BEYOND THE ROSE | MICHELLE YOUNG
Earlier this month, we had a fun virtual event for VOT3D IO: A Conversation with Michelle Young! We talked with on of our favorite The Bachelorette leads to talk about her time on the show, self-care and what she's up to as she continues to use her platform to bring awareness and education to topics that she cares about.After our conversation with Michelle Young, guests were given some time to discuss and connect over the party chat box and also answer questions in the live treasure hunt for prizes
We also wanted to share this interview here in this issue as we know how many people are fans of the franchise and want to get to know her more beyond the show!
ATHLEISURE MAG: I’ve seen every season of The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. One of the favorite things that I enjoy, is seeing those that will be competing in The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. Getting to see what they look like, who they are, their backstory, etc. When I saw you on The Bachelor, I called it immediately! Michelle is beautiful, she’s from the Midwest, just like me and even if she doesn’t get married to The Bachelor, she can definitely helm her own season as The Bachelorette and I hope that they give her the chance to do that.
What drew you to wanting to be on the show?
MICHELLE YOUNG: I feel like that it is a huge question! Ok, well in order to see me come on The Bachelor, you would have to wait until week 3 or week 4!
AM: Right?
MY: That was not part of the plan, I will say that! Honestly, I was never like, “ I really want to be on this show.” It’s something that I watched with my mom for a little bit and I always felt like I could do that, but I never thought that the opportunity would come across my plate. I typically was always interested in how do people get on the show. Do they get nominated?
I knew that there was an application process. I didn’t apply, I was nominated and to this day, I have no idea who nominated me. Nobody has owned up to it. I know my friends really really well and I remember when I was chosen as The Bachelorette, I asked if they could please look into this. I wanted a name and I wanted to know who was lying to me and they were literally like, “no, your Instagram profile got sent in anonymously and no one has ever come forward with it.” It seems kind of weird because if you know me, I got on Instagram literally like 2 years ago and there weren’t really any pictures when they nominated me – I had 2 pictures and I didn’t like any photos – it looked like it was a fake account!
I don’t know. I was nominated and I thought it was kind of a scam! I got emails and eventually, I messaged back and they were kind of at the end of that whole process. They put me on a Zoom really quickly and on phone calls. It was a pretty long process and they expedited me through it and then I remember sitting there with the contract in front of my family saying, “ok, so –
AM: This is happening!
MY: Yeah, we went through the pros and cons and it just kind of happened and it was like this thing that just kept knocking on my door. It was honestly the most perfect opportunity where I was able to teach long distance for a little bit before I was actually on the show, so I didn’t have to miss as much teaching as I would have had to before. It was a mistake that I ended up being on the show, but here we are!
AM: I’m leaning towards, that it is definitely someone you know and they they don’t want to say, “yup I’m the one that started all of this!”
MY: I know right? Oh my gosh!
AM: It could be a family member, a puppy – somebody in your world was in the mix!
MY: I don’t know! I have no idea, but here I am!
AM: In learning about your background, we got to know that you were a Division I basketball player, you’re also a teacher and someone that is really straight forward and is never afraid to speak your truth and to be very honest. How did you prepare yourself to engage and interact in this very unique environment?
MY: Honestly, Division I Athletics is kind of dog-eat-dog on its own. I was always in competitive basketball, participating and in competition of some sorts. When you’re in the room, constructive criticism, unconstructive criticism – people can be mean. Women can be mean at times too, especially in basketball when you’re playing and you take a Senior’s playing time and that doesn’t go over particularly well. A lot of not so nice things were said at times. You kind of just build tough skin and you really do rely on who you are and who you are as a person and using your family as support. So, I kind of feel like and I don’t know if this is a strength or weakness, but going through the Division I Basketball experience that I went through, I went through a lot. I kind of feel like that I can handle anything that is coming my way. I know that I will be able to get through it and to have the tools that I will be able to need to get through it.
So, that was the same thing with this and I didn’t really know the Reality TV world or the social media world as much as I do now. So that wasn’t at the forefront part of my mind. I can tell you that it was brought to the forefront of my mind when I got into that bubble that I did when I came in late and with everything that was thrown at me. It definitely has come in handy and now on social media, there are a lot of haters out there!
AM: I love how you said that sports prepared you. Being from Indiana myself, going to IU, we believe that life is sport and sport is life. The way you are in sports says a lot about how you are in life and how you will navigate it. So when I came here to NY, I knew that if I could handle what I did then, I’d be able to do this as well. So that totally rings true to me.
When you went from The Bachelor to The Bachelorette, what was your process in terms of deciding how you were going to helm your own season and to make it your own?
MY: I think that my biggest focus was that it was a show. It’s a show where the leads have not typically looked like me in the past. I had a lot of conversations very up front with Executive Producers – even during The Bachelorette interview process with things that were non-negotiables for me. Things that I didn’t want it to be as it’s not a one size fits all situation. I had other things that I wanted to be able to speak about. I had Black stories specifically that I wanted told and it was really important to me that there were certain things that were not cut out where my season wend through the editing process. Those were things that I was definitely thinking about. For me, personally on my end, really asking hard questions about race, about experiences up front and not having producers trying to control my conversations and just being up front as you said, I’m a very blunt person. I’m going to ask these things because I need to know these things up front because I’m not going to spend energy on certain people that do not align with certain things as a Black female.
I set those boundaries very clearly and said, “if I’m going to sign on this dotted line, you’re going to know these things about me,” and there was respect at that time going both ways. So that’s how I was able to move forward. I definitely came guns a blazing and I came ready to throw those questions out there regardless.
AM: As someone who is just a fan of the show but was also rooting you on. There were times personally, when I would just tear up because I was so excited that you were able to have certain conversations and that you didn’t try to hem and haw. You let it be known what it was, what the reality is and if that person didn’t see it that way, there was the door.
MY: Yeah absolutely! It is a Reality TV show and I get that and it comes with a lot of different things. But at the same time, if you want us to have real relationships and real feelings, then there is also that part where we have to have real conversations. Those were my real conversations for sure.
AM: We have all dated at some point, but few of us have done it on TV in front of millions of households. What are tips that you learned that benefited your mental health and kept you grounded in this process?
MY: I will honestly say that when you’re dating in the public eye, it’s really weird because when you go through your experience of dating, it’s not first in the public eye. It’s being filmed and it feels very public, but you’re not actually dealing with the reactions of the public quite yet until after that certain experience is over.
So for me, there was always that sense of fear of what kind of edit am I going to get? I will say that anyone going into that kind of position, if you do not waver from who you are, you will be fine. Because, you’re going to navigate just like who you would navigate around in life. You might make mistakes, but those would be mistakes that you would make in the real world as well. But for me, it was like, if everyone is doing one thing and I don’t learn from that or it doesn’t go with who I am as a person, I’m not going to do it. There’s power of suggestion and it may seem like you’re forced to do this, but no. There is nothing that says that you have to do this, that you have to say that or that you have to gravitate towards that. It’s put out there and you can either take it or leave it.
A lot of that was me leaving a lot of those things in the first season of The Bachelor and saying, that’s not who I am. It’s not who I am, I can’t speak to that or I won’t/can’t say that or I won’t bandwagon hop! I think that a lot of people get caught up in that and that really hurts afterwards as it’s a huge learning experience because 1, you come off as a really mean or nasty person which is not who you are and you have these regrets. But if you’re consciously thinking through that, then it’s you and you can handle that.
AM: There are a number of people who are single and dating. So when you were navigating that on your dates whether they were 1-on-1 or group dates, what were qualities that you were looking for that were red flags that you wanted to avoid?
MY: I think it was really that you were in a situation that’s not normal. I think a lot of people when they get into a weird situation, it’s awkward and that can be a huge turnoff. Honestly and typically, in the normal world, that would probably have been a red flag for me. But in this situation, it’s more like – at the end of the day, you need to be able to relax in order to be able to get to know somebody. But if you’re too smooth in front of the camera, if you’re too comfortable with 50 people watching you kiss – then I’m thinking, why are you here? So, that was my red flags. The people who would be too smooth with things. I always messed up. I tripped, I fell half the time, I stumbled over my words, I could laugh at myself – it was uncomfortable to be in the situation at times because again, there were cameras and random people staring at you with everything that you do and sometimes, I’m standing there by myself. Somebody who would come into that and be awkward with me in that and just grow into it, but be real – that’s what I was looking for.
AM: For fans of the show, we all have our favorites from Hometowns. I always like it when Franco Lacosta is there for an episode. He’s a very good friend who I adore who has shot me before so shout out to him. What were your favorite moments in your season of The Bachelorette?
MY: Oh gosh! Honestly night 1! Night 1 is just something that I will always remember because it never kicks in that you are The Bachelor/Bachelorette or the lead until you’re standing there and then you’re like, “oh shit, there are the limos” and they’re starting to pull up and you’re there. You’re there in the way that you don’t have your phone, you don’t have your family to talk to, you don’t have your friends – it’s just you. You’re sitting in your own emotions and I had this moment when it just dawned on me that I was The Bachelorette – what am I doing? It really was a magical night and it was all about excitement. You know that there is going to be drama, but none of it emotionally affected me and it was just something that I embraced every second even though it was a really long night!
AM: How long is that night?
MY: I started at 3pm where I was actually in my dress – so hair, makeup everything was done. So that means I was in the makeup chair at 12pm. I got to bed finally at 11:45am the next morning. So that’s what the producers would tell the guys the next night. Because they would say that they were so tired and we took our group picture at 9:30am for you guys, but Michelle had to recap all of you. It’s a long night!
AM: I had no idea. I thought it was like 6 hours!
MY: No, you can’t start filming until it gets dark and then there are a lot of guys that you have to go through. Everyone is learning the ropes of everything so it’s a long one!
AM: Wow! That’s a new nugget for me!
Well, you filmed over the course of a number of weeks and participated in a lot of activities and had a lot of conversations. How did you incorporate self-care so that you could achieve some sort of a balance and feel like yourself?
MY: Ohh. Honestly, I would say that that was one of the hardest things for the leads. I went off of 3 hours of sleep for the first few weeks. For me, I do fairly well with no sleep and I just went back to that athletic mindset that I just had to push through and I had to keep grinding, keep a smile on your face or whatever you’re feeling. But it’s tricky. You don’t get time alone, you don’t get time to yourself unless you’re looking at the inside of your eyelids completely sleeping.
AM: Oh wow. That leads me to the next question that when you weren’t filming, how did you pass the time? But you’re saying that you didn’t have time alone!
MY: When I was the lead, you’re with someone 24/7. When I was a contestant on The Bachelor, when you get further out and there is less women there, you don’t have the cocktail parties, you go straight to the ceremonies and so you do have a little more downtime. I will say that as a contestant, I did find down time fairly frequently, because I learned that instead of just asking if I could go take a nap, I would just take a nap and because I was one of the people that wasn’t participating in drama, it would take them a minute to realize that I was gone. They would look for me and it gave me an extra 20 mins. I would sleep in other places like under a table, behind the couch.
AM: It’s like a hide-and-go-seek!
MY: Yeah! A little TLC.
AM: From a Bachelor Nation perspective, there are a number of commitments that you had from The Tell All and After The Final Rose. What has been your favorite part of this whole experience?
MY: It was very much being able to bring my family and friends along for the ride. You get to do a lot of really cool things. There are a lot of perks to it and most perks don’t come free. They definitely come with stresses on your mental health by being in the public, but being able to travel to different places and being able to go and do things like Jingle Ball – I got to bring my parents to Jingle Ball. I got to take my friends on a really cool excursion and trip and there are a lot of fun experiences that you typically wouldn’t get. I’ve been in this role and it’s cool to see them and their faces light up and to have them be apart of it.
AM: Who are your go-to’s in terms of chatting with people in The Bachelor universe? I know that there is the Bachelor Chat that you guys have, but do you have your core people there?
MY: I have my girls that I’m very close with. I’m close with Ryan Claytor from Matt’s season, Bri Springs, Serena Pitt, Becca Kuffrin – I think that you just find people that you really align with and even though you haven’t known them for as long as some of your other friends, you just get so close so quickly when you’re in a similar situation and you’ve all dated the same person or just different things that the public with pressures that they put on you. I definitely have so many group chats going on and I keep in touch with all of those people.
AM: What are some dating tips that you would suggest to those that may just be getting out there?
MY: It’s so hard! Getting back out there! I used to be a very closed off person. I would give a lot, I loved very hard, but when it came to talking about emotions and feelings, whether it was friends, family, relationships – I was very comfortable with someone else sharing, I created a safe space for them with me, but it was hard for me to share that back. This show truly taught me how relationships and even friendships can flourish when you're ttruly vulnerable and when yourself. It’s about being honest from the get go and it really does help things blossom and it’s scary because you’re scared about rejection and you’re scared about somebody not liking what you’re putting forward, but if that’s the case, yeah – it might sting initially. But essentially, you don’t want someone that doesn’t love you to your complete naked form. So that’s what I would say, be vulnerable and truthful right up front. If they don’t like it, they’re not your person.
AM: Absolutely! You can exit!
MY: The door is right here!
AM: One of the things that I enjoyed during the season as you navigated the journey, was that you focused on talking about your identity, the pressures around it and the importance of acceptance. Why was that so important to you to drive that awareness to people?
MY: For me, it was just a huge part of who I was. I grew up in Minnesota and I grew up in an environment for a very long time where I was the only person of color. That created a lot of different awareness’s for me. It was something that I also battled with in my relationships going forward. There were certain debates that were happening in a relationship where I didn’t want to have to explain those things and I shouldn’t have to explain those things. In order to make sure that that didn’t happen again, I had to have those conversations. I didn’t realize how much it was going to connect with people to see that side. I’m very happy that I was able to show that.
AM: I remember when I was watching it and I kept saying thank you. Whether it’s based on race or just to be accepted as a person, to be that vulnerable was so touching. It was like, inspirational Michelle and every episode had that in it.
MY: Aww thank you!
AM: With the conclusion of the season and after breaking up with Nayte earlier this year, how did you take care of yourself and heal from that relationship so that you could move on?
MY: For me, dating in the public eye – getting in the public eye is one thing and breaking up in the public eye are really difficult. With that relationship, I think that what pushed me and challenged me to move on as I did was that I was continuously being hurt by the actions of this other person and so that really forced me to make sure I did my healing very much so up front and that I healed fully, that I was creating a healthy thought process in my mind and I was responding to different things in a healthy manner because that was the moment that I realized that your emotions could get very out of control and it could be at the expense of what somebody else is doing or what the public is doing. I knew that I would have to see this person dating somebody else – physically see it which you might not have to do when you’re dating somebody normally. People are going to speculate, it’s going to be constant talk, you’re going to be constantly attached to that person. So I just really took that in and realized that I needed to give myself closure. I needed to make sure that I was confident in myself and that I’m fully healed in myself and self-talk was a huge piece of that – of reassuring and really sorting through my thoughts as they were coming through that breakup so that I had control of my emotions, I had control of my pain and that I wasn’t just receiving pain from outside sources.
AM: As a whole, what did you learn about yourself?
MY: I learned that I can truly give myself closure without getting it from somebody else. I didn’t realize how powerful that would be. But I think that in relationships, when you go through a break up, especially if it’s not how you thought that things would go or maybe you’re on the receiving end of it, you want to look at the other person – we talk about that closure part of the conversation – you want it from the other person and there are times when that just isn’t going to happen or it’s just not possible. So what are you supposed to do? Leave it unclosed for the rest of your life? For me, the biggest thing that I learned or showed myself was that no matter what situation happened, I could give myself closure. I don’t have to have all the answers and I can give myself the answers enough to be able to move forward. That right there was something that if that was the only answer I could take away from 2022, I’m 100% content with that.
AM: I know that you’re in LA right now. Why did you decide to take a break away from teaching?
MY: With teaching, the last 2 years teaching through a pandemic – the things that teachers had to go through and even nurses! There were so many things that were impacted by COVID and with teaching, yes being The Bachelorette and teaching at the same time as my season was airing, that was stressful and maybe expedited things a little bit more than just in teaching. I was getting to the point that I was so burnt out. I knew that that summer I was not going to be able to recharge fully to where I needed to get to. To be honest, the school year before hand, I felt and a lot of teachers alongside me, felt that they were going into that 2021/2022 school year not fully charged after COVID because we just weren’t taken care of by the school system or the education system. I just needed a break and I needed to take a breather and I honestly know that it was the best decision that I could have made. It was not an easy decision because I left college so passionate about teaching and that whole entire profession is built on passion. When that cracks, if we don’t take care of that, then we’re going to continue to have bigger and bigger issues. So for me, it was me looking at myself in the mirror and saying, “I need to acknowledge that I need a break, right now.” It is something that I want to be able to come back to or it is something that I want to be able to do a passion around, but I couldn’t return that next school year because I needed that breather. There were a lot of teachers right next to me that had to do the same thing. It’s sad because it’s like another breakup. You don’t want to break up with one of your passions! It’s been tricky!
AM: I think that checking in with yourself and finding that balance whatever that means to each person and being able to recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out is so important! Although it may not be for everyone, what were some of the things that you noticed that were signs that you needed to take the time?
MY: I would say that feeling of waking up and knowing that you’re not yourself. I’m an early riser, a get up at 5am, hit the gym, respond back to my friends and family fairly quickly, organizing different activities – I’m a very upbeat and bubbly person. I was just exhausted and I was able to still do those things and I was able to keep up those things, but I wasn’t happy doing them necessarily all of the time. I was just definitely run down. I could feel it and I was getting sick all of the time. For me, my stress tends to show in my physical health before it does in my mental emotional side.
AM: Well you’re adamant about using your platform to educate others. Why is being an advocate for mental health so important to you?
MY: For me, it’s really about making sure that youth, especially, youth of color understand that it is ok to ask for health. It’s ok to talk about your emotions. I used to be this former athlete that was taught to have thick skin and to rub some dirt on it. Yes, there is completely a point that when you fall down, you should bounce back up, but if you are hurting, it’s ok to talk about it.
AM: That’s something that I talk a lot about whether it’s my sister or a friend, that it’s ok if we’re saying ouch. We can be strong and we can trailblaze and be unicorns, but we still bleed and we still get bumps!
What have you been doing post The Bachelorette since you’re in LA and living your best life as we see your awesome pictures on IG.
MY: I’m laughing at that because this is the biggest question that people ask me. If you look at all of the haters, they think that I schedule random photoshoots and take pictures of myself! I promise you that I am doing more things then just that!
AM: You’re a whole person!
MY: I know right? Believe it or not, if it’s not on social media, it didn’t happen apparently! Oh gosh! Right now, I’m finding that next piece of how I can fulfill my passion of giving back to others, working with children, helping the youth, motivational speaking – all of these different things and kind of figuring out that brand of who this next Michelle Young is. I do have a lot of very exciting things that are in the works that haven’t come out yet and so I can’t say too much, but you will definitely see my speaking, I will leave it at that for now.
AM: Because I’m envisioning that I would see you acting, films/videos, collaborations –
MY: Honestly, I’m going to do it all! I’ll say that!
AM: Ok!
MY: You’re going to see me walking the red carpet, see me motivationally speaking, you might see me in and out of some schools, You’re going to see me everywhere!
AM: One of the things that I liked is when you were in that transition from teaching to all of the things that you will be doing in the future, you shared that you would do some influencer work and that a percentage of what you would make would go towards to various charities or organizations that were selected by your followers. Why did you want to be accountable and share that with people? You didn’t have to and why did you want to do it in this way?
MY: For me, anytime someone says that word influencer, everybody cringes. You know what that words casts on some people and there is such a thing as positive influencing. Influencing is such a tricky game to play and coming out of the ABC The Bachelor/Bachelorette in general, a lot of people tend to go the influencer route. What that has meant in the past is that you’re working with brands, you’re going to these carpets and doing all of these different things. For me, there are products that I would 100% recommend whether I’m being paid or not, but I want to change the influencing game. You do have a platform, you do have a voice and you can encourage these products and these brands that are working with you to give back as well. You can bring your viewers in with it and you can create an entire message that goes with it. Like the Ice Bucket Challenge and all these things that were started! Social media has so many negative negative things about it and this can be a positive one! So that’s why. I want to be able to challenge not only people who follow me and supporters, but I also want to challenge the brands that work with me to also give back. Ultimately, we’re doing a really good thing.
AM: Now that you’re in LA for awhile, what are 3 places that you enjoy grabbing a bite or a cocktail, where are 3 places that you like to shop at and what are 3 places you like to workout at?
MY: Oh wow! So these may not be as great as you think because I have really been bouncing back and forth between LA and Minnesota quite a bit. Then I got done with this period of time where I got really sick, then I was healthy and then I was sick again. Whoever had that mysterious illness where it’s not COVID but it’s influenza – that knocked me on my butt! It’s not great and you’re turning the corner for what feels like forever.
One of my favorite places to eat honestly, is Catch. I went there with Kaitlyn Bristowe and it was a really awesome spot. Where else have I been? Elephante – I feel like everybody says that one and so I have to ay it! My third one I’m going to keep to myself because it’s a hole in the wall place and I feel like…
AM: If you say it, you’re never going to get a seat in there again because people will want to check it out!
MY: Exactly, or people will go looking, you know?
When it comes to shopping, anywhere at The Grove. I’m a Nike girl – I love getting some sneakers. I haven’t done that much shopping recently actually. But oh Target! I’m a Target girl. You ask me how I take care of my mental health, Target!
AM: Oh yeah, you go in and say you need lip balm and then 100 and some dollars later, you have all of these things!
MY: Exactly and then you leave without the lip balm! And you have to go back!
AM: You have to go back for sure!
MY: That’s why we forget it so that we have to go back!
I have not been to too many fitness studios yet. I’ve avoided Equinox – no shade on Equinox, I’m sure that I will check it out eventually. I literally went to LA Fitness the other day. I’m a runner. I go outside and run. I haven’t done too much here. I’ve done a lot of at home stuff. I have dumbbells and weights here. When I’m at home, Lifetime Fitness is my go-to.
AM: I love Lifetime Fitness. They have an awesome facility here in NY.
MY: I’m so jealous! The nearest one here is 30 mins away. I don’t know, shout them out and maybe they can build one across the street!
AM: We know you like staying active and that you like to run, are there 2 other things that you like to do in your fitness routine?
MY: I’m trying to get back into a pickup basketball game. That cardio, running up and down the basketball court, that humbles me real quick especially when you get back to it. Honestly that and swimming. I grew up with a pool and I love swimming laps as it’s just such great cardio. Anything where I can go out and about. I’ll play tennis with my parents, they’re amazing tennis players. Winter sports, I’ll ski a little bit.
AM: I love snowboarding!
MY: I’m jealous! Honestly, I want to learn how to snowboard. I never have up to this point. In athletics, coaches wouldn’t let us snowboard because so many people would get hurt.
AM: Oh yeah, you could break an ankle.
MY: Now I can flail down the diamond all day! I might just end up on TMZ or something ha! My hats over here my gloves are over there!
AM: What do you want your legacy to be in terms of the impact that you’ve left?
MY: I think it’s incredibly important for people to not stop learning about how others around them work or think. It’s about being open minded to learn and I think that’s a huge part of coming through the experience of what I just came through where you really are a rare breed which is sad to say. But as a woman of color and just being from Minnesota with everything happening with George Floyd, cultivating young minds to accept those around them to think outside the box to not always go about life the exact way that everyone has in the past – to challenge things. Ultimately, to be a kind person and to just give back. Once you make it to the top, you want to be able to extend your arm back and pull others up and show them the route to be able to give back to them. So when I’m no longer here, someone that I impacted is now making it their mission to impact someone that is below them. That’s what I call a legend or leaving a mark so that the cycle doesn’t stop with them.
AM: Are there projects that you are thinking about being part of that you can share whether it’s a specific one or a vertical that you want to tackle?
MY: I’ve worked a lot with kids and I will say that I will definitely be around students, around young minds very soon in the near future. I’ve done a lot with Be the Match and giving back to that. I wish I could name a few others, but I can’t quite yet, but it’s coming. Keep an eye out for sure on social media as it’s coming! You’ll definitely see some new and inspirational things coming.
AM: We’ll be keeping a look out for sure on what you have going on next and it’s been great to watch your journey, seeing what you have going on and being able to see what those next steps will be as well!
MY: Well I appreciate you having me and I embrace what you are doing as well. Being able to help me extend that platform with my voice and with my message and what I’m saying and all of that circles back to you for amplifying that as well!
AM: Aww thank you!
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Read the DEC ISSUE #84 of Athleisure Mag and see BEYOND THE ROSE | Michelle Young in mag.
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.11 | FINALE PART II
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
A number of our questions will be answered tonight as we watch everything that went down on ABC’s The Bachelorette. The show kicks off with Jesse Palmer sharing the realities of the season and how both Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey have navigated the past few weeks.
We kick off the episode with Gabby and Erich (which we left them at the end of the last issue) where he reiterated his love with her and that he wants to continue to date her. We know that she wants to leave this experience engaged so it’ll be interesting to see how it goes with them.
We join both of the women where they catch each other up on how their days/dates have been. Rachel lets Gabby know that she only has Tino there and that he is the one for her without a question. She feels that she can’t wait to talk with him to let him know what he means to her. Gabby agrees that he is the perfect match.
The idea that Rachel gave him her first rose and he is getting the last one potentially is so exciting to her. She’s a little nervous, but feels very positive about this. She meets up with Tino and lets him know in a heart to heart that they are a perfect match and that she is so excited to tell him so that he can be comfortable heading into the final rose ceremony. She fills him in and Tino says that he knows that Rachel has dealt with love being given and taken away - he wants her to know that his feelings for her will not be going away.
This is definitely such a moment to see between them, but the picture in picture of Rachel’s face watching back what happened lets us know that all may not be well. As we watch the moment, we see that Tino does ask Rachel to marry him and she agrees. She also gives him her last rose. They leave Mexico on a horse.
Jesse says what we’ve all been thinking - that things must not be right. Rachel says that they are no longer together as in the weeks coming off of the show, he kept alluding to previous relationships which she said didn’t have anything to do with them. After him talking so much, she begins to pull strings and finds out that he had been cheating on her! As they talked it out, he seemed to only be concerned about his image and how he would be perceived on the after show!
Rachel gets advice from Gabby who says that he shouldn’t be concerned about his image and she needs to tell him what she’s thinking. Tino comes over with his notebook “journal” to talk about what happened. It defintiely seems like they both acknowledged that they were having hard times, but she questions how his actions would make sense as they never broke up or were on a break of any kind. As Tino feels that their talking is “circling the drain” he steps out for some fresh air and finds a producer to complain about how he is being treated. He cries and says how he is being maligned and just wants to be broken up with and let out of there! We were never team Tino - but this is so unfortunate that their relationship has devolved to such a point where Tino can’t provide clear answers (without referencing his journal) and sticking it out while he gets the grilling that is deserved when someone feels that you’ve been shady!
As we approach the second hour, Tino comes back to continue talking with her and telling her that he likes that she went to therapy and that kissing the other woman was “tiny” and that he didn’t want to pile up. Tino also claims he’s confused about whether they were still together or not when he kissed someone else and then he steps out again! Rachel comes out to talk with him and he’s on the phone with someone else - she feels disrespected that she can’t get the answers that she deserves. Watching her face as this plays back is so tough as we’ve all been in that moment when we simply want to know the timeline, how everything came together, etc.
Ultimately, Rachel gives back the ring and says that she can’t do this. Tino claimed he wanted to make it work (but earlier he said that he just wanted her to dump him and let him go) - we can appreciate that she chose herself and made sure that she did what was right for her! Even Jesse is shocked about how their relationship took such a surprising turn!
Watching Rachel’s family react to what happened - especially Big Tony is so tough. Katlyn Bristowe who is also in the audience let her know that Tino showed 8 sides of himself and at least she knows that that is not who she would want to be with. Rachel shares that Tino sent her a letter claiming responsibility and saying he was sorry for what happened. He’s actually there to talk with her in person! He does provide a lame series of apologies and he claims he was trying to provide context for what he did (wasn’t she asking him to put things in context while they talked)? Hearing him talk about loving being engaged to her and then transitioning into the first few weeks of episodes when he feels that things got tough for them. He continues to share comments without context of things that happened between the two of them. The lies continue to come out of his mouth and Big Tony is not looking too pleased. The audience is also giving him the silent treatment to him and you can hear audible surprise from all of them (even laughter). The circular conversation between them is on another level.
OK Aven, he comes in from the wings to see Rachel! He asks if she would like to leave there and to catch up! Maybe there is something there between the two!
We’re back with Gabby who’s sitting on the couch alone! We’re definitely hoping for a happy conclusion for her and Erich. We know that Erich likes her and is in love with her, but he did say that he wanted to date her and to not be engaged immediately. He’s saying so many nice things to Gabby and you can see that she’s taking it all in from being called a soulmate to feeling like the only person in the world, loving her - but will he get down on a knee? He does ask her to marry him! She also gives him her final rose. They ride off on a motorcycle together. But before we go to commercial, we hear that Erich and Gabby have had some issues?
Erich comes on stage to join them and it’s the first time that they have been together in public like this. Erich says that it was a tough process to go through but they worked hard to get to that moment. Gabby admits that she was surprised that he actually did propose and she wanted it so badly. Grandpa John was on one of Erich and Gabby’s date at the bowling alley. They both acknowledge that being in the bubble, the relationship is one way and then outside of it, navigating those challenges can be very difficult. Jesse says that social media found that he had dated someone prior to the show and she claims that he broke up with her right before he came on the show. He acknowledges that this happened and Jesse shares the text messages. Erich says that he used the show as an excuse to break up with her and knows that he was wrong for doing it. Gabby adds that he had shared the knowledge of these text messages prior to them being leaked. Gabby doesn’t make an excuse for him and says he was an asshole for doing that. Gabby shares that she’s excited that they can now start living their lives together now that they are public. They can now have shared experiences together. She’s currently on Dancing with the Stars as well.
We’re introduced to the next Bachelor who will be Zach - we’re not surprised. He says that he’s ready to find his person and his best friend. Sean Lowe makes an appearance with his wife, Catherine and they encourage him to enjoy the process. They both provide tips on what he can do to optimize this portion of his journey. It seems like we may see Sean in his season as well. Jesse will also be there.
Of course, no surprise, the journey starts now as he gets to meet some of the initial women who will be on his season. Brooklyn from Texas comes out first, Brianna from Jersey City is the next one to come out, Bailey from Nashville is next, Cat from New York is next and Christina from Nashville, Although we have seen them start the process early, this is the first time that people will be able to vote for who gets America’s First Impression Rose. Zach gives the rose to Brianna and of course we will see all of them at the mansion, but she will be safe the first night as she will go into the house with a rose! Interestingly enough, the new season will start on Jan 23rd.
Each night during this season, we tweeted about The Bachelorette and you chatted along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what are thoughts were! We can’t wait until next season to connect with you guys again on one of our favorite reality shows!
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
RACHEL + GABBY’S MEN
![ERICH [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657589521787-HE4QWFJRS909FS7317ZQ/ERICH_29_Bedminster+NJ.jpg)
![TINO [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657588780832-OYABQ16HOWK8MYX9VA0N/TINO_27_Playa+Del+Rey+CA.jpg)
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.10 | FINALE PART I
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
It’s been a long road, but we’re here at the end of ABC’s The Bachelorette! Jesse Palmer lets us know that it’s going to be quite the ride and has Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey with him on the couch with a live studio audience. We pick up where we left off last week as Zach pulls her aside to let her know that their Fantasy Suites was a bit off. She agrees but says that she was trying to get clarity and to find the missing piece. He let her know that he needs to go and she says that she wishes that she could have gotten there. She gives Tino and Aven the rose. Apparently the fact that they just talked all night, he felt that there was a disconnect.
Interestingly enough, Zach is in the audience to talk with Rachel about what took place and to get some of the answers that he needs from the experience. He apologizes for calling her out on her character and he says that he was so surprised in that moment and he didn’t mean for it come off that way. She lets him know that her feelings were real and she wasn’t putting on an act.
After they hug it out, Rachel is with her family including her dad, Big Tony! She preps her parents and close friends as she’s excited to see how they feel about Tino and Aven. She greets Aven and lets him know that her family is excited to meet him. He brings flowers and a cigar for Big Tony. Big Tony sits down with Aven and says that he loves his daughter and wants to know what he should know about him as there will be another man in that chair the next day. You can definitely feel that they vibe, but when he talks with her friends, he lets them know that he’s on the road to being in love with her. When Rachel talks with her father, he lets her know that he put his guard down a little as he liked the things that she said about him. Her friends realize that he is not all the way there. When she sits down with her friends, they tell her that he seemed iffy on an engagement right now. She’s surprised as she feels that this is out of left field. She feels lied to and she decides to talk with him as she would have never brought him if she didn’t feel sure that he would be ready.
When they recap with one another, he says that he liked her family and he thought that things went well. Rachel tells him that she heard that he was not ready. He says that nothing has changed and he wants to make sure that this is right for both of them right now during this time. She feels that he isn’t being truthful and Aven says that the dynamics are slightly odd as there is still another man that is in the mix. This is definitely going to be a major disconnect between the two of them.
Jesse chats with Gabby and Rachel about what happened so far and agrees that what happened with Aven is shocking! We then see Gabby connecting with her family as they prepare to meet the only man that’s left, Erich. He has met her grandfather again and he’s beginning to get to know her family and lets them know that he has fallen in love with her. It seems like her family likes Erich and Jesse lets us know that people want Grandpa Joe to be The Bachelor as many people would give them their rose.
We’re back with Rachel as she meets up with her family who’s about to see Tino. She tells them that his family doesn’t care for her and of course that creates questions with everyone. Her mom feels that she needs to ask more questions as everyone knows how she feels about what happened with Aven. Her mom asks whether she thinks his family will come around. She knows that when families come together, it makes the marriage better.
We check in with Rachel for her last date with Aven to get clarity on what happened as she feels that they are not on the same page after what went down with her family. He asks if she would like some champagne and she lets him know that it’s time to get down to the matter at hand.
He tells her that he needs more time with her, to visit her in Florida and to know more so that they can be engaged and have a real life. Aven continues his circular conversation and we all see that he’s not ready and she ultimately breaks up with him.
We see them live talking to one another and we can tell there is a lot of care between them, but they have gone in separate directions. Aven admits that he should have communicated fully on where he was with everything. At this point, we are down to Tino and Rachel as well as Gabby and Erich in this extended Part I finale of The Bachelorette. It seems like we will end the night with Gabby and Erich.
Their final date allows them to make sure that they are on the same page. Erich lets her know that he does love being with her, but wants to take it slow and to let them be themselves. Gabby wants to leave with a proposal and Erich says that he really wants to date her and to get engaged prior to that, that’s not what he wants. She wanted clarity on where she is, but she’s realizing that they are not on the same page.
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO IS AT HOMETOWNS
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.10 | FANTASY SUITES PART II
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
Tonight we’re on the 2nd night of the Fantasy Suites on ABC’s The Bachelorette! It’s clear that tonight will have a lot of new information for us to take in that has been teased throughout the season with Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey. Jesse Palmer has his work cut out for him. We pick up with Gabby and Erich who were talking about the fact that she is still in the process and he doesn’t like it. In this case, you’ve signed up for a show where this is very much so the format, so it shouldn’t be an issue that is surprising to everyone. Although they talked about this off camera during Fantasy Suites, it’s the rehashing of this that we can is on Gabby’s mind. Gabby reaches out to Jesse so that she can gain some perspective and talk through her feelings.
She prepares for her overnight date with Jason and knows that she needs to make the decision that is the right one for her. Jason in his confessional lets us know that since his Hometowns, he knows he is there for Gabby, BUT he isn’t ready to be engaged! Jason and Gabby are going to play tennis which he used to play in college! She wants to show that she can enjoy or at least do something that he is passionate about. He teaches her how to serve and you can see the ease that is between them. It looks like a great fit, but we know that Jason has expressed his own concerns. From the tennis court, they head to the pool and Erich can hear their date while he’s looking out his balcony.
Back on the date, they catch up on how Hometowns was for both of them and how Jason’s parents were. The vibes seem positive and they’re reasonably on the same page. As they move to dinner, he knows that he needs to be transparent. He tells her that he is not fully there yet because of the environment and he wonders what’s real and what’s not. Again, Gabby has to leave the table and talk through what is happening and think about what this means in terms of the new reality that she is faced with. When he sees how she is doing, he lets her know that he is still in it, but he wants to do it outside of this bubble. Her decision with him is whether she wants to move forward with him or not. Even though everything is up in the air, she decides that she will spend the night with him because it could change things and she could get to know more about him.
Even though they had their night, by the time they were behind closed doors, it took a turn and it seemed like he couldn’t talk to her about the future. SHe realizes that he never loved her or intended to be with her and she sends him home.
We switch to Rachel who is about to have her final date with Zach to have a great day with him. Their date involves exploring the town while they get to know one another even more. They enjoy some tequila in a tasting at a little outdoor bar. They talk about the Hometown experience that they had and how much fun she had with his family. They explore foods, readings and so much more as they get to know more about one another. The date has put them both at ease and it seems like everything is going in a positive direction. Her biggest concern beyond being at this point on the other side with Clayton is, how will she decide which of these men are the ones for her?
As they transition into the evening portion of their date, Zach is looking forward to talking with her more as he sees his future with her and wants to be her husband. She lets him know that the week has been an interesting one as she was at this point previously with Clayton and she doesn’t want to bring those emotions into her present and future. He recognizes that this is tough and he wants to make sure that she is loved and cared for. They opt to do the Fantasy Suites.
We catch up with Zach and Rachel the next morning and we are aware that there was an extensive conversation between the two of them. Zach says that when he woke up, he was feeling confused because going into the night he wasn’t confused - now he is. Rachel told him that he may not be ready for a commitment due to his age and then she kicked up her questioning to the point where he was caught off guard. Her concern came out of nowhere to him and he feels that she was putting on a front! He decides that he wants to talk to Jesse. Visibly upset, with a few tears, he tells him what took place and how he feels about it. He explains that he feels a bit lost as every other interaction that he has had with her, he felt that there was a connection, but at Fantasy Suites, he realized that they both acted differently. When the cameras were not on them, he felt that the way she was acting wasn’t authentic and she kept harping on his age of 25 (where she is 26). He was surprised by this and he realizes that there may not be a future there. Jesse tells Zach that he needs to talk to her and let her know.
We check in with Gabby and we know that only Erich is left and she is grappling with the fact that the person that is here, may not be the person she is meant to be with. But she knows that she must follow her heart.
The guys get ready for the rose ceremony and they chat a bit with Jesse about where they are mentally in this process. We see Aven who is still very happy with how his dates have been and he has no reservations. Tino also feels confident as they have great dates; however, he knows that the Hometown with his parents wasn’t the easiest. Zach is feeling unsure and sick to his stomach heading in to see Rachel at the ceremony. He tells Jesse that before she offers the rose, he wants to talk to her to get the clarity that he needs. Rachel’s men assemble and look at the 2 roses that will be given out. Rachel arrives and Jesse catches up with her and tells her that Gabby will not be at the rose ceremony because they are on 2 separate journeys. So at least we know that Gabby is not leaving and this totally makes sense.
Rachel says that she is so excited and happy to see them and to have spent time with him. Before she hands out the roses, Zach asks to talk with her.
Gabby decides that she needs to speak with Erich to lay out what she feels and to be clear about where she is coming from and what she deserves.
Erich is getting ready for the rose ceremony and he realized that he shouldn’t have harped on things that they had already discussed off camera. She heads over to his room to tell him that with the craziness of the week, she has really learned a lot about herself and she didn’t realize the decisions would be this hard. She explains that she was so upset because she felt like he didn’t trust her. In their time together, she saw what it was that she deserves and she felt that he taught her that. She tells him that he is the only one left and that she loves him. Erich is definitely excited at the turn of events and she tells him that she has to process everything on her own terms because it is foreign to her. She says that there is no point in having the rose ceremony because it is her and him.
Elsewhere in Mexico, Zach tells Rachel what has been bothering him. Apparently, the finale is so crazy, they didn’t even get into it and we have to wait until next week!
GABBY’S REMAINING MEN | Erich
RACHEL’S REMAINING MEN | Aven, Tino, Zach
GABBY SENT HOME | Jason
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO IS AT HOMETOWNS
![AVEN [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657588601108-J205D6OAU8O43BE34YSL/AVEN_28_San+Diego+CA.jpg)
![ZACH [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1658796978812-WMW0AEYS62JGDUT9IWDE/ZACH_25_Anaheim+Hills+CA.jpg)
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.9 | FANTASY SUITES PART I
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
Okay now, we have a back-to-back night of ABC’s The Bachelorette! Definitely looking forward to what’s happening as last week’s clips showed an interesting season! We are back with Rachel Recchia Gabby Windey, Jesse Palmer and the remaining men in Mexico! We know that there will be overnights and this is the weekend that things went topsy turvy for both women when we they were in Clayton’s season.
The ladies catch up to talk about the decisions that they have to make. Rachel likes Tino, but she can’t shake the fact that his parents were not her biggest fans. She knows that he does care for her because he said that he was falling in love with her. She feels that she needs clarity on him. WIth Zach, she knows that the pieces are there and that she has never been left in the dark with him. She doesn’t feel like she is ready to commit to him. She really likes Aven and knows that they have a great foundation with one another. She’s nervous because she hasn’t told him how she feels about him. She knows that he is falling in love with her, but she was too nervous to say it back.
Gabby loves her connection with Jason and feels that he is the most emotionally available. She is falling for him, but she doesn’t know if he is with her! She has so much fun with Johnny, but she feels that they are in different places in their lives. She also had great banter with Erich and she let him know that she is falling in love with him - just like he is with her!
Fantasy Suites will take place this week and both are prepared to fall in love this week. Gabby and Erich are up first and enjoy swimming in this lagoon. They jump off of this structure with various heights which definitely would make us scared. They eventually take the big leap and we continue on with the next portion of their date with the dinner where they can get to know more about one another. Erich lets her know that he is in love with her and doesn’t want to leave Mexico without her. She lets him know that she is falling in love with him. They take another leap by going to the Fantasy Suites together.
We catch up with Rachel as it’s time for her overnight date. She kicks it off with Aven! We also see Tino looking upset that she will be on dates and that he can’t imagine her doing any overnights with anyone! Aven and Rachel are on a yacht laying around and getting to know one another. They talked about Aven’s Hometown and he lets her know that his parents liked her and accepted her. Rachel acknowledges that they made her feel that way!
Jesse checks in with Tino to see what his thoughts are. Tino says that waiting when you’re not getting a date card is a tough situation. Tino lets Jesse know that their Hometown was great, but his parents left her with a feeling that wasn’t the best for her. Tino feels the process is worth it; however, he knows his parents definitely added some drama to the situation - especially his father! He tells Jesse that he has fallen in love with Rachel since Bruge! He feels his family will have an effect on her decision.
The day date portion of Rachel and Aven’s day continues to the evening when they get to know more about one another. She lets him know that she was nervous to respond that she felt the same way. She explains that on her last journey, the love word was thrown around carelessly. She finally tells Aven that she is falling in love with him. She also knows that he is ready to be engaged. He reads the Fantasy Suites card and of course, they make their way there! They wake up the next day and Rachel lets us know that Aven is the whole package!
Rachel’s next date is with Tino. She continues to think about the fact that his family was not receptive of her and she wants to talk with him about it later that night! They ride horses and sit near a pool to talk about the past couple of days. Tino acknowledges that the night portion of their Hometowns didn’t go the way expected. We hear in Rachel’s confessional that if she’s not feeling it, she doesn’t see a path forward. In his, he states that he hopes that they can enjoy their date, but when the night portion comes - he wants to be able to dig into the layers to tell her about it so that she can be happy and comfortable with everything that has transpired. As they settle into their dinner portion of the evening, Rachel tells him her experience being with his parents. She even highlights that his father really left an impression. They tell each other that they love one another and they partake in the Fantasy Suites.
We pick Gabby up with Johnny! They’re also on a boat known as the Moonshine as they lounge and continue to chat with one another. Although they are having a great date in the daytime, as they look at the ocean, she asks him if he’s prepared to be engaged. He doesn’t really answer and she feels that he is not ready to commit. Johnny says that he can’t commit and they part ways before continuing on the journey. Because she knows that they are in separate places, she sends him home.
While she sends Johnny home, Jesse asks if Jason is ready to get engaged and he says he isn’t. This is pretty tough ultimately for her.
Erich sends her a note asking to meet him on the bridge. At first, it’s a happy surprise, but he rehashes a conversation that they had in the Fantasy Suites - where he feels like this portion of the experience is cheating on him. Gabby feels defensive that they are going over this again and feels that he’s adding a negative spin on the time that she needs. She feels like he is testing her and she doesn’t like it!
Tomorrow, we’ll continue with the remainder of the Fantasy Suites to see how it all shakes out!
GABBY’S FANTASY SUITES DATES | Erich + Jason
RACHEL’S FANTASY SUITES DATES | Aven, Tino, Zach
GABBY SENT HOME | Johnny
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO IS AT HOMETOWNS
![JASON [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1659401469296-SZ3XBQ6EYJ9UB61A0B2P/162684_3598_V1.jpg)
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.8 | LAST HOMETOWN + MEN TELL ALL
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
We pick up where we left off on ABC’s The Bachelorette for Aven and Rachel Recchia’s Hometown which took place in Salem! The two had a great time learning about love spells and finding out about the town’s history. Rachel met his family and even with their questions, she knew that they enjoyed meeting her and she felt much better than she did with some of her dates! Interestingly enough, we didn’t get to see who received roses but we heard that everyone minus Tyler (who was sent home).
We see Rachel, Gabby Windey, Jesse Palmer and the remainder of the men at the Men Tell All special. We heard about all the drama that we’ve been hearing all season long. Jacob apologized for his behavior with Gabby and Hayden wasn’t even there to talk about how inappropriate he was. It seems like the next few weeks are definitely going to take us into some twists and turns!
GABBY’S HOMETOWN DATES | Erich, Jason, Johnny
RACHEL’S REMAINING HOMETOWN DATES | Aven, Tino, Zach
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO IS AT HOMETOWNS
![JOHNNY [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1661224620739-3L9K4IM01CQQSIS12YV4/JOHHNY_25_Palm+Beach+Gardens+FL.jpg)
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Featured TV Show
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.7 | IT'S HOMETOWNS
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
We’re back watching tonight’s ABC’s The Bachelorette and it’s Hometowns! Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey are separating and packing as they will go to their men’s hometowns! Jesse Palmer checks up on both of them to figure out how they are doing as they prepare to leave the ship.
Gabby heads to New Orleans for the first time to meet up with Jason! She will only visit 3 men! He takes her around New Orleans to wear and throw beads and she gets to meet his family and connects with them.
Now Rachel is with Zach in his hometown where they get to watch planes taking off.
Back to Gabby, we go to Johnny and his hometown. As soon as he meets her, he lets them now that they will hang with his family first so she can meet them. Gabby was very nervous - but we can’t fault her since she didn’t really get any alone time with her. Although she wins his family over, Johnny tells his mom that he doesn’t know if he is ready yet for that.
Rachel is at the Jersey Shore with Tyler. She’s excited to be with him, but feels that they are the most behind in terms of their relationships. They hang out on the board walk and she realizes even more that she isn’t in the same place with him as she met a number of his friends. She doesn’t want to continue the date. He heads home where he has to tell his family that she broke up with him. This was definitely a rough date.
Gabby’s final hometown is with Erich in New Jersey. He lets her know that they will go to his parents first before their date. She meets his family and they receive her well, but they tell her how important it is to have and keep your commitments. Later on, during their date they both share how they are falling in love with one another.
Now Rachel is with Tino in Santa Clarita, CA. His parents have a lot of questions and it doesn’t feel like they are on board with this process. His father is very doubtful about whether their relationship is sustainable. While Rachel talks to his mom, she sees that even if Tino wishes to go forward, his family will not be behind this and has heavy skepticism. When you look book at when Tino talked to her before meeting the parents, when she voiced concern over whether his parents would like her or not, he shut it down quickly saying they would. After meeting his parents, he shared that he wished that he had been more upfront with her.
Although Gabby has completed all of her dates, Rachel still has one more Hometown date with Aven. It will be interesting to see how that one goes and to see who the ladies will continue to move forward with next week!
GABBY’S HOMETOWN DATES | Erich, Jason, Johnny
RACHEL’S REMAINING HOMETOWN DATES | Aven, Tino, Zach
RACHEL SENT HOME | Tyler
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO IS AT HOMETOWNS
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.6 | CLOSER TO HOMETOWNS
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette/Gizelle Hernandez
We’re back watching tonight’s ABC’s The Bachelorette and we’ll be in Amsterdam! Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey are excited as they know that Hometowns is around the corner. It’s sure to be a big week ahead. The ladies catch up and the guys are getting ready for their dates.
The date card arrives for Rachel’s men and they find out that Zach will be on the 1-on-1 - his 2nd one. Tino definitely has thoughts on the fact that he’s not on the date.
The men over at Gabby’s receive news on who will get the 1-on-1 and it’s Nate.
Jesse Palmer catches up with the women to find out how they are holding up. Both are excited but we hear how Gabby is really thinking about what it would mean with Nate as he has a child and she doesn’t know how she would be as a mother.
While the remaining guys wonder why Nate got the date, we wonder if Logan really means to be there for her. Gabby and Nate walk around the city getting to know one another. We realize that she has even more misgivings then we thought that she had regarding being with Nate and her daughter. She lets him know that she feels so much for him, but she doesn’t know if she is ready to be a mom even though she knows that if she met his daughter, she would fall in love with her. Ultimately, she sends him home and they only have their first half of the date. She wonders if she made a good decision as he was so kind to her even when she let him know that she was sending him home.
Rachel’s date take place in a large tulip field where they only bloom for 2 weeks. Zach seems so excited to be on the date. They pick tulips, ride bikes, enjoy cheese, get wooden shows and bought some lemonade! They even head to a windmill which adds a quaint layer to their date and keeps it casual where they can get to know a lot about one another. They even enjoy being in a hot tub to take in the atmosphere. Their date continues at a museum where they see a number of art pieces and they continue to talk about their relationship. They connect and continue to be vulnerable with one another. She gives him the rose and we begin to see who will be at Hometowns!
While Rachel is having a great night, Gabby makes her way to the remaining men and you can see that she’s down after sending Nate home. Prior to her arrival, the guys agree that they want to be there for her as they know it’s tough. She let them know that she is there because she wanted to tell them what happened in person and she hoped that they weren’t freaked out. They let her know that they are there for her and they can understand why she feels the way that she does. After letting them know, she leaves them and lets them know that she will see them soon.
Gabby’s group date includes Logan who has yet to be with the other men in such a large setting officially. Erich, Jason, Johnny and Spencer. Their date is about being open-minded and to explore how they can communicate with her. They meet a woman who welcomes them in a room lit in red with a whip. You can definitely see the nerves on the men as they figure out their safe words. They answer some intimate questions, they get blindfolded while Gabby whips and puts whip cream on them.
The men continue to the after party of this date as there us a rose on the line which gets one of them into Hometowns. Gabby is visited by Jesse and lets her know that Logan tested positive for COVID-19. They have to cancel the cocktail party to ensure everyone’s safety. No rose is given out tonight and Jesse lets them know that the event is not taking place. That also means that Logan is no longer in the mix due to getting COVID-19.
Rachel’s group date is next with her 4 men. They get a chance to hang out while taking in the city with cheese and to get some 1-on-1 time with her as well. It’s another date where there is an element of the strong man. In this date, just like the other one, then men are asked to take off their shirts. Rachel puts sunscreen on them and they shoulder cheese wheels that are tied to wooden planks. Each time, they add an additional layer of cheese wedges. The final round had 8 wedges (4 on each side) - this is definitely not a comfortable challenge. Tino ends up winning the challenge although Ethan was pretty close in winning it. She spends some time with each one which is nice and they will continue onto their date later in the evening where they can dig deeper. That night she chats with Aven, Tyler, Ethan and Tino. Ultimately, Tyler gets the group date rose. Tino is upset because he feels that they had a connection and he didn’t get a rose that night. He feels that he needs to rethink everything at this point.
Although Logan was sent home, the ceremony continues and Gabby has 3 roses to give as she has decided that she won’t see 4 families. Rachel gives Aven and Tino a rose so we now know who will be going to Hometowns.
GABBY GAVE ROSES TO | Erich, Jason, Johnny
RACHEL GAVE ROSES TO | Aven, Tyler, Zach,
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Ethan, Logan, Nate, Spencer
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
![TYLER [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1658197671266-OBXA0BU091HT4WF31UZ6/TYLER_25_Wildwood+NJ.jpg)
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.5 | WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette
It feels like ABC’s The Bachelorette will dig deeper as Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey continue to navigate their journey. By dividing the men last week, they are able to focus on what they’re looking for without the distraction of trying to see if the man that they are interested in is there for them.
We kick off the week in Belgium. We’re still not over how Logan took Rachel’s rose, but is really interested in Gabby.
Tino, Zach, Meatball, Ethan, Tyler and Logan are on a group date with Rachel. Aven will have the 1-on-1 date with her. Logan goes to Rachel’s to see her ahead of the group date. He lets her know that after getting all the roses from her that he wants to be with Gabby. It’s such a tough spot for her to be in and to have to go through!
We also feel like every guy for the most part that tries to switch to the otherside, it doesn’t bode well for them. It' will be interesting to see what happens with him.
The guys for Rachel’s date are meeting her in Bruges. The guys don’t know why Logan is there but they enjoy seeing a mud match. Rachel is back in her room upset that yet another man has left prior to a rose ceremony. Firmly in her legitimate feelings, Jesse Palmer swings by to see what’s going on. She lets him know how this is devastating and she feels that the guys have to keep picking her back up and she feels that it is tough on them.
She decides to cancel the day portion of the group date, but plans on attending the after-party.
Logan talks to Gabby to let her know that he broke up with Rachel and that he wants to move forward with her. He’s in limbo as he has to wait to hear back from her on whether he will have that chance.
Gabby goes straight to Rachel to let her know that she knows and to see how she is doing. It’s interesting how the two of them always talk with one another and even when they’re hurting, they explain that if they feel they should continue with someone - they should! It would have been interesting to see how this segment may have been different with Kaitlyn and Tayshia as it was a girl moment where they really needed to have your bestie pick you back up again.
At the afterparty, the remaining men for Rachel are excited to get some time with her and they note that there is a rose on the table. They hope to still have a good time with her. Rachel apologizes for not holding the morning date. She fills them in on what happened and says that if they don’t want to be there, they should go. Ethan asks to spend some time with her. He lets her know that he is there for her and they share a kiss.
Tino tells her that by not having that group date, he didn’t feel seen. Meatball chats with her as well as the rest of the guys as they go above and beyond to make her feel better. She lets them know that she wanted to show up for everyone and to be at 100% because that is what she is asking of them to do with her.
The group date rose goes to Tino. Zach feels bothered by it; however, he is happy for Tino.
Gabby’s group date has the remaining men (minus Logan who is in limbo and Johnny who will have the 1-on-1 date). The men are touring Bruge, they take a boat ride on the river, enjoy some waffles, play soccer in the park with little kids and she gets to see their personalities. They continue on playing Belgium games where they play rock, paper, fish slapped across their face.
The men meet up for the after-party portion as they reflect on how much fun they have had. Logan arrives and the look of shock on their faces leaves some tension.
Logan gets to sit with Gabby and chat with her, somehow, we don’t believe him when he says he wants to be with Gabby either. She gives the group date rose to Nate.
Logan thinks there is some tension with the guys in the fact that he has switched over. He hopes that Rachel finds her person. Aven and Rachel have their 1-on-1 date. They take a carriage ride through the city as they explore Bruge. They enjoy some chocolates at a local shop, they stop by a group of women who make lace on veils. They look over the city in a watchtower as the sun sets which looks spectacular. They make their way to dinner to spend more time and to talk about things that they need to know about one another.
Aven shares how stability and security is so important to him. His mom made him a bracelet that he has given to Rachel to hold for awhile in hopes that things turn around for her as he knows how tough it has been. She gives him the date night rose. They go outside to watch the fireworks.
Nate loops Johnny on Logan joining the group. Johnny and Gabby have their 1-on-1 date. Their date took place on a beer farm where they enjoyed a flight to sample the flavors. They get to sit in a Bruges Beer Tub. They have a fun time trying the treatments that they share with one another and sitting in the beer. They continue on to dinner where he talks about his feelings, being vulnerable and wrestling with emotions that he’s not sure where they came from. He receives the date night rose.
All the men assemble for the cocktail party. Logan being there makes everyone uneasy from him ruining the group date for the men on Rachel’s side and potentially taking a rose from those on Gabby’s side. Gabby’s men connect with her and he opts to bring fish to slap her as a way to connect to the group date that he wasn’t on.
At the rose ceremony, Mario, Michael and Meatball didn’t receive roses. Gabby’s men are shocked that he’s there and now they know that they have to step it up. They will continue onto Amsterdam.
GABBY GAVE ROSES TO | Erich, Jason, Johnny, Logan, Nate, Spencer,
RACHEL GAVE ROSES TO | Aven, Ethan, Tino, Tyler, Zach
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Mario, Meatball, Michael
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
![ETHAN [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1660017322675-4LI3RRYG8UIKD9G4G2TS/ETHAN_27_NY+NY.jpg)
![NATE [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1658197615088-BTADD1Z3JR693M3ULROR/NATE_33_Chicago+IL.jpg)
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.4 | RACHEL + GABBY'S SEPARATE JOURNEYS
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette
ABC’s The Bachelorette starts with Rachel Recchia, and Gabby Windey pleased that they will be on separate journeys. We see that Meatball (James) was given a second chance. The guys in the house hear Hayden talking smack about Gabby and Rachel’s reaction to when he said he didn’t want to be with Gabby. James feels that because he has been given a second chance, he doesn’t want to ruin it - I’m sure that he will bring it up. Jesse Palmer joins the guys at their home and lets them know that the journey will continue, but the women are in France. He also lets them know that Tino (for Rachel) and Jason (for Gabby) will be flying out not to Paris to have 1-on-1 dates with them. The remainder of the men will fly out later in the day to have their journeys continue on.
Rachel and Gabby chat in a cafe as they wait for the men to arrive. Rachel shares how she felt awful that 3 men rejected her rose publically which makes her wonder if the men she has chosen are there for her. Gabby says that the highest highs come after the lowest lows.
Jesse meets with the rest of the guys and lets them know that they will be on Virgin Voyages and the men will be split into their 2 groups. The entire ship will be for them. They each have their own common areas, quarters etc. So it will be nice to see the focus shift a bit. We see each of the dates taking place in the rain in Paris from finding the perfect beret, making crepes and taking stunning sites - these are the dates that they deserve.
The double date comes back together as they enjoy each other and the men chat about their date while The Bachelorettes catch up to see how things are going. For dinner, they go back in their individual dates to try to find out more about one another. Tino and Rachel have their dinner in a cathedral which looks amazing and he asks how she is doing after the brutal rose ceremony. She appreciates him checking in and says that she wants to talk about family, goals, etc. She lets him know about her insecurities and her expectations. She wants to have her career and she wants her husband to understand that she can fly around the world, but also have a family. Tino talks about how both of his parents worked and they were a partnership and everyone came together. We’re loving Tino for Rachel and he gets the 1-on-1 rose! She lets him know that she likes what she sees and cares about him.
Back on the ship, Gabby’s date card arrives for Nate, Kirk, Quincey, Erich, Michael, Mario, Spencer, Johnny on the group date.
Back at Gabby and Jason’s date they have their dinner at another location. Gabby calls out that he is reserved and he acknowledges it and says that he was put out of his comfort zone and he was uncomfortable with being there because he is sensitive with his energy. Growing up, he felt that he wasn’t good enough when he would look at other kids and he would try to prove himself with tennis, hated it and then quit. He said it takes him a bit to warm up because it was years of feeling those emotions. He lets her know that through his therapy, he learned that he had to speak up to get what he wanted. He doesn’t know if Gabby thinks he is making sense, but she says that she gets it. She explains that with her estrangement with her mother, she felt those feelings and felt that her love was taken away from her and she had to go through therapy to learn how to receive love. Thankfully they connect and it’s nice to see where they have similarities and how they could support one another. She gives him the 1-on-1 rose and the belief that this could go somewhere.
Gabby’s group date involves the men boxing French style. Whoever wins will have a 1-on-1 date with her for a rose. Rachel has also arrived and is bringing her men to watch as well ahead of her group date. Rachel hears Gabby’s guys profess their feelings, but Rachel’s men aren’t giving her eye contact and interacting with her across from the boxing ring. We also hear Logan say that maybe he made the wrong decision as he sees Gabby and thinks that he should have went with her.
The winner of the boxing match is Spencer who will have the 1-on-1 date. Rachel is breaking down feeling that her men are not really that into her. At the Pink Agave lounge on the ship, they have their time together to get to know one another.
Rachel is going through it because her guys are not making her feel wanted. The guys are oblivious to what is taking place and are excited to do a competition. She questions whether she should be the bachelorette. She tells the guys that she is upset because she feels unseen and that no one came over to acknowledge her. She realizes that when she spoke to them, they looked shocked that she had a bad experience.
The group date kicks off and all the men race to her and give her hugs. She lets them know that she wants to be chosen. The date is with a flirtation coaches as they show how thy flirt, french kiss their own hands, smell the guy’s armpits, and writing love letters to Rachel. She appreciates the effort and as the winner will conclude in a dinner date for a 1-on-1, she needs to think about it. Logan is still debating on his feelings for Gabby even though he accepted Rachel’s rose!
Tyler and Rachel have a 1-on-1 with one another. She loved that he had a poem at the ready to tell her. He lets her know about his past and how he bought someone he loved a house, but she didn’t want that life. He was heartbroken, but he is not closed off to love. Tyler accepts the rose.
Logan pulls Jesse aside and lets him know that he thinks that he should let Rachel know that he has feelings for Gabby, He also wants to talk to Gabby to see if there are feelings there.
The men assemble ahead of the rose ceremony. Logan plans on going to the cocktail party to talk with Gabby. Both women say that they enjoy that they are on their separate journeys. Nate and Gabby bond and their chemistry is undeniable. Hayden connects with Rachel and talks with her about his dog and how he is close to passing away. He wants her to know that he is there for her - but he didn’t share how he was rude to Gabby!
So while he fumes with others that he didn’t get the reaction that he wanted (we felt that she acknowledged it), James fills her in on how he was beyond inappropriate. She thanks him for letting him know and she addresses Hayden immediately. She lets him know what she was told, he denied it and she walked him out.
Rachel was so upset that they decided to cancel the cocktail party and go straight to the cocktail party. A number of guys didn’t get talk with Rachel and Logan is concerned that he didn’t get to say what he wanted to say to Gabby. Logan accepts the rose knowing he wants Gabby and the guys on Rachel’s side are saying that they need to let 1 week go by with no drama.
GABBY GAVE ROSES TO | Erich, Jason, Johnny, Mario, Michael, Nate, Spencer,
RACHEL GAVE ROSES TO | Aven, Ethan, James, Logan, Tino, Tyler, Zach
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Hayden, Jordan, Kirk, Quincey
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
![JAMES [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1659406621841-4BOOVXDAA7MLE646CQ36/JAMES_25_Winnetka+IL.jpg)
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THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.3 | THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette
ABC’s The Bachelorette starts with Rachel Recchia, and Gabby Windey asking about how they will begin to designate which guy if focused on them. They know there are some that have a set person in mind, but they know that the ones that have yet to figure it out, need to start making decisions. Jesse Palmer meets with them to let them know that each of The Bachelorettes will have a 1-on-1 date. There will also be a massive group date as well. Rachel’s date will be Zach. Their date includes a touch base with Karamo from Queer Eye, where he styles them in fun looks for their date at an exclusive movie premiere.
While Rachel is on her date, Gabby goes to hang out with the guys and they’re enjoying hanging out with themselves. She eventually leaves them and feels that they are not giving their best effort. She feels that they’re being lax because there are 2 women available.
Back at the house, Gabby feels like she’s not being embraced and feels uncomfortable. She feels that the people that she wants to like her, don’t.
The next date card arrives and Erich is chosen for the date with Gabby. Now we know that Erich is kind of playing with both of the women and hasn’t hidden this fact from the guys in the house.
Back on Rachel’s date, they have a red carpet experience where they get their pictures taken and they view a movie in a large empty theater. Matt White plays on the piano for them as Me & You plays which has photos/videos of Rachel as a kid and growing up! Zach also has a compilation as well. It’s a pretty cute date and Rachel hears his mom congratulating him and wishing him well on his journey. Rachel’s mom also sends her well wishes too. They share that their dads took them to airstrips just to see pilots take off and they can’t believe that they both experienced that. Zach admits that he is falling for her during the confessional and he is given the date night rose.
Even when Gabby gets knocked down, we love how she bounces back! She heads over to the guys’ house and picks up Erich. Their date card said that 3 is a crowd - her grandfather is with them! They are doing a sound bath - this is a very Gabby date! They continue on to go bowling and Gabby finds a woman to be on her grandfather’s team while she is on a team with Erich. They kiss and she feels a lot better then she did the day before. They continue on to the next part of the date for dinner. Gabby gets overwhelmed as they’re talking because she’s upset with her feelings about her mom and she feels that she’s so complicated when Rachel isn’t. She talks with Jesse as she tries to figure things out. They talk for a bit more and she gives Erich the date night rose.
Celebrity photographer Franco Lacosta takes images of the women in bridal gowns, but then the guys arrive and as this is a large group date they have a number of outfits - the guys have sexy car wash, maternity looks, a family photo and then men on the flight as well as those in the hospital - it’s a crazy date to be sure! They also do a few proposal photos as well.
The date continues at SoFi stadium where the Chargers and the Rams play. They have time on the field to get to know more about them and to really start sorting the men as well. There’s great chemistry between Aven and Rachel which is so nice to see. Rachel is so happy with the connections that she is having. Gabby sits down with Tyler and lets her know that he has feelings for and wants to pursue Rachel. She is also told this by Hayden and Jacob say the same thing.
Aven gets the group date rose from Rachel. Rachel lets them know that because of the tough week, she can’t give a group date rose to anyone. Gabby tells Rachel what took place with the various guys. She wasn’t annoyed with them wanting Rachel, but she didn’t like the insulting way that they went about it.
As the men wait at the cocktail party prior to the rose ceremony, Jesse lets them know that it is canceled. He lets them know that this process is not working for them. The women will continue separately. If they accept the rose from the person who gives it to them, that is the person that they will be focused on - that’s it.
The men assemble as they have decisions to make. The women feel that it’s time that the beginning of the separation process will need to happen so that they can genuinely be on their journey. Gabby acknowledges that there was a struggle in having 2 Bachelorettes and she lets them know that some convos were hurtful to her. Rachel gives a rose to Tino and he accepts it, Logan accepts her rose, Termayne doesn’t accept his rose - he is placed back in line and can’t offer that rose to someone else, Alec doesn’t accept the rose, Tyler accepts his rose, Ethan accepts his rose, Jordan accepts his rose, Meatball doesn’t accept his rose and Hayden accepts the rose. Gabby gives Nate the next rose and he accepts, Johnny accepts his rose, Spencer accepts his rose, Jason accepts his rose, Mario accepts his rose, Kirk accepts his rose, Quincey accepts his rose and Michael accepts the rose.
When a guy didn’t accept the rose, although he was placed back in line, the rose was removed from Rachel.
Interestingly enough, Meatball who decided not to take Rachel’s rose towards the end went back to her and asked if she could give them more time. Now that both women are on their separate journeys, we’ll see if the guys will continue to stay with the women that they have chosen.
GABBY GAVE ROSES TO | Erich, Nate, Jason, Johnny, Jordan, Kirk, Mario, Michael, Quincey, Spencer
RACHEL GAVE ROSES TO - Aven, Ethan, Hayden, Jordan, Logan, Termayne, Tino, Tyler, Zach
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Alec, Jacob, James/Meatball, Jason, Termayne
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
![HAYDEN [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657589150214-9F3YS3XJW4UQUP2GP92Z/HAYDEN_29_Tampa+FL.jpg)
![JORDAN [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1658197783262-J990CMXTRXUTCZL6IVU2/JORDAN+H_25_Tampa+FL.jpg)
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THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.2 | HOW WILL WE NAVIGATE THE SEASON?
PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette
ABC’s The Bachelorette is well underway. Last week, they opted to only send home 3 people and to keep most of the men so that they could actually get to know them more.
The men have moved into the mansion and find that there are not enough beds for everyone that is there so they are literally sleeping wherever there is space! Rachel Recchia, and Gabby Windey let them know that their date will be a pageant so that they can get to know them more. They are given a gift - speedos. Jesse Palmer lets them know that the prize is that they will get to go back to an exclusive party with The Bachelorettes.
Each man disrobes and shows their front and back of their outfit and has a skill that they get to share.
They decide to invite Aven, Logan, Brandan, Jason, Johnny, and Colin for the after party where they can get to know the ladies better. Both of them admit that they have an interest in some of the same people. Rachel pulls Jason aside and he lets her know that although he thinks that she’s cool, he is there for Gabby! Rachel feels that the conversations that she is having are very surface level and she doesn’t feel anything just yet. Thankfully, she got a kiss from Logan and she feels that the night turned around. Of course, Logan also kissed Gabby as well. Both will give a first impression rose tonight. Rachel lets Gabby know that she got a kiss from Logan and Gabby asked if she’s really into him. Rachel says that she will pull back if Gabby is really interested. They both realize that they will have to navigate this new terrain. Rachel gives the 1st impression road to Logan and Gabby gives hers to Johnny.
There is a 1-on-1 date. Rachel invites Jordan V to come out. Before he heads out, we see his packed suitcase being placed on the stairs. She knows that he is here to meet her and they bonded over race cars. She drives away with him in a classic Chevy. She drives him to a plane where they can experience Zero Gravity.
Back at he house, the guys try to figure out who is there for which woman and some are saying that they are still open trying to figure it out. Chris shares his thoughts on Fantasy Suites and how he won’t stand for the person he is interested in sleeping with multiple people. The guys who happened to be near him said that it was way too early to talk about that and it is a jerky position to take.
They continue their date for a dinner and it’s great to see Rachel so happy that she has found someone that she clicks with.
Back at the mansion, the guys ask Chris to clarify his position. He doesn’t want to talk with the men about his opinion and the guys don’t like how he is controlling and comes off as rude. Nate shares that men who act like with preconditioned love, that it is oppressive and that it’s not acceptable.
Back on Rachel’s date, we see that she likes Jordan V, but now we get he sense that although everything on paper sounds good, she’s not feeling that connection.
At the house, the next date card arrives with a 1-on-1 with Nate for Gabby. He’s bringing a bathing suit for their date.
Rachel continues to talk with Jesse and walks though her feelings. She comes back to him and tells him that she enjoyed spending the day with him; however, she lets him know that something about their dynamic isn’t working. She walks him out and he says that he understands. At least we get to hear the private concert that they would have danced too - Brett Young and Ashley Cooke. The guys see his luggage get removed.
Rachel and Gabby talk about the night before and both of them realize that things are serious. Gabby hopes that she will still be interested in him as she is slightly shaken by what happened with Rachel and her date. Nate comes over to the house and Gabby offers Rachel to have some champagne with them. Gabby sees that she should be feeling how Gabby and Nate are with one another. Nate and Gabby look at the view and they share a kiss. A helicopter arrives to take them on an aerial tour and drops them off where they can sit in the hot tub and enjoy some nibbles to get to know more about one another.
They continue onto the next portion of their date at dinner. Nate lets Gabby know that he has a 6-year-old. Gabby lets him know that she is a daddy’s girl and that she commends him for being so close to her. She does wonder whether she’s ready to be a mom herself. She gives him a rose so that he can continue on the journey.
The men wonder about how the rose ceremony will be as they all get ready and assemble. Will each one hand out a certain amount of roses? Jesse asks them the natural question - how will you navigate when both of you like the same person? Rachel says having someone with her helps and Gabby says it’s too early for them to get to that point. They both arrive for the cocktail party. They let the men know what they’re thinking and they begin to have conversations with people. Mario connects with Rachel and although she likes him, she is aware that he received Gabby’s first impression rose. Gabby sees them talking 1-on-1. Both women enjoy great conversations and activities. The guys wonder if they should let them know about Chris and how he acted. A few guys pull Gabby aside to tell her what happened with Chris’ ultimatum and she shares it with Rachel. They feel that they should talk to him to hear his side of the story.
Gabby doesn’t even mince words, she gets to the matter at hand, why it’s inappropriate for him to talk about Fantasy Suites and they ask him to leave. He comes back in the house and grabs the men who he felt were involved - before it gets too far, it’s time for them to have the rose ceremony.
With 27 men remaining, there will be a big cut and those getting roses, they will be coming from both of them - very interesting! Some men want to be able to declare a person.
RECEIVED ROSES | Gabby - Johnny, Nate, | Rachel - Logan, | Joint Roses - Alec, Aven, Erich, Ethan, Hayden, Jacob, James, Jason, Jordan, Kirk, Mario, Michael, Spencer, Quincey, Tino, Termayne, Tyler, Zach
REMAINING MEN STATING THEY ARE THERE FOR | Gabby - Jason, Nate | Rachel - No one has stated yet
MEN WE’RE SEEING PLAY BOTH SIDES | Logan, Mario, Matt
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Brandan, Chris, Colin, John, Jordan V., Justin, Matt, Ryan
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
![JAMES [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657596876683-086NMPNV5KPIOHWR4OF5/JAMES_25_Winnetka+IL.jpg)
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THE BACHELORETTES S.19 E.1 | A HISTORIC SEASON!
ABC’s The Bachelorette it’s finally here! This season, we’re following the journeys of 26-year-old Rachel Recchia, a flight instructor and 31-year-old Gabby Windey, an ICU nurse. Jesse Palmer asks the same questions that we have been wondering - how is going to work, how will they choose - how do them men navigate two women that are looking to find love? At least we know that these ladies will support one another and we look forward to seeing their families as they both got great soundbites in.
Throughout the first 20 mins, Gabby and Rachel ask how will this work out, their families ask and even Jesse asks them when they arrive at the mansion waiting for the men. Bumps along the road is definitely an understatement - but the men arrive and we get to see them all arrive as even navigating the hugs seem a bit awkward - who is first, do you do a group hug?
The entrances are always interesting from the man with the meatballs, chicks, headphones and more. Of course, there are also the cringey ones like the guy who arrived barefoot, the one who mixed up their names and those who continued to talk about Clayton when they introduced themselves.
Now that they have met all of the men, the ladies know that they get to take time with the men to find out more. At first, it seemed like they would talk to each man together (which they did with the twins as well as the magician) - thankfully, they are intent on having their own experience and we see them take 1-on-1 time to get to know them. The women have their moments and Jesse lets them know that the women will each have a 1st date rose. Interestingly enough, there are guys who are focused on a specific person, but there are a few guys who are trying to meet both of them. Erich chatted with both but only kissed gabby but let it be known that he would just leave it open to see where it would go.
Gabby picks Mario and Rachel picks Tino which makes sense as she liked him immediately when he pulled up with the forklift. Now the remaining guys have to wait to see who gets the rose as everything about this season will be breaking the rules.
At the rose ceremony, both women acknowledge that it’s a long night and they couldn’t get to everyone, but they will now select the men. They ask for Roby, Justin Y and Joey to talk with them and they lead them out of the house and let them know that there isn’t a connection there as they did talk to those 3. They then stated that since they didn’t get to talk to some of the other guys, they will cancel the rose ceremony so that they can get to know them better. Of course, the men are happy that they are still there and it’s sweet of them that they pulled the men aside that they did have the opportunity to chat with who weren’t a fit - to let them know that it wouldn’t work out with them.
RECEIVED ROSES: Alec, Aven, Brandan, Chris, Collin, Erich, Ethan, Hayden, Jacob, James, Jason, Johnny, John, Jordan H, Jordan V, Justin, Kirk, Logan, Mario, Matt, Michael, Nate, Quincey, Ryan, Spencer, Termayne, Tino, Tyler and Zach.
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE: Roby, Joey, Justin Y
We started with 32 men who were competing to learn more about Gabby and Rachel, 3 have been eliminated. They opted to try to get to know more of them. What will next week bring and at what point will the men begin to make their interests known?
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
WHO WE THINK WILL GO TO HOMETOWNS
![JORDAN V [Rachel]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657588600202-M21TOFTDY5E4K3W3K7JE/JORDAN+V_27_Alpharetta+GA.jpg)
![MARIO [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657588701179-5VOF7BE68MUF86DWINY3/MARIO_31_Naperville+IL.jpg)
![RYAN [Gabby]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55982406e4b014bac5e42764/1657588602676-TB4DMRJDHLDZTZICHBGW/RYAN_36_Boston+MA.jpg)
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THE BACHELORETTES S19 | MEET THE MEN OF THE NEW CAST
On Jul 11th, we’re heading back to the mansion! Since the pandemic, we have seen variations on ABC’s The Bachelorette from new hosts, date dynamics for their dates and more. This season, the changes continue as there are 2 bachelorettes! We will follow the journeys of 26-year-old Rachel Recchia, a flight instructor from Clermont, Florida, and 31-year-old Gabby Windey, an ICU nurse from O'Fallon, Illinois.
Ahead of the season, we have The Bachelorette contestants that will be participating this season. You can find out more about who they are and where they’re from. There are a number of men who are from San Diego, Chicago and the surrounding area, Tampa and even twin brothers! It will be interesting to get to know the guys and see who we can see for each woman. Without a doubt, it’s going to be interesting to see the dynamics of how the men will decide between the two.
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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THE BACHELORETTE S18. E10. | IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS
As always, it’s been an interesting season and it comes down to the big decision. Over the next 2 hours of ABC’s The Bachelorette, we will see a bit more of Brandon and Nayte and what Michelle Young’s decision is. Then we’ll get more of our answers in After the Final Rose! Can you believe that we’ll be back to The Bachelor on Jan 3rd with Clayton?
For now, we’re back in Mexico with Michelle as she is thinking about the fact that she let Joe go but knows her feelings are stronger for Nayte and Brandon. She catches up with her parents and sister to let them know what’s going on. She lets them know who she is left with (of course they seem to already like Brandon since her parents met them already). Brandon is up first with gifts and as always, looking genuinely happy to be with her and to see more of her family. Her parents are very warm with him and seem happy to be with him again. In addition to flowers for his mom, she gifts her father a new pair of trunks to make up for when he wore them previously. Her father and Brandon go off to talk one-on-one. He also does the same with Michelle’s mother. Both seem so happy to welcome him into their family. Since he works remote anyway, he’s ready to move to Minnesota genuinely.
Next up, Nayte is meeting the family next. Michelle’s family says it will be hard not to compare the two, but we know that they will try to be open-minded. The family notices that the vibe is different and that Nayte is not as warm. When Nayte is talking to her father, he lets her know that they have not talked about the logistics. Her father lets her know that she has a lot of ambitions but those ambitions involve her staying in Minnesota. Her sister Angela also asks him about whether he would move. He states that moving is not difficult for him, but her sister notes that staying in the place that you move to is different - he seems to falter a little there. Michelle keeps stating that Nayte has said that he wants to be engaged; however, it seems like there are a lot of things that have not been mentioned. Michelle’s mom calls it and says that he may think that he is ready, but she doesn’t feel that he really is. She lets him know that although he is talking a lot, she doesn’t feel the words that he is saying.
It seems like no one believes that Nayte is ready to get engaged (his family during hometowns) as well as Michelle’s family. The fact that Michelle feels she needs to “reassess” is surprising - because everyone else sees that Nayte isn’t the best fit in terms of longterm goals. Her own mother said that she can see why there may have been interest to Nayte because he’s surprising, but Brandon seems to be a more seamless choice for so many reasons.
Now that meeting the families has taken place, Michelle can now enjoy dates with each guy to get to know more about what she is looking for and wants. Her and Brandon hop on the ski-do’s. Their solo date is also an easy affair with Brandon giving her his sweatshirt that she got food on from their food fight. Michelle shared that she is in love with Brandon which is nice for him to hear - it’s going to be interesting to see the decision by the end of this.
We continue on with Michelle to her date with Nayte. Their date is a ritual that will allow both of them to open up and to share what they want. Even the shaman noted that Nayte was not really opening up. At one point Michelle even says that she sees some red flags with Nayte as well. Everyone is saying the same thing and we can only hope that she sees the interactions as they are and not where she hopes it will be. They spend more time together and she feels that Nayte is her person and she has more clarity. She comes back from her date with him and finds a note from Brandon as he professes his love to her.
It is now the day of the decision. Regardless of what happens, we know that the After the Rose portion of tonight will let us know what’s really going on. But for now, we’re with Neil Lane as he talks with Nayte and helps him pick a ring. He asks if he has been in love before (which seems to be what everyone asks him). Brandon also sits with Neil separately and looks at the options and selects a ring. Michelle feels the weight of her decision as she knows this will be a tough decision and that she will have to put herself first (which she has never done). Ultimately, she knows that there will be 1 person that she will be devestated to live her life without. It seems like both Brandon and Nayte feel that they will ask for her hand.
It’s that time, Brandon arrives and chats with Kaitlyn and Bristowe and then he makes his way to her. She gives him a hug although it feels like she is already thinking about the fact that she is going to let him go. Brandon begins to profess his love for her and why he feels the way he does. Michelle lets him know that Brandon is amazing, but she is not able to choose him. Brandon lets her know that he will always be there for her.
Up next is Nayte. Will he propose - as we know that she will accept. Once again Michelle is on her mark and Nayte talks about their relationship. He lets her know that he sees her and is ready to be with her and that she feels that she is chosen first. The waves continue to be very loud, but at least we can hear them better then moments ago. Michelle lets him know what she feels and the fears that she has had. She lets him know that the ride hasn’t been smooth, but she wants to walk through life with him. She feels that she has never felt a love like this before and that she loves him and doesn’t want to think about waking up next to anyone else but with him and doing life with him. She wants to be with her soulmate and she feels that that is him. Nayte says that he loves her and that he doesn’t want to let go and he asks her to marry him. Nayte and Michelle are officially engaged.
After the Rose Ceremony kicks off and Kaitlyn chats with Brandon. He talks about his support system and how he is thankful for family friends and people from the show. Brandon felt that he was certain that it would be him and that he was her person. Ultimately, he is happy that she found it, but in the moment, it was sad that it was not him. He was devastated especially because he clicked with her family. He shares that he is thankful that everything worked out the way it was because he always stated that he cared about her happiness over his own. Brandon shared how he connected with his family after the event and how thankful he was. Kaitlyn shared that she took a photo of him after his scene with Michelle. It looked so sad to see him sitting there along as the sun went down. Brandon called the shot, “beauty in the struggle.” He knows that God will make sure that everything will be ok. He says that he will always love Michelle and he knows that it’s not respectful to love her in that way as she is with Nayte right now.
Michelle and Brandon sit down and talk. He lets her know that he wants to hear what happened and where she is at as opposed to asking all of these questions. Michelle talks about how she battled in the process and she shared her feelings with him even knowing that ultimately she may also have to break his heart. You can tell that Brandon is still hurt from what happened and he lets her know. He thanks her for letting him be vulnerable as he likes to be reserved. He tells her that it was hard watching himself because he was in love with her and her family. He felt that in some ways, his love was overlooked - but he knows that he only knew his portion and not the full story. He knew that she was going to break his heart and he saw that in her eyes, when he stood with her on the last day, that that wasn’t going to be them in the end. He lets her know that he misses her parents a lot. He tells her that he is a little confused about how it all played out. He sees that she had to push Nayte to get to a point where he already was.
Finally, we see Michelle and Nayte together and thankfully, it seems like their families are connected which is nice to see and we also see the upcoming season of Clayton which starts on Jan 3rd.
Each night during this season, we have tweet about The Bachelorette and we chatted along with you (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) each episode!
Each week we let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
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THE BACHELORETTE S18. E9. | FANTASY SUITES IN MEXICO
Tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette kicks off in Mexico as we’re down to the last 3 men: Brandon, Nayte and Joe. Michelle Young walks the beach talking through the men and what’s she’s thinking with Kaitlyn Bristowe. Tayshia Adams visits the men and lets them know that each one will have an intimate one-on-one date with her and lets them know that there is an option for her to give them a Fantasy Suite card. Tayshia reminds them that this is when they need to let go and talk with her. She explains that this night was impactful for her and her decisions. Up first is Brandon. He looks as excited as we know that he would be. He’s excited that she wants to see him first. The guys also note that this is the first time that they feel that they’re not friends, they are competitors and how it’s so weird because of the positive vibes that they have had leading up to this moment. Joe sums it up by saying, “we went from bro’s to foes.”
On Michelle’s date with Brandon, they ride horses in the forest and on the beach. Once again, it seems like they have a good vibe with one another. As they continue to the evening portion of the date, we know that Michelle is going to ask more questions so that she can get to know more about Brandon. Brandon lets her know that he is in love with her and he will always put her first. She reiterates that she is falling in love with him and that she still feels that way - just like she did after meeting his family. We know that he has never wavered in his feelings with her. She gives him the Fantasy Suite card and he reads the note that Kaitlyn and Tayshia wrote and he says that he wants to stay with her, to hold her and to wake up with her. While they’re in their private hot tub, fireworks begin in the background. We see Nayte and Joe looking outside realizing that the date is still going on and that she is dating all of them and figuring out the relationships.
Brandon comes back from the date and says that it’s awkward to come back realizing he was with her and that they will be with her as well. He tells them that they had a great date, but didn’t go into details - which is respectful. We know that Joe is next up for his date. Ziplining for their intimate date is definitely adventurous. Michelle goes first and seems to be loving it. She picked this date to loosen him up as he is a bit more reserved then her. He actually liked letting loose and screaming! You can tell that both of them are having a great time and seeing how they really mesh with each other. Joe recognizes that he needs to bring all he has to the forefront so that Michelle can really get to know him.
As her date with Joe continues, she lets him know that she didn’t think that he would scream and would just silently zipline! We’re not going to lie, we thought the same thing. They talk about how many kids that they want to have and how they want to be inspirations to other people. She lets him know that she always feels connected to him, but on this date, she felt it even more. She gives him the Fantasy Suite card to read. Michelle says that with how well her date with Joe went, everything is changed now!
We see Brandon and Nayte talk as they talk about whether it’s best to have had the first date or the 3rd and the final date. Both are reconciling that this is the process. The fact that they are still respectful with one another is really amazing.
Joe comes back from his date after spending time in the Fantasy Suites and he’s happy and announces that he was there. Both guys are reminded again that they are not the only ones dating her. Nayte’s date is on a boat as they cruise off the coast of Mexico. Nayte lets her know that he is crazy about her and she tells him the same.
As they get to the next phase of their date, Michelle wants to see more of where Nayte’s head is at. Nayte lets her know that he has feelings for her. Michelle wants to know where his head is at because she explains that this process ends in an engagement - which is what she’s looking for. Nayte then says he is falling in love with her, however, we can’t help thinking about the fact that his parents didn’t think that he was ready, they had never heard him being excited about any girl nor had they met one. So this is something that she be considered. Back on their date, he also gets the Fantasy Suites room as well with her. Without a doubt, they have chemistry, but is it the kind that paves the way for a longterm relationship?
Michelle lets Nayte know that she is in love with him. We know that she has a lot of feelings for him because she has constantly said that he is her soulmate. All the dates have completed and each guy had a special experience and as Nayte called it, “we vibed up.”
At this point, it’s all about the rose ceremony to see where they all stand. Michelle states that she is in love with all of them. At the ceremony, she lets them know that she values them and that they have changed her life. She lets them know that her stomach is in knots. Before she gives out the roses, Brandon asks to speak to her briefly and lets her know that he will always be there for her, whether he’s there or not.
Michelle gives the first rose to Nayte and the last one to Brandon. She sends Joe home!
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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THE BACHELORETTE S18. E8. | MEN TELL ALL
Tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette is the Men Tell All. Tonight’s episode will be hosted by Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe. As always, this episode ties up various loose ends and airs grievances that have taken place over the season. The episode kicks off with some seriously cringey moments calling out Chris, Martin, Jamie, Peter and Ryan - reminds us all why they are were kicked off. They delve into each of the men’s inappropriate behaviors on the show. Jamie was not on the set with the men, but was brought on individually as he was a lightening rod for everyone else.
We even see guys who had an issue with one another talk about what took place over the season. Olu asks Chris to tell him to his face that he was uneducated, Will and Peter continue to argue with one another and the pizza entrepreneur “serves” him with paperwork - it’s not clear if this man was in fact actually serving him a defamation suit. Jamie continues the confusion game by going in circles about the rumor and never saying that he did it and that he was sorry.
Coming back from the break, we got to hear about Rick’s journey and it was nice to see how their relationship progressed until it didn’t. They gifted him his very own cake head on a platter - which he took a bite out of it. In between watching Rick and then talking to Rodney, Kaitlyn asked about Tayshia’s relationship. We know that she is no longer with Zac. Although she didn’t go into details, she did say that they are no longer engaged and that she doesn’t know what the future holds. She’s visibly shaken and as they bring Rodney on to talk with him, she gets up and leaves the segment. We see his relationship and his Hometowns. Kaitlyn let us know that he will be going to Bachelor in Paradise as she alludes to him being able to find his person on the beaches of Mexico.
They shared some bloopers and a sneak peek of The Bachelor with Clayton. We can’t wait to see this on Jan 3rd, next month and it looks like there are a lot of twists and turns. This season will be hosted by Jessie Palmer.
When we get back from break, Michelle Young is on the stage. Rodney is shouted out by her first as she says that she liked his genuine nature. She also sends love to Rick as well and likes that he was always all in for everything that process entailed. Jamie tells her how much he liked her and felt that she was authentic, Michelle asks him why did he not do the things that he claims he respected her for. She lets him know that he didn’t act like a coach and she didn’t appreciate the way he dealt with the people in the house. The guys get the chance to compliment as well as to ask her things that have been on their minds. Michelle admits that she sent Olu home to early! Peter and Will bury the hatchet after giving everyone a slice of the pizza.
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
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THE BACHELORETTE S18. E7. | IT'S HOMETOWNS!
Tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette continues in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michelle Young’s for the week that we all look forward to, Hometowns! Tayshia Adams and Michelle talk about what it will be like and the kinds of things that she should ask and look for. Kaitlyn Bristowe lets the guys know that their families are there and it’s time to get ready for everyone to meet.
Brandon is up first. He takes her to his hometown in “Portland” and they’re skateboarding! Although we were expecting some insane tricks, we can see that he’s trying to get the rust off. We also see Michelle get on the board too - shakily. But, it’s a cute date and we can see their connection. She meets his mom, dad and brother. Noah’s brother is the kind of brother that you would want to have. He’s honest and digs in asking Michelle about why she likes him. Seeing Michelle connecting with Brandon’s dad was sweet to see. She won her family over as his mom felt that they were so similar and his dad stated outright that he liked Michelle! Michelle lets him know that she also has strong feelings that she is falling for him as well.
Rodney is up next! Even she says that she didn’t expect that the man dressed like an apple would be here! Their date includes going to the place where an apple known as the First Kiss, only grows in her home state! Their apple date including picking them, throwing them into buckets and just having an easy time with one another. When she meets his family, they are nice to her, but they are hesitant as it’s a tough situation to be in.
Michelle brought Joe to her high school in an earlier episode. On this episode, Michelle is taken to his high school where he can show her his experience through his eyes. The date continues on to Prom! He didn’t go to his and he knows that she was picked last at hers. So it was nice to see them do all the Prom things and to make that memory. Seeing Joe’s family, we see that he gets his quiet nature from his dad, but it’s clear that his family likes her and they draw her in.
The final date for Hometowns is with Nayte. He shows her his love for walking in the park when he is in Austin - so that’s part of her date. But, he lets her know that 3-4 days a week, he likes to kayak. It’s a competitive and fun part of the date. He reminds us that he got the first impression date and he’s still here and they will continue to build on their chemistry.
It’s interesting that Michelle will be the first woman that Nayte has ever brought home to his family! That would make any woman nervous about what that experience will look like. Nayte seems excited, but he doesn’t really know what that means. Michelle feels that it’s a bit of red flag that no one has evermet his parents. She is meeting his mom and step father - who they recently divorced and both are skeptical as this is new territory for everyone. Even his step father says that he will call things out if he does or doesn’t see a fit. Even Nayte talks about how he and his parents never talked about feelings and relationships. His step father was very clear in saying that he doesn’t know the difference between being in love, being married and being engaged and that he questions whether he is ready to take those steps because it is so new. We see Nayte and his step dad connect and say that they love one another for the first time!
As Michelle debates what she should do, Serena and Brie who were on Matt James’ season with her pop by.
The men are at the rose ceremony. Michelle gives roses to Brandon, Nayte and Joe. Rodney is not given a rose and it’s heartbreaking to see him standing there without one. She wants him to know that he is enough and not an underdog, even though she sent him home because her feelings weren’t there in the same way that they were with others. He lets her know that he is still in love with her. The next dew days are going to be interesting. Next week, the Men’s Tell all takes place for The Bachelorette, Clayton will be the next The Bachelor and his season starts in Jan.
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
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PHOTO CREDITS | ABC The Bachelorette
THE BACHELORETTE S18. E6. | MICHELLE CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR LOVE
Tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette continues in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michelle Young’s hometown. The remaining men talk amongst themselves as there are 8 left and whoever received a rose will be going to Hometowns!
We also see Michelle’s students. 4 of them will get to meet the prospective men. They share insights that they have on her as they see her through the lens of Ms. Young. Michelle feels that a child’s opinion says a lot.
The kids let the men know that they are taking over the week and planning all of the dates. They kick off with questions asking if they have been grounded, whether they have bad breath and if they can do handstands - essential skills. We have to admit that the kids feedback is pretty spot on. They like Olu and see that he’s sweet, but they feel Martin just shows off and they don’t think that he is a good fit. Clayton suggests that they should build a fort and he is hoping that by doing it, he may be able to get a 1-on-1 date.
The date card arrives and the 1-on-1 date goes to Clayton. Michelle’s students are in charge of who is on the group and 1-on-1 dates and they are also planning all the activities. They start off with a limo and they have pizza and candy waiting for them in the car. It’s pretty cute - but then again, they’re in 5th grade so we can imagine that that would be a great idea to them. They make their way to the museum and Michelle knows that she has been there with her students before. A night date at a museum is a pretty cool idea. They run through the museum with their socks on, they catch butterflies with scrolls to get to know more about one another and they go to the planetarium where the students put an audio-visual presentation together which includes facts on the solar system while encouraging the two to be together.
The next date card arrives Rick, Rodney, Nayte, Joe, Martin and Olu are on a group date. That means that Brandon will have a 1-on-1 date. Back on Clayton’s date, they’re not sitting down to dinner and it’s time for them to get to know more about one another. Although they have a great conversation, it seems like Michelle is a bit unsure although she feels that she’s getting to know him more. She lets him know that he checks the box on all of the qualities that she is looking for. But, she feels that something is holding her back and that she can’t give him the rose and take that step to get to know his family. She doesn’t give him a rose. She does tell him that he is enough and that although she feels connected to him, it’s not the right connection for a relationship and he feelings won’t be able to get there. She knows that he is not her person and that there will be an amazing person for him. Clayton meets 2 of the kids and each of them give him a note. Both notes are sweet and they have positive things to say to him as well as saying that they wish he had been a fit for Michelle. Could this mean that he will be The Bachelor?
The kids plan a farm date for the group date. The guys milk cows (Rick is a natural and Rodney looks overwhelmed). Joe and Nayte turn milking a cow into a compeition. They also hang out with the baby cows and feed them. Churning butter is another activity on this date - Joe is an excellent butter churner apparently. Cleaning up the poop from the cows is yet another activity. They also have a nighttime hayride to end the last group date. To end this portion of the evening, everyone gets dressed up and has the afterparty from the group date. Michelle encourages them to have the conversations that need to be said.
Nayte decides that he wants to talk about family. He lets her know that he has never brought a girl home to his family because his dad didn’t want to meet anyone - we’re assuming that he only wants to see the one. Nayte lets her know that he is strongly falling for Michelle and that he has never felt that way before. She tells him that she feels very stronlgy about him as well. She says that she is tumbling down a hill so fast for him.
Michelle compliments Joe on his nurturing behaviour and he tells her that his grandparents ran a dairy farm - thus why he was so good at all of the chores and at home doing them!
Rick wants to make sure that he has left everything on the table and lets her know that if she has questions, she lets him know.
Rodney makes his pitch about why he wants her to see his Hometown and to know why he is the way that he is.
Once again, Martin is talking smack about Michelle and saying that they had a miscommunication because she didn’t get where he was coming from. Olu hears this and you can tell that he’s not having it. When Martin chats with Michelle, he says he wants her to see his friends and family so that she can know more about him. He continues to say that she misunderstands him and they have miscommunications.
Olu comes in hot and tells her about Martin and the red flags that he sees. He references that Michelle’s story and what she went through is perceived by Martin as her not dealing with her issues and being immature. Michelle feels that Olu is trustworthy and she can’t believe that Martin would weigh in on how she felt unseen.
She sees the guys and before giving the group date rose, she asks him to come chat with her. She lets him know that he is two-faced and that his thoughts on her poem, opening up and being vulnerable is immature to him that she hasn’t resolved that. Martin says he didn’t say it, but would like to tell her what he actually did say. He says that there is a difference between being insecure and having insecurities. He talks over her and cuts her off - which we know is a pet peeve of hers. She tells him that he hasn’t been honest and that he doesn’t listen to why she has been hurt. She feels that he is not to be trusted and that she is walking him out. She is hurt by the fact that she has opened up and been vulnerable with him and he has taken that information as a character flaw. He’s not mad that he’s going home, he doesn’t like the way that she handled it and he feels sorry for her and feels she doesn’t deserve his time. Nayte receives the group date rose. Hearing Olu’s take that he was happy to share the information and that he wasn’t upset that he didn’t get the rose.
Brandon is on his 1-on-1 date with Michelle. He’s excited that they’re getting ice cream. It’s one of Michelle’s favorite spots and it’s only open during the summers. They’re having a great date and she takes him to the place where she has the most memories - her home! Brandon is so excited and nervous. But there’s no need because her parents aren’t home, but he can see her childhood home. I think that that’s a special moment for him and one that he cherishes as well. They take a dip in the pool and she gives him her dad’s trunks. Although she didn’t think they were coming, her parents arrive! After the initial awkwardness, they put their clothes back on and they chat together. They have a nice interaction and Brandon has time alone with her parents and asks that should it get to that point as he loves her, that he would want to marry her and wanted their blessing. They said yes before they continue onto their date. They talk and he gives her a bracelet that his mom made for him. His mom said that if she felt that Michelle was the one, that he should give it to her so that they know to give her the same love that they have for him. He received the rose and is going to Hometowns.
Now the remaining 4 Rodney, Rick, Olu and Joe need to optimize their time for the cocktail party. Olu is the only person who has yet to receive a 1-on-1 date. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams let them know that the cocktail party has been cancelled as she knows what she wants and they will go straight to the rose ceremony. Only 2 roses will be given out tonight. This last group of guys that appeared at the rose ceremony as well as Clayton were a great group of guys and it’s sad to see that Rick and Olu didn’t make it; however, we can see how those with roses are a great fit for her.
Michelle gives a rose to Nayte, Brandon, Joe and Rodney
Michelle sends home Clayton, Martin, Olu and Rick.
Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
THEY’RE GOING TO HOMETOWNS
SEASON 18 | EPISODE 6
Last week, we felt that Joe, Martin, Nayte and Olu would go to hometowns.
This week, we weren’t surprised that Martin was sent home and we were sad to see that Clayton, Rick and Olu were eliminated. Joe and Nayte have always been in our mix for those would be at Hometowns. But we have also liked Brandon and Rodney so it’s nice to see that they will get to have their families meet with Michelle.
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
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