If you're in NYC tomorrow...

Hey everyone! If you are in the New York area tomorrow afternoon you should defiantly check this out:

As many of you hopefully know there is a National March on Washington D.C. scheduled for October 11, 2009 to demand full equality for all people in matters governed by civil law. Tomorrow afternoon Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, BroadwayImpact, The Cast of HAIR, and the Public Theater will be hosting a community-wide mobilization meeting at the Delacorte Theater in Central park at 2:30 pm. The point of this meeting is to propose and discuss ideas to help spread the word of this movement. CLEVE JONES will be there! Other speakers include Oskar Eustis (Public Theater Artistic Director), David Stone (Producer for Wicked, Next to Normal, Spelling Bee), Nancy Harrington (veteran Broadway Stage Manager), and Gavin Creel (Two time Tony nominee, star of Hair, and co-founder of BroadwayImpact).

So if you're free, please come to this meeting and learn what you can do to really make a difference in the fight for equality!

Mattress Factory

Only 3 days left in Pittsburgh, and I’ve been trying to spend as much time as possible with friends! This afternoon I went to the Mattress Factory with two friends.  For those of you who don’t know what the Mattress Factory is, it’s a modern art museum that presents contemporary are in room-sized environments that you can get into. They have some really cool exhibits that you can interact with (or in our case have a photo shoot with). One of my favorites is a room full of mirrors with black lights and neon spots. It’s a really fun room to hang out in for a few minutes and take pictures in. It’s located in a really nice neighborhood with a Greenwich Village like feel. If you are ever in Pittsburgh it’s a really cool place to check out.

I’m also going out with some friends tonight. We’re going to coffee and seeing Inglorious Basterds. I’ve heard it’s really good from a lot of people, so I’m excited to check it out myself.  Have any of you seen it? Did you like it?

College Packing

It’s finally my last week at my parent’s house! I’m moving back to New York early Friday morning and I couldn’t be more excited! I can’t wait to see my roommates and my friends, to go out to restaurants and to see shows, and just to sit in the park and relax. I’m technically not moving in until Saturday morning so I’ll be spending Friday night at my aunt and uncle’s house. It’ll be nice to spend some time with them and to see my cousins! They have two boys, 3 and 5, who are so adorable.

I’m about 50% done packing now. I have all of my winter stuff packed, as well as toiletries. Basically anything I know I won’t need between now and Friday. I’ve recently bought those vacuum bags where you put a bunch of clothes in and suck the air out. They are so useful! You wouldn’t believe the amount of space you can save with a few of those bags. If you’re moving defiantly check them out. I want to hurry up and finish packing al of my clothes, but I have such a hard time deciding what to wear and I know if I pack a certain shirt or dress I’m going to want to wear it, so I’m trying to hold off on packing my summer clothes.

 Recently friends (and some bloggers) have asked for any suggestions for college packing. Here are a few tips that I wish I would have known for my freshman year:

 

-You don’t have to buy everything before you move!

            This applies more to people who are traveling longer distances, like me. Chairs, rugs, lights, etc. can take up a lot of space in your car. Many colleges are located near a target, bed bath and beyond, or ikea, and some even offer a shuttle bus to the store! Wait till you get there, see how big your room is, and then go out and buy bulkier things for your room.

 

-Bring a medicine basket!

            Fill a box or basket with any type of medicine you might need throughout the year. When I got sick at school the last thing I wanted to do was leave my bed. Luckily I already had a lot of what I needed right there.

                        -Tylenol

                        -Midol

                        -Pepto Bismol

                        -Cough Drops

                        -Nyquil

                        -Vitamins

I also use shower soothers when I’m congested or have a cold. They work miracles. I am also a singer, and occasionally use them before a show if I’m feeling a little stuffy. Defiantly check them out!

 

-A sewing kit might not seem necessary, but I used it multiple times.

 

-Although I didn’t have it last year, today my mom bought me pepper spray. While I never encountered a situation where I would have needed it, it is smart to have. Especially in NYC. I don’t feel like it’s a necessity, but it’s good to have.

 

-Bed risers are also a great idea and create a lot more storage space. I kept extra school supplies, extra toiletries, a hamper, and luggage under my bed. It saves a ton of space!

 

What do you guys do to pack and save space?

1 week!

Good news! My interview went really well, and I have the job as long as I pass the secret service background checks. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I’ll pass. I’ve never been arrested or been involved with terrorist organizations, so I’m not too worried.

Other then that I’ve just been saying goodbye to friends and getting ready to go back to New York. My friends from High School that were a year younger are all leaving for college this week. I went out with a group of them two nights ago and just talked about all the fun times we had together. In addition to saying goodbye to people, I’ve started packing. I’m going back to New York a week from today, and I couldn’t be more excited. However, I have A TON of stuff to bring back with me. I’m trying to cut back on the amount of stuff I’m bringing, but I have such a hard time leaving clothes behind. It’s also challenging, because I’m not coming home after this. I’m just going to be moving back and fourth between school and an apartment in the city. So I don’t want to leave stuff behind, but I don’t want to over pack. I will probably end up over packing anyway and regretting it later.

 

I recently bought some new stuff for my room, and I can’t wait to decorate it! I got a new rug from Urban Outfitters. It’s a chocolate area rug, and it’s really soft! I also got the original cast recording (on record!) of Hair. It’s the album sleeve and the record, and it’s framed. It looks really cool and I can’t wait to hang it in my room! In addition to that I have this huge piece of fabric that I don’t know what to do with. It was used as a curtain in the set of “Barefoot in the Park”, and after the show the director gave it to me telling me to do something with it to use in my dorm. So now I have this large piece of gorgeous vintage fabric from the 70’s and I can’t figure out what to do with it. I’m thinking of just using it as a tapestry on my wall, but I’d like to do something a little more original. Ideas would be greatly appreciated!

G20!

I have really exciting news! As many of you know the G20 is being hosted in Pittsburgh (my hometown) this September. I have Monday classes off that weekend anyway so I decided to fly home for a long weekend to see my family and check out what’s going on around Pittsburgh. A few days I was told about an opportunity to be a server at different events during the G20, meaning I would get access to the events and be able to see everyone there! I have an interview for it tonight. I really hope I get it!

Other then that I’ve just been getting ready to go back to New York. I went shopping the other day at Forever 21 and Avalon, a thrift store by me. I got a really cute dress and skirt from Forever 21. I also got a headband with a black flower on it. I’m kind of obsessed with it right now. At Avalon I found an American Apparel skater dress for only $10.50! I love going to thrift stores! You can find some really cute, unique clothes for really cheap. If anyone knows of any good thrift stores in NYC give me a heads up! Because the only ones I know of are vintage stores in Nolita, which still charge hundreds of dollars for clothes.

 

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Magnolia Cupcakes!

If you have ever been to Magnolia Bakery in NYC then you know that they have THE BEST cupcakes in the world! If you haven’t been….GO! There are three different locations; downtown on Bleeker St, Midtown at Rockefeller Center, and Uptown on Columbus Ave & 69^th St. Yesterday I was in the mood to bake so I decided to try to find Magnolia’s recipe and make cupcakes. They turned out surprisingly well, especially because I don’t bake that often, and actually taste like Magnolia cupcakes!

 

Here’s the recipe:

 

Magnolia’s Vanilla Cupcakes

(Makes 2 dozen)

 

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.

In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing. At the bakery we ice the cupcakes with either Vanilla Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream.

 

Magnolia’s Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

 

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

 

Next time you want to bake something, defiantly try out this recipe! It’s quick, easy and, obvs, delicious!

Retail Therapy really works!

I’ve found one of the best ways to cope with boredom is shopping. Even if you’re just sitting around somewhere you still look cute. And when I look cute I feel better about myself. Shallow, I know.  The other day I went shopping with some friends and bought two new dresses. The first one is Lux and is super comfy. The second is a little more formal. It’s a purple dress from Silence and Noise.  It has an a-line skirt with pink and blue leaves and flowers on it. It’s really cute.

 

There’s another dress I’m thinking about buying, but I need your input! I can’t decide if it’s worth it. It’s from Bloomingdales, relatively inexpensive, and I have a gift card to put towards it. It’s also a bit outrageous. I would obvs only wear it in NYC, probably while under an influence or two. I love it, but don’t know if I could actually pull it off. What do you think? Should I buy the ridiculous going out dress? Or save my money for something practical?

After a two-week hiatus I started running again last night. Maybe it’s because it was so humid out, but I had the hardest time! I consider myself a pretty in-shape person. I exercise regularly (with the exception of the past two weeks), dance, and when I’m in New York go to the gym about 4 to 5 times a week. I’m also a vegetarian, so I have a pretty healthy diet. Normally I can run a mile and be fine, but last night I was ready to quit after a quarter mile! I go to the gym with a group of anywhere between 5 and 8 friends in New York (which is a great way to stay motivated and have fun while working out!) so hopefully they’ll help get me back into shape!

 

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

And Again!

I have exciting news! Well, it’s not really that exciting, but I was pretty happy about it. I got my paycheck for my first ever paying job working in theater! Pretty exciting stuff!

I also went shopping. Thanks to a distant relative, who knows nothing about me or my style, I had a Hollister gift card to get rid of. Now, I haven’t gone into a Hollister store since 10^th grade, and even then I wasn’t a huge fan.

So yesterday when I was out shopping with my mother I decided it was about time I put it to use and try to buy a white tank top or something that could actually be useful. I dug through piles of t-shirts with “Hollister” or “Cali” printed in huge font across them until I finally found something I liked. I was pretty impressed that they actually had a cute shirt! (I was also surprised when one of my favorite songs, “Valentino” came on.) Now, it’s not the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen, but it’s a pretty color or light pink, could be cute all year round with a sweater.

Although I didn’t buy it at on my most recent shopping trip, I got a new dress from American Apparel recently. It’s called “Le Sac” dress and is one of the most confusing things I own. It’s really cute, and can be worn in a bunch of different ways; you just have to play around with it to figure out how to tie it. I’m still working on figuring out all the ways to wear it. I would suggest buying one. It is very versatile and could be worn very casually or could be dressed up to wear out. It’s like 12 dresses in 1! And they come in just about any color you could possibly want. I got mine in “Galaxy”.

 

Tonight I’m going out to dinner at The Elbow Room with some friends. It’s a very nice, reasonably priced restaurant in Pittsburgh. One of my best friends works there, so we are going to visit him. If you’re ever in Pittsburgh and want good food, defiantly check it out!

First Post!

Hey everyone! So due to epic boredom this summer I started reading blogs sporadically and have decided to start one. I don’t really know how this works, but it seems like a good way to keep up with friends. And what better time then in the summer when I have nothing else to do? So here’s a little bit about me.

-I’m 19 years old

-I live in New York

-I grew up in Pittsburgh

-I’m trying to be an actor

-I love shopping and fashion

-I have a black lab named Gracie

-I love music

-My parents are hippies

-I’m trapped in Pittsburgh for the next three weeks

 

That’s the basics about me, here’s what I’ve been up to lately:

 

Right now I’m working “Barefoot in the Park” at a theater here in Pittsburgh. I would say come see it, but it’s closing tomorrow night. I’m on the run crew so it’s not very exciting, but it’s something to do until I go back to New York. One of the girls in the show got us all flowers tonight. She’s super cute.

Steph gave me the new Regina Spektor CD today. I’m already obsessed with it. Right now my two favorite songs are “The Calculation” and “Dance Anthem of the 80’s”, but that’ll probably change in 2 days. I’m so ADD with music.

 

Sephora has started to do a new form of gift cards called e-cards. I got one for my birthday last week, and as much as I love make up these e-cards are just a pain in the ass. You can only use them online as opposed to a regular gift card which you can use in the store or online. Why would you make another form of gift cards when you already have a more versatile one? 

I took this e-card into a Sephora store last week and was told I could only use itonline, so I went home and ordered my make up online. It finally got here today. I got a refill on my BareMinerals. I don’t usually wear a lot of make up, but when I do, BareMInerals works really well. I also got DiorShow mascara. It’s one of my guilty pleasures.Usually I wouldn’t spend $24 on a tube of mascara so I save up my Sephora gift cards, e-cards, and spends them on DiorShow. I never used to wear mascara, but I used DiorShow in a show one time and now I’m addicted. Also, when it’s your birthday they send you cute little gifts. I got a 3 pack of lip gloss!

 

Right now I’m reading, “Snuff” by Chuck Palahniuk. I started it yesterday and I’m already more then halfway through it. It’s about a porn star who’s retiring and for her last film she’s going to bang 600 guys in one movie, but one of them wants to kill her. It’s super cute, I know. I’ve been reading it backstage for the past two nights.  I’ve recently become hooked on his writing. I read Lullaby at the beach last month and loved it. His writing is very stylized and satirical. It can be both graphic to the point of disgusting and hilarious. All of his books are fun to read, but also have undertones of social commentary, which makes them, in my opinion, better then most books I read for fun. And to completely contradict myself I just finished “Ransom” by Julie Garwood. Her books are another one of my guilty pleasures. Although she’s a New York Times Best Selling Author, I don’t think any of her books are very well written. They’re fluffy romance fiction that you can easily get sucked into, but some of her language is so bad it’s distracting. They’re not my favorite books, but if you want something mindless to read, they’re pretty entertaining.