connected or disconnected?

I should really feel popular right now.

I’ve got:

• Blog followers
• Twitter followers
• Blip.fm music buds
• youtubers
• 20.sb pals
• over 1,600 Facebook fans

But, no matter how plugged in I am, the phone never rings…

Am I just the sum of my likes and comments?

Why with all this connecting do I feel less connected?

Do you miss the days when you could tell someone something and it wouldn’t be blasted all over the Internet? I do. It was called a Secret.

It’s weird that we’re getting used to limiting our thoughts to 140 characters, right? We could all go a little deeper and say a lot more. Or are we afraid Attention Spans have gotten too short and no one will listen? (Wait– are you listening? Exactly!)

When was the last time you received a hand-written letter? Can’t remember can you? So sad.

What if LOVE LETTERS become extinct?

What will we save in our attics? Thumb drives?

Does “Social” Media really make us social-able, or does it disable us socially?

Remember…. Intimacy?

POOF! Right?

I’m gonna go write Niles a real letter. He just lost his boyfriend and can use some Evie love… (Wait– how much postage does it take for a letter these days? I just realized I have no idea.)

Does Social Media make you feel more connected or less? Lemme know in the comments. Thx!

Liked that? Check out:

• Quality: Trying to hold on…
• Vids & Webisodes: My Faves
• Making Wishes: 26 Ways

Liked that? Check out:

• “Social” Media?
• Silent Running*
• Feeling Safe: Knowns vs Unknowns

Your job has you saying ‘no’ all-day-every-day to lots of people and projects and material even if you like them, and that can’t be easy on you.  So I’m here with a new way to help you say ‘YES!” and get that good karma flowing again.

It’s so NOT what you think –

• I won’t beg you to look at me (no one likes a needy girl, ewww.)
• I won’t tease you with my long blond hair and my killer smile (oh, right – I won’t do that.)
• and I won’t chase after you with my long legs (I hate stalkers, obvi!)

But if you don’t take a sec to imagine finding say, the next Goldie Hawn or the next Anna Faris or the next Evie Stewart — (I like the way that sounds!) — won’t you feel awful when someone else does? In a big way?

If you really don’t want to fall for an up-and-coming actress who trips on her way up the ladder and falls (face first) into a court-ordered volunteer smock (fugly!) at a busy ER… then I can’t force you.

But when you first heard about me, you liked it all enough to ask for more… anything I can do to help you, uh, get to know me better? Maybe well enough to get introduced to your colleagues, to your boss, to your friend at the agency…?

Being an actress up for a part must be soooo much like being a screenwriter waiting to hear back about a submitted script. Audition, wait, submit, follow-up. Ugh. It never gets any easier either, does it?

So, my dear Innocent Heartbreaker — I know you don’t MEAN to keep me in limbo, waiting to hear back after that first fun meeting when you heard all about my life and adventures and all this.  But if you could please put me and my FUNNY BONE back on your to-do list for this week, I’d loooove to hear from you…

Thanks!
xo – Evie

PS: Even if the chemistry’s not right on this one, it’s not your fault or my fault, so no hard feelings ’cause there’s always next time, right?

PSS: I’m closing the comments on this post for the first time ever ’cause I’m feeling insecure, but I know you guys are with me in spirit like always. Fingers crossed!

Liked that? Check out:

• Hospital Heartthrobs: Mixed Messages
• HOT IN CLEVELAND: funny find!
• Hollywood Flip: Staying Focused

crushing in the ER

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

When…

someone takes home a baby instead of a bill

an accident victim’s neck brace is removed

an old man flirts

I see newborn twins

a physician delivers good news

an elderly patient is treated with respect

the nurses gossip and laugh when they get caught

I bring a cake and the staff is appreciative

a certain doctor smiles (hugely) when he sees me

someone calls me an “angel”

I can make anyone in the ER laugh

there’s hope

THINGS THAT MAKE ME CRY

When…

a child comes in with a sick mommy

a mommy comes in with a very sick child

a battered woman has a miscarriage

a child accompanies a chemo parent

I make eye contact with the chemo patient

a patient loses his dignity

there’s no hope

THINGS THAT MAKE ME GULP

When…

a special needs patient rises above it

a patient with challenges finds out there are even more

I can feel someone’s fear

I can feel someone’s pain

I can feel someone’s happiness

a certain doctor flirts with me (even though he more unavailable than ER’s Dr. Doug Ross)

(What kinds of things make you smile, cry and gulp? Share in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Hospital Heartthrobs: Mixed Messages
• ER: CODE RED – Diet Karma
• Valentine’s Day

Be Brave.
Step Up.
S U R P R I S E Someone Special.

After all, It’s February 14th.

Take a chance.
I am!

the way to his heart?

Share and Enjoy:

Liked that? Check out:

• Hospital Heartthrobs: Mixed Messages
• Monday Morning: Being Human
• ER Volunteering: EMOTIONAL Effect

Waited till the last minute?

I luv romance!

Only three two one day till February 14th.

If you’re looking for Valentines or Romantic Packaging to go with, check out my faves:

Pulp (cool)
Soolip (arty)
Papyrus (wide selection)
Paper Source (DIY)
A&I (custom photo cards)
Kates Paperie (they have a Valentine Boutique)
Jib Jab (awesome e-cards using photo faces)
ebay (vintage)

Liked that? Check out:

• ER: CODE RED – Diet Karma
• Silent Running*
• Shopping: L.A. Hotlinks Update

Even though VALENTINES DAY is too often associated with–
stress and expectation (depending on who’s in your life or NOT)
my mom taught me that it’s an opportunity to do something–
Thoughtful and  U N E X P E C T E D.

On February 14th when I was about four, I helped her make my Dad’s favorite Chocolate Cake in the shape of a heart with “I love you” spelled out in red m&m’s (complete with an m&m’s trail from the front door to the kitchen for my Dad to follow). The cake was one of those concoctions with pre-mix plus other things (like pudding mix & chocolate chips) with this really really yummy chocolate-y frosting. I have a permanent picture in my mind where our faces are smeared with chocolate as we follow Dad into the kitchen laughing.

Since I’ll be Volunteering in the ER for part of next Sunday — Valentines Day,  I’m thinking about making something to take to the “staff.”  It’ll either be My Magical Mom’s Chocolate Cake or my own really amazing (even if I do say so myself) Coffee Cake (which is a variation of the chocolate cake recipe, only I’ve added cinnamon and white chocolate chips, chopped nuts and this really addictive powdered sugar drizzle-y frosting).

I’ve noticed lately that whenever I bring homemade cookies to the ER Staff, my entire Volunteer experience goes easier. It’s like I’m Pavlov and I’ve trained the doctors and nurses to smile when they see me coming. I’m not kidding. I really feel the love.

I just ordered a heart-shaped Spring Form Pan from Amazon with a rush delivery. I’m kind of hoping a certain doctor will be there Sunday to sample my creation. I won’t be spelling out “I love you” in m&m’s but maybe it won’t hurt to spell out a few random xo’s in mini chocolate chips. After all, it won’t be like I’m making the cake just for him—it’ll be for the “staff” (wink/wink.)

Here are the two recipes just in case you want to try one or the other. Ordinarily I wouldn’t put recipes on my blog, but these are so yummy and full-proof, well—let’s just say, it’s my Valentines Gift to you —   xo/evie.

My Magical Mom’s Chocolate Cake

Batter:
Duncan Hines Devils Food Cake Mix
1 Small Package of Chocolate Pudding Mix
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup Crisco oil
1 cup sour cream (one small carton)
4 eggs
1 cup of chocolate chips

Frosting:
6 squares of Bakers unsweetened chocolate
1 cube butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar

Your Choice of Decorations:
M & M’s
Jelly beans
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Sprinkles
Colored Sprinkles
Nuts

Use Pam or butter to grease a Spring Form pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In an electric mixer, combine all of the ingredients in the order that they are listed.  Add the eggs, one at a time.  Combine, but do not over mix. Pour batter into a greased Spring Form pan.  Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees. When completely cool, remove the sides of the spring-form pan, cover with frosting and top with decorations.

Frosting:
In saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.  When it is just at the boiling point, simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes.  Remove from the heat and add chocolate squares.  Next add butter.  Use whisk to combine completely.  As the mixture cools, it becomes thicker. Frost the cake then top with the decorations.

Evie Stewart’s Coffee Cake

Batter:
Duncan Hines Golden Butter Cake Mix
Small Package of Vanilla Pudding Mix
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup Crisco oil
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs

Filling/Topping:
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2-3/4 cup sugar
1/2-3/4 cup brown sugar
1-2 Tbsp. cocoa
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
White Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Icing:
Powdered sugar Whisked with a  little water
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans

Use Pam or butter to grease a Spring Form pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In an electric mixer, combine first four ingredients.  Add sour cream and then eggs, one at a time.  Mix everything well, but do over mix.

In separate bowl, combine filling/topping ingredients (except for chocolate chips & nuts). Pour half of the batter mixture into a greased spring-form pan.  Then pour 1/2 of the filling/topping mixture.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips (make sure that there aren’t too many in the center.  Use a fork to swirl gently into the mixture.

Next pour the remaining half of batter.  Top with remaining sugar mixture and sprinkle with more chocolate chips and nuts.  Bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

When cake has cooled completely, remove the sides of the Spring Form pan.  Combine the powdered sugar with a little water, using a whisk to make it very smooth.  I like to make this thick (the more water you add, the thinner it will be).  Drizzle over the top of the cake and sides, then top with the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you wish.

(What thoughtful and unexpected things are you planning for Valentines Day? Let me know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• Hospital Heartthrobs: Mixed Messages
• Monday Morning: Being Human
• Feeling Safe: Knowns vs Unknowns

A new start, yay!

Your wonderful blog comments have encouraged and inspired me to
Reach Higher.
Dream Bigger.
Expand My Personal and Professional Horizons.

Looking back on my “To Dos” from last month, I realize –  yes, these are still good goals, (some of which I’ve actually made a dent in,) but I need to strive in my

NEW DECADE GOALS|

“TO DO” so much more

“TO BE” so much more

“TO GIVE” so much more

Giant Steps for 2010

“TO DO”

My Dad’s mantra, “If it’s worth doing it’s worth doing right,” will be embedded in my everything

My Mom’s mantra, “Find The Funny,” will get me through the challenging moments, as I strive to become a more than half-full girl,  24/7.

“TO BE”

Directors like Jason Reitman, Todd Phillips, Kathryn Bigelow and Woody Allen will ask to work with me.

Actors like Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr, Bradley Cooper and Ben Stiller will have chemistry with me.

The Top 25 Casting Directors (plus Joseph Middleton, I can’t believe they left him off) will fight to cast me.

Network Execs, Les (Moonves,) Kevin (Reilly,) Stephen (McPherson,) and Jeff (Zucker) will be on a first name basis with me.

During Pilot Season, TV Producers like Mark Gordon and Greg Berlanti will ask networks to get in a bidding war over me.

“TO GIVE”

I will embrace the ER and all opportunities to assist those in need.

I will channel my mom’s positive spirit and help others through their dark moments, with kindness and humor.

I will involve myself in a cause to improve the world.

I will give the benefit of the doubt to others.

I will open my heart to Mr. Right whenever he happens into my world.

OMG! I’d better get busy!

(What are your Big Time Resolutions? Let us know in the comments.)

Liked that? Check out:

• HOT IN CLEVELAND: funny find!
• Vids & Webisodes: My Faves
• Dear Innocent Heartbreaker:

Especially today. Her birthday. Every two days after Christmas we would always rally. It was a way of making the holiday celebration period even longer. More joy — when Mom was around.

Comfort Food

She would have been 50 today, a birthday milestone. And whether it’s a big birthday or not, I always imagine the memories we would’ve packed in — if she were still around. One of my best is our flower planting contest. I think I was about four.  I definitely remember going to the nursery and buying my own gardening gloves with yellow flowers printed on them and picking out a bright yellow watering can and a rake that was just my size.

At home, my mom pulled out two seed packets and said we would have a contest to see whose flowers grew tallest. She told me to pick the packet I wanted, a yellow one, or a purple one.  Both were pretty, but I was in yellow mode. So we raked the yard, planted our seeds side by side, and watered them every day.

Mom’s purple pansies were pretty, but they grew low, flat, close to the ground.

But my yellow flowers grew and grew and grew –

TALLER and

TALLER and

TALLER!

I won the tall contest! Apparently Mom had let me choose sunflowers that first day in the dirt, weeks earlier.

sunflowers watch over me

• Still, everyday she was around was a winning day for me.

Happy Half-Century Mom. <3

Liked that? Check out:

• Valentines Day: The Way To His Heart
• Vids & Webisodes: My Faves
• Dear Innocent Heartbreaker:

A priority in the Evie Stewart Lifelong Quest for the Perfect Beauty Products is maintaining a camera-ready complexion. This is a never-ending challenge to put it mildly,  particularly at certain times of the month, ugh!

looking younger is a must

And, technology puts even more pressure on an actress’s need to–

Look Good.

Because those digital cameras show -

every effing thing!

Things are wayyy too “up close and personal,” if you ask me.

OMG!

Lines are what I’m supposed to know, not have!

Maintaining Good Skin is just as important as being in character and staying in shape.

Plus – we ALL want to look as good as we can over the holidays, right? And we don’t want to spend a fortune, double right.

So whatever we buy, we want to make sure that it actually works.

Below is a list of what works for me. Maybe it will help you too, in your quest.

SKIN CARE: I have a fair complexion and relatively balanced skin, however it does tend to get dry and I definitely break out (it happened suddenly in my quarter-life, lucky me.)

Here are the products that I’ve relied on to maintain clear and hydrated skin, thanks to a really nice Make-up Artist who told me how several A-listers deal with acne (oh yes, they have it too!)

Face Cleanser- Alan Rosenbach Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Moisturizer- Alan Rosenbach Hydrating Face Cream
Hydrating Serum- Alan Rosenbach Green Tea Serum


For Acne- Proactive 3-Step Solution

Must-Haves/Worthy Mentions

MAKE-UP: Below are a few of the must-have items. When it comes to foundation, blush, or shadow (and looking good in auditions) I find that it’s a very personal decision and  I’m always changing anyway, so I’m not going to take a stance on these at this time.  Plus, I got hooked on Vincent Longo products awhile back and the state of that company seems to be in flux — so since their products are currently a challenge to find, I actually need some advice in that area!

Eyelash Curler- Shu Uemura (It’s the one all the makeup artists use.)
Mascara- L’Oreal Original Voluminous in Noir
Eye Liner- Laura Mercier Black Ebony (Powder.)
Under Eye Concealer- Terry Highlighting Concealer Brush (Can also be used to cover blemishes.)
Concealer Alternate- Kanebo “Sensai” Concealer (Brush Type.)

EXTRAS: A few things I buy over and over again that come in handy on a regular basis.

Evian Facial Spray (Good for wetting powder eyeliners or a refreshing face spritz on a hot day.)

Kiehl’s Hand & Body Lotion in “Coriander” (After a shower you’ll smell and feel like a breath of fresh air.)

Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm (Lip balm that makes your lips feel silky and doesn’t dry them out five minutes later.)

Scunci Hair Rubber Bands (No hardware, no hair tear, great colors, pharmacy price!)

As I think I’ve mentioned before, these are my own - Personal Unpaid Endorsements.

What are some of yours? Let us know in the comments.

Let’s Keep America Beautiful.

(We each need to do our part!)

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