Taking a night off from Food and Family, I spent the evening with my third favorite “F“- Fashion. This week was Fashion Night Out in Las Vegas, and this star-studded evening was the talk of the town with local fashion icons to lead the events.
I was enjoying a runway show at Palazzo hosted George Kotsiopoulos when his “E” Fashion Police co-star, Joan Rivers made a surprise appearance. George has such an infectious laugh, so serious fashion discussion during the show turned into outrageous fun when Ms. Rivers showed up on the runway. The crowd went wild and joined cutie-pie George in laughing out loud from Joan’s edgy and accurate fashion commentary.
Joan Rivers from E’s Fashion Police surprises co-star George Kotsiopoulos on the runway at Palazzo, Las Vegas for Fashion Night Out
Shop For A Cause
When fashion is combined with helping local charities, it makes for an even better evening. Participating shops like Neiman Marcus, Robert Cavalli, Donna Karan and- my favorite- Diane Von Furstenberg, donated a portion of the evening’s sales to local charities.
Now, I’m a lady on a mission. I would love for one of these shops to partner with my local charity, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, for next year’s Fashion Night Out, which I am already looking forward to.
Trying on dresses from Diana VonFurstenberg, learning the latest trends sampling treats and dining at Table 10 for Fashion Night Out in Las Vegas
Over at Crystals at City Center, fashion trailblazer, Patricia Field held her runway show highlighting the coming season’s best styles, and I was so excited that I got to see it all from the front row. If you don’t know who Ms. Field is, she’s the creative fashion force and visionary behind Sex and the City’s Sarah Jessica Parker in addition to many other stars (Sex and the City being my favorite, obviously).
waiting for runway show to start at Crystals with RockStar Mom LV’s Stefanie VanAken (right)
Pat has such a laid back, funky and cool style all her own and it was obvious she was the origin of every fun and fabulous outfit Carrie Bradshaw ever walked down 5th Avenue in. The truth is that Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion was one-third responsible for the show’s addictive force, in my opinion, with the city and characters coming in second and third place. As Pat said during the runway show, “Sometimes things that don’t match go together the best.” I quite agree, Pat.
um, I’m loving this sexy ensemble and was wondering if I could pull it off.
When I got to meet Pat Field I said, “Who is the only gal more fabulous than Carrie Bradshaw- you!”. And during this second photo she replied, “You’re not so bad yourself.” I absolutely love this cool lady!
Patricia Field is so cool and funky!
I just want this dress.
Today, it’s back to my other favorite “F”‘s- Family and Food. I just finished up the most relaxing evening dinner with the kids, and now it’s time to sit back in my PJ’s and watch Harry Potter with them while we eat popcorn topped with gummy bears (one of my best creations). I can’t help but think how lucky I am to experience one extreme of fabulous one night, only to enjoy another kind of fabulous the next.
Until next year, Fashion Police!… love you! mwwwah.
Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation Celebrates its Third Annual Ladybug Ball
This year, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation celebrated our third Annual Ladybug Ball at Aria Resort, the flagship hotel in the heart of City Center, Las Vegas. Celebrity chefs and entertainment delighted our more than 300 guests while helping to raise money for the only charity in Nevada for children who are blind.
The most beautiful ladies of the evening- my mom, Rae Ann Parri, daughter, Rayana Barnes and BFF, Noelle Rodriguez
3rd Annual Ladybug Ball at Aria Hotel
Local news celebrities, Kim and Dana Wagner from NBC’s “Wake Up With The Wagners” emceed the ball again. As strong community supporters, Kim and Dana bring a lot of enthusiasm and laughter to any event.
Local news celebrities and Ladybug Ball emcees, Kim and Dana Wagner
Gourmet chefs designed each course and spoke to the audience about each of their individual culinary creations. Chef Megan Romano, owner of local Chocolate and Spice Bakery, topped off dinner with a homemade snickers that had everyone buzzing.
Homemade Snickers Bar from Chef Megan Romano
The evening’s silent auction was a success; I took home a few gems myself- literally.
Silent Auction
What is a Ladybug Ball and how did it begin?
So, where does the ladybug fit into the picture, and how did Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation get its start? These are the most common questions I receive from residents of one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. when learning of our mission to build resources for the underserved population of Nevada’s blind youth.
I often tell the story of that defining moment when the idea for Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation was conceived. Frustrated by the lack of services for children who are blind and their families in Nevada, and exhausted from hunting down and piecing together any information, I concluded that our family would need to move to another state in order for our son, Connor, to receive the appropriate resources for his disability. I selected Phoenix as my first choice because of the incredible resources, school inclusion programs and experts in the area of educating children who are blind.
“No, if there’s no school or services here,” my husband responded, “we’re going to stay and build one.” Sigh. When my husband, Kevin, makes a statement like this, he means it. As a fourth generation Nevadan and business owner, Kevin felt it was his duty to stay here and build something for other families dealing with the same lack of expertise and services, as well as the many families and children to come.
In 2005, Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation opened its doors to the first resource library, technology center, parent resource group and services to children who are blind in Nevada and their families.
Volunteer of the Year Award, appropriately titled the “Hinden Award”
NBCF Directors, Linda Maneen and Lori Moroz-White pose with friends and family including Lori’s daughter, Nikki White (center), who is blind
Noelle’s father and Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Rodriguez- the fact I was able to get this man on the dance floor is a miracle.
Ladybug
May is National Blindness Awareness Month; and thanks to former mayor, Oscar Goodman, it’s also Nevada Blind Children’s Awareness Month (as of 2007). May is also the time of year when ladybugs emerge to delight gardeners and bug lovers, like my Brooke.
I was part of the process and panel to choose our logo and mascot for NBCF. And while looking at the mock-up of the ladybug logo, began to wonder about the black dots on the ladybug’s wings. I wondered if the dots on a ladybug meant something.
There are several myths about the meaning of a ladybug’s black dots. For example, it’s an old wive’s tale that if a ladybug lands on a young woman it foretells how many children she’ll have by the number of spots on it. Some farmers believe that a ladybug’s dots can predict the success of the following season’s harvest.
So, much in the same way a person who is blind relies on little dots to read and learn, a ladybug is fabled to use black dots to communicate information as well.
Virginia Valentine and friends- I love this photo of these lovely ladies who came dressed in their best ladybug red!
NBCF Board Chairman, Robert Anderson Esq., spoke about how the foundation got its start and the importance of the evening’s event to raise money for programs
The Ladybug Ball
Just a few years after adopting the ladybug as the official mascot for NBCF, we held our first Ladybug Ball at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market. And last year, our 2011 Ladybug Ball was held at the stunning Bellagio Hotel.
The Epicurean Charitable Foundation was NBCF’s 2012 Conner Award Honoree and have been major supporters of NBCF, even providing the evening’s food and beverage through local foundation members and students from UNLV’s culinary department. The Conner Award was created in 2010 to honor supporters of Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation, and was named after its founder, Conner Spilsbury.
Gourmet menu was designed by local celebrity chefs and prepared by UNLV culinary students
Event sponsor awards
The beautiful Aria Resort was the backdrop of this year’s Ladybug Ball, which would not have been possible or such a huge success without the hard work and dedication of Directors, Lori Moroz-White and Linda Maneen, along with Leslie Jones.
This event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of these two ladies, Lori White and Linda Maneen, along with Leslie Jones (not pictured here)
Nikki White delivers an amazing vocal performance.
Board Members Kelly and Leslie Jones are responsible, in very large part, to the success of the Ladybug Ball
Raising Money for Programs
Why is this event so important? The Ladybug Ball is the biggest fundraising event for Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation. With only two employees, the foundation relies on volunteers and community supporters to keep programs open and available for children who are blind in Clark County. The money raised in one evening will fund our after school homework help program, technology classes, Braille library and playgroups along with our fun annual programs for the kids like Beeper Baseball, Beepin Egg Hunt and Holiday Party for an entire year.
To learn more about the importance of NBCF program, listen to the parents and children themselves:
The School
Because Everyone Needs Their Own Spot. Nevada is one of two states in the U.S. with no school for the blind, and I can write another chapter on what this means for children who are blind in Nevada and their families. The bottom line, however, is that it means a lack of expertise in our state for educating and mainstreaming children who are blind. It also means that many parents are making the decision to move away from extended family and friends to other states so their children can receive the appropriate services.
NBCF Director, Linda Maneen, said it best when she described that in order for any child to compete in a classroom today, they must possess and master the basic technology and social media skills. This is just one of the reasons funding for NBCF programs is so important, because it’s the only place that teaches these skills specifically to blind children.
The Goods
Guests went home with some goodies in a reusable NBCF bag (which I still use for grocery shopping), with items ranging from Patron Tequila, containers from the Container Store, beaded necklaces, gourmet popcorn and, my favorite- Real Water.
Look who’s “Getting Real”!
Event Photos
For a complete stream of the evening’s photos from local photographer, Jennie Slade Photography, visit Ladybug Ball 2012 Photos. We want to thank Jennie for capturing the evening’s success in just the right “light”.
What You Can Do
For more information about how you can help make the difference in the lives of Nevada’s children who are blind and their families, visit nvblindchildren.org.
Each August thousands of female bloggers, social media fanatics and techies from across the country- along with hundreds of brands- converge onto the chosen city to meet, tweet and learn about the undeniable force of the female blogging industry, as Forbes Magazine described in a recent post, “Does Anyone Really Take Mommy Bloggers Seriously?”.
Last year, the powerhouse BlogHer conference- with the “who’s who” in the social media industry- was held in San Diego, and for me was all about learning and networking. This year, however, BlogHer’12 lent the backdrop to my biggest love affair of all. New York City was the chosen spot for this year’s conference and played both the setting and the focus of my affection. I fell in love with the city and its people and came home with the biggest love hangover I’ve ever had.
During the conference President Obama addressed our more than 4,000 attendees. Both Martha Stewart and Katie Couric gave keynote speeches (not together). I connected with brands that I use in my cooking and everyday life, and networked with respected bloggers. But nothing could sway my attention from my new found love- New York City.
It’s seems hard to believe I’ve never made it to the Big Apple before this. Many opportunities to visit came and went but the timing was never right. Vacationing with my husband always took us to someplace he would enjoy, where beach side relaxation and margaritas were as far from any “hustle and bustle” as possible. I never really pushed the New York trip because I knew he wouldn’t appreciate it as much as I…. plus, margaritas by the beach are never a bad alternative.
Call it “women’s intuition”, but I always knew deep inside that when the timing was right, I would experience NYC for the first time in a light and circumstance that would validate everything I’ve ever dreamed about it. What a gift from the heavens this trip was. This year’s BlogHer conference gave me an all-girl pass to experience the city in a way Holly Golightly and Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of… with just me and 4,000 of my closest girlfriends.
So, here’s a little “behind the scenes” tour of my trip and love affair with New York City for BlogHer 2012.
Toni and The City
The Red Eye
6:00 a.m. New York time came a little too soon for this 3:00 a.m. Pacific-Standard Time girl. But the excitement of being in the Big Apple got my blood pumping as I changed, applied makeup and threw on my heels (of course) in a JFK Airport bathroom while waiting for my business partner, Barb, to arrive on a 7:00 a.m. flight. With a cup of coffee and a few Visine drops, we were off in a taxi and on our way into the city.
Barb had our jam-packed schedule all organized while I had no idea where we were off to next…. the entire trip. “You have a 9:00 a.m. workshop with Adorama called Blographer”, Barb explained. “There’s no time to go to the hotel first, so we’re going to drop you off at the workshop and I’ll just see you at our 11:30 luncheon at Rue 57.” So not only was I in NYC for the very first time, but I was about to be dropped off by myself somewhere around West 18th Street…. and only after four hours of sleep.
The city had an instantaneous affect on me and I couldn’t stop myself from telling each and every person I met how this was my first time visiting. Attending the workshop, I met two New Yorkers, “I’ve only been in NYC for about 30 minutes now!”, I said with more enthusiasm than even 8:00 a.m. east coast time warranted. One of them tweeted this out:
What can I say, Sheena? Your hometown just warms my heart.
at Blographer- no makeup, no sleep… don’t judge.
#Blographer
The Blographer workshop was held in the Metropolitan Pavilion and sponsored by brands including Canon, Olympus, Samsung, Tamron, Adobe and SanDisk (just to name a few). This all-day event hosted by Clickin Moms would have been even more educational had I been able to stay, but my 11:30 lunch meeting beckoned me to leave early so I could find my way to my next destination.
The Blographer Event hosted by Adorama
Navigating Manhattan
Following the blue dot on my iPhone GPS navigation made me believe that a two-mile straight walk to a restaurant called Rue 57 was not only possible, but preferable… what better way to see the city and walk off my sleep deprivation than on foot? A two-mile walk in Las Vegas is nothing (except boring) unless it’s in the summer. Sure, I could’ve taken a taxi, but what fun would that be? I swapped my pumps for some sandals, and while walking down 6th Avenue, I honestly could not wipe the smile off my face. I felt like I was home for the very first time in this life.
After about a quarter of a mile and about 5 blocks, I realized that it would take me another 30 minutes to reach my destination and figured an alternate mode of transportation was necessary. Still not wanting to be defeated by the choice of a taxi, I passed several subway stations and deduced that it must be very simple to hop on a train here and arrive a mile and a half up the street, but I was too nervous to venture in.
I ducked into Starbucks and while analyzing the map on my iPhone, made friends with the man behind me in line. After he helped me download HopStop, a mobile application for navigating Manhattan, and giving me the “run down” on how to make my destination, I insisted on paying for his coffee while everyone there looked at me like I was from Mars. See, it’s only 11:00 a.m. and I’ve met three New Yorkers already and they’re all so very nice, I remember thinking, I don’t know why they get such a bad rep.
“Hail, The Taxi’s”
I walked down into the subway station feeling as if I had entered the forbidden tower because of a promise I made to my mom that I would not venture the subway alone, “please promise me that you won’t ride the subway”, she had insisted. I watched people beyond the metal gates getting on and off the trains. I studied the subway map on the wall and looked at the ticketing machine. I then turned around and walked up the stairs out of the subway to find a taxi before realizing that I had never hailed a taxi before either. It can’t be that hard, I remember thinking, after all, I had watched Carrie Bradshaw do it a hundred times. After spotting a taxi I apprehensively stepped off the curb and made eye contact with the driver; and then after giving an unintentional demure eyebrow raise, he responded with a suggestive head-tilt motioning me over. I walked over to the taxi and opened the back door to my victorious first-ever “hailed” taxi. “That was really easy”, I remember thinking and wondered why everyone made such a fuss over it.
Within seconds I arrived safely at the lovely Rue 57 restaurant, and only a few minutes late (but fashionably, of course, after throwing my heels back on in the taxi).
Rue 57 Restaurant
BOKS Luncheon Hosted By Reeboks
What can I say about BOKS?- not enough, that’s for sure. Sponsored by Reeboks, Build Our Kids Success (BOKS) is a program started and promoted by the most powerful force in American schools today- moms. Kathleen Tullie is the BOKS Founder and Executive Director (and mom), and spoke about her amazing journey to start this program that empowers other moms to bring this much-needed program into our schools.
You can watch a short video here about the BOKS Program.
BOKS Luncheon sponsored by Reebok with Barb Likos, Denise Albert from “The Moms” and “Mommy Niri” (and me still with no makeup)
It’s Party Time
After bidding the wonderful women of BOKS a farewell, it was time to check into our hotel at the Sheraton in Midtown. Being in the city for nine hours straight from the airplane gave me the will to rest for about 30 minutes before showering and dressing for the evening’s parties.
Mimosas and swag at the Iconix Brands party
The first part of the evening was hosted by Iconix Brands, with names like Truth or Dare by Madonna, Badgley Mischka and Mossimo. I didn’t feel like standing in the long line to get all the free swag they were handing out, but enjoyed some champagne and cupcakes while bumping into fun friends like Amy Bradley-Hole from BeBetterBranding.com.
Iconix Party Blogher’12
Madonna’s Truth or Dare shoe line at Iconix Party
After leaving Iconix, we passed by majestic Central Park as we made our way over to trendy eatery Rouge Tomate for a party hosted by Stonyfield. I couldn’t help but snap these beautiful photos.
Stonyfield, maker of Oikos yogurt, is a brand and product I work with a lot with in The Organized Cook, and am part of their upcoming “Clean Plate Club”. The party was lovely with samplings of tapas fare made from Oikos Organic Yogurt, and offered the perfect stage to hear more about event co-host Healthy Child Healthy World.
Barb and I at Rouge Tomate in NYC for the Stonyfield Party
After a glass of wine and some green healthy food from Stonyfield, Barb and I set out for the Viacom building in Times Square.
Oikos Organic Yogurt at the Stonyfield Party, BlogHer’12
Big Toy Book’s Exclusive “Sweet Suite” Party
Standing on the balcony of the Viacom building during the exclusive Big Toy Book “Sweet Suite” party hosted by blogger, Complicated Mama, I became conscious of the fact that this was an amazing and fortunate way to spend my first evening in New York City.
View from the Big Toy Book’s “Sweet Suite” Party at the Viacom Building overlooking Times Square (love me some Instagram)
Inside, the party housed toys as far as the eye could see from nearly every toy brand with popular products like Xbox Kinect. I joined the other bloggers in playing with and learning about the latest, greatest and upcoming toys.
Big Toy Book’s “Sweet Suite” Party during BlogHer’12
But the real action was on the party’s balcony, and not only because that was location of the bar. Pinkberry was dishing up delicious yogurt treats for guests while the folks at Charm It! had a make-your-own-bracelet bar. But none of these fabulous gifts could take me away from the magnificent views of Times Square.
View of Times Square from Viacom building
View from the Viacom building overlooking Times Square
I was happy to call it somewhat of an early night. I probably hung out with the other gals in the lobby lounge a bit too long, because then it was time for the inevitable trip to Steak and Shake, just a block away for a burger and milkshake.
Kickin-It Rockette Style
Again, 6:00 a.m. came way too soon. I would have gladly hit the snooze button for any other item on the agenda, except this one. According to my invitation, I had to be in front of Radio City Music Hall by 6:45 a.m. for my dance session with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes hosted by the makers of Centrum and Caltrate. Wow, someone up there went all out to make sure my first NYC experience was one I would never forget.
Radio City Music Hall at 6:30 a.m.
The girls were so sweet and fun and taught us a few “8 counts” from a popular number from their famous Christmas extravaganza. I was having so much fun, I hardly realized that it was, again, 4:00 a.m. according to my circadian rhythm.
Kickin It with The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
BlogHer Expo
I went straight to the conference from Radio City Music Hall- sweats and all- to catch some breakfast and the tail-end of the morning’s keynote speaker.
After showering and changing back at the room, I headed back to the conference to join the excitement of the BlogHer Expo.
My new friend
Here are just a few brands that had me buzzing at this year’s conference:
Got Milk and The Breakfast Project
The Milkmen from Got Milk?’s The Breakfast Project
Martha Stewart Home and Office Organization at STAPLES
Martha Stewart line of home and office organization products at STAPLES
Red Carpet Star-Studded Movie Premier of “Won’t Back Down”
During the BOKS luncheon, Barb and I received an unexpected invitation from The Moms to the red carpet movie premier of the upcoming film “Won’t Back Down” starring Maggie Gyllenhall, Viola Davis, Rosie Perez and Holly Hunter. “Do you have something to wear to a movie premier?”, asked Barb. I told her that I could probably dig something up from my suitcase.
Barb had another dinner party across town in the Meat Packing District, so was planning to meet me at the movie premier. As I left my hotel room to head downstairs to catch a taxi to the premier, I was in the elevator looking up the address of the movie event on my iPhone when it finally struck me that I was setting out to an event by myself where I really didn’t know anyone. I felt a twinge of nervousness but assured myself that everything would be fine. When I reached the lobby I realized that I had left my room key in my room, so as everyone else got off the elevator, I stayed on to go back up to my room when a young gentleman entered the elevator. “Aren’t you getting out here?”, he asked in a rich Brittish accent. “I forgot something in my room”, I murmured. “How’s your day going?”, he asked after the doors closed. And, in keeping with my chatty behavior from the trip I went on to tell him that it was my first time in New York City and how I was on my way to a movie premier…. blah blah. I may have also let on that I was nervous about attending the premier on my own. As we got to his floor he began to exit the elevator before turning to me and saying in the most Harry Potter of all accents, “Would you find it cheeky of me to ask to be your plus one?” I was a little stunned and before I could answer him, my higher self answered for me, “sure”, she replied. I had to trust that higher self because she typically knows what she’s talking about.
The movie premier, hosted by Denise Albert and Melisssa Gerstein from The Moms, was an amazing event. But what was even more amazing was this groundbreaking movie. Being released September 23rd, “Won’t Back Down” is a film I urge everyone to see, especially if you’re a mom. The movie shows us that no matter how small our lives may seem, we hold the real power to make change, especially in an area as crucial and in need of change as our public school system.
Denise Albert, myself and Melisssa Gerstein from “The Moms”- love these ladies!
After the movie, the stars sat on stage and answered questions from the audience. It didn’t take long for me to conclude that Viola Davis was now my most favorite actress.
Rose Perez, Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhall with The Moms at the Won’t Back Down Movie Premier
After leaving the movie premier, a late-night walk in Central Park in my Tiffany-blue pumps made me feel like Carrie Bradshaw. With each breath I took in as much magic as possible from the city to my soul, where it still resides.
My New York Moment
A late night dinner after the movie premier in a gorgeous restaurant overlooking Central Park with good friends can be topped by only a few things in life. As the noise and crowd in the restaurant slowly started to dwindle and we realized that we were almost the last table left, I walked over to a window to check out the scenery. What I saw at that moment can define my entire New York love affair experience.
As I’m writing about this now, it feels like I’m talking about some long lost love- which I am. But I didn’t fall in love with someone, rather it was someplace. As I looked out the window with Central Park on the left and majestic buildings center stage, there was one building across the street that jetted out triangularly (I should know the technical name for this, as my ex-husband is an architect), where the almost-full moon hung right over the building, looking close enough to reach out and touch, and producing the most breathtaking scene I have ever witnessed. The feeling that movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sex and The City and, my favorite, Moonstruck evoke could all be summed up in this one image.
There it was, right in front of me, outside this window in this amazing restaurant with beautiful new friends nearby- my New York Moment. I didn’t go running for my camera or iPhone, rather I stood there and just soaked it all in. Weeks later I can still see the image I’m describing as clearly as if it were seconds ago; it’s one photo that I didn’t need to capture with a camera because my mind heart will never let me forget it.
Here’s a clip from one of the best movies of all time to give you an idea of the magic that can happen when the the moon and New York City decide to come together:
The Glamorous Luncheon
The next morning brought more BlogHer conference events and expo. I then went back to my room early to take a quick nap to shake my slight hangover before the exclusive “Glamorous Luncheon” hosted by Glamorous Moms, Shannon Lazovski.
The luncheon started at 12:30, so of course I jumped up in bed and looked at the clock to see that it was 12:37. I shot out of bed to change my clothes and was still dressing on my way down to the lobby. I put on shoes while waiting for the elevator, snapped on jewelry in the elevator and zipped up my dress in the lobby before running out to the doorman, “I need a taxi to Ruth Chris Steak House on West 56th Avenue”, I gasped with my out of breath voice. The doorman looked at me like I had just lost my mind. “That’s right around this corner”, he said. I ran to the restaurant in my pumps to make my apologies for being tardy.
Me and Shannon Lazovski from The Glamorous Moms
The Glamorous Luncheon was, to sum it up in a word, glamorous. The food was amazing and I had the best time talking all things “girl” and “glamorous” with some of the most well-connected bloggers around.
My Time. Girl Time.
After the luncheon I made the conscious decision to skip the Katie Couric keynote speech and get in some “Toni and The City” time. I walked 5th Avenue, Park Avenue and Lexington and shopped at Juicy, Sephora and Steve Madden. I love how you can do something alone in New York City like shopping but never feel alone. Not having to share this stolen couple of hours with anyone in particular brought me even more appreciation for my surroundings.
shopping in Manhattan
Barb called and it was time to meet her and the girls for a late lunch near Times Square, “just grab a taxi”, she urged. But after pulling up the restaurant location on my navigation, I realized this was one trip I would rather take on foot. One of the many things I love about Manhattan is how you’re never really too far from anything or anyone in the city. On my way to the popular and overcrowded restaurant, Carmine’s, to meet the girls I passed by the most adorable little cafe that took my breath away. “Tomorrow I’m returning here to eat lunch”, I told myself. I didn’t catch the name of the restaurant, but I remembered exactly where it was.
Superfly
At Carmine’s we ate a fabulous and authentic Italian lunch… or rather, dinner according to the time. After we ate it was time to head over to Bryant Park for a private party sponsored by Southwest Airlines. Bryant Park is impressive in itself. Set smack dab in the middle of the most heavily traveled streets in Manhattan, Bryant Park is a gorgeous Oasis of gorgeous green park and entertainment including an outdoor movie screen. And, in the southwest corner of the park is an outdoor restaurant appropriately named “Southwest” where the private party “Super Fly” hosted by Southwest Airlines was taking place.
The party was beautiful, and once again I couldn’t help but soak in more of the city’s magic with its little pearl of a park, tranquil and still, with the chaos of Times Square just a block away.
Barb and I at the Superfly Party sponsored by Southwest Airlines
After Barb retired for the evening, I met friends for more drinks and city time, all the while wishing sleep wasn’t necessary. And once again I tiptoed into my hotel room past Barb at about 3:00 a.m.
Moon River
In the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s there’s one scene where Holly and her beau take a day out of their typical routine to walk around the city and enjoy it’s attractions including a trip to Tiffany’s. Before my trip to New York, when I watched that movie I could feel what that day felt like.
On the last day of my trip I got to experience that “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” day first hand. With a chivalrous companion at my side, we walked Central Park, rode the subway (finally) to Little Italy, said a few prayers at St. Patrick’s, and best of all- remember that little bistro that my heart was so drawn to?- we found my little restaurant which turned out to be French (oui, oui) and had the most fabulous lunch imaginable, with champagne and all.
Toni and The City
Farewell, My Summer Love
Sadly, it was time to head to airport for a 9:00 p.m. flight home. As soon as I checked in for my flight, it started pouring down rain outside shutting down the airport and delaying my flight. I believe in signs. In fact, a good majority of my daily decisions are based on signs. So please don’t think I’m crazy when I write that I had a fleeting thought that this rain was the city’s way of letting me know that it was sad to see me go as well.
After a four hour flight delay, I arrived in Las Vegas at 4:00 a.m. and was happy to be getting back to the kids and my home, but a part of my heart will always be in New York City.
This is how I felt when I got home:
Next year, BlogHer’13 will be held in Chicago, so everyone should plan on seeing more of me at the conference.
And, if you’re interested in watching President Obama’s speech to the BlogHer’12 attendees:
There’s something magical about swimming in the ocean. Nothing makes me feel so renewed and cleansed on a physical, spiritual and emotional level like emerging from the salty Pacific after hours of trying to master unpredictable waves.
Some girls like to enjoy the ocean from the sand while suntanning and “keeping it sexy”. But being a Southern-California girl myself, there’s nothing that can keep me from diving in to swim and surf until my muscles grow weak.
This week is our annual family beach house vacation in Carlsbad, just minutes from San Diego, and I realized it took almost a year for me to start forgetting how much fun this trip is for us.
For one week, Kevin, the kids, my parents and I stay in a beautiful house just steps from the beach, with mornings spent laughing over coffee and days spent building sand castles and swimming in the Pacific waves.
Today was no different. The kids and I splashed in the waves before I headed out for open water leaving them with “Grandpa” to play in the sand. And then it came- the one wave that every person encounters while daring to confront the ocean. It’s the underestimated wave that as it comes closer, you realize it’s going to take you under because it’s too large to ride and too late to retreat from.
After my wave- “the one”- came today and sent me crashing to the sandy ocean floor, I emerged with just a scraped elbow and a nose full of salty sea water before realizing that we can learn most of what we need to know in life from ocean waves.
As in life, if you can make it through the break of the tumultuous ocean waves, minutes (seconds, more like it) of tranquility and beauty are waiting ahead. Each of us face tough challenges and chaos in life, and it’s only when we make it through do we get to exhale and experience that inner peace that comes from realizing our strength, however brief that moment may be. And, the more arduous our challenges are, the more joy we get to experience.
So, with board by my side, I take each wave straight on to make my way further out into the ocean. Some waves are easy to confront and I walk through the break with ease.
A bit more effort is needed with bigger waves and with board overhead, I jump through the break making it triumphantly through.
And then, as in life, there are waves that hit you so hard they send you falling backwards to the beach as if to say, “only the strong can make it past me.”
And at least once during the day (or a lifetime) there’s one wave that knocks you down so hard, you retreat to your beach chair to lick your wounds. Or, while looking ahead at peaceful sea awaiting you beyond the breaking tide, you decide to stand up and make your way through the waves again without knowing what will come next.
And then once you do make it through the turbulent waves, what lies ahead is time to float effortlessly on your board while gliding over the rhythmic swells mimics the feeling of floating in the sky. It’s then that you realize the vast breathtaking open ocean of unlimited possibilities, while the chaos of waves crash on the beach long behind you.
For a moment, at least, you feel that connection to your inner strength, wisdom and to what’s larger than- and connects- each of us with limitless potential, love and possibility because you had the courage to make it through.
This post is dedicated to my best friend, Jason Beck.
Family meals are important. Iʼll show you easy ways to spend less time and money at the grocery store, less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.
Three months of our most popular menus from The Organized Cook™ Weekly Meal Plan System including grocery shopping lists, cooking instructions and lots of time and money saving tips in one book that's easy to fit in your purse.
Start saving now! Save time and money at the grocery store and in the kitchen. Order Now.
Email this to a Friend
