Well, the Next Food Network Star show ended its sixth season last Sunday.  I am just writing about the finale now because frankly, I was underwhelmed with the winner.  I understand the choice the Food Network made.  I just do not agree with it.  I am seriously not excited about it.

The two other contestants in the final three would have sparked more excitement from me.  I like the idea of cooking healthy with flavor.  That is actually how I got started cooking.  While in graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I used Cooking Light magazines to cook healthy and as an affordable means of entertainment (not that I had much time on my hands for that).  Plus, cooking with big, bold flavors with my chosen winner would have made me jump and shout!

It appears that the Next Food Network Star, whose new show kicked off yesterday (needless to say, I missed it), had a unique perspective that was different than her fellow finalists and other Food Network stars, I never got excited about her food.  My view of her was clouded by week after week of her doubting herself.  That was the storyline I got from the winner, not food that "wowed" me. 

I do wish her well, though.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

When I travel for business, my young son stays with a family member, usually my mother.  I miss him while I am away and I know he misses me.  I always leave behind a "While I'm Away" box (made by Once Upon A Family).  On the top, I insert a photo of my son and me.  Inside, I place a few goodies, including a special note from Mommy.

This time, I saw a quote from the wise, old Pooh bear, Winnie the Pooh.  I included it in my letter and plan to reproduce a framed photo with the following quote on it:

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you"

That powerful message is what kept me focused and my young son loved and cared for by me while I attended my sales conferences.  He loves the "While I'm Away" box and the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh made it extra special this time.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

Over the last three weeks, I am have been engaged in an interesting challenge from the direct selling companies I am aligned.  Since 2006, I have been an Independent Distributor with Scent-Sations, Inc. and started as an Independent Chocolatier with DOVE Chocolate Discoveries in 2008.  National Sales Conferences for both companies were held recently and I attended them.  Although the business model, structure, and culture of each company are different from the other, I received the same challenge - a "Dare"; that is "Dare to Dream" and "Dare to Discover".

I am taking the "Dare"! Both companies have a uniqueness that is unmatched in the marketplace.  I derive great pleasure and fun from marketing their products.  Because my full-time position is quite serious, I receive the best of both worlds with important, serious work during the day and fun and yumminess at night and on the weekends.

The "Dare" I am taking is:

1. To excel beyond my wildest dreams

2. To play full out, no matter the outcome

3. To savor the journey to my destiny

Savor life's best,

Aimee

Well, you know that the Next Food Network Star show is winding down with Sunday's episode featuring the final four finalists.  In this episode, the four of the Iron Chef America's judge the food of the Next Food Network Star finalists in Battle Shrimp and Battle Bacon.  I love Iron Chef America.  I especially like the cross-marketing when they bring in other Food Network stars.

The standards of the Iron Chefs were too much for this week's eliminated contestant.  I agree that it was time for her to go.  In a way, she peaked early and had limited growth.  Even though she expressed a consistent culinary viewpoint, I did not see anything special about her food.  You know what kept her around?  I believe it was her ease in front of the camera and during the camera challenges.  So many of the finalists had quirky personalities or seemed ill at ease when the camera came on.  The eliminated contestant's personality kept her afloat, so to speak.

I definitely am intrigued to find out who will be the Next Food Network Star.  If it is who I think will win, I am not so sure a confidence coach would not be needed on the sideline.  If it is who I would like to win, I cannot wait to see the new show.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

What a near impossible decision the judges on the Next Food Network Star had to make.  All three contestants in the bottom three have been inconsistent with a few moments of shining like a shooting star.

As a viewer, I have no idea how the final decision was made.  In my opinion, I think it came down to the camera challenges in which the two female contestants at least seem comfortable in front of the camera.  The eliminated male contestant typically turned off the charm when the camera was turned on.

However, I do not agree with this week's elimination.  Perhaps the coaching needed to help a contestant feel more comfortable in front of the camera is way beyond what the Next Food Network Star contest is about.  Helping the other two remaining contestants from the bottom three feel confident with their culinary perspective and worthiness will be much more difficult.  The next contestants to go will likely be one of the female contestants who dodged Sunday's bullet.

Savor life's best,

Aimee