Gwyneth Paltrow's Website: GOOP

So I heard the rumors today that Gwyneth Paltrow wants to be the next Oprah Winfrey. I have visited both of their websites several times, and I thought that I would take another look today to see if GOOP has improved its content based on its new goal of being an inspiration for everyday women.

I have been to Oprah's site many times, and have always been impressed with the content - sound advice on how to live and be happy, given by people who are interesting, credible, professional, and fun. My previous visit to GOOP left a lot to be desired. Let's see if anything has changed since I have been there last.

First, you should know that the website is called GOOP and is subtitled nourish the inner aspect by Gwyneth Paltrow. It is a collection of newsletters in six categories. In the upper left corner, you can subscribe to the newsletter, or view the current version. Not willing to make a commitment that may scar my beloved Blackberry for life, I decided to view the current newsletter. The topic of the entire newsletter is party jam music. Gwyneth and her friends each pick their ten favorite party songs. As an average American woman, with a job and kids, I am not about to plan a party. Much less, a dance party. Much less design a custom musical track for said dance party. I am heading back to the main page.

The main page of GOOP by Gwyneth contains six categories to choose from. They are Make, Go, Get, Do, Be, and See. Since I don't have time to review every entry, I feel that an examination of the most recent entry in each category should give enough insight to make a judgment call on the website.

GOOP Make by Gwyneth Paltrow

The most recent newsletter in the GOOP Make section is about five stress free recipes for a luncheon or dinner party. Here is what they are:

Artichokes with Basil and Mint: preparing artichokes? I'll pass

Slow Roasted Tomatoes: takes three hours to cook? Pass

Grilled Zucchini with Mint and Red Chili: maybe, but is it worth the effort?

Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad: looks like baby food... or GOOP?

Bruschetta: its toast folks

Not exactly inspiration here. Let's move on.

GOOP Go by Gwyneth Patrow

The top newsletter featured in GOOP Go is a list of kid friendly restaurants. Okay, I have kids, and I am interested. Lets' see, what shall I choose?

Oysters and ice cream in New York?

Carpaccio in Santa Monica?

One of those restaurants in London? Seriously?

If you think I am being too harsh, the last entry on the list is Asian-fusion to be enjoyed on the terrace at the Chicago Park Hyatt. Nothing about Asian, fusion, or terrace screams kid-friendly to me. I'll pass.

GOOP Get by Gwyneth Paltrow

The most recent GOOP Get newsletter discusses the problems that Gwyneth is having with her wardrobe. What can she wear to look good when she goes to her day job (filming movies)? Well...she seems to have good fashion sense. Let's find out.

Trenchcoat: OK

Trampy Heels: for work?

Nautical shirt: Ok, but too casual for my job

Stained and ripped jeans: ditto

Hippy dresses: again, seriously?

Capri's and strappy sandals: still too casual

Giant black baggy jumpsuit: for work...in a roller derby...in the 1970's...maybe?

GOOP Do by Gwyneth Paltrow

The GOOP Do newsletter is simple style tips. I'm not sure how that is something you do. Let's see.

Five minute makeover: ok, but picture shows a cake face

At home treatments: ok, once you get your sponge from a Korean bath house

Another five minute makeover: ha ha ...first step - find a drugstore...I am not kidding

Grooming for men: lose the unibrow. Not much news here.

GOOP Be by Gwyneth Paltrow

This week in GOOP Be we are learning about speaking ill of others. Hmm, maybe there is a lesson here for me, because I think I am on a roll. Let's see...uh-huh...uh-huh....OK. The bottom line is that speaking ill of others damages the speaker only, and not the person being spoken about. Guess I'm off the hook, because if it only damages me, that's ok. I really want to check out the second newsletter in this category, which is about parenting, but I am too afraid at this point.

GOOP See by Gwyneth Paltrow..Gooopsie?

The final category is GOOP See. I see that it is the newsletter of the week. I have been brought full-circle all the way back to party jams. I don't know why that is in See and not Hear.

Well, having peeled back one layer of the onion that is GOOP by Gwyneth Paltrow, I have to say that I am not impressed. I have always liked her as an actress, but I don't feel any need to be her. I have determined that I do not have an inner Gwneth Paltrow. Maybe she can be the Oprah to the Stars, since they probably find the whole thing brilliant. So, until I achieve lasting fame and stardom (yeah right), it is Oprah all the way for me baby!