"Nothing Bad - A Werewolf Rock Musical"

We closed out our final show of "Nothing Bad - A Werewolf Rock Musical" at the Hollywood Fringe Festival the last weekend in June.  My Dad was in town to see our final show and we sold out most of our performances which as a new theater was so exciting!

"Nothing Bad" was ranked one of the Top 5 Musicals to see at the Fringe Festival this year and also a 'Pick of the Fringe.'  Our small cast of 10 people really brought it and Erik Blair created a really great script and show.  Dan Sugimoto wrote the music for the show which was a mix of 50's and 80's rock and SO catchy. Thea Rivera was Producing and doing pretty much anything she could to promote the show and make sure that we had people in the seats.  It was a success on all levels.

'Nothing bad happens here, nothing bad that we can see or hear and we've been living here all our lives!'

I play Mayor White, the Mayor of the town who holds a dark secret I don't share until the end of the show.  We've got a couple different stories going on throughout the show that all tie together.  I was so glad Rachel decided to join the show because I had a buddy at rehearsals and I couldn't have done my part without her.  She helped me run-lines before every show and supported me when I felt over-whelmed with everything going on.  Thanks so much, Rach <3

We found out we did get a Fringe Extension Award and I hope at some point my friends who couldn't come to see the show while the festival was going on but wanted to will be able to check it out in the future.

I also got my first ever review, and it was a positive one!  I love what I do but it's really great to hear that other people enjoy your performance and portrayal as well.  It feels really nice when someone waits for you after the show to tell you how much they loved my character.  You can read one of the reviews here: Indie Voice Blog

Mayor White in Perfection, California

Unfortunately we weren't able to pick-up an extension date because our whole cast wasn't available for any of the specific dates they had but this is certainly not the end for "Nothing Bad!"  Thanks to the cast and crew of our show.  This was a different role for me to play and I really enjoyed the challenge of playing such a strong-willed, very political character with a wild turn-around.  You were right, Erik ;)

More Blue Apron!

With how busy I've been it's been tough to consistently get Blue Apron or even create new recipes but I was able to get a few in the last couple months.  They've looked so pretty in the pan while I've been preparing them that they were photographed before and after they made it to the plate!

Blue Apron now offers more choices (there are eight options now) and you can choose between any of the dishes without any stipulations.  If you want all meat, you can do pork, chicken and steak, or if you want to stay vegetarian, you have that choice as well.  AND if you want to get four recipes one week and two a different week, you now have that ability.  Blue Apron has definitely stepped up their game!

Starting on the top left going clockwise is a Mixed Mushroom Bucatini with Collard Greens.  It was a great vegetarian dish that was portioned well, packed with flavor and tasted other-worldly!  Not to mention it was pretty easy to make.  The second photo is Roasted Pork with Sauteed Apples, Broccoli in a Fontina Cream Sauce and Garlic Breadcrumbs.  I had originally taken Porf off my profile because I'm not a real big fan of it, aside from Bacon, because of course, Bacon!  This dish has made me think twice about incorporating it into my meals on occasion.  The edges of the Pork were roasted while the inside was juicy and tender and the Apples were so yummy.  This was a dish that required more attention to detail but it was really exciting to create something so pretty.  I made these Spicy Red Thai Curry Meatballs as an early going away Lunch for Giana.  I had never made Meatballs before but I would use the base they suggested again and again because they were delicious!  The Red Curry gave it a little kick while the coconut milk evened it out.  I love Curry dishes so this was a no-brainer choice for me!  That final photo is a Chipotle-Glazed Meatloaf with Crispy Potatoes.  I also added some Vegetables that I steamed and then sauteed for flavor to have as a side.  The Meatloaf was enough for three meals and I had used all the Chipotle Pepper and it was HOT!  I actually didn't mind the heat but it might have been a little much for the average eater.  This was the best Meatloaf I've ever made so I'll for sure be creating this recipe again!

I've got a busy month of May and June so hopefully I can hop back into Blue Apron once Summer heats up.  Until then you can follow my food adventures and all things fun on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lyndseywegner/ Thanks for reading and Happy Cooking :)

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!

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 :)

Summer in Wisconsin

I was actually back in Wisconsin twice in less than a month.  I went back in May for a week to spend some time with my family, see my cousin, Nicole, graduate from UW-Madison, celebrate my cousin, Tyler, and my Dad's Birthday, and also attend Tyler & Monica's Bridal Shower.  Unfortunately, my second trip back was specifically for my Grandpa's funeral.  You can read about my Grandpa, Edward, here: My Wonderful Grandpa but we were able to enjoy the few days I was home with some fun as well!

Dad walking the pups!

It was my Dad's first time meeting Rutherford B Hayes, and also Rutherford's first airplane ride.  He got his Wings (Thanks Southwest) since he was such a good traveler and the flight attendants fell in love with him!  Dad was very excited to have a new puppy in the house but I'm not sure our dog back home, Cheli, was very happy about it.  Rutherford figured it out pretty quickly that Cheli would let him kind of 'rough house' with her, meanwhile, she was just annoyed with it, and would try to get away from him, any chance she got.  She even let him play with her toys!  They did have some cute moments together, like when Dad would take both of them for a walk, but they were both pretty tired by the time the trip back to LA came around for Rutherford and I.  We lost Cheli just this month, so it's been a very difficult year of loss for my family and I hope that we can all stay positive and find the lessons that God is trying to teach all of us.

Cheli & Rutherford taking a nap together <3

Bobby and I were able to go and see my Dad do his Trap Shooting one night and after we went and had Dinner at City Club.  There burgers are pretty darn good!  Lindy and Dave came to meet us at Pour Vino, which is always a go-to when I'm back in Wisconsin (especially for half-priced Wine on Tuesday nights). Dad and I planned a Boat Day for Thursday, since Bobby needed to get back to Madison that night and I was heading back to LA on Friday evening.  Lake Winnebago is less than 45 minutes from Plymouth, and I was very excited to see Dad's new boat, although I was skeptical at first, it was very cool.  We always make a stop and get Lunch and I had to get a good old fashion, Wisconsin Bloody Mary (Lyndsey style, of course) while we were there.  Rutherford even joined us on the boat, he's quite the adventurer!  Dad let me drive on the way back which was a lot of fun and it was the perfect sunny day!

Enjoying the Sunshine and a Coors Light on the Lake!

I know that as mad as my Mom would have been that my Dad bought a new boat, once she got on, she would have really enjoyed it!  Even though I know she was with us while we were out that day, it's family moments like that, that make it really tough to not have her physically with us.  I miss her every day.  It was really nice to be home with my Dad for a few days and get to spend some quality time with him :)

Rutherford B Hayes...my new Puppy!

I had been waiting for this moment my whole life...I became a Mom to this little nugget just a few weeks ago.  I met him when he was five weeks old and while I wasn't sure if he wanted me to be his Mom at first, he proved it by the time I left an hour later, that he was mine, and I was his.

The day I met Rutherford <3

The name Rutherford, sounded so cute to me but I also remembered there was a President, Rutherford B Hayes, and I needed to make sure he was cool enough so that my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy could take on his name and wear it with pride.  RBH was the 19th President (I was born on the 19th), from Ohio, and he brought moderate social reform, was loyal and honest.  In fact, he fought in the Civil War and refused to leave his fellow man behind.  That decided it!  Trust me, I had a list of 30 different names but Rutherford was always the one that stuck out and my little nugget answers to it, seems to enjoy it, and in fact, when he was laying in my lap at five weeks old, I had said a couple things to him, and he only turned and looked at me when I called him Rutherford.  I guess he actually chose his own name; it's just so regal and fitting for him!

Nicole & Rutherford :)

I brought Rutherford (Rutherford Be-Have) home on the 31st of May and thankfully my cousin, Nicole, was with me, because she became the best personal assistant I could have asked for!  RBH was on his best behavior the first couple of days, exploring the apartment, not wandering too far from me, and sleeping peacefully.  I only had to wake up one time in the middle of the night (each night) to take him out (mind you, I do keep late hours so I'm not going to bed until 2 or 3 and wake up between 9 and 10).  We had no accidents until a few days in; then he got more wild and rambunctious and found out that his cute little face could make me melt.  How could I ever be mad or upset when he looked at me with his beautiful eyes and happy little mischievous smile!

There's no true comparison when it comes to raising children and having a dog but it does feel similar at times.  The constant supervision, the fact that Rutherford has completely taken over my life and attention, and me getting any work done takes five times as long, and certain things just get pushed to the wayside and are no longer a priority because he has taken over.  I knew he'd be expensive and time-consuming and he is, we'll just leave it at that.  But when he sleeps on my foot as I'm getting ready in the morning, or snuggles next to me to take a nap, or puts his head on my shoulder when I'm sitting on the floor and he's up on the couch, or follows a command I give him, there is no better feeling in the world than knowing he loves his Mommy, and I sure as heck love him more than I thought was imaginable.

Taking my happy boy to his forever home with me!

So here's to my little boy, Rutherford B (short for Bubba, one of my Mom's nicknames) Hayes, thanks for making me a Mom...I hope I'm making my own Mom proud <3

*You can find me on Instagram at: Lyndsey on Insta or Rutherford's Instagram: Rutherford B Hayes Wegner on Insta.  He also has his own Facebook page because he's such a cutie and wants to share his adventures with the world!  Find him here: Rutherford's Facebook  

**If anyone is looking for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I got him through Victoria at Woodland Cavaliers and I would recommend her to anyone!  Feel free to message me or comment with any questions :)

The 'Supernatural' Season Finale with Lisa Berry & Alaina Huffman

This season of 'Supernatural' has been incredible and really hooked me as a viewer.  I've been Hosting the 'Supernatural' Aftershow at Afterbuzz for the last three seasons with some awesome co-hosts but this season really takes the cake with excitement, twists and turns, and major plot points.  Not to mention all the wonderful guests that came in to discuss the show this season.  What made this finale even better was that Katie and I joined some of the cast and crew of 'Supernatural' to watch the show and live-tweet with all of them!

Katie and I with Lisa Berry & Alaina Huffman at Afterbuzz TV for the 'Supernatural' Season 11 Finale!

Live-tweeting is really difficult although I'm sure it's a little easier when you're working on the show and actually know what's coming next.  Seeing Lisa, Alaina, Emily (who plays The Darkness), Kathryn, Phil Sgriccia (whom directed the episode), Jim Michaels (produces the show), with Ruth skyping with all of us, was awesome.  I don't know how they keep up with all of it, including retweeting, commenting, and responding.  They'd go from 10 retweets to 357 in a matter of a minute; it's actually kind of mind-blowing!  It was a blast to do and so glad that we were able to be involved!  Thanks to Lisa for inviting us!

On Thursday we had our Finale episode of our Aftershow with Lisa and Alaina joining us in the studio.  We had a great show discussing the episode and what's to come for the series since they're already locked into Season 12.  With the way the show keeps going, I don't think it's ending any time soon!  We had so many predictions and thoughts, there was just so much to talk about.  Although, I felt a little underwhelmed with the ending; this entire time I thought someone was going to die and leave all of us hanging, but that didn't happen.  Granted, The Darkness and God are off together, working on their relationship but we don't know how they'll feel when we come back next season.  I still want to know what happened to Lucifer and how Rowena will come back in to play (plus I want to see a backstory on The Grand Coven) so I guess that keeps things exciting and not underwhelming!  Lisa and Alaina always bring such great insight and thought as to what's going on and with the Women of Letters storyline, I feel like Alaina could come back at any time!  Lisa is certainly waiting to reap Sam & Dean and will when the occasion arises.  These women are fans of the show and to hear their excitement is really entertaining!

To check out the episode click on the video above.  I love hearing from everyone while we're waiting for the new season so find me on Instagram at Lyndsey on Insta or tweet me on Twitter at Lyndsey Tweets.  Use the hashtag: abtvsupernatural and we can discuss anything about the show!  I hope you all enjoyed this season as much as I did :)

Lisa Berry at Afterbuzz TV (plus Nina Lopez-Corrado)

Lisa is such a huge 'Supernatural' fan so we're always so excited to have her in the studio with us to discuss everything about the show during our Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV.  She came to the studio at the end of March with Nina Lopez-Corrado whom had directed the episode we were discussing that day and then Lisa joined me again at the beginning of May for another exciting episode!

We've never had a director of 'Supernatural' join us on the panel so it was really great to get that perspective on the show.  We got so many questions answered and I think we all hope that Nina comes back to direct more episodes since it brought such a range of emotions out of all the actors that week.  It was definitely one of the most heart-wrenching episodes to watch.  And Lisa gets as excited as all of us do when talking about the show.  When we talked in May we could have had another couple hours of our Aftershow since there was so much to talk about and God had finally been revealed.  As some of the fans on Twitter posted, it was a #gamechanger.

Katie & I with Lisa Berry & Nina Lopez-Corrado when we discussed  'Supernatural' episode "Red Meat."

With Season 11 coming to a close on Wednesday, I can't imagine how wild the episode is going to get!  We've got Lucifer and Castiel as one and we're not sure if anyone died or was expelled last episode, Rowena is back, Crowley has joined Sam & Dean to go up against The Darkness and God has been injured and we're not sure what his plans are for Amara.  These were part of Lisa and I's predictions for the season finale when we talked earlier this month so we'll have to see if they come to fruition or not!  Lisa is always the epitome of light and energy, she's a joy to chat with, especially about 'Supernatural.'  She's real and honest and we get the insider when we talk about the show.

Lisa and I after our 'Supernatural' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV

Katie and I will be joining Lisa and Alaina on Wednesday night to Live Tweet about the episode and I know we're both really looking forward to it!  Then we'll have both of these lovely ladies join us at Afterbuzz TV on Thursday to discuss the finale and what's to come for Season 12 which will premiere in the Fall.  You can always join us in the Live Chat at 12:30 pm on YouTube by searching Afterbuzz TV (upcoming shows) and you may even get a shout-out!  And all of our Aftershows are up on YouTube through Afterbuzz TV as well (Supernatural on Afterbuzz TV Playlist).  Thanks to our loyal 'Supernatural' fans and I hope we get some answers on Wednesday night :)

Fern's Book Release!

One of my co-hosts from our 'Real Housewives of New York' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV had her book release party a couple weeks ago!  We've all been long anticipating the release and I'm looking forward to reading her book, "Better in the Morning."

Fern's Book Release Party at Afterbuzz!

Megan, Ashley, Fern and I had to celebrate and take our first group photo during our Aftershow on Wednesday with cake pops and some Skinny Girl cocktails.  Of course we had to support Bethenny from the Housewives.  The party was on a Saturday night and my day had actually started out pretty awesome because I had an Audition in Hollywood at noon and while waiting to go in, the Casting Director from another project approached me and asked if I would come and audition for the short film they were casting.  I had heard of this happening but it had never happened to me before, so it was a nice confidence booster!  I did end up finding the project on-line and saw it was Non-Union so I wouldn't have been able to do it anyway, but hopefully I'll have some more good luck down the line for another project or role!  It was a busy day and I was able to squeeze in going to Fern's party before heading to work that night.  The party had catered food, beautiful desserts, and lots of people celebrating Fern and her book.

Fern is one of the most generous and kind people I have ever met and her positivity is absolutely contagious.  We've been doing the Housewives Aftershow together for the past two years so we've gotten to know each other pretty well.  You can check out some more stories on her blog here: http://www.blogher.com/myprofile/fern-ronay Or find more info on her website here: http://www.fernronay.com/

Celebrating Fern's Book Release at Afterbuzz TV during our 'Real Housewives of New York' Aftershow

"Better in the Morning" has been released on Amazon and Kindle so you can get the digital version or a hard-copy now!  And make sure to leave a review when you do read it :) Fern, you rock!

Magic: The Story is LIVE!

Headshot by James DePietro

This was my first ever real Voiceover project.  I did a few for PowerTV and the occasional Live Reading for Afterbuzz TV but this was the first job I was cast for based on my voice!  And what other than joining a project that has such a huge fan base.  

Magic: The Gathering is a card game and you can now hear the Podcast with our Voices for the first episode: Under the Silver Moon - Shadows Over Innistrad Ep. 1 - Unspoken Realms.  It's best version can be heard on MTG ProTutor over on iTunes but you can find all the details on the website here: Magic: The Story  You can also see the cast (a few of my friends from CAC, Nathan, Lauren, and Austin), find more information, and support this project.

It's best listened to with headphones so you can hear all the little extras and background noise that really add to the story and fill out the sound.  As I listened to it, (I do the voice for Halana) I genuinely felt like I was in the world of Magic.  I'm so proud of the cast and engineers, our leader Shaun, and Thresa for thinking of me and having me audition!  Enjoy :)

Aces of Improv (Diamond Edition)

At the end of January the Aces of Improv put on a show at Three Clubs in Hollywood!  I've been a part of most of our CAC Studios Improv Shows and was really excited about this one because I was also The Ace of Diamonds!

We always have so much fun doing these shows.  We had a full house and lucky for me, I had a bunch of friends in the audience!  Thank you to Jamie & Alan, Ashley, Raph & Carlos, and Brian for coming to the show and supporting me as well as my fellow Improvisers.  I loved looking into the audience and seeing everyone having a great time and enjoying the show :)  When we're performing, I think we all wish we could do an even longer show!

FriYAY's Improv Cast! (Zach, Jason, Adam, Hadiyyah, Dan, Kenni, Giana, and myself - minus Nathan)

At the show we debuted a new game we called 'Cards Against Improv' basically using the cards from Cards Against Humanity and having to justify what the cards say.  It certainly brought a lot of laughter from the audience and hilarity ensued.  Playing 'A Day in the Life' was a blast as well, I discovered a new character for myself, and got to play a bunch of different characters throughout the game.

Cards Against Improv, A Day in the Life, and Three Wives Improv Games

Our next show will be in March and I'll keep everyone posted as to when I'll be performing!  You can always find info about our shows at CAC Studios on our website at: www.cacstudios.com Keep laughing!

Thoughts of Mom

I read an article today on what region of the brain is the starting point for Alzheimer's and it excited me to find this information and know something that could potentially cause it could be stopped by just getting a good night's rest.  This is obviously not the case for everyone but if it could help, I'm willing to learn and read more on it!  As I read the article it made me think about my Mom and Grandma and I wanted to share my thoughts here :)

My Grandmother died 10 years ago after battling Alzheimer's and when that happened, I knew a little part of my Mom had died because she was so close with her Mom (my Grandma). It changed her, therefore changed me, and this disease is such a sad one to watch a family member go through. To watch my Grandma forget who we were, her ability to know how to eat, and even show emotion was devastating and the toll it took on my Mom, her sisters, brother, my Grandpa before he passed, and all of us who loved my Grandma so dearly was so difficult. Finding a way to slow the on-set of it, and a cure for the disease would be great but reading this article means it starts with a good night's sleep. A thing I have been far too aware of for the past couple months...if getting a good night's sleep means that I can keep my family and future from going through this, it is all the more reason to keep stress at bay, and take some time for myself. Before I came back to LA, I had spent a lot of time at home cleaning and organizing things so that it would be easier for my Dad to keep the house tidy without my Mom. I found a Thanksgiving card my Mom had written a couple years after my Grandma had passed, in it she said when she visited my Grandma that she would just constantly talk to her while my Grandma would just watch her. Then she'd lay her head on my Grandma's shoulder and cry, and Grandma would start crying too. She could no longer speak, she had lost the sparkle in her eye, and had even forgotten how to smile, but my Mom knew this was my Grandma trying to comfort her the only way she knew how. I cried as I read the beautiful note my Mom had written and I knew how much she loved her and missed her every day. Before my Grandma could no longer speak, she still called me her 'Tiny One.' I know my Mom got to reunite with her parents in Heaven just two short months ago and is able to have the conversations she'd been waiting to have for over 10 years. I can't wait to have a conversation with you again, Mom, I miss you every day.

Grandma & Grandpa Jacoby with my Mom over 30 years ago!

If you'd like to check out the article: http://www.medicaldaily.com/alzheimers-ground-zero-locus-coeruleus-373619

Losing my Mom is by far the hardest thing I've ever had to go through.  The reason I'm posting these stories and sharing memories is because I want people to feel comfortable with their feelings (I cry in public on a regular basis at this point) and know it's ok to hurt and grieve.  I think it's also important to keep someone's spirit alive and remember all the wonderful memories that were created.  I appreciate all the support my family, friends, and even just the passerby have been giving me and will continue to show me as I learn to live without the person who meant more to me than anyone else.  One day at a time <3 

Dine LA Week

I love checking out new restaurants during Dine LA!  I was able to hit up a few different places at the end of January and look forward to going back to them in the future!

The Roof on Wilshire was my first Dine LA experience this last month and Aimee & Andy came with me.  It was a little bit rainy but the roof had covered tables and heat lamps so it ended up being perfectly fine.  The view was beautiful and we were all excited for Dinner.  I started with the Shells & Cheese while Aimee & Andy got the Brussels Sprouts.  Both appetizers were really big and enough for all three of us to share but I was hungry so I didn't mind.  I ordered the Bowl of Goodness with Shrimp that had Avocado, Quinoa, Siracha, Beans, and more.  It was so much food that I took over half of it home with me.  It was definitely spicy but everything worked really well together!  I finished off the meal with the S'mores Cheesecake which was really yummy and had a marshmallow melted on top.  On top of the three courses for $29 they also offered a cocktail of your choice so I decided on the Vodka Martini with Cucumber & Mint and it was delicious and refreshing!  I had enough leftover food for Dinner the next day!

The following week Jamie and I checked out Terrine which was just outside of West Hollywood and their outdoor patio where we sat was beautiful.  We stuck with the Dine LA menu but also added The Beef Tartare which was my first raw beef adventure and that was good.  I started with the Lobster Bisque which was nice but I loved the Truffle Agnolotti that Jamie ordered, perfect pillows, in a beautiful sauce that I wanted seconds and thirds!  We both decided on the Wagyu Beef Short Rib and that was incredible and tender; it was served with a Brown Butter Pomme Puree that was one of my favorite parts of the meal!  You can't go wrong with Brown Butter!  I decided on the Sticky Toffee Pudding for Dessert and it was a perfect end to the meal.  Their three courses were $39 and well worth it!

The Dine LA Menu at Terrine...Beef Tartare & Sticky Toffee Pudding

Jamie and I also had plans to check out one more place but decided to do some Happy Hour hopping around Beverly Hills instead and ended up spending $30 on a three-course meal with tax and tip!  We did good.  We started off at Crustacean and had to order the Garlic Noodles as these are noodles that dreams are made of!  I also got a no-carb burger which was served with cut green beans.  That was ok but the noodles always raise the bar!  We then walked over to Wolfgang Steakhouse and while Jamie got the Ribs I got the Steak Sliders which came with French Fries.  The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with a horseradish sauce that was awesome.  I was really proud of our Beverly Hills Happy Hour dinner on a budget :)

I can't wait to go back to The Roof on Wilshire, especially when the sun is setting; it'll have a stunning view.  I'd like to go back to Terrine as well and try some other things off the menu.  Jamie really encourages me to try things that scare me, so she's the perfect date in situations like that!  I've already been back to Wolfgang since going with Jamie and had more delicious food there so that was fantastic!  Three new places for the win! 

To see more photos from Dine LA or if you want to check out my Food Adventures follow me on Instagram: Lyndsey Wegner on IG 

Life Changes...

If I hadn't already realized it on the day that I got my new tattoo in November, I definitely know that life changes in the blink of an eye.  I tend to get a new tattoo after a major realization and I love the ink that I got at Black Diamond Tattoo!

It's got the three Heavenly Virtues, Faith, Hope & Love, and is concentrated on Hope as an Anchor.  Hebrews 6:19 (also my Birthday, June 19th) talks about Hope anchoring the Soul and I refuse to sink.  Justin Jakus did the tattoo in under an hour from design to execution and it turned out beautifully.  I'm so glad he was able to bring my dream to life.  

I did write a Yelp review for Black Diamond Tattoo in Venice if you're interested in checking out the Shop or seeing more of Justin's work!  He gets raving reviews for a reason :)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-diamond-tattoo-venice-3?hrid=Gxpbj1ARoWB8uosJDyPXdg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Special thanks to my roommate for coming with me to hold my hand in case I got nervous.  Justin had the lightest touch, so I barely felt a thing!  I'll definitely go back to Black Diamond for my next tattoo but I know my family hopes that's not for quite some time...I still haven't completely convinced them on my little moments of rebellion and freedom ;)

Thanksgiving Karaoke & Friendsgiving

With Thanksgiving being this past week I decided to group together our Pre-Thanksgiving Karaoke with Friendsgiving on Thursday!  Let's start off with Karaoke on Wednesday...

Bon Jovi "Shot Through The Heart"

No Doubt "Don't Speak"

Celine Dion "Power Of Love"

Journey "Separate Ways"

This past week we had Pre-Thanksgiving Karaoke so I had people sing songs or artists that they were thankful for.  We had a big crew of people come through so it was a super busy night!  I'm thankful for Bon Jovi, a band I remember hearing as a young girl while I would have sleepovers with my best friend in grade school, and for seeing them perform Live on 'The Ellen Show' years ago with my roommate, Ashley.  I'm thankful for No Doubt as they were the first alternative band I listened to, introduced to them by my brother, I remember many Summers skateboarding and rollerblading in the driveway to their music.  I'm certainly thankful for Celine Dion, a powerhouse, and one of the first Karaoke tapes I had, that I started singing to when I was younger.  My new song that night, "Power Of Love" was the first song I had heard of hers.  I always loved Journey, but I truly fell in love with their music when I was at a Summer picnic in Wisconsin and listening to a Cover Band play all genre's of music.  The female member took the lead on 'Separate Ways' and it's been one of my favorite songs ever since.  It gave me the confidence to sing songs by male artists and try music I would have never sang before.  It was a really fun night of great music, thankful friends, and celebrations.

For Friendsgiving this year I went over to Jamie's for a fabulous Foodie meal!  I had made fresh Cranberry sauce flavored with Orange and Bourbon.  I'll get the recipe up here on my blog just in case anyone wants to try it for the Holidays!  I also did my Crock Pot Lava Cake which was perfect and molten.  There were appetizers, a salad course, your traditional Thanksgiving food: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Green Beans, etc with a fabulous spin to all of it.  Everything was amazing and each course was paired with wine and was so delicious.  We all watched Football and also played some "Taboo" as well.  Of course, Thanksgiving isn't complete without watching a Christmas movie so 'Home Alone' it was!  With all the food, I knew I was going to have a Thanksgiving feast a couple more times before the weekend was over :)

Heading over to Jamie's for Friendsgiving, Jamie and a delicious Goat Cheese and Crostini, Lily working on the Green Beans, a full plate of Thanksgiving food, Ben working on a drum stick under Edward's watchful eye, and this gorgeous red that was smooth and had lovely cherry notes...Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is definitely my favorite Holiday...it's about spending time with family and friends, eating incredible food (make that a lot of incredible food), watching Football all day, and being thankful for everything in your life and what's yet to come.  I wrote this blog two years ago and it's still spot on and a fabulous reminder of everything I have to be thankful and happy for: http://lyndseywegner.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-thanksgiving.html  What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving?  Do you have a specific food or tradition you do every year?   I'm certainly thankful for all of my readers...I appreciate your support and love!  Happy Holidays!

Thenardier's Inn...One Day More!

We made it through another extension of 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret' and it was such a fun run!  We had plenty of time for rehearsals to prepare for the show with a mostly new cast and it certainly paid off.  The show was sold out every week and we barely had any space left for our closing show this past Saturday!  Thankfully, Three Clubs (the venue of our show in Hollywood) was happy to have us and we loved filling the space and sharing our hard work and 'Thenardier's Inn' with new audience goers as well as repeat guests!

Double the Trouble, Master & Madame of the House!

It was such a blast to play Madame Thenardier for this run!  She's a wild and fun character and with Nathan as the Master of the House, I couldn't imagine playing the role opposite anyone else.  The relationship we have built through rehearsals, the show and more translates on-stage and I feel like I'm working with a best friend.  It's a really great feeling and since we have to be a team, that playfully picks on one another, steals things during the show, and feeds off the audience to tell the story, I'm proud to get to work beside him!  We did our first show together 'Babes In Toyland' nearly two years ago!

The rest of the cast that stepped into new roles really impressed me, as I've been a part of the show for over a year now and we've had some fabulous cast members.  Everyone brought a fresh perspective to their roles and also brought the humor.  It's the same show but with little tweaks here and there that brought new life into something that was fabulously magical to begin with!  Michael took over as Director and lead us into a creative environment where we could play.  He as able to keep all the parts that have worked over this past year and also give the audience some new discoveries.  Thanks to our Improv, the show changes and evolves every time and we find out what works and get to keep the audience on their toes. 

I have all the emotions and colors of the rainbow :)

After one of our best shows ever on Saturday night we were all excited to announce that we'll be going into our seventh extension in November!  I will be playing Madame Thenardier for one more day, on November 7th which is also the One Year Anniversary of the show.    I can't believe we've been doing this for a year!  We have some old cast members that will be joining us for this show, as well as filling the audience with family and friends.  My parents and brother will be in LA for the week so I'm so glad that they'll be able to see me perform as Madame Thenardier (especially my Dad and Brother) since they haven't seen me in a Theater show since I was in College!

These tickets will sell out by the end of this week because it's such a monumental show for all of us.  You can purchase tickets at www.cacstudios.com using the Promo Code: NOTLESMIS for 50% off tickets or if we're sold-out there you can go to www.goldstar.com for discounted tickets as well.  Since it is our Anniversary Show and we're inviting all the CAC Studio/Theater Company Members it's going to be an incredible show and tickets will go fast, so if you want to see me one last time as Madame Thenardier, check out the above listed websites and get your ticket for November 7th!  I can't wait to share this with you <3

Our Current 'Thenardier's Inn' Cast...I love being your Madame!

"Can't we just do this forever?" ~ My words at Intermission during our first show on November 7th 2014...and we are!

You can call me Madame Thenardier...

It's been nearly a year since I auditioned to be in 'Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret' and little did we know our fabulous show would still be running a year later!  From extensions at CAC Studios, where it all began, to being a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, WINNING the 'Best Cabaret & Variety' at the Festival, having another extension at 3 Clubs, to bringing in a mostly new cast to our sixth extension, once again, back at 3 Clubs!

We are opening this Saturday and running for four weeks on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th at 8 pm!  Doors open at 7 pm and trust me, you don't want to be late to this one ;)

If you want to laugh, cry, drink heavily, and anything in-between, this is the show for you!  I'll be playing Madame Thenardier, and you'll want to watch your purses and wallets around me, and I can't promise to keep my hands to myself, but you can bet that I'll be making fun of my husband, making you drink more, and having a grand old time!

Tickets are available at: www.cacstudios.com and go ahead and use the promo code NOTLESMIS for up to 50% off tickets.  Tickets are going fast so jump on it and check out our wonderful story that will be sure to melt your heart <3

LA Food & Wine Festival

I watch a lot of Cooking Shows and Culinary Competitions on TV, and I subscribe to Food & Wine, and Cooking Light, as I love Food, being in the kitchen, going out for Happy Hour and Dinners to try new restaurants around LA.  Watching my shows and reading my magazines, the LA Food & Wine Festival is always one of the topics of conversation.  So one of my dreams came true when Jamie took me as her guest to the Festival a couple Fridays ago!

Downtown LA at Sunset

The LA Food & Wine Fest took place in Downtown LA at the Walt Disney Hall with over 100 celebrity chefs, 250 wineries, DJ's and entertainment, and more!  There were so many different stops that there was no way we were even able to come close to hitting half of them.  It was literally food and wine overload.  I noticed a lot of the restaurants and tastings we did were pork heavy, and perhaps, that's just the places we stopped at, but it was everything from tacos, to pork belly, to sliders, and more.  My favorite bite we tried was the Shrimp Coconut Cake from Phorage.  I burned my mouth because I couldn't wait for it to cool down but it was so worth it!  In fact, this last week I went in search of that appetizer at Phorage here in Culver City but unfortunately it was just a specialty item for the Food & Wine Festival.  I'm hoping they make it a special one of these days at their restaurant and I can stop in for a little bite of heaven!  

Jamie & I at the LA Food & Wine Festival

Now onto the wine, these weren't your typical wines.  These were wines that had flavors I'd never tried before, more exotic, more exciting, different profiles, and everything was delicious.  Navigating the event with food in one hand and a glass in the other we had to stop at the Stella booth to get our plate that had a holder for your wine glass.  They were also handing out full glasses of Stella and I actually got a few new wine and beer glasses to add to my bar at home!   Jamie and I did a mini-vodka tasting at Infuse Vodka before we left the event and I was excited because we sell that brand of Vodka at Bar Lubitsch.  We covered as much ground as we could in the two hours we were there but I can totally understand why some people get an all-weekend pass so they can leisurely make their way around the whole Festival.

Overall, it was quite the experience, and something I'm so lucky to have been able to attend.  This was one of my dreams come true and now that I've been to my first Food & Wine Festival, I can't wait to go again.  And this time, I'll have a complete game plan so I can find my favorite restaurants and try more incredible food :)  Thank you Jamie! 

*I wish I had taken more photos of the food, but because our hands were full, it was hard to take pictures along the way.  Photos from the event can be seen on LA Food & Wine's Instagram profile at: https://instagram.com/lafoodwine/* 

Masterchef :)

One of my favorite Competition Cooking Shows is 'Masterchef.'  I think everyone gets to see a softer side of Gordon Ramsey versus his more passionate side on 'Hell's Kitchen.'  I also love Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich who left after last season and Christina Tosi joined the cast this season.  I was elated when my friend, Thi, who is a producer for the show, asked if I would like to attend a VIP Lunch cooked by the contestants on 'Masterchef,' and happily said yes!

Giana & I at the taping for 'Masterchef'

We filmed the 100th episode back in February at the Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes and the episode aired in early July.  Being a fan of the show I knew what to expect:  A couple different courses, prepared by two different teams, with a vote at the end deciding which team would go into a Pressure Test later in the episode that we wouldn't even see.  My Mom and I went to the Botanical Gardens in Palos Verdes a couple years ago so I knew the view would be incredible but I had no idea the set-up for 'Masterchef,' would be so elegant, inviting, and fun!  There were over 100 VIP chefs, critics, restauranteurs, bloggers, and guests at the taping.  I was very excited to be amongst so many food people; it was literally a dream come true!  I brought my friend, Giana, with me as well, and after a glass of Champagne we were ready for Lunch.

Our table of VIP Guests...so fancy!

As in any taping of a live show, there's a lot of time you're waiting for cameras, food, and people.  After a quick walk of the red carpet and bartenders making sure our glasses were never empty, we finally got our first course about an hour after we sat down.  There were two foodie firsts for me at this Lunch, and having Caviar for the first time was one of them!  The appetizer included Malpeque Oysters and Royal Ossetra Caviar (which in it's smallest size is available for retail at $144).  *I just looked to find out how much it cost since I had never had Caviar prior to this.*  The entree was starring Duck Breast (another first for me; my Mom had ordered it at Dinner a few times but I never tried it since it always looked a little scary).

The Blue Team presented their appetizer as a Butter Poached Oyster with a Cucumber & Apple Pickle and Caviar Viniagarette.  The Oyster was served on a piece of Endive with a Yogurt as well and really was delicious.  It was light, you got the citrus in the Caviar, and the Oyster was sweet and clean, all the flavors standing out but working together to coexist in one awesome dish.  Lucky for us, we each got three!  Graham asked me what I thought about the dish and I was happy to tell him about how great the dish was and describe like I did above.  The entree was a seared Moroccan spiced Duck with Forbidden Rice and roasted Fennel.  The flavor of the Duck was incredible but according to our table was over-cooked (and I had no idea since it was my first time eating it).  I did notice it wasn't medium rare and difficult to cut but still tasted really flavorful.

Excited to eat some awesome food on the bus ride over to the Golf Course
and then some Giana and Lyndsey spottings during the Episode :)

After our courses we were given a ballot to rate our appetizer and entree and write any notes we had.  When I watched the episode it seemed like both teams had some trouble with the consistency of the Duck and I do believe our Oyster was better but in the end, the Red Team won.  Since neither team knew if they won or lost we all got to enjoy the festivities as well as the Celebration Cake that Christina made.  In typical Lyndsey fashion, I was still hungry and there was plenty of cake to go around so I ended up getting two pieces (I did share some with Giana) and it was glorious!  It was like a Funfetti Cake but better with what I can only describe as Cake Crunchies baked into it.

Cheers to Masterchef's 100th Episode!

Overall, it was such a blast to be involved in one of my favorite cooking shows and also be a part of the 100th episode of 'Masterchef.'  We got a VERY high-end delicious meal, enjoyed some wonderful company and libations, and a fabulous experience.  Now, if only I could Host a Cooking Show!

*You can watch the show here: Masterchef's 100th Episode*