Sep 1
A Summer To Remember
With Labor Day weekend here and the first hint of fall in the air, I find myself thinking not only about how quickly this season has gone by—but what a special one it has been. Summer is about reconnecting with the outdoors and taking time to recharge. I’ve been fortunate to do plenty of both.
Nothing is more quintessentially summer than feeling sand between your toes. I enjoyed that heavenly sensation several times. First, during July 4th fireworks with family on beautiful Wells Beach in Maine. Then, a picture perfect sunset stroll at Point No Point in Washington State with my sweet Benji and friends Lisa and Deane.
And most recently, during my first-ever visit to New York’s Fire Island. On a bright, breezy afternoon, my beloved cousin Carla and I took the ferry out to this popular hamlet, indulging in lobster rolls at Maguire’s overlooking the water, ice cream at Scoops and a walk along Ocean Beach. 
Summer days don’t get any better.
Speaking of perfection, my five days in Colorado visiting dear friend Lisa B. was exactly that. In addition to quality time spent catching up, indulging in delicious meals and being couch potatoes, we took in her home state’s majestic beauty. From an old-fashioned train ride through the mountains to evening walks with Benji under a sky full of stars, it was everything vacation should be…except too short!
Here at home, I savored how my city comes alive when the temperatures rise. I partook in street fairs, dining al fresco at neighborhood favorites (thank you, Beach Café and Five Napkin Burger) and for the first time in years, the US Open and one of NYC’s most popular annual traditions, Shakespeare In The Park. The musical production of the Bard’s comedy Twelfth Night was witty, charming and colorful. Mother Nature clearly agreed, as the forecasted rain didn’t begin until the talented cast had taken their final bow.
I think she may also be a fan of Perrine at The Pierre’s Summer of Rosé series. For Smash Bash, our final outdoor event of the season, the weather held out as we celebrated tennis with food, wine, music and 2017 Wimbledon Champion Garbiñe Muguruza.
Three hours later, at exactly our scheduled end time, the heavens started to open up. Everyone took cover under the hotel awning and immediately started dancing up a storm (so to speak). DJ Neil Nice capped off the night with a medley of Empire State of Mind and New York, New York, the latter sparking an impromptu chorus line. As I kicked up my heels, it hit me that Sinatra’s ode to the Big Apple is again finally what it is supposed to be.
For too many years, I dreaded hearing the timeless song — because it was my late mother’s favorite and a painful reminder of her loss. But on this #PerfectlyPierre night at my dream job, surrounded by friends and colleagues I love, the timeless tune made me smile. It once again became an affirmation of my good fortune to live in the world’s greatest city–a place that I will forever adore and be so proud to call my hometown.
Jan 1
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
When it comes to the holiday season, there’s no place quite as magical as NYC. For many years though, I’ve dreaded the period between Thanksgiving and New Years– a time when I always feel the loss of my beloved parents more acutely. Now, at long last, I am finally appreciating what I have and trying not to dwell on what I don’t.
With a more festive perspective in mind, I happily invited my beloved cousin Alexandra to experience an annual Pierre Hotel tradition and first for me- the tree lighting in Two E lounge.
Alexandra and me in Two E
The festive event featured live music from Grammy-winning sax player Frank Catalano, and festive cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. As always, Alex and I talked the night away, catching up on work, life and plans for 2018. Like the city that surrounds it, The Pierre is a winter wonderland, with colorful holiday decor throughout the lobby and public areas.
Decorating my own abode was lot more fun than its been in awhile–especially now that my home is finally a reflection of me instead of the past.
Continuing the interfaith traditions I experienced as a child, I have both a Christmas tree and a menorah. I thought of my Dad with every candle I lit during Hanukkah. And how fortunate I was and am to have grown up with two parents who exemplified the beauty of honoring both religions, teaching me that what matters ultimately is having and honoring faith–not which house you worship in. I think of that powerful, healing lesson a lot in these divisive times and how much better the world would be if there was more of such mutual respect for spirituality.
All smiles and hugs with my Mount Holyoke dear friends Ahu (middle) and Sara
One of my favorite traditions growing up was our annual holiday party, a large gathering of family and close friends. With Dad’s birthday in mid-December and Hanukkah often bumping up against Christmas, there was always plenty to celebrate. Since 2008, every year except one, I have hosted an intimate soiree at my place. After skipping it last year because of my depression, I felt doubly blessed to have an evening with some of my dearest friends and family.
It was a perfect night from start to finish. There was yummy Italian food (from a fabulous neighborhood caterer), decadent drinks (wine, rum-infused eggnog and vodka shots) and decadent desserts (I made my late Grandpa’s vanilla pudding and first ever cinnamon-sugar monkey bread). And lots of laughter, affection and, of course, love for Benji.
This was Benji’s first big event at home since I adopted him in July. Like everything else, he handled it with charm and grace–happily seeking out belly rubs and parking himself near all the action. Several friends brought gifts for my little guy, who has become one of the best dressed pups on the Upper East Side!
Benji and I with the glow of my tree and menorah
The holiday festivities continued in Delaware, with a visit to my brother and sister in law Ray and Barb. We enjoyed an intimate Christmas full of reminiscing and watching our dogs hit it off with each other.
Friday, after a delightful lunch in Midtown with my dear cousin Carla, I walked over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, I felt a warmth envelop me as I thought about how far I’ve come since last Christmas.
Rockefeller Center selfie!
A year ago, I felt joyless and unable to appreciate anything about the holidays, wishing them away like I have so often since my parents died. Now, thanks to feeling whole again and my sweet Benji, I treasured every part of this season.
Even for a writer like me, it’s difficult to put into words the gratitude I feel for the new beginning that God has given me. 2017 will always be the year that I found my way back to the light–and to a new chapter as a dog mom. I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings.
Happy New Year all!
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!
Apr 30
A New Chapter Begins
Two of my favorite things about living in NYC are discovering new favorite places and rediscovering old ones. Thursday, I got to experience both during a night out in Midtown with my good friend Derek and his boyfriend Ricardo.
The evening began at 230 Fifth, a happening hotspot for many years now, attracting a good looking crowd to its expansive rooftop with dazzling city views. This time, since it was overcast, I parked myself near the spacious indoor bar, enjoying a Shirley Temple with vodka. There’s something about drinking an adult version of my favorite mocktail as a child that hits all the right notes.
Boozy Shirley Temple = cocktail bliss!
Speaking of hitting high notes, our dining destination, Raymi did so and then some. The Peruvian restaurant offers warm ambience, friendly service and fare that’s truly delicioso. We started off with pisco sours and canchita, roasted unpopped popcorn that is sinfully addictive. I also savored my entree, arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood).
Over dinner and drinks, Derek, Ricardo and I talked about their upcoming European getaway, work and my exciting new job–Marketing Executive for The Pierre Hotel.
The five-star luxury property has a long and storied history of 87 years. It’s a registered historic landmark and one of the only hotels left offering white gloved service and elevator operators. I couldn’t be more proud to help tell the Pierre’s rich story–and more grateful for the support family and friends gave me throughout the five-month job search process.
During this time, I did something I’ve never done in my professional life–worked in retail.
Thanks to a referral from longtime dear friend and style maven Heidi, I joined her in becoming a Brand Ambassador at Banana Republic’s Rockefeller Center location. The brand’s flagship store, it has a deservedly strong reputation for both product selection (3 floors of BR fashion) and service. Being part of the team gave me a much needed anchor when I was feeling very low. And I have an even deeper appreciation now for what it takes to work in a customer service role. It’s harder than you might think and I admire people who make a career of it.
I can’t wait to return to hospitality, my true passion. Thank God for new beginnings.
Apr 9
An Epic Girls Day Out
One of the high points of my five month stint in LA last year was getting to know my colleague Inga. We became fast friends while working at the SLS At Beverly Hills, bonding over our long distance then-boyfriends and efforts to acclimate to California life.
All smiles with Inga in L.A. last year
Inga later moved back to Hawaii, her home prior to LA. We got to catch up this week while she was in town, during a truly epic girls day out.
Our first stop was Vella, a wine bar that used to be a favorite of mine. Time hasn’t been kind to this Upper East Side venue. The hostess was surly when I asked if they could turn down the blaring house music more appropriate for a nightclub. We were given dirty glasses that had lipstick marks on them, as did the replacement ones. If you’re in the neighborhood, skip this place and visit the far superior Uva and Vero.
Enjoying wine at delightful Mela East Restaurant
Our second destination more than made up for the first. Mela East restaurant offers rustic charm, great Italian fare and wine selections, and fantastic service. Affable Italy-born host Enzo took great care of us.
While seated comfortably at the bar, Inga and I continued our wonderful, wide ranging conversation. We talked about career crossroads, why L.A. wasn’t for either for us, old flames, new crushes and the joys of having a pet (I’m planning to get a dog soon). About ten hours passed before we said goodnight.
Another dear friend bought me an engraving that says friendship brings the sun. As I come out of the darkness of depression, it is truly the light of all my friends that has gotten me to the other side. That and being back in the city I love more than ever.
Mar 26
Settling In Again
Time and again, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to have a large, loyal circle of friends both near and far. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of catching up with one of them, Lana.
Lana and me
Lana and I initially connected through Airbnb back in 2010, during my European Dating Blitz. Based in Paris, she last visited NYC in December 2013, so it was wonderful to see her again. We met up for a late afternoon brunch at The Smith’s East Village location. The popular bistro offers a hearty menu and friendly waitstaff.
Over a delicious meal (I had the truffled mushroom toast, yum), Lana and I talked about travel—she was just back from Brazil and Bolivia—and taking chances.
Lana was supportive of my decision to try living in L.A. last year, yet curious about why I left a city and a job that I love so much. Considering how difficult the move ended up being, it was surprisingly easy to make the leap. Choosing to return to NYC after only five months out West was harder. I felt like I had failed somehow. And, as I mentioned in February, it’s taken some time for me to get my emotional bearings since coming back.
Thankfully, the comforts of being home and near loved ones has helped tremendously. I understand in much a more visceral way now why my mom said walking the streets of NYC gave her strength to weather life’s storms. I know this is where I belong and I am so grateful I found my way back to the Big Apple. As John Steinbeck once said–
“Once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough.”
Amen.
Aug 9
Catching Up With A Dear Friend
When you’re adjusting to life in a new city, reconnecting with family and friends makes all the difference. Welcoming loved ones makes you feel more like a local than a visitor. I was reminded of this over the weekend when my friend from college Pam visited from San Francisco.
Pam and me at Dodger Stadium
Pam and I hadn’t seen each other since our 20th Mount Holyoke reunion last year so we had plenty to catch up on. We shared a lot of laughs and conversation about life, love, career and the swift passage of time. And we did it while exploring some of LA’s iconic attractions.
Take me out to the ball game!
On Saturday, we headed over to Dodger Stadium to watch the Dodgers take on Pam’s beloved Red Sox. It was the first visit for both of us and we were impressed with the stadium’s retro design and pristine facilities. From oversized bobble head figurines to bright blue décor, Dodger Stadium harkens back to a time when venues were named for beloved teams instead of corporations. And there’s no shortage of great food options too (Mexican fare and delicious fries among them).
After the game, we drove over to Santa Monica. I was pleasantly surprised and a little impressed that I was able to navigate us better than Waze or Google Maps. Even though I’ve been more of an Uber/Lyft passenger than a driver over the last five months here, I’m definitely learning my way around! Santa Monica was packed with pedestrians and the odd street musician as we strolled around the Third Street Promenade.
We stopped for dinner at Italian bistro Trastevere—B-minus overall, Locando del Lago nearby is much better—before taking in the lively scene at Santa Monica’s historic pier and amusement park. Then it was back to my place in West Hollywood for an evening of wine, watching the Olympics and more great conversation.
No matter how much time passes, you can always pick up right where you left off with true friends. So thankful that Pam is one of them.
Jan 21
A Reunion And A Farewell
Last weekend, I caught up with my good friend Bobbi for a fun girls night out.
It was Bobbi’s first visit since moving to Dallas a year and a half ago. After brunch at Grand Central café Pershing Square, we met up later for dinner at Zengo in Midtown. The Richard Sandoval restaurant serves up Asian-Latin fusion in an inviting atmosphere with a cozy downstairs bar that’s packed for happy hour during the week.
Reunited: Bobbi and me at W’s Living Room Bar
Over the course of both meals and then drinks at the W New York hotel, we talked about work, dating and memorable times past—from a spa getaway in Connecticut to our joint 40th birthday celebration. We also reminisced about Helen, our beloved mutual family friend who introduced us 12 years ago.
Tante Chaya and me at my family’s annual holiday party, December 1997
Helen, Tante Chaya as I knew her, passed away on Monday at the age of 99. For 50 years, she was a huge part of my family–going back to when she and Mom worked for Dad’s company Leeds. Instrumental in bringing my late parents together, Tante Chaya persuaded Mom to stay at Leeds when she wanted to resign within weeks of starting. She also convinced Mom to take a chance on Dad years later and was the one who managed to find a rabbi who would marry them (Mom was Catholic, Dad was Jewish and interfaith marriages were a rarity at the time). It’s no exaggeration to say that, without Tante Chaya, I probably wouldn’t be here.
Though she never had children, Tante Chaya was a surrogate mother to me, Bobbi and so many blessed to know her. Her no nonsense advice and razor sharp wit never failed to make life’s trials—especially those of the romantic variety–easier to bear.
I will never forget the conversations we had–about everything from cherished memories of Mom and Dad to celebrity breakups and of course, affairs of the heart. Tante Chaya encouraged me to never give up on finding love. She was so eager for me to meet my mate that she proudly showed me the gown hanging in her closet, on hold for her to wear at my future wedding day.
Should that day ever come, I know she will be by my side, as she was in life for me and my parents. I have no doubt they are all together again.
Rest in peace, Tante Chaya. You will be in our hearts forever.
Nov 8
Weekend In Long Island
For as much as I adore my hometown, sometimes I need a break from the relentless hustle and bustle of NYC.
As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite places to unwind from city life is Long Island. I’m very fortunate to have several loved ones who are LI residents and last weekend, I had the pleasure of catching up with two of them.
Saturday, I headed out east to visit my cousin Carla. Our first stop–Verace, an airy Italian bistro located on Babylon’s charming main street. The friendly staff was in the Halloween spirit, dressed as nerds while serving delicious fare (eggplant caponata pasta and flounder oreganata for me, burrata ravioli for C).
The gypsy and the owl: Me and Carla at Molto Vino
After dinner and changing into our own costumes, we headed over to wine bar Molto Vino. Bustling with spirited locals and a jovial waitstaff, it was the perfect spot for people watching (Marty McFly and a mobster were among the costumed characters) and enjoying a festive Halloween night.
Settling ourselves at the bar, Carla and I savored a few glasses of red sangria as we talked about milestone birthdays and winter travel plans. It was the perfect Halloween night–low key fun with one of my favorite family members.
On Sunday, I spent the afternoon with galpal Julie. Our destination–Bar Frites in Greenvale, which with its buzzy vibe and French charm, reminded me of NYC’s currently-closed Pastis.
We both treated ourselves to the decadence of a croque madame sandwich while having the kind of soul soothing conversation that reminds you what a blessing it is to have good friends.
One of the subjects that came up–the mental shift that accompanies entering your forties. With three decades of life and learning behind you, this is the era of being truly comfortable in your own skin, of fully embracing your choices without apology or explanation. I’m also discovering that it is a time for letting go of the past and focusing squarely on what’s right in front of you.
Like the saying goes, the present truly is a gift. Especially when you’re fortunate to have wonderful people to share it with.
Sep 25
An Epic Saturday
Last weekend, I enjoyed an action packed day in my beloved hometown.
It started at Bistro LeSteak on the Upper East Side with my dear friend Crystal. This eatery is a cozy slice of French charm, with charming decorative touches like Impressionist wall paintings and draped ceilings.
Bistro Le Steak’s window seating is charming
Crystal and I settled into a table by the window. Over a delicious brunch (my first taste of eggs Benedict with crabcake. Yum!), we caught up on life, work, family and more.
With her incandescent smile and genuine warmth, Crystal is always like a dose of sunshine. She has a gift for making you see the beauty and fun of what’s right in front of you– as I rediscovered when we strolled through Central Park.
Reconnecting with my inner child in Central Park
As we took a leisurely turn on the swings, I savored the lush surroundings and muted sounds that make the park such a haven for New Yorkers. It hit me how lucky I am to have this gem a short walk away.
After saying goodbye to Crystal, I headed down to Union Square, where I met up with LA-based galpal and blogger Tess. Over cocktails and appetizers at The Coffee Shop restaurant, we talked about why Westin rocks as a hotel brand — yes, I’m an employee but I legitimately love it. And how there’s no city in the world like New York.
