Politics and Pearls

Secrets of The Bachelor

2012-01-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes on
The Bachelor? Yep- me too.

I always wonder how they pack for such an uncertain amount of time or undisclosed destinations. How much they get to sleep? What do they do all day without TV or Internet access? Well, I have uncovered some of those secrets!

Here are 10 behind the scenes secretes of "The Bachelor":

"The Bachelor" is told what order to call out rose recipients at the rose ceremonies.
Chris Harrison used to write the date cards, but thought his handwriting was too sloppy. He admits he writes them occasionally.
Women start getting ready at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of "The Bachelor." They don't arrive until 9:00 p.m. when it's dark and don't have the rose ceremony until 4:00 a.m.. They get to bed at 8:00 a.m. the next day.
The women don't have TV or Internet access while they're in the house.
"The Bachelor" contestants bring their own clothes and dresses, however they may share or switch items.
Makeup artists offer their services for the first few rose ceremonies, but most of the women apply their own makeup. They also have the option of getting their hair done by "The Bachelor" staff.
A couple men on the crew wet down the mansion's driveway with hoses to make the contestants' arrivals look super good.
A psychologist is available for the rejected "Bachelor" contestants. The eliminated cast normally takes advantage of that.
The final two have a selection of dresses to choose from prior to filming the finale episode.
On the exotic location dates, the women get to spend at least two days with "The Bachelor."

via

And if you have an extra 1 1/2 hours on your hand you can watch 20/20's special "Inside The Bachelor: Stories Behind The Rose" to discover even more secrets!

Friday Funnies

2012-01-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

These videos have been floating around the blog and facebook world recently and I just can't get enough of them! I think every girl has either said all of these things or at least has a friend that said them. Every time I watch them I think about all the ridiculous things I say to Michael everyday.

(Lord/Mom forgive me for putting a 4-letter word on my blog)

Enjoy! Happy Friday!

And some great spin offs....

Tuesday's Thought

2012-01-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen.

Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

via

The 12 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Home Alone!

2011-12-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

The 12 Things You Probably Didn't Know
About Home Alone!
VIA

1. The picture Kevin finds of Buzz's girlfriend was actually a picture of a boy
made up to look like a girl because the director thought it would be too cruel
to make fun of a girl like that.
2. The role of Uncle Frank was written for Kelsey Grammer.
3. There is a legend that Elvis Presley (who died in 1977) made a
cameo in the movie. Many of those who believe that Elvis is still alive
maintain that, the heavily bearded man standing in the background
of the scene where Mrs. MacCallister is shouting at the desk clerk
(just before she meets John Candy) is Elvis.
4. The issue of Playboy that Kevin finds in Buzz's room is from July 1989
with Erika Eleniak as Miss July.
5. The “evil furnace” in the basement was done by two guys with
fishing line and flashlights.
6. Robert De Niro turned down the role of Harry.
7. Angels with Filthy Souls is a fictional gangster film and was made
specifically for the film. There is also a sequel to the film,
Angels with Even Filthier Souls, in the sequel.
8. The Talkboy was originally conceived as a non-working prop for Home Alone,
used by Macaulay Culkin's character. In 1993 it was made into a retail version,
brought on by a massive letter-writing campaign by young fans of the film.
9. John Candy filmed his part in only 1 day, albeit an extremely long
23-hour day. The story about having once forgotten his son at a
funeral home was entirely improvised. His part is obviously inspired
by the character he played in Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
10. In the scene where Harry bites Kevin's finger, Joe Pesci
actually bit Macaulay Culkin, leaving a scar on his finger.
11. The concept for the movie originated during the filming of a scene
in Uncle Buck when Macaulay Culkin interrogated a would-be-babysitter
through a letterbox.
12. Daniel Stern agreed to have the tarantula put on his face for
exactly one take. He had to mime screaming because the noise
would have scared the spider, and the scream was dubbed in later.

CMA behind the curtain

2011-11-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to give all my bloggy friends a behind the scenes look at the CMA's! This is my third year getting the all access look at country music's biggest week. My sweet husband works in radio and I couldn't be happier that I get to tag along for all the fun.

So here's a quick run down and some photos of the week!!

Sunday-Tuesday
Artists come to the Hilton for radio interviews. Each artist has an entourage - usually a publicist/record rep/family member or manager that tags along. They also have a handler that moves them quickly around the room. The bigger the artist the less time you have to talk. Usually you have about 5 minutes with each artist to interview, take pictures, get autographs and also liners (ex: Hi this is Darius Rucker and you're listening to 98.1 The Bull).

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the radio interviews.

The row of interviews!

Faith Hill

Lorrie Morgan + Britt

Miranda Lambert

Britt + Neil McCoy

Sara Evan's Awesome Shoes

(I think she said they were Steve Madden)

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley

(Her boots were Bebe and she said they hurt)

Britt + Eli Young Band

Michael, Officer Don and DeAnn with Kellie Pickler

Lady A

After long days of radio interviews there is always something fun going on around town. But getting up at 3 or 4 in the morning can make going out on the town hard. We did manage to make out one night to the Hard Rock for Jason Aldean and Thompson Square and then headed down to The Stage to see a great performance from Ronnie Dunn.

After all of that craziness comes my FAVORITE part of the week... The Red Carpet!

Wednesday - Red Carpet and Award Show Day

Before everyone arrived!

Miranda looked awesome!

Sugarland!

Darius looking thrilled...

Michael was about as excited as Darius :)

There ya go, MJ!

I make him take a million pictures!

Scotty from American Idol

Kellan Lutz from Twilight!

My feet are KILLING me... But I will not take my shoes off on the Red Carpet :)

A funny thing happened on the way into the Awards...

So we walked in about 20 seconds before the show came back from commercial break and if you aren't in your seat on time you get stuck behind curtains until the next commercial break. We had amazing seats on the floor this year (Thanks Tom!) and we were rushing to get to them and got stuck in the Keith Urban madness that was happening the in the middle of the crowd. So we joined in and enjoyed Keith's up close and personal performance until we could shuffle over to our seats.

Us on TV (Thanks Damon) vs. My view of Keith

So there you have it! Some real life paparazzi shots from CMA week 2011!

Trick or Treat! Which is Healthier?

2011-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Love this article from Real Simple!

Which Treat is Healthier? Read on to find out...

Peanut M&M’s or Skittles?

The better choice: Peanut M&M’s.

Skittles have only 61 calories per snack-size bag, compared to 90 in Peanut M&M’s, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the better choice, says Gidus. Peanut M&M’s are low on the glycemic index, which means they release their sugar slowly into your bloodstream and will satisfy you longer. Those sugary little Skittles will spike your blood sugar and leave you craving more.

Twix or Kit Kat?

The better choice: Kit Kat.

While neither of these chocolaty, wafery/biscuity treats will win any nutritional prizes, “reaching for the Kit Kat will save you 20 calories and rack up less saturated fat and sodium,” says Sass. In fact, Twix packs three times the sodium—90 milligrams—in three fun size pieces than you would get in a comparable serving of Kit Kat.

Candy Corn or Tootsie Rolls?

The better choice: It’s a tie between the two.

There’s actually a trick answer for these treats: At 20 million pounds consumed annually, candy corn wins the popularity contest, but in the nutrition competition, this one’s a draw. Though you would need to eat 26 pieces of candy corn to rack up the same number of calories—140—as in 6 Tootsie Rolls, both candies contain artificial color and flavor. Vegetarians should go for Tootsie Rolls, however, since candy corn contains gelatin (an animal by-product).

Butterfinger or York Peppermint Pattie?

The better choice: York Peppermint Pattie.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that a candy that has butter in its name (and is endorsed by Bart and Homer Simpson, d’oh!) doesn’t take the prize here: Two fun-size Butterfingers boast 200 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 100 milligrams of sodium. Meanwhile, three mini York patties pack 150 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 15 milligrams of sodium. Plus, says Gidus, “mint is a nice way to finish. When someone has a strong mint flavor they are not likely to go back for more because it would ruin the flavor of another piece of candy

Starburst or Jolly Rancher?

The better choice: Jolly Rancher.

While Starburst candies win the calorie comparison (43 calories in three pieces as opposed to 70 calories for three Jolly Ranchers), “the calorie difference is not significant in my book,” says Gidus. Her pick is the Jolly Rancher, “because it takes longer to suck on and finish it, so you’re not likely to eat three in a row. But it is quite easy to down three Starbursts and still want more.” And then there’s this: Starbursts stick to your teeth more readily, which can raise your risk of developing cavities.

Smarties or SweeTarts?

The better choice: Smarties.

So who’s the smarty? The candy’s name probably should have been a giveaway: Smarties have about half the calories and sugar of an equivalent serving of SweeTarts (25 calories and 5 grams of sugar per one of those little Smarties rolls compared to 50 calories and 13 grams of sugar for eight SweeTarts), says Sass. And, she adds, “Smarties are smaller, so it feels like you get more, and they take longer to eat.”

Milky Way or PayDay?

The better choice: Milky Way.

Both of these treats are built around gooey caramel, but “the Milky Way has less than 50 percent of the fat and sodium for two fun-size pieces,” says Sass. And, sure, the peanuts in PayDay offer some heart-healthy benefits, but they also come with 90 milligrams of sodium and 9 grams of fat.

Caramel Apple or Candy Apple?

The better choice: Candy apple.

No matter how they’re costumed—in melted caramel or a hard candy coating—these treats are both winners in a way, because they’ve got fiber and vitamins under those sugary disguises. But caramel is made with butter as well as sugar, which boosts its calorie and fat content. In contrast, a typical medium-sized candy apple will run 70 fewer calories than a caramel apple, and it contains no fat, says Sass. It’s worth noting, though, that the red dye that distinctively colors the sugar-based coating may be unhealthy, some studies suggest.

Find more helpful hints at Realsimple.com

Never Gonna, Never Gonna, Never Gonna....

2011-10-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Need a little mid-day pick me up?

Happy Tuesday. Enjoy.

Seeing Double... Smell Edition

2011-10-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else noticed how similar the bottles for Lola (Marc Jacobs) and Someday (The Beibs) are?

If I were Marc, I'd be mad.

Wordless Wednesday! Go Cats!

2011-10-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

Who's Ready for Basketball Season? Go Big Blue!

(via)

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-09-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

We did it! Officially tied the knot on 9.10.11. I'll be back with some more pictures from the wedding and honeymoon after our trip to New Orleans this week! Happy Wednesday.

Tesh Tuesday- Resume Tips!

2011-08-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

10 Words You Should Include on Your Resume

Packing your résumé with overused, meaningless words is not the way to get a new job. That’s according to Duncan Mathison, a career consultant.

10 words to leave off your resume.

outstanding

effective

strong

exceptional

good

excellent

driven

motivated

seasoned

energetic

Mathison says that those 10 words claim that you’re great, but they don’t give any proof to back it up. For example, anyone can call themselves an “excellent employee,” and anyone who’s ever had a co-worker can call themselves a “team player.”

So, what should you include on your resume?

First, describe your accomplishments, and let hiring managers make up their own mind about you based on actual results you’ve achieved.
So make sure you list specific, quantifiable details of what you’ve done. Like, “as office manager, I expanded our workforce from 10 employees to over 50.” You can even use direct quotes from an old performance review, like “consistently exceeds company goals.”

10 words he says you should include on your resume:

created

increased

reduced

improved

developed

researched

accomplished

won

on-time

under-budget

Mathison says these are “action words” that describe your experience, and to a hiring manager they say that you have the background and the initiative to get things done.

TESH.com for more great advice

Good luck my little job seekers! Hope the perfect job finds YOU!

Beauty Vlog with Guest Appearence

2011-08-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Britt's Beauty Review- Birchbox

Leave your email in the comment section below for an invite!
Or email me at Brittpennington@gmail.com.

birchbox.com

2011-08-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a very Positive Monday!

Tesh Tuesday- Menu Money Wasters

2011-08-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Menus Are Designed to Trick You Into Spending More

Want to lower your restaurant food bills? Look at the menu differently, because most menus are designed to trick you into spending more. Here are their top tricks:

Beware of the first item you see. Studies show you’re more likely to order the first thing on any food list. So, restaurants often categorize their menu by the type of dish – like chicken, fish, or salads, but they’ll always place their biggest money-maker in the number one spot.

Bigger isn’t always better. A lot of restaurants offer two sizes. Say, a lunch size Chicken Caesar salad for $9, and a full size for $12. You may think spending more gets you a bigger bang for your buck, but it’s usually just code for “rip-off.” That's because the plate size often stays the same. Chefs simply throw on a little extra lettuce.

Never order a never-ending pasta bowl. You may think it’s “free food,” but experts warn anything “never-ending” is often a bad buy, because you probably won’t eat more than one serving of anything. So, don’t do it unless you’re planning on pulling an all-nighter, like the teens who recently made headlines after taking on Denny’s “All You Can Eat” pancake challenge, and sat in the restaurant for 24 hoursstraight.

Tesh.com

And We're Off

2011-08-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well almost...

In a few ~~painstakingly long~~ short hours me and my lovelies will be headed to Nashville for my Bachelorette Party! Cue Cowboy Boots and Rhinestones :)

Here are some places on our "To Eat List"

Bricktops
(my personal Fav)

Monell's
First timer here! Heard the food is southern and abundant!

Sambuca
Trendy dinner spot

Pancake Pantry
Bring on the SWEETS!

Any other suggestions on Restaurants, Shopping or Watering Holes? I always end up at my favorites in Nashville and never venture out into the unknown... any recommendations would be appreciated!

Tesh Tuesday- Every BODY.....

2011-08-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Body Facts

Here’s some surprising intelligence about your body. We got these facts from Maggie Koerth, MSN’s Health & Fitness expert.

If you’re over 30, you’re losing bone. According to the National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, we build bone up to the age of 30. After that, the density of our bones starts to decrease. Men may be able to coast for a while, but the process happens faster in women. The fix is simple: Get plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and exercise.

Our tongues pick up five different types of taste. Back in grade school, you probably learned that there are four taste receptors on the tongue - sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. However, a Japanese chemist found a 5th region that’s stimulated by savory foods like meat, cheese and mushrooms. He named itumami, which is the Japanese word for “yummy.”

The volume of an adult's empty stomach is one-fifth of a cup. That means just a few sips of water and a handful of grapes actuallystretch your stomach. Keep eating, and it’ll balloon to hold more than a gallon. To put that in perspective, if you took the average muffin and stretched it to those proportions, you’d have trouble fitting it in the trunk of your car! According to Koerth, the more you stretch your stomach, the harder it is to feel full. So, skip those belt-loosening feasts and limit meals to about two cups of food. Look at a measuring cup – you’ll be surprised how small it actually is.

tesh.com

When you think Tim McGraw... I hope you think my favorite song

2011-08-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah- Remember that song? Well I didn't have to THINK Tim McGraw this weekend because I got to SEE Tim!

And I am happy to report he is about the sweetest, most down to earth guy you will ever come across!!

I snuck another one in as Michael was walking away : )

Make Up Vlog- HD Forever and ELF

2011-07-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Debut Vlog!

Can I take your Pic-cha? Camera Help!

2011-07-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Okay bloggy friends... I need some suggestions for a good camera. One of the biggest events of my adult life is merely days away and I want to make sure I capture all the fun leading up to it!

Here is a list of things I want out of my new camera:

Easy to Use
Small/Purse appropriate
Decent zoom/megapixel
Built in Red Eye Reducer
No hassle uploads to my Mac
Takes great Day & Night pics
Takes clear vivid pictures

Here are some suggestions I have already received from friends...

Nikon S6100

Nikon S3100

Canon SD1400

Any recommendations?

Tesh Tuesday- What a MESS!

2011-07-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here's What Your Mess Means

Everyone is messy in some aspect of their life, even neat freaks. Here’s what your mess means.

A messy closet means you’re nostalgic. Experts say your out-of-control closet doesn’t mean that you’re a pig. You’re just trying to hold on to your past. The fix: Don’t put pressure on yourself to empty out the closet during a quick cleaning session. Instead, take the time to go through the items carefully, and identify what you need to keep, and what you can part with.
If your desk is messy, it means you’re creative. That’s because messiness tends to juxtapose things that don’t normally go together. The fix: Set up a filing system, and spend the last 15 minutes of every day organizing your piles and clutter into that system.
If your sock drawer is a mess, it means you’re structured and detail-oriented. Shocking, huh? Research shows that normally neat people have the most chaotic sock drawers. One theory is that as long as everything else is together, you don’t mind a hidden mess. The fix: Bring in smaller containers to break up the drawer.

Skinny Blue Berr-ita!

2011-07-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Oh Girls... Have I got a drink for you! Introducing Britt's Skinny Blue Berr-ita! Perfect for those lazy days by the pool or those hot summer nights.

Britt's Skinny Blue Berr-ita!

6 oz. Skinny Girl Margarita

1 1/2 cups of Ice

Handful Fresh Blue Berries

A few squirts of Berry Pomegranate Mio

Splash of water

Combine in blender and enjoy!

*I made my drink in a single serving blender- feel free to alter the measurements to your blender size/taste.

Gotta work those Anti-Oxidants in somehow :)

Also- A big shout out to my sweet friend Leah for making me this adorable coozie!

Las Vegas Photog

2011-07-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

We have finally found our photographer for our Couple's Photo Shoot at the Neon Sign Museum in Vegas! The VERY talented Chelsea Nicole is going to take our photos and I couldn't be more excited! Here are some of my favorites from Chelsea....

Amazing, Huh? So Excited!! The last picture is actually the Neon Sign Museum where our photo shoot will take place. Can't wait to meet Chelsea and feel like a photogenic princess for a day!

Faux-Dashian

2011-07-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Have y'all heard about Kimmy K filing a lawsuit against Old Navy over a Look-a-Like in one of their TV ads?

Check out the full story HERE and watch the video of Ms. Fauxdashian below. What do you think?

I say : Get over it Kimmy- You've got enough Dollar Billz.

Real Simple's Guide to Packing your Beauty Products

2011-07-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

How to Pack Your Beauty

Products

by Abbie Kozolchyk

Do: Burp your bottles. Air trapped inside can cause plastic containers to leak when the air pressure changes, says Lucy McCauley, editor of theTravelers' Tales' Annual Best Women's Travel Writing book collection. "Open the cap, give a little squeeze to let the excess air out, then quickly recap," she says.

Don't: Overlook the protective powers of footwear, says Samantha Brown, who goes on the road as host of several Travel Channel shows, including Passport to China and Passport to Great Weekends: "I wrap perfume bottles in my socks and pack them inside my sneakers." McCauley uses a variation on the theme, first slipping breakables into plastic bags, then sliding them into slippers.

Do: Be clingy. To minimize leaks, "I put a layer of kitchen wrap between the cap and the opening of my shampoo and conditioner," says Ingrid Hoffmann, who frequently travels for work as host of the Food Network show Simply Delicioso.

Don't: Neglect nooks and crannies. "I stow liquids packed in resealable bags along the bottom of my checked bag," says Lisa Trotter, an expedition leader for the New York City-based adventure-travel company Lindblad Expeditions. "They stay protected from breakage, given that the bottom of the suitcase is usually padded, and the clothes provide even more padding on top." Trotter places waterproof gear (raincoat, wind pants) on top of the liquids. "But you could just as easily use a $3 plastic poncho," she says.

Do: Double-bag your self-tanner. "It stains, so this product calls for extra protection," says Brown. "Even leakage inside a cosmetics case can be bad."

Don't: Forget the 3-1-1 rule. Yes, it's a pain, but it's not changing anytime soon, says Lara Uselding, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration. Refresher: You can carry on one one-quart clear resealable plastic bag filled with liquids and gels in containers of three ounces or less.

Happy Traveling :)

Wedding Shower - Moscato and Monograms

2011-07-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from my AMAZING shower this weekend. Thanks to all the girls who came and especially to Carrie and Ashley!

Bride and Groom Moscato

Grubbin'

New Apron from Jenny

Cutest Kate Spade Purse from Leah and Jenn

Monogrammed Umbrella from Woody

Surprise Limo from Michael!

Big Cuz at the Tin Roof

All the Girls!

Tesh Tuesday- Eye bet you didn't know this!

2011-07-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Did You Know?

Did you know the muscle that lets your eye blink is the fastest muscle in your body? It allows you to blink five times a second. On average, you blink 15,000 times a day. Women blink twice as much as men

tesh.com

"To Catch a Predator"... I mean "To Catch a Cheater"

2011-06-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

To Catch a Predator host, Chris Hansen, was caught cheating on his wife by HIDDEN CAMERAS! Ironic? I think so.

The "other woman" is Kristyn Caddell, a 30-year-old Florida journalist. They were caught grubbing at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Manalapan, before spending the night together at her Palm Beach apartment. Check out the story below for all the juicy deets!

To Catch a Predator host 'caught cheating on his wife'... by hidden cameras

He's made his name with a controversial show that catches would-be internet sex perverts in televised stings. But now Chris Hansen has found himself on the receiving end of his own hidden camera tactics, after the married NBC anchor was secretly filmed on an illicit date with a blonde television reporter 20 years his junior.

Hansen, 51, has allegedly been having an affair with Kristyn Caddell, a 30-year-old Florida journalist, for the last four months.

Last weekend he was recorded taking Miss Caddell on a romantic dinner at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton hotel in Manalapan, before spending the night at her Palm Beach apartment.

Hansen, who has two young sons, was caught in an undercover sting operation arranged by the National Enquirer.

Secret cameras filmed the couple as they arrived at the hotel for dinner and then drove back to her apartment - where the pair left, carrying luggage, at 8am the following day.

Hansen lives in Connecticut with his wife Mary, 53, but he has been spending more and more time in South Florida investigating the disappearance of James 'Jimmy T' Trindade - and allegedly sleeping with Miss Caddell.

A source told the newspaper the pair met in March, when they were both out with friends at the Blue Martini Lounge in Palm Beach.

Miss Caddell, who was once an intern with NBC in New York, introduced herself to Hansen in the VIP area, and 'there was an immediate physical attraction between them', according to the source.

The source alleged: 'Chris and Kristyn got on so well that she ended up going back to his room at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach - and later boasted to pals about staying the night with him.'

The couple have allegedly continued to meet up in Miami and Palm Beach over the last few months, with Miss Caddell and her friends even flying to New York to spend a weekend boating with Hansen, the Enquirer reports.

According to the source: 'Chris sends Kristyn flowers and tells her he loves her, but he still doesn't seem all that motivated to leave his wife for her.

'He's telling her he loves his wife too, but they've grown apart over the years, and she's not sure what he should do.'

First date: The Blue Martini lounge in Palm Beach, where Hansen first met Miss Caddell in March. She reportedly introduced herself while he was in the VIP area

The Enquirer's sting took place last weekend, and recorded the pair as they went for dinner at the Ritz-Carlton's Angle restaurant on Friday at about 7pm.

Miss Caddell was dressed up in high heels and a short, revealing dress, and according to the source they spent much of the evening staring into each other's eyes.

They left at 9.15pm, and went for a drive along the ocean front, before being filmed filling up Miss Caddell's Jeep at a nearby gas station.

Then they drove to a liquor store, and Hansen emerged clutching a bag full of bottles. The couple returned to Miss Caddell's apartment at 10pm.

At 8am on Saturday, they, with Hansen pulling luggage behind him, and she drove him to the airport.

A source told the Enquirer: 'They were both wearing different clothes from the night before... Kristyn's hair was dishevelled as if she'd just rolled out of bed.'

Tesh Tuesday- Tips to Make Your Marriage Last

2011-06-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Tips to Make Your Marriage Last

Find someone with similar spending habits. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that most people marry their spending opposites. Say, one of you likes luxury vacations, and one of you would rather save for a rainy day. When researchers followed up with the sample couples years later, financial opposites reported having more conflicts and lower marital satisfaction than similar-spenders.

Say "Thank you." Researchers at Arizona State asked couples about their home life. The result: People who knew their contributions were appreciated reported being happiest in their marriage, even when they did the lion’s share of chores.

Say “We.” According to the journal Psychology and Aging, spouses who use couple-focused words like "we," "our," and "us" when they disagreed had lower stress levels. Like saying something like “I’m worried about us” or “Let’s talk about our finances.”

Work hard at it. Studies show that people who’ve been married 20 years or more can sustain the same feelings of romantic love as newlyweds, that is, if they spend time together that focuses on their relationship. That’s why so many marriage experts recommend a weekly “date night.” To get extra mileage out of your “alone time,” try something new and different. Like a trip to an amusement park. It turns out that unusual and intense experiences alter your brain chemistry in a way that mimics falling in love, and brings couples closer together.

Tesh.com

Bachlorette Blunders

2011-06-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have spent most of this season of The Bachelorette just wondering....

#1 Who is Ashley's stylist and why haven't they been fired yet?!

#2 WHY can't she SHUT UP about Bentley?!

( Side Note: I can't imagine how she felt when she watched the show on TV and had to listen to his ridiculously rude comments)

#3 Why do some of the guys on the show seem so familiar?

Well, thanks to US Weekly I at least have an answer to #3!

Bachelorette Look-a-Likes

Constantine and Josh Groban (singer)

Ryan P. and Matthew Morrison (Glee)

William and Josh Lucas (Sweet Home Alabama)

J.P. and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock/Inception)

Ames and Austin Nichols (One Tree Hill)

Photos Via US Weekly

Luxury Leopard

2011-06-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

McQueen
via

Louboutin
via

Louis Vuitton
via

Brian Atwood
via

DVF
via

Add to Cart...

2011-06-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some goodies that you should "Add to Your Cart".

Sam Edelman's Novato in Ruby Red $100
Super comfortable and they make your legs look AMAZING!
Purchase Here!

Also seen on this southern belle in Cork ...

Sultra Clip In Feather $25
Purchase HERE!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this clip-in feather. You can curl and straighten it and the best part- take it out when the night is over!

I purchased "Sunkissed" and it blends perfectly with my hair. If you want a more noticeable look you can choose "Pink Passion" or "Boho Breeze" which both have more color.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips $8.54

Purchase HERE!

Why didn't I think of this?! I can't say enough wonderful things about the Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips. So far I have tried 2 colors...

Raise a Glass

Glitz Blitz

I liked Glitz Blitz so much that I put them on twice in a row. Next up is going to be...

Kitty Kitty

They are seriously easy to put on (I put a new set on while sitting on the boat this weekend) and they stay on for a good week.

Postage Predicament

2011-06-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

After my trip to the post office today I needed a drink, or a sedative or maybe just a phone call to Dad.

Since my imaginary OCD tends to flair up more these days, I took a trial wedding invitation into the post office to get weighed and double checked. I figured if I went ahead and mailed myself an invitation I would know EXACTLY what they would look like as they arrived in all of our family's mailboxes and that the postage would be adequate.

Everything was going A-Ok- I paid my 66 cents and was content with the way it looked. Just as I was ready to mark that controversy off my list and head to the car, I saw this ginormous ink stamp flying through the air and slamming down on my meticulously planned envelope. My eyes widened and as my boiling blood surged through my body. The man behind the counter looked up a me with a Grinch-like smile and said "That's it."

That's it? I stood there for a moment puzzled by the indigo ink stamp that littered my beautiful white envelope. I cleared my throat asked him if that was whole step was necessary - (probably not the right way to ask the question) and he said "Yes. Have a nice day." And with that, my envelope with soaring into the dingy ink stained bin.

But why? Why do you have to put a huge nasty ink stamp on my beautiful envelope with the tiny wedding cake postage stamp in the corner?

Needless to say I went into Bridezilla mode and called Dad. Luckily for me (and everyone that crosses my path) he has this wonderful way of calming me down. He recommended that I try some other post offices in town to see if they had a smaller postage cancellation stamp or even an invisible one.

Am I crazy? Did anyone else have a mini-meltdown over this?

Tesh Tuesday- Fast Food Restaurant Secrets!

2011-06-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Secrets of Fast Food Restaurants

We’re about to let you in on the secrets of fast food restaurants. So, here are the top things you may not know about your favorite fast food place:

The lower the calorie count, the more money you’ll spend. Most fast-food chains offer healthier options, like salads and fruit cups, but they’ll cost you. For example, a typical fast food “healthy” chicken sandwich costs 26% more than a burger.

Would you believe that if the cashier simply smiles at you, you’ll spend more? A recent study found that an “engaged” fast-food customer spends 16% more than one who feels disengaged from the process. That’s because being treated warmly instantly makes you feel comfortable and more likely to agree to food add-ons the cashier suggests, like fries, or a bigger milkshake. That’s exactly why chains like McDonald’s train employees to be extra-friendly.

They’re keeping soda prices low. Fast food placesknow unlimited refills are a big draw and they want to keep customers happy. Plus, even though soda is cheap, they make a huge profit on it!

According to the financial website, The MotleyFool.com, we're paying about 300% more than the original cost of the ingredients when we eat at a restaurant, aAnd that's true whether you're eating at Chez Snooty or Mickey D's. At McDonald's they pay about 30 cents for a pound of French fries. If you ordered a pound of French fries, you'd be paying $6. Your medium Coke for $1.29 only has 9 cents worth of syrup in it. So even though the prices may seem cheap, the restaurant is still making a huge profit.

Tesh.com

The Museum of Me

2011-06-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

A couple of my friends have been talking about the "Intel- Museum of Me" on Facebook. I finally gave in and tried it today. Is it ground breaking or earth shattering? No. But it is a nice 3 minute distraction. Give a try!

Intel Museum of Me (Click Here)

The Museum of Me is an application that displays information from your Facebook account as viewable "exhibits" in a virtual museum of your very own.

* You must have a Facebook account to try this.

Isn't it Ironic?

2011-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't it ironic?

I guess fairy tales do come true : )

Update to Fashion Help! Wedding Emergency.

2011-05-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

So in my last post I was looking for this necklace

via J.Crew

and I took your advice and searched high and low on Etsy. I found some okay options but they still fell in the $200-$250 range. I figured if I am going to spend that much, I'd rather just get the one from J Crew.

Fast forward to today when I accidently stumbled upon this beauty...

Via Piperlime

While it is not exactly the same, I could change the ribbon out and cut off the excess chain and still manage to achieve the same look. The best part is this necklace is on sale for $33! Yes, $33. It might be worth a try, huh?

Tesh Tuesday- "Helllo? It's me your body...."

2011-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?

When your skin turns red at the beach, you know that’s your body’s way of saying you’ve had too much sun! Unfortunately, some other body “warnings” aren’t that obvious. So here’s a list of surprising warning signs, and what they could be saying about your health, according to our friend Dr. Mehmet Oz:

Warning sign #1: You have yellow fingernails. Dr. Oz says that could mean you have diabetes. When some people have high blood sugar, the excess glucose in their system attaches to collagen proteins, which can turn your skin and nails yellow. So, if your discolored nails are accompanied by lots of extra trips to the bathroom, see your doctor about a diabetes test.

Body warning sign #2: You have short, thinning eyebrows. That could mean you have a thyroid disorder. Dr. Oz says one of the jobs of your thyroid is to regulate how quickly body cells replenish themselves – including the ones in your hair follicles. So weakening eyebrows are often one of the first red flags that your thyroid hormone levels are out of whack! Fortunately, a simple blood test from your doctor can usually determine if you have a problem.

Also watch out if your ring finger is longer than your index finger. That could mean you’re at a higher risk of osteoarthritis, which is a condition involving weakening joints. A study in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism found that people whose ring fingers are longer than their index fingers are twice as likely to suffer from the condition, and the risk is even higher if you’re overweight! The good news is that you can reduce your risk of osteoarthritis significantly by losing just 5% of your body weight.

One more surprising body warning sign: You get frequent heartburn. Dr. Oz says chronic indigestion could actually raise your risk of esophageal cancer! That’s because heartburn involves stomach acid creeping up into your throat, and over time, that can damage tissue until it becomes cancerous. So, talk to your doctor if you have persistent heartburn, and get a thorough throat exam at least once a year.

Find more at Tesh.com!

I need your Fashion Help! Wedding Emergency.

2011-05-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

So, I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with this Fenton/Fallon for J Crew Necklace.

But the $295 price tag has me a little scared. I really need a chic/funky necklace to wear on my wedding day but I didn't plan on splurging on a necklace. (In my world it is usually Shoes> Jewelry)

It is my wedding and if it comes down to it, I'll probably have to just suck it up and buy the darn thing. But being the optimist/"Secret believer" that I am, I thought maybe someone out in the bloggy world might be able to help.

Has anyone seen a necklace that is similar to this or at least has the same vibe? I would be ever grateful if you have any tips.

If you're a CATS fan ....

2011-05-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

If you're a Cats fan then you'll love the following video!

More things to buy....

2011-05-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some more things to put on your shopping list.

Fig Newton Mini's
Strawberry or Fig
100 Calories per pouch

Mio Liquid Water Enhancer
Sweet Tea
I am in LOVE with this product. I kept seeing the ads during The Voice, American Idol, 16 and Pregnant, ~~EVERY OTHER SHOW ON TV~~, Etc. I don't know what took me so long to try this but I am sad that I didn't sooner. Seriously, great way to make anyone drink more water.

Sideways Cross Necklace (Price Varies)
I purchased mine from Etsy but there are tons of different places to order from. I got a 15 in chain so I could double it with my new Large Monogram necklace from Max and Chloe.

UK Dress
Alumni Hall in Fayette Mall
Click here to find an Alumni Hall near you with your school colors

A BIG shout out to Pink Lou Lou for blogging about this dress!! I picked it up before our trip to Vegas (hence the flashy bathroom) and wore it for the Final Four game. I got SO many compliments and it was so comfortable.

Make Up Review

2011-05-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my thoughts on some makeup that I was sent to review. Today we will be discussing Covergirl's NatureLuxe Foundation in Chamois and Covergirls's Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Anemone.

You might recognize this product from advertisements featuring this lovely lady ...

NatureLuxe Foundation (Chamois) 4 out of 5 stars

I was very surprised at how silky this makeup feels. I am a Bare Minerals user so a liquid foundation is a whole new ball game for me. I put a layer of foundation on and my face felt fresh and dewy. I couldn't believe that this foundation didn't look caked on like so many other liquid foundations do.

I have continued to wear this foundation for the last 2 days and have been pretty happy with it. Today I brushed some bare mineral's powder foundation over my forehead and chin to tone down the dewy look. Overall, I am pretty happy with it but would warn those with skin problems that this makeup does not offer a lot of coverage.

NatureLuxe Gloss Balm (Anemone) 3 out of 5 stars

Honestly I was more excited about this product when I opened the package but much to my dismay my expectations were too high. The color looked vibrant and smooth in the package but when I put it on my lips the color fell flat.

I had about 8 layers of the Gloss Balm on in this photo.

I like the Gloss Balm for making my lips feel smooth but on days that I want some color I wouldn't waste my time.

Has anyone else tried either product? Do you all like it?

A good choice...

2011-04-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

As Michael and I stood in awe in front of the TV watching Wills and Kate gracefully make their way down the aisle ....

we couldn't help but think-

THANK GOODNESS WE ARE GOING TO VEGAS!!!

Seriously though, all my life I wanted the big fairy tale wedding with the 10 tier wedding cake, pricey dress, and a horse and carriage to carry us off into the sunset.

Well that couldn't be more opposite than what we have planned for our big day. We are getting married on the most fantastic (and chronological) day of the year 9-10-11. We are staying at Aria (if you haven't stayed here you must!) and our ceremony will take place at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign.

After our ceremony we have a 2 hour photo shoot up and down the Las Vegas Strip and then our reception dinner with our guests complete with wedding cupcakes from The Cupcakery.

Even though my wedding will be very different than Princess Kate's, one thing will be the same, we both are marrying our Prince Charming and we'll all live happily ever after.

Only Q's Today...

2011-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have only questions today... Maybe you bloggies out there have some answers.

Q: Why has it rained for the past MONTH?
   Over the April showers fo sho!

Q: Why does it seem to take a package even longer to arrive after you receive
   the online tracking number?
   Hurry UP FedEx Guy.

Q: Why is everyone falling on Dancing with the Stars?

Q: What was she thinking?

Q: Why was I not invited to William and Kate's Wedding?
   AND WHY IS IT ON AT 4AM?
   Does she not realize that time does not work with our sleep schedules?

   Have you seen the wedding favors? Super Jealous!!! I have to have one of these scarves.

Q: Speaking of Prince William... What the heck is his last name?
   Or is he a one-namer like Oprah?

That is all. Happy Tuesday!

Tesh Tuesday- Mailbox Mathematics

2011-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Did You Know?

Did you know there’s a formula for deciding where the US Postal Service will install a blue street mailbox? Boxes are installed in areas that average more than 25 pieces of mail a day or at intersections where there’s not another box to be found within a square mile.

Find more at Tesh.com

Eat This!

2011-04-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my new low-cal Fav's from the grocery store...

Pop Tarts Mini Crisps... OMG. I am obsessed with these little bits of heaven! They even come pre-packaged in 100 calorie portions- Jackpot.

100 Calories per pack

This yogurt seems very thick when you open it but after a few good stirs it thins out. I eat this almost everyday and have yet to grow tired of it.

100 calories per cup

These little shortbread cookie crisps are the perfect pick me up at 3:00 or anytime. I usually find myself eating only a few and saving the rest for later.

100 calories per pack

Imagine white cheddar Cheez-Its in the shape of a bunny... BAM you have Annie's white cheddar bunnies. Oh and did I mention that they are baked and made with natural and organic ingredients, no additives or preservatives.

140 calories for 55 bunnies

For 20 calories you can enjoy this sweet summer treat! Michael and I are in love with these. I can barely keep them stocked in the freezer. If you can't find these, Kroger has a great version (IcePix I believe) with a similar taste and calorie count.

20 Calories per pop

Clear American Sparkling Water is just heavenly. Unfortunately this means I have to go to the dreaded Walmart (ugh). But at 68 cents a bottle I just can't pass these up! Our favorite flavors are Lemon, Pineapple Coconut, Fuji Apple Pear, Mandrian Orange and White Grape!

0 calories per bottle

A Royal Affair - What to wear to a Royal Wedding Party

2011-04-20T14:01:00.001-07:00

Royal Wedding Viewing Party Ensemble

A Royal Affair by Britt Pennington featuring stone rings

Mystery Clues

2011-04-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

So this year (thanks to a shipping delay) Michael decided he was going to give me a "clue" gift every 3 hours leading up to my birthday.

The Clues

Can you guess?

Don't worry I spent a whole day trying and didn't come close!

Hello Lover!

What a fabulous gift! There is no way I was even close to guessing this!

L is for Burt's Bee'sLip Balm

O is for OpCon Eye Drops

U is for Us Weekly Mag

I is for Ibuprofen

S is for Super Floss

If that wasn't enough... we got to see this amazing man in concert.

It was actually his first concert without Kix Brooks so it made it even more special!

Ryan, Lauren, Ronnie Dunn, Britt and Michael

Awesome Flowers from Ronnie and the Arista group :)

We also squeezed in time to eat at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, see Scream 4 (2 thumbs up), and visit my parents, aunt and grandparents.

It was hands down the Best birthday ever. I am so lucky to have Michael in my life. He goes out of his way to make sure I am happy. Can't imagine a day without him or my family.

Tesh Tuesday- It's the Cheesiest!

2011-04-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Did You Know?

Did you know nearly every ounce of Kraft macaroni and cheese spends part of its life underground? To save money, the company temporarily stores all of its cheese products inside a former limestone mine in Missouri. Today, that mine has been converted into a giant refrigerator, which covers more than 400,000 square feet!

Read more at Tesh.com

Politics and Pearls

Secrets of The Bachelor

Friday Funnies

Tuesday's Thought

The 12 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Home Alone!

The 12 Things You Probably Didn't Know

About Home Alone!

1. The picture Kevin finds of Buzz's girlfriend was actually a picture of a boy

made up to look like a girl because the director thought it would be too cruel

to make fun of a girl like that.

2. The role of Uncle Frank was written for Kelsey Grammer.

3. There is a legend that Elvis Presley (who died in 1977) made a

cameo in the movie. Many of those who believe that Elvis is still alive

maintain that, the heavily bearded man standing in the background

of the scene where Mrs. MacCallister is shouting at the desk clerk

(just before she meets John Candy) is Elvis.

4. The issue of Playboy that Kevin finds in Buzz's room is from July 1989

with Erika Eleniak as Miss July.

5. The “evil furnace” in the basement was done by two guys with

fishing line and flashlights.

6. Robert De Niro turned down the role of Harry.

7. Angels with Filthy Souls is a fictional gangster film and was made

specifically for the film. There is also a sequel to the film,

Angels with Even Filthier Souls, in the sequel.

8. The Talkboy was originally conceived as a non-working prop for Home Alone,

used by Macaulay Culkin's character. In 1993 it was made into a retail version,

brought on by a massive letter-writing campaign by young fans of the film.

9. John Candy filmed his part in only 1 day, albeit an extremely long

23-hour day. The story about having once forgotten his son at a

funeral home was entirely improvised. His part is obviously inspired

by the character he played in Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

10. In the scene where Harry bites Kevin's finger, Joe Pesci

actually bit Macaulay Culkin, leaving a scar on his finger.

11. The concept for the movie originated during the filming of a scene

in Uncle Buck when Macaulay Culkin interrogated a would-be-babysitter

through a letterbox.

12. Daniel Stern agreed to have the tarantula put on his face for

exactly one take. He had to mime screaming because the noise

would have scared the spider, and the scream was dubbed in later.

CMA behind the curtain

Trick or Treat! Which is Healthier?

Starburst or Jolly Rancher?

Smarties or SweeTarts?

Milky Way or PayDay?

Never Gonna, Never Gonna, Never Gonna....

Seeing Double... Smell Edition

Wordless Wednesday! Go Cats!

Wordless Wednesday!

Tesh Tuesday- Resume Tips!

10 Words You Should Include on Your Resume

Beauty Vlog with Guest Appearence

Tesh Tuesday- Menu Money Wasters

Menus Are Designed to Trick You Into Spending More

And We're Off

Tesh Tuesday- Every BODY.....

Body Facts

When you think Tim McGraw... I hope you think my favorite song

Make Up Vlog- HD Forever and ELF

Can I take your Pic-cha? Camera Help!

Tesh Tuesday- What a MESS!

Here's What Your Mess Means

Skinny Blue Berr-ita!

Las Vegas Photog

Faux-Dashian

Real Simple's Guide to Packing your Beauty Products

Wedding Shower - Moscato and Monograms

Tesh Tuesday- Eye bet you didn't know this!

"To Catch a Predator"... I mean "To Catch a Cheater"

To Catch a Predator host, Chris Hansen, was caught cheating on his wife by HIDDEN CAMERAS! Ironic? I think so.

To Catch a Predator host 'caught cheating on his wife'... by hidden cameras

Tesh Tuesday- Tips to Make Your Marriage Last

Tips to Make Your Marriage Last

Bachlorette Blunders

Ryan P. and Matthew Morrison (Glee)

Ames and Austin Nichols (One Tree Hill)

Luxury Leopard

Add to Cart...

Postage Predicament

Tesh Tuesday- Fast Food Restaurant Secrets!

The Secrets of Fast Food Restaurants