama and the fights. Bring on Erica Rose and her tiaras! 

Paper Me Please!

http://www.nicelynoted.com/  Best idea ever!


I would take any level of membership you wanted to gift me!

An Alexander Day

Folks, yesterday was a total Alexander Day. I learned one of the jobs that applied for went with another candidate. For what felt like the 1 millionth time, I have been passed over. 

I also made tuna salad for lunch today that I was rather excited about. It smelled a bit fishy this morning but I thought that was because I was making it while barely awake. That was not the case. I  think it was bad tuna and instead of risking my life to eat it, I threw it away. I had a backup soup to make, Butternut Squash bisque. In a word, yuck. Way too sweet. I was left with no options and starving. Enter the work cafeteria that I just get hot water from. Today I got a PB&J sandwich because it was pretty much all that was left but really hit the spot. 

While getting the sandwich I ran into a co-worker I hadn't seen in a while. He asked how I was I said having an Alexander day, he didn't get my reference. I have been thinking about his no good very bad day since. I called my mom about the bad tuna, because from Houston she was going to be able to solve my bad tuna issue. I was in a less than pleasant mood. I texted her shortly thereafter to apologize and said I was having an Alexander Day. She understands these days. 

I hope today Alexander is nowhere near! Also, if you have never read this book, you should. It's a classic and a keeper. 

New Look

Anchors and Argyle got a bit of a face lift! Looking much more professional, right? This is all courtesy of the BFF. She informed me that it looked a bit ghetto and she could snaz it up for me. She did a great job and I am loving it so far. It will class up the deep posts that you have come to know and love here!

Awkward Youth

After seeing the picture of Cindy Crawford's 10 yr old modeling and seeing pictures of 13 year old Elle Fanning, I was left wondering, what happened to the awkward phase in youth? I know I didn't look like them at those ages. I had bad teeth, skin, and my fashion was no where near what they are rocking. I feel bad for today's youths. This is what they are having to keep up with. Seesh!

Still More Sequins!

Cuarcao. Bitch took one of the places I really want to visit. It has now been tainted by her and will never be the same. Rude!

Another week, another season recap, you know, in case you forgot from last week's recap. I had forgotten how great Jef's entrance was and that he threw his skateboard to the side after skating in on it. I also liked her writing her name in the sand and then the water washing it away. So deep. It probably took her about 6 shots to get this right.

First date is with Sean. She is upset he hasn't said he loves her yet. If I was in charge he would probably be my pick based on his lack of throwing out the L word. He doesn't know how or when he is going to tell her. I vote tell her as you push her off the helicopter. That would be perfect. Instead, she just keeps hinting at it. Ugh. Annoying. He wrote Ricki a letter. That is pretty sweet but moving on to THE FANTASY SUITE LETTER!!! aka the moment I have been waiting for. Bring on the petal covered floors and hot tub scene. Or just a hot tub. She wants to set a good example for her daughter so she sends him home and doesn't let him stay the night. Perhaps the better example would have been not being on these shows to begin with??

Jef is up now. How will this weather will affect his hair. They go on a boat etc. Now they have time to chat and  I appreciate that he is asking questions. This sounds silly but I feel like he is the only one who asked her anything. Also, this is the second date where the sound of the crickets or whatever in the background is sooooo freaking loud. Did this drive anyone else crazy?

Last but not least, Arie. I feel a lot of lust between them. For sure the strongest sexual connection. There was also a close up of them kissing on the boat and I thought that he might be eating her face. Also, might I note that Arie has got some sexy hair. He kinda just oozes sex appeal. Again with the role model part. She keeps making out with all of them. What does she think that will say?

I also found this than stellar picture of Arie. I also found his mug shot from 2008 and he looked better in that, than this!

Chris Harrison posted on facebook today to have the tissue's for the end of the episode. Can't wait to see what happens. blah blah blah, she talks to Chris Harrison, who is now not wearing his wedding ring. Now for the private video message. I wonder if I was the only one who's mind went close to the gutter with the mention of that statement. 

Still impressed with her ability to find so many sequined outfits. Way to own the look though.

I wish Sean would have stepped it up a bit in the fashion department but I am guessing he was packing light for the trip. He should have packed a bit of sunscreen as well. I am also wondering what is up with Emily's bird necklace thingy. Yuck. 

I have no idea who will be sent home. Maybe Arie because it's just lust? That's all I've got folks.

But instead it is Sean. I guess the plus is he is still available for single Dallas ladies and he is a catch. Too good for her. The she offers to walk him out and then just sits in silence waiting for him to say something. Painful. Now she is crying and this just doesn't feel fair to him. Please walk away Sean. You have handled this so well so far.

Men Tell All is next week. I am looking forward to it. More men, less Emily.

For the record, Chris Harrison, the tissues went unused! I think it's Arie for the win!

Patting myself on the back

Please bear with me while I go ahead and shamelessly promote a good deed I have been doing lately. 

It's crazy, so brace yourself. It's called.....

Making your bed. 

That's right lady and gents, I have been making my bed every morning for the past few weeks. The sheets aren't nicely tucked in or anything under the comforter but it's pulled up and pillows on the the bed. It's crazy how much more pulled together it makes my place look. You just have to ignore the shoes and discarded outfits to get the full effect. 

I hoped by putting it on the interwebs it would make my commitment to this task a little bit more long lasting. 

How many episodes are left??

Not sure how great the recap will be tonight since I am pretty much done with the season. I just don't care. Bring on Bachelor Pad!!

Emily returns home to Ricki. She runs downstairs and I don't see Emily thank anyone for watching her so I'm lead to believe she was home alone. Great mom!

First up we have to recap the season, which I fast forward through. I watched season so I don't want to waste 5ish mins seeing it recapped. Now to sleep with our full hair and makeup on. 

Now for the dates. Chicago with crazy eyed Chris. I don't feel hopeful for him as he talks about her being happy in Chicago. He missed the memo in the first episode about how she and Ricki will never leave Charlotte. Rookie mistake. Now we are at the family home and she is wearing a t-shirt over a button down shirt. This reminds me of freshman year of high school when there was a girl who would wear a shirt or tank over our uniform shirts. It was an interesting look to say the least. I do love that he tells his mom he was a hot mess. Nice. He tells her he loves her and per usual on the show she doesn't reciprocate. Now for a polish party and cheap carnations. He says his family loves her to. How is this  possible they just met her!!

Jef, in the middle of nowhere, or where you might dump a body, is very excited to see her. Sarcasm aside, the ranch is super pretty and now she will see more via the buggy ride. Also for him being so timid with the kissing in the beginning he is going balls to the wall now. His skinny jeans were such a tease for what he really is into which is guns and dude stuff. Emily also takes gun lessons. Ugh. Seriously over this. I do like Jef's older brother and his whole family. They seem very nice and down to earth. I also noticed that Emily spends a lot of time fixing her hair. 

Arie at the race track. With a cammo car. I guess due to the National Guard sponsorship. Looking stupid hot, like she said. He is hot and his family is big, and rude. Rude like talking in Dutch in front of her when she doesn't speak Dutch. Now the mom is wanting to get the goods on what happened with her and Brad! Next.

When do the fantasy suites happen? Next week? those were always a fave time for me. The decision to seem like a good girl on tv or go and do some heavy petting and see if there is a spark more than kissing. 

To Dallas with Sean we go. I like Sean. He is my dark horse. He didn't stand out a ton in the beginning to me but has been growing on me episode by episode. If she doesn't pick him I want to go stalk him in Dallas. She also uses the word perfect too much. In fact, I hope she doesn't pick her. He can do better. It's a freaking sweet kids play house in the backyard. It's bigger than my apartment. And he lives at home. She going back on every time they had after she finds this out. His room is like a big child's room. The stuffed animals were weird...but this is just a joke. Lame. I wish he lived at home. She also calls him Honey. This running down the street part is so staged. Her windows had to have been rolled up so I know she didn't hear his weak yelling.

Final rose ceremony, it's the hardest rose ceremony, blah blah blah. Chris gets sent home. I won't act surprised. I read he was going to be on Bachelor Pad so this was to be expected. I am just curious to see who she picks and if they are together or is she with Chris Harrison, which is one of the crazy rumors I ahve heard. Chris I think the other reason you went home was because you tried to rewear a tie from the time you were a groomsman. Teal silky and pocket square. Horrible!

Successful Status Updates

These are just my thoughts, so I am sure everyone else agrees with them

1. Are funny

2. Announce something exciting

3. Feature pink pants and fun shoes. Trust me, I got great response here

4. Random pictures of funny or interesting things you have seen. My friend AM has this down to a science and always sees fantastic stuff.

5. Interesting/teach you something you didn't know. I love some random factoids so bring them on.

6. Comment on your co-workers. This is also where I shine. I also work in a terrible place with endless stories to mention. I do my people a favor and limit it to the really good stuff, like bagels and finger nail cutting.  

They are not

1. Oversharing. No I don't care or feel sorry for you about this!

2. Whiny. Probably means I am going to screen your call later if you call.

3. Political. Quasi is ok but I have a FB friend who is so anti-Obama. I am not politicial at all but their constant trashing of him is just old and overdone. Get a new shtick. 

4. Trashy. Nothing is worst than those perimeter friends you have. Very different from you and dress trashy. I take that back. These are good updates. They provide me with lots of entertainment. 

Ok think that sums it up. Aren't you glad this was a second post and not included in the first.

The FB overshare

Ohh the facebook. You allow us to creepy watch our friends or frenemies online and see what they are up to, without actually having to talk to them.

Also on facebook are the oversharers. If I have become one of these people due to my love of Justin Bieber or other silly things then I apologize, but I am talking about these other people who make it worse for everyone. 

My friend sent me the status of someone she knows. Their comment was how they are trying for baby #2. What??? You just announced this to 350 of your "closest" friends? I was shocked. Now people will be asking all the time about it. what happens if there are issues or complications or God forbid you lose your baby. Do you want those 350 "friends" commenting on? What do I care. Based on my limited knowledge of this person I am sure they would post any medical issues that came up as their current status.

There was a girl I used to be friends with who posted all the time and I swear was pregnant for like 1039438 months. Her pregnancy seemed so long because I am sure she peed on the stick, told her husband, then immediately posted it as her status update. I am sure if people asked her how far along she was, that the answer was like 10 days. I ran into her at a party and evidently wasn't friendly enough to her because shortly there after I discovered she defriended me. I figured this out because my news feed was without her hourly status updates. Word on the street is that I missed the pretty much play by play of her birth and thoughts on breastfeeding. I have never been so happy to have been defriended. 

Then there is the debbie downer. The one who always has the sad story or her day or life or whatever is bad. It might be raining all over Austin but I assure you the rain is the worst where she is. Just stop. Oh and people commenting on these comments, you stop as well. You are only giving them what they want and will help to continue this horrid cycle. Just ignore it and roll your eyes like the rest of us. Or email your friend who is also friends with this person and talk about it. That is what I have been doing. I just want to shake the girl and say "Get yo shit together and stop whining about everything on FB"

This will be a 2 part series. The next part will simply be a list of ways to make a successful status update. I know you will want to back in for that. really I would just include it here but I seem like I have been a bit word heavy on the posts lately so I am saving my words for another day.

50 down..make that 51

Last night I finished my 50th book and then today I finished listening to The Mockinjay for my 51st book. 51 books done for the year. My friends know I love to read and often ask for good suggestions. I am going to post the list of the 51 books below. I am not going to claim that they are all deep reads, because they aren't but for the most part, I enjoyed every book I read. My faves are hi-lighted in yellow. Those are the books I think you need to run out and read ASAP! Obviously the Harry Potter Books and the Hunger Games books are great. I didn't include them as my tops because they were audio books this time around and I had already read them before. 

1. The Winter of our Disconnect: I am a sucker for a book about someone else’s life and the crazy thing they decided to do.
2. The Amazing adventures of Kavilier and Clay: Michael Chabon
3. Shop Your Closet
4. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
5. House of Mirth
6. The Night Circus
7. Moon Called
8. Explosive 18
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
10. Divergent
11. I love your Style
12. The Magicians
13. Escape from Saddam
14. The Reversal- Michael Connelly
15. Good Christian Bitches
16. Crossed
17. Smart Women
18. Empire of the Summer Moons
19. All that Remains- Patricia Cornwell
20. I’ll Be Seeing You- Mary Higgins Clark
21. The Paris Wife
22. A Great and Terrible Beauty
23. Bond Girl: Erin Duffy
24. Defending Jacob: Great mystery and page turner.
25. 50 Shades of Gray
26. Rebel Angels
27. Nicole Brown Simpson: The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted
28. 50 Shades Darker
29. 50 shades freed
30. The Fame Game
31. Taken
32. Prodigal Summer
33. The Hunger Games
34. The Sweet Far Game
35. Savannah Blues
36. If I Stay
37. Where She Went
38. Maze Runner: Loved this whole series. Yes, they are young adult but well written. Other books in the series are #41 and 50
39. Wild
40. Wonder: One of the best most heartwarming books I have read in a very long time. It made my heart very happy.
41. The Scorch Trials
42. Sharp Objects
43. Catching Fire
44. Little Bitty Lies
45. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
46. The Wedding Girl
47. Insurgent
48. Guts- Kirsten Johnston
49. Then Came You- Jennifer Weiner
50. The Death Cure
51. The Mockingjay

this week on emily is a dumdum

Tonight to the Prague we go. Poor Ricki is still back in Charlotte. Jef calls it from the beginning "Tonight is a big night" Jef, every moment is a big night. Get with the program. I joke, I like him. He probably lost rock paper scissors this week and had to give the cheesy line.

Blah blah blah, next week is hometown week. Let's focus on this week first. Insert Chris Harrison. I was hoping he would be around more this episode and I hope this is a good indicator of the episode to come. "gentleman enjoy Prague" Chris Harrison has the best deal out of it. They are forced to go on cheesy dates and I am sure he is out enjoying the sites. He seriously has the best job ever!

Contestant Chris, still has creepy eyes. Bring on the date with Arie. So handsome and when will this producer biznass hit the fan. She keeps talking about this secret. I mean just cut to the chase. Stop with the walking around kissing in your shorts with your high boots. Clearly it's not a big enough issue that you don't want to make out with him. Now Chris Harrison breaks down what Emily might be not happy about. "It's like a real life thing, not a production thing" What?? this isn't all real life Emily??? I feel so lied to. 

I am over this issue. Emily is being dramatic. Just tell him. He tells you about his lame tattoo just tell him that you know about Cassie. Geez. He must also not know the rules of tattooing someones names on them. My friends husband told me to tattoo someone name on you and have it not be bad luck they had to be dead or blood related. No wonder it didn't work out with her. Stupid Arie. Know the rules. The only plus to this situation is the extra camera time for Chris Harrison. Always a plus. Also, his shooting these little explanations, clearly has been done recently since he is sans ring. Pretty sure Arie apologizing about Cassie was a total voice over. I didn't really see his lips move while he was saying it and we were given the side shot. 

She really hopes she gets to meet his family.Ummmm she does realize she is in charge of her future and gets to give him a rose or not. I mean she gets to decide if she meets his family or not. Geez. 

I liked Arie in the beginning but him telling her that he loves her means I have lost a bit of respect for him. I get it, you need to step your game, but she just talked about wanting to meet your family. I think you have it in the bag for this week. The love bomb is thrown out way to easily on this show. I think at this point they known each other for 5 weeks and have spent a grand total added up of 2 days together. And ABC wonders why these relationships never work out. 

Also might I note, Brad the Bachelor might not have been the sharpest tool in the shed but I think I can see why he and Emily didn't work out. One tool in the relationship has to be sharp and clearly neither of these meets that qualification.

Now for date time with Wolf. I think he should be out based on his nickname alone. Instead we are treated to a super staged history lesson. At first glance I thought the lock said Jef not J&E. Makes more sense now that I saw a close up because I thought he was putting his support in Jef's corner. 

Now Sean is roaming the city looking for Emily. I am surprised it took him as long as it did to find her. How hard was it to find all the cameras and lights? Also, why has it taken so long and so many seasons for the gents to not figure out this is the way to more one on one time with her.

Group date time. Chris' temper is starting to come out. It's raining and Emily has planned a great date. A great date on an open air horse drawn carriage where they have to hold their umbrellas up so they don't get wet. Wow. Also, up until this date, I forgot Doug was still around. Sure sign that he is going to be a goner. He is so awkward. I wonder if he is still this weird in real life or if it's just the TV. Doug, the pace of this show is way to fast for your tortoise moving self. The the mid-sentence kiss of death. Well that is what I am going to call it because she is kicking you to the curb and kissing her now isn't going to help your cause. He thinks his girl radar is totally broken. I think America, or girls ages 18-35, are nodding their heads in agreement. 

I don't think leaving Chris alone with the rose is a good idea. Nor was letting Sean have alone time with her first. Jef can't believe he is the last one to hang out with her and go on a one on one date. The hits keep on coming. You got the the last card and everyone else has gone on their dates or is currently on them thus you get the final date. 

Chris doesn't get the rose on the group date. The freak out is about to begin. Boiling down to the most dramatic rose ceremony ever. I hope they use metal detectors because I could see him packing heat and going postal.

Jef making the MJ marionette dance was pretty great. Well done sir, well done. The whole acting it out with the marionettes is just cheesy. I am fast forwarding. Come to think of it I am slowly losing interest in the season in general. Major props to Jef for making a date in a big old library romantic. It couldn't have been easy. 

Chris Harrison breaks the news that there is no cocktail party. Oh the horror of going thru the rose ceremony sans booze and Chris going crazy because can't talk to her. I think she might be sending Chris and Wolf home. Wolf leave the pack and Chris is still around in all his creepy glory. I guess next week will be his week to peace out. 

I can't wait for this season to be over. Emily is a dummy. 

Belated Recap

Sorry for the delay. It's been a crazy week and I haven't been home to watch The Bachelorette until now.

Enter Croatia. Ricki has been sent home. Sure glad they let Emily shoot this in Charlotte per her demands since they spent all of 2 weeks there. As the gents pull up on a boat with an Irish jig playing in the background??? Whatever, it's not like I know anything about Croatia. Maybe it's a former Irish colony. I don't care enough to google to confirm this

"Emily might be the only thing more gorgeous then these views" Travis. Well played sir, too bad by the time she hears this the season will be over.

It's also like 6 mins in and Ryan has already been creepy. His beard is also not helping his cause.

Travis not taking your shirt off probably means you are going home.  She dances and just doesn't care. I dare say she might not be smart enough to care...Oh now for the men at home's thoughts on Travis and the date. How could anyone hear anything when Ryan was wearing that tank top, wife beater. Whatever it was, it was so wrong. 

Has anyone else noticed that Emily's handwriting is like a 13 year olds? I feel like she dot's her i's with hearts. 

Goodbye Travis,  we barely even knew you. How perfect that you have to walk away in a rain storm too. 

Group date is a movie. Yes, let's sit in the dark and not be able to talk. Enter Brave product placement. Damn Pixar, you are sneaky! But just when they thought the lame date was over they get to wear kilts and do highland games. worst than the kilts are the shoes and that they had to ride donkeys. Yuck. They are all wearing cut off shirts in a place where it is clearly freezing. I'm not complaining because every event they did seemed to have the sole purpose of showing of the arm muscles. Chris sucks at all the events but wins the bravery cup. Lame. Shawn broke a log, he should have won. She also talked about how not important muscles were. Can we please rewind to her being upset Travis didn't take his shirt off??? I think if he had, he would have gotten a rose. 

Arie and Emily take a walk and she comments on the creepy dolls in the shop, he then takes that "special" moment as the time to make out with her against the wall of the creepy doll shop. I like Arie but his timing could have been a ton better.

Oh Ryan please stop talking about your pro-football career. You played arena football and in Europe. Not what I think when I think of pro-football. 

Time to give out the rose on the group date and it goes to Chris. Yuck. Just not feeling him. What about my boy Sean or Arie? Or even Jef with 1 F.

The world is our pearl- Oh Ryan. You are fantastic. Better one-liners than Kalon for sure. And they are going oystering. Oh appropriate.

Wolf is still round. I keep forgetting about him so I feel like he won't be around much longer.

Now we get back to Ryan and the date and his use of the word trophy wife. I mean she looks like one for sure but he should keep these comments to his self. He just creeps me out. Yeah he is hot, but he is the hot guy at the bar that will probably slip a roofie in your drink. Also I am going to take this moment to comment on his terrible beard. What is going on with his chin hair. It's just odd. He should shave. Does he not get that he is digging himself a bigger and bigger hole each time he uses the word trophy. He wrote a list of 12 things he wants in his future wife. Doesn't want to be ridiculed. Does that mean his wife can't make fun of his tank top? Deal breaker for me. Sorry Ryan, I know we would have been so good together. He is also not given a rose so looks like his happily ever after won't happen with Emily. He is shocked. Really? Do you not realize what a dbag you are? Maybe you will after viewing this show, or maybe you will be proud of yourself. He is also now arguing with her? If she is such a catch why do you have to convince her. Ohh please don't second guess yourself Emily!!! He is a snake and him getting you to change your mind would further prove this!! Oh, phew. Way to stay strong Emily. 

I guess the ABC producers didn't take Ryan's advice on his to edit him because he come off exactly as he feared, as an arrogant ass. Can't think it's just how they edited it though. I mean you have to do the things that create that image.

Now that he is gone, does that mean there will even be a rose ceremony? She sent them both home and I think that wraps up the 2 cuts this week unless she is going to go for the gusto and cut another dude.

Now Arie just pops up? Again, what are the rules. I mean if they all knew that they could come over and talk to her, they certainly would. Who needs a one on one date when you can just walk to where she is staying. Also loving how the only place they could sit happened to be her bed. Good job ABC. Limit the chairs and non-horizontal options. 

I have also noticed that Emily loves a sequined dress. It's like she shopped at a pageant store to get her best options for the dates and rose ceremonies. 

Doug doug doug. I liked you in the beginning but I don't like you so much now. Not sure why, just can't put my finger on it. Seems just a little bit off and too perfect? I do still enjoy the scenes where she looks at the cheesy JC Penney portraits while she contemplates her decision. She can't decide to send Doug or Wolf home. She is discussing with Chris Harrison what she should do. This is just a ploy for Chris to get some extra camera time he loves. He is such a camera whore!! Really, giving out an extra rose. Seriously are there no rules this season? Do they all just get broken for emily?

Next week the great producer debate. I can't wait!

Tulips

Just when I thought I couldn't love a tulip anymore, I learned about Parrot Tulips. These are the bee's knees I tell you! I love the fringed edges. Now who wants to send me some?

It's the little things

I believe I have mentioned my love of the library here before, right? If not, here it is, I love the library. As an avid reader and a person on a budget who would chose to spend their extra money on clothes not books, the library lets me read to my hearts content without costing me a dime. 

The Austin library is especially amazing to me due to the holds system they have. They will bring you the book from the other library branch to your home branch. If you are willing to be patient you will get your book! I use this all the time. In fact what made me write this post was getting my email from the library this morning telling me my holds were ready. I got super excited and even more so when I remembered I am babysitting tonight so I will be able to get some quality reading time in.

I am especially excited to start Insurgent tonight. I have been waiting about a month for it and it's here. I am probably as excited about it as the teenagers who were also waiting for the book. 

Everyone have a great weekend.

This week in London

This week Sean grew on me. I also found myself routing for Jef, if only he would get the extra F on his name. Both of them seem like genuinly nice and considerate guys.

Sure Sean's date was cheesy but hey, it's not like he or Chris Harrison are picking them. Some sappy Exec at ABC is. Yes, take a picture in front of the balcony that William and Kate kissed on, that would be a great not weird at all date!!

Then the acting date. Oh no, she has lost her voice, let's all freak out and act like she is dying in front of us. Ohhh the drama. This has got to be one of the worst dates ever. Or there was whatever season that they went to Vegas and got faked married, that might have been worst

Kalon continues to impress...Not. He did take the acting seriously. He was "born to play this role" of Romeo. Does that mean he will die soon? At least we had Arie, handsome, handsome, Arie. Ryan continues to be a creepster and I still think something is way off with him. He seems like the guy who would smile while he beat you. Creepy talking about kissing her as part of the performance. I keep forgetting that the scarf he is wearing was a stylistic choice he made and not part of a costume they made him wear. And yes, Kalon, shooing her away so y'all can practice more was a smart move. I mean you are here to be the best actor, not to actually get Emily to like you. Mission accomplished sir, mission accomplished. 

Also, Doug, who was one of my faves in the beginning is starting to weird me out as well. I am going with what all have been saying that it seems like he is hiding something. The previews however have me very excited to see him call out who over called Ricki baggage.

I wish Arie and Emily would have kissed while he had his lady wig on. That would have been more exciting then the entire acting portion of the show. Now ryan has just gifted her with a necklace. This somehow seems to be against the rules because I don't recall having ever seen anyone give presents before. Does anyone know the exact legality of this issue?

In non-shocking news, it looks like Kalon is the man who said Emily had baggage. Can't say I am surprised to find out it was him. Pretty much saw this coming. Now she shall go West Virginia hood rat backwards on his ass. Can't wait to see that. esp with her raspy voice. Ohhh shit, she just took off her leather jacket. This show is getting real. Exit Kalon and his shiny face stage right. You get that, an acting reference. Go me!

I am pretty happy the Jef gets a one on one date. I am interested in seeing them interact with each other more and he was ok with going to afternoon tea. Bless his heart he just wanted some time with her and now he is getting an etiquette lesson. Now he wisks her away to a pub. Looks like it's the same one the Prime Minister left his child at. I like Jef, but was surprised with his use of a Chole handbag reference. He did redeem himself when he said he wants someone to share the details with. I found that very sweet and endearing. I'm now on Team Jef for the win I think. and then he finally kisses her, even better. I got chills when it happened. It might have been that I was sitting in sweaty clothes and it was getting cooler but hey I got chills.

blah blah blah talking cocktail hour, bring on the rose ceremony. Oh alejandro, don't seem so shocked. I had a feeling you and your earrings were not meant to be. Mad props to however was wearing the red pants though. Own that look! You go Wolf because it's pretty much been the only thing that has made you memorable.  That being said I think Wolf and Ryan will get cut next week or the 25 year old who's names I can remember but kinda reminds me of a creepy Ken day. She wants the guys to be be truthful but I also feel like she is asking them to all be tattle tales. 

Can't wait to see her makeout with someone in the library, As a reader, I totally get it!

who came up with this?

Who came up with the phrase "after the jump"? I mean when I read blogs I know it means "click here and you will get more" but what does it really mean? Is it a cultural reference I am missing??

Hunger Games Audio Books

I am working my way thru the Hunger Games audio books. Currently on Catching Fire, some things have occurred to me.

1) Who in the world approved the woman who reads the book to do so? There is just something about her voice and inflection that annoys the crap out of me at moments. Her name is Carolyn McCormick and I just googled her and she has been on Law and Order. The way she reads Katniss makes her sound at moments like the most naive person in the world and when I read the books I took her to be a smart woman. It is just annoying. Why do I keep listening then? Because it passes the time and the certain voice she uses doesn't happen all the time.

2) Lovers. Katniss keeps talking about her and Peeta being lovers. Does she know what a lover is, because at this point, kissing, does not a lover make. I can just imagine little 7th graders walking around school calling someone a lover because they kiss them. This is going to go over real well with the parents.

That is all for now. 

Boredom and Hilarity

It's no secret that I get bored easily and that it usually occurs M-F 8-5. I was on the Zara website and ran across this dress, or jumpsuit. 

I have two dear friends getting married this year in Austin. I emailed the first one AH, the link and this message " I found my dress for your wedding" 

She responded with

"AHHHH HAHAHA!  I thought this was a serious email, and got really excited.  And now I'm about to pee my pants from laughter...."

We got back and forth and I tell her I am going to send the same link to our other friend AM.

Email from me to AM-  I found my outfit for your wedding. I wasn't even looking and it just came to me 

AM's response- i think that's more appropriate for AH's wedding

My response- I already sent it to her. I want to get my money's worth out of it so I will be wearing it to both.

AM's response- i bet that pattern is very flattering.

My response- Oh yeah for sure. I mean I don't want to steal y'alls thunder but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

AM's response-  dont' think i won't throw you in the bushes.  with the other animals! 

Oh the things that help to pass a slow afternoon! Hope this made you laugh or wish that I had more of a life!

June Shall be Called No Plans Wednesday

Another riveting post here on Anchors and Argyle. 

I am making June a no plans Wednesday Monday, unless said plans allow me to be sweaty and gross, then bring it on. As I was thinking about this 30 days of fitness goal, I realized Wednesday nights needed to be Pure Barre nights. My fitness schedule is pretty set. My week looks like 

Monday- 6 am Boxing

Tuesday- 6 am Pure Barre

Wednesday- Ummmm

Thursday- 6 am Pure Barre

Friday- Ummmm

Saturday- 9:45 Pure Barre

Sunday- 11 Pure Barre

I have been telling myself I am going to make it to the 5:30 am Boxing class on Friday but thus far it hasn't happened. I know it's just 30 mins earlier but dang a 5:30 class sounds sooooo early. So that is my Friday goal for this Monday. Wednesdays are a bit harder. There aren't classes at the gym I want to attend and no AM Pure Barre at my location. Thus I need to be getting my butt to the 5:30 PM Pure Barre class. Due to this fact, I shall not be making plans on Wednesday in June. I need a night to myself anyway but I think this will just help will the cause.

I know this post was just what you needed to get your weekend off to a great start. Since I didn't make it to 5:30 boxing this AM, I am off to go on a walk or run. But knowing me, more walking than running will occur.