from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> we did it, hoda. we made it to thirsty thursday, june 27th. so good to see all of you. happy you're with us today. >> hey.v: i've been off sweets four weeks today. >> i know. >> i wasn't eating any sweets at all for one solid week. and i thought i would feel better. and i don't. >> you feel actually a little bloated. >> i don't feel more energized. i don't feel any of those things. >> i think you'll have to go another week. >> no. >> are you breaking it today?

>> i'm going back because it's enough already. and it didn't work. it didn't do anything. i think i was up a couple of pounds. i should just stick with the old regimen that works. >> let me give you a little laugh. last night jimmy kimmel had on channing tatum. maybe you were brought up. >> oh, god. >> i want to ask you about the music video. were you in london when "channing all over your tatum" came out? >> yes. thank you very much for that, by the way. >> and do you know regret -- because i was thinking about you. it's hard to get out of your head. i was thinking, wow, he might hear this now for the rest of his life. >> i'm so afraid people are going to think i'm such an egomaniac because i walk around singing my own name. i'm going like -- ♪ channing all over your tatum." people that don't know me are like, oh, my god. he just loves himself, doesn't he? >> kanye west level of egomania. >> on hoda and kathie lee she was like, will you hoda all over my kotb?

i was like, i'm not going to touch that one, hoda.-ó >> i did not say that! >> i want to hoda on your kotb. yeah. ♪ i want a hoda on your kotb g why does mine sound so much more pornographic and weird? >> because it's egyptian. it's seeped in lore and stuff. who knows what really went on in those pyramids, if you know what i'm saying. all right. they wouldn't have built them if there wasn't a whole lot going on in those pyramids. >> you're probably right. so our big story yesterday, and a little bit today is paula deen.2g? we did wonder what would happen after she gave, you know, her tearful interview with matt. and the fallout continues. i've got to admit, i was kind of surprised. walmart yesterday dropped her as did home depot. her clothes are still in sears and target and other places. >> and another -- not just clothes. it's everything. her pots and pans.?;

i think she has like 215 products out there. >> it's interesting because i see two different things going on. i see the businesses freaking out, it sounds like. they want to get ahead of it or whatever. and i see at least from what i'm looking at on facebook and looking at her book sales and looking at the sort of groundswell of support, you see something else happening among those who support her. like more people are signing up for her cruises. it's interesting. you can see different things happening. >> there are two camps. >> yeah. >> i'm still in the middle because i like the paula deen very much that comes to our show and cooks with us. the one that i see here. i heard a lovely story about her yesterday, something really lovely she had done for a child when nobody was looking. so there is that paula deen and that's the one i want to believe. i'm still troubled by some of the things i've read and -- again, we say this.'c if it's true, then these kinds of things, this is what happens when you live your life a certain way. if it's not true, it's not fair.

and so i'm just -- i think she's got good family. she's got her faith. she's going to get through this. but again, it's never going to be the same. there will be always -- >> i agree. >> -- a part of it there. it will be like a wound that heals but she'll always have a scar. >> right. right. >> when you look at it. >> you also wonder in the coming days because when she did make that statement like you pointed out that she only used that word one time you wonder what's going to happen as a result, if other people are going to come out and talk about it or if there's any other history of it. because i think you sort of button yourself in when you say i only said it that one time and that was it. and then you're in that kind of a situation. >> we were talking about what she could have done. i think she's in a no-win situation with some people. there are just some people that no matter how many lovely

anytime you don't take ownership of it you're going to have -- there are still going to be people. i think i would have said, listen, i grew up at a time in the world where things were different. i grew up in a part of the country where this was our culture. this was our culture. and it's only as aa that world and made friends and discovered that i realized thatk this is wrong. so i think she's -- had she done that, and that's why when i hear young african-american kids using that with one another, i get distressed. >> yeah. >> but she didn't place it there. and some people said, well, she didn't apologize. she didn't feel like she needed to apologize because she'd

already apologized. >> i think, yeah. i think people were also taking issue with she was crying about something that had happened to her and how her friends were feeling about what happened to her. >> so she made it about that. >>e,kñ instead of saying, look, since i clearly offe4cwq a lot of people i just want to say to those people i'm hurting because i hurt you. as opposed to i'm hurting because i'm hurting. >> yeah. we all know she's hurting. she has to be. it's devastating. but people can really tell when you're truly sorry that you hurt them. so i just -- i hope we get the truth, and i hope that if it's the paula deen that we love that everybody can come back and say you know what, we're on board with you again. i think they should have taken a little more time. >> a minute to -- >> a little more time before they -- you know. >> here's a controversial ad that's out there. remember, this is an ad. so it's nothing that's real. it's advertising shark week for the discovery channel. take a look. we want to hear what you think.

>> two weeks ago the world fell in love with snuffy the seal, who washed up on shore injured and dehydrated. we now go live to snuffy's triumphant return to the scene. >> we're just moments away from releasing snuffy, the rescued seal, back into the ocean. and now you see it. snuffy's triumphant return. whoa!ú >> holy -- >> shark week. it's a bad week to be a seal. >> oh, my god! >> we can laugh about it because we knew it was a commercial, but if you didn't have any idea. snuffy -- 8ñ >> snuffy got snuffed out. >> i thought it was kind of funny. >> it's very clever. especially the holy -- >> the reporter's face. that was a good one. we have some bad news if you're a heavy drinker and you were thinking about going t1cwejt

according to "the sun" angelina jolie -- take it for what it's worth. angelina jolie wants to ban heavy drinkers from her wedding. >> so jonah hill, quentin tarantino, phillip seymour hoffman, george clooney, and hoda and i will not be attending her wedding. so we want to ask you all, is it -- first of all, this is all alleged. is it okay to ban certain friends from your wedding, and what about their kids?6z >> because it makes you think about things. you want to keep certain people out. kids, i think that's an issue. because sometimes you don't want it to turn into that kind of an event. with kids running around. >> it changes the whole -- wedding? >> yes. we had grandchildren. frank's grandchildren. >> of course you did. >> nothing in life prepares you for that. when you marry somebody that is that many years older. he had been married a couple times more. and had kids who had two kids. and i'm here to say that after

almost 27 years we all get along. no, we do. we get along just fine. >> i'm going to lighten your mood. you're going to love this. >> i'm in a great mood. >> i'll make it even better. >> if it's about hoda i won't. >> so i was watching -- have you movie with sandra bullock? >> oh, yeah. >> so there's a great scene in there where sandra bullock and betty white are dancing. >> the waltz. all you -- >> this song is -- ♪ no, you scared, you scared ♪ you scared, you scared >> so that song was so -- that song is so great that i decided to find that song. it's by lil john. oh, my god. it's called "low." let's listen.9/ get ready. ♪ back, back, back it up ♪ back, back, back it up ♪ back, back, back it up

♪ now stop ♪ and wiggle with it ♪ stop ♪ and wiggle with is it ♪ stop and wiggle with it ♪ stop ♪ and wiggle with it =)ñ >> oh, good lyrics.rix ♪ get low get low ♪ get low, get low ♪ here it comes ♪ to the window ♪ ♪ to the wall ♪ till all these [ muted ] fall ♪ >> that was it? they had to bleep out the whole song. for god's sake. >> who are you? >> such a great -- do you love that? >> i hate it with every atom in my being. >> what about betty white?jn >> i love her. i love her. she got paid for it. pay me to dance to something, okay. i'll pretend i like it.7r all right. okay or not okay. is it okay or not okay to wear the american flag? let's see what we said.zom

>> wear it respectfully and wear it proud. >> oh, my gosh. we're like twinsies. >> i don't believe it. we actually agree on something? >> if you wear it respectfully, it's definitely okay. wear it proud. >> you actually said that? did britney write that? >> stop saying what i'm saying. >> because we don't know what the other person says. it's a surprise. >> it is thirsty thursday. >> it is thirsty thursday. get low. >> watermelon mint coolers. do you like it? >> i do. why are we drinking this? >> because we can. coming up, we are going to get more ideas about how to best entertain your guests this summer. that's why we're drinking it. >> and coming up, her voice is unforgettable. >> that is music. i love it. >> that's your -- >> that's music, baby. why grammy award-winning singer natalie cole wanted to record her new album "the language of love." >> and two ladies brave the heat on the plaza and get ambushed.

we'll show you their hot new makeovers. first these messages.

♪ that is real music. >> i love it. >> yeah, try it sometime. >> i love it. >> it's going to get you moving. natalie cole's smooth voice and soulful music have earned her nine grammys. and much of her inspiration came from her legendary dad, nat "king" cole.0gz >> now she's following in hery, dad's footsteps again, releasing her first spanish language album this week called "natalie cole in espanol."4 a collection of the classic latin songs. >> we're so glad to see you again. beautiful yellow bird. you are feeling good? you're feeling strong? >> i am. especially for the promotion for this record has been intense. >> the whole latin world adored your dad, didn't they? he loved them. >> yeah. >> do you speak spanish? >> not fluently, no. >> how did we do this album? >> but you know, it's easier to sing it than speak it. >> why?

>> first of all, you're not singing as fast. or something. i'm not really sure. but speaking it, they talk so fast. >> i feel that way with my french. nice and slow, i'm good. but -- >> is it hard to get connected to the words when you're not really 100 sure of what -- >> you know what they mean, right? >> first all of, my producer rudy perez gave me the english translation for almost every song. so i knew what i was saying. and the melody also helps you with the emotion, where the emotion should be in the phrasing and, you know, i was surprised how naturally comfortable i felt. a little intimidated. >> once you get into it -- >> yeah. >> you know what i'm surprised at? i was at one of your concerts in stamford last year when you did the dart thing, whenever that wber and a lot of singers after a certain amount of decades of singing don't have the dexterity, don't have the lpran, don't -- you sing today every bit as beautifully as you sang first time you came on the scene.

>> thank you. >> have you noticed anything different? >> i was actually surprised at how good this record sounds. >> wow. >> you know, my voice has not really changed yet. >> it has not changed. >> thank god. >> you have a lot of duets on this album. >> i do. >> tell us who you sing with. >> of course, my dad, which is a wonderful song. called -- [ speaking spanish ] >> which means? >> it means come closer. ♪ >> beautiful. >> tell us more. what else? >> this one with andrea bocelli. "besame mucho." ♪ >> oh, it's so sexy. >> he's great. he's so great. and then the really cool duet as well is a gentleman named juan luis guerra from the dominican

republic. he wrote a song that's like a gift of the rose. and he wrote this song 30 years ago. he suggested that we record it again. and now people are saying it's one of the best versions. it was a big hit for him. >> wow. >> and he's lovely. he's like about 6'7". >> really? really lovely. >> wonderful, beautiful voice. and that was fun. >> so now will you be touring with this new cd? >> i certainly hope so.c i hope that we go all over latin america and mexico and, you know, europeans love this music, too. >> of course. >> so it really is opening up what do you think of -- >> we had a very spirited conversation last night with some friends of mine about paula. and one of my friends is totally -- she's through.

she's very upset with her. and she thinks -- and yet it's s so funny because my friends -- this was a lady of another race. and the rest of us are black and we're sitting there going, we're over it. >> yeah. >> you know? >> you're fine? >> well, we're not fine with it, but it's kind of like okay, let's move on because it happened so long ago. but we're done. because we're so used to it. it's like i'm sorry. okay? i'm sorry that she put herself in that kind of a position. but back in the day when, you know, the things were a little different and that word was just all over the place. >> right. >> it's a lot different. >> i felt very, very badly for her watching that. >> that's because you are a good soul. good soul, natalie. all the best with this new cd. >> thank you. >> all righty. the guy you'd never bring home for dinner -- >> is this week's star of webtastic. i can't wait to see l$w. >> oh, dear. right after this. excuse me, sir

i'm gonna have to ask you to power down your little word game. i think your friends will understand. oh...no, it's actually my geico app...see? ...i just uh paid my bill. did you really? from the plane? yeah, i can manage my policy, get roadside assistance, pretty much access geico 24/7. sounds a little too good to be true sir. i'll believe that when pigs fly. ok, did she seriously just say that? geico. just a click away with our free mobile app. >> with hotwire's low prices, we can afford to take more trips this year. hit the beach in florida... >> and a reunion in seattle. when hotels have unsold rooms, they use hotwire to fill them. >> so we got our four-star hotels for half price! >> men: ♪ h-o-t-w-i-r-e, hotwire.com. ♪ heeeyyy, is the table finished? yeah, you betcha, honey. ahh, you think so? [ female announcer ] some mornings you just can't eat at the table. eggo® wafflers are packed with flavors like brown sugar cinnamon roll, so you don't need syrup. eggo® wafflers. simply delicious™. so you don't need syrup. what do you think about caffeine?

we consume over two billion cups of coffee every week without a second thought. 5-hour energy has less caffeine than some starbucks coffees, plus it has vitamins and nutrients. it's simple... caffeine with vitamins and nutrients. it's the combination that makes it so great. before you make a decision, get the facts. try a sip and find out why so many people love 5-hour energy.

♪ it's time for "webtastic." when sara haines digs up the next video you'll want to share with all your friends. >> it gives eating like a pig a brand new meaning. >> check out the animals and how they eat their food created by youtuber mr. epic man and his this first one is an alligator. now, maybe we don't have a friend like that. okay. now this is a lizard. he's kind of -- okay. what do you think that is? a t-rex. >> oh, with the short little arms. >> that was a whale. here comes a groundhog. and a kangaroo. i kind of feel like i've been to dinner with this guy.

>> oh! >> this is a flamingo. how is that guy keeping a straight face? and a rhino.he you have had friends that eat a little differently. >> no. >> come on. >> it's like a night at my house. >> it's a little overdone but you've had those friends that eat -- >> i've sat across from people who chew with their mouth open. >> or grab their silverware like this. >> like a shovel. >> yeah. >> it wasn't quite that bad. >> you guys are talking about me, aren't you? all right. the basics of starting your own business step by step. advice to get you going. >> and we're going to reveal those amazing ambush makeovers. >> plus the accidental housewife shows you how to get out of absolutely anything. the makers of one a day believe, as i do,

that everyone should have access to good nutrition. so they're donating two meals to feeding america for every purchase of one a day women's multivitamins. help families across america get nutrition they need. buy one a day women's, make a difference.

suave professionals infused moroccan argan oil into our new moroccan infusion line. the results were incredible. [ amanda ] i love it! all this shine, yet it feels so light! [ female announcer ] suave professionals works as well as salon brands. all this shine, yet it feels so light! what do you think about caffeine? we consume over two billion cups of coffee every week without a second thought. 5-hour energy has less caffeine than some starbucks coffees, plus it has vitamins and nutrients. it's simple... caffeine with vitamins and nutrients. it's the combination that makes it so great. before you make a decision, get the facts. try a sip and find out why so many people love 5-hour energy. ♪ we're with back with more of "today" on this thirsty thursday. ready to reveal the ambush makeovers.

for the two ladies on the plaza who started their morning hot and sticky. >> they were swu$e heat and into our hair and makeup areas by our experts, "today" contributor and stylist to the stars -- ♪ louis licari, la, la, la, la, la ♪ >> mix it up a little bit. >> and editor for "people" style watch and author and author jill martin. >> love her. >> so frizzy, bad hair weather. >> talk about a bad hair day. this was the epitome of a day that everyone needs help. >> all of us. >> all hair issues. >> hardly. >> so donna hannock is 55 years old. from pennsylvania. now she's an empty nester she's finally ready to focus on herself. she begged us to give her a new life and start this chapter in her life. let's listen to her story. >> donna is flipping out because you watch every week. and now it's you. >> i know. i'm so excited. i want my hair to get rid of this length and this drag. so i need a change. ÷

you want. >> that would be great. >> what do you think about this for your sister? >> i am ecstatic. i am just thrilled. this is something she's wanted to do. i didn't know it but when we decided to come to new york with our mother, she said i want to go to the makeover. i want to see if i can get on. so this is why she wanted to come.hfh >> all right. you were picked. hooray. >> i'm so excited. i can't believe it. i can't believe it's happened. >> how exciting. she's here with her sister carrie and their mom marie. please keep your blindfolds on for just a second. here is donna hannock before. all right, donna, let's see the new you. >> wow. all right. are you ready, ladies? take off your blindfold. >> oh, my god! >> you look beautiful. >> are you ready to see yourself? turn right around.

>> that's really you. >> who is that? >> you look great. >> turn right around. look right there. tell u3dk=uq"árpr). >> first, how sweet is this story that you watch every week. we love you, number one. first her hair. we camouflaged the high forehead with the bangs. big tip.(a always looks sexy. brought the hair up a little shorter. much shorter, actually, to make the texture look thicker. >> you made her a redhead. >> well, a soft warm brown, i would say. >> what do mom and sister think? >> she looks beautiful. can't believe it. >> jill, tell us about the dress. >> london times. we love red for summer. and i just love this asymmetrical neckline. if you don't have a dress liked& this it's a very sexy alternative to strapless if you want to cover your arms. >> a big round of applause for donna. >> you can join your family, donna. nice job. >> all the way from stockholm, sweden is annika rudimo. she's 48.ñi her daily beauty routine consists of washing her face and throwing her hair in a ponytail. she was excited for a chance to glam it up a bit. let's listen to her story.

>> all right. visiting from sweden. so this is a treat. >> yes. >> are you excited for your mom? >> yeah, of course. >> what do you think of all of this? i know this is a little bit of a surprise. >> yeah. it's very exciting. i'm really excited. >> do you have a perfect look? some way you want to look? >> i don't know. yeah, fresh. >> i think we can handle that. are you ready to see a whole new mom? >> yeah. >> why is it that all swedish people speak beautiful english and we can't speak one word of swedish? anyway, she's here with her beautiful daughter jenny. let's take one last look at annika before and bring back the new annika rudimo. ♪ >> okay. right there, annika. >> jenny, you want to take a look at your mom, honey? >> oh, my -- >> you look gorgeous, annika. turn around and see yourself in the mirror. >> oh, my gosh!

>> she knows how to say that in english! you look gorgeous. >> okay. i made annika into the blond she was as a child..ljñ then mayuki gave her this great haircut. she wanted her to leave it on the longer side. we added some waves and then, of course, the soft makeup with the heavy lash to give her a glamorous look. >> wow. will that be easy for her to keep?n >> this will be very easy for her to keep. she can even just put in braids and let it dry and she'll have this look. >> what do you think, jenny? does she look good? >> she looks amazing. >> tell us about the outfit. >> maggie london wrap dress. i love it all year round. you can throw a cardigan over it, boots. this is a great wrap dress. >> good job, everybody. let's bring donna back. >> come back out, donna. give her some room. >> julie will tell you how to keep the sand off of you and in the beach where it's supposed to be. >> she's got clever ideas to shake it off right after this. lots of things seemed impossible to me.

it turns out, they weren't. i started my own business. i wrote a best-selling book. but re-growing my own hair? come on. [ male announcer ] rogaine foam is proven to help stop hair loss. for 85% of guys, it regrew hair. i know it may sound impossible, but it's not. my hair was thinning, and now with rogaine foam, i've got more. seriously. i just had to give it a try. [ male announcer ] go to rogaine.com to learn more and save. rogaine foam. stop losing. start gaining. yeah... try new alka seltzer fruit chews. they work fast on heartburn and taste awesome. these are good. told ya! i'm feeling better already. [ male announcer ] new alka seltzer fruits chews. enjoy the relief! [ male announcer ] new alka seltzer fruits chews. hoo-hoo...hoo-hoo. hoo-hoo hoo. sir... i'll get it together i promise...

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♪ it's a cruel summer if you love the beach but hate the sand sticking to everything from your blanket to sunblock bottle and a few other places we won't discuss, we've got some help for you. >> julie says she can get the sticky sand off of anything. >> anything. >> even your kids. >> and you'll show us how. >> start down here. >> we're going to deal with it in a little bit. >> isn't she adorable? >> she's so cute. i brought live props today. first of all, before you even go to the beach, a few things to think about. you want to bring beach chairs versus towels because this way  you can just rinse them off right in the water. without having to worry about all that. in your car you want to line your seats with clean beach towels and your trunk with a sheet so when you get all that sand in there all you'll do is -- >> remove that. >> the other thing, too is your beach towels. they get stuck with all the sand. let them dry as much as you can and when they do just put them

in a garbage bag before you bring them inside and bring them directly to your laundry. otherwise you have sand. and sand scratches your floors. >> can you just shake them? like most people do? >> you can but there's always some left over. >> well, i'm not most people. i'm kidding. >> julie edelman, you're talking to. >> well, i'm accidental. next i love repurposing pringles. i love these things because they are actually tin inside so they hold refrigeration plus you can chomp and chuck them. you don't have to bring them home. put in single serve kinds of snacks. celery, carrots, frozen grapes, which will defrost. also bite-sized little sushi-size peanut butter sandwiches because this way you know how kids always drop their sandwich? if they drop one piece you still have many to go and you put them directly inside. and parchment paper will keep them from sticking. >> these are a clever idea. >> okay, have some. sand gets all over your suntan lotion. >> yeah. >> simply take a baby wipe and do that.

same thing on your hands. because since we don't read books anymore, we only use our ipad or kindle you want to put yours into a ziploc kind of bag. >> i do that. does it still work? >> yes, it shuts right off. let's see. and watch this. it does right there. and if you should get sand in, use a little toothbrush, tap gently into any of the crevices because once it's in your warranty will be over. you can also use a blow dryer ot a low heat or even compressed air but gently. >> what is this? >> this is the compressed air you use on your computers. all right. now, these are the real sand traps. toys for kids. put them in a mesh bag because also you can wash them afterwards right in. mold and mildew. they love to collect their shells.glñ i love this. >> oh, that's good. this is waterproof plus you just shake that sand out of there. >> would you like to try that? >> no, because it will make my arms wag. q >> you can also use good old powder there.

next, the biggest problem is sand on your feet, your hair. everything. good old baby powder works because it absorbs the moisture and also just makes you use a little paint brush. let's use our little friend here. okay?$ñ >> hi. >> hi, sweetie. >> look how pretty. >> these are great. these are powder patch. they have powder right inside. come on. stand up here a second. and all you do is gently rub and it will -- >> powder? >> yes, it's baby powder. >> what? >> and of course you know me. i always have to use baking soda. >> got to have it. >> so at the very least if you run out, refillable. >> thanks so much. >> thank you, sweetie. >> all right. if you've always dreamed about starting your own business, today is your day. >> we've got a step-by-step plan to get you started.0cu coming up right after this. good morning to you. i'm weather channel meteorologist alex wilson with your seven-day forecast. what we're watching for our friday, some strong, even severe storms across parts of the southeast. so areas like atlanta,

charlotte, north carolina, keeping an eye to the sky. temps will be near 90 in d.c.z in the low 90s for atlanta. 83 in new york city. the big heat over on the west coast. look at those highs in phoenix. 119 in phoenix. 103 for salt lake city. and 104 in dallas. some big-time heatzlñ headed toe central and western part of the country. here's a look at tomorrow. we've got a few showers near the denver area. but most of the wet weather stays into parts of the southeast, northeast, and also around the great lakes. we could see a few thunderstorms up there. 69. so cooler as we start off the weekend. sunday brings another day of if you're at disney world watch for a few showers around orlando with highs near 89. on monday we'll keep it in the upper 80s for orlando. also new orleans we'll continue to watch for some scattered s6[er storms around the east coast. things dry on the west coast. still hot in phoenix. 112 for the start of the new

week. in san francisco and los angeles highs will be,7ñ in the 70s. 90, though, in seattle. very warm in the northwest. northwest is dry on tuesday. we'll be around 85 into billings, montana. 79 in minneapolis. chicago in the mid 70s for tuesday. with highs around the low 80s for boston and snnyc. on wednesday 82 boston, 83 new york. 85 in washington. atlanta's high is only around 80. still be watching for some scattered showers around the east coast. dallas highs will be near 90. we'll hit 81 in kansas city. by thursday you can see nothing changes for the southeast. we continue to watch for showers with atlanta highs near 81. don't forget each weekday morning you can wake up with al. starts 5:30 a.m. eastern. hey, have you guys heard about probiotics? for digestive health? yes and did you know that trubiotics is a daily probiotic that helps in two ways? it supports digestive and immune health by working in your gut where 70% of your immune system lives.

try trubiotics today. ♪ [ female announcer ] come alive with the refreshing taste of lipton iced tea. feel the taste. yeah, you betcha, honey. ahh, you think so? [ female announcer ] some mornings you just can't eat at the table. eggo® wafflers are packed with flavors like brown sugar cinnamon roll, so you don't need syrup. eggo® wafflers. simply delicious™.

♪ time for our special series "make it happen today." and the steps to get your business idea off the ground and

running.g we've heard from the founder of stella and dot and the ladies who founded gilt.com. >> here to get us started is linda rotenberg, founder of endeavor, an organization to, help build entrepreneurship. and alexa montobu, financial planner and founder and ceo of learnbest.com. hi, ladies. >> great to be here. >> people really want to start businesses but they are very intimidated by just stepping into the pool.co( it's not that easy, is it? >> no, but my mantra is that crazy is a compliment. because every entrepreneur i know starting out has been told their idea is stupid or downright crazy. >> can't be done. >> i say you're actually on to something if you're called crazy and fuhr not called crazy you're probably not thinking big enough.&& >> or it's already out there. >> exactly. >> that's right. everyone always has some reason to criticize you but you just have thoi as big as possible and you have to believe. >> start small? >> baby steps is how you get there. >> where do you get the money if you don't have the money? >> so in the case of learnbest i put in a little bit of my

savings. not so much that i was going to be in a position of, you know, real danger if something bad happened. and then i ended up raising a round of funding and it was the hardest thing i've ever done. really hard work. >> but i think that people think you need an idea and then you need real-life customers. so i also believe that sometimes you need to gently stalk people. >> how? >> my favorite words are estee lauder. she was 19 years old, her uncle john had this cream. she was literally going to elevateors, seeing people in the beauty salons and saying i have a cream that can cure your wrinkles. they didn't think they had wrinkles. she said give me five minutes. test my product. if you like this, go tell a friend. >> so she gave it to them for free. such a smart -- >> in this world of internet and lots of stuff going on is it still possible to work it that way on grassroots and -- >> yeah. >> it seems like it would make it easier because of the social networks. >> i think it's reall>ñy importt to sit down and have a business plan. coming out of the worst recession in 81 years it's so important before you take a leap, before you invest any of

your own savings that are probably critical for your urárá down. i ended up writing a 75-page business plan which was the most boring days of my life. >> agree to disagree.f'm >> i think it's important to put a lot of thought in before you jump off the cliff because you want to make sure you know what you're getting into. >> a lot of people want to keep their idea theirs and patent it. is that an importanquvhing to do? >> i think it's all in the execution. i think you have to draw people in and not worry about that.ko i do think, though, a lot of people start -- >> i think the bigger problem, if you need almost a startup prenup if you're having family. because i always tell people they have to learn how to fire their mother-in-law. if they haven't had the conversations early on, fire your mother-in-law and still go to family dinner. >> that sounds awful. >> the thing that you need the most is passion. passion is contagious. and if you're excited about it, people get caught up in it, right? >> yeah. >> i think that's absolut a]y right. you want to get out of bed every day and really care. so if you don't love fashion, don't start a fashion company. if you don't love food and

you're not a foodie, don't start a food company. but if you really love what you're doing it translates and people know and they want to believe in you and get excited. >> i think people approach funding as if it's a test they want to ace. i think it's about a first date and it's about establishing trust and relationships and people if they see the passion and feel a connection then they're willing to -- >> and they like the product, then they'll come back.gn >> and they like the product. >> thanks, ladies. it's great. we appreciate it. >> is a party in your plans this summer? >> we've got some easy ideas to make your outdoor space absolutely perfect for once. first, this is "today" on nbc.

♪ if you want to call me call me call me ♪ all right. the summer has just begun but it does go by so fast. you'll probably want to spend as much time as possible enjoying your outdoor space. >> and lot of backyard entertaining like throwing a fourth of july party elaine griffin, contributing design editor for "better homes & gardens" has just what you need. hello, elaine. >> what do we need? >> this summer, you need color. you need a pop of color. like this great patio deck set

from kohl's. a little brightness. >> affordable? >> yes, it's 180 bucks for the whole set. >> okay. nice. >> and then also you'll need tunes. >> oh, i'm into this. >> this is the schooner two wireless sound system. it works with every sort of electronics. you can leave it out all summer long. >> you're kidding. >> all weather and everything? >> all weather. >> so you can plug your ipod in. >> there you go. or your outdoor tv. >> that's genius. >> it works with everything. and then you'll need some extra seating. >> right. >> for those guests. >> these cubes up here. they're waterproof. so you can leave them. it's all about waterproof. you can leave them out all summer and then it's extra seating. you can put your feet up, have guests over. >> okay. >> we don't want bugs. >> no, we don't want bugs. >> i like when you sing. >> so we have -- this is a thermacel mosquito-repellant lantern. and each one of these is a little -- >> zapper? >> zapper. it's lit by a butane cylinder inside.he so each one gets four hours of

odorless protection. >> okay. >> what's really hot this summer? >> what? >> besides you, elaine?x÷ >> the solar votive. >> oh. >> from target. isn't this great? >> solar lighting for the first time and it works so well. it really does. >> leave these out for eight hours. they burn for eight hours. lather, rinse, repeat. >> how much is this? is it expensive? >> no. it's $130. >> i'm going to buy that. >> let me get that for you for your birthday. >> okay. excellent. >> okay, wait. elaine, give it to me. >> it's on its way. it's on its way. so for our cocktails we have seen these. it's our watermelonbge mint cooler. >> we love these. >> aren't they good? it's the taste of the season. it's pureed watermelon with mint, ginger ale, rum, of course, a little lime juice. and then we're serving -- >> i'm in. >> what are we having? >> we're serving stuff that you can make ahead. so you can nosh while the chef is on the grill.

this is vegetable pie by our cover girl trisha yearwood. >> oh, i like her. >> you're going to love her vegetable pie even more. >> she lost weight on this? >> is there cheese in here?jgn >> mayo, too. but i won't tell if you won't tell. so the secret is if you want appetizers, side servings, cut your pie into 12. and then we're going to counteract the mayo with healthy chip and dip. take root vegetables like fl% radishes, daikon, jicama. >> jicama! >> there you go. >> jicama! >> what's this, french onion dip?2os >> caramelized onion dip. isn't it delish? >> i don't know. haven't tried it yet. >> we're getting there. i'm ahead of myself. for our easy breezy table we're using -- >> hoda, too much. >> it's napkins as our runner. you want to raid your linen closet and just think napkins layered down the center of the table. and we're bundling everything together so it's easy.+l4

>> you're the best. we've got run. >> allison janney is with us tomorrow. anthem for anti-apartheid. >> save freedom. jeff: but the man behind the music was a mystery. >> i'd say the jimmy hendrix. jeff: the amazing story of a struggling singer captured in the documentary searching for sugar man. >> this started out to be a project. jeff: the man himself, sugar man rodriguez. >> this is a living art. ♪ sugar man [ applause ] jeff: hello, hello! roll it! all right. a little about me. i'm recently married. i worked with my wife on this show. and i'm learning how to be a dad to two amazing kids in a blended family. i'm hosting a talk show 'cause