The Grammy's

With the passing of Whitney, there wasn't any chance I was missing the Grammy's this year. I'm sure their ratings were through the roof. Plus, it's like a free concert. 

I was gaga over Bruno Mars and The Civil Wars. I'm only halfway through so maybe more will shock and awe. But...already meandered through the red carpet. No huge fashion standouts for me. Did you feel the same way? Adele looked quite put together and so did a few others. 

The Grammy's are usually about who looks the worst but I can't give in to that. Except for this chick. I think she blew her cover as Russian KGB. 

Pew Pew! Highlights to the right. Night ya'll.

A True Voice

I can remember when I first became enamored with a Whitney Houston song. I was thirteen years old and believe it or not, it was from a commercial for AT&T in 1994. The song just got stuck in my head and I sang it over and over again for months. "...the real you coming through, your true voice." 

I grew up singing. When we were little, Aimee and I would practice at home in our PJ's on our stage (the futon) and with our mics (aka the jump rope). 

Whitney really touched me back in the day. Listening to her sing "I Will Always Love You" and "I Have Nothing" with the signature quiver of her lips and sweat on her upper lip, with such passion... man, it's like she made you feel what she was saying.

And although her personal life was mired in tragedy, it is her voice that I will remember - and the way she touched and inspired one teenage girl back in 1994. Tonight on the way home from dinner I found that commercial on YouTube and sang along with it, over and over again, just like old times. In tribute to Whitney..

Whitney Houston - AT&T Commercial

Sheldon and Kristin

I think I've mentioned that Josh's best friend, Sheldon, recently proposed to his girlfriend, Kristin. At our wedding Sheldon gave the most epic best man speech. People who don't know him still mention it to me. And although Kristin was there too, you may have missed her behind Sheldon's towering frame. 

We're excited for them - partially because it's nice when your friends join the married group. It brings you to a new level of conversation and understanding. But we're also excited because, well, because it's them. =) Their engagement photos.

An Enlightened Friday

This weekend we have a dinner party to attend. Ok, not really so fancy actually. =) But we're heading north to the grandparents house for Saturday night dinner with the family. I'm excited that we aren't packing right now and am looking forward to waking up super late in our own bed! (If you haven't already discovered - sleeping in has got to be one of life's greatest pleasures.)

We've gone to dinner before (grandma is a fabulous cook who makes it all seem effortless) but this time I have been tasked with bringing dessert. First time! I'm excited and of course a bit nervous. I already had the ingredients for Knock You Naked Brownies from, who else, Mrs. Pioneer herself so I figured, why not?

Aren't they luscious looking? I stole her picture because mine aren't ready yet. I hope they turn out as good as hers look and her comments testify to, but if not my backup plan will be stopping at the nearest bakery before dinner. :) I'll keep you posted on the impending outcome.

Yesterday I ran across Cooking Light's Most Common Cooking Mistakes and I seriously felt I had a moment of enlightenment. For someone who didn't grow up cooking, these basic methods really gave me a head's up. Like, #30 "Your bacon is burnt and crinkly" Hello! I've only known stove top pan fried  bacon and did not know it's supposed to go in the oven! They have so much more like "Your gravy is lumpy" or "Your mashed potatoes are gluey".

And one I used today for my dessert, "Your caramel meets a burnt, bitter end."

Anywhoo, if you care go and take a gander. It's worth a read-through. Happy Friday!

P.S. Today I mailed my Valentine's Day cards and I am so excited about them. Took me back to the days of candy grams and sweetheart candy. =) 

A Valentine's Day Gift Guide - For Her

They say that Valentine's Day is a celebration of love but I think we all know that's not completely true. A big part of Valentine's has always been about the gift. 

I once dated a guy who always bought me things he liked. (no wonder we aren't together anymore. just kidding...sort of.) So here's my gift to the gifting impaired. Go out and do a girl proud. 

1. Nothing says "I get it" like a bit of Chanel.

2. Think it's been done? She doesn't. But this time don't do the hasty trip to the local grocery store. If you're in LA, go here.  

3. Buy dozens of these and fill a room in the house. 

4. No girl I know would turn down a Maya Brenner mini. No girl.

5. Surprise her with a massage from her favorite spa - with her best friend.

6. And lastly, the one little thing that will put you on a pedestal until next year rolls around - a thoughtful card, with actual words written that include a description of feelings. =) 

A Fateful Introduction

The highlight of my weekend was meeting this little guy. =) 

We had a moment. :p

The Final Lesson

As promised, here's my favorite part of last weekend - John Ortberg's message on Sunday at MPPC. Moved all of us and was a big encouragement for me, and maybe for you too. 

Broken, the Final Lesson

The Adventure of Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea

I forgot to tell you about last Saturday in The City (it's actual nickname if you did not know) with Josh (aka Clark) and Melissa (aka Sacajawea). Sorry it's coming to you so late, I'm all out of wack this week. Bear with me it's worth it. =)

Randomly we decided to grab some dim sum because apparently Josh has never been. What the..? I know, I was shocked too. PLUS, I had a bona fide Chinese with me. You can't go to dim sum without one. Holla if you know what I'm talking about!

Melissa's friends all recommended Mayflower so we headed on over. My initial thought was that it wasn't authentic because they didn't have the carts pushing the food around like I'm used to. But Melissa kindly informed me that even in Hong Kong many of the dim sum restaurants don't have that. Put back in my place! :p

 Besides, if you walk in and there's your typical seafood chillin in old looking water, you know it's authentic. 

See that white lady? I was happy to see her because it meant that they were "white friendly". (Are you feeling like we're in another era?) But if you know what I mean, then you know what I mean.

 But they were in fact nice to outsiders. Their menu even had english sub titles! 

But what got me, in the end, was the food. Man oh man, was it good. Mouth watering, eye rolling type of good. And I'm going to say it..better than LA. Yup, I went there people.

 And even though they were a bit gruff, they were also nicer than the peeps in Los Angeles. 

We had to do some sightseeing and walk it off so we drove over to check out the Presidio. I didn't know what to expect, but it was expansive and beautiful. Even the drive in was breath-taking. 

Apparently the Presidio is an old army post. It still looks like one but it's been kept up and is absolutely stunning. Now they have a beautiful chapel, national cemetery, housing, a YMCA, museums, and more on this property. It is wonderful and I recommend it to everyone. 

They even have a Walt Disney Museum on their campus where we got a glimpse of all their Emmy's, Oscar's, and awards.

I wanted to get that amazing shot of the Golden Gate Bridge but this was as close as we got. It was such a beautiful weather-perfect day that it was quite crowded. This was taken from the car after Josh kindly rolled his window down. =) Eh, we've seen it before. :p

Driving through the Presidio on the other side we found the photo we were looking for. Isn't she gorgeous?

 Afterwards we drove through the Castro district to get to a coffee house that Melissa raved about. And we would have done more but my back had been pushed a little too far. 

That's okay though, my quest to get a clear understanding of the City was made a little bit more clearer. And all thanks to Clark and Sacajewea for going on this adventure with me. =)

In a second, I'll share with you my favorite part of the whole weekend. Stay tuned.