The Bachelorette Finale

Another season of the Bachelorette is in the books! We have made it through bad singing, bromancing, stripping, man tears, and a trip around the world to find that the spoilers were right and indeed Josh Murray was the last man standing. Josh propsed to Andi with a huge (and gorgeous!) 4.4 carat diamond ring reportedly worth $100,000.

I love me a Bachelor/Bachelorette proposal. I always hope they make it work!

Now that you know everything you need to about the finale, let's move on to After the Final Rose...

Ohhhhh, no he didn't. Oh, yes he did! Before we get there let's talk about how Nick never makes eye contact and can't form a coherent sentence. You tried to talk to her twice before and now suddenly you can't form a sentence? Well, he's finally able to because he drops a bomb. It was the craziest thing that ever happend on ATFR! Andi admits to Chris Harrison that she was not in love with Nick to which he replies, "If you weren't in love with me, then why did you make love to me?" Whaaaaaaaat?! I had to stop and digest that. Did I hear Nick wrong? Nope, I didn't. He outed Andi by telling all of America that they had sex (with her fiance backstage no less)! I guess what happens in the fantasy suite doesn't stay in the fantasy suite. Andi held her sh*t together much better than I would have. Yes, she's on a television, but I agree with her that something like that should remain private. So the bottom line is that Nick feels led on because of the "fiance things" they did together. Did he realize he was on The Bachelorette? If your not the guy picked then your going to get led on. That's how they make the show and that's what you sign up for. Do I think she should have slept with him? No, I don't think she used great judgement in the situation. I am not condoning this, but people have sex with people that they find attactive and aren't in love with all the time. So Nick, nice try, but I'm not buying the act. I think it was always his intention to out her on TV to get back at her. I bet Andi wishes now that she granted him that private conversation he wanted so desparately.

I was really, really anti #TeamJosh until After the Finale Rose. He finally came off a sweet and funny person who is so full of life! I think his true colors came out during the finale when he was so nervous to meet her family. It showed that he cared about getting to know and getting along with them so he could be a part of Andi's life. Josh was just so jovial and upbeat about everything when it was is turn on ATFR. He even gave Grumpy Cat a kiss on the lips!

Andi and Josh seem excited about each other, their engagement, and their future. Best part, they already live in the same city! Best wishes to these two!

Until next season!

Monday Madness: Fair Fun

Nick's company held it's annual employee appreciation day at the county fair this year. Nick and I usually make it to at least one fair every summer. He loves animals and rides and I love the games and fair food.

We had a nice catered picnic lunch and played company bingo!

The only thing country about me is that I love country music. I decided I was going to be brave and interact with some animals at the fair. I'm not an animal person. I get really freaked out seeing animals so close and I have a huge fear of petting zoos.

 

I was still really freaked out by the experience.

We went on some rides, watched some tractor pulls in the grand stand, and I got my funnel cake!

I won this stuffed Dalmatian playing in a water gun game. I beat out about 4 six-year-olds for it.

Have a great week everyone! Don't forget to link up here:



Celebrating Friday

//1// I'm trying a new salon, Bombshell Blow Dry Bar, this afternoon. Their prices seem a little steep. I mean $15 for an eyebrow wax? But, it's close to work and I can get my eyebrows done over lunch and head right home after work. It might be worth it.

 //2// I love me some Downton Abbey and I love Joanne Froggatt's character Anna Bates, but in real life she makes some questionable fashion choices.

Yikes!

//3// Project Runway is back and was on last night! I can't wait to watch it off of my DVR this weekend!

//4// Nick and I are headed to the county fair this weekend for his company's annual picnic. Can't wait to eat some funnel cake! Rumor has it we can ride a camel for $3.

//5// Fun at work!



A coworker in my department turns 60 this summer and I turned 30 so our enire team went out to lunch. We got to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather and lake!

Me (center) and some coworkers stretching as part of our employee wellness program. Fun times!


I'm celebrating Friday with these ladies:

Come join the fun!

Homemade Bacon Mac & Cheese

Yesterday I recapped the first part of my trip to Nashville. I figured I'd stay with the southern theme by sharing a recipe for some good 'ol comfort food. I made this Mac & Cheese for Nick on his birthday this year and he loved it. I hope you enjoy it too!

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. Package of elbow macaroni

½ cup of evaporated milk

2 eggs

1 8 ox. Container sour cream

2 teaspoon of seasoning salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon of butter

6 slices of bacon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook bacon (stove to or microwave). Allow bacon to cool.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
4. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
5. In a bowl mix eggs, sour cream, seasoning salt. And pepper.
6. Chop bacon.
7. Layer macaroni, bacon, and milk mixture until pan is full.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and pour melted butter on top.
9. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until milk mixture is done.

Today is my first time participating in the Delicious Dish Tuesday link up. Stop by Mary's page and check it out!

Nashville Recap Part I

Howdy and Happy Monday! I had a blast in Nashville with my sister last week. We did some many fun, touristy things and really made the most of our time.

Courtney flew in from Philadelphia and I flew in from Detroit. We started our trip off right – with mimosas and manicures!



My sweet little sis!

We rented a place 5 minutes from the city center using Airbnb. It worked out really well!

On our first night we headed downtown to Broadway to check out some honky tonks and find some good food! Afterward we headed Belcourt Taps in West Nashville to see a singer/songwriter showcase.

In front of the world famous Tooties Orchid Lounge.

Rippy's became one of our favorite places to hang out.

They had amazing food too!

Belcour Taps in West Nashville.

Our second day was jammed pack with the Country Music Hall Fame + Studio B tour and live show at The Listening Room. Take a look!

Carrie Underwood's AI finale dress!



Miranda Lambert exhibit.

Studio B



Oh, just sitting at the piano Elvis used to record 262 songs. ;)

The outside of Studio B. Elvis, The Everly Brothers, and more recorded here!

Did I mention Vice President Biden was in town? This is part of his motorcade.

Jack's BBQ!

More amazing food.

Me outside of The Listening Room Café.

Jared Wade



Radio Romance

The first two days in Nashville were amazing. It's such a gorgeous city with laid back and friendly people. We had beautiful weather, awesome food, and heard so many talented musicians. Can't wait to share the rest of the trip with ya'll!

Here's where I party on Mondays: