Rachel Shippy

Ladies We Love: Diem Brown

March 10, 2011 at 4:19 pm, by Rachel Shippy

When you hear of a 23-year old girl starting a gift registry, most would assume she must be getting married, right? Well for Diem Brown (of MTV fame), who founded MedGift at 23 while battling the effects of ovarian cancer, a registry was her answer to her loved ones’ ever-present question: “What can I do to help?” From there Medgift was born and is not only a registry, but also a resource and social networking site for anyone going through medical hardship. It’s difficult to ask someone for help with medical bills, or for a wheelchair or for a ride to treatment, so Diem’s site makes it easy for patients to create a profile of needs, and sponsors can look-up patients by name to help out. “No matter what the medical misfortune, the stress can be debilitating,” says Diem echoing the premise of her site. Beyond her vision for this growing support network, read on to see why Diem Brown is a Lady We Love.

1.  What makes you a lady? My mom was Australian and being a lady was the most important thing to her, including even having tea time for us girls to teach us manners like always saying “pardon” instead of “what.” I think being a lady is about being strong, having integrity and never being the straw that breaks someone’s back (but rather the hand that pulls them up).

2.  What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Salt and artificial sweetener. I know both are so bad for you but I can’t seem to kick the bad (yet tasty) habit!

3.  What are 3 things on your Life List?
1. To meet Oprah 2. To become a mom 3.To get my passion, MedGift into every hospital around the United States (so if you are a hospital employee or know someone who is, let them know about Medgift and help your community benefit from this resource).

4.  If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Being able to teleport! I could go from my house, to work, or even to India in the blink of an eye — No traffic, no crowds, and no airport security. Plus, how cool was Quantum Leap?!

5.  Who are ladies you admire?
I admire ladies who have changed the way we see the world! Oprah, for telling us it’s okay to express, understand and explore our feelings. Barbara Walters, for showing us you can work in a “man’s world” being strong, confident and intelligent while maintaining your femininity and elegance. And Laura Ziskin, for the work she’s done for cancer research through Stand Up To Cancer (all while undergoing her own cancer treatment).

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Spring Cleaning with Michael Moloney & Bethenny Frankel

March 9, 2011 at 1:02 pm, by Rachel Shippy

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with Spring-cleaning efforts when you think of weeding through your entire house or apartment. But break it down into small 15-minute tasks, like organizing your sock drawer, and suddenly losing the clutter and regaining your sanity seems manageable. In honor of National Clean Out Your Drawers Month, I caught up with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Michael Moloney and Bethenny Ever After’s, Bethenny Frankel to learn about their new partnership with Hanes and their tips for organizing your space one drawer at a time. Read on for some pointers, and click the video to see more of Bethenny and Michael working through their clutter…

1. One in, One out: If you bought something new, or you’re bringing something new into the house, something else within that category has to go. In other words, the new handbag you bought yourself won’t fit on the shelf unless you get rid of the one you haven’t used in more than a year!
2. Quality, Not Quantity: You have 10 black t-shirts, but only one that’s your go-to favorite…why keep the rest when you’re always looking for the good one anyhow? Ditch the dingy, hole-y, torn, shrunk, and lesser versions of the same thing so you can cut to the chase when it counts.
3. Keep it, Toss it, or Donate it: It’s not this easy for some. If you tend to put everything in the ‘keep’ pile, ask yourself when the last time you used this item was, when you think you’ll use it again, and then ask yourself if you’re being honest ☺. If you haven’t found an occasion or use for it so far, chances are you won’t find one next month either. If it’s a ‘keep’ only because you spent too much on the item and you feel guilty, move it to the ‘donate’ pile. Toss those items that are clearly beyond saving, and donate everything else you are purging.
4. Make it visible: Create an organized space just by making useful items more visible -- some of the ‘unused’ items in your house might be neglected simply because you can’t see them! Like #2, you have to determine your go-to’s in order to find a logical place to store and display them. This can also save you money, especially in the pantry. We’ve all bought ingredients at the store only to discover them in our cupboards later (ie: that 3rd jar of cinnamon).
5. You don’t need it, but someone else does: The only thing better than re-gaining space from excess clothes and household items is the feeling of donating them to someone who really needs them. When you’re debating over the jeans you’ve held onto for sentimental value, think of the person at Goodwill who will happily use them and your decision will not only become clear, but also cathartic.

According to research by Hanes, we only use 70% of the items in our homes, so start with organizing just a closet or a drawer, and eliminate the other 30% without turning your world upside down. For more information on how to donate to a Goodwill branch near you, visit: http://www.goodwill.org/.

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Ladies We Love: Angie Harmon

February 23, 2011 at 4:07 pm, by Rachel Shippy

Angie Harmon is many things: a wife of 10 years to former footballer Jason Sehorn, a mom to 3 little girls, a busy actress, and overall a lady we love! Her role as Abbie Carmichael on NBC’s Emmy-winning Law & Order in the 90′s is how most of us became a fan, but more recently Angie is enjoying the success of her TNT series Rizzoli & Isles where she plays Detective Jane Rizzoli (returning this summer).  When she’s not cracking down on criminals onscreen, she’s cracking down on nutrition at home by partnering with Hidden Valley on their ‘Love Your Veggies‘ campaign.  Read on to see what else we love about Angie…

What makes you a lady? I can hold my alcohol.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Online shopping, especially  One Kings Lane and Gilt.

What are 3 things on your Life List? 1. To swim with great white sharks; 2.To stay happy; 3.To tour the world with my husband and three girls.

If you could have one super power, what would it be? The ability to fly.

Who are ladies you admire? Jackie O, Patti Hansen, and Iris Apfel.

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All About the First Lady of Iron Chef America: Cat Cora

February 8, 2011 at 4:51 pm, by Rachel Shippy

Most notoriously known as Food Network’s first and only female Iron Chef on Iron Chef America (Sundays at 10pm/9c), Cat Cora knows a thing or two about multi-tasking in and out of the kitchen. She recently kicked back with us in the Ladies’ Lounge to talk food, family, and philanthropy! Dig in…

What is it like working/competing in the dominantly male ‘Kitchen Stadium’ on Iron Chef America? CC: It’s fast-paced, competitive, and all the chefs, male and female alike, are competitive fighters until the end. I’m proud to still be the one and only female Iron Chef, but will gladly welcome another female chef to join me.
(Any takers, ladies?)

What is the biggest curve ball you were thrown while in the middle of a challenge? CC: One battle that particularly sticks out in my mind was when they uncovered a whole hog that was not butchered, was still a little frozen, and was impossible to break down. They had to actually stop production to have them wheeled out to the butcher and brought back up to us to work with.
(Sounds like those pigs could have used a blanket!)

Do the battles get any less challenging as you do more of them? CC: Not at all! They are all still very intense and stressful, so the best technique as a chef is to just go with your gut. You don’t have time to second-guess yourself under that kind of pressure.

Some women face an equally stressful culinary challenge in their own kitchens: getting dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing nutrition – what’s your advice? CC: We grill out in the backyard a lot, which saves on time and everyone helping can play a part in getting dinner on the table faster. It also becomes an event the whole family can be part of. I give my kids a choice in the vegetable dish we’re having that night, not only to further involve them in the meal, but also to make sure they will be happy with what we’re having. We always eat with the seasons and follow a healthy, balanced lifestyle, so we’ve developed some staple recipes in our household that way.

Read about Cat’s healthy lifestyle, how she’s making the world a better place, and get her easy recipe for Japanese Udon Soup after the jump.

Read more

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NYC Housewives’ Jill Zarin Talks Season 4… and more!

January 27, 2011 at 1:31 pm, by Rachel Shippy

Anyone else still recovering from last week’s finale of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Between the fireworks at Taylor’s party, the teasers for part 1 of the BH reunion (tonight at 9:00pm EST!), and the commercials for New York City’s 4th season, Andy Cohen has me in Housewives heaven! To top it off, I got the chance to sit down with notorious New York Housewife, Jill Zarinwho yenta’d-me-up about Beverly Hills, what’s on tap for NYC Season 4, and all that she’s been up to since we last saw her.  “Filming is going really well, I’m really excited about this season,” Jill says. “Last year was ugly for me, but now things have really turned around and I feel like I’m back to season 1 in terms of just having fun again.” Two things weighing heavy on her last year: husband Bobby’s health (“now he’s 100%”) and daughter Allyson departing for college in the Fall {of 2010}. “Even though kids are away at school, they never really leave – they’re home for Thanksgiving or other occasions and before you know it, it’s May and they’re off for 3 months. Of course I miss Allyson, but I don’t miss waking up early to get her to school.”  Now content as an “empty nester,” Jill is making quick work of filling up her already packed schedule. “My advice, and I think it’s so well said from the show, is to get a hobby,” Jill says with a laugh. “I think women should embrace the time when their kids have left home, by doing all the things they’ve always wanted to do. There are so many things we put on the back burner {while raising a family} and this is the time to do it.”  Words to live by, ladies – make your life list! One of many things keeping Jill busy? Her book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother (*Comment below for a chance to win a copy autographed by Jill!) is coming out in paperback in March (to include a bonus chapter about bullying) and has made mom and co-author Gloria Kamen into everyone’s favorite therapist. “My mother has a new life,” gushes Jill. “She writes columns, she answers questions, she meets fans, and she’s made some new bridge partners.” Fun fact for you Bravo buffs: Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger introduced her own mother to Gloria, and the two moms have been friends ever since – successful match, Patti! When she’s not talking to people about her book or filming her hit show, Jill kicks her feet up for some sleep … well, not exactly. Jill launched a bedding line through Bed Bath & Beyond and is bringing her fabric expertise to products ranging from comforters to curtains.  Hopefully she won’t need one of her own pillows for protection at this year’s reunion show! Knowing these ladies, anything can happen. Season 4 premieres Tuesday February 15th at 10pm on Bravo. Says Jill, “This experience and what happens on the show is a rollercoaster, but I hope fans will be cheering me on this season.”

Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win Jill’s book!

Official Rules

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The Dish on Top Chef: Just Desserts

November 17, 2010 at 5:26 pm, by Rachel Shippy

All season I have been an avid watcher of Top Chef: Just Desserts, currently in its first season on Bravo (and also currently filling the void Top Chef left on my DVR when the D.C. season wrapped). It’s been a fun new show featuring the obvious cuisine (JUST desserts!) and has also welcomed some esteemed guest judges and drop-ins including “Mr. Chocolate”, Jacques Torres and cake maven, Sylvia Weinstock to name a few. A happy viewer all season, I thought I had been having my cake and eating it too… until last Wednesday evening when I had a most unusual and exciting viewing experience that far out-shined my usual Wednesday night routine. I was lucky enough to attend an exclusive screening of last week’s episode hosted by none other than Godiva, the show’s sponsor, and I had to share with you all the fun that transpired as the night unfolded. I walked into the event and was handed a cocktail which I clutched while making my way to a long banquet table full of chocolate creations. I hovered there for a little while taking in all the smells and edible art. While hovering ( something that only ladies can do when they find themselves in front of a table o’ chocolate), someone tapped me on the shoulder and said they wanted to introduce me to Eric.  I turned around and saw Eric Wolitzky who I had been rooting for until his elimination a few weeks ago.  ”Personally, I really liked your cupcake flower bouquet!” I told him, and he of course agreed.  He was as nice in person as he seems on the show.  Then, I was seated in the back of the very glamorous room, facing the TV with several rows of people in front of me.  Before I could even worry about seeing the confections onscreen from there, Head Judge Johnny Iuzzini walked in and was seated directly behind me. Sipping my chocolate cocktail, I tried not to turn around to gawk at Johnny’s shiny black signature pompadour, but it really was beckoning me. Before I was too entranced, the show’s host, Gail Simmons glided into the room with Dannielle Kyrillos, a judge on the show as well as Editor-at-Large for Daily Candy. Was it wrong that I wanted Johnny, Gail, and Dannielle to dive into a full-on judges’ table deliberation? I think not. As if this wasn’t enough stimulation for a celebrity chef nerd like myself, Food Network’s Claire Robinson then entered the screening and took a seat next to Johnny behind me.  At this point, losing track of the episode I was there to see, I re-directed my focus up front to watch Morgan Wilson win the Godiva chocolate Quickfire challenge. Shortly after, I was presented with a tray full of Morgan’s 4 delectable creations to try out – WOW! TV does not do justice to the work these chefs put into their desserts.  I don’t have a huge sweet tooth but I think I grew one that night.  At the end of the night, I couldn’t tell you what else happened in the episode, but it didn’t matter because I felt like I was IN an episode while at this special screening.  Of course I went home that night to resume my usual, not-so-exclusive couch screening of Top Chef: Just Desserts from the comfort of my own apartment, but it was certainly surreal eating Morgan’s winning chocolates as I watched them on my TV. Tune in tonight for the finale and write to me below about who you think should be the big winner!

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Ladies We Love: Eileen Crane

November 9, 2010 at 10:32 am, by Rachel Shippy

President and founding Winemaker at California’s Domaine Carneros, Eileen Crane knows a thing or two about being a lady.  Named “Napa’s Most Powerful Woman” this year by ForbesWoman, Eileen balances business, style, and a commitment to eco-conscious living while maintaining her reputation as a trailblazer in the wine world.  Under her leadership, Domaine Carneros has adopted organic farming practices for their sparkling wines and pinot noirs and received organic certification in 2008.  The vineyard even has a solar powered facility for pinot production (just one more reason their wine is hot)! Beyond her vision for vino, Eileen Crane’s cup runneth over with inspiration for other women – read on to see why:

What makes you a lady? Biology, age, a sense of humor, and graciousness even in difficult times.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Gosh, there are so many.  I do guilt well, but it would probably be 4 hours in bed with a good book and a box {or two} of L.A. Burdick chocolates.

What are 3 things on your Life List? 1. Learning to be a great fundraiser for my favorite charities; 2. visiting all the U.S. and Canadian National Parks; 3. learning the art of the perfumer.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To build wonderful lives for women starting in the Congo and Darfur.  If I got a second super power, it would be time travel.

Who are ladies you admire? Early feminists, hard-working women who also volunteer, and single moms.

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