Behind the scenes at WLVT-TV

So we've been on cloud 9 since we were invited to do a segment to promote Cook n Craft Academy.  Producer Tony Budnick (who is so very nice and quite talented) produced our segment.  Initially, it was planned for us to do the segment with anchor Mark Packer but as news always is "a changing", Mark wasn't there that day and Brittany Tarwater stood in.

We arrived at the studio around 3 pm for our 4:50 pm appearance.  Now I know that's a bit early...and we were told that if we got there at 330 that would be plenty of time, but I wanted to make sure I got there with extra time.  I needed to assemble my "faux" hamburger cupcakes and lay out the whole segment.

WLVT-TV is a beautiful facility and it was very easy to find.  From the receptionist to the intern to the production assistant all the way to the producer and anchors --all were professional, kind and very warm and helpful. The minute I stepped into the studio, I felt a warmth and family feeling.  A true genuine respect for one another.

The studio in person is a lot smaller than it appears on television, but I expected that.  I worked in tv for over 25 years and the one thing I probably heard every single day was "the studio is so much smaller in person".  Those tv cameras can work their magic and make everything look better and bigger.  Kudos for the director for that!!!

The newscast started at 4 pm.  Amanda Hara co anchored with Brittany Tarwater and the two of them off camera appeared to be best buddies.  They were friendly and truly loved what they were doing.
Our segment was towards the end of the program so I cold sit back a little and just enjoy the show.

Before our appearance there were some exotic pets that stepped in the study...a very big snake, some baby foxes, a 6 foot iquana (my son would have loved this one)!!!

We also learned about a great program the Police Department in Oak Ridge has incorporating HS Students.

Friends and family asked if I was nervous about my segment.  I will tell you that I worked in television for over 25 years.  I even had my own show on the Food Network.  I was Rosie O'Donnell's Chub Club Buddy and did various segments with her.  Back in the day I even appeared with Matt Lauer on local Channel 9 in Secaucus NJ. The truth of the matter is that no matter how many times I've appeared on TV I still get a nervous energy.  So I say lots of prayers before I go on and ask God to give me the courage and wisdom to do and say the right thing.   Watch the clip and hopefully you'll think I did ok!!!!

And one of the best parts is when it was all over they asked me to come back!  I'm starting to think which great ideas I can share next!!!!  The directions to our activites are listed below!

Faux Tie Dye –Air Brushed Tee Shirt

Supplies:

Permanent ink markers (such as sharpies)

Tee-shirt

Cardboard

Isopropyl Alcohol

Dropper

Instructions:

Draw designs/patterns on your shirt with markers.  Dots in patterns usually work best.  When you are completely finished with your design place 2-3 drops of alcohol onto your design and watch it spread out.

When completely dry, heat set shirt by ironing on low heat or placing shirt in dryer.

String Art

Supplies:

Various Acrylic Paint Colors

Small paint bowl

Popsicle stick

Bakers twine (or similar string)—3 or 4 pieces approx. 14 inches

2 Canvas boards

Instructions:

Place one piece of string inside small paint bowl.  Squirt acrylic paint over string.  Use popsicle stick to make sure the string is covered with paint.  Drop the paint over the canvas in a circular motion (or whichever design you prefer). Leave about ½ inch of string hanging over the edge of the canvas. Take the remaining pieces of string and do the same thing, adding different colors or sticking with one or two main colors.  Then take the second canvas and place it on top of the first canvas.  Press down.  Pull on the strings out between the canvases.  And then turn over the top canvas to reveal your artwork.  If you like, you can repeat until you reach your desired piece of art.

Hamburger Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Box mix yellow cupcakes

Box mix chocolate cupcakes

5 tablespoons sugar

Sesame seeds

Tub vanilla icing

Red food color/gel

½ cup shredded coconut

Green food color/gel

Directions:

Make box mix cupcakes as directed on box.  Set aside to cool.

Make a simple syrup by mixing the sugar and 5 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil til sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.

Mix vanilla icing with red food coloring to achieve your “ketchup” look.

Take shredded coconut and mix it inside a small bowl with green food gel to achieve your “lettuce” .

Assemble burger:

Using a pastry brush, brush simple syrup onto yellow cupcakes.  Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Cut the cupcake tops with the seeds off.  This will be used as the top of your “bun”.

Cut the middle part of your chocolate cupcake and use it as your “burger:.

Use the bottom of your yellow cupcake as the bottom of your bun.

Add “ketchup” icing and coconut “lettuce” to your burger.

Enjoy!