Katalin - behind the scenes

Give some LOVE!

2012-01-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

First of all, Happy New Year to all! I'm still catching up, doing a lot of cleaning around the house.

I just got my grandma's goodie box from Hungary. One of the cakes is almost gone! Oh my! But it's so delicious. I love mayo, but only the Hungarian type. The one that doesn't taste like water.. She also sent real tea leaves and some grape-sugar pills.

Today I decided to bring food to the local animal shelter here in Las Vegas.
This place breaks my heart seeing all the wonderful personalities behind bars. These are just some of the animals that are waiting for a new home. Let's start with the dogs! (I took the photos with my phone, so bear with me...)
This guy was TALKING to me when I looked at him. What a cutie!

He was really sweet and skinny. I just want to give him all the holiday left overs!!

Smart boy!

I think he was just done.

Another sweetheart!

This guy took my breath away. He kept on licking my hand and wanted me to pat his rump. Many people are afraid of Pitbulls, but he was just a smart boy!

And now here are the kitties. This was hard because I wanted to take them ALL!

This is the place where I rescued my cat, Mitzi, from. (below)

But my other cat, Choco, just wandered over to us from the street.

So, I only have two cats right now.. Not sure if I can take more at this time..

But, after seeing these photos, maybe you will consider adopting a pet instead of buying one. And, if you can't, maybe help out your local shelter with food, blankets, or even with some $$$.

Thanks for reading, see you next time!

Getting Ready for 2012!

2011-12-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

I just got into the mood for re-organizing my office, so I can start my new year with a fresh mind.

As I was moving things around I found some things I thought I will share with you.

This is one of the very first magic books I learned from as a child. The book is written by famous Hungarian magician, Rodolfo. Many magicians don't know, but Rodolfo was an expert at pick pocketing!

This is my first book of notes I wrote to remember all the magic I was learning. I clipped out articles of David Copperfield (I know, it's really funny) and I even did some illustrations...

My cherished deck of cards I got from my grandpa. He and I used to play cards all the time. I was testing my newly learned magic on him, to see if he'd be fooled by me.

My office is still a mess... But, at least I got some fun times cleaning up.

Have a wonderful new years!

Holiday Wishes!

2011-12-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I spent some time thinking about what would I do for my holiday magic video. I had lot's and lot's of different ideas..

Without giving anything away.. Let me just say: my magic videos are the window to my imagination.

Hope you enjoy this! Please forward it to your family and friends, and have a wonderful holiday!

xoxo,

Katalin

Secret Santa Holiday Card Trick

2011-12-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are here and I decided to give you something special!

My present to you is a simple, yet powerful routine with cards, that you can learn from me!

You can watch the magic and learn how to do it right here!

Have fun!

Happy Holidays!

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What's on your wish list?

2011-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

When I shop for any occasion I always try to look for something fun and practical. Ok, maybe not always..

But this is my wish list for the season:

(A must have) :D

(another must have)

(Ok, they are all must haves)

Delicious handmade soaps by Mooka

Beaded Eyelashes

(Did I mentioned that this is also a must have?)

Do YOU have a must have for this season?

Creative ways with safety pins

2011-11-07T00:30:00.000-08:00

I love to craft. I just posted my new video where I use safety pins.

You can watch it right here!!

Thanks to Walter Hunt who invented these little wonders in 1849. They are useful in so many ways. Check out these amazing crafters from Etsy:

"Super hot pleather n velvet and safety pin vest" by metalstar

"Tiger Lily - Safety Pin Bracelet" by MysticLily

"Cotton Prefold/BurpCloth" by greencarbonliving

"Breakfast Felted Safety Pi Brooch" from MemiTheRainbow

Wicked Witch Video - Behind the Scenes

2011-10-31T01:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, I created a special video for Halloween.

You can watch it here.

Let me tell you how this video came about.

I usually work during Halloween, so I never had the chance to dress up and go party on the night of October 31st. But, I find Halloween stores fun. As you know, in Hungary we don't celebrate Halloween.

But, I found this wonderful witch mask that I just had to have. That was about a two years ago. I never used it.

I am a happy owner of 2 cats. One day, my cat ran out in the backyard during the night. As I went after him, I heard something move in the dark! I see this thing, almost running in a funny way.. it's a TOAD! In Las Vegas??

But, as soon as I saw it, I knew: This is my idea for my Halloween video!

Mr Toad only lived with me in a few days, till I was able to finish the taping, then was released in to the wild, into the backyard. :)

Surprisingly, afterwards, I saw 3 more toads around my home, and I know, they weren't "Mr Toad" the star of my video.

I hope you enjoy my work.

Leave a comment, tell me what you think!

This is a photo, releasing "Mr Toad"! :)

My best of beauty 2010 photo by Beckett Studios

2011-02-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

PAGE 3

For my natural look I use Bourjois cream eyeshadow

My note: stays all day long, beautiful

On my lashes I love: AVON SuperSHOCK Mascara!

My note: Apply 2 coats. You will love it!

I use Dove soap, Beauty bar to remove my make-up at the end of the day

Revlon Bronzer and Powder Blush makes me feel fresh and beautiful. Doesn't dry my skin.

In the spotlight I sparkle in Victoria's Secret Brilliant Lip shine

My shade: Steamy

My note: Smells great and tastes great.

My best of beauty 2010 photo by Beckett Studios

2011-01-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

PAGE 2

For a photo shoot, where my hair has to look perfect I use Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

My note: only use at the ends on damp hair, before you style it

My liquid eyeliner: RIMMER Glam's Eyes

My note: dries fast, doesn't crack at the end of the day, super soft brush

My perfume: Rock and Rio Escada

My note: I have this one in my Atomizer from Sephora

When I have to be a showgirl I use Prestige Wonder-Full Lip gloss

I rocked the daytime Emmy's Red carpet with my favorite Victoria's Secret Lipstick

My shade: Light it up

My best of beauty 2010 photos by Beckett Studios

2011-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

PAGE 1

LIPS:

AVON : BEYOND COLOR Plumping Lip Color SPF 15 with Double the Retinol

My shade: Beige Shimmer

My note: I love to use this one on stage! Tastes great and has a nice smell as well.

NAILS:

Pure Ice

My note: dries quick, and last longer with top coat

Sephora by OPI

My shade: "Looks Like Rain Dear"

My note: Use this by itself, or as a top coat for any other color. I LOVE this one. (limited edition) Get yours while you can!

ACCESSORIE:

Sephora collection: Slim Pink Atomizer

My note: Perfect little tool to carry your favorite fragrance with you everywhere!

EYELINERS:

Prestige

My shade: all of them :)

My note: there are colors for your brows that are harder. The eye pencils are super soft, and easy to blend. Perfect for smokey eye effect!

Magic on Broadway appearing in Hollywood

2010-04-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

This was my third time performing at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
As a performer, you can only work there for a week, but it felt like a month. So many people to meet, so many things happening. Try to remember all, and write it down, so you could have an understanding of how it feels to perform at the Magic Castle.
We arrive in LA April 3rd, two days before our start. We load-in on Monday during the day. Because the stage is not so big, we have to be creative in what to bring. The "Palace of Mystery"' where we perform, is the Magic Castle's stage. So, we decided to bring Joseph's dove act with his giant macaw production at the end, my sleight-of-hand act (that you might have seen on the "World Magic Awards" TV special) and some illusions. Thank you to our lovely friend and assistant, Vanessa, who works at the Castle, for making the show so much smoother and cuter! The show-times were 8:30pm, 10pm, and 11:15pm.

Monday: The first day is always crazy, because after the load out, you have to go through the cues and prepare to perform (at least 2 hours before the show), and right after we finish the first show, we have to reset to do it again. Two shows...whew...We were fortunate enough to meet with some business people. Later on, the new entertainer director of the Magic Castle, Jack Goldfinger and Dove, came to say hello, thanked us for performing there, and for bringing so much to the place (besides our props). Marvin Roy was also there, enjoying the show and getting ready for his book signing.Tuesday: Exhausted from yesterday, but there is always something to be checked or fixed. Before I know it, I'm backstage again, preparing for my next two shows. Max Maven and Les Arnold stopped by to say hello. Max and I try to figure out a joke I could use on stage. Les Arnold is the lovely gentleman who I was performing with in the "Mysterioso" show where all of the music is played live by a 90 piece symphony orchestra. Les and his daughter Alexandra are the funniest magic act ever. And they are sweet and helpful as well.

Wednesday: I can't believe we had time to go down to Venice Beach, where we are staying. Great view of the ocean! Not calculating the walking and the excitement, the two shows at night were even harder then yesterday. I'm sleeeeepyyy!!!

Thursday: This day is where everybody goes out in LA. I learned this just a few hours before our performance. I tried to make my never-ending guest list fit through the doors to see our show. I was so happy to have friends come to the show. Afterwards, we all went out to my favorite "pickle place" restaurant , Cantor's. If you know Hollywood, you know why. :)

Friday: Maybe last night wasn't such a hot idea...We have 3 shows today...

Saturday: Here comes the weekend, where our day literally starts with a show. Our first matinee is at 12:45pm. Too early for make-up. Between shows we discover this very cool place called "Aroma" restaurant & bakery. Do I need to say more about it? Great Food! :) Three shows tonight, too many people, too exhausting. Thank you Vanessa and Dominik for the chai tea that kept me awake. Today I was able to meet the legendary John Calvert and his lovely wife, Tammy. John is a magician who has performed on stage for eight decades in the United States and all around the world. He also is a film actor who has appeared in movies.
Sunday: Today we are doing two matinees, just to make the day fun... 12:45 and 1:45pm. Honestly, I don't care about it at this point. I've done the same routines so many times, that I know it will be fine. I just need my breakfast.
Today was extra special because we were fortunate to meet with Jane Fonda and her family and the legendary Rod Stewart. They came to see our matinee with they family and kids, and it was fun. I have to tell you, I LOVE Jane Fonda! I was able to see what an amazing woman she is in person. It was priceless. I've met with few celebrities (some of I don't even care for) and unfortunately some of them are disappointing. But, Jane is exactly what I expected. She is a lady, a true survivor, original, funny, and very sharp. I loved how interested she was about the magic routines we were showing them. She asked questions that no one usually does. I learned she is also a member at the Castle and she loves magic.
Rod Stewart, on the other hand, I didn't talked with so much, but he looked like he always does. Very style-ish, very sexy. He was kind and very genuine.
The evening was crazy because the Academy of Magical Arts Award Show was going on at the same time, so everybody was there. Only two shows tonight and that was enough. And just when I thought this was a great day, my friend, Jason Baney, called to tell me my little boy Barclay (bichon frise) dog passed away tonight. We adopted him 3 years ago and he was 16 years old. He was a very sweet, lovable, little teddy bear. He will be missed.

The day we adopted Amanda (left) and Barclay (right).

My curious boy waiting for me at the door.

Monday: Loading out and driving back to Vegas. So much happened and I'm so grateful I was able to experience it all with someone as wonderful as my husband.

The Magic of Joseph Gabriel - Lake Tahoe

2010-01-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

What a great way to close 2009 and start the new year with the Magic of Joseph Gabriel in Lake Tahoe. Thank you to Paul Reder and Tony Clark for our engagement at the Montbleu Hotel (formerly Caesar's Palace) started December 26th through Jan 3rd and it was great.

We decided to drive to Lake Tahoe instead of fly.

It only took two days to prepare for opening night. The stage crew had to take the 25th off, but we were fortunate to be able to use the theater all day Christmas.

Re-opening Joseph Gabriel's Magic on Broadway show was so exciting. The time to prepare was tight, but we did it. We rehearsed, we practiced, we created, we did it.

We opened the show with Joseph's legendary dove act with gigantic angel wings and a seductive angel behind him. He produced 11 doves, 1 cockatoo, three parakeet and a giant macaw as well.

There were a number of illusions that Joseph created and performed in NY, like the Cloak illusion (that you might have seen me perform on the World Magic Awards TV Show), the Bump illusion (a version that he designed and created), and the Big Envelope routine (that is his mind-reading comedy piece).

Soon I followed with my color changing glove act and two of my illusions. This was the first time ever i heard people talking during my act saying, "is that the girl from the TV show?" That was a funny feeling. I took the opportunity to make slight changes during my act. I like to keep on creating and reinventing my performances. I never feel like it's ready. It always can be changed around and the best way to test it is in front of an audience.
I also performed my new illusion the first time ever. I had two adorable sailor girls help me (as I am the admiral of the number) make Joseph magically appear on stage. There is nothing better than creating an idea, have a vision, and make it come to life. It was my blank canvas and I can paint on it whatever I want without being influenced by anyone else. You also can take a risk because you never know how the audience is going to accept it. But soon I realized after seeing me do my sleight-of-hand act now that I'm surrounded with two adorable girls... I can get away with murder... :) So yes, the new illusion was a hit!!

Later on in the show I introduced Joseph, who performed his tribute to Barclay Shaw by performing the balloon-blowing clown routine that was the sweetest thing ever! I never saw grown-ups be so mesmerized like that.

We also had in the show the very talented juggler, Bryson Lang. He performed his 15 minute comedy juggling act. Great guy and a great friend.

For the finale of the show, Joseph produced his full-size taxicab for the 1,400 seat theater. I appear inside and wow! I just love the expressions I see on the faces of the people when they first see the giant yellow cab appear!

Special thanks to my very amazing girls, Vanessa Lauren who was making sure everything goes well on and off stage and Heather who helped me choreograph some of the pieces in the show.
Also, I know we couldn't make a good show without the amazing stage crew. And to Tony Clark who wasn't just the producer of our show, but made sure all the light and sound cues were right on.

It was a beautiful, snowy time in Lake Tahoe. Wonderful to perform, but next time I have to learn how to ski!

See you back in Tahoe in the summer!

2009 World Magic Awards

2009-10-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

This was probably one of the coolest and most exhausting experiences I ever had.

My husband, Joseph Gabriel, and I were invited to perform on one of the most successful television magic specials, "The World Magic Awards". The lovely Gay Blackstone is one of the executive producers of this special event. She is a woman who can be tough, but is also the sweetest lady in magic. But, let me tell you from the beginning.

On March 2, 2009 i was performing at the Encore Foundation Benefit show in Las Vegas during the World Magic Seminar Convention, (forever thanks to Max Maven who put me in the show and made me close the show as well). That's where Gay first saw me perform and talked to me about the TV show in October.

The "World Magic Awards" took place in Los Angeles at the Barker Hangar. We are arrived October 7th and the taping was at the 9th and 10th. Surprisingly, they really made this airplane hangar look like a beautiful theatre! They build a beautiful stage with amazing set pieces, red carpet for the celebrities to arrive on, and not to mention the amazing after party that was pure fun!

The evening's hosts were Jill St. John and Robert Wagner! They are both very lovely people. I was surprised right before I went on stage and waiting for my name to be announced that they both were sitting right next to me. They were watching me getting more nervous and about to have a heart attach and they said: "We were here yesterday, watching you perform. You have nothing to be worried about, you are great!!!"

It was definitely a dream come true to perform for the same performers i grew up watching myself as a kid, hoping one day I would be there onstage. That day was today and I enjoyed every second of it. Thanks also for my super sexy girls, Vanessa and Katy who were very professional and right on top of things.

I was performing with Franz Harary, Michael Finney, Marco Tempest, Joseph Gabriel, Barry and Stuart, Double Fantasy, and Ed Alonzo. They were great people and professional, original performers. It was a real honor to share a stage with them.

They say we don't remember days, only moments. When I was standing around with a few acts still ahead of me, Franz Harary came backstage. We started talking just to kill some time. He asked me how I was, I said "nervous", but it's feels great. He said he has that funny, yawning habit right before he goes onstage that makes everyone believes he's already bored. I said, "I don't have any nervous habits." The very moment I said it made him laugh. I was bouncing one leg on the other, knocking my high heel shoes on the stage, back and forth... That was the moment when I realized, "damn, I do have a nervous habit!!"

Franz just told me: "Don't be nervous you will be great! Just go out there and rock the house!"

Now that's a moment to remember.

The taping was really fun. It was only when I was being introduced for the first time that I realized that it was Lance Burton "Master Magician" who was introducing me!!! He wasn't in LA because he had already taped his segment in Las Vegas.

In the end, it was a great pleasure to be part of something so much fun that would be on DVD forever! Before the night ended, I was able to meet the executive in charge of talent, David Martin, who promised he would come see me perform at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on November 8th in the "It's Magic Show".

The "World Magic Awards" will air on November 19 on the My Network TV station in your area.

Follow me on twitter or visit my website.

If you would like to read more about the "World Magic Awards", click here.

It's Magic - Modesto,CA

2009-10-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

September 25-27

It's Magic

There is an amazing magical place in the heart of Hollywood, The Magic Castle, where talented performers meet up, gossip, have a great time, and put on shows.

Well, the creators of this place decided to take the top performers from the Magic Castle (and around the world) and put them in one mind-blowing show. This idea born 53 years ago.

This year, this special event took place in Modesto, CA at the Gallo Center for the Arts from September 25th to the 27th and yes, I was honored to be in the show! It was amazing!

First let me tell you about the theatre. The Gallo Center opened it's doors in 2007. There are two theatres in the building. The Mary Stuart Rogers has 1250 seats and the Foster Family theatre is 444 seats (where the magic show took place). There is not a bad seat in the house. The stage was huge and yet personable.

We left Las Vegas Wednesday, September 23rd and after a 7 1/2 hour drive, we arrived. The next two days we had some great TV appearances what were real fun, thanks to lovely Cynthia who was the marketing director of the Gallo Center.

Opening night was Friday at 7:30pm. My husband, Joseph Gabriel, opened the show with his dove act. After producing 10 doves out of nowhere, he ends the act with an idea he originated, he produces a large, colorful macaw (parrot) and free-flies the bird over the audience. The crowd loves it!

We worked with some amazing people from show business like: Ardan James, Bruce Gold, Danny Cole and David Zirbel.

The show was two hours long and we had a 15 minute intermission. I opened the second half of the show with my sleight-of-hand act and we closed the show with our illusions. We also had a lovely performer with us, Vanessa Lauren who made the illusions even cuter and sexier! ;)

Saturday we had one show at 8pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Right after the meet-and-greet we broke down all the props, loaded the truck, and was heading back to Vegas.

Thanks to the producers, Milt Larsen and Terry Hill, to let me shine on stage, it was a great experience. And never-ending thanks to Dale Hindman who made the show look absolutely great and help the show run smooth as well.

Magic Castle Aug 31-Sep 6

2009-09-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, the Magic Castle. After so many years of dreaming about visiting this history-filled place, I was able to perform there for the second time this September and it was so special.

I was performing with great acts such as Ivan Amodei, Tom Ogden, Simon Coronel and Bill Wisch. And of course Joseph Gabriel. :)

I also didn't hesitate to become a member of the Magic Castle and soon visited the famous library located downstairs.

It was a great time I will always remember and impatiently wait for my next visit.

The 2009 World Magic Seminar

2009-08-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

The 2009 World Magic Seminar took place at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. I was very excited because I never had a chance to enjoy anyof the magic conventions in town. I had to work in the afternoon at the “Viva Las Vegas” show downtown at the plaza hotel and then everynight, seven days a week, at “The World’s Greatest Magic Show" as well. Busy times… :) I grabbed every chance to enjoy and discover all the fun and magic that came along.Joseph Gabriel and I performed at the “World Famous Magic Castle” in Hollywood in February. It was amazing! It was my very first time performing on that legendary stage. I had such a great time, they really spoiled me. :) That is why so many magicians love to perform thereover and over again. Max Maven is the Director of Entertainment at the castle. Max was also organizing the Encore Foundation Show that takes place during the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. When Max saw me perform live at the castle he asked me to appear in the Encore Foundation Show. I felt honored of course!!When I arrived, Max was already there organizing the show. I kept on telling myself “It’s not a big deal, this performance will be so BORING!” I didn’t want to make myself nervous because I was about to work with some of the greatest magic performers in the world that I have adored ever since I was a child. Jeff McBride, Mac King, Eugene Burger, The Great Tomsoni… and of course Max Maven. OMG, I can’t believe it!!! So, I tried to act very calm, like it was no big deal while I was surrounded by legends! Then max gathered all of the performers together, turned to me in front of everyone and asked, “Katalin, what do you think about closing the show?” to cover up my excitement I calmly replied, “Of course, I was expecting to close the show!“ Everyone laughed at the casual delivery of my line, but inside I was screaming, “OMG!! OMG!!”This is a moment in a young performer’s life that one can only dream about, to be asked to be part of a show with real professional performers that you admire. And with all that racing through my head, I was also hoping my act was going to go very smoothly. Then I snapped to the moment and said, “The pressure is on and the responsibility is now mine. This is what I want and I’m gonna Love it!!" There is something amazing about being backstage with all of these great names. And I learned very quickly why they are amazing. They’re joking with each other, having a great time, and being extremely nice, helpful, and cordial to me. I also realized… I’m the only woman performer in the show. But not just tonight, but during the whole Magic Seminar. WOW!Because I was on last, the show seemed to go on forever. The show was going well, but I was just waiting for my time onstage. Then, it happened, I was next. Max introduced me. I was so focused on checking everything before the curtain opened, that I don’t remember what he said. Probably something nice. :) Of course, my eight minute act felt like a minute and a half!Being a performer is extremely interesting. I close my eyes, I can feel my heart beating, but as soon as it’s time to perform I don’t feel nervous. My brain and energy shift into a heightened state of awareness and focus. It’s hard to describe when you connect with an audience. It’s my drug. Onceyou are off the stage, you can’t wait to do it again. Because you realize, I can do this! It’s great!I can only say, that day was a dream come true. Thanks to Max Maven I realized one of my dreams, and many more still lie ahead.

www.flickr.com

Magic Live '09

2009-08-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

This year the the Magic Live Convention is celebrating their 18th anniversary at the South Point Hotel, Las Vegas.

It started August 16th (Sunday) and will run till the 19th (Wednesday). Well known magicians have already performed, such as Bruce Gold, Marco Tempest, Ed Alonso and much much more.

Neil Patrick Harris made a quick visit to the dealer's room as well.

Very excited about the last day.

This is NOT a regular magic convention. It's a PARTY! :)

Magic Castle

2009-06-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

My first time performing at Hollywood's Famous Magic Castle.

Shared the stage with two of the most amazing performers (it's easy to shine like that) :)

You just don't know who you can meet after the show. Stephen Baldwin - WOW! ;)

Magic Show at the Paris Hotel

2009-06-29T01:21:00.000-07:00

Performing for the Deaf Seniors of America Society with the Greatest Entertainer in Show Business, Charlie Frye and Sherry. We had an amazing show for 2000 people!!

If you are a performer, you have to know about Charlie Frye and his amazing dvd's about juggling, magic, and comedy. He now has a new book out, called, "Eccentricks".

Flamingo Library

2009-06-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Wes Winters and I backstage at the Flamingo Library, Las Vegas.

My first posting

2009-06-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Here I'm starting my new blog! Never had one before, so I'm very excited.
Just lately decided to create something up to date.
Now you can follow me behind the scenes.

xx

Katalin