MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD.



Well at least we know who is going to be the next Bachelor. Guys, how was I so wrong? This is crazy. Excuse the pause in the action, I got a little teary-eyed! That was so sad! Babe, why did she send Luke home? She's crazy. 

Don't get me started on hometowns. While I am a huge proponent of the Bachelorette (duh), I'm not a huge fan of the overnight. YES, I think spending alone time together is important, but potentially sleeping with three people, three nights in a row is so creepy to me. Why can't everyone be like Sean Lowe when he chose to forego them - look at him now, married with a baby.

Is anyone buying this shit that Robby is spewing? When did he start calling her Joelle? Hands up for those who think Robby wrote the note himself.

I know there are probably as many Jordan haters as there are Robby haters, but I honestly kind of love him. I have yet to feel that icky feeling like I do with Robby. I think he adores her. And the thing I like about Jordan is that, yes he feels it with JoJo, but he isn't forcing it like Robby is. Robby is telling her exactly what she wants to hear. Jordan seems to be more real.

Why was she so hard on Jordan and not Robby? I'm starting to think JoJo isn't the best judge of character. Do they really had to show JoJo laying on the bed while he closes the door?

You all know how I feel about Chase (aka he was my favorite besides Luke) but I just don't feel it. Um, did anyone see JoJo's face post I love you. Yikes. Poor little Chase bun. Cue Chase shutting down.

WHAT ARE WE ALL MISSING REGARDING ROBBY. Chase is one of the good ones, told ya so.

PS I will not be blogging tonight via Men Tell All, but let's tweet together! Come find me - @kristengrace1

Happy Friday loves! We finally made it. Even though it was only a 2 day week, it certainly dragged over here. But then again, weeks always drag when you are preparing for vacation! I haven't done a Friday Favorites in a while so I figured it was time. There's a lot of crap going on in the world and on the internet, so why not talk about the good stuff.

• That picture of Lake Tahoe above -- isn't it amazing. PS make sure you're following me on Snapchat (kgrace01) for all things Tahoe! 
• Everything Striped: Besides craving a new wardrobe, I am lusting over everything summer and striped. Christina at Christina Lea Loves is sharing all her favorites HERE. 
• Summer Reading: So many amazing book reviews. Like this one from The Nerdy Katie, A Study in Charlotte, 
• Summer cooking: I don't know about you, but finding new light recipes is my favorite thing for summer. Chrissa at Physical Kitchness is sharing Paleo Sweet Potato Blueberry Breakfast Muffins, Patricia from AZ GrabaPlate shares her Pork Tenderloin Bites with Mango Salsa, Jessica at How Sweet Eats shares her Peace Pie Ice Cream and Caitlin from Southern Curls and Pearls is sharing healthy chicken salad lettuce wraps. People, I love food. 
• SEO. Do you guys know how to do that or what it even is? I struggle with it. Luckily Katie from A Touch of Teal is giving us all we need to know about SEO.
• Do you guys know Jennifer from The Champagne Supernova? If not, you should -- she is the funniest person alive. Especially this post on the difference between dating and marriage. I died. 
• I'm a BIG reader. I love love love browsing the book store. Chelsea at The Girl who Loved to Write is talking about 9 moments every book lover has experienced. It is so accurate.
• Oh you're obsessed with Nordstrom half yearly sale too? ME TOO! Lee Anne at Life by Lee is sharing everything amazing they have to offer. 
• This quote below. Yes. 

Recipe [Recreated] is the newest addition of "themes" over here at Everyday Grace! I follow a lot of blogs that post delicious meals and I want to be able to share those meals with you.


Recipe [Recreated] will be recipes I have discovered from other blogs/books/ect and have not created on my own. With all of the Recipes [Recreated], I have done something a little different; added my own flair, but the idea/suggestion comes from someone else.

Reason ONE for doing this is I want to be honest with you about where and how I come up with recipes and TWO I want to give credit where credit is due! I never want a blogger/chef to feel slighted.

It's all about sharing the love people!

This burger recipe is from my favorite Paleo Website, PaleoOMG. She just came out with a cookbook and my girl, Callie got it for me for my birthday! AH! It's seriously the greatest. She shares paleo ketchup, paleo truffle sauce and everything and anything, I reference it about 10 times a week. It's my favorite.

Today is a great day! We are off to Tahoe for the rest of the week! Talk about the best (and most needed) time for a vacation! In about 5 hours I'll be sipping a vodka/soda with my fambam and I cannot wait.

Henry has been traveling with me both in airplanes and in cars since he was a very little pup, 8 weeks to be exact. He took his first trip to California on Southwest when he was just 10 weeks old. I'm pretty sure he's been on more planes than most humans. When we travel, people often ask me how do I do it.

Is he drugged? Does he like it? How much does he cost? What do you do with him? 

The truth is, it's not the easiest thing in the world, but having my pup with me on vacation is totally worth any bit of hassle (or cost).

1. Make sure it's safe for your specific breed to travel. There are certain pups that cannot travel. Certain pups have small nasal passages that make it hard for them to breath at that high of altitude. This website has a great article on short-nosed pups and why they shouldn't fly. Check it out here. 
2. Check the airline you are flying for their rules and policies. I usually fly Southwest. They charge $95 each way for your pup. (Save the gasp for later -- I know it's crazy). Each airline has their own rules and costs. Southwest is the cheapest! 
3. Get a great bag. We've been through a lot of different bags trying out which bags he likes the best. We've settled on the one linked here -- it's great because it's large enough and doesn't collapse on him. It's big enough that I can put Henry in it (obvs), a blanket and his chewer. 
4. Know your pup and talk to your vet. The first time I flew with Henry I chatted with our vet about what she thought I should do. Because Henry was so little she thought he could do it without any meds. Some dogs though are overly worried or panic so ask your vet about either an anxiety med or a proper dosage of Benadryl. I give Henry half of an adult Benadryl and it doesn't knock him out, it just calms him a little and makes him sleepy. By the time we land, it's worn off and he's ready to party. 
5. Bring something that will make your pup feel safe and happy (& treats). Ever since Henry was a pup he's had the same blanket and the same stuffed animal. I make sure to bring them everywhere because I know he's used to them and it make him feel a little more secure. Also, he gets a few extra treats on travel days. 
6. Get your pup used to his bag. Before Henry got used to it, I would take the bag out a few days before we left and let him feel it out. I would take him to the store in the bag. I would carry him around in it, so he got used to being in the bag and feeling comfortable in it. Now when it comes out, he automatically jumps in the bag without me having to ask. 
7. Give yourself extra time. This is key. Before we go in the airport, I make sure Henry has a little mini walk around to pee one last time. Then you have to pay for him, go through security ect. In regards to security - you have to carry your pup through the metal detector, no body scanner for you. Then they have to swab your hands and test them. I've had this go off a few times which in that case you have to have a full pat down in a private room. Most times the swab doesn't go off and we are good. But the few times it has, it has left us running to the gate. 
8. Check the airport rules. Some airports like Phoenix have dog parks you can take your dog too in the airport for them to use the bathroom. Phoenix even let's you walk your dog on a leash in the airport Some airports like Omaha don't allow you to have your pup out of the bag. Denver let's me hold him right up to the point of walking on the plane. It's important to know the rules for where you are leaving from and arriving in to. 
9. Be considerate of others. The matter of the fact is some people don't like dogs and don't want dogs near them. I always ask before I pick a seat if they are comfortable with a dog. 99% of the time, people are ecstatic. But I've had people practically yell at me that I couldn't sit by them. Their loss because I will 100% guarantee that my dog is quieter than the baby that they let sit by them. Oh and remember, when traveling with a pup, no emergency row for you! 
10. Be considerate of your dog Most dogs are not as airport friendly as Henry. Traveling, like for humans, creates a lot of chaos, anxiety and nerves. Like I said before, a lot of people love dogs and they will want to pet your pup. Remember that being a bag with tons of humans wanting to pet him can be nerve wrecking I try to keep Henry to myself most times just to make sure he stays calm. Hey, if people think I'm being a bitch, that's fine. The safety an well-being of my pup is way more of a concern than you wanting to pet him. 

HOMETOWNS IS MY FAVORITE EPISODE.


Does anyone remember last season when JoJo's mom was caught chugging the wine bottle? The possibilities are endless people. Let's get ready people, first stop, COLORADO.

Chase - Highlands Ranch, Colorado (aka my neighbor!): First, that gorgeous park is Daniels Park. It's stunning. Good on you Bachelor. Chase's mom is a bun. Stop. Chase telling JoJo he is falling in love. I'm dying. She asked for emotion, she totally got it. Move to Colorado JoJo!

Chase is 3/4.

Jordan - This is the weirdest hometown date. Hey babe, let's go to my high school where my glory days were born and also where they died. And, now they're making out in the library. Next. I'm with JoJo, I would by dyinnnngggg to know what the deal is with his brother. As much as this pains me to say, she obviously loves Jordan more than Chase, just based on how nervous she was to meet his parents. AARON WHY HAVEN'T YOU COMMENTED ON THIS FEUD? This episode made me like Jordan so much more and not think he's slimy. But it does make me think twice about Aaron...

Jordan is 2/4.

Robby - Before we start this, can anyone out there in blogland honestly say they like Robby? That they trust him? Because blech. One, good for JoJo sticking up for herself and two, drink that wine girl. It is time for him to go home.

Robby is 4/4. 

Luke - They are the cutest little couple ever. My gosh. Luke's sister is a super model and his grandpa is the cutest. Um, this setup Luke created is to die for! The sun setting on bales of hay and perfectly placed lanterns. Good on you Bachelor. Welp, if Luke doesn't win after the flower heart and Dan + Shay playing, I don't know what wins.

Luke wins, he's 1/4. 

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY? LUKE. WHAT. Babe, what did we miss with the Luke thing? 

This is a joke. To be continued. This has to be a joke.

See ya next week people.

After a week hiatus, it's time for The Bachelorette. Cue the over-analyzing by Alex and the over-aggressiveness of James, only to result in both of them going home.

Let's play The Bachelorette. Where men turn into ladies and JoJo rules the roost.

Alex: This is so boring. Can we talk about how completely uninterested she is in him. Why doesn't she just send him home? JoJo looks amazing and Alex looks like he's in a play. Can we talk about how weird that horse thing was and how corny Alex is. This is the type of shit I draw the line on..when they're cuddling a horse in a field. Wow, JoJo looks like she is searching for words to say after the I love you drop. Yikes.

I give Alex a 8/10 for effort. You go Alex, and when I say go, I mean home. 

Jordan: It's cute that he thinks he has to work hard for her. She loves him, or at least lusts him. They drank the foot wine. Blech. This whole conspiracy theory that Jordan is a certain way in the house is so weird because it's never shown on TV. The only example they give is that his brother is famous. Holy Jordan with his speech -- winning the game. Slash does anyone else wanna talk about why Jordan doesn't have a relationship with his famous brother?

I give Jordan a 7/10 for being "emotional." Whether it's real or not, I believed him and that scrappy head of hair. 

The Group Date: It's pretty funny. But then they are all laying in bed together. Robby: I can kind of see him having a wandering eye. She is not sure about him. He's not super convincing. Robby is getting a little crazy -- his front runner talk is silly. Chase: This conversation kind of makes him sound dumb. But good on you for opening up. James: JoJo said it right, he has all the qualities that she would want, except for that attraction. She obviously knows how sweet and wonderful he is, but I think she's bored.

I gave Robby a 3/10, mostly because he gives me the heeby jeebies, but also because I think he's a bit rehearsed. 

I gave Chase a 6/10 because he's trying. Not very hard, but he is. 

I gave James a 10/10. Do what you gotta do (even if its not enough) Throw Robby under the bus, eat a billion french fries, watch other men take their clothes off. You are (were) in it to win it. 

Luke: The true front-runner. The best is when she goes to celebrate after shooting the skeet and Luke grabs the gun from her. He's the protective type. They'd be perfect.

I gave Luke a 10/10 because I think he wins and he's just the cutest with her. 

Are the guys seriously going to the rose ceremony in a horse drawn carriage with the dogs chasing the carriage. I can't. CHRIS HARRISON WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? James you are the sweetest little bun cakes.


The ones who left: Alex and James. (Did I tell you, or did I tell you)

Let's go to hometowns people! Welcome to Colorado JoJo, let's be best friends.

How would you rate the men this episode/season?

Mexican food is my most favorite food. Is there anything better than tortillas and cheese? Throw some guacamole and a cold corona in there and I'm good for a long time.

The fact that mexican food consists of two very important things, both which are not allowed on paleo, makes consuming mexican food tricky.

I'm so sick of making chicken in lettuce cups and calling them tacos. Those are not tacos. That is chicken and lettuce. Then, my eyes opened to the world that is paleo tortillas. Whole Foods became my best friend when I found these babies. They are my perfect solution to my strong need for mexican food.

Once I found those, I knew I had to make enchiladas. Needless to say, I won the wife of the week award when Adam came home and found these babies in the oven. Warning --> they are a little harder to eat because they tend to fall apart easier, but hey it's mexican food and I am happy.

I used my old enchilada recipe and just subbed out the things that aren't considered paleo. Most enchilada sauces are semi-paleo so if you don't want to make your own, just check the ingredients, you are probably very close!

Or, even better, follow my recipe! (selfless plug -- I can't help myself). Without further ado -->


Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef 

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 

divided 1/2 onion, 

finely diced 1 jalapeno minced 

1 avocado, diced 

3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 

9 Paleo tortillas

For the sauce

1 small onion, diced 

4 cloves garlic, minced 

2 cups tomato sauce 

2 cups chicken broth 

2 tbsp chili powder 

1/2 tsp cumin 

1/4 tsp dried oregano 

Salt, to taste  

Happy July everyone! Can you believe we are more than half-way through 2016. That is just mind-blowing to me. But that just means we are one step close to my summer vacay, one step closer to my Adam's birthday and one step closer to Christmas!

Today, I am dreaming about those careless days of summer and what I would be doing if I had all the vacation days in the world. Because let's be honest, summer isn't what it used to be.

Remember being in college when you had 3+ months off (besides that perfect internship) and you could go to the beach at 2pm on a Tuesday? Those were the days. Now, it's all summertime in the city. Denver isn't a bad city to do summer in, but it doesn't compare to those Malibu beach days of my good ole' college years.

Adam and I are escaping the 90+ degree heat of Denver in a few weeks to zip away to Lake Tahoe. Land of 80 degree days and 60 degree nights. Tons of sunshine, boat rides, paddle-boards and cocktails. Lake Tahoe holds a special place in my heart because I've been going since I was 8 years old and have missed maybe 3 years ever. It's my escape from life.

It's one of my favorite places in the world.


If you need to find the PERFECT place to find your favorite place, I suggest going here --> The biggest list of getaways you will find!

This year we're heading up with a bunch of family for a little weekend reunion. I'm more than excited. The countdown on my phone says 19 DAYS until we go. Hallelujah. Let's do this.

In preparation for my beach trip and all the beach trips you hopefully have planned, I created a little checklist for ya. These are the five necessities for any great beach vacay.

1. Something to blast the jams. If you don't have a Bose or the like, I suggest you get one! Here is the Bose one I have and its amazing! Might I suggest putting Hailee Steinfeld on your playlist? 
2. Delicious cocktails are a must. Need I say more? What is better than cool water, hot sun and a cold cocktail. This is my heaven. 
3. Sunscreen. I used to think it was cool to fry my body, be tan and look good. Now, skin cancer, sun spots, wrinkles and all the horrible stuff that comes with sun is on my mind. You can enjoy the hot sun without having it on your bod. This hat from Nordstrom is my favorite or this one! 
4. Friends. Duh. I LOVE sand volleyball more than anything! It's so fun! 
5. A great magazine or a great book. I'm reading People Magazine (duh) and the newest Elin Hilderbrand book, Here's to Us. It's so good. I'm obsessed with her.