Oct 30
An Attitude of Gratitude
This month’s issue of O, The Oprah Magazine is about the power of gratitude. It’s an emotion I’ve been feeling a lot lately, thanks to some truly wonderful events and milestones.
October began with a family celebration of my dear Aunt Lydia and Uncle’s Joe 50th anniversary. My cousins Dana and Carla hosted a lovely party at Long Island’s Colonial Springs Golf Club, complete with their wedding video on a loop, delicious food and a fantastic doo-wop group singing classics like “Stand By Me” and “In The Still of The Night.”
Aunt Lydia and Uncle Joe celebrating their gold anniversary
As I watched my aunt and uncle dance to their wedding song “More,” I found myself thinking of another couple whose devotion and commitment to each other endured—my beloved parents. They would have celebrated their 45th anniversary this year. I knew they were smiling down on all of us and I felt blessed all over again to have grown up in the light of their abiding love.
The next day, I was back at Penn Station again—this time for a girls night out in New Jersey with two of my best friends, Sara and Lisa, followed by an afternoon of apple picking at New York’s Masker Orchards.
Sara, me and Lisa
We did a lot of laughing, talking and swooning collectively over the movie that everyone’s been talking about (justifiably), A Star Is Born. In a word, spectacular. Do not miss it!
Speaking of fun with friends, galpal Lori and I made our own to trek to Jersey, to see Phil Collins at Newark’s Prudential Center. It had been almost 25 years since I last saw Phil live and, once again, he didn’t disappoint. Despite ailments necessitating that he remain seated, he put on one hell of a show, in fine voice and backed by a fantastic band and backup singers.
Phil was in fine form at Newark’s Prudential Center
One musician in particular stood out—Phil’s 17-year-old son Nic. Taking over for his legendary dad on the drums and piano, Nic played with the talent and ease of a veteran rock star. You could feel the connection between them, and Phil’s huge pride in his son. It added a moving dimension to an already memorable evening. The set list had just about every song you could have wanted—from “Against All Odds,” “Take Me Home” and “Sussudio,” to Genesis hits like “Invisible Touch” and “Throwing It All Away.” One of the most unforgettable moments came when Phil stood for “In The Air Tonight.” It was the only song he did this for and a powerful illustration that at 67, he’s still got plenty in him. Bravo, Phil.
It’s also been an exhilaratingly action-packed month at work, from the kickoff of season two of Broadway At The Pierre with the dazzling N’Kenge to the hotel’s annual celebration of Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights. These ongoing traditions are part of why The Pierre isn’t just my dream job—it’s the job of a lifetime.
All smiles with my Pierre family at Diwali
I feel so supported and appreciated by my incredible colleagues. They were truly behind me as I finally accomplished something I’ve been working toward for several months. When I thanked one of them for his part in making it possible, he replied—
“We’re a family here and we wouldn’t have done anything less.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Achieving this long-desired goal reminded me how you never know what’s around the corner. And how important it is to cherish and be thankful for every day you’re here to rediscover that.
Nov 26
Celebrating The Season With Babbleboxx
When it comes to holiday shopping, I’m always thankful when inspiration strikes. So I was thrilled to attend Babbleboxx’s recent Unboxing Event.
Holiday Hug: Dear friend and Babbleboxx founder Sherri
The soiree was held at 404 NYC, a sleek all-white event space in Midtown West. Babbleboxx curated a fantastic mix of familiar brands and newcomers in the food, drink and accessory categories–perfect for getting a variety of gift ideas.
Sabon’s Celebration Essence collection
My first stop was upscale bath and body product line Sabon. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Sabon has a number of great gift options–from snowflake shaped soaps to lotions with a festive new fragrance, Celebration Essence. Their shower oils are a nice departure from shower gel (I love the Green Rose scent). Grande Cosmetics showcased its eyelash and eyebrow enhancing serums—with models whose full lashes and brows offered compelling visuals of the products’ effectiveness.
One of the night’s best discoveries for me—Earth Footwear. The eco-friendly brand was giving away its signature black velvet Zag, a snazzy sneaker that is super comfortable.
Earth’s spiffy and comfortable Zag sneaker
From product manufacturing to packaging, Earth is truly a green company. They use only water-based adhesives in their footwear, much less toxic than traditionally used solvent and oil based alternatives. All leather products are tanned with a vegetable-based process that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and uses tannic acids naturally found in various plants.
I also loved Babblebox’s selection of sweet treats and refreshing cocktails. Mochi ice cream wowed with its cookies and cream flavor. The confection is made from Japanese mochi with an ice cream filling and packs a delicious punch. Edible photo booth Selffee offered its selfie cookie—who knew eating your face could be so much fun? Splash Mixers sampled its all-natural non-alcoholic gluten-free collection. The Moscow Mule was my favorite.
Selffee’s selfie cookie
Venerable brands in the food & beverage space had fun things to share as well. Edible Arrangements served up white chocolate covered strawberries, while luxury tea purveyor Tea Forte featured its Warming Joy Deluxe Gift Set which includes 40 infusers and 20 blends.
Tea Forte’s festive Warming Joy Deluxe Gift Set
The highlight of the evening–catching up with my dear friend, Babbleboxx founder Sherri. Babbleboxx is an agency that brings brands and influencers together, something Sherri started doing years before it became commonplace, and in a first-class way that continues to outshine competitors. I’m in awe of what she has accomplished.
Happy Holidays!
