yowsers - if you think this EJami preview is hot, wait till you see the scenes! ;)

and... I've said many times how lucky I am, how much I love my job... but here's why - it's always so much fun, and we all have a sense of humor about it all. :) (and the guys are pretty cute too.)

Last night Ken Corday invited us to celebrate the launch of his new book The Days of our Lives: The True Story of One Family's Dream and the Untold History of Days of our Lives
It was such a lovely evening, and fun to see everyone there to support Ken. Kristian and I carpooled over to the event together. We arrived in time to see all the photographers shooting delightful Suzanne Rogers. Shelly Hennig doing press... Nadia & Brandon looking gorgeous posing. Molly & Casey piled out of the car behind us... it was a crowded line at the red carpet! Galen and his wife, Jenna, and I chatted about the boys and the Lakers...

after a few pictures... who did I see? Drake Hogestyn. I miss him SO SO SO much. I can't believe I don't have a picture with him to post. I was probably too busy hugging him and his wife Victoria. I got caught up - listened to a few stories. (anyone who has ever met Drake knows he tells the BEST stories.) and so it was so wonderful catching up on his life. He also got me all choked up when he told me that he has kept the orchid I gave him on his last day on set all this time. He said it's now blooming again (which is way better than I do with orchids, by the way!) and that he thinks about me every time he sees it. Seriously, he's such a wonderful dad. I love him.

I spent a few minutes teasing James about his place in Ken's book as one of the infamous villains of Salem... (for more you'll have to read it yourself). He had plenty to tease me about - after he warned me to protect my vegetable garden from wildlife, only to have to humbly admit to him that while there's plenty of wire to protect from gophers digging their way in, I didn't anticipate above ground attack - those pesky rabbits.

I did get a fun pic with Joe Mascolo - Drake, Joe, Lauren Koslow & I all stood talking for so long chatting.

And then after a lovely cocktail reception, we listened to Ken read a few excerpts of his book. There is some wonderful history of how his father, Ted Corday and wife Betty, started Days. How amazingly insightful he was to know a show about a simple midwest town could really succeed... and how he brought Francis Reid & MacDonald Carey in to star. I knew some of the stories but not all of them - I don't know about you, but I am so looking forward to reading all the details of how they started Days.
The book covers the show all the way to the present - some behind-the-scenes look at production, and how our involvement with fans have gone all the way from fans picketing NBC studios when they thought Marlena had been murdered by the Salem Strangler to updates on Twitter.

I definitely recommend it, for all you Days fans out there - I know you'd love to get a better idea of how TPTB got their start. :) I can't wait to hear what you think about the book.

My mother-in-law told me at Christmas, she was giving me a 'vegetable garden' as my gift. and this weekend... wow! she delivered!!! Everyone chipped in , and now we have this fabulous veggie garden growing in our backyard and I'm so looking forward to the best part - a summer of enjoying home-grown veggies.
Saturday, we laid out the soil, and built a raised bed for the garden. And today they planted (and I snuck away to the Lakers game with my brother!!). How lucky am I??!! We have green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, Sugar snap peas, and loose leaf lettuce. Plus, Dave is going to get an artichoke plant. It's all going to be so fun to watch it grow with Ben & Megan... last time we had a veggie garden, I had to stop Ben from picking tomatoes early and eating them like an apple. right there in the garden.

It's been such a fun, home weekend with the family. Megan learned to say 'baby'... she was looking at a picture of me holding her when she was a newborn. I told her that was her when she was a baby, and sure enough, she said 'baby'. Ben really wants her to say 'Ben'. it's so cute, he keeps trying to teach her. He says she's close - it kinda sounds like the 'B' and the 'E'... she just needs to learn the 'N'. He is so sweet to his little sis'. Now if only he wouldn't snatch toys from her. we're working on it! :)

So amazed and impressed by all the former BL contestants running in the Boston Marathon this weekend. WOW. Ali Vincent, Mark Kruger, Rebecca, Tracey... and a few others. I'm so inspired by their incredible athletic skills!

Right now we are shooting scenes at Days to celebrate 'Alice Horton'. Frances Reid passed away a few months ago now, and the show wanted to take the time to design a story to pay tribute the best way we could. There will be several episodes dedicated to the story of Alice, airing in June. And so many wonderful Days cast alum are returning to be a part of it. Missy (Jennifer), Bryan (Lucas), Jaime Lynn (Laura) and I had scenes together last week. I'm working with Christie (Carrie) coming up, and I'm really looking forward to seeing Roark (Mike) and a few others. I hope the scenes do justice to such an amazing, talented, woman. Frances will live on in all our memories. She will be missed.

I had so much fun shooting these scenes with Ari (Nicole)... we even attracted a crowd... a few other actors came out on set to watch!
Ari and I have always had such fun doing these types of scenes together. Sami & Nicole go waaaaaaay back. :)

So, a lot of actors don't read message boards. I sort of can't help myself. I have a love/hate relationship with it. As an actor, you are definitely affected by the audience, both positively and negatively. The feedback we get, from producers & fans alike, is super important. But it's also important for you all to have your space to vent, and not have to worry about hurting someones feelings... I mean, i know... I 'hate' Russell on Survivor right now, and totally <3 Boston Rob! (best tribal ever last night, btw) So, i totally get how invested you are in certain characters & storylines and how sometimes you need to let out your frustrations loudly! So, it means a lot to me to stay involved with the fans on Twitter, and Facebook, etc, I love that we get to know each other, and you see what my real life is all about that way.
Anyway, all that is to say, I have felt for a while that the Lumi fans were angry at me, but I couldn't understand why. (we all know email/twitter is NOT an affective means of communicating serious stuff; 'tone' is so easily misinterpreted. And feelings are always hurt unnecessarily!) I was just hurt that after all those years of feeling connected to some awesome chicks & a great strong fanbase, I totally felt they'd abandoned me as well as Sami because of one story they didn't like. Just like before, I'm not going to comment on that storyline. I will also never say who I think Sami should end up with. Yes I have a personal opinion, but I really feel it would color how the viewer perceived my work, so I'm not going to do it.
Moving on, I discovered today, that apparently some of the unhappiness stemmed from a lack of gratefulness from me for the Lumi fan bases loyalty and support over the years. I guess I just thought you knew, after everything been through together over the years, how I felt. Well, we all know what happens when you 'assume'. :) So here it is: THANK YOU, Lumi fans. Sincerely, utterly, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support and kindness through the long years when both Sami and I were too young to know how lucky we were to have such fabulous fans. Through the wicked, 'misunderstood' youth, to the heartbreaking goodbye we didn't really get (and hopefully that's because it's not really a goodbye), you have always been there cheering on this couple & their scheming/fighting/loving romance. The links you have sent me recently of the gorgeous montage videos of my 17 year history with Bryan brought tears to my eyes. I love my job, I love my co-stars & the Days crew. And I miss working with Bryan every day. we grew up together, we learned this job together, and I was heartbroken (for me & Sami) when he told me he was leaving before Christmas. (And while I shouldn't have to defend myself, I will clear up that, of COURSE, I spoke with Bry after I found out, he's my friend!) Bryan knows, and now I hope you all know, that you mean the world to me, and I know every day I wouldn't be where I am without all of you. I think of all you awesome fans everyday when I'm shooting scenes that I know will make you sigh, cry, laugh or want to throw things at your screen. And believe me, you'll be wanting to do all of the above this summer. I hope you tune in.
XOXO
Ali

I just had such a fun family afternoon. I started SO early in Salem this morning at #Days that I was done filming by 11am! I was so happy to be done in time to go pick Ben up from pre-school. it's my favorite task! he gets so excited when he sees me... today he chanted 'Ma-ma! Ma Ma!" over and over.
we hung out at the park for a bit, before his soccer class. It's so much fun to see all the kids playing together. And Ben definitely has mad soccer skills. After soccer, Megan and I had a date for Mommy & me Yoga. So fun, and I got some good ab work in there too! Megan loves the singing and all the fun baby yoga moves.

Now she's down for her nap, Ben's playing with tanks while I catch up on some work and (try to) memorize my lines for tomorrow.

check out my latest tip on family dinner:

nothing the Days cast likes better than the chance to socialize together!

i was so glad when I finally read the script of Sydney's return. I know you fans felt the same way we did... it was a long story to work through, and obviously it's far from over, but it is just so nice to have some nice happy scenes, to celebrate Sydney's return. And I <3 working with Hailey & Lauren, the little girls who play Sydney. they're so sweet, and beautiful, and it always seems like they're really paying attention and part of the scene!
and...

I have to admit, I LOVED that line. "I'm back. and don't you forget it." It felt SO good. I've missed playing that side of Sami. So glad the writers acknowledged it.

I have had such a crazy busy, fun day. I started doing radio interviews at 5:45am this morning. Then, after changing a diaper, getting Megan fed, I had to run off to do an interview of Good Day LA to promote my guest appearance on Mercy tonight.

Days was also intense today - some fun scenes, some intense stuff... Chandler and I have had some interesting scenes lately. Ben, Megan and I had a great time tonight, making dinner, bubble bath, stories... now finally so happy to sit back, watch Mercy with Dave and then catch up on our dvr. LOST!! I am still desperately trying to figure it all out. It's getting ridiculously complicated and I need like a flow chart to keep up.

Last night, Tara (BL7), Hollie (BL4), Brittany (BL5), Rebecca (BL8) and 1 BL9er and I all met up for an awesome candlelight spin class. It was so nice to hang out with them, appreciate the chance to catch up and also bond over doing something healthy. it was cheaper, more fun than movies & popcorn. healthier too! :)

Hi everyone! happy March. Hope you all are having a great 2010 so far. This is has been a super busy year for me... and it's just getting started. eek! :)
Today I am visiting @BonnieHuntShow it will air tomorrow, March 2nd. because..... BIGGEST LOSER IS BACK!! Brand new ep Tues night! yay! everyone's been asking me about when BL is coming back... so find me on Twitter tomorrow night and let's tweet about the ep - using hashtag #BL9. see you there!
Then on Wednesday night, tune in for my guest spot on Mercy 8pm on nbc. It was a really fun role, and I really enjoyed working with James LeGros. don't forget to watch!
I was so proud of the photo in Shape Magazine (March issue). Megan & Ben look so adorable (if I do say so myself) and it was such a fun shoot to do. Ben is getting so big! he just turned 5. and he loves it when I ask him how old he is. lol. he shouts "5!!!" Megan has taken her first few steps, but is still cautious about the whole thing. It's so cute to watch though. And she LOVED the bouncy house we hired for Ben's party. At first she was a little intimidated, but by the end, especially with the big kids in there jumping, she was having a blast. It's totallly a younger sib thing, isn't it? They so desperately want to keep up with their older sibling. awww. I remember that feeling. I'm just glad they get along so well - Ben isn't annoyed by her yet. (I can hear all you parents thinking "just you wait". ha. i know, I know.) So anyway, check out Shape Magazine, there are tons of great tips and interesting articles, and of course, Ben & Megan. :)

Days is CRAZY good this week! these scenes were so good... BIG THINGS HAPPENING in Salem. Believe me, you don't want to miss a day. :)

I'm off to spin class!
XO
ali

i hope this link works. lol. have a great weekend everyone. I am getting ready for Ben's 5th birthday party tomorrow, and then Sunday I am attending two fabulous charity events. First, I get to hang out with my friend Jeff Probst, and I am really looking forward to supporting his charity. Then in the evening, Dave and I are going to Craft LA for @Tom_Colicchio and @FEEDprojects for @FeedingAmerica.

I was so thrilled to help the Red Cross and Hope for Haiti raise money for causes doing what they can to help the people suffering in Haiti right now. And I'm so proud to be part of the Daytime Community because so many people, last minute, joined Nancy Lee Grahn to help. Sarah Brown, Steven Nichols, Brandon Barash, Molly Burnett, Casey Deitrich.. so many more!

Shooting Days & Biggest Loser at the same time definitely keeps me busy. check out some photos from my day. we have fun, what can I say??

hey everyone! I'm so happy it's summer. Days is on hiatus for the next two weeks. We shot a whole bunch of episodes in advance so that we can take a mini summer break. though I guess we'll be pre-empted by tennis on the 2nd and 3rd of July. Better to know now right, then that crappy moment of turning on your dvr when you get home and finding that you've recorded an hour of news or golf or something. aargh. when I used to record the show - back in the days of making sure your vcr was left on the right channel, I used to have to leave post-it notes on the remote to make sure my brothers didn't screw it up. and I would be SO disappointed when it did get messed up. i remember my younger bro giving me such a hard time about watching Days, and then one day he saw that Carly had married Victor and he said "but i thought he was a bad guy?" and i laughed! that's how addictive Days can be.
Speaking of Carly, i am so excited by the return of Crystal and Wally. I never worked with Wally, I am excited to find out what his story will be. Same goes for Crystal! She is such a talented actress, we are lucky to have her.

I've been crazy busy - thought I'd catch you all up to speed on what's going on!!
Celebrated with Nancy O'Dell her daughter's birthday on Saturday. check it out at whrrl.com/
And shared with PEOPLE about being a mom again, and my workout routines.
And then, after watching the Lakers kick @ss Sunday night, I had an early call to Days. We're shooting about a month ahead right now - lots of stuff I can't talk about. lol. Then, the whole Days cast got together to participate in an nbc promo shoot. Such a fun afternoon - even though we were freezing!!! whrrl.com/ we started feeling rain drops as we were all gathering for the big group shot. Still it was a blast.

This storyline has brought us so many mixed feelings. We were all so excited to take on the challenge of a story so difficult and painful, and definitely intimidated at the same time. I was so moved reading the scripts. I thought the whole thing was put together so beautifully. Every scene bled into the next, and though it took several days to get through it, it still seemed to move so fast to me.
I loved getting the opportunity to do such emotional scenes with Galen. He is always so fun to work with - but these scenes were different. No one was cracking jokes, we were all so serious all day. One day our director choked up - when he was explaining the scene where Grace's heart monitor starts skips and flatlines. usually, no matter how dramatic or emotional the scenes, we can goof around in the early morning rehearsals and often people try to ease the tension of tough scenes by being light between scenes. Not these. everyone seemed affected by what we were shooting.
Several people on the message boards commented on the scene with Roman. I was struck by that right away. My dad has always been someone I can turn to for any situation, he is such a great dad - always there to try and help me make things better. I'm so lucky to have him. So, in a moment of such utter grief, I totally related to Sami just wanting so desperately for her daddy to be able to make this better. And just falling apart in his arms. it seemed so real for me.
Also, I am definitely an optimist. I always think things are going to work out. Everything is going to be okay. So, those scenes in the chapel, where Sami was saying to Rafe that she felt better - that everything was going to be okay... it made me really see the other side of that. what if it's NOT okay? As Sami said, all the crazy stunts she's pulled just to make sure she gets what she wants... it all seems so trivial int he face of her daughter's health, and knowing there is absolutely nothing she can do to help her.
I can't begin to describe how uniquely affected we all were by this whole storyline. Galen said he was standing off stage during one of the scenes, and he saw our co-ep, Gary Tomlin hand a big crew guy, Brian a tissue. He was literally crying in the darkness backstage.

So I just realized I was on #twitterthis afternoon while watching #DOOL, but I should share my thoughts on my blog too.
Some of the things that jumped out at me from today ep –

It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to actually sit down and watch Days. I mean – not for nothing, I have a 6 week old baby! But Biggest Loser finished shooting the season, so now I only have 1 job… until we start up again! 
Megan is fantastic, by the way. I can’t believe it’s been 6 weeks. She eats really well, sleeps well (for a tiny, little baby!) and is overall very easy going. And now I’m totally knocking wood until my knuckles hurt. Because if I just jinxed myself, it’s actually out there in cyberspace, forever, LOLing at me. Ben has been a great big brother (knuckles are now raw). But seriously, it’s so sweet when he asks to hold her, etc. He calls her “cutie pie” and “megany-wegany”. It kills me.
AND::: UPDATE: (Drumroll please) Kyle Brandt are doing a new podcast. We are soliciting your questions and comments. So feel free to post them here, and we’ll answer the interesting/funny/weird ones.
What do you think of the new Will? Bryan and I had fun working with Dylan. It’s been SO long since I had scenes with Bryan. I miss him! And talk about flashbacks – arguing about what got Lucas drinking in the first place? We were laughing about that with Ari – I mean, remember the whole $5 million story – and all those court room custody scenes? Ha – remember when Austin married Sami in Paris to get Will back?? It’s so funny remembering all those old storylines. Today one of the crew guys jokingly said to Galen “hey – watch it, she survived Death Row!” and Galen responded, “oh yeah? Me too!” and I said “I actually got executed! I was dead! Tunnel of Light and everything!!”

Okay, so you're probably noticing that pickles keep appearing in the safe house. Uh huh - Sami's not the only one who's pregnant! :) I went through about a 2 month phase when I just couldn't get enough pickles. I love them!! And, to be honest, I still don't turn one down at the deli at lunch. Or anytime really. Sometimes we shoot those scenes at like 9am, and I am still rarin' to go - psyched to bite into a cold, delicious, sour treat.
So, I asked the prop department to put them in the fridge in the safe house, and then it just became this running gag. You'll see them appear several more times in upcoming episodes.
and, really - isn't Sami so emotional these days?? ha. not hard for me to portray those scenes!! When I was pregnant with Ben, I was seriously an emotional roller-coaster. I like to think it's not as severe this time as last. I am able to remain rational. With Ben, I seriously wept, sobs into my pillow, for a good solid hour because Tivo didn't tape my favorite show. My husband was so unprepared with my weepiness. he would pat my back while trying not to laugh. Luckily I can laugh about it now, but I do relate to what Sami's going through - and let's be honest, she's always been a bit high-strung anyway. So it's not entirely surprising that those hormones are driving her all over the place.

Okay, so it's Wednesday. And the song is 'Manic Monday'. whatever. you know what I mean. Actually, Sunday was such an awesome day, and not really manic at all, more just busy, and sort of random, but crazy fun.... which I've been wanting to post about since ... well, since Sunday night. So let's get to it...

Okay CRAZY!!! I am so exhausted today, after our whirlwind trip to nyc. And, seriously, it was windy. Bryan, James and I worked together Monday morning (um… lol… James was making it impossible for me to keep a straight face, with his antics. Can’t explain why, well… EJ gets a little tipsy, let’s just say that, and James was just fantastic…but it was so hard not to break character in the scenes) , and then Bry and I had to rush to the airport (only to wait around for a 2 hour delay, of course) for our flight to nyc. We arrived at 3am. Tuesday morning, we had the most incredible experience. Bryan and I met Nicole, a student in Middle School in Long Island.

Nicole has Autism and Soto-Syndrome. She is a huge Days fan, she watches with her Grandmother every day.

Why am I humming that old song “My boyfriends back and you’re gonna be in trouble…” ha… because BRYAN’S BACK!!! Yay!!!!
Bryan, James and I shot some photos for Soap Opera Digest today, so that’ll be out in early May. It’s so great having him back, but uh… OMG – the scenes around Lucas’ return are… (insert adjective here – correct answer? All of the above)!!! So total classic soap. I have so much I want to say about this… seriously? I’m dying to tell you all about it right now… but of course, you know me… I’d hate to spoil it for all of you. So, you’ll just have to watch and we can discuss when you get caught up! :)

Seriously, he was so amazing. What a fantastic person, he was so genuinely enthusiastic about helping the contestants. And so committed to making their ‘make-overs’ the best experiences possible. I just love how he embraced Dan’s rock-and-roll side. His haircut is so FAB! And showed Roger a fabulous suit, right off the rack. And ultimately, the best moments were when they all saw their make-over clothes and how small they are!

Last night, Dan protecting his slice of cake was cracking me up. He is so funny – and that cake sitting on the treadmill was classic. It reminded me of that classic high-school project where the kids have to carry an egg around with them, and take care of them like a baby.

Days ‘adopted’ a park last weekend. A whole bunch of actors and crew from the show met up at a local park, and we planted trees, raked leaves and generally got the place looking pretty good. (I must say!) It was part of NBC/Universal’s campaign to bring awareness to being ‘Green’. And not in a Kermit kind of way.

Actually, this has been quite a ‘Green’ year for me! This spring, Lucas and Sami got married in a eco-friendly wedding. And that was such a big awakening for me. I learned there are more ways to help the environment than just recycling. During the Lumi wedding, Bryan and I had a bunch of scenes about ways the ceremony and reception could be more earth-minded. And it was so cool how we got all these local vendors to help us make the event really special.

How awesome is it to have the DiMera’s back in Salem?? We were all getting ready in the make-up room one afternoon last week, when the scenes where we see Stefano’s face for the first time started to play. Kristian (Hope) said “wow. That gave me chills!”. I totally agree – Joe was playing Stefano when I first started at Days and he plays such a marvelous villain. I love being in scenes with him.
I can’t wait to see how this storyline plays out this summer. The DiMera Vendetta against the Brady’s has been such a big part of Days’ history – I am so excited that Hogan is tackling this storyline. And in such a unique way. There is a fun new twist in the story that will take us back in time…

My dad came out to watch us shoot a challenge for the Biggest Loser yesterday. We were shooting at the Venice Pier, and it was so cool for my dad to come see how it’s done. The challenges are the best day for guests - Heath is the guy who designs the challenges, and comes up with the rules, the safety issues, etc. And he had his parents there too. It was fun until my dad started telling embarrassing stories about me as a kid to the contestants. Lol. He was teasing but still… everyone knew I was nervous because my dad was watching so they were able to rib me a little for it.
Speaking of family, we also did a location shoot recently where Ben got to come too. It was so fun to see him interact with everyone. By the end he knew the contestants names, but his favorite was Bob. It was hilarious to see them together – Ben and Bob were immediate friends. At one point, Ben didn’t want to get out of the pool, and he was being very stubborn about it (imagine that.) And I said “well, Bob’s getting out of the pool now…” and immediately Ben changed his tune and was ready to get out too. So cute.
We are almost half-way through taping this season. It’s been so amazing. I have so much to say about everything that’s happening, but I’m saving it all for when the shows air because I’m not allowed to give anything away!

Yesterday, Kyle Brandt (ex-Philip) and I went to see the premiere of EVAN Almighty. I was so excited to see it – even the billboards are hilarious. And I just can’t get enough of Steve Carell. He just cracks me up. And who better to see a movie with that the ‘movie king’, KB. He has a ‘BLOG” too. I can rely on Kyle to spend the time and effort necessary to memorize every movie quote verbatim, how ‘bout that life?!
Oh and… Kyle has taken on a new project – he just produced his first Podcast (shout out to my super-talented, and supportive Brother, Ryan for making this possible!). Kyle asked me to co-host it with him, so the two of us had a great time putting this together. If you want to see what I mean about Kyle, and hear our relationship in person, you gotta check it out. Go to Kyle's (www.kylebrandt.com) or my site (www.alisonsweeney.com) for the link to the podcast.

Okay, I seriously have tears in my eyes reading all the posts about the Lumi wedding. The first time I saw the completed montage, I was so choked up. When we were shooting the scenes, we only saw the still photos (that picture of my and Bryan during the “Spring Fling” story is SO embarrassing!!! We were so young, and I just look so goofy!!!) and the editors added the flashback scenes into the show later. Obviously, Bryan and I had to participate – helping the prop department find old photos of us, and the writers asked us to help remember classic, Lumi moments (I knew that hopscotch scene existed, and needed to be aired!!!) for the montage. Even knowing all that, it still caught me off guard seeing the whole show completed. Bryan and I have been through so much together, so many crazy storylines… I thought this weeks scenes are the ultimate and perfect culmination of a story 14 years in the making!!! 

As you may know, we certainly had our work cut out for us, shooting all those scenes. It was a long, difficult day due to the all the special wedding details, not to mention Bryan’s last minute illness. But even though everyone was exhausted by the end, every single cast & crew member gave 100% in each scene. In some ways, it felt like such a momentous event on a personal level for me – with Kristian (Hope) and Dee (Marlena) and Josh walking me down the aisle – you’d think I was really getting married, I was so emotional about these scenes! Lol!!

The song that’s being played during the Lumi montage was performed by Whiskey Falls. I am friends with the lead singer, Seven, who is married to Mackenzie Westmore (Sherridan, Passions). His songs are so beautiful, and the one they choose to play during the montage just seemed to fit the Lucas & Sami story perfectly. It’s entitled “I Can’t Stop Loving You”.

I thought the whole green wedding theme turned out spectacular! The flowers were gorgeous, the ceremony, the reception… it was all fantastic. Last night, I was getting my make-up done for the Biggest Loser, and we were all completely caught by surprise when we saw a segment on Extra about “Sami & Lucas’ Green Wedding on Days”. Such a surreal moment for me… worlds colliding and all that… lol. We all loved seeing our first glimpse of all the hard work that went into the wedding on tv.

XOXO
Ali

So, you’ve all heard so much about the upcoming Lumi Green Wedding! It was so much fun to shoot even though it was so complicated. There were so many different people involved with making the wedding so beautiful and special. The dresses Monique Lhullier sent over for me to try were gorgeous – it was so hard to select which one to wear. I’ve never seen St. Luke’s look so beautiful with all the gorgeous flowers by The Hidden Garden Floral Designs. The place was literally overflowing with blooms. Shooting weddings are always time consuming and complicated… and believe me I know! This will be Sami’s 10th!!! But this one was made even more complicated due to Bryan getting extremely ill on the day of shooting. While many grooms may look a little green around the gills, that isn’t really the story Days is going for. Lol. So, we had to re-schedule the wedding to give Bry a couple days to recover. It was so brutal too – Bryan is such a trooper, he came to work and was trying to do the scenes without any complaint. But he couldn’t hide it for long, and was eventually taken to the Doctors. When I spoke to him later, he was so drained… he needed to sleep it off. So after a few days delay, we got the scenes done, and everything from there went off without a hitch. Well, there’s always a ‘hitch’ or two in a Sami wedding! But, as far as production went, it was a really long day, but the scenes went according to plan. I just got a sneak peak at one part of a show, scheduled to air at the end of next week that got me choked up a little… I can’t wait to read what you all think when you see it. Well, anyway, while we were shooting the scenes of Sami getting ready to walk down the aisle, the nbc.com cameras were close at hand to shoot some behind-the-scenes footage - XO ali

So, who knows the “rabbit, rabbit” superstition? That you have to say “rabbit, rabbit” first thing when you wake up at the beginning of every month. I forgot to say it this morning – but I think I should get a free pass. Here’s why, I was working on the set of Biggest Loser until 1:15am this morning. Got home at 2am, went to sleep, and woke up at 6am to get to Days. So, when was I supposed to say it? Right at midnight??? But I thought it was supposed to be a first thing when you woke up thing... and all the ‘talking’ I’d done the night before, but after midnight would nullify any good charms stemming from the phrase. And really, where does this superstition come from anyway?? I mean, here I am a grown adult, admittedly operating on >4 hours sleep, and I’m dwelling on the proper protocol for a superstition involving a rabbit the first of every month.

Happy May everyone!! I hope you all are having an awesome spring. I am! Days is going so great right now – the story I so fun and crazy. Bryan, James and I shot some awesome scenes this morning, they are both such good actors. It’s so great to see them face off. I can’t wait to see what the reaction is to the next couple weeks of story – the “Green” wedding, etc. (for a list of vendors who helped contribute check out the Days site - Tacori provided the jewelry!) We learned so much about hosting an eco-friendly wedding or party from this storyline. I am definitely planning to use some of the techniques in my parties in the future!
Isn't it funny that Sami planned a Green Wedding because she's superstitious? I think that's so in character for her! I love all Sami's crazy superstitions... obviously, I am a bit superstitious myself! *sheepish*. Some things are just habitual, but seriously, whenever Dave or I are in the car together, we never say "oh good, there's no traffic!" because then if we do hit traffic we will automatically blame the person who jinxed it, even though that is completely unreasonable.

I just started working on Biggest Loser last week. It’s so exciting and fun to do such a different type show than what I’m used to. And as a big fan of reality shows, and certainly BL in general, I am already in love with my new job. The contestants are AWESOME! You’ll love them!!! The premiere episode was so incredibly exciting and emotional, I really think you’ll all love it. I know I do. Some of the contestants are Days’ fans so, I’ve been telling them what’s happening on the show right now. Ha – I even gave a few spoilers because they don’t have access to tv etc. I’ve also been giving updates on Idol voting and some of the other shows. Lol… I’m an excellent recapper. Maybe from learning from all the excellent Days recaps that I’ve read online??