Well, I’ve done it again. I’ve signed my life away to The Bachelor franchise.
I swear, I’ve kept more secrets for these people then one should have to.
Here’s one…
Emily dumps Sean for Jef
Here’s another…
Sean’s the new Bachelor
Oops, one more…
Sean picks Catherine
And let’s not forget this one…
Sean and Catherine are getting married on live TV
So, after I finally thought my Bachelor secret keeping days were over, I now have more…what happens on The Men Tell All. You have to wait and watch this Monday night, because this girl is keeping that to herself.
What I can tell you? Sheaffer and I had a blast at the taping over the weekend!
This was my first taping and now that I’ve been to it, I’m bummed that I didn’t go when Sean was on both times. I didn’t go when he was on The Bachelorette’s Men Tell All because at that time, we knew he was the next Bachelor, so I was saving my trip for that taping. And then when he was the Bachelor and was on The Women Tell All, we already knew he was on Dancing With The Stars (another secret), so we wanted to save our trip out to LA for that (which we did). Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed Kaitlyn’s episode!
So, I can’t spill the beans…but I can show you a few pics and tell you about our fun little trip out to LA :).
So, let’s start with the fact that I had THE BEST time with Sheaffer! I seriously laughed the entire time I was with her. A few things to note…
1. We thought our plane crashed. (Only for a brief second but still, it was traumatic.)
2. We decided that my hair is like wine and her hair is like milk…mine gets better with age (i.e. not washing it for several days and hers does not). I don’t know why, but we laughed about this a lot!
3. We now feel super cool and trendy because we used Uber a lot (very unlike the SUV driving suburban moms that we are). (Let’s pretend we’re cool, okay?)
4. Eight hours of being at the taping proved we have bladders of steel…you really weren’t encouraged to potty during the taping…that’s a long time for both of us to hold it (we considered it a HUGE accomplishment!).
Here ya go…
We left Friday afternoon and headed out to LA. We read, talked and laughed a lot on the plane.
(You can find my scarf here.)
We were descending into LA and I checked out the window and saw clouds and then like 30 seconds later, the pilot made a very abrupt landing. Sheaffer and I (and a few other passengers…we checked…it wasn’t just us) were very startled. We weren’t expecting land that quickly. We may or may not have grabbed each other like our plane was going down. And then we both felt nauseous. Sigh.
And FYI, my nail polish is OPI Lincoln Park After Dark :).
We arrived at our hotel and headed for caffeine. Me a cappuccino and Sheaffer a Dr. Pepper.
We stayed at The Line Hotel and love, love, loved it. Several people pointed out on Instagram that it looks kind of prison-like…and well yes, the unfinished details do produce a prison-like feel but I’ll tell you, it was so nice. Sheaffer’s sister-in-law lives in LA and sent us three of her favorite picks, so I looked into each of them and picked this one for their reviews and convenience to our destinations.
Here’s what I liked about it:
1. Wi-fi worked without any login, anywhere in the hotel.
2. Private car transfers to and from the airport.
3. Very friendly and efficient front desk and concierge.
4. Room service was super quick.
5. A really good organic farm to table restaurant was located on the second floor. We ate there three times! (One snack, one breakfast and one dinner)
6. Very nice, clean, spacious and comfortable room with huge windows and a nice view.
We arrived, had our caffeinated beverages in the open air restaurant by the pool and then went up to our room to chill out a minute before heading to dinner.
Off to dinner!
Because we love Lisa Vanderpump, we had made reservations at SUR for dinner. The food was so good (goat cheese balls people…goat.cheese.balls.). We didn’t see anyone famous there (for those of you who don’t know…they film a TV show inside the restaurant), but we had a really good time and enjoyed the food! (And several people on Instagram asked me what color lipstick I have on…it’s Uber Beige found here).
After we finished dinner, we walked to Pump (Lisa’s other restaurant just down the street) for a drink and dessert.
I’ve mentioned it before…but Sheaffer fusses with her hair quite a bit when taking selfies. So, here I am waiting on her to take our picture…
Love this friend of mine :).
So…I hate to tell you this…but the next day is going to be very anti-climatic.
We woke up, had breakfast at the hotel…
Hello yummy!
…and then we headed to the taping of The Men Tell All. You were not allowed to bring cameras or phones into the studio, so we had to take one pic at the hotel before we departed at 11:30 AM…
Headed out!
We arrived, signed our legal documents saying that we’re not going to spill the beans, went through security and then were allowed inside the studio.
The studio audience consisted of about 125 people. They fed us lunch (Subway) and we hung out until it was time to be seated on the sound stage. After we sat down, the stage producer explained how things were going to go that day, we then watched an advanced copy of Monday night’s episode (that we we knew what was going on) and then…they started the show. The men were brought out, they told all, our lovely Bachelorette was brought out…she told a lot too. And then…at 8:00 PM, we were released. Yes, EIGHT HOURS LATER. It was a really fun (yet long!) day! We finally got back to the hotel around 8:30 and I felt like this…
…emotionally drained. Spent. Physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted.
And pssssst: you can find my dress here (it comes in 5 colors and is less than $50!).
Sheaffer’s photo looks more like a crime scene picture! The unfinished walls, lack of light and the angle I used look more scary than exhausted!
We rallied around 8:45 and headed to that farm to table restaurant for dinner! We survived the taping! Cheers to a great weekend!
Our alarm went off at 4:10 the next morning and we headed right back home. Short, sweet and a whole lot of fun!
After the episode airs, I’ll throw in my two cents on what they edited/cut out and such. It was such a fun experience and I’m super glad I did it.
By the way…I have no earthly idea how this guy did it back in the day…
…I called him on Monday and told him that I was exhausted from just watching and didn’t know how he handled that (with a lot of grace I must say!) and he said he thought it was probably harder to sit still out in the audience all day :).
Never a shortage of drama within the Bachelor franchise. Watch this Monday!
Last week, you ladies seemed to love my Greek Yogurt Popsicles so today…
Yummy soda popsicles with fun add-ins!
xoxo
Julie Clark says
Yes, I really was wondering about your hotel after seeing both your pics on Instagram! Can't wait to read what you have to say after the episode airs!!
Stacy P. says
My husband and I also went to Sur while in LA on vacation. (I'm a HUGE Lisa Vanderpump fan!) We weren't impressed AT ALL with the restaurant…our table was approximately 2 inches from the next table…so close we felt like we could contribute to their conversation! I agree the food was "meh"…we've had MUCH better. We did have drama, though. One of the wait staff spilled an entire bottle of champagne AND the ice from the bucket into a guy's lap! It was horrible. The neat thing was that Lisa and her darling hubs were there with some other people I recognized from HOBH (they were her friends…can't remember names) and Lisa went over and told the guy and his date the whole meal was on her. Lisa is small and BEAUTIFUL in person. Anyway, glad you all had a safe trip and a good time! 🙂
adrienne chyba says
Wow Shay-looks like y'all had one fab time! I am a little bummed to hear there were no celeb sightings @ Pump or Sur!! my friend and I have a "bestie bucket list" and going to LA and eating (and stalking celebs 😉 ) at both of those places is at the top of it!
excited to watch monday night, and seriously think your bro was the most graceful (is that a compliment for a guy?) and caring bach to date!
Sally Hepworth says
Oh-ma-gahd! That looks SO fun. So jealous.
Sara P says
I love reading your and Shaeffer's blogs. Your black top is really cute, I love it! And, Shaeffer's picture after the taping really does look like a crime scene! LOL.
Amber says
So much fun!!!! Can't wait to hear more!!!
Stephanie McKinnon says
It looks like you guys had a blast!! I must say I totally had a giggle fit when I saw Shaffers picture! Lol! Can't wait to watch it and see what happens! (And then hear what your thoughts are 🙂 )
Erika Slaughter says
Celebrities or not, I'm so glad you girls decided to go check out those restaurants! And glad you girls had fun!!
Narci says
What a fun trip!!! So glad you had a great time!! You girls looked amazing the whole time!! 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
SUCH A FUN TRIP!!!!! Thanks for taking one for the team and going with me!!!!! Love you friend!
jthmas says
This post was fun and funny! I think Sheaffer's humor rubbed off a bit:-)
Sarah Kuykendall says
My friends and I always say we would LOVE to go to a taping. How fun! I can't wait to hear your thoughts after it airs next week.
Amber Reese says
What a fun trip! Holy cow, though, on holding your bladder that long! When a preview for this came on last night, I told my husband, "I can't wait to look for Shay and Sheaffer!" He, of course, had no idea who I was talking about. I think it would be so hard to watch in person because I wouldn't be able to turn the channel when I am embarrassed for them….
What size are you wearing in the black top and dress, if you don't mind me asking? They both are so cute on you.
Mix and Match Mama says
Both are XS :).
Wendy says
Looks like you had a great time in LA. Eight hours for the show to be taped is a very long time. No wonder why the audience members make funny/weird faces at times when the camera pans to them. It's less about whatever the panel said…and more about the need for food and a potty break!
Did you get an XS in the Loft black top? If so, was it still roomy?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! And yes, there is still room and it's super comfy!
Paula says
Sounds like SO SO MUCH fun! 8 hours…..shew….that's long for anyone.
Jenny says
What fun little get away! 🙂
kimm atwood says
Such a fun getaway!
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
Exciting!! I can;t wait to see the show now! It's been so dramatic so far! My friend went to the finally taping last season and loved it too!
Angela Ellingson says
So much fun!!!! I ordered your dress in green last week and it should arrive today! 🙂 Love your black loft top as well. Love that you link us to your clothes, etc. Can't wait to hear more MTA details!
Beth Schwarz says
I LOVE how you always source the products that you use and wear, Shay! Thank you, thank you! Any way you could convince Sheaffer to share with us where she got the lovely dress that she wore to the taping?
Stephanie says
Where are the shoes that you are wearing with the black Nordstrom dress from? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Boo! They're not in stock any longer. They're Michael Kors from this spring.
Robyn Marrie says
Oohlala! Can't wait for the rest of the deatails!
ClintandGina says
Love love your black dress!! Looks like you two had a great time.
The Nelson Happenings says
Love all the wonderful pics of you two ladies while in Cali !!!! Thanks for sharing:)
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
AAAAHHHH I just can't wait to see what happens and who she picks! It's GOT to be Sean! I just can't imagine that she would actually pick Nick. YUCK.
Glad you guys had a fun time! I can't believe that the taping takes EIGHT hours! That's nuts. I'm sure I would have been emotionally drained as well after all of that.
Sabrina says
Such an exciting trip!!!!
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
You two are so cute, and looks like such a great weekend! I love girls who aren't afraid to eat! And you're wearing the world's best dress!! Seriously, I have it in two colors and it works in virtually EVERY situation!! You look DARLING in it!
JJaz says
Hi Shay! Love your blog and Scheaffer's, too. Have you guys considered using Snapchat? Kind of weird at first but it gets more fun the more you use it! Have a great week! Thanks for sharing your life with your readers!
Bradley Lindsey says
At least tell us where you were sitting so we know where to look for you when watching….
-Bradley Lindsey
Mix and Match Mama says
Right behind Chris Harrison on the first row :).
Bradley Lindsey says
At least tell us where you were sitting so we know where to look when we watch…..
Rachel S says
Hey, at least you had all the people who already knew the spoilers from Sean's season through Reality Steve so you didn't have to be the only one knowing in advance what happened and who he picked!
The Yarbrough's says
Glad yall had a nice trip. Can I go next time?!?! :)' can't wait to hear your thoughts on the men tell all.
Leigh Clark says
Fun trip! Even as much as you travel – does having a flight end like that make you nervous the next plane trip? I am such a fearful flyer and wish I wasn't!!
Jaren says
I CANNOT WAIT for your two cents!! And I'm sure traveling with Sheaffer must be the most fun and hilarious thing to do ever! Her recaps leave me with tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!
Summer Smith says
I was hoping to hear about this trip…..Looks like so much fun! Can't wait to watch Monday and hear y'alls comments after it airs! 🙂 Also, love that beige lipstick!
xo, Summer
http://www.belleandgrace.blogspot.com
Kary D says
I went to the taping of Emily's "Men Tell All". It was quite the experience! I remember laughing at them announcing Sean twice because they wanted the audience to cheer louder for him. They were clearly hyping him up to being the next Bachelor. You could tell he wasn't quite use to the attention at that point. He was a class act as was Emily. I really wish they had shown more of what we saw at the taping. I can't wait to hear what you thought after it airs. I haven't watched any of this season because the show has really gone down hill for me since Emily and Sean's season. Oh my…I've written a book. Haha! Have a great day! 🙂
AS says
Any insight as to how you can get tickets to a taping? My friend and I would love to go and have heard it is hard to get tickets.
Mix and Match Mama says
Sheaffer and I were asking around and talking to people and everyone we spoke to, got tickets through someone they know who is associated with the show. A few won tickets from charity events given by Chris Harrison, but for the most part, everyone kind of knew someone.
Courtney says
Front row seats! I guess you really do have good connections. Just wondering if you or your parents went to Sean's After The Final Rose taping?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, there really isn't a bad seat there. The studio is pretty small and the seats are in a horseshoe shape, so there are a lot of front row seats :). We didn't go to the After the Final Rose taping. That was shot live and then immediately after, Sean & Cat took the Red Eye to NYC to appear on GMA the following morning. It was too crazy for us to attend. My parents did go to LA every single week he was on DWTS though :).
Maggie C. says
Can't wait to read your thoughts after the episode airs. I love the dress you wore! The website says it runs small and to size up. Would you say that's true? I'm 5' 9.5" so I'm worried about the length but don't want it to look like a tent. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I ordered true to size and thought it fit really well. It's not too tight but it's also not too loose. I would probably order your normal size. 🙂
Melissa says
Adorable, adorable is all I can say. Love you two!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
What a fun weekend getaway! Sean is still my favorite bachelor of all time. I think I need to read his book when we go on vacation later this summer – I think it would be perfect beach reading!! 🙂
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
How fun!!!! What an amazing brother to hook you guys up like that and what an experience! Can't wait to watch next week and hear what your thoughts are after 🙂
Mama Of Boys says
Ha ha to the prison cell comment, it really does look a little bit like you got arrested for doing something inappropriate at the taping! We don't get the Bachelor over here but it looks like you had a fab time, girly weekends away are the best and soooooo needed when you're a busy Mama x
Britney says
If I won the gift card, I would take my mom on a shopping spree. She always puts everyone else before herself and this would be something great that her and I could do together!
Victoria Wall says
Love the dress!
Debbie says
Your Nordstrom gift suggestions are always so helpful and I've just placed an order for Christmas gifts based on one of your suggestions. I've enjoyed reading your blog and have shared it with my daughter. She has tried many of your recipes which have now become family favorite!!
Jennifer Thull says
I can't wait to hear about it from you tomorrow!