Rachael Ray Envies Jessica Simpson's Body

Food wasn't the only thing on Rachael Ray's mind in Miami this week � beach bods made the list too, of course.

"I wish I could be as thin as Jessica Simpson," Ray, 40, told PEOPLE while hosting the Amstel Light Burger Bash at Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Thursday night. "I think she looks gorgeous!"

The Emmy-award winning TV host looked pretty hot herself as she made the rounds in a tent erected behind the Ritz Carlton in a short black sheath.

"I have had Jessica on my show several times, and I can tell you that girl is genuine and funny with a great self-deprecating sense of humor," Ray added. "All of the hoopla about her weight was because of the fit of her jeans. In reality, she is a tiny, slip of a woman."

Ray is spending the weekend in South Beach with her husband John Cusimano, 41, whose band, The Cringe, will entertain Wine & Food guests at the Hotel Victor Friday night.

Source: people.com

Last week, in my own hometown, an abandoned, starved dog was found in one of those depositories for donated clothes. Left in the bin without food and water for almost a week during a 90 degree hot spell, "Sally" named after the Salvation Army bin she was found in, is a survivor. Check out the dog and the story at this blog. She licked the faces of her rescuers. I wish stuff like this didn't happen and Rachael Ray is trying to help at-risk dogs like Sally.

Rachael Ray Helps At-Risk Animals
How Cool Is That?

Looking for healthy food to feed your dog that also helps at-risk animals? Daytime host, best-selling author and pet lover Rachael Ray launches a new line of super premium dog food and treats called Rachael Ray Nutrish. Ray's proceeds from each sale will be donated to support Rachael's Rescue which is dedicated to helping at-risk animals through adoption, medical care and educational programs, along with training and outreach initiatives.

Rachael Ray Nutrish includes two varieties of all-natural dog food featuring real meat at the first ingredient - Real Chicken and Veggies and Real Beat and Brown Rice. There are no by-products, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives; and each recipe contains

• antioxidant nutrients like vitamin E and selenium to support a healthy immune system
• a healthy fiber blend including oatmeal for easy digestion
• Omega Fatty Acids, with a dash of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) to support healthy skin and a shiny coat
• high-quality proteins to support healthy organs and lean muscle mass
• calcium for strong bones and healthy teeth

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"I love my dog Isaboo and as a member of my family I need to make sure that she eats as well as the rest of us," says Ray. "With the launch of Nutrish, I now have the opportunity to share with other pet lovers some of her favorite meals, flavors, and special treats."

Check it out!

Call me a sucker for sweets! SWEET, New York City’s Largest Dessert Party Ever, Takes Manhattan on November 16.

Manhattan’s sweet tooth will be satisfied like never before on Friday, November 16th at 9:00 pm, when the nation’s pastry elite descend upon the ultra chic Waterfront (269 11th Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets) to celebrate SWEET, a deliciously decadent evening with a charitable outcome to end hunger. Guests will sample the mouthwatering creations of New York’s premiere pastry chefs, chocolatiers, confectioners, bakers and fromagers, including such notable James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award winners as Le Bernardin’s Michael Laiskonis (2007), Jean Georges’ Johnny Iuzzini (2006) and Karen DeMasco of Craft (2005). Also participating in the festivities will be Food Network stars Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, Duff Goldman, Cat Cora and more. Desserts will be complemented by selections of outstanding wines, Champagnes and spirits from the Southern Wine & Spirits, NY portfolio.

The evening will be co-hosted by Share Our Strength, Food Network’s official charitable partner and one of the nation’s leading organizations working to end childhood hunger in America, and Food Bank For New York City, dedicated to fighting hunger in our own backyard.

Tickets can be purchased at www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com and are $200 each, exclusive of tax and service charges ($150 of which will be tax deductible).

Yum! Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to start covering some of these events soon, so we can chat with some of the celebs who are participating!