DWTS: My Studio Experience!

I was expecting it, but it was still sad to see Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) be the first celebrity eliminated from Dancing with the Stars this week!

Did you watch the season premiere on Monday? Isn't the new studio amazing? It's even more amazing in person! That's right, I was there! By some crazy luck & being in the right place at the right time, Chris and I were able to get into the studio for the live taping!

I had to go to Beverly Hills for a doctor's appointment Monday afternoon so we thought we'd swing by the studio afterwards and see if we could get in. There were at least 500 people waiting, but luckily we got in as seat-fillers!

At first, we were seated in the very back facing the stage, but only sat there for one routine (Ron & Peta). Then two "celebrities" with reserved seating showed up and we had to move. For the next two routines (Rob & Cheryl; Kristin & Mark) we were standing with the crew watching on a TV screen. At the next commercial break, a stagehand moved us to the back of the right side of the stage, but I only sat there for about 30 seconds. We were split up, and I moved RIGHT BEHIND THE JUDGES' TABLE! It was insane! And Chris got a much better seat a few rows behind the entire Kardashian clan and Billy Baldwin! Haha!

It was really so much fun! I couldn't see the dances because the judges' table was in the way, but I had a good view of the critiques and the judges kept turning around and talking to us, especially Bruno. Tom Bergeron was also walking by a lot and was so nice.

I saw Courtney Cox and her daughter CoCo (so cute!), Pee Wee Herman, former Bachelorette Melissa and her husband, Ralph Macchio, Niecy Nash, Margaret Cho, and probably a few others I can't remember. Courtney was so nice to her fans! She talked to everyone and shook hands. Her and David Arquette seem so genuine and real. Unlike the Kardashian's. Kim was on her phone the entire time, Kourtney looked bored out of her mind, and Kris and Bruce just sat there like statues. Lamar and Khloe were the only ones that seemed like they were enjoying themselves.

LMFAO also performed so the segment you saw on Tuesday's episode was actually filmed on Monday night. They didn't really show it, but Bruno was going CRAZY on the table, taking his clothes off and all over Carrie Ann. It was so funny!

We couldn't take cameras or phones inside so we had to watch the episode to see if either of us would be shown. As luck would have it (being totally sarcastic here!), I appear almost every time that Bruno gave feedback or gave his score. I like to think that I was like the 4th judge. See for yourself, but blink and you'll miss us!

And that was our Dancing with the Stars experience! I highly recommend going to the show if you can get tickets. It's really well organized and so much fun!

Oh and just for fun, my favorites are JR Martinez and David Arquette! I hope that Rob Kardashian and Elisabetta Canalis go home soon.

Otter Box

A couple of weeks ago, I finally bought a case for my iPhone! I had a plastic-y case that wasn't doing much in the way of protection so I was always worried about dropping it and cracking the screen (this would definitely be equivalent to my worst nightmare, I love my phone!). My friend had told me about the Otter Box cases, but I didn't think they were very attractive and they seemed really bulky.

I went to Best Buy to check out the selection of cases, and what do you know? I ended up loving a case made by Otter Box! It's definitely pricey (for me at least!) at $45. But I guess when you think about it, that's a small price to pay in order to protect a very expensive phone.

I chose this case in the hot pink/black combination.

By the way, it's listed as $49.99 on the website, but Best Buy was selling it for $39.99 last weekend.

I wasn't asked to write this review, I just thought it might be helpful for my fellow iPhone users in case they may be searching for a good case. I highly recommend this brand!

Fall

Like all of you, I am so happy that fall is on its way! The temperatures finally dropped into the low 90's this week so I'm hopeful that fall will arrive in Southern California sooner rather than later. I am ready for sweaters, boots, the return of my favorite television shows, caramel apple spices from Starbucks (although I'll miss my moco coco's a lot), Halloween shenanigans, dark nights, and comfort food!

Source: threeyearsofdeath.blogspot.com via Jaime on Pinterest

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: atfirstblush.onsugar.com via Chynna on Pinterest

*Update: Katie at Loves of Life made this bucket list, and a free printable version can be found here.

I think this bucket list that is making its way around Pinterest is too cute! I think I'm inspired to make a fall bucket list of my own...stay tuned!

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

Pictures from Carlsbad

Very late weekend recap - this is from last weekend!

One of our favorite places to visit while in Carlsbad is Pannikin Coffee & Tea. They have the cutest little shop and yummy breakfast options. This time we rode our bikes there and it was a perfect morning to do that. Riding along the beach just feeds the soul and makes everything that much more enjoyable. If I had my way, C & I would be saying Sayonara to LA living and moving south to the land of happy people and relaxed living. We shall see.

The outside of Pannikin

Carlsbad and the surrounding area is so bike friendly!

We saw at least 500 bikers in a span of a couple of hours.

The inside where you place your orders at the counter

The breakfast options are all so delicious!

This time we split an everything bagel with a sundried tomato/pesto cream cheese spread.

On the way back, I got a flat tire (again)!

Leucadia Cyclery was nearby and they provided great and fast service.

Quick stop at the beach to look for frolicking dolphins.

No sightings this time.

We also hit up a few breweries (C's favorite thing to do).

I got my Chick-Fil-A so I was happy (mouth full in the picture).

We love Pizza Port!

They actually had a beer this time that I enjoyed - Warm Waters Wheat

Our half and half pizza

We ventured to the Gaslamp district on Sunday and had breakfast.

Cafe 222 is where Bobby Flay gets the peanut butter & banana stuffed french toast.

(C made me wave like a dork!)

That was our trip in a nutshell. I'm almost embarrassed to tell you guys that we went to Pizza Port every night for dinner. I love pizza (and like my bloggy buddy b.e.g., i can put down quite a bit in one sitting. thanks b.e.g. for inspiring me to "keep it real")! 

We also went to Green Flash Brewing Company and checked out their awesome facility. It was so nice.

Thursday's Thoughts

I am NOT excited about Ben Flajnik being chosen as the next Bachelor. He was a strong contender for me early on in Ashley's season, but his charm quickly faded when I realized how boring he was. Not even being a winemaker can save him.

But JP and Ashley are still going strong! That makes me so happy! I really do think they are going to last. Here's a cute story (and pic!) about Ashley's dog being besties with JP.

I am so excited for Dancing with the Stars this season! Will you be watching? I could care less about the "controversy" surrounding Chaz Bono. I don't think his life or choices should be an issue or make people stop watching the show. Maybe some of you disagree, and I'd love to hear your thoughts (in a nice way, please).

Did any of you watch the season premiere of Ringer? I love SMG from back in the day so I'm excited that she is returning to TV. I am not expecting much from this show, but I think it will become a guilty pleasure. I'm hoping that the pace slows down a bit and that the characters really start developing.

This weekend, C & I are using a Groupon that I bought a few months ago for a Korean BBQ restaurant in Los Feliz. I hope it's good!

Have you tried the new Salted Caramel Mocha Frappucino from Starbucks? It is delicious! They even sprinkle sea salt on the top of the whipped cream...that's the best part!

Tom Brady is hot. And fun to watch, especially when throwing touchdowns. Which is pretty much ALL THE TIME. Mark Sanchez* can only wish he was as good as Tom. As if. He also probably wishes he could do cool commercials like Tom. Case in point:

*Sorry folks, but I am not a fan of the Jets!

I hope everyone is having a great week! It's already almost Friday again so that should put a smile on your face!