Watching Rachael Ray

Ooook. Not digging the white flower shirt - though it’s not realy… bad? It does make her look like she has boobs. But I liked yesterday’s look much better! Can’t win them all, of course.

Today it’s Human Lab: Hair edition! Brenda says she shouldn’t have ever cut her hair - she hates it after she chopped her hair, if you have a bad hair day with short hair, you can’t do anything with it. Patti has overplucked her eyebrows. She hates the way they look now, she hasn’t put the tweezers down since she was 12 years old. Dianne wants bangs, but is too scared to make the cut. Time for three quick fixes.

Brenda gets ManeMaxx - a DIY hair extention kid. It took 6.5 hours later and her husband’s help, but she’s not sure she likes it. Patti tries NuBrow, and she feels like Groucho Marx once she gets them on. Dianne is checking out the How Do I Look in Bangs clip on bangs, though she needed help putting them on, and goes to the salon to get them put on, cut and takes them for a spin.

Brenda had the extensions in for 3 days, they were hard to install, and she ended up with a mullet. She took them out as soon as she could. She’s decided she just has to grow her own out. Patti said the NuBrows felt itchy after a couple hours, and her daughters laughed when they saw them, and wouldn’t leave the house with her. They didn’t look very natural at all. Dianne loves the clip on bangs, and will definitely continue wearing them.

Brenda would consider a professional extension, but it’s too much money. She’s just going to have to consider growing her hair out once again. Patti realizes that her thin brows aren’t so bad after all, and Dianne is still in love with the clip on bangs, though only after the trip to the salon to make sure the color matched and the cut was what she wanted. She loves being able to completely change her look and choose whether or not to have the bangs on a daily basis.

The main thing is to work with what you have, and explore options if you feel like it. Make the time to take care of your hair - cut, and weekly ‘mask’ care.

Next up, Keisha Whitaker has some tips for hair care too, taking a break from her new job as host for TLCs new Who Are You Wearing? She admits to having done it all to her hair. Her tips:plastic shower caps are a must have for deep conditioning your hair, and get a silk pillow case, which keeps the hair smooth and helps prevent breakage.

Keisha also brought a gift for tehw hole class - the Kissable Couture lip gloss, which consists of “Buildable pigment”. As you add layers, the color deepens and gets sexier, helping turn your normal day look into night time hotness!

Next up, Sweet Pete, the winner of the last round of Hey, Can You Cook, shows off his kitchen makeover, and KC gives some tips and answers questions from the message boards.

We get a double duty tip to help with Corn Prep, and I saw this on YouTube, and the ending SLAYED me, with the slow mo music change, so I had to include it. Rachael is officially a PCorn star.

Inorite? *L*

What’s for dinner? Three no-cook meals that are quick and easy. Ham Salad, Curry Chicken Salad and Roast Beef Salad.

Holy cow, it looks like Rachael has CLEAVAGE today! Now that’s a style team miracle win!

We start off today with America Ferrera joining us at the kitchen table, and how cute does she look? They takl about the emmy’s, and how it was to present as well as win. America had an Ugly Betty moment a the show - she stood up and the ‘bustle’ slipped out from under he skirt! She grabbed it and had help from Julia Louis Dryfus pinned it all together. She was so embarrassed, but made it to the stage in time and no one was the wiser!

Talk turns to Ugly Betty, and did you know some of the clothing Betty wears is from America’s own closet? She jokes “Betty finds a way to use it.” America is excited to have moved the show to New York, it’s like coming home. The cast enjoys getting together to go to the theater, and they’ve all had those ‘bad’ New York moments, like walking in to have the ceiling cave in and water pour into her apartment. She called the fire department first - and they were standing there with giant picks “…it’s a leak, what do you want us to do about it?” But she figures it’s New York, and you have to just laugh about it.

Her favorite celebrity guests on the show was Patti Lupone, who they asked to sing to them, which she did. She’d love to have Bette Midler have a guest spot on the show as well. America admits she’s her idol, it’s about being herself, as Bette always was. Rachael called up Bette, and sent a gift to America, a tree planted in honor of America through the Million Trees NYC initiative, and a handwritten note that America is to embarassed to read out loud - Rach has no problem reading it for her, of course. America is overwhelmed, and loves it. Behind them, Patrick drops something on the stove behind them, and they continue to chat. America would love Brad Pitt to stop by the show too - I mean, who wouldn’t?

They talk about the ‘getting ugly’ and Betty isn’t very complicated, she takes the least amount of time of everyone, about 30 minutes. Even the guys take longer then her! Oh wow - I didn’t know this! Ugly Betty is actually a world wide phenomonon. The Ugly Lucky from Mexico actually had a guest spot on Ugly Betty, and there’s several different versions world wide. How cool! (I’m a recent Ugly Betty Convert. I know. Always late to the party, that’s me!)

America admits to liking to cook, but not for other people, as it’s a lot of pressure to make it yummy for everyone. She enjoys it, and finds it relaxing. Naturally, they talk about their puppies - America has a great dane, Lucy, who’s taller then she is, and Buddy, a golden retriever, who’s still crazy even though he’s two.

Rachael promised to cook for America during their recent set crash, and America says she fell in love with beets - and Rachael promises to make her a dish involving beets, so they move to the kitchen where Rachael shows her how to make Un-beet-Lievable pasta with Tomato and Arugula Salad. Don’t forget to hit up the giveaway button for Ugly Betty DVDs!

Next up it’s the somewhat odd Rachael Zoe, Hollywood Stylist, who’s dressed Demi Moore, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Garner, and many others. She’s on the show today, though, to show us we can get glam styles on limited budgets. To put the concept to the test, Rachel Zoe rescues Shay, who used to be trendy before she had kids, and now she wears boring mom clothes. Even her daughters have better clothes! She’d love to look more like Kate Hudson, without the huge price tags. Her husband is a musician, who’s just gotten a record deal, and she needs to look the part. Rachel finds a similar outfit to Kate for just $79, including accessories!

Rachel says start with the inspiration, then do what you feel comfortable with. Get a great black one-shoulder dress, and you can wear it 100 times with different accessories and shoes to get totally different looks. Whatever you wear, wear it with confidence, which is the key to any great look. They then give Shay $1000 gift card to Kohl’s to help her get started on a new wardrobe that gives her that Rocker Wife kick.

Hey - what’s for dinner? Mean Green Tortilla Soup.

I love, love LOVE Jamie Lee Curtis! She’s always a party and so totally cute all the time! She starts off by saying that she’s tall, and she can barely touch the floor while sitting on the couch - “Who do we need to fire?!” and she hops down and tells Rach to use her books and shoves them under her feet, much to the delight of the audience. “Why would they do that to you!? Look! He’s hiding! Only a man…”

Love. Her.

Jamie turns 50 in November, and is very excited about it. She says her problem is she’s been aging herself - she’s been saying she was 50 for three years now, she figured if you round way up early, you get used to it. She’s been saying 50 since she was 43, so is completely comfortable with it now! She says we’re all a little afraid of what’s at the end of the rainbow, and aging is supposed to be scary and bad, but she flips it. She wouldn’t give up a second of 49 for any moment of her 20s. She didn’t have a clue then, she was so uncomfortable all the time! It was getting her hair cut off, wearing black, she couldn’t figure it out. So all black, it all goes together, she’ll never be on “what was she thinking?!” which at her age is all you care about. So for her - aging is something beautiful and transformative. “We used to respect elders, and experience. And now we’re going o elect the ones without it! I’m JOKING!”

She wanted a bowl of captain crunch for breakfast, and activia yogurt, give me a present - just one - then go. She doesn’t want a lot, and have to pretend to love something. (hahahahaha) Her new book is Big Words for Little People, and she does a quick Edith impression, then admits she does something even better. “Anyone lactating? No, ok, we’re good..” and she does a perfect mimic of a babies cry. She won’t admit to how she had this special talent - just says there’s a reason she’s been sober for 10 years. Who knew people could pole dance? Who pole dances sober?!?” Oh. My. God. *LMAO*

ANYWAY - to her book, from pole dancing to Big Words. It’s a book about language, now that everything is shortened for texting and such. She loves language, and we’re missing it, so she wrote a book about it - use big words, and the kids will too. She reads a bit, about mixing things up in the kitchen that looks gross, “disgusting, you cry! It means yucky and ick.”

It’s the same with food, music, art - don’t be afraid to expose your kids to it. You have to be brave, and even if we weren’t exposed to it, show it to our children. Jamie Lee admits to being a cook by default - she’s a damn fine cook NOW because she’s tried, and failed miserably, and miraculously made some extraordinary meals. She loves stress free cooking. And the other thing? “If I put hot food on the table? You sit your ass down and eat it!” She admits to being the FIRST person in line every year at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Christmas dinner every year - so much so that there is a plate there with her name engraved on it.

They start a new segment, called Going to Far - to let Jamie Lee Curtis get the last word. They start with the Gossip Girl’s Billboards. One audience members found it too racy, another found it awesome, and thinks Parents should just be more proactive and take responsiblity for what their kids watch. What does Jamie Lee think? She doesn’t say anthing right away - then says it’s tricky. She’s not a censor, but they one that said OMFG, there’s a point where she thinks there is a line, and she appreciates their point, the problem is, how young do you start talking about sex with your kids? She leans toward more conservative herself, but isn’t about to say burn them down or anything. It’s not new - let’s get it on, hit me baby one more time, they’re suggestive. We’ve been prancing, and this pushes the comfort level a bit. Bottom line - you are the parent. You get to say no.

Get more of Jamie Lee Curtis backstage!

Up next, it’s Jerry O’Connell, who everyone can picture hanging out with, and we love it when he stops by. This time, it’s all about the babies! His wife, Rebecca Romign is pregnant with twin girls, and he isn’t scared of girls, as his mom and grandmother raised him. They also have boy dogs, which helps even things out. They’ve been trying to figure out sleeping arrangements, as their dogs sleep in the bed too, and even push him out of the bed. He admits to being last on the totem pole. Even the dogs are first. He’s had to take charge of a lot now that Rebecca is.. well, not big… that’s not a good word, but the fact is, it’s BIG. Glowing… but BIG. “She’s glowing but HUGE! I know I get in trouble, but I don’t have the vocabulary for it!”

When it comes to cravings, she likes salty and sweet - soy cream cheese and ginger… or something, it’s crazy. He says it’s impossible to find even! Jerry says he gets a lot of advise, people telling him tha he needs to be strict, and then those that tell him to let them do whatever they want. He swears he’ll be strict.

He then hits the streets for some name ideas - kincaid and killian. Leanna and Breanna - he says he likes the rhyming thing. Someone tells him not to burden them with something only he thinks is cute, like Holly and molly. Then there’s Menu and Ticket. Oooookay. He looks at double strollers but can’t figure out how to fold it back up for a while. He looks for “bunkcribs” but no.. then they convince him to put on a fake belly. He picks up some allstar outfits, some pink, and feels he’s getting ready. Aww, cute. *L* He’s not sure Menu and Ticket will be the winner. He is thrilled though “The girls clothes are so cute man! They’re gonna be a lot more fun to dress up then boys!”

He jokes that they need to get the babies into acting right away - pay their way! This is expensive, you can make some cash. Get 40s in their hands, get em working! He’ll be back to show off the babies in a few months. Awwww.

More backstage with Jerry!

All that, and what’s for dinner? Pimento Mac and Cheese, and Honey Mustard dressed Green Bean Salad.

Yay, we’re back to the dark colors for Rachael’s wardrobe today! Good call, Style team. Today we’re talking about something Rachael knows nothing about, but wanted to address for readers - Post Baby Body Blues. Since she only has isaboo, she brought Valerie Bertinelli back to chat with three new moms. Val jokes that she had those post baby body blues for 17 years! She took the mom’s to a spa and chatted about all the things we mom’s chat about when we think no one is listening.

MIchele says no one talks about it - she thought her chest would look like ‘this’ at 82, not 32! Val is honest about how things “shifted” even though she’s at her ideal weight now, some things have changed and just don’t bounce back. They hit the spa for some nitty gritty talk. They talk about the explosion of the breasts, and how the hubbies loved it, but then gravity takes over. Need the industrial strength bra to make sure they face the right way. The mom’s chat about everything from the racks, to the spontaneous farting, but naturally the trade offs are worth it. Dawn says that they are the scars, and you wear them proud - but you still wish you still looked the way you did before.

Valerie stresses the importance of loving yourself regardless of the physique, and lets everyone in on her favorite slimming trick: Spanx! She’s lost 40 pounds but still wears them. She gives the honest mom’s a lifetime supply, samples to the audience, and you can hit up the giveaway button to the right there for a chance at your own.

The 8th season of American Idol is fast approaching, and Mezhgan travels along with the judges and is responsible for all of our favorite looks for our favorite idols. She admits to thinking at times “oh my god I can not wait to get my hands on your face!” She roots for who she wants to make over! They show some of the before and after Idol makeovers, including Clay Aiken and Fantasia. And a little secret from the AI set? Simon is the one who spends the most time in front of the mirror! He’ll blow dry his hair for hours, which makes her laugh as his hair is like 1/2 an inch long.

Mezhgan’s on hand to help a teenager with a new school makeover, to help Beth ease her nerves for going to a new school. She was stunned to see Mezhgan, but then absolutely flips to see who’s taking her on a shopping spree - Jordin Sparks! Jordin tells her that she was excited to join the fun, she really related to her story, it’s what she went through. Jordin gives her tips - dark wash jeans are ALWAYS slimming, vertical lines, etc - and find some stylish new dresses, jeans and shoes. Beth came away with a whoe new attitude, declaring she feels great and she had a lot of fun. She’s looking forward to the new school year with a whole new confidence.

Hit up that giveaway button AGAIN for a chance to win Mezhgan’s makeup!

Rach does some Q&rAy between commercials, and we find out that Rachael didn’t do the teen posters, she had a crush on Tom Jones and watched cop shoes. Columbo, and loved Michael Douglas in the streets of San Francisco, and of course Sean Connery. Also, if she hadn’t gone in cooking, Rach says it would have been in the food industry somehow, she loves making people happy, how to display it, cook it, share it, it makes her happy. Which means it must be time for dinner - Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Mini Ratatouille.

Monday
Post-Baby Body Blues with Val

Valerie Bertinelli and three new moms are about to go where no woman has dared … they’re talking about pregnancy, the post-baby body blues, their sex lives and more!

Then, an American Idol winner surprises a huge fan with a back-to-school makeover, and Rachael has a new recipe for all-veggie soup!

Tuesday
Jamie Lee Curtis & Jerry O’Connell

Two-time Golden Globe winner Jamie Lee Curtis gets honest about life at 50, and then this mother of two weighs in on the explosion of teen sex in the media.

Plus, Jerry O’Connell is about to become the father of twins with Rebecca Romijn, and he’s hitting the streets of New York to find the perfect baby names for their kids!

Wednesday
America Ferrera’s Big Celeb Surprise

Did America Ferrera have an Ugly Betty moment at the Emmys? See what happened on TV’s big night, and don’t miss her huge surprise from a music legend.

Plus, Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe has dressed Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz … and now you! She’s giving up their designer looks and her top secrets that’ll have you looking glam on a budget.

Thursday
3 No-Cook Suppers

In our “Human Lab: Hair Edition,” we’re testing out clip-on bangs, do-it-yourself extensions and faux eyebrows to find out if a fake hair fix could disaster-proof your ‘do!

Then, Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker’s wife Keisha is sharing the #1 beauty secret she learned on all those red carpets, and Rachael’s got three simple dinners you can make without even turning on the stove!

Friday
Dana Delany’s Mammogram Challenge

Desperate Housewives hottie Dana Delany is challenging Rachael to get a mammogram with the cameras rolling!

Then, the Rach to the Rescue RV is heading to the Midwest, and Rachael’s got a 30-minute instant hit that will make you the hero of your household!

Rachael starts out the show talking about winning the Emmy, and her speech that she gave. When she won the emmy, she said the award belongs to the fans, so they took the emmy across the country to have fans give acceptance speeches too! Check it out here.

Next up - Bindi’s back! (Not gonna lie, the kid kinda freaks me out a bit. The whole Irwin family does/did.) They show a clip from her show, then Bindi and Terry join Rachael on set. Bindi won her own Emmy, and talks about how overwhelming it was to win. She, of course, dedicated the win to the memory of her late father Steve Irwin and his goal of animal conservation. Everything, of course, is very VERY exciting and SO MUCH FUN… It’s the second season of Jungle Girl, and they talk a bit about their adventures in filming it, and her little brother has some cameo appearances in the show as well.

Terri admits to being a lousy cook, and her best thing is Sara Beth’s strawberry jam over ice cream. Ha! They chat more still about the Emmy and what Bindi’s friends thing, and I kinda want to hold Bindi’s hand down while she talks because she’s constantly waving it in front of her face. The most wild thing she’s been bitten by is her brother. Ha.

Bindi takes some questions from kids via video, and we discover that Bindi has to be 18 to get a phone, to get her ears pierced, to have chocolate cake for breakfast, and to go to paris. Rachael jokes that’s because at 18 she can pay her own bills. Bindi says “Don’t rush growing up!” in a very grown up manner. Mom’s plan is that when Bindi turns 18, she’ll go crazy… and get MASCARA and Cola! GASP! Nice.

Next up, it’s the crash of the Ugly Betty set! She comes with food, of course, and chats with America Ferrera, Vanessa Williams, Eric Mabius and Marc Indelicato (who could not possibly be ANY cuter) and the rest of the cast too. You can check it out here!

And if that’s not enough for you - we have the Ugliest Dog Challenge. And there are some UUUGLY dogs up in there! They get some Nutrish as a gift for coming out to the show, and then after a break Rachael talks about the message boards at the official rachaelray.com, and what some of the folks are saying.

Then another quick break - has anyone else noticed the shift in advertising spots? They are all at the end of the show now. The first 20 minutes is without commercial, then it’s every 2 minutes it seems like for the rest of the show. It’s nice at the beginning, annoying at the end. Thank goodness for DVR Fast Forward!

After all of THAT - what’s for dinner? Taco Pockets, of course. Yum!

This is the first outfit I haven’t liked this season - go back to the dark colors, style team! We’re in the kitchen right off today, though, as we talk about meals on a budget and stretching your dollars at the grocery store with Chicken Wing Broth and Noodle soup. This comes up because Stephanie and her husband have six kids, and are having problems making ends meet and making healthy meals for the family. They often have to sacrifice quality for price. They walk whenever they can, do haircuts at home, Kevin rides the motorcycle to work, as it’s cheaper on gas, and they’re considering cutting Harp lessons for their daughter. Even with a monthly food plan, it’s hard to be sure that the kids are getting healthy choices. The kids find it boring, there’s not a lot of variety.

Rachael has some new meals that will help them stretch their buck. They are (and the prices are based on 6-8 portions - and clearly not Alaskan food prices. For us, add at least 2 bucks, possibly more per meal.):
Spanish Chicken & Rice: $10.75
Potato Kielbasa Bake: $9.45
London Broil, Smothered Onions and Crispy Smashed Potatoes: $21.14

Sara Lee stepped in then, and gave the family $10,000 toward groceries for the year.

Rachael shows us how to use a piece of dry spaghetti to light a candle, and Jeff Probst (Yay, Mr. Dimples!) tells her if she just rubs two sticks together for 45 minutes she’ll get fire too. Yeaaaaah. Ok.

Rachael says she has a lot of jobs, but Probst has one she would never want - to go to the farthest reaches of the planet to torture people, why? But she does, of course, love it when he comes to her set to torture people - bring on Mr. Dimples! They do call a truce, as they’ve tortured each other, so this time it’ll be other people. They talk about the Emmy’s, and Jeff Probst’s win for best host. He took his mom and Mama Probst is the most proud mom in all the world. AWww…

So on to the torment. It’s a Soap-iver challenge, where three soap stars will particpate in Soap on a Rope. From One life to Live, Brandon Buddy, All My Children’s Chrishell Stause, and Kane Manera from Guiding Light. When Rachael asks Brandon what his luxury item on Survivor would be - it’d be Rachael so he wouldn’t starve. Jeff points out he’s in charge of the challenge, and Rachael says it’s MY initials on the wall! Chrishell is all about the girl power, and Kane says that he could survive if it was Rachael with him - Rach loves this game so far! Ha.

Soap on a Rope - they will hang on the rope, swing, and hold tight. Rachael points out it’s not that easy, because her staff tried and didn’t last long. Soap-ivor’s ready? GO! Jeff laughs and thinks they should steal this one for a challenge for Survivor. They start blowing soap bubbles at them to make it more difficult. Rach and Jeff go to chat while the Soap stars swing.

They talk about the new season in Gabon. (Did ya catch the premiere? if not - check here! I gotcha covered!) Jeff says it’s all about the people - you like them, or don’t. The contestants make or break the season. Jeff talks about the contestants - the gold medalist, who’s strong and big, and is she going to hide it? Then there’s Randy, who’s funny but coarse, who sits in his underwear eating pizza making wedding videos and he doesn’t believe in marriage. He mentions Ken, too, the video gamer - who thinks role playing will help him. They show some pictures of the crew living in tents until their little living huts arrived. The arial shot of the camp is amazing, they build their own town really. There’s a shot of the kitchen, and a menu for Rachael. The best? A picture of Jeff peeing - right before the open. Nice. *L* (it shows nothing, but funny none the less!)

The Soap-ivers are still hangin, and they will have to make it one hand… Rachael hits the kitchen, while Jeff watches them to make sure there’s no cheating. What’s for dinner? Brown Rice and Black Bean Burrito.

We come back from a commerical just in time to see Brandon fall. *L* awwww. Jeff snuffs his soap torch by covering it with a cloth. his “bubble has been burst” aw. *L* Back to the kitchen for dinner, and when Dinner’s ready, Rachael decides to declare it a tie - Chrishell, who’s hanging effortlessly, gets the trophy, but they both get to eat dinner!

- and neither one has to eat the tortilla Rach set on fire while she was paying attention to something else. Heh. Nice.

Robin joins Rachael right away at the kitchen table, looking, according to Rachel, “cute as bug!” What did the Dr. Phil family do for vaction? they spent four months on a yacht in Europe. They let their youngest take three friends, and it wore them out! They felt like chaparones on Spring Break. They chat a bit about The Doctors, who her son is on. The show is a good way to digest medical advice in the privacy of your own home, and it’s everyday people with everyday issues.

What does Robin watch on tv at night? They love In plain sight, and American Idol. Which of course leads to Dancing With The Stars, and how Phil and Robin both have no rhythm at all. They didn’t even dance at their wedding.

They talk about Dr. Phils new book, and some of the most challenging days of her life. One of them is part of his book, is the death of a family member, and the pivotal time in her life was when she lost both her parents, and she didn’t know what she would have done without her husband. She felt all alone, and Dr. Phil told her she’d never be by herself, he’d never leave her.

They talk about her outfit, because Robin is so pleased that in this tight economy - she is still in fashion, on the cheap! Her dress is $49, shoes for $12, and a belt for $5, that she got at Target. She loves everything in the store. She really goes down and pushes her cart through Target - and confesses that when the kids were young, their favorite thing to do was to get out the Target ad and circle what they wanted for a Monday outing.

She also plugs Cargo Cosmetics, eco-friendly Plant Love, which also raises funds for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. You plant your empty tube from the lipstick? And it grows wildflowers. Cool! Robin also works with Reach Out and Read program, that gives free books to toddlers, including the Pigeon Book Series. Hit up the giveaway for the chance to win!

The audience, of course, has questions. First off - tips for speaking in public. Robin says that she gets nervous too, and she has three suggestions. Remember that it’s not about you, it’s your message. Relate to the group your speaking too. And last but not least, practice the speech, use the mirror or a loved one, and get used to the words.

Another audience member, of course, asks about the divorce rumors. Robin says it is emphatically NOT TRUE. Don’t waist your money buying those papers, they will never divorce. never! There’s more with Robin backstage where she talks more about it and her secrets to a successful marriage. Check it out!

Next up - the last thing kids want to do is report to the principal’s office. What really happens behind those doors? There’s a new TruTV series calles The Principals Office, and lets viewers peek in behind those doors and see what really goes down. Eric Shenninger says that their job is not easy, and they have to expect the unexpected (Hey! That’s BB’s tagline!) Yolanda agrees, and hopes that this helps parents see that they really are working for the betterment of the kids. Now the biggest thing they deal with revolve around technology. Ipods, txting, cheating by using them, and Yolanda says that onsistency is a must - parents don’t text your child while they’re in school, knowing that they aren’t supposed to have cell phones in class.

Another no-no is to ignore the chain of command by going straight ot the principal instead of discussing the problem with the child’s teacher first. They have four years left to make sre the kids learn everything they need to know about resolving conflicts, and you can’t teach your child how to do that in a work place, society or relationships by stepping in and skipping steps. Yolanda and Eric are answering questions on the message boards too!

What’s for dinner? Caesar-Style Spaghetti! Yum.

Yay! Ty Pennington has just moved to New York and is there with Rachael, and she flirts with him (Who wouldn’t) while seeing what he’s been up to, before giving him a housewarming present for his new kitchen. He jokes about searching for a place in New York and how he had to cut down on space - and he kept being show fixer-upers and they’d be all “You can make it work, right?” and he’s all “uh, no. not so much.” They’re both downtown people, and Rachael says she loves Central Park, specially to bike, or skate.. and Ty jokes “Or mug… I’m KIDDING!”

Ty gave a little video tour of his new apartment, and you can see it here. Be sureto hit up the giveaway button for your chance to win a copy of Ty’s new book, Good Design can Change your life.

Ty laughs about his inability to focus, that’s why he constantly has things going on in his head, and even if he manages to get a sentence out he’s like YES! but that’s why he’s always working on something new. He shows some home videos of him traveling and trying to drive in England, and how he hit the sound guys car, and couldn’t find the gears… and it’s funny. REALLY funny. But nothing tops the attack of the goose!

He also shows off some DIY tricks, using simple geometric shapes to make cool graphics and art for your walls, to using your camera, and using pictures you take as art. His favorite tools are his camera and computer - he takes pictures of EVERYTHING… Big tip that I agree with 100% — always use a duplicate and keep the original picture unaltered so you can always start over. I learned that the hard way. Heh.

This season on Extreme Home Makeover, it’s all about heroes, and not just firemen, military, either - the season premiere is an every day mom who made a pledge to take care of her sister’s kids - all 14 of them. We get a peek in Ty’s lunchbox to see his perfect lunch to take on the go.

Need some housewarming gift ideas? Give the gift of food. Fill a skillet or reusable shopping back filled with some pantry staples - pasta, olive oil, fish or tomatoes, and add some of your favorite recipes to the mix that adds those ingredients! You can also give a gift that keeps on growing - topiary plants or flowers. A tip for those who keep flowerboxes in the windowsill - put pencils, pointy side up, to keep pesky pigeons and birds from messing with your flowers. You can also try a mini-garden - which is TOTALLY cute.

A gardening tip - your own organic plant food. 1 oz hydrogen peroxide in one cup of water. Spray at the base of the plants and leaves once a month. And one last idea - a Green Cleaning basket. Put together the eco-friendly cleaning products, and other items in a little tote to help them keep their new place clean.

Rachael got to go backstage at a Celine Dion’s concert, bringing her a before concert dinner. They talk a bit about birthdays, the fact that Celine does actually eat. Celiene really kind freaks me out, gotta say. It must be the Show of ADD, or something, because omg. Slow down and chill, people!

Dr. Travis is up next for some viewer questions. Is it safe to do a Cleanse? He says it’s realatively safe to do so every now and then. He doesn’t buy it, thinks it’s more hype. Go for a high fiber diet with plenty of water instead. The Colon knows how to cleanse itself.

And on that appetizing note - what’s for dinner? Spaghetti Squash with Super-Thick bolognese.

No matter your political views, this election will make history, and today in the studio we have John McCain and his wive Cindy. The McCain’s join Rachael at the kitchen table. Rachael is happy to be alive and voting in this election, because it’s made politics a kitchen table topic, it’s made politics poplular again. McCain agrees, and says he admires Obama for helping to get the talk started, and it’s an interesting campaign, very interesting. There’s a lot of life and energy, and the best place to talk politics is standing around the grill.

Rachael talks about being a product of the American dream herself - and asks if they ever thought they’d be this close to the white house, ever? They laugh and say no. John was a pilot, and Cindy thought she’d spend her life married to the Navy. John tells Rachael she’s the American dream and inspiring to everyone, and not a bad cook. Heh. Rachael talks about the guest she had and how expensive food is, and what are they going to do about it really? They talk about health care and how to pay for it, and the best way is to get our kids healthy now. John plugs Rachael’s cookbook and says yes, there are healthy recipes there, and then skips the real meat of the question and goes into the housing market and how people are losing their homes and how people are hurting and they need to create new jobs. He says that people want reform in the government, and they’re right.

Rachael asks “Mrs. McCain” about the choice of Palin, and Cindy says she was excited, because she’s a perfect fit and she’s so thrilled that John is the first republican to choose a female running mate. John jumps in with soem love for the First Dude, Todd Palin, and how he’s the real deal, and races snowmachines and is a commercial fisherman, the most nobel of professions.

(… As an Alaskan, excuse me while I throw up in my mouth a little. Ok, back to the show…)

They talk about Piper, the 7 year old, who’s “the best politician in all the world” according to McCain. She shakes hands, poses for pictures, calls her mom over. John finds it adorable, and says that they’ve (The Palins) all adjusted so well. McCain is impressed with Sarah’s comfort in her own skin - she knows who she is and is content within herself. Cindy says she watched to see what kind of parent she is, and they’re remarkable and their interaction, and the way they handle their kids as a couple is wonderful to watch.

Rachael mentions the relentless primary stuff, it’d be little left that would surprise people about each other - and Cindy says that John is a great cook, something that will be shown today. John says that Cindy was a teacher of special education, and it takes a special person to go into that kind of work. He hopes that Cindy and Sarah will be role models for how we as a country will care for special needs kids. He then goes back to the Grill, and why he loves it - it’s a social occasion, and the longer you’re on the grill with your friends, it’s his main source of enjoyment. There’s nothing he’d rather do.

Rachael asks if he’s in the whitehouse… John says yes! We’ll have a grill, and at camp david we’ll have a grill, and no one will grill but him. Cindy jokes “There is not a grill democracy at our house!” John jokes that he can handle more then one grill. Cindy’s first thing she’d move into the whitehouse? She can’t answer, because she’ humbled by thinking about possibly being the first lady, she can’t even go there. John says he’s so proud of Cindy, and her work with Operation Smile, with Halo, and all of her charity work.

When he can’t grill, in New York he likes to hit Times Square delies and find some of the best sandwiches ever there. And when they are home, it’s all grill all the time. They talk a bit about talking to the American public, how it’s humbling, and just a rush, as well as a sense of responsibility. Next up - they hit the kitchen, so the senator can show off his grilling. He apparently likes to buy his ribs at Costco, which surprises Rachael, and then she presents him with a Kiss the Candidate apron and he gets to work.

Slow Cooked Baby Back Ribs - vary the recipe with a hint of hickory, and keep the meat moist by squirting some lemon and don’t be shy about the seasoning. Here’s his recipes:

Baby Back Ribs on the grill
Baby Back Ribs in the oven
Roast Corn on the Cob

Next up, we check in with the Rach to the Rescue crew, and what they’ve been up too. They’ve been traveling and tasting their way across America and helping frazzled cooks along the way. Now they’re in Chicago, where Tiffany wants to cook for her boyfriend Gavin, but only knows how to reheat in the microwave. They pull up and surprise Tiffany, who watches a greeting from Rachael, and the big surprise? The winner of Top Chef Four - Stefani - is there to teach her how to prepare a gourmet meal for her boyfriend to help celebrate Gavin’s promotion.

They make a roasted chicken with pasta and a cream of mushroom sauce, with a light salad on the side. Gavin joins ad is very surprised, and thrilled to see that Tiffany is a mini-top chef. They settle down to eat, and he declares the dinner a success. They deliver deser - which is a kenmore range to help Tiffany further her cooking lessons. Awww.

And hey, what’s for dinner? BBQ Beef and Baked Bean Chili, Red Cabbage Cole Slaw and Sweet Potato Salad and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette.

Monday
John McCain Cooks!

It’s definitely not politics as usual when Senator John and Cindy McCain take over Rachael’s kitchen! They’re sharing their top-secret recipe for ribs, and there’s no holding back when the talk turns to McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin.

Plus, find out where the Rach to the Rescue RV is heading next!

Tuesday
Inside Ty Pennington’s Apartment

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Ty Pennington lets our cameras inside his home for a special tour of his new Manhattan apartment, and he’s sharing some of his simple do-it-yourself home tricks.

Then, Rachael gets a backstage pass to hang out with Celine Dion at her sold-out Madison Square Garden concert!

Wednesday
Robin McGraw on the Divorce Rumors

Dr. Phil’s wife is going on the record with the truth about the divorce rumors, her darkest day, and her number one budget fashion tip!

Then, we’re heading into the principal’s office for the truth that every parent needs to hear, and Rachael’s slimmed-down pasta will have you coming back for more!

Thursday
Three Meals for Under $22

If food prices have you struggling to make delicious and healthy meals for your family, then don’t miss Rachael’s three easy, family-sized meals for under $22!

Then, three sexy soap stars agree to a ridiculous “Soap-ivor” challenge with Survivor host Jeff Probst, and the experiment literally leaves these stars hanging out to dry!

Friday
Bindi Irwin

Everyone’s favorite jungle girl, Bindi Irwin, is back and this time Rachael is letting kids ask the questions!

Then, Rachael crashes the set of Ugly Betty to hang out with America, Vanessa and newbie Mark Consuelos, and don’t miss the world’s ugliest pooches!

I gotta hand it to the style team so far this season! Rachael looks fantastic, still. We’d have some ugly paisley by this time last year - but not yet this year! Way to go style team!

Right off the top of the show, it’s all about Lynne Spears, and her book about live with her daughters Brittney and Jamie Lynn. They start at the beginning - why did she write the book? Lynne said that it’s evolved, it was poems and memoirs, and she realized there was a more meaningful purpose to the book and she felt like she needed to dig deeper. ” wanted my grandchildren to know their family, not believe the tabloid version.” (Hit up the giveaway button for the chance to win a copy of Through the Storm)

Rachael points out it’s surprising at the get go, because Lynne is literally a farmer’s daughter, a school teacher, a small town girl. She says everyone has the vision taht she drove her children which leads Lynne to quip “Oh I drove them. Dance practice, sports, singing lessons.. I drove them everywhere!”

Lynne says there were so many times when she’d call and ask if she needed to come, and Brittney would say no, everything was fine. She says you can’t control the media, and start to wonder if there is or isn’t a problem. It’s important to go with gut instincts… Brittney was always bouncy and excelled at everything she tried. Back then, you weren’t allowed to be on the set with the children, but now you have to be on the set all the time. It’s all evolved. They talk a little bit about the divorce, and staying together for the kids, and Lynne can’t answer the question, she doesn’t know if things would have been better if Lynne had left Jamie earlier, or if it would have been worse. But now, they’re really working together, he’s a great grandpa, and has been sober for 4 years.

Lynne says the first sign that Brittney was in trouble was the first marriage - the 55 hour marriage scared her. She thought it was only having too much fun, until then. She thought the marriage to KFed was too fast, as well, though she thinks he’s a wonderful young man now that she’s known him a while. She says, though, looking ahead, that Brittney is going to be all right. “Britney is just a sweetheart, she’s a sweet girl. She’s just been overwhelmed with too much.” She says that post partem depression had a big part in the final breakdown, but she loves being a grandma now. She’d love to be able to do the normal grandma things, but she can’t. She points out the photogs are the ones scaring the kids. When she came in to town for the kids birthday, there were over 100 paparazzi there at the airport. She told the security up front that anyone shoved a camera in her grandbabies face, she’d re-inact the umbrella scene.

How did she find out Jamie Lynn was pregnant? Through a note handed to her by the 16 year old girl “Mama, I’m pregnant. I am going to keep the baby, and everything is going to be ok.” She says she kept reading it, reading it.. then asked if Jamie Lynn was joking. Rachael says do you ask the child to get married? Or take things one at a time. Lynne says one day at a time, one thing at a time. They’re still going through steps, he’s at school, Jamie Lynn is at home with the baby, but she’s handling things beautifully, everything is great right now. Through thick and thin, though, Lynne’s biggest blessings are her children. “There’s no kind of love like that love.”

Click here with some more backstage with Lynne!

Next up! Eva Mendes is on set, look absolutely stunning, as always! She admits to being star struck a bit getting to work with meg Ryan on her recent movie, The Women. She loves the old school Meg Ryan, where you walways root for her - and When Harry Met Sally is one of her favorite movies of all time. She compared to spending time with the Women before filming were like a slumber party, at summer camp! And of course they compare notes about their dogs, as Eva says of her little baby “I’ve done everything but give birth to him, he’s my BABY..”

Ea is the new face - and body - for Calvin Klein’s new Seductive Comfort lingerie, and brings samples for the whole class - hit up the giveaway button for your chance to win some. Then Eva and Rachael get into bed together!

…to show off Eva’s new line,. Vida, for Macy’s home decor. They started with bedding, and they want to bring affordable design to the home. Eva says she’s a design freak, and loves to cut up things and sew them, it’s one of her passions, one that she shares with not only her partner, but her boyfriend too. Click here for some more backstage peeks about the project. Srsly, could Eva BE any cuter? Adorable!

And as if that isn’t enough? It’s dinner time! And Rachael has a new sous chef in the kitchen with her, Olympian Natalie Coughlin! Natalie joins Rachael to help her make a pot of Bacon Corn Chowder with Crab. She admits to keeping the medals in her sock drawer at home, though dad wasn’t too happy with that, so he installed a safe for her recently.

Click here for some more moments back stage with Coughlin and don’t forget to hit up the getaway for a waterproof case for your ipod shuffle.

Starting off in the kitchen once again to start a new segment, Meal for a Steal. A meal for four, for $7.14! Bird Nests with chicken and Broccoli. Yum!

It’s tough to eat on a budget, but even tougher - finding a wedding dress that is perfect, pretty, and cheap. Gretta is on hand to help a viewer, Shann, find that perfect gown. Gretta gives her some tips - and us too. Have a game plan - know the color, look and style by doing research. If they don’t have what you want? Leave the store and go somewhere else. Shop online if there’s a guarantee return, never go too small - you can alter down for a little bit of money, and it’ll need that altering to look perfect anyway. Go with hair and makeup ready, so you can get a better idea of if the dress is perfect, and wear the right undergarments and shoes, under easily removeable clothing. Most of all, be flexible, and think outside the box!

Gretta takes Shann and Brianna Glenn - a US national champion runner to bring the speed - to the Running of the Brides, where 1000 women battle each other to find designer dresses up to 95% off!

Shann finds her dress - the perfect one - after an exhaustive search and the original price was $3400, and they got it for $600, exactly in her budget. Shann looks beautiful, and is very happy with the choice, the price, the whole experience. (And her fiance promised NOT to watch the episode. hahah.)

Hey - what do you do with the cheese rind if you buy by the block? Blocks of parmiggiano-reggiano cheese, as for the rind, and one of the best uses is dropping it into your favorite soup to add a salty nutty flavor, same with marinara sauce. It does fantastic things to the flavor! So don’t be afraid to ask for the rind!

Next up, it’s Tyler Perry! He’s a true rags to riches story, going from homelessness to Hollywood success, working with A-List stars, like on his new film, The Family that Preys, with Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates, who play women who are trying to get their grown children to get along. When Tyler joins her on stage he teases that her staff is the best - like Stepford Children “We love rachael ray! We love rachael ray!” Though he wouldn’t touch the food - he’s down 17 pounds in four weeks with the help of Janet Jackson’s nutritionist, who’s teaching him how to work and manipulate the metabolism. He looks fantastic!

The new movie has the same theme as all his others - they’re about forgiveness. Everything is shoot up, bang bang, and sex. He says he gets a lot of heat for trying to do positive movies, but he has to be true to himself. His motto that he lives by is just that - staying true to himself. If it didn’t feel right he wasn’t afraid to walk away.

Of course, he’s most known for putting on a dress and grey wig as Madea, the advise spewing grandma. When Rachael asks where it comes from - he laughs that it’s his MOther and his Aunt - but toned down! He jokes that the big ole broad has been a big blessing to him though. And when asked what Madea would say? “I want more money! It’s all because of me!” They talk then about his new studio that’s opening soon - and they’re just gonna work and work and work. The studio was built the eyar he was born, but was empty, so he considers it destiny. Rachael presents him with a plaque that says “A place where dreams believe” which is the philosphy that he subscribes too and considers the motto. “What I found in life is that even in my darkest times, there is a point when the dream will start to believe for you and even though you’re tired, you can’t make it, you’ll still get visions you’ll still get dreams about it happening and as soon as you keep moving, it comes to pass.”

Click here for a backstage sneak peak at Madea’s next movie!

What’s for dinner? Chicken Thigh Pie.

We’re starting out in the kitchen today, kids, for a good reason. Rachael says the friend stopping by who loved sour cream and onion chips - and he downed the whole bag, so she’s gonna healthy up the snack: Sour cream and onion dip, next to pita chips or pop chips. So who’s the friend? Dr. Phil of course.

Dr. Phil goes directly to the whole bag of chips, and Rachael admits that she helped. It’s all in good fun too. They talk about girl math - bag of chips and a few carrots, it works. He laughs and says the food backstage was really good, he had meatball sandwhichs. Rachael points out they healthy’d those up too, he shot back “I know, that’s why I had five!” Guy math works too. Heh.

They talk about the epidemic of obesity in the country, people aren’t moving around or working out. You can’t diet your way to weight loss - it has to be a lifesyle change. You can’t be overweight if you don’t have the lifestyle to support it. He’s not looking for skinny minis, just a healthy lifestyle. He’s running the Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge on his show in hopes of showing people that it can be done. It’s all about shaking them up and breaking their routine to make it happen. They talk some with the contestants of the challenge that are in the audience. The key is to lose it right, one time and be done with it. Don’t diet, change your lifestyle.

Phil also plugs his new book, Real Life - Preparing for the 7 most challenging days in your life. You can read an excerpt here, and hit up the giveaway button over there for the chance to win a copy.

OH, and the divorce thing? Not happening. Dr. Phil says that it is astounding to him that they obsess over it, and it’s the core definition of their family, he’s never going to leave his wife. Rachael points out she gets the tabloid divorce rumors too, and Dr. Phil jokes that he hates to say it, but it’s comforting when they are writing about Rachael, as it gives him the week off. Rachael grins and shoots right back “I feel the same way, brother!” Course now, they’re gonna get the split cover - getting a group rate on divorce!

They talk a little bit about The Doctors, and how it is for him to watch his son, and how proud he is of the show. They deal with a lot of issues on the show, and he thinks it’s fantastic. Then there’s a very special guest - Robin McGraw, Dr. Phil’s wife comes out to introduce them to Maggie, their rescue dog, and she’s clearly loved by the family. It’s the perfect opportunity to plug Rachael’s new dog food, of course. They talk about Nutrish, and they bring it out and Maggie gets a little snack and she eats it on the set. 100% of the proceeds of the selling of Nutrish goes directly to animal rescue organizations from coast to coast. (hit up the giveaway for a sample of Nutrish too!). Backstage Dr. Phil points out that Maggie is a picky eater, and he’s shocked she loved the dog food - he might have to try it himself. Ha!

It’s time for the first Human Lab of the season! This time, it’s baby safety devices! One mother isn’t sleeping because her son is used to being cradled, so when he wakes up, he won’t go back to sleep without it. Another mother of boys says the hospital isn’t a strange place for her - because they tumble and run and walk and toddle.. al over. Another wants to know how to go to a public restroom, and deal with the situation with a baby while she’s out.

One tests the Zaky, meant to simulate a mother’s touch, another the Thudguard, a helmet for toddlers learning to walk on hard surfaces, and the third tests the Baby Keeper, that hangs the kid on the bathroom door while you pee. Haha!

The Zaky didn’t work the first night, the second night helped, and by the third night they slept all night long. Please note it’s not suggested for constant use under 6mths of age - if you use it, take it out of the crib once the baby is asleep. Susie says the Thudguard was conceptually a good product - but had issues, he wouldn’t keep it on, he got too hot, and well, it’s silly looking, so she won’t use it on a daily basis. Even the doc says bottom line - you can’t bubble wrap your kid. The baby Keeper wasn’t quite as successful, as it was complicated to get on, but as she got arond to using it, it’s a great idea, but it’s not quite right for her since she didn’t start while her kiddo was younger. Check online for the top 14 baby safety tips from Dr. Ari Brown.

So hey, what’s for dinner? Plum Good Pork Chops, and Jalapeno Rice.

(This is where Lessa admits that she never watched 90210… I know. Shocking, isn’t it?)

Shannon Doherty is at the Kitchen table with Rachael to talk about Beverly Hills 90210 then and now. It’s been 14 years, but now the series is back and Shannon has joined to recreate her infamous roll as Brenda. They talk a bit about her leaving the show the first time, and Shannon says it was the easiest decision she made, as it wasn’t the good place for her anymore. When she was asked to go back, she wasn’t interested at first, but with the outcry of the Fans who all wanted her back, she decided to come back as the ultimate thank you to her fans.

Shannon admits that she likes Bernda more now - her fashion is better, she’s still sassy, but she’s fun now. Brenday’s been in New York and London, fashion forward, no more high wasted jeans, which makes Shannon much happier. She says the best thing for Brenda has been getting out of 90210, and her attitude is ‘whatever’ and she’s very cool, and more mature now. Shannon gives some good advise about keeping the lines of communication open - especially in the work place. Don’t get sucked into the drama, the hype. She also says that now, she’d fight the bad press, and draw a line in the sand. not every little thing, pick your battles, but stories that are detrimental to her career, she’ll fight.

They talk about the new show, and says it’s a lot of fun, and the new cast is great. She does make a ‘work-fession’ now that it’s been so long since her first stint on the 90210 set… she actually stole a car - for 15 whole minutes - she bottomed out on a bump and her co-star took the blame. Awwwww. A couple of audience members give their work-fessions too. Robin told her boss she had a twin, so that she could call in sick to the library - and still show up to the library to study. Joey snuck off to sleep in the bathroom on the job. One of the RR staffers confesses that she spilt a soda on the new carpet and the boss was furious and she looked through the footage and told the boss that it couldn’t be seen. Haha!

Up next, after a quick peek into the backstage pantry where Rachael tells us that it takes alot of pounds to make one pound of frozen spinach… (….) - it’s time for a pantry makeover. KC is on hand to help Lori organize the pantry that her husband won’t even go into. First tip? Make it pretty. If you make it pretty, you’ll want to keep it need. After the whole makeover, Lori says her husband sure hopes so!

This month, Bill Clinton has declared it “Go Healthy Month!” and he’s on hand via video to ask that people commit to getting healthier and getting exercise. Check it out!

And hey, what’s for dinner? Tuna Casserole.