I love to read. I love to hike. I love to learn. I love to do things that enrich my mind and my spirit. I also really love a good reality TV show. This week I am getting my wisdom teeth out (all four) so forgive me if my posts seem a little uninspired. While I recuperate I am going to be indulging in a lot of guilty pleasures, so that is the theme for this week. Guilty pleasures...everybody has them and it feels great to indulge in them. Especially when you really need it.
There are a few reality shows that I love to follow. I am going to be watching a lot of reality TV while I recuperate from getting my teeth out. I like to think that they all have their redeeming qualities.
TOP CHEF
This show is awesome. Probably my favorite. The challenges are creative, the food always looks amazing, and in one word, Padma. With beauty, poise, and excellent taste she adds a great flavor to the show. Currently I am watching Top Chef- Las Vegas. In true Vegas style there are high stake quickfire challenges, visits from celebrities like Pen and Teller, and tons of twists. I personally am rooting for Kevin from Atlanta. Check out the website to watch episodes and see recipes from the show. As soon as I can eat solid foods again I am definitely going to try a few.
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chefSO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
If I like Top Chef because I love to cook, I like SYTYCD because I know I can't dance. I am blown away by the talent of these dancers! In addition to being incredibly entertained, I also learn about different dances. For example, have you ever heard of the Passodoble? I sure hadn't. My favorite part about watching the show though is when I just really love a performance, but I don't know why. In my very not knowledgeable opinion, that is when a dance is really good, when there is no need for a technical explanation for what made it amazing, it just is. This is a great show for dancers and non dancers alike.
http://www.fox.com/dance/AMAZING RACE
A race around the world! What is not to like? Every episode competing teams go to different parts of the world where they compete in wacky and wonderful activities. It is like the travel channel crossed with the game show network, with a big dose of drama thrown in. I love when the teams go places I have been, but I also love seeing places I have never been to and adding those places to my list of places to go someday.
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ttp://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/So whether you have had a hard day, need to relax, or just want to be entertained, indulge in the guilty pleasure of reality TV!
and that's your daily good thing!
There is something special about baking cookies from scratch. The dough tastes more delicious than store bought dough. That mouthwatering smell that wafts through the kitchen as the cookies are baking. The whole process, from measuring out the flour to pulling the cookies out of the oven, makes you feel like a bona fide baker. 
And, most importantly, the cookies just taste better. Baking cookies from scratch might seem like a big undertaking, but it really isn't, and it is well worth the extra fifteen minutes. The important thing is to have the ingredients on hand. Below are the ingredients most Chocolate Chip Cookie recpies call for. 2 eggs, 2 and 1/4th cup flour, 2 cups softened butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1tsp salt, 1tsp baking soda, 2 tsp vanilla, and as many chocolate chips as you like! Baking cookies is a fun to do by yourself or with friends and family. And it is a great activity 
to do during the winter months when you are cooped up inside. Homemade cookies are also a great treat to bring to a holiday party or as a housewarming gift. It may be simple, but homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven with a glass of cold milk is one of life's small pleasures. 
