Music Friday: Royals

TGIF!  I feel like this week went by way too fast.  Don't worry though I have the perfect song to end your week with.  Today's share is Royals by Lorde.  I can't stop playing this song!  We all dream of being rich and famous at some point in our life.  This song says that's OK and I love that.  Enjoy!

xo,
Jerica

DWTS Season 17: First Elimination!

It's week 2!  Tonight will be this season's first elimination also.  Since there is no result show this year things will be different.  Tonight all the couples will dance but at the end of the show someone will go based on last weeks votes and scores.  The show started with a big group dance.  I love how they involve the celebrities this year.

Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Valentin Chmerkovskiy:

She has decided to become a different character for each dance.  This week she danced the Samba.  The judges all love her.  I just find her boring.  I thought she did a good job but I didn't love it.  She has also been a trained dancer before so I think it's unfair.  Her score was 25 out of 30.

Christina Milian and Mark Ballas:

She wants to stand out and be more fierce.  This week she danced the Paso Doble.  I actually loved this dance.  It had a more modern twist which I really enjoyed.  She has become much more confident this week which is important for this dance.  Her score was 25 out of 30.

Bill Engvall and Emma Slater:

He didn't feel like the judges comments reflected their scores last week so he wanted to prove them wrong.  This week he danced the Jive.  He impresses me every time.  He really isn't that bad of a dancer.  He needs to work on his footwork though.  His score was 21 out of 30.

Jack Osbourne and Cheryl Burke:

He had a hard time showing different emotions.  This week he danced the Rumba.  He is just so cute!  I thought this dance was really good.  He showed emotion and he even did the splits which I found impressive.  He still needs a little work though.  His score was 24 out of 30.

Keyshawn Johnson and Sharna Burgess:

He has to travel a lot for work so he's worried about it affecting his performance.  This week he danced the Samba.  He is not good at all.  He needs to be lighter on his feet.  He is also always off beat with the music.  At least he's having fun.  His score was 18 out of 30.

Snooki and Sasha Farber:

She had a hard time being sensual with her partner in rehearsals.  This week she danced the Rumba.  It wasn't the best.  It needed to flow more.  It was to clean and stiff.  I still enjoy her though and I know she'll get better.  Her score was 20 out of 30.

Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani:

She recently left the Scientology church so she is trying to deal with her emotions.  This week she danced the Samba.  I really liked her.  She came out so confident and passion.  She still needs to improve some but I like her a lot.  Her score was 24 out of 30.

Bill Nye and Tyne Stecklein:

He was at the bottom and ready to make a comeback.  This week he danced the Paso Doble.  It was definitely an improvement from last week.  He is always very entertaining though.  He needs to work on his foot work a lot more if he makes it.  His score was 17 out of 30.

Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff:

He wanted to honor all his High School Musical fans.  This week he danced the Jive.  I LOVED IT!  I am a huge HSM fan and it did take me back.  It was so fun and just exciting!  It had a raw edge to it also.  Plus they danced to One Direction who I also love.  His score was 26 out of 30.

Valerie Harper and Tristan MacManus:

She doesn't want to be treated different just because she has cancer.  This week she danced the Paso Doble.  I didn't like it.  It lacked the passion and intensity that this dance needs.  She looked a little lost half way through.  She is inspiring though.  Her score was 19 out of 30.

Brant Daugherty and Peta Murgatroyd:

He really wants to keep improving.  This week he danced the Rumba.  It was the best Rumba of the night for sure.  It was very sexy!  I wanted more!  They just have excellent chemistry together.  He needs to work on his feet still but he's good.  His score was 23 out of 30.

Amber Riley and Derek Hough:

She doesn't want people to say she's a good dancer for her size, she wants them to say she's a good dancer.  This week she danced the Jive.  I really liked it.  It wasn't the best but I thought she did great.  It needed more bounce and better kicks.  Her score was 24 out of 30.

Next up was the elimination.  Corbin, Leah, Bill N., Christina, Amber, Valerie, Snooki, Jack, Brant, Elizabeth, and Bill E. are safe.  Keyshawn has been eliminated.  I honestly wasn't too surprised.

xo,

Jerica

Music Friday: Melodies

I'm back!  I took some time off but now I'm back.  This week I've been obsessed with a new song that I've recently discovered.  It is Melodies by Madison Beer.  She is a new artist that is signed with Justin Bieber.  This song is so catchy!  I play it pretty much daily.  Let me know your thoughts!

xo,
Jerica

DWTS Season 17: First Dances

It's back!  It's time for another season of Dancing With The Stars!  I'll be blogging it all for you guys.  Let me know if you want me to blog any other shows.  There are a few changes this season.  The biggest is that there is no result show.  At the end of every show somebody will go home based on the previous weeks scores and votes.  I think this concept will be better for the show.  There are also some new pro dancers which is always exciting.  I'm so excited about this cast!  Tell me your favorites in the comments.  The show started with a huge dance number featuring all the cast even the judges.  I loved it!

Brant Daugherty and Peta Murgatroyd:

He is an actor from Pretty Little Liars.  This week he danced the Cha Cha.  He is actually really good!  I love him so I'm glad he didn't suck.  I think he'll go a long way.  He made little mistakes but did very good.  His score was 22 out of 30.

Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani:

She is an actress from King Of Queens.  This week she danced the Foxtrot.  I was very impressed!  She was kind of stiff but I think it was mostly nerves.  She kept up though and seemed happy to be there.  Her score was 21 out of 30.

Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff:

He is an actor from High School Musical.  This week danced Contemporary.  Of course I high expectations and he definitely met them.  It was just amazing!  I'm interested to see him do ballroom though.  His score was 24 out of 30.

Jack Osbourne and Cheryl Burke:

He is the son of Jack and Sharon Osbourne.  This week he danced the Foxtrot.  He was adorable!  The danced was very peppy and fun.  I was surprised by him.  He is better than his sister was I think.  His score was 23 out of 30.

Amber Riley and Derek Hough:

She is an actress from Glee.  This week she danced the Cha Cha.  She killed this danced!  I think being on Glee has made her confident which helped a lot.  She owned that stage.  She's one to beat for sure.  Her score was 27 out of 30.

Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Valentin Chmerkovskiy:

She is an actress from Saved By The Bell.  This week she danced Contemporary.  I didn't love her.  It was just to dark and not exciting enough.  The judges loved her though.  Maybe she'll impress me next week.  Her score was 24 out of 30.

Bill Nye and Tyne Stecklein:

He is known as Bill Nye The Science Guy.  This week he danced the Cha Cha.  I feel bad for him.  He tried so hard.  He made me smile though.  He couldn't really keep up but at least he tried.  He will probably go home next week.  His score was 14 out of 30.

Keyshawn Johnson and Sharna Burgess:

He is a former football player.  This week he danced the Cha Cha.  Usually football players are good but he wasn't.  He doesn't flow very well.  He's just very big and needs to work on his foot work.  His score was 17 out of 30.

Christina Milian and Mark Ballas:

She is a singer/actress.  This week she danced Contemporary.  I love her.  This dance was full of emotion.  I love dances that tell a story.  She needs to connect more with the audience but I think she'll go far.   Her score was 22 out of 30.

Bill Engvall and Emma Slater:

He is a comedian.  This week he danced the Foxtrot.  He surprised me a lot.  He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be.  His posture was off sometimes but he did pretty good.  His score was 18 out of 30.

Valerie Harper and Tristan MacManus:

She is an actress.  This week she danced the Foxtrot.  She is so inspiring because she has cancer and isn't giving up.  She did very well.  She was a trained dancer years ago so that helped a lot.  I enjoyed watching her.  Her score was 21 out of 30.

Snooki and Sasha Farber:

She is from MTV's Jersey Shore.  This week she danced the Cha Cha.  She is one of my favorites.  She just had fun out there.  She can dance though.  I can't wait for more!  Her score was 23 out of 30.

xo,

Jerica

4 Easy No Heat Hairstyles In 5 Minutes Or Less

Now that school is back in session, we all want that extra 10 minutes of sleep.  Maybe you are just in a hurry but still want to look cute.  I've come up with 4 easy no heat hairstyles that will take 5 minutes or less.  You can still look stylish and get to sleep in those extra few minutes.  If you try any of these hairstyles then tweet me a picture @jerica_89.  Also tell me what you want to see on this blog.

1.  A Messy/Perfect Bun

A messy bun is always one of my go to options.  It is up to you on how messy you want it to look.  All you do is grab all your hair and twist it a few times.  Then take a ponytail holder and start wrapping it in your hair but instead of pulling your hair all the way through only pull halfway.  If you want a more a more sophisticated bun you can buy a donut bun at your local drugstore for about $5.  All you do then is put your hair in a ponytail then slide the donut on to it.  Tuck your hair around and you have a perfect bun.

2.  Glammed Up Ponytail

Ponytails are probably the most boring hairstyle ever.  You can glam it up though.  All you do is put all your hair in a ponytail.  Take a piece of hair and wrap it around the ponytail to hide it.  You can either tuck it back into the ponytail or bobby pin it to keep it in place.

3.  Fishtail Braid

I've been obsessed with fishtail braids lately.  They can be hard to explain so I'll link the video that I used to learn.  If you want it to look more messy just pull on the sides to loosen the braid.

4.  Natural Beach Waves

Now that fall is here beanies are stylish and warm.  The night before take a shower and put your hair while it's still wet into about 2-4 braids.  In the morning take the braids out and you'll have natural beach waves.  Now just throw your beanie on and you are good to go.  You could even wear a bow or headband for a more dressed up look.




xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: Scarecrow Treats

Hey guys!  Today I have a really good gooey fall treat for you all.  They are called Scarecrow Treats.  I saw this recipe online and knew I had to try it.  It is pretty easy and doesn't take much time.  What I love about this recipe is you can substitute with different candy.  You can customize it however you'd like.  Let me know if you try it!  Leave a comment or tweet me @jerica_89.

Ingredients:

1 box Yellow Cake Box Mix
1 egg
1/2 cup butter softened
3 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups rice krispies cereal
1 1/2 cups peanuts
1 cup candy corn

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix cake mix and butter until well mixed. Add egg and beat until all mixed together.

 
2. Press dough mixture in to the base of a greased 9x13 pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are light brown or until set.

 
3. Add marshmallows to the top and return to oven for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows puff up. Remove from oven.

4. Combine corn syrup and sugars in a pot on medium heat. Stir for a few minutes until mixture comes to a boil.

5. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.

6. Add cereal, peanuts and candy corn. Mix well. Pour over marshmallow mixture.

7. Let cool and cut into bars for serving.

xo,

Jerica

Dancing With The Stars Season 17 Cast!

It's that time again!!  DWTS is back for season 17!  I will be blogging everything for you guys.  I haven't even looked at the list yet.  So let's find out who made it!  Tell me who you like in the comments below!

ELIZABETH BERKLEY LAUREN AND VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY

CORBIN BLEU AND KARINA SMIRNOFF

BRANT DAUGHERTY AND PETA MURGATROYD

BILL ENGVALL AND EMMA SLATER

VALERIE HARPER AND TRISTAN MACMANUS

KEYSHAWN JOHNSON SHARNA BURGESS

CHRISTINA MILIAN AND MARK BALLAS

BILL NYE AND TYNE STECKLEIN

JACK OSBOURNE AND CHERYL BURKE

SNOOKI AND SASHA FARBER

LEAH REMINI AND TONY DOVOLANI

AMBER RILEY AND DEREK HOUGH

I'm actually really excited about this cast!  I'll probably be voting for Corbin and Amber mostly but we'll see what happens.  Tune in on September 16 on ABC and check back here for recaps!

xo,

Jerica