TCA Adventures: Baker, babies and Mad Men

Boy, was it a busy weekend. CBS threw their TCA soiree at Boulevard 3 in Los Angeles Friday night, and I only had one goal in mind: Meet Simon Baker, star of the network's new series The Mentalist. He was the devious and delectable writer who hooks up with Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada, a role his 15-year-old daughter told him to take, he revealed. While she may be giving dad her blessing on script parts, it may be a while before she gets Simon's approval on dating. "If anything, it's made me think a lot about what I was like when I was a teenager, and what was going through my head, which is sort of frightening," he laughed. "She's great, so I'm not worried about her."  I also chatted with 90210 star Jessica Stroup who said she had no idea if Shannen Doherty was joining the spin-off series.  She must have been under a gag order since the network announced the former 90210er would indeed be making a guest appearance the next morning.  Playing off the theme of the new CBS series The Ex List, there was a tarot card reader working the party.  Ex List star Elizabeth Reiser (she was Ava on Grey's Anatomy!), visits a psychic who tells her she has to marry in a year or die along, and that she's already met her soulmate. I was told I wouldn't find a steady boyfriend for three years. No offense CBS, but that predix kinda stinks.   Saturday, I headed to Blu Luxury apartments in Beverly Hills to attend a baby shower thrown by Dancing with the Stars' Karina Smirnoff for her manager Lindsay Rielly. I chowed down on pad thai and sweets from the Classic Candy buffet and sang baby-themed karaoke songs, while Karina showered Lindsay with gifts from Gymboree. "In this industry, the managers do all the work for the talent. This is the other way around," said Karina. "It was a nice way of saying thank you for putting up with me." Also in attendance was new mom Jodi Sweetin, who had some advice for the new mom-to-be.  "Everything in your head will revolve around your baby now, so just be patient" she suggested. "She's got something really amazing to look forward to." (Read all her about Jodie's life with three-month-old daughter Zoie in her celeb baby blog here.)  FYI: Lindsay, your baby bay will be born on Sept. 26, which is my b-day. So get my winning "Guess the baby's birth date" gift ready!  Later that evening, I snagged an invite to the TCA Awards reception, even though I didn't have a seat for the ceremony.  That is until I was invited to sit with the cast of Mad Men.  I was mere inches of way from Emmy contender John Hamm, (I spent the evening staring at the back of his head!). "I'm really excited," he said of his nomination before posing with me for a pic.  Proof above. You know you jealous.  Check in tomorrow for my last TCA Adventure roundup!