Bar Lubitsch Holiday Party!

The Lubitsch Holiday Party was the first Sunday in December and I knew exactly what I was going to wear.  I had a dream about my Mom the night before the party.  A year before on that night, it was the last time I spoke to my Mom.  I spent the day chatting with her, calling her and interrupting her work day at least three times, and not once was she ever annoyed or bothered by my phone calls.  I had found the perfect dress the year before, went to Angl to get it, and they said it was shipped to another store because they couldn't sell it.  Then one employee remembered she had packed it, but it hadn't yet gone out, went through the box, and pulled it out.  It was my size, the color I wanted, and when I walked out of the fitting room, she called me Beyonce.  Did I mention it was on sale with an additional 30% off?  I got for a steal (and since my Mom was the Queen of bargain-shopping, I had to call her a couple more times).  I knew since I had a dream about her the night before the party, it was a sign I had to wear the dress.

The dress <3

Giana and I got ready at my place and then we ubered over to Carolyn & Matt's and picked them up on our way to Jones for the party. Per usual, the food was incredible, salmon, chicken, two kinds of pasta, vegetables, desserts and more.  It's also open bar, yes, our Committed Inc. company certainly appreciates their employees and treats them well!  I'll take another Hendricks & Sprite please ;)

Giana, Carolyn, & I...and my amazing co-workers and friends! 
There's a whole lot of good-looking people in these photos :)

Most of my co-workers were there so we all caught up, had some shots together, enjoyed a wonderful meal, and our glasses were never empty.  It also gives all of us a chance to get dressed up for a special occasion!  I'm close friends with a few of my co-workers so we do see each other outside of work on occasion but it's always nice to get together and have everyone be fancy!  I may have missed the dance party but I did get pictures all night long!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from all of us at Bar Lubitsch and more!

*Mom's Anniversary*

December 5th was the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing.  Interestingly enough, the two night's before I had a dream about her.  I was able to hug her in the dream, hold her, cry and and talk to her for a little bit, telling her I loved and missed her so much.  She was trying to be strong but I saw how much it was breaking her up to see me this way.  She said she had to go and that it was her time.   I didn't want to argue with her although so many of us believe something so very different.  And then it was over.  I'm sure this was her way of letting me know she was ok but I just can't help but feel a part of me will forever be missing.  That's what made that Monday the 5th, so special, that my friends have continued this past year to help fill that void, and I'm so appreciative of all of them.

Drinking Palmina Wine from the last trip to Solvang the family made with Mom!  Thankful for the wonderful
gals in this photo and everyone who stopped by that day, reached out, has checked in throughout the year, and
more.  I couldn't be as strong as I've been without your support and love.  My Mom is smiling down on the fact
I have such wonderful friends and family.  She'd really be proud <3

I set up the day with a morning walk, and then relaxing, food, Champagne & wine, cheese, dessert, movies, my girlfriends, and memories of Mom.  A special thank you to Kristina (all that amazing wine & Champs), Emily, Giana, Carolyn, Rachel, Lauren, Courtney, Fern, and Kenni whom stopped by, brought flowers, special gifts, Wisconsin cheese, wine, or hung out (thanks to my Improv crew for excusing me for the day), and to Nick for the beautiful flowers and thoughts from Wisconsin, my family for their special tribute, and all of my friends that said prayers, sent texts, messages, and more.  They were so greatly appreciated.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Beautiful flowers from Rachel, Nick & Giana :)

It was truly the best day it could have been, barring the circumstances and I'm so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.  I read the Eulogy I read at my Mom's funeral; it was the first time I had read it since the funeral, and there was not a dry eye in the room.  We shared funny stories about my Mom, and just had a girl's day, the way Mom would have wanted it to be.  Even if she would have taken a nap in the early evening before the movie started.  We closed out the night with 'Pretty Woman,' one of my Mom's favorites and before I knew it, the day was over, and it was just another day in December.

Mom...the hugs, phone conversations, love, funny jokes, memories or thoughts never cease to exist, and I wish I could have a million more shared with you.  I'm actually surprised I've been able to go on at all because this was the most difficult thing I've ever gone through, and I know I'm only able to because of the strength and compassion you have instilled in me.  I end this blog with a quote I posted to my Pinterest.  "For the rest of my life, I will search for moments full of you."  It's amazing how I feel your prescence and all of a sudden you're there, and then you're gone; but I will forever live for those moments knowing you're walking beside me, except when it's too hard for me to walk, you will be the one carrying me, and that set of footprints will become one <3

We miss you every day, Mommy!

I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my Mommy you'll be.

Photos from Dad's Visit to LA :)

My Dad came out to visit for nearly a week at the end of November for Thanksgiving!  We always pack so much into our trip and this one was no different.  From Karaoke, to Thanksgiving, the LA Auto Show, steak dinners, cocktails at Blind Barber, time with friends, and more, we had a great time.  I can't wait for Dad's next trip to LA!

Dad, Rutherford, and I ready to celebrate Thanksgiving after a fun morning
making our side dishes and having some Champagne :)

Rutherford & Kristina (the beautiful Hostess) on Thanksgiving!

Our Saint's & Sinner's reunion at Lubitsch...Dad's chilling in the back with his Maker's & Coke!

Dad loves his Grand-Dog Rutherford <3

I'm always looking for new ideas and fun things to do so I have something planned for Dad's next visit.  Feel free to comment below if you have any ideas you'd like to share :)

*And you may recognize some of these photos from my Instagram, but if not, feel free to give me a follow by clicking this link: Lyndsey on Instagram* Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!

Thanksgiving in LA and Dad's Visit!

We're already into December but a little wrap-up about the week of Thanksgiving is always on time!  My Dad came to visit me and it was his first time flying solo.  He's always flown with my Mom, and the last time he came out here, he was with my brother and my brother's girlfriend.  I was very proud he was able to do it all on his own!

Dad got into town on Wednesday so I picked him up at the airport and we headed straight to Karaoke!  We had a fun night there and Thursday morning was all prep for our Thanksgiving Dinner at Kristina & Alex's.  I was making a Corn Succotash for the first time and my Orange Bourbon Cranberries.  Dad actually measured everything out for the Cranberries and stirred them while I prepped the Succotash.  I was very impressed with his ability to help me in the kitchen AND stay out of my way.  Oops ;)  My Succotash turned out great and Dad even ate it with all the random veggies I put in it, so I knew it was good.  We headed over to Kristina's that afternoon with Rutherford in tow (he got to spend the night playing with Ringo), we all and enjoyed a meat and cheese hour complete with cheese and summer sausage from Wisconsin that Dad had brought with him.  There was Butter Chardonnay among so many other beautiful wines, Champagne, and then Dessert Wine for later.  Our Dinner was a true feast with a Sunchoke Salad, Creamed Spinach, my Succotash, Mashed Potatoes and Stuffing, Turkey, Beef Wellington, Cranberries and more.  We all had to take a break before eating Pie for dessert!  Alex's friend, Jim, played some songs on the guitar for us, and we spent the rest of the night chatting about music, the old times and fun.  It was such a lovely Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Vibes

On Friday, Anthony had gotten us tickets to the LA Auto Show so we spent all afternoon walking around the show and checking out the cars.  We did some research for a new car for me.  Of course, now the Honda Accords are getting great gas mileage, I apparently got the lemon year of 2010.  In the running is the Mazda 6 Grand Touring, Chevy Malibu Hybrid, and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.  I decided against the Lexus since the mileage is way too low, and while I like the BMW, I didn't necessarily feel like it was 'my' car when I sat in it.  I still need to go and test drive all of them but it was a great way to check them all out in a short time frame.  To top it all off, as we were walking to the other section of the show, I recognized an actor from my favorite Netflix show, 'Wentworth.'  I said his name out-loud, not thinking it could really be him, and he turned around so I had to think quick, and of course, started blurting out random information as Dad complimented his accent (he's Australian) and then we took a photo.  I was stoked; Luke McKenzie was so humble and friendly, and just an all-around nice guy.  That was really all I could talk about for the next hour, so Dad and I finished up at the show and came back home for Dinner.  I had specifically got a Blue Apron order for us that week.  It was a NY Strip Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Lemon Broccoli.  I also did a Carrot Souffle.  We went to Blind Barber for some after-dinner drinks and Dad found a new whiskey thanks to Daniel!  I may have to get him a bottle of Four Roses for Christmas!  We went and got Hawaiian Shave Ice and Dole Whip at this place on Sawtelle that Rachel had introduced me to and got settled in for the night to watch a movie.

My home-made steak dinner!

Saturday it was raining in LA, a rare thing for Dad to experience and we stopped at a couple Guitar Shops and also the Harley place in Marina Del Rey.  That night we went to Ruth's Chris for Dinner which was a nice treat.  We definitely ate well the week of Thanksgiving!  After Dinner, I had to head to work at Bar Lubitsch and it was a Saint's & Sinner's reunion with Mike, Carolyn (our new Bartender there) and I behind the bar.  Dad was kept company by some regulars and around midnight I went out and got him all settled in an Uber back to my apartment.  At the end of the night, a guy approached me and asked if that was my Dad I had gotten the Uber for.  I said yes, and he said, he has two daughters and he hopes that one day, they take care of and show that much concern for him, as I had done for my Dad.  Seriously started to tear up right there in the bar; such a sweet compliment!

Met Luke McKenzie at the LA Auto Show!

Sunday was more low-key.  I had been fighting a cold so I took a nap while we were watching a movie.  That night Dad and I met up with Giana and her parents at C&O in Venice for an Italian Dinner!  It was so nice to get our families together since they have so much in common, especially about their love for motorcycles.  On Monday, Rutherford went into surgery for his 'snip snip' and they also fixed his Umbilical Hernia.  It was nice to have Dad here to keep me calm since the second I dropped him off I started to cry.  Dad and I had Brunch at Overland Cafe and found out his flight was delayed so we'd be able to spend a couple more hours together.  We picked up Rutherford on the way home, and he was very out of it, so we just hung out with him and Dad got packed up so I could take him to the airport.

We had such a great few days together, just me and Dad.  It really was our first time hanging out together in LA since Mom was always with him when he'd visit.  Mom would come out on her own a couple times a year which I loved, so it'll be a new tradition that Dad and I will do now.  I may have to get him in the Kitchen more often too.  He's already excited about me coming home next week so we can have a Wine and catch-up night.  I'm really excited to be going home for Christmas the Holidays. Plus, Rutherford is going to have a new friend to meet, and me too, but that's a story for another day :)

Check out my new blog above with more pictures from Dad's visit!

November Karoke

November was a good month for Karaoke!  I was in my 'No Drinking' phase until that last week so my voice was healthier than normal, even though I was fighting a cold or sore throat.  Dad was visiting me for Thanksgiving so he came into Gabe's the night before and even sang a song.  Overall, it was a fairly busy month!

Rick Astley - 'Never Gonna Give You Up'

Shania Twain - 'That Don't Impress Me Much'

Paula Abdul - 'Cold-Hearted Snake'

Rob Thomas - 'Someday'

Roxette - 'Listen To Your Heart'

Marty was really excited that I was
finally drinking again!  I ordered the
girliest shot I could, perfect for this
Winter weather ;)

Cher - 'I Found Someone'

Pat Benatar - 'Treat Me Right'

10,000 Maniacs - 'Because The Night'

Jewel - 'Angel Standing By'

Natalie Merchant - 'Wonder'

Madonna - 'La Isla Bonita'

Wilson Phillips - 'Hold On'

The Ronettes - 'Be My Baby'

Lifehouse - 'Breathing'

Stockard Channing - 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do'

The Beatles - 'Come Together'

Sara Bareilles - 'Gravity'

Blondie - 'Call Me'

Rent - 'Another Day'

Kansas - 'Carry On My Wayward Son'

Nancy Sinatra - 'These Boots Were Made For Walking'

Rent - 'Take Me Or Leave Me'

Cher - 'The Shoop Shoop Song'

The Kinks - 'My Sharona'

Journey - 'Separate Ways'

It had been a while since I sang some Rick Astley so I opened with that and my new song of the night was 'Someday' by Rob Thomas.  A personal favorite song and it was great for my voice.  I saw Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls in concert a few years ago and they re-invigorated my love for them!  The next week was my Mom & Dad's Wedding Anniversary so I did a few of my Mom's favorite songs and a song I wish I could have sang for her when she visited me as my new song.  I did Jewel's 'Angel Standing By' which is such a beautiful song and it was fun to sing.  The next week was a little more low-key, people must have been prepping for Thanksgiving.  I added some more songs to my history and did 'Breathing' by Lifehouse which was pretty difficult and needs to be lowered a note or two for my voice.  It was just out of my range with his jumps.  With my Dad in town for Thanksgiving I did songs he requested or that he hadn't heard me sing.  I had to open with The Beatles, he sang a Beatles song later too, and then I did 'Gravity' by Sara Bareilles.  Another favorite song of mine, to hear and to sing!  Dad requested 'Call Me' which is vocally difficult but I was able to pull it of, and then Zach and I sang 'Another Day' from "Rent" which is a song I adore!  My new song that night was 'Carry On My Wayward Son' by Kansas, a fun song to sing, and of course pays homage to my Afterbuzz TV Aftershow I do for 'Supernatural.'  That closing week in November we were celebrating Hadiyyah's Birthday and we had a bunch of friends singing, so Emily and I sang 'Take Me Or Leave Me' from "Rent" and my new song was The Kinks 'My Sharona.'  It's lyrics are only slightly scandalous ;)

December has already started and it's only two weeks of Karaoke for me since I'll be heading back to Wisconsin for a couple weeks for Christmas and the Holidays with my family!  Next week we'll be doing Holiday music so join us at 9 pm for an exciting night of great music!

No Alcohol for Six Weeks!

In October I got sick with a sore throat and cold.  I was run-down from rehearsals for two different shows, performances, work, Rutherford, and life.  I found myself having a glass of wine for Dinner with friends, or a beer while we watched Football on Sunday, or multiple beers while at a Dodger Play-Off game, or shots with friends at Karaoke, and before you know it, you're having at least one drink a day, a couple to a few times a week.  I enjoy drinking but I certainly don't need to have a drink to get through the day, and I'm very glad and thankful for that.  Although, I sincerely appreciate a great glass of wine with a home-cooked meal or while out to eat and work hard so I can enjoy that.  I knew I wanted to take a little break so I figured since I had just come down with this cold, it was a good time to take a week or two off.  

Headshot by James DePietro

On October 12th, I decided to not drink for two weeks.  Those initial 10 days flew by and I knew I'd be able to hit two weeks easily.  As soon as I hit two weeks, I thought, I can do another week, maybe I can do a full month?  I liked challenging myself.  As I went through that third week, a month seemed like a breeze.  In fact, as that month was about to hit, it was simple to not drink.  Mind you, I work in a bar three to four days a week, so I am constantly around alcohol, and yet, it was easy to say, no thanks.  Even on Halloween, while at a friend's House Party, I was able to enjoy the night with friends, food and games, and a glass of tea in front of me.  I did miss having a glass of wine while I was cooking my Blue Apron Dinner's, but it wasn't the end of the world.  I didn't even drink the night of the election when I think everyone was having cocktails!

I figured after a month, I'd go back to my occasional cocktail, but at that point, I really had no reason to drink so I was going to see how long I could go.  It was nice to be the Designated Driver, to know we were all getting home safely, to leave the bar at 3 am and not worry about being pulled over because I was completely sober.  As Thanksgiving was approaching, I knew I was going to have wine and I didn't really want to be a 'party pooper' and be wrecked after a couple glasses while we were with our friends.  So a couple days before, Giana and Adam came over, we played Wineopoly (leaned about wine from all over the world) and drank some delicious reds, watched a movie, and laughed.  It was fun, it was contained, and I woke up the next morning feeling great.  I felt healthy, there was no hangover (although I did take an aspirin just in case), and since I wasn't drinking alcohol lately, I had been on red alert to drink tons of water, and did the same thing that first night back, so I was hydrated.  I'll write more about that in my blog for my New Year's Resolutions from this past year ;)

What did I learn in six weeks of no alcohol? 

I'm still getting sick; no alcohol also means I'm restless in my sleep.  This past year has been a rough one and I still haven't gotten back to my normal sleep patterns, so I truly think that's the reason I've been on and off with a cough and cold for the last couple months.  I'm just worn down; alcohol is not a major factor in that but that doesn't mean it helps if you're already feeling under the weather.

My singing voice has improved.  My voice is much clearer, I'm able to hit higher notes, and it sounds more full.  I'm still working in the bar, yelling over the music, and my voice is still healthy.
I feel more accomplished.  I started writing the sitcom I've had on the back-burner for years.  Could this inspiration be because I haven't been drinking?  Maybe, maybe not.  But my thought process is clear and not clouded, and it's completely creatively-fueled!  I've been having late night writing sessions to keep up with the ideas in my mind, and sharing this project with my close friends has gotten me more excited about this whole process.  It also makes me want to start working on little projects that we can film and put up on YouTube since I have so many talented friends.
No hangovers (which I rarely have anyway) and no drinking time means more time for hanging with friends, getting my work-outs or work done earlier so I'm more available for the people who are important to me.  My friendships have flourished in the last couple months and when we're hanging out just a few of us, because I'm not drinking, it usually means, none of the other gals are either.  We're able to enjoy each other's company and really talk.  

I've been eating more healthy and doing two-a-days for my work-outs.  I've gained weight (it's probably muscle, right) but I feel stronger and healthier in that aspect, and can run for longer periods of time, do more push-ups and squats without tiring.  I've also been taking yoga classes once a week, and a positive mind means a positive body.  
My skin is clearer (another thing I attribute to drinking copious amounts of water) and there's no bloating!  My stomach is flat, aside from the little food baby, since I enjoy eating.  My eyes look brighter, in fact, my body as a whole just looks healthier, and that's a natural glow!

I've been working more hours, longer hours, and picking up shifts at the bar and I've been able to handle all of that much better than I normally would.  Stress is still there but I'm not drinking to make anything feel better.
I didn't even think about the monetary savings...as I said, I'm not a big drinker anyway, but I know I saved money by not going out, not eating food just because I had a cocktail or two, or buying a bottle of wine when the girls and I were hanging out!  That's money better spent on other fun activities!
Lastly, it's cool to not drink!  Go on, and try it!

Overall, it was a really welcomed break.  I didn't mind being the one not drinking, and I really do believe I've gotten more accomplished in the last six weeks because of it.  Now perhaps we'll see how the next six weeks go that I'm gradually welcoming cocktails and wine back, and see if I'm still on this creative path, healthy-eating, strong work-outs, and awesome relationships.  I know I will be...fresh perspective means positivity and I'm not about to let anyone down :)

'Supernatural's' Ruth Connell & Kathryn Newton at Afterbuzz TV

We started off Season 12 of 'Supernatural' with a bang!  After ending last year with God & Amara (his sister) going off on a 'Sabbatical' together and Mary coming back from wherever she was, I think we all were excited to see what the writers were going to come up with this year.  Every episode has been a home run in my eyes, bigger, bolder, more emotion, and a whole new story with the Men of Letters London Chapter coming into play!  Katie and I are back Hosting our 'Supernatural' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV and hoping that Alexis can jump in whenever she's not too slammed with work!

In fact, during our second episode we were able to get Ruth Connell and Kathryn Newton in to discuss Rowena's return, typical 'Supernatural' talk, and also chat about Ruth's Coven Couture clothing line for Charity.  Katie and I even got to wear tops from the line, super comfortable, and for a great cause!  Thankfully, we got to see Rowena, but only for an episode, before she jetted off for some alone time.  Meanwhile, Crowley and Castiel are working together and Mary has gone off for some solo thinking time as well.

Behind the scenes at Afterbuzz TV with Ruth & Kathryn

Ruth has been traveling all over for the Conventions and Kathryn has been busy working too and hoping for a 'Supernatural' return.  You can check out our episode here :)

As we make our way into the season, I'm really happy with how it's going so far even though we've heard nothing from God or Amara.  We're seeing a more sensitive side of Dean, Nina-Lopez Corrado directed last week's episode (so great to see her name up there again) and Lucifer has been banished to the depths of the ocean...for now.  This week we got the return of Billie and Detective Jody Mills, saw a different side of Jody, and Billie isn't giving up the fight for souls.  If you want to watch us LIVE check out our Aftershow on Thursdays at 11 pm on YouTube by searching Afterbuzz TV and upcoming LIVE streams.  Feel free to join in on the chat as well and let us know what you think!  You can catch all of our past Aftershows on YouTube, iTunes or Soundcloud!

October Karaoke

While October was a really productive month it was far less productive for me, Karaoke-wise.  I took a couple weeks off to deal with a sore throat and vocal rest since I was still doing Thenardier's Inn and wanted to keep my voice strong for that.  This gave everyone else more opportunities to sing and that always makes for happy singers!  We did not have a Halloween Karaoke Theme this year since Halloween fell on a Monday, although we've got a great group costume already in mind for next year :)

Gretchen Wilson - 'Here For The Party'

Amy Winehouse - 'You Know I'm No Good' 

Pat Benatar - 'Heart Breaker'

Alanis Morissette - 'You Learn'

Melissa Etheridge - 'I'm The Only One'

Sir Mix-A-Lot - 'Baby Got Back'

En Vogue - 'Shoop'

Britney Spears - 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'

Fleetwood Mac - 'Dreams'

Toto - 'Hold The Line'

Journey - 'Separate Ways' 

The Temptations - 'My Girl'

The first week of Karaoke was Ashley's last night in LA so we had a lot of people visiting and celebrating!  Plus, Ashley, Carolyn and I had a couple group songs including our go-to, 'Baby Got Back' and 'Shoop!'  My new song of the night was 'You Learn' by Alanis Morissette and I can't wait to sing that one again.  I also had to sing Pat Benatar's 'Heartbreaker' by Ashley's request.  Overall, it was a really fun night with everyone!  The next week we were celebrating Carolyn's Birthday and we were packed with Karaoke singers.  That was also the last day I drank that month...I had one Campari Press and haven't drank since.  More on that below!  I didn't do a whole lot of singing for Carolyn's Birthday but I did dedicate my new song of the night to her by doing 'My Girl' by The Temptations, another song I will definitely sing again.

Two of my longest LA friends <3

I've done 29 days of no alcohol and going for a full month-long break or more to reset and get some clarity!  It's actually been so much easier than I thought (even over Halloween weekend) and my creativity has been thriving.  I'm not sure if that's because I'm not drinking or I've just been inspired lately, but I'll take it either way.  I can already tell you that Karaoke is back to normal for November and my Dad will be in LA for Thanksgiving, so we'll have a fun Pre-Thanksgiving Karaoke celebration!

'Thenardier's Inn' Encore!

We had another three-week run of 'Thenardier's Inn' in September and October.  We had shows at our studio space in Santa Monica (CAC Studios) and then at Three Clubs in Hollywood!  Once again, all the shows were sold-out/over-sold and we had a great cast of people to bring our story to life!

There were a few originals from our cast and also some new people.  Our new people brought some excitement and fun to the show, bringing a different character trait and that made it interesting.  As we've all said from the beginning, no show is exactly the same and that's what really makes our show magnificent. 

With the Steward and Jean Valjean before a Friday Night Show!

I was back to my Lovely Lady antics for the show, brought my crazy hair back, and love doing my make-up for this show!  We had Todd, Bartending for us at the Studio in our closing week and he had a beautiful set-up of food and drinks that were popular in France during the Revolution.  I had a Mint, Vinegar, Simple Syrup and Water drink that was absolutely delicious and got rid of my sore throat within a day!  I found out the next day as I was perusing Pinterest that Vinegar kills bacteria.  Who knew?!

We all wrote a little something on the wall to remember
our first real CAC home <3

Unfortunately, as we did our last show at CAC Studios last weekend, we informed the audience that we no longer had that space.  Thankfully, we have outgrown it, and this clears the way for bigger and better things!  We started 'Thenardier's Inn' and CAC Studios there and we ended with that show nearly two years later, where it all began.  

Thanks to Courtney for coming to two of our shows and bringing her roommate, Jacqueline, and her Dad!  I loved having you in the audience and I'm so glad you all enjoyed it :)

'Thenardier's Inn' certainly isn't ending; I've said from the beginning, can we just do this show forever? #notlesmisforever  And I know we will <3

September Karaoke

We had a couple busy nights at Karaoke in September and I even skipped a week to protect my voice since I had "One Night Stands," the play I was in, running for three Friday nights, and also "Thenardier's Inn" re-opening for three weekend performances in September and October!

Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way'

Bush - 'Comedown'

Nancy Sinatra - 'These Boots Are Made For Walking'

Bryan Adams - 'Everything I Do, I Do It For You'

Alanis Morissette - 'You Oughta Know'

Macy Playground - 'Sex & Candy'

Guns & Roses - 'November Rain'

Destiny's Child - 'Independant Woman'

Ace of Base - 'All That She Wants'

Jewel - 'Don't'

Seal - 'Kiss From A Rose'

Fuel - 'Falls On Me'

Stone Temple Pilots - 'Interstate Love Song'

Cher - 'If I Could Turn Back Time'

Stevie Wonder - 'I Just Called To Say I Love You'

Toni Braxton - 'Unbreak My Heart'

Tonic - 'You Wanted More' 

That first Wednesday night was the closing night at Afterbuzz TV for "Hard Knocks" and I also had "Real Housewives of New York" so it was a busy day of running around, and I actually took Marty up on his shot offer, immediately, which is unlike me!  I wanted to add some songs to my history and sing some songs that brought the emotion, and also tried Macy Playground's moody, 'Sex & Candy,' which was fun to sing.  I skipped the next week and for that third week, I had Rachel & Giana at Karaoke with me so we opened with 'Independent Women' which was new for me and fun to sing as a trio.  I kept the 90's music going all night long and included another new song, 'Kiss From A Rose' by Seal, which was interesting to try, but Giana really can rock it!  That last week in September was pretty quiet so I opened with 'Interstate Love Song' as my new song of the night and kept it chill for the rest of the night.  

I knew October would be a big month with Ashley visiting and Carolyn's Birthday, plus Halloween at the end of the month!  It was nice to take it a little bit easy in September!  Happy Halloween Month :)

Closing Night of 'One Night Stands'

I can tell how busy I was during September considering I only posted three blogs that month and we're a week into October and I'm just trying to catch up with everything!  I wanted to post one more blog about the show I was in at the Avery Schreiber Playhouse, 'One Night Stands' since it was such a fun and challenging role!

Our closing night was two weeks ago and we did it for a sold-out house!  It was great to have such a full audience that we had to wait in the front of the house and I felt like all of our scenes were on point!  I had lots of friends in the audience that night, Justin & Gail, Giana, Scott, John, and Nick and some of his friends.  It always feels nice to have the support of your friends and they loved the show.

Some our Cast of Ladies <3

This was the first night I was able to go out with some of the cast after the show and my friends came out as well.  We hit up El Tejano for giant beers and some chips and salsa, got to know each other and had conversations about the show and what else we're all working on.  

I would love to be a part of this show again in the future.  I had such a great time with my role but it might be fun to change it up and do something different.  They've got another run going on right now but since I had 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables' Cabaret opening two weeks ago and running for three weekends I jumped right back into that :)

Scott, Giana, Justin, Gail and I after my Final Performance :)

Any opportunity to do theater really helps me grow and there's nothing like having a live audience; they are unpredictable but they also bring an energy that is unparalleled.  Plus, it was really fun working with a different theater company, the other actors, the directors and writer were just a blast to get to know and work with!  See you all again soon!

'One Night Stands'

A couple weeks ago I auditioned for Defiance Theater Company to do a show called 'One Night Stands' that would run for three weeks with a short rehearsal period.  Knowing I had 'Thenardier's Inn' starting up in a few weeks I couldn't commit to anything long-term and because of my work schedule I didn't have much availability.  This was the perfect project!  Not to mention, it was going to be a major role change for me and very challenging.

Thanks to Sam, Adam, and Rachel for coming to Opening Night and snapping some pics!

I don't want to give too much away, but the character I'm playing is empowered and fun, she's flirty and forward with just a touch of crazy AND I have the wildest prop.  One that I told my Dad, would be ok if he didn't come and see this show.  It's not that bad, but it's certainly not normal.  It's a very physical scene and required some choreography to get it just perfect.  It's the type of thing you have to see :)

Courtney and I at Idle Hour for some post-show celebrations!

The show is at the Avery Schreiber Playhouse in North Hollywood and consists of seven short scenes that are all about 'One Night Stands' and it's opened by Cupid.  It's an hour-long show and it flies by so quickly!  We've got one final show this Friday at 9 pm but I hope to do the show again in the future since it's been going on for over eight years now!  Let me know if you can make it on Friday, I'd love to see ya there!

'Hard Knocks' at Afterbuzz TV

I can't believe how quickly Football Training Camp came and went.  'Hard Knocks' focuses on those five weeks and specifically one team; this year it was the newly re-located back to LA Rams.  After 21 years in St. Louis, they came back to Cali!  This year I was Lead Hosting and Producing our segment with my new co-host, Joe Doyle.  We also had Throwback Joe join us for the first and last episodes to bring a little extra to our show!

Throwback Joe, Joe Joe Doyle and I Hosting 'Hard Knocks'

I am a die-hard Packer fan and will be for life; I've been on that season ticket waiting list since I was nine years old, thanks to my Mom.  They used to say by the time we were in our 50's, we would finally get tickets.  Now we'll be lucky if we get them in our lifetime, thanks to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, along with the other greats, leading us to victory and winning the Superbowl many times over the last 20 years!  

One thing I've noticed watching 'Hard Knocks' over the last few years is that you get invested in the team they are profiling.  I was excited about the Falcons and even said Devonta Freeman would be a late draft pick-up for Fantasy and would yield high results and I was right!  Last year's Houston Texans got me excited about their team and made me a huge fan of J.J. Watt, who I should already have been a fan of because he's from Wisconsin and played at UW-Madison.  This year it was exciting to have an LA Football team and someone else to root for, and learning about the players, I really enjoyed watching Aaron Donald, William Hayes, Tavon Austin, and Austin Hill.

Over the five weeks, you get an inside look at practices, team camaraderie, the pre-season games, home life, and most importantly, cuts to the teams roster which ends with 53 players making the team.  I got Throwback Joe's contact info from my friend, Shawn, who's been a Rams fan for as long as he can remember.  Throwback Joe creates new Rams gear with that Throwback-style, and has some big time players on board, like Vince Ferragamo and Eric Dickerson.  He gets the new players to sign the gear and then sends it out the people who have placed their orders.  He's been a fan of the Rams and followed them wherever they've been so it was great having a true fan in to chat with us about the Rams.  Plus, he was gracious enough to give us some gear to do a Giveaway with and send to some lucky fans!

Episode 1 of our 'Hard Knocks' Aftershow

Joe and I had a really great season Hosting our 'Hard Knocks' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV and I will continue to keep track of the Rams this season and hopefully get to attend a game as well!  Ram Nation...let's go :)

Always a believer in Mermaids!  Our final 'Hard Knocks' show at Afterbuzz TV this season :)

*You can find Throwback Joe's in the App Store which you need to check out if you want to get any LA Rams gear!

August Karaoke!

It's been pretty quiet at Karaoke this past month except for one week in August.  I've been nursing a cold for nearly a month (don't you just hate that Summer cold that sticks around) so I was trying to take it easy and one week I didn't even sing to rest my voice.  I've felt much better in the past two weeks so I'm just keeping it low-key and getting back into the swing of things!

Bush - 'Comedown'
Whitney Houston - 'Saving All My Love'

Duffy - 'Mercy'

Pat Benatar 'Promises In The Dark'

Aladdin - 'A Whole New World'

Peabo Bryson & Celine Dion - 'Beauty & The Beast'

Stone Temple Pilots - 'Plush'

Red Hot Chili Peppers - 'Dani California'

Garbage - 'Special'

Roxette - 'It Must Have Been Love'

Tom Petty - 'You Got Lucky' 

Alanis Morissette - 'You Oughta Know'

Britney Spears - 'Lucky'

Tracy Chapman - 'Give Me One Reason'

Bon Jovi - 'You Give Love A Bad Name'

 

Fleetwood Mac - 'Say You Love Me'

The Spice Girls - 'Say You Will Be There'

Christina Aguilera & A Great Big World - 'Say Something'

Allison Krauss - 'When You Say Nothing At All'

Weezer - 'Say It Ain't So' 

Destiny's Child - 'Say My Name'

I can always count on Adam to sing
some awesome songs at Karaoke!

That first week I thought I better protect my voice but as I was singing my first song I realized I had the Phoebe voice from 'Friends' when she sounds "so sexy."  I didn't sound sexy but the cold had cleared my sinuses so I was able to hit all the high notes that my deviated septum keeps me from singing on a regular basis.  I had to sing some Whitney, so one of my new songs (I think it was new) was 'Saving All My Love' which went really well and also sang 'Beauty & The Beast' with Ace.  Just in case my Whitney had been sang before I sang that second new song of the night and we kept the Disney theme going!  I kept it a little alternative and 90's in that second week and my new song was 'Dani California' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  For the third week of singing it was really busy but Adam gave me a great suggestion to do 'Lucky' by Britney Spears, and it was actually a lot of fun!  The last week in August it was much more chill and I ended up setting a little challenge and theme for myself after singing two songs in a row that had 'say' in the title.  That Spice Girls song reminds me of my 8th Grade Graduation when a bunch of us got on stage at the reception and I sang Sporty Spice's part.  It's actually a really nice memory.  I also realized that a year ago on that Wednesday I had posted on Facebook about starting college years earlier and my Mom had left a comment on it talking about the one time I told her to turn around and come back to spend another night with me in Winona after I had been cheering (I was a College Cheerleader) at a Basketball Game.  I got a little sentimental so I sang 'When You Say Nothing At All' which Mom had suggested I sing for a Cabaret my senior year in High School.  My new song was Weezer's 'Say It Ain't So' and I was able to keep my 'say' theme going all night long!  

I'm looking forward to school being back in session and hopefully Karaoke will pick up too!  Plus, I think it's time for another theme night.  I've got a new theater production opening this weekend and another one in a couple weeks so I'll do some prep for that too and get some of the cast members in to sing!

Blue Apron is Back!

I started up with Blue Apron again in July!  It's always so exciting to get the delivery and decide when I'm going to cook which dish.  I usually save the best for last, and in this case, that was the gnocchi.  I had my first shrimp dish and always do a chicken dish which never ceases to disappoint

I usually try to make the dishes with protein in them first since sometimes it'll take me nearly 10 days to make all three meals.  Sometimes I don't have time to make one of them, so I do something more simple, and other times I like to save them for a special occasion when I know I'm having company!  This time around I did the Sweet Chili Chicken with Coconut Rice.  I really need to start making more Asian-inspired food because I'm always so happy with the results and love the flavors.  This one felt really simple, was healthy, and anything that has ginger in it, sells me!  

Dinner is served :)

For the next week I did the Spiced Shrimp with Pearl Couscous.  This one left me feeling disappointed.  You'd think with the spice and other flavors it would be really exciting but it wasn't, it was actually kind of boring.  I would do this again but perhaps do a curry and simmer the Shrimp in some butter and garlic for extra flavor.  Which brings me back to the Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Almonds and Squash.  This was a flavor explosion, the lemon added brightness, the almonds and brown butter brought a nice nutty flavor, and everything worked together seamlessly including the soft-boiled egg.  This is something I will make again for sure!

So the fourth photo was a dish I came up with on my own.  I've been on a Brown Rice & Avocado kick (thanks Ash), so I wanted to kick it up a notch with my favorite maple apple chicken sausage, a bunch of vegetables from my friend Aimee's Mom's garden, and a little red curry.  This was another really healthy meal that was filling, something new for me to try out in the kitchen, and had a nice kick with the spicy curry and added jalapenos.  It's also something that you could throw together with whatever vegetables or protein you have and switch it up.

I really enjoy cooking and Blue Apron makes you feel like a home chef.  The awesome step-by-step instructions include pictures and even people who aren't as comfortable in the kitchen can feel great about their culinary skills!  Plus, you can pick and choose which meals you want; so for weeks at a time I skip delivery's because I'm too busy, don't love the menu, or have set plans already and won't be able to get to make meals that week.  I think you can get your first delivery free and nowadays there's also discounts on Groupon!  

If anyone out there is trying it, feel free to share your experience or pictures with me!  I always post my photos on Instagram so feel free to give me a follow or say hello :)  Lyndsey on Instagram  Happy Experimenting! 

Topsy Turvy Children's Show

I was so excited to be a part of Creating Arts Company's 'Topsy Turvy' Mini-Musical a few weeks ago!  Basically, things got turned upside down and all the characters were singing different songs while telling a story; so there were Princesses, Superhero's and Villains and it was a blast of a show!

I was playing Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast,' (this was my first time playing her character) and singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."  There were songs from 'Wicked,' The Black-Eyed Peas, 'The Brady Bunch' and more.  I even got serenaded by The Beast as he sang 'Your Song' and whisked me around on the dance floor.  I knew the songs from 'Wicked' but I guess I hadn't listened to them all that closely because as we were singing and harmonizing, I got chills.  All of our voices blended so well together, it was really beautiful.  This cast was stellar!

Right before Show-Time with some of the Princesses, Superhero's and Villains!

After both of our shows that weekend we got to take pictures, give autographs, get hugs and hang out with the kids which is one of my favorite parts.  That's what I missed about doing Children's Shows the most.  The kids are so innocent, smart and the way they look up to us is inspiring to each of us.  I had done our Adult Theater for the past year so this was getting me back in the swing of things with the kids.  It's basically play-time for us!  I was so in love with that dress, I felt like a Princess the instant I put it on.  Although, I may not go the ball-gown route when I'm picking out Wedding dresses in the future ;)

'Beauty & The Beast''

I always look forward to the Children's Shows because it's such a different environment and vibe! Unfortunately, I caught that Summer cold so I wasn't able to do a Princess Party the following weekend but there's always more and I can't wait to do another one soon!