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Sprinkles Cupcakes Comes to Las Vegas!

3/21/2014

I came.

I saw.

I ate a vegan cupcake.

And it was good.

(better than good, actually. It was absolutely brilliant.)

::cue the music:: SPRINKLES HAS ARRIVED!

A few weeks ago, my lovely friend Stesha (remember her?) invited to me to a sneak peek of the new Sprinkles Cupcakes. I'll admit, I was like, "Another cupcake place?" I had never really heard of it (clearly I live under a rock) but it looked cute, and hey! Free cupcakes! Her plus-one doesn't eat solids yet but mine devours them by messy handfuls. Yup, this event was tailor-made for the Bear.

So I made the momentous decision to pull him out of school for the last 45 minutes of the day. Having been raised by an educator, it was drilled into my head at an early age that YOU NEVER MISS SCHOOL. EVER. Particularly for a "cupcake party." I couldn't figure out if I was the best mom in the world or the worst, but I did not go into details when I told the front office what time I'd be picking him up. Yes, we have a dental appointment...::avoids eye contact, tires squeal out of parking lot::

Okay, back to these little treats. Located in the newly opened Linq off of Las Vegas Blvd, the store is directly next to Brooklyn Bowl. The giant ferris wheel is in the back and with restaurants lining the cobblestone street, the whole area feels really quaint. Not your idea of "the Strip," for sure. I definitely see more trips to the Linq in our future.

At the event, we were allowed to pick two cupcakes and one ice cream. THERE'S ICE CREAM? Of course, my tummy immediately seized up, thinking of that cold dairy, but then Stesha came running out shouting something about "blood orange sorbet!" WHAT?

And with that, all of my bases were covered.

I was shocked when they said they offered vegan cupcakes. I was even more blown away when I tasted the little concoction. It was amazing, in short. They also offer gluten-free, sugar-free, AND doggie cupcakes (just in case your pooch gets a craving). While the store front is small, there's the option of cupcake delivery OR cupcake pick-up as well.

And if that isn't enough, try the cupcake ATM.

Crap, what's my PIN number again?

I got Brian a pumpkin and dark chocolate cupcake to go, and Scotty enjoyed his vanilla-on-vanilla (what can I say? He appreciates the classics). Stesha got some kind of amazing cupcake-ice cream sandwich that consisted of two tops (frosted, naturally) with ice cream in the middle. It looked heavenly. And my blood orange sorbet was delicious.

(Check out the complete list of flavors here. You'll need to study it before your visit, trust me.)

Scott considers his options. Yes, he's holding a tree branch. Long story.

Because Stesha is Stesha and she has an inexhaustible supply of creativity, energy and card stock (I've seen her closet), she had to go the extra mile and make little signs. Ribbons and all. I'm not even sure I remembered to brush my hair and she shows up with signs. Did I mention she's my co-chair next year in Junior League (yay me!) We even got our picture on the Sprinkles Facebook page (mainly because of the cute children and signs, I'd imagine).

I think we all smile for cupcakes, cookies, and ice cream!

Sprinkles opens TODAY (!!) and word on the street has it that Holly Madison will be removing the first cupcake from the Cupcake ATM around 2pm today. Founder and cupcake wizard Candace Nelson will be there from 3pm-5pm, presumably to shake hands and pass out what else? More cupcakes!

Oh, and remember her plus-one, the little guy that doesn't eat solids yet? He got a tiny taste of chocolate goodness...and a new Sprinkles customer was born. Enjoy it, Ben!

The smile of a child who knows

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Running with Scott Jurek

3/13/2014

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This is shaping up to be the best week ever.

Monday, I appeared on the Morning Blend. Wednesday, I ran with my idol Scott Jurek. I need to pinch myself, I can barely believe my good luck. When did life get so...fun?

As you may recall, I first learned about the amazing Scott Jurek and his ultramarathon prowess in Born to Run. That book lead me to his book, also a bestseller, which I reviewed here. Over the last few months, I've changed my diet, my training, and my attitude towards running, all thanks in part to him.

Scott was in town hosting a talk at Red Rock Running in Henderson. I had known about this for several weeks, but on Wednesday morning, a friend told me he was also leading a 3-miler before the talk. I think part of my brain exploded upon hearing the news. You mean, not only do I potentially get to meet him, but I also can run with him? Holy guacamole!

I said a silent prayer that he set a reasonable pace (I was toast if it was 7:30 or less) and made sure my socks were clean. Yeah, baby!

I left early for the talk, worried that traffic might be an issue, but ended up at the running store with an hour to kill. I wandered around Whole Foods (adjacent to the store), too nervous to eat and frantically texting a friend. Yes, I recognize the irony in all of this. Monday, I was on live TV and felt barely ruffled. On Wednesday, I was pacing, shaking, and sweating like a fool. This just meant so much to me. Seven short months ago, I was vomiting and passing out in my closet after that awful 14-miler. His book helped me through that and now I was about to meet him in person...whoa. What would I say? [don't talk about vomit, don't talk about vomit] What if they all ran too fast? I'm still a new runner...the other folks might all be seasoned pros...who do I think I am? I don't even look like a runner...

In short, as the Oatmeal aptly describes, the Blerch was back. And that lazy, nasty beast was sitting comfortably on my shoulder, content to tell me just how worthless and stupid I was.

Pushing past the incredibly desire to get in my car and drive to blessed safety of my living room, I forced myself into the running store. As to be expected, everyone was really welcoming. I probably looked like a sweaty, crazy deer in headlights, clutching my copy of "Eat & Run" in response to their friendly hello's. I made small talk, pretending to look at the running shorts while keeping an eye out for him. Then, just like that, he walked through the door.

And I immediately hid behind a rack of tank tops.

Several more minutes of positive self-talk, I summoned the courage to say hi. Several women were already chatting with him, which helped, so I felt less awkward. And as soon as we said hello, it was easy. Like, super easy.

There were no pretenses about him, no ego. Just a tall dude in a bright yellow shirt that had a slight Minnesota-n twang. I told him I was from the Midwest, too, and loved his book (especially the vegan chili) and he very kindly posed for a photo with me. AH!

(he seemed a little nervous, too, which TOTALLY helped. He's a real person! Yay for being human.)

Trying very hard to not vomit on his shoes

The three mile run was awesome. By that point, my nerves were much calmer (and the pace never inched below nine minutes. Whew!) He very kindly ran with every single person at least once in the race; he'd chat for a few minutes, and then they would run ahead while he dropped back. I couldn't believe he was so generous with his time. There was no jostling for position, no mad dash to hang by his side. Everyone was gracious and well-behaved, proving my point once again that runners are a stand-up crowd.

During our chat, I snapped a selfie. Of course.

Scott Jurek selfie! OMG!

Yeah, I'm wearing make-up. I mean, the run/chat was at 6pm...this wasn't 6am boot camp in the dark. It felt odd, to be honest, and I was worried my lip gloss or eyeliner would smear during the run. Thankfully, everything seemed to stay put. Of course, I forgot to pick up more make-up remover, so by the time I got home, I couldn't take off my mascara. Consequently, I showed up at boot camp this morning looking like a tired raccoon, but what can you do?

Scott gave a quick talk in front of the crowd and then patiently answered questions. They ranged from his favorite ultramarathons in the country to his views on recovery and taper. They were running questions of the nerdiest kind, super technical and very specific. I loved it. At one point, I looked around at all the happy runners, clad in their bright shirts and non-cotton socks and thought happily, "These are my people."

A woman asked about the transition of going from a full marathon to an ultra, and Scott responded, "I was just chatting with a lady during the run who is doing that! Her first ultra is this year and she completed her first full in November." THAT WAS ME! HE LISTENED! TO ME!!!! I briefly worried about the use of the word "lady" (do I look old?) but decided to not question the semantics. Scott Jurek listened to my story and remembered it! And used it during his talk!

And this is how he signed my book.

Yeah, we're totally best friends now.

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She Speaks! Behind the Scenes at the Morning Blend

3/11/2014

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Perhaps you have been reading this blog for years but don't know me in person...you definitely know what I say, but not how I sound.

In case you are curious, here you go.

I am a real person. Who talks with her hands far too frequently and has a penchant for saying, "...you know?"

Despite that (and the mic pack that looks like it's about to crawl over my shoulder like a giant hairy cockroach), doing the Morning Blend was a crazy-fun way to spend the morning. I may be the one on camera, but so many people worked on securing, writing, and helping me prep for that segment. I totally get why actors who win Oscars need to thank a truckload of people. Here I was on a 6-minute segment of a local morning show and my list of people to thank is already 15 deep. (Erika, Jenn, Dalisa, Michelle, Katie, my mom, my husband, the pope...)

The day started with myself and the two students models waiting patiently in the Green Room. Much to my disappointment, the room was not actually green. Everyone who worked there was very friendly and smiley and appeared to be 23. (Suddenly, I felt so old). The show is live and starts promptly at 9am everyday, so they had us waiting on set by 8:55. Thankfully, we were the one right before the German Shepard rescue segment. I was a little worried the dog hair might get on the students' dresses. Also, that dog looked a little grouchy.

I was able to snap this pic before they went on air. The look I was going for was "Helpful Community Volunteer." I may not be the hottest girl or the smartest, but dammit if I'm not the most helpful.

Moments before we went live. I was trying really hard to not burst into totally inappropriate giggles. Why did I agree to do this? This wasn't a show designed to trip me up with hard questions, right? Are they going to ask me about Obamacare or Syria? Is my Spanx showing?

::tiny, silent prayer::

So I sucked in my tummy, smiled broadly, and channeled my inner Katie Couric.

Ah, much better. The host was cool and made me feel super comfortable.

(note: she is also TINY. Maybe 5'0" in heels. I look like an Amazon next to her).

And then our very sweet student models came out and I was able to relax and not think about myself (or Spanx.)

And then, we were done! That's a wrap, folks.

If you want to see more of Kim on Television, tune in next week for Part 2 -- I'll be on the MORE Show on Fox 5 here in Vegas, chatting again about Fashion Forward and Junior League. And saying silent prayers about my undergarments.

Hey! You want to come to the runway show for Fashion Forward? That's great! You can buy VIP tickets ($40) or regular admission seats ($25) on our website, www.jllv.org. It's a fantastic afternoon and a ton of fun. Come join us!

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Sprinkles Cupcakes Comes to Las Vegas!

Running with Scott Jurek

She Speaks! Behind the Scenes at the Morning Blend

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