Aubrey Up Close

Here are a few more of the segments I’ve been voicing over for the Miami HEAT…the Karaoke package is a MUST see, with the Miami HEAT players singing up a storm! From James Jones and Michael Beasley singing their version of Usher’s You Got It Bad; to Dwyane Wade and Dorell Wright teaming up for R. Kelly’s I Believe I can Fly; then Daequan Cook doing his rendition of Beyonce’s Single Ladies; and finally a team effort on Boyz II Men’s End of the Road!

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And next time you attend a Miami HEAT home game listen up, you might just hear my voice!

I saw an advance screening of new movie It’s Complicated - starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. The film opens Christmas Day and I must say its very charming. I think even though it appears to be about “older, middle-age” love…it’s still the same love issues. The ex that you can’t quite let go of and still sort of wonder what if? Then the newcomer who you like, but aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to move on and not look back, then the ex comes back and confuses you more… Certainly many situations I was easily able to relate to when it comes to dating! There is one scene which I really enjoyed…let’s just say Croissant making! Hmmm…maybe that’s because I love eating croissants! lol

I spent the last week in NYC – part business, always pleasure and of course it was 100% hustle. I stayed with my good friend and Raiderette sister Tamae, who’s a high fashion designer – for Ishii NYC,  living on the Upper East Side with his Persian Cats and a long-hair chihuahua named Dauphine, nicknamed “Fatty” ..she weighs a whole 3 pounds and has more than 50 doggy couture outfits! lol

The day I arrived it was rainy, and everyone was saying it just got cold, but PLEASE, with my thin blood, anything under 70 is “ice cubes!” haha Nonetheless, I met up with my cousin Gemmie who was in NYC visiting from ATL, and then Tamae took me to Max Brenner Chocolate for some really tasty hot chocolate. On Sunday, we ventured out to a NY Knicks game at MSG…my first time there EVER! It was a lot smaller than I expected, but definitely a packed house with loyal fans…and they won!

My cousin Arielle came down for the day from SUNY Purchase to hang out…

…and we had great seats..right behind the visitor’s bench..happened to be the NJ Nets that day!

That night we had dinner at TAO with a friend from the Daily News, and feasted on a decadent dessert platter!

Monday I met up with my artist VADO in Harlem for his photo shoot!

Thanks to Ivan, Abby, Manda and Natalie…lots of different looks, it was good times!!

Betweeen Monday and Tuesday I was running around shooting segments for On The Flipside and Locker Blogger, went by the CAVI NYC office and also visited with the Stereotypes who were in town recording….then Tuesday night Anjelah Johnson flew in, so we had to meet up too!

Last but not least, I can’t forget the cupcakes! Tamae insisted I have these before I go… and man were they YUMMY!!

A Vanilla with Strawberry frosting and a “Brooklyn Blackout!”

My good friend and a Miami FAVORITE – DJ Irie is competing in the McDonald’s Flavor Battle! Who knew the “golden arches” were so down for an element of hip-hop!?!? The national DJ competition has Irie facing off against the legendary Salt-N-Pepa DJ, Spinderella and songwriter/producer Bryan-Michael Cox.

In this “spin off,” each DJ is reppin’ their own Mickey D’s burger, the Third Pound Angus (Irie), Big Mac (Spin) and the Double Quarter Pounder w/Cheese (B. Cox), and then people can vote for each DJ based on their old-school, new-school and R&B mixes.

The competition is now winding down in its final two weeks…so make sure to VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! http://365black.com Personally I think the Third Pound Angus burger is the way to go…I’m just sayin’!! “FLAVOR BATTLE” anybody?? I hope IRIE wins…maybe that’ll mean free burgers FOR LIFE!! lol …writing this is making me HUNGRY!!

I celebrated my birthday this past week and was definitely feeling the LIBRA LOVE! I got flowers and balloons, fruit and had a little champagne too!!

I am truly blessed with such thoughtful friends and family. I received SO MANY birthday calls, cards, emails, tweets and facebook posts….I’m barely getting caught up now!

Then we hit up Rosa Mexicano in Brickell for my birthday dinner! It was a nice, intimate celebration…

Another year is in the books, with a new one to look forward too!!

Good food and good friends…what more could a girl ask for!?

Check out my feature story on a brand new lounge/resto in downtown Miami. This place is very cool and the foods not bad either! It has a nice VIP, lounge and cool effects like an interactive wall and bar that respond to movement and touch! The only other place they have this technology are in the U.K. and Singapore…pretty chic, eh? I’ll also be hosting an event here for Title beverage next Friday the 18th…but either way, I like this spot..and it’s just down the street from my place!

I just got back from a wonderful (extended) weekend back home in the Bay Area! I truly covered the whole Bay…drove on just about every freeway and crossed more than one bridge! From SF down the peninsula..San Jose to the East Bay…and even into Wine Country, it was a nice escape from the humidity and a reminder of the GREAT family and friends I am blessed with!!

From a Hennessy Artistry event in the 408 with my girls to celebrate Shonte’s birthday… Thanks to Tony (Kinetix) and Frankie Needles for making it a memorable night.

It was a Raiderette reunion with a few of my San Jose O.G.’s sprinkled in!

Then to a beautiful wedding at Ruby Hill for the new Mr. and Mrs. Caleca, with Cora as my date..it’s out second wedding together! lol These ladies are some of oldest and dearest friends…LOVE THEM!!!

I even enjoyed a nice Sunday afternoon picnic in Napa in Oakville at Diamond Oaks winery…and that was a first for me…I mean MY Bay Area doesn’t really include “Napa/Sonoma”…but it was fun and I will be back for wine tasting!!

We had perfect weather and ate lunched from atop a hill with a beautiful vista view. This trip I even squeezed in a lunch with the “Three Amigos” at Tres Agaves by the SF Giant’s Ballpark…

…followed by a dinner at Sino at Santana Row with my sister Ade and Brian Tong of CNET fame! Until the next Bay Area episode…

Pollo Tropical is now serving grilled chicken wings and it became my assignment to take them to the masses and see what “the people” think! And, in Deco style I suited up with my own set of *Pretty Wings* (VS Angel style) and a couple wingmen to do the taste tests on Miami Beach… In my opinion the wings are really good without dipping sauce, I’m all about ranch though (even though that’s not tropical). lol I love their Mango Tropichiller too! Sorry West Coast…no Pollo Tropical for you.