After the Rose - Bachelorette Season 7 Episode 6

Though I'm finding it difficult to continue writing about Ashley I know my friends and readers that watch the show enjoy reading my thoughts so i had to share them even though it's a little late. Ashley oh Ashley, by now I pretty much sound like a broken record when I put my thoughts together about Ashley. Her bachelors are way too hot for her, she’s insecure, she’s beyond obsessed/desperate with Bentley and needs to go talk to someone else about it, not the camera filming her. I’m sure everyone that watches this show is as sick and tired as I am hearing Ashley go on and on about this fabricated relationship that she believes to have with Bentley. You may ask if you are so sick and tired why continue to watch? Well you see the bachelor and bachelorette franchise is like my drug and my therapy I can not NOT watch, regardless of how bad the bachelor or bachelorette is. I personally, have not really enojoyed watching or loved a bachelor as much as Andrew Firestone, my all time favorite. Favorite Bachelorette, I have to say is a tie between DeAnna and Jilli. If I worked for ABC I would suggest to them to stop picking left over candidates from past seasons and return to the good old days of the franchise when the bachelors were fresh new faces.

Now about this weeks episode. I could not stop laughing at how "surprised" Ashley came off on camera when she was told Bentley was in the hotel. Ashley you asked Chris Harrison to bring him so that he could answer the famous . . . no way you could have been that surprised to find out he was there. Ashley goes and meets Bentley in his hotel room, to put this in perspective, this guy has dumped her and walked out on the show, she hasn’t seen him in weeks and has been forming relationships with the remaining men on the show, and what does Ashley do? She goes in and kisses him, really girl? What is wrong with you? First of all no girl should ever go in for the kiss at the beginning of a relationship, that just made her look so desperate my heart hurt for her. When they finally sit Bentley sits on the total opposite corner of the couch from her, and answers her . . . by finally putting a period to it and breaking up with her for a second time. Finally after Ashley has been embarrassed and dumped for the 2nd time she says that she feels relief. I’m not going to get into much more detail except this, Ashley had no need to tell the other men about Bentley being there PERIOD. I am shocked that JP took it so well. JP needs a confident woman, to match him. Ashley is NO match for JP, not even close.

I commend Mickey so highly for leaving, and i wish more guys would have done the same. At this point TWO men have walked out Ashley hmmmm i wonder why? Mickey was voted Cosmopolitan's bachelor of the year in 2010. My friend shared this article with me that he did for Cosmo (http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/dating-advice/ryan-mickey-mclean?src=soc_twtr#fbIndex36)  in which he clearly states that the behavior woman do that baffles him the most is being attracted to jerks. Due to this why would he stick around trying to pursue a girl who so obviously wishes she could be with the biggest jerk of them all, Bentley. According to life & style magazine Ashley is engaged and happy. According to OK! magazine Ashley has already been dumped. Let the battle of the tabloid magazines begin!!! They can all speculate but we wont know for sure until the finale, you already know i will glued to my TV.
 
http://www.okmagazine.com/
http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/

Come fly with me

Traveling is needed for the soul, and for me it’s basically a requirement to remain sane while I'm not traveling. Going to Europe, the Caribbean, or any where else outside the United States is obviously always nice, but of course can be alot more expensive (euros, eek!) and not as convenient as traveling around this beautiful country that I live in. I've done a decent amount of traveling and I have seen some beautiful places in the United States of America, so I know you dont have to go too far to experience something great. There is still so much more left for me to explore. Most of the times when my girlfriends or family want to take a trip we always end up going to the same destinations/cities over and over again. New York, Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, Disney, no more! I want to explore the rest of this beautiful country that we live in. One of the cities listed below is 100% going to be my next destination, some of them I have been itching to go to for years, and others are new places that have recently caught my eye. With so much that there is to see, taste, and explore why do I continue going to the same destinations, yes they are fun, yes I know my way around them, but the point of traveling is learning about and discovering new destinations.

1. San Antonio and/or Austin, TX: river walk, downtown, the laid back attitude, the amazing ness happening with food in Austin, music scene, all the live music I hear is available everywhere, bars. Sign me up please!


2. Charleston, SC: Old country charm, eating down home good country cookin', ghost tours, antiquing, very short flight from Miami, and just discovering the history of this old city.


3. Seattle, WA - Ever since Jason Mesnick was on the Bachelorette and they showed the little houseboats on the water I have been dying to go to Seattle (also have to give credit to sleepless in Seattle) I want to take a tour of all those houseboats. See the location of the original starbucks, and drink some delicious coffee all around the city.


4. Philadelphia, PA - When I make it to Philly I’m going straight from the airport to the street corner where on one side resides Geno's and on the other side is Pat's I’m going to order a sandwich from both and I, for myself, will once and for all decide which Philly cheese steak is better. Right after that I’m going to need lots of exercise so I will be going straight to the famous Rocky steps and climbing those steps up and down until all those cheese steak calories are gone!


Pat's vs. Geno's Philly Cheesesteak War:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i78BZfqyQB0

5. San Diego, CA - I've been to San Francisco a couple times and every time I fall in love with the city more and more (one of the only cities I would seriously consider living in besides Miami), but I’m told San Diego is even more beautiful. So I want to go San Diego, I want to stay in a beautiful ocean side resort walk downstairs to an open patio restaurant and eat fresh sea food everyday while I look out onto the ocean. Really is that asking for too much?



Photos From:
http://www.sanantonioproperty.org/
http://www.layoutsparks.com/1/138719/downtown-charleston-building-image-31000.html
http://www.duckin.com/listings/sleeplessinseattle.php
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/10630510
http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/hotel-del-coronado

After the Rose - Bachelorette Season 7 Episode 5

Get your fighting gloves on! This week I don’t particularly feel like writing about Ms. Bachelorette Ashley. She has become so whiny so annoying and so pathetic that I don’t even really care if or when she finds love. I will continue to watch if anything as a cautionary tale for woman to see that it’s really not a good idea to conjure up fake relationships and feelings in your head. Ashley has created a completely fake relationship between herself and a man that does not care one inch about her. She has somehow made herself believe that Bentley cares for herself and is demanding Chris Harrison to fly this man to Hong Kong so that she can be given some type of closure. Really Ashley it wasn’t enough closure for you when he voluntarily left the show, and you cried for what two weeks now? Really? We need to go through another two hour episode watching you cry your eyes out over a playboy that probably doesn’t even know your last name or cares to. Maybe ABC has gone too far on this one, it’s a whole new level of embarrassment, and it’s become way too harsh.

Hopefully after next Monday's episode it will be the end of Bentley, but once again one can only hope. According to countless magazine covers and online interviews, apparently Ashley claims she is very happy, in love, and engaged. There might just be a rainbow at the end of this tearful rain storm after all. On a side note, this bachelorette has been given unargumentatively the best looking group of men ever in the show's history, and not only are these men good looking, but they have strong promising careers, and good hearts. Especially Ben F and JP, who to me seem so sincere and honest good guys. Because of this it’s especially frustrating to see Ashley just ignore them and throw them to side because Bentley is on her mind, or Bentley is coming back. It’s hard to understand why these men didn’t pack their bags and leave, especially after the way she’s placed them as a collective group a very far 2nd after Bentley.

Hot Child in the City

How do you dress for a day at the office when it’s between 90 to 100 degrees outside? Living in Miami we need to learn how to balance looking professional with trying to stay cool at the same time, which is not as easy as it sounds. The best advice to remember when dressing for the heat is to layer, layer, layer. Outside the temperature is so hot, but inside most office buildings the air is turned all the way down and it’s chilly. Layers is the perfect way to ensure you will be cool while outside and warm while inside. Dresses keep you nice and cool while maintaining your professionalism, just make sure they are acceptable for work. They should not show off cleavage and should be the appropriate length. Always keep a light blazer on hand to cover your shoulders in a moments notice, in case you need to run into a business meeting. Make your work day outfit pop using accessories such as statement necklaces and structured handbags. A handbag that is big enough to keep you connected with all your business documents and necessities is ideal, as long as it's structured it will keep everything in your handbag organized and neat. All other accessories just keep minimal, using stud earrings and a classic wrist watch. Now to shoes, shoes can vary on your work environment and office. Some offices require closed toe shoes, while others allow wedges and open toe shoes just as long as you are not wearing flip flops. There are many professional wedges, open toe shoes, and pumps to choose from just always keep in mind you want to be taken seriously and professionally. Very importantly, the shoe should be comfortable to walk in and wear all day long. By following these tips you will be able to conquer anything that is thrown your way on an average work day.

Hot Child in the City by vferrer0706

Cotton dress, $98
J Crew wool blazer, $188
Marc by Marc Jacobs zippered tote bag, $398
3 1 Phillip Lim beaded bib necklace, $195
MIA Quincy Wedge, $50

Summer Wind

(crochet toms. $57.95. nordstrom June '11 catalogue)

Toms, the most stylish comfortable sneaker around. Being a big fan of toms and already owning two other pairs, I still can't help wanting to buy this new crochet style. Perfect with cut off jean shorts, a billowy top, and just got out of the beach wavy hair...i can see it now. To add one more to the collection?

Free People Love Joy Top $88. shopbop.com

Destroyed Denim Shorts $18.90. forever21.com

After the Rose - Bachelorette Season 7 Episode 4

Bentley Bentley Bentley, I think it’s safe to say Ashley is completely in love obsessed with Bentley. Who knew you could fall so hard in just three weeks. This guy sure did some work on her. In a way its very eye opening, while sad at the same time, to see how one person (in this case Ashley) can be so into another person (Bentley), and that person not even be attracted to or like the other person. How can someone read the signals so wrong, it always baffles me when this happens, and it happens in every day life to ordinary people all the time. Ashley is apparently in a "very dark place" after Bentley's exit from the show, and has had the most painful, hardest week of her life. This makes me think Ashley hasn’t been through much sorrow, pain, or hardship is her perfect little life; makes me think how would she handle a real life break up. She would need to go to a mental hospital, because if she’s this torn up after 3 weeks god bless the girl. Bentley is coming back next week, and I am for one DYING to hear what he has to say (though I'm pretty sure is going to be all BS). I just really really hope Ashley becomes a little bit stronger by then and sends him packing. I’m sure as she sits and watches the episodes now she cringes at herself every time she says his name. I  understand that at the time of filming she had no idea what was going on, but I still can’t understand how someone can completely miss read all the signals being thrown at you.

Wasn’t really into Ashley and Constantine one on one date, just didn’t really feel the chemistry. The stand out in the group date for me was JP, of course. I was shocked when she gave the rose to Ben F. instead of JP. That kiss with JP under the tree with the rain falling down!!! SPARKS!!!! I love how you can tell that JP is really super into Ashley. He got all defensive and jealous when the other guys were talking about whom has kissed her up to this point. When he speaks about her his eyes light up and you can see how sincere he is and much he truly cares about her (and all Ashley can do is talk about her dark place with Bentley, pathetic). Two of my favorites didn’t get much air time this week, Ben C. and William, I’m hoping they do next week in Chiang Mai, Thailand. At this point though, I don’t see anyone surpassing JP, and I don’t think any of the other guys are even as close to being into her as much as he is.

Week 5 Sneak Peak:
http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/video-detail/travel-guide/ashley-is-blow-away-by-chang-mai/pl_PL55130290/vd_VD55130625

Evergreen

I recently joined Pinterest.com, mostly to find inspiration and ideas for my upcoming garden themed birthday party. These pictures in their own way all fit the theme that I am striving for. I wish I could have posted my actual birthday party inspirational board (http://pinterest.com/elliemae782/birthday-party/), but sadly for the life of me i can not figure out how to share it as i have seen the boards shared on other sites. I first heard of pinterest through cupcakesandcashmere.com as seen here http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/pinspiration/. If you have any other ideas or thoughts that will fit my theme please feel free to share, i would love the help. :)

www.pinterest.com

http://www.lunabazaar.com/?gclid=COXbzcGArKkCFcXr7QodRSrHKw

iPad Love

 

It's been a little over a month since my iPad was delivered to me, and the excitement is not even close to subsiding. Sure I wanted an iPad since the first one came out, who didn’t? I decided at that time to hold out and wait for the release of the second generation mostly because I really wanted the camera and I just knew the second one would come with a camera. When the second improved iPad was released, I placed my order and waited anxiously for the three weeks to pass. I now use my iPad so much more than I ever thought I would. I take it with me everywhere, its excellent for traveling, I watch TV shows during lunch, send contracts to clients, tweet during the bachelorette, browse all my favorite websites through bookmarks, shop on gilt and so many many more things. I know I've only just begun to explore all the apps and possibilities of what the iPad can do, but I wanted to go ahead and share the apps that I have discovered thus far that I absolutely love (in no particular order). I know a couple of my friends have just recently purchased iPads or are considering it, so this is for you.


1. Twitter - Twitter for iPad is so much better than twitter for iPhone. Mainly because of the size of it, it’s much larger making tweeting through my favorite shows much much easier. It's also better for clicking on links from others that I follow, and seeing photos. For example: when @possessionista tweets about the latest look that the bachelorette is wearing I can easily click on the link from her tweet that takes me directly to her site and its big, obviously bigger than on a phone making it easier to navigate.


2. Flipboard - Flipboard is soooooooooo cool!!!! It's basically your own personal social media magazine. You select the tabs that you want to see on your flipboard and then the flipboard does the rest of the work. I have many tabs on my flipboard, such as travel, budget travel, fb, twitter, celebrity, style, design, but my favorite tab is the google reader. This tab basically puts all my blogs that I follow on google reader together in one tab to easily flip through and read all of them; it’s so easy and so useful. Big fan!


3. Kindle - I have the ibooks app, but have yet to use it. I'm using the kindle app for reading on the iPad, this is simply because I already own a kindle and the kindle iPad app automatically synchronizes to my kindle and visa versa. So, for example if I feel like reading on the kindle today and read about 50 pages, then tomorrow I want to read on the iPad using the kindle app I select the book I want to read and it automatically syncs to the last page that was read on the kindle. So smart.



4. Dropbox - The best app for any professional that needs to have all their documents handy at a moments notice. From dropbox.com: Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. This means that any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, phones and even the Dropbox website. Dropbox also makes it super easy to share with others, whether you're a student or professional, parent or grandparent. Even if you accidentally spill a latte on your laptop, have no fear! You can relax knowing that Dropbox always has you covered, and none of your stuff will ever be lost. - I have mine synchronized with all my real estate transactions from my work computer, making it very easy to send documents from anywhere.


5. Zinio - Many magazines have their own app such as glamour, and elle, but be warned, to open a magazine in one of these magazine's apps you need to have an internet connection, so for example if you're flying and your plane doesn't have wi-fi you cant read those magazines that you previously downloaded for your flight (I just learned this a couple weeks ago). Though if you purchased and download that magazine through the Zinio app you can open it and browse through the magazine at any time with or without an internet connection. You can’t use the interactive tools, but you can easily read the magazine. Another thing about Zinio that I love is that you can purchase a magazine through your pay pal account or any credit card; it doesn't all have to be through itunes. And it has almost every single magazine, from every single country, in every language you can imagine.


6. HBOGO & Netflix: Love Love Love!!!!!!! Most everyone has heard of HBOGO by now, which allows you to watch any HBO series ever made from beginning to end. All you need to have is an active subscription to HBO with whatever cable company you have. You then go online to DirecTV.com (in my case) set up your online account with a user name and password use that same information to log into the HBOGO app, and there you go HBO at your fingertips. It’s great! Completely obsessed with the new interactive tools on shows, such as from the new series Game of Thrones. Netflix is the same idea, when you log in with your netflix account information you can live stream and watch any movies from your instant Q.

There are so many more apps that I really enjoy using but for now I think I've shared enough. Some last suggestions that I won't go into too much detail about are skype for iPad, abc player, friendly fb for iPad, truxmap (for food truck locations all in one place), cool hunting, gilt and jetsetter, food network in the kitchen (you can view the recipes and videos live while you cook), padmaper (available apartments in your area), and realtor.com.

Initially i was keeping my iPad protected with a smart cover and inside a small velvet pouch, but I quickly became cautious of the back getting scratched up, so now I also have a clear smart back cover. All can be found at the links below.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/
http://www.apple.com/ipad/smart-cover/
http://www.boxwave.com/products/velvetpouch/apple-ipad-2-velvet-pouch_4284.htm
http://www.boxwave.com/products/smartbackcover/apple-ipad-2-smart-back-cover_4284.htm

After The Rose - Bachelorette Season 7 Episode 3

Poor Ashley! If I had to go through what she went through on Monday night's show I would be a total complete insecure mess. As I've expressed many times, though I don’t think that Ashley is "bachelorette" material the cruelty that she's going through is just too much, and hard to watch. These guys have seriously crossed the line. Ill get to Bentley in a little, but let's start with William. I initially thought William was a great a guy, I thought he was very handsome just from his bio picture, and then continued to really like him after their first one on one date. But Boy, did William show his true colors on Monday night! I was very doubtful of William's job from the beginning, a cell phone salesman, and now it seems clear to me that William is on the show with hopes of becoming successful at a different career. I know I know, he’s not the first one to go on the bachelor/bachelorette franchise hoping it will do something for his career and/or future but I don’t think anyone has ever made it as obvious! He was so excited to be able to get the attention of TV people and maybe finally fulfill his life long dream of becoming a comedian that he got lost in that excitment and went way too far during his roast. When he said he was expecting Emily or Shawntel to be the bachelorette, he completely crossed the line. No One Laughed!!!

Could it get any worse after that? Yes, it can. Bentley decides that while Ashley is sitting in a corner crying her eyes out, it would be the perfect opportunity to fake comfort her and mess with her head a little bit more (he actually says that) wow this guy! He tells Ashley that out of the 25 potential suitors 24 were happy it was her waiting outside the limo. Making it very clear to the audience that the 1 missing suitor is himself, but not making it at all clear to Ashley. When Bentley decides to finally leave the next morning I was happy he was going to be honest with himself and stop messing with poor Ashley. It seemed that he was at least being truthful with the cameras and himself, but again I was deeply disappointed in Bentley when he lied to Ashley about his real reasons for leaving, and left her with a . . . and some hope for the future. I'm seriously considering sending Ashley the book and/or movie "He's just not that into you", because she actually falls for this again. This is not the last we will see of Bentley; Chris Harrison tweeted this a couple days ago, so prepare yourselves. The only good thing that came out of the whole Bentley situation is that JP had his one on one date that night, and he was able to pick up the pieces of Ashley's broken heart. Who better for this job than JP? He can cure my broken heart any time. JP is a great guy and I hope for Ashley's sake she can get over the Bentley situation and truly open her heart to him. (Ashley lets keep the pjs and glasses for only your eyes in the future)

Next week the traveling begins!!! I love when the shows finally leaves LA and starts to travel around the world, one of my favorite parts of the show is to be able to see all the different places they go to. The journey begins in Phuket, Thailand. Catch a sneak peak here courtesy of abc.

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/video-detail/featured/shirtless-sneak-peek/pl_PL5556208/vd_VD55129949

Photo & Video from abc.com

Home by Novogratz

I was a huge fan of Bravo's 9 by design and have been wondering for months why the show was not returning  for a second season on the network. I am thrilled to share that the answer to that question is because Rob and Courtney Novogratz and their seven children will now have their own show on HGTV!!! All of their designs that were featured on the bravo show were truly exceptional and inspiring, almost as exceptional as how they juggled their seven children. I fell in love with the family, and I'm so happy I can share in their lives and designs again next month. The new HGTV show is titled Home by Novogratz, learn more about it here:http://www.hgtv.com/cortney-and-robert-novogratz/bio/index.html

Also really enjoyed this casasugar article on the couple and their family:
http://www.casasugar.com/Interview-Rob-Cortney-Novogratz-17762856
http://www.sixxdesign.com/

The Fable of the Rose - Episode 3

I wasn’t up to speed last week with the bachelorette; I was in New York for the long holiday weekend and was not able to pre-show post. Though my flight landed late and I got home late at night, I could not fall asleep without watching, the first thing I did when I got home was turn on my tivo. This week I'm completely ready for episode 3, and to watch Ashley as she continues on her journey for love. Ashley has 15 men left to choose from, and these are some of the hottest men I have ever seen on any season of the bachelorette. Don’t hate me for saying this - but that last statement has me a little worried regarding the staying power of Ashley's final choice and relationship. I just personally believe that in almost every relationship, the lady should be just a little bit prettier than the man (just my opinion, don’t throw stones at me) so maybe these men are just a little bit too cute for Ashley. Besides that I already know my heart is going to break for Ashley tonight. I will have the tissues close by, as I watch Bentley become the ultimate Bachelor/Bachelorette villain as he tears out Ashley's heart and stomps on it. I know I know it’s going to be hard to stomach, but I have a feeling he is only going to make himself look bad. I mean honestly what girl in her right mind is going to want to have anything to do with Bentley after tonight's show. Here's a sneak peak from abc.com:

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/video-detail/featured/bentley-night-3-sneak-peek/pl_PL5556208/vd_VD55129560

From my top 5 favorites still around are William, Ryan P and Ben C. William is charmer as he proved last week, and a good sport that will go along with any situation, always a good characteristic. Ryan P, and Ben C have not gotten much air time at all, maybe tonight we will get to see some more of them. I have added a new front-runner who is my #1 favorite and that is JP. WOW this man is handsome. If I was the bachelorette no way I would ever leave a date with JP up to a coin toss, come on! Ashley better get on that, that’s all I have to say about that. Come back tomorrow for all my after-show thoughts.

Lovely Dressing

(Gypsy 05 dress, Forever21 bracelets,
miu miu sandals - now 30% off at miu miu in bal harbor)

It was my friend's birthday over the weekend we had a wonderful day by the pool at the fontainebleau in Miami Beach, then headed over to Vita restaurant for a celebratory dinner. Happy Birthday Maggie <3

Spring Lusting

Even though it’s scorching hot outside believe it or not it’s not full on summer yet. Nope, its still spring and it will be for another two and half weeks. When it gets this hot there is nothing I’d rather throw on than a breezy maxi dress. Maxi dresses are the perfect way to be dressed very comfortably but look completely put together and polished. Therefore I have always been a fan of maxi dresses but this season especially I love the new cuts and styles that the maxis are coming in. There is such a wide selection, the new shorter in front - longer in the back style particularly stands out to me. Here are some that I know would be very happy at home in my closet, paired with the perfect shoe for this look, which is a strappy flat sandal that wraps around the ankle, or a very high wedge, the higher the better.

Spring Lusting by vferrer0706 featuring nine west sandals

Diane von Furstenberg long summer dress, $445
Maxi dress, $92
Miss Selfridge maxi dress, 40 GBP
Nine west sandal, $99
Paloma Barceló sandal, $295
Dolce vita sandal, $180

yumsugar

This morning started amazingly!!!! Just like any other morning I was visiting all my routine websites, one of them being yumsugar when I realize that they have featured a post about my 25th Birthday on their main page. Now everyone that visits www.yumsugar.com will see a main feature of my Marie-Antoinette themed birthday party! This is better than any birthday present i could ever receive. Thank you Thank you Thank you yumsugar and the entire sugar inc community!



http://www.yumsugar.com/
http://www.yumsugar.com/Marie-Antoinette-Themed-Birthday-Party-17482307