Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
I drove a SmartCar!
On Sunday my Dad decided he wanted to go see a SmartCar so a few Google searches and a car ride later we ended up at the North Hollywood Smart Center.
My mom and I each test drove one. It's just like driving a normal car, except there's no back seat. It's a full-size front seat and is actually very roomy. It can switch between automatic and manual so that's nice for the manual unable of us. My only complaints are that you can feel EVERYTHING on the road and that you can feel when the car shifts gears, even in automatic. Apparently there is some way to finesse that last part, but I didn't figure it out in the 5 minutes I drove. They are really cool though. So tiny. 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper to be exact. Apparently the length is the same as the width of a normal car so you can park head in instead of parallel. My Dad is in love so he put his name on the waiting list. Unfortunately that list is 1.5 years long. We all agree: the convertible is the coolest.
My mom and I each test drove one. It's just like driving a normal car, except there's no back seat. It's a full-size front seat and is actually very roomy. It can switch between automatic and manual so that's nice for the manual unable of us. My only complaints are that you can feel EVERYTHING on the road and that you can feel when the car shifts gears, even in automatic. Apparently there is some way to finesse that last part, but I didn't figure it out in the 5 minutes I drove. They are really cool though. So tiny. 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper to be exact. Apparently the length is the same as the width of a normal car so you can park head in instead of parallel. My Dad is in love so he put his name on the waiting list. Unfortunately that list is 1.5 years long. We all agree: the convertible is the coolest.
New Pool
Of course the one time I visit home this summer my parents have the pool emptied. Apparently it really needed a new plaster job. That didn't keep me from going into the pool anyway!
The pool hasn't been empty since we put it in 11 years ago. Although the last time it looked like this we had pictures of Cody with the empty pool...
The pool hasn't been empty since we put it in 11 years ago. Although the last time it looked like this we had pictures of Cody with the empty pool...
The Great LA Cupcake Tour
So what was supposed to be a mini LA cupcake tour turned into somewhat of a cupcake marathon this weekend. Saturday was Sprinkles and Crumbs in Beverly Hills.
Sprinkles display case.
First I said, "look mom, they have minis!" Then I read the sign. I wish I had a dog to give a doggie friendly cupcake to!
After reading the article on frosting shots, it was only natural that I had to try one. I'm a purist, so I went for some straight vanilla. It didn't disappoint.
Pina Colada cupcakes at Crumbs.
We bought the mini sampler from Crumbs.
Clockwise from upper left hand corner: Dark Chocolate Banana, Strawberry, Red Velvet, Chocolate Marshmallow (for Scott), and Black and White.
The post-tasting destruction.
Red Velvet cupcake in an ice cream cone.
How cute are those?!
Never heard of blue velvet cake before. Didn't try it but I have a sneaking suspicion it tastes just like Red Velvet cake.
Later on in the evening we stopped at Ralph's and I noticed they've done some serious upgrading to their cupcake section.
They were only $0.99 each and since my dad was convinced they were probably just as good as those at a gourmet place we bought one to try.
The winner of Day 2: Big Sugar Bakeshop. We tried just a basic vanilla on vanilla and it was really good. It had a really nice flavor to it and it was the right balance of frosting on cake. Not being a strict cupcakery, Big Sugar Bakeshop also had some other delicious looking items, including Buckeyes. I had to have one and it was definitely worth the calories. Peanut butter yumminess!
At My Little Cupcake we tried two mini cupcakes: carrot and red velvet. The carrot was really good although this is one case where I would argue for a cream cheese frosting, or at least a thicker butter cream. The frosting was too lite and didn't complement the cupcake at all. The Red Velevt did use cream cheese and I wish it hadn't. I'm not really sure why cream cheese frosting has become the standard for red velvet. I really don't think they go together. Anyway, My Little Cupcake was good, but nothing to write home about. The Ralph's cupcake, by the way, was AWFUL. Clearly at least 2 days old. The frosting was so stiff when I tried to sample it by taking a bit on my finger, it didn't come off right away. $0.99 for a reason. This is why I spend $3 on a cupcake! :)
The overall weekend winner: Sprinkles. I loved every one.
Sprinkles display case.
First I said, "look mom, they have minis!" Then I read the sign. I wish I had a dog to give a doggie friendly cupcake to!
After reading the article on frosting shots, it was only natural that I had to try one. I'm a purist, so I went for some straight vanilla. It didn't disappoint.
Pina Colada cupcakes at Crumbs.
We bought the mini sampler from Crumbs.
Clockwise from upper left hand corner: Dark Chocolate Banana, Strawberry, Red Velvet, Chocolate Marshmallow (for Scott), and Black and White.
The post-tasting destruction.After shopping and lunch with my oldest friend, she introduced me to Milk. They claim to be an ice cream parlor but have all sorts of delicious food, including sandwiches and what not. Of more interest to me though were the pastries.
Red Velvet cupcake in an ice cream cone.
How cute are those?!
Never heard of blue velvet cake before. Didn't try it but I have a sneaking suspicion it tastes just like Red Velvet cake.
The winner of Day 1: Sprinkles HANDS DOWN. The cakes were moist, the frosting rich and delicious but not too much of it like some cupcake places. The red velvet wasn't too red which I actually appreciated since I think the food color can some times detract from the taste of the cake. The black and white chocolate cake was not as sweet, since it's made with dark chocolate. Definitely different and quite tasty. The banana cupcake was delicious. The strawberry was made with fresh strawberries (or some very fresh tasting artificial flavor) and was my favorite of the batch. Plus I really like the way they package their cupcakes and the whole set up of the store. Very professional looking.
I was disappointed by Crumbs. When I went to the one in New York it was my absolute favorite, but Crumbs LA was not a repeat. The cupcakes were very dry and the flavors weren't very good. They tasted like super market cupcakes. The fruit flavoring in the strawberry and lemon was so artificial it was gross. I know some people prefer Crumbs to Sprinkles but I think it's no contest. Maybe I just had a bad batch but they were pretty darn awful. They don't bake on site, so I'm wondering if this has something to do with it.
Milk's cupcake was good but I probably would stick with their ice cream bon bons. I'm not into cream cheese frosting and although cute, eating the cupcake in the cone was kind of a pain.
I was disappointed by Crumbs. When I went to the one in New York it was my absolute favorite, but Crumbs LA was not a repeat. The cupcakes were very dry and the flavors weren't very good. They tasted like super market cupcakes. The fruit flavoring in the strawberry and lemon was so artificial it was gross. I know some people prefer Crumbs to Sprinkles but I think it's no contest. Maybe I just had a bad batch but they were pretty darn awful. They don't bake on site, so I'm wondering if this has something to do with it.
Milk's cupcake was good but I probably would stick with their ice cream bon bons. I'm not into cream cheese frosting and although cute, eating the cupcake in the cone was kind of a pain.
Sunday between brunch at Marmalade and the SmartCar dealership in North Hollywood (more on that later), we stopped at Big Sugar Bakeshop and My Little Cupcake.
I thought the double coconut cupcakes at Big Sugar were so pretty!
The exterior. The interior was so cute. Lots of cookbooks, aprons, gifts, etc. One of my favorite interiors I've seen on a bakery/cupcakery.
Peanut Butter cupcakes at My Little Cupcake.
S'mores cupcakes at My Little Cupcake. Check out how high they get that frosting! I don't know how they keep the height with the weight of all that chocolate.
I thought the double coconut cupcakes at Big Sugar were so pretty!
The exterior. The interior was so cute. Lots of cookbooks, aprons, gifts, etc. One of my favorite interiors I've seen on a bakery/cupcakery.
Peanut Butter cupcakes at My Little Cupcake.
S'mores cupcakes at My Little Cupcake. Check out how high they get that frosting! I don't know how they keep the height with the weight of all that chocolate.
They were only $0.99 each and since my dad was convinced they were probably just as good as those at a gourmet place we bought one to try.
The winner of Day 2: Big Sugar Bakeshop. We tried just a basic vanilla on vanilla and it was really good. It had a really nice flavor to it and it was the right balance of frosting on cake. Not being a strict cupcakery, Big Sugar Bakeshop also had some other delicious looking items, including Buckeyes. I had to have one and it was definitely worth the calories. Peanut butter yumminess!
At My Little Cupcake we tried two mini cupcakes: carrot and red velvet. The carrot was really good although this is one case where I would argue for a cream cheese frosting, or at least a thicker butter cream. The frosting was too lite and didn't complement the cupcake at all. The Red Velevt did use cream cheese and I wish it hadn't. I'm not really sure why cream cheese frosting has become the standard for red velvet. I really don't think they go together. Anyway, My Little Cupcake was good, but nothing to write home about. The Ralph's cupcake, by the way, was AWFUL. Clearly at least 2 days old. The frosting was so stiff when I tried to sample it by taking a bit on my finger, it didn't come off right away. $0.99 for a reason. This is why I spend $3 on a cupcake! :)
The overall weekend winner: Sprinkles. I loved every one.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Rainbow Cupcakes
Mmmm...tasty...
Courtesy of Crumbs and Doilies
Courtesy of Crumbs and DoiliesI could totally do something like this. I definitely see this as a future cupcake attempt. Thanks for the inspiration!
Crumbs and Doilies definitely has one of my favorite cupcake photo streams on Flickr. I highly recommend it. Some of my favorites:
Crumbs and Doilies definitely has one of my favorite cupcake photo streams on Flickr. I highly recommend it. Some of my favorites:
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Apparently the banana is proof of the existence of God.
IS THIS GUY FOR REAL??!!
There is a rebuttal video:
IS THIS GUY FOR REAL??!!
There is a rebuttal video:
Ouch
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Cupcake Pops
Bakerella has great instructions on how to make these little beauties. I definitely plan to try them soon. Pictures will be included of course.
The newest trend in cupcakes is...a shot?
Of frosting that is. I'm still in disbelief at this story but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try it for myself when I go to Sprinkles for the first time later this month!
Courtesy of: AP
Basically for $0.75 you can get a shot of frosting, like a frozen yogurt sample. I think my favorite part of the article (full article at wral.com by Terry Tang) is the following quote:
"You'd think it was like an ice cream cone," Evans says. "I see fingers getting involved. But there's no shame. We don't judge here at Sprinkles."
Yum!
"You'd think it was like an ice cream cone," Evans says. "I see fingers getting involved. But there's no shame. We don't judge here at Sprinkles."
Yum!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Apparently executives are confirming that a Sex and the City sequel is a strong possibility. No! There is no more story to tell. You wrapped up all their stories in the movie. Take some advice from The Beatles and LET IT BE.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sorry Susan
I have a confession to make. It shouldn't be surprising to anyone who notes that one of my favorite books is Helter Skelter, but I'm a follower of all things Manson. Not as in I am a Manson follower, but as in I am fascinated by Charles Manson, the Manson family, and all of their crazy shenanigans (using the word shenanigans to describe the Manson killings is now in the running for the understatement of the year award). It's weird, I know, but what can I say.
ANYWAY.
I was intrigued this afternoon by a little tidbit that popped up in Reader by way of CNN. It seems that Susan Atkins aka Sexy Sadie was denied compassionate release from prison. Apparently she is dying of brain cancer and had a leg amputated. I've been reading about Susan's attempts at parole for awhile. She's a born again, she helps the poor blah blah blah. In 1969 this woman stabbed Sharon Tate 16 times and when she begged for her baby she told her she had no mercy. Guess what Susan? You didn't show Sharon mercy and now the California Board of Parole hasn't shown you any. How's that for Karma?
ANYWAY.
I was intrigued this afternoon by a little tidbit that popped up in Reader by way of CNN. It seems that Susan Atkins aka Sexy Sadie was denied compassionate release from prison. Apparently she is dying of brain cancer and had a leg amputated. I've been reading about Susan's attempts at parole for awhile. She's a born again, she helps the poor blah blah blah. In 1969 this woman stabbed Sharon Tate 16 times and when she begged for her baby she told her she had no mercy. Guess what Susan? You didn't show Sharon mercy and now the California Board of Parole hasn't shown you any. How's that for Karma?
Monday, July 14, 2008
I heart giraffes
The San Francisco Zoo is having an advertising promotion where they have billboards you can pose in front of so you look like an animal. So far I've found two:
Of course, the second one is my favorite :). I also saw the monarch butterfly while I was on the bus. I'm determined to find them all!
Of course, the second one is my favorite :). I also saw the monarch butterfly while I was on the bus. I'm determined to find them all!
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
I just witnessed the greatest moment in television history. Seen on Maury:
Man: "Baby, you know I love you, but I've been having an affair for 3 years with your ex-friend, Danielle."
Woman slaps man and walks away. Man runs after her.
Man: "Baby, it was a mistake. It was a accident. Baby, it was a accident. I was DRUNK!!"
Man: "Baby, you know I love you, but I've been having an affair for 3 years with your ex-friend, Danielle."
Woman slaps man and walks away. Man runs after her.
Man: "Baby, it was a mistake. It was a accident. Baby, it was a accident. I was DRUNK!!"
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Date Night
Scott and I decided to hit up Kennedy's Irish Pub and Indian Curry House for date night on Friday. Unfortunately, the service was really awful.
That is Scott's sad face because our food was taking so long. The food though, was AMAZING. So the verdict is, have them deliver from now on and only show up in person if we're just planning on going to the bar.
That is Scott's sad face because our food was taking so long. The food though, was AMAZING. So the verdict is, have them deliver from now on and only show up in person if we're just planning on going to the bar.
All it took was a blow dryer
Yesterday I was telling Scott that his hair is quite long these days so he needed to do something to it. He came into the bathroom while I was drying my hair and kept pointing at my blow dryer so I decided to have a little fun.
Without any product whatsoever I was able to get all of his hair to stand up. I even got the short ones on the back of his head to point upwards. It was pretty amusing and he wore it most of the day for fun.
Without any product whatsoever I was able to get all of his hair to stand up. I even got the short ones on the back of his head to point upwards. It was pretty amusing and he wore it most of the day for fun.
Banana cupcakes
This Saturday I discovered that I had managed to leave 3 bananas out long enough to become ripe enough for baking and 3 is the magic number when it comes to banana related baked goods. I quickly dug up a banana cupcake recipe which recommended chocolate frosting as a good match. Since I actually was making the batter from scratch, I cheated on the frosting and used canned. The final result:
The yellow dots are dark chocolate M&Ms. Yellow because that's the color of bananas. I'm so clever.
I'm quite pleased with the result and those who have tried them have also enjoyed them. They are perfectly moist with just the right amount of banana flavor.
The yellow dots are dark chocolate M&Ms. Yellow because that's the color of bananas. I'm so clever.
I'm quite pleased with the result and those who have tried them have also enjoyed them. They are perfectly moist with just the right amount of banana flavor.
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