Monday, June 17, 2013

Secrets, Lies, and Cowboy Boot Camp, Oh My! Someone's Got Some 'Splainin' To Do...

Hello lovelies! Isn't it sweet how all the bachelors swear they have come on the show to find love, they're here for Des, and ready for a lifetime commitment? Clearly, some people will say anything to get onto a reality show! Saddle up, fill up your watering can with your bevvy of choice, and get your kickers on. This week's episode looks like it's going to be a bumpy ride! ;)

It's week three of The Bachelorette, which is a good time to start bringing out secrets some of the bachelors may be keeping from Des. The one Brian has been hiding is a doozy, but we'll get to that later. First. we have a date card that brings a group of the bachelors into a dodgeball battle against each other! The National Dodgeball League teaches the guys how to play the game, which will help when Des tells them they will battle it out on two teams. The winning team will get private time with her later.

The first major injury of the season takes place when Brooks breaks his finger, and is taken to the hospital to get it realigned. In the end, Des allows both teams to come along to the afterparty, so she can continue getting to know all of the bachelors. Brad privately mentions to Des that he has a three year-old son named Maddox, and his ex pulled him into a domestic violence situation, but the charges were dismissed.

Not to be outdone by the other bachelors, Brooks heads to the party after his trip to the hospital, which makes Des insanely happy and relieved! The rose eventually goes to Chris, who gets private time with Des, as well as a private concert with Kate Earl. I don't recall this guy saying more than three words to Des in the previous episodes, but I'm glad he was able to have some quality time with her.

The next day, Des is getting ready for her one-to-one date with Kasey, when the phone rings, It's Chris Harrison (dun dun dun!!!) calling with news of one of the bachelors having a girlfriend, and she needs to come to the mansion to confront him. Des takes Brian outside to speak with him privately, asking if there is anything he wants to tell her. Brian says nothing, and Chris comes out with Brian's girlfriend Stephanie to have the throwdown of the season.

To spare everyone from reading all the details, they were still together the night before Brian left to film the show, and he told her he needed time apart from her. She had no idea he was going to be on The Bachelorette. To add another layer to this crazy story, Stephanie used to date Craig Robinson from Ali's season of The Bachelorette, and was a Playboy Playmate! Talk about trying to boost ratings!

Needless to say, Des kicked Brian out, and had to get ready for her 1:1 date with Kasey. If this was the real world, there is no way any woman would want to go on a date with anyone after another guy blatantly lied to her about being single, and wanting to be there for her and to potentially fall in love and get engaged. They end up going on the date, which involves dancing on the side of the building. I was as interested in this date as Des was, as it's obvious she's not in the mood to be on a date with anyone at this point. The date was brutal from start to finish, and even though Kasey gets a rose, it's clear they are in the friend zone at this point. I don't see Kasey going too much further after this.

The next day, Des meets with the members of the second group date, which involves 'cowboy boot camp'. Des is dressed in a gorgeous purple gown, and explains that they will be working with the stunt team from the new movie 'The Lone Ranger'. The bachelors will learn how to lasso, draw pistols and fight for justice. The person who does the best job of saddling up to save the lady wins time with Des later.

I have to say that this was hilarious to watch, and a few of the bachelors stood out for me. Dan was a trooper when his pants split while he was competing, but he kept going. He gets props for that! Joan Pablo did everything while speaking Spanish the entire time. What woman doesn't love a sexy accent!? Des obviously did, as she chose him to be her Lone Ranger in the end! The two watched a private advance screening of The Lone Ranger movie and shared some smooch time. One thing is for sure...this little Spaniard is muy caliente! Later in the evening, James gets the rose from the group date.

The next day, Des throws a pool party for the guys, which replaces the cocktail party that was supposed to happen later in the evening. Before Des gets inside the house, Ben steals her away for a private ride in the Bentley, and some extra time with her. The guys see them kissing in the car later, and are jealous of the extra time he keeps getting with Des. To add insult to injury, Ben lies about the private time with Des, and Mikey calls him out on it. He tells Ben that he doesn't trust him.

Brandon spends his time with Des telling her that he doesn't want to see her get hurt, and that he's fallen in love with her already. Ummm...Brandon...didn't you get the memo? You leave this until you make the final three!! This to me is the kiss of death! If this was poker, I would say you never show anyone your cards, and you keep that poker face on as long as you can!

Finally, it's time for the rose ceremony. For those of you keeping score, Chris, Kasey, and James already have roses. The final roses are given to Bryden, Juan Pablo, Zak W., Brooks, Drew, Zach K., Brad, Michael G., Mikey, and Ben. Brandon looks like he's going to be sick, and Des follows him out to tell him privately that there was no chemistry. It was better to send him home now, instead of waiting until later. Dan is also sent home, who thinks Des has been completely duped by Ben.

Well, that episode was filled with secrets, lies and battle lines drawn! I can't wait to see what happens next time. We have seen a lot of roses being handed out already...now it's time to win some of your own! Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (http://www.rockychoc.com/) has kindly offered a prize of long stemmed red chocolate roses to one lucky reader! To win, you need to post a comment at the bottom of this post, telling me the worst experience you ever had on a date! This prize is only for GTA residents, as you need to pick up the prize at the Square One location (or you can work out an arrangement with me, and I can meet you to deliver it!). Make sure to follow Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on Twitter (@rcmf_chocolate)! The contest will be open until Friday, June 21. Good luck!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my posts, for your comments and messages. It's always a pleasure to hear what you have to say, and tweet with you on Twitter! Until next time...xo






Wedding Gowns, Rap Videos, and Road Trippin'...First Dates, Bachelorette-Style!

Welcome back! Hope you're enjoying the new season so far. Sorry for the delay in posting. Life can get a little crazy, and things sneak up on us. I spent some time in the naughty corner to make up for it, and am back to dish with you on the first dates! Grab your bevvies...here we go!

I liked that Des chose Brooks for the very first 1:1 date. Brooks hasn't had as much airtime as some of the other bachelors in the house, so it's nice to see him get some private face time with Des. I'm not sure about going to a wedding gown shop to start off the date trying on tuxedos, but if he didn't run away screaming at the sight of Des modeling bridal gowns, he just might be a keeper!

I do need to say that I'm disappointed in how so many of the previous season's dates/locations are being recycled on newer seasons of The Bachelor/Bachelorette. I'm sure the show can try to come up with more original things to see/do for the couples on the dates! The Hollywood sign dates have popped up several times, as has dinner on a blocked off bridge. I love the Bachelor shows, but let's try to step it up a bit by choosing other places for them to hang out on dates!! You have a private jet, helicopter, and Bentley...take them on a new adventure! OK, rant's over...back to the date...:)

Despite the recycled date locations, it's obvious there is a lot of chemistry between these two. They're both laid-back and clearly enjoyed each other's company. I'm sure Brooks is happy that he got the first kiss of the season! If anyone is keeping tabs on the kisses for this season, let me know. I'm sure a TON of them will be given to this little cutie, since he was offered a rose on the date.

Date number two for the week was a video shoot with Soulja Boy. Let's be honest...how many people thought a paper cut would be more comfortable for some of the guys, as opposed to starring in a rap video? That was about as painful to watch as getting a root canal without Novocaine! Who did you think gave the best performance during the video shoot?

I'll be totally honest...the only memorable thing about this group date was when Ben stole Des mid-chat with Mikey to get more alone time with Des, and Mikey pulled him aside to talk about what had happened. We know this show is all about drama and ratings, and this is setting the stage for more drama in future episodes. It worked in his favor, as Des offered him the rose. Ben is clearly becoming a thorn in the side of many of the guys in the house, and I am looking forward to the fireworks in the future!

Did anyone else think that Brandon is very much like Kasey Kahl from Ali's season? I think he would do anything to "guard and protect' Des' heart, too! Let's see if he ends up sneaking off to a tattoo parlor in a future episode.....;)

The final date of the week is a road trip with Bryden to check out a few sites in California. Again, a lot of cheesey locales, until they hit the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (now we're talking!) Finally, a hot tub scene sneaks in, and takes the date up a notch. There's only so much you can get out of running through an orange grove and trying to fly a kite on the beach. While I appreciated Bryden opening up to Des about the terrible car accident he was in after college, I'm not sure it was something you need to share on a first date. I was also surprised he pulled out the scary hospital pictures! It was a bit TMI for me...but fortunately for him, Des gave him the rose.

Finally, it's time for the cocktail party, and more drama involving Ben. I thought he was such a great guy in the first episode, but it's obvious that he's not opposed to stepping on a few toes (or people!) to get more time with Des. I guess the old saying rings true on this show..."All's fair in love and war"! Ben is very quickly becoming Public Enemy Number One, and doesn't care that he already has a rose. He wants more face time, even though there are still several bachelors who want more time to convince Des why she should offer them a rose later. You could tell Mikey wanted to throw a case of whoop-ass on Ben, after he interrupted his time with Des. I can't wait to see them battle it out down the road!

Rose ceremony time finally comes, and with three roses already secured, Des makes her choices:

James, Kasey, Dan, Juan Pablo, Brad, Chris, Brian, Zak W., Drew, Mikey, Zach K., Michael, and Brandon. Will, Nick, and Robert were sent home. If you follow Des  on Twitter, it turns out Robert used to date Des' roommate, so his days were already numbered!

OK, time for another giveaway! Jacob's Creek (http://www.jacobscreek.ca/home) has very kindly offered a prize pack for me to give to one lucky reader! To win, you need to post a comment below, telling me which bachelor gave the best performance in the Soulja Boy video shoot, AND what song you would perform if you were going to star in your own video shoot! I will announce a winner on Thursday, June 20. Good luck! Make sure to follow Jacob's Creek on Twitter (@JacobsCreekCA), and tweet along with them every Monday night during the Bachelorette, using the hashtag #MoscatoMonday! :)

Thanks so much for sharing your comments and feedback with me! Until next time...xo

Sunday, June 2, 2013

A Cali Cinderella Love Story Begins! Season Premiere of the Bachelorette...:)

Hello everyone! I'm baaaaack! It's been a long time coming, but welcome back to the Bachelorette, and my blog. I have missed dishing about the show, and interacting with everyone who has read my posts and given me wonderful feedback. Sorry for the delay in the first post, but better late than never! Let's get this party started!

Let me start by saying that I love the fact that Desiree is this season's Cinderella. She has all of the characteristics needed for a wonderful Bachelorette. She's beautiful, smart, fun, easy-going, and has a fantastic personality. She also has a crazy brother that tips the scales of drama, but we can discuss that in future blog posts. Take away all of the cheesy elements at the beginning of the episode (driving up to the house, her being overwhelmed by all the luxury given to her for the season, the roller skating on the Boardwalk), and you have a nice girl about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. I don't think she had any clue regarding what would take place on the first night at the mansion!

Let's dive right in and dish/hiss about the 25 bachelors who rolled up in limos to meet Des. I won't talk about all the men...just the ones who made me smile, gag, and call the boys in straightjackets to come scoop up the psychos! Here are my most memorable bachelors from the first night:

Brooks - What a cutie! I loved that he was nervous when he met Des. It's nice when a man doesn't try too hard to make a first impression.

Bryden - So sweet and grounded. It's a quality that is really endearing.

Kasey - The social media guy who created hashtags for Des (#perfectbachelorette). My hashtag for him - #getalife #gohomenow #tryonlinedating

Mikey - Spoke to Des about coming from a close knit family. We know this is always something that is attractive to people on these shows.

Jonathan - The "Fantasy Suite" guy. Let me create a hashtag for this guy - #freakonaleash #gohomenow #haveanotherdrink

Zak - The shirtless wonder. The man may have abs of steel, but he also has a target on his back with the other guys. His jump in the pool keeps him on the show for at least another week, thanks to Des giving him a rose.

Larry - I named him "Creepy Larry". Any guy who rips a girl's dress on the first night isn't going to last very long. #byebyelarry

Micah - I love that he took a page from Des from her season of The Bachelor, and designed his own outfit! It won't make it into Men's Vogue, but he gets props for creativity!

Nick - The magician who should have kept the rose he gave to Des for himself, since he didn't get one later. Maybe try asking her what her sign is instead...;)

Diogo - The knight in shiny armour. News flash...that only worked in A Kight's Tale. Next time, wear a suit, and just be yourself.

Ben - By far my favorite entrance of the night! Bringing along his son Brody to give Des a flower as he stepped out of the limo was priceless. Shame Brody didn't get the 'First Impression' rose, and stick around for the cocktail party! I'm sure they could have found a sippy cup for him. :)

As everyone was fighting for time with Des during the cocktail party, I wondered (as I usually do at the start of each season of the Bachelor franchise of shows) where they found some of these crazy people! I know many of them are on the show to up the crazy factor and increase ratings, but I was hoping for more balance for this season. I would have sent most of the guys packing that first night, just like Des kicked Jonathan to the curb when he tried to take her into a suite to be alone . Since the show runs for a few months, and Des needs to keep a large portion of the group, here's how the rose ceremony went down:

Ben, Zak, Bryden, Drew, Michael, and Nick M - already received roses prior to the rose ceremony

Remaining bachelors to receive roses:

Brandon, Zach K., Will, Brooks, Juan Pablo, Brad, Kasey, James, Robert, Brian, Dan, Chris, Mikey

I'm sorry this post was so late, but my week was pretty crazy! I'm excited to announce that I will have several giveaways this season! The first one is for a set of amazing lip balms from KonaKare (http://www.konakare.com/), a fantastic company from Ontario that I LOVE! I use their Chocolate Peppermint lip balm, and my lips feel incredibly soft! The lucky winner of this prize will have pucker-ready lips, just in time to watch Des pucker up in future episodes.

To win this prize, post a comment below telling me who which bachelor you think Des will kiss first, and who made your list of favorites during the premiere! I will announce the winner on Wednesday night (June 5). Good luck! If you're on Twitter, make sure to follow KonaKare (Twitter handle @konakareinc).

Thanks for your support, messages and feedback! I can't wait to see what happens on the first dates! Until next time...xo