3 Golden Sisters

The other night I came across one of the most entertaining television shows I've ever seen! I don't know how I hadn't heard of it before, but it's pure genius. It's called 3 Golden Sisters. I barely remember Golden Girls, but I imagine this is basically the reality show version of Golden Girls, but with even more pizzazz!

As the title suggests, the show follows three sisters in their 70s and 80s, Mary, Terry and Josie. Now, before you tune me out and think that this show is all nursing homes and walkers, listen up... it's the complete opposite! These ladies are hilarious and make a 20-something's life look boring! 

Via

The sisters were discovered on the internet and have had a lot of support from Oprah. In fact, the show airs on the OWN network at 9 p.m. EST on Saturdays. These spirited ladies have strong opinions on lots of things, and they don't mind voicing them! They're often arguing with each other one minute, and then acting like best friends the next. 

In the first episode I saw, I got a kick out of the sisters trying on clothes to wear to a concert they were going to. Mary stepped out of the dressing room, and after much criticism from her sisters, she decided that their opinions didn't matter because she was "going to stop traffic" in her outfit! In another episode, the ladies went to a vineyard and sampled a little too much, to the point that they had to be driven to a hotel by a taxi! They're also up on the latest technology and even tweet! (Follow them @3GoldenSisters.) 

The sisters live in California, but make no mistake, their accents from growing up in the Bronx have not left them! That's part of what adds to the humor of the show! I promise you'll enjoy every minute of watching these crazy ladies! 

Congratulations, Nik Wallenda!

I hope everyone had a chance to watch Nik Wallenda’s amazing tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon on Sunday night! If you didn’t see it live, get on YouTube and watch it now!! I’m telling you, it will raise the hairs on the back of your neck, and it’ll probably raise your blood pressure, too. In fact, I think mine is still coming back down. Keep in mind that Nik did this walk without a harness or safety net.

Via

I have to say that the 24 minutes it took him to cross were probably the most intense (and longest) moments of my life! I was on the edge of my seat and praying right along with him! As soon as he walked onto the rope and said it was dusty, I knew that wasn’t good. He didn’t seem to be the same calm, cool and collected guy I saw last week, and that worried me. After about the first three minutes, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to keep watching, but I held out and made it! And I’m so glad I did!

Nik really is an inspiration and uses his talents to share his testimony. He is such a positive reminder that anyone can accomplish anything… you just can’t give up! Nik represented Sarasota, Florida in the best possible way, and I’m so excited for him to return home! He will kick off a boat parade in Sarasota in July 5, and I’ll definitely be there for all the festivities! 

Summer Concert

Saturday night I had the opportunity to see Brad Paisley in concert. I don't go to concerts very often anymore. I'm lucky if I make it to one per year, but I used to go ALL the time. Probably too much. I think I got spoiled from seeing a lot of artists in smaller venues, and now it's just not as much fun when you're in a huge amphitheater and can't get as close. But I couldn't pass up a $20 ticket through Groupon!

Via

So I headed up to Tampa Saturday afternoon to meet my friend and have dinner first. As we were leaving the restaurant, it started to downpour! We waited for a while, but then it got to the point that we were going to miss the concert if we waited around much longer. Plus, it didn't look like the rain was going anywhere. So we made a mad dash for the car and got completely drenched! The rain was coming down sideways and got in my contacts to the point that it felt like I was blinking back chlorine! 

On the way to the outdoor (yes, outdoor) venue, the rain slowed down some, but by the time we parked and started walking in, it was picking up again! It takes 10-15 minutes to walk to your seats from the parking lot, so needless to say, we looked like wet rats by the time we got there. I figured once we got to our seats, we'd be fine because they were under the cover. But no, the rain was blowing in and coming down right on top of us for about the first half hour. Once it stopped, the show was really great, though!

I especially enjoyed seeing Brad's opening act, Chris Young, because my mom and I had the opportunity to have dinner with him after winning a Mother's Day contest a few years ago. 

Via

All in all, it was a fun night, but maybe summer in Florida isn't the best time to do an outdoor concert!

Nik Wallenda: King of the High Wire

On Tuesday and Wednesday after work, I had the opportunity to go watch Nik Wallenda practice before his walk across the Grand Canyon on Sunday. For those who aren't familiar with Nik, he is the King of the High Wire. Last June, he walked across Niagara Falls. ABC made him wear a harness, although he didn't want to. But this time, his Grand Canyon walk will be broadcast live by the Discovery Channel, and even though I'm not totally ok with it, they are fine with him not wearing a harness! So, it will just be Nik, the wire and the Canyon.

Here are a couple neat things about Nik. He is a hometown guy. He's from Sarasota, Florida! I love that we have such a great down-to-earth and talented guy right in this area! He's also a family man. Nik has been married to his beautiful wife Erendira, for 14 years and they have 3 kids. He has a great testimony, too. At his practices, there was merchandise for sale, and since his book was just released on June 4, I bought it and had him sign it. I wanted to read it anyway because it's such an inspirational and encouraging book. Nik is a Christian and his life motto is "Never Give Up." I love that!

At the practices, which were held at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Nik walked back and forth on the high wire once, and then sat on the wire to answer questions from the audience.

Then, he moved to a tent where he signed autographs and took pictures. I have to say that this was one of the best events I've ever been to. Nik's crew is awesome! They're all so nice and really knew what they were doing. The reason I went two nights in a row was because I decided that I should've gotten a book for my brother for his birthday, but I might have also had a little crush on Joe, one of Nik's crew members! ;) Joe was pretty busy tonight, so I didn't get to chat with him for very long, but if anyone knows how to help me get in touch with him, please let me know!! I actually have a funny story, too... on Wednesday night I told Nik that I was back again because I wanted to get a book for my brother for his birthday, and one of Nik's people overhead me and yelled out, "Yeah, sure! I bet that's not the only reason you're back again!" He winked and laughed, so maybe he got the feeling that I kinda liked Joe, too!!!

Anyway, Nik and his family are all very sincere and genuinely good people. I wish him the very best on his next adventure, and will most certainly be praying for his safety. Be sure to watch him this Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on the Discovery Channel. You will not want to miss this amazing guy!!

Summer Reading

I needed some good reading material for my recent trip to Hawaii (I just got back last night and will write about it soon!!), so I started perusing the internet trying to find some good recommendations. I had planned to bring a few magazines, but I knew if I could find a good book, that would keep me entertained during the long flight.

I kept hearing great things about Big Mama's (Melanie Shankle) and Boo Mama's (Sophie Hudson) books, so I ordered both of them from Amazon. Sophie's book, A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, was just released yesterday, so I didn't have it in time for my trip. However, I'm super excited to read it! It's a funny and happy account of Sophie's southern family.

Melanie's book, Sparkly Green Earrings, is the story of motherhood and how she became a mom. It took everything I had not to crack open this book before my trip. I knew if I didn't, I wouldn't put it down, and then I'd have nothing left to read! Even if you're like me, and you're not a mom yet, you'll enjoy this!

I love the fact those both of these ladies are Christians and they are regular bloggers who write such entertaining things every day! So many times I find an author I really like, but then have to wait for years until they release another book. Being able to read their blogs everyday makes it so much better and more personal! I highly recommend checking out both of these books! You won't be sorry you did... unless you have lots to do, because you won't get anything done until you finish these books!

The Bachelorette Season Premiere

It's hard to believe that another season of The Bachelorette is already underway! Des Hartsock had her heart broken on The Bachelor by Sean Lowe. But in Sean's defense, he almost had no choice but to send her home. Des' brother was a real jerk to him and wanted no part of Des finding love on the show. I imagine that his tune has changed since she's now the star of the show, or if it hasn't, then Des' suitors are going to be in for a wild ride!

Via

Now onto last night's episode... To be honest, I wasn't impressed with the guys at all. But I'm usually not. It typically takes a couple weeks before I like a lot of them. There are always one or two standouts, though. For me, it was Drew, the digital marketing analyst from Arizone. He just seemed genuine and normal!! What a concept! 

Via

I also liked Ben, the entrepreneur from Dallas who has the little boy, Brody. He received the first rose, too, but it looks like Ben is the source of some drama this season, so my feelings for him might change. 

Via

I'm so glad Des sent Jonathan home before the rose ceremony! When he first got out of the limo, I thought he seemed decent, but all of that changed within about two seconds. He is a nut case! He wouldn't let up on the fact that he wanted Des to go to the fantasy sweet with him! Definitely not cool.

And what was up with the dud who high-fived her when he got out of the limo?! Not the way to treat a lady. At all. I think worst of all, though, was the guy who just didn't wear a shirt. He is not as good-looking as he thinks he is. 

It'll be interesting to see if any other guys make a good impression in the coming weeks. But as of now, I'm rooting for Drew. I'm also trying my best not to find out about any spoilers this season. It seems like just typing "Bachelorette" into Google can end up giving you all the information about who is picked! That has happened to me in the past, and it kind of ruins the whole experience of watching the show! I'd love to hear who everyone else likes this season! 

A Brave New World

For anyone who watched TLC's show Breaking Amish last fall, it's back for a second season as a spin-off called Brave New World. The first season followed five young adults who grew up in Amish/Mennonite communities, but wanted to break free and experience a taste of normal life. So where did the show send them? To New York City, of course. To say it was culture shock would be an understatement. But some of them loved it, some hated it. They all got into a little bit of trouble at times, and two of them ended up marrying each other.

Via

Now they're back for more adventures in the real world, but this time they've relocated to Sarasota, Florida, which is right in my backyard! I'm pretty excited to see everything unfold in some familiar places. Apparently the show began filming earlier this year. I remember being at Target a few times on the weekends and thinking, "Wow, there sure are a lot of Amish here today." And then the next time I went, it was the same situation! Now it all makes sense! 

In this season, Abe, Rebecca, Kate, Sabrina and Jeremiah will experience more  culture shock and new relationships while living in Florida. Brave New World premieres on TLC this Sunday, May 12, at 10 p.m. EST. 

I can't wait to see what happens this season! This show has especially been appealing to me because I've always been fascinated with the Amish world. They seem like genuinely good people, but they have such a different way of living. Personally, I stress out if my power flickers out for a few minutes. I can't imagine never having electricity! And that's just the start! After I graduated high school, my family and I took a road trip up to Niagara Falls and stopped along the way in Amish country. It was beautiful and interesting, so then in my college speech class, I did a project on the Amish. I've always enjoyed learning more about them, and this show does not disappoint! 

America's Biggest Goon

Sure, most of you know him as a decorated Olympic swimmer who gave Michael Phelps some much-needed competition, but in real life, he's America's Biggest Goon: Ryan Lochte! 

Now, let me just start by saying that Ryan is a super talented athlete. He's also a great-looking guy, but he should never, I repeat, never open his mouth! I'm a little taken back that he actually attended college! Yes, Ryan went to the University of Florida. As a Florida native, I have several friends who graduated from UF, but they are all intelligent people can who finish a sentence without losing their train of thought.

Via

Anyway, Ryan has a new show on E! I knew this was going to be quality TV at its finest, and boy was I right! This is one of the few shows that actually made me laugh out loud. I was still thinking about it the next day, and I can't wait for the next episode!! One of the finer moments is when Ryan is asked if he's a "player." He responds with, "Describe player." I think he answered that way because he honestly does not know.

Via

Ryan is a 28-year-old frat boy who is no longer in college, but still lives the college lifestyle. Basically, he's a real life Van Wilder. And he even has his own catch phrase: "Jeah!!" To get a taste of what I'm talking about, just check out this clip. And be sure to watch Ryan's new show, "What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" (Although he doesn't even know what he would do!) Sundays at 10:00 EST on E!

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

I've always loved watching cooking shows on the Food Network. Rachael Ray has been one of my favorites for a while, but now that there are some new kids on the block, I really enjoy watching Bobby Deen, Trisha Yearwood and Ree Drummond, better known as The Pioneer Woman.

Via

Ree is an amazing cook, and I really want her life. She lives on the perfect, most beautiful ranch and is married to a real life cowboy and has four beautiful kids. Watching her show on Saturday mornings is part of my routine. And the fact that she has a blog is even better! I'm able to keep up with her and her recipes every day! Imagine my excitement when I recently discovered that she has an autobiographical book, The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels. 

Via

This book is probably the best love story I've ever read! I've enjoyed every page of it. Ree was raised a city girl and never expected to live the life she leads, but she does it so effortlessly. She recounts how she met her husband, how they fell in love, life after marriage, and all the ups and downs in between. The stories in her book are funny, sweet, sad and anything else you might expect from a great book! I highly recommend reading it, and be sure to check out her cookbooks, blog and TV show! Plus, I just learned that a big-screen adaptation of this book is in development with a major studio! I can't wait to see the movie version!

Come back in a few days when I'll post about a recipe of hers that I recently made and loved!! You'll want to make it several times this summer, I promise!

Steel Magnolia

On Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an acoustic performance at my local radio station by country duo Steel Magnolia. I've always loved the personal up-close performances like this much better than the huge concerts, and it had been a while since I'd been to something quite so intimate. Plus, as an added bonus, I interned at this particular radio station 5 years ago, and it was my first time going back since then!

Unfortunately, Steel Magnolia was coming from Alabama and running late, so we had to wait a while until they arrived, and they only performed 4 songs. Luckily, my cousin happened to be in town, so she went with me and we were able to gab and nosh on snacks. After the performance everyone lined up to get their picture taken with the duo. The radio station wouldn't let you use your personal camera; they took the photo for you. Well, let me just say that their photographer is not top notch. I knew immediately that I had blinked when he snapped the picture. For some reason, my eyes have become so sensitive to light and anytime I take a photo in a dark room, I seem to blink! Instead of the photographer offering to retake the photo, he just said, "Awesome!!" Yeah, right. I knew it was going to be awful, and boy was I right!  There I am with a huge smile on my face and my eyes completely closed. That photo won't be making its way anywhere, not unless someone has some mad Photo Shop skills and can open my eyes for me!

At least I had a good time and was able to snap a few photos of my own. I even filmed a short little video of part of their performance! Enjoy!

The ACM Awards

I love a good country music awards show. The Oscars, Emmys... not my thing. But if there's country music involved, I'm all about it! Sometimes I end up sorely disappointed in the quality of the shows, but Sunday night's ACM Awards did not disappoint! 

This year Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan hosted. They were fabulous! The dynamic between those two was just fun and entertaining. Speaking of entertaining, I was super excited to see my boy Luke win Entertainer of the Year! He definitely deserved it, and the emotion that overcame him was so sweet and genuine!

Via

I honestly enjoyed each and every performance of the night! After all, that's the real reason to watch, right?! Some of my very favorites were the opening number by Blake Shelton and many special guests, "Boys 'Round Here," Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban singing "Highway Don't Care," Luke Bryan's "Crash My Party," and Hunter Hayes' collaboration with Stevie Wonder on "You Can Feel it All Over."  I've said it once and I'll say it again: I may be 7 years older than Hunter Hayes, but that doesn't mean I can't have a crush on him! He is adorable and so very talented!! 

In case you missed any of the action, below is a list of all the award winners. 

Entertainer of the Year

Luke Bryan

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jason Aldean

Female Vocalist of the Year

Miranda Lambert

Vocal Duo of the Year

Thompson Square

Vocal Group of the Year

Little Big Town

New Male Vocalist of the Year

Brantley Gilbert

New Female Vocalist of the Year

Jana Kramer

New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year

Florida Georgia Line

New Artist of the Year

Florida Georgia Line

Album of the Year

"Chief" - Eric Church

Single Record of the Year

"Over You" - Miranda Lambert

Song of the Year

"Over You" - Miranda Lambert

Songwriter of the Year

Dallas Davidson

Video of the Year

"Tornado" - Little Big Town

Vocal Event of the Year

"The Only Way I Know" - Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church

JTT

JTT. Those 3 initials probably ring a bell, right?! I was obsessed with Jonathan Taylor Thomas back in the day!! I even got tickets to a live taping of Home Improvement and dragged my poor dad out to Los Angeles with me to see it! You were supposed to be 16 years old to get in, and I was so nervous that I'd get caught (I was not quite 14 at the time), but luckily I passed for a 16 year old! (By the way, it's weird how that works. When I was that age, everyone thought I was older, and now everyone thinks I'm younger than my age. Not complaining, though). 

Imagine my excitement when I saw a commercial the other night for Tim Allen's show, Last Man Standing, advertising a guest appearance by none other than JTT himself!

Via

I honestly thought he had fallen off the face of the earth! After he quit acting and went to college, I kept trying to find out what he was up to, but never could. I used to daydream on the bus ride home from school that I'd get off at my stop and Jonathan would be there waiting for me, and we'd get married and live happily ever after. I even used to buy all the teeny-bopper magazines at the grocery store just so I could read the articles and drool over the pictures of him. I was embarrassed about my crush, so I'd go pay for the magazine in the checkout line while my mom was still grocery shopping!

Via

I'm pretty sure I owned this exact issue. No way I could pass up those 2 giant posters!

Needless to say, I'm stoked to see him on TV tonight!! Last Man Standing is a really funny show, too, and one that I usually watch if I'm home on Friday evenings. Be sure to check out my teen crush on ABC at 8/7 central. 

Redbook Has a New Look

Is it just me, or has Redbook given itself a complete makeover? I always thought the magazine was geared toward 40 to 60-somethings, but the last time I looked, Lauren Conrad was on the cover! And when I looked back at images of the covers from recent months, they were all graced by younger women. 

Via

I haven't flipped through the pages of Redbook since its new look, but I'm about to find out everything I need to know because I scored a 1-year subscription for only $5! It's not like I need another magazine subscription right now, but for that price, how can you pass it up?! If anyone else is interested in this deal, just use my LivingSocial link below. It expires in a few days, though, so hurry! 

https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/637622?ref=share-link-post&rpi=109962792&rui=35678080

It's a Beautiful Day

Anyone who knows me knows that I love country music... with an exception. I absolutely love Michael Bublé! I've always liked his music, but I especially become more interested in him after my very first trip to NYC this past December. Since I was excited about seeing the city at Christmas time, I decided to go get his Christmas CD and put it on my iPod so I could listen and put myself in the Christmas spirit on the plane. Well, on my last morning in New York, I walked by the Today show and was trying to get a glimpse of the news anchors, but this guy inside the studio was kind of standing in the way. Well, because I could only see the back of him, I didn't think much about it, until he turned and I realized it was Michael Buble!!! I watched Natalie Morales interview him and after I saw the video, I realized that I was at the same exact Broadway show as Michael and his wife the night before!! It was just so cool that the whole trip was Michael Buble-themed... listening to his CD on the plane, seeing him at the Today show, and sitting in the same theater watching the same show! 

I'm especially excited about his new album coming out April 23! In the meantime, I got a taste of the new music from his brand new single, "It's a Beautiful Day." This song can't help but to put you in a good mood! Have a beautiful day!

Nashville

I have a special place in my heart for the city of Nashville. I will say that the first time I visited there I was too young to appreciate it and actually found the city quite boring. As I grew older and discovered how much I love country music, it became one of my favorite cities. It has everything a big city can offer, but when you're there, you feel like you're in a small town. It just has that southern charm. 

Of course I was ecstatic when I found out that ABC was debuting Nashville, a show about country music and Nashville! The show has been out for a couple months, and it just keeps getting better and better! My favorite thing about the show is that the actors perform their own songs. That's what you call true talent! Connie Britton plays Rayna James, Nashville's queen of country music, whose career is beginning to fade until she embarks on a tour with the young and sparkly Juliette Barnes, played by Hayden Panetierre. The show is full of drama and beautiful music. I would pay money to see Rayna and Juliette! Too bad they're just fictional characters! Be sure to watch everything unfold Wednesdays on ABC at 10:00 EST.

Excited about Mondays!

So, I'm crazy, right? Mondays...exciting? Well, yes. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge fan of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. I have watched these shows from the start and still keep up with lots of the people who were on them. I'm most excited about this Monday, January 7, because the new bachelor is going to be my very favorite, I just know it! Sean Lowe was a contestant on the last season of The Bachelorette (surprise, surprise), but he is one of those guys who just don't seem to exist anymore. Watch the show Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and you'll see what I mean!

Via