Watching Rachael Ray

So, Rachael’s hair is longer again today - either it’s pre-haircut and they mixed them around, or she’s got extensions. Sigh. I LIKE the shorter hair! Dammit. Why don’t people listen to me? (Probably because I am only a fan, but whatever! (L))

We start off in the kitchen today, where Rachael shows off her new toy, used to make Apple Ebelskivers (stuffed apple pancakes). How cute were they? Lovely little nibbly bits, that made my mouth water.

Then it’s time for the raciest Human Lab ever! Three co-workers try out products that are supposed to increase the sex drive! Carolyn says that it’s hard to switch from hectic supermom to being with her husband and is trying the Hubba Hubba Tea. She says that the sex drive hadn’t increased, but she found it let her emotions switch gears and think of what might be ahead and let her set her other worries aside. Now ‘making a cup of tea” is their little code for a good night, indeed!

Jamie lives with her finace and tries out the Bring Back the Passion hypnosis CD (you can even download a free copy!) to try and bring back the spark she remembers from when they first got together. She said the CDs didn’t result in a bigger sex drive and more sex, but that when she DID have sex, it was more intense. It brought bag the giddy emotional response toward her Fiance too.

Mary Ann says her sex drive is good, but not a priority. She uses the Scentuelle Patch that you wear on your wrist, to use the sense of smell to arouse a romantic response. She loved it - the smell triggered an immediate sense of happiness and peace, and that it worked for her. She called it her Happy Patch!

Dr. Hilda is on hand to listen to the results, and to give her own take on these products. First off - everyone thinks that they are having less sex then everyone else - but there’s no norm. The 3x a week number puts pressure on us, but the truth is, whatever makes you and your partner happy? That’s perfectly normal for you. Problems occur when one person wants more then the other. The Doc adds that most of these products are safe, but if you have to put anything into your body, and chat with your doctor wouldn’t hurt. To the above products, she also suggests ArginMax and Zestra which increase the sensitivity of your nerve endings and “Sends you to the moon, baby!”

Cojo joins Rachael next to talk about the latest celebrity styles for 2008 and to give some affordable alternatives to high-end trends. Sometimes the steals are better then the splurges, so look out for them. Don’t be shy with your shoes - two-toned shoes are all the rage, as are small clutches with big bows, and quilted apparel. And the “it” animal this season is the panther - as shown by the two pendants Cojo brought with him.

Dr. Brantley is on hand to talk about Black Foods and their benefits - and thankfully, it’s not licorice. Unfortunately, it’s not devil’s food cake either. Darnitall! But the Doc, as cute as ever, says that in Chinese medicine, the color of food is linked to different organs in the body. Black foods are said to help the kidneys, and when they study the foods, there’s antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory. Eating them help protect against cancer, heart disease and aging.

The good Doc recommends black sesame seeds are high in protein, fiber and iron AND vitamin E for the skin too! Black Rice can be gotten at any Chinese market, and whole foods and other type health stores. The black color is iron, which is a blood builder.

Black beans are loaded with fiber, and help regulate blood sugars and control cholesterol. Mix with any type of protein or grain - it’s the best kinds of fiber.

Black rice vinegar helps thin the blood and control blood pressure. Also helps give you more energy too!

Then, by viewer request, Rachael helps herself keep her New Years Resolution and make more of what we want to see. Today it’s Black Bean Chili, healthy and delicious!