Chicago!

Last weekend, I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Chicago for the first time! One of my best friends, Ashley, had a business trip there, and I got to fly out and meet her for the weekend! It is officially one of my favorite places I've ever been...EVER. It is so clean, the architecture is incredible, the people are friendly, and the river is gorgeous. I am quickly doing everything I can to figure out how to book a show there...asap.

Brunch on the River

I arrived on Friday night, we had drinks with some of her friends, and had a fun, chill night out in the city. We slept in Saturday, had a delicious brunch on the river, and then began exploring. We shopped, went to the Art Institute, and had appetizers at the top of the John Hancock building.

John Hancock Building!

The coolest coincidence that happened in Chicago: We were walking past the big theatre there, and she pointed it out to me, seeing as I love theatre. I looked at the marquis and saw that "Beauty and the Beast" was playing! I realized that my good friend Carter is covering the Beast and Gaston, but is in the ensemble every night, and immediately texted him to confirm that this was his production. He confirmed, and Ashley and I bought tickets for that night! We saw the show from dress circle, and then had dinner with Carter and his girlfriend Brittany (she's also on the tour), afterwards!

Carter and me after his show

Sunday, we got up early, had a delicious breakfast at Corner Bakery (a new favorite chain of mine...Panera, watch out), went on the river architecture cruise, and learned a lot about the history of Chicago! We shopped some more, ventured down Michigan Ave, and had Garrett's popcorn! We saw "The Bean," and the gardens.

The Bean

My favorite painting in the world! Up close and in person!

This was one of the best weekends ever! Ashley was such a sweet host, and so gracious to go to the touristy things for the millionth time so I could see them. The trip was far too short, but it was so much fun to catch up with Ash and have quality time together!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that (One of my favorite Ken Strong quotes)

July has been a really good month for me. I have had much more scheduling flexibility, which has allowed me to be very productive with auditions, dance classes, seminars etc. As the title of this post reflects, it's been a "little of this and a little of that." I feel like I have been able to dive into the theatre world like never before (I started working 5 days after I moved here in August), grow a lot as an actress. Being able to dedicate myself to theatre 100% has been awesome. I'm getting more audition appointments than before, and giving better auditions, because I am not rushed to get to work by 2:30 or 3:00. I am really thankful for this time. Though it's hard financially (not working), it's a nice change of pace, and one that I really needed.  I honestly feel like I'm working harder than ever before, I'm just not working as a nanny for six hours a day. 

Henry! 

I babysit my friend/former professor's adorable son Henry sometimes, but he's so much fun that it doesn't even feel like work. I love that kid! It's such a treat watching him grow! He's four months old!

Me as Barbie

Another interesting odd job I picked up was being Barbie for a birthday party, for the same company that sent me out as Princess Jasmine last month. The costume and wig were pretty rough, but it was a good time nonetheless.

I just got a job at Brother Jimmy's, and I start Monday, so that will be fun! I think it will be a good fit, and I'm really excited! :)

Proud to be an American, Happy to be a New Yorker

Fireworks over the Hudson River

The Fourth of July in New York was absolutely fabulous. I actually spent most of the weekend up in Rye babysitting for the most wonderful family ever! They go to my church, Redeemer, and spending time with them is such a treat. I love the kids so much! I was honestly sad to leave when it was time to come back to the city, because it felt like a vacation.

My girlfriends and me on the boys' rooftop

The Fourth of July was so fun though, and it was great to spend it with friends! Will and I had brunch at the Standard that morning, and then walked along the High Line.  The Standard is honestly one of the best brunch places in the city, I think! It was great catching up with him! That evening, I got together with friends and watched the fireworks over the Hudson. Fireworks were shot off of every barge, and it was truly spectacular. We watched from a rooftop, which made it all the more exciting! Celebrating July 4 in New York is an experience I truly think everyone should have at some point in their life!

friends watching the fireworks :)

Reid & Me

Mom's Visit!

Mom came up for the last weekend in June as an early birthday celebration, and we had the BEST time! We saw great theatre, ate at delicious restaurants, shopped till we dropped, and spent time with some of my dear friends in the city.  We stayed at The Surrey, which was such a nice treat! The air-conditioning, and the beds were fantastic! It was wonderful having her here, and having five straight days of time to catch up and spend time together.

Mom & Me

Highlights from the weekend:

Anything Goes with Sutton Foster

Catch Me If You Can with Aaron Tveit

Baby It's You with Beth Leavel

Alice's Tea Cup

Breakfast at the Carlyle

Dinner at Harry's Steak

Magnolia Bakery

girls brunch at Eatery

The Gay Pride Parade (just kidding...Mom wasn't up for that.) However, we were in Hell's Kitchen when Gay Marriage was legalized in the state of NY. History in the making!

Mom getting to catch up with some of my friends in the city

relaxing on the roof
deck at the Surrey