Gracefully You: Jenna Dewan's Book Launch at Mr Purple

By: Finance Foodie

Last week, I attended a lunch hosted by The Mom's, a modern motherhood group, and Spin Master toys (best known for their adorable Hatchimals eggs) celebrating superstar dancer / actress Jenna Dewan's new book Gracefully You.  The event was held at the LES hotspot Mr. Purple, a rooftop bar located in the Hotel Indigo known for its outdoor pool and hip patrons.

Entrance

I had been wanting to check out Mr. Purple for a while now, as my younger and cooler co-workers constantly rave about their weekends at joint, so I thought this was the perfect excuse to visit. I really love the loft like space, the abundance of seating options both indoor and outside (because who wants to stand for hours on end) and the industrial yet artistic feel.  While I probably didn't get the full experience of the bustling nightlife crowd, there was something refreshing about talking babies with the mom influencers, mocktail in hand, under the disco ball, with a expansive view of downtown Manhattan.

Loft Like Space

During the Q&A session with The Moms (Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein), Jenna, who is currently expecting her second child, gracefully (pun intended!) answered questions about her current pregnancy (she's more tired and nauseated this time around) and discussed how to feel better, focus on what’s important, and maintain a sense of balance while juggling the demands of life (sounds like everyone who lives in NYC needs to read this book!). She even busted out a dance move with The Moms - impressive especially when you are carrying another human in your belly!

Jenna Dewan with The Moms (photo credit: TheMOMS.com, by Jonathan Breton)

At the end of the event, all the attendees were gifted Jenna's book and some Hatchimals toys to take home. After the inspirational and fun interview, I cannot wait to read more of Jenna's mantras and tips for living your best life!

The America’s Got Talent BBQ: Games, Good Food And Great Talent!

By: Anne M. Raso

About 50 journos descended upon the legendary NBC Studios Commissary (now named NBC Studio 9C) last night for a fabulous BBQ that included games, prizes (that included AGT merchandise), classic BBQ food and show talent.

Howie Mandel

Jill Zarin's Second Annual Luxury Ladies Luncheon: Fabulous Fun In The Hamptons Sun!

By: Anne M. Raso

This past Sunday, reality star/entrepreneur Jill Zarin had a party as fabulous as you might think it would be at her gorgeous contemporary Southampton home. There were giant rubber ducks in the Jacuzzi, burgers on the grill, fantastic hors d'oeuvres being passed and about 35 fashion and tech-forward companies with their merchandise on display.

Scene at the House

J. Cole Headlines Don Julio Tequila Super Bowl XLVIII Weekend Celebration at Liquid Cellar

By: Finance Foodie

Last Friday night, I attended Don Julio Tequila's exclusive afterhours event celebrating Don Julio 1942 to kick off Super Bowl weekend. Music was curated throughout the night by superstars DJ Ruckus and DJ Politik and the "black tie - your way" attired guests sipped on specialty Don Julio cocktails.

2010 New York Wine and Food Festival: Rachael Ray Culinary Demo

By: Finance Foodie

Since I moved to the East Coast, I’ve looked forward to Columbus Day weekend every year -- not because of the long weekend (I’ve never had a Columbus Day off), but because I get to make my annual trek to NYC for the New York Wine and Food Festival. This three-day extravaganza brings out all the top chefs for a weekend of fantastic events and dinners around the city, with all proceeds benefiting the NYC Food Bank and Share Our Strength! Team Finance Foodie was lucky enough to be invited again this year to cover the festivities – hooray for great foods and great causes! (Our coverage last year can be seen here and here)

Love Rachael Ray!

Twilight's Nikki Reed, R&B star Chris Brown, and More Celebrate Swatch New Gent Collection Launch [New York]

By: Anne M. Raso

Okay I admit it -- I really went to the recent launch of Swatch watches' New Gent Collection at the Gansevoort Park Avenue penthouse because I write for the tween entertainment mags and need all the four-one-one I can get about cast members from the Twilight flicks (our readers' favorites). Seeing that the New Gent event's host was Nikki Reed and her pal Chaske Spencer (whom is a doll to interview and will be filming Twilight: Breaking Dawn with Nikki starting next month in New Orleans) -- well, I just had to drop by and check out the scene!

Nikki with her Swatch(es)! 

Fashion for a Cause: Featuring The Real Housewives of New York!

by: Anne M. Raso

This past Wednesday night, I attended the Fashion for a Cause fashion show and the launch of The Dawson Scleroderma Foundation. Held at the Carlton Hotel, over 300 of New York's most charitable tastemakers, fashion lovers, and celebs joined founder Courtney Dawson (who herself is terminally ill with Scleroderma) to watch designer David Meister's fashion show, featuring The Real Housewives of New York’s Ramona Singer's jewelry collection.

The Real Housewives, David Meister, and Swizz Beatz

New York Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2011: Weekend Part 3

By: Finance Foodie 

(continued from part 2)

The last and final day of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (for me at least)! Without further ado, let’s jump on in.

Tiger at the 16: Deutsche Bank Golf Championship

By: Finance Foodie

Last Friday, I had the chance to watch PGA pros play live when the Bermuda Tourism Board invited me to attend the 1st round of the Deutsche Bank Golf Championship. Now to be honest, when it comes to golf (and thankfully, my personal life), I am no Tiger Woods. In fact, I still cringe remembering the time I dinged my golf instructor’s shiny new BMW when my flyaway shot zinged sideways off the driving range and into the parking lot. So even though I don’t play or follow golf religiously, I’ve watched enough games to know the major players. Therefore, I was uber excited to see Woods, as well as some of my other favorites (Mickelson, Furyk) live in action!

So Legit

He's Back!: Sopranos Star Vincent Pastore's New Rat Pack Revue at the Friar's Club [New York]

by: Anne M. Raso

Sopranos veteran Vincent Pastore, who played Tony S.'s "soldier" and confidante that was last seen swimming with the fishes, is back not only via his film acting work but because of the special Rat Pack events he has been organizing in the New York tristate area. We first caught up with Big Pussy's New Rat Pack Revue which featured fellow Sopranos vets Vincent Curatola and Al Sapienza back in April at the Gramercy Theater, but most recently we caught the Revue in a decidedly non-rock-and-roll version at The Friar's Club (this particular show was a benefit for the Sunshine Committee).

Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic New York

By: Finance Foodie

This past Sunday, I ferried over to Governor’s Island to watch the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic. It was an abysmally hot summer day, but that didn’t prevent the polo loving attendees from dressing to impressing (as they tend to do in NYC). Sitting among the crowd of huge hats, aviators, and linen suits, I realized that I had no idea how the game of polo was played. As the two teams (BlackRock and BlackWatch – confusing much?) started the match, I realized it didn’t matter since Prince Harry, who was competing in the event, clearly stole the spotlight (the crowd cheered every time his name was mentioned) and my heart as well!

You Had Me at Hello...

A Night with Queen Latifah [Boston]

“U.N.I.T.Y…”

Last Tuesday evening, the Boston Women’s Fund (BWF), the only Boston-area grant making organization that direct funds to programs that benefit women and girls, hosted a gala honoring Her Majesty, singer/actress/model/superstar Queen Latifah. Now, it’s not everyday that I have the opportunity to be graced by the presence of bona fide Hollywood royalty, so I was pretty pumped to attend this event!

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010: Who.What.Wear Part 3

By: Finance Foodie

(Continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

My final day at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was the most chill – no shows or events until the evening meant I had the afternoon and morning free to hangout with friends in the City (whom I’m highly thankful for – as they immediately took me to Chinatown for a big bowl of noodles upon hearing about my deprivation of solid foods for the past two days). Anyways, onto the final installment!

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010: Who.What.Wear Part 2

By: Finance Foodie

(...Continued from Part 1)

I approached Day 2 of my Foray into Fashion Week with a bit of apprehension, as it was my busiest day out of the three days I was in town. With shows booked back to back, including a few off-site shows sandwiched in between, I was afraid I'd collapse from exhaustion before the day was done!. However, with carefully planning (one of the few things I learned from my banking days!) and a bit of luck, I managed to see all my shows and even mustered enough energy go out on a Valentine's Day date. Afterall, I can always sleep when I am dead.

Anyways, on to the show recaps....

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2010: Who.What.Wear Part 1

By: Finance Foodie

After spending an exciting but exhausting weekend in New York for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week – man, am I glad to be back in Boston! I’m still recovering from the visually stimulating three point five days filled with everything from jeweled embroidered tights to shaggy fur dresses! Though Boston might be better known for its “Intellectual Prowess” versus its “Fashion Prowess”, I discovered a few looks from the runways that would fit nicely into any occasion for life in Boston. [Note: these looks wont be in stores till Fall 2010, but its never too early to start planning!]

Top of the Line at the Viking Designer Series Launch Party New York

By: Patrick Chang

Nothing says top of the line kitchen equipment like Viking. As someone who grew up in a home fully equipped with all Viking Professional appliances, the slick shine of the stainless steel and the durability of appliances bring comfort to my heart!

2009 Cook. Eat. Drink. Live New York

By: Ethan Shen

This past weekend was the 2009 Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. food extravaganza in New York City's Meatpacking District. From the wineries and mixologists to the restaurants and celebrity chefs, the three day festival was overflowing with an eclectic assortment of comfort foods and edible finery. After getting a week’s worth cravings satisfied in one afternoon, I was certainly a believer.

ATASK's Silk Road Gala 2009 Boston

By: Finance Foodie

As the temperature drops in Boston, my motivation for leaving my warm and cozy apartment also dwindles - nights basking by the warm glow of Top Chef and Rachel Zoe Project marathons in a Snuggie just seem so comforting when the weather is so harsh outside. However, when I was invited to attend the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK)’s Silk Road Gala at the Mandarin Oriental Boston this past Saturday night, not even the Snuggie could keep me in – I got to support my people after all!

Culinary Boner at the Food2.com / Food Network Test Kitchen Party

By: Finance Foodie

So last night was the Food2.com Launch Party at the Food Network Test Kitchen in NYC. Food2 is a rad new site from the Food Network that aimed at the twenty-something foodie who is hip, trendy, and down with pop culture.

Wait…let’s backtrack…did you say a party in Food Network Test Kitchen? How sweet (and by sweet, I mean awesome and tasty)

Jam Session: Jennifer Hudson Performs at the Boston RoxComp Gala

By: Finance Foodie

This past Saturday night, I attended the Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center (RoxComp) Gala at the Boston Four Seasons. RoxComp is a leading provider of primary healthcare and outpatient mental and social health services in Roxbury and North Dorchester, and provides these services to individuals regardless of ability to pay. The event featured a lovely dine around dinner prepared by the Four Seasons Executive Chef Brooke Vosika (who first wowed me with his dishes at the Tour de Champagne), a silent and live auction, and an intimate live performance by Oscar / Grammy award winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls, Sex and the City, The Secret Life of Bees) to cap off the night.

….Wait…did you say an awesome dinner AND private concert with Jennifer Hudson FOR a great cause? No need to ask me twice because I am so there already!