Coming Up Roses: The Bachelorette

Hollywood, Hunks & Heartache

So this week, lucky Ali got to go on two one on one dates and one group date.  One thing I didn’t like is that a few of the guys got left out all together.  They had to sit home the ENTIRE time.  How is that fair?

 

Frank got the first one on one date, and he wore his glasses.  I think that’s a great look for him!  I wasn’t so sure that he would have a big spark with Ali, but boy was I wrong!  They got to drive off in a vintage blue convertible, and I should mention, Ali was driving!  Way to take control!  

 

Along the way, their car dies, and Frank takes it all in stride.  They walk a little bit, but find a taxi to take them the rest of the way.  They walk around Hollywood and get hounded by paparazzi and lots of fans.  Both were very gracious and that’s when Frank said something that was just so sweet.  He said, “I felt so proud that I’m the guy with Ali.”  My heart melted. 

 

Then, they take a walk down a dirt path and end up at the famous Hollywood sign!  So amazing.  It really is the perfect date.  They talk about their lives and how Frank is a big dreamer.  He quit his job in finance to become a screenwriter and now works as a retail manager to support himself.  Ali says she thinks she needs more of that in her life, and after seeing the two of them together, I have to say that I agree.  He also scores the very first big KISS!

 

The blue clunker is working again, so they drive it to some kind of lookout, or make out, point.  They get out and sit on the hood of the car to admire the view, and make out.  I’ve never seen people utilize the exteriors of cars more than on this season of “The Bachelorette”.  I mean, in the first episode they’re jumping out of sunroofs, flipping on them, dancing on them, and now making out on them.  However, at long last, Frank gets his rose

 

Meantime, there are two notable feuds brewing inside the guys’ house.  Craig R. (the Right Reasons Policeman) and Justin are not getting along, and neither are our weatherman Jonathan and Craig M.  Craig M. just does not know how to keep his mouth shut, I really think he enjoys stirring things up.  He picks on Jesse’s tattoos and later, also picks on Jonathan’s height and tells him he talks too much.  He’s just a jerk all around in my opinion.  Also, his hair seems to be getting higher and more Conan O’Brien like as the show progresses. 

 

On the group date, Ali and her guys shoot a calendar for charity.  The guys are forced to wear “banana hammocks”.  Jonathan hates this and talks about his insecurities about the size of his “manhood” for lack of a better term.  So, he emerges from the changing room, wearing his Speedo and a ducky floatie.  Here he is playing tug of war.

 

During the shoot, Ty busts out his guitar (where did that come from) and plays Ali a song.  Everyone is watching, but they say they feel like the only two people on the beach, it was kind of cute.  Seriously though, do they make the contestants take guitar lessons before they appear on the show?  Everyone is all about busting out a musical instrument!  Ty also takes the opportunity to tell Ali about his divorce, and she seemed to take it pretty well.

 

Jonathan has a little too much to drink and talks about how he is a martial artist and has a brown belt.  He says he could take down Craig M., but I’m not so sure about that.  The drunk weatherman then uses his precious one on one time to complain about Craig M. to Ali and warn her about his “dangerous” ways. 

 

Justin (Rated R) interrupts Ali’s conversation time with Chris H. and she ends up telling him that she likes him, and asks him if he likes her.  Why should she even have to ask him that?  I would just get rid of him if I wasn’t sure if I was her.  It just goes to show, we always want what we think we can’t have.  His comments on this episode really made me reconsider if he is here for the right reasons.  He seems to be a fan of telling “half truths”. 

 

On the last one on one date, Jesse flies on a jet with Ali to Las Vegas.  I was a little annoyed with him at first because Ali kept trying to grab his hand, and it took her like 10 times to actually get his attention. 

 

Once they are off the plane, they get in a red Ferrari convertible and Ali drives away.  It really impressed Jesse that she knew how to really open the car up on the road, although I’m sure he wishes he could have had a turn driving it too. 

 

They end up going to a brand new pool in Vegas and they eat some oysters, which Jesse says taste like S***.  So much for that being an aphrodisiac.  At this point, Ali says she’s not sure she wants to give him a rose, because they haven’t had any deep conversations.

 

At dinner, it doesn’t get very deep, but I think Jesse looked good enough in the suit the show got him that she decided she wanted to keep him around a bit longer.  He gets the rose and they go off to dance at a private night club.

 

At the club,  Jamie Cullen performs just for them, and they dance and kiss.  That’s two Ali!  It was very romantic though, and I’m sure a moment they will never forget.

Back at the house, it’s cocktail party time.  Ali has great conversations with Chris L. (He’s still my favorite) and Roberto who she finds out was once drafted by the Rockies and the Twins MLB teams.  I agree, that’s hot. 

Kasey comes over and tells Ali she looks imaginary, and you can already tell, the kid’s got a great heart, but something isn’t quite right.  Frank has the worst timing ever and interrupts Kasey’s one on one time.  Kasey did not have any one on one time yet and Frank already had a rose!  That was so selfish of Frank, but then again, he needs to keep his connection to Ali strong.  All of the guys in the house hate this and get disgusted when they see Ali and Frank making out on the couch.

Craig M. has a private talk with Ali where she calls him out on the fact that he doesn’t even seem that into her.  He says he is and asks her for another chance.  She mentions to him that someone told her that he is “dangerous”.   He then calls all of the guys into the house to find out who said that, although even he admits, he knows it was Jonathan.

 

It must be so strange for the people in Dallas to see their weatherman on this show.  He’s involved in so much drama!  Anyway, although I think he squandered his time with Ali complaining about Craig M., it worked.  Jonathan got a rose and Craig M. did not.  It was also not coming up roses for cutie Chris H. and Tyler V.  I’m sad to see Chris H. go, but there’s still Chris L!

 

Is it just me or are there still a lot of guys in the mix that we don’t know very much about?  When she called up Kirk, Hunter and another few, I was thinking, "who are these guys and why are they still here?"  Maybe we’ll find out next week.  Until then, I’m pinning my hopes on Chris L., Frank, Roberto and Ty.

 

Hugs, Kisses & Roses,

Jennifer Matarese

Cloudy with a chance of...

Oh my, this coming Monday's episode of "The Bachelorette" really looks like things start to heat up!  I can hardly wait through this long Memorial Day weekend, so I figured, why not share some previews. 

It looks like the Dallas weatherman gets a little more than he bargained for on his group date with Ali.  His forecast for the date...well you'll see.

Next we've got everybody's favorite in the house (ha) Craig M.  He has great hair, but just can't ever seem to stop being completely creepy and awkward.  Check out what happens when Ali calls him out on it!

The last tidbit I can share before Monday, a romantic moment between Ali and Frank.  I have to say, this one on one date (or part of the date) looks pretty cool.  How could you not share "a moment" while standing right in the middle of the famous Hollywood sign?!

 

Hopefully these three sneak peeks will help hold you over until Monday!

Hugs, Kisses & Roses,

Jennifer Matarese

"First Impression" of this season

Ali met 25 "great" guys on the Monday night premier of “The Bachelorette”, and they were trying harder than ever to get that “first impression” rose.

Limo number 1, full of great contenders! I was excited to see so many nice guys for Ali. We’ve got Chris H., my pick for her from reading the bios and he looked cuter than ever. Ali thought so too. Then, another standout is Chris L. He’s the sweetie from Cape Cod who quit his job in New York City to move home to help take care and spend time with his dying mother. It’s easy to see where his priorities lie, family comes first to him. Ty is a southern gentleman from Tennessee and then crazy Frank comes popping out of the Limo’s sun roof and climbs out.

Limo number 2 appears to be full of controversial and complicated men. We’ve got Justin, the 26 year old “entertainment wrestler” who happens to have a broken ankle, and Kasey, who loves Ali already and says he wants nothing but the best for her, but I feel he has some issues going on.

In Limo 3, it’s smokin’ hot as Roberto starts speaking Spanish to Ali and entices her with the promise of salsa dancing. As he walks away, she says that he is SEXY. I like that she says what she thinks, it reaffirms my thoughts most of the time! Then there’s John C. who nearly gives poor Ali a heart attack by getting down on one knee and proposing to her with a cubic zirconia ring…for 1 on 1 time. Phew. That could have been an early end to the season. Also, enter Craig M., a McDreamy of sorts with a very full head of hair and a rainbow tie, but a bad attitude to boot.

Limo 4 holds Jonathan, a 30 year old weatherman from Dallas, who can’t wait to entertain Ali with his zany ways. Also inside is Craig R., I’m calling him out as the “right reasons policeman”. This guy is so concerned that everyone isn’t there for “the right reasons.” There is one every season, and I just always wish they would mind their own business and stop entering the “friend zone”. Those people never get picked in the end.

Limo number 5 contains Phil, who I would have picked for Ali, but sadly, she did not pick for herself. It was not coming up roses for him. Also, there’s Jason who climbs over the limo and then back-flips off the top of it…impressive. I hope the producers of “The Bachelor” took out a hefty damage insurance policy on those limos because between Jason and Frank, those things have to be full of dents. This limo also contains the gem that is Shooter…we’ll get to his rise and fall in a bit.

Now that Ali has met all the guys, it’s time to let them talk for a few minutes how pretty she is and really get some testosterone pumping. Kirk takes Ali off for some 1 on 1 time, and gives her a scrapbook of his life. I thought it was sweet, my husband however, reminded me that a scrapbook is just one step away from a ransom note, let’s hope not. Anyway, Craig M. took the opportunity when Kirk came back to tell him how stupid his scrapbook is. It was the first of many things Craig M. would call lame.

Then there’s Shooter. Finally time for the clip we’ve all seen over and over. He reveals that the reason for his nickname is due to an experience he had in college. Ali apparently feels that E.D. is no laughing matter and not something she wants to deal with. He doesn’t make the cut…sorry to break your hearts America.

Chris Hansen awkwardly entered the room and brought in the “First Impression” rose, just to make everyone super uncomfortable and competitive. Craig M. and the weatherman face off in a two on one situation where they are talking to Ali and he can’t get a word in edgewise. I agree with Craig, you have to let the lady respond once in a while, but Craig M. could have done better at just jumping in there.

Roberto however, keeps his word and teaches Ali to salsa dance. She swooned and giggled like a school girl, and I can’t blame her, he is pretty dreamy! That’s why he received the coveted “First Impression” rose and I’m pretty sure, a nice big target on his back. That “First Impression” rose can have a nasty double edge.

Chris L., my new favorite potential husband for Ali, had great 1 on 1 time, but when asked about his parents, failed to reveal that his mother died, and just tells her they are still married. I feel it’s not a lie, and I respect his feelings for wanting to keep his first encounter with her on the light side, and not unloading his baggage on her right away. I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite him in the coming weeks when the sad truth comes out.

Another guy that Ali gets some 1 on 1 time with is Justin, otherwise known as “Rated-R” the entertainment wrestler. I think he is actually a sweet guy. He comes from a good family and was raised by his mother and oh-so-cute grandma. The guys however, think he could be up to no good, and think he is only on the show to further his career. I’m not convinced of this yet.

Chris Hansen decides to really turn up the heat on the tension in the room and brings out a black box. The guys have to write down the name of someone who isn’t there for the right reasons. I bet Craig R. “the right reasons policeman” was really in his glory here.

Anyway Craig M., wasn’t having anything of it. He didn’t feel he knew anyone’s reasons well enough and didn’t want to write down a name. Jason tells him to “man up” and I have to agree, “man up” Craig M. and stop being such a whiny baby! It’s not attractive.

The black box reveals that all of the guys hate “Rated-R” and Ali has to have a private talk with him. She is forced to decide between sending him home, right then and there, or giving him a rose. She gives him the rose because hey, the guy loves what he does, he loves his grandma, so let’s just get to know him first! The guys are not happy with this but Justin looks at them and says, “So…yeah.” Well done Justin!

Overall, I agree with Ali’s picks. I think she did a great job. I just wish she would have given Phil a chance, oh well. At least she still has Chris H. and Chris L.

The previews for the future episodes reveal some scary situations. Apparently Kasey is this season’s “Crazy Michelle” (from last season’s ‘The Bachelor’) but takes it to a whole new level. There are shots of him with bandages on his wrist and expressing some very obsessive feelings about Ali. I hope that turns out better than it looks like it will. Other than that, lots of shirtless guys, lots of kissing (I don’t know how she can do all that knowing her family is going to watch this!) and lots of jet setting to Turkey, Iceland, and Tahiti.  Also, SOMEONE HAS A GIRLFRIEND...uh oh, not again!  Didn't we learn anything from Jillian's season?  Weed these guys out!

So I hope you join me next week, when we will whittle this group of now 18 men down a bit more!  Click here to enjoy some photos from the night!

Hugs, Kisses and Roses,

Jennifer Matarese

Ali's search begins tonight!

Tonight, Ali Fedotowsky begins her search for true love!  I truly hope she finds it, but I have a bone to pick with her...yes, already.  I hate the whole thing about her being so heart-broken about not ending up with Jake.  I think if she was truly in love with him, she never would have left.  She said she couldn't get the time off from her job at Facebook to stay on "The Bachelor" and compete for Jake's heart.  Well, he didn't love her enough to demand that she stay, and she didn't love him enough to stay.  I think things ended up the best for both of them, but, the question is:  If she didn't have enough time to stay on for a few extra weeks, how on earth does she have enough time to take a leave of absence to do "The Bachelorette"?

In an interview, she said that she would take a leave of abcense and then "fight like hell" to get her old job back.  If Jake had been her true love, couldn't she have done that very same thing back then?  It just came down to two people who didn't want to fight for each other.  Let's hope all of her bachelors got the appropriate time away from their jobs!  I'm getting sick of this recurring theme...first with Ed (although he did end up with Jillian in her season of "The Bachelorette") and then with Ali in the last season of "The Bachelor".

I'll tell you who I'm excited to see, this train-wreck, who calls himself "Shooter".

 

I wish him luck, but with an awesome nickname like "Shooter" I bet he'll be around for all of two-minutes.  Or less, let's hope!

I have high hopes for Chris H. and Phil.  I checked out their bios and I hope they do well tonight, I'll be rooting for them!  They seem like two cute, handsome, friendly, and intelligent matches for Ali, and I'm predicting they get roses, but we'll see!

As for the rest of them, it's hard to tell a lot from just a photo in their bio, so I'm going to live vicariously through Ali and see who catches my eye, as they make their exit out of the limo and into what looks to be an entertaining quest for love on "The Bachelorette"! 

Until tonight,

Hugs, Kisses & Roses