Bali Bali Bali! Nice change of pace, Bachelor Nation. It's about frickin' time.

• Nice wardrobe, broseph. J. Crew does Indonesia. 
• "Hey, man. Sit there on that rock so we can get a shot of you wistfully staring into the sunset. Nah man, turn more to the sun, we're losing daylight."
• Kaitlin is adorable. 
• ...oh man. Maybe tuck your cheeks back into those shorts.
• I would be totally screwed if transportation of my cargo depending on my posture.
• Really would like to know what the story behind the tricep tats are.
• MONKEYS.
• She totally has a Miley thing about her... but in an endearing SNL skit kinda way. If that's possible.
• Those monkeys are freaking ALL over him. I would be dyinggggg laughing, oh my gosh.
• Hahahahaha, did you see the tourist in stripes leap up and walk away from the banana snatching situation? Homeboy don't want any part of that.
• Okay, not to be all Sappy McSapperson, but you can almost see her letting her guard down. She seems to be loosening up and not relying on her humor as she is trusting him more. I really like her.
• Pretty dress!! She has a great body.
• It kind of appears that it's tough for him to connect with her on a deeper level than just humor. They clearly get along on that level, but I think it'll hurt her in the end.
• It's really sweet to hear her open up... you can tell she's crazy nervous.
• There it is: fantasy suite. What a surprise.
• "I can't....... imagine saying no to that." Well-played.
• You deserve it? You deserve what? You didn't train for the Olympics. Have some willpower, hombres.
• The flower petals in the bathtub look like an autopsy.
• Gosh, I can't tell you how much I hate the jump and cling. Like... don't. Girl, don't.
• "I miss you SO much!" Uhh... what's it been, 48 hours? 72, maybe?
• All of these up-the-shorts shots. I don't care how skinny you are--none of that is flattering, ABC. 
• I'm getting seasick just watching that boat rock.
• Crazy cute swimsuit.
• Ughhhh... to quote my dearest MHM: "I hashtag cannot." Don't rattle on and on about how you love someone SO much. It's been weeks!! You are bright and intelligent women! Wake up, please (and yes, I realize waking up wouldn't constitute a solid gold TV experience).
• Ha! Love the boat captain and his little victory stance! Love is a language that knows no boundaries, y'all!
• I like the neon--ew, but not a fan of that drastic A-frame slit.
• Guzzle that wine, babydoll. Life is tough. It's tougher in Iowa.
• Whoa! Baby card! Put it all out there!
• It's bizarre to try to take in this sweet moment with them, knowing he likely slept with Kaitlin last night, right?
• Round two of le Suite!
• I love how all of the girls get sing-songy while reading the card, as if that makes it romantic or sweet. The jig is up.
• Oh my gosh, now that I've totally lost my naivety card (thanks to you, Nick), this is harder to watch. I totally used to swear that there's no way they all sleep together. Yeah, I live in a Disney movie.
• They don't do it in the same bed, right? (Clearly, I wasn't paying attention when the first love nest was shown.)
• I will say, I really think these two (whomever they may be) could have a solid chance. The girls have always known what they're getting into with the move to Iowa, on some level. Without the big city lights and egos (everyone left seems pretty down-to-earth), I see this one lasting. Maybe.
• Did Becca get her highlights done before Bali?
• Is she wearing windshorts?
• QUADS.
• "Are we meant to be together?" Damn, don't ease into it or anything.
• Gah, poor girl. As if she needed any more stress.
• She has really good hair. You know Bali is all kinds of humid, but she clearly packed some Kerastase.
• Awkward standing in the water makeout shot.
• Yellow is so very much her color.
• I think this is the most she's talked all season.
• I totally respect and appreciate her for laying it out there, saying she wants to be absolutely certain of her feelings.
• I will venture to say that I think Chris 1) is smitten with Becca, but worried about her lack of certainty, 2) really likes Kaitlyn--and her humor, and 3) knows Whitney is totally safe--a sure thing (and a good one, at that).
• I don't think the virginity situation is the deal-breaker--I do wonder if the fact that she never mentioned this up until now is representative of a lack of openness, or something similar. You know?
• He totally thought this was leading there. And he's really struggling to find words now.
• Pull those curtains, Chris! We have not a clue as to what's happening!
• Yawn. Same script, different season. Life is tough, Chris.
• So, basically we hear that while he's into everyone, he's really into Becca.
• Kaitlyn is really into him...
• ...and Whitney is confident. We get it.
• Those outfits--yes, while I know are indicative of the locale--aren't doing them any favors.
• LOL--you can totally see their emotions all over their faces. Kaitlyn is doe-eyed and swoony, Whitney is jittery and excited, Becca isn't sure how to feel.
• Lots of heavy exhaling.
• Aaaaand, Whitney appears to be not so confident anymore.
• Whitney and Kaitlyn both totally think Becca is being kicked off... I don't think so, though.
• Well, looky there... she validated him, just like he wanted.
• I mean, cut the girl some slack. It's gotta be tough to throw it all out there and say she's in love when she says she's never had those feelings before.
• Oh, gosh... this can't be good, Kaitlyn. Those editors won't allow you rambling on and on and in the end, you stay here, sister.
• And now Whitney starts laying down the law about how Becca isn't ready. Back off, girl, you don't know her life!
• Awkward rooster crowing in the background.
• Poor, Kaitlyn. She totally knows.
• Ugh... for the first time, I can actually say that was tough to watch.
• Awkward forced hug.
• Rooster creeping in the back!
• "What happened?" - K. Good for you, girl.
• Why the whispering?!!
• Okay, Chris... maybe stop telling her how excruciating it's been for you. 
• Yeah, wow... the babble. Stop. You're making all of this so much worse for her, dude.
• Gah, good for her for keeping it together. She was a champ.
• Talk about salt in the wound--wearing that vibrant frock on your ride of shame home.
• Who picks the score for the Bachelor shows? Tell me Chris Harrison is perched at a piano right now, because that's what I'm envisioning.
• Kaitlyn for Bachelorette! Totally want her over Britt now.

So, I'm convinced he'll pick Whitney now... and voila! Safe, stable, vanilla life. Until next season...

The name of last week's game was ICE. I jokingly sang "ice, ice Maizie, TOO COLD" to my darling Noodle face all week long (she loved it). We were inundated with an ice storm on Monday, which resulted in literally being unable to leave the driveway, and a few days off work--which was awesome on Monday... boring Tuesday... and life-threatening on Wednesday. Thankfully, the weekend rescued us with a constant downpour of 40-degree rain, washing the sludge away. It was in the 20s today, but it felt heavenly, given recent events. Geez Louise.

Needless to say, this girl is beyond ready for spring. Let's do this.

• Classpass is coming to Nashville... I'm indifferent right now, I think. I have recently gotten into Dailey Method, which I daresay, I'm enjoying more than Pure Barre... the whole, only-hitting-up-each-locale-thrice-monthly is my deterrent, as I really delve into whatever newest class I get into. what do you think? Do you have Classpass in your city?
• One of my go-to baby gifts, as of late (literally bought three sets in the past six months). Hugely appreciated by all new and seasoned moms. Trust.
• My favorite red polish lately... perfectly transitional between cold and warm seasons!
• New nightly ritual consists of this on my lips, this on my face (nothing is curing my uber-dry winter skin better).
• Scooped this flowy, feminine top up on crazy sale last week ($17!)... I'd seen it on half of the ladies in my office over the past couple months and had to have it.
• Repeat after me: Audiobooks. Audiobooks, audiobooks, audiobooks. I have an Audible account and have become completely obsessed... lately, I've been listening to Cheryl Strayed's Dear Sugar and just become completely engrossed in her story-telling and endless, endearing wisdom. 
• We were craving something sweet last night--operating with a minimally stocked pantry (thanks, ice storm), I'm proud to say that I managed to corral the ingredients to make these goodies from my childhood--and this recipe totally took me back to helping my mom in the kitchen, measuring the butter, and later, enjoying my reward of my crucial attention to detail when I was passed the bowl to lick. 

What have you stumbled across lately that you can't get enough of?

Ladies and gents, we are on day three of being iced in. "Stir crazy" just doesn't even begin to cover it. Thankfully, I've been able to get some work done here (despite my employer's obvious disdain for the newest of operating systems, but that's neither here nor there) and we've become even chummier with our buddy, Netflix. Clearly, the South isn't fit to handle subzero situations, and the fact that the temperature hasn't surpassed freezing in several days is just fuel to the really cold--and therefore nonexistent--fire. But last week was golden!

My Monday nights are perpetually reserved for small group with some of the most authentic and engaging women I've met in Nashville--I love my church, I love diving in to the Word with these amazing girls (and since that doesn't describe the picture whatsoever, just know that the illuminated staircase is part of our fearless leader's adorable bungalow). ST surprised me with some really beautiful flowers at work, and we celebrated our sixth (!!!!) Valentine's together when he returned from a work trip to Florida. For the actual holiday, our dear friends Tom and Heidi came over and cooked a phenomenal meal, served up with a side of Cards Against Humanity... and lots and lots of cabernet.

The frigidly tortuous weather has resulted in the cancellation of a big work event this weekend, so I'm a little bummed. I'm just beyond ready for all of the sunshine. Vitamin D, come my way.

Here we go! Round two!

• Becca looks amazing in that yellow peplum. Solid choice, girl.
• Where are they?
• Ohhh, crazy nice apartment.
• "even though it's not Italy or Belgium fancy." Hahaha--even he feels like he got the Bachelor traveling shaft.
• K, I really want that yellow top. Where are you when I need ya, Possessionista?
• I'm glad they got some quality chat time.
• Ahhh and here we go with the drama.
• Oh man! She's leaving... really?!
• If this is truly how she feels, I 100% respect her... this is marriage, after all. But I kinda wonder if she's just leaving because she knows blew it and she's on her way out anyway.
• They should really leave her alone... it's her decision. They're all being petty and insecure because she's obviously in the lead.
• Carly, I admire that moxie, sister... but you're not going to win. That catty attitude isn't going to get you anywhere in the end.
• Love Kaitlyn's dress... a lot.
• I like Carly's dress too. But I am so sick of her whininess. Focus on YOUR relationships, doll.
• I love that Chris always kills the rose ceremonies. No BS.
• Carly's smug little smile.
• I mean, I realize I'm a huge fan of Britt's, but I'm glad she pulled him aside to chat it out. The other girls would have done the same thing... claws are out.
• Oh gosh... he's not letting her get a word in edgewise.
• Really didn't think that Carly would outlast Britt.
• Wow... this is hard to watch. I really like her. Who can blame the girl for wanting some validation? I realize she had it--and a lot of it--but I think that was her downfall... always having it from day one, then feeling as though she was coming up short in the end.
• Oh gosh, I really want Carly to go home. She's just not nice.
• Britt for Bachelorette!!
• Send Carly home.
• Wait... how many roses are left? Looks like four, Kaitlyn already has one... doesn't that mean everyone gets one?
• We know Jade stays because we see her explain the Playboy thing.
• Oh good... only one left! See ya, Carly!
• She has to know it too.
• It's sad that she's hurt, but I think she focused too much time on bringing out the flaws of others.
• I really hate when they complain about not feeling wanted--you're more or less on a game show. You know what you're getting into.
• Awww, I love that Becca is from Louisiana.
• That's a fun date... very Notebook-esque.
• The hometowns are so meaningful, but give me so much anxiety.
• Becca's sister looks like Parker Posey.
• It's kind of odd for her sister to be talking about how Becca won't be affectionate in person... how would she know? Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it won't.
• Uh oh. Is that a parking lot carnival? Because if it is, someone is definitely about to die.
• Here we go, Chicago!
• I wonder if Whitney could keep on with the fertility nursing bit in Iowa.
• So, how awkward would it be if Jade's Playboy was in the specimen room?
• This has now passed the line of cute and quirky to downright bizarre and uncomfortable.
• Phew... glad this isn't happening.
• Ha--funny toast, Uncle Johnny.
• Love that Cat Studio pillow in the background.
• I always love the family members who are hellbent on playing devil's advocate.
• I totally understand big sister's apprehension. Good for her to sticking to her guns.
• OMG maltese pup!!!! I love Whitney!
• Sweet proclamation of love. Love the wine.
• Not a fan of the bubble gum pink nails in the fall though. Just gonna put that out there.
• I think they could certainly work out.
• Loooove Kaitlin's top!!
• How fancy--winter home in Phoenix.
• Rapping. Yawn. But I guess it's a good way to cut loose and get to know her better.
• So much family.
• I really like Kaitlyn. I think she's the most genuine, the most true to herself.
• Oh, how cute are you with your marquee???
• Jade is from Nebraska, eh? That saucy little Midwesterner.
• I'm kinda anxious to see his response to the Playboy situation.
• Ha, I love all of her family hinting as to how wild she can be.
• Ahhh, here we go.
• Can't at all read his reaction.
• "Sure!" Show me some of these pics, girl.
• I think she's thinking she'll open it up and they'll be super hot and impressive... but I'm not sure that's what Iowa man is into. Not a month into this anyway.
• Even if he doesn't mean it, his response is fairly solid. "I'm looking to fall in love with a person, not their career..." great reply.
• Gosh! Who is going?!
• Sad to say, but I think my guess is Jade... :/ Whitney is solid. I think Becca and Kaitlyn are too.
• Kaitlyn looks super hot.
• Yay, she's safe.
• ...
• Nailed it.
• Sad for Jade though... I think she was a little young for this experience, but that she would have fit in, in Iowa. Sweet girl.
• Wow... good for her for holding it together.
• It was obviously hard for him to let her go. 
• Next week, off to Bali! Finally, a decent vacay!
• Okay... top two are Whitney and Kaitlyn, I think. I adore Becca, but I think the other two are just stronger.
• HAHAHA, love the little horny dog!! Amazing, getting her fifteen minutes of fame.

Down to the wire, almost done with this thing!!

What'd you think? Who's your final pick? Were you surprised to see Britt or Jade go home?

• Yayy, let's kick this off with a Kelsey reunion. Why not?!
• Looks like she borrowed a dress from Stevie Nicks. Hmmmkay.
• Her ongoing act of feigning surprise is nauseating.
• No, sweetie. Using big words doesn't make you mean. Your general attitude makes you mean.
• Yes, please, let's talk about the panic attack!
• "You seemed to recover pretty quickly..." lololol. Nailed it.
• She's so full of it.
• "Somehow she felt she wasn't as smart as me." Wow. What a doll.
• HA, I love that Harrison calls him out for tattling on Kardashleyian.
• I totally respect him for cutting them loose though.
• Gahhh, Ashley S. What a maroon.
• "Ashley had a habit of just wandering around the property at night." Aaand, she thinks people are betting on her. Drugs, man.
• Jillian was top three, eh? All of my predictions might be way, way off then.
• "I get it, I suck at speeches. I farm." That was way cute.
• Neat "jackass" pun, Harrison.
• Oooooh, let's get into the Andi drama.
• She's seriously so, so pretty. I wish she seemed a little more genuine, but me thinks this whole experience changed her.
• Rocking that Kendra Scott statement ring like a champ.
• My heart breaks for her... what a mature decision to decide that if you don't truly better each other, you should part ways. I've been there, and it's a really heartbreaking thing to love and respect someone, but know that you need to move on in life.
• She has fabulous eyebrows.
• And really great skin.
• This interview makes me like her more... sad to say, but she's coming across as really genuine, even if it's through something so very upsetting.
• Dude, Andi and Chris Harrison are totally going to pair off. He hopes.

Alright, on to the nitty gritty.

• Kinda odd that Britt is asking him why he sent them home.
• Not a fan of Megan's dress. At all.
• ...but way to be up front, girl.
• Pretty sure he's about to kick you off.
• Sad. She's a little loopy, but seems like a good girl.
• And I think it's commendable that she took the reins and was honest about what was happening.
• There's the clink of death!
• Hmmm... I think Carly will be the next to go.
• There's Britt! Hanging all over Whit. Per the usual.
• Carly thinks she'll be the next to go too.
• Yayyy, Iowa!
• Wow. Britt and her sweats and sneaks stick out like a sore thumb.
• It's way cute to see him in his element, talking to the cows and whatnot.
• "It catches people off guard when they see it... it's not Des Moines." As if Des Moines is this really kickass, wild place.
• Props to the producers for really factoring in the hometown as part of the allure... accepting someone 100% for who they are and whatnot.
• He looks way more comfortable in his own surroundings.
• Pretty kitchen!
• Iowa is way the eff out there, but the land really is pretty... reminds me a lot of where I grew up.
• Can't imagine hobbling around in those booties is any kind of comfortable.
• What is Carly wearing on her head?
• Britt is totally cracking.
• "Small town" is one thing. Ghost town is kind of another.
• High school football game! Super cute.
• Ohhh man, the parents!!! That's huge!
• Britt... Crack-a-lackin.
• Uh oh... Playboy pics. Here we go.
• I think, as apprehensive as she is, she could probably pull off the small town vibes more than any of the other girls.
• So sweet that she tells him to be proud of where he's from... I think that earned major brownie points.
• Her excitement level is always a little too extreme. Like... calm down. Taking pictures in downtown Des Moines isn't all that awesome. 
• Geez, Britt. Calm down.
• Ahhh, spontaneous roadtrip! Really their idea or plugged by ABC? 
• Clearly ABC was on board, seeing as they have their black SUV filming and driving in tandem with the gals. 
• I will say, I think Whitney is here "for the right reasons." 
• Yep... be shocked. Nothing in Arlington, Iowa. Kinda like Jade told you, if you couldn't deduce that already.
• Lololol, this little posse of hot girls looks so very outta place.
• Is Carly wearing mom jorts?
• Nope... jort romp. Just as bad.
• Yeah, no, Britt... we determined you won't make it here.
• Kaitlyn is hysterical. I want to be her BFF.
• Again... Whitney. You're cute, you've got this. Just take it down a notch. 
• Damn, man... put her on the spot!
• Chris and Whitney look good together.
• Carly... kinda funny that you're spending so much time hating Britt. She's burying herself, no worries.
• Crazy sad about Whitney's mom.
• Awww... their mural pic is pretty cute.
• But would make a really awkward tourist attraction over the next year if she isn't the one chosen in the end.
• When they're screened for the Bachelor, do they have to practice the jump and cling? The whole wraparound with the legs thing doesn't really happen in life... so, stop trying to make that happen, ABC.
• Becca does a good job of seeming interested in all of the date recaps.
• Kaitlyn and the crop tops, man.
• This is a crappy group date. Who wants to ice skate, four people total?
• Britt has great hair and fabulous skin for someone who allegedly never showers.
• Hard to know if Britt is being real or not... I want to believe in her, but it doesn't look great.
• Also hard to know if Carly is really pulling this card of telling Chris because she just sincerely cares about him and his future, or if maybe, just maybe, it's a great way for her to get an edge.
• Gahhh, I really don't know who is going home!
• Not a huge fan of the general wardrobe situation this season. Too many crop tops and exposed shoulders and berry lips in broad daylight.
• I might be in the minority, but while I personally don't see Britt living it up in Iowa, I think she is being genuine about what she THINKS she wants.
• Kaitlyn nailed it: "I don't think Britt is being honest with herself."
• Kaitlyn in a vulnerable moment... glad he reaffirmed her feelings.
• She looks like a cross between an Olsen and Brittney Snow.
• Britt's totally going to lose it when she realizes he gives Kaitlyn the rose.
• "You are making me soft." Lololol, I really, really like her.
• Britt's meltdown is now happening in front of everyone. Way awkward.
• Ha, Kaitlyn and Carly totally don't even want to be there either. Their discomfort trumps the excitement of seeing Britt collapse.
• Uh oh... I feel like Britt is going home.
• Guzzle that pinot, Carly!
• They have a good point... "there's a lot of focus on you. This was just you last week."
• Ha, Whit totally wants utter confirmation... she wants solid reassurance that Britt is leaving too.
• I realize it's tough to watch Britt constantly playing front runner, but I really feel for her. She had all of this confirmation, over and over again, and now it's getting gritty with the other gals.

...until tomorrow, friends!! It's getting real!

Thursday! Week's almost over, praise the Lord.

Here are a few things I've stumbled across on the internet and such, as of late:

• Shakey Graves just surprised with a new album, and I am digging it, for sure. His version of "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" is just so, so painfully cool.
• It's Girl Scout Cookie season!! While my dad was my dealer back home (his co-worker's daughter was a Brownie), I have had to resort to my own devices here in Nashville... thankfully, I encountered an earnest bunch of dollfaces at the grocery store last week and have subsequently been snacking on Savannah Smiles, Samoas and (frozen) Thin Mints. It is a wonderful thing. Oh! And the app is totally worth getting, especially if you haven't had my luck just yet and have no dealer of your own. What's your go-to Girl Scout sweet treat?
• I have finally jumped on The Good Wife bandwagon. Why did it take this long?? Do you watch it? Juliana Margulies is all kinds of flawless.
• If you're as obsessed with Kendra Scott as I am, listen up. Amazon is offering a crazy discount (30%!) off some of their best pieces (specifically, my beloved Danielle and Skylar earrings). Use code: jewelry30. Ya welcome.
• In related news, now is a prime time to get to the barre! I've really gotten into the Dailey Method lately, but this perk is all about Pure Barre. PB is offering one free class (a ridiculously overpriced value) during February--go see if your studio is offering the promo. I have an ongoing subscription, but the promo worked for me and added a class to my subscription. (Also, the promo says it's only good for valentine's day, but it added the class to my subscription, so I think it's good for whenever--just be forewarned!)
• In more cookie news, I am a little bit ecstatic that these are a thing. Sweet Lord. Would you buy them?
• I really, really, really love Maria Menounos. This just deepens that girl crush.
• I've been a little more into horoscopes lately. I found this necklace and can't stop thinking about it. Are you into horoscopes at all, or is it way too Seventeen magazine for you?
• In case you're still on a quest for a chic 2015 calendar to print (for free!), use this one. I have it in my office and looooove.
• I am clamoring for spring like nobody's business. And at the top of the bucket list is planting my own garden... we'll see if it works out, but for right now, I've been logging the research and I'm really excited at the prospect of fresh salads and smoothies after a quick skip out to the yard.
• Here are some cute printable valentines if you're looking for a quick fix!
• We're heading home to Texas for over a week this summer and I cannot wait. It's all I'm thinking about... and this kick-ass shirt isn't helping matters. I think I need it. #hometownhero

Music and jewelry and junk food and such... yep--seems like I covered all my bases.

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day--whomever you're snuggled up with!

• "There is something in the air. Bitches be crazy." - Kaitlyn. And this is is how we start off week 6, ladies!
• Almost forgot about Kelsey's meltdown. Beyond theatrical. Look how perfectly angled her legs are. What a fortuitous "fall!"
• I am loving how everyone is just frozen, eyes narrowed, watching this go down.
• "Tell me about the brownies." - EMT. "I think they lied, I think they're store-bought." Yep--seems like a full-fledged panic attack.
• Kelsey wants to talk to Chris. Of course she does.
• Lolololol all of the feigned, "Oh my goshhh, what haaaappened?" when she returns. Right.
• Yeah, Whitney--spot-on. Not how a panic attack happens.
• "What if she's lying about the husband thing?" - Kardashleyian. LOLOLOL.
• I love how everyone is saying "Chris won't give her a rose just because of this." Because clearly, she's getting a rose. 
• Ohhhh, Carly. Get it girl. "You're lucky you talked to him, I guess." Snide and snippy, just what Bachelor dreams are made of!
• All this BS isn't just manipulative editing on ABC's part. Come on.
• Oooh, Jade in a crop top for the rose ceremony. Bold move.
• I'm kinda tired of Megan. How is she still here?
• I wonder if they all do their own hair, or if there's a team on hand.
• Kardasheylian lives another day!
• I bet it would be incredibly infuriating if Kelsey gets the rose and you're the homegirl who doesn't... even though Samantha has had minimal face time and Mackenzie is an infant.
• Dude, who is convulsing in the background???
• Mackenzie, you're 21. You'll get over it, baby.
• UGHHHHH, gross. I knew he'd do it though.
• But did HE want to, or did ABC make him?
• Gah, so many questions!!!
• "I wanted to just punch her in the teethholder." - Kaitlyn. HAHAHAHAHA, I like her more and more and more.
• Gah, why is Britt always hanging on someone. That bothers me to no end.
• And Kardashleyian is hanging all over Kelsey too. Odd, given your profusely voiced hatred and all.
• Oh gosh. Not Jade versus Whitney.
• South Dakota, hmm? K.
• All of his wild west photos are hysterical.
• "I'm with eight wonderful, charming women! ...and Kelsey will be there also." - Carly. LOL.
• Yayyy, Becca for the win!
• Britt's face is priceless.
• She is a ridiculous person. For all intents and purposes, this IS a game show.
• Becca looks gorgeous. What a beauty.
• I would most certainly not love horseback riding.
• But hey! Love that camera affixed to the horn on the saddle.
• And there's a cameraman slowly sauntering his way up the hill behind 'em!
• Carly, we all know Kelsey is evil... ya gotta move on. When you start the whining about it, you end up getting the boot. We all know this.
• And does Kelsey think they're all buddy buddy? I wish someone would blow this thing up already.
• Gahhh, so manipulative. Everything she says. 
• Yeah, stop using the widow card. And she's totally defending every little thing. But good for them for approaching her.
• I like Becca and Chris together. 
• And his laugh is funny.
• "I think this is the most fun and easy date I've been on." Chris. JACKPOT.
• Ugh. The "five year plan" question. Yawn. Pertinent information, yes, but ask in a different way.
• Four to six kids... Damn, man. (But cute.)
• In all seriousness, all the past relationship woes of each "contestant" are probably the most genuine thing about this show. It really brings to light how much people go through in this day and age, before they find a mate. K, no more serious talk.
• Uh ohhhhhh. TWO-ON-ONE. Who will it be?!
• Not digging the hat, Whit.
• Megan is DRUNK.
• So... two-on-one will be Kardashleyian and Kelsey. Here we go.
• "If he kisses me, my dad will see!" - Becca. She is the cutest, I adore her.
• Well, I know it sucks, but she's not here to take your feelings into consideration, Whitney.
• Ooooh... Big 'N' Rich. :/
• Hahaha, super cute that he's running off with Jade to shake her nerves. 
• Yeahhhh, that's gotta be painful to watch. Go sit down, Britt. Enough kissing on your group date.
• Cute that Chris--in all of his tone-deafness--can cut loose enough and be so silly. Means a lot when a dude doesn't take himself too seriously.
• Yeahhh, I would HATE this challenge.
• DYING AT KAITLYN'S SONG. OMG. My initial impression of her wasn't great (probably because of the arm tats), but I really, really like her. #darkhorse
• GET IT, CARLY. She's not my #1, or even my #2, but her song was crazy sweet and endearing.
• Hahahaha, all the girls clapping uncomfortably, because they know she nailed it.
• Kelsey has no idea what the hell she's talking about with "omgah, I love the Badlands!"
• All of these confessional conversations are so much foreshadowing.
• Crying in a bathroom!! The good stuff!
• I think his strongest connections are with Britt and Becca. And Kaitlyn too.
• Megan looks drunk again.
• Weird that they ran off for this little rose exchange. Talk about alienating everyone else.
• Ohhhh, gosh.
• "I'll let you girls have the rest of the evening to yourselves." Code for: I'm getting out of this mess, as soon as I freaking can.
• Cue the cat fight. Makes me sadder that Kaitlyn is crying now.
• All of this Kardashleyian pre-rejoicing is total foreshadowing. 
• "I've got an amazing date planned." - You didn't plan this, hombre. The jig is up.
• Love how Kelsey is rattling off the president's names at Rushmore... like, wow. Show off those third-grade geography skills, champ.
• What an awkward bed set-up in the middle of these dusty mountains. But hey, add some yellow pennant flags--dress it up a bit. NAILED IT.
• Generously poured wine.
• How painfully awkward. 
• Whoa... I start typing and look back up and realize they're making out... no real segue. Alright then.
• Uh oh, girl... don't complain about her. Don't do it. Bros don't dig it.
• Ha, love that he's slamming back the hard liquor now. No more pinot for the farmer!
• Gah, she's super manipulative. Playing those cards like a champ. "I've been a wife, so you just need to decide if I'm the type of wife you want."
• Oh gosh, don't rat Ashley out. That's not right.
• "This is a game to her." Uhhhh, it's a game for you too, dollface. Play back alllll of your commentary.
• I am crazy uncomfortable.
• "You think I'm not as smart as you because I don't use big words?" OHHH, DAMN. GET IT, ASHLEY.  "We both have our master's, but I have it from a good place." HAHAHAHAHA. I freaking love this!!!
• Oh gosh, this isn't going to end well. 
• No ugly crying, Kim. No ugly crying, Kim. No ugly crying. 
• This is ridiculously hard... because no way Kardashleyian and her hair and makeup crew fit in in Iowa (neither does Britt), but how awful is it that Kelsey is who prevailed on this date? It's gotta be eye-opening for the other girls to see Kelsey is the one who returns to the house. Gross.
• Ughhhhh... and Kelsey sees her walking up and has that look of smug satisfaction on her face. The absolute worst.
• Regardless... her nasally national TV meltdown is utterly painful to watch.
• Maybe he'll send Kelsey home too?!! Here's hoping...
• Where'd that lone tear come from?
• YES! HE'S GOING TO SEND HER HOME!
• Okay, this is a decent outcome. Way to be honest, Chris.
• Gah, that's a little overly dramatic... firing up the chopper as they're both still sitting in the desert.
• Hahahahahahahahaha, LOVE that party happening in the room!!!! "Chris is so smart!"
• "Let's get drunk!!!!" - Kaitlyn. Omg, I am loving this.
• I can't help but think the helicopter is about to explode. Does Kelsey have a cell phone in her hand? Anyone see?
• Okay, I'm a little more excited about the show outcome now... seems like the crazies are gone.
• This was the biggest deal all season--who can truly live in Iowa?
• SO MANY BRITT TEARS! 
• Jade's secret comes out!! (I saw that referenced in an article a week or so back).
• Oooh, the tell-all should be interesting.
• Ewww, don't bring Kelsey back. She's beyond terrible.

I think his top four are still: Whitney, Becca, Jade, Britt. My favorites are Becca and Kaitlyn at this point. I don't think Britt and her hair extensions could make it in Iowa, and I don't see Kaitlin's wild spirit there either. I think his connection with Whitney is safe, Becca is too good for him, and Jade is sweet, but too guarded. I think Britt or Kaitlyn would both make awesome Bachelorettes.

And now you know.
 
So, tell me you're still watching. Who do you think will end up with Chis?? Who would you pick to be the next Bachelorette?

Greetings, loves! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Lately for us, it's been about:
Make Your Own Pizza Night,
trying new restaurants (banana pecan waffles at Fenwick's 300 are legit),
tuning into the If Gathering all weekend,
and showing our support for the impending springtime by logging serious time on the greenway.

Happy Monday!

• Okay, so never would've thought Kelsey would be the vixen. She looks like an elementary school librarian.
• "Santa Fe seems like the perfect place to fall in love?" Can someone pull a list of all the other exotic locales past Bach nation kids have gone...
• Uhhhh, kiddo, Santa Fe isn't a beach town. Bless her heart.
• Sweet Lord, why is she talking about having never gone out of the country??
• It's a good thing you're so cute, Megan.
• Wow. Ashley looks crazy glamorous. Pretty wine-colored lip ya got there.
• Stupid forced chant over the booze. Neat, ABC.
• Not sure how I feel about Carly... although I like her more than I did initially.
• "Love and intimacy mentor" ... So. Sex coach? 
• "If the love guru doesn't bring it out, it's not meant to be," huh? Logical formula, Soules.
• I wonder if this burning sage shit really works.
• "I'm a little concerned as to how weird this is going to get." As you should be, hombre.
• This is substantially racier than riding tractors in bikinis.
• This is so awkward and uncomfortable.
• Wow, ABC.
• I am so not a prudish person, but wow.
• Love guru is rocking a little bit of a nutcracker mouth.
• SO UNCOMFORTABLE TO WATCH. 
• Direct message to Chris: "You should pick this one just because she's uncomfortable with being a tramp." - ST
• Good for her for putting her foot down.
• But I'm not feeling the scraggly side braid.
• Ummmm, is Kelsey totally making this story up??
• Who is this Samantha chick??
• Kelsey is pissed.
• Uhhh, if you came on The Bachelor to feel special, your motives are off, kitten.
• Never noticed that mole on her forehead, but now I can't look anywhere else.
• She keeps saying "like." Grrrrrrr, STOP IT.
• Her story is endearing. Every girl wants to feel that way.
• (But stop saying "like.")
• The situations they're put in are actually so much more awkward without the cheesy music. 
• I feel for him, being concerned someone he ends up with hates farm life in Iowa. How do you know how genuine someone is in this whole thing, truly?
• I think they could actually be good together.
• Aaaaand, apparently he does too.
• Rio Grandeeeeeeee!
• Sisco, the river guide!! I wonder if he'll break out in song.
• Kardashleyian: statement earrings are maybe something you should leave at home whilst river rafting.
• Man, that looks so fun.
• Poor baby Jade!
• Kelsey is crazy annoying. "I'M FINE!" OMINOUS CACKLE.
• Whitney has a little bit of a Drew Barrymore lisp thing happening 
• Ummmm Jordan. Wtf. 
• Her hair looks pretty awesome. 
• And I have her necklace.
• Karsashleyian's turquoise suit of armor is a bit out of control.
• Daaaamn, these girls are going to pounce on her like white on rice.
• Hahaha, what a mood killer. They're all bitter Betties.
• Yeahhhh, don't bitch about the other girls to him, first rule of thumb. 
• Whit is totally one of those girls who grins as she's telling you something terrible. Hate that.
• Becca is so pretty!!! Sad that I think this is the most I've heard her talk all season.
• Kaitlin, smart move, focusing on your relationship.
• Gah, I love how pissed Kardashleyian is. She's super insecure about the situation. 
• Jade is so cute! And saying all the right things.
• Top knot game fierce, Britt.
• She totally reminds me of a cross between Teigen and Vanessa Manillo.
• But wait. Does she really not shower?? What?
• Oh man. I feel you on the fear of heights, doll.
• Yeah, I figured he'd send her home. There's really no other option.
• HAHAHAHAHA, Kardashleyian was such a beast about them all being fake and then she goes and bear hugs her with a huge smile on her face. Girls will be girls.
• Give it to Jade!
• He's said "...for the right reasons" like four times on this one day.
• Okay, Whitney is a good close second.
• Again, who is this Samantha girl?
• HAHAHAHAHA Kaitlin!!! "Who's pissed?? Who's pissed?!"
• Uhhh, Kardashleyian, you definitely need to worry about that, homegirl.
• Good for Mackenzie for speaking up and defending Whitney.
• Oh man I don't think anyone wants a surprise wake up like that.
• She's definitely sleeping with a full face of pageant makeup on.
• They're kissing with other girls inches away. Not awesome.
• I wonder if her hair is real.
• I knew it'd be a hot air balloon.
• She's all kinds of relieved.
• That would be such an awesome date.
• How do you steer those things?
• Oh there's a balloon man. Watching you make out. Neat.
• Obviously he isn't minding that she's not a bather.
• Uh oh. I wonder if Britt really said this stuff. I don't want to believe it.
• Ohhhh man, IT'S GETTING REAL.
• I just can't with Kardashleyian's lash extensions.
• But I really can't with this ridiculous meltdown of Kelsey's that I have to keep watching.
• Becca know how to rock the side braid. Carly--take notes.
• Maybeeee don't tell them all the gritty details.
• Kelsey, sister, if you're going to go all recon on the situation, don't do it in a cardigan and claw clip.
• Her story is insanely sad, but I am so weirded out with this sharing about big life loss whilst simultaneously clinging to another dude.
• Is this a total lie?! What is happening?!
• Wow. She is really creeping me out.
• The sequins look so off next to that Southwest background.
• I want to hear...
• SHE SPEAKS!
• Kelsey, stop talking.
• Ohhhh man. He called her out.
• I bet you her confidence is shot now.
• Why the hell is Britt always clinging to other chicks?
• Omg she is terrible.
• I'm presuming there's no rose ceremony because of the impending breakdown.
• Omg, I hope he knows he wants to send Kelsey home and the decision just knocks her on her ass.
• CUT TO THE CHASE ALREADY.
• Sucks for the girls who had planned to make their move during the party.
• Ha, Mackenzie is stressing about going home and Carly is completely agreeing that she should be.
• I've seen her cry enough. I want to see her go home.
• What a freak show.
• Notice how none of the girls runs to her side.
• To be continued. What BS.

Happy February!! Life is good. Busy and crazy, per the usual, but good. I've spent the past week battling a head cold, which has yielded lots of late nights, snuggling on the couch with ST (we watched "The Judge" with Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Junior, and "Laggies" with Keira Knightley and Chloe Grace Moretz--highly recommend them both!). Other than that,

my small group started back,
we've seen some snow (!!!)
we've celebrated friends' birthdays
I've welcomed February with my all-time favorite seasonal candy,
Maizie just got her seasonal cut (and is looking crazy adorable),
I got my car back after a few weeks of repairs--and celebrated with a car wash,
and I finally made it to the zoo to see the kangaroo exhibit. Nashville, you never cease to amaze.
...and of course, watched the thrills and spills of the Super Bowl last night. I think we can all agree that Katy Perry was the real winner.

I'm in goal-penciling-in mode now, eager to delve into one of my favorite months of the year. I can feel that Spring is coming, and I'm just itching for some sunshine. And road trips. And sandals. And grill time.