The Next Food Network Star

I am a little bit of a Food Network Junkie. It would be on 24/7 if my husband wouldn't turn off the TV once in a while... I love Giada! I love Ina! I love Ellie Krieger! I love Alton, Mario and Tyler! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Michael Chiarello!

The other day I was watching the marathon of "The Next Food Network Star" - a show I had yet to see! But, to my surprise, after the first commercial break, I already knew who the winner was... Very disappointing! What sense does it make to roll a full marathon afternoon and during the first commercial break introduce "The Next Food Network Star" to an audience that was too impatient to wait through weeks of competition and is now trying to get it all in on one afternoon???

I'm not sure what to make of Aaron McCargo, Jr., who won the competition yet - his new show "Big Daddy's House" looks just like any other show - a (n ugly, I might add!) kitchen, a funny chef, good food... BUT I saw previews for the other Next Food Network Star Adam Gertler's new show "Will Work For Food" and that will probably be a cool show! Tune in on January 19th at 7:30 central time!

Happy New Year!

Prost!

(I toast with water ;)

Last practice for the old year

What did I take away from my last Yoga practice of the year?

• don't underestimate how many people have nothing else to do but cram in a yoga studio on New Year's Day for 2008's last practice with Silvia!
• when somebody smiles at you before practice starts, don't sound too desperate when you tell her that you are only there because at home is an evil mother-in-law and you are in dire need of some peace and serenity. If you do sound too desperate try to ignore the satisfied smile on that somebody's face - somebody else has it worse than you!
• eating a bowl of TUSCAN WHITE BEAN AND GARLIC SOUP an hour before Yoga practice is NOT a good idea!
• everything's gonna be okay!
  

I <3 Giada!

For tonight I prepared one of my favorite soups:

TUSCAN WHITE BEAN AND GARLIC SOUP
from my favorite Food Network chef
Giada De Laurentis.

I could BATHE in this - it is SO good! Of course, there are 8 gloves of garlic in it (I doubled the recipe) and that makes it even better! I substituted veggie stock for the chicken broth, to make it truly vegetarian. Unfortunately there is butter and cream in it, so it is not vegan. But nontheless it is SO YUMMIE!!!

Tomorrow I will be trying her

PANINI WITH CHOCOLATE AND BRIE!

Yogis have better sex, study finds

Oh my goodness! My 2009 is going to be a great year - if I can keep up with me New Year Resolution #1!!!

Yogis have better sex, study finds

Special Candlelight Yoga and Meditation practice from 6pm-8pm

Meet me for our special Candlelight Yoga and Meditation practice from 6pm-8pm. This is a sweet practice dedicated to deep contemplation, self-love and meditation. It is a perfect "date" night for yourself alone but also appropriate for your partner and family members to enjoy.

I mentioned to my hubby yesterday, that I was considering going to Yoga this early evening and he looked at me with wide eyes and said: "But... but it is NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!" I guess what he really tried to tell me was "Baby, it is time to let it roll, it is time to drink and be drunk and PARTYYY!!! What the heck do you wanna do Yoga for if you can have a wild time?!" (I have to add: [wild time] with the mother-in-law *yawn*). So I told him "Baby, it is New Year's Eve! Time to reflect on the old year, time to think about the new one! And I'll be back at 8:30 to party!

Putting a price on procrastination

I just read this article on CNN.com:

Putting a price on procrastination

and find it a very good idea!

Goals on StickK.com range from the practical "stop biting nails" to the ambitious "successful startup" to the competitive "lose weight faster than Nate" to the creative "speaking more slowly to foreigners in NYC."

Wow! Somebody even put up $50,000 to loose weight... If people take it THAT seriously, procrastination must really be a burden. Although, I have to say I really enjoy it sometimes. Of course it always comes back to haunt me (for example when I turn in my taxes in August and I not only have to pay a hefty fee, but my accountant looks at me like I am out of my mind! Of course I procrastinated calling him back all these months as well...)... Maybe I should join the movement and give all my tax return money to StickK.com?!