Plan Check Sawtelle!

After all the rehearsals, shows, and more shows, Samantha and I were finally able to go out to Dinner for the first time since before 'Sleeping Beauty' had started in September!  I had introduced her to En Sushi, one of my favorite Sushi spots where there's an awesome Happy Hour but this time we decided on something new for both of us and that was Plan Check.

They have a couple different locations but the one on Sawtelle was just a few minutes from where we both live.  Every time I drive past, it's always packed, so I was really looking forward to it.  After perusing the menu I decided on the Plan Check Burger which was your typical Burger with grilled onions, smothered in cheese, pickles, and ketchup leather.  Samantha ordered the Chef's Favorite Burger which came with two different kinds of cheese, bacon, and an egg to top it all off.  We also ordered the Sweet Potato Waffle Fries that came with a Peach Ketchup.

Burgers & Fries at Plan Check!

When the manager, Thomas, dropped our food off, he asked if I liked bacon (who doesn't) and then brought me some Brown Sugar Bacon and also their version of ranch which was awesome.  I actually really liked the Peach Ketchup more than the ranch (and that was good too).  It was sweet like Barbeque sauce but more fruit forward.  The bacon complimented my Burger which was perfectly cooked to Medium Rare, and as full as I was, I tried to eat all of it because it was by far one of the best Burgers I've ever had.  I'm  not a huge fan of Sweet Potato Fries but I love Waffle Fries and they did not disappoint either.  Sam really enjoyed her burger too, albeit a little messy with the egg.  After we finished Dinner, Thomas sent us a Donut on the house, that came with bananas and cream.  It was a nice way to end the meal :)

That next day I had the little bit that was left of my Burger, and it was almost better than it was when it was fresh off the grill.  Now, that is rare!  I can't wait to go back and try more off their menu.  I hadn't noticed there were specials and the Bartender never mentioned that.  I'll be sure to check that out next time because when I had looked at their Instagram after making my post, I saw they had a Mushroom & Swiss Burger along with Wasabi Peas, both of which I would have loved to try.  I'm also looking forward to tasting some cocktails on their menu.  I was really impressed with Plan Check and can't wait to go back!

December Karaoke

It was a short month of Karaoke since I'm heading back to Wisconsin on Saturday and I won't be back in LA until January.  I'm sure I will find some Karaoke in Wisconsin while I'm back home but there's nothing like Karaoke at Gabe's!

Week 1:

Patsy Cline "Walkin' After Midnight"

Smashing Pumpkins "Disarm"

Britney Spears "Everytime"

Week 2:

Pat Benatar "Love Is A Battlefield"

Colbie Callait "I Never Told You"

Joan Osbourne "One Of Us"

Selena Gomez "The Heart Wants What It Wants"

Adele "Love Song"

Week 3:

Journey "Separate Ways"

Amy Grant "El Shaddai"

Whitney Houston "Do You Hear What I Hear"

Gene Autry "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Brenda Lee "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"

Helen Cornelius "Mary Did You Know"

A day of Christmas Shopping and night of Holiday
Karaoke with my un-planned matching Sister!

That first week of Karaoke I was battling a cold and heading to 29 Palms Military Base that weekend to perform for the troops in CAC's "Retro Holiday Show" so I wanted to protect my voice.  I really enjoyed my song choices that week, especially my new song by the incredible Patsy Cline.  It had been a long time since I sang 'Disarm' so it was nice to get back into that vibe.  The second week was a Woman's Week considering all my songs were female songs (not normal for me) and my new song being my current favorite guilty pleasure by Selena Gomez.  I'm in love with that song and the emotion she brings to it.  I also really enjoy the way that Adele does 'Love Song' and that Karaoke version is so jazzy and cool to sing.  While it was only suggested to sing Christmas or Holiday music this past week at Karaoke, a lot of people joined in on the fun and sang some of our Holiday favorites like 'Frosty The Snowman,' 'Oh Holy Night,' 'Joy To The World,' 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer' and 'Blue Christmas' to name a few.  The patrons of Gabe's actually sang along with the Singers as well so that was fun and got everyone into the Christmas spirit!  Since I've been singing all these Christmas songs for our "Retro Holiday Show" and because I played Rudolph in the show, I found it fitting to sing the title track, and also stuck with some of my Mom's favorite songs during this season.  Marty requested Journey to kick off the night and I certainly can't turn down 'Separate Ways!'  That was the only song that was a repeat from the past four months of Karaoke.

I'll certainly miss everyone at Gabe's while I'm back in Wisconsin but I'll be really excited to kick off a New Year of Karaoke in 2015.  Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and have a safe and wonderful New Year's :)

Tis the Season for Holiday Party's...

December means Holiday Party's and living in Los Angeles and enjoying year-round sunny weather, there are still Ugly Sweater Christmas Party's even when it was 70 degree's that afternoon!  We do Tree-Trimming, go and look at Christmas Lights, make Hot Toddies (on those 70 degree days) and all the same things we do in the Midwest just without the snow.  It still seems strange to me...

Michael and I at the Lubitsch
Holiday Party!

The first Holiday Party of the season was kicked off by my Committed Inc. Bar Lubitsch Family.  The food was catered from Jones Bar and drinks were endless all night long...  Yes, by the time Michael and I were done drinking Cucumber Gimlets for the night, I could say I wouldn't be drinking that cocktail for a very long time.  It's been one of my favorites since I started working there over two years ago, so that makes me very sad!  On top of the delicious food and open bar, it's a time to catch up with people from the other bars and restaurants in our company.  Since the party was held at Lubitsch this year, most of my co-workers were working the party and thankfully were able to partake in the festivities as long as they remained responsible.  And clearly they did, as my tipsy-self was jokingly pushing around my fellow co-workers asking why they weren't drinking more.  Oops!  Sorry Cara and Lauren!  Of course, spending time with fellow Bartenders means shots are going to happen throughout the night; and it's a Vodka bar (my favorite thing to drink) and we have all these amazing juices and fruits to make the Vodka taste even more delicious!  Needless to say, we all had a good time :)

The following weekend I had two Party's for Friday night.  Jamie & Spark were Hosting an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with all sorts of yummy food and friends I hadn't seen in a while.  Samantha was having a Hunger Games-esque Party with a Gingerbread House competition, costume/festive clothing competition, Beer Pong, etc.  My friend, Robby and I went to Sam's first and I had a cup of Home-Made Hot Chocolate (there was a Hot Chocolate Bar, and how cool is that) with some Peppermint Schnapps and lots of marshmallows.  Well, you don't really think adding a shot or two will do anything, but it sure did, and I took a little break after that Hot Chocolate.  Although, when we all started to play King's Cup, I ended up being someone's Mate, who was then connected to someone else, and they were connected to someone else, so I ended up drinking any time one of those three people had to drink.  I had switched to the less-intoxicating Punch at that point and was happy about that!  Did I mention that Sam makes some of the best cookies I've ever had; no matter what she makes and how full I am, I always have room for her cookies, they're seriously amazing.  

Hostesses with the Most!

At 10 pm, it was time to head over to Jamie's so we could catch the Costume Contest since Robby had gone out to buy a sweater that evening, just for the party.  Plus, I knew Jamie had spent the afternoon shopping and making appetizers and I was so excited to try everything.  I had baked Brownies as well that were just waiting to be eaten and I completely forgot how much I love to bake; I cooked them to fudge-y perfection, as the pan was demolished in under an hour.  There were definitely some ugly sweaters and outfits at this party (on purpose), and some others that were really creative, or something that I could totally see myself or my husband wearing 40 years from now, and that's just kind of adorable so I couldn't vote 'Ugly' for those!  Jamie and Spark always hand-make their sweaters, which is so creative, and this year, Jamie had also made a Wrapping Bow Dress!  It was so colorful and cute; she was a hit!  She also made some delicious spiked Punch with Pomegranate, Ginger Ale, Lemon and it had Whipped Cream to go with it and when the party had started to wind down, Spark made a Chocolate Pizza that I wish I had gotten a piece of because the bite I tasted was awesome!

So for another Winter in LA, the Holiday Party season wasn't too shabby and everyone stepped it up this year!  My two beautiful Hostesses had super fun party's and Lubitsch never disappoints.  But alas, I'm so excited to go home and see snow, because there's just something about a White Christmas that really makes it feel like the Holiday season.  

Our CAC Family at Sam's Holiday Party!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night <3

Afterbuzz TV Guests!

Since our Afterbuzz TV Hosts attended Supernatural Con in Burbank we've been getting more guests to come in and chat on our Aftershow at the Afterbuzz TV Studios.  It's always great to get their insight of working on the set with the cast and crew, how they get into character, and other insider information. 

It was really fun talking to Ruth Connell & Travis Aaron Wade because they became friends on the set of 'Supernatural' since they appeared in an episode together, even though they were in different scenes.  Ruth is playing Rowena, Crowley's Mother, and Crowley is the King of Hell, so you can imagine how excited we were at the end of the episode to get any scoop we could on what's happening this season.  We've loved Travis' character, Cole, because he's been frustrated and troubled throughout this season in his search to avenge his father's death, and his most recent episode showed a softer side as well, including a terrific acting performance!

Tom, Katie, Ruth, Travis, Mikaela and I after Hosting for Episode 7 of 'Supernatural'

When we had Brit Sheridan in the studio, it ended up being a mini Slumber Party since it was an all girls show (Tom was out sick that night).  She filled us in on some pranks on-set and also talked about her singing career; she's got an Album & DVD coming out in January.  Try as we might, we couldn't get her to spill any details on the return of her character, Kate.  We're looking forward to Werewolf Pups and hopefully soon!

Katie, Brit, Mikaela, and I after Hosting our Slumber Party Episode 8 of 'Supernatural'

We've got some more guests coming in after the New Year once the season starts up again on January 20th.  And hopefully we'll get some major cast mates!  Until then, Happy Holidays 'Supernatural' Fans!

You can catch all of our 'Supernatural' Aftershows right here on YouTube: Supernatural Playlist

CAC's 'Retro Holiday Show'

We are two weeks into our 'Retro Holiday Show' for Creating Arts Company and we also just got back from a mini-tour to Twenty Nine Palms Military Base to perform for the troops and their families this past weekend!

My Rudolph Deer Make-Up

I'm playing Rudolph in the show and it's basically a bunch of your favorite Holiday characters including, Frosty, Heat Miser, the Winter Warlock, Kris Kringle, The Grinch, and of course, Elsa!  We sing your favorite Christmas songs and it's really a sing-a-long for the kids and their parents.  In fact, I think the parents get more out of this show because all these stories are classics that even some of the kids haven't seen yet.  There's a line from "The Christmas Story" that always gets a laugh from the adults, 'You'll shoot your eye out, Kid!'

Last weekend we made our way to the military base on Friday afternoon and then we performed two shows in a 1500 person capacity theater!  It was huge!  The kids really loved the show and enjoyed meeting us after and it's really nice to have kids not be afraid of me for once ;)  They're actually excited to meet me and all the other characters and we took tons of photos.  Plus, the kids were so polite and well-behaved.  I know we'd love to go back to perform more shows for them in the future!

When we had our show this past Sunday all of us had so much energy because I think we were all still high off of the Saturday shows.  It literally felt easy to entertain in the smaller more intimate space at the Miles after the huge theater.  There are perks to both of the venues but it's easier to get the kids involved when they're sitting floor level than having to run up and down a giant auditorium (and the altitude change definitely wears you out easier) but we all had such a blast.  

Some of our 'Retro Holiday Show' Cast before Show-Time!

I have my last show next Sunday since I'll be leaving for Wisconsin the following weekend so make sure to get your tickets to any of our Holiday shows at http://www.creatingarts.org/

November Karaoke

It was a fun month of November Karaoke with lots of friends hanging out and visiting me at Gabe's, and of course, singing!  With the weather changing from 80 degrees to the 60's it was typical November here in LA.  Even though Christmas music started playing on the radio right after Halloween, we've reserved the Christmas Karaoke for December!

Week 1:

Nancy Sinatra "These Boots Are Made For Walking"

Eminem "Superman"

Roxette "Listen To Your Heart"

Alanis Morissette "You Oughta Know"

Bon Jovi "You Give Love A Bad Name"

Richard Marx "Should've Known Better"

Week 2:

Fleetwood Mac "Rhiannon"

Gloria Gaynor "I Will Survive"

Shania Twain "That Don't Impress Me Much"

Jewel "Who Will Save Your Soul"

The Fugee's "Killing Me Softly"

Journey "Separate Ways"

Aladdin "A Whole New World"

Week 3:

Pat Benatar "Heartbreaker"

Duffy "Mercy"

Amy Winehouse "Back To Black"

Toni Braxton "Unbreak My Heart"

Cher "Turn Back Time"

Week 4:

Fleetwood Mac "The Chain"

10,000 Maniac's "Because The Night"

Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine"

Jewel "Foolish Games"

I added a lot of new music to my History at Gabe's and actually only did one repeat in the past few months, and that's one of my favorite's to sing, Jewel's "Foolish Games."  Although, there's always time for 'Aladdin's' "A Whole New World" which Ben had asked me to sing, and Disney music brings a smile to our Karaoke regulars faces!  I noticed my songs were more female based this month and an even mix of male and female new songs with my favorite new song probably being "Unbreak My Heart." I love that it's so low and right in my range and my other favorite would be "Killing Me Softly" (which I can't believe I've never sang before) because it was so much fun I was able to hit my sweet spot on it.  I've helped people sing "I Will Survive" but it might have been my first time singing it on my own and I really enjoyed singing "The Chain" as well since I love Fleetwood Mac.  The last week of Karaoke was right before Thanksgiving so we sang songs or bands we were thankful for and that was a fun night!

Thanksgiving Karaoke with Mark, Shawn, Andrea, Ben, Jamie and I :)

There will only be three weeks of December Karaoke for me this month since I'll be heading back to Wisconsin in a couple weeks and the 17th will be our Christmas/Holiday Karaoke Night at Gabe's.  Better start picking out your favorite songs now :)

Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret

I've been doing Theater here in LA for the past year and working with Creating Arts Company that produces Children's Theater year-round as well as Princess Shows, parties and events, and TV appearances.  We just started a new division, Creating Arts Studios, where we do Adult Shows and we just finished our three-week run of "Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret" last weekend and it was absolutely spectacular!

Originally we were doing one weekend but got extended for another two weeks since we had sold-out our first show so quickly and the buzz around it was so big with the LA Critic's and Times among other outlets showing major interest.  Before our last weekend (we literally sold-out every show) we all found out that we are getting a four-week extension starting Friday January 23rd through Saturday February 14th!  I'm so proud of the hard-work that everyone has put in through this journey and the product is just incredible.

Opening night of 'Thenardier's Inn' with the Lovely Ladies & Mistress of the House

The content is classic yet original, basically everything you're thinking during 'Les Mis' we're saying during the show.  So there's dramatic-sweeping music and moments, emotional heart-felt songs and quotes, and pure comedy as well.  Did I mention that we serve alcohol throughout the show?  That includes complimentary wine from the Mistress of the House or from the Lovely Ladies during 'Master of the House' as well as a free cocktail for those dressed in French Revolutionary costumes.  I've seen the show numerous times now and I still get teary-eyed during certain songs, and laugh out-loud thanks to the writing and directing of Nick Rubando, who also plays Enjolras, and director Lee Marshall, who plays Javert.  Along with the fabulous improv of our entire cast bringing all the characters to life in this immersive theater experience.

Javert and I sneaking around...

I'm playing a Lovely Lady, and all the Lovely Ladies basically spend the entire show on-stage, flirting with patrons, serving cocktails and drinking with the guests.  Our cast packs a punch, tells a saucy tale, and the group numbers are sure to impress with our small 15 member talented cast.  One of my favorite parts of being a Lovely Lady is the costuming, hair and make-up involved.  It's wild, crazy, and totally different than anything I could wear in my daily life so it's fun to play and get dressed up for the show!

Everyone I've invited has been so happy and impressed by the show.  I can try to explain it to people but it just doesn't do the show justice, you have to see it, to really be a part of it!  There's no disappointment, only laughter, love and tears, for how awesome the show is.  Thank you to Bob, Cathleen, Joe & Kevin from Gabe's, John and Tatjana from Irish Times, Jamie & Spark, Ben, Kalissa & Chelsea, my Mom for coming all the way from Wisconsin to see me close "Sleeping Beauty" and open this show, and all of our super duper CAC members who've come to support and check out this life-changing show!  I'm so grateful and happy to be a part of something that makes me realize each and every performance that this is what I'm meant to be doing and exactly where I need to be.  I'm so proud of our talented cast and crew, Shannon and Todd, who keep our spirits alive and growing, and those that support us in this crazy career.  Every show is magic and as I said during intermission of our first show, I want to do this every day for the rest of my life.

Successful show now let's celebrate!!

To get tickets to this amazing show check out: http://www.cacstudios.com/lesmis/  I look forward to serving you a drink and a kiss on your cheek ;)

Interview with Misha Collins (Castiel) on 'Supernatural'

Last weekend I was at the Supernatural Convention in Burbank, California with Afterbuzz TV.  My fellow Co-Hosts, Tom Connolly, Katie Campbell, and Mikaela Phillips were all in attendance and we had the opportunity to interview some great cast members from the show 'Supernatural' that we Host an Aftershow for on Afterbuzz TV.

I got to interview Misha Collins who plays the Angel, Castiel, on the show.  He's been known as a prankster, he's directed an episode of 'Supernatural' and loves singing to his children, even when they play DJ and pick the songs.  Misha also has a restaurant recommendation if you're in the Chicago area.  You can check out the interview in the video below!

Misha was so down to earth and gave me a wonderful interview.  I was definitely a little nervous but he made me feel at ease (and I thought that was my job to make him feel comfortable).  Not to mention, he made all of us laugh with his easy-going personality and sense of humor.  It was such a treat to get to chat with him and be complimented on doing my homework ;)  Hopefully I'm making Keven, Maria, and our Afterbuzz Family proud!!

Interviewing Misha Collins at Supernatural Con in Burbank, CA

Supernatural Convention!

Last weekend my Co-Hosts for our 'Supernatural' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV and I attended the Supernatural Convention in Burbank.  On top of getting to interview some of the actors from the show, we also got to talk to the fans, took a ride in a replica of the '67 Impala Sam & Dean drive around in, and checked out a bunch of exhibits and memorabilia.

Mikaela, myself, Tom, and Katie representing Afterbuzz TV at Supernatural Con!

Our first order of business was to walk around the Convention and check everything out.  Before we did our celebrity interviews, some of us interviewed the fans and asked them about their experience at the convention and what some of the hi-lights on 'Supernatural' have been for them.  Tom interviewed Timothy Omundson, Mikaela interviewed Matt Cohen, Katie interviewed Tahmoh Penikett, they both interviewed Mark Shepherd and I interviewed Misha Collins.  Timothy had such a wonderful positive energy about him, I can see why he's such a successful actor.  Tahmoh was so friendly and Matt told us an awesome supernatural story, both of them giving great interviews and insight on the show.  Mark had walked into the room during Matt's interview and stood behind Tom as he was filming, and it was hilarious to see the famous Crowley, sneaking up on him.  I tried to joke with him about it later but he was stone-faced and scared the crap out of me.  Lucky for us, he was just playing and he opened up so much during his interview; he was really interesting to listen to and stayed after the interview just to chat.  Misha was hilarious and endearing, talking about singing to his kids, and said one of his favorite episodes was "Fan Fiction" even though he wasn't in it.  To top it all off, he was so complimentary about my preparing and doing homework for the interview which I greatly appreciated.

With the '67 Impala

We interviewed a few more fans, each of us getting a chance to be on camera and film as well.  When we went out to look at the Impala, the owner was actually there and offered to take us on a ride around Burbank in it.  We were all so excited and it was literally one of my Top LA Moments.  To make it even more amazing, he blasted 'Carry On My Wayward Son' which Sam & Dean play when driving around in it as well.  It was really cool because he also had most of the actors from the show sign his dashboard.  I was able to interview him too!  We're really hoping that we can get some of the actors on our Aftershow because everything went so smoothly.

All of our cast interviews are up on YouTube which you can find by searching Afterbuzz TV 'Supernatural.'  Or you can check out our Aftershows which air LIVE at 11 pm on Tuesday nights and can be found on YouTube the following day or on iTunes as well.  A special thanks to Afterbuzz and Creation Entertainment for us to be able to attend Supernatural Con and meet some fantastic people...it was an absolute blast!

Mom's Visit to LA in November!

My Mom wanted to be able to see me in 'Thénardiers Inn - A Les Misérables Cabaret,' and the weekend it opened was the same weekend than 'Sleeping Beauty' closed.  So she decided to come for a few days to catch my performances in both and spend a little time with me before I go home for Christmas in December!

Mom with her 'Lovely Lady'

I picked her up from the airport on Saturday after 'Sleeping Beauty' finished and after grabbing a bite to eat it was time to get ready for 'Les Mis.'  I play a Lovely Lady and Mom ended up loving it!  I was worried because it's a little risque but she really enjoyed it.  She had made a joke a week before saying "as long as I wasn't swearing, playing a butch lesbian or giving birth on-stage again," like I did in 'The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told' she could handle it.  She was happy to see some of our other CAC members in the show and meet some of my new friends.  After the show we stopped by Gabe's to see Aimee and sing a little Karaoke.  She had wanted to hear me sing 'On My Own' and 'Just Like Jesse James' :)

On Sunday I was playing Maleficent in 'Sleeping Beauty' and the kids that day were quite rambunctious.  In fact, at one point after hearing nearly every cast mate tell the kids to quiet down so they could tell the rest of the story, I came on-stage to say my lines, and this boy who was a non-stop talker continued to talk over me.  I literally turned and 'shushed' him and gave him an evil Maleficent look.  I could hear my Mom laugh out-loud along with all the other parents and some of the kids.  Later on, I mentioned how talkative he was and asked what he thought of my dress, and he stared blankly at me.  I think it might have been the first time someone told him no; guess I taught him a little lesson...oops!  It certainly didn't stop any of the other kids from coming up to me at the end of the show to hug me and ask for pictures.  Thankfully, I'm Maleficent, so I can play on that scary side a little bit!  Once again, Mom enjoyed the children's show and commented on how different both shows were and how I had changed my look so drastically between the two.  I love being able to adapt to new characters as an actress!

I was able to get Mom to work-out with me for a couple of days and we took our normal walks around the neighborhood, one day having a glass of Sparking Moscato to celebrate because, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!  It was awesome to watch the Packer Game together on Sunday and on Monday we made Dinner together and watched 'Maleficent.'  She liked the movie and even got teary-eyed at the end.  I loved being able to see the movie again and only wish I could have seen it right before I started 'Sleeping Beauty' because it was great research for the role since Angelina Jolie did such an incredible job.  Mom also made this Texas Caviar Salsa that was awesome; it's so good I'm surprised I still have some left over from the giant bowl it made!

On our last night together I took Mom to the Culver Hotel for some Happy Hour cocktails and Dinner.  I've been there before but never got to try the food aside from the the Chocolate Lava Cake so this time it was a must to check out the menu.  The live Jazz started at 7:30 pm so we were able to get in some great music, yummy cocktails, and food as well.  I had Afterbuzz that night for the 200th episode of 'Supernatural' so she came to watch us film the show and see me Host.

Celebrating the 200th Episode "Fan Fiction" of 'Supernatural' at Afterbuzz TV with Bacon Cheeseburgers & Cupcakes!

Once again the few days we had together went way too fast but now it's only just over a month until I head home for Christmas for a nice extended vacation!  Thank you for coming out to spend time with me Mom, see all my shows, and just get some quality time together.  Miss you already and see you soon <3

Halloween at The Wellsbourne

Since my Cher costume needed more air-time after Karaoke at Gabe's, Jamie and I decided to hit up one of our favorite places, The Wellesbourne, during Halloween Weekend.  She dressed up as my Mod Mistress, and we hit the town in our awesome wigs!

The Wellesbourne was having a Halloween Party there with a Photo Booth, awesome DJ, Costume Contest, and sponsored cocktails by Selvaray Rum!  The bar had the perfect amount of people, busy enough to do some people-watching, but quiet enough to find a seat at the bar and enjoy our cocktails and conversation.  Plus, our favorite bartenders were there, dressed in costume as well.  We had to try their house drink for the night, the Selvaray Rum Punch, but then I switched to my typical drink after that, a Vodka Gimlet, because Johnny makes me the best one I've had!  Jamie is always adventurous, trying whatever Remi makes for her!

The only blonde I truly love <3

I'm not quite sure how we missed the Costume Contest (I'm really thinking it didn't happen) but I think Jamie and I would have won it ;)  I suppose, I'm biased on that though.  We had a great time filled with plenty of candy, yummy cocktails, and great company.  I always look forward to going back!

Princess Jasmine for Creating Arts!

On Halloween a few of our amazing Creating Arts Members got together for a quick rehearsal as we put together a Children's Outreach Show we were performing in just hours later at the UCLA Housing in West LA.  There were over 100 people who brought their kids to see our show and meet us before going out Trick or Treating!

With some Pirates...arrrrgh!

I was playing Princess Jasmine as it's been dream to play her since I joined the Company.  My friend from High School, Sean Sagal, used to always call me Jasmine from "Aladdin" because I reminded him of the Disney Princess.  He was one of the few boys I went to school with that was nice to me, never made fun of me, or made me feel bad about myself.  I didn't have a date for my Junior Prom so I went with a group of girls but he asked me to dance, and we danced to 'Wonderful Tonight.'  After coming back from College he said he was so impressed with how out-going I had become, but I had to joke with him that I was always like that, people just never gave me a chance to be me.  Sean survived from cancer after High School but unfortunately took his own life my Senior Year in College.  He was a wonderful person with such a bright and compassionate personality.  Getting to be Jasmine for this show literally made my heart soar and I gladly dedicated my performance to him and his memory.

The show itself was crazy; there were so many people and I think most of the kids were just overwhelmed by all the Princesses, Princes, and Pirates.  This was their first time seeing any sort of live theater and it felt so wonderful to bring our talents to their Halloween celebration.  We had a short script filled with plenty of songs and I even got to sing 'A Whole New World' with our Aladdin who was moon-lighting as Willa Wonka for the day ;)

Princesses Ariel, Elsa, Anna, and Jasmine for Creating Arts Company

It was a great way to start my Halloween, doing something fun and exciting for these families, not to mention our CAC Members got to make magic for these kids and that's just fulfilling in itself!  I'll definitely look forward to playing Princess Jasmine again in the future and just want to thank Shannon for giving me the opportunity to play one of my dream roles!

Halloween Karaoke at Gabe's!

Too much fun singing
Sonny & Cher

In typical Halloween Week fashion, I Host Karaoke at Gabe's and people get dressed up and sing songs in character or just join in the festivities and wear costumes.  I do suggest dressing up as a musician, singer, musical group, or band, but all costumes are welcome.  It's always a fun night and although we normally do the Halloween Costume Contest on Wednesday, they saved it for Saturday this year because Gabe's had a band on Friday night of Halloween.  It still ended up being a really busy night of great music!

Rita Hayworth & Cher

Jamie and I got ready together and I was dressing up as Cher and she went as Rita Hayworth.  I sang all Cher songs including two duets, 'I Got You Babe' with her friend, Brad, who was dressed as Obi Wan Kenobi, and also a new song, 'After All' with Marcus (originally sang by Cher & Peter Cetera).  Jamie sang a lot of Jazz music, starting with some Ella Fitzgerald and a song from "Thoroughly Modern Millie."  She later joined Spark as they sang 'Come What May' from "Moulin Rouge."  Spark had the whole bar dancing to 'Jump in the Line' from "Beetlejuice."

Even though we had a full house of singers, not as many people were in costume this year because Halloween was falling on a Friday.  I had opened the night with 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)' and after my initial costume which had a more 70's vibe, I swapped into Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time" Tour look, except toned down, because Cher is Cher, and you just can't mess with that ;)  I sang 'I Found Someone' and then closed out the night with another new song, 'Just Like Jesse James' which brought some true emotion because the lyrics are awesome!

It was a really fun night with good friends and always sets the fun factor for the Halloween week to come!  It was another successful Halloween Karaoke in the books!

Forge Denim Campaign

Just over a week ago I shot a Denim Campaign for Forge Denim.  My friend, Mike, had told me about this project in early October, and I loved hearing that he was creating a brand that would empower women.  So on Sunday last week, a couple girlfriends, and I spent the afternoon chatting, eating, and drinking wine and champagne during our shoot!

Sariah, Courtney, myself, and Samantha
at the shoot for Forge Denim

Mike said we'd need a few girls so I asked Courtney who hosted with me from Afterbuzz, along with Sariah and Samantha from my "Sleeping Beauty" cast if they'd be interested in doing the shoot.  Not to mention, having a blonde, redhead, and two brunette's, we were covering all of our bases.  While Mike and Jimi filled me in on the concept, I started in the kitchen 'prepping for the party' and then made my way out to the backyard where we were throwing our impromptu Wine & Cheese Party.  We were all talking and having so much fun that I barely noticed Jimi taking pictures and filming our party.  It was an absolute blast!

The whole shoot lasted about two hours and after we were full from all the food and champagne we did some final group shots, including photos of all the ladies in the aprons and then we called it a day.  A few of us went over to Playa Provisions to grab a celebratory drink for a great shoot later that afternoon.

I just saw the photos and promo video we shot on Forge Denim's Facebook.  I'm really thankful to Mike for bringing me in to work with him on this awesome project and I'm so proud of the concept behind it all.  You can also find Forge Denim on Tumblr and see our video :)

Have a great week!

October Karaoke

I'm posting October's Karaoke blog this week since next week at Gabe's we will be celebrating Halloween early for our Costume Karaoke night!  There's no Karaoke on Halloween since they're bringing a band in but they will be doing their Costume Contest on Friday night.  I still wanted everyone to be able to sing spooky music and have fun Karaoke style.  Halloween Karaoke will get it's own separate blog next week but I've got four weeks of music for ya right now!

Week 1:

Ace of Base "Don't Turn Around"

Carrie Underwood "Cowboy Casanova"

Whitesnake "Here I Go Again"

Tonic "If You Could Only See"

Fleetwood Mac "Gold Dust Woman"

Week 2:

3 Doors Down "Here Without You"

The Eagles "I Can't Tell You Why"

Natalie Merchant "Wonder"

Pat Benatar "Promises In The Dark"

Soundgarden "Black Hole Sun"

Adele "To Make You Feel My Love"

Week 3:

Tom Petty "You Got Lucky"

LeAnn Rimes "Right Kind of Wrong"

Tonic "You Wanted More"

Dolly Parton "Jolene"

Blues Traveler "The Hook"

Heart "If Looks Could Kill"

Week 4:

LeAnn Rimes "Can't Fight The Moonlight"

Evanescence "Call Me When You're Sober"

Staind "Right Here Waiting"

Fiona Apple "Limp"

Adele "Set Fire To The Rain"

Patsy Cline "Crazy"

Axl Rose for Karaoke two years ago!

No repeats from a month ago to this month, so that's awesome and I added a lot of music to my History folder including two LeAnn Rimes songs.  I prefer Tonic's "You Wanted More" over "If You Could Only See" but was glad to try that as my new song.  I got some requests in Week 2 for music including my new song which was "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden; thanks to Mark and Courtney for visiting me at Karaoke!  I've always loved the Blue Traveler song I sang, and knew it had that one really fast almost rap style section but was able to make it through.  Although I picked up a really interesting lyric I hadn't really caught before that went, 'No matter how much Peter loved her, what made the Pan refuse to grow.' We all want to stay young but at the end of the day, we have to grow up, and although everyone loves Peter Pan and what he stands for, he ends up alone and lonely.  To each his own.  I sang a lot of very strong and independent songs this month, there was even a Staind Super-Set in Week 4 and my most recent new song was Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain."  I'm really happy with my choices this month :)

I can't wait for Halloween Karaoke next week.  We'll start at 9 pm so dress like a musician, be a part of a band or group, a musical character, anything to do with music and sing some Karaoke with me at Gabe's.  We always have a blast!

Maleficent & Co.

One of my favorite parts of working with Creating Arts is getting to do the Meet & Greet after the show is over.  We always take our bows and then go outside to take pictures with the kids, sign autographs, and just chat with the families (in character of course).  It's so heart-warming and I love talking with the kids and hearing what's on their minds.

Stages of emotion in meeting the kids, so excited to take
pictures and hear their stories, and then they hug you
and I just melt.  Best feeling in the world!

Since "Maleficent" came out in theaters it's really shed a new light on my fairy character, thankfully.  The little girls have told me they loved MY movie, and that I'm one of their favorite characters.  Some are even dressing up like me for Halloween!  Yet again, even better than all of that, seeing the children overcome their fears.  Like this one little girl, who came up and got into my arms, we shared a little moment, and after setting her down another little one had come over to say hi and I asked if she wanted a hug.  She gave me one of those scared half/barely-touching hug and the first little girl heard me ask the other one that, and flung her arms around my neck so tightly, all I could do in that moment, was appreciate the love.  I was so overcome with emotion and started to tear up right there!  Even the little boys get excited to meet the villain, and I love playing along with them.  I learned how to 'hi-five' this weekend and what 'Halloween' actually was.  I mean, did Halloween even exist in the 14th century?  It does now, because they're be a bunch of little mini-me's, meaning Maleficent's running around in a week or so.  Plus, it's great to see them protective of their sisters and try to coax them into meeting everyone.  All of them are so adorable I can barely handle it :)

Our 'Sleeping Beauty' Cast and some fans!

This past weekend, we signed so many autographs, you do start to feel like a 'mini celebrity.'  In these kids eyes, we are famous, and I can remember thinking the same thing about the actors when I saw shows as a child.  I loved hearing a little girl talk to me about the show and then ask if I could come to her house.  I laughed and said, that could probably be arranged.  We have to remember that the pictures we take with these kids will be forever remembered by them and in digital format.  They may look back on them when they take their own children to see theater.  How cool is that?!

Maleficent in 'Sleeping Beauty'

We've got three more weekends of "Sleeping Beauty" and so much more fun to be had!  Come and check out the show, and see my amazing wings that always bring gasps from the audience...pictures can't even do them justice :D

*Tickets can be found on www.creatingarts.org or for a discounted price on www.goldstar.com*

Ribbed Tee Commercial :)

The awesome Ready DEMOlition crew filmed this 'Ribbed Tee' Commercial I'm co-starring in back in August and now that it's edited and perfected it is ready to view!  It's definitely 'Sexy Time...'

We all had a fun time shooting together and what could certainly have been a very awkward situation wasn't at all.  Everyone was very professional, all about having fun and being a positive influence!  Lucky me, I got to take home a couple of the shirts and they are every bit as comfortable as the commercial markets them to be.  I would genuinely steal this from my boyfriend!

Hope you enjoy :)

*To read about the Commercial Shoot from early August check out my previous blog: http://lyndseywegner.blogspot.com/2014/08/ribbed-tee-commercial-shoot.html*

Playing Maleficent in 'Sleeping Beauty'

"Sleeping Beauty" is at the top of my list of Disney movies and it's always been my favorite!  Aurora has been my all-time favorite Princess, too!  She's the only Princess to have violet eyes and I always thought she was just classical beautiful.  So I was very excited when Creating Arts decided to do this as our Pint-Sized Play during the Fall Season.

My Maleficent Costume!

For this production of "Sleeping Beauty," I'm playing Maleficent, the evil fairy who has magical powers and can turn into a winged dragon.  After seeing "Maleficent" in theaters this past Summer, I fell in love with the story even more.  I won't give away the storyline of "Maleficent" but I like the hybrid character I created to play the role with a mix of evil from the original Disney movie, and that air of confidence, an edginess, and a little humor from Angelina Jolie's role.  Plus, I've got my Guard to make me look more sinister and mean, and she gets to play it off more goofy.  As much as I'd love to play one of the Princesses for a show and not be the villain, this gives me more room to grow as an Actress and a better opportunity to delve deep into character work by doing some research and analysis.  And obviously, I'm not an evil person so this is truly acting...muah ha ha ;)

All the Fairies in "Sleeping Beauty"

We put this show together in just two weeks and it's got a six week run (with one weekend off, which was this weekend).  Right now, we've already had two weekends of shows at the Promenade Playhouse in Santa Monica where we do most of the Children's Shows.  I think one of my favorite things about the show is how different each audience reacts.  The first week I made a lot of kids cry, I heard them wailing after my first entrance and exit (and that seriously tugs at my heart) but then the following day, the kids were more brave.  When King Stephan asks what he should do now that I've cursed Aurora some little boy yelled, 'kill her!'  We've had children with Birthday's in the audience so our next show we could barely get through our lines because all the kids were talking the entire time.  And our last show we did was probably the hi-light so far because when the Prince asks if the audience wants to forgive me for trying to hurt Aurora after they banish me from the kingdom, all the kids said yes, and as soon as I got on-stage they mobbed me, about 15 kids, hugging me, saying they forgave me, told me 'You're beautiful, you're evil, but you're beautiful.'  So cute!

The costume for the show is just incredible!  It's this long sequined one-shoulder dress with a wing on the one side, and I'm wearing the green glitter shoes from "Wizard of Oz" and of course the Maleficent horns, and later on, get a ginormous set of wings!  They are literally magical.  I came up with a make-up plan doing shades of purple, with winged liner, glitter, and then lots of contouring, plus no CAC show is complete without glitter lips!  As the villain I really do get some of the best and most beautiful costumes.

We've got four more weeks of shows lined up for "Sleeping Beauty" and a lot more fun to be had!  Each week brings a new challenge of scaring the kids but winning them over in the end, and finding myself in my character to bring out something new and different for every show.  I always look forward to those challenges!

Carolyn & Matt's Wedding

I've been living in Los Angeles for nearly nine years and although I've gone back home to the Midwest for Weddings, Carolyn & Matt's Wedding on September 20th, was my first Wedding here in LA!

Neil & I at the Wedding

Carolyn and I started working together over eight years ago at Saint's & Sinner's and she had been dating Matt for a couple years.  She's one of the most caring, compassionate, and understanding people I've ever met.  I've gotten to know Matt over the years and it's been great seeing their relationship grow and evolve and sitting at the Wedding, and hearing him do his vows in Tagalog (Carolyn's family is from the Philippines) I knew that he has always been madly in love with her.  Of course, I cried the moment that he made his way down the aisle and didn't stop throughout the ceremony.  The vows were just so incredible and touching, and after hearing them in English as well, I don't think I've ever heard more meaningful vows in my entire life.  Carolyn had kept her dress a secret so it was our first time seeing it and it was just beautiful; she was a gorgeous bride with the brightest smile on her face!  The sunshine, sunflowers, kelly green bridesmaid dresses, and everything else just had such a positive and uplifting vibe.

First Dance <3

The Wedding was actually at the Betty Ruckas Cultural Center in Long Beach with the ceremony outside and the reception in this huge ballroom.  It was a little Saint's & Sinner's reunion with so many of our co-workers over the years, some of our regulars and friends, and lots of family, and people flying in from all over the world.  Neil has known Carolyn and Matt for the past four years so it was great to have him there since we've all spent a lot of time together over the years. 

After a cocktail hour and some delicious Hors d'Oeuvres we made our way to the reception area where the tables were designated by Superhero's.  So cool and fun!   I think my favorite part of the reception was seeing Carolyn & Matt's first dance.  It was just such a special moment and I think everyone could feel the love just radiating off of them.   

There were drinks and shots (someone had to bring some Fireball to the party), plenty of food, dancing and fun.  It was nice to be able to catch up with friends in this celebratory environment and see two of our closest friends get married and start their lives together.  It was a great Wedding in Long Beach and I'm so incredibly happy for the newlyweds.  I love you two <3