I learned new nuggets of information today.  From the movie, Food, Inc., I had no idea so many products contained a corn derivative.  Also, I suspected workers who processed our food, particularly meat, would be affected by how mechanized the food processing systems are.  However, I did not realize the apparent disregard for the care of the product (e.g., animal for the meat) was also extended to the workers.

The highlight of the evening was hearing from the Director, Robert Kenner, who graduated from a Bucks County high school, fielded questions from the attentive audience.

Day two begins bright and early tomorrow.  I look forward to new insights on this timely topic.

Savor life's best,

Aimee

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

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

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

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

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

 Celebrate National Milk Chocolate Day on July 28, 2010. Grab a piece of milk chocolate and savor it as it melts in your mouth. Now, you've done your part!

Enjoy these fun chocolate facts -

- Milk Chocolate was invented by the Swiss. In 1875, Milk Chocolate was introduced when condensed milk was added to cocoa powder

- Americans consume 50% of chocolate each year

- 65% of American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate

Who created National Milk Chocolate Day? Who knows. Most likely, this sweet day was created by chocolate confectioners.

For smooth and creamy milk chocolate and other fine products, visit http://www.DOVE-Chocolate-Discoveries.com/AimeeWilson.

Savor life's best,

Aimee　

Sources: www.CandyUSA.com and  ChocolateSmarts - www.smartsco.com

I did not make this up. I am simply taking a page from Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People, Chapter 6, to be precise. Try it. Let the other person hear the sweetest sound!

Savor life's best,

Aimee

For the Star Challenges, I would love to meet the creative minds who develop those concepts.  Having the remaining contestants work together to execute a supper club experience was genius.  Not only did I learn from that aspect of the show, I also enjoyed the commentary from the various foodies who attended.  The professionals who participate in the Star Challenges as critics have that slice of time to critique the contestants without prior experience with the contestants.  I think their opinions, based on a live, brief food presentation, adds credibility  because of the limited experience with the contestants combined with their culinary expertise.  It makes their impressions rise to a higher level.  While viewers at home determine within moments whether they will continue to watch a show, food or cooking shows must pique your interest with that X factor, which typically is the personable host whose personality catches your eye and draws you in.

Now, it finally happened this episode.  This week's eliminated contestant was allowed to flounder for sometime in hopes of seeing a dynamic presentation match her magnetic personality while experiencing sophisticated food worthy of the Next Food Network Star.  Like one of the other contestants mentioned on this week's episode, the eliminated contestant created too many pasta dishes.  As discovered on a wrap-up show called NFNS After Party on Cooking Channel, the eliminated contestant had a fabulous dish that could have been the difference maker.  In case you just learned about this after party like I did, NFNS After Party gives a "Monday Morning Quarterback" perspective from hosts who include two past season contestants.  At the end of the after party show, the hosts gave their predictions on who would eliminated next.  I disagree with the prediction for the next eliminated contestant.  While one of the contestants whose name starts with "A" is soaring to the top, the other contestant whose name starts with "A", in my opinion, will be eliminated next week.  We will have to wait to see who is correct.

Savor life's best,
Aimee

- Mother

- Daughter

- Sister

- Friend

- Employee

- Entrepreneur

- Client

- Social Networker

You get the point.

These days, when I am confronted with competing responsibilities or a situation where I am not immediately sure how to handle it, I take the modern day deep breath.  I separate myself from the situation either physically (e.g., moving away from the situation) or figuratively (e.g., becoming "invisible" so I can gather information or compose myself).

For example, if someone on a social networking site reaches out to you in a way that surprises you (this could include lots of positive or negative instances), I put it on ice until I can gather my thoughts to respond in the best possible way. Every now and then, I may remember to breath.  A deep breath might occur on that rare occasion.  Typically, I just take a modern day deep breath and get back to the person within a reasonably responsible and professional amount of time so I can fashion an appropriate response.

I have found some relationships strengthened and other relationships calmly reconfigured or severed.  I highly recommend it - that when the next pleasant surprise or unexpected disappointment occurs, take a Modern Day Deep Breath.

Savor life's best,

Aimee