Category: Living

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Dancing with the Stars: Carrie Ann’s Throwback to High School

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Dancing with the Stars: Breakthroughs All Around

This week on Dancing with the Stars was 80s night, a blast from the past and the perfect trip down memory lane. I graduated from Punahou High School in 1986, and all the songs our contestants danced to brought back some of my favorite memories of growing up in Hawaii and pursuing dance as a career.

CARRIE ANN INABA Dancing with the Stars
A throwback from 1985!

The 80s were such an important decade for me, containing some of my favorite memories both of my home in Hawaii and my brand new career in entertainment. It was the decade that I toured Japan as a performing artist and started investing in what has become a lifelong love of dance. My team and I wanted to do justice to his fabulous era in fashion, and we went to town bringing the 80s to life in my look this week. To read more about it you can check out my getting ready diary at People.com.

CARRIE ANN INABA Dancing with the Stars
Performing in Japan for Pony Canyon Records, 1987.

First, I’d like to give a big congratulations to Johnny Weir and his partner Britt for their artistic and passionate contemporary dance. Britt’s choice to take Johnny back on the ice was incredible strategy as his mentor and partner, and I really think it helped him tap into something major in this season of Dancing with the Stars. This season has been potentially the most competitive one I’ve ever seen; we’re seeing a lot of great dancing, and there are so many couples that could be contenders. This has been a strong moment for breakthroughs; I can see so many of our performers making new connections and reaching new levels in different ways. Last week I felt Nelly had a real breakthrough performance with his paso doble only to have another breakthrough this week. He finally seemed so relaxed and comfortable, like he had found his range of movement in this samba. I think we tend to forget that dancing is not only sport, but it’s art and communication and entertainment as well. This week Nelly really tapped into that entertainment side, and we all enjoyed watching him.

As judges, we love to see our contestants have breakthroughs, which is why it can be so heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to someone when their breakthrough might be right around the corner. It was so hard to have to send Jesse Metcalfe and his partner Sharna Burgess home because after 29 seasons, I can tell when things are starting to click into place for contestants. My judge’s comments are always geared towards helping people reach that next level; I always want to invest in the growth and the evolution of the celebrities who have decided to take the chance and appear on Dancing with the Stars. It can be so challenging to lean into an experience like this one, and I always want to give advice that encourages them on their journey.

CARRIE ANN INABA Dancing with the Stars
Glamming up

It was so difficult to have to make the choice between Jesse Metcalfe and Vernon Davis, but it was clear to me that Vernon was closer to his breakthrough than Jesse at this point. That being said, I truly hope Jesse has found a love for dance in this process and I hope he can incorporate some of what he learned into his future endeavors. He seemed to really be learning to love dance and I hope this isn’t the last we see of that side of him.

I know that Dancing with the Stars is a show crafted to entertain and delight, but I also think it’s such an incredible vehicle for everyone who makes it into our ballroom. Even if people go home earlier than we’d hoped or we don’t get to see them do things we thought they could, DWTS can be such an amazing platform for celebrities to let the audience see a different side to themselves. For instance, just last week Anne Heche told a story she’d never told before about her relationship with Ellen and got to be real and vulnerable with all of us. I’m always proud to be on a show that gives people a place to grow and evolve and courageously face their fears. Dancing with the Stars is total entertainment, but it also creates change for people. It allows evolution. And it gives people hope, I think, when they watch other people face their own fears or tell their own stories. We get to know our contestants better and that helps us get to know ourselves better.

A backlot photo opp.

I’m already looking forward to next week and all the fresh growth it will bring. I’m truly so proud of each of our performers and all they’re accomplishing, even though I didn’t get a chance to mention every one of them by name here. Next week I’ll feature a few more of our couples and share my deeper impressions of them so you can get an inside look at my perspective of the competition.

Thank you for watching and for reading, and I hope you’re enjoying the process as much as we are! Halloween night is coming soon, and we’re all hard at work deciding what we’re going to be. We try to top ourselves every year, and I know that with Tyra’s fashionable influence our costumes are going to be on a whole new level!

For previous entries of my DWTS Diary, click here!

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Dancing With The Stars: Just Roll With It!

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars

I believe that the lesson in last Monday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars was that no matter what turns the path takes, everything always ends up as it should. Despite some confusion towards the end, Dancing with the Stars‘ Week 4 episode was an incredible night. After an initial mixup, Monica Aldama and her partner Val were revealed to be in the bottom two along with Anne Heche and Keo. Anne had performed an incredible paso doble to “Rise” by Katy Perry. It was a number that shared so much brightness and positivity following her story about her relationship with Ellen and its impact on her career. I want to thank her for her vulnerability; her story was both profound and inspiring. Unfortunately, her dancing left her in the bottom two, and all three judges ultimately decided to send Anne home and keep Monica Aldama. It’s always difficult to send someone home after they’ve shared such a powerful and vulnerable moment from their life with us. We wanted to speak to her further but weren’t able to on air due to restricted time, so I’d like to take this moment to say that I was deeply moved by Anne’s peace. I was inspired by her strength and her courage to be the woman that she is in this world and I love the way that she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. I’m sorry that we couldn’t see her dance more because she has such a bright light, and I’m looking forward to see what doors open for her next.

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars
Getting ready with Rhonda Spies, my amazing stylist.

Now, the night might have ended with some unexpected confusion, but it also began with some as well. Ahead of the show, we had my outfit all planned out; I was going to wear a lovely pewter green gown with a tight corset, along with my blonde finger-wave wig. I was so excited for this dress, but the weekend before I had gone camping and had been eating differently than normal. When it came time to put the dress on, it was so tight I was afraid I’d pass out. If you’ve never worn a corseted ballgown, a danger in wearing them is that they can sometimes push on your diaphragm the wrong way and make you faint. That’s why in the 19th century, when corseted gowns were popular, many homes had “fainting couches” specifically designed to catch anyone passing out from a too-tight corset. Luckily, I didn’t need a fainting couch behind my Dancing with the Stars judge’s chair because we plan outfits for future episodes well in advance. I was able to wear a one-shoulder bronze and pewter Ivan Bitton gown picked out for a later episode. For more details, you can read People‘s coverage of my style here. I loved my look, and when I saw Tyra come out in a one-shoulder dress of her own it felt like the stars had aligned and everything was just right.

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars
My miraculous one-shoulder look.

I want to say that in Week 4, the dancers were incredible. I was profoundly touched by Skai Jackson’s foxtrot that she performed in honor of her friend and co-star Cameron Boyce who tragically passed away last year. I thought that it was flawless; sheer perfection. I know that it’s early in the season for a 10 paddle to come out, but I also know that I have to follow my instincts when judging. The entire time Skai and her partner Alan were dancing, my instincts kept yelling “10!” It was clear that something magical was happening, and when that kind of magic happens, you’ll always see a 10 paddle from me.

I’m blown away by the improvement we’re seeing week to week from all of out dancers. Johnny Weir and his partner Britt gave an incredible performance, as did Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem. Without any background dancers or distractions from the dancers themselves this year, I think the dancers know that our focus is solely on them. I’m seeing them put more effort into the details, and can feel them really listening to the judges’ comments because it’s the only feedback they’re getting.

I congratulate everyone on what might have been my favorite episode of Dancing with the Stars ever. The growth of the couples has been exceptional, and I feel that many of them have made leaps and bounds forward in their progress. Although the night might have had more confusion than we’d planned for, ultimately everything turned out the way it was meant to be.

I’m looking forward to Week 5: Disco Night! I was in my teens in the 80s and I know it’s going to bring back some fun memories.

(Plus, I can’t wait to see what Bruno’s going to wear!)

To read previous weeks of Carrie Ann’s DWTS diary, click here.

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9 of Our Favorite Fall Candles to Make Your Spaces Cozy

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 7 of Our Favorite Fall Candles to Make Your Spaces Cozy

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. The relief of a fall breeze after months of summer heat is always a gift; the appearance of seasonal spices and long sleeves remind us that change has a lot to offer us. It marks a time of transition; as leaves fall from the trees around us it prompts us to ask ourselves which things we’ve been holding onto that we should release before the beginning of a new year. If you live in the South or West, you might be accustomed to fall being more of a mindset than a weather change. Here in Los Angeles the temperatures are still high as we enter October, but that doesn’t mean I can’t start celebrating all the things I love about this season. One of the biggest lessons of quarantine is how much control we have over our own experience, even when external circumstances don’t comply to our desires. If you love the fall as much as I do, enjoying autumn can be as simple as creating the experience of fall in your home. I’ve spoken before about the power that scents have in our lives; they have a deep connection to our memories and can have a profound impact on our moods. By simply lighting a candle you can signal to yourself that autumn, and all the reflection and change that come with it, are here. Here are 9 fall candles to help you harness the perfect flannel-and-cider moment for yourself, even if you’re still facing a heatwave outside.

1. Spiced Pumpkin from P.F. Candle Co

If to you fall means a ride to the pumpkin patch or fresh pumpkin pie, this scent will be a great addition for your home. Sweet and complex without being overpowering, the Spiced Pumpkin candle is the best way to ring in the Fall for any pumpkin lover.

2. Apple Cider from Brooklyn Candle Studio

Fresh with undertones of mulled spices, Apple Cider from Brooklyn Candle Co will set the tone for a quiet night in with a book and a blanket. It radiates warmth and comfort and everything good about the season for gathering around fires with mugs in hand.

3. Sweater Weather from Bath & Body Works

If you’ve never been one for sweets but love the dusky, cozy weather that comes with fall, Sweater Weather is the scent for you. With deep, woody scents of juniper and eucalyptus, this candle inspires the wonder of a walk in the woods or a warm campfire.

4. Spiced Pumpkin Latte from Voluspa

This complex combination of spices and sweet cream will have your home smelling like your favorite small-town coffee shop. Read a book or sip your coffee while the vibrant scents enrich your morning and brighten your day.

5. Autumn Nights from Evil Queen

With a rich mixture of apple pie and spices, this candle will make you feel like you just jumped into the perfect pile of leaves. This Autumn Nights’ scent is seasonal with hints of cinnamon but it isn’t too heavy, creating a light but unmistakeable air of fall throughout your home.

6. Grandma’s Kitchen from Homesick

If your favorite part of fall is the approach of holidays and lots and lots of baking, this candle will add a sweet touch. Burn this candle anytime you want your house to smell like you just took a pie out of the oven.

7. Smoky Cinnamon Special from P.F. Candle Co

If you love cinnamon but find most cinnamon candles to be overpowering, Smoky Cinnamon Surprise is the perfect candle to gift yourself with this fall. Warm and subtle, this scent will make you feel your coziest all day long.

8. Apple Orchard from Homesick

One of the best parts of fall is all the outdoor activities in the brisk autumn air. Nothing says fall like picking fresh apples off of a tree, and this candle brings those sweet, crisp undertones into your home.

9. Leaves from Bath & Body Works

A seasonal favorite, Leaves summons all the scents from a dreamy fall afternoon. Glowing apple and amber undertones will make your environment feel calm and earthy no matter what challenges you face.

The fall is such a special time each year, but it’s particularly important his year. In a year that’s often felt repetitive, without many changes to punctuate the days, fall signals that new things are still coming and that holidays will soon be here. If you’ve been looking for ways to embrace the change in seasons, or even just create a cozy, comforting environment for yourself, fall candles can be a great place to start.

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Reflections on Disney Night at Dancing with the Stars: Who’s Stood Out and Why

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's DWTS Diary

Disney Night is a Dancing with the Stars fan favorite, and it’s one of my favorites as well. I want to give a huge shout out to the production crew and creative team at DWTS, the hair and makeup team and every single person who worked to create the magic of Disney right in our DWTS ballroom. All the Disney princesses were taken by the dancers, so I chose to make up my own princess. I decided to wear pink because it’s the color of the heart chakra, and everything I do right now comes from my heart. The makeup for this episode was beyond anything we’ve ever seen in the past— Carole Baskin and her partner Pasha brought The Lion King to life with a very special flair. Sadly, Carole is not moving on to the next round, but I want to say that I have a lot of respect for her coming on the show and doing something so outside of her realm while spreading the word about her mission of saving big cats. I’m thankful for the production numbers she brought to the show, which will live on in DWTS history for many years to come. My favorite will always be the Viennese Waltz she and Pasha performed last week to Tom Jones’ “What’s New Pussycat?”

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing with the Stars
Let the magic begin!

In week three, all the couples seem to have found their stride. In past seasons, there have been a lot of elements that could help distract from any flaws in couples’ performances. We’d have fantastic production numbers with backing dancers that would frame the couple and sometimes this would help to mask the couple’s weaknesses. This year, with no backing dancers, we get to focus on the growth of the actual contestants themselves. For me that’s what DWTS is all about.

When I think about the growth I saw this episode, Johnny Weir is the first name that comes to my mind. Johnny is a two-time Olympic skater who’s trained his whole life to do something that is very similar to dance but is not quite dance. His challenge this season has been to learn to use his feet for dancing instead of skating. Johnny has brought so many strengths to this competition; we already know that he knows how to perform, we know he has lyricism. But now we’re watching him make the challenging transition from skating to dancing and I believe we saw his work pay off in this episode He’s traded in his skating feet and finally found his hardwood floor feet, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars
A friendly clash between co-hosts

Another breakthrough I saw was in Jeannie and Brandon’s performance to ″Married Life″ from Up. When a celebrity truly learns to trust their pro partner, and the couple finds its energetic balance, that’s when the magic starts to happen. During their ballroom dance I saw this balance and connection manifest for the two of them. I spoke of balance a lot this episode because week three is when the couples start to really become partners. The first two weeks of Dancing with the Stars are always a process for the newcomers to find their bearings, but this year even the pros had to reorient themselves. Our dancers are used to performing to a live audience. Now that the only audience in the house is the three judges, there’s been a dynamic shift. In previous seasons, the audience might go crazy for a couple’s number, even if the technique was wrong. The dancers might have had a hard time listening to our notes while they were receiving such a positive reaction from the crowd. This year, our feedback is the only input the dancers receive, and it’s made for an interesting dynamic between the judges and the dancers.

While I’m talking about balance, I have to acknowledge the growth I saw in another one of our couples: Vernon and Peta. There’s a huge height difference between them which can be a major obstacle for some couples, but their quickstep to “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast showed that they’ve not only found a balance between their heights but found balance in their energies as well. That is the goal for every couple, to first find their balance with each other and create a connection so they can dance as one, and then to start building off of that structure. We should start to see even more “wow” moments as the couples deepen their trust for each other and keep building their partnerships.

I want to congratulate all of our couples; I respect them for all the hard work they’ve been putting in.

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing with the Stars
Princess for a night

Disney Night is such a special night for us, and I feel so fortunate to be on a show that makes time to celebrate the wonder and magic that Disney represents. So many of us grew up with these fairy tales, these heartwarming stories, and all of us can benefit from taking a moment to believe in the magic and whimsy from our childhood. In bringing these stories to life, from Moana to Up to Disney’s upcoming film Soul, I really believe Dancing with the Stars is uplifting our audience and I’ll always feel that it’s important work. Throughout history, dance has always been a source of escapism and joy during difficult times, and that’s exactly what the world needs now. I want to thank my team for helping me be a part of the magic by putting together such a fun look, from the crown to the dress to all my glittering jewelry. I’d like to thank my designer, Steven Khalil, for the perfect fairytale dress, and Dena Kemp and Lafonn for the gorgeous jewelry. To find out more about this episode’s look you can read my Getting-Ready Diary on People.com. Now it’s time to get back to work on The Talk; you can join me there Monday through Friday at 1pm, or streaming online at CBS.com. Be sure to keep following our journey on Dancing With The Stars on ABC every Monday at 8pm, because it’s only getting better from here.

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6 Ideas From Carrie Ann Inaba for Making a Vision Board That Resonates

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann Inaba's Ideas For Making A Vision Board That Resonates

Contrary to what the common conception might be, vision boards aren’t about magically getting your wishes granted, or expecting the perfect house, career or love interest fall into your life as soon as you put up a picture. Like all intention setting, making a vision board is an act of focusing your desires.

How are you ever going to get what you want if you don’t even know what that looks like? You might want success in your career, but does that look like climbing the ladder at your current company, going back to school, changing fields entirely? You want to be happier, but will this come from reconnecting with old friends, discovering a new hobby, focusing on a creative project that’s fallen by the wayside, making more time for self care? When we make a conscious commitment to putting our desires and needs into visual language, when we express ourselves by picking one image out of millions that feels the most correct to our inner selves, we are making a statement. We are telling ourselves what is most important to us, and we are creating a reminder to respect and honor those choices every time we pass by the vision board in our home.

When it comes to setting our intentions, there’s no wrong way to do it. The most important element will always be what feels right to you. However, here are a few ideas that might help you create a vision board if you’re new to the practice or looking for a new approach.

Divide Your Vision Board Into Different Sections

When it comes to vision boards you can be as general or specific as you want, but sometimes it’s helpful to focus on your desires one area at a time. Devote sections to any piece of your life where you want to see growth or change. Personal life, relationships and family goals, career, health and wellness, travel, a move you’re considering; anything that’s on your mind has a place on the board. You can decide the sections beforehand, or find your way to them organically while you’re choosing images. Consider including a section on your vision board for your creative or artistic projects, even if you’re not in a creative field. Everyone has creativity, and everyone can benefit from fostering that side of themselves.

Make a Board for a Milestone, or Any Time You Get Stuck

The beginning of the year is a great time to create a vision board; it’s an inflection point in our lives, a time to reflect on the past 365 days and to think about our hopes moving forward. I make a vision board to start each year as an act of intentionality, but you certainly don’t have to wait for January to start thinking about what you want. I always say: If you feel stuck, either clean out a drawer or make a vision board. If you feel caught in a rut, or things have started to feel stuck and stagnant, taking a moment to think deeply about what you truly want can be a great way to figure out what’s getting in your way.

Include What You’re Grateful For

One of the easiest ways to figure out where we want to go is by looking at all the things we love about where we already are. Noting the elements that are important in your life or things that are already working well, like your relationships, passions, or lifestyle, can help you see areas where you want to invite more growth and expansion and help guide your vision for the future. Be sure to infuse some gratitude into your vision board to balance out the desire.

Look More For Vibes Than Specifics

With a practice that’s so visual, it can be easy to get caught up in the details, worrying about getting the exact right picture of an object or location. Instead of stressing about getting the color right on your dream house, try to focus on the bigger picture, the feelings that each image emits. Look for visuals that resonate abstracts: love, peace, comfort, success, belonging.

Do What Feels Right to You

The most important part of this process is just listening to yourself and doing what you want. Whether you want to pick through old magazines or search online for images related to different words and print them up, there’s no wrong way to make a vision board. The goal is to make something that resonates with you and you alone, encouraging you and focusing your vision.

So many people in life don’t have the luxury to step outside of the everyday, to look around and examine what they really want. So many of us stay locked in survival mode, forced to focus on the decisions right in front of us and not the bigger ones that mandate so much more of our lives. Building in time to reflect on where we want to go is the only way to move from where we are; devoting thought and intention into your future with a tool like a vision board is a great way to build your intuition and keep you mindful of the things you really want.

A good vision board helps you formulate your ideas for what you want out of your life. Every time you pass by it, it can serve as a gentle reminder not to get caught up in the small picture and everyday choices, but to focus on bigger desires as well.

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Carrie Ann’s DWTS Diary: A Day in the Life of a Talking, Dancing Judge

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's DWTS Diary: A Day in the Life of a Talking, Dancing Judge

I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be on two shows I love so much at once, to help spread a bit of positivity and happiness during this challenging time. Now that both of my shows are back on the air, it means that one day a week I’m filming both shows back to back. I’m thankful we had a very special Tuesday episode of Dancing With The Stars this week so that I could spend Monday focusing on the season premiere of The Talk, but when Tuesday rolled around it was time to start up my old double schedule again.

A quiet moment to start the day

I start my day at 6 a.m. My first step is always to make myself a cup of coffee with almond creamer. I feed my two cats and three dogs; my oldest dog, Peanut, gets fed by hand. Next, I make myself a shake with either blueberries or peaches with vanilla, protein and a lot of greens to give me energy and keep my system optimized for the day ahead. I take a probiotic and drink a glass of lemon water (I know I should drink the lemon water before anything else, but the plain truth is that my coffee comes first!). Next I take a shower. While I’m showering I do a few exercises: 25 lunges on each side, 25 tricep pushups, and some dancer stretches. After my shower I use my neti pot to keep my nasal passages clear, which is especially important during COVID, and then I put on moisturizer. I throw on my favorite comfy sweats and head off to The Talk.

Peanut and I starting our morning

My call time is usually between 7 and 7:30— the first task of the day is always getting tested for COVID-19. Between 7:30 and 9 a.m. I’m in hair and makeup, where my team works on me while I eat my breakfast and read the updates on the stories we’ll be covering. At 9 I record my voiceovers for The Talk, then I meet with my producer (the first of many meetings of the day) to discuss our daily topics and do research. This season, we hold the meeting on Zoom for a more COVID-friendly environment. Next I meet with the guest producers to discuss the day’s guests and then I head into a script meeting to read the latest scripts for the show. Finally, there’s a group meeting where we all get ready for the live show and we do our cheer— this year the theme is “Speak Up and Be Heard.”

One thing you wouldn’t expect to have changed during COVID-19 is the order that we take the stage. I usually prefer to be onstage earlier to be able to prepare myself and feel the space. However, it’s now safest for me to enter last, a change we’re more than happy to oblige in the name of safety. Then, finally, we go live at 10 a.m.

The Talk has experienced a few obstacles in the first week of filming, but it’s nothing our amazing team couldn’t handle. Sharon is unfortunately still quarantined for another week— she’s doing well after being exposed to COVID, and you can learn more details by tuning into The Talk. Eve is broadcasting from London but our team has done an incredible job making it feel like she’s still in the studio. More than once I’d forget she wasn’t really there until I turned to look at her and remembered she’s appearing via screen.

Once we wrap on The Talk at noon, I run back to my dressing room, grab my keys, water, phone, and a pair of flats, and make the half-hour trek over the mountain from CBS’ Studio City lot to the CBS lot in Beverly Hills. On the way I put on one of my favorite playlists to get myself pumped up for Dancing With The Stars. When I arrive I take my second COVID test of the day via nasal swab, get my temperature checked and fill out a questionnaire for symptoms.

My daily COVID test

I have my first meeting for Dancing With The Stars at 12:30; we go over the show order, who’s dancing, and the judges’ comments order. Then it’s back to hair and makeup. This season I’ve decided to have a lot more fun and play around with wardrobe and wigs— if you want to know more, you can read my complete style blog at People.com. It’s an honor to be featured and I’ve had a blast. As I’m getting ready I take some time to review my notes on the couples from the previous week, how I thought they performed, and what my score was for each couple. I write it all down in my book so I have a point of reference once we start shooting.

My team and I decided that this week was going to be golden; my dress was sequined gold complemented by my second blonde wig, and my newly Emmy award-winning makeup artist Marylin (I’m so proud of her so I’m taking the opportunity to brag for her) completed our choices with a very cool look.

All gold everything!

I try to get a nice lunch while I’m prepping to keep my energy and immunity up; yesterday I had vegetarian sausage and salad along with a peach and orange vanilla protein shake with an immunity booster. At 4 p.m. we do final looks and by 4:30 I’m headed to the stage to do the step and repeat, where we take pictures and do a bit of social media. We get into the studio around 10 minutes before we go live.

The judges prepare to take the stage

I feel very blessed to be able to work with people I care about. Bruno and I are like brother and sister at this point, and Derek has always been a part of the family and has been doing an incredible job so far. When we get to our seats I check my paddles, double check my notes, and make sure my pen is working. Before we go live I always say a prayer: to have the courage to speak my truth and to do so with love and compassion in my heart, to uplift others, and that nobody gets hurt. I take a deep breath, and then we’re live!

I love waiting to see what Tyra is going to wear. Last night she had one wardrobe change and two outfits, and I have to say I’m loving this added element of fashion on the show. It feels like every week we’re going to the Met Gala. It’s inspired me to have a lot more fun as well, as I wrote about last week.

When the show ends at 7pm, I go back to my dressing room and debrief with my hair and makeup team about what worked and what didn’t. We discuss looks for the following week and make a game plan. Sometimes after that I’ll meet with the press for another half an hour— not having a press line is another change we’ve made during COVID, so I talk to the press via Zoom.

After my time at Dancing With The Stars is over I drive home, wash my face, take off all my makeup, and hop in the shower to rinse off the day. I’m usually in bed by 10 or 10:30 so I can wake up the next day and do the whole thing over again! When both of my shows are on the air my schedule can be grueling, but at the same time I’m so grateful to be a part of two shows I’m truly proud of and I don’t take it for granted. Doing all this work while coping with my autoimmune conditions can be a challenge, but I think in some ways it’s a blessing. AI forces me to take better care of myself than I might do otherwise; because of my conditions I’m always making sure I get enough sleep, eat things that are good for me, and drink lots of water (although I could definitely be better at staying hydrated!).

Next week I’ll write about what it feels like to be the one to choose who stays or who goes on Dancing With The Stars. Thank you for tuning in to the Carrie Ann Conversations; I hope you’ll browse through our site and read a few other pieces while you’re here. I hope you enjoyed both of yesterday’s shows; it’s an honor to be able to bring them to you.

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Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba on This Year’s Historic Premiere

Carrie Ann Inaba Dancing With The Stars

I really believe that the only way we can ever move forward is by adapting and evolving to the new while letting go of the old. That’s been one of the themes of this year for me; we can mourn the way things were but we also have to see the new world around us with open eyes and work to thrive within it. There was such clear evidence of this at the premiere of Dancing With The Stars‘ 29th season last night.

I feel especially honored to be one of two people (the other being my brother-judge Bruno Tonioli) who have been with the show for every single episode. I’ve been there for everything, from day one up to last night. I’ve seen so many historical moments on Dancing With The Stars, and last night’s premiere in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest milestones of all.

One thing I’ve noticed about living in the pandemic is how much slower life is. It can feel like you’re walking through slush; things that we used to do without even thinking now cost us so much more time and energy. Making a TV show is no exception— our executive producer Andrew Llinares and our team of professionals and experts have been hard at work creating the protocols that allow us to return to your homes while remaining safe. As someone who has several autoimmune conditions (lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, fibromyalgia and, now, vasculitis) I definitely felt nervous in the days leading up to the premiere. What was it going to be like? Was it going to be safe? These fears have dissipated; all cast and crew are tested for COVID-19 daily, and we all have to show a negative test result to even reach the onstage screening process. As necessary and appreciated as our safety measures are, they’ve also created a new normal for our show. Interacting with coworkers through face masks and shields can make it hard to read expressions and difficult to hear and be understood. There have been new obstacles to overcome this year but I’m so proud of everyone at Dancing With The Stars for pulling together and working hard so that we could be a part of bringing America, and our DWTS family, some joy, love and entertainment during this difficult time.

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's Dancing With The Stars Diary

At the end of the day, Dancing With The Stars is a family, and one of the beautiful things about this show is how it continues to grow, just like all families. Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews, Brooke Burke, Samantha Harris, Lisa Canning, and now Tyra Banks; they’ll always be a part of our DWTS family. Last night we welcomed new members and had an old member back; Derek Hough returned to the ballroom with his record-breaking six victories under his belt and took his place at the judges’ table with Bruno and myself.

Last night was an evening of full of changes and firsts. For the first time in the show’s history we filmed without a live audience and without backup dancers; we all wondered what it would be like without their incredible energy and support in the room. In the minutes leading up to the show, Derek, Bruno and I could only talk about how badly we just wanted to get started, to finally see what it would feel like to give our first comments in this new environment. There were so many uncertainties heading into the first moment of the show, not knowing exactly what the tempo and energy of our new normal would be. But as soon as that first moment came and we were watching AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke hit the dance floor for their first number, it just felt like home. I felt so much joy to be back in the ballroom, doing what I love and seeing other people empowered to do what they love as well. Watching our celebrities try new things and take chances is always such a gift. It’s what makes Dancing With The Stars a truly magical place to be and it’s why I’m so proud to be a part of this show. Without a live audience this season, the connection between the judges and the competitors is going to be a lot more intimate and I expect the competition to get intense. I was impressed with the level of dancing last night; we have some incredible dancers and performers this year and I’m looking forward to a very competitive season.

There’s another change for this season that’s a bit smaller, and a lot more personal to me. As a new executive producer, Tyra Banks has been promising the audience that we’d be taking things to another level. For me, this translated to creating a new look for myself. During quarantine, like many people, I’ve had a lot of time to look within and get to know how I really want to express myself. I realized I’ve always been conservative on Dancing With The Stars; I’ve always avoided the spotlight and tried to blend in. I always felt that, as a judge, I was supposed to be in a supportive role, that I needed to downplay my looks and avoid drawing attention to myself in order to do my job. What I’ve realized is that it’s okay to fully express myself in all situations; I know now that I don’t have to make myself small to fit in. This season represents a real breakthrough for me; I’ve decided I want to have fun, dare to try new things and play around with my looks. I’m so thankful to DWTS for giving me an opportunity to express that.

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Carrie Ann's Dancing With The Stars Diary

I have a great team I want to thank for helping me find the perfect “me” for this week’s episode: Marylin Lee, Glenn Nutley and Rhonda Spies. I also have to give Lori Rozman credit for helping me build the amazing wig I wore last night, which was a really fun process that could fill a whole diary by itself. If you want to know more, you can read my getting-ready diary in PEOPLE.

I’m so excited for next week’s episode, and for an incredible season full of love, joy, inspiration, and talent. I’m so happy to have been a part of a historical show that is bringing joy and entertainment to people who could really use it now more than ever. I hope that everyone stays tuned for the rest of the season because it’s going to be a fun ride. Now that the premiere of Dancing With The Stars has come and gone, it’s time to focus on the season premiere of The Talk, which has had some changes of its own.

The changes we’ve seen on the set of DWTS mirror many you might be experiencing at home: we are all seeing a life that looks a bit different and presents us with challenges and obstacles that we’re not used to. I hope that together we are able to find new solutions, adapt and evolve so that we’re able to give ourselves a better chance at a future that’s happier and healthier for us all.

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7 Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 7 Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

2020 has not been the easiest year for romance. With more time at home and less to do, it can be easy to fall into stagnancy with a partner, repeating the same activities and patterns day in and day out. Maintaining a sense of passion for life when we’re experiencing this much repetition has been hard enough; how are we supposed to maintain the excitement and electricity of our romantic relationships while our options for activities are so limited? Six months into quarantine, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of indoor date ideas and you don’t know what to do next.

Planning a fun evening in can be a great way to get excited about being with someone as well as show them that you appreciate them. You might have burned through your Netflix queue and usual takeout spots, but it’s still not impossible to show your date a unique night as long as you’re willing to get creative. Here are seven ideas for creating interesting, memorable dates that will show your special someone how much you care.

1. Powerpoint Night

You might have already heard about the “powerpoint party” trend that’s become so popular lately; essentially, each guest drafts up a powerpoint about something they’re interested in. A little-known historical figure they love, an argument about whether cats or dogs make better pets, or a how-to guide of an obscure skill; the only limit to the topics is the participants’ interest and passion. This party idea can also make for a great low-key date night; what better way to connect with someone than by letting them show off something they’re passionate about?

2. Cook A Meal Together

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

There’s always something intimate about cooking with someone and creating a meal for you both to enjoy. Whether you’re showing them how to cook an old family recipe or the two of you want to learn how to make something new from scratch, spending a few hours in the kitchen with a purpose and ending up with a nourishing meal for two can be a great idea for a memorable indoor date.

3. Take A Trip Down Memory Lane

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

Everyone seems to have a box full of old photos or an out-of-control collection of old mementos from faraway places— this is the perfect time to make something out of the chaos. Scrapbooking together as an indoor date can be a great excuse to reminisce about your favorite memories together, swap stories and maybe even share a few rare baby photos. By the end of this date you’ll both feel like you’ve gone on a trip through time, and you’ll have a finished product that you can revisit anytime.

4. Indoor Photoshoot Date

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

Pick up a disposable (or a Polaroid) camera and dedicate a day to filling up the reel. Create a photo booth in your home, picking out fun costumes and props from your belongings, and try to see who can capture the most interesting shot. You’ll have spent an entire evening without looking at your phones, and you’ll always have the photos to remember this indoor date.

5. Homemade Spa Day

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

Home spa remedies are definitely on the rise due to the pandemic, and there’s no reason that two people can’t get in on the fun. Turning your house into a luxury spa for the day can make for a perfect indoor date idea. Whether you want to dedicate an afternoon to luxurious foot soaks, treat each others’ cuticles, craft your own facials or even break out the massage oils, this date can be the perfect way to detox from stress and feel closer as a couple.

6. Teach Each Other A Skill

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

There’s nothing as satisfying or validating as being able to show someone else how to do something you’re good at. Plus, showing off something you’re confident in is a great way to engage your passionate side. Spend an afternoon teaching your date about something you love, whether it’s an art, a craft, or even a practical skill.

7. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Indoor Date Ideas To Beat The Heat

If you feel like you know the ins and outs of your home too well after months of social distancing, crafting a mini scavenger hunt can be a great way to inject a little spontaneity into your environment. You can choose to go the classic easter egg route, hiding little prizes, compliments, or homemade coupons in places throughout your home, or you can even create a National Treasure style mini-adventure for your partner by leaving them trails of puzzles and clues. An indoor scavenger hunt can be the perfect date to bring out some excitement and intrigue.

2020 might be the year that we all re-learn the lesson that it’s not about where you go but who you’re with. A creative indoor date idea might be the perfect way to remember how much fun you can have when you simply take the time to be present with someone you love, and approach each day with a bit of creativity and humor.

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7 Care Packages To Support Loved Ones From Afar

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 7 Care Packages To Support Loved Ones From Afar

With social distancing and limited travel, maintaining connections with loved ones means finding new ways to show our affection. Just because we’re apart from some of our friends and family right now doesn’t mean we have to feel alone. We’re all facing challenges in our lives right now, which means this is the time when showing support and love is the most crucial. Sending a care package can be a great way to show someone you’re thinking about them while also providing them with treats or supplies that might make their time at home less stressful. If you’re looking for a way to treat a loved one who lives far away, try sending one of these thoughtful, cozy care packages.

1. Spoonful of Comfort

Sometimes the ultimate gift of comfort is a warm meal. Spoonful of Comfort sends a package complete with soup, rolls, cookies, and even a ladle to give your loved one the perfect evening at home a meal they don’t have to plan at all. Spoonful of Comfort also has vegan and gluten-free options so they can accommodate your loved ones’ dietary restrictions.

2. Small Packages

Small Packages has arrangements for every occasion from engagement and staycation to breakup or sickness. Each thoughtful box comes stuffed with products like tea, snacks, sugar scrubs, and candles to help your loved one feel special.

3. Knack

Knack has care packages designed for every interest. They can send your friend or family member a kit for a spa day at home, a whiskey tasting set for two, or a few tools for beating writer’s block. Knack even has mini gift boxes for times you just need to send a little something to make someone’s day.

4. Lush Care Packages

Homemade cosmetics store Lush has colorful care packages that will brighten anyone’s mailbox with scrubs and bath bombs. You also have the option to build a custom package that’s tailored to your loved one’s tastes.

5. Happy Box Custom Care Packages

Happy Box allows you to build the perfect care package for anyone who needs it. You start by choose your own pattern for the box and then fill it with anything from stickers and playing cards to socks and herb growing kits. Happy Box has a huge range in gift offerings so that you can show your person the support they deserve no matter what their style is.

6. Milk Bar Assorted Cookie Tin

There’s no better cure for a hard day than a tin of assorted gourmet cookies. Milk Bar will ship either six or twelve of their fresh-baked cookies to your loved one’s door whenever they need it most.

7. Mouth Curated Care Packages

If you have a foodie in your life, they’re sure to appreciate the interesting and obsessively curated gift boxes that Mouth puts together. From “offbeat snacks” to “birthday in a box,” they’re sure to have a collection that will make your loved one’s day.

8. 1-800-Flowers

Sometimes there’s simply no better way to show your affection than with a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. A vase of fragrant flowers like roses could transform your loved one’s environment instantly, filling their home with an uplifting scent and giving them a constant visual reminder that they are loved. Be sure to select the flowers with care if the recipient has a pet; some plants like lilies and eucalyptus can be toxic to cats.

In this time of social distancing, connecting with each other might look different but it doesn’t have to disappear. Being able to send someone a tangible reminder that they’re loved has never been as valuable as it is right now. Sometimes a simple care package stuffed with goodies can be the perfect way to let someone know that they’re in our hearts and our thoughts even in this time of isolation.

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6 DIY Room Refreshes You Can Do In A Day

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 6 DIY Room Refreshes You Can Do In A Day

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started to keep us in our homes more, we’ve had to become more creative about our escapes. A DIY room refresh can be the perfect way to treat ourselves to a break while many of our normal close-by retreats like pools, movie theaters and events have been temporarily closed to us. It can easy for our homes to start feeling confining, repetitive, and boring at a time when they should be our sanctuaries, retreats and solitude. Sometimes making a change, even a small one, can reinvigorate us so much. Changing a tiny part of our environment can make it all feel brand new, and remind us to have gratitude for the things we have. Whether it’s adding a new splash of color, digging out a favorite item to turn into a centerpiece or adding new home decor to your life, here are a few DIY room refreshes to instantly change your environment.

1. Paint A Wall A New Color

When we spend so much time inside the same walls, they can start to become invisible to us. You might not realize how tired you’ve become of white, beige and eggshell until you start looking at all your options. One easy DIY room change just involves changing one wall. Pick an accent wall to transform overnight and marvel at how much it brightens up the rest of the room.

2. Move Artwork Around

Redecorating doesn’t always have to be expensive. Change up the home decor and wall art you already have; spend a day considering each piece and thinking about places in your home where it might look interesting. When your art moves around, your home might start to feel a bit fresher and more alive.

3. Mini Art Wall

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like our taste and style is limited by space. A tiny art wall is the perfect form of home decor if you’re working with space constraints, and a wall like this can become an instant talking piece. Simply get a bunch of small, three by three frames and either make your own art to fill them or print up some of your favorite works to go inside. You can cluster these little frames in a hallway, living room, or even a bathroom, creating something fascinating for your guests to wonder at.

4. DIY Room Flip

Sometimes, the layout of your house or apartment can just start to feel stale. Especially now that our routines are so limited, we can start to memorize the placement of every table, chair and lamp. Open up your mind to how things could look different, move around your furniture and decor, and enjoy the instant makeover! You have nothing to lose, and your home could (almost) start to feel brand new.

5. Pick A New Accent Color

If you’re into interior design, you probably center your rooms around a few key colors, or maybe you just naturally gravitate toward a certain shade of blue or green. Assess what color dominates a given room, and then change it up! This DIY room refresh just requires adding a splash of color however you’d like with new throw pillows, a vase, some flowers, some book ends, or even a rug. You might be surprised by how much the vibe instantly transforms.

6. Make Something You Love Into A Centerpiece

I’m a firm believer that your home should be full of things that you love to be around, and things that make you feel the most like yourself. If you’re feeling tired of your space, try looking around for something that means a lot to you that you can put in a place of prominence. Whether it’s a book, a picture, a work of art or a keepsake, getting to look at it throughout the day might be just the boost you needed.

When it comes to breaking out of our routines, the first step is usually the hardest. If you’ve been feeling stagnate, fatigued or just tired of your everyday, finding the strength to take that first step can be all you need to start building a life that you truly love. Making your home feel like a place that you love has never been more important, so why not pick today to start changing things up? It might make all the difference for tomorrow.