Watching Rachael Ray

That’s right, it’s Friday and we ALL know what that means! It’s time for Friday Dish with Lara Spenser and this week, it’s all about the kids! 7 adorable gift ideas for kids of any age!

Rachael goes first today to talk about Yum-o! a little bit, bringing kids and parents into the kitchen together, and work toward feeding hungry kids in the US. Some of the Yum-O products for kids who like to cook can be found at the Yum-o! site: The Tadpole Cutting System for young chefs, plus little t-shirts, and Young Cooks Cutting Accessories.

Lara steps up with:
the Medibuddy First Aid Kits - my youngest LOVES to have her own first aid kit!
Crayolaties - create a tie for dad
Lego Watches - kids can make their own, how cool is that?
Robot Galaxy Robots - AWESOME, though I don’t know that it’s equal to American Girl for boys…
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End on DVD.

Next - it’s the Mac Guy! I love those commercials, and Justin Long especially. How cute is he, he brought his mom with him to meet Rachael Ray, saying she’s Rach’s biggest fan, and Rachael gives her a gift basket and a seat in the front row. About Justin, mom says “he’s always nice, he’s my joyboy!” Says Justin “She might as well just told everyone I was born a hermaphadite.” How cute were they telling stories on each other?

Not only was Justin just in Live Free or Die Hard (Hey my best friend’s buddy is credited on that film! I got Hollywood Connections by Proxy! Whoo!), he’s also in Alvin and the Chipmunks - as the voice of Alvin! He also does a Vince Vaughn impression that is awesome as he talks a bit about doing Dodge Ball - a movie the kids and I LOVE.

Then we meet the self-proclaimed clingy girlfriend. Kristin jokes about calling a guy 30 times a day, but knows it’s a problem. Life coach Harriette Cole comes in to help Kristin help herself before she loses what she says is the best relationship she’s ever had. Deep down it’s all about Kristin’s low self esteem, feeling like she’s not good enough. After seeing a hidden camera snipe where Rachael turned her staff on to clinging on Miss Clingy, she sees easily how it can be a problem. Harriet gives her some tips to help gain some independence:

Write to yourself instead of him; Get busy - a hobby or something fun to do on your own. When she mentions volunteering at the Humane Society and wanting to learn Italian, Rachael offers to pay for the lessons as long as she’s volunteering. And if needed - don’t be afraid to consider professional help.

And if that wasn’t enough for a single show - Gloria Estefan comes rolling in to help Rachael with a big announcement. Starting today, you can bid on the one-of-a-kind orange Yum-o! Vespa to help support the Yum-o! organization! Also on the block, a five night/six day all-inclusive trip for two to the Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa.

Gloria also steps into the kitchen to help Rachael make what’s for dinner tonight - Cubano Mac & Cheese.