Friendship Bracelet

Photo Courtesy of Vivo.

Here's The Chicest Little...
Friendship bracelet I've come across. Perfect for someone you love, or if you're looking to be your own best friend. ($95 for silver plated, $105 for gold plated; Vivo-Studios.com)
Toni Braxton and Babyface

Photo: Marc Baptiste

Toni Braxton and BabyFace
Are two of the greats when it comes to good old-fashioned rhythm and blues and groovy soul. She's hot, hot, hot; he's smooth as, well, a baby's face. When I saw them sing together recently, their chemistry was a force to be reckoned with. Love Marriage & Divorce, their first collaboration since 1992, came out last month, and all I can say is that it's intimate, sensual, and very moving. The cut that stayed in my head is "Where Did We Go Wrong?"—not anyplace I can see!
Ellen DeGeneres

I've Been to The Oscars®...
A few times, and I can tell you that as much fun as it is to attend, it's every bit as great to watch the show curled up on the sofa, preferably in something flannel. That's my plan for March 2, when ABC airs the 86th annual Academy Awards show, hosted by the always funny Ellen DeGeneres. I tune in from the moment the red carpet rolls out and stay right through the Best Picture acceptance speech. I'm so bummed about The Butler, but I'll still be watching!
Gayle and Jimmy Fallon

Photo: Lloyd Bishop

Just When I Promised Myself...
I wouldn't get hooked on another one-hour TV thing, along comes The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He's not only a genius mimic and great sketch comic, but the man doesn't have a mean bone in his body—he just wants everybody to sit back, relax, and have a good time. Between Dave, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan, and now this, it's a wonder my DVR doesn't explode! Special shout-out to Jimmy's house band, the Roots—the show wouldn't be the same without them.
With my kids, Will and Kirby, South Africa, 2000

Photo Courtesy of Gayle King

Honoring Mandela
"The Madiba song may have ended, but its melody lingers on."—Bantu Holomisa, Mandela family friend

I was honored to attend the small private burial for Nelson Mandela. It's been nearly three months since we lost him, but I'll always remember how astonishing it was that even the prison guards who reviled him came to revere him. I think his greatest gift was his ability to see the humanity in everyone. The world would be a very peaceful place if we could all try that.
NewBalance Running Shoes

Photo: Gregor Halenda

If I Ever Decide...
To take up running (and I can't begin to imagine that happening), I'd go for the brightest-colored shoes I could find. Luckily, this reflective, glow-in-the-dark pair looks great on my nightly power walk to the refrigerator. ($90; NewBalance.com)

Next: Gayle King takes you behind the scenes of Sarah Jessica Parker's new shoe line SJP