This past Sunday, I had my first live TV cooking segment debut on WTNH (channel 8), an ABC-affiliated television station! I demonstrated how to make my Watermelon Strawberry Coconut Water Smoothie for the Labor Day weekend with news anchor Stephanie Simoni.
This is the kitchen set up at WTNH’s studio. I brought everything you see on display, including the white and red checked cloths, cutting boards, blender, ingredients, props and pre-made smoothies.
I woke up at 5AM, did my own hair and makeup and was ready to go by 6AM. The suggested dress code was professional in a single color. Dark jewel tones look best on me, so I chose this purple dress. I was scheduled to go live with Stephanie at 7:45AM so we got there at 7AM to set up.
I’m not going to kid you – a lot of prep went into this segment, especially since it was my first time. Although the segment was only a little over 4 minutes, I practiced my key talking points a ton in the days before the shoot. I also did a mock set up at home to see how everything would look on the set and made a list of things to bring to make sure I had everything I needed for the segment. I prepared a few smoothies ahead of time to bring on the set, as well as prepped all the ingredients for the smoothies ahead of time.
Once we got to the studio, I set everything up the way I did at home. Then, I took a peek from the camera’s view and made a few adjustments arranging everything on the counter. Once everything looked good, I had a few free minutes to watch Stephanie and meteorologist Gil Simmons do their live news segments. They are both fabulous and fun to watch!
I was actually more nervous the night before the segment than on the day of. Stephanie was super nice and made me feel right at home during the shoot.
Afterward, Stephanie Simoni and meteorologist Gil Simmons (pictured with  me below) posed for a picture with me. Do you see them holding my smoothies? They really enjoyed them!
You can watch my TV segment on how to make a Watermelon Strawberry Coconut Water Smoothie here:
This first live TV cooking segment was a great personal growth experience for me and I was honored to be on WTNH with such wonderful hosts! A HUGE thank you to my husband who drove me an hour up and back from the studio, coached me in the car, and helped me lug everything onto the set.
Congratulations, Jeanette!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you!!
Thanks so much Angie! It was a great learning experience!
Congratulations! That’s so exciting, and such a great opportunity to share about healthy food to a wide audience!
Thanks so much Annemarie – it was an wonderful opportunity!
Wow that’s amazing Jeanette! What a wonderful experience for you! That’s a dream for me 🙂
Thanks you Rachel – it was a great experience. If I can do it, you can too!
you were so prepared and did great!! i’m sure you have many more of these in your future!
Thanks Lindsay! We’ll see…
Congrats!! It looks so wonderful! 🙂
Thank you Chelsey!
I can totally relate to all the prep work that goes into doing a segment and the early morning! You did great!
Hi Alicia – just watched your segment! You did great!! It is a lot of work getting ready for just a few minutes on camera. Great learning experience!
Ah! Congratulations Jeanette! xo
Thanks so much Rebecca! xo
Congrats, Jeanette! The first time is always the most nerve-racking and you’re so right about the prep- takes forever! nice job!
Thanks Shannon – if I do it again, hopefully I’ll be more efficient!
SO fun!! Congrats!
Thank you Tawnie!
Congrats! Great TV segment! Love the idea of vitamin supplements in a smoothie for kids.
Thanks so much Mona! Smoothies are a great way to sneak in some of these vitamin supplement powders 😉
Congrats to you ♥ Love you blog ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Summer!
Congrats Jeanette, you did such an awesome job!!
Thanks so much Sonali!
I saw this on Facebook! This is awesome Jeanette, you did a fantastic job!
Thanks so much Laura!
Congratulations, you looked and sounded great! I love your recipes 🙂
Thanks so much Carolyn! I really appreciate your feedback!
Haha Jeanette! You are made for TV. Purple is your color too. I tried that smoothie and it is “amazing”. ????
Thanks John! It was a great experience and I’m glad you enjoyed the smoothie! 🙂
You nailed it:) Congrats, really enjoyed it!
Thanks Angie – I appreciate your kind words!
Fantastic! Congrats, Jeanette. You did an awesome job. What an amazing growth experience.
Thank you Giovanna – it was definitely a growth experience!