Lovely royal wedding early this morning, with a bride and groom who simply made me smile, adorable tykes, symphonic fanfare…and a tall side order of crazy hats. Honestly what better way to start a Friday? William & Kate, I truly wish you the very best. And I so wish Wills’ mum could have been there so enjoy this day. Well done, you two.

Over in the loser column? Casey Abrams departed Idol last night, but he did so with possibly the most fun exit performance ever, so the joy, it continues.

At Cakes by the Cup blog today find out how to make the irresistibly decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes…and get your chance to win a free cupcake cookbook!

And finally…who wins this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest? Why…it’s Happening Blog Babe Crystal B! Woo hoo! Send me an email with address and some title choices, HBB Crystal, and I’ll add your book to the prize pile going out next week!

Book Two, SWEET STUFF, of the Cakes by the Cup series, will be heading in to my lovely editor this coming Monday, so check in Tuesday for the details on the next Free Stuff Friday Contest, and all the latest DISH on Amazing Race and those Dancin’ for the Mirror Ball Trophy folks! you can stand!

But right now? It’s your turn. Did you watch? Did you goggle at hats? What about the dress? And not one kiss…but two!

Tags: Writing by Donna
2 Comments »

So, with six contestants left, American Idol dives into the extensive songbook of Carole King, who I love…but I questioned the relevancy of featuring her work with this crop of young singers. And, despite an evening of lovely music….yeah, I still sorta feel that way. Certainly better to have such a focus week with a small group of remaining performers, or it would have devolved into serious karaoke, as many of these singers are simply too young to have any real direct connection to her work, so therefore, though singing it well, they don’t really imbue it with the feelings or intent, much less the emotion, that Carole did.

The six singers we have left are all very good at their craft, very different from each other, so it was interesting to see what song they took on and how well they connected to it. There were varying degrees of success, but everyone put on a good show. And I honestly don’t know now, who will be in the bottom. History tells us it will be Jacob and Haley, and that might well be and is probably true. Will Casey slide back down there to join them? Safe bet, I think.

Scotty pushed himself last night, did a great job, as did Lauren, so I don’t see them being in jeopardy. And James was simply nothing short of awesome. In every way, for me, the highlight of the evening, and to some degrees, the season. Yes, it was that good. And we finally got to see him just calm down and sing. Turns out he’s not only a very good rock and roller…he’s just a good damn singer. So, if those three get the votes, and I don’t see that changing based on last night, then, by default, if nothing else, the other three are in jeopardy. That’s my prediction anyway.

One other note…while I very much enjoy the show pairing off and grouping up the contestants to sing during the results show nights, it’s only about a million times better than any of those godawful Up With People group performances we’ve had shoved down our throat, all season long, every season since the dawn of time. (No, I don’t like them. Can you tell?) Anyway - that said, I wasn’t all that keen on the duets last night for actual votes. None were terrible, but none of them showed me anything I needed to see about the individual performers. I hope that’s the last we see of it and keep it on results night, where it’s just pure entertainment. As that goes, very enjoyable. (And I did love James’ obvious consternation at being paired up with Jacob for a duet. In the end, they did make it work, and it was fun…but it’s a shame that was put up as a vote-gaining-or-losing proposition.)

So…what say you, Blog Babes? Who goes home? And if that is the bottom three….do you send Jacob, Haley, or Casey out? Me? I send Jacob next. We’ll see how that works out.

Also! Bountiful opportunities to win free stuff! I am the guest author today over at Tigris Eden’s Garden of Books, 30 Days With a Highlander celebration. Stop by for my Hot Highlander interview and leave a comment, get in the running to win a free copy of OFF KILTER!

And? Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest right here, for a chance to win a free book. See Monday’s post for entry details. Tune in here tomorrow for the Idol Results Rant, the winning announcement….and then head over to Cakes by the Cup Blog tomorrow to see if you won a free book there (what, you haven’t entered? HURRY already!) and find out how to make the most ridiculous cupcake recipe yet…Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cupcakes. I know. But I had to do it.

Now, what you have to do…is DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

Well, that was fun. So they gave us two hours on Dancing with the Stars last night. A one hour recap show that I largely fast forwarded through, except to watch Hanson, who are still adorable. But the second hour? Oh my. Definitely some of the best entertainment (well, except when they forced still creepy Constantine Maroulis on me. Still can’t watch that dude.) But the Macy’s Stars of Dance routine of love through the ages was lovely. And, admittedly, while I’m too old to have been on the wave of New Kids on the Block or Back Street Boys mania, though I certainly enjoyed their music back in the day, I loved the whole synchronized dance steps routines and all of that. Bring the boy bands back! That was just fun to watch.

Added bonus, for me: having enjoyed watching Donnie Wahlberg act in numerous movies and shows since those days, and now thinking about him as Detective Danny Reagan on Blue Bloods, I gotta say….watching him get his groove on last night was pretty much awesome. And when he and Joey MacIntyre cut away from the pack to throw down some ballroom moves with two of the DWTS pros? Wow. Loved that. Loved. And no, I wasn’t watching former DWTS contestant Joey. Can we get Donnie on this show? Hands down, ringer, and I don’t even care. That was made of pure awesome.

I thought Pia did really well with her live solo, and Mark wasn’t completely bombastic on the dance floor. I did like the commercial cutaways with them together and Karina, who was Mark’s partner for the dancing portion of their joint performance, pouting. Cuteness. And Tom’s interviews, as always, charming and funny.

And then, bleep bloop, it was time to tell us who was going home. Hines, Kirstie, & Chelsea got the early get out of jail free cards this week, leaving Ralph, Chris, & Kendra in the bottom half. Now, as thrilling as it was seeing Kendra in the bottom, come on, you knew she wasn’t out. And, of course, they didn’t make her suffer (dammit) and sent her to safety first. (Aside: when Tom was interviewing each team throughout the course of the night, I loved Louis for not even really trying to pretend Kendra wasn’t his worst nightmare. Smooches, Louis!) So, it’s Ralph and Chris and we all know where that’s going. And yup, more eye candy bites the dust. Again, dammit. I do love the guy and his humor and always upbeat attitude. So I’ll miss him. Certainly would rather see those arms on the dance floor for more weeks than I ever want to see Kendra’s fake boobs ever, oh ever, again.

But, what can you do? All in all, a very enjoyable night, good music, great dancing…looking forward to next week.

And psssssst…..did anyone else watch the season premiere of The Voice? I kinda liked it! Sure gives an interesting range of folks a shot at making their dreams come true, and I love that there is no age limit. So far, so good. Will tune in next week.

So, what did you think Blog Babes? Still rooting for Maks/Kirstie? I hope they really come into their own next week and continue on with greater confidence. Also rooting for Hines/Kym. Other than Kendra, there isn’t a team left that I don’t enjoy watching. What say you? Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! See Monday’s blog post for details. Then jump back over here and DISH! Do you have your Idol dialing finger limbered and ready tonight? I have no idea what they’re singing, but am looking forward to seeing how the chips start to fall. And they are falling…. And who is going to be watching Phil and his amazing man panties on Survivor? (That show is getting shorter and shorter for me, as I FF through all things Philip. Shudder.) Plus? I heard Rob has landed his own new adventure show, where he and this other guy race around the world, using all forms of transportation through the ages. I think it will be on the History channel. Debuting later this year, called Around the World in 80 Ways. I’ll be tuning in!

Tags: Writing by Donna
2 Comments »

So, it looks like my fave Dancin’ and Racin’ shows are giving us quite the entertainment value this week! First Amazing Race offered us Fun with Fondue! And last night, we got Guilty Pleasures from Dancing With the Stars. Of course, after the complete and utter trainwreck that was Americana week, anything would have been an improvement, but last night’s show was fun.

And kicking off the fun? Those adorable little mopsters, Hanson. (Remember Mmmmbop?) Except….wait! They went and grew up! And, I must say, what a trio of fine looking young men have they become! Talented, too. No stinkin’ lip syncin’ for those boys. Very, very enjoyable. I just wish we could have heard more of the commercial intermission sets they were playing. Smiles all around for that.

So, we’re down to seven teams, and most of them performed well last night. Kirstie & Maks started the night with a samba and they did really well. I think Kirstie is a much better dancer than we even see. You can see she gets all up in her head during a lot of the dance, and is so busy going through the motions and worrying about what comes next that she doesn’t “finish” some of the hand gestures or make the footwork as sharp as it otherwise might be. I keep hoping she’ll just totally relax and be into it, and fulfill more of her potential. But they’re always enjoyable to watch. (And last night, FINALLY, wardrobe was kind to her and designed something flattering.)

Chelsea & Romeo did a waltz, and while maybe it wasn’t as magical for me as it was for Carrie Ann, I did really enjoy it. Even more for me, it’s been great seeing Romeo mature so much. Remember how his attitude was the first few weeks? Big growth for him and a very pretty dance.

Cheryl & Chris had a really tough night, possibly the worst dance and I’m definitely afraid he’ll be in danger. But that was the lousiest music for a tango, ever. (Don’t Stop Believin? Really, Stoner Music Dude?) He could have brought more passion to the dance, but it was so challenging to stay on every single beat that he got caught up in that and was just too lead-footed with it. A shame, because he’s a much, much better dancer than that.

Chelsea & Mark had an adorable routine and once again Chelsea really shined. I just wish Mark would tone it down about a dozen notches on his side of the performance. If she kicks to her waist, he has to kick to his head. I think he’s showing off for a certain ex-American Idol contestant or something and not really working as hard as he should to be featuring his partner’s skills (which are considerable) as he is shining a light on his own. Dial it back, Ballas. But it was still a very perky, happy, and well performed routine.

Kendra & Louis of course get the shake your moneymakers routine and boy, we finally found out what Kendra is good at! Wow. And yikes. All at the same time. Louis has definitely learned that less is more with Kendra re: the choreography, which is a good thing, because although she absolutely nailed the boob and butt shaking part of that dance, anything else, especially the steps to get from one “stand there and shake your boobs” placement to the next, were awful. But I’m sure no one was looking at that. Just as I’m sure she won’t be going home tonight, either. Sigh. Sorry, Chris!

Hines & Kym also had a waltz, and I thought it was lovely. Yes, Hines can be a bit heavy footed two, but he can bring his heavy ol feet right on over here if he wants, because–by far–he is the most confident and controlled partner. I love the chemistry with Kym and that he’s very much the lead, making her look as stunning as she is. You don’t see that from the celeb’s too often. The charisma factor there is high. He can lead me in a dance any ol time!

Karina & Ralph had a strong paso, which was unfortunately derailed when Karina took a pretty good tumble when her foot caught the edge of Ralph’s long coat. But I have to say, when the pro loses her way and you could tell she was shaken up, and the celeb is the one to get them back on track and ‘be the man’ which Ralph was, and did, madd props for that. The end of the routine was strong and very impressive and I’m glad they were scored relatively high, all things considered. I also like Karina in this pairing possibly more than I’ve ever liked her (which is, admittedly, not much.) But she seems to really like and respect Ralph and is trying to shine the best light on him. I wonder if her being engaged and, clearly, very content and settled in her personal life, has brought a new maturity to her as well. A welcome change from where I’m sitting.

So, pretty entertaining night. Two hour show tonight with all kinds of folks showing up, so that will be a fun evening. What did you think, Blog Babes? Who will go home? And who should join Chris and Kendra in the bottom three? I don’t know who I’d put there to be honest…. Your turn! DISH!

And don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! See yesterday’s post for all the details.

Tags: Writing by Donna
4 Comments »

Okay, so last night’s episode of Amazing Race was, perhaps, my most favorite ever. All thanks to Zev. My love for him knows no bounds. And I think it’s the fact that it’s clear that Justin’s love for him is right up there, too, is part of what makes the pair so endearing. How can you not love the guy? He’s sincere and trying so hard….and wicked funny. When they hit the mat in first place - for their FOURTH time this race - even Phil was having an almost impossible time containing his glee. Of course, Zev wearing the fondue pot on his head like a coonskin hat might have contributed to that a wee bit. I had a perma-grin almost the entire episode, when I wasn’t actually laughing outright.

The teams travel to both Lichtenstein and Switzerland last night and what gorgeous, gorgeous scenery that was. (And show of hands, how many people hear the name Lichtenstein and automatically think of the movie Knight’s Tale? Anyone? Just me then? Well, it always gives me a giggle. And makes me miss Heath Ledger all over again.) So, on the Road Block, one team member from each of the remaining six pairs had to bike the entire length of the country (which was only about 26 miles) which I thought was awesome. I know some folks won’t think it’s as awesome that teams were helping each other with that detour, giving them the correct answer (for how long a trip it was from one end of the country to the other -22km) but I didn’t have a problem with it. Raaaaaace! however you can. And if you can get other teams to help? Power to ya! They surely don’t have to.

That said, Jet & Cord made a comment that no teams were pairing up to help them. I think, in part, it’s because, due to a variety of factors, they’ve run a few legs very separate, time wise, from other teams, so that precluded the kind of ganging up. And despite, or maybe because of, their consistent come from behind saves, the other teams were (rightfully, I think) intimidated by their racing strength. And, though no one said it, they were the only remaining team who actually made it to the final mat in their regular season. However, when Jet had screwed up the cycling-through-Lichtenstein task and Gary came whizzing by, with no problems so far, and was willing to team up with him so they could figure out the route…as soon as Jet got back on course, he ditched Gary. So I had no problems whatsoever when Jet got to the end first…and got the answer wrong. Then Gary rolled up…and got it right. Didn’t have a problem with them helping anyone else out while Jet had to go allll the way back to the start, either. You want folks to play nice with you? Play nice back. Ah well!

Loved loved loved how Zev commented at the beginning of the leg that he knew Justin was taking on more of the load during the race than he had (though they do have to divide up Road Block tasks evenly, and Zev has held up his end there) and that he appreciated that his partner handled some things better than he did, given his Aspergers. So, it was both hilarious from the comical standpoint, and heartwarming from the team standpoint, to see Zev push Justin through the entire Cheese Fondue Detour task. What I think I love most, is that Justin is just as charmed and endeared to his best friend as we all are. Even when he was so sick he had to go puke in order to finish the damn fondue, he was uncontrollably laughing and smiling at his partner’s continued pushing and prodding to get him through it. I loved every second of that challenge with them, and loved even more that it still ended up being the shorter of the two tasks and landed them on the mat, once again, in first place.

I also found Kent & Vyxsin’s couple dysfunction more hilarious than annoying this leg. Maybe because Zev had me so charmed right from the start, everyone got a free pass. But the two of them are such an odd pairing, and yet, in the end, they seem to make it work for them. I get why both of them can be highly annoying to the other, but, for some reason, Kent just cracks me up. Even when he’s being a whiny girly man. Maybe especially then. Which is why when Vyxsin told him to just get in the cart and she’d run them both to the finish point of that task, because she could run them faster alone than he could run by himself, I about died with laughter. I mean, is it fair? No. But was it funny as hell? I thought so. And they landed in third, so they made it work. In their own, pink kitten and rainbows kind of way.

I even enjoyed the sisters this leg, and Flight Time rapping through Lichtenstein while riding his bike. At the end, the Globetrotters had to do what any (sane) team would have done with the Cowboys on their heels, and they U Turned them. (I also liked that no one else U Turned anyone if they didn’t have to. You know these teams like each other now, and just want to raaaaace it out.) I felt (a little) bad that Team Cowboy had to eat that whole pot of fondue, knowing that the chance of it being another non-elimination back to back was probably not going to happen, but the race has had them before. And there haven’t been many non-elim’s in this race so far. So….I’d have done it, too. Phil looked upset that he had to tell them they were booted…but, such is the way. I did have one final grin when Cord was saying how great it was that they got to do this together, twice, and Jet added that he couldn’t imagine sharing that experience with anyone other than his brother…then added, “Well, maybe except my wife.” And Cord says, “I can’t blame you.” Ha! So, cute, maybe a little sad. But now we’re left with five teams who have never made it to the final mat, who are all entertaining to me in their own way. I’m rooting, HARD, for Justin and Zev to win this thing. Gary & Mallory, too. After that, any of the other teams are deserving, but wouldn’t be as satisfying to me. Okay, so maybe a Pink Kitten Finale would be hilarious, but for purely different reasons.

Next week? Switzerland! And what looks like more hilariously understated commentary from Zev. I’ll be there!

But right this very second? You can enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest! Win a free book from my website bookshelf by sending an email to me at donna@donnakauffman.com with “Royal Wedding? I just want a free book!” in the subject line. I’ll draw one winner from the pile and announce it in Friday’s Royal Wedding Blog. Good luck!

And, if you want to double your chances (and get an amaaaaaaazing recipe for Fresh Chunk Strawberry Cupcakes!) head over to my Cakes By The Cup Blog , which celebrates my next new book series by taking you on my Grand Adventures into Baking…(which are far more Lucy than Martha…trust me!) Enter the free book contest there, too! WInner announced Thursday when the next Cupcake Adventure is posted.

But right now? DISH! Did you watch the Race? Are you loving Zev as much as I am? Could you have eaten that whole pot of fondue? I think if I didn’t have to scoop it on bread but could just spoon it out, I might have had a slim (to none) chance, but man…that was a lot of cheese! I love cheese, but even I didn’t want any more, ever, by the the time they were done!

Tags: Writing by Donna
4 Comments »

I have no idea. It was Monday, I blinked and wham. I know I didn’t do my usual weekly rant on American Idol, but there wasn’t much to say this week. Song choices were pretty good, no one stunk up the place, and Stefano, who has been on the Silver Stools of Doom often enough there should be a name tag on his seat, finally went home. Next week? The music of Carole King. Because she hasn’t been relevant for like…ever. So, sure. That makes sense. (And I love her. But….seriously?)

In the meantime, we do have one fun bit o’ business to attend to! That’s right, it’s Free Stuff Friday! Thanks to all who entered this week. The free book goes to? Happening Blog Babe Becky W! Woo hoo, Becky! Just send me a few title choices (in case I’m out of your first pick) along with your address and your prize will wing it’s way to you!

Don’t forget to check out the still on-going contest over on Cakes By The Cup Blog!

I hope everyone stays safe (and dry!) this holiday weekend! Happy Excuse to Eat Copious Quantities of Chocolate Day (aka Easter!) everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
No Comments »

Well, poo. Last night on Dancing With The Stars, the sweetheart went home and, well…Kendra stayed. I can’t quite figure out who would rather watch Kendra rather than Petra, but maybe it’s because others love Louis as much as I do and they want to keep him around and reward him for the (clearly) hard work. I’m thinking this might be one of those instances where the cut would be kinder, but in an interview, Louis said he really relishes the hard cases. So…continue on, dandy doodle soldiers. But while I love Louis, watching Dmitry a few more weeks would not have been a hardship. Just sayin. Frankly, I was afraid it was Kirstie, so, in that respect, color me relieved.

Sounds like next week will be a blast! Pia will sing, and I hear a rumor that New Kids On the Block will be there at some point. I’ll just be glad to see them get back to pairing up music and dances in the same hit or miss fashion that usually have. At least there’s a chance that way!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. Details in Monday’s blog post. And check out Cakes By The Cup blog for a chance to win a free book over there as well!

But now? DISH! Who is going home next on DWTS? And what do you think about it being Songs of the 21st Century on American Idol tonight? Me? I’m excited! Another week of Crazy Phil on Survivor? Not so much. I’m just hoping Rob settles down a bit this week. I wish I liked more of the people there…if it wasn’t for Rob, I’m not sure I’d be much interested in watching at this point. But Probst does say that tonight’s Tribal is one of the wackiest, most explosive ever. I’m thinking everyone throws Crazy Phil’s tighty-oranges in the fire. With Phil possibly still in them. Or Probst say’s, “So, Phil….” and everyone collectively loses it. Hey, it could happen. Would liven things up anyway!

Tags: Writing by Donna
1 Comment »

And they gave it to Kendra. My love for this show is dying a slow, painful death.

Speaking of slow and painful, the ways in which last night’s Dancing With the Stars was the worst of the season are almost too numerous to mention.

But let’s give it a try, shall we?

First of all, I know Stoner Music Dude has outdone himself over previous seasons in mashing together some pretty odd music to go with completely unrelated dances, but last night I believe he topped even his own, clearly stone self. The week prior, when they were dancing to the very challenging tempo of classical music was still lovely to watch and listen to, and a challenge that was at least interesting to see them interpret and execute.

Last night for USA Night? Not so much. In fact, though the musical choices definitely had a strong Up With America theme, the dances they were paired with (the samba, really?) were such a gross mismatch, that it didn’t matter how clever the choreography (and those poor, poor pros! I did not envy them this week) it was just painful to watch. It wasn’t so much about shining in the dance, or even dancing well. It was about how not to look completely idiotic doing a samba to Sweet Home Alabama. Honestly, show? I mean, there were dances that were more suitable to the kind of music you were choosing. A quickstep, a jive, heck, even a paso might have worked. But, wow, that? Was just painful. Painful.

That said, everyone did the very best with the (lousy) material they were given. They danced as well, or even better, than could be expected in most cases. I just found myself cringing for them more often than not. Not their fault, but certainly not a week designed to make anyone look good. More like “who looked the least idiotic…..okay, you win!”

I can’t even say who will be in the bottom this week. Louis finally gave Kendra much easier choreo so she didn’t look ridiculous, though her rehearsal footage yet again shows us what a klassy broad she is. My God. You’re on television. Everything you do and say is being recorded. Show some dignity. Even Romeo, a kid completely out of his element and overcoming his dad’s ridicule, is keeping it together better than her. Way better, actually. And he’s getting hammered by the judges. (And Brooke….see below.) And? You’re a mom, Kendra. Try to be something of a role model and show your child how it’s done. Sheesh. Then they give her the 1000th dance celebration? I gagged. Literally. Poor Louis. HE deserved the special annotation. His partner? Not so much.

I thought Cheryl/Chris and Kym/Hines did well. Best of the night for me. I thought Romeo, Petra, and Ralph acquitted themselves pretty well, especially Ralph who had the ridiculous samba/Alabama fiasco to deal with. Chelsea/Mark did really well, probably the best music/style pairing, but Mark’s way-over-the-top performance bugged me more this week than it has. And he bugs me a lot on a normal week. He really (really) needs to dial it down. He did his partner zero favors with the grandstanding this week. I thought Chelsea was one of the best if not the best this week, but his overshadowing took away from that. See: Kym. She knows how to make her partner shine.

Kirstie/Maks were hilarious, and not half bad (though not as good as the judges made it seem…at least not to me.) No malfunctions for them, and the John Travolta Dance Dr clip was pretty funny. But Kirstie looked tentative at times, which, given the past two weeks was understandable, but still obvious, and her costume was both distracting and not the most flattering…which, the fact that I was looking at it at all when Maks danced half naked the entire time, says volumes. I think they’ll stay, but would have them more at the bottom of the board this week, based on skill alone. Based on joy and laughter, I still love them and they are clearly totally loving being with each other. I have never seen Maks so lighthearted before. She cracks him up effortlessly and often, and that’s been nice to see.

Now, if only they can do the same kindness to Louis and Tony next season. Both of those guys deserve a big ol’ break with their partner choices.

Oh, and while we’re making lists of why this show was an epic fail last night, one more Brooke Burke note. She wasn’t as horrifying as she was last week but did anyone notice that for all the couples (except one) at the end of her painfully awkward as always Q&A with the dancers, she advises the home audience to hurry up and use all their votes right now for this couple who so badly wants them! Which is the standard thing she says every time, for every couple, week in/week out, and is pretty much the way it should go. You can’t show favoritism. Except….oops! After Chelsea/Romeo get done, Brooke says something to effect of “Hey, you can use your votes now….or you can wait until the end of the show and vote for who you really like.” I actually clicked back and watched it again because I couldn’t believe she said that. Not when she’s been all “vote for these guys!” for every other couple, every week. It’s standard script. So why trash these two? I….dunno. Oh, Brooke.

So…Bottom Three will be interesting tonight. Will America finally stop rewarding sniveling and whining and incredibly bad sportsmanship and send Kendra home? She’s the only contestant left who needs a babysitter. The rest have long since sucked it up and figured out how to make the process work for them. I honestly have no idea who will find their way to the red lights of doom and that makes this season a lot of fun! No clear frontrunner. It truly is anyone’s game at this point.

What say you blog babes? Check out yesterday’s post to find out about your chances of free book winning this week, both here and over on Cakes By The Cup Blog….then come back over here and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
6 Comments »

Morning, Blog Babes! I hope everyone is doing okay this Monday morning. Wicked storms over the weekend. Thoughts and prayers to all who were affected by them. I have family in NC and am very, very thankful this morning that they’re all okay. Many of those around them weren’t so fortunate. Such crazy, crazy weather and we’re due for more this week!

Was a good excuse here to stay inside and curl up with a good book. For me it was Nora Roberts‘ new CHASING FIRE. What’s on your nightstand (purse, car seat…..:)

I also got a chance to catch up on Amazing Race last night. Teams left India and headed to a snowy, icy Austria. Was it me, or was this leg a tough one? I thought the food eating thing on the ferris wheel deal was pretty impossible. I mean, no one was even close, really. And then to slog that couch all over town in the snow, and then not done yet! Another task! It was a lot. Teams moved around in terms of placement and I always like that. Kynt/Vyxsin were a bit aggro for me and got on my nerves, though Kynt always manages to crack me up at least once with his breathy, reverent amazement over some things. Everyone else did pretty well, just a rugged, rugged leg. And I love the Globetrotters, but no one was happier than me to see Zev & Justin hit the Amazing Bathmat first and win the Ford Focus cars! I love these guys and it’s great that they’re racing so well. It’s really anyone’s race, though, as all the teams have the ability to win…or not. Speaking of which, FINALLY we get a non-elimination leg and I’m so glad it was last night. Gary/Mallory ended up last and it would have been the same exact leg they got sent home on last time, so I’m glad they’re making it at least one leg further this go around. I hope they pick up the mental slack next time around! Looking forward to next week! (Except Phil? Ixnay on the leather/ivory neck thing with the sweater. Just sayin.)

Also looking forward to some Dancing With The Stars tonight. Please, Kirstie & Maks. Have a good night!

And I hope you all have a great Monday. I can make it a little better rightthisverysecond! There are two chances to win free books this week. First is the Free Stuff Friday contest. Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Is it Friday yet? Did I win?” in the subject line. I’ll draw one winner and announce here in Friday’s blog. Winner gets a free book from my website bookshelf. If you want to double your chances, head on over to Cakes By The Cup Blog and read the last post for all the details on how to win!

Good luck! And now? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

So, over on Dancing With the Stars, America got it so woefully wrong I couldn’t even post about it. I mean, I know, Sugar Ray’s days were numbered and he was at the back of the dancing pack. But at least he and Anna were delightful to watch and be around. Kendra? Not so much. Not at all, actually. I think the only person more disappointed that she was still in it was her partner, Louis. Well, and Kendra. Both of their faces fell when they were announced safe, and even when they struggled to look happy about it, it was kind of a fail. I’m so sorry, Louis! One more week and maybe you’ll be free! FREE LOUIS!

Then, over on Survivor, for the first time, I really didn’t love Rob. I like him when he’s being funny and self deprecating, all the while being devious and a mastermind. But now the mastermind thing has gone way to his head and it’s just not as much fun to watch. I hope he turns that around. I can’t report on the craziness that is Phil because I had to fast forward every time Probst provoked him into speaking. I….just can’t take the crazy. So, shape up show! I miss you.

Fortunately, my reality show run concluded with watching American Idol performance night, where all the songs were featured in movies. A really good performance night that I bet was truly stupendous in house. No way did that carry over to my living room the same power it had to hold in person. First time I’ve truly wanted to be there to hear everyone sing.

Okay, so maybe not Paul. Fortunately they put him on first, so even the producers are begging us to send him and his Velvet Elvis meets Porter Wagner outfit home. I’m begging America, too. But after DWTS….I’m not holding my breath. I honestly felt, though, that this was his weakest performance, which coming on the heels of his barn burner last week, well….can we all agree he’s the weakest left now? Can we?

After that, it was all entertaining. Some more powerfully than others. Singer by singer, I’m being picky when I talk about their performances, but you kind of have to be at this point, because other than maybe Paul, they’re all putting on a great show, every time. So keep that in mind when you read my comments.

Lauren Alaina outdid Miley Cyrus (not a particularly challenging feat) and it was a great performance, but she still lacks that underlying raw grit that shows a true connectedness to the material. So….good job, but not the highlight of the night. She looked lovely, though. Her mother, however, scares me. Truly. Scares me.

Stefano, on the other hand, knocked it not only out of the park, but out of the stratosphere. For the first time he combined the song with stage presence in a way that was actually contemporary and marketable, to where I could see him in today’s music market instead of just on a Broadway stage. His best, by far, and I think it will save him. Comparatively speaking, it should.

We had a lot of performers sticking with their guns last night, even over Jimmy Iovine and Will-i-am’s input. The only one I might have changed up was Scotty’s. I really liked how his voice sounded on his initial choice and wish he’d stuck with it and infused it with his own distinctive tone. By going with a George Strait song instead, it was just Scotty signing George. Very well, mind you, but it wasn’t distinct nor did it feel fresh. In fact, it was kind of boring. Really boring. Just me? Alrighty then. But, while good enough to keep him in, and added to the overall performance value of a good show — he is a very good singer - it was my least fave from him in a while.

Then Casey comes out, and sure, he might have pushed a little too hard and his voice was a bit all over in some parts…but that? Singing Nat King Cole and playing bass on a purely jazz infused song? Utterly snagged me. It was unique, interesting, and had such a good feeling throughout. I wish he had better tonal quality at times, but it’s nothing that wouldn’t be hammered out in studio. For live, and for all the scat, etc? I was blown away. Thank God he didn’t listen to Jimmy because it was easily The Moment of the night for me. Not the best technical delivery, but the most gripping, attention-wise, for me.

Then we had Haley, who, bless her heart, growled through a Blondie song and….it was fun to watch, but I don’t think she did herself any overall favors. I don’t have the same problem with the women exiting this season as some other’s do. I don’t care about gender, just about who I want to hear sing every week, and she’s not as high on my list as the others, who also happen to be guys…so I fear she might be in jeopardy…

Jacob’s turn and my favorite part of the night that didn’t happen on stage happened in rehearsals when Jimmy gave Jacob the utter smackdown he deserved for having the gall to preach to America to vote for him last week. Thank you, Jimmy! About time someone snagged his collar. It totally shut Jacob down at that moment, and he was almost ridiculously low key in his clip telling us what he was singing this week, but rather than come off contrite or honestly humbled, he kind of looked like he was pouting to me. So, you’re still on my list, Jacob, which is a shame. But no redemption here, not that I saw. So what bugged me even more was then he comes out and sings Bridge Over Troubled Water and yep…gave me chills. Dammit. I won’t vote for him, but I do like his voice. I know a lot of people don’t like the over the top-ness and I completely get it. If there wasn’t something about his particular tone that grabbed me, I’d be in that boat, too. But it works the opposite on me. Every time. I just like it. A lot. I really - REALLY - wish, I liked him as well. I’m not back there yet. And after last night, I don’t know that I’ll ever be.

We finish the night with James going full tilt metal. And while not the catchiest of metal tunes, it was a showpiece for sure. They even had Ozzy’s guitarist out there. I thought James nailed it straight across the board. And his little clip just before about Give Metal a Chance? Was both hilarious and endearing. I’m really starting to love this guy. And I bet that was super intense in the building. Wish I’d been there. Great way to close the show, so much energy.

So, another great performance night, where you have to nitpick just to figure out who to ship out. Well, after Paul. Other bottom two…for me, just based on this week, it would be Haley and, purely for me, Scotty. I know he won’t come close to a silver stool of doom. It will probably be Jacob and I’m totally fine with that. It’s not performance for me with him, but karma, baby. But the thing about this crew is it’s all SO week to week. Even Paul had a good week last week with Johnny Cash. Good for Paul, anyway. It’s really anybody’s to lose on any given performance night. I’m interested to see who heads out….and if Stefano stays safe this week. I hope so. He earned it this week!

If you like behind the scenes fun…here are two links. This one is a conversation with the two vocal coaches, which details song choices and what the singers went through during prep week. I don’t always agree with the coaches assessments, but it’s interesting insight. The other is “what you didn’t see on tv” article from the EW correspondent in the audience. I love behind the scenes stuff!

What say you, Blog Babes? Who did you love? Who not so much? And don’t forget to head over to Cakes by the Cup and sneak in one last contest entry. New cupcake adventure goes up this afternoon and the winner announced. This week the recipe is ridiculously decadent. Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake cupcakes. I know! Tune in later this afternoon for a whiff!

But right now? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
1 Comment »