Watching Rachael Ray

Still lovin’ the new haircut, short and sassy, and the outfit is cute too - love the splash of color in the earrings! And hey, if you’re liking some of the things Rachael’s been wearing- you can go to her website and get some details on your favorite looks!

Right off, we see a clip of everyone’s favorite Nanny in action, before SuperNanny Jo Frost joins Rachael at the kitchen table. Jo-Jo promises us a stunning season, this year - she’s worked in some very challenging families. Part of the joy she has in the show is that she gets to explore America and touch people’s lives. The best comment of the day “I will invite everybody to watch my child have a temper tantrum in the supermarket! I will! The difference is, I will show you at the same time how to deal with it!”

The big questions for Jo come this time from the kids of viewers, including one who’s suddenly curious about babies and how they get into the belly because of hearing about Jamie Lynn Spears’ unplanned pregnancy. The little guys parents are at a loss, having been raised in a family where those kinds of questions just aren’t talked about. “How can Jamie Lynn have a baby if she’s on a kids show?” He asks.

Nanny Jo tells them that parents need to decide what they’re comfortable telling and don’t sweat all the little details. Be informal, and do it with a sprinkle of humor - he’s asked one question, answer it but don’t give him the whole book! Don’t put the kids on the hotspot, side to side, and make it easier for the both of you.

It’s hard when as adults we’re trying to get our own head around those subjects, death sex and divorce, and trying to talk to the kids about it too is just as difficult. When one kiddo asks “Are you ever going to die and leave me?” Nanny Jo says that he’s dealing with the now, and seeking stability. You’re here, and you’re not going anywhere today, or tomorrow. Sometimes bad things happen, but reassure the child, and remind them it’s going to be ok. Sit next to them, talk to them, and be natural - break down the barriers with supportive body language.

And when kids ask if fighting automatically means divorce, it doesn’t always - and you can use it as a way to resolve conflicts, to show them that you can fight, and still remain a family.

Next up - it’s Dr. Travis Stork (Why is he not an OBGYN?!), who we first saw on the Bachelor. Now he’s about to host a new show called The Doctors from Dr. Phil’s production company. He’s looking forward to it, for the chance to educate and entertain. Dr. Travis says “it’s like The View, with Doctors.” They have a team of five doctors and they cover pretty much every specialty. Any question, no matter what it is - they’ll have an answer, or fight about it!”

He also has a book out, titled “Don’t be that girl!” It comes from conversations with his female friends, and talks about the things women can do to sabotage their relationships without realizing it. Written from the male perspective, he hopes it will give insights to how they think. Click here to win a copy! They even helped a viewer see some of her mistakes, and how to work through it all.

All of that, and New Brunswick Stew for dinner!

Monday
Supernanny Jo Frost

It’s a show no parent should miss when kids ask Supernanny Jo Frost some tough questions! From divorce and God to sex and Jamie Lynn Spears’ pregnancy, nothing is off limits. Then, hot doctor and bachelor Travis Stork reveals what men want you to know about dating but haven’t told you … until now.

Tuesday
Cojo’s Trends for 2008

Does your sex life need a boost? It’s our raciest “Human Lab” ever when three viewers test out products that claim to get you in the mood! Then, Cojo’s got tips for getting the hottest celebrity looks for less, and find out how the color of your food could affect your health.

Wednesday
Bob Greene’s New Year, New You

Every year we say we’re going to lose weight, and now fitness guru Bob Greene is revealing his 4 tips for making your New Year’s diet work! Then, Jarod the animal guy is back with new creatures, and Rachael’s giving away sets of her new pots and pans!

Thursday
27 Dresses’ James Marsden

Actor James Marsden is tearing up Hollywood with a string of hits … but why is he getting torn up at home? Then, have you ever tried to change your man’s look? Gretta and Colby step in to help three men who’ve been ignoring fashion advice from their women for way too long!

Friday
Audience Incognito

One of TV’s sexiest men is somewhere in our studio … play a round of “Audience Incognito” to see who he is and where he’s hiding! Then, find out why “ugly is the new pretty” as we step into the world of a different kind of modeling agency! Plus, the secret to getting your kids excited about healthy foods.

Ok, first off - HOW CUTE does Rachael look today?! That blue is beautiful, and she’s gotten her hair cut too. VERY nice! It’s the best she’s looked for a while, so I had to mention it.

Lara starts the dish talking about the canceled Golden Globes, and how disappointed they are about it not going on. The question is what happens to the Oscars? The cancelled Globes is a big point for WGA, but everyone is hoping for a quick resolution.

The must have Jeweler right now is Jennifer Fisher and all of the stars are wearing them. Everything is handstamped, and you order it online. $120 - $2000 a pop!

From the pricey to the free - VitalJuiceDaily.com sends realistic little nuggets of health straight to your inbox that help you live a little smarter.

MonaVie - it’s the healthiest drink you can get, it has more anti-oxidents then anything known to man. $45 a dollar, a smallish glass gives you 3 servings of fruits and veges, fights heart disease, and strengthens the brain. Their faces as they drink it is funny - as Lara says “Sometimes the good for you, isn’t much fun!” Rachael says it tastes like pickled fruit.

Eat This Not That - a book that gives you the better alternatives in fast food! It tells you the best and worst items on the menu of all of the favorite fast foods. It even tells you which candies are better to steal from your kids on Halloween!

Squid Soap - it places a little dot on the hand, and you’re done washing when it disappears! Teaches kids (and Rachael!) great hygiene.

And last but not least - TOMS Shoes - for every pair bought, he donates a pair to a child in need. Simple, really.

Then Hulk Hogan joins Rachael on stage, and it’s a double dose of fangirlishness as Rachael gets Giddy about how big he is and his flexing chest muscles and Hulk says “YOUR cute - I’ll take a six pack of you!” Oy. It was amusing. She even asks how big his arms are and the hulk lets her measure them! Too funny. 20 inch biceps - daaaaaaayum. They talk about the show, American Gladiators, and how it is to work with Laila Ali. She’s beautiful, smart, and Hulk says she’s the professional rock, and that lets him go crazy and be stupid. He admits to being nervous about doing the interviews.

He talks about doing the reality show, and how women see him differently now, as a dad and a family man. It got hard to do the show, because you’re always on. He adds then, about the gladiators: when they got there, he was worried because the men were so big - but it was the WOMEN that were brutal, and they had to talk to them and get them to tone it down because they were hitting way too hard!

He admits to trying the Joust “with a friend, when no one was looking” and Hang Tough, where he barely made it across. His worst injury over the years? Trying to throw Andre The Giant he tore several muscles trying to throw down the 700lb man. He kept working though -because back in the day, they just kept going!

Next, with everyone in the new year talking about weight loss and turning back the clock - it’s time for Yoga for the Face. Not a new concept, but definitely one that works the muscles in your face and gives you a face-lift with no chemicals or procedures! Annelise even demonstrates the new EVOO exercise on the show. Click here and get some more tips for the forehead and eyes, and here to enter to win a copy of the book, The Yoga Face.

All of that, and Hungarian Sliced Steak with Brown Butter Gnocchi for dinner! Yum-o!

It’s Fast, Faster, Fastest today - this time with chicken and dumplings. She starts off with the fastest - express lane goodness. Sliced mushrooms, biscuits, rotisery chicken, and a little time and you end up with delish little mug-fulls of Chicken and Dumplings that look SO CUTE. I know, because my sister made it Thursday night? I can say without a doubt - Yum-o!

It’s time for Audience Incognito - with an awesome prize and everything. Funjet Vacations to Mexico! After the rules (no hitting, no spitting, play nice!) - Rachael gives the clues. A singer, a dancer and an actress, on an emmy winning show, worked with Al Gore, Alec Baldwin, and there she is - Jane Krakowski is dolled up in a dark wig, glasses and dowdy sweater, right in the middle of the audience.

Jane of course supports the writers strike, but is sad that they can’t film right now. She thinks the fight is worthy. She talks about working with Al Gore, and how everyone reacted to having him on site by dressing up and nervous stutters, as well as trying out with “I’ve got a Moo Cow” for Gypsy. Click here and get Jane’s inside scoop on the cast of 30 Rock in a backstage chat!

And it’s time for the Human Lab again! Yay! This time it’s about clothing that promises to change your body - sneakers that promise to tone your muscles, pants that moisturize and a shirt that reduces sunspots and wrinkles.

Joy got the shoes to attack her jiggly bum, Christine tries the seaweed pants that claim to hydrate your skin, and Doreen tries the shirt, which is supposed to get rid of sunspots and saggy skin with copper in it. They checked in every couple of weeks then the gals join them in the audience after 4 week testing period. The Masi Barefoot Technology Sports Sneakers are uber comfortable (and give you a height advantage!) and Joy says they definitely helped - either because of the shoes, or because she wore them and did more walking. She lost 4 and 3/4 inches of her hips and thighs. Christine said she wasn’t sure in the beginning, but the seaweed pants work great - her legs feel great and they’ve never been softer! Doreen said she loves the shirt, and where the arms fit tight, the sunspots are reduced!

Dr. Holly Phillips said they’re right, the items definitely can work. The copper is good for the skin, and a natural mineral. The seaweed pants didn’t really tone, but definitely helped with the moisture issues she was having. The shoes are rounded on the bottom, so you’re forced to constantly balance, and pay attention to your posture, and strengthen and tone your muscles. It’s the most successful lab yet - 3 for 3!

Then it’s back to the kitchen for the fast and faster versions of her fast, faster and fastest chicken and dumplings! Fast Chicken and Dumplings, Faster Chicken Gnocchi Stew, and Fastest Chicken and Biscuits.

We head straight to the kitchen again today - go figure - where Rachael shows us not one, but two bottom of the jar recipes for dressing up plain ole pork chops or chicken using Orange Marmalade: Orange-Burbon Glaze and Asian Style Glaze. [Tip for storing Ginger Root: keep it in the freezer - it lasts a lot longer!]

Then, Masi Oka pops in (Oh so cheesy! Ha!) and joins Rachael at the kitchen table where she acts more like a fan-girl then I’ve ever seen her before. It’s kinda cute, actually, except she interrupts more then usual. (chuckles). Whenever a cast member from Heroes shows up, Rachael asks what super power they would have in real life if they could - Masi’s is the best yet! “I wish I had super metabolism so that I could eat anything I want!”

Masi is also in the upcoming Get Smart with Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell. He says he felt he’d finally arrived, when he was able to make them laugh as they are his comedic heroes. And his hidden talent? He beatboxes - and he’s not bad! For an extra, click here and find out Masi’s favorite CGI Movies, and how his special effects background helps him on the other side of the camera!

Next is a story that seems too good to be true - weightloss without exercise or surgery. Skin Care expert Janet Harris is on hand to help viewer Karen get rid of her little tiny post baby muffin top. An aerobics instructor, Karen has tried everything to get rid of those last baby pounds, and is willing to try anything. Enter the Vela Shape Machine - it claims to reduce cellulite and help shed stubborn fat with suction, infrared light and radio frequency.

Oooooooookay.

They unveil the results on the show - where Karen (who could be a Jenny McCarthy look alike!) lifts her flowy shirt to show off her new shape. In 4 weeks, with one treatment a week, at $500 a pop, (PLUS the homework of creams and green tea detoxification) she lost 8 pounds and 2 inches from her waist. Interesting - but I’m still a skeptic. Of course, I’ve got more then a tiny 2 inch muffin top to lose, so whatever. (LOL). You can, however, enter here for a chance to win Janet’s skin care products.

All of that AND Roast Citrus Chicken with Lemon-Thyme Gravy, Smashed Potatoes and Grean Beans for dinner!

I know, that’s an awful title, but I couldn’t resist! I also didn’t try very hard TO resist. (grin)

It’s straight to the kitchen again today, where Rachael has her hands all mucked up from a breading station, which she describes as a dirty job with a tasty reward - though there are some without rewards at all. That’s right - it’s time for a clip of Mike Rowe on Dirty Jobs (a family favorite around here!). From recycling left over food in Vegas to feed the pigs, to making cheese - Mike Rowe has done it all.

Rowe joined Rachael at the head of the table, for a little chat. He admits that he can’t blame Dirty Jobs on anyone but himself. He was looking for a way to pay tribute to the men in his family who always had dirty jobs and made fun of him for being in entertainment. It was intended to be a 1-hour special, evolved into a series, and now he just can’t stop. The muck just keeps pulling him back in!

He finds it gratifying though, because it’s a simple show with big things - it’s helping people appreciate the little people that do these jobs day in and day out. In NYC recently, a garbage man actually stopped him to say thanks for the boost in his romance life, as since the show on garbage men he’s been getting some far more often!

As for the too hot for daytime shot? Naked Chef - cooking a meal wearing only an apron from back in the day when the show was smaller, and just getting started. A lady would come to his house and teach him to cook a meal while wearing only an apron. Well then! Mike says he’s game for anything legal, he won’t balk at anything even crime scene cleanup or a body farm tech. As long as the show is fun - that’s all that matters.

Of course, they went from all of that to snack of the day - nice!

Next we get into the story of Hallie, who had gastric bypass surgery, and along with losing 200 pounds, she lost all her friends. Life Coach Harriette Cole is back once more to help Hallie confront the truth of what really happened. During a session, she admits that she sent out constant updates as she lost weight, and others started to grow resentful of the constant bombardment. Harriette shows her a video from her mom, where she watched her mom admit that it was difficult, and sometimes painful because Hallie could be hurtful with her comments and her attitude. In the end, she admits that “if she talked to her friends the way she talked to her family, her friends would decide not to talk to her either.”

The revelation shocked Hallie, who didn’t consider it that way, just wanted everyone to be happy for her, and didn’t realize she was bragging and coming off as better then the others and she wished to apologize to her mom for hurting her. Rachael surprised her by having Mom join them on set for a tearful reunion to get the dialog started.

After commercial break, it’s into the kitchen for What’s For Dinner - Tango Joes**, a new twist on Sloppy Joes. Then, as the show comes to a close, Hallie’s boyfriend Shannon had a surprise of his own - he proposes right there on set, where a shocked and tearful Hallie said yes.

~~

** For the record - my sister made the Tango Joes for dinner, and declared it FANTASTIC, an instant hit with her whole family. She said they were super good, and in running it through the calorie counter she uses, as written it received a grade of B- nutrition wise. Not bad! But for an even healthier version, try making it with ground turkey or chicken instead of the sirloin, and choose a whole grain bread. Also, try scooping out the middle of your roll, and using just a bit of the crust and softness, giving you all the protein plus the taste of the bread while helping cut the carbs.

Remember folks - Rachael gives you the place to START - you can always adjust!

We jump right off to a giggling start as Rachael shows us some new gadgets - a pickle picker, which has Rachael laughing every time she says it, the odor eliminator for the fridge (you ‘recharge it’ in the oven every couple of months, and reuse) and the Jar Key to help folks open jars by popping the seal. Of course the best way to open a jar is to wait for a handsome man to do it for you - Enter Tim Daly from Private Practice!

He of course makes us jealous by praising the food backstage, before jumping right into dishing about Private Practice - and the Sopranos! Man, I seriously need to get those DVDs so I can see what all the hubbub was about! Now, of course, he is forced to make out with Kate Walsh, with tongue and so she could feel it. RAWR!

He and his wife of 25 years live in Vermont, and he says he’s qualified to do two things - maybe acting, and manual labor, so he loves the outdoors life up there. He gets Rachael blushing as he tells us there’s nothing to write home about with his character and Kate’s anytime soon, because foreplay should last until you run out of ideas…

He even has some tips for the guys - though Private Practice and shows of that ilk are predominately ‘chick shows’, if you put in the hour, it gives the average guy about a 90% better chance at sex later! If a show puts your girl in the mood, can’t you put up with it for an hour? Best Men Tip Ever on the Rachael Ray Show!

The Human Lab is back, and this time they’re testing caffeinated products (which is TOTALLY not fair, as I gave up Diet Coke last week… WAIL!). Three viewers did the testing, a mother of three, a med school student and a PR rep. They tested lotion, toothpaste and lip balm. Andy tried the lotion, which smelled good and went on with a tingle. Tawnvi tried the Kiss My Face Wake Up toothpaste. She said it was like regular toothpaste, and it tingled more then ever, but no instant jolt of energy. Cathy tried the Spazzstick Lip Balm, which sends caffeine directly through the lips as you use it. She said it smelled like coffee, kinda tasted like mint.

The three viewers joined the Doctor Jeanine Downy who says the bottom line is that caffeine isn’t very well absorbed unless your drinking it, unless through a thin skinned area - like the gums. When listening to the verdict, the doctor said that the toothpaste and spazzstick were the two that were the most likely to work. Bottom line - if you think it works, it works.

The viewers said - the lotion never gave her an immediate feeling of energy, but she was still drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day. The Med School Student used the toothpaste and drank her coffee the first morning, and she was bouncing off the wall! She’s cut down her coffee consumption, and even might make an all nighter on decaf. The Lip Balm gave the viewer a definite burst of energy and she says she’ll use it ever day from now on. Dr. D says to make sure you keep hydrated, and for the Spazzstick - it doesn’t have SPF, so be sure to protect your lips!

Next - Buddy Justin was back to take us to the home of America’s Biggest Hamburger. It’s the 100 pound burger, which takes 9 hours to make! He takes us back to Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub, where they sell burgers by the pound - 2, 3, 6, 15, and 100 pounds! It costs $379, and feeds 200 people, and the finished product with all the fixings (160 slices of cheese, 4 pounds of tomatoes, and stacks of pickles) weighs in 131 pounds! Justin adds that no group has ever finished the whole burger - they slice it like a pie, then take the leftovers to the local shelter. Daaaaaaaang!

All of that AND Denver Mile-High Burgers is what’s for dinner!

And we’re back with all new episodes this week! Looks like some good ones too - who doesn’t love Tim Daly (though am I the only one who still sees him in his pilot duds from Wings days? Yes? Never mind then… (grin)). I’ll be back with the daily recap later on tonight.

Did anyone else catch the newest Food Network pimping of their favorite big mouth? Rachael’s Vacation is the newest special series, which follows Rachael, sometimes with hubby Cusimano at her side, as they vacation in Europe. On Saturday they hit France, and Rachael shares some of her tips and favorite places. Looks like fun, though I’ve seen her and John working side by side and they end up coming off kinda goofy. John’s not quite as at home behind the camera. Heh. Anyway - on to the weeks schedule:

Monday
Private Practice’s Tim Daly

It turns out that nothing is too private for Tim Daly, the sexy TV doctor who’s talking about what it’s like to make out with Kate Walsh and offering advice that every guy needs to hear. Then, what weighs 131 pounds and takes 9 hours to cook? You’ve got to see the biggest burger in America! Also, do products that claim to replace your coffee fix really work? Don’t miss the latest human lab experiment.

Tuesday
“I Lost 200 Lbs - and All My Friends”

Meet a woman who lost 200 pounds … and a whole lot more after her gastric bypass surgery. Why did it happen and watch her face the truth for the first time. Then, the man with the dirtiest job in show business, Mike Rowe, is talking about the one job that’s too dirty for daytime!

Wednesday
Heroes’ Masi Oka

Missing your Heroes fix? Masi Oka is coming by and revealing his real-life secret talent! Then, a new technique that claims to get rid of fat forever! And wait until you see how a citrus twist can take Rach’s chicken dinner to a whole new level.

Thursday
“Celebrity Incognito”

What if you could fix your problem area by buying a new pair of shoes? We head into the human lab to test out clothes that claim to actually change your body! Then, who’s the huge star sitting in the audience under disguise? Play along with a new round of “celebrity incognito!” And Rach is making chicken at three speeds: fast, faster and fastest!

Friday
Hulk Hogan

The Hulk is talking about his new show American Gladiators, and Lara is dishing all about the Golden Globes! Plus, it’s a do-it-yourself facelift with facial exercises that can turn back the clock!

…and they feel FINE! No clogged arteries, no heart attacks, no 800 pound weight gain, and a healthy new addition to the family…

I’m talking, of course, about the One Year Project blog, where they spent the past 365 days, one year, literally every day with Rachael Ray.

H and L, a British lass and Denmark bloke transplanted to the US of A due to work, both stayed here, where both their daughters have been born, because they could. Fascinated by the Food Network cult, and Rachael Ray, they decided to make one meal a day, every day, from her cookbook 365: No Repeats, a Year of Deliciously Different Dinners. They went from page one, all the way through the end, start to finish. They didn’t deviate, they didn’t once decide they wanted something else, and they faithfully blogged the entire experiment for us to follow along, through moving, house construction, and oh yeah - giving birth to Baby N! Which certainly makes the fact that they were able to meet Rachael Ray at a book-signing and get her autograph pale in comparison!

They documented every recipe with photos and comments, and let us know what they REALLY thought of each meal, rating them from 1-5 stars. While there were only 21 Five-Star meals, there was a significant amount of Four-Stars (180) and Three-Stars (131) and in the end, only 27 were Two-Star, and a paltry 6 were diagnosed as One-Star. You know, that seems a pretty overwhelmingly successful cookbook to me!

Says H and L:

People often ask us how we found the food, how we would rate Rachael Ray’s recipes. Overall, I would say that we ate very well this year. There were a few humdingers, but generally we ate better than we expected, and undoubtedly better than we normally would have done.

I did have to ask the one important question they didn’t address in the end of the year report - and as soon as I have that answer, I’ll edit and add it here.

And hey! They’re not done! Having enjoyed the experience over all, they’ve decided to move on to Food Network’s Nigella Lawson, and spend 2008 working through her cookbooks. The rules are a bit different, but the idea is the same - Celebrity Foodie, Cookbooks, and Good Eating. Who could ask for anything more?