Has anyone else noticed how many contestants names start with B? Bachelorette update 6/17

Hello Again Bachelorette friends! We are brought together once again by our good friend Desiree and her 13 remaining contestants. That's right, everyone, we are down to just 13 men left, which means I am going to try really, really hard to learn everyone's names. We'll see how that goes. 

Chris Harrison arrived first thing to let the men know their adventure around the world was beginning with... Atlantic City. (Not Fiji, or Dubai, or anything... but better than Montana.) 

In Atlantic City Desiree's first one on one date was with Brad at the Boardwalk amusement park. During the date, Michelle and I had differing opinions on Brad. I liked him, she did not. We did both agree, as did Desiree, that Brad is exceptionally attractive. Michelle thought Brad had no depth and that Desiree would need more from a relationship. Ultimately, Michelle was right, and Des did send Brad home. Good bye Brad, it was fun while it lasted. 

And this, my fine friends leaves us with a Baker's Dozen of Bachelors left here on the show. (Look closely to see who the baker is ;) 

Desiree moved right along with a Mr. America pageant group date that was HILARIOUS. Whoever is in charge of the group dates this season is packing a big punch to make up for the lack of quality men on this season. 

On this date we saw Brooks (who is surprisingly climbing higher on the approval meter), Bryden (still our favorite), Zak W., #Kasey, Juan Pablo, Zak K., Drew, Mikey T., Michael G., Ben, and Chris. (Who is Chris? I swear I've never seen him before either.)

The competition will consist of 3 portions: talent, interview, and swimsuit. While the men practiced their talents they were coached by our reigning Miss America on how to answer interview questions. 

Some highlights from the interview portion included:

#Kasey declaring himself a giver, given the choice of any animal Brooks would be a lion, Juan Pablo has a daughter (what? a daughter? did you know that?), Mikey T. gave a men are sensitive speech because he doesn't want to be seen as a "meathead".

Highlights from the talent portion:
#Kasey badly tap dancing with a heartfelt story before hand, Brooks broke a ukulele, Ben did a ribbon dance, Chris wore heels and performed with hoola hoops, and Zak W. sang an original song.

At the end of the competition the results were:
3rd place: Brooks
2nd place: Zak W.
1st place: #Kasey

Congrats, #Kasey... But will it be enough to get him the rose??

Naturally, there was a pool at the after party. Because as I have mentioned before, there is a one swimming pool per episode minimum.

Chris revealed he is a poet and shared his poems with Des, which earned him a kiss.

Ben, everyone's least favorite contestant, had his one on one time in plain sight of everyone, not off privately like others do. Michael pointed this out to us, noting that Ben doesn't just want one on one time with Desiree, he wants everyone to know he's having one on one time with Desiree. This does seem to be an accurate description. Which just adds one more reason why we do not in fact like Ben.

(Meanwhile, James is back at the hotel by himself, treating himself to a romantic evening of bubbles, chocolate, wine, and lounging about in his robe.)

Zak W. finished singing his original song to Des which earned him the rose.

James and Desiree went on a one on one date tour of the Hurricane Sandy devastation. This date was a bit of a downer.. I get it, you're in Jersey, you want to pay homage to this tragedy that happened, but maybe a group date would have been better? For a one on one, this was not the greatest. Desiree and James did meet with a couple who's home had been destroyed by the storm. Manny and Jan were in fact the best part of the date. Des and James donated their date to them and we got to see them enjoying a delightful dinner for two.

Since their fancy dinner had been given away, Desiree and James went to a dive bar and enjoyed dinner there (because really it's not where you are, it's who you're with, ya know?). Michelle and I quickly we realized we are indeed James fans. He's sweet, caring, and fun (all those sprinkles Michelle claims not to care about in a man). James opened up to Desiree about his past and that he did cheat on a long term girlfriend. Because James was a freshman in college we have decided it is ok to give him a pass on this. We of course do not in anyway condone cheating, but at 18 when you are still figuring yourself out, have little to no self control, and were most likely intoxicated, we think there might be a bit of wiggle room.

James and Desiree then headed over to Manny and Jan's dinner date and surprised them with a refurbished version of their wedding album that had been ruined in the storm. Then, because ABC just keeps on giving, we all went to a private Darius Rucker concert, where Des did give James a rose.

During the cocktail party Desiree spent time with all the right people. Michael G. played a very cute letter game which resulted in his first (I think) kiss with Des.

Bryden, our favorite, apparently has decided he might send himself home. Bryden, if you do go home, Michelle and I are willing to change our North Carolina vacation to a Montana vacation. Just you know... send us your address.

When Bryden did talk to Desiree about his feelings she reassured him that she does feel a connection and see potential in their relationship, and that she does indeed want him to stay. Bryden is still determining if his feelings are at the right place, and he will think about whether or not he shall stay.

As the rose ceremony went on we learned the fate of all of our (semi) favorites: Brooks, Juan Pablo, Michael G., Chris, Drew, and yes even #Kasey received roses to stay, along with our non-favorites Ben, and Mikey T., and our (real) favorite Bryden.


Which left Zak K. as the last man standing without a rose. So long Zak. We will most likely not notice you are gone, but take comfort in the fact that we feel that way about most of the men this season.

Here they all are... one man down. (Yes, this is a thing we are doing now.)

Michelle's quote of the night: "You know who Desiree would go well with? Arie. Why did no one think of trying that?" Touche, Michelle. Touche. 

Let the Man Drama Commence!

Because boy, did it. This season's crop of Bachelor's will apparently NOT disappoint with the drama factor. But I'll get to all that later.

Last night I had to watch The Bachelorette without Michelle, so naturally I brought in a special guest to help me with the recap: Jean! I will be sure to share her invaluable opinion with you all throughout the recap. ;)

First and foremost- Zak is wearing a shirt. This may be the first time we have seen him in a shirt. I am having a hard time deciding if this is good news or bad news. Good to know he at least does own a shirt, even though he could potentially never wear one if he lived in a warm enough climate. 

Anyhow, let's start with Desiree's first one on one date of the season with Brooks.

Desiree took Brooks to a wedding salon. Because all men want their first date to be picking out wedding dresses and tuxes. But Brooks didn't seem to mind as he pranced about in a leprechaun green tuxedo.

After Brooks was dressed a little more appropriately and Desiree had a wedding dress on, the two ran out of the store and hopped in their baby blue Bentley ready for a night of adventure or perhaps a trip to a drive by wedding chapel. 

Desiree drove them to what appeared to be the top of a mountain and the two of them began a bit of a hike. Our guest potato brought up a good point here; did they pay for these outfits? They are traipsing about in the dirt and dust wearing wedding costumes (yes, costumes) that, for as much as we know, they stole. I mean, I'm sure ABC covered the cost and it should be more about the magic of the date but we have real and logical questions over here. But I digress.

Desiree and Brooks then made a quick little jaunt out to the Hollywood sign where they sat and overlooked the city sharing their first kiss. You know, a typical Monday for the rest of us. 

After dressing themselves in more appropriate attire our dynamic duo were out for a luxurious drive when they happened upon a blocked off road. Desiree thought it would be really fun to move the road blocks and venture down the streets, which made Brooks very nervous. Almost visibly so. Des is a jokester, so I was less nervous. Turned out there was a beautiful dinner set up for them to enjoy. See, Brooks? I told you there was nothing to worry about ;)

Brooks I don't actually remember from the premiere, so I can only imagine that he didn't make too much of an impression on me. However, after last night's show he has grown on me a bit. With shorter, less greasy hair I'd probably like him even more. 

During dinner Des asked some questions about Brooks' family, and he seemed uneasy about opening up to her. There's only like a million people watching.. not sure what his hold up might be... In the end, he decided to share with Desiree, which was a good move since he got a rose out of it. Then in the most normal of first date activities; Andy Grammer showed up to perform a private concert. 

Not impressed, ABC. Get me Celine, and we'll talk.

As I said Desiree did in fact give Brooks a rose so he will be back to Date Another Day. (See what I did there, Danny? I put a James Bond reference in there so all our male readers would know we still love and care about them even through all this Bachelorette drama. We are trying, I promise!)

Moving on to what has to be my favorite group date in history: shooting a rap video. 

There were a lot of guys on this date. I can't name them all. I have a hard time learning the names of the male contestants. There are a lot of them and they all kind of look alike.. all buff and well groomed for the most part. The women have more distinct features and it is much easier for me to learn their names. Anyway, that is off topic.

Desiree invited her good friend Soulja Boy to come by and help her swooning suitors learn to rap and dance for what I am sure will be the best produced rap video of this decade. At first I thought, "Meh. That's kind of a silly idea for a date. But whatever works for you Des." Then I realized the rap made fun of past Bachelors and contestants. And I could not stop laughing.

After the video shoot was a wrap, we went to the traditional party that follows a group date where the men try to make a connection with Desiree and earn the coveted group date rose ensuring them a return to Bachelor Mansion next week.

Zak got Desiree some kind of journal that she thought was really cool. Truth time: I wasn't paying quite as much attention to this part, so I am not 100% sure what this book was. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know. Whatever is was, Desiree really loved it. Way to put on your clothes and make something happen, Zak.

And then there was Ben. Who I do not like. He reminds me of a mix of Kalen and Bentley. He's completely self important like Kalen with a bit more of Bentley's demeanor. Could not stand him. Luckily for me, the other guys hate him a lot, too. So at least I'm not alone. (We'll see if anyone dulls his sparkle before the season is over.) The thing is, I don't really have a reason I don't like him. I just think he has a superior attitude and seems kind of deceitful, like he's constantly lying and hiding things. Plus, his attitude is borderline inappropriate. And if a guy is borderline inappropriate when he first meets you and in a social setting, then that's who he is, whether it is with your friends, your family, or eventually the PTA. And really, does anyone want to bring an inappropriate guy to hang out with their girlfriends or their mom? It doesn't sit well with me. But that's just me. We'll see what happens. (Jean confirmed all my thoughts about Ben, she concurs that he is a jerk.)

DRAMA ALERT: These boys are gossiping, complaining, and whining about Ben worse than a gaggle of middle school girls who just learned that Kelly stole Jessie's boyfriend during lunch. If you are in the mood to see a bunch of grown men whine and complain you will have to look no further, because these guys have got it down. And Mikey T., do not think it has escaped me that you are the ringleader in the Anti-Ben Complainer Nation Movement (ABCNM for short). Drama, drama, drama.

Sweet little Brandon carved out some time to talk with Desiree and he was so nervous and self conscious it was almost painful, poor little guy. Brandon comes from humble beginnings and has a sad story to tell and it was almost like he was afraid he wouldn't be enough because he's not grand and spectacular like that super annoying Ben thinks he is. I do like Brandon, and he didn't wear pants in your music video Desiree, you could throw the kid a bone and give him the group date rose.

Oh, what's that? You're going to give it to Ben? The guy no one likes? Yea, that's cool. No one has ever done that before. I am sure it will work out better for you than for the others. Desiree, did you learn nothing from the disaster that was Tierra last season? Or Kalen? Or Bentley? Or Vienna? Or Michelle Money? There's like a thousand more I can list. But I won't.

Next Desiree took Bryden on a one on one date road trip.

Bryden has never been to California and Desiree says it is the place that embodies her, so he was clearly the perfect choice for such a date :)

Bryden was super cute, and has maintained his position as this Couch Potato Princess's favorite bachelor. He brought out a lighter, fun side of Desiree, who is pretty light and fun anyway, so that's saying something. Bryden opened up and shared some personal stories with Desiree.

Personal stories are always the way to a rose, gentlemen. Which Bryden got. Making us sure that we will see his super cute face again next week.

Desiree and Bryden took a swim in the pool because it wouldn't be a complete episode until someone went swimming in the pool. They were getting closer and closer to that moment where you tell the girl you had an excellent time then you kiss her. And Bryden was telling her... and telling her... and telling her... And then Desiree finally told him, just kiss me already!

Quote from Michelle via text: I also like Desiree's take charge attitude. We can all learn from her.

At the cocktail party Desiree wore a beautiful shimmery dress that reminded me of a mermaid. I have a special place in my heart for mermaids. ;)

The ABCNM was out in full force at this ceremony. It was a hot mess. They even confronted Ben out in front of the mansion. This may present us with more cat fights than the girls ever have, so please, stay tuned.

In cast off news:

Premature Will was sent home.. Perhaps he peaked too soon?
Robert and Nick M were also sent home... I am not entirely sure that they have been on the show the whole time. Either way, Nick, our guest potato Jean is returning home to Charlotte today.. Go ahead and look her up ;)

Sorry tonight's post is so long... I clearly had a lot to say! Hopefully you enjoyed the show and my ramblings! Follow the link to see Desiree's super awesome rap video!!

see the video here: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/video/PL5556208/_m_VDKA0_7p5ypgzj

Bachelorettes Unite! 5/27/13 Recap

It is that time once again friends where we welcome Chris Harrison and his brood of merry men back to our screens. The Bachelorette is back!

This season Desiree Hartsock will be our Bachelorette, 

one of Sean's unfortunate casualties last season.  You may remember Desiree as being the one girl that Sean seemed to have the best connection with, or you may remember her as the girl we decided to like when our first choice went home, or you may just remember her as that girl who looked a lot like Katie Holmes (this was particularly bothersome to me last season, as you may recall). But no matter how you remember her, Desiree was by far the most heartbreaking of the women to be sent home last season. She was incredibly genuine in her love for Sean, and it was obvious to anyone who was watching just how devastated she was to be losing her relationship with Sean. 

But luckily, through the magic of TV, we can now see Desiree put others through the same torment that she once endured. Which brings us to tonight, when the lucky Des got to meet 25 of America's most eligible bachelors. 

Please note that normally while Bachelor(ette) blogging I take notes based upon my own feelings as well as Michelle's and then I compile a comprehensive recap that includes our thoughts and opinions and share it here with you, our fellow reality TV junkie friends :) Tonight, however, was a little different as I was simultaneously trying to watch the show, not spill my drink, work on my reading endorsement, and take notes I realized I was not Super Woman, and I could not take on all of those tasks at once. So, tonight's blog post will be created through a reading of notes Michelle took during the show... so we'll see how that goes. ;) 

After meeting all 25 guys we actually feel like Desiree does not have a lot of great material to choose from. There are a few great guys in the bunch, but overall, after first meet, we do not think this is an especially great bunch of gentlemen. This will undoubtedly make it super easy for Des in the beginning as she sends the losers home, but really difficult at the end when she only has the good ones left. OR- we will be completely wrong and think that a whole lot of them are wonderful after a few episodes. (Reminder, we did think Tierra was pretty great after last season's first show.. we were clearly wrong there.)

Overall, we only had a few faves: 

Bryden, in the Army, communicates well, and made a good conenction (I think he is my favorite)

Ben, the single dad who shamelessly used his adorable child on the first night

Chris, because he had a funny shoe proposal

Our least favorites included:

Jonathan, the inappropriate guy who could NOT take a hint and who was sent home early. No one is going to the fantasy suite with you, buddy. 

Larry, very nervous, weird and creepy. His meet-cute dance move failed and he could not let it go, which may have been ok if it wasn't for the fact that he was so creepy. 

Nick- the magician/tailor. No one needs a suit maker who can pull a quarter from your ear

#Kasey- #Kasey has some kind of job in which he hashtags. This causes him to speak in hashtags. I will forever only call him #Kasey.

Zak W.- This is not a usual complain of the Couch Potato Princesses, but- PUT ON A SHIRT. He was shirtless in most of his promo package, then he got out of the limo shirtless, then he remained shirtless at the cocktail party, then he went swimming shirtless... also pantsless. 

Will- he does yoga and loves high fives. We don't mind those things, in small doses. We did however mind that he shouted his love for Desiree immediately after learning she was the Bachelorette. We will now only refer to him as Premature Will, or PW for short. 

Desiree sent home a total of 8 guys:

Dr. Larry- the creepy, unsuccessful dancer

Nick- POOF! She made you disappear

Diogo- Yes, Diogo, not Diego. I should mention that he was legit in a suit of armor. So there's that. 

Mike- The British dentist who lost his British accent.. and his chance at Bachelorette love. 

Michael G- I literally remember nothing about him... 

Jonathan- the guy who was a bigger jerk than Kalan or Bentley

Micah- Were you even a contestant?

Nick M- I don't remember you either

Looking forward to another great season of drama and fun and sharing our thoughts with you! 

Please comment and let us know your favorites/least favorites or funniest moments of the night.