Rachel's Fab 4

I wanted to spend a moment and talk about the 4 things that have recently made my life fun, interesting, or easier lately!

1. The Slanket! (http://www.theslanket.com/)

Most of you have seen the infomercial for the Snuggie on TV... who hasn't? Basically it is a blanket that has sleeves sewn into it, so you can wrap up on the couch (or in the work chair!) and be completely warm. The Slanket is so much better than the snuggie b/c it's made out of heavier fleece, and is much warmer! I love it and would highly recommend it to those who are always cold, and not trying to run up the heating bill!

2. Stovetop Popcorn

What a bargain! I wish I had learned about this years ago! I have been microwaving popcorn for years, getting frustrated that not all the kernels are popped, some are burned and some are not, and they're not all evenly seasoned... well those days are over! I'm going back to the way our ancestors did it, on the stove. I don't have one of those old-fashioned popcorn-poppers, I just use a small saucepan. Into the saucepan I pour enough peanut oil (or EVOO if I'm eating with Mike) to coat the bottom, turn the heat to medium, put in one kernel of unpopped corn, and wait. When the one kernel pops, it's time to add more. I add just enough to cover the bottom of the pan in one layer, put the lid back on and wait! In the meantime, microwave or heat in a saute pan about 2 tablespoons of 1/2 butter 1/2 margarine and then add to that whatever seasoning I'm feeling that day, usually Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb. The pot of popping corn starts to pop a lot, and oil drips down the sides, so I'm handy with a kitchen towel to catch it before it hits the burner. When all the corn is popped, pour into a bowl and drizzle the butter mixture on top! Voila! It is SO yummy and much cheaper! PLUS 3 cups of popped popcorn has 4 grams of fiber!

And here's the price comparison:

1 box of 5 bags of microwave popcorn (5-10 servings) $3.99

1 container of unpopped corn (50-60 servings) $3.99

3. Jergen's Natural Glow Lotion

This white girl thinks that this lotion is one of the best things ever invented for summer! It gives me a natural, non-orangey tint that just makes me look healthier, not so pale and pasty. I'm big on SPF now, especially on my face, and I don't want to do anything that will cause me to get all wrinkly or give me skin cancer... so Jergens to the rescue! And now they make it firming, and it is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite in as little as 7 days? Gen-YUS! Well I guess I'll have to test that in the Couts lab...

4. The Real Housewives of New York City

Bravo's 2nd installment of the housewives is one of my faves. First there was Orange County (which I also love), the NY, then Atlanta (gross), and coming this summer New Jersey! But I love these housewives... they are hilarious. Their accents, demeanor, and of course the funny way they relate to each other cracks me up. They all claim to be a great judge of character and have amazing class, but as I sit there watching them, they fail almost every single time. Jill is the loud Jewish lady who is spoiled by her husband Bobby and truly loves life. Ramona is the pop-eyed lunatic who thinks she knows everything better than everyone. Bethenny (my favorite) is the confident, dark, witty, cynical single girl who just wants to find love. Alex & Simon (yes, I'm including the husband) always bothered me a little bit b/c of their snobbery and pretentiousness, but they are starting to grow on me... they're happy in their marriage, love their kids, so more power to 'em. Kelly seemed like a pointless addition at the beginning of the season, but as it has moved on, I'm so glad they brought her on... she's a dim-witted model who can't get enough of herself. And last but not least, there's LuAnn... ah, the Countess. I liked her last season, but she won't stop throwing her dumb title in everyone's face... she talks about how she went from being a regular girl, and American Indian to being a Countess.... didn't take a lot of work, actually... all you had to do was marry a count. Gosh. She is so pretentious it drives me nuts! But she's fun to watch!

Check out the Housewives! Tuesday night, 10/9 Central on Bravo! It is mind-numbing, second only to The Hills!