Goodreads: It's Not Okay: Turning Heartbreak into Happily Never After by Andi Dorfman

Due to the lack of a new episode of the current season of The Bachelorette, it's time to re-explore one of my all time favorite Bachelorette's Andi Dorfman.

Andi first gained notoriety on Juan Pablo's season of The Bachelor after she dumped his ass after the fantasy suite and informed him, that, in fact "It's not ok!"

Andi was then cast as Bachelorette Number 10 and she fell head over heels in love with  and got engaged to Josh Murray on her season.

However, this love was not meant to last. Eight months after the couple got engaged everything blew up in Andi's face and the pair called it quits. 

                                                 

Good Read Synopsis:

Andi Dorfman, star of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, talks candidly about what it's like to be courted by twenty-five handsome, single men in this juice, insider's peek at dating - and breaking up - on national TV. She shares entertaining and heartfelt stories about her fellow Bachelor alums - many of whom are still close friends - come clean about calling out Bachelor #18 Juan Pablo for bad behavior, and reflects on her personal challenges and uplifting experiences in love that she hopes will get you through your own break-ups with grace and style!

My Thoughts:

This tell all/self help book is a great read for not only Bachelor/ette fan, but for any woman who's gone through heartbreak. Andi chronicles her time from when she ended up on Juan Pablo's season to her recent breakup with Josh Murray and subsequent move to New York City. For fans of the franchise, this book is JUICY. She doesn't hold anything back in regards to her feelings on Juan Pablo (aka Number One), covers in detail her sexcapade with Nick Vial (aka Number Twenty Five) in the fantasy suite, and breaks down everything that went wrong in her relationship with Josh Murray (aka Number 26). Each chapter is laden with some pretty good (and funny) advice on how to get through a breakup. She even opens up about her dating past prior to reality TV for even more insight and advice. I've always liked Andi because she's always portrayed herself as a feminist with feelings. She does not deviate from this in her book. Be ready for sex, swearing, alcohol, and a post-breakup hook up revelation! 

Fourth of July: BBQ Chicken Kabobs

Nothing says celebrating the birth of our nation better than barbecue! This recipe packs the protein and (guess what?!) it's gluten free.

What You'll Need:

2-3 slices of raw bacon, cut into 1/2 inch slices

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs

1 cup of barbeque sauce (your choice)

2 teaspoons of salt

1 1/2 tablespoons of paprika, sweet

2 teaspoons of paprika, smoked

4 teaspoons of sugar

Skewers

What You'll Need To Do:

1. Trim chicken of excessive fat and then cut into 1 inch pieces.

2. In a large bowl, toss chicken in salt.

3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. 

4. Turn all grill burners on and let heat for 15 minutes.

5. Leave primary burner on. Turn others off.

6. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

7. Combine paprikas and sugar in a small bowl.

8. Place raw bacon in food processor and 30-45 seconds to make a smooth paste. Scrape down sides as needed.

9. Add bacon paste and chicken to the spice mixture.

10. Coat chicken in mixture.

11. Thread chicken on skewers maintaining 1 inch cubes.

12. Grill the chicken on the primary burner with the lid closed.

13. Rotate chicken 1/4 turn every 2 minutes until slightly charred or until brown. 

14. Coat the top of the kabob with barbeque sauce, flip, and cook for about 1 minute.

15. Brush the second side with sauce, flip, and cook.

16. Remove kabobs from grill and let rest 5 minutes.

17. Top with additional barbeque sauce if desired.

18. Serve and enjoy!

Don't Forget:

If you are using wooden skewers you will need to soak them in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes before placing them on a hot grill. Try reusable stainless steel skewers for easier grilling.

Smart Outfits for Summer Events

Being more social comes with summer. There are many different events and parties that are unique to the summer season. Different events call for different outfits, and every girl wants to stay cool and on trend.

 The best days of summer are spent on or near the water. Pick a cute bathing suit and try a romper as a cover up. The romper will allow you to go from beach to boardwalk and back again.

Bonfires after the sun goes down on cooler summer nights are tradition. Grab a light weight cover up and a blanket to ward of the dropping temperatures.

Peak graduation party season is in May and June; however, parties celebrating grads can go well into the summer. Go for a patterned dress and wedges. Wedges will keep you from sinking in to the grass.

Summer is the best time to play with mixing and matching bold colors. Try a romper made of high quality fabric in a bright color and add a bag in a different bright color. Finish the look with neutral shoes and accessories.

Barbecues and picnics are staples of summer. Stay cool and on trend with an off the shoulder top accented with a tassel necklace. A cross body bag will keep your hands free when loading up a plate or playing yard games.

What are your summer staples?