Samantha's Event Pick- Decorating for a Cause

Susan Komen Breast Cancer Holiday House

Even though Breast Cancer awareness month is October, that doesn't mean that we can't support the cause other months as well. As we embark upon the holiday season, a not to be missed Decorator's showhouse is the Holiday House on E 63rd Street in Manhattan. Some of the city's best interior designers have come in and transformed this elegant townhouse into holiday rooms. Don't miss the Mother's Day Room, The Easter Room or Chinese New Year. They even asked me to do a room,  the Valentine's Day Love Lounge where you can sip a love potion, ask love questions and relax to love melodies from Air Supply and Barbra Streisand. Some of the designer's participating this year are Barbara Ostrom, Marcia Tucker Interiors, and Debra Landis Designs . The house is open to the public for the first 2 weeks of December and all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research. This is not to be missed!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Asian fusion anyone

Mehtaphor

I recently tried this restaurant and let me tell you, it was yummy. It is located on the ground floor of the Duane Street Hotel and its definitely worth a try. Ir is the newest restaurant from Jehangir Mehta, the owner of the small plates restaurant, Graffiti.    They categorize Mehtaphor as asian fusion, indian, eclectic and small plates; I know, that's sounds like too many types of food. However, whatever you want to call it, the food works. Don't miss the Shrimp Ceviche appetizer, the sauce is divine. And Shaved Fois Gras with the Raspberry Compote was just right, served with a side of the most succulent salad; I have no idea what they put on those greens but I literally had to order an extra plate of just the lettuces! And the Banana Leaf Cod with Green Chutney was the perfect mix of sweet and a little spicy. Then, the Hazelnut Souffle was the right ending for this meal. Two words of caution when going here, go for the food, not for quiet conversation; this place is very noisy, fun and upbeat, but noisy. Second, make sure to request an actual table or you might wind up at the bar or the common table. Enjoy!

Samantha's Do Good Pick- Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Endeavor Organization

There are a lot of do good organizations out there these days so it takes a lot to capture a philanthropist attention. And the Endeavor Organization does just that, makes everyone sit up and take notice. This organization helps entrepreneurs in emerging markets start or grow their companies all with an eye towards creating more job and economic growth for the country. The organization started in 1997 and since that time have expanded into over 10 emerging markets. I learned all of this at the very lovely event they hosted in New York City where they honored the entrepreneurs who founded the Gilt Groupe. Notable  people like Edgar Bronfman Jr.,  Paula Zahn and Nicholas Beim were in attendance. And the evening's entertainment was sexy crooner, Bruno Mars who sang all his hits songs including my favorite song, Just the Way You Are!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Midtown Meals

Casa Lever

I recently returned to Casa Lever for dinner. This hotspot is located in the Lever Building on 53rd Street right of Park Avenue. It is a great place for a date if you are trying to impress her with food . The food was yummy. I had an amazing Carciofi salad first which had hearts of palm, artichokes of course and baby arugula with shaved and a light but tasting dressing, then we went to one of their signature dishes, Tagliatelle Bolognese with veal ragout and the main course was scrumptous Sardinian-style lamb served with polenta and a wine reduction. Then, we even saved room for a nibble of their Gianduia dessert, one of my favorites because I love hazelnuts. The food was top notch. One word of caution, if you are service snob, this might not be the place for you- the staff was very confused- bringing the wrong dishes and drinks to tables, stuttering over reciting the specials and just not as attentive as you would think they would be at a place of this stature. I am hopeful it was just an off night because the food is not to be missed!

Samantha's Dating Thought--- Should all married men wear rings?

 

Men and Rings

Recently on Facebook, a single girl posted an entry about married men hitting on her, a lot and that she thought that all married men should have to wear wings to give the single gals a hint that they are unavailable. Not a bad idea in theory but will that really solve the problem? Isn't the ring just a symbol and don't we see plenty of men who are wearing a ring still flirting? Moreover, don't we see too many women flirting back even with the ring clad man? In reality, shouldn't it really be all about the men and how they present themselves to the world at large?

Samantha's Event Pick- Do you board much?

Boarding for Breast Cancer

Every October I try to attend as many Breast Cancer events as possible as there is nothing more important to a woman than helping to find a cure for this disease. This was my first time at a Boarding for Breast Cancer event and I was quite impressed with the turnout and the dedication to the cause. The idea behind boarding for breast cancer is how important early detection is especially for people who have active lifestyles. The women who founded this organization had a friend die of breast at 26, just two months after it was detected.
The event took place at Desiron, Frank Carfaro's very hip home furnishings store that has one of the coolest event spaces on it's bottom floor.  There was cool music, dancing and many attractive NY hipsters.  Definitely check it out next year and if you didn't get to support as many breast cancer events this year during October, please keep an eye out for the Bring a Friend for Breast Cancer event I am hosting in early December at the Susan G. Komen Holiday House.

Samantha's Product pick- When it gets sticky

Goo Gone

How many times have you bought something and if has one of those gummy, gluey stickers on it and you just can't get it off? You try soap and water, you try Windex, sometimes you even use your teeth, but to no avail, that stupid sticker is still there and of course, they always put it in the most prominent places. Solution and it really works- Goo Gone. I know you always thought of that stuff as an infomercial ripoff but honestly, it works. You literally put it on a paper towel and scrub it over the sticky icky sticker and like magic, it starts dissolving and then it's gone. A word of caution, if you have a manicure where gloves when you use it because it makes the nail polish go away as well!

Samantha's Event Pick- Ping Pong for a Cause

The Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

I recently attended a ping pong event for the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer fund at the hot spot, Spin. The room was packed with young social creatures, all turning out for the cause. Great place to meet someone, all for a great cause. There was a tournament going on in the middle of the room  between the Super women- Breast cancer survivors and Super Models. And people were playing pick-up ping pong games all over the room. Then Kelly Dooley was there peddling her Bodyrock Sportsline all for the cause. I even got a photo with Stephen Baldwin. Make sure to come out for the next one...

Samantha's Book Pick- Speaking is everything

How to Give  Pretty Good Presentation by TJ Walker

I don't know about you, but I can always get a few public speaking tips from a Master. I speak at conferences, events and on the phone all the time and I think I am good, but I could always be better. Everyone could. Enter TJ Walker, he has been coaching famous people on their public speaking for years. And now he has written a book as he says, "a speaking survival guide... for the rest of us." There are great tips in here that are helpful whether you speak at Fortune 500 events or you are just trying to get your children to take you more seriously. My favorite tip is if you feel like you are losing your audience, address someone by name and ask a series of questions so that they become reengaged in the talk. Definitely worth a read!

Samantha's Event Pick- Sipping for a Cause

Zachys Wine Tasting to Benefit the Robin Hood Foundation

When it comes to distributing wine, Zachys is one of the best in the business. And Robin Hood is one of our best philanthropic organizations as it is the leader in fighting poverty in NYC.  Put them both together and you have yourself a great event. And this one was not to be missed. There were over 130 wineries represented from across the Globe alongside restaurant outposts with food from some of New York top chefs. Some of the favorite wines I sampled were the Napanook 2007 Bordeaux blend from Dominus Estate in Napa Valley., the Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007  "Fay"  from Napa Valley,  the Patz & Hall Chardonnay 2008 from Sonoma, the Columbia Crest Reserve Merlot 2007 from ChateauSte Michelle in Washington,  the Pierre Yves Colin-Morey Chasagne Montrachet Les Caillerets 2008 from Burgundy France, the Joseph Phelps dessert wine, Eisrebe 2008 from Napa, and the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay. As for the food, the Pumpkin soup with chanterelle mushrooms and croutons was delish from Benoit, and the wine samplings of fromage, salamis and proscuitto from Primizie.  Yum, yum!

Samantha's "Must Do" Pick- The Hairy Gorilla

completely bare

How much time do you spend a week grooming yourself? Between your blowout, your facial, your nails and toes and shaving, I am betting at least 24 hours. And with shaving, we think that it is easier than going through with the laser hair removal down there because it seems quicker, it's less expensive and less painful. However, the fact of the matter is, if we could remove the hair down there once and for all, wouldn't life be grand? Shower time would be shorter, no more ingrown hairs and boyfriends all over would be perpetually happy. That's where completely bare comes in. Don't let the name fool you or scare you, you can go as bare or not bare as you dare; it's your choice but letting them permanently remove that stuff down there is the right choice to make. They have locations all over the city-it's private, it's pleasant and their technicians keep it simple and painless because they have a magical lotion that helps a lot. The first time is scariest but after that, it's smooth sailing. And when you are finished you will be so happy that you did it that you might reward yourself with a Vajewel or  a Vatoo.  I bet now, I really have your attention!!

Samantha's "I'm Obsessed" Pick- A New Kind of Supermarket

Trader Joe's

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical before entering this gargantuan establishment. I had been in one year's ago in Los Angeles, but all I remembered was long lines and lots of just okay generic brand food. However that was years ago and that wasn't in Manhattan so being the true curious Georgina that I am, I wondered in cautiously yesterday. The lines, they are still there so plan ahead but now I understand why people are willing to stand on those lines. They have everything in that store. And it's perfect for the busy NYer who doesn't really know how to cook but wants to make a romantic dinner for her beau because they have endless looking yummy pre-made foods. Even their produce looks fresh and good. And the prices, I felt like I was in Kansas, things are cheap in there, truly cheap. My burrata cheese that I love so much was $4.49 for 2 balls of it and it was yummy; I usually pay close to $15 for that in those ritzy establishments that I usually frequent!  I would say, it's worth a look see!

Samantha's Book Pick- I always wanted to be a designer

Book- P.S.- I Made This by Erica Domesek

You have to admit that sometimes you wish you were a fashion designer. You see a dress and you think to yourself, if only I could nip this, tuck that, add a button, add a color, but you have no idea how to do this, so you  are stuck buying what's out there and making no adjustments. Well, pine no longer. In Domesek's book, P.S- I Made This, she actually helps you play designer for a day or many days. She provides step by step, easy to understand instructions and even illustrations for "doctoring" clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes and belts. And the end product, something that is really cool, really wearable and really individualistically you. As for me, I am gearing up to try to make a lucite necklace. How much fun is that?

Samantha's "I'm obsessed" pick- They come in different colors

Heirloom Tomatoes

For those of you who think that a tomato is a tomato, you certainly have not experienced an Heirloom tomato. I have been a fan ,maybe an obsessed addict for over 8 years now. Besides the face that they are so healthy for you (high in lycopene which is one of the best antioxidants out there), they are truly yummy! The Heirlooms are in season for only a short time each year- in August, in September and if we are lucky early Oct (we are this year!). Why are they so good when they are actually so ugly and deformed? Heirloom tomatoes are
cultivated tomatoes that have been deliberately selected for their specific desirable characteristics. They are the Ferrari of tomatoes. And in terms of picking the best ones, the uglier the better; I mean it, choose ugly, they are most succulent.

As for the best variations-If you can find a Mr Stripey or an Old German, you will get to experience a tomato with a yummy marbleized inside. Don't miss the Green Zebra which is green with light green or yellow stripes on it. Then one of my personal favorites is Black Krim which is super dark red with the green top. And the most common Heirloom but still delich is the Brandywine which is red like a regular tomato but ugly.

As for some places to get them-- check out the outdoor market near Lincoln Center in Manhattan on Saturday but get there early and get there this weekend because this seriously might be your last chance this season!

Samantha's Restaurant Pick- Go French all Fall

Pierre's

Many people quickly forget about the Hamptons and all its hype after Labor Day. However for those of you like myself who love it out there in the fall, go back to Pierre’s in Bridgehampton. It is open 7 days a week all winter long and the meal I had this past weekend was truly one of the yummiest I have had in a long time. From the second you walk inside, it’s very cozy and oh so romantic- perfect lighting, a divine smell, a french feeling  (but without the snobbery),and a perfect climate temperature. You just feel at home. And both the lamb and the chicken main dishes were out of this world We literally couldn’t get enough. And you can actually get a table and have a little chit chat with Pierre himself at this time of year.  I can’t wait to eat there again!

Samantha's Web Pick- Wow Wow Wow

PureWow

 

For those of you who love Daily Candy and who are of the female persuasion, this is the site for you. You sign up for daily emails and they send you little kernels of cool, fun and unique info that will really spark your interest. And if you feel like your inbox is too cluttered for a daily blast, you can go straight to their website and choose a category like  food & drink, travel & destinations, health & wellness, etc and read to your hearts content. My 2 fave entries thus far have been the entry on Cynthia Rowley's new line of snazzy tools called the Genuine Article and the entry on the La Fresh Instant Calmer that you put on your forehead to calm your nerves and your headache.   It's definitely worth a look-see!

Samantha's Event Pick- Hola Espana

Great Match- The Wines of Spain

Everybody loves a great wine tasting event but when you put hundreds of Spanish wines in a room coupled with yummy food tastings from some of the NY great restaurants, then you really have a superb event and some great matches. The Great Match- Wines of Spain did exactly that- over 200 wines from 74 different winemaking regions. Spanish wines are truly delicious and after my recent trip to Barcelona, I was happy to be sipping them once again. Some of my personal favorites at this event were the Campillo Gran Reserva 1994 from Rioja and the Mas d'en Gil from Priorat. As for foods, I loved the Gnocchi Bolognese from Osteria Paiolo in Brooklyn and the spiced Kobe beef from Megu.  Hola Espana!

Samantha's Movie Pick- When you least expect it...

Life As We Know It

This movie definitely looks like a chick flick from the previews but I screened it this week and yes, its a chick flick but it's funny and heartwarming so even a "dude" can enjoy it.  Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel have great chemistry and then there's that super hotty, Josh Lucas who finishes off the love triangle. Plus the movie has an unexpected twist that the previews don't mention that makes it interesting and fun.  Its certainly worth a look-see when it opens on Friday and its a great movie with which to barter, "I will go see it, if I can do Monday night football with the guys!"

Samantha's "I'm impressed" Pick-- Pink football

NFL and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Most people think of football as a male sport. And many women curse the NFL for taking their men away from them all day Sunday, Sunday night, Monday night and now Thursday night. Well ladies, even though you might be a football widow during the fall, curse the NFL no longer because the NFL has made a truly impressive commitment to Breast Cancer. If you watch a football game anytime during the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, everywhere you look, you will see breast cancer pink. Their hope is to raise breast cancer awareness.  The players are wearing pink cleats, pink sweat-rags, pink gloves, there are pink footballs and there are even pink lines of scrimmage on the field. And all the apparel worn by the players and coaches as well as all the paraphernalia will be auctioned off at NFL Auction. Make sure to tune in !

Samantha's Product Pick- Kick-ass DVD

Rockin Models DVD

If you are looking to get in shape and look like a model, this is the exercise video for you. Sexy and very toned, Grace Lazenby, a ex-model and current celebrity fitness trainer created Rockin Models which helps you "look like a model, feel like a dancer and workout like a rockstar." It is a 65 minute workout  of yoga-ballet with a dash of burlesque set to really cool music. And if you want to take the class live, you can find Grace at Equinox in Los Angeles. I am told she is famous for detailing muscles; I am ready..