It's FOODIE PEN PAL DAY!

So pumped to write about my first experience being a Foodie Pen Pal!  I'd like to start just by saying what an awesome time I've had and how fun it is to connect to two amazing ladies and fellow foodies.  Picking out what to send to Nikki, my penpal was great, and anticipating what I'd receive in my package from Anna was exciting, but I think my favorite part was just chatting with them via email about all things food and fitness.


My package was waiting at my doorstep after a particularly grueling week (see my last post for details), and I felt like a kid again opening it up and checking out my loot.

Thank you Anna Sherwood for such an awesome Foodie Pen Pal Package!

Naturally I took a picture of it right away because I knew I was going to eat at least one of these goodies immediately!  Anna was incredibly kind to accommodate my primarily Paleo diet.  We had emailed back and forth a few times about what exactly my normal diet was, to which I replied not to worry so much about that because I was just excited to try some of her favorite snacks.  She did an awesome job of mixing some Paleo with non-Paleo snacks and I gotta say, they were all delicious!


My top pick was definitely the "Enjoy Life" trail mix, which was gone in a matter of 24 hours - dangerously delicious! 


Another thing that I really appreciated from Anna's package was she made a great effort to send me some local goods.  So cool to try out these companies.  I'll be sure to pickup more "Just Us" products next time I'm in Nova Scotia, the tea is fantastic!


Thank you so much Anna.  Can't wait for next month of Foodie Pen Pals!


Nikki and Anna, feel free to send a guest blurb if you'd like to post about your experiences too!


xoxo,


Allie

Healthy Lifestyle Bullies

Family and friends can have such a huge impact on what we see as "normal" in our day to day lives.  A sedentary lifestyle lived by someone close to you can inadvertently have a similar impact on your own health and fitness.  On the other hand, some people look at other people who are active and make excuses for their own fitness level (or lack-there-of) by labeling them people as "fitness fanatics", or "obsessive".  Yes, there must absolutely be a balance and exercise/healthy living can't be all you care about or you aren't really living, are you?  That being said, I don't know anyone personally who is at that level of fanaticism but I do know many people who use this negative labeling to make themselves feel better about their unhealthy lifestyles.  It's health bullying in a way.  

Adam Knowles and I post Half Marathon

The reason I'm writing all of this is because I had a sort of lightbulb moment with my great friend and fellow blogger Krysten (Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail) after a 6am crossfit class at Indestri in Collingwood.  It's no surprise, and no great secret that both Krysten and I have had our own challenges with body image (hey, we're human).  However as we sipped our lattes at Starbucks post workout, we made a connection that something had changed this year for both of us re:health and fitness.  A ball had dropped.  It began when we each committed to running a half-marathon.  When the training began, there was a serious shift in the way we each thought about our bodies.  For me it went from dragging myself to the gym and hoping that I had burned enough calories, to pushing myself to run farther than I ever had before.  When you're training for a race, you can't treat your body badly because you need it be a clean machine.  We both started to appreciate our bodies more and although neither of us broke any records by any means, we both finished something that a few years ago we had never dreamed of committing to.  


So yes, it may seem crazy and obsessive to run for 2 hours and put yourself through blisters and cramps and all sorts of other crap and actually pay to run in a half marathon, but hey - it's the best therapy and confidence boost I've ever had.  So if you're reading this and you think you might fall into the "health bully" category - maybe it's just your fear talking.  Any chance you might actually want to challenge yourself in this way too?  How about saying f%&k it to your excuses and put on a pair of sneaks and just GO?  And if you've crossed paths with someone like this - don't be angry with them, just remember, like any bully, they are doing it out of their own insecurity.  So run, swim, hike, yog, cross, or whatever else it is that keeps you sane and don't let anyone make you feel bad about it.


xoxo,


Allie

TIFF Next Wave Film Festival

Co-Star Andrew Pigott, Director Joseph Procopio & I

Our premier of Memories at the TIFF Next Wave Festival was a huge success!  I was lucky enough to have a ton of friends and family at the event and an incredible amount of support from those who were there in spirit.  Naturally I was slightly panicked about my outfit but was lucky enough to have the stylistic help of Lyndsay - who helped me plan the perfect daytime screening outfit from head to toe.

Can't wait to wear these puppies again!

With amy daytime event - it's important not to overdo it with your makeup & attire.  We worked with a dress that I already had (Tory Burch for Forever 21), added some sick shoes from Zara & a cropped jean jacket and bangles from H&M.  So including my dress which I've had for a few months, I felt TIFF ready and totally appropriate for my first big screening for under $150. 


This is just the beginning of the Memories Festival tour.  Next up is the Rhode Island International Film Festival in August.  Road trip!  I'm confident that it will be screened at some other excellent film festivals as well, Joseph has done an incredible job with the piece.  


Just a couple of short weeks before MetCon Blu and my summer move to 4th Line Theatre.  Lots of updates on both these fronts but right now, I've gotta get out the door and go for a run!


Have a fantastic long weekend!


xoxo, Allie

Training and Tidbits

After weeks of anticipation and the finale to my "26 days of fitness challenge", it's time to start training for the  Goodlife Half-Marathon in May!

As someone who is relatively new to running, I've spent a lot of time online figuring out what the best training schedule will be for me.  I've taken into account the suggestions from a variety of fitness disciplines, including crossfit to come up with this schedule:

The main points that I have learned from crossfit instructors are to keep up with the strength training and to incorporate sprints into each training week to increase endurance.  I've barely begun this plan but I already feel like it's a good balanced regime for me.  After the intensity of the workout challenge, having full two full "rest" days is awesome, and as I've realized, incredibly important!

I'm happy for suggestions from anyone in terms of tweaks, so please feel free to leave your comments.







And as for my careeeeeer...

I'm starting to realize how essential it is for me to take care of myself in all respects in order to be at my absolute best in auditions.  Sounds pretty basic but it's easy to let things slide and convince yourself otherwise sometimes.   My goal for this week is to respect every element of being in a great mindset for             acting.  This includes:

• Fitness

Almost any actor that you talk to will agree with me that your body is your instrument.  It's SO easy to get caught up on weight and appearances.  Instead of focusing on the scale, I am going to go into each run or workout thinking of the confidence that I will take with me into my next audition as a result of my exercise.  It also just helps me clear my head and keep things in perspective!

• Networking

The whole business side of acting is a complicated balancing act of staying in touch and keeping doors open without pissing anyone off.  It's very easy to think that your talent will take you as far as you want to go but I've come to realize that it's not always the case.  Keeping in touch with important people and letting them know how you are doing and what you are working on is not something to feel sheepish about, and this is something I need to keep reminding myself.  So this week, I'm going to get in touch with my mentors and other people I know in the business and send some packages out to TV shows that I want to audition for.  Also - things like updating the ol' website and getting new business cards are some practical steps I can take to get the other side of my career in shape.

• Sleep

There are lots of benefits to not having a typical 9-5 job as an actor but there are also some downfalls.  One of those is when you don't have to be up at a certain time in the morning, it's easy to stay up too late and sleep later than you want to.  Problem is - this schedule or lack thereof does not help in creating a working mindset in the morning.  Artists have to put in the same time as any other working person, and getting up and starting the day at a reasonable time is the first steps in being productive.

• Nutrition

I follow a paleo diet in my day to day life and have for the past 6 months or so.  When I follow it properly that means that I don't have any processed foods in my diet (including dairy and grains!).  It may sound extreme, it may sound like torture but I swear to you if you try it for 30 days, you will never go back.  My energy is better, my digestion is better, and I just plain feel better.  I will do a full blog on this soon, but if you're interested, read Robb Wolf's The Paleo Solution.  I am not a robot.  If I'm out for dinner with friends and everyone's getting pizza, I go for it.  If it's a beautiful day off, I might have some frozen yogurt.  It's not as extreme as it sounds but after cutting these things out of my diet I realize I'm happier and healthier without them.

• Education

This is something that I definitely have to make more of an effort to keep on top of.  Education at this point for me means staying on top of training, reading plays, seeing theatre and making sure to stay on top of what is happening in the entertainment scene in Toronto.  I'm going to try to spend a little time every day educating myself!

Hope this inspires an actor who needs a little push.  Take care of yourself :)  You deserve it.

xoxo Allie

"11 Random Things"...

If you read my last post you know all about my dear friend Krysten.  This lovely lady just tagged me in a "11 Random Things" post, so it's my turn to share.  Here are the rules:

1.       Post these rules (done and done!)

2.       You must post 11 random things about yourself

3.       Answer the questions set for you by the person who tagged you

4.       Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer

5.       Select 11 peeps and tag them on twitter, facebook, or on their blog

11 Random Things About Me:

1. What is your theme song for this year and why? 

         This is a very difficult question for me because I'm a little obsessed with music.  I literally just downloaded a new album (Bon Iver's "Bon Iver") which I can't believe I don't already have on my ipod.  I'm listening to Fleet Foxes like crazy recently, and other fairly mellow tunes but when I'm workin out - it's all pump up music and I LOVE IT!  

        So I'm going to say, tentatively, that my theme song for this year is "The Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga.  Some awesome things have happened in my career in the past year and although I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket, I have high hopes for "Footsteps", which has its first private industry screening in LA next weekend, and I'm also really excited to see what happens with "Memories".  I also feel, more than ever, that great things are just around the corner.  I can't wait to spend the summer performing in Millbrook.  This is also the year that I will accomplish my goal of running a half-marathon (Goodlife in  May!).  So I really feel like I'm on the edge of something great,  and I'm really excited for what's to come.  I also just watched a special on Lady Gaga and am pretty blown away by her positive attitude and general confidence.  She's like a modern day May West, whom I LOVE!

2. What is the one thing you could never live without?

Sarah and Meg and I having some quality tub time

        Do people count for this one?  I'm going to go ahead and say yes.  Although I do depend on my magnesium pills these days for ahem, digestion as well as my chocolate and red wine, I can easily live without those things and there are two people that would be nearly impossible to do without; my sisters.  We have SO much fun together it's insane.  One of my fave things to do with them is have dance parties, which happens pretty much everytime we see each other.  They are the most incredible duo that you could ever hope for in family.  They are hilarious, kind, generous, and so incredibly patient and helpful.  They are my best friends.  I will always have their backs and I know they will always have mine.  I am working on Sarah's wedding speech right now which is really difficult.  I feel like there is so much I need to fit in to a tiny little speech.  I am so lucky to have them.

3. Who or what inspires you?

        So many things inspire me and totally inconsistently.  Some days I'll stick on a great tune and I'm amped for the day.  Other times I'll read articles about actors I respect and admire or watch movies with parts that I know I am right for, and I feel a blast of motivation and inspiration to keep truckin. My family and friends (esp those of you have been tagged in this!) are an incredible inspiration to me and have always provided an insane amount of support, so Thank You!

4. What is your dream vacation?

        My boyfriend Andrew and I have never been on a real vacation together before, so anywhere with him would be fantastic.  I'd love to go to Paris with him and bike around the city.  I'd also love to go to Italy with him and enjoy the amazing food and beautiful cities.  I think it'd be pretty darn romantic.

5.  Brag time, tell me what you are most proud of accomplishing?

        My last year living in NYC, Andrew and my friend Katie and I started a theatre company and produced the world premier of a play called Vincent 1979.  Andrew and I also acted in the show.  I was scared out of my mind to actually commit to doing it, but I knew that once we had said the words, we could make it happen.  We raised over $7,000.00 and did a two week run of this amazing play at The Neighborhood Playhouse in Manhattan.  We had an incredible group of actors including Suzanne Shepherd (Goodfellas, The Sopranos), and Lawrence Jansen (Damages) and was directed by one of the best acting teachers in the world, Ron Stetson.  The amount of support we got from out families was absolutely incredible.  Everyone came down from Canada on closing night and we closed with a big bang and a huge party.  When things feel tough, I remember that we did that, that we made it happen and I literally feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.  

6. Sparkles, yea or neh?

        ABSOLUTELY!  Love Tom's sparkly flats.  Need to get a pair of those.  I also occasionally sport a sequined top, although I always regret it because it feels like a torture device.

7. What is the best thing you ever ate?

        A meal at "Blue Hill at Stone Barns".  It's a farm-to-table restaurant in upstate New York and it was literally the most incredible meal of my life.  I had to close my eyes I was overwhelmed with flavor!  Awesome cocktails too.  If you have a very special occasion or are in New York and feel like treating yourself big time, GO!

8. What is your guilty pleasure?

        I love watching TV shows that I hope to be cast in one day.  I get a little obsessed.  I'm watching Bomb Girls right now and loving it (sad that the season finale is this Weds!), and I also LOVE Being Erica. Those are some quality Canadian shows!

9. What is your favourite form of exercise?

        Dancing!  At Theatre School, ballet, jazz and modern dance was a part of our curriculum and i was in heaven. I even got to use pointe shoes in ballet which I always wanted to do when I was little!  

10. What are you afraid of?

        Failing.  I am trying to keep this in check (check out my "The Whore and How to Conquer Her" blog).  Every now and then, I get overwhelmed for whatever reason and plagued by self doubt.  The thing I keep telling myself is:  I'm doing what I love, and I never have to doubt that.  I am happy and even though things might be a little simpler in my life than I would like in the long run, I am happy.  The rest is all material, and isn't what life is really about.

11. Who is your celebrity crush?

        OMG Ryan Gosling.  Have you seen Crazy, Stupid, Love?!  As if I needed any more reason after The Notebook.

Ok, my questions are:

1.  Who is the one person you would make sure to thank if you won a huge award (oscar, nobel peace, whatever applies!), and what would you say?

2.  What's your favorite thing to do on a day off?

3.  If you were able to go to any concert in all of history, what would it be?

4.  What's the wildest thing you've ever done?

5.  What short term goal do you have?

6. What long term goal do you have?

7.  If you were stuck on an island and could only bring 1 item, 1 food source, and 1 drink other than water, what would you pick?

8.  If you could have dinner with anyone in the world right now, who would it be?

9.  Who is your biggest fan?

10.  What's your favorite breakfast?

11.  Who was the most influential teacher in your life?

And I am tagging... 

Megan Dunbar

Sarah Dunbar (almost Sarah Pain!)

Jane Currah

Stephanie Case

Anne Case

Kim Foley

Katie Venezia

Edwina Haddon

Jennifer Rosart

Lauren LaCaprara

Kirsten Temporale

        For the skeptics - I know it may seem chain letter-y but it was really fun to do, and I'd love to hear all of your responses. 

xoxo Allie

Inspiration From a Friend

Some days I have NO IDEA where my inspiration comes from and yet I have insane bursts of energy and focus and do 10 amazing things for my career in one day.  Other times I have to trick myself into just getting my butt to the gym!  There are a few ladies in my life right now that I need to give a shout out to.  These women are strong, focused and honest, and their accomplishments and drive help me to stay on track when I lose the plot.  Today I'm going to focus on one particular lady who continually inspires me and whose story needs to be heard.

Krysten Siba-Bishop This gorgeous woman and former roomie of mine has been fighting a genetic battle like you wouldn't believe.  She is the reason that I started a blog in the first place.  Not only does she have Long QT Syndrom and a pacemaker, she is also undergoing a double preventative mastectomy on March 5th.  Her blog "MisAdventures of a Darwinian Fail" is an absolute inspiration and is filled to the brim with her bubbly personality, stories that will keep you grounded, grateful, and inspired, and other fun stuff like healthy recipes and workout tunes.  Click on her name to visit her amazing blog and you will be hooked.

When I was little, and I had to do something that scared me or that was really hard, I would make a pledge to do it for someone that I loved and cared about.  It's like in Yoga when sometimes you dedicate your practice to someone.  I think I need to start doing more of that.  So today - the work I'm going to do, I'm doing it for Krysten.

xoxo

Allie

The "Whore" and How to Conquer Her

The "whore" is what my incredible acting teacher and mentor Richard Pinter uses to describe our brains when they turn against us.  When for some unexplainable reason the buzz of an accomplishment can slowly morph into worry and stress and we start to see the potential problems that this opportunity has seemingly "created".  This "whore" also loves to come around right before an audition (sometimes not until you're in the waiting room) and then sneaks up and crushes your confidence - thus blowing any possibility of booking it.

Recently I had a run in with my own little whore.  It was shortly after I was cast in Queen Marie and I started to worry about what I was going to do before that, and after.  What I'm trying to do now, and trying to make a habit of it, is shifting that energy into positive actions for my career rather than useless worrying.  Instead of stressing about the imaginary gigs before and after, I will edit my resume, update my website, read plays, etc.  Anything that is positive for my career and helps me feel like things are moving forward, because they are!

It really all comes down to fear, and that's what I need to keep reminding myself.  Confidence is the arch enemy of fear, and as May West once said when asked how you "get" confidence, "I dunno, you just GET it!".  True dat May West.

I caught the tail end of "Master Class" on tv last night featuring Morgan Freeman.  His words stories were incredibly inspiring and useful for any career.  He shared a few tips for success that really stuck with me:

• Make the Best of it 

That means every situation.  See how your current situation will help you in the long term, and if not, at least in the short term.  Even if it seems completely unrelated to what you really want to do - make the best of it.

• Follow Your Own Muse...Always

Don't just be different for the sake of being different - do it because it makes sense to you.

• Follow Your Principles

And you will have no regrets

• Be Irreplaceable

Because you know you are

• You Have to Listen!

This is the biggest lesson I had to learn in acting and in life!

Adios ya Whore!  Gracias Morgan Freeman.

Teaser poster for Memories is here courtesy of Joseph Procopio!  Next week is a private screening of Footsteps for the cast and crew to see the final cut.

Still on track for 26 Days of Fitness.  Wish me Luck!

xoxo Allie

Here's a little Stars...always think of this video on snowy days!

I Got the Part!

Just got a phone call from my agency and I booked the part of "Claire" in "Queen Marie" the musical!  It's a 9 month contract (my longest one yet!) and I will be rehearsing/performing this summer at the 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook.  Something really is in the air :)

With my adrenaline a pumping and happy thoughts abound, I went to a Moksha Yoga class and on my way home made the decision to do a fitness challenge.  Will I regret this decision? Probably at some point, but not in the long run.  It started today with Monday Moksha and I will continue to exercise every day until Sarah's Wedding on Feb 11th.  That's 26 days of fitness.  No excuses!  I'm going to do my best to try some new classes too and change things up a bit so I don't get bored.  Might even bust out my cross country skis!

I think I will spend the rest of my day off listening to dance music and cleaning the apt, including the dreaded office!  Then I think I'll treat myself to a much needed haircut tomorrow and try to keep myself away from the GIANT leftover cake from the Bridal Shower this weekend.

Take care, and if you need a pick me up - watch this video.  It gets me every time!

xo Allie