Happy New Year!

We at Blogging Bravo wish you the happiest of new years. May 2010 be full of joy, good fortune, and love!

Bethenny Frankel on Today

A pregnant Bethany Frankel joined Matt on The Today Show couch yesterday morning to discuss her pregnancy, the upcoming season of Housewives and "leaving the party at full tilt," her journey to become a skinny girl and "white knuckling it," and her PETA ad.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tabatha's Salon Takeover Tonight

Tabatha's Salon Takeover is all new tonight. This week’s challenge puts Tabatha in a male-only salon with a staff that refuses to open its doors to women. Moreover, the staff has vowed to only spend 30 minutes (tops) on a high-end haircut. Will Tabatha get these narrow-minded employees to open up to positive change? Or will they remain stuck in their ways?

Tune in tonight @ 10/9c!



Check out two more previews here.

Launch My Line Goes Gaga!

A post-holiday treat for you....

On the next episode of Launch My Line, one of today’s most fashion-forward and over the top pop stars, Lady Gaga, stops by to inspire the designers. The teams are asked to create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste. While the lines of fashion might not be crossed, the tension between some teammates gets intense and someone pushes their teammate to the edge.

The next episode of Launch My Line airs January 6th at 10/9c!

Happy Holidays from Blogging Bravo

Have a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday from all of us to all of you!

Reactions to Episode 4 of Launch My Line

So nude humans are considered "art" now? When I went to art school, the drawing of nudes was barely considered art. But anyway...our designers had to draw their inspiration from nekkid people, thankfully blurred for the home audience.

What did you think of the challenge? Did you think that Merle deserved to win for her convertible gown? What about Vanessa being given the boot - was her dress really that bad? Sit down and chat a bit....please leave your thoughts on this episode in the comments.

Tonight, on Launch My Line

For the designers’ fourth look, they are taken to an art gallery for the inspiration to create original evening wear. But, the remaining contestants are in for a surprise when they realize their inspiration is not from the art hanging on the walls, but from the nude models standing in front of them! Will they be able to execute a marketable, wearable garment given their out-of-the-box challenge?

Tune in tonight @ 10/9c.

Tonight on Chef Academy!

Joel's mother passed away from breast cancer and everyone wants to support him.



Find two more previews here.

Inside the Actor's Studio With Kate Hudson

Inside the Actor’s Studio is back and all new tonight with Hollywood’s “it” girl, Kate Hudson. Kate sits down with James Lipton for a candid interview where she dishes on her high-profile childhood with her famous family and the behind-the-scenes work she put into her role in the upcoming musical “Nine.” Find out what Kate has to say when Lipton brings up a certain rumored relationship with a well-known baseball player. Don’t miss her response during this not to be missed in-depth interview!

Tune in tonight @ 7/6c.

Turn the Other Cheek

Bethenny Frankel unveiled her super-mega-über-airbrushed PETA billboard in Times Square earlier this week. If she weren't standing so proudly next to it, nobody would realize it was her. Photoshop is truly an amazing tool.

Loopy Lynne

The Real Housewives of the OC went to Florida last night….a mere 10 days after Lynne’s facelift! The result!? Loopy Lynne! She asks where she can find mushrooms, howls like Vicky and as Gretchen put it, “Lynne is sorta, kinda coocoo without the pain pills in her. And now with the pain pills, she’s like…TWICE the fun.”

RHNY Do Community Service

...out of the goodness of their hearts, of course. Kelly Bensimon and Jill Zarin helped serve dinner at the Food Bank for New York City's Community Kitchen in Harlem.

Blogging Bravo Interview with Akiko Cook

Photo: Bravotv.com

Launch My Line's Akiko Cook talks about her experience on the Bravo Show.

Click here for the podcast.

Click here to see Akiko's collection in Bloomingdale's.

Thank you Akiko.

Tonight, on the Real Housewives of Orange County

There’s more drama and bickering (bickering and drama?!) tonight on the Real Housewives of Orange County when Vicki plans a trip to Florida for all of the housewives, which she strictly enforces as “girls only.” But when Tamra, Alexis, and Gretchen’s significant others all crash the party, Vicki is less than thrilled. Will new alliances form when Tamra and Gretchen actually agree with one another? And will Tamra and Vicki’s friendship be tested when Tamra doesn’t see Vicki’s side?

Blogging Bravo Interview with Kevin Black

Launch My Line's Kevin Black talks about his experience on the show, his work as a Music Industry Marketer and Promoter and his plans for the future.

A highlight: Kevin threw a viewing party for last night episode. Sounded like a lot of fun. Click here for the podcast.

Click here for Kevin's website.

Thank you Kevin!

Reactions to Episode 3 of Launch My Line

The third episode was a "walk on the wild side" in which the designer/expert teams had to incorporate an animal theme into the latest design for their line. Personally, I liked that they had to use slightly unconventional animals as their inspiration - turtles, toucans, monkeys. The zebra was a bit expected, but wasn't he a little cutie?!

It looked like Patrick was going home (why didn't he throw his "expert" under the bus for that monstrosity? I would have. Probably would have backed the bus up a few times too.) but instead Kevin got the boot. Do you agree with this? What about with Kathy's win?


And...would you wear a jumpsuit? How about bloomers with hairy undersides? Poor Amanda. Please, discuss!

Launch My Line - Tonight at a New Time!

Launch My Line moves to its regular time tonight (10/9c) and for their third challenge, the "experts" get up close and personal with exotic animals to draw their inspiration for their next garment. While one designer must confront a phobia to complete the challenge, another team takes a walk on the wild side that might be too much of a risk. Who will be spot-on and who will end up as fashion road-kill?

Tabatha's Salon Takeover - Tonight

Tabatha’s Salon Takeover is all new tonight! And it seems Tabatha is coming to her breaking point when she flips out on the employees of her latest salon takeover! When the employees prove to make classic, lazy, and amateur mistakes, Tabatha gets fed up. Will she give up or will she pull it together to whip them into shape?

Tune in tonight @ 10/9c: http://www.bravotv.com/tabathas-salon-takeover


Click here for two more previews.

Tonight on Chef Academy

Find two more previews here.

Recapalooza - Launch My Line Episode 2

Here's one from Charlotte Style Magazine.

Reality Wanted thinks this episode had a "battle of the dandys."

Reality TV Magazine thinks Roberto wanted to prove he was the real drama queen.

The always cruel Television Without Pity is sure the Catens are wearing girdles under their clothes.

And the even meaner TVgasm sticks in the knife and twists it.

Lynn and Raquel’s New Faces

From the Mailbox

How about a Launch My Line recap from the crazy people at TVgasm? Here's what they think about the Caten twins: "One looks like Billy Bob Thornton's dentures and the other one is almost cute." Hopefully they'll make their next post in time for the episode 2 Recapalooza.

Here's a Futon Critic interview with Dan Caten, Lisa Kline AND Stefani Greenfield.

Slashfood has an amusing article on Chef Academy, recapping the most recent episode.

I've seen several blogs mentioning the deliciousness of Grandma Louise's tomato sauce from episode 3 of Chef Academy and thought you might like the recipe.

Happy Hanukkah!

On the first day of Hanukkah Jill Zarin gave to me…her grandma's latke recipe!

No, really. She did! Here’s a clip of Real Housewives of New York’s, Jill Zarin, on The Today Show this morning sharing her favorite latke family recipe.

According to Jill, it’s a lighter latke, her husband Bobby claims it isn’t a real latke and Al likend it to a knish…check it out and see for yourself:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Kim Zolciak on Ellen DeGeneres

Kim Zolciak performed "Tardy for the Party" for the Ellen DeGeneres show the other day. Great, or trainwreck - you make the call.

Blogging Bravo Interview with David Applebaum

Launch My Line designer David Applebaum talks to us about his experience on the show. David also shares the key to telling the twins apart...
Click here for the podcast.

Real Housewives of Orange County Previews

The Real Housewives of Orange County is all new tonight and it’s major! The day has finally come for Lynne and her daughter to go under the knife and the two are both anxious for their surgeries, will each procedure go smoothly? And it’s a meeting of the frenemies when Tamra and Gretchen sit down to try and bury the hatchet. But when Tamra presses Gretchen about past rumors that she refuses to let die, will Gretchen walk out on her? Or will the two finally find civil ground?

Tune in tonight @ 10/9c

Reactions to Launch My Line Episode 2

"Daytime at the Beach" was this week's theme - in addition to "animosity." Coco and L. Marilyn! Roberto and Patrick! What do you think of all the drama? Eric takes the win and David is given the boot...do you agree with these decisions? Please let us know what you thought about this episode in the comments.

Tonight - the Season Finale of Top Chef!

If you've missed anything this season, you can catch up in 4 minutes:



Tune in tonight @ 10/9c, and check out all of the Top Chef buzz on All Top Chef!

Previews For Episode 2 of Launch My Line

When a “trend forecaster” stops by to show the designers how trends are set and what will be popular for 2010, the contestants must pay attention to incorporate into the 2nd look of their collection. The designers are then taken to Venice Beach to seek inspiration for a daytime look using colors and silhouettes that will set the trends for the upcoming season. The pressure takes a toll on the contestants as one expert threatens to leave his/her partner, will they quit the competition?

Tune in tonight at 11/10c!

Tabatha's Salon Takeover - Tonight

Everyones got their hair in knots tonight on a new episode of Tabathas Salon Takeover when an unwavering, unsympathetic salon owner Nikki becomes Tabatha's next project, Tabatha has her hands full. The unhappy staff agrees to sit down with Tabatha, their boss, and a mediator but will their impossible work environment be addressed and amended or will Nikki be unwilling to change her ways? And when Nikki jumps down Tabatha's throat, will Tabatha walk away from the project?



Find two more previews here.

Chef Academy - Tonight

Don't forget - after the season finale of Million Dollar Listing is a new episode of Chef Academy!

Million Dollar Listing Finale Tonight

Heres whats happening tonight, Josh tries to move a half-demolished home in Beverly Hills only to have a buyer's agent tear into him during negotiations, will his deal fall through? Meanwhile, Madison picks up a dream client in a nightmare market, a buyer with plenty of cash to spend. And Chad tries to win back Victoria by mixing business and pleasure, will he successfully woo Victoria back or is this the end of their relationship?



Find two more previews here.

Launch My Line Recapalooza!

Reality Wanted loves twinsies that dress alike.

Television Without Pity gets in a few good snarks.

Reality Shack thinks the Catens are expecting a lot.

Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch thinks these people are "delightfully wacky."

And here's one from new blogger Bravo Reality.

If you are recapping Launch My Line, please drop us a line at bloggingbravo@gmail.com to let us know!

Reactions to Launch My Line Episode 1

So what did everyone think about Launch My Line? It's only one episode in, of course, but do you think it's better than The Fashion Show? Do you think it will be more entertaining than season 6 of Project Runway? What about the cast of characters - does anyone seem particularly likable or villainous to you? And those DSquared2 boys...?

Please tell us what you thought of the premiere episode in the comments.

Shear Genius - Back for Season 3!

BRAVO'S "SHEAR GENIUS" IS BACK FOR A THIRD SEASON WITH 12 CUTTING EDGE STYLISTS

Series Premieres Wednesday, February 3 At 11 PM ET/PT

NEW YORK - December 2, 2009 - Bravo's creative hair-styling competition series "Shear Genius" is back for its third season with a whole new look, premiering Wednesday, February 3 at 11 p.m. ET/PT. International model and handbag designer Camila Alves makes her hosting debut alongside new series judge Jonathan Antin, celebrity stylist and former star of Bravo's hit series "Blow Out." Famed stylist Kim Vo returns as a judge for his second season, and new to the series, accomplished stylist Orlando Pita adds his voice of expertise as mentor to the contestants.

Joining the expert panel each week, stars from the hair world and beyond serve as guest judges to determine who makes the cut, including Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Estelle, Tabatha Coffey, star of "Tabatha's Salon Takeover," renowned hair guru Ken Paves and celebrated stylist, Oribe. For a sneak peek of the third season of "Shear Genius," go to: www.bravotv.com/shear-genius/videos/this-is-shear-genius.

"Shear Genius" has gone international for the first time ever and after combing the world in search of top stylists, Bravo has assembled 12 remarkably talented individuals who will raise the level of competition as never seen before. The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money furnished by Nexxus Salon Hair Care, an apprenticeship with Nexxus and the chance to style hair for an Allure magazine photo shoot.

The world of styling is much bigger than just a salon - and Bravo's "Shear Genius" offers a glimpse into that captivating and little-known arena. This season the challenges are more glamorous, the hair more knotty, and the competition more fierce, as the contestants attempt to demonstrate that their style is a cut above the rest. Throughout the course of the series, the stylists' skills are put to the test as they find themselves working behind the scenes at an iconic hotel, styling a celebrity at a glamorous home in the Hollywood Hills, and even in a rural barn.
Following are the 12 stylists competing on the series:

* Adee - 36, Hometown: London, England
* Amy - 25, Hometown: Toronto, Canada
* April - 42, Hometown: New York, NY.
* Arzo -35, Hometown: San Francisco, Calif.
* Brian - 37, Hometown: New York, N.Y.
* Brig - 33, Hometown: Simi Valley, Calif.
* Faatemah - 36, Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
* Giacomo - 43, Hometown: Austin, Texas
* Janine - 28, Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
* Joey - 29, Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
* Jon - 38, Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
* Matthew - 38, Hometown: Denver, Colo.

In each episode, the stylists compete in a short cut challenge - testing technical hairstyling skills, and in the elimination challenge they test creativity and advanced skills. From styling a risqu? runway show where the hair must artfully cover areas the outfit does not, to a romance novel shoot that begs for the hairstyles to evoke fantasy, the competition get fierce as the stylists strive to prove their work is "Shear Genius."

Launch My Line - Episode 1 Recap

Fell asleep halfway through the first episode? Want another look at the scene between Roberto and Patrick? Can't even remember who won this challenge? Here's a recap!

Blogging Bravo Interview with Launch My Line's Susan Brunet

Susan Brunet is the expert paired with Dan Karady on Launch My Line. She has her own line called Elevate and Collide which she describes as "clean, modern and edgy" while still "sophisticated and cool."

I had a telephone interview with her this morning - thank you Susan!

LK: Honestly can you tell Dean and Dan apart?

SB: No!

Click here to continue.

Launch My Line Exit Interview - Dan Karaty

Tonight on the Real Housewives of Orange County

After taking a week off, The Real Housewives of Orange County is all new tonight! On tonight's episode, Lynne and her husband invite a self-proclaimed “youthologist” over to talk to their daughters about the girls’ rebellious attitudes. Will she be able to get through to them and get them to divulge their issues?

Meanwhile, Vicki hosts a BBQ at her house and invites Tamra’s entire family including Tamra’s son, Ryan, and her husband, Simon. The two have been estranged for over 6 months and tensions rise when they both show up. Will Tamra be able to get the two men in her life to get along?

From the Mailbox

Here's a good article on Launch My Line, which debuts TONIGHT.

More LML: Speakeasy, the blog of the Wall Street Journal, isn't too sure about it. Newsday, however, thinks that reality junkies may find it compelling.

BravoRealityTV has provided us with a recap of last week's Tabatha's Salon Takeover.

Top Chef Finale Part One Tonight!

There are four cheftestants left - Bryan, Michael, Jen, and Kevin. Which of them will be eliminated tonight and which three will go on to the final battle? Catch previews here and follow the show at All Top Chef! The fabulous Laura K will have interviews with all four chefs over the next two weeks, so stay tuned!

Tabatha's Salon Takeover - Tonight

Tonight on a new episode of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Tabatha has a serial shopper on her hands: salon owner Kim who spends all of her earnings on clothes! Reality sets in when Tabatha facilitates an intervention involving Kim’s husband, forcing Kim to donate what she doesn’t need from her closet to charity. Meanwhile, the employees at Kim’s salon seem to care more about themselves than their clients –will Kim be able to take control of her finances AND her salon?



Catch two more previews here.

Are *You* Ready for Launch My Line?

The show premiers tomorrow...are you excited? We are!

The lo-down: Ten well-known professionals, who are highly regarded in their own field of expertise, are paired with ten established fashion experts. The ten teams are put to the test, as they have to rely on each other's expertise to produce a cohesive fashion line.

BRAVO’s Launch My Line PREMIERE EPISODE –“What’s My Line?” – (Wednesday, December 2, 11 PM ET/PT)

For their first challenge, the teams must create a signature piece for their collection. While some teams hit it off from the start, other teams have to work hard not to hit each other. Tempers flare and the pressure is high as everyone wants to impress the judges and win this first challenge.

Madison Takes a Stand

California's battle for equality has made national waves. California residents, celebrities, activists, parents, teachers and politicians alike are standing up against Proposition 8, particpating in important projects such as The NOH8 Campaign which is a photo project by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley. Madison from Million Dollar Listing got involved in the campaign to take a stand for himself and others.

This is a great clip of the photo shoot and Madison explaining why it's important for him to be involved.