My Favorite 2008 Oscar Moments





"Once" was my favorite movie of 2007, and I was so ecstatic that this beautiful song won an Oscar. Plus, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's acceptance speeches were heartwarming and made me feel joyful about great films and great musicians.

Don't Say I Didn't Warn You

Even though I have never had a significant other during this time of year, I have always liked Valentine's Day. Sure, it's a fake holiday for the sole purpose of buying stuff, but it is fun and sweet and it makes me happy--even though some of the general populace think I should be bitter about the lack o' love junk.

However, I actually heard the words "I hate Valentine's Day" escape my lips today at work. It had nothing to do with the actual faux-holiday, it had more to do with the obnoxious Upper West Side ladies who come in to demand a huge number of cupcakes, and then chewing out the manager for not icing them fast enough. I really wanted to shout, "It's just a @*&$@# #$(*#&$) !#%$* cupcake for Pete's sake" (Who is Pete?) Please note that we have no problem with large cupcake orders, provided you call ahead.

So because I spent some time fuming about the Valentine's craziness we had to deal with today, I did realize that I have some pet peeves associated with February 14th. Well, mostly for the type of gifts people give on this day. So without further ado, here is the Valentine's Day addition of my Deal Breakers. (Or, what you may be really thinking: the real reason she doesn't have a significant other on any day.)

1. Mylar balloons. Especially mylar balloons that play sappy love songs. Oh, yes folks, they do exist and they are AWFUL.
2. Stuffed animals. I am not five years old.
3. Red roses. I know, I know I have a heart of stone. It's just that the red rose is completely ubiquitous. All I'm asking is for a little imagination because Heavenly Father created lots of flowers for us to enjoy. Like hydrangeas and peonies. They may be out of season...Roses with other colors are acceptable.
4. The heart-shaped pendant. I don't really do jewelry, and I repeat: I am not five years old.
5. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolate purchased at the local Rite Aid. Finding out my favorite chocolatier and getting even three pieces would make me a lot happier.
6. Any mix of music containing the following artists: Air Supply, Chicago, REO Speedwagon and/or Celine Dion. (Those are just the first to come to mind. Proceed with caution.)
8. Overly mushy cards.
7. When married: no skank outfits from smutshops. I'm assuming I will still find those tacky.

What would this cold-hearted broad like for this holiday?
1. A book I've been wanting to read/ copy significant other's favorite book
2. A collection of significant other's favorite songs
3. Laura Secord or Leonidas chocolate
4. A home-cooked meal or a favorite restaurant.
5. Today I could totally use a massage.
6. When married: cute nighties from Anthropologie
7. When married: hot, steamy...tapioca pudding (my mind does not go there.)

So, to the masses, I pose a question requesting comments. I would like to validate my pickiness. What are your Valentine's Gift deal breakers. What would you rather get?

Racking up yet another Project Runway sighting.

Perhaps you recall that I saw Michael Kors in December. It was certainly exciting, but little did I know that my Project Runway sightings were not over. Last Friday was the Project Runway show at Fashion Week. I didn't get invited to the show (obviously), but even if I did, I would have had to work anyway. While I was frosting cakes, I thought it would be really cool if one the PR contestants came in for a cupcake or banana pudding or whatever. I sighed after my little musing and went back to work.

Just as I was about to depart the bakery I saw Elisa Jimenez, the very ethereal, fairy-like contestant who was auf'd at the end of the Hershey challenge. I couldn't believe it! What I also couldn't believe is that I had the courage to actually talk to her. She was so nice! And really buff. And she liked my bag. (The bag that I wrote a eulogy about. I fixed it after I had a revelation about it in the temple. I am not making that up.) I pointed out the stuff I liked from the show and asked her what she is up to these days. She designs in New York and informed me that she frequently does shows in the city. THEN she proceeded to ask for my card so she could invite me to future shows. I must admit I was a little speechless at the offer, then embarrassed because I don't have a card (yet!). I pointed out that I worked at Magnolia. Since neither of us had a pen or paper she asked for my number and then put it into her cell phone. She immediately called me so I could have her number as well. (I will not post it because that would be mean.)

Then she said that I looked like a turn-of-the-century doll. I was really touched. She was a lot kinder than she needed to be to some random fan of the show. So I wish her the best in her future endeavors, and hopefully I get to blog about one of her shows!

Welcome to the world of the prematurely hearing impaired.

Since I have this great job with a sizably smaller salary, I had to give up my membership at Crunch. Since I will have to start exercising out of doors, I wanted to get an iPod to keep me entertained while walking around. (The TVs at Crunch used to keep me on the elliptical machines for 40 minutes). So my mom took pity on me and for a Christmas/birthday/I better not ask for anything else gift, she bought me the pretty iPod Nano I've had my eye on since their debut (and subsequent style change).

I love love love my iPod. It has changed my life. Ok maybe not my life, but it has certainly changed the way I walk. Most of you may know that I am a fast walker. I walk with a purpose, but there isn't much flair to the way I walk. Now, with my iPod earbuds tucked firmly in my ears, I have a little more strut in my stride. My head is held a little higher, and perhaps there is more bounce and a little more sway. I must admit some songs make me want to break out and dance, but I refrain because quite frankly, there are enough loco people on the streets of New York as it is.

The other thing I love about my Nano is podcast subscriptions. For starters, they are free, so I get new things to listen to all the time. I am an NPR fan without a radio, but I can subscribe to podcasts and listen to current episodes of This American Life. (Sidebar: I HEART this program, and especially Ira Glass. His delivery is succint yet compelling. I saw an "I Love Ira Glass" tote bag in a magazine gift guide and I have coveted it ever since. Mom, how 'bout for next Christmas?) Not only do I subscribe to TAL, but I also listen to Radio 360, RadioLab, NPR's Song of the Day, Morning Becomes Eclectic and All Songs Considered. All Songs Considered is another of my favorites because they broadcast live concerts. Since I probably can't afford to see Bon Iver on Fabruary 22nd, I can listen to the live broadcast from D.C. on February 19th.

I am a little afraid that I will go deaf. I have to turn the volume all the way up when riding the subway because those trains are loud. I may have to invest in some of those noise reducing headphones. Mom? Haha just kidding. Who has my name for Christmas?

Magnolia Bakery's ever-popular Red Velvet Cake.

Carrot Cake.

German Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake with gooey, soft Chocolate Icing

Icebox Cakes: Mint on the left, regular on the right.

That is little ol' me decorating Chocolate Pudding Pies. This photo is courtesy of Rich Press, who took the picture on behalf of Bloomberg wire service. We have had several photographers document our opening and decorating process. I haven't shown up in print yet, but it was incredibly nice of Rich to send me one that he took of me.

Last week I started my Cake Icer training. Under that job title, I am responsible for making the icebox cakes, banana puddings, plus the cake icings (which include buttercream, chocolate buttercream, Whipped Vanilla--for the Red Velvet, cream cheese, meringue...). I also get to decorate the cakes, pudding pies and cheesecakes. It is not easy, and when the crowds form, I do feel a little bit stressed. But for the most part I look forward to going to work. I am also eager to see where I will go from here.

Since we opened two and a half weeks ago, I think we have sold a million cupcakes. Okay, maybe not a million, but pretty darn close. My arm feels like it has frosted over a million cupcakes. (I will provide dessert for the person who wants to massage the icing arm.) When we first opened the doors, everything was so surreal. I couldn't believe I left public relations/the office culture to work in an environment that I was eager to leave behind in high school. But this is SO much better than my first job (at McDonald's). For starters, I deal with a lot less fried foods. We also get the occasional celebrity. Apparently Kobe Bryant came in last Sunday. I didn't see him, but I did see Yoanna House (America's Next Top Model Cycle 2 Winner), and I swear Francis McDormand came in. I just hope Upper West Side resident Bono comes in. Or Ed Norton. After watching The Painted Veil he is my celebrity crush du jour. (Good movie, by the way.)

I am pleased to note that I have only tried one dessert per week, so I have not experienced any weight gain. I also attended a party on Saturday and didn't have time to change my clothes. So while being covered in frosting, sugar and banana pudding, I totally chatted with a guy who asked for my number. So even though I don't get health insurance, it looks like this job comes with other benefits. (Now if only Ed Norton would come in while I am covered in sugar...)