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?