Just a lil glimpse of an easy, simple day in the life of me as a mom, a wife and a dash of showgirl.
A bit heightened? Maybe….
….honestly, it’s not that far off.
I’ve loved this song ever since I first heard (and saw) it in a Levi’s commercial in like, 2001? 2002? All these gals were trying on jeans and shaking their bums to this addictive, delicious beat. I was obsessed. Then I kind of forgot about it for 2 decades until one day it popped up in one of my Spotify mixes while I was working out. I immediately knew, this was the one for Mother’s Day.
The only way to be the best mother I can be, is if I take a moment for the things that fill my “soul tank”…however small, large or ridiculous they may be. That goes for my boys as well. If their buckets aren’t full….it’s impossible for mine to be. My priority as a mom has always been to make sure there is harmony, love, happiness, laughter and just good fkn juju surrounding our family. Everyone needs to be able to have a moment to do what feeds their soul. Something that sparks joy. It’s necessary in order to be the best versions of yourself. Whether it’s a bike ride, a workout, decompressing with Roblox, wine, shots on net, a bubble bath, a dance break, splitting wood, admiring the woods, or riding a tractor tandem.
(or getting so wrapped up in dancing while cooking that you forget about your tortilla that’s being torched to death on the stove. 🤦🏼♀️)
Anyway, I hope this video of unhinged self care brings a 😊 to your face, or a 🤭, maybe a 🙀, or even a 🥲.
Most importantly, Mama’s….I truly hope you get to do your thing today. 🥰
Happy Mother’s Day
Love,
The Alves
Betty, if you call me, you can call me Al.
The other day I played this song and looked over to see Hudson knowing every single word to all three verses. I played this for him months ago, explaining that this has always been one of my favorite songs because it was one of my first memories as a child with my Dad. We would watch this video over and over again and laugh so hard. Apparently, Hudson fell in love with the song and learned it off Spotify, so, here’s a lil tribute to Mr. Simon and Mr. Chase.
Dance break choreographed by Hudson….which is all of his favorite “meme” dances.
The world is literally on fire and I thought it was time for a speck of easy joy on the feed. Also just missing my Dad a lot lately. He would have loved this. 🥰✨
(And yep that’s one of his tweeds I’m wearing ❤️)
@paulsimonofficial@chevychase #CallMeAl #80s #80sbaby
Been like this.
Will never change.
I’ll always continue to find the joy, never take myself too seriously, forever act like a 16 year old and continue to not give any f💋ks.
Let me tell ya kids, this business ain’t for the weak. This career alongside being a mother? Challenging for the soul….to put it lightly.
Luckily, I’ve been blessed with the most incredible husband and superhuman son. Oh, and the coolest dog. These boys have been the most incredible support system over the years….but especially these past few months. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
The love and laughter in this home is only getting stronger. I’m so grateful for this zesty life we continue to build.
Is being a showgirl fun? Yes.
But being a mom and wife?
No comparison.
It’s the greatest job in the world. ♥️
This silly video was created, directed and edited by me.
*Massive thanks to my husband @alvesface for always being the best team player in my life.
*He and my main lady @livgraceful were the amazing camera operators on this.
*Gorgeous @smashbway Marilyn costumes designed by @alejo_vietti_costume_design .
*Basement choreo with Hudson is Meghan’s @tiktok dance.
*Obviously, song is by the Queen herself, @meghantrainor .
Lastly, Hudson. Thank you for being you. It’s hurts how fast you are growing up and how much I have been away, but I am so proud of the young man you’re growing into. You’re so special and so loved.
I love being your mother. I hope you know everything I do now, is for you.
The countdown is officially ON ✨
Meet your co-hosts, special guests, performers, presenters, and the legendary artists helping us celebrate the dancers and dance makers lighting up Broadway and film at the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards on May 18 at NYU Skirball.
From show-stopping performances from Chess and Ragtime to honoring the incomparable Ann-Margret with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Leslie Uggams, this year’s celebration is shaping up to be one unforgettable night in Chita’s house.
Every ticket supports the next generation through the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation and the Chita Rivera Training Grants so you can give back while showing up!💫
See you on the red carpet. 🎟️ chitariveraawards.com
Chaos with Cottage Cheese.
Wow. Go on a journey with me trying to cook with one of my least favorite ingredients. Good news. It’s a happy ending.
Cottage Cheese “Bread”
(first attempt)
Ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded cheese of your choice
2 eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Everything bagel seasoning
Salt and pepper
Parm
Avo oil spray
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 (I originally had it at 350 and it just wasn’t enough juice). Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. I blended the cottage cheese cause the lumps made me want to barf and crawl out of my skin. Place parchment paper on large cooking sheet. Spray with oil. You can try to make the shape of “breadsticks”…..that wasn’t my journey. She was spread flat across the pan. Top with everything bagel seasoning and parmajean. Place on 3rd highest rack in oven and cook for about 15 mins. Take out, let cool for a minute. Cut it up anyway you want. Enjoy 💋
Ps. Next time, I’ll make these as lil bites in my mini muffin pan.
Hi and Welcome to my (revised) cooking show. Basically, same shit I do in my stories, just now in a really long reel. Hope this brings you a smile, maybe a giggle and most importantly, a yummy new recipe you can try out.
Shout out to @madelainerascan - this is hers, I just f’ed around with it a bit.
Chicken Crust Calzone
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb Ground Chicken
1 tbsp each of oregano (or Italian seasoning), garlic powder and onion powder
Salt and Pepper
14/16 oz of fresh baby spinach
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz fresh mozzarella
4/5 fresh basil leaves
A lot of Parmesan
Italian seasoning (or oregano)
Tomato sauce for topping
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, mix chicken with oregano, garlic and onion powder, pepper and a teaspoon of salt. Set aside. Drop olive oil on a pan that’s on low/medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until wilted but not obliterated. Throw in a bowl and set aside. In a blender or food processor, add ricotta, mozzarella, spinach and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Pulse and then blend until creamy and delicious. Set aside. On parchment paper, take half of the ground chicken mixture and begin to spread out into an oval, like a pizza. Spoon (not quite half of) the spinach cheese mixture onto one side of the chicken spread. Fold the other side over. Press and seal edges using the parchment paper. Carefully peal back the paper. If you see any holes that some cheese mixture is peekin thru, fix it…..or it will get messy. Just work with the chicken to cover any thin patches. Transfer to large baking sheet. Top with parmesan cheese. Rip remaining parchment paper off. Now make another one. Throw into the oven on 3rd highest rack for 25 mins. Broil for 3. Transfer to plate and top with tomato sauce of your choice. Enjoy 💋
Back in 2017, I was cast (thanks to Jay Binder 🙏🏻) as Ms. Lola McGee in “The New Yorkers”, which was part of the @nycitycenter Encore’s series. A whimsical, hilarious, bubbly prohibition musical that truly left the audience doubled over throughout the show and maybe even shed a tear or two by the end. Well…here we are…9 years later, doing a presentation of a revised version of it…with some new cast members. The second day of rehearsal, I was told to sit in a certain chair….and who was sitting next to me? Bebe Neuwirth.
Bebe. Neuwirth.
I’m sitting next to Bebe Neuwirth.
(Now, IYKYK….she is quite literally what made me want to do what I wanted to do with my life at the ripe age of 11 after seeing her Lola in Damn Yankees.)
I have had a handful of encounters with her over the years. She’s totally normal and warm and generous, just the best….and I am always trying my best not to freak and nerd out on her. This week has been surreal. I’m revisiting such a beloved role that is so absolutely dumb and lovely whilst spending my time watching a master at work and just…you know casually chatting with her….cause we’re seat buddies. And every day I go home and say to myself “if 11 year old Robyn knew that one day she’d be in rehearsal, sitting next to Bebe Neuwirth, she’d sob. (And I have shed a few tears about it this week.)
Today we had our first presentation. Tomorrow is our 2nd and last. As we were leaving today, she asked “are you leaving your script here?” I said “yes! I propped mine right up over there!” She said “well, I’m gonna prop mine right up next to yours.” I bent down and took a picture…..and then she did too.
11 year old Robyn died inside. 44 year old Robyn died inside. I’m telling this elaborate story because it’s so important for those who have role models they’ve looked up to all throughout their lives. Sometimes you have days in your life/career that you question why you do it at all. And then there are days when your Idol wants to take a picture of her script next to yours.
It’s been a fabulous week. Bucket is full. ❤️
Stepped back into my old life for a night with the one & only @robynhurder 🌟🎭🥂
Congrats to the incredible @alvesface & the entire cast of Schmigadoon!!!!!!!
Betty the bodyguard and her long-lost pal Al.
I do not create these videos for the algorithm, likes, or followers. I do it simply for the joy, laughter and love. My only hope is that they could sprinkle a little sunshine over someone’s overcast day.
Social media can have the ability to pull your energy into some weird, dark, funky place. I’ll always try to be the light over here and show love through the simple gifts we have in our everyday lives.
….and also be real af about it.
Directed and edited by moi.
Inspired by the OG music video of “You Can Call Me Al” written by @paulsimonofficial
Thanks to my best friends Clyde and Hudson for always playing along with me. ❤️
*Tommy was extremely difficult to work with during this shoot. Lazy. Didn’t take direction well. Only interested in craft services. Take caution before hiring*