Have Your Birthday Cake And Eat It, Too!

Another year, another birthday. How does that happen? With every trip around the sun, I'm pretty sure someone is playing tricks on me, since I still feel somewhere between the ages of 11 and 15. Certainly not 38. Anyway, this is me at 38 (or so they say...)

It's one of my favorite pictures of myself, so maybe 38 won't be so bad.

As you can see, it snowed today. I guess I really live in MinneSNOWta. I think I deserve this hat:

Want one, too? Check them out HERE.

Speaking of the Great North and growing older, since I've mood back, I've been directly asked my age so many times by strangers or people I've just met. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but this surprises me. Why ask? What are you gaining from that confirmed knowledge? I honestly get asked my age almost every week and it always leaves me bummed out. Mostly because after I honestly give the response, the inquirer seems disappointed. Hmm...does anyone have some insight to this?

Anyway, back to my getting older. I'm not really a (self) birthday celebrating kind of gal. It's been like that forever.

The Saint Paulie Gang

Here is a picture of my childhood birthday party. Where am I? Oh, crying on my parents' waterbed because we didn't have enough time to watch the Care Bear movie and had to watch the My Little Pony movie instead. Yeah, birthday parties stress me out. I think it has to do with expectations. But just because I'm not into the birthday party does not mean I'm not majorly into the birthday cake. Oh no, I am definitely all about that cake.
These in particular would fit the bill:

I love a s'mores-themed dessert, but the marshmallow must be toasted. And it helps if you have a log cake stand to display it.

S'mores Cake - Liv For Cake

How beautiful is this cake? Take time to smell (and eat) the roses!

Rose Cake - Gimme Some Oven

It makes sense to move from flowers to the pollinators. Flavor, texture, and cuteness all factor in to why this cake is the bee's knees.

Honeycomb Cake with 10 Layers - Aleksandra's Recipes

When you can't decide how chocolately you want your chocolate cake...this is so classy and I love the kick and spice of Mexican chocolate for the frosting. 

Ombre Chocolate Cake with Mexican Chocolate Frosting - A Cozy Kitchen

They used to serve this cake at my former workplace and I got hooked. All the various forms of chocolate leave even the biggest choco-holic satisfied.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake - NYTimes

Ooh! It's a macaron but...big. I'm in.

Giant Macaron Cake - Aww Sam

This TREND has been around for a few years now, but that full spectrum is still tops in my sky. Once a Rainbow Brite, always a Rainbow Brite.

Rainbow Birthday Cake - The Little Kitchen

Do you enjoy a birthday party? If not, how do you choose to celebrate your special day?
Is there cake?

You Make Me Smile With My Heart

Whether you are in a relationship, a single pringle, or on the dating scene, it can be difficult to find the fun and flirtation of Valentine's Day anymore. So much pressure, so little originality. No one wants to prove their love on a specific day of the year, along with the rest of the nation. And how much red and pink can one stomach?

Despite the above, I do have a special place in my heart for this overproduced holiday. I think it harkens back to the days of exchanging cheap little Valentine's Day cards that could be purchased at the local drugstore.

I was always very selective of the valentines I chose - they couldn't be too sappy, but they also couldn't be childish. It was important to incorporate the latest trend in cartoon characters or pop culture.

Some of my selections could probably be found among this list:

150 Valentines From Your Childhood - BuzzFeed

I have fond memories of those 80s-themed cards, but have you ever looked at even older vintage valentines? Warning: awkward and confusing images to follow.

Anyone else find these strange and slightly disturbing?

What's even more puzzling is how many of these cards involve food, most noticeably hot dogs.

Truly, there were many cards so very far up on the creepy scale, that I didn't even feel comfortable posting them! Ah, love...

Remember creating homemade boxes that you would tote to school and set on your desk eagerly awaiting to see which admirers would strike?

One February 14th, my teacher held a contest for the best Valentine's Day box. I can't remember what the prize was, but I was determined to be the winner. This would be a box beyond what any other 8 year old had imagined. You have to understand, I'm the girl that made a to-scale replica of King Tut's tomb out of gingerbread complete with brown sugar sand - I didn't mess around when it came to projects and first place. It had to be unique and it had to be show-stopping. My mom helped me devise a box that would play music when you lifted the flap and inserted the card. Then I went crazy with doilies and glitter and cut-outs and color and hearts. Happily, my creation received all of the attention I had hoped for when it was time for the official reveal. I was confident I'd be crowned the winner and practically glowed in anticipation of a champion title. That was until a buzz of giggles and exclamations began on the other side of the classroom. Seconds later, I could make out a "zoom-zoom" sound. That zooming noise belonged to a remote control car which my classmate had topped with a Kleenex box. My ornate musical box was quickly forgotten and my peers squealed with delight as the boy maneuvered the mobile box from desk to desk in order to collect his valentines (and praise).

To be fair, the kid deserved the win and somehow my excitement for Valentine's Day did not sour. 

Other Valentine's Days that did not garner 1st place include:

The year I spent the entire rainy day gift wrapping boxes of chocolates in a theater's lobby as a bonus promotion for patrons that purchased tickets to a certain Broadway show. Super romantic.

Another Valentine's Day, I babysat until late in the evening, only to come home to discover I apparently didn't show up to a singing gig and devastated an entire theater community. Trouble was, I had never been told about this event. Not even a mention. Obviously a longer story. Obviously, super, super romantic.

Last year's Valentine's Day was the most exciting because I viewed the new home my parents were considering buying and ended up helping them to put an offer in on the spot. OK, so, still not at all romantic.

Actually, I don't think I've ever had a romantic Valentine's Day. Hmph! Well, I'm not giving up on the promise of one day being hit by Cupid's arrow, especially now that I know I am in a conveniently opportunistic location:

It's My Park Minute: Dr. Ruth Westheimer on Romance in Fort Tryon Park

Thanks, doc - Sounds like my odds are good! Perhaps one year after meeting my love amongst the flora and fauna of Fort Tryon, we will celebrating Valentine's Day as an old married couple, waxing poetic such as this:

Valentine's Day Poems For Married People - The New Yorker

xoxoxo

Juno Snow

I hear a storm's a brewin'. It has a name.

Which sounds like this:

Juno

Or if you are a MT nerd like me, this:

Juno

And it looks like this:

Growing up in Minnesota (come on, you knew that was coming), arctic conditions were not unusual. We considered our ability to brush off a blizzard a badge of honor to wear proudly - over our seven layers of clothing, of course. During the months of November-April in Minne-snow-ta, you are guaranteed to find this aisle in about any store.

Yes, that consists of hand warmers, ice picks, and snowball makers.
The above items would have come in handy during one of these
Famous Minnesota Winter Storms.

We all tell a tall tale of the '91 Halloween Blizzard. I remember boarding the "activities bus" which departed around 5pm. I think I had been in rehearsals for The Hobbit: The Musical (never again had anyone seen such a gripping portrayal of Nori the Dwarf). The snowflakes were just starting to fall. By the time I stepped off the bus 40 minutes later, my feet sunk into a drift up to my ankles. Needless to say, every Minnesotan child went Trick-Or-Treating as a "bundled up child" for Halloween that year, but again, it was par for the tundra course.

These East Coasters handle the storm news a bit differently. And by different, I mean cray-cray. For instance, one hour after an official storm warning, I dare you to find a tub of hummus or a bag of chips within a 5-mile radius. So dramatic about their snack selection. I mean, this is going to be over in a day, right? I guess it doesn't help when the headlines are like this:
Worst Ever Historic Oh My God Imminent Stop Everything You Are Doing and Hide Under Your Bed With Hummus and Your Dog Storm

So we are either about to be slapped with a heavy dose of winter reality, or...not. Time will tell. I'm curious to see how it will rank in NYC Winter Storm History. Did you know the 1888 storm is the impetus for moving NYC's wire infrastructure underground? 

Check out THESE captivating NYC snowstorm shots. If only they had Instagram then!

Daily Cartoon - The New Yorker

During the February 2003 event, I was happily stuck in San Francisco with my mom and cousin, unable to get a flight back into snowblanketed-NYC. I missed a few auditions, but had a fun touristy time at the wharf eating sour dough bread and riding street cars.
The snow dump during the 2010 holidays was particularly adventurous for me being that I was working in Anguilla and had no route back to a shutdown NYC. Instead, I had to fly directly from the tropics to Minnesota, where I had a suitcase full of conch shells and flip flops.

February 2006 I had just started to recover from a severe bout of the flu. I remember trudging through those record setting 26.9 inches to my corner bodega for some medicine and soup.

W 155th Street, NYC - February 2006

Do you have any snowed-in stories from epic storms? 

If you really want to put things in perspective, I suggest hankering down to read The Children's Blizzard. It chronicles one of the most brutal and tragic Midwestern storms of all time, which gives a new appreciation for today's weather and communication technology, as well as a better understanding of the severe homesteading life that many immigrants faced during the 1800s.

The Children's Blizzard

Besides not living on the prairie in 1888, I am also thankful that I have no need to drive a car today or venture too far from home. What are your snowed-in plans?

I've got my Gap fair isle leggings on,

(sold out online, similar HERE and HERE)

oils incorporated into my beauty routine,

Almond Shower Oil - L'Occitane

 Macadamia Deep Hair Mask - Target

Maracuja Oil Rollerball - Tarte

and a few slow cooker and one pot recipes added to Pinterest.

As far as Bryndal is concerned, this is what he thinks of braving the snow with protective booties.

So...that's not going to work. Any other ideas?

The background on my gmail is falling white stuff, so I guess the countdown has begun.
Stay safe, be smart.

A Cozy Night In

I have to come clean - I'm loving this colder weather. Mostly because my pre-war apartment becomes a sweat lodge from late May through September, and is only somewhat less sticky during the spring and fall, leaving the winter season as the only time period where I can utilize baths, blankets, baking, and other b words that have to do with warmth.

So on particularly blustery days, I rush home, blinking snowflakes from my eyelashes, and ready myself for an evening home filled with relaxing coziness.

First order - bath.

"Calgon, take me away!"

Well, maybe not exactly like that. But there will definitely be bubbles. Luxurious bubbles. And sometimes, those bubbles will be made with a honey dipper.

Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Honey Bath - Nordstrom

This little frosty will add extra nourishing oils and seasonal spice to your bath water as he melts away.

The Melting Snowman - LUSH

For the proper pampering ambience, light a comforting candle. I don't have a real live Christmas tree this year, but I do have a NEST Holiday candle which blends pine, cloves, and orange aromas. Plus, no need to vacuum up pine needles!

NEST Holiday Votive Candle

Post-bath your skin is ready to drink up this king of lotions:

Creme de Corps - Kiehl's

Next step: Loungewear. Time to dress like you have nowhere to be for a very, very long time.

These PJs are as soft as they are affordable.

Women's Fluid Knit Top and Short Pajama Set - Target

A high quality bath robe is basically like giving yourself a big hug.

Grand Velour Robe - Coyuchi

Don't forget your tootsies!

Printed Fur-lined Slippers - The Gap

Now that we are all wrapped up, let's unwind with a soothing hot beverage. Perhaps a cup of tea or chai?

This tea smells like sugar cookie dough and I can't think of anything wrong about that.

Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride - Celestial Seasonings

I've successfully made THIS chai tea recipe, but if you don't have the time (or star anise) to conjure up your own brew, I've heard good things about Trader Joe's Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix.

Then pour it into your most cherished mug.

The bigger the better in this instance, since you aren't going to want to un-nestle yourself from your cozy cocoon on the couch to steep a refill.

Now sip.

Do you have the warm fuzzies yet? If so, now is the perfect time to peruse your Netflix queue. Gilmore Girls, anyone? Or check out the latest additions to see if a nostalgic favorite has made the list this month. Troop Beverly Hills, here I come.

Peter Pan Live!

It's Game Day.

No, not football. Theater. Musical Theater. (cue: jazz hands and fan kicks)

Tonight NBC will present it's second go at live musical theater - Peter Pan Live! - and it's basically like the Superbowl for us theater kids. My young self can't imagine having access to all of the musical theater film and television that we have today. When I was a little one, I remember being obsessed with the TV series Rags to Riches (anyone?) because they sang and danced and were orphans (a seemingly essential component to tween musical theater success). It only lasted one season. I am thrilled that musical theater has become more popular in the public arena and will be watching tonight's Peter Pan Live! with a full 8-year-old-LuRuSo heart.

One of the best/worst ways to enjoy tonight's show is viewing while simultaneously updating your Twitter feed.

Last year, even the official DiGiorno Pizza gave it's saucy commentary.

DiGiorno Pizza Live-Tweeted NBC’s “The Sound Of Music” In “Unplanned Event” And It Was Amazing

Yes, there will be snark and meanness and judging (even from pizza!), but whether cruel or adoring, all of last year's buzz added to the soaring ratings of 22 million viewers. Which means more product and jobs and exposure. So, let's all clap our hands in belief that PP will attract the same attention. Plus, if you have gone down the performance road, you've learned to have some moxie and thick skin when it comes to reactions to your art form and choices. I think this cast is going to handle it all with aplomb. They can tell you for themselves:

The Cast of ‘Peter Pan Live!’ Knows You Hatewatched ‘The Sound of Music’

The Sound of Music was my childhood. Nightly, I would doze off with the lights fully on and The Sound of Music soundtrack tape BLARING. Seriously, the only way I would go to sleep. Should explain a lot about me. But, I've Never (Never) seen the musical of Peter Pan. I love Peter Pan-themed things; One of my favorite memories living in London was running to the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, the DisneyWorld ride is magical, and who doesn't love the idea of flying? So tonight will expose me to new music, which is always a good thing.

I certainly never (never) thought about being cast in a production - I don't think there is a single role for me in the Pan. Although if I had tried to audition, it might have gone something like this:

http://time.com/3616029/jane-krakowski-peter-pan-live-audition-tape/

Or this:

I was a little bummed that Laura Benanti was not included in this year's cast. She was a highlight as Baroness Elsa last year, making me sympathize with a character that I used to loathe. And no one gives shade like she does.

The 11 Best Laura Benanti Reaction GIFs from 'The Sound of Music Live'

If you are like me, and don't know much about the Peter Pan stage musical, HERE is some history 101. Read up and tune into NBC tonight at 8/7c.

Let the games and crowing begin. Break legs, all!

Hopefully it will be a smoother flight than this classic production:

Overheard in New York - A While Ago

Before Twitter and Facebook statuses, there was Overheard in New York. It was one of the only methods to share your crazy city encounters and observations over the world wide web.

I remember being soooo excited when they used one of mine. AND they spelled my name correctly.

Or His Brides, At Least

Mom: Baby, now if you don’t put your coat on, I’m gonna spank you.

Little girl: No! I will tell Daddy and he will spank you.

Mom: No, baby, he will not. Nobody spanks me but Jesus. –M101 bus Overheard by: Lucy Sorensen

I can't believe it has been over 8 years since that bus ride. Time flies when you are surrounded by wackadoodles!

Summer Dos To Do

I'm still on the stay-cool kick. I was able to avoid the city heat for 36 hours by escaping to the beautiful, pastoral land known as Connecticut (ah, Connecticut!), but once I hit the pavement again, I knew something had to be done about my hair. You see, I've got a lot of it. And it's all the more noticeable to me when the temperatures and humidity level creep up.

I don't know how Lady Lovely Locks did it.

Lady Lovely Locks Doll - YouTube

I suppose I could go old school and keep my tendrils like Kylie,

but I'm not confident I could truly rock that 1987 look. I'm always happy with a whipped up top knot or milkmaid braids (in fact, both have been my summer staples thus far), but here are some other suggestions if you are willing to get a little creative. These ideas should last you through at least a few eons of summers.

5-Minute Hairstyles - Refinery29

Hot Weather Hairstyles - Real Simple

Hair Tutorials - Cup of Jo

Summer Hairstyles - Brit + Co

Easy Summer Hair Styles - Self.com

The Fishtail Braid - thebeautydepartment.com, YouTube

Though I admit this took me way longer to figure out than my IQ would suggest, bun makers are pretty nifty and give you insta-chic style. You can also use a sock!

Conair Bun Maker - Ulta.com

Before creating any of the above hair dos, I love spritzing my locks with some beachy texturing spray. They smell divine and give your mane a whole other look once deconstructed.

The Gnarly Whale has some lovely scented and purely made products. Plus, how could you not support a company with that name?

The Gnarly Whale Beach Waves Hair Spray - Urban Outfitters

OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray - Drugstore.com

Lavett & Chin Sea Salt Texturizing Mist - Net-a-Porter

Complete your 'do with your choice of barrette, kerchief, pin, headband or ribbon. The possibilities are endless.

I just released a decades-old collection of fabric scrunchies, puffy headbands, and overdone clips from my life, only to read THIS (doh!)

 The new scrunchie search begins?