Real Simple TV revisted

Back in mid-November 2005 you may recall that I blogged about a new show on PBS called Real Simple. Well, now that it's been on for a couple of weeks, I thought I should blog about it again. A series recap thus far. The show is hosted by three co-hosts/actors with somewhat varied acting backgrounds. Rob Keefe is my favorite of the three so far, though none of the three is what I would have envisioned as hosts of a tv show put out by Real Simple Magazine.

The show itself reminds me a lot of the original Martha Stewart daily show with the annoying soft focus camera shots and the 30 minute show is like having a show dedicated just to Martha's 'Good Things.' Hey, now there's a show for you Martha, 'Good Things.' Hmmm... Anyway, Real Simple the show has some potential to move on to one of the main networks (NBC, ABC or CBS); especially if they lose that fuzzy soft focus lens! Just kidding. Anyone else catch the show and if so, what'd ya' think?

Martha to launch a new craft line

Via Yahoo, Martha teams up with EK Success LTD. to launch new craft line due out at the end of the year.

Martha's Newest Magazine

I just heard that Martha has a new magazine due out called Blueprint: Design Your Life. It's a magazine to be targeted at women aged 25-45 to teach how to decorate, dress, entertain and organize.

Fire In The Kitchen Contest

Has your kitchen ever caught on fire before? If so, you're eligible for the Safe Stove Fire Story Contest and you could win up to $500 just for sharing your story!

Cooking With Potatoes Contest

Idaho Potatoes is holding a recipe contest, but the deadline is in a few days. The Grand Prize winner will receive $7,500! First Prize is $1,500 and Second Prize is $500.

Culinary Scholarships

For those interested in pursuing a culinary career, Johnson & Wales University is holding a recipe contest. They have different categories to enter, including one for Middle School Students. One of the prizes is a cooking lesson with Tyler Florence! Good luck to those that do enter!

Past winning recipes can be viewed here. The website also offers many other recipes here. Lots of recipes there that I want to try, like the Brownie Drops!

Fun Candy Recipes at the Necco Site

Necco offers some fun candy recipes such as Mary Jane Treats and a Necco Wafer Gingerbread House.

Valentine Hearts

Via their press release yesterday, Necco announces new sayings and propositions on their conversation hearts this year.

Weblog Awards

Throughout today until 11PM EST. you can cast your nomination for your favorite craft weblogs. If you'd like to nominate Craft & Bake (oh how'd I'd appreciate it!) just goto The Weblog Nomination Page and scroll down to near the middle where it says Best Craft Weblog. You can nominate up to 3!

Twinkie & Cupcake Containers

Don't ya' just hate it when your Twinkie gets smushed? Well now it doesn't have to thanks to the Twinkie Container over at the Twinkie Shop!

From Martha's Home

Premiering Monday evening on the Discovery Home Channel is Martha's old show From Martha's Home. On January 28th, From Martha's Kitchen premiere's on this same channel. I wasn't much of a fan of either of these shows, but thought I would blog them anyway for those that may be interested.

Postage Rate Change

This coming Sunday (January 8th), the USPS will be raising the price of the first class stamp again. Now it's going to cost you .39 to mail that letter. With yet another rate increase I now expect my grumpy, disgruntled mailman to cheerfully deliver my mail in a timely fashion six days a week. Here's a glimpse at some of the new stamps at the new rate - Curious George, and just in time for the movie due out on February 10th!

January 1st, 2006

Happy New Year!