from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie leeda kotb. live from studio 1-a in rockefeller plaza. all righty, thursday, so happy you're with us, january 14th. we have a great show today. two ladies from our plaza didn't win the ut they're still lucky. >> ambush makeovers. >> they look like they won the power ball. >> they couldn't be happier. >> we'll head into thehow you how to make mexican tacos, a staple, but this will

going to blow your mind. >> everybody's delicious. really be really, we've done almost 100 everyone has a story now. this love story is so incredible you have to stick around to hear>> this is everyone has a love story? >> yes. >> i like it. >> it's love on so many different levels. that's what's amazing. a couple of teenagers, okay, at the beginning. >> a teenage couple. >> all kinds of things oscars came out. >> the nominations. >> and they looked sort of like i guess the way you would expect, right? was a few surprises. the rev nant got the most, 12 nominations. >> included director, best supporting actor. what is revanant? >> it's the true story of this man after he got mauled by a

it and they said it's simply superb. >> "mad max fury road" has theost nominations with ten director. >> in the best actor category, bryan cranston, who a lot of people thought he would have won the golden globe, hematt damon was nominated for "the martian." >> michael fassbender for steve jobs. >> who was also overlooked?redmayne, everyone likes him, "the danish girl." >> matt won the golden globe for best actor in a wasn't a comedy. you saw it a couple times. cate jennifer lawrence for "joy."

young -- it's spelled ed ed 'll see that movie this weekend because everybody says it's just beautiful. and brie just won a golden best performance in a drama. >> supporting actors include christian bale for "the big short.""spotlight." we loved "bridge of spies." loved it. >> we were very was overlooked. and sylvester stallone for we'll see what happens there. supporting actress, jennifer jason leigh for "the hateful

and kate winslet for "stevebs." oh, and best picture. >> there's quite a few. "the big short." "bridge of spies." which we love." "the revenant" and you can have up to ten, right? >> that's a lot of nominations. >> some sad news, hear about this last night. it must have just been reported. >> allen rickman has passed away. only 69 years old. just like david bowie.ou're right. >> a couple of days ago. >> from dancer er cancer as well. >> he's best known as harry potter. i remember him from "love actually." >> your favorite movie. >> he kind of who's cheating on his wife and tries to sneak around. >> is that mr. bean? >> yes, mr. bean is wrapping his present. and he's buying it for hise's worried his

>> then he deserves to get caught. all right, so ellen pranked matt yet already starting because it was heating up when matt wore those high heels. this one involves a special ellen gave to matt to take to the white house. >> just this past tuesday. >> he was on his way to the white house to interview the i said, could you do me a favor and sneak an ellen pencil in to the president's desk? and he didn't know that i was that. i didn't think he'd do it but look at this. >> everybody who's playing a part in that growth and contributing to that success. so with that, let me sign this memorandum.k you very much everybody. >> that is just genius. how do they do that? >> they do everything.

>> i don't know. >> that's going to be a good one. >> i just hope he doesn't get hurt in the process. he's been hurt so much lately. frenzy i'm glad is over. the largest ever lottery jackpot. >> there were three winning tickets sold. e to divvy up that -- >> i don't think they're complaining. >> they were sold in chino hills, california, mumford, tennessee, and inare the number. here are the numbers again. 8, 27, 34, 4, 19 and a powerball of 10. i bet you if 34bet you there would have been like 40 winners because they're all cole alendar days. most people when they pick their pick something from the calendar go their birthday or anniversary. most people don't pick that as a >> why not? >> because you remember dates, like, it's my anniversary. >> what if you've been married for 55 years?

i'm just trying to follow your logic through, sorry. everybody's nodding. never mind. all right this is what? >> i was kicked out of the brownies so i never made it to the girl scouts but have you seen the digital girl scout cookie sales popping up in your feed? >> usually kids knock on the door or set up little stands. sometimes the parents help. but this they think -- one't love this. now it seems like the kids miss out they're saying on skills like how to be approachable, how to be friendly and gracious. >> also something and know that you personally did it. >> right. >> that's huge. >> and rejection to your face. that's good to experience. >> can't have enough of that. all right. so this is their advice. your kids can post their own video asking people to buy cookies. kids can send thank you notes with the cookies. although parents and girly assist, it is the girl who should make the sale. >> often you get, you know, at

place i ever work, people bring in the sheet and they say, hey, -- can you just -- and i'm glad because sometimes people aren't knocking on every single door. >> we have a friend who shall remain aughter said, mom, you're taking away all the fun. >> oh, by taking the list to work? >> yes, yes. >> you know what, yeah, i think whenever there's a stand set up, don't care if it's girl scout cookies or lemonade, always stop and buy something. it's cool. they're sitting there, they're >> the worst thing is when you're really, really late and you can't, you got to go by. what can you do? >> nothing. >> i'm trying to stall so iour i-hoda. >> it's a boy band. for some reason, it's come on in the gym every day for like the past couple is. it's "perfect" by one direction.

knight in shining armorht never be the one who brings you but i can't be the one be the one tonight when i first saw you from across the i could tell that you were curious oh yeah girl i hope you're sure 're looking for >> here comes the chorus, everybody. >> can't get to that fast enough. trouble up in hotel if you like having secret little rendezvous if you like to do the things you know that we then baby i'm perfect >> oh, great. baby i'm perfect for you >> okay, hoda. it? >> no. i want those guys all staying away from my daughter, that's

>> you can listen to sirius xm. >> okay, so you weren't lucky enough to hit last night's jackpot. >> who cares, we're going to other ways for your finances. >> and ambush makeovers. hey, remember the game when i set the rookie passing record? i mean, you only mentioned what, 50 times... three events in one night? well, i' ve been working on my new superhero move all day! we' re non stop, we' ve gotta have our extra protein. o greek non fat yogurt has 15 grams of protein. zero added sugar, zero artificial sweetener and zero fat. and zero holding me back! be unstoppable. mmm dannon listerine strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavitiesth enamel. listerine total care to the total family. listerine total care. one bottle, six benefits.uth . this winter you have the power to heal.

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it's a chilly thirsty thursday so let's heat things up with ambush makeover. >> our amazing glam team has been hard at work giving twour plaza a brand-new look. >> say hello to "today" show contributor and celebrityo the stars -- louis licari, la, la, land jill martin. >> you looked for short hair, huh? >> the crowd was limited to be honest with you because it was so, so cold. we found short haired womenhought why not show how short hair can be so sleek and stylish.

>> susan cox is our first lucky lady. she works as an accountant university of maryland. she's been wearing her hair short for more than 30 years. she wants a new look. the ambush was her husband's idea. he wanted her to haveial because after she gave him an amazing gift, she donated a kidney in november so that he could get a new listen. >> jim, your wife gave you an unbelievable gift and you came here saying please give her one >> right. and november, she donated a kidney to me. and been recovering since. this is our week in new york toe. >> oh, i'm so happy that we can give this to you. so how do you feel? >> oh, wonderful. i feel like crying right now. it's so a wonderful husband and this is just an extra little treat for me. >> we'll take care of you. >> oh, there's thatand right there. husband jim is here.

>> cousin ken, nice to see you. >> all right, guys, please keep your blindfolds on for just a here is susan cox before. all right, susan, let's see the new you. wow. oh, ght. let's do it. come on, jim and ken, take off your blindfolds. >> who is ou ready, susan? >> i'm ready. >> spin right around, lady in leather. oh, my gosh, wow. >> you look great.ch a nice wonderful new look. >> wow. >> why don't you peek right there at that>> for that first step, of course the haircut. she had short hair so whenever you have short hair as much to work with, but he could still shape it into this sleek style that is wash and

and painted on a fewst to give it a little more zingy. >> i like it. >> and she looks so pretty. >> look at jim, jim can't speak. jim what do you think? >> she looks >> jill, that leather. >> is it clara? >> yes. with the roushing. it's just an on a leather jacket. >> that's washable, by the way. >> oh, is it? oh, wonderful. >> nydj jeans. it's nice to have a pair that's sort of a dressed up ig round of applause for susan. join your husband, cousin ken. >> our next lady is p.j. miller. she's going to be 56 years old she's from denville, new jersey. she works as a director for a sunday school. her son and husband are traveling so she's having a girl's week end with daughter. she says she needs a little pick me up. she hasn't had her haircut professionally in almost a year and she's been cutting it herself. okay, let's hear her story. >> p.j., that something else.

you're excited. >> very much so. this is the second time i've tried. six years ago, and i didn't get picked, >> i know you're super excited. >> i'm so excited. she totally deserves this. she's the best mom ever. >> how sweet is she is here with that very same girl, that is tina right over there. let's take one last look at p.j. miller before and bring the new p.j. out. come >> wow. oh, wow! yeah! >> tina, take a deep breath and do it. >> okay. >> okay. >> oh, my gosh! so don't cry, you're going to ruin your makeup. >> we've got kleenex if you need it. just dab, don't wipe. you want to look at yourself, >> do i? >> yes, you do. >> who is she? >> we're going to get you -- >> thank you. >> just dab, hobby.

>> you need some? >> yes, you do. >> again, the big lesson here is you don't need a lot of hair to make a change of again, shaped it, moved it around, used his fingers, used a little bit of product. the end result is incredible. then, she had it, believe it or not, a natural birth mark onecause she had a few blonde streaks. so i said go with the natural birth mark and put more hair. and then of course enid, she just put it all together, she always does. >> and the dress? >> doesn't she look so pretfigure. the dress is new by shoni. with the exposed zipper which you'll see on a lot of that has the tummy tucks. >> built in. >> you also have a great walk. very confident walk. very nice. let's bring susan out too.h of our ladies.

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g ning last night's $1.6 billion lottery. so if you woke dreams crushed, don't worry. >> that's right, here to make you feel like you hit the jackpot is personal finance editor of theess "times" lauren lawrence cole. >> how are you? >> so we're talking about trying to pay when it comes to paying down debt, 40 prgs of % of americans are in this boat so you're not alone. use the mom the new year, try to pay it down as quickly as possible. find a buddy and use an app.

sweep and mint.com.ountability thing, aren't you either like that or you're not? you got into with because of those kinds of has w i say do it fast because if you can really use the momentum, you can use progress. >> what about impulse shopping? you walk buy and you want it. >> first of all, don't go by don't walk around. stay off the computer. >> we actually spend $200 on average per month on impulse >> oh, you're kidding. >> that adds up at the end of the year. >> stick to your list. if you commit to doing that, $2,400 itself that's enough to take a pretty nice vacation for two. >> if you happen to save some money what should we do with that? >> we really need to be ople only need 10% of their income to go towards cash each month. you really want to put the rest of it towards the stock market, towards your people have 20% or more in cash. that's quite a lot.

develop wealth in the long run. >> when you see the dow lately,rd. >> you panic. >> i understand, but it's the number one way to build wealth over the long run. better than cash really. >> all right, you say buy less fewer things and go moreerience more things. >> this one's exciting, right? so the number one new year's resolution this year was to enjoy life to the fullest. research shows that if we're on experiences, could be dine being out, it could be a great trip somewhere, we're so much happier. >> we get memories as opposed to that ends up in the closet anyway. which hoda can't find. >> which is probably in a pile. you say this is a good time raise or get a new job? >> yes, only 8% of americans are happy with their income. but the job market is better than we've seen in recent yearst time to ask and 3 out of 4 people who ask do get a raise. >> i was surprised by that. 3 out of 4 actually will get it. at least a portion of it, right? >> it's worth a try. >> thank you very much. >> we appreciate it. >> everyone has a story, and

long lost love that hasrcumstancele. >> plus a little spice makes healthy chicken tacos. mmmm mmmmm mmmm, mmm, mmm mmmm, mmm mmm, mmm!mmmm

we're back on thisthursday. we're exactly two weeks into the year. which means this is the time some people start cheating on their diet resolution. >> our "today" food team has come to the rescue with a that's so good you feel like you're cheating. here to share with us her lighter version of the dish.ou did so well with my last name today. >> is it marcella? >> marcella. >> good. >> slap thei'm going to cook it for you guys. you asked me a good question about chicken.

using the wooden spoon, i'm going to separate the skin from the flesh and then i'm going to sneak some fresh jalapenos thatd. >> right under there? what does that do? >> it not only adds flavor and spice, when you're cooking the chicken it protects it from thee creating a barrier that keeps it nice and moist. >> all the way down? >> the more you can get in there, the better. then we just season the chicken. add some herbs. we've got some oregano. either cilantro or parsley will ick whole limes in there. >> you cut it in half and stick it in? >> the juices are going to seep into the chicken. a couple of garlic cloves and that's it. >> really. >> not really. and then to season it, congress not oil, one of the healthier fats. then brush that on and pepper. that's your seasoning for the chick sgln chicken. >> you leaving a lot of this is that all right?

you're going to put it in the pan over some butternut squash also lightly the seasoned with a little bit of >> we're doing that when it's raw? >> everything's in one dish. nice and heavy cast iron. >> so you put that in the oven? >> yes, all this in the oven bout an hour and 20 minutes. >> 475? >> that's the thing, you're going to get this beautiful crispy skin. when it hits 160, that chicken is ready. making? >> we're making tock e g ing tacos. you've got this beautiful flavorful chicken. you see the jalapenos, theywn so they're not so spicy. now we're going to make tacos. you've got the onions, pickled jalapenos, limes, radishes,esh tortillas, my nice and light refried beans which are cooked in coconut oil. >> i love refried beans.

the recipe is on your guy's website. so tacos. >> here's yours, kath. so you take chicken. >> if you're vegetarian,d squash. >> no thank you. >> why would anyone do that? >> we have to dig in with our 't have enough time. >> we don't? >> well, maybe we do. >> no onions, how about jalapenos? >> no. >> radish? >> okay, your taco bar -- >>cy want the refried beans. >> scoop it out. >> a little bit. >> that would be -- >> how about this andd do you put any sauce on it or just like that? >> i actually make my own salsa so i find it perfectly you go to the super market and get a nice pico de gallo. ones are usually much

you need salsa. >> ylicious, delicious. love it. recipe is on our website.od. >> they rekindled their romance. you won't believe what brought them together. >> everyone has a story. one of the best we've ever had. really good. the flu virus.. and with fever, aches, and chills, mom knows it needs a big solution: an antiviral. h the flu, call your doctor within the first 48 hours of symptoms and ask about prescription tamiflu. attack the flu virus at its source with tamiflu, that helps stop r it from spreading in the body. r tamiflu in liquid form is fda approved p to treat the flu in people two weeks of age and older whose flu sympast two days. before taking tamiflu tell your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing, have serious health conditions, or t if you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash,

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now to a very special story. this one is about finding a family and finding love. a surprising way life can come full circle. >> patrick wrote in to tell us ry journey. we'll meet him and his family in a moment but first listen to his letter very carefully. >> i was born on september 27, my birth parents were teenagers at the time and in the end my mom opted to put me up for adoption. i was adopted by two wonderful parents. my adopted mom had lupus. soldier and fought the disease as long as she could but it became too much for her to handle. she died in november 1989 when i was 11. life after my mom's deathicult. for a time, it was just my dad and i. then eventually he remarried and we moved in with his his wife and her orward 20-plus years to a time when i had a son my own.

journey to find my birth when i reached out to the adoption agency, they told me my information with them around the time i turned 18. i was ecstatic. i turned to the within 20 minutes on facebook, i had a confirmed match. i knew the minute i saw her picture i found the right person. there was no mistaking the our first phone conversation lasted for hours. but that was just the beginning. my birth mother was able to track down my birth father.lly spoken or had any contact since they were together as teenagers when i was born. my mom's husband had a pulmonaryunfortunately passed away. it was devastating to my mom. my birth father was in the process of separation and as time went on, my mom and dad relationship they had when i was born. and then yes, you guessed it, they got back together. they recently even got married. it was completely all of us in the most amazing way possible.

out to east coast and got to meet my adopted dad for theme. it was an incredible and emotional day, one that i'll never forget. sometimes life comes full circle and gives you back moreyou ever missed the first time around. >> wow. >> so patrick is here with us along with his birth parents stephanie and todd ripple. this is >> this is crazy. >> hoda thinks it's like doing one of her "datelines." >> when you left youration after the birth of your son, did you ever -- i mean what was your intent when you left it do you think back then? i know you were just a te wanted to reconnect. >> you did? you knew that some day -- >> well, i was privileged to have a nurse in sneak me into a closet with my son before they took him away and let me spend a few minutes with him.

see you again. >> oh, my gosh. >> and then -- and this relationship, so you guys were teenage sweethearts. and then you lost contact altogether? like there was no communication between the two of you through the years? >> it was kind of a parentalce there. >> how old were you? may i ask that? >> i was 17 and then 18 when i delivered. and from a family. and it was forbidden that we continued our relationship. >> so were the sparks there when you remet? is that whatit's so funny. >> for me, it was like 35-plus years just disappeared. > the same. >> and patrick, for you, were you thinking, this is just surreal? >> it really was.

expectations. i knew i may not even find them or, you know, may contact them and it wouldn't go than that. >> maybe they wouldn't even want to be found. >> right. so each surprise along the way has just added to, you know, the whole i went from one side realistically knowing i may not ever find them to where we're at today so it's just been one complete surprise after another. >> i'm just curious, how was with your mom? >> well, it was the picture right there when we were in the airport. >> what did it feel like? >> it was eerie how familiar it was.ike you had just said good-bye to someone and they were coming home, you know, when you found someone so -- >> wow. i hope we've done this y justice with this song that david and i have written for you. it's -- singing it is a wonderful broadway performer,yan and stay with us and hear this song. right after this.

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we're back with our newest everyone has a story winners. two teenager gave up their newborn son for adoption. all three of them lived their and had their own families but a few years back patrick found his birth mother who then found his birth father and stephanie and todd who were rekindled their romance and got married. you can't write this stuff. >> so now it's time for you to hear the song that david friedman and i wrote just for you guys. it's called "full d here to sing it is broadway performer hunter ryan who most recently starred in the show ttress." everybody starts out pre the same we're born into this world and someone gives us a new

only to return when we have the eyes to see come full circle see everybody's journey turns erent way has a reason so they say myself looking into someone else's eyes and much to my surprise that's when i realized full circle circle who knows where life will lead you full circle for those of us who need to come

everybody tries to plan out every day discover that god has a better way he guides us in each step that leads to where we started out so all that we can do is thankshout we've come full circle so now each blessed morning as i begin my day i wonder where the road will lead and who i'll meet along the way smile as i remember the boy i used to be as i celebrate what it means to be a family that's come full circle full circle full circle i know where life can lead you full circle full circle

rybody starts out pretty much the same we're born into this world and someone gives us a and though i did move on to a different family it amazes me i ended ui started out to be i've come >> wow. beautiful, hunter. we've got one more surprise. >> first, this is "today" on

back now with patrick and his birth parents stephanie and just treated to an amazing performance by broadway's sensation hunter ryan >> that was really good. >> what did you think of the song? >> amazing. i don't know how he does it so quickly and so thought it was brilliant. >> yeah, it was. >> amazing. >> captured it, huh? >> definitely. >> so you're all in a good place now, right?er grandson, right? >> number nine. >> number nine. >> oh, my gosh. >> so we're going to give away a little something fun. of course we're here wonderful david duos right here. we know you guys don't always get to see each other because you're on the other side.

membership to ancestry.com so you can just check out all the rest of your ancestors, who >> and dna tests too. >> yeah. >> i just did it. >> are you related to them too? >> mores. >> you live on different coasts and don't get to see often other very often, we wanted to give ere in new york city. seth meyers, to see the show tonight. and then rockefeller center to dine at bar 65 at the rainbow you can eat, drink and enjoy spectacular views. >> you'll have a real new york night together. won't that be fun? >> that's amazing, thank you so you, guys. >> amazing story. what's going on, kids, everything good? >> coming out february 4th, music -- >> same, music.

>> tomorrow, beauty itemsk up on. >> all righty, i guess that's about it. thanks so much for being with us, everybody. have an awesome day.