Sunday, January 23, 2011

The story of Bob

Hey there. Welcome back!

I had such an amazing week last week and just had to share all the exciting stuff going on.

On Monday, I got to spend an entire day with one of my favorite people. Kelly Brandt is one of those people everyone should have in their life. Over the past few years we have become extremely good friends. She is the type of friend that would drive you to the airp

ort right after a storm in 20 below weather at 5am....yup, she did that for me. She's also the type of friend that would go out of her way to see to it that you have employment options in your life. :) We had a discussion about me needing to subsidize my income in between gigs and she took it as a personal challenge. We have had numerous conversations about that topic and she never ceases to amaze me with her dedication to me and her other friends. So, I digress. I spent the day at her house on MLK day and she made some amazing chicken soup for me...and it was awesome. Definitely hit the spot on such a cold day and I will be making it for me and the hubster in the near future. As always, I enjoyed the conversation. I want to thank her for just being awesome and being a true friend.

Throughout the rest of the week I was put to work gathering information for my website to Mim Paquin-Robinette and SilverVoiceNYC. Please check out www.KirstenAlmeida.com. Color scheme and layout are still being worked out along with some of the content. But it up and running and I can cross yet another thing off my 2011 goals list.

Speaking of Mim...I got to spend Wednesday - Friday with Mim, Jason, and my beautiful Godson, Zephyr. I was so happy to be there and overwhelmed at how much he's grown that I didn't take a single picture. ME? Can you believe it? I practically walk around with a camera sewn to my hand. But there will be many next times...and I will take pictures. Now, I don't know if you noticed that this week's blog is titled 'The Story of Bob'...well that's because I learned so much about Bob from Zephyr. WHO IS BOB????? Why, to Zephyr, he's a confidant, a friend, a teacher, a playmate...he's everything. I mean every time I turned around Zephyr was speaking of this Bob. Bobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobob...... bobobobobobobobobobobob. I mean he must be very important for Zephyr to talk about him so often. Right? It was too cute not to mention...and since I love him and his parents I thought it quite apropos to title the blog in his honor.

I also had

an audition in NYC this past week. First one in a long time. It was for NYC's Seth Bisen-Hersh. I was asked to sing in his showcase at 'Don't Tell Mama's' on Friday, February 25th @ 7pm. There is limited space so RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW. You can reserve now and pay at the door. It is cash only. $12 plus a 2 drink minimum. If you reserve please show because I'm responsible to pay for you if you don't show up. :( But, I'm quite excited to have this opportunity to get heard and seen in NYC by professionals in the industry. And it's two days before rehearsals begin for Nunsense so it'll be my last performance in NYC until June.

Up next for me is The Legend of Johnny 15. I'll be playing the Narrator and vo

ice of the scanner. It's a rock/R&B style musical written and produced by the Serious Theatre Collective of NYC. Performances are Fri & Sat February 11, 12, 18, 19 and Monday February 14th (VALENTINE'S DAY). I'm extremely excited to be working with this creative group again after working with them in Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings in the Fall of 2009.

I have auditions scheduled almost every day for the next month and I'm super excited about that.

On the teaching side of things, I'm back into the swing of things at Civic Theatre of Allentown teaching grades 1-4 and 9-12. Yesterday (Saturday, January 22nd) I sat in on the auditions for grades 1-4 for Civic's upcoming junior musical 'Seussical'. These kids are crazy talented and I'm beyond proud of them. They had to stand on the stage, 8 at a time, and audition both singing and reading from a side in front of EVERYONE (minus parents...they were not allowed. THANK GOD!) They were so good, guys! Having had the opportunity to see them audition and see more than what I get to see in class, I now know how much more I can push them in class and it is ON! After the auditions I headed to my high school class. I thought they weren't caring or listening when I would ask them questions about their characters back stories last week. I got a lot of 'I don't knows' or 'I think' or 'I'm guessing' and I would say YES you do know...you don't think YOU KNOW...you're not guessing YOU KNOW. This week when they got up there I could tell they spent time over the past week looking at their monologues asking important questions about their character and really defining their place and who and why and moments before, etc....several times in class I got teary-eyed and had to take a moment. These 'kids' are amazing creative creatures. They challenge me as their teacher but also as an actress. One of my kids wasn't getting it...I just walked up and started some improv as his 'to' and I saw the light bulb go off and he got it. And I just smiled and walked away so he could finish. It was a beautiful class yesterday and I can't wait to explore more with them. Bravo!

So this weekend I've been able to spend some much needed QT with the hubster. We saw a matinee of True Grit yesterday and it was awesome. We came home and I made grilled tuna with grille

d pineapple and it was awesome. We watched a few back episodes of Parks & Recreation...all hail Ron Swanson....he's awesome! And then Mike suggested La Vie en Rose starring Marion Cotillard. I said yes! I was speechless. It was magnificent. Makes me want to smack myself for not working on my french more. Oops! Maybe I'll add that to my 2011 goals. Anyway, one of my new passions is foreign films. I've been watching a lot of them lately. And there are many more to see. I still want Mike to see Cinema Paradiso...still my all time favorite foreign film. If you haven't seen it, I urge you to pick it up. Such a simple story with beautiful music and cinematography.

I'm still working hard on my new business Star of the Day Productions. I have spent countless hours writing a business plan and researching online...I'm not quite done yet but I can see the finish line. I am trying to work on the logo. In my last blog entry, I put together something really quick to include in the blog. The logo is still a work in progress but my latest attempts are cleaner and simpler, as suggested by Mim who works with this stuff all the time. Here are some examples:

I think I'm leaning toward the one in the middle. It's colorful like me but simple. Let me know what you think. Drop me a line at kra@kirstenalmeida.com

Quote of the Day: " Singing is a way of escaping. It's another world. I'm no longer on earth. " ~ Edith Piaf

Video of the Week: This clip is from a season 2 episode that was guest starring Megan Mullally who is married to Nick Offerman in real life. I think Ron Swanson is so ridiculous that of course I heart him!

Recipes of the Week: Grilled Lime Cilantro Tuna w/Lime Cilantro Rice

Grilled Lime Cilantro Tuna

Ingredients

Tuna

Directions Combine ingredients for marinade, put in plastic bag with fish. Marinate the tuna for 30-60 minutes. Remove from marinade and place on grill. Grill to desired doneness. We prefer medium rare and it is delicious. It is easy to overcook tuna. You can always cook it a little more. A thick steak should take no more than 8 minutes for medium rare.

1-1/2 lbs tuna usually serves 4. You eat a much smaller piece than you would a steak. Leftovers are good the next day on a sandwich or salad.

Number of Servings: 4

Lime Cilantro Rice

1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter
2 tsp. fresh cilantro
2/3 cup white basmati rice
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Lime

In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted. Add rice and lime juice, stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt, bring to a full rolling boil. At boiling, cover, turn down to simmer over low heat until rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.

Kirsten Rani Almeida received her B.A. in Theater and Speech from Wagner College. For twelve years, Kirsten doubled as a professional fundraiser for a large non-profit arts organization and an actor, director, choreographer, and playwright. She has performed in more than forty shows all over the U.S. She spent four months touring the country with the Omaha Theater Company's production of 'The Little Engine that Could' as the Red Dress Doll. She performed nearly 80 performances in 36 states. In New York City, Kirsten was part of the cast for the award-winning 'Skin Deep' by Mary Lynn Dobson (Fringe Festival winner 2009) which has won top honors from the 2010 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and originated the role of Lavender Blue in the eerily funny 'Professor Von Awesome's Traveling Caravan of Cautionary Warnings.' Kirsten appeared in the U.S. premiere of 'Scandalous! A new musical based on the life of D.H. Lawrence' in New Orleans and appeared at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the World Premiere musical 'The Butterfly Project' which raised money for children's cancer research. Other credits include Children of Eden (Mama Noah), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(Narrator), Hello Dolly!(Minnie Fay), Beauty and the Beast(Silly Girl & Madame de la Grande Bouche), The Sound of Music(Mother Abbess), Annie(Star-to-Be), Oliver!(Widow Corney), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying(Rosemary), My Fair Lady(Featured Dancer), Promises, Promises!(Featured Dancer), Nunsense I & II(Sister Leo), Gypsy(Tessie Tura), Guys & Dolls(Featured Dancer), Back to the 80s(Debbie Cox), Seussical the Musical(Gertrude), Snoopy!(Sally Brown), Pippin(Featured dancer), Carousel, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors(Chiffon), and many more.

In film/tv, Kirsten has appeared in the upcoming comedy 'Big Guns', 'Three Chris'', and filmed the independent short 'Westfield' with Clocktower Productions. She has also appeared in two episodes of 'The World's Most Astonishing News'.

She has also appeared as a guest artist with the Newark Boys Chorus and Triad Ensemble and the Spotlight Cabaret with Allentown Public Theater. She was a founding member of the Boonton Parks & Recreation Theatre Company for young performers where she not only directed and choreographed the shows for the company but also acted as lead fundraiser, costumer, lighting designer, marketing director as well as scenic and props designer. Kirsten also taught dance for the recreation department to children ages 7-12. Kirsten has also dabbled in play writing for children's theater. Her twisted version of "The Three Little Pigs" (a musical from the Big Bad Wolf's perspective) was produced at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick, NJ.

Kirsten teaches drama classes at the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA to grades Pre-K through 4. Kirsten also offers an audition class to high school students which helps students audition confidently. Her effective teaching style is requested by groups in PA and NJ and NY.

She is also the owner and operator of 'Star of the Day' Event Productions. A one-of-a-kind full service birthday experience.

Visit my website.

Friday, January 14, 2011

2011...The Year of Fearlessness!

How often do you keep yourself from trying something new or slightly uncomfortable because you are afraid you'll fail? Have you ever looked on the flip side of that coin? What happens if try and you succeed? Think about it!

I read an article lately that talks about making 2011 the year of FEARLESSNESS. Check it out!
I read the article twice and I thought how true is that. We need to put ourselves out there or else we'll never see our goals come to fruition. We'll never see our dreams come true. What's the point of dreaming if you are afraid of your own dreams?

Well, my New Year's blog was a promise to myself and everyone else that I'm taking more risks this year because my goals and dreams not only mean the world to me but they shape and affect other people's lives as well.

In the few short weeks of 2011 I have already accomplished so much and not only have I accomplished so much but I have close friends that are just going for gold. My friend, Mim, has started an amazing company that every performer in the NYC area should consider using. Her new business SILVER VOICE NYC. It's a full service recording service for vocalist and

musicians in the NYC area. Check her site out because I have recorded with Mim in the past and I know I'll be working with her again in the near future.

Another friend of mine needed to find a way to help contribute to her family income after being laid off over nine months ago. Recently, she has joined the Scentsy company. If you don't know what Scentsy is...YO

U MUS CHECK IT OUT. It's flameless candles using amazingly scented parafin heated by a small lightbulb. Heidi Leigh started Scentsy right before the holidays and has already grown her Scentsy company by leaps and bounds. Please visit her page: Heidi's Scentsy Page.

My friend Tracy took a huge risk by leaving a job that was causing her to be unhappy and strapped and she didn't have another job lined up. This is commendable. She moved back to PA after many years of living in North Carolina and Tennessee to reconnect to what it is she loves to do and to be closer to her family. I know it's very hard to leave a job that leaves you with anxiety issues and stomach aches because you hate it so much. So I am proud that Tracy just made the leap. I am happy to report it took Tracy less than a month to find a job here in PA. So congrats, Tracy!

For me, my 2011 accomplishments have been small but very powerful. I have met my first weight loss goal of 2011. 15lbs GONE and it ain't coming back!!!! I'm on week 5 of my C25K after having to take a six week break due to my involvement with 'A Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol.' I'm already planning my first 5K in the Spring. My next goal is another 10lbs. I am finding it easier to stick to my healthy living plan when my goals aren't so overwhelming. I have been dedicated to creating healthy meals 4 to 5 times a day for my husband and me. We have enjoyed several under 500 calorie meals with super high flavor and really satisfying. We were laughing one day when I presented the plate to my husband who saw very little on the plate. He was thinking I'm going to have to make a 2nd meal because there is no food on this plate. But my healthy meal proved him wrong. When we finished the meal he was surprised at how full he was. Controlling the portions with the right foods makes a world of difference. Because of these new low calorie filling meals we even can treat ourselves to a dessert every now and then. And if you are anything like me...chocolate is just heaven. I enjoy eating the appropriate portion of chocolate cake and 1/2 cup of cold skim milk to end my night. And I should add...I'm still left most night with extra calories. I don't feel the need to use them and therefore I see the results on the scale and in the clothes that are now falling off me. Yahooey!

I have a friend from my high school days that is on this new Vegan cleanse. Now, I'm not sure I can ever go vegan but some of the recipes she has posted look and sound so delish! There is one I'm gearing up to make for myself. It has sweet potatoes, green apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and agave. Yuummmmm-O! Magda and another high school friend, Marjorie are two of the people that inspired me to start running and with the running the healthy eating. The two of them have accomplished so many of their own fitness and health goals and it just snowballs.

Now, I've met challenges in 2011 already, too. Our cat, Max, became really ill on the 9th. His appetite wasn't there, he was vomiting, his stool had blood, and he was just not the crazy Max we knew. For my Mom friends out there you know what it's like to watch your babies go through an illness. Well, I don't have children (yet) so my kitties are my kids. And I know Moms would do anything to make sure their kids felt better. Well, that's how it is for pet owners too. They can't talk or point to where it hurts. For four days it was heart wrenching to watch Max go through that. We made three visits to the vet in two days. I prayed and kept my positive thinking going. Our vet, Dr. Kara Ballek is AMAZING! She was so good with Max and delivered the good news I've been praying for yesterday. All of Max's test were normal/negative. What does that mean? He had a case of the stomach ickies probably due to his constipation. I'm proud to report that Max is bounding down the stairs again, eating up a storm, bullying his furry sister, Samara, and pooping again! What a relief. After losing our Tita in the spring of 2009, we just found a way to make sure Max was taken care of. Sometimes you just have to make it work. Finances may be tight but if you are going to be a pet owner I urge you to make sure you have the resources to take care of your pets when they are sick. Mike and I may not be able to go out for date nights the next month but we know Max is ok and that is well worth it!

Another amazing thing that has happened it I'll be workshopping a new musical in NYC in February. The Legend of Johnny 15 is a crazy rock/R&B musical written by the Serious Theater Collective. I'll be playing to Narrator and the voice of the scanner. What does that mean? Well, I'm not sure but I'll let you all know after my first rehearsal January 31st.

I think the most amazing thing that has happened is my new business. I've been working really hard on the logistics and services this business would cover. So I'd like to introduce to everyone:

It's a birthday service PERFECT for me. My services include going to the home to provide entertainment, fun, and games for children. Why Star of the Day? Well, part of the unique experience is it's not me putting on the play by myself for the kids at the party but the birthday boy/girl will be the STAR of the show! I'll offer theater games, basic movement and song, and then it'll finish with a short play based on the interest of and starring the birthday boy/girl. How cool is that? I know as a kid, I would have had this as my birthday every year! If you want more information just drop me a line! I guarantee fun for all and an unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience for the birthday boy/girl. I'm still working on a website but if you want more information regarding pricing and services I do have that ready to go! I'm so excited!

So, three weeks into the New Year I've already conquered so much and I can't wait to see how much greater this year will be. Join me and the many others in being fearless.

Quote of the week: "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Video of the week:

Recipes of the week : That's right! TWO RECIPES THIS WEEK!!!

Garlic Terryaki Salmon and Warm Green Bean Salad (entire meal under 500 calories)

The Fish

You can really use any red fish like trout, salmon, snapper, etc.

Prep your oven at 350F

lightly salt and pepper each filet. In an oven-safe pan, pan sear the fish skin side up for 2 minutes. Make sure you spray the pan so it doesn't stick. Flip it to the skin side.

In a small bowl combine 1T honey, 2T terryaki sauce, 1t garlic (I buy the jars of minced garlic) Mix it all together and pour it over the fish.

Stick in the oven for 7 minutes. Take it out and pop a cover on it and let it rest for 1 minute or so. If you like your fish more rare, cook it in the oven for only 5 minutes with 1 minute to rest.

Warm Green Bean Salad

Frozen whole green beans I use 1 handful per person
1 baby red potato per person
1 shallot or 1/4 onion
1t minced garlic
1/2 slice turkey bacon per person.
1T soy sauce

Cut the bacon into minuscule pieces and crisp up. Set aside. Put potatoes in a Bowl and cover with water. Fork holes in them & microwave for 5 mins on high. When they are done dice into small cubes.

In the same pan u crisped the bacon in add just a tad of olive oil w/ garlic and shallots. Once they start to sweat add the bacon back with the potatoes. Toss them with everything and add s& p. Add the soy sauce, beans, and 1/4c water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

She is also the owner and operator of 'Star of the Day' Event Productions. A one-of-a-kind full service birthday experience.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sat around on December 31st trying to to think of something witty and wise to say as the last day of 2010 but nothing came to me.

Too many times in our lives we try to finesse our lives to be something they are not supposed to be. At some point in the last 12 years I lost a part of me trying to be someone I am not. If I cannot be true to myself I cannot be an effective human, wife, friend, daughter, sister, neighbor, etc.

I started thinking late in the day on January 1, 2011 about all the things I want to do and in the same thought I could easily come up with 100 reasons why I can't really do all the things I want to do. I kept telling myself 2011 is going to be a great year. One hour later I would worry about things and how 2011 is going to suck.

Yesterday, it all changed! I sat in church with my hubby and the priest's homily talked about 'It's a Wonderful Life' and how the path we set for ourselves may not always be the path God has set us on. Well, last night I saw two friends post on their FB pages that they made lists of their 2010 accomplishments and wrote down their 2011 goals. So, I took just a few seconds to just think about my accomplishments in 2010 and in the blink of an eye I had an arms length of accomplishments that made me smile. And I thought about my goals and dreams for 2011 and it, too, made me smile. Why???? Well, unlike the guy in the movie, my accomplishments and my goals are road signs...really BIG ones....confirming in my heart that I am on the right path. And I consider myself lucky. If God didn't want me to live my life in the arts he would not have let me accomplish all I did in 2010. Here they are:

National Tour with the renowned children's theater Omaha Theatre Company.
Sang the national anthem twice at the World Series of Cycling
Performed in NYC in a new play 'Skin Deep' by Mary Lynn Dobson which WON the 2010 Samuel French New Play Festival.
Started working on a one-woman show
Filmed a movie
Cast as Mrs. Mops/Mrs. Fezziwig in an original Christmas Carol at The Westchester Broadway Theatre.
DOUBLED the amount of callbacks I had than 2009.
Started coaching children and adults
Started this blog.
Celebrated TWO YEARS of marriage with my husband
Started running/training for a 5K
Lost weight
Decluttered my home
HAVE A NEW GODSON!!! (He's 7 months and apparently rolling all over the house. My prediction he skips the crawling and rolls right up onto those feet and starts walking!)
Was in two episodes of a television show
Took a acting for sitcoms class
Started looking for an agent
Paid down 1/2 credit card debt
Got a china cabinet
Hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner for my in-laws
Had my first audition via Skype
Visited with my Befri and her husband at the national zoo where she told me she was expecting outside the reptile house :)
Enjoyed two visits with my parents here in PA
Reconnected with many amazing friends
Had 2 successful jewelry shows
Made it through another year!

And as I actually started to list them it makes me realize how amazing 2010 was. It makes me forget about the little things that brought me down. Now I have a list of things to look back on and be grateful for.

For 2011 my hopes and dreams are:

To get an agent
To get my Equity card
To get in shape
Go on a vacation with my husband
Visit my hometown
Pay down debt
Take 1 class a month in NYC
Get new headshots
Film at least 1 more movie
Film another television show
Film my first commercial
Keep up with my hair trims (haha)
Get the 'Business of Me' more organized
Keep my house decluttered and clean
go to double the amount of auditions
Complain less
Pray more
Smile alot
Make sure the people I love know I love them
Get more clients for my coaching business
Take more dance classes
Continue to cook and eat healthy
Move to NYC
Write more music
More dates with my husband
Have my niece for July
Expand my networking
Spend more time with those friends in my life that have a positive influence on me.

That's alot but I'm up for the challenge. As Barney says on 'How I Met Your Mother' - "CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!"

And now, anyone reading this can hold me accountable. I am quite motivated. I know I have a lot of work to do but I'm not afraid of it...actually IT should be afraid of me! :)

Here's to an awesome 2011, folks! Now, go and make your lists!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas!!!

Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy holiday schedules to check out my latest blog.

I'm so excited to be home for a few days to celebrate Christmas with my husband, Michael. We got to spend a few days together last week when he came to NYC to see my show 'A Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol' (which plays its final two performances on December 26th). He took the bus in from PA a few hours early so we could do Christmas in New York in a New York minute. We managed to cram in all the popular attractions in a very short amount of time. We did it all (I think): Rockerfeller Plaza, St. Patrick's Cathedral, FAO Schwartz, Herald Square, and the craziness that is Times Square. Here is a photo story of our day together!

This is what you see when you come up from the PATH train in Herald Square. This is Macy's theme this year. And it's beautiful and I couldn't agree with it more. In a year where so many people are going through such trying times, Macy's reminds us to believe. I do. Do you?

From Herald Square we walked a few blocks to Times Square. We definitely had our priorities straight too...first stop in Times Square? Why, the Charmin restrooms, of course!

I'm telling you, you will never have more fun going to the bathroom. They pride themselves on offering the public clean restrooms all the time. It's a promotion Charmin has been doing for the past few years. Last year, Mike and I enjoyed the go with our friends, Mim and Jason. It was so much fun we just had to return this year.

Each bathroom stall, this year, was decorated to represent different U.S. landmarks. I 'enjoyed the go' in the Grand Canyon. LOL! After 'going' you can even snap a holiday picture while sitting on Charmin's golden throne. We are big goofballs so of course we took the pic! They also have a dance video to an original Charmin pop song this year. Thankfully, I do not remember it. I'm pretty sure I don't want a song about going to the bathroom stuck in my head. There is also a stage to get up and dance, too. They'll record you dancing to the Charmin song and email it to you. If you've never been to the Charmin restrooms at Christmastime, make sure you add it to your list next year. I'm pretty sure it's going to keep getting bigger and better!

After 'taking care of business' at Charmin we headed to the top of the TKTS steps to check out the madness in Times Square. This is the part I enjoyed the least. There were just so many people that you resort to becoming physical to get through the crowds. I know it's the holidays and all but at some point you do need to cross the street or get into that one store and well....dropping a shoulder and pushing through the crowd becomes a part of your very survival. Michael did remind me that I am only 5'1 and could easily end up with 2 black eyes if someone decides to raise their elbows to stop me. So true!

In just a matter of minutes you can see the crowd multiply. It was insane! While in Times Square we also checked out the new HUGE Disney store. Ummm, we also waited online to get in. It's not a ride people...just a store. But that should paint a picture of just how many people are in NYC this time of year. Here is a picture of Mike and I in front of the castle in the store. It was like our honeymoon all over again. Yay!

And of course, I couldn't leave the Disney Store without giving Tnker Bell a hug. Ever since I was a little girl, I just LOVED Tinker Bell. I had this little plastic purse that had Tinker Bell lotion, spray, and bubble bath. I carried it everywhere until of course I dropped it and perfume broke and leaked all over everything. It was a devastating moment in my life. But, I still have a special place in my heart for Tinker Bell.

Now, leaving the Disney Store took longer than waiting in the line to get in. Why, you ask? Well, because we couldn't get through the wall of people between us and the street. It took us a good 10 minutes to get through the crowd and cross the street to the Roxy. All we wanted was lunch. Haha. Michael had never had Pastrami before so we split a Pastrami on rye and he loved it. Here's the proof! ---->

He wasn't sure he'd like it but I was sure he would. I was right... as usual. :) It was delish!

What would Christmas in NYC be if we didn't hit up Rockefeller Plaza? That's where we headed next. Here

are

a few pics of our time there. Enjoy!

We found a nice couple to snap out pic in front of the famous Christmas tree. Because we went during the day, there were less people crowding the railings that overlook the skating rink so I was finally able to get a nice picture of the rink. I also made Mike take a picture in front of the rink as well.

I've always loved the angels that line the path to the skating rink. So, naturally, I took a picture of them. And then I had

Michael take a pic of me in front of a pile of red balls modeling my beautiful Purty Girl bag.

After grabbing a quick truffle at Godiva we headed up a few more blocks to unleash our inner child at F.A.O. Schwartz.

Michael wouldn't take his picture with the toy soldier outside the store so It's just me. Look how excited I am...HAHA! This man was so tall, too. He's bending down a good foot.

I haven't been to this amazing toy store in about eight years. But we had a lot of fun. There is an entire section set up like diagon alley from Harry Potter. So, naturally, I tried on a quiddich cap...because I'm a total dork. We also tried to play the big piano that was featured in the movie 'Big' but they no longer let the public play it. It's roped off and they now hire actors/dancers to put on a show. I was bummed because I was looking forward to playing on it. So was Michael. We were both a little disappointed but we got over it really quickly since there was so much stuff to be excited about. Like NEON FROGS!!! :)

While on 5th Avenue we checked out some of the window displays in the uber high end stores like Saks 5th Avenue, Cartier, Tiffany's, DeBeers, Bergdorf's, and Harry Winston. It's amazing in this economy that anyone can afford to shop in these places. But God bless them if they can. We also stopped into St. Patrick's Cathedral to light a candle for a dear friend's mom who passed just last week and to offer up some thanks and praise for my family and friends. Again, it was during the day and not quite peak time for tourists so we were able to find a seat, say a few prayers, and sit in astonishment at the beauty of that cathedral. They just don't make them like they used to.

After our whirlwind tour, we headed to catch the shuttle that transports all the actors in my show between NYC and Westchester. Michael had the honor of experiencing that ride. He watched the show and seemed to like it. He's my #1 fan and I love him. Here is a pic of us backstage after the show. He's so tall!

Like I said earlier in this blog, 'A Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol' closes December 26th. We have two performances that day. If you are feeling adventurous and want to come see the show click here.

UPCOMING....

new website (coming soon)
Educational video filming
Theater classes at Civic Theatre of Allentown
Nunsense (Tickets)
Allentown Public Theatre's Spotlight Cabaret
One Woman Show
AUDITIONS AUDITIONS AUDITIONS

As you can see, 2011 is going to be a busy year. After all, a working actress is a happy actress.

I wanted to share the trailer for the movie I filmed this fall. I don't appear in the video but I'm still proud of the project. So check the trailer out!

I know 2011 will be a good year. There will be a lot of changes happening - all good- and I will embrace them. They will all help me build a stronger 'business of me.'

During my short break I'll be organizing a mailing to agents. The mailing was started back in the summer of 2010 through Send Out Cards. I hit a brick wall when my unemployment ran out and I couldn't find a job. But, it's all good. So far 2011 looks amazing and I'll be able to pick up where I left off and I have good feelings about it. By the end of the mailing process I'm confident I will be interviewing with several agents. I'm very excited about this.

I have already started loading my calendar with auditions. In January alone, I already have a few dozen auditions on the books. I'm very excited about it and it's not even January.

I've been submitting through Actors Access alot too. I have received a few bites through that service but not having a demo reel definitely hurts. That is one of my goals for 2011. Once I have a demo reel up on Actors Access it will definitely enhance my submissions.

I have also started to pencil in workshops and seminars I would like to take in the city. It's all part of the networking I must do in this business. It'll also help me with on camera work since I don't have a ton of experience there.

I'm also learning how to be my own cheerleader. I've never been good at it. The more networking I do and seminars and workshops I take with leaders in the industry, the better I will get at it. There is no harm to giving yourself credit for you hard work.

So that's what I've been doing and what I'm looking forward to in the coming year. Thanks for stopping by to read my blog each week. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.

With sass and class,

Kirsten Rani Almeida

Quote of the Week: "I'm learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." ~Eartha Kitt

Video of the Week: Meet Fiyero! Fiyero is an adorable black German Shepherd that I've been staying with the past month during my stay in Jersey City. His Mom, Amy Bladen showed me a trick Fiyero does. HE SINGS!!!!! Here is a short video of Fiyero singing along with me. Enjoy!

Recipe of the Week:

Caramel Marshmallow Treats Recipe

Ingredients

5 cups crisp rice cereal, coarsely crushed
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
1 package (16 ounces) large marshmallows

Directions

Line two baking sheets with waxed paper; set aside. Place cereal in a shallow bowl. In a large saucepan, cook and stir the milk, caramels and butter over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat; stir in the cinnamon and vanilla.
With a toothpick, dip each marshmallow into warm caramel mixture; turn to coat. Press marshmallow bottoms in cereal; place on prepared pans. Let stand until set. Yield: 5 dozen.

Audio Samples

Musical Theater Demo

Friday, December 17, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out my blog!

I'm in my third week of 'A Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol' and everything is going great. I love my small, yet amazing cast. They are a great bunch of people.

The remaining show dates are: Dec 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, & 26. For tickets click here.

The show will break for the holidays on December 24th and 25th. I'm looking forward to spending time with my husband and cats. I'll get to spend some QT with my furr-balls on the afternoon of Christmas Eve when Mike is at work and hopefully get my Christmas Shopping done. Then, we'll head to the Jersey Shore for Christmas Eve and Christmas with my in-laws.

When the show does officially close, I'll be working hard on my lesson plans for the next semester of Civic Theatre School. I'm really excited to be picking up the high school class. I hope I can energize the class and get them excited about the world of theater. I'll also return to my part-time gig at the Pines Dinner Theater.

With everything going on in my life, I'm already starting to think about my New Year's resolutions. This year, I'm approaching this differently. I'm not giving anything up and I'm not going to try and lo

se weight. Instead, I'm focusing on my business, the business of ME, as my New Year's resolution. Getting back on track is my #1 priority. I WILL get an agent. I WILL get my equity card. These two components are key factors in the success of my business in 2011. I will dust off the tools I already have to do a full-scale agent mailing. I may not be able to use the convenient send-out cards method for this massive mailing, but I will get this mailing done, including all the follow-up mailings. There is NO EXCUSE!

I'm hoping to increase vocal coachings as well. Being involved in 'Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol' I've received some great advice about ME! So, because I already possess the vocal range I'm going to start focusing on my legit voice again. I know I can belt so I want to really fine-tune my legit sound so when I go into an audition I can really show the casting directors exactly what I can do as a character actress. This is very exciting to me.

Other thins on my 2011 'To Do' list is: to see 1 show a month. Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional, Community. I don't care just as long as I get out and support the arts. And

when I have a gig, I encourage my fellow artists to do the same. There are so many resources out there that have affordable options to see great shows! I'm also hoping to take some classes and seminars but mostly I WILL double the amount of auditions I attend each week. I've never been more serious about my business than I am right now. I'm reminded that this business is where I belong when I get to sing and dance and act onstage 7 shows a week. How lucky am I to be making money doing what I truly love? It's a blessing and I am truly grateful.

I'm ready for you 2011. Put 'em up...but I know I'm going to win!

Quote of the week: "I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday." ~Author Unknown

Video of the week: My friend, Amy Bladen, introduced me to the music from 'Notre Dame de Paris' and I'm just in love!

Recipe of the week:

PEPPERMINT BARK - One my favorite things to munch on during the holidays!

Ingredients

8 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
8 ounces high-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces
25 peppermint candies, crushed

Directions

Lightly grease a 9x9 inch pan and line with waxed paper, smoothing out wrinkles; set aside.
Place the semisweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of the canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate until completely hardened, about 1 hour.
Place the white chocolate and the remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate directly over the semisweet chocolate layer; spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy over the top and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened. Remove from pan; break into small pieces to serve.

Audio Samples

Musical Theater Demo

Saturday, December 11, 2010

'Tis the season....

This week has been a whirlwind. I had 2 days in PA with my husband which was

great! I miss him.

While there I auditioned for a health network to portray a patient in medical training videos. I got the gig. Over the next six months, I'll be reenacting certain medical cases to help doctors-in-residence at the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Up until now, they have used programmable dummies. I was able to get a tour of their current facility w

here they 'brought to life' one of those dummies. It can breathe, talk, cough, vomit, and more...and the doctor trainees can practice drawing blood and administering meds. It was very VERY cool. Now, they are expanding their teaching hospital and are in need of an entire corps of actors to help with that.

The winter/spring of 2011 will be jam-packed for me. And I am happy about that!

January 8th I start back teaching at the Civic Theatre of Allentown for grades 1-4 and 9-12. I'm very excited about that. I'll continue working in the kitchen over at the Pines Dinner Theatre and will be Sister Hubert in their upcoming spring production of 'Nunsense.' On top of all of that I'll be working on the videos for Lehigh Valley Health Network, performing in the Spotlight Cabaret for Allentown Public Theatre, AND searching for a new place to live.

Mike and I have thrown around possibilities of where to live and I think we've both decided that we are New York City bound. I'm looking forward to that. If we don't move into the city, we'll be darn close. Possibly back in the North Jersey area near where we once lived. It's a 10 minute trip into the city and that is absolutely fine by me.

I'm still accepting new clients for my coaching business and with college auditions coming up I'm sure my calendar will start to fill. If you know anyone who is looking to audition for a college musical theater program, send them my way. I can assist them in choosing vocal selection suited for their voice type as well as help them choose and coach them on their monologues. Email me for pricing.

In other news....

'Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol' continues its run at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, NY until December 26th. We have many sold out shows and audiences are loving it! There are several different pricing tiers. There are $20 Student Rush tickets available with a valid student ID. You can only purchase them on the day of the show at the theater. My suggestion to you is to call ahead of time on the day you wish to see the show to see how full it is. Since Elmsford is a bit of a hike for most people, I'd hate for someone to come all that way and it be sold out. There are show only tickets as well but the pricing varies. I believe those are also available on the day of.

Congratulations to Greta and Scott Francy on the arrival of their first child, a daughter, Abigail Erin. I can't wait to meet her. I saw a picture posted on Facebook and she is just adorable.

THANK YOU to Amy Bladen for allowing me to stay with her during my run of 'Sleepy Hollow Christmas Carol'.

Mike and I will not be sending Christmas Cards out this year but we want everyone to know how much we love them and we are sending heartfelt wished for a happy and safe holiday season.

Quote of the week: "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent ." ~Victor Hugo

Video of the week:

Recipe of the week:

Mommy's Magic Cookie Bars - This recipe is one of my all-time favorites that my Mom has been making since I was a little girl. They are a huge crowd pleaser and the recipe makes a lot.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk(for less fat use Fat Free)
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (I like a mix of hazelnuts and walnuts)

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Audio Samples

Musical Theater Demo

I own my own business....The Business of ME!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

The story of Bob

Grilled Lime Cilantro Tuna

Ingredients

Friday, January 14, 2011

2011...The Year of Fearlessness!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas!!!

Caramel Marshmallow Treats Recipe

Directions

Friday, December 17, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Ingredients

Directions

Saturday, December 11, 2010

'Tis the season....

Directions

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