Experimental Songs & Fitness Demo's

Had a great time at Karaoke last night and got to see a lot of friends who haven't been in to Karaoke for months so we all had a good time!  I'm doing really well with my no drinking hard alcohol, and because I knew I had an Audition today, I wasn't going to drink anything but water, even though the shots were ready and waiting!

My night was kind of exciting because I was trying songs I hadn't sang in months, or even years.  I've never been a fan of 'Unforgettable' but for some reason, I realized I liked singing it when I tried it about 6 months ago, and I was able to sing it again last night with a different partner; still so much fun!  I also did 'Celebrity Skin' by request for Neil, which I can't even remember the last time I sang that, and 'Sunday Morning' by No Doubt.  My new song of the evening was one by Bon Jovi, and you'll hear more about that after Neil's show on Friday ;)  Neil sang INXS' 'The Devil Inside' which was awesome!  I played that as background music one day at Karaoke and thought it was perfect for Neil, and I was right about that!  Carolyn had some requests as well and even sang Wilson Phillips 'Hold On' for her first time ever!  We all had a blast, and a little family reunion.

Today I got up early, did a few exercises, because I had a Fitness Audition for a Convention next weekend.  The company needs someone to talk about their product and even do some demo's of it, so the job would be perfect for me!  I was glad to hear my new Headshots were ready this morning, so I stopped by Prints Charm'n to pick them up before my Audition in Hollywood. 

I got to the Casting Office and waited for just 2 minutes before I was called in to my Fitness Audition.  I had signed in and looked over a page of information about the product and hoped I had memorized enough of what they needed to hear.  I got to explain a little bit about my work-out regimen for the week, and also about what I'm working on while I work out.  I felt really confident about what I was talking about, and knew I had an energy that was perfect for the audition.  Then the Casting Director asked me a couple questions about the product which I confidently answered with the proper info and terminology.  Overall, I felt great, and like it was a really strong audition for me!  About 10 minutes later I got a call from the Casting Office that sent me out on the Audition asking if I had showed up, which I had, and said it went great, and thanked them for having me in.  Bonus Points!!

I also signed up for a Casting Director Work Shop next weekend, which will be a great opportunity, so the week continues strong and full of creativity!  Let's keep this train going!

80's Rehearsal

I'm always glad when I can start my week off with something creative, and it was great to have an Audition on Monday and continue to keep the groove going with Rehearsal on Tuesday!

Neil's going to be playing an Acoustic 80's Cover Song's Show at Universal Bar & Grill in North Hollywood on Friday.  He had his own rehearsal on Monday Night when he played a set at Skinny's, and has informed me I will be singing a couple songs with him at his show on Friday Night.  We sang together in November for his first show at The Good Hurt, and it was so exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time!

On Tuesday we rehearsed a few songs and listened to some music.  I love the 80's, personally, I think the best music came out then...well-written songs, rock and roll, passion, and there was something for everyone, not to mention, totally danceable and with-standing the test of time as a lot of those songs are still popular now!  Now I can't say what we're singing because it's a surprise for Friday, and I don't even know the rest of Neil's set, because it's supposed to be a surprise for me, so I'm really looking forward and excited about the show!  Lucky for me, I know a lot of 80's songs, so the songs we're singing were some of my personal favorites :)  I even pulled out a tambourine at one point, and added to one of the songs!  To be perfectly honest, rhythm isn't my strong point, and I played the piano, so I don't know why that is, but apparently, practice helps, and if that song stays in the set, I'll be rocking out with my tambourine!

We'll have another rehearsal later this week, because I want to feel comfortable with the songs.  It's amazing how at Karaoke, I can feel confident with the songs, but once I get in front of an unknown audience in a different setting, my nerves creep back in.  I'm a firm believer in, if you're not nervous, then it's not worth it!  It keeps you on your toes, and makes sure you're prepared for anything!  (I actually used to shake before and after every time I sang the National Anthem at Sporting Events at Winona, but not while I was doing it, it was weird, but I expected it.)  Nowadays, I get nervous right away, but usually everything fades and I completely forget where I'm at and just get into the groove, and that's the way I like it :)

What's for Dinner? Part 5.

Gnocchi.  Cheese.  Put them together and make a health-conscious meal in less than 30 minutes?  Yes please!

I found a recipe a couple weeks ago for a Gnocchi Mac & Cheese, and decided to do my own take on it.  I had some asparagus leftover from my soup last week and knew exactly how I wanted to prepare that, and I also did a fun experiment with a Caprese salad.

Here are the ingredients needed for tonight's 'What's for Dinner?'

Gnocci Mac & Cheese with Sausage

1 lb Gnocchi (I found my Gnocchi at Trader Joe's for $1.99!)

2 Apple & Maple Sausages (Once again, got mine from Trader Joe's)

2 Tbsp Margarine

2 Cloves of Garlic

1 Tsp Horseradish Mustard (You could also use Dijon, I just like the kick of Horseradish)

1 Tbsp Flour

3/4 Cup Milk

1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 Cup Parmesan/Asiago Cheese Mix

Salt & Pepper 

Lemon Asparagus

12 Asparagus Spears

Tbsp Olive Oil

1/2 a Lemon

Caprese Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

3 Cups Arugula

1 Roma Tomato

1/2 a Lemon

2 Tsp Olive Oil

2 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar

Salt & Pepper

Mozzarella Cheese

Baked and Beautiful!

Pre-heat the oven to 375.  To cook the Gnocchi, boil water, throw the dumplings in, and once they rise to the surface, you cook them for another 2 minutes.  Once you drain the water you put the Gnocchi in a baking dish.  I cut 2 sausages into rounds and put them into the dish with the Gnocchi.  While I was preparing my Gnocchi I melted my butter into a pan and added in my garlic.  Then I added the flour and whisked until it bubbled.  I put in the Milk and Mustard next and waited for that to thicken, which was about about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.  I added handfuls of the cheese to my mixture in the pan and stirred, allowing the cheese to melt and create a thicker sauce until all the cheese was added.  Season the sauce with salt and pepper then pour the sauce over the Gnocchi and sausage.  Bake about 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden, and then let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Gorgeous Color!

As my cheesy goodness was baking away in the oven I prepared my Asparagus by breaking the ends off, and placing them on a baking sheet.  I drizzled the olive oil over the top and made sure to coat all the asparagus with it.  Then I squeezed half a lemon over the asparagus and roasted them for 12 minutes in the oven with my Gnocchi.

While my main dishes were in the oven I put my salad together.  I put all the arugula into a bowl and added in the lemon, olive oil, and salt, then hand mixed until the lettuce was coated.  The acidity in the lemon really affected the arugula, so make sure to save your salad for the last minute or you'll have a wilted mess.  I then put the lettuce mixture into 2 smaller bowls and cut my roma tomato into rounds.  I placed them on the side of the lettuce and drizzled a teaspoon of balsamic over each set of tomatoes.  Then I sprinkled mozzarella over the top along with fresh black pepper.

Had to have 2 helpings of Gnocchi!

This was probably one of my favorite meals I have ever made!  It was simple, I was able to use a couple of the ingredients in the different recipes, it was low in fat and everything tasted amazing!!  The sausage was a sweet touch a savory pasta dish, the lemon on the asparagus gave it a really nice flavor, and the salad was interesting and fun.  I'll definitely look forward to making this again with different cheeses and add-ins.  And the leftovers were just as good :)

Spunky Wisconsin

A few weeks ago I had an Audition in front of Janice Dickinson and a couple other judges to walk the Runway for a Swimwear Line at Miami Fashion Week.  I completely forgot all about it until I got an e-mail saying we needed to get on the website and share the link to our video and vote. 

Vote 5 stars!!

Please take the time to check out my 2 minute video and vote for me because I'm just a normal girl from Wisconsin, who's all of 5"4, with real curves, and works hard.  I'd love to get the chance to inspire girls and women, that you don't need to have model stats to succeed in this business.  You can feel confident and have fun at any shape and size as long you've got a positive attitude and aspirations :)

So check out the video, it's pretty funny, and Janice wasn't nearly as intimidating as I thought she was going to be, she was actually pretty complimentary!

Vote 5 stars!! 

This weekend I Hosted Karaoke on Saturday night!  It was exciting to be working a different night and hopefully, I'll be getting some people to come in on my normal Wednesday night to build it up more!  There were a lot of great singers, and a lot of new people.  It was a really busy night so I was only able to sing a couple of times, so my new song for the night was Madonna's 'Like A Prayer.'  Definitely a popular song, and one most Karaoke people have sung before, but it was my first time, and I will be singing it again!

Today I had an audition for a Hair Show.  The audition was in Woodland Hills at a Hair Institute.  The Audition started promptly at 1:15, and because I made it up there in 25 minutes, I was a half hour early.  I sat in the waiting area, read a magazine, and watched as each girl walked in.  Kind of amazing how they say 1:15 sharp, and people are walking in at 1:20.  It was a Brunette Call, but there were a couple red heads and blondes, yet everyone looked really different.  They then called us into a room where 10 students from Sebastian UK would be putting on a show tomorrow and they were finding their models at this call.  One by one each stylist picked a model, some checking hair, others just picking someone immediately.  If I had to guess, out of the 50 girls there for the call, I was one of very few who didn't have any color or product in my hair.  I did my hair straight but full and flowy, as most of the girls did.  The stylists chose all the redheads, a blonde, and the rest were brunette and ethnic and 15 minutes later I was walking out of the salon back to my car...better luck next time!  At least I can be happy that I got called in, and hopefully will be kept in mind for future shows and projects!

Top of the Morning to Ya!

Yesterday ended up being a far busier day than I had expected.  I got up and went for my morning run and did a couple sets of stair.  Then I got a call from a good friend to stop by the bar he works at, (they need someone to pick up shifts) and was I interested?  Absolutely!  As I'm printing off my resume, the only thing that prints is my e-mail address...out of black ink!  I'm just lucky I didn't need to bring a resume, just wanted to be prepared, but I'm even luckier that didn't happen as I was getting ready for an audition!  That's why I always have a back up headshot and resume in my car.  I still printed a resume, and of course, printed it in purple ink.

So in I went to Irish Times, a bar I had visited in the past, and even took my Mom to, because my old boss from Saint's & Sinner's, has worked there for years.  I met the owner, who's this incredible Irish man, and so cool.  I love all his Irish sayings and upbeat attitude.  The reason I can say that is because he asked if I could train right then and there, and now, here I am today, at my first shift!  Granted, it's just before 2 pm, no one has come into the bar yet, but I heard it gets real busy in the afternoon, especially on a Friday.  I certainly don't mind because I'm able to get some work done as well.  So I've got a new job, just filling in, but at least it gives me something to do while I'm looking for something more permanent, and still gives me the option to audition whenever I need to.

Becky, Kristina, and I at Irish Times!

 *Side note*  At 2 pm, two gentlemen walked into the bar, and from that moment on, the bar got packed, and I was working my butt off for the next 5 hours!  (I'm just finishing up the blog now at 2 am.)  But that's just the way I like it, throw me into the lion's den on my first day, if I can't keep up, then I shouldn't be a bartender.  My sales and my tips, along with a very happy owner, proved I did a damn good job, and I was so happy to be behind a bar again, with an owner that actually appreciates his employee's!  I also got a nice surprise bouquet of flowers and candy from a secret admirer...oh la la.

Back to Thursday afternoon and I had to run some errands in between interviewing and training, so I picked up my ink cartridge at Target and then made my way to Prints Charm'n to check out my headshot proofs.  I got caught up talking to one of the owners, who was hilarious, and as I initialed the proofs to get them by next week, he actually asked me to write one out to him and sign it so he could put it on the wall.  It's really not that big of a deal, but it was such a nice compliment, and it was a really great feel good moment :)

Then on Thursday night I had a fun reunion with one of my favorite's, Andrea, as our friend, Craig, was in town from New York.  He had a party at this Sushi Restaurant in Hollywood, with an open bar, and free sushi served all night long.  The presentation was absolutely gorgeous, the food was excellent, and they brought a platter that was about 4 feet by 2 feet that was loaded with all sorts of sushi rolls, sashimi, and fish; it was insane!  Even the DJ was awesome; so the girls and I had a little dance party of our own.  It's so nice to be out with good friends in Hollywood, without doing the club thing, because you can actually have a conversation with someone and catch up.  Don't get me wrong, every once in a while, going out dancing your butt off, screaming at the top of your lungs to talk to your best friend, and spending an hour to get ready, can be fun, but Thursday Night's Reunion was perfection!

Wolf Dog Reunion

That's a day I could get used to...but for now, Good Night, Moon!

It's a Leap Year

I finally figured out the details for my headshots and they are currently off to the printers, and I'll get to see the proofs later today!  I've used Prints Charmin' the past couple times I have gotten headshots.  They are super friendly and work with you to get the best quality photo to make sure you're completely satisfied with the finished product.  They have tons of options and offer other products like post cards, business cards, etc.  Not to mention, they're really affordable and have two locations, one in Culver City/West LA and the other in Studio City.  I have been looking into going to a couple casting workshops in the next month and can be proud now when I bring my headshots in for the Casting Directors to look at.  Both headshots have such a different feel and look to them, so I'm glad that there's range.  HOORAY for new headshots!  This is my Theatrical Headshot I will be using.  CW...give me a call ;)

We had an extra day yesterday for Leap Year, and the whole day was just kind of weird and off.  Starting at midnight and continuing throughout the day.  Perhaps it was the loss of Davy Jones...perhaps it was an odd day for others...perhaps I was in my own little world.  At any rate, I was glad to have Karaoke that night! 

We got started a little late because of the Laker Game, but had plenty of singers ready to share their voice!  Lucky for me, I had a visit from my Saint's & Sinner's family, and was able to catch up with some good friends.  We had a bunch of new singers in as well, and hopefully, we'll get some new regulars in the bar that enjoy singing!  Marcus has been approaching me about singing, 'I Got You Babe,' but doing the Reggae version; I had never even heard it, but was feeling adventurous so we tried UB40's version featuring Chrissy Hynde.  It was really low for me, but had a fun vibe to it.  My other new song of the evening was Whitney Houston's 'How Will I Know,' which went surprisingly well.  To top it all off, Carolyn and I ended the night with a little 'Grease' Super-Set!

Everyone at the bar last night was ordering Chicken Fingers and French Fries, and the aroma was just filling the room.  I wanted a french fry so bad, but with Lent right now, I can't eat it because it's junk food; but boy, were they tempting!  I've been doing really well with the no hard alcohol challenge.  No shots even when I could use one, and I'm drinking beer, which is also a different change of pace.  Normally, I drink beer with Sprite, and since I also gave up Soda, I can't do that, so I've been drinking Blue Moon's with a splash of Orange Juice and a Lemon.  SOOOOOOO good!  Less than 40 days to go...

What's For Dinner? Part 4.

Soup.  Take 2!

I probably should have made this recipe on Friday when I can't meat, but I was craving some soup today after the little chill we've been feeling here in LA.  I had a bunch of vegetables so I decided to make a Veggie Soup!  I did not go off any other recipe for this, and completely experimented!

Here are the Ingredients we need for tonight's 'What's For Dinner?'

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

3/4 Pound of Carrots (Peeled and Chopped)

1/2 Cup Onion (Chopped)

1/2 Cup Yellow & Orange Peppers

10 Asparagus Spears

2 Cups Chicken Stock

1 Cup Water

1 Clove Garlic (Chopped)

1/2 Tsp Bay Leaves

1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar

1/4 Cup Carrot Juice (I used Bolthouse Farms)

Salt & Pepper

3 Slices Ginger (Chopped) 

Like my original soup I made, I heated the olive oil in my pot and then added in the carrots and onions to sweat and start the softening process, which was about 5 minutes.  I cut the carrots into smaller pieces as I originally thought I was pureeing my soup again, and it's easier when the pieces are smaller.  Then I added in my chopped peppers and asparagus, all my wet ingredients, the minced garlic, bay leaves, and ginger.  The carrot juice and rice wine are optional items, I just wanted to add a little extra flavor to the soup.  I'm pretty sure adding Chicken stock no longer makes my soup vegetarian, but I'm not eating actual meat, so until my Mom says so, I could eat this on Friday :)  I brought the soup to a boil and then simmered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  As I started the simmering process, I realized how beautiful the colors looked in the pot and decided against pureeing the soup, and keeping it as a nice hearty vegetable soup.  

Mmmmm...Soup!

After 20 minutes my soup was done, was amazingly fragrant, slightly sweet, and had tons of vegetables and flavor!  There wasn't a whole lot of broth, so I could see adding another cup or Chicken Stock or water, but I liked having tons of vegetables in every bite!  A great new experiment that was super yummy and healthy :)

PS.  Mom said so...can't eat it on Friday even though there is no meat in it, it's made from chicken, and therefore counts as meat.  I don't know how people are vegetarian or vegan...there's way too much to think about, and I think I'd be eating something wrong for practically every meal.  Props to my non-meat eating friends, you work hard at that, and I certainly could not do it all the time!