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!

Vintage Mom (Part 4)

I brought Vintage Mom to Afterbuzz about a month ago when I had to Host for our 'Real Housewives of New York' Aftershow!  It was a show that Mom had started to watch because I was talking about it at Afterbuzz and she wanted to know what we were talking about.  Needless to say, she was in for a wild ride!

I felt a little bit like Jane from 'Tarzan' with this Safari-vibe outfit but it was perfect for the hot Summer day up in Burbank.  Mom wore the coral tank all the time under shirts or sweaters and the cream vest occasionally during the Summer.  When I had been home in Wisconsin after she passed and gone through her closet, these still smelled like her normal laundry detergent because she had worn them more recently.  When I'm back in Wisconsin I like to wear her perfume and it makes me feel a little closer to her.

It's hard to drive to Afterbuzz because on that long drive I would call Mom to ask how her day had been and talk about mine.  Sometimes I'd even call her on the way home to hear what she thought about the most recent episode of 'RHONY' because she actually got into the show, as ridiculous as it was.  I'm not saying she enjoyed it, but she had an opinion and it was nice to hear her perspective.  I always miss talking to her; I wish I could hear her respond to the things I'm saying or asking.  I know that she is responding in her own way but I wish I could hear her actual voice.  Thankfully, my friends and my Dad have stepped up to the plate and I chat with them while I'm driving now and that certainly helps!

Not only am I wearing Mom's clothes but I'm wearing things that she's bought me over the years and it's a really wonderful feeling knowing she's with me all the time <3

The Tomorrow Show!

In July I did an episode of 'The Tomorrow Show' Hosted by Keven Undergaro!  This episode focused all about on-line dating, so they were calling it 'Tinder Tales' even though I'm more of a Bumble fan; I go through phases of not using it at all.  Dating in LA is crazy enough just meeting someone in person, let alone by using an app.  They had dating expert, Julie Spira, along with their normal panel, including Roxy & Lauren from Afterbuzz and there was plenty to talk about!

Watch me on 'The Tomorrow Show' here!

I join the show just before the 70 minute mark and although I don't have any real horror stories when it comes to on-line dating, I have some pretty crazy dating in LA stories!  In this clip I talk about a guy I dated nicknamed 'Motorcycle Douchbag' and trust me, he deserved it!  You'll totally understand after listening to that craziness.

Dan, Yael, and I with Julie before our appearance on 'The Tomorrow Show!'

Yael and Dan, also from Afterbuzz TV joined the show and shared some horror stories as well, so we had lots to talk about.  I've had some pretty wild dating stories in the past few years but hopefully they're leading me into the path of Mr. Right!  Until then, we're all having some fun :)

Afterbuzz TV Neon Party & Baby's Sweet 16th Birthday Party

Rutherford and I had quite the weekend in July for the Afterbuzz TV Neon Party and then Baby's Sweet 16th Birthday Party!  Maria Menounos & Keven Undergaro so graciously hosted all of us at their house for the annual Neon Party, and our other Producers set up the event as well!  Maria and Keven also had everyone over on Sunday for their dog, Baby's Sweet 16th Birthday Party, and Rutherford was able to attend the festivities with me!

It was a gorgeous weekend, albeit a little hot as it was over 90 in the Valley, but thankfully there was a pool at Maria & Keven's, cold beverages, and Coldstone for the Neon Party!  There was also BBQ, good people and a DJ to keep everyone on their feet.  Some of my co-hosts from 'Real Housewives of New York' and I caught up and I also got to meet some of our new hosts as well.  I had met Ryan before, but it was nice to see him and chat about Pokemon since the new app had just come out that weekend so it was before the madness began!

Ryan & I catching Pokemon, Phil, Keven, Steven and I catching some sun by the pool,
and hanging out with my "RHONY" Co-Hosts Fern & Ashley!

Phil had invited Rutherford and I to Baby's Sweet 16, and what a party it was!  It was great for Rutherford because he got to socialize with so many dogs at the party, big and small.  He became very friendly with a recently-rescued Pitbull, and while the Pitbull was a little unsure around other dogs, he and Rutherford became great friends and played together.  Maria had made some snacks from her new frozen food line that's coming out and they were delicious; there was plenty of food to go around, and also a snack bar of what looked like dog-friendly food, that was actually only for humans.  Of course, there were treats for the dogs as well and gift bags for everyone to take home.  Rutherford and I got some photos in the Photo Booth, and when Ashley arrived, we took some more with her and Winnie!

Ashley & I with Winnie & Rutherford at Baby's Sweet 16!

The Neon Party was a blast and Baby's Birthday was one of the best Birthday's I have ever been to.  Thanks to Maria, Keven, Phil, and our entire Afterbuzz TV family for bringing us all a little closer together that weekend.  It's great to see our friends succeed and get to celebrate our hard work :)

Family in LA for Monica & Tyler's Wedding!

My entire family came out to LA in July for my cousin, Tyler and his fiancée, Monica's, Wedding in Newport and a week of celebrations!  We all grew up in Wisconsin but family came from Texas, Connecticut, Japan, and all over.  It was a really wonderful week with family and I wish we could all see each other more often!

My Dad, brother, Bobby, and his girlfriend, Melissa, got in late Wednesday night, and were here until the following Wednesday.  On Thursday they came into Irish Times while I was Bartending and had Dinner and hung out.  On Friday I had to film an Audition for a Hosting job in Lake Tahoe the following weekend (unfortunately I didn't get it, but I made it to the Top 4.  Thanks to the Casting Director who kept me in the loop and let me know I beat out over 1200 submissions to get to that level, hopefully I can get the next one) and after that we were on our way to Newport for the Rehearsal at the Church and then the Dinner after.  I got to meet my Goddaughter, Alina, for the first time at the Wedding, along with the rest of the Wedding Party.  At the Rehearsal Dinner our family was able to catch up with everyone and they all got to meet Rutherford too!

Bridesmaids...dressed and ready to go!  On time too :)

The Wedding day was sort of a whirlwind; I had gotten ready at the Hotel before heading to Monica's house in Cypress for some Wedding Photos with the Bridesmaids.  Then we all went to the Pacific Club to do some more photos with the Wedding Party before heading to the Church and doing some finishing touches.  The Wedding was beautiful and I know Mom was shining down on all of us.  We had some more photos after the Wedding with the all the families and the Wedding Party got to have some cocktails and snacks in the limo between everything.  Tim and I had planned what we were doing for our entrance into the Dinner and I definitely think we won that with our 'Dirty Dancing' lift and dip!  By the time we got to Dinner I was famished, and the meal was so elegant!  They have a Live Band that sang popular songs and were seriously awesome.  We all danced the night away, took pictures, and had fun!  It was an incredible Wedding...congratulations Tyler & Monica!

My Goddaughter, Alina and I, at her Baptism here in LA <3

On Sunday I was up really early because I had to get ready and prep for Alina's Baptism at my Church here in LA.  I was Reading in Church and they were going to say a little something for my Aunt & Uncle's Wedding Anniversary.  Father Joseph set up a really wonderful Baptism and even did a Ceremony for my Aunt and Uncle that was so special!  It was such a wonderful day and I was so glad we were able to do all of this at my Church!  Dad, Bobby, Melissa and I all had Brunch at Cafe Laurent, one of my favorite places and then went back down to Anaheim to hang out by the pool with my family and just hang out.  We had a family get-together at Monica's parents house that night, with cocktails, a Mariachi Band, and an incredible Mexican feast!  It was also a send-off party for Monica & Tyler who were heading to Mexico for their Honeymoon the following day!

Read more about the wild week in Part 2 below!

Family in LA! Part 2.

Not only did we have Weddings and Baptism's to celebrate, but our Independence on top of it all!

Since Monday was 4th of July we spent part of the morning by my Aunt Linda's with the kids who were playing in the pool and got to say goodbye to everyone, since people were starting to head back home.  Dad and I did a little grocery shopping later on and decided to BBQ at my place with some Brats, drink some beers, and then watched the fireworks on my rooftop!  Rutherford was such a good little boy the entire weekend.  He was quiet in the Hotel, was so social around all the people and kids, and the fireworks didn't even phase him.  Dad, Bobby, and Melissa were so impressed by all the firework shows we were able to see from my roof, we counted at least 10 different shows.  It's been the way I've watched the fireworks for the last few years!

Dad and I at the Petersen Museum!

For Tuesday I had planned a whole day for Dad and I!  I got us tickets to the Petersen Automotive Museum including the Vault Tour which is a must if you're going to the Museum.  We saw cars that Richard Rollins from 'Fast & Loud' owned, Rita Hayworth's gorgeous classic Cadillac, the first ever cars that were built and how they were improved over the years, and armored cars that Richard Nixon or the Dalai Lama had been in!  There were so many neat cars and I'd see a car and say that was my favorite, and then I'd see something else.  Although a Ferrari has always been my dream car, after doing a Driving Simulator I think I love the new Ford GT.  It's got a similar body shape to a Ferrari but it's just as incredible, more affordable, and definitely easier to get.  Dad really enjoyed the tour too!  I gave us a few hours to spend there but we could have stayed longer if we didn't have Dinner reservations at Mastro's in Beverly Hills to get to before sunset!  I had a table set up for us at the Mastro's Penthouse but Dad and I had a drink at the bar before we sat down for Dinner.  We started with a Wedge Salad, and then got Mashed Potatoes and Snap Peas with our Filet, and they brought Chocolate Cake and their famous house-made Whipped Cream with it!  I ordered a glass of wine with my Steak and was able to blind taste and guess which one it was based on the region; it was a really proud moment for me!  Everything was delicious and it was a really fun day, just being my Dad and I.

Dinner at Mastro's with Dad to celebrate Father's Day and my Birthday :)

I knew that week with everything that was going, plus everyone in town, was going to be crazy but as soon as everything began and family was arriving it all fell into place.  I definitely missed my Mom and wish she could have been there with all of us; I know she would have had a blast and things will never be the same without her here but she is definitely proud of all of us and is smiling down on us and the fact that we all held it together!  We celebrated in honor of her.  Being with family makes it so much harder when they're not around but we're all so much closer that I know it's only a couple months and we'll be seeing each other again!

July Karaoke!

Talk about a heatwave in July here in LA!  I think people didn't want to leave their air-conditioned homes to come out to Karaoke because we had a couple fairly quiet weeks.  We still had a lot of fun so thanks to my friends and regulars for joining the party weekly!

Badfinger - 'No Matter What' 

Maroon 5 - 'She Will Be Loved'

Norah Jones - 'Don't Know Why' 

Kim Wilde - 'Keep Me Hanging On'

"The Little Mermaid" - 'Part of Your World' 

Pat Benatar - 'Love is a Battlefield'

The Eagles - 'I Can't Tell You Why'

The Supremes - 'Baby Love'

Dion - 'Runaround Sue' 

Jann Arden - 'Insensitive'

Oasis - 'Wonderwall'

Edwin McCain - 'I'll Be'

Jewel - 'Who Will Save Your Soul'

Judy Garland - 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'

Toni Braxton - 'Unbreak My Heart'

Shania Twain - 'Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under'

Cheap Trick - 'I Want You to Want Me'

Amy Winehouse - 'Rehab'

3 Doors Down - 'Here Without You'

Adele - 'To Make You Feel My Love'

That first week in July, my Dad and brother went back to Wisconsin and it was just a couple days after Fourth of July so I think it was a little slower because of that.  I wanted to add some music to my History so I did a couple songs I hadn't sang in a while and my new song was 'She Will Be Loved' by Maroon 5.  That next week we had a Super-Set to start the night with some Eagles music.  I kept it classic for the first couple rounds and my new song was Dion's 'Runaround Sue' that always makes me want to dance!  During the third week in July I was prepping for a Princess Show that weekend so I wanted to take it easy on my voice but also practice my song for that weekend, so my new song was 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.'  It was nice to be able to prep it, and thanks to some vocal tips from Dan and my fellow cast-mates I was able to go out there and make them proud!  We had another quiet week at the end of the month but we also had another Super-Set of Amy Winehouse music, and I think we sang every song we had in our Karaoke List from her!  It was also my first time singing 'Rehab,' which seems crazy since it was such a popular song.  

I'm looking forward to the month of August when the students are getting back to school and hopefully the bar will pick up a little more!  In the meantime, my friends and the regulars can sing all night long, and I don't think there are any complaints there ;)