Sunday, January 27, 2013

Week three of Sean's Journey on The Bachelor

Week three kicks off with Lesley Murphy receiving the first one on one date of the week. She and Sean go to the Gusiness World Record Museum, and Lesley is completely unaware that they are there to break a record. They go out the museum and onto Hollywood Boulevard where they are greeted by Chris Harrison and a crowd. They are there to break the record for longest on screen kiss. The record was three minutes 15 seconds, and they beat the record. Sean said that there were moments that he forgot about the crowd; he agreed that there was great chemistry between him and Lesley. Later on, they had a rooftop dinner where Sean gave Lesley a rose.

The group date pitted the ladies against each other in a volleyball match. The first team consisted of Desiree, Lindsay, Amanda, Jackie, Kacie, and Robyn. The second team was made up of Catherine, Kristy, Daniella, Tierra, Taryn, and Leslie. The first team ended up winning ensuring that they would get to spend the night with Sean, and the other ladies were sent home.

Lindsay tells Sean that he's everything she is looking for. I am actually growing to like Lindsay; the wedding dress was a huge mistake, but I am loving who she is as a person so far. Desiree is so fun, she is so sincere too; there's nothing fake about her. Amanda basically makes a fool of herself with Sean and the other girls because she is so different with the girls than she is with him. She is overly confident with him too without knowing him and without having really spent any time with him so far. Then Kacie B. does something really odd; she pulls Sean aside to tell him about this tension that's been taking place in the house between Desiree and Amanda. I don't understand exactly why she does this because neither of those ladies brought anything up to Sean about it. It made it seem like Kacie was there for the drama, not for Sean. Sean called her out on it, and Kacie realized that she made a big mistake.

The next day, AshLee is getting ready for her date and just before Sean comes in to pick her up, Tierra falls down the stairs apparently. 

AshLee and Sean finally get to go on their date, and close down an amusement park to do so, and they surprise two young girls who are best friends, but they've never met. They met each other through the Starlight Foundation. Sean and AshLee both seemed so happy and so inspired by these two young girls. As night fell, Sean surprised all three ladies with a concert from the Eli Young Band. Later that night when it's just Sean and AshLee one on one he tells her that he can feel her heart when she speaks about what she wants in a family. She tells Sean her story of adoption and meeting her parents for the first time, and he literally has tears in her eyes as she tells her story. He feels inspired by her story and how despite the fact that she didn't have the best childhood, she is still such an amazing person.

At the cocktail party, Sean surprises Sarah by having her dog brought in for her birthday.

Tierra still keeps laughing about the fact that she fell down the stairs. I think she faked it personally. Desiree is sick of Tierra's fakeness and goes over to steal Sean. Tierra then comes back and steals him back. The rest of the night is about Sean being bounced from lady to lady.

Kacie tries to fix her mistake, but it's too late and at this point I think Sean has decided that they would be better off as friends. And he has come to that decision because when the rose ceremony starts he asks to see her so that he can give her the respect she deserves as his friend and he sends her home.

Who received a rose?
Lesley M.
Lindsay
AshLee
Tierra
Leslie H.
Catherine
Daniella
Robyn
Selma
Sarah
Jackie
Amanda
Desiree

Who is going home?
Taryn
Kristy
Kacie

Sunday, January 20, 2013

The Bachelor: Sean's Season So Far

The Bachelor has begun yet another drama filled season. This time the bachelor is hunky family oriented Texas born Sean Lowe from Emily Maynard's season of The Bachelorette. Sean was the second runner up and went home heartbroken after professing his love for Emily.

There are some positive points to make about the first couple of shows. There is a lot more diversity in the casting, and I think part of that is because Sean is such an open person. He's very accepting, and his sincerity in wanting to find the right partner is obvious.

Who made a good impression?

Desiree is simply awesome, her one on one date with Sean in episode two was just what it should have been. She isn't annoying, she doesn't think she has fallen in love already. She is also confident and comfortable with who she is. I loved their gallery date, and the fact that she had a sense of humor even after she was "punked". Following all that she was secure enough to go back to his place, have dinner, and then get in a hot tub! I admire her sense of security. Sean couldn't give her that rose quick enough.

I really like Leslie; she is so funny. She has this great personality and sense of humor. Her motives with Sean are real; I look forward to her getting to spend more time with him.

Kacie B. is a sweetheart and while I do like her and she has nothing but the best of intentions, I can tell that Sean sees her as a friend.
 
Who made a not so good impression?

I find Amanda to be an annoying pain in the butt. She reminds me of a child, petulant and wanting her way all the time.

Ashley P., a.k.a. fifty shades of gray girl; this was such a bad idea.

Tierra is someone who I am seeing as very needy, and I don't think that's what Sean is looking for.

Sarah, okay, everyone probably thinks I am mean for putting her on the list because she has one arm, but my issue with her is that she has had one date with Sean, and she is already saying that she is falling in love with him. Isn't that just a tab bit too soon?

Lesley M., I like her, but her personality seems like she would smother Sean, and no man wants that.

Diana, she wasn't right for Sean, and was eliminated at the end of Week 2.

Lindsay steps out of the limo to meet Sean in a wedding gown. What made her think this was a good idea?

So who is left, and who has been eliminated?

Still vying for Sean's Heart:

Sarah
Kacie B.
Desiree
AshLee
Lindsay
Robyn
Jackie
Lesley M.
Selma
Catherine
Kristy
Leslie H.
Tierra
Taryn
Daniella
Amanda

Eliminated:

Kelly
Ashley P.
Lacey
Paige
Keriann
Ashley H.
Lauren
Brooke
Diana

Monday, January 14, 2013

Golden Globe Glam 2013: Who Wore it Best?

One of the biggest things talked about during this barrage of award shows that we have on during the winter is what are the celebrities wearing. I love watching the award shows and just ignoring the gossip and the superficial part of it and instead just basking in the glamour of it all. I think what Hollywood really misses now more than ever is the film star or TV star as opposed to the "celebrity".

I am not going to be mean and talk about those who I thought missed the boat in terms of their fashion choices. I want this instead to be in praise of those who got it right, looked amazing, and glowed. Here's my top ten in no particular order. ---

Nashville star and nominated this year, Hayden Panettiere looked amazing in her simple Roberto Cavalli mermaid style gown. I love the fact that her makeup and hair looked so natural. By the way, if you haven't checked out the show Nashville on ABC, please do, it's amazing. We need more shows like this on network TV.





Claire Danes, a winner for Best TV Drama Actress in Homeland, looked amazing for a woman who just recently gave birth. Her red hot Versace halter gown was the perfect hint of sexy paired with long blonde tresses and smoky eyes. 




Connie Britton, also from Nashville, sparkled in a strapless silver gown. Her long locks didn't fail to impress; they never do. I think a necklace would have been too much; the bracelets are just lovely. She never misses. 




Wowza! Taylor Swift looked lovely in eggplant; the dress fits her well, and the chandelier drop earrings that much were a nice touch. This ensemble was a welcome switch for Swift who usually favors red or more neutral colors. 

 



Stacy Kiebler looks simply awesome in this black dress with horizontal silver stripes. I also wouldn't mind that handsome accessory that she has on her arm. Va-va-voom---- George Clooney, ladies!




I loved the texture on Jennifer Garner's red dress, what an amazingly clean, sexy look for the mom of three, and the wife of Argo Director Ben Affleck. I cannot wait to see her on the big screen again. 




Glee star Lea Michele looked absolutely stunning in this sparkly white halter gown. The slit is amazing, the shoes are amazing; this is such a put together look. By the way, Glee is totally back this season, my favorite season since Season 2. It's must watch TV. 





The color of the gown, her skin, her hair, Jessica Alba was spot on with this entire outfit. Didn't she just have two kids? She looks phenomenal. I love the sweetheart neckline and how the dress is fitted through her waist and hips and how it flares out at the bottom. She is just gorgeous, and no one seemed to care that she wasn't nominated for anything. 




Yes, Sally Field, I really like you. This navy gown was perfect for her figure, and she seriously makes my best dressed list in a big way. She sometimes looks a bit of a mess, but here, I just want to honor her here, and take a cue from Anne Hathaway as she honored her during her acceptance speech. 




Helen Mirren always makes such smart red carpet choices, she's never caught off guard, she always looks age appropriate, and she is truly a part of that "old Hollywood glamour". But make no mistake, there is nothing old about her; she continues to impress. 

 

 *All these beautiful photos are from tvguide.com





Sunday, January 13, 2013

The Top Songs of 2012: My Opinions, Enough Said.

Adorn by Miguel-- Admit it, you've probably never heard of him (heard of the song Sure Thing?) , but after you hear this song, you'll want to know that much more. The song was written and produced by the newcomer who said it was inspired by a series of dreams. It also scored him three Grammy nominations: Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance. Adorn is a lyricist's dream.



Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen-- If you didn't hear this song all over the radio, then where were you? Canadian born Jepsen had a number one hit with this song which also happened to be her debut single. Despite the fact that the music video is lame, it didn't stop the song from topping many 2012 music lists, including those for itunes and MTV as well as earning two Grammy nods.

Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson-- She continues to prove that the show American Idol actually has some clout. She also sounds happy, maybe it's because she truly is, newly engaged, Clarkson continues to be a force in pop music. I love the message of the song, it's about moving forward, and it's so positive and uplifting.



Climax by Usher-- When I first heard Climax, I didn't know it was Usher, and then a friend reminded me that no other male singer on the scene today could sound like that. Usher stressed that "Climax" is not about sex but instead about the complication of relationships. It's about whether or not you're able to commit; Usher, I commit.



Diamonds by Rihanna-- A lot of people dismissed Diamonds as a weak Rihanna ballad, but they couldn't be more wrong. I like this new direction that she's taking; it's deep. Now if only her intelligence in men matched her talent and she distanced herself from a singer with the initials C.B. The song is about love and I just feel good when I listen to it, not necessarily jumping for joy, but at ease. It's beautiful.



The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes and Ryan Tedder-- As I thought about what happened throughout 2012, I almost forgot the London Games. The pure thrill of getting to watch elite athletes compete on an international stage and show their stuff is like nothing else. The Fighter also contains lyrics and a certain "fight" to it which is so inspiring.



Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys-- Welcome back Alicia Keys, and because your music is so good and so conceptual and essential for women's souls everywhere, may you never leave us again. Girl on Fire, Keys says, is about her taking control, and, she says, it was inspired by all the new things in her life. Since her last album Keys got married and became a mom, but one thing hasn't changed and that's her amazing spirit.



Give Your Heart a Break by Demi Lovato-- Many of her fans and critics believe that Skyscraper was her breakthrough song, but I beg to differ because in a year full of dynamic female voices, Give Your Heart a Break was one of the most memorable pop songs of 2012.



Home by Phillip Phillips-- Phil Phillips was an unlikely Idol winner, but nonetheless, here we are, nine months later, and Home became the best selling Idol coronation song. I think it's because he is this unlikely here, so unassuming, so humble, and yet so talented, powerful with that quiet and low rock voice. I can't wait for his debut, The World from the Side of the Moon to give birth to yet another brilliant single.



I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift-- Taylor Swift continues to just surprise me in such a good way. Yes, I am tired of all these dead end relationships that she gets herself in to, and if only she realized that she deserves so much better, she wouldn't get in to half of them. But maybe there's a method to her madness, maybe it inspires these wonderful songs, her own personal works of art. And then, would I want her to stop? I Knew You Were Trouble sounds like nothing she has ever done before, and yet she sings it in such a convincing voice, and it is so Taylor.



I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz-- The sweetness and straightforwardness of I Won't Give Up, the first single off Love is a Four Letter Word transcends boundaries previously placed by Mraz himself. He makes such an emotional connection with the song and the listener that you or in my case, I, cannot help but be taken in. I feel every single word of I Won't Give Up and I am inspired, because as Mraz said, everyone has something in life that they believe is worth fighting for.



Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself) by Neyo-- Neyo is as famous for being a songwriter as he is for being a singer. So when Australian singer, Sia said she wrote a song for Neyo, it must have been really good for him to agree to it, because as Neyo put it, "no one knows me better than me" (on why he writes his own songs). The risk paid off because it isn't done climbing the charts yet.



Let's Go by Calvin Harris featuring Neyo-- Few who know Calvin Harris can question the influence he has had on the music industry these past couple of years. He has really brought a whole new sound to the forefront of the industry and people aren't just listening to it, they're dancing to it.



Lights by Ellie Goulding-- You may not believe me when I tell you this, but I knew who Ellie Goulding was a couple of years ago when few in the U.S. did. She is a talent to be reckoned with, and if you think for one moment that she is a one hit wonder, listen to Anything Can Happen. It should get as much record play as Lights did in my opinion, and this is my plea to radio. If my praise of her isn't enough, just ask William and Katherine what they think of her.



One More Night by Maroon 5--  I bet many of you think that the reason Maroon 5 is popular right now because Adam Levine has been gracing the stage on The Voice. I would be willing to bet anyone who believes that that Maroon 5 would still be making hit after hit. What I really like about One More Night is the easy beat and its honesty. The song is about a relationship going wrong and Levine admits to his part in it. I just love a man who can be honest.




Over You by Miranda Lambert-- What I love about Over You besides Miranda Lambert's sincere and emotional vocal is the story behind the song. It was written by Lambert and her husband Blake Shelton about a personal experience of his. When Blake was a teenager, his older brother was killed in a car accident and this song is about that experience; Blake said he would be honored for his wife Miranda to sing this song for him. It actually won Song of the Year for the couple at the 2012 CMA Awards.



R.I.P. by Rita Ora-- She's a rising star, and what I love about Rita Ora is how bad ass she is. As a woman, she comes across as this fearless stage presence. R.I.P. was actually written by Drake, originally for Rihanna, his unrequited love, but it went to Ora when she heard the song and expressed interest. Ora said she told Drake that she needed this song because it was one of those "women empowering songs". Wow, couldn't agree more, and I cannot wait to see what she does next as an artist.



Some Nights by Fun.-- For a little Indie pop band, Fun. sure came from out of nowhere and it seemed like they went from being unknowns to being one of the most popular artists of 2012 overall. Between "We Are Young" and "Some Nights", Fun. scored six Grammy nominations. Both songs also got "gleeked" (meaning the Glee kids sang the heck out of it). They've even drawn comparisons to Queen, and just imagine, this is only the beginning.



Spectrum by Florence and the Machine-- Florence Welch continues to push the envelope and not only challenge herself, but us with new sounds. She proves herself as a songwriter and a vocalist who has legit chops. I heard her sing notes in Say My Name that I hadn't heard before.  Her voice truly soars; this song has a beautiful element of freedom to it.



Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson-- She's the only artist this year to appear two times on my list, and boy oh boy, did she ever earn it. This song, like many others on this list promote female empowerment and garnered Clarkson several Grammy nominations as well as number one status on five different U.S. music charts. Stronger became Clarkson's most successful U.S. single. The other part of Stronger that I really enjoy is that when Clarkson sings it, I believe it.



Take Care by Drake featuring Rihanna-- I was waiting for another Find Your Love, and what does that mean to me? It means a song where I feel Drake pours his heart out to the ladies and shows us his oh so sensitive side, and then came Take Care featuring Rihanna. Drake talks about his feelings and this relationship that he wants to be in, and this woman that he can't stop caring about. What more can a girl ask for?



Try by Pink!--  Lyrically and vocally, I love Try; it's one of Pink's most genuine songs. The song is about what we all do every day, we get up and try. The questions that she asks throughout the song are quite deep, like, "why do we all fall in love so easy?" She attempts, not to answer the question in the song, but instead to offer a resolution. It's enough for me.



Wanted by Hunter Hayes-- He wins my award for breakout country act of the year, and he is young (only 21), and he's super talented. Hayes, who wrote Wanted says what he says in the song is something he wanted to say to someone he was in a relationship with but instead he decided to say it in music. The song has a mature and sweet message without being corny. The song definitely puts him on the map in country.



Wide Awake by Katy Perry-- The past two years have been a whirlwind for Katy Perry who seemed to have hit after hit and in the midst of it all, her marriage hit a snag and ended in divorce. Wide Awake was Perry's response to it all, and it gave her her ninth consecutive Billboard number one. She has vowed to take some time off from music; I hope she doesn't stay away too long.