I discovered a new network. Its probably only local, but its part of my channel 4 band - I don't know what to call those "dash" channels yet... Anyway, for me it is 4-3, part of NBC I think. Locals, correct me if I am wrong. I don't really watch the regular channel enough to know lol.
Anyway, it is like PBS for grown ups. Its a lot of silly, cheaply produced shows with a crap load of content. The hosts are unpolished, there are repeats and obvious filler episodes from time to time, the editing is so so at best and often times it shows, as the commercials cut off some of the transitions, but the CONTENT. Damn! It spans everything I love from AMAZING cooking shows (admittedly my favorite) to interior design shows (admittedly my least favorite). There is even a show called Deals that has great (and some not so great) ideas for how to save money. Its like they reached in my brain and decided to make a network for me. I actually like the not so polished look and feel as it is less produced and more human.
My favorite shows are the cooking ones, which are fantastic. I still love America's Test Kitchen on PBS, but I have to say, Best Recipes Ever, Mexico: One Plate At a Time, and the best one, Let's Dish, are creeping in as my favorites. I have made several recipes from Best Recipes Ever so far, including an apple, cabbage, and bratwurst braise that was fabulous! I am dying to try out the decadent mexican recipes. The host of the Mexico show is a master chef down in Chicago and his recipes are awesome and totally from scratch, but I have to go hunt down some of the ingredients. Let's Dish is the perfect fusion of fancy foods and less fussy stuff. They have great tips on prep and how to do things like slice an onion like a chef, which I love watching, but they have everything from microwave meals (not my speed) and simple, modern french fancy foods. I can't really explain - just watch!
The cooking shows aren't all of it though. Many of the other shows have great DIY projects, like Mirror/Mirror which is a fashion and beauty show, the kind of annoying talk show, Steven and Chris, and of course, Deals. I love DIY ideas, and while many of them are not earth shattering, I have gotten some good ideas. And its not Divorce court during daytime hours, which in itself is worthwhile!
Okay, now that my newest secret is out, I will start crafting again soon. I have been busy making stock for a friend's business (I put things in her shop on consignment) so check that out at www.thebabiesnook.com, but I will post some new tutorials someday... I promise!
