Mrs. Fields Cookie Cups

Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Mrs. Fields is famous for cookies but the menu offers a lot more than the standard chocolate chip, sugar and peanut-butter cookie.I love a good, warm cookie and I love cupcakes, so a cupcake in cookie form really takes the cake!  Mrs.Fields' Cookie Cups are thick chocolate chip cookies (think of stuffing classic chocolate chip cookie dough into a cupcake tin ) and topped with decorative frosting. They look just like Cupcakes!

Mrs. Fields can be found in pretty much any mall and that's where I  picked up some of Santa's favorite (upgraded) Christmas Eve treats while I shopped for Christmas gifts.  There's a"regular size", which is close to a standard a cupcake and there's also Mini Cookie Cups. 

 The mall only had Mini Cookie Cups available that day and when you buy three, you get one for free but prices aren't listed (four Mini Cup Cakes will cost ya $3.95). 

Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Since the young girl behind the counter asked which ones I wanted I thought there would be different cookie flavors to choose from but she let me know that there's only chocolate chip Cookie Cups. I didn't really care which color frosting I got on my Mini Cookie Cups but I was happy I got one purple one! 

If it wasn't for the frosting fit for a (mini) Cupcake, I could have easily finished each bite size

chocolate chip cookie in a single bite. The cookies were pretty fresh, not warm and fresh out of the oven but not hard, crunchy and crumbly either. At least one of my Mini Cookie Cups had frosting which was hardened more than the others but it was still eatable. It's a good thing I still had some shopping to do because these little guys pack a serious sugar rush! Two out of  four Mrs. Fields Mini Cookie Cups was more than enough to send me on my merry way and with copious amounts of sugar pumping through my blood I got all of my shopping done!

Secure your spot on the Nice List and leave Santa a Cookie Cup to help him power through Christmas Eve night! 

Happy Holidays! May all of your cookie dreams come true!

Cold Specks @ Brick & Mortar 11/21/2014

Cold Specks, the Rock/R&B group  from Canada lead by the head strong artist Al Spx, played at Brick and Mortar in San Francisco's Mission District on November 21st. Currently on tour in support of her sophomore album, Neuroplasticity, the self described "Doom Soul" singer/song-writer sauntered on to the stage close to 11:00. 

Cold Specks at Brick & Mortar 11/21/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Accompanied only by a saxophonist, her guitar and a docile face strewn with a fierce seriousness, she eased the room into the power ambient set. Compelled to observe the show in silence, the respectful audience welcomed the rest of the band to the stage with a quick and quite flurry of wholehearted applause before the start of the next song. 

Cold Specks at Brick & Mortar 11/21/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Most of the set consisted of songs off of 2014's Neuroplasicity. Heavy hitting songs embellished with steady guitar chords, pounding percussion, deep baritone sax and her impressive range of intense, velvety vocals, the 26 year old Canadian artist and her tight-knit band effortlessly evoke a "Deep South" sound, the kind that sticks to your bones. Spx lightened the mood with occasional  dry, monotone exchanges which were met with some light laughter before the room fell silent again. Playing well beyond midnight, Cold Specks delivered a spellbinding show and fans in San Francisco where more than happy to stay until the end to see it all. 

Now that the North American leg of the tour is over, Cold Specks will be bringing the show over seas in 2015! 

First Aid Kit @ The Fox Theater 11/13/2014

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

Swedish sisters, Johanna and Klara Soderberg of First Aid Kit filled the beautiful Fox Theater in Oakland with their charming country- inspired folk songs on November 13th.










Mimicking the  sisters' fashion sense a good number girls sporting over-sized wide brimmed hats, flowing maxi dresses and rustic boots  gathered inside  to see whimsical sounds from Stay Gold, the band's debut full length LP performed live.

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

Tangibly blue stories of a broken heart on the mend,  lifted by warm melodies and the sisters' breezy harmonies were abruptly interrupted early on in the set when all sound on the stage was lost for a few, very long seconds.







Fans reassured the fresh faced, trend setting country duo on with respectful cries of "we love you" and First Aid Kit was back  in the swing of things in no time, picking up right were they were cut-off in the middle of "Ghost Town".

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

(my guess is fuses at The Fox finally blew after two sold-out Slayer shows the previous nights).

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

The eager crowd grew anxious with anticipation but the modest sister act remained patient. They coolly announced how excited and truly surprised they were to be back at The Fox Theater playing a sold-out, headlining show. This exchange only riled fans more, of course but it was a delightfully and very genuine way to engage and connect with their Bay Area fan base.

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

Cheery banter continued as mellow country-twang induced hymns and the classic combo of simple bass and drums swirled amidst sparkly synths, of which give tracks from Stay Gold their poppy edge.

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

The duo pleasantly captivated their audience a midst the sheer size of The Fox Theater in Oakland. Although their sound calls for somewhat of a more intimate setting , like that of The Chapel here in San Francisco, the talents of First Aid Kit still shined at the grandiose venue.

First Aid Kit at The Fox Theater 11/13/2014
Photo by Marc Fong 

Norton Boldly Go Concert Series with G. Love & Special Sauce presented by Pandora @ The Chapel 11/11/2014

G. Love and Special Sauce @ The Chapel 11/11/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

After nearly a decade since their last performance together, the original line-up of the blusey alt. hip-hop group, G. Love and Special Sauce celebrated the 20th anniversary of their self-titled first album and the recent release of their new album, Sugar with a free show at The Chapel in San Francisco.

 

 

G. Love and Special Sauce @ The Chapel 11/11/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The show, which was part of the  Norton Boldly Go Concert Series presented by Pandora, was free if you RSVP-ed so it was no surprise that the line to get inside stretched down Mission Street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chapel was packed soon after doors opened with attendees swarming the live screen printing to get their customizable G. Love posters and the bars were bombarded as fans took advantage of the full, open bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 At 8:00, Garret Dunton a.k.a G. Love, up-right bassist Jim Prescott and drummer Jeffery Clemens humbly hit the stage  under a rotating disco ball spitting reflections on the full house and the night gave way to their R&B beats with a country twang. G. Love and Special Sauce don't  conform to one genre of music or another, rather they create a jamboree with a refined sound and the acoustics at The Chapel suited the band without a hitch. This mix of their "raw funk",   vivacious vibe and graciousness effortlessly invites show-goers to let loose and just enjoy the music.

 

G. Love and Special Sauce @ The Chapel 11/11/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

G. Love and Special Sauce @ The Chapel 11/11/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

Their energy charged, hour long set, loosely followed their set-list and Dunton's banter included thanking Pandora, Norton, SF fans for being there and he also welcomed standup bassist, Jim Prescott back to the band.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G. Love and Special Sauce @ The Chapel 11/11/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

The reunited G. Love and Special Sauce put on a heartfelt, wholesome fun show and they'll be back in town early next year to play at The Fillmore!

Cupcakes of cheer!

My store manager scheduled the Holiday Meeting at the end of October in order to go over seasonal drink recipes, holiday merchandise and Christmas-time promotions which rolled out in early November. This annual, mandatory store meeting was scheduled to end at 9:00pm which is not only after our store hours but it's also outside of many of my co-workers' availability (mine included). 

To sweeten the unsavory deal, one of our Shift Supervisors, Tatiana, told us that she would bring cupcakes to the meeting! Sure enough, she showed up right on time and unveiled a Tupperware filled with more than enough Red Velvet cupcakes for everyone! With a  dash of green sprinkles over the frosting, her cupcakes had the traditional Christmas color combo of red and green and I quickly gave in to the soft aroma their of sugary goodness. 

Before my first bite, Tatiana told me that she couldn't find cream-cheese frosting at the store so she used a Vanilla frosting by Betty Crocker. The sweet plain vanilla went well with the richness of red velvet and I enjoyed the variation to the the standard Red Velvet Cream Cheese Frosting pairing. 

It wasn't as rich and decedent...it was a little more sweet and it was just as delicious. 

She used a Duncan Hines cake mix and baked a delicately moist cake that definitely had the signature red velvet flavor and vibrant color with a freshness that you only get with cupcakes baked the same day. I couldn't resist the scrumptious distraction and stuffed my face with two cupcakes before our two hour Holiday meeting was over!

Since then, Tatiana has put in her two weeks to move on to bigger and better things at the job of her dreams! It has been a joy to work with Tatiana: she's hard worker with a heart of gold and she always knows how to make her co-workers smile, inside and outside of work. I'm really going to miss working with this lovely lady but I couldn't be more happy for her! Flying the friendly skies will be even more friendly now. :) 

Good luck TT! 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr @ The Fillmore 10/22/2014

There's been  a lot of buzz in SF since their 2011 debut, It's a Corporate World but the  turnout was surprisingly sparse at The Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr show at The Fillmore on October 22nd.

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ The Fillmore 10/22/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ The Fillmore 10/22/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

The foursome from Detroit spaciously stretched across the stage in front of a set of fun marquee lights that read  JR JR whose bright bulbs initiated the playfulness the band is known for. Show goers at The Fillmore were delightfully receptive to the chirpy electro-tinged tunes of the lighthearted indie-pop set: murmuring the lyrics to songs and toe-tapping along. Epstein and Zott's warm harmonies accentuated the intricate layers of upbeat hooks while their vocals added an indie touch to the danceable tracks.

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ The Fillmore 10/22/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

What their sort of subdued stage presence lacked was made up for by the sunny disposition of their songs and the surprise cascade of bubbles!

The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. tour ends this weekend with back to back hometown shows at The Crofoot Ballroom.

Kimbra @ The Independent 10/20/2014

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

New Zealand-born, Australian-based songstress, Kimbra performed in San Francisco for the very first time to a sold-out crowd at The Independent on October 20th.

 

 

 

 

The musical taste of the 24th year old singer/songwriter/musician is unique to say the least: with her soulful ballad singing style and an experimental funk, electro-pop fusion inspired by the liking of prog rock and metal, Kimbra's sound stretches across the spectrum.

 

 

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beaming in a cape of gold which she soon shed to reveal a structured shiny silver dress seemingly made of sheets of reflective metal, she mirrored an imaginative image of the name of her 2014 album, The Golden Echo but it was her fiery smile and bubbly spirit that really shined.

 

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

 Keyboardist Ben Davey and Synth mixer Fegan Wilcox from her first album Vows were missing but the familiar faces of drummer Stevie McQuinn and guitarist Timon Martin were joined by two new bandmates and the five of them jive exceedingly well live. Exploring the multifaceted genre of pop music, songs from her first album have a more modern, soulful spin while the new stuff weighs in heavy on the pop platform with her signature Kimbra twist.

 All of her songs remain youthful and fun with a mature appeal.



Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

 

Meticulous melodies colorful with vigorous drums and rhythmic guitar were brought to life by

Kimbra's age defying bellowing vocals juxtaposed  with her composed frenzy of charactercher-ish expressions. 

Shout outs to San Fran sprinkled the set which was dominated by catchy jazz inspired melodies which carried the theatrical pop songs, old ("Settle Down", "Two Way Street", "Something in the Way You Are", "Cameo Lover") and new ("Teen Heat", "Carolina", "90's Music", "Goldmine", "Rescue Him", "Nobody But You").

 

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

Kimbra at The Independent 10/20/2014
Photo by Marc Fong

 

 

 

Kimbra definitely knows how to put on a show. She relentlessly impresses beyond her undeniable musical capabilities with an effervescent crowd interaction and endearing showmanship which will surely lend a hand in selling out the remaining shows of The Golden Echo Tour.

Mini Carrot and Pumpkin Cupcakes

 

My cousin Shannon did a lovely job turning the banquet room at the Wildfox Restaurant in Novato into a cute and cozy space fit for a baby shower, her baby shower to be exact! Along with her DIY burlap banners and big fluffy homemade tissue decorations, the mommy to be also displayed some baby clothes she knitted herself and next to this adorable display lay a plate filled with cute mini-cupcakes!

 

 

The dessert menu at the Rustic-Chic restaurant isn't as extensive as the lunch menu ,so my cousin Shannon brought the mini cupcakes from Paradise Market in Novato. 

Carrot Cake and Pumpkin were the "Autumn appropriate" flavors she chose for the shower and they looked so small and cute with little spiral dollops of  frosting! 

 

 

Paradise Market bakes some of their cake/cupcakes in house, but these two particular flavors are delivered to the grocery store daily from an outside, local bakery. So, even though they were store bought, they were fresh and fresh cupcakes are always best!

 

The Carrot Cake had generous shreds of carrot inside along with a smidge of spice. A lot of carrot cake that I have had doesn't have carrots packed in like that and, there were no raisins, at least in the mini carrot cupcake I had anyway. The cream cheese frosting was sweet and not too cream cheesy, with heaps of walnut pieces on top!

I didn't pick up on the Pumpkin in the other mini cupcake, however,  soft hints of sweet spice did lace the "Pumpkin" cake. Though you could see flecks of spice throughout it's spice frosting,  it was just a subtle spicy sweetness.
The frosting on both mini cupcakes was super creamy but I don't think that it was  buttercream frosting and both of the cakes of these mini cupcakes were velvety fresh.

After a big lunch these little treats were just right as family and friends continued to celebrate the Mommy to be and her (then) bun in the oven, Baby Quinn.

Congrats cousin! Next year we get to eat cake at Baby Quinn's first Birthday Party!

 

 

Smallpools are coming to The Independent in San Francisco!

Smallpools are selling out shows across the country on their current headlining, North American tour. 

The Los Angeles based indie-pop quartet will be wrapping up their 29 date, month long run in Vancouver on November 25th with Magic Man and Panama Wedding. Before they cross the border up North, Smallpools is bring the same line-up to the The Independent in San Francisco on November 20th! 

Check out  Smallpools' Instagram for details on how to win a private drum lesson from their drummer Beau at every show while the're on the road! 

Pillar Point open for Of Montreal @ The Great American Music Hall 10/15/2014

 

Both Of Montreal shows at The Great American Music Hall on October 14th and 15th were sold out but before they took the stage, Seattle based genre bending band, Pillar Point kept the crowd grooving with synthy-indie tunes following an explosive set from the openers, Battlehooch.

 

Pillar Point opening for Of Montreal @ The Great American Music Hall 10/15/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

Singer/songwriter Scott Reitherman of the indie-pop band, Throw Me the Statue, explores the depths of melancholy electronica with his new solo project, Pillar Point, with a subtle, sparkly flare.

The Bay Area native was joined on stage by a fellow synthesizer player and a drummer, while he himself jumped between his own synths and guitar giving his sound a shoe-gaze spin. His demeanor was cool as he delivered textured dance beats from the self-titled 2014 debut LP, which flowed over the room of chatty, swaying show goers. Picking up the tempo by the third song, Reitherman had warmed up to the crowd by then and the sense of him finding his comfort zone on stage brightened up the vibe of the show.  Mellow, yellow hues and swirling pops of bright light accentuated the youthful vibrance to the otherwise sleepy songs, like the single "Dreamin". His enthusiastic performance left him drenched in sweat which you could see seeping through his long-sleeved button up.

 

 

Pillar Point @ The Great American Music Hall 10/15/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Pillar Point @ The Great American Music Hall 10/15/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of Montreal @ The Great American Music Hall 10/15/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bands on the bill that night each have an element of experimentation within their indie-rack stature: Battlehooch with their ensemble of progressive jam-rock, Pillar Point's layered, sullen synth filled, danceable emo-electro-rock and the modern day disco, funky, folky sounds from glam rock/performance art headliners Of Montreal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparably different, the opening bands complimented each other well and were warmly welcomed and enjoyed by Of Montreal fans eager for the final act.

 

Of Montreal @ The Great American Music Hall 10/15/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 



Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014

One day after the release of her second studio album Zola Jesus premiered the tour in support of Taiga at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco! 

Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

The eclectic artist drew a diverse group to the classy venue ranging from middle aged men sharing stories about the seven times they've seen Zola Jesus, younger flamboyant drunk guys starting fights in the front with uptight ladies and a good mix of grown-up goths.I was glad that I got there a little bit early because the show started 15 minutes before it was scheduled to! A towering 3-D glacier faintly illuminated the full brass section on the right as well as the keyboardist and the drummer on the left as the star of the show took center stage. I knew it was the record release show, however I was a little surprised when I realized that the new album was  being played in it's entirety seeing that it had just been released the day before. Faithful fans showered the top of each song of the set with joyful applause




Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Though small in size, Nika Roza Danilova (better known by her stage name Zola Jesus) carries a monumentous stage presence with a fierce energy and the positive reaction from fans fueled her fire. She transformed into a force larger than life right in front of our eyes with strong, unique and steady baritone vocals paired with interesting dancing and intense stomping fits, the 25 year old single-handedly conveys an inviting assurance. There were hardly pauses between songs but at one point, under a character breaking small bashful smile, she addressed her SF fans directly thanking them for the support from the very beginning and for their continued support. As wild cheers arose she went on: "this is strangely...exhilerating...it's been a while..." .



Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Zola Jesus @ Bimbo's 365 Club 10/8/2014
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

The dark yet positive music sounded great in the small room at Bimbo's and just 45 minutes into the set Zola Jesus announced the next song would be the last. "Don't worry, we'll be back" she told whimpering fans. The  final exchange was touching and quite fitting  for the final song of the show, "It's Not Over." 

Zola Jesus waved and thanked us for the support as she walked off the stage of her successful first show of the Taiga tour! Taiga is available to enjoy on iTunes and Spotify!

SET LIST 10/8/2014

1. Taiga
2. Dangerous Days

3. Dust

4. Hunger

5. Go (Blank Sea) 

6. Ego

7. Lawless

8. Nail

9. Hollow

10. Long Way Down 

11. It's Not Over