Dance Fever

When I was a student at BYU, I spent a lot of time in ballroom dance classes. I imagined myself quite the dancer, and I took as many classes as I could (i.e. all the social dance levels, two of the latin class levels and three of the standard class levels). My biggest goal was to be on the ballroom dance team...however because practically every girl at BYU also had a similar ambition, I never made it. I would attend every competition and ballroom dance show and watched the good dancers jealously, wishing I could dance as well. Then I went on a mission and any dance skill I had declined miserably. Fortunately I clasped on to important dance skills like following a lead, strong dance position and not tripping. (While dancing. I still trip a lot otherwise.)

I used those few skills when, while living in Seattle, I joined a friend in taking some swing dance classes. First of all, let me begin by saying that I don't love swing dance; I find it too sloppy. I also didn't care for those swing dance teachers in Seattle. They really didn't give good instructions, saying that swing wasn't supposed be intricately perfect (but it would be nice to know what to follow), and they would change the name of their steps when I called them on their errors. (When you dance a whip call it a whip. Don't dance the step and say you did something entirely different.) I was pretty vocal in that class and I am sure that the instructors were glad when I stopped going.

Even though I stopped dancing, it has always been something that I enjoy. Not enough to follow "Dancing with the Stars," however. I wish my ballroom teachers at BYU were judges on that show. I can't picture Lee Wakefield being as nice as the judges on that hit show. Anyway, I was recently invited to take some dance classes, and the dancing bug has bit once more.

My roommate Carrie is a former dancer, and to keep her skills sharp she takes classes at Alvin Ailey. (I'm not sure if she can do that move in the above picture.) In February she was not able to use some of her prepaid dance classes, and she invited me to use them. I took West African, jazz and ballet classes. They were tons of fun. Although the African class was envigorating, I felt that I didn't have enough junk in my trunk to look like a good African dancer. I looked like a gangly white girl flailing my arms about willy-nilly. The ballet class was good, but my knees made horrible cracking noises with each plie, and the Asian guy wearing white tights made me blush. I liked the jazz class the best. The teacher was fantastic--encouring with good criticism--and I actually remembered the routine and was able to dance it, leaps and everything, without falling.

Glowing from the positive dance experience I decided to sign up for the Argentine Tango class offered at Alvin Ailey. Tango has always been my favorite dance at BYU, and I have been interested in learning real Argentine Tango. I like the drama. So my most helpful mom sent me my dance shoes and some dinero, and I started my class.

Ok, this horrible, but I can't remember my teacher's name, but I will tell you that he is 100% Argentine, complete with a very thick accent. He still can't say my name. On the first day I was more than ready to whip my head around and do the fancy kicks and swivels that I have seen others perform (like that couple I saw dancing on Las Ramblas in Barcelona), but I found that this class teaches a newer form of tango that is smoother and calmer than the style of dance performed in competetions and "Dancing with the Stars." There are no head snaps and no dramatic passion, but instead a softer and more romantic dance. The instructor refers to it as "Superman Tango" instead of "Robocop Tango." Even though I was expecting the old-school, I am thoroughly enjoying this new style, and the modern tango music we dance to. If only I had a significant other in the class with me.

The biggest plus of the class is that I am, and I don't mean to brag...(actually, I do), the star pupil. This is a first. I was never the star pupil at BYU. I have been able to learn the steps and technique relatively quickly, and so the teacher calls on me to help demonstrate new steps and such. It helps that I already learned how to have a good dance frame, to take heel leads, and to follow a partner's lead. At first the instructor would only call on me occasionally, but during the last class he called on me every time except once. I think the other girls are jealous.

P.S. A further testament to my utter coolness

Just a little update to let you know that the cake I did for Matthew Broderick was for his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker's birthday. Oh yes, it's true. THEY ATE MY CAKE!!!!!!!

Why didn't I have my camera that day?????

My deepest apologies for not writing.

I discovered Facebook. But now that my nose is out of my computer I hope to experience some life to share.

For Easter I took a trip to our nation's capital with my roommate Carrie and our friends Sarah and Ryan. I have taken a few trips down there this year to meet some of Carrie's friends and to extend my network of acquaintances on the eastern seaboard. Or something like that. We did not eat a "traditional" Easter meal with ham, cheesy potatoes and rolls. Instead we had raclette, a Swiss-made cheese that is melted under a heating element and poured over meat, potatoes, fruits and veggies.

It may not have been cheesy potatoes, but it was cheese and potatoes...and olives, cornichons, pineapple, pickled tomatoes, bacon, sirloin, baguettes...

This is how you do raclette. The cheese slices are under the grill, and the meat stays warm on the top shelf.

It isn't Easter without Robin's Eggs used as lip coloring. Sarah, Carrie and I kept the tradition alive...just for you.

I should have gone to church like that.

Here is just a few photos of some stuff that I have been making. A few weeks ago I tried my hand at some whole wheat Challah bread. It turned out pretty well, but it lacked some of that true Challah sweetness. Despite that, it made some wicked French toast.

You can't tell, but for this cake that I took to a Project Runway party, I wrote the famous phrase, "Make it Work." My biggest fear with my job was writing on cakes. A few years ago I took a cake decorating class and my inscriptions were really lousy. I mean, seriously, if you have ever even seen my handwriting this should come as no surprise. However, my inscriptions are pretty good! See below.

Believe it or not, this was one of my first inscriptions on a small 6-inch cake. Not too shabby. I really like doing the inscriptions, and today I even had to opportunity to write "Happy Birthday" on a cake for Matthew Broderick. I just wish I had a camera to capture that moment!!

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...)

My First Cupcakes

My swirls are almost Magnolia-perfect

Trays of the real thing.

So, I'll smell like frosting. That can't be a bad thing.

I have big news. After being a tad disgruntled with un-engaging freelanced public relations assignments, I have decided to something a little different. I have decided that I really need to turn my baking hobby into a career, so I decided to apply for a job in a bakery. It's a pretty interesting change of pace, to say the least. On New Year's Day I was dreading going back to my freelance gig to stare at Excel spreadsheets all day. After many questions and a little prodding from my roommate Carrie, I realized that I needed a bigger creative outlet. Where am I most creative? In the kitchen. I decided that I could afford to work part time in a bakery and decrease my freelance hours and perhaps someday come closer to having my own business.

And the ball started rolling from there.

The next day while browsing for bakery jobs on Craigslist, I saw a notice that Magnolia was hiring bakers and counter staff for their new location on the Upper West Side. I immediately decided to apply. Magnolia is a famous, high-traffic bakery and I can get good experience working there along with a popular name to put on my resume (future investors may be interested in that.) Plus, many of the bakery's former employees have branched off to start their own cupcake places, so I felt that it was the best place for me.

The following day I learned that my freelance assignment was ending. Now I had time to pursue that new path.

On Monday of last week, with resume in hand, I marched myself down to the new bakery to apply in person. After a couple of brief, yet positive, interviews I was sent on my way with a spring in my step. By the time I reached my home, I was hired full-time as a cake icer and may be trained in baking as well. Needless to say, I was very excited at how everything fell into place with this new venture.

I've already had one day of training, and the above photos show my first attempts at frosting cupcakes the Magnolia way. Which, by the way, is not as easy as you might think. Hopefully it won't take too long to improve my technique.

Even though this whole new venture has fallen together rather easily, I would be lying if I didn't admit any apprehensions. I am nervous about learning the techniques and learning how to work in an altogether different environment. Gone are the days when I can eat, go to the bathroom and leave when I wish. I will also have to get an entirely new wardrobe; I can't exactly wear heels. I will also be making considerably less money. I am worried that I won't be able to make ends meet or ever afford to go home for a visit. I also really like to eat baked goods. I don't want to gain fifty pounds.

But those are not my only worries.

Baking is my solace, my best stress reliever. When I am having a rough day, I use the process of measuring, stirring and creating to calm me down. Will my best relaxation tool become my largest stress? What if after six months I decide that this industry is not for me, what will I do next? I hate that it seems like I can't decide on anything.

Big questions. But I will keep you updated on my progress and everything I am learning at Magnolia. I will even let you know if that sweet smell of frosting attracts any viable suitors.

This Just In!!!!

I was wasting time on IMDB.com and I am very glad I did because I learned some very fabulous news:

- PBS has the best possible news for all Jane Austen fans: Beginning Sunday, January 13, "Masterpiece Theater" will broadcast adaptations of all of Austen's six novels, plus a new drama based on her life. This four-month, first-ever U.S. television event includes new productions of Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility, along with the classic productions of Emma (starring Kate Beckinsale) and Pride and Prejudice (starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle). And Miss Austen Regrets, a new drama starring Olivia Williams and based on Austen's own letters, offers an intimate portrait of the young woman behind the famous novels. Visit the official site to find out more about "The Complete Jane Austen", premiering Sunday, January 13 on PBS.

So set those TiVo's and DVRs to record; this is an amazing television event, and will make up for all the dismal TV due to the writer's strike.

The day after Christmas, my sister and I hit SoHo, which is not represented in any of the images on this blog. We were too busy taking advantage of any after-holiday sale to be concerned with taking pictures. We were also too cold to take our hands out of our gloves, and it is impossible to hit the right itty-bitty camera buttons while mittened-up.

The next day--which I believe was even colder--the sis and I met up with some family friends (The Sparrow's) at the temple and they took us up to their house in West Point, NY. The last time I was there was Thanksgiving 2006, but it was Andrea's first time, so Brenda gave us both a tour of the sights of that amazing miliatry academy. Our first stop was the West Point Chapel. The building is quite lovely, but on sunnier days it is even more beautiful when the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows.


I was thoroughly impressed with the way the hymnals were lined up so perfectly.

After walking around Trophy Park--a park lined with cannons and guns from all American conflicts, we warmed up back at the Sparrow's house. The kids got a Wii for Christmas, so we had some friendly bowling, tennis and golf competitions. I am not good at sports in any way, shape, or form EXCEPT the Wii form. I actually connected with the tennis ball, broke 100 in bowling and WON the golf game. Thanks to Wii, I can feel like an athelete. In a way.


I must admit, Andrea and I didn't do too many touristy activities because 1) I did have to do some work and 2) I have that annual holiday desire to make more cookies than the entire population of New York can consume in one holiday season. Or something like that. We did go see Mary Poppins. (Thankfully, since the tickets were for the 19th of December and we went on the 20th of December. Many happy thanks to the box office of Mary Poppins for changing the tickets!!!) We also saw the Christmas windows, Times Square, Bryant Park, the tree at Rockefeller Center, Chinatown and Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Hey, that's not too bad. We did a lot of stuff in between batches of Cream Wafer Cookies. But I still felt that she needed to see more of the city, so we took the Staten Island Ferry to see the city from the outside.

The ferry was very crowded with passengers pressed against the windows trying to get a glimpes of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Just like or immigrant forebears. The only difference: this boat had a snack bar...and we already live in the United States. We didn't stay on Staten Island very long. Like most of the passengers on the boat, upon arrival we got back on another ferry to get back to Manhattan.

The Staten Island Ferry is free, and thus the best way to see the Statue of Liberty.

I felt a little bad for my sister, when she asked what was available for dinner, I sheepishly offered grilled soy cheese sandwiches or scrambled eggs. I just didn't shop very well before she arrived. So I had to make sure we ate at some of my favorite places. The first restaurant we visited was Peanut Butter & Company. Next we had brunch at The Popover Cafe, followed by a cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Chipotle (I know it's a chain, but the burritos are pretty tasty), and The Chip Shop.

Uncle Bruce, take a look at this picture. This alone, to me, signifies that The Chip Shop is better than A Salt & Battery. The fish was actually better seasoned and crispier. And the chips were quite tasty.

Andrea ventured beyond the world of fish and chips and had the chicken and mushroom pie. She said it was good. I wouldn't know because I don't eat food that contain fungi.

This only added to the holiday weight gain.

Since we enjoyed our trip to Mary Poppins, Andrea and I decided to win lottery tickets for Wicked. We stood in the cold for quite some time and did not win. Instead, we went to the movies and watched that National Treasure movie. It entertained, but I look forward to the next Indiana Jones.

Andrea had one top goal (besides a Broadway play) for her trip to the city: a visit to the local ASPCA shelter. I didn't realize beforehand that many people actually wanted to visit the animal shelter here in the city. I appears that my sister is really the only one who has such locations on her tourism to do list. She does like Animal Planet rescue shows. We watched a lot while she was here. Sadly, the address we obtained from Google directed us to an interior design building and not the ASPCA. So we looked at the dogs and cats online. They had a lot of cute animals, so it is probably a good idea that I didn't make it to the shelter. Otherwise I would have a lot of new, furry roommates.

So we went to Bloomingdales, where I proceeded to turn into a cranky New Yorker and told off a lady who refused to keep moving once she got off the escalator. We looked at some expensive shoes and went to Macy's. Even though Macy's is a store I generally avoid, I thought Andrea would enjoy looking at the original escalators. They freaked me out the first time I saw them, but Andrea was only mildly entertained by the attraction. I hoped to spend my Macy's gift card, but I couldn't decide between Martha Stewart stuff or tights, so I left empty-handed.

The last restaurant we ate at is a charming place called Alice's Tea Cup. We had to wait for about an hour for a seat, but it was worth the wait. In hindsight I should have put our name on the list before we left the house. Ooops. I'll remember to do that for my next guests. For our meal, we decided to have the Mad Hatter Tea service for two, which contained three tasty scones, two sandwiches, an assortment of cookies and two pots of herbal tea. It certainly is a lot of food, and we were mighty stuffed afterward.

We had pumpkin, lemon gingerbread, and goat cheese and basil scones.

We actually didn't eat the cookies. Probably because we had sufficient cookies at home.

The yummy caramel flavored rooibos herbal tea.

After our afternoon tea, we took a nice, refreshing walk in Central Park--something I actually don't do often enough.

Aah, the lovely buildings along Central Park West. Someday, when I grow up I should like to live there...because they have the best views of the Thanksgiving Parade.

Probably our best self-photo. I think it is because I am wearing my Sunday MAC liquied eyeliner.

A view of the bag Andrea picked up in Chinatown.

The Bethesda Fountain which was actually not fountaining anything at the moment. I guess the park turns off the water during cold weather.

Since we ate at Alice's Tea Cup, we felt that we should visit the Alice in Wonderland statue in the park. It started to rain, so we didn't stay too long. I am not sure what the glowing orb is in my hand.

Andrea left the following morning, and I must admit, I was a little choked up to see her go. I wasn't sure we would have such a good time together, but I really enjoyed myself. It was really nice to have a guest. Hint, hint, hint.

Merry Christmas from Andrea and Me!

In our Christmas pj's and playing our Christmas harmonicas

Hoods down and ready to sleep...and await a visit from St. Nick.

Andrea enjoying her pistachio cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine

Andrea in front of the famous tree at Rockefeller Center

The tree

Snowflakes decorating Saks

Fun window display at Saks 5th Ave

More of the Snowman windows at Saks

Lots o' snowmen