NYC TO LV

Yes, the exodus has really happened and I can finally sit and breathe and write about it. :) 

I only like NY as a friend! After being an addict to the incredible highs and manic lows, I am breaking up with my fascinating, dynamic, eclectic, giving yet slightly abusive lover, 

New York City.

I really thought leaving NYC would be some kind of huge traumatic experience but it really just wasn't, which makes me believe it was absolutely the right decision. So if anyone is reading this thinking they are "giving up on the dream" by leaving-you're not. And all of a sudden all these articles started popping up that re-affirmed some of my feelings. This one. This one. This hilarious spoof. And especially... THIS ONE. Like the subways aren't bad enough being completely dysfunctional. I had bed bugs in Queens. Worst ever, and I am not surprised in the least that those buggers-pun intended-have taken over-they are an army that could survive a nuclear war.

Reasons for the move: Lifestyle, open spaces indoors and out, speaking of outdoors-being outdoors all year round, cost of living, trading a condo for a sprawling estate....you get the picture. NYC got crazy at the end there, income is dramatically separating itself from cost of living-I had a friend recently get offered a temp job for $15/hr-what I was making fourteen years ago! Now now, I don't want to sound bitter, nor negative about my dear ol dirty town that I have been infatuated with for years....but let's just say things felt very different towards the end there. Who knows maybe I'm just an old lady who wants to sip tea on a mountain somewhere. Maybe partially, but we also chose Vegas because I just couldn't be in a sleepy town! Vegas runs 24/7 too, we can see every concert, tour, and fabulous entertainment as well as hike, bike, and climb a mountain with some tea. It actually ended up being the best of both worlds. And who knew having a car would be so convenient when there is free parking everywhere??
VIVA!! 

More stories on the horizon....xoxo

Actors Equity Turns 100

Another centennial today with the Actors Equity Association!

I became a member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA thorough my work on All My Children, and As the World Turns. I have always been so thankful for the great working conditions these Actor's Unions have given us over many many years and for being a part of this fabulous actor's community in New York City.

Happy birthday AEA!!

My sassy centennial gold card and commemorative pin

Miki Berg Reume Onstage, Onsceen and Online

We had the pleasure of taking Miki Berg Reume's headshots years ago back when she was a full time Radio City Rockette.

 She was one of our very first clients back in Astoria and even though Jason can't resist shouting disclaimers regarding pictures taken way back then, I think we got a beautiful shot if I do say so myself. :)

Well since then this beautiful and talented lady has married and has become the spokesperson for
Christian Mingle

where she met her future husband! She appears frequently in their commercials so be on the lookout. Also if you are single and Christian, it seems like a really great site to find successful relationships!

Cupcake Tours

Cupcakes are making a huge comeback and I for one am not disappointed. I'm still on the fence with neon day-glow and acid wash jeans, but cupcakes...yes please. Bring them back in "haute-couture-cuisine" style.

My gorgeous girl Kaleigh was in town and her request was to go on a cupcake tour. For some reason I complied very quickly. ;) She and I were a great team traveling in Europe together, and we both love photography, so capturing cupcakes in NYC seemed like the perfect activity for us.  Most people pay big bucks for these tours but I thought...why not come up with a cupcake tour of my own, tourist free... and...free.

 So here is a very easy cupcake walking tour in NYC's East Village. (all non stamped pictures courtesy of Kaleigh Jones)

We started in Union Square at Baked by Melissa.

After our tasting there, we walked to Crumbs Bake Shop...a bakery that is beyond overwhelming in their cupcake choices.

We walked through the beautiful Washington Square park displaying all it's beautiful fall colors. 

My turkey was so thirsty

No cupcake tour would be complete without a trip to one of the most famous bakeries in NYC, Magnolia Bakery.

But wait!!! You don't live in New York but you're now craving a cupcake? Or two or three or more? Here are cupcake tours across the country and across the pond. What a great idea for bachelorette parties, showers or well... if it's Thursday. ;) Get your cupcake on!

Click on the name of each city to take you to their tour:

NYC

Boston

Chicago

LA-this is a combined cupcake AND wine tour. I want this.

London

Hurricane Sandy

We have been spared here in Jersey City, but the damage in my neighborhood is still extensive. One week later we still have no transportation into Manhattan. Sirens are still going off outside my window as I write this. We were unbelievably lucky to have had electricity for all but 36 hours of the whole experience. Puts it all in perspective, and I swear the once hardened Jerseyites are acting slightly softer. New Yorkers are tough and there isn't any tragedy we can't overcome. We pray for all of those who are still struggling and piecing their lives back together.

This little bridge connected us to Liberty State park. It has been blown off where it used to be attached right next to the sign. 

This webpage:
http://printaidnyc.com/posters/
is selling some beautiful posters and %100 of the proceeds go to Hurricane Sandy victims.
I love this one:

and this one:

And of course this one:

Brochu, Ball, Babs and Bernadette

I love New York. Have I mentioned this already? Worth mentioning again. I feel like you don't have to do very much to feel like you a part of something much bigger than yourself here. We had a great night with Jim Brochu, his partner Steven, and my friends Zach and Michael last night. Jim was good pals with my comedic idol Lucille Ball so I had to take a picture with her autographed glamor shot.  Yeah, just pals with LUCILLE BALL. Barbara Streisand came to Jim's show in New York and was so impressed with him that she gave him the autographed picture you see on the wall above...and the view from their balcony makes their place in the heart of the theater district quintessential NYC.

Ok. Deep breaths. A Little Night Music was SO SO SO inspiring!!!! I can't believe how I am exposing the musical theater nerd in me on my blog in this manner, but I don't care. Bernadette Peters is Steven Sondheim's girl because she knows, understands, and interprets his music like no one else. She was absolute brilliance on every level. The audience went so insane for the whole production they were on their feet before the lights went up for curtain call. Alright, I might have led the standing ovation but I was very confident everyone in that theater felt the way I did. I kissed her poster. I am a nerd. I love New York.