One of music’s greats, Whitney Houston, is being laid to rest today.  I, as many of my generation, grew up with Whitney’s powerful voice showing us how it’s done.  I don’t remember there ever not being a Whitney Houston.  I was too young to remember when she was introduced to the world.

When the public mourns a celebrity, some say ”it’s not like you knew her/him”.  Oh, but I did know Whitney.  I know I remember singing ”How Will I Know” as a little girl.  I know that I don’t know anyone who sang or knew someone who sang a Whitney Houston song at a school graduation or talent show.  I know that I remember The Bodyguard soundtrack completely taking over the radio in the 90′s.  I know the goosebumps I felt, and still feel, listening to Whitney singing The Star Spangled Banner were real.  At the time, Whitney’s rendition of the national anthem brought pride to me and other young girls who looked just like me.  (We relentlessly talked about it in school the next day.)

So in the end, I may not have sat down and had a meal with Whitney or opened Christmas presents with her, but her music plays in the soundtrack of my life as it does many others.  And that will always be rememered and it will always be why I love her.  We wanted Whitney to “comeback” and rise above the demons that were evidently determined to weigh her down.  It’s ultimately sad that  she is gone, to say the least, but I’m glad we got to share her and her gift while she was here.

Rest in Peace Whitney.

georgetowncupcake.com

In cupcake news…DC’s Georgtown Cupcake has finally arrived in NYC.  This Saturday, the shop featured on TLC’s reality show, ”DC Cupcakes”, is opening a branch in SoHo.  (Yes.  Yes.  Yes.)  The grand opening celebration starts at noon and there will be free cupcakes!    Apparently, the shop will also be introducing three new NYC inspired flavors.  (Not quite sure what the heck that could be.  Bagel cupcake?)

If, like me, you always try to squeeze in a cupcake run when in the DC , now you won’t have to wait for that out-of-town trip.  All you’ll have to do is head over to SoHo.

Fair warning: if their lines are destined to be anything like the DC shop, prepare for lots of standing and waiting around.  (It’s almost absurd now that I think about it.  It’s just a cupcake!  But it is oh…so…tasty!)

The Web’s buzzing about Oscar nominated actress Viola Davis’ photos in the LA Times mag (and rightfully so).  She looks gorge! I love her short chic natural.  Now, if only I could see her like this in the movies….

Looks like folks want to boogie in the street in homage to Don Cornelius and Soul Train.  There’s a flash mob alert in circulation.  It’s going down today at 4pm in Times Square.  Would you partake in the ”NYC Soul Train Line Flash Mob”?  Check out the Facebook Event Page for more info.

Paul Natkin/WireImage

Yesterday, we lost a trailblazer when Don Cornelius died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to Los Angeles County assistant chief coroner, Ed Winter. Like many, ‘Soul Train’ was a huge part of my Saturday mornings as a kid. No one matched up to Don C’s smooth voice. It was perfect. Such as sad ending to his legacy. Conspiracy theories aside, suicide is real. Depression is real. Mental illness is real.  And if anyone is going through dark times, reach out. When one notices a change in a friend or relative, reach out. It’s easier said then done but never impossible. Rest in Peace Don Cornelius.

Singer Estelle is set to perform in the Big Apple.  I was jammin’ to Estelle‘s “Break My Heart” last summer and right now “Thank You” is my anthem.  I’m so excited to see British songstress Estelle perform.

She will be at Irving Plaza on Tuesday, February 28th.  Unfortunately, tickets have not gone on sale yet. (They should  be $22 when they finally are on sale.)  So if you, like me, really want to see her, stalk the box office at Irving Plaza at 17 Irving Plaza New York, NY 10003, (212) 777-6800 and keep tabs on the Ticketmaster or Live nation sale pages. Cheers!

Update 2/1/2012: Tickets on sale now!! The price will be $33 online with taxes and surcharges.  Are you going?

My birthday was last month and, of course I had to have my hairapy session with hairstylist Nedjetti in time for my festivities.  I got my usual steam treatment, scalp massage, blowout and trim.  But, instead of a twist updo like the ones I’ve gotten in the past, I got an elegant bun updo.  (see photo above.)

On another note….I love desserts.  It would be a crime not to mention my bday cupcakes.  I ordered them from BCake NY bakery in Brooklyn, NYC.  The chocolate Baileys seen below were heavenly.  Delicious, fluffy and flavorful.  I’m not the biggest chocolate lover and these cupcakes were definitely one of my favs.

Had to throw in some red velvet!  All I can say is yumm. :)

We lost music legend Etta James today.  She paved the way for many.  Her music and legacy won’t be forgotten.

Etta James was one of the many musicians I was introduced to by shuffling through my dad’s old record collection.  What a voice!  Earlier, I saw this quote attributed to Etta James online: “The two things you can’t fake are good food and good music.”  I love it!  I can’t pick just one song.  Do you have a favorite Etta James song?

iPhone 4 Case Leather- Alice… TinderBloom $27.00	The Snow White Ipad Apple Ma… nowaygallery $6.80	iCARBONS Light Wood iPad 1st… iCarbons $24.95
Live Love Laugh – laptop or … edithandelizab… $5.00	iPad 2 Case Cover made from … ReAuthored $59.00	Air Mail – iPad Slip Sleeve … ShopZeroGravit… $37.50
Boombox Apple iPad 2 Gel Ski… stickitskins $19.99	iPad2 “Book Style”… RooKCasE $49.99	iPad case, sleeve, Eco Frien… SewMuchStyle $48.00
Apple iPhone 4 4S Decal Skin… skunkwraps $9.95	Ipad 2 Leather Book Cover Ca… joevleather $75.00	iPad stand – Walnut wood (… xwood2010 $36.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Had a good Christmas?  I hope so!  Wishing you all the best for the new year.  I appreciate all of you reading this blog.  From my heart,  thank you so much.  I’ll be back in the new year with some more posts.

;)