Sadly, I think my long affair with Project Runway has finally come to an end. And I even stuck it out during the LA season, so my love, it was true. But last night’s travesty of judging (albeit after a season of judges on crack) has pushed this to an irreconcilable differences situation. And I was disappointed in Mondo’s collection. I thought he had stronger pieces during the season. I thought Andy’s was monochromatic and too soft for him and yes, I missed Warrior Woman. BUT. I’d have given the win to either of them, even with their less-than final showings, than I would Gretchen. And that’s not even taking into consideration her wretched personality. Remove that from the equation and STILL.

Nina. Michael. SERIOUSLY?? If Gretchen is the face of fashion for the next few years, then you’ll find me hiding under a rock. Because those are some clothes I do not want to see parading around town. On anyone. You attack Mondo’s polka dot dress and encourage Heidi, who fought hard for the wee wonder, (Go Klum!) to wriggle into it. Well, Nina? Mr. Kors? Why don’t you dash on over and wriggle into Gretchen’s granny panties for me and parade them around town for a bit. Yeah, because THAT is where fashion is. Really. REALLY?? If you honestly think that her stuff, hanging on a rack, in ANY store, would encourage me (your supposed market) to dash on over and try it on, one look at those woven, nasty colored granny panties? Um. Yeah. That’s so not gonna happen. And that’s assuming the drab, shapeless, dirt-colored stuff would have ever caught my eye in the first place. And I love fall colors in clothing, but that? Looks like a silky version of furniture upholstery fabric. And since when was this Project Ready To Wear?

In perusing the blogs this morning, I see that I’m not only in the majority, there is no minority. So, Mondo gets the win by default, just not the money. Sort of an Adam Lambert/Kris Allen thing. Only Kris Allen can actually sing.

(And, by the way, SHOW. Why were Mondo’s family members relegated to some back row during his showing? What was that about?)

Ah well, I’m over it now. Get some fresh judging PR, and we’ll see if this relationship can be saved. Until then, you’re out.

NOW? On to the fun stuff!! Free Stuff Friday stuff! This week’s winner gets a choice of TWO books from my website bookshelf. Lotsa contendah’s but only one winner. And the lucky Blog Babe is?

Amy Kristine!!!! Woot!!!

Amy, just contact me at donna@donnakauffman.com with your title suggestions (send a few in case I’m out of either of your top picks) and your address and your prizes will be in the mail!

Don’t forget to check in here next week for another contest AND Man Candy Monday. I think there might be a distinct Australian flair to the next edition. Just sayin.

But right now? DISH! Did you watch? Did you even care? And was that the worst, most tame, lame reunion show ever? Why did they even bother? Who would you have picked for the win?? Would you don the grannies?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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…another dancer relinquishes their sequins on DWTS. Bristol Palin, you say, nodding your head, knowing it was a foregone conclusion, expecting the–wait, it wasn’t Bristol?

Yeah. No.

It wasn’t Lacey and Kyle, either. Who I pretty much thought were gone when the bottom ranked dancers, Bristol and Kurt, were announced safe. No, it was Tony and Audrina. Seriously. Ah, you wacky American voters. Keepin it interesting. Which is good, because otherwise, the show itself for me? Not so much. And it’s funny, but everyone I talk to says the same thing. Meh season. And yet? Number one in the ratings. Go figure!

Next week is reunion week with a lot of returning dance alumni. (Hi Apolo! Hi Kristi!) Sounds like fun. More fun than just watching the remaining crew stress out in rehearsal, then freak out on the floor. I think they need to dial it back. It’s gotten a little out of hand with the pressure. Either that or its just these celebs, I dunno. I don’t know who to vote for, Rick Fox, for obvious reasons (anything that keeps on my tv every week, basically) or Maks, in the hopes there are more of those tight leather pants in our immediate future. Black this time, though, please. The grey…..eh.

What? Me? Lounging in the shallow end of the pool? Of COURSE I am. How else am I supposed to get through this show, if not with an umbrella drink in one hand and a notepad in the other, jotting down ideas for upcoming Man Candy Monday candidates. Sheesh.

By the way, I think Hump Day each week ought to be Nomination Day for next week’s spotlight guest. Who would you like to see on Man Candy Monday? And I mean, you know, see.

And, btw, don’t forget to enter this week’s free giveaway buffet contest! Winner gets TWO books. See details in Monday’s blog post and enter with abandon. Then come back over here and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, last night on Amazing Race, Team Doctor, Nat & Kat, are now my two heroes. Not only did Nat have to face her fear of heights (I use the “focus on the map, focus on the map” trick too…) but then Kat, a vegan for 22 years, had to down a boiled sheeps head as part of a Norwegian Christmas traditional dinner. (Remind me to only go to Norway in the summer!) I couldn’t even look at the thing, but she took one bite and said, “Mmm. Tastes like money.” Now THAT? Is how you race for a million dollars, people. I loved loved how with each bite, Nat was like “Mmm, crunchy romaine” as they kept a running commentary to help themselves get through it. And after she asked the stoic Viking watching them eat if they were chowing down like Norwegians, only to get a stony stare in response, she deadpans, “You’re very inspiring.” While eating boiled sheepshead. Gotta love anyone who can keep a sense of humor no matter what. Totally deserved their first place finish.

Who did not deserve any finish? Nick. That boy is about as smart as a box of hair. And with all his “I can do the bike, I’ve been BMX my whole life! And then who beats his sorry behind? Vicky, who might match him in the box of hair for brains contest (”It says the fast forward is taken. What does taken MEAN???”) is a badass when it comes to physical challenges. She rocked the bridge challenge and ascended right back up that bad boy, then jumped right from that to kicking Nick’s cramping ass right up the mountain on that whole bike thing he’s supposedly so good at. And, btw, she has asthma. On her performance alone (and….it was her performance alone) Team Tattoo earned their 6th place finish. Mostly I’m just glad they’re still around because, really, Vicky? What does TAKEN mean? Amusement. Guaranteed. Every week. I love them.

In other news, the other two dating teams can be sent home pronto please. Chad wasn’t overtly obnoxious, apparently it was his turn last week, but it’s just simmering under the surface with him. Waiting. You just know it. This week it was Thomas’ turn to be a condescending moron. Dude, if you have a degree from Notre Dame and decide that Jill is the love of your life, who happens to have a state board certification in cosmetology, then apparently a girl with a cosmetology license is worth your time and attention. So stop dinging her for it all the damn time and show her and her license some respect. I’d like to see you set a double roll perm and rock some triple foil highlights. Just sayin. And by the way? That bridge your beautician bride-to-be happened to point out was the same bridge you’d done the detour on and you mocked her….? Yeah….what bridge did you drive over moments later? Oh. Right. The SAME BRIDGE you did the detour on. Still waiting on that apology. And Jill? Get some self respect and dump the arrogant jerk. You can do so much better.

I think we can all agree now that Kevin isn’t really being disprespectful to dear old pops, because pops is a bit of goofy gus, isn’t he? And did we all cringe in remembered childhood embarrassment when Michael (aka goofy gus pops) mentions how this is the last time he and his son will live together, eat together and (wait for it - cringe now) pee together? Ha! I think these two are actually very good together and I’m glad they’re getting this once in a lifetime experience. I think Michael is not only surprising his son with how well he is doing, but himself. He seems to totally realize his limitations - and he does have them. Kevin is just working around that reality. I also am loving Team Dad/Mallory. She just cracks me up. “Oh, I want to do the Christmas tradition! I love Christmas!” I’m sure when she got to the pitstop and chatted with Nat and Kat, she was quite happy to have skipped this particular one. Still, I know some find her spunk a little too overly perked, but I like her pure joyfulness, and think it’s great to see dad and daughter so close and having such a great time. They really have been great with each other. Plus, she got total Phil Eyebrow Porn at the Amazing Bathmat of Awesomeness and for that she is forever my BFF.

Which brings me to Team Home Shopping Duo. Talk about caffeinated perk. But, you know, Bam is growing on me. She is. She’s just relentlessly cheerful by nature, it’s who she is, and she gets that about herself. I even didn’t mind how she urged her teammate to finish the ascension task at the bridge. I know what it’s like to have your arms turn to jello and to just be all done, where you can dig deep and still come up empty. I thought her urging her with the memory of her feisty grandma was just the right thing. I like these two, I’m even liking the cheek kiss count which has become charming rather than calculating, and cracked up when they asked the old guy why he lived on top of such a steep hill. Ha! I think Claire is a good balance to Bam and is probably the only one who can tell her to shut up…and she does. And anyone who can get Phil’s respect for chatting while sporting a deep facial gash has also earned BFF status. (Seriously, Claire takes a watermelon to the face and now Bam gashes her eyebrow out. Like Team Docs, these two are also raaaaaaaaaaaaacing!)

This, of course, leaves Team Mean Volleyball Girls, who come in last and are sent packing. Awww.

Yeah. I totally didn’t mean that.

In contrast to the other F/F teams, though they never lost patience with each other, there was an absolute air of entitlement with those two (who are gorgeous and have probably enjoyed the perks that come with that in life) and, ultimately, in listening to them talk about the other teams I thought they were self important, mean spirited, and very self centered. So, I was okay with the last to the mat finish. Now, can we send a dating team home next? Well, you can keep Nick and Vicky around for comic relief, but Chad and Thomas, they can go home anytime. I still say if you’re a jerk to your partner on X number of legs in a row, you get ejected, then the remaining partners can team up. Go Team Jill/Stephanie!

Next week? Plowing in Poo! Babushkas! Drunken, mocking locals! I can hardly wait!

Okay…so I’m made you wade through all the Race MAC, but trust me, the wait is worth it. Yes, it is Man Candy Monday, Blog Babes. And today, I give you the Boris Buffet. I mean, any man who stars in a television series named Undercovers deserves some time. So….feast and enjoy!

Nothing hotter than a hunky guy and an adorable baby!

Also, there is a Free Stuff Friday Contest going on this week. To enter, just drop me a note at donna@donnakauffman.com with “I want a buffet…a buffet of books!” in the subject line. I’ll draw one lucky winner from the stack and announce it in Friday’s blog. Winner gets a choice of any TWO books this week, from my website bookshelf. I know! Boris AND a Book Buffet. It’s almost too good.

Good luck! And after you enter? Come right back here and DISH!!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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If it’s Friday must be time to give away free stuff! Thank you all for entering this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. Lots of entries this week. I think Man Candy Monday (on a Tuesday) was sort of…motivating!

(Wait till you see how I’m going to kick off next week! Monday’s never looked so good. Or hot. )

But right now, it’s time to give away a free book to a happening Blog Babe. And this week’s winner is?

Daniela C of NY!!

Yay! Woot woot! Just drop me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with a few title choices from my website bookshelf page (in case I’m out of your first choice) and I’ll get your prize in the mail to you. I am caught up on prize mailings - yay! - so if you’re a previous winner who has not received your free book, please also email me and let me know.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable fall weekend (or spring weekend to all those Aussie Blog Babes out there!) and I’ll see you here on Monday where we have SO much business to take care of. Amazing Race Rant, new contest entry details, and, of course, a little something sweet to start off the week with a deep, appreciative, sigh…

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, to get the easy business out of the way first, to the surprise of absolutely no one except maybe Bristol & Mark, the entertaining, and, at times, squicky reign of Team Florky came to an end last night on Dancing with the Stars. Buh bye, Mrs. Brady!

Oh, and btw, Mark? NOW you should be worried.

Okay, with that out of the way, we can get down to more important things. Like, my mood. It’s cold today here in the DC ‘burbs. With dark skies. And spits of rain. Which, naturally, makes me think about Hawaii. Why? Well. Because I can. I can think about anything I want. And I’m thinking that the white sands and crashing surf of Waikiki sound pretty good right about now. But I can’t go to Waikiki today. I have laundry. And a book due in two weeks. So, I was thinking about maybe bringing a little Waikiki to me.

And because I’m a giver, I thought, hey, why not share with all my Blog Babes? So, here you go…

What? You were expecting something as mundane as surf and sand? Consider this my Happy Hump Day Hawaii (5-0) Hotties Help Line. I know it helped me.

And hey, while you still have that knowing perma-grin plastered all over your fabulous face, don’t forget to enter this week’s contest. See Monday’s blog post for all the details. Then come back here and gaze some more. And DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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…if we can have Free Stuff Friday, then why not balance that out with Man Candy Monday? Okay, okay, so it’s Tuesday. But I THOUGHT of the idea on Monday. And, never one to short the Blog Babes, here’s this week’s contribution, albeit a day late.

No, no, not more Rick Fox. I skimmed Dancing With The Stars last night, but, you know, it’s just not keeping my attention this go around. Brandy was better, Kurt and Anna were cute, but the TV Tune week’s costumes were horrible and the music was next to impossible to really choreograph a decent dance to, which left them dancing in super awkward slo-mo steps, or really fast double time, or just make-up-movements-to-fit stuff, which seemed to be the case most of the time. Kudos to the pros for having to work around that crap, which they did a decent job, considering. But boos to the judges for not pointing out what a challenge that was. Definitely affected the odd and awkward looking performances.

And, is it me, or does everyone just look plain worn out? I know fatigue starts to kick in by the time they’re doing two dances a week, but, all in all, doesn’t it seem like there is no joy in Danceville? I’m sure they’re all enjoying the bond they’ve created with each other, but the cast this season is, by far, the group that seems to have bonded the least. You don’t get that dance family vibe at all. Usually back stage they’re all cutting up and really enjoying the performance night, but they just seem whipped and waiting. I think it’s performance pressure and exhaustion more than any actual dislike for one another. They’re just vacant-eyed at this point. And that’s no fun to watch. Boo, show. Boo.

So! My antidote? Man Candy Monday (on Tuesday.) DWTS might not have fulfilled its role, but Hawaii 5-0 sure did! I give you, the new Steve McGarrett.…. No, no, don’t thank me, just enjoy!

And don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest! Details in Monday’s blog post. Then come right back over here and DISH! Are you over DWTS? Do you care who wins? Are you enjoying the Hawaiian, uh, surf, on 5-0 as much as I am? Yeah, the surf, that’s what the attraction is! And just how cute is Castle? Seriously adorable is what I say. Maybe I should find a good Nathan Filion shot for the next MC Monday…whaddya think?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Time for some Raaaaaaaace Morning After Commentary (yes, the MAC is back!)

Well….yet another team I enjoyed bit the dust last night on Amazing Race. I know some of you might have found the singing a bit much, but I’ll take Team Happy Singing Guys every time over Team Bickering Couple. Every. Time.

Sigh. Buh Bye, Team A Capella!

It was an enjoyable leg. Arctic Circle! And how much did everyone love the sled dogs? I want to do to thaaaaaaaaaat!

In other news, I’m about done with Chad. Sure, he figured out he was a complete asshat to Stephanie on the snow sled run (downhill tricycles!!!! Fun!!!!) And yes, she did seem to have psyched herself out of the whole deal before even trying. (I mean, come on…Mallory did it! Twice!) But figuring it out later doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t buy that he’d do the same thing all over again next time. And don’t you just know there will be a next time?

Oh, and Nick? Yeah. Um. You can’t catch a cab from Ghana to the Arctic Circle. Just sayin.

It’s a shame Nick’s asshattery is also on display more than not, because otherwise, it’s like a constant Jessica Simpson moment with him. Wouldn’t it be great if all the asshat partners could opt to ditch their jerk teammates halfway through and team up with each other, leaving their other halves to do the same? In this case, that means Nick and Chad would have to be on the same team? Ha!

I am enjoying Mallory and her dad. (”We can handle danger!”) They’re having a great time and are very supportive of each other, and I really enjoy the teams who can embrace that. For all the the HSN hosts can be a bit annoying (mostly Bam) they do make a good team for each other and seem to have a good working relationship. So does Team Girl Docs. Michael did better with his dad. It seems to be more a youth thing than a disrespect thing (and, well, Kevin/Dad isn’t exactly the fiercest of warriors, but kind of a little goofy) - speaking of which, show of hands on how much fun it was watching Kevin/Dad with the sled dogs! Super heartwarming, too, seeing him have such an amazing experience and enjoying every last second of it. I’m so glad they got to stay in the race, if just for that.

Also, show of hands on who thinks those speed bumps need to be a teensy bit more challenging? They’re all pretty much the same, meaning more like a ten to twenty minute timeout served in creative, but non-challenging ways. I don’t think they should be impossible to overcome time sinks, but maybe a wee bit more than sitting on an ice seat for ten minutes. However, that said, way to go Team Dad/Son on making a move to the front of the pack soon after.

Team Express Pass? Dude, listen to your girlfriend. When she tells you you’re going the wrong way? You always are. Then, when you figure this out? Don’t yell at her for going the wrong way. You can head up there and join Chad and Nick on Team Jerk Boyfriend. As for using the pass, since they had no way of knowing everyone else wasn’t rocking the downhill sleds, it was the right thing to do to use the pass. Ultimate in Dumb to get booted and not use it when things are really not looking good time management-wise.

I was happy to see Team Docs land in first (is it me, or are their smiles literally blinding us with their whiteness?) Not necessarily because I’m as gung ho to see two women win this race for the first time - that would be cool, but I’m more about teams I like winning than their gender - but more because the lead changes are huge in every leg so far and that makes it anyone’s game to win. Love that. More exciting and less predictable. So, even if the casting this time was slanted to make it more likely for a two woman team win, I like it for the very lack of Team Young Athletic Guys who always predictably dominate. Sure, the eye candy quotient goes down, but the race interest goes way up. Stay with that formula, Producers! It’s not working for Survivor this season (AT ALL) but it is working for you!

And is anyone watching Amazing Race: China Rush on You Tube? I am really, really enjoying that one, too. So far, though, three of my fave teams there have gone home in five legs, tho. Pout. But the cultural diversity of the teams alone really really really make me want our Amazing Race to feature international teams, at least once. I love having everything from Latvian Reality Show couple (hilarious!) to the Masai Warriors who do their little hop and dance throughout and are the most joyful of spirits! Very cool race. (And yes, I’m a hypocrite because I am totally enjoy the Young Athletic Aussie Guy Team! But? Aussies! C’mon!)

Okay, wading back out of the shallow end… it’s Monday, so time to giveaway free stuff! For this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest, send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “If I can’t raaaaaaaace, then I want to read!” in the contest line. One winner will be drawn this Friday and announced in the blog. (Don’t forget to check the Friday blog! There are a few winners out there I’m still waiting to hear from!) Winning Blog Babe gets a free book of choice from my website bookshelf. Good luck!

And now? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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If it’s Friday, it must be time to give away a free book!

Thanks to everyone who entered this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. And the winning blog babe is? Kali S! Woot woot! Kali, just send me an address to donna@donnakauffman.com and your book pick (send a few in case I’m out of your first choice) and I’ll get your prize in the mail to you!

And, to end your week on a hot note…..

See you Monday!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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How did it get to be Thursday already?

This is your last day to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. Winner gets a free book from my website bookshelf. To enter, send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I wish I could sing a capella” in the subject line. (Hey, read Monday’s blog post, then it will make perfect sense. No, really!)

Winner drawn from the pile and announced right here tomorrow. Don’t forget to check back to see if you won. Good luck!

Is anyone still watching Survivor? Am I the only one who is finding it hard to care? I don’t know that I’m rooting for anyone, but it was at least more evenly matched once the tribes merged. Before the season started, Probst seemed to think we’d all be rooting for the oldsters, being underdogs and all, and, um….notsomuchreally. But then, I’m not exactly rooting for the youthsters either. There are some I like on both tribes, and the rest I could have happily left strapped to the spinning water wheel last night. (Man, that challenge just looked like it was begging for all kinds of drowning related problems. Yikes!!)

Hopefully once we weed out more of the chaff (yes, I’m looking at you Marty and NaOnka) we’ll get to enjoy folks like Jane and Fabio more. In a season where you actually start rooting for Fabio, you know it’s slim pickings!

What say you? Are you watching? Did you give up? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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We have yet another week to watch Florky in action. Yes, it’s true, the Situation is no longer going to be “dancing” for our entertainment. Credit to the guy for working hard and trying, but a surprise this is not.

In other news…I found a New Phil! Amazing Race: China Rush is now on You Tube. Kinda cool to watch another country’s version of the show. The teams are interesting and even include two Masai Warriors. Go to You Tube, type in TAR China Rush and look for Smasher2468. Fun stuff! And China Phil? Pretty hot, even without the eyebrow action!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! See Monday’s post for all the details. Winner announced in Friday’s blog.

And to the rescue efforts in Chile? Wow, is all I can say. Welcome back, guys!! Now that’s a reality show worth watching!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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