Nov 26
Counting My Blessings
When it comes to holiday traditions, one of my favorites has always been taking the time to reflect on what I have to be thankful for. My gratitude cup continues to overflow from a long list of blessings old and new.
I’m thankful for something that’s very easy to take for granted – my health. Good health, my late mom used to say, is most important; with it, all things are possible and without it, nothing else matters. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I’ve never felt better. Deeply grateful for the pep in my step and peace in my heart.
This year, I’m especially thankful for the power of entertainment to forge soul stirring bonds.
Thirty-two years ago, the witty, Emmy Award-winning soap opera Santa Barbara introduced me to my Colorado-based best friend Lisa. Earlier this month, Lisa and I joined dozens of fans from around the world for a Santa Barbara Reunion Cruise to the Bahamas with six cast members from our beloved show. The instant ease and camaraderie we all shared was magical, just like what I’ve experienced year after year on The 80’s Cruise. There’s an immediate, unspoken kinship that happens when meeting people whose hearts have been moved by the same TV, movies or music that have touched yours. I have never appreciated this beautiful dynamic more.
Speaking of connections, I’m thankful for technology that brings me closer to loved ones both near and far. While it must be said that you can have too much of a good thing (I’m looking at you, people who use speakerphone in public), it makes all the difference to have ways of narrowing geographical distance. From Facebook video calls with my Florida born and bred boyfriend Steve to Whats App chats with dear friends in Australia and France, I treasure being able to stay in touch beyond email and texting.
I’m thankful for my beloved pup Benji. In addition to being playful, affectionate and irresistibly adorable, this lovebug is also completely unflappable.
Twelve-hour travel day stuck at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport because of a blizzard? No problem. Jolting fender bender in a cab followed by an emergency room crowded with cops and screaming patients? Not even so much as a whimper from my little guy. To say that Benji is a huge emotional support and source of strength for me is an understatement. Adopting him is the best decision I’ve ever made. We rescued each other.
Last but most definitely not least, I’m thankful for Steve.
Over the last nine months, he has showed me what it means to be a true partner and made me happier than I ever thought was possible. Because of him, this is the first holiday season in over 20 years that I’m genuinely excited about. Looking forward to the many more beautiful firsts we have ahead of us.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Jul 29
Forever Friends And Santa Barbara Fans
Thirty-five years ago this week, NBC’s Santa Barbara made its debut. Over the course of its nine-year, 2,137 episodes run, the offbeat, brilliantly written soap opera garnered critical acclaim and loyal fans around the globe – including me.
Like so many viewers, I was drawn in to the show by one particular storyline – the incredible pairing of star-crossed lovers Cruz (A Martinez) and Eden (Marcy Walker-Smith). During the ‘80s heyday of soaps, as the format churned out plenty of so-called supercouples, Cruz and Eden set the bar for all, capturing hearts with their against-all-odds, romantic and passionate love.
This timelessly magical duo also sparked three of the most cherished, enduring friendships of my life.
I first became pen pals with Kansas native and fellow C&E devotee Lisa in 1986. We clicked even more when we met in person months later. And so cemented a bond that has defied geographical odds to become the sisterhood closest to my heart.
Lisa is everything a best friend should be and more. A trusted advisor, sympathetic ear and the person I think of first whenever something really great (or really terrible) happens. Over the years, we’ve shared everything — celebrity gossip, love life highs and lows, job-related tribulations and triumphs and the seminal loss in each of our lives, that of our respective parents. I am so thankful and blessed to have known Lisa’s extraordinary Mom and Dad. I know she feels the same way about mine.
It was 1991 when I first met Ohio resident and retired teacher Marilyn. We connected through the informal Cruz and Eden fan club I had started. She was in town for an event with A and Marcy that we both attended. Marilyn is an amazing woman — intelligent, kind and joyful. Along with being a wonderful friend, she’s a devoted mother and grandmother with a great sense of fun and true appreciation of life’s pleasures, big and small.
I’ve lost count of how many times during my visits, we’ve curled up on her couch and shared hours of effortless conversation over a cup of tea. The pleasure of her company has comforted me through many a trial and remains one of life’s sweetest joys.
The most unexpected friendship to come from my affection for SB began on a summer day in 1988 at NYC’s legendary Waldorf=Astoria Hotel. It was my first time attending the Daytime Emmys. I was 14 years old.
In the star-studded crowd, I suddenly found myself face to face with Cruz Castillo himself, A. I immediately burst into tears. A pulled me into a comforting hug as Marcy, who also happened to be standing there (!), put her hand gently on my shoulder.
“Are you going to pass out?” she jokingly asked.
I somehow managed not to. But the diehard Cruz and Eden fan in me was beyond starstruck to meet these two beautiful people so instrumental in shaping my perception of true love.
In addition to being a tremendously talented actor/writer and dedicated human rights advocate, A has a well-deserved reputation for being gracious, down-to-earth and exceedingly kind. Over of the course of many delightful meals together, I’ve had the good fortune of experiencing his generous spirit first hand. He is also a devoted family man who adores his three grown children and lovely wife Leslie, always speaking with boundless pride about them. A remains one of my heroes, someone I love, admire and respect with all of my heart.
With all of us living in different places, I’ve never had the pleasure of being with A, Marilyn and Lisa at the same time. This November, it’s finally going to happen with the first-ever Santa Barbara Reunion Cruise. Joining us for the four-night sailing from Miami to The Bahamas will be four other original SB cast members and a few hundred fellow fans (more info here, booking ends August 9th). In a nice bit of symmetry, the ship is Royal Caribbean’s newly-upgraded Navigator of The Seas – the very same vessel on which Lisa and I did our first cruise together 11 years ago.
Such beautiful connections forged because of one unforgettable show. Happy Anniversary, Santa Barbara. To celebrate, I’m raising a symbolic glass to Lisa, Marilyn and A. Love you all dearly and can’t wait to be together on the high seas!
Jun 9
The Not So Pet Friendly Skies
Since adopting my beloved pup Benji almost two years ago, we’ve traveled thousands of miles together. On every trip, be it by car, train or plane, he is always calm and easygoing no matter what surprises we encounter along the way. I can’t always say the same for me, especially when it comes to navigating how airlines treat passengers with Emotional Support Animals (ESAN).
More often than not, we are subjected to unnecessary hassles under the auspices of following ESAN procedures. Procedures that seem to change depending on what airline and which employee you’re dealing with.
The most maddening, frustrating experience checking in with Benji ever happened recently on Delta, flying back from Puerto Rico. The desk agent insisted there was no record of ESAN approval, despite my submitting the paperwork a week before and having checked in without incident for my outbound flight. As every airline advises, I had brought all required documentation with me. Standard protocol is that, if any issues arise, a supervisor reviews it and has authority to clear you for travel. Or you can call the airline’s special service desk and they will make a notation in your reservation. This time though, neither tactic accomplished anything.
While Benji and I were at the desk, I called Delta and a helpful associate immediately updated my reservation with the ESAN approval. But it didn’t show up on the desk agent’s screen and he refused to speak with the Delta rep. He maintained my paperwork was out of date, even after I showed him an email confirming approval for Benji on our outbound flight just three days earlier. His supervisor misread it as an acknowledgement of receiving the paperwork and not clearance – even though those two communications look nothing alike.
About 45 minutes into this ordeal, they tell me that I need to have something signed on my doctor’s official letterhead. Interesting since this is not stated anywhere on Delta’s website or in the airline’s downloadable PDF of required ESAN forms. I present a form signed and dated, with my doctor’s official stamp. How could I have flown with Benji three days ago if my paperwork wasn’t correct? Can’t they look it up? The supervisor says it gets deleted once a flight is consumed. And yet curiously, after just a few keyboard and mouse clicks, she manages to call up my previous itinerary, find the approval and transfer it over to my return flight. Benji and I race frantically to the gate, barely making it in time.
This needless drama shouldn’t have surprised me. Delta has the most frequent and infuriating ESAN service issues. As Benji and I were boarding once, a flight attendant glanced at him and said with a fake smile–
“Just a reminder, no food or water.”
“Excuse me?” I answered, baffled by this unheard-of directive.
“No food or water because it will make him have to go to the bathroom.”
Dripping with condescension, the attendant also smugly maintained that she “knew the rules.” Not so much, as it turned out. A quick tweet to Delta revealed that pets are permitted to be fed and given water as long as they remain in their carrier.
On our most recent Delta trip, Benji and I were about to settle into our seat when one of the attendants snapped—
“I have nothing in my computer about any pets being on this flight.”
Really? Then how could we have even boarded the plane in the first place?
Delta typically validates ESAN paperwork for both segments of a round trip. The unnecessary drama in San Juan happened because approval was applied only to my outgoing flight. Meanwhile, American Airlines assured me that ESAN paperwork remains valid in their system for a year. Except, of course, after they decide to change one form a few months later without indicating as much on their website. The previous version has the exact same information from my doctor and yet I still had to fight with AA to accept it.
Each airline requires its own separate documentation. So if you are in the unfortunate position of forgetting to bring one airline specific form, don’t expect a competitor’s to suffice. During the Delta kerfuffle, I presented United’s two-page medical authorization form signed by my doctor as additional verification. They refused to accept it. I’ve lost track now of how many times I’ve had to bother my doctor to fill out different forms that all say the exact same thing.
The inconsistencies in airline ESAN policies happen in flight as well. Some cabin attendants have said Benji must remain in his carrier. Others say only for takeoff and landing. Never mind that airline websites state your animal has to fit either in a carrier under your seat or on your lap.
I understand the need to prevent passengers from traveling with dangerous, ill-behaved animals. Especially in light of several incidents where people have taken advantage of the ESAN privilege to smuggle creatures like snakes and peacocks on board. Airlines have a right to demand that passengers claiming their pet is for emotional support have documentation to back it up. What they do not have the right to do is treat those of us who follow the constantly changing rules like we’re somehow at fault.
We deserve a lot better and so do our four-legged companions.
Apr 21
Vegas Encore: Part Two
After my heavenly meet and greet with Ricky Martin, Brittany graciously escorted me to my upgraded VIP seat–and what an upgrade it was! Plush banquette seating just a few steps above the stage, offering a perfect unobstructed view along with table service for ordering cocktails and snacks.
As I settled into my seat, I noticed a familiar face nearby– longtime Fox 5 New York anchor Rosanna Scotto.
All smiles with Fox 5 NY anchor Rosanna Scotto. One of the highlights of my trip!
The last time I had seen her was years ago during my own days in TV news, when she graciously took the time to meet me and offer career advice. She greeted me warmly, sharing that she got married at The Pierre when I told her that’s where I am now. Rosanna had just come from interviewing Ricky for an upcoming special and confided that he had pulled a leg muscle so he was receiving acupuncture to get through the show that night. Of course, Ricky at 80% is like other entertainers at 100%.
Despite a pulled muscle, Ricky was in his usual fine form. Wepa!
This was my fifth time at ALL IN and it was just as epic as I remembered. After almost 20 years of seeing Ricky live, I have to say this is one of his most dazzling productions ever. Amazing choreography and the set list is a perfect mix of his English and Spanish hits, with a few perfectly pitched nods to iconic Vegas performers. At 46, Ricky more than matches the energy of his younger dancers and, yes, he looks mighty fine and fit! In his recently aired Fox 5 interview with Rosanna Scotto, he said he treats his body as an athlete would and it definitely shows. Too many artists today lip sync because they don’t have the stamina to dance and sing at the same time (Britney, JLo, etc). Ricky’s residency is aptly named because, injured or not, he gives it all at every concert.
Unfortunately, his pulled muscle forced him to cancel the second concert scheduled for that weekend. Hearing the news was a little easier to take since it came directly from the Park Theater’s General Manager Dan. Dan thoughtfully told me in person while I enjoyed a delightful complimentary dinner with my good friend Tiffany at the Monte Carlo’s new restaurant Primrose.
Tiff and me at Primrose. The beignets (also pictured) are a must!
Part of the hotel’s $450 million+ renovation and rebranding — it will become the Park MGM — Primrose is a charming bistro with a fantastic menu and attentive service. Inspired by the South of France, Primrose features a “French-ish” menu with garden-inspired dishes and an outdoor terrace. Our server Mark took great care of us, sharing his knowledge of signature dishes and excitement about being a new dad. Everything was delicious, most especially the mozzarella croquettes and beignets. I might have to pay another visit to Primrose when I go back in June for the final weekend of Ricky’s residency.
Up next…celebrating one year at The Pierre and how my colleagues gave me one of the best nights of my life!
Oct 7
To Vegas With Love
Over the years, I’ve had many wonderful times in Las Vegas. Like everyone else, I was heartbroken about last Sunday’s tragic events. And a little unnerved because, during my recent visit a few weeks ago, I stayed right next door to Mandalay Bay. It was a sobering reminder of how fragile life is–and how important it is to live every day fully, as tomorrow is guaranteed to no one.
Vegas has always been a place about making the most of every moment, by experiencing the joys of good hospitality, great entertainment and fantastic food. I was fortunate to enjoy all three during my recent weekend getaway.
I had already been to Sin City with family, friends and significant others. This was the first big trip with my beloved dog Benji. And it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Our JetBlue flight was easy breezy, as both Benj and I slept for the duration. Upon arriving at the swanky Delano Hotel, our host for one night, I knew immediately this would be a much more relaxing stay than I’ve had at other Vegas properties.
Benji relaxing in our suite with his Delano welcome amenity: biscuits, a poop bag and leather toy
A non-gaming, non-smoking hotel, the Delano has an inviting boutique vibe that makes you forget you’re right on the Strip. Spacious accommodations, first class staff and pet-friendly amenities—including dog walking services and a pet relief area right in front—made for a perfect night (full hotel review coming soon in 25A Magazine!).
One of the major highlights—Rivea, the Delano’s Alain Ducasse rooftop restaurant on the 64th floor.
Rivea: the terrace view from 64 stories above
Joining me for a decadent multi-course dinner on the terrace was college friend Tiffany. Though we hadn’t seen each other in about twenty years, that time melted away as we talked about life, work, singlehood and getting through tough times. We talked for hours and didn’t want the night to end.
Tiff and me and my first-ever bubble tea
Friday, Benji and I moved to the Residence Inn across from the Convention Center. Part of a complex of three Marriott properties, the all-suite hotel is an ideal choice if you want to be off the Strip but still in a central, convenient location.
As soon as we arrived, I was treated to the warmth and home away from home atmosphere for which Marriott is known. I checked in with an upset stomach and having just caught my finger painfully in a door. The kind front desk agent offered Band Aids, first aid ointment and a handful of herbal tea packets.
Our spacious digs at the Residence Inn
We were upgraded to a penthouse suite—a spacious loft with a living room, eat-in, fully-equipped kitchen, loft bedroom and two full bathrooms. Plenty of room for Benji and me to roam around and kick back. The pool was modest but well maintained, and blissfully quiet compared to the loud, crowded scene at most Sin City resort pools.
The Residence Inn’s pool: a low-key haven of relaxation
Much like trips to Vegas with my parents back in the 80’s, this one afforded the opportunity to see some amazing entertainers.
Despite lip synching for most of her 90-minute set, Jennifer Lopez dazzled with flawless dancing and eye-popping costumes, performing most of her hits and an unexpectedly beautiful cover of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.” My beloved Ricky Martin–the reason for my trip–blew the roof off of the Park Theater with incredible singing and dancing, playing an energetic mix of his signature pop tunes and soulful ballads.
All In: Ricky’s Vegas show was one of his best productions ever
For the last show of the weekend, I went old school with Tiffany (and Benji too!), visiting the Tropicana’s Laugh Factory to see Rich Little. At 78, the legendary comedian is just as hilarious as I remembered him to be when I saw him decades ago. And I had the pleasure of telling him so at a meet and greet afterward.
Rich Little and me
Definitely a memorable, exhilaratingly fun weekend from start to finish.
Sending so much love to everyone in this amazing city–and praying for healing.
Mar 5
Fat Tuesday & A Return To The 80s
For over four years now, one of my favorite things to do in NYC is share a meal with my good friend Stacy. A foodie like me, Stacy has a knack for picking fabulous retaurants.
We headed over to CajunSea. Unexpectedly tucked away in Koreatown, CajunSea serves up seafood and more with Southern flare. The restaurant also has fantastic happy hour specials–including oysters and $5 martinis (the lychee martini is perfection). I enjoyed steamed lobster with corn and potatoes, while Stacy had a spicy seafood boil.
Over dinner, we talked about work, the Academy Awards and my recent big trip–on the second annual 80s cruise.
Jessie’s Girl rocked every concert they did on the 80s cruise. Best 80s cover band ever!
Like the inaugural sailing last year, this year’s itinerary featured nightly concerts with beloved 80s artists and awesome NYC-based cover band Jessie’s Girl, themed costume events (including neon night, Purple Rain and rock versus hip hop) and four Caribbean ports of call. It gave me the chance to reconnect with a lot of amazing people, most especially my dear friend Natalie, who I met on the 2016 cruise.
Natalie and me on neon beach party night
The week long journey was also a much-needed break from the negativity that seems to pervade so much of our national conversation these days. It was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from celebrating what connects us – particularly when that celebration has an 80s soundtrack.
Mar 31
A New Chapter Begins
When it comes to embarking on a new chapter in life, I’m rediscovering that timing really is everything. The time has never felt more right for me to take an extended break from New York. So it is with the happiest heart that I prepare to leave my beloved Big Apple for LA.
All smiles in Santa Monica (July 2013)
My journey to becoming an Angeleno began, in some ways, half a lifetime ago, when I fell in love for the first time with a California guy. During the year of that bicoastal romance, I was introduced to some of the West Coast’s varied attractions–from the charms of Santa Monica and majesty of the Pacific Coast Highway to quaint beachside town Morro Bay. Though the love affair ended, it was only the beginning of my fondness for Cali.
Over the years, I have enjoyed a weekend getaway to San Francisco and Napa, unexpected romance in San Diego and many, many trips to visit friends in L.A. It was during one particular visit nearly 3 years ago that my California dreaming began.
Longtime dear friend A invited me to join his wife at Malibu Winery to watch their incredibly talented daughter Ren perform outdoors. Sitting there in the sunshine with the mountains behind us, I found myself wondering–why have I never lived here??
A glorious afternoon at Malibu Winery with A and his wife Leslie
That question intensified when I applied for a job in LA. The news that I didn’t get it came as I headed West for a third time in six months. At this point, the question shifted to, can this born and bred New Yorker navigate LA’s car – based lifestyle? Was I really ready to bid farewell to my hometown, or just going through the inevitable weariness that comes with living in the city synonymous with hustle and bustle?
So I settled back into NYC life, or I tried to at least. What I found, though, was that it became increasingly more difficult to keep up with the relentlessly fast pace here. Travels to other places only amplified my desire to slow down. And once again, my thoughts turned to LA.
Despite the frequent rivalry between my first and future hometowns, I have always felt that New York is yin to LA’s yang. Opposites that compliment one another. And for this Big Apple native, there’s no other city which feels more appropriate to explore as a local.
Like I said, timing is everything. Two years ago, I reached out to a Starwood colleague who was making the move from LA to NYC. She graciously shared her insights about her life and career in Cali. We had the chance to work together while she was here, and stayed in touch after she went back last fall. She is now going to be my boss and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Along with congratulations and best wishes, I’ve received some questions from family and friends. Among the most popular–how can I possibly leave NYC?
Quite easily, actually. Having already lived in Sydney, I know I’m going to love the beach – cosmopolitan city lifestyle of LA. And I’m also going to love spending more time with A and my other friends out there.
And, even though my zip code is about to change, one thing most assuredly will not–I am a New York City Gal. Forever proud to be, just ready to adopt a new hometown.
The adventure begins April 10th!
Jul 11
Two All-time NYC Favorites
I recently had the pleasure of catching up with two friends I hadn’t seen in awhile–over dinner at two of my favorite NYC restaurants.
First, I enjoyed a night out in the neighborhood with gal pal Lisa. We headed to Ko Sushi, a cozy Japanese eatery on the UES that never disappoints (best shumai dumplings ever and yummy sushi rolls).
An accomplished magazine editor and travel writer, Lisa shares my lifelong passion for NYC and I always love hearing about her latest adventures in and out of our hometown. We also talked about the profound blessing of being happy in our respective careers and never taking it for granted.
My good Stacy and I reconnected over drinks and appetizers at Pershing Square. This laidback bistro and bar right across from Grand Central serves up delicious bistro fare in a comfortable setting ideal for conversation.
Pershing Square Cafe (photo courtesy: pershingsquare.com)
We had plenty to talk about — from memorable concerts and developments at work to the soul soothing joys of travel.
As Stacy shared her recent jaunt to London, I felt a wave of nostalgia for my other favorite city–the only place I love as much as NYC.
Well, almost as much.
Jun 7
A Trio of Weekend Getaways
Anyone who knows me knows travel is one of my greatest passions. And over the last month, I set a personal travel record–three back to back weekend getaways. Each one afforded the opportunity to reconnect with beloved friends and family for milestone occasions.
First, I headed to Mount Holyoke for my 20-year college reunion. A happy wave of nostalgia and pride in my alma mater infused my return to campus. There is something magical about being part of this sisterhood of uncommon women. That feeling was deeply present as we participated in the laurel parade, a longstanding MHC tradition in which reunion classes are followed by the graduating seniors. The seniors then weave a laurel chain around MHC founder Mary Lyon’s grave before singing the moving anthem “Bread and Roses.”
Snapshots from my 20 year reunion: MHC women rock.
At reunion, I had the pleasure of catching up with dear friends Traci and Dana, reuniting with dorm neighbor Cristina and seeing first year floormate Aimee. Two decades fell away as Aimee and I talked about how our lives have unfolded since graduation. Amazing.
Getaway #2 took me to Toronto, for a girls weekend with dear friends Jackie and Belgium-based Cindy.
Girls weekend fun: (from left) Cindy, me and Jackie
Taking advantage of picture perfect weather, we explored some top attractions in my former hometown: the CN Tower, Toronto Island and historic public buildings offering complimentary admission as part of Doors Open. Along the way, of course, we enjoyed wonderful conversations about life, love and the importance of good friends in navigating the trials and triumphs of life.
Last weekend, my beloved cousin Alexandra and I headed to Jersey City to celebrate her college graduation. Our home for the weekend – the fantastic Westin hotel. I won the stay here during a regional Starwood employee event and it was just as rejuvenating as I anticipated. We were welcomed with a suite upgrade and wine and cake pops.
All smiles: Alexandra and me
After spending hours chatting the night away, Alexandra and I headed across the street to Battello, a lively, sprawling bistro along the water with spectacular skyline views. Alexa is more like a sister than a cousin to me and I treasure the bond we share.
All of weekend getaways nourished my spirit and gave me much-needed quality time with some of my nearest and dearest. Traveling so much in a short span of time also reinforced that old and ever so true adage – there’s no place like home.
Feb 22
A Fun-Filled Florida Getaway
For as much as I love NYC, sometimes you just need a break from it, especially during a winter as frigid as this one. So I was especially excited to spend President’s Day weekend down South in Jacksonville, visiting my Titi Eneida and cousins Monica and Steven. Joining in the festivities — NY-based cousins Dana and Carla.
Family Reunion: (from left) Titi Eneida, Dana, Monica and hubby Michael, Carla and me in St. Augustine
Our Florida getaway was perfect from start to finish. Saturday, we drove down to St. Augustine. This charming, historic town (the oldest in the US) never fails to delight with its cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and Spanish style architecture.
After strolling around and browsing in a few stores, we went to A1A Ale Works for a delightful lunch on the balcony (lobster and shrimp tacos, mmmm). But the weekend’s most memorable, delicious meal happened later at Titi Eneida’s house.
Titi prepared a Valentine’s feast, with a festively decorated table, homemade spinach salad, pizza with sausage and peppers, chocolate cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries.
Best Valentine’s Day meal ever!
Sunday, we drove to St. John’s Town Center, a beautiful outdoor mall with 150 stores, where I finally found two major items for my home makeover (details to come!) and savored the sunshine in a cozy seating area outside Nordstrom’s.
Later, after a brief visit to Jax Beach, we went back to Monica and hubby Michael’s place for a laughter filled night watching Saturday Night Live ‘ s epic 40th anniversary special.
I am so happy this family reunion coincided with Valentine’s Day. It reminded how blessed I am to have so much love in my life, and be related to so many wonderful people. And really, that’s what February 14th is truly about: cherishing every kind of love — regardless of your relationship status.
