NEWSRed Carpet Confidential: Desiree Hartsock Reveals How She and Fiance Chris Siegfried Make It Work After The Bachelorette
Jan. 6 2014, Published 7:44 p.m. ET
Just in time for Juan Pablo’s debut as The Bachelor, which begins tonight at 8 pm ET on ABC, the most recent Bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock, and fiancé Chris Siegfried check in Saturday at The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City during their first-ever trip to the city.
What has been the highlight of their trip so far?
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“It’s been hanging out together, and hanging out with friends,” Desiree tells me. “It’s fun to be in another city and get to explore with the people you love.”
Chris adds, “We walked around, and went over to the shops. It’s been great that it’s been sunny. It’s been cold, but at least it’s sunny.”
Now living in Seattle following their 2013 engagement, the couple are going through the growing pains of a new relationship, like figuring out their cooking specialties, for example.
“I’m still learning what I love to cook,” she says. “Right now I do chicken and vegetables with couscous or I love salmon. We eat organic—we try to eat as fresh as possible.”
Chris is patient with her skills.
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“She’s a great cook,” he says, before she chimes in, “I think he’s the better cook.”
One thing is for sure: It’s a joint effort.
“We both cook together, or if he cooks, I’ll clean, and if I cook, he cleans, so it’s a balance,” Desiree explains. “It’s good.
What has been the biggest adjustment to their relationship after the show?
“I think the key was being grounded and knowing who we were, and communicating what we both wanted,” she says. “I think that’s what makes us work. It’s knowing what’s important to you, and not losing sight of what you’re grateful for."
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Chris adds, “Or what you’re looking for.”
Even moving from L.A. to Seattle hasn’t phased Desiree.
“I loved it,” she says. “I love Seattle, and I’ve moved a lot in my lifetime, so adapting to a new city is no big deal for me, especially if I get to be with someone I love. It makes it all that much better.”
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After walking the carpet, Des and Chris head inside the tropical club, where they're loving the always-82-degree heat. They chat with fans, have a few PDA moments, and show off their dance moves while waving glow sticks to the beat of songs like Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” Robin S’ “Show Me Love” and Icona Pop’s “I Love It.”
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“Everybody jump in the pool,” Desiree cracks when she takes the stage. “Just kidding!”
The greatest moment? When Desiree and Chris get down to the beat of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” with costumed animal characters including the plush pig, frog, Dalmatian, chipmunk, lion and beaver, who dance onstage. Ha!
Here’s my pic with Chris and Desiree at The Pool After Dark:
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What do you think of Desiree and Chris? Will you watch The Bachelor tonight? Are you excited to see how Juan Pablo’s luck pans out? Tweet us @OKMagazine.
