Singing in the New Year..updated with singing video!!!!

I just arrived back to Los Angeles after a full week on the East Coast. It was loads of fun! I traveled around to every one's houses to hang out and eat!

Yesterday my aunt Margie and uncle Gino hosted the Gareis family at their lake house where we broke out the x-box and played rock star for hours! I've decided this is my favorite new toy...I'll be sure to post a video soon of our singing, which..ahem..wasn't stellar but really really fun. Here are a few pictures of this amazing party!!! And the video is below...!!!!

Happy Holidays and I strongly suggest singing in the new year, I know that's what I plan to do!

Feeding fellow cast mates a Holiday Short Rib Stew

I think you know I love to feed people.

I do.

It’s the Sicilian genes (remember we come from Militello in Val di Catania), I suppose. So this year I decided I would share a wonderfully delicious Holiday Short Rib Stew with my cast mates. It’s super easy to prepare but does take a really long time. I got the recipe from my friend Amy, who you might remember likes to throw dinner parties all the time (remember the pool party where people went in with their clothing- yeah, that Amy). Anyway, according to her, the key is to cook this slowly. It allows the meat to absorb the tomato juice and become super tender. If you decide to make this, I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, and if you have modifications or suggestions! Let me know. From what I could tell the Bold and Beautiful Cast masts loved it...so, hopefully that will inspire you to give it a try!

Holiday Short Rib Stew

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 heaping tablespoons of crushed garlic
10 pieces of short ribs or 1¾ pounds of chuck beef roast
1 head of garlic, cloves peeled and outer skin discarded, and cloves cut in half
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon table Salt, plus more to taste at the end
3 turns of a pepper mill
1 cup of red wine
2 32-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
3 onions, peeled and roughly chopped
2 cups of sliced mushrooms
1 handful of finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 handful of finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
Your favorite bread

Preheat the oven to 325F, with the oven rack set in the middle.

In a heavy ceramic Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil on the bottom of the pan. Spread bottom of pan with the crushed garlic.

On a clean surface, pierce the meat with a sharp knife and stuff the half garlic cloves into it. Place the meat into the Dutch oven and cover it with the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour 1/2 of the wine and half of the tomatoes over beef and then top it with the chopped onions.

Place the lid on the Dutch oven and place it in the oven to cook for 4 to 5 hours.

At this point, the meat should fall off the bone and be super tender. Remove the meat from the Dutch oven and de-fat and de-bone it. As you are doing this, make sure to keep it covered and warm. Foil works really well. Place the meat back into the Dutch oven and add in the mushrooms, the remaining wine and tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook the meat for another 30 minutes at 375F (note the oven temperature needs to be raised).

When the stew is done cooking, place it on the stove top and add in the fresh basil and oregano. Taste and season with salt if necessary. Serve immediately with bread!

And if you want to see the Bold and Beautiful holiday gingerbread house...go to my Official Bold and Beautiful Blog!

A Dressing Room and A ruthless holiday gift tradition

Ok, first the dressing room...I love my dressing room at the Bold and Beautiful set…It’s cozy and full of really neat things. Recently I received some pretty cool holiday gifts that you can see in this photo. I spend a lot of time in my dressing room while I am at the studio and I take that time to read, relax, and get ready for the next scene. As much as I would like, I usually don’t have family visit me when I am on the set. It makes me a little nervous and so that makes it harder to concentrate! Do you ever have that problem when you are doing something and it makes a difference who is watching you from the sidelines? Or is it just me??

Ok, now the ruthless holiday gift tradition...

As the holidays draw near, I am thinking about what I can get for this neat family game we play. Our entire family usually does a holiday gift game which has caused fights and all kinds of drama! Just up my alley! It goes like this. To participate, you put in a wrapped gift worth about $20-$30. You than select a number from a hat. Your number tells you what order you get to pick a gift from the pile. The first person picks a gift and unwraps it for everyone to see. The second person gets to take that gift and send the person they took the gift from back to the gift pile to pick another gift. And so on and so on. So having a higher number is the best because you can have a pick from all the opened presents, sending that person back to the pile.

It can get very dicey when there is one thing that everyone wants. And when family heirlooms of no real retail value but sentimental value work their selves into the pile! And if we are very lucky, in the end, when everyone has their gift—for better or worse and all the drama in the world—it’s usually smiles all around!

Tell me about your family traditions and what you think of our game?!!

How many types of kisses are there?

On my Bold and Beautiful Blog I just wrote about the different types of kisses that Donna has had (it should be up some time today)...

For Donna, so far, I have this list:

Revenge Kiss
Love Kiss
Guilty Kiss
Desperate Kiss
Friendly Kiss
Fake Kiss
Grateful Kiss
Motherly Kiss

Surely there must be more...can you help me figure this out...

And some have asked, "what's the real difference between when this happens in real life and when you are acting?" For me, when I act them out, the emotions have to be the same as in real life. I guess what I have learned is that to make these kisses convincing, I really have to be in that state of mind...Speaking of which, how many of you saw what happened yesterday to poor Donna? Eric KISSED Stephanie!

Wasn't that beyond shocking that poor Donna is OUT! Listen, even my own parents called me totally shocked saying (and they know the show isn't real, but still...) "What the heck is Donna doing letting Eric slip away and kiss someone else?!"

Now based on last week's voting, 40% of you are cheering that Eric dumped Donna...

Poor Donna, will she ever get a break? And who else will she be kissing? Or maybe for now, she'll be licking her wounds and watching others kiss from the sidelines...

Where in the World...

For fun this week, I thought it might be neat to post some pictures and to have you guess who these people are in some cases and where they are or what they are doing. I don't want to give anything away, so let's see if the pictures speak for themselves...(and yes, if you read my blog and know a little about me...you'll be able to figure this out...) Good luck!

What we really want? Love and Good Laughs

So, are you just hanging off the edge of your seat watching poor Donna Logan do her "I'm not that into you dance" at the office with Owen as he bombards her with advances and sweet smiles? And he sure is cute. And as you know, we aren't the only one watching Donna to see how this forbidden fruit might tempt her. Eric has his own special eye in the sky to monitor Donna's every move. I wrote a little about "just a regular day in the office" on my Bold and Beautiful blog, you can check it out here: Bold and Beautiful blog

OK, so in honor of Eric setting up a situation because he loves Donna...I wanted to share with you this really silly video we filmed about Gnomes in the Woods. Now, most of you are grown ups and realize gnomes aren't (ahem) real. Right? You do realize that...but the kids in this video don't realize that at all. They believe it.

So, I ask you...what's the difference between these kids believing in gnomes, and poor Donna in her situation. In this example could "Owen" be like the gnome? Placed in the perfect spot to create a stir? And I guess, the question is, will Donna go looking? Ok, I am stretching this here as the best excuse to share my Gnome video...the parlay wasn't smooth, but just wanted to create some good laughs...because in the end, isn't that what we all really want...I think so.

Living in Los Angeles

I know this week I already posted here on my personal blog and on the Bold and Beautiful blog...To check out that one, I wrote about what a typical day off is like. You can check it out here: Bold and Beautiful blog

In that entry I didn't get into that much detail about a typical night on the party scene. For sure, it can be pretty crazy and every group of friends has their on places to hang out. Just to give you a few details...

The Dinner Party
My friends like to meet up for a "dinner parties". Dinner usually begins at 7 or 8 and can go for hours. If the person is lucky enough to have a pool, the party ends up in the water. I wrote about one party I attended in the valley a few weeks ago, where half the guests ended up in the pool with their clothing on. I know that sounds like scene from a movie...right? Interested in hearing what's prepared? Let me know...

Everyone Drives
In LA everyone drives, so it's not hard to see which house is having a bash. Cars can be parked for blocks along the road. When I go to a place like that and you can actually hear the music before you see the house, it reminds of my college and going to a frat party. Anyone else having this memory?

The Restaurant
In LA going to a restaurant can be entertaining if you pick the same place minutes before as say someone really famous. All the photogs are there hanging out on the sidewalk and the famous person is inside. The people in the restaurant don't really care, and it's business as usual. Or at least it looks that way. However the scene outside is different. Bodyguards, SUVs, and lots of flashing. The most famous person I have seen eating in LA has to be Brad Pit.

So, what's your impression of LA and have you ever been here? Is there something you want to know about living here? Go ahead and ask away.

Oh, the picture at the top is my Grand Aunt Vicki and her granddaughter that wants to get into acting (so my second cousin?)...I included this picture here because none of her friends believe we are related. I hope this proves it...let me know Shelbi!

You Never Really Grow up at "Home"

Did you ever notice that when you go "home" you never really grow up? Well, in my house, it's certainly the truth.

Last week I was on the East Coast hanging out with my family...and even though I am "all grown up", my mom still doles out the chores. And probably, it's a good thing because we all learned at any early age it's just part of life. BUT, I will admit, sometimes it transports me back to feeling just like a little kid! Which is also probably good because it keeps me in check.

So, many of you have seen my Compost Video on YouTube, but for those of you that haven't, I included it here...

This is me teaching my sister all about composting. Ha Ha, which in itself is hilarious because let's face it...I am a LA Diva now! And she is a NYC Momma with no chance to compost (I mean central park police would probably arrest her if she did this!)

So, basically, it's just us trying to have some fun with a chore that our mother gave us. See, acting like little kids again...but we sure do love it!

Script Practice Makes Perfect

When I have a script to read, I practice a few hours a day until I memorize my lines.

I have gotten use to it and have found little tricks to helping me remember.

Usually I try and put myself in the place of Donna Logan and how she would react and what she would say. Once I tap into her point of view, it's actually quite easy, or perhaps I should say, easier.

When I was on the East Coast, I took advantage of the fact that one of my nieces is an excellent out loud reader. So I put her to work. In this picture she plays Eric, and why she is wearing a cap. She felt that she needed that prop to put her in character (oh boy, looks like another actress in the making!)

I had a great time working on the lines with her and I am sure when "Donna" gets to film them with "Eric"...I'll be giggling to myself as I remember who helped me make these lines perfect.

And yes, I did blur the script! You guys are so resourceful...and I want to make sure that every episode is a surprise!!!!

And today I am going to post on Bold and Beautiful. It should show up today, so make sure to check it out! Click here!

Happy Halloween!!!!!

Happy Halloween to everyone! I wanted to share these really fun photos moments before we go out and trick o' treat! Can you guess who everyone is?

what's wrong with this picture?













here comes Miss America, oh, I mean Miss Halloween..

A long way from LA...and a Sicilian Family Recipe

This week I am on the East Coast visiting family.

I am here for my grandmother's 90th birthday party. And I have to admit, I feel a little like a fish out of water. I have gotten so used to living in Los Angeles that coming back home is a little of a cultural shock. But, it's great to reconnect and one way to do that is through food!

And yes, I am eating a few too many whoopie pies and Sicilian treats, but as you will read on my Bold and Beautiful blog, I am working out to make sure I keep my figure. (it should be up sometime today, click here to see it)

So because I am home and around my huge and very loud Sicilian family, it seems totally appropriate to post a recipe! Afterall, don't you want to know what I am eating? I know this is a departure from my blog norm, but... oh well.

Sicilian "S" Cookies
My Great Great Grandmother, Concetta, lived in Militello, Sicily with her daughter Sebastiana when she taught her the “S” cookies recipe. In 1905 the recipe was brought to America by Sebastiana and later taught to her daughter, Josephine, (my grandmother that's turning 90!) who gave it to her daughter, Dolores (my mom), who in turn gave it to her children (I'm one of them!).

This is the recipe written by my grandmother's handwriting...her instructions are brief to say the least. To make the "S" shape just roll the dough in your hands. And any shape works, so get creative, if you like! Let me know how it turns out. And don't forget the powdered sugar! That really makes the cookie...

Getting Sewn: what it sometimes takes for that fashion fit!

Did you know that sometimes to get that snug look, you actually have to be sewn or taped into your clothing.

Yeah, it's true (or at least it is for me).

And so, if you like to drink lots of water like I do...sometimes it can be a real challenge!

So last week you heard about using double stick tape to ensure that the back of your bathing suit stays in place (on your bottom) while you walk...and I was really surprised I didn't get any comments about that. Ok, maybe everyone already knows that trick and it's just not a big deal--though let me tell you, removing that tape...not so fun!

Did you know that when I got dressed up for Thorne and Donna's wedding, they taped and sewed me into that dress? Remember the cleavage? Well, how did you think it got that way?! Kinda neat. It is amazing all the work and effort that wardrobe goes though...

And to contrast, for Eric's wedding wardrobe made the dress so lighweight it was like wearing nothing at all...hee hee.

Does the use of tape and sewing still sound strange? Well, look at it this way...if you are moving around, the dress/clothing will move with you. And the only way to be sure that everything stays in it's exact place is to use tape and possibly sew it together on the spot and in place...(but if anyone knows of another way...oh please send me your thoughts and suggestions!)

(the top photo is from a photoshoot of Brentwood Magazine)

Walking the Dogs and the Long Awaited Roller Hair Picture

Ok. I am still trying to get the puppy playdate picture posted on this blog but it is going to take a few days. The thing is, it's not in my camera, but my friend Amy's computer blew up on her last week. No joke. So, depending on how that saga plays out...it might be a few days. So instead for all those doggy fans, I am posting an ad I did for Evian where I am walking this beautiful dogs. This was lots of fun!

And before the weekend, I am leaving you with my roller hair picture. This is a few years old and the day of a 6th Day premiere...so, actually, really old! These rollers turned my hair into corkscrews, which was cute.

For an event, like the one in Monte Carlo, I had a professional makeup artist. But sometimes, and probably more often than not, I do it myself. And yes, there are all kinds of makeup and dress tricks out there. I know just a few and will share one here that will really get you thinking...did you know that if you are wearing a bathing suit for scene and you have a lot of walking to do...you can add a piece of double stick tape on your bottom so the suit doesn't slip...mind you, it only works for a little bit of time and you want to make sure the tape isn't too strong...because eventually, you want it to come off. And trust me you want that part to be easy!!! hee hee!!! Have a great weekend!

Those are my Lips!

Ok..ok...I know you are waiting for the hair roller picture but I just had to post this other one today. I have gotten a few comments about my lips...as in "are they mine?" and so I thought I would post this picture of me as a kid and let you be the judge. Mind you it looks like I am throwing a temper tantrum (my poor mom)... but you get the idea!

Looking Out for Naked Cowboy...

UPDATE!!!! 10/28/08

I got this picture from Angelique...she found the Naked Cowboy! I haven't had that much luck, but after seeing this picture of him you can be sure I am really going to try!


I thought I would start the week out with this photo. Can you guess where this is?

It's Donna Logan (aka: me) pleading with Eric. Do you realize this image shows Bold and Beautiful being broadcast in Time Square! Isn't that neat!? And it got me thinking...has any of you actually seen the naked cowboy? even in the winter time? Oh boy, perhaps for the holidays this year, I'll have to go take a look myself.

Ok this week, I am going to post my first puppy sleepover...I am trying to locate the photo, but it wont be long! (and yes, I did find the hair roller picture, and yes, I am going to bravely post it soon too.)

And lastly, tomorrow on the official B&B site, I will post about Donna Logan's previous week...wow...it was quite intense.

Have you ever heard of a Whoopie Pie?

This is me eating a whoopie pie all the way from the East Coast. So, what's a whoopie pie doing in Los Angeles?

Good question!

Last week I told my mom and nieces I was going to post a blog entry on my recent Bold and Beautiful crying scenes (in secret I love these scenes, they are so challenging!)...and they felt compelled to send me some comfort food! Since they know I love eating whoopie pies--and have ever since I was a kid--they tracked down my old baby-sitter Bert and had a cooking session with her.

Boy, was I thrilled and surprised to receive pumpkin and chocolate whoopie pies in the mail! And here are a few pictures of their cooking lessons with Bert! Thanks Bert and girls! I really appreciate it (and so do all my friends that are trying to swipe them!)



If you are still confused...go check out my Bold and Beautiful blog, click here. It should be up today. I wrote an entry about what it takes to do all those crying scenes...lots of preparation, water, and some aspirin!

Thanks for checking out my blog and I'd love to hear your comments about what foods comfort you!

Jen