Top Knots and Curly Locks

Monday, February 29, 2016

February Book Review

Always.  Isn't that right?  I was so against e-readers until I traveled abroad and realized I couldn't pack all the books I need.  Now that I have one, I'm obsessed.  Don't get me wrong, I still prefer an actual book, but thanks to my e-reader, I have an endless supply of books at my fingertips at all times.  Isn't that crazy?

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This book was assigned as my book club read this month, and to be honest, none of us really cared for it.  So far I'm 0-2 with Liane's books.  Lots of people love her, but try as I may, I can't.  I don't know, I felt the book was too long but then ended too abruptly and left me with several questions.

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
I read this book several years ago but wanted to reread it before I saw the movie. This isn't one of my favorite books of his.  That being said, I love Gabby and Travis' relationship, but after reading all but one of Nicholas Sparks' books, there are others of his that I like more.

What books have you read this month?  I'm always up for suggestions!  Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to keep up with all my reads!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Rose Recap: The Bachelor Episode 8


Let me start by saying, I think Ben's stylist was on vacation this week.  Did you see the pants we was wearing in the beginning the episode?  His short shorts?  What about the old-man cardigan he was wearing when he went to JoJo's?

And then I saw that Becca tweeted this and I laughed and felt it needed to be shared.

We start the date out on Laguna Beach with Amanda.  She gives Ben a quick rundown of her girls and then they arrive and hearts all over Bachelor Nation melted as we were introduced to Kinsley and Charlie.
Look at those cute little pigtails and the sass Kins is giving Ben and all the cameras!  How precious!
See!  There are the short shorts I was talking about!
Kinsley (the older daughter) is a little more receptive to Ben than Charlie is, but they're going to make him work for their friendship.  They have him building sandcastles, chasing one another and flying kites.
How sweet is this moment?
But that moment quickly turns into this when they get into the car:
After a day at the beach, Amanda's girls are worn out as they drive back to meet the parents.
Amanda's parents aren't completely sold on Ben just yet and question if he's ready to be an instant dad.
Amanda sits down with her mom and opens up about how embarrassed she was when she got divorced and she completely broke my heart.
Meanwhile, Amanda's dad grills Ben and reiterates how the kids need to come first and how much his life would change becoming a stepdad.
Then it's bedtime for the girls and are they not the cutest little family during story time?
Ben leaves but not before telling Amanda to thank her family for him.
Maybe they just didn't show it, but Ben didn't ask Amanda's dad permission to marry his daughter.  In fact, he didn't ask any of the fathers; I think this is a first in Bachelor history.

Next stop is Portland with Lauren B. and we learn that Portland is the city of roses.  I can only assume that the city sponsors the show and that all roses used are from Portland.
Lauren and Ben's date takes place in heaven at the local food trucks and we learn that Lauren LOVES butter
I'm not exactly sure what that is, but I'll take two, please!  It looks like cheese, bread and butter...what more could you want?!?
Then, Lauren takes Ben to a whiskey library.  I didn't know these places existed, but I need to visit one now.  This place is gorgeous!  Is anyone else up for a trip to Portland with me?  Before you get too comfy, it's time to meet the family.
And in a shocking turn of events, Olivia is there -- just kidding!  Did anyone else see a resemblance between Olivia and Mollie?  Luckily the resemblance stops with looks and doesn't go onto personality.
The family sits down to dinner and we learn that Lauren's dad calls her Lo-lo and I just can't.  I think I'll stick with Lauren.
Mollie sits down with Ben and sister isn't going easy on him.  She asks him how she can believe what he's saying when he says how amazing every girl is to their families.
Mollie asks Ben what stands out to him about Lauren and he chokes up she says he answered her question.  Bottom line: she likes Ben a lot but is still hesitant.
Lauren tells Mollie that Ben is "her person" and she loves him but hasn't told him yet because she wanted him to meet the family first.
Now it's Dad's time with Ben, he lets him know this process is fast and that he dated his wife for many many years before they got married.  WHAT?  You mean normal people don't date someone for a month and then get engaged?  I had no idea! ;)
Lauren's fears get the best of her and she doesn't tell Ben she loves him and now she's kicking herself.

We then travel to "The Heart of It All" and go to Ohio!  Guys, I am so excited for this hometown mainly because Hudson, where Caila lives, is 9 miles from where I went to school at Kent State, so I felt like I was coming home!
Caila deems Ben worthy enough to be taken the bench where she has seen so many other couples sit together.
I don't know about you, but Caila gives me major hair and skin envy.  Girlfriend, please please please share your secrets!
Caila's dad is the CEO of a toy company so she takes Ben to the factory where they design and build their dream house.
Then she takes Ben home to meet the parents and we learn that since her mom is Filipino, it's not uncommon to forgo your individual utensils and use your hands to eat.
Caila's dad gets right down to it and asks what it's like having "microwave fame."  Caila quickly says that's not the way to get to know somebody.
How cute is Caila's mom?  Talk about great family genes -- they seriously look like they're sisters, not mother and daughter.
Ben opens up to Caila's mom about how Caila is worried she can't love him and he's worried he's unlovable.
Meanwhile, Caila tears up while telling her dad that this is it.  However, he's worried that she'll end up getting hurt in the end.
When Caila sits down with her mom, she tells her that she's in love with Ben, but again, the night ends without the girl telling Ben she loves him.

And now, it's time for the most dramatic hometown date ever with JoJo in Dallas.
JoJo walks up to her house to see roses and a sweet handwritten letter; however, as she reads the letter, she realizes it's not from Ben and is from her ex, Chad, in hopes of getting her back.
JoJo can't deal with this and calls Chad to tell him it's over, but is still visibly shaken and teary-eyed when Ben gets to her place.
Here's the old-man cardigan I was talking about earlier.  Also, the Dallas weather isn't good to Ben, his hair looks wet the entire time he's on the couch with JoJo.  Did anyone else notice that?
See?!?!?
So JoJo tells Ben about her afternoon and you can tell he's worried she's going to say that she's leaving Ben for Chad, but she doesn't.  She tells Ben she's there for him and she's not going anywhere.
Just look at that house, would ya?
And now, things go from bad to worse for poor JoJo.
There's a very fine line between being a protective older brother and being creepy.  Her brothers crossed that line as soon as she walked in.  The one in the pink shirt would not stop kissing her and neither of the brothers could pull themselves away from JoJo long enough to be introduced to Ben.
Can we talk about how cute Dallas JoJo is?  She's dropping y'alls left and right and I love it!
Things seems to be going well until the brothers start talking.  One of them says they're "really really really attached to Joelle" and he "loves everything about her."  And yes, he really really really did use 3 reallys.
While the brothers are interrogating Ben, JoJo is opening up to her mom and saying she's in love with Ben.
JoJo finally sits down with her brothers and things start to get good.  She tells them about her dates and says that only 2 have been 1-on-1s and that's all they can focus on.  They tell her how can she fall in love with someone she's only been on 2 dates with and she comes back swinging saying she's been on many dates with him where she gets good alone time with him.
The brothers tell her to keep her heart guarded.
This brother is getting ready for a fight.  He tells Ben that he brainwashes the girls too much and he doesn't get the same read on Ben that JoJo does.  He also accuses Ben of being coached on the answers he's given that evening.  Does anyone else feel like we're watching Des and Sean's hometown date all over again?
Meanwhile, Momma's had enough and hits the bottle.
That's right, Momma can't deal with brother bear anymore and drinks the champagne straight from the bottle.
You go girl!
Momma then says JoJo has been holding back emotionally and needs to open up more.  Brother bear tells his mom she needs to take a step back.  EXCUSE ME?!?  Did he really just say that to his mom and on national TV?  Go to your room, brother bear!
Dad decides it's time to have the final word and says he believes Ben and he's answered all his question.  In other words, his sons have embarrassed him enough and he wants this night to end.

It's rose ceremony time and Ben decides to send Amanda home.
Saying goodbye to Amanda broke my heart, I really thought she would make it to at least the top 3 after Ben brought her girls into the situation.  I was so proud of how Amanda handled herself during her goodbye, though, she was so poised.  Her only question was why he didn't do it during the hometown and he said he didn't know then until he saw how the other relationships progressed.  Fair enough.  I don't think this is the last we'll be seeing of Amanda, though!  Future Bachelorette or Bachelor in Paradise cast member perhaps?

What were your thoughts on the episode?  Let me know and I'll see you back here next week after the overnights.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Show and Tell Tuesdays: Pinterest

It's Tuesday so that means I'm partnering up with Andrea today for Show and Tell Tuesdays.  Today we're talking about our favorite pins on Pinterest.  I can't pick a favorite, so instead I'm sharing some of my favorite Pinterest boards.  I can't wait to see everyone else's and pin away! ;)

Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today, I'm linking up with NarciAndrea and Erika to share this week's Friday Favorites!

"Have mercy!"  Have you guys seen this?  It makes me so excited for Fuller House and gives me all the feels.  I can't wait for the Tanner family to be back on my TV.  Plus, how amazing does the cast look?  I just wish Michelle was going to be on the show.  Fingers crossed for season 2!

These Old Navy compression leggings came in the mail 3 days ago and I'm obsessed.  They're cute, they're comfy and more importantly, they have a hidden pocket that's perfect for my house key when I go out for a run.  They're on sale right now, plus everything online is 15% off!  I might be stocking up on some more of them with that deal.  I usually wear a 4 but sized up to a medium and they're perfect.

Did you see my super easy chocolate covered Valentine's Day pretzels?  They're perfect if you need a last minute treat for Valentine's Day!

And speaking of Valentine's Day treats, who doesn't love homemade Rice Krispie Treats.

Be sure to check out this week's Rose Recap.  This is just one of the many one-liners Olivia gave us this week.

Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Rose Recap: The Bachelor Episode 6


It was the cliffhanger heard round the (bachelor)nation: Ben asked to speak to Olivia before the rose ceremony and then fade to black.
After a quick recap of last week's episode, we jumped right back in and we finally got to see what happened.
Ben told Olivia she's been a topic of conversation and asks how she's doing.  She says she's just "different" from the rest of the girls.  She doesn't like to paint her nails, she likes painting and "talk smart things."  She tells him she's intimidating because she's confident.  Then the tears start as she says the situation is hard.
Conversation over.
Let. Down.
Olivia then proceeds to show the entire world what a classy lady she is by saying "Come at me, bro." and "Suck it!"
It's rose ceremony time and here's who's safe: Caila, Lauren B., JoJo, Becca, Leah and Emily.
Jennifer is sent packing.  No more Ben and Jen.
Next stop: the Bahamas.
Chris Harrison arrives to announce the dreaded 2-on-1 date is this week.
But before we have that, it's time for the 1-on-1 date and it's for Caila.  For those keeping score, she get's the first second 1-on-1 date and Leah is NOT HAPPY.
Ben arrives and sits beside Leah on the couch and she is not looking at him at all.  She ends up in the bathroom (where else?) crying.
Ben and Caila go deep sea fishing but we don't see much of it because we're too focused on Leah's melt down.
Ben tells Caila she smiles a lot and she responds with saying she's not 100% sure she's ready to cry on his shoulder.  What a breath of fresh air.  At least she's realistic and honest.
But in the same breath she goes on to say she feels like she loves him but that she's not ready to open up and she's worried she's going to break his heart.
Then when Ben asks her if she wants to be there, she says she feels like this is real and ends up getting the rose.
Honestly, I was so confused during their conversation, I couldn't follow along.
The group date card arrives and it's for Lauren B., Becca, Amanda, JoJo, Lauren H. and Leah.  This leaves Emily and Olivia for the 2-on-1 date.  
Leah is upset that she's not on the 2-on-1 date; she's the only person in the history of the show to be upset that she's not on that date.
Olivia says she's not worried about her date because Emily is "young."  Last time I checked, they both "claimed" to be 23.  That's the same age.

Leah starts the day out by saying she wasn't sure she was going to go on the date.  Girl, this is your only chance to leave your hotel room.  TAKE THE DATE!
The group sets out for Ben's private island.
Becca is reasonable and worried about sharks when in fact, she should be worried about swimming pigs.  That's right, swimming pigs.  
What I want to know is were the pigs brought out just for the date or do they live on that beach?  Also, can you imagine all the poop on the beach and in the water from that many pigs?
Ben then hands out chicken hotdogs for everyone to feed the pigs. 

Back in the hotel room, Emily calls Haley.  How does Emily keep getting a phone?  Also, is Emily's occupation still considered "Twin" since Haley was fired and sent home?

Back to the group date, the girls are upset because they think Ben is ignoring them.  Let's face it, group dates are awkward.
Leah finally gets her chance with Ben and tells him she feels like he doesn't want to get to know her.
After Becca tells Ben his connection with Lauren B. was very obvious, he decides it's time to reassure the girls and tell them why he's kept them around.
Leah uses her alone time with Ben to talk about the girls and says Lauren B. acts differently around Ben than in the house.
Then to top it all off, when Lauren B. brings it up to the girls, Leah lies to all their faces and says it wasn't her.  (Is anyone else thinking the off the Shaggy song?)  Someone's pants are ON FIRE!
The group rose goes to Amanda.
Once they're back to the hotel, Leah says she needs to do something extreme so cut to her getting ready and then sneaking out.
She says her whole reasoning for going over is to talk about Lauren B. and convince him she's not the girl for him.
Let's just go ahead and call this what it is: Leah realizes she hasn't had much screen time and knows this will get her some.  This makes me sad.  I wanted to like Leah.  In fact, up until this episode, I did.  I liked that she's an event planner and that she's from close to Ben.  This week has proved differently though.
Leah is lying through her teeth about Lauren B. and is making me so mad.  She tells Ben that Lauren B. doesn't care about the situation and that she isn't genuine.  All this, of course, after Leah tells Ben that she's not there to talk badly about Lauren.
Ben decides enough is enough and tells her something is missing and says something doesn't feel right.  He then says it's best for them to say goodbye.
It looks like that plan of hers backfired.
How appropriate that it's stormy out on the day of the 2-on-1.
Olivia talks about how this is her first almost 1-on-1 date with the man she knows she's going to marry and then talks about how they're writing their love story.
Their boat ride looks just miserable.  The weather, the wind, the waves, not fun.
Olivia gave in and pulled her hair back and I want to reach through the TV and give Emily my hairband.  The wind is not being nice to her hair.
Ben steals Olivia away and she says her love with Ben is ever-growing and constant, she then goes on to talking about herself the whole time she has with Ben.
"Deep intellectual things are my jam." -- That is a direct quote from Olivia.  Then she goes into telling Ben she's in love with him.
It's Emily turn with Ben and she tells him how ready she is and that she wants him there for all the experiences life has to offer.  Ben also helps Emily with her hair because it's blowing EVERYWHERE!
Ben grabs the rose and asks Olivia to take a walk with him.  He then tells her he doesn't reciprocate the feelings and she isn't getting the rose!!!!!!!!
He gives Emily the rose instead and the two hop on the boat leaving Olivia on the island where she still remains today.
Olivia's tears are so fake and there isn't any emotion whatsoever while she's talking.

Ben decides against a cocktail party and goes straight for the rose ceremony and all I can think is what a waste of hair, makeup and dresses.
Becca, JoJo and Lauren B. (along with Caila, Amanda and Emily) are all safe.
Lauren H. is sent home.