The Ups & Downs of Brown (Sugar Brown)

Baby Dancing to Beyonce

2009-09-24T17:22:00.001-04:00

OMG...so gonna be my kid. hahaha.

Good Girls Go Bad- Cobra Starship OFFICIAL VIDEO HQ

2009-08-12T14:23:00.002-04:00

My new favorite song (and ringtone). Gave it a chance for Leighton Meester, loved it for Cobra Starship.

*just found out it was written by Kara Dioguardi and Kevin Rudolph. Now why didn't Kara use THIS song for the Idol WInner's first single?!

Ooooh, We're HalfWay Theeere...

2009-07-23T14:59:00.002-04:00

Say hello to our li'l blueri, Baby BrownieSugar @ 20 weeks. :) Hubby & I have decided NOT to find out the sex of the baby (much to the chagrin of MY mommy), and letting ourselves be surprised on the day we actually meet Baby face to face.
So far, Baby likes to take naps and is a tad stubborn (like it's Daddy) ;)
I think we bothered Baby enough by the end of the appointment as it put both hands up in prayer to let him/her be. Hahaha.
I love you, Baby. <3

I Wish I Craved Broccoli

2009-07-15T14:52:00.003-04:00

Apparently, preggers Victoria Secret model, Adriana Lima, a former chocoholic, has found chocolate to be repulsive during her pregnancy.

Lucky. All I crave is pizza, cupcakes, cheetos, bacon and syrup waffles, and suddenly, beignets.
Why can't I just crave fruits and veggies??

Check out the article on Adriana's pregnancy -

Adriana Lima: Chocoholic to Chocophobe

Mmmm....sounds good....

2009-07-15T14:47:00.003-04:00

I don't really know any other way to save and add someone's twitter post to my blog (besides screen capture)...so that's what I did.

Bacon & Syrup waffle sounds divine. Wish I had a waffle maker at home to try the bacon-filled waffle on my Sweet, Delicious Cravings post.

How Dangerous Would This Be For Me & My Wallet?

2009-07-15T14:41:00.003-04:00

The SmartSwipe...

This goes for Pre-, Current, & Post-Pregnancy...

2009-07-14T12:45:00.003-04:00

I am CONSTANTLY searching for a pair of jeans that fit just right, and I'm not just talking about right now when my body is growing in all sorts of ways. I'm talking about pre-pregnancy. My hips (aka BOOTAY) and thighs have always been on a slightly larger proportional scale in reference to my waist (hard to believe considering my waist isn't exactly tiny). However, this made/makes shopping for jeans incredibly difficult (still having the SAME problem during pregnancy, even tho my belly seems to be growing at an alarmingly fast rate). Jeans that fit me perfectly in the thighs/hips are just way to big in the waist. Jeans that fit me in the waist, barely go up my thighs/hips, creating a bit of a gap in the "crotch" area. Thus you will find me wiggling and squirming around trying to lift my jeans up all the time, so as not to expose my "plumber's butt". I have found a few pairs in the past that have fit me to a T, however I have OVERworn them so much that i have created gaping holes and tears that have been patched up now one too many times, and had to, FINALLY, be laid down to rest. And for some reason, those specific jeans can never be found again in the stores. R.I.P. Citizen of Humanity Skinnies, 7 of All Mankind flares and bootcuts.

But, today, I received an email from a website I read on occasion, containing a list of Do's on finding the perfect pair of jeans. I realized, I cannot be alone in my search for a perfectly good fitting pair of jeans, and decided it would be nice to share this with all of you lady readers (unless some of you guys are out there looking for a pair of jeans that make you butt look good). So please read Michelle Obi's 5 Tips to Finding the Perfect Pair of Jeans.

photo courtesy of Shopbop.com

I wonder if this might help...

2009-07-14T12:12:00.003-04:00

In the weekday mornings as I'm getting ready for work, I like to catch up a little bit on the lives of Regis Philbin & Kelly Ripa on Live with Regis & Kelly. Over the last few weeks (months?), Regis has been complaining about sleep issues (something I can absolutely relate to being a lifelong insomniac myself. Ask my Mom. She'll vouch for it.) Anyhoo, a couple weeks ago, Michael Gellman (their producer) bought Regis some sort of sleep headband contraption that would monitor his sleep and let him (and us) know what was going with Regis on in the wee hours of the night. This contraption can also be hooked up to the internet, thus calculating all the data online, and putting it together in a way that (hopefully) makes sense. I was dying to know where I could get such a contraption (and hopefully put an end to my sleepless nights...at least for the next 5 months before the only reason I'm awake at nights is a screaming newborn).
I finally found the gadget (known as the Zeo: Personal Sleep Coach), but why the hell is it $400? I wonder if this is truly the sound investment I am trying to convince Hubby it is :)

1 Down...

2009-07-13T12:49:00.004-04:00

So I finally baked something off my Sweet, Delicious Cravings list! Although I was supremely exhausted from the lack of sleep from the night before. I was determined to get these baked.

What did I end up making, you ask? I started my baking endeavor with Martha Stewart's Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. (see my picture above, taken after the cookies had cooled, and placed in tupperware to send off to little sister) :)

Unfortunately, the cookies came out a little soggier than I imagined (i didn't envision any sogginess at all, actually). I figured the strawberry mixture had too much water/liquid that had accumulated while mixing the cookie dough, and I probably should have strained the mixture before adding to the dough. Oh well, you live and you learn. Next time I'll know better :)
(They still TASTE pretty damn good if you ask me.)

Where Is It From?

2009-07-10T16:28:00.007-04:00

Does anybody know where I can find similar dresses to the one Olivia Palermo (right) and Emma Watson (bottom left) are wearing? They'd make great (currently) maternity dresses (in larger sizes, of course), and great post-maternity dresses (in my usual sizing) :D

(Right) Olivia Palermo photo courtesy of
NY Social Diary

(Bottom Left) Emma Watson photo courtesy of The Superficial

Skating Babies - Evian

2009-07-10T15:24:00.001-04:00

I would normally think this commercial was pretty cute (anything with babies in it makes me say "aaaaaaaw"), but because of the way the heads and the bodies move together...it's just sort of WEIRD. And then with the way the baby says "Evian" at the end in that creepy, whisper? *shudder* Sorry Evian

Randomness of the Day

2009-07-10T14:50:00.004-04:00

1) How is it only 2:45pm? This day is just coasting at 1mph.

2) this whole extra "progesterone" business of pregnancy is really wearing thin on my skin. If i find one more breakout, I'm gonna FREAK OUT!

3) I need to organize my playlists on my ITouch better. I feel like i just throw songs into a playlist without any rhyme or reason.

4) TV is SO boring these days, even commercials have no ingenuity, no pizzazz or "WOW" factor. I'm bored, TV! Step it up!

5) I have actually accomplished a few of the items on my TtDBIGB post. However, I feel now, after the fact, that i probably should have taken a few pictures to memorialize that I actually did accomplish some of the things I wanted to accomplish this summer.

BONUS) And in my head that keeps taking me back to Melanism's (and his friend, Cindy, who started the project) summer project. Like some sort of Pregnancy Photo Project or something. (maybe I can go through all my photos and see if I have one for every week of my pregnancy so far). Never too late right?

Two Down...

2009-07-10T14:21:00.007-04:00

1) Transformers 2-Revenge of the Fallen (see image to the left): I would have to give this one about 3.5/5 stars. For one thing, 2 and a 1/2 hours? Really, Michael Bay? I was a Transformers fan growing up, but nothing has changed since I was 8...my attention span can only go so far. This movie could have been AT LEAST 45 minutes shorter. But the hotness that is Josh Duhamel, Tyrese, and yes, Megan Fox, definitely makes up for some of that extra time. Also, LOVED John Turturro's lines. He IS fabulous. Ramon Rodriguez...not really necessary. Sorry. And of course, the special effects were FANTASTIC--that should just go without saying (but i said it anyway).

2) The Hangover (see image on the right): Gets a resounding 5/5 stars from me. It was funny, smart, stupid, different...all at the same time. Exactly what I was looking for. PLUS the hotness that IS Bradley Cooper? Yes, I am HOOKED.

Okay...what's next? Harry Potter in IMAX, perhaps? Who's willing to go with me?

movie poster images via cyberhap

Thank you, thank you!

2009-07-10T13:51:00.003-04:00

Just wanna send a big THANK YOU to my friend AnthonyP for the solid shout-out on his blog post today! Thankyouverymuch, buddy!

I'm sorry to hear you're having a bit of a rough time right now, but hopefully your continuous travels will bring many new friends into your life, and make it just a tad less lonely. Remember we're all thinking of you, and following your travels from home.

*If you want to read more about AnthonyP's trip through Asia, please read his blog: AnthonyP Loves Me

Never thought I'd say this, but...

2009-07-08T16:58:00.004-04:00

photo courtesy of PopWrap-NYPost/SplashNews Online

I think Gabriel Aubry may actually be PRETTIER than Halle Berry. I think Halle Berry is gorgeous...but DAMN! And, I ain't gonna lie, Baby Nahla is pretty damn cute, too.
I know my brownie li'l bluebri will be cuter though ;)

*sorry u can't really see his face in this pic, but really, who's lookin' at his face...

Movie Time!

2009-06-30T10:15:00.003-04:00

As part of my Things to Do Before I Go Broke list, #13, I plan on actually getting to the movie theater and watching the movies I want to see, whether Hubby wants to come with me or not :)
So here's a list of the movies I am awaiting to see this summer (beginning from the start of summer-June 21st). Please send me any recommendations or reviews if you have seen these already!

The Hangover (saw it 2 weekends ago --friggin' HIGH-larious!!)
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen (going to see it tonight at IMAX)
Up (I know, I know, this has been out for a while. I will eventually get to the theater to see this)
Away We Go (I'm pregnant, so any movie about pregnant people, I'm all for. Plus I hear it's really cute)
Public Enemies (Johnny Depp & Christian Bale all in one film?! Thank you, Michael Mann!)
Bruno (I will admit, I was not a Borat fan. Hoping Bruno will ignite the fashionista in me)
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince (I still have not seen TWO of the Harry Potter films already out. I better add them to my Netflix list -- also part of #13 on my TtDBIGB list)
500 Days of Summer
The Ugly Truth
Funny People
The Time Traveler's Wife

Only wanna see the following movies for the hotties starring in them:
The Proposal (Ryan Reynolds)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Channing Tatum)

Randomness of the Day

2009-06-29T17:33:00.002-04:00

1) I'm so sleepy.

2) I wonder if anybody would pay me to just be on social networking sites all day long, updating my pages.

3) I secretly love when Hubby sings. It makes him so happy. I like when he's happy.

4) I'm scared about winning the lottery or at casinos. I feel like karma will find a way to then screw you in some other way, big time. Like Hurley on Lost.

5) I can't wait until the summer season of reality tv dies down, and autumn welcomes the new season of scripted sitcoms and dramas.

The Perfect Mommy?

2009-06-29T13:39:00.007-04:00

picture courtesy of CafeMom

This quote really spoke to me, as, in the midst of my first pregnancy, I am in complete fear that I will not be the most perfect mother ever. I know that doesn't make sense, as perfect doesn't really exist, but it's one of my biggest fears. But this quote helps me see that I can just love my baby the best way I know how, and treat him/her with respect and support. Can't wait to meet you, my li'l bluebri!

RIP: In Memoriam of MJ

2009-06-29T12:55:00.004-04:00

Michael Jackson/Billie Jean photo courtesy of VH1

We heard/saw the happenings of the Michael Jackson passing en route to a wedding in Florida this passed Thursday-June 25th, 2009. Hubby, a very big MJ fan (his favorite song being Billie Jean), intently watched the entire story unfold on multiple channels for the entire 2 and a half hours on flight (thank you, DirectTV and JetBlue Airlines). As soon as we landed, every single one of his friends called, emailed, and texted about the tragic news. He knew the only way he would want to pay tribute, is by getting everyone together at some point, and singing a few classic MJ songs. Since his favorite is Billie Jean, and the only one of MJ's songs that he knows EVERY word to...a microphone was arranged for him at one of the events. And BOY did he bring on the cheers. They even asked him to sing it again the next night! We hope you were watching, MJ, enjoying every minute :)

Randomness of the Day

2009-06-24T14:59:00.002-04:00

1) It's such a strange thing having close friends in your life who are so completely different from each other. Yet you have a deep connection with all of them. All parts of your own personality just show up in theirs and vice versa...and it's confusing? strange? fun? intense? negative? positive? frustrating? exhausting? invigorating? all of the above...

2) I can't imagine not being able to keep "in touch" with others without all my gadgets--blackberry, cell phone, laptop, ipod, home phone, tv...I have a really hard time during the "please turn off all electronic gadgets" moments on flight.

3) I am trying very hard to keep my hormones in check during the pregnancy. A few people in my life really have a way of pulling the worst out of me. I have to remind myself to "WOOSAH" during interactions with those people.

4) I don't find myself to be a people person. I'm awkward, and blunt, and I find I try too hard sometimes to prove that I am a people person.

5) My dreams have been getting extremely weird lately. Very fantastical and supernatural.

Randomness of the Day

2009-06-23T17:20:00.003-04:00

1) Is this the definition of irony or what? -- Lately, I have been focused on learning how to CONTROL my CONTROLLING behavior. How do YOU think it's going?

2) This NEW version of Pizza Hut - The Hut - no way as good as the past. Very sad, very disappointing. That leads me to my next random thought...

3) All I've been craving for the last one month is pizza, pasta with tomato basil sauce, and garlic bread/knots - DIPPED in marinara sauce. Anybody know the recipe for Domino's pizza sauce so I can make it at home?

4) I LOVE social networking. Don't know why, but I do.

5) I'm missing my Sukanya "Suki" Krishnan on the PIX Morning News. Have you left for maternity leave already, Suki?!

My Favoritest Biggest Loser

2009-06-18T17:31:00.001-04:00

Watch my cousin, Herukh's, Biggest Loser: Asia audition tape. And vote for him if you can, when it comes on! I'll keep you all posted!

Randomness of the Day

2009-06-18T16:20:00.005-04:00

1) This NON-STOP rain, wind, humidity, cold weather all at once just adds to my "the apocalypse is coming" theory. Either that or Mother Nature thinks it's funny to add MORE depression into our lives this year.

2) I need a staycation...a month-long staycation....

3) Ryan Reynolds has 3% body fat. THREE PERCENT! Is that even healthy?!

4) I cannot wait to start feeling the li'l bluebri move. Also, cannot wait until August when Hubby and I can start registering and setting up the nursery. :)

5) Why do some people, who can very clearly SEE that you are not in the mood to chitty-chat, insist on chitty-chatting with you? Leave me alone until you can find something that makes sense to talk to me about.

For My Bermuda Brethren

2009-06-12T13:20:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of Cupcakes Take The Cake

A GINGER AND RUM DARK & STORMY CUPCAKE

One More for Good Measure

2009-06-08T15:17:00.003-04:00

I'd like to add one more item to my Sweet, Delicious Cravings' "to bake" list.

26. Martha Stewart's Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Mmmmmmmmmmmm...
In the words of beloved 80's cartoon character, Strawberry Shortcake herself, these cookies would taste so BERRY good!!

Put the Lime in the Coconut...

2009-06-08T15:14:00.002-04:00

Photo courtesy of Cupcakes Take the Cake

Thank you, IT Pav

2009-06-05T16:30:00.001-04:00

Is Sad Panda Happy?

Randomness of the Day

2009-06-05T14:32:00.004-04:00

1) Hubby & I are a Bengay mess. His messed up back and arm, and my messed up neck and back are not helping us push the fact that we are much younger than we actually are. At least we look younger (knock on wood).

2) How did my next two empty weekends to clean out my apartment, turn into Party Central?

3) What's the best way to get rid of garlic breath? Even brushing my teeth doesn't get rid of that taste.

4) I really don't enjoy "reality" tv anymore. I think "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here" really sealed that grave for me. Bring on all the new scripted shows of the 2009-2010 season, PLEASE!!

5) I'm trying to see if I can go one month without shopping (does not include groceries, drug store items, and gifts/flowers for others). I officially started June 1st. :)

Sweet, delicious cravings

2009-06-04T17:03:00.013-04:00

#15 on my Things to do Before I Go Broke list -- increase my baking skills, has lead some friends of mine to send over some very cool new recipes. Which got me thinking...if I had the time (like a couple of free weekends...of which I am not allowed to have apparently), what would I like to bake? Thus please see the following, and add any that you may like to try eating ;) At some point in my nesting stage, I will get to them all (in no particular order) :)

1) Strawberry cupcakes
2) Rocky Road Brownies--the dessert kind, not the Indian people kind ;)
3) Ferrer-Rocher Nutella Cupcakes
4) Margarita cupcakes
5) Champagne cupcakes
6) Scones (of any flavor)
7) Oreo cheesecake balls (although I HAVE made these before, I'd like to make them again)
8) something with coconut (suggestions?)
9) a peanut butter & apple cinnamon crepe (Mmmmm. had these in Vegas once...so friggin' good)
10) Okay, this is going to sound weird to most people, but remember, I am preggers -- Bacon filled waffles (as shown below via ThisIsWhyYoureFat.com)
11) Lemon curd cupcakes
12) Bakerella Cupcake Pops
13) Homemade Mini Donuts (in different flavors)
14) Butterscotch Pie
15) Sweet Potato cupcakes
16) Guiness Cupcakes (for ITPav)
17) Ooey Gooey Yummy Brownies (TGF Paul Deen)
18) OH's Creme Brulee French Toast
19) Fruit Turnovers (Strawberry, Apple, Pear, Blueberry, etc)
20) something with Dulce de Leche
21) something with caramel & fleur de sel
22) something with pumpkin (not pie)
23) Ice Cream Cone cupcakes
24) S'mores Cupcakes
25) Martha Stewart's Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

**I also want to learn to take better photos of what I bake so that I can post them up here on the blog! Any ideas would be most helpful!

Interesting Plug

2009-06-03T15:41:00.003-04:00

I'm always one for promoting the Brownies, in one way or another. Check out this new label, designed for men.

Boxerwallah

Sad Panda, Where Are You Today?

2009-06-03T14:28:00.003-04:00

Courtesy of NYMag.com's Daily Intel

Here is the latest article from NYMag.com's Blog, Daily Intel, based on a story I have been following:

Small Child Attempts to Comfort Sad Panda

Sad Panda seems to be a man/woman dressed in a very sad panda costume, venturing all over NYC. Sad Panda has been found on the subway, at the park, etc.

Follow Sad Panda yourself, if you're interested! Trials & Tribulations of Sad Panda

Things to do before I go broke...

2009-06-01T17:41:00.007-04:00

My name is Brownie, and I am a shopaholic. Recently I was talking to a friend (no, not OH), and she told me that I shop so much because I am bored, and don't have any hobbies like I once did. She asked me to think of what fun things I would like to do, that would take me away from my insane shopping habit (much to the extreme joy of Hubby).

So here's my list. Let's see if I can get at least some of them done this summer, and save some moolah for the Li'l Bluebri's college education.

1. Take drawing classes (OH gave me a set of of 5 for my birthday...now I actually have to use them)
2. Visit a different Museum every couple of weeks (Met, Moma, Bodies exhibit, Natural History, Frick)
3. Ride a bicycle through Central Park (not feasible while pregnant, however), or just walk around the park & have a picnic lunch there
4a. Join a Book Club....it sounds like fun, but then I actually have to complete a book for each meeting
4b. While we're at that, actually use my library card for the first time
5. Help out in some sort of child care environment, maybe an art class for kids or something to that effect
6. Try an art therapy class for adults (do they exist?)
7. Take swim lessons
8. Create some new scrapbooks (especially one for the baby)
9. Work on a photo montage for Tiny Dancer & SK Prankster
10. Put together new fun playlists on my ipod (I want some good tunes for the baby to hear in the womb)
11. Plan the nursery/get the nursery done
12. Take a dance class (again, probably not very feasible during the pregnancy)
13. Join Netflix and rent a bunch of DVDs of shows that I want to get into; go to the theater and see a movie
14a. Go to the Bronx Zoo/Sothstreet Seaport/Cloisters/Botanical Gardens/
14b. Again, while we're at it, (Although this should probably be done WITH kids) Go to an Amusement Park--Hershey, Sesame, Great Adventure
15. Increase my baking skills--get creative with fondant, flavors, colors, etc.

12 Weeks!

2009-06-01T14:18:00.005-04:00

Say hello to my Li'l Bluebri (nicknamed for it's size at 8weeks, and I like saying it as if I were British).

Please send all your love and positivity to him/her. We'll be seeing his/her face sometime in December :)

My Heaven

2009-06-01T14:15:00.001-04:00

Ferrer-Rocher Nutella Cupcakes

Yes, that's right this is what would be waiting for me (along with a few other things) at the pearly white gates of Heaven.

Randomness of the Day

2009-04-28T13:42:00.009-04:00

1) I like food. More than half my posts are about food. I spend much of my day wondering what I want to eat at my next meal. I should buy some stretchy pants, like Joey's Thanksgiving pants on FRIENDS.

2) My daily radio stations have been boring me lately, talk & music -wise. Step it up z100's Elvis Duran & the Morning Show, BBC Radio 1's Chris Moyles Show, and Wendy Williams Experience on WBLS. STEP....IT....UP.

3) Where's my Pulled Pork Sandwich? (more food)

4) They could have extended the "Serena not knowing about Gabriel & Poppy Lifton" storyline a bit longer on Gossip Girl. I mean seriously, Anne Hathaway had no clue about Raffaello for YEARS!!

5) I wish ALL of my work can be done from a wireless connection/server, so that I could spend the day at Bryant Park today (or home with A/C-either or).

Time for Tea

2009-04-28T12:48:00.011-04:00

photo courtesy of www.mightysweet.com

Do you know the TeaCake Man, the TeaCake Man, the TeaCake Man? Do you know the TeaCake Man who works in ChinaTown?

Another trip down Food Memory Lane for me. When I was little, my family would come to the "city" (New York City, that is, for all you NON tri-state area residents) every Sunday for Dim Sum (We will talk more about my LOVE for Dim Sum in a separate future post). Our usual haunt was a place called HSF near where Krazee lived (in the Kips Bay area), but on nice summer days many times we'd venture down to Chinatown (where HSF eventually moved to) and walk around after lunch. Here, we would ALWAYS bump into the "Tea Cake Man" (that was my name for him then, and continues til this very day). He makes small little cakes in a mini Ebelskiver cast iron pan. Hot off the presses, 15-20 mini cakes for $1 in a little wax paper baggie, to munch on while you explore Chinatown.
We stopped our Dim Sum ventures as Little Sister and I got older, but I have returned to my dumpling ways along with my buddy, OH. And we have found our beloved TeaCake Man, soaking in every warm simple bite of the mini air cakes as we digest our delicious. scrumptious meal.

I Was Right All Along!!

2009-04-24T16:12:00.005-04:00

photo courtesy of pleasuremountain.files.wordpress.com

So, I have had this discussion with quite a few Brown people (as well as some well-versed Non-Brown people) regarding the difference between Kati Rolls and Frankies. If you have seen my "Favorite Restaurants" blog (Foodie & the Restaurants) you will see under MUMBAI, the restaurant TIBBS. It's not really a restuarant, but more of a street vendor. However, they are the makers of Frankies, again, possibly the best food item on the planet (I have tried others', but Tibbs is the BEST by far)!
Frankies are just this delicious, spicy delecacy of protein (chicken, lamb, paneer) cooked in spices and sauces, wrapped in an egg-washed flaky roti, and served in a plastic coccon, with a paper containing the name (and coordinating color) wrapped around. Kati Rolls are not as saucy and have a world's different taste than Frankies. However, many peopel have said to me that they are the same thing essentially. Well, now I found others who agree with me! Check out Midtown Lunch's post today on this very matter:

http://midtownlunch.com/2009/04/24/frankies-and-kati-rolls-are-not-the-same-thing/

New Way to Procrastinate

2009-04-24T13:34:00.001-04:00

OMG!! As per my friend, Blake (see www.blakeharrison.com), he found me a new way to procrastinate!! Check this website out, it's fantastic:

http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/

Thanks, Blake!

Wow....I mean WOW

2009-04-21T17:53:00.002-04:00

Sividanda_5355
Originally uploaded by anthonyp

My friend, AnthonyP, has been trippin' and hoppin' all throughout South Asia, and here is just a magnificent photo he took, that I have totally fallen in love with.

BTW

2009-04-20T17:38:00.003-04:00

I never posted how the new haircut came out
(from 2 months ago). Hahahaa...
Here you go--

Randomness of the Day

2009-04-20T17:24:00.005-04:00

1) I love overheard conversations that involve: "She doesn't know that I know, but I know, y'know?" I heard this today while getting lunch.

2) I'm hungry (what's new, hahahaha).

3) I don't know how I feel about KGC--Kentucky Grilled Chicken. Do you think it'll still taste the same? If it does, I am TOTALLY down. I love me some original recipe.

4) I want to change the color scheme of my blog to shades of Brown and Mint--anybody know how?

5) WHEN IS IT GOING TO STAY CONSISTENTLY IN THE 60 DEGREE RANGE?!! IT'S APRIL 20TH FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!

(BONUS) I am officially 29 years old as of Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at 7:26pm. I'm thinking of creating a "bucket list" for the next year. Got any ideas?

I still miss the Original...

2009-04-20T17:14:00.002-04:00

Singas Famous Pizza, one of the all-time greatest pizza places ever known to man, began in Queens. My parents, new to this country, practically lived on the stuff. Thus, I have Singas Famous Pizza in my blood. The ORIGINAL. The BEST.
However, it is not exactly convenient for me to get to on a frequent basis, thus I have been without for quite some time (unless a wonderful Aunty or Uncle decides to venture out to Elmhurst and pick up an entire boxfull with all different toppings for all their friends and their kids.)
But to satisfy sudden and urgent cravings, another outpost has been opened for a couple years on 2nd avenue bteween 10th & 11th Streets. It's not exactly the ORIGINAL, but it's not bad. Well, apparently, the owners have decided they want to expand on Singas. I'm not sure how I feel about this. What do you all think?
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2009/04/singas_sliders.html

Also, check out their official website for a location near you: http://www.singaspizzas.com/site1/Index.asp

The Notebook MTV Best Kiss Award

2009-04-14T17:34:00.002-04:00

Cupcake Campers Unite!

2009-04-09T15:58:00.003-04:00

Hi all! So I am very excited to say that i will be taking part in the ever growing Cupcake Camp extravaganza! You've seen them in Toronto and San Francisco! Now welcome them to our home, NYC!! Unfortunately, as I've been super swamped this week at work, I will not be able to bake my own creations/concoctions to show off, so I will be purchasing 2 dozen cupcakes from Crumbs Bakery on 42nd Street. (Still super delicious...Bababooey, yummmmmmmmmmmmmminess!!)

If anybody is interested in baking cupcakes and taste-testing cupcakes tomorrow evening, check out the link below. They'll explain everything. Hope to see you there!

http://cupcakecampnyc.blogspot.com/

Bright Side of the Sun...

2009-04-09T11:30:00.002-04:00

I know it's been OVER a month since I last wrote, and I will be writing again very soon with all new Random Thoughts, and even maybe some actual reviews of TV shows and movies (started so many, which are all obsolete now). It's been a crazy busy month at work, so hopefully I'll get some free time during my weekends to catch up. I did want to tell you about this cool sight that has these awesome contests to win some seriously fun stuff. You should definitely check it out!

http://www.thebrightsideproject.com

Enjoy the fun!

I Repeat...

2009-02-03T15:36:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, a song comes along in my life, that I have to IMMEDIATELY download and play on repeat for a couple of weeks until I have memorized the entire song (ahem, chorus). Usually, it's a song I hear in the background of a tv show or commercial, or in a movie.

This week, the song is "Dice" by Finley Quaye and Beth Orton. Yes, this song is a few years old, about 4, to be exact. But I was rewatching an episode of The O.C. on Soapnet from Season 1. It was the New Year's Eve episode, "The Countdown". And at the end, as Ryan runs and runs and runs up the stairs of the Four Seasons hotel to get to Marisa before midnight, this song plays. And it was just beautiful. So I've added it to my Blue Playlist, along with "Scream" by Chris Cornell (heard this in a One Tree Hill episode a couple months ago).

Enjoy.

Where'd You Go, Joe?

2009-02-03T13:40:00.007-05:00

So literally just days after listing Empanada Joe's as one of my FAVE lunch spots/restaurants in NYC (see post - Foodie & the Restaurants), according to blog Midtown Lunch, the 8th Avenue & 43rd Street location has closed, and are redirecting customers to their 6th Avenue location. What?! This is preposterous! This was the first and only place I had found that had BAKED and FRESH empanadas. Foods enclosed in fully covered, wrap-like, manner are one of my most cherished types of foods (I will be posting about this later in the day). Flaky, non-oil-soaking-napkin deliciousness...why are all my favorite lunchtime spots shutting?!! If Ginger's goes next...I may have to move.

Randomness of the Day

2009-02-02T12:50:00.004-05:00

1) I believe that when old friends leave your life, they are opening the door for new friends. There are a few friends I refuse to let leave. They are my extended family, and parts of my heart. You know who you are. I will continue to send you hellos everyday. (No, I'm not a stalker thankyouverymuch). There are also some friends who took other paths, and I miss them dearly. I'm hoping, via Facebook, our paths will cross again (again, I promise I am not a stalker). ;)

2) My favorite word in the world is passion. I love the sound, the look, and the many different meanings. I love what it brings to other words when put together. I think I lost my personal meaning for it somewhere back in college.

3) Although I have not an athletic bone in my body, and sports tend to bore me, I religiously wear the Jets' PJs my brother-in-law (BobbleHead) and sister-in-law (Mama) got me for my birthday one year. The Jets are Hubby's favorite football team, and I feel a part of him when I wear the PJ's. It's silly I know, but I'm silly :) This will also stand true for any Devils' paraphernalia I will come into ownership of as the years go on.

4) I wish I wasn't afraid of the responsibility of having a pet, as I think I might like having a puppy.

5) People who don't reply to emails/voicemails/text messages etc EVER are on my list of biggest pet peeves. EVERYONE is busy.

I Need a New Attitude...

2009-02-01T13:19:00.007-05:00

So I REALLY need a new haircut. A new style, something. I think I've had the same hairstyle since I was 16. No matter what I do, or what "celeb pic" I take with me to the hairstylist, it still looks like this (see pic to the right). Sorry I look so unhappy...I was trying to figure out the screen snapshot off my Mac while taking this. Wasn't sure if it actually took a picture. (Plus I had one too many last night, and have not had enough fried foods to sop up the leftover liquor).

Anyhoo...So 5 years ago, I had FINALLY found a great stylist who charged me UNDER $100 (she charged me $50, in fact) in NYC, and even though my hair always looked somewhat the same when I came out of there, I still felt...brand new :)

Then she moved to Japan. Back to square 1. OH recommended her hair stylist who she just LOVED LOVED LOVED.I met him, and I will have to admit--I LOVE LOVE LOVED him too. Except he charge me about $150 a visit (new prices for new clients apparently, and this was not inclusive of tip). SO although everyone LOVED my hair every time I walked out of his salon, I didn't feel new. I felt like I was being charged 3 times what I normally paid, for the same haircut I always got. He's an amazing stylist, and if you can afford it, I definitely recommend Mario (www.mariodiab.com). Mario is so wonderful, has a great vision, and is just so amazingly cultured. But at $150, I can only go to him once a year, and he's not too happy with my hair when I go in.

My little sister, being back in NYC for a matter of 6 months, found a very hipster fab stylist...in Brooklyn. And although I do love Brooklyn, I think it's been over 2 years since I last was there (I'm not counting the 3 hours OH and I spent in October doing our own Cancer Walk in Prospect Park, as everyone else walked in the other direction). I know I'll never get my lazy butt down there, thus, again, only visiting the salon once a year.

And the reason why I've had the same haircut for almost 15 years...I'm scared to do anything different. I'm scared something shorter will make me look chubbier. Something too trendy will make me look silly. Something too "normal" would make me look like I've aged 50 years. I don't know what would suit me besides the above shot as per this afternoon. And I feel THAT look is just weighing me down.

Last night, after the 4th or 5th Grey Goose & Diet Coke, I came home and couldn't fall asleep. I was thisclose to getting the scissors and just lopping off my hair. I even started "measuring out" my bangs with my fingers. I decided I didn't want to wake-up King of Written Street and Polar Bear who were visiting this weekend by trying to find the scissors out in the living room.

So I have two dilemmas--finding a new stylist in NYC who won't charge me the same amount as a new pair of shoes, and a new hair STYLE period. Please help.

Randomness of the Day

2009-02-01T12:12:00.006-05:00

1) Why do fried, fatty foods ALWAYS sound (and taste) soooooooooooooo good after a night of drinking?? I want mozzarella sticks and KFC right now.

2) I'm double jointed. I think this may be adding to my sudden arthritis.

3) I still feel badly about making The Boys and Moobles walk over to the KFC on 14th and 6th (during our senior year in college) in hopes that there was one closer to us than 14th and 2nd, and in excitement of fried chicken and biscuits, only to find that it actually hadn't opened yet. Obviously, I'm still craving KFC.

4) I've never liked my eyebrows, except for a period of 3 years that I loved them. An eyebrow threading woman in India totally messed them up 6 months before my wedding. I've never been able to grow them back to the point where I love them again.

5) I want a How I Met Your Mother marathon to be on right now.

Randomness of the Day

2009-01-31T12:37:00.003-05:00

1) My mother-in-law reminds me of "Kitty Foreman" from That 70's Show (another all-time GREAT show), sans the excessive drinking. My MOL laughs at EVERYTHING (seriously, she laughs even when she cries), tries to see EVERYTHING in a positive light, LOVES match-making, and just wants everyone to be happy.

2) My first blog consisted mainly of aim conversations between Moobles and myself. Thus I created this second blog that would relate better to others, and that would make sense to others besides Moobles and myself :)

3) I love reading all the different random facts about my friends and family. It's those random facts that make them who they are. Thus going back to my fascination of "why we are the way we are".

4) I am ALWAYS hungry, even when I'm full, and stuffed to the brim. I'm still thinking about what I want to eat next. I think it's from all the NOT eating I did as a kid. I'm making up for it, like sleep.

5) I love hugs.

Randomness of the Day

2009-01-30T09:00:00.006-05:00

1) I don't care if the channel is in HD or not. I know what the difference is, but I just don't care. I really could go through life WITHOUT seeing ALL the zits on an actor's face. This situation annoys my hubby to no end.

2) I can't seem to get myself out of bed and into the shower to get to work on time. This is not a new thing. I have this issue EVERYDAY.

3) I do tend to talk to myself, and have been for as long as I remember. I never had an imaginary friend. I just had me.

4) I still get excited when somebody mentions the New Mickey Mouse Club (aka MMC). It makes me feel special that I knew about Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling (one of my faves), Christina Aguilera (another fave), Britney Spears, JC Chasez (the love of my life), and Keri Russell (wanted to be her, and was DEVASTATED when she broke up with Tony Lucca-her "soul mate") before most people.

5) When working out, I keep imagining "Nicole Sherzinger abs and Kelly Ripa arms" over and over again in my head. This somehow doesn't motivate me to get up and out of bed any earlier to get to the gym in the a.m., and then get to work on time.

Randomness of the Day

2009-01-29T16:45:00.003-05:00

So, on Facebook, a "note" has been going around called: 25 Random Things About Me. It's actually quite interesting and fun (but, of course, I love that kind of stuff). So I thought, why not post my list of 25 on here, and then everyday post something random about me or that I'm thinking of (along with my "Train of Thought" post), as I have PLENTY of random thoughts about myself and the world. So, let's start today with the initial "25 random thoughts about me":

1) I had written this whole thing out, and my program decided to shut down on me before I could save it. Aargh. Of course, I did it again immediately. I love this stuff.
2) I am SUPREMELY neurotic
3) My little sister is my soul mate -- connected through all of our lives, past, present, and future
4) But my husband is the love of my life -- my strength, my calmness, my laughter, my tears, my annoyance, my hugs, and everything in between
5) The one regret in my life is quitting dance. I started taking classes at age 3, until age 12, when I contracted a major case of stage fright. Still have it.
6) I love to write, however I find I write in rambles. Thus blogging and I have really connected. Check mine out at browniesugar.blogspot.com
7) I wish I were wittier. I think I might have been at one point.
8) Josh Duhamel is #1 on my celeb "to do" list ;)
9) I really wish I was more like Heidi Klum as she's #1 on my husband's list :)
10) Shopping is my drug of choice
11) Baking is my activity of choice. And now I bake from scratch! (No more boxed mixes for me, no sir!)
12) I want to see the world
13) I speak Hindi-English and Spanglish. One of these days, I'll actually start speaking fluent Hindi and Spanish
14) I want to go back to school to get my masters. I just wish I knew in what.
15) I already have names picked out for my future daughters. I can't think of any boys' names I like. This just means I have to have all girls :)
16) I dream in color -- very vivid, very real dreams
17) I majored in psychology due to my extreme fascination with "why we are the way we are" -from birth through the college years. I'm still fascinated by this.
18) I sing in the shower, and think I sound amazing (only in the shower)
19) I incessantly stare at my bare, non-existent abs (aka pooch) in the mirror
20) I play out every worst case scenario in my head of any and every situation that comes my way, whether is has anything to do with me or not. Sometimes I do the same thing for situations I see on tv.
21) I am insanely competitive, thus avoid playing any games to avoid having a "Monica" moment (see "FRIENDS" ep "The One With All The Poker"). I hate when people know more about pop culture than I do. But I'll keep that to myself ;)
22) I used to see 4-5 movies at the theater, in one month, growing up. I now see that many in a year.
23) I love monkeys. The cute curious george, chimp types. Not the crazy baboons with the red butts.
24) I need sleep.
25) I don't know how to swim

Am I Missing Out?

2009-01-29T15:48:00.006-05:00

So, with a few exceptions, the TV world has been somewhat disappointing in the last few years. Every night I had something to look forward to, many times more than I could record at once! But lately I find myself only looking forward to Mondays (too much going on on Mondays...VERY frustrating) and Wednesdays at 9pm. So I figured, I MUST be missing out on something. There has to be other good shows on that I am not watching. SO here are some of the shows I have heard good things about, and am interested in starting (will have a lot of DVDs to rent). Also, I will list out the current shows that have been disappointing me over the last season or two (or more), the shows that still get me excited, and some NEW shows that haven't started yet which I am looking forward to.

SHOWS THAT ARE ON MY "TO-DO" LIST:
In Treatment (Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm, HBO Signature)
House (Mondays, 8-9pm, FOX)
Fringe (Tuesdays, 9-10pm, FOX)
Bones (Thursdays, 8-9pm, FOX)
The Office (Thursdays, 9-9:30pm, NBC)
30 Rock (Thursdays, 9:30-10pm, NBC)
SuperNatural (Thursdays, 9-10pm, CW)
Ghost Whisperer (Fridays, 8-9pm, CBS)
Friday Night Lights (Fridays, 9-10pm, NBC)
Samantha Who? (in the process of shifting days/times)
The Starter Wife (USA)
True Blood (HBO)
Trust Me (TNT)
Leverage (TNT)
Sorry 24 fans, I still can't seem to get into it.

SHOWS THAT STILL MAKE MY HEART GO AFLUTTER:
Gossip Girl (Mondays, 8-9pm, CW)
The Big Bang Theory (Mondays, 8-8:30pm, CBS)
How I Met Your Mother (Mondays, 8:30-9pm, CBS)
One Tree Hill (Mondays 9-10pm, CW)
NCIS (Tuesdays, 8-9pm, CBS)
Scrubs (Tuesdays, 9-10pm, ABC)
Lost (Wednesdays, 9-10pm, ABC)

REALITY TV THAT DOESN'T MAKE ME CRANKY:
Life In the Fab Lane with Kimora Lee Simmons (Sundays, 8-9pm, Style Network)
Keeping Up With the Kardashians (E!)
Run's House (MTV)

SHOWS FALLING OFF MY RADAR:
Desperate Houswives (Sundays, 9-10pm, ABC)
CSI: Miami (Mondays, 10-11pm, CBS)
90210 (Tuesdays, 8-9pm, CW) *it upset me at "Hello"
Nip/Tuck (Tuesdays, 10-11pm, F/X)
Ugly Betty (Thursdays, 8-9pm, ABC)
Grey's Anatomy (Thursdays, 9-10pm, ABC)
Daddy's Girls (Mondays, 10:30-11pm, MTV)
The Real World (Wednesdays, 10-11pm, MTV)
The Hills (MTV)

SOMETHING NEW TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Castle (Mondays, 10-11pm, ABC)
Better Off Ted (Tuesdays, 8-9pm, ABC)
Dollhouse (FOX)

SHOWS HAVING ME WONDER "WHERE ARE YOU?":
My Boys (TBS)

Got any other recommendations for me?

Kissing Satellite

2009-01-28T15:08:00.006-05:00

*picture courtesy of the Gothamist / Gawker*

I thought this was so cool, it deserved a mention. Enjoying smooching a loved one tonight!

Foodie & the Restaurants

2009-01-28T14:57:00.016-05:00

OH (aka TM), one of my closest friends, and an utter foodie, just like me, loves trying new restaurants and frequenting the faves. You will usually find us together on our monthly jaunts to faves, as well as new spots off our respective Restaurant lists. She is also a restaurant blogger for the Urbanista website -- a site for "urbanistas" to find everything they are looking for in NY.
Anyhoo, OH & I were just discussing how we haven't really found any restaurants recently that we have fallen ABSOLUTELY head-over-heels in love with. I feel, gone are those days...which is really sad for me. I miss having a fave frequented restaurant. Hopefully, I'll find another one soon. (Keep your fingers crossed)

But I decided to give you my list of my ALL-TIME fave (and go-to) restaurants, in all my fave cities around the world:

New York:
Cafeteria (Chelsea)
Coffee Shop (Union square)
Nobu (Tribeca)
Le Bilboquet (UES)
Baraonda (UES)
Stanton Social (LES)
Mermaid Inn (LES)
Shake Shack (23rd Street)
Chennai Garden (Little India)
Tiffin Wallah (Little India)
Ginger's (Garment District)
New Yoshi (Hell's Kitchen)
Empanada Joe's (Midtown West)
Zen Palate (now closed)
NY's Delicious Pizza (Murray Hill)
Dojo (NYU area)
Atomic Wings (any location)
Best Wingers (Murray Hill)
Dukes aka Earl's (both locations)
*Honorable mention: Fishtail by David Burke, At Vermilion, Pranna

London:
Ping Pong (any location, but St. Christopher's Place is most frequented by yours truly)
Wagamama (any location, but Waterloo is most frequented by me)
Hakkasan
Yauatcha (sister restaurant of Hakkasan, Soho area)
Sylvio (across the street from the entrance to Selfridges' Dept Store on Duke Street)
Carluccio's (St. Christopher's Place location)
M&S Food Hall aka Simply Food (Marble Arch)
Selfridges' Food Hall (Oxford Street)
Suka (Sanderson Hotel)
Maroush (Hubby's fave - I haven't been)
Cinnamon Club (Westminster)
Royal China (Baker Street)
Crazy Bear

Mumbai:
Royal China (Sterling Cinema location, same group as of that in London)
Frangipani (Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point)
Tibbs (Shivaji Park at Breach Candy, possibly the best food item on the planet!)
Swati Snacks (Tardeo)
Golden Dragon (Taj Mahal Hotel in Colaba)
Indigo (Colaba)
Trishna (Fort location)
Moshes (Cuffe Parade)
Ling's Pavillion (Regal Cinema, Colaba)
Shamiana (Taj Mahal Hotel)
Citrus (Leela Kempinski Hotel)
Pan Asia (Grand Maratha Sheraton)
*Honorable mention: Hokey Pokey ice cream parlours (all locations)
**(note) You'll also find not too many Indian restaurants listed here. This is because when I am in Mumbai, my favorite Indian food is at the homes of my family and friends. The best Indian food you can get anywhere :)
***(note) Colaba is one of the areas my mother grew up in Mumbai, and also one of the main areas of the November 26th, 2008 terrorist attacks. :(

Las Vegas:
Social House (Treasure Island Hotel)
Red 8 (The Wynn Hotel)
In 'n Out Burger (Off the Strip)
Okada (The Wynn Hotel)
Noodles (Bellagio Hotel)
N9NE (The Palms Hotel)
Yellowtail (Bellagio Hotel)
Trevi - formerly known as Bertolini's (Caesar's Palace Forum Shops)
Wing Lei (The Wynn Hotel)

Paris:
Les Etoiles (Rue Princesa, St. Germain-des-pres) *i'm sorry, this site is in French
Colette (Rue St. Honore)
Hotel Costes outdoor restaurant
Mood (Champs Elysee)
Pizzeria Napolitaine Chez Bartolo (Rue Canettes, St. Germain-des-pres)

So what do you all think? Have any favorites you'd like me to try or visit again? Let me know!

New Lunch Spot!

2009-01-28T14:56:00.005-05:00

*picture courtesy of NYMag.com*

So, the people of Hale & Hearty have come up with a new self-serve concept restaurant, located in the new NY Times building on the 41st street and 8th Avenue corner (620 Eighth Avenue). It's called Schnipper's Quality Kitchen, and every dish on the menu is under UNDER $10!! And the dishes look to be exactly what a girl who constantly craves comfort would eat: some standouts are:
Green Chili Cheeseburger
Sloppy Joe
Sweet Potato Fries w/ maple dipping sauce
Chicken Fingers
Asian Chicken Salad
Fish Tacos
(and although I am not a HUGE cheese fan):
Grilled Four Cheese Sandwich
Mac & Joe (Mac 'n Cheese with Sloppy Joe)

They also have numerous "healthier" options. I am hoping for this to be one of our new lunch spots during the work week! Check out Midtown Lunch's post!

Sunday Cupcaking Sunday

2009-01-28T14:54:00.013-05:00

So as I promised last week, I baked and baked and baked this weekend. The two pics to the right are the Chocolate Chip cupcakes with Chocolate Chip Buttercream frosting (recipe taken from the latest issue of Martha Stewart's Living magazine). Since our get-together was in honor of the wedding of a close family friend, I decided to pull out the gel cake writers and throw a congrats on the cupcakes. Pic #2 (to the right) also has 6 cupcakes in which I added some mint extract and green food coloring to the leftover cupcake batter and frosting -- to make MINT chocolate chip cupcakes (Hubby's fave flavor -- but only if it's green :D). They have been placed in my Cupcake Courier which is the BEST way to transport your cupcakes. I'll be honest--was not a fan of the Wilton cupcake carrier. My cupcakes went flying all over the place. In the Cupcake Courier, each cupcake depression is deep enough to keep the cupcakes in place (unless of course you tip the whole thing upside down...which I don't recommend).

The cupcakes below are the Sexy Low-Fat Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Skinny Confectioners' Icing from the book, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. This was for my RaakStaar who is Vegan, and is also traveling to the sunny shores of Puerto Rico this weekend for a wedding. I still wanted her to be able to indulge in some sweet cupcakey goodness. These were a HUGE hit. My sister (who only loves foods that are "meant" to be fatty TO BE FATTY, but then craves salads. This I don't get, but my mom wishes I could be more like her in that respect :D) -- anyhoo, my sister LOVED these cupcakes, and even took some home (where my mother finished them off, and even complemented my increased skills in the baking area -- Woohoo validation!!)

OMG...LMNOP...

2009-01-21T16:41:00.003-05:00

The following is part of my conversation today with my colleague (yes, the very same "NO MORE SMALL BOXES" colleague. Let's call her Krazeekin, or Krazee for short...keep reading below to find out why).

Krazee: You know, I had a dream the other night.
Me: Oh yeh? *not even a faint sound of enthusiasm in my voice*
Krazee: Yes. I dreamt that Michelle Obama was wearing a white one-shouldered dress. And last night at the ball, she did!
Me: Holy Shit, Kreskin! You need to quit the business and go on a publicity tour! *VERY sarcastic tone in my voice*
Krazee: Who's Kreskin? How come I don't know who Kreskin is?
*our conversation goes back and forth about who Kreskin is...*
Krazee: You'll see...next time I have a dream, I'll write it down so you believe me.
Me: Okay, MLK.

Go Martha! Go Martha!

2009-01-21T13:09:00.011-05:00

*courtesy of Martha Stewart Living*

So I'm not a great fan of Martha Stewart's, but sometimes, she comes up with some great ideas. Her home line at KMart is actually quite lovely. AND the February 2009 issue of her Living Magazine...*one sole tear of sheer happiness rolls down my cheek*...it's just....exquisite. Why, you ask? Because the cover story is all about...CUPCAKES!!!

So I know everyone (all 4 of you) voted equally for either a Strawberry ShortCupCake or the Baileys Irish Cream Cupcake, but i think I may have to try out Martha's Boston Cream Cupcake first. I mean, look at it. The custardy vanilla cream splicing the cake, and the ooey-gooey chocolate ganache oozing off the top. This CANNOT be made healthy, I'm sure. But it looks so damn amazing! *I actually want to hug the screen right now, it looks so good!!* There are plenty of other recipes in the issue that I want to try as well. And on top of ALL of this Cupcake-aganza (yes there's more), today's episode of The Martha Stewart Show is, again, ALL ABOUT CUPCAKES!!! The girls over at Cupcakes Take the Cake were there, of course! (You can spot them out in the audience in the preview of the episode on Martha's site).

I'll also be making Vegan cupcakes this weekend, as we're having a get-together with some friends, one of whom (my dear RaakStar) is vegan, and who tends to get left out of the yummy goodness sometimes.

I'll let you know how they all turn out!

Mo' Yos!

2009-01-20T16:13:00.004-05:00

I created this picture of one of my nephews. He LOVES his (cheeri)yos!
We'll call him Yos from now onwards.

Try making one yourself at Obamicon.Me

Congrats President & First Lady Obama!

My "Blue" Playlist

2009-01-19T19:02:00.004-05:00

Fergie - "Losing My Ground"
Natasha Bedingfield - "I Bruise Easily"
Rihanna - "Rehab"
PCD - "I Hate This Part"
Oasis - "Champagne Supernova"
Craig Armstrong - "Dark Angel Theme"
Christophe Beck - "Buffy/Angel Theme"
Full Blown Rose - "Somebody Save Me"
The Sundays - "Wild Horses"
Neneh Cherry - "7 Seconds"
Groove Theory - "Tell Me"
Brian McKnight - "Anytime"
The Bravery - "Believe"
Placebo - "Running Up That Hill"
'N Sync - "Gone"
The Bangles - "Hazy Shade of Winter"
Robin Thicke - "Lost Without You"
Madonna - "Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
Morcheeba - Never an Easy Way
Santessa - "Phased"
Plumb - "Stranded"
Massive Attack - "Teardrop"
The Pierces - "Three Wishes"
Sade - "No Ordinary Love"
Usher - "How Do I Say"

--
Sent from my mobile device

Train of Thought for the Day

2009-01-19T17:25:00.006-05:00

I want to take up dancing again (as you may have read in my "Hopelutions" post last week.)
More modern / hip-hop dance. I just don't know where to take a class, that's good, easy for beginners (let's face it, it's been so long since I last dance, I might as well be starting over again), and where I DON'T HAVE to buy a whole series/package. Plus I need a class that fits my schedule. So far all I've found is one school that has classes at 4:30-6pm and 7:30-9pm on Mondays, and 4:30-6pm on Saturdays. Either 7pm-8pm on Mondays or like 2pm-3pm on Sundays would be FABULOUS! Too bad I don't think they exist. (Yes, Li'l Miss Selena Gomez inspired me last night).

This leads me to want to try skiing again. Last time I skied I was 13. It was a ski lesson on the "mid" slope. The following week the snow melted, and that was that.

THIS leads me to another item on my list--Swimming. I need to be more on top of this as we have an indoor pool in our building, and Hubby is an excellent swimmer. Hopefully he will have enough patience to teach me.

Fairy Tales

2009-01-18T20:20:00.014-05:00

*picture courtesy of Disney / ABC Family*

So yes, I am (secretly) one of those girls who still believes in Fairy Tales...although I'm probably one of the most cynical and jaded girls you've ever met (about myself and the general world & society). However I try to stay positive for everyone else in my life ;)

That's probably why I enjoy all these "modern" versions of our Ol' School fairy tales. I just sat and watched the Hillary Duff lead "A Cinderella Story" back-to-back with the Selena Gomez lead "Another Cinderella Story". (I've totes had the theme song stuck in my head all weekend.)

And yes, although I'm almost 30, Disney breakout star, Selena Gomez (age 16) is my new style icon. I wonder if I'd look silly with a striped wrist band on my forearm a la Justin Timberlake and a denim jacket over a grey hoodie sweatshirt, with a t-shirt underneath(???)

Thought I'd try and list all the different versions of some of my favorite "Fairy Tales". Any help would be much appreciated.

Cinderella:
Disney's Cinderella
Another Cinderella Story
A Cinderella Story
Ever After

Snow White:
Disney's Snow White
Sydney White

Sleeping Beauty:
Disney's Sleeping Beauty

Romeo & Juliet:
Ronnie & Julie
Romeo & Juliet
Baz Lurhman's Romeo & Juliet
A West Side Story

Sugar Brown's Train of Thoughts for the Day

2009-01-16T13:01:00.005-05:00

So I was watching Regis & Kelly this am, and Jerry O'Connell (yes, the "fat kid" from Stand By Me) was guest hosting with Kelly. And he was talking about his new twin baby girls with wife, (and Ugly Betty's resident transexual) Rebecca Romijn. And it made me wonder...didn't she break up with sexy Uncle Jessie (aka John Stamos) because he wanted to start a family and she didn't? Then she remarried, starts a family, and Uncle Jessie is still looking for his "Becky"? That made me think of Jennifer Aniston, who was also jilted by her now ex-husband, Brad Pitt, for similar reasons (however in reverse). So what does everyone think about Jennifer Aniston & John Stamos getting together??? They're both Greek. He's probably a year or two older than she is. I think they'd make a DARLING couple!

Then I started thinking about my diet, and how there are all these different "weight-loss fads", and how there's a new nutritionist every week giving new information. Some say--5-6 small meals a day. Some say stay with the norm 3 full meals. Some say don't eat after 7. Some say don't eat carbs after 5. Some say it's okay to eat late, but only veggies and protein. It's got me all confused as to what woudl work for me. That lead me to remember when I was a wee sugar cube, and how my mom would structure my meals. A bowl of cereal with 2% milk and fruit before school (around 7-7:30am), lunch (usually at 12:30pm) consisting of a sandwich of some sort --balogna, ham, peanut butter / beverage (juice) / snack--chips, cookies, etc, a snack when I got back from school/after-school activities (either bagel bites, or mini waffles, or peanut butter sandwich, and so on, with a glass of milk), and dinner at 7:30pm consisting of whatever she made that day (usually Indian food). And I was a freakin' RAIL!! Granted there is a HUGE difference in metabolism between the ages of 15 and almost 30...but, I mean, there has to be something to that eating structure. I mean I was never starving. Nor do I remember ever really "craving" something. Cuz if I wanted something, I'd have it. And usually "my eyes were always bigger than my stomach", meaning I'd get my food, and it like half of it. Now I get my food, and want it doubled. I need physical help. :(

Lemon Tart Update

2009-01-15T11:12:00.007-05:00

A Lemon Tart was spotted out of the corner of my eye on the Chalk Board at the Le Pain Quotidien on my walk to work this a.m. I quickly ran in (this also gave me a short reason to get out of this 13 degree, snowy, nose-numbing weather). And there it was...light behind it and sounds like angels singing from the heavens, haaaaaaahhhhh! I would only have one bite I promised myself. I mean, it couldn't taste as good in reality than it did in my head. It was like Marshall's search for the best cheeseburger in NY on HIMYM.

Obviously, (as per my picture) I had found a winner :) I think I even licked the fork clean at some point. It really was heaven, and TOTALLY hit the spot. It was custardy, with a hint of tart citrus, and a solid but melt-in-your-mouth graham crackery crust. And it tasted like it had JUST been made. Sheer perfection.
Thank you, Le Pain Quotidien!

No More!!

2009-01-14T14:06:00.008-05:00

picture courtesy of Google Images

Has anyone ever seen the movie Mommie Dearest? Remember the "NO MORE WIRE HANGERRRRS!!" scene?
I'm living this scene right now at work, except my colleague keeps screaming "NO MORE SMALL BOXES!!!!"

Heart Meets Life

2009-01-13T13:19:00.011-05:00

picture courtesy of the New York Post

SLUM ENCHANTED EVENING

Pls check out this article that my RaakStar just wrote for the NYPost, regarding Bollywood meeting Hollywood at the Golden Globes. It truly was an interesting thing to watch, especially for a girl born to Bombay-ite parents in Jackson Heights, raised in the 'burbs of Dirty Jerz, heart belonging to NYC.

Happy Birthday!!

2009-01-13T13:15:00.001-05:00

I'd like to send a big HAPPY 30th Birthday to LawRose, Mommy to the cutest li'l Eagle EVER!!

My New Year's Hopelutions

2009-01-12T19:22:00.014-05:00

The King of Written House has informed me that my blog has started off on a dark note, and would like me to sunshine it up a bit. This post, King, is for you.

So every New Year's Day, millions and millions of people "resolve" to do or quit something that year. The most popular being - lose weight, quit smoking, stress less, and so on. The gyms and grocery stores grow more crowded, the quit smoking hotline becomes busier, and the daily "to-do" lists analyzed. And come January 15th to February 1st, the gyms grow quieter, the Restaurant delivery business increases, life becomes more chaotic, and the people shivering outside my office building trying to light their cigarettes is back up to the usual again. And all of these people have a darker look in their eyes. A look of disappointment and frustration. And, sadly to say, I'm one of those people (sans the smoking--yuck!)

This year, after watching a few news reports and listening to my friends decide, in all gusto, that they are not making ANY resolutions this year, I decided to make a list of HOPELUTIONS. Things that I HOPE to do or make happen this year. No actual deadlines. NO strict rules.

So here's my hopelutions' list (in no particular order):
1) Lose another 10lbs
2) Learn to swim (*I can tread in water, but that's about it)
3) Stop being a shopaholic (*Hubby's favorite off my hopelution list)
4) Learn fluent Hindi & Spanish (*both of which I can only "get by" on now)
5) Take up dancing again (*I took every type of dance class you can think of from the ages of 3-14)
6) Declutter my life (*my office, my desk(s), my apartment)
7) Change my hairstyle
8) Keep a manicure for at least 5 days to a week (*mine tend to chip after a day...if they even make it out of the salon unscathed)
9) Write more (*that's what this blog is for)
10) Get back into my creativity (*Photography, sketching, writing, dancing, general creating)
11) See my nieces and nephews more (*at least those who live in the country)
12) Cook more often
13) Read more (*any good book recommendations? check me out on GoodReads)
14) Go back to school (*I'd like to eventually get my masters...just not sure in what yet)
15) Be more confident
16) Take on more responsibility at work
17) Do more outdoor activities (*bicycling, roller-skating, jogging...once the weather gets warmer)
18) Take up yoga/meditation (*quiet my mind)
19) Workout 4-5 times a week
20) Volunteer more / become more involved
21) Stop procrastinating
22) Increase my energy
23) Organize my finances / understand my finances
24) Wake up earlier / sleep better
25) Stop drinking Diet Coke
26) Be more on top of doctor's appointments (*mine & Hubby's)
27) Buy an apartment
28) Keep up my correspondence with people
29) Organize the addresses/information in my address book
30) Start a family
31) Find AT LEAST one new buyer/store to sell our clothing line to

If you would like to post your hopelutions online, check out 43Things

How the Fauna Finds Flora

2009-01-09T19:09:00.006-05:00

Check out this book that my OH (ahem...Other Husband) found. I actually have no words...just read through it all and pick your fave story :)

http://community.livejournal.com/found_objects/3699822.html?page=1

When Life Hands You Lemons...Make Lemon Tarts!

2009-01-09T14:11:00.005-05:00

So I have decided that since I'm not much of a cook...I'd like to become a baker. I LOVE coming up with new sweet ideas to concoct for get-togethers and guests. I started at the wee age of 12, baking with my sister (the boxed variety)....My Mom loved to cook, but my sister and I were more interested in the sweets region. Since I was not very experienced in cooking, BAKING from scratch scared me. But lately something has come over me, and I just decided -- it's so much easier to control what goes into the mix when you make it all yourself. I started last November with a MASSIVE Autumn care package for my sister who was away at college. (the theme: PUMPKIN)...I made Pumpkin mini muffins, Pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting (thanks LawRose for the recipe!), Pumpkin scones, AND the "piece de resistance" (anybody know how to put accents in a blog?) -- Oreo Cream Cheese Balls. (I know, no pumpkin, but AMAZING. Thank you to Mama's friend for this one...pure genius.)

Anyhoo...from time to time, I'll post recipes or pictures of stuff I've baked that have received good reviews from my personal taste testers. I'll also post stuff that LOOKS really good to me. (I'd like to send a shout out to the girls of Cupcakes Take the Cake--you ladies are an inspiration. Thank you! http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com)

I'd also LOVE to get your recipes or pics of yummy baked goods. I'm always looking for something new to try, or to post works of artistic deliciousness. :D

(This post was inspired by my sudden craving for a Lemon Tart...I can't find one ANYWHERE!!)

Dear Gossip Girl - Southern Mothers ft. Matt Pearson

2009-01-09T11:49:00.002-05:00

This video is HIGHlarious! They really did Chuck Bass proud...

Reedonculii

2009-01-08T14:57:00.001-05:00

The week has been ridiculous. Everyone i know is getting sick. Business has been wavering all over the place. All the restaurants I love are shutting down--my fave sandwich place, my fave salad place, breakfast place, vegetarian place, Mexican place... I guess it's probably best. I'm making my own lunches and dinners now...saving some money. But i guess that's what a lot of people are doing...and that's probably why all my fave places are shutting down. Stupid vicious cycle. Anybody got any delicious and quick lunch (for 1) or dinner (for 2) recipes they'd care to share?

Let's All Go to the Movies...

2009-01-06T17:48:00.006-05:00

So here's a list of movies (past and present) that I'd like to see, as, duh, I haven't seen them yet. Some you will be SHOCKED I haven't seen. Some you will wonder what the hell is wrong with me, and WHY would I want to see them. And some you will HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE what they are. Read on if you're interested:

On DVD:
Lost In Translation (I own two copies of this movie...but I have yet to finish watching it)
Pursuit of Happyness
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Pineapple Express
Tropic Thunder
The Wackness
Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
LayerCake
Half Nelson
Wanted
Charlie Bartlett
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Secret Life of Bees

Waiting for DVD/On Demand:
Nothing Like the Holidays
Twilight
Rachel Getting Married

Just Out:
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Ghajni (Bollywood version of Memento)

Coming Soon:
He's Just Not That Into You
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Watchmen (I hope it will be out soon)
Little Ashes (Love ANYTHING about Dali)

Anybody have any other recommendations?

P.S. I just saw that the movie DUCKMAN is out on DVD. have any of you every seen Duckman? Classic. Classic film.

It's a Dark Brown Day, Sugar Brown

2009-01-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

I'm starting off my new blog on a dark note. I'm cranky. I hurt. And I'm ready to crawl underneath my desk and hibernate for a little while. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's business. Maybe it's the food poisoning over the weekend I'm recovering from. I just can't bare to stay here any longer...nor do I feel like going to workout after this. It's such a lame excuse. I haven't worked out in 2 weeks (lame excuse #2-"it's the holidays")...but I'm mostly on water and fat-free greek yogurt/basmati rice to settle my stomach...and I'm feelin' WEAK. Just read an entry on my more seasoned blogger/friend, AnthonyP (http://anthonyplovesme.blogspot.com -- check out his adventures in India). he had a similar situation happen to him. But he's on the other side of the world. In South Asia. Eating food made in who knows what. I ate WAY too much sushi, and chased that with WAY too much Pinot Grigio. Silly wine. (If you haven't heard, Pinot & I are in a fight. I'm giving it the silent treatment).

Crap...I'm feeling the beginnings of a new zit. Aren't I too old for this???

P.S. Not all blogs will be as whiny as this. Some may, but not all. I'll put a disclaimer next time, in case you want to avoid my cranky posts.

The Ups & Downs of Brown (Sugar Brown)

Baby Dancing to Beyonce

Good Girls Go Bad- Cobra Starship OFFICIAL VIDEO *HQ*

Ooooh, We're HalfWay Theeere...

I Wish I Craved Broccoli

Adriana Lima: Chocoholic to Chocophobe

Mmmm....sounds good....

How Dangerous Would This Be For Me & My Wallet?

This goes for Pre-, Current, & Post-Pregnancy...

I wonder if this might help...

1 Down...

Where Is It From?

Skating Babies - Evian

Randomness of the Day

Two Down...

Thank you, thank you!

Never thought I'd say this, but...

Movie Time!

Randomness of the Day

The Perfect Mommy?

RIP: In Memoriam of MJ

Randomness of the Day

Randomness of the Day

My Favoritest Biggest Loser

Randomness of the Day

For My Bermuda Brethren

One More for Good Measure

Put the Lime in the Coconut...

Thank you, IT Pav

Randomness of the Day

Sweet, delicious cravings

Interesting Plug

Sad Panda, Where Are You Today?

Things to do before I go broke...

12 Weeks!

My Heaven

Randomness of the Day

Time for Tea

I Was Right All Along!!

New Way to Procrastinate

Wow....I mean WOW

BTW

Randomness of the Day

I still miss the Original...

The Notebook MTV Best Kiss Award

Cupcake Campers Unite!

Bright Side of the Sun...

I Repeat...

Where'd You Go, Joe?

Randomness of the Day

I Need a New Attitude...

Randomness of the Day

Randomness of the Day

Randomness of the Day

Randomness of the Day

Am I Missing Out?

Kissing Satellite

Foodie & the Restaurants

New Lunch Spot!

Sunday Cupcaking Sunday

OMG...LMNOP...

Go Martha! Go Martha!

Mo' Yos!

My "Blue" Playlist

Train of Thought for the Day

Fairy Tales

Sugar Brown's Train of Thoughts for the Day

Lemon Tart Update

No More!!

Heart Meets Life

Happy Birthday!!

My New Year's Hopelutions

How the Fauna Finds Flora

When Life Hands You Lemons...Make Lemon Tarts!

Dear Gossip Girl - Southern Mothers ft. Matt Pearson

Reedonculii

Let's All Go to the Movies...

It's a Dark Brown Day, Sugar Brown

Good Girls Go Bad- Cobra Starship OFFICIAL VIDEO HQ