Martha Stewart is a successful business woman, author, television personality and one of my idols. It is National Garden Month and Martha is certainly the QUEEN of gardening. On Thursday, April 5th I got to see this amazing lady up close and personal  and learned so much. 

To celebrate the release of her 90th book, Martha and her co-author Kevin Sharkey hosted a floral demo at Macy's in NYC (followed by a book signing). I had front row access to see this gardening maven in action. Martha and Kevin demonstrated a few different types of floral arrangements using some pieces form Martha's collection. My favorite floral piece used a cupcake stand (pictured below). They also explained techniques for conditioning flowers  such as burning the end of stems of flowers like Poppies or using a hammer to pound the stem of Lilacs.  Apparently Lilacs are Martha's favorite. Also, FUN FACT, Martha grows a ton of cat nip. Sounds like she is a crazy cat lady like myself. 

I definitely lack a green thumb, so it was nice to learn some simple tips and tricks. It was certainly so surreal to see Martha Stewart in person and she totally  inspired me to want to make a floral arrangement of my own. 

Did you know November is National Inspirational  Role Models Month? I met some great role models yesterday covering the unveiling of an inspiring  photography series  at the United Nations. Last year Disney launched #DreamBigPrincess photography campaign to encourage kids everywhere to dream big. Nineteen female photographers from fifteen countries contributed powerful images to the campaign.  Photographs shared on social media helped to raise funds for Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation’s program supporting adolescent girls’ leadership and empowerment.

It is imperative to encourage young girls that they have value, are powerful, influential and can have big dreams. With it being Inspirational Role Models Month, I had the opportunity to interview Monique Coleman, Girl Up Celebrity Champion, philanthropist and actress. As well as Kate T. Parker whose "Strong is the New Pretty" photos received global acclaim. Both women have made significant contributions to encouraging girls to be themselves and that they can fulfill their dreams. 

Do you have an inspirational role model? 
"I feel like I have several. Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and also my mother. My Mother is an inspiration."

What motivates to do the work that you do? 
"For me it's a deep need to leave the world better than I found it and it just feels like a calling on my life. for how blessed I am to do what I love with my life.  
There are so many people in the world, that don't have options, they don't have choices,  they can't choose their struggles. They don't necessarily have access and resources  to be able  to do, at this moment,  fulfill their dreams. .................
because these things are happening in the world, and I have the opportunity to go after whatever I want  and have that, I feel a deep responsibility to not only share my gifts continuously  but also give other people access and the opportunity to share their gifts as well."

What is your general message to young girls everywhere? 
"I think my general message  would be that you are powerful, you are strong, you are capable and that your dreams are possible." 

Who is your favorite Disney princess? 
"I've got three. Mulan, Tangled(Rapunzel) and Tiana."

Do you have an inspirational role model? 
"There are so so many. Many of the women honestly part of this campaign like Cristina (Cristina Mittermeier) are role models as photographers. They built their space  and shot the things that are meaningful to them  and made a career of out of  what they love.............
and my mom. She has always encouraged me to do what I thought was important  and was never like girls are quite, girls don't do that or you should be a little quieter Kate. She never once said that to me. I think that helped me find my voice."

What motivates to do the work that you do? 
"What motivates me is my daughters. I have two girls. I am a mom and I didn't see a lot of images of girls in photography that were empowering  that showed  girls who they truly were, that showed authentic  girls. For my girls that is dirty and messy and not smiling for the camera necessarily.and they were powerful. I wanted to show my girls that was beautiful and that is enough. they didn't need to change themselves.........that is what propels me. I want more images of girls we see in the media  that are strong and powerful  and confident. "  

What is your general message to young girls everywhere? 
"To be confident. My message to girls is to figure out your passion, figure out what you are passionate about and pursue that 100%. because your self worth is not dictated by what others think of you." 

Who is your favorite Disney princess? 
"I am a huge fan of Belle because she was who she was  and people made fun of her  and told her that she read too much or that she wasn't meant for that town. I just love that she saw beyond the surface  and pursued what she wanted to do regardless of what people said." 

On Tuesday I had the great pleasure of attending the TTPM Holiday Showcase that unveiled the most popular toys, trends and pet products! Let me just say that I felt like a kid again. I had a blast playing with slime, hitting targets, experimenting with virtual reality and making crafts! 
TTPM is a leading review site for toys, tots, pets and more. It is the number one resource for consumers to find and buy toys, pet products, baby gear, kids electronics etc.. easily. Their 2017 Holiday showcase included over 70 exhibitors and over 250 members of the press were in attendance (including yours truly). They also unveiled their 2017 most wanted toys list that you can view HERE.  I am going to share with you some of my highlights and the toys that really caught my attention. 

Rubie's Pet Shop
These pups in costumes were too precious! Rubie's Pet Shop is a new line of pet costumes and accessories from Rubie's Costume Company, which is the world's largest designer and manufacturer of costumes! They got you covered for all Holidays from Halloween, Christmas to even Valentine's day. I have two kitties and I have to admit I like to dress them up to take a cute Holiday photo. 

Nerf Dog
This is a toy that both your kids and dog will love! The Nerf Dog Large Tennis Ball Blaster is  gun that picks up the tennis ball for you (no more touching slobbery tennis balls) and you can "blast" the ball in the air for your pup to retrieve. It was simple and safe to operate. I had fun trying the blaster out. 

Inflate-a-mals
Inflate-a-mals are not your everyday stuffed animals. These toys inflate and are very light weight. They come in various sizes include a 6 ft tall giraffe!!  I thought this was very cool. 

Wubble Bubble Ball
Do your kids break all their toys? Well I can guaranteed that the Wubble Bubble ball is indestructible! They won't break this. It is a ball that looks like a bubble and  is squishy, soft and lightweight. I can see kids playing with this for hours. 

VRSE
I have never tried virtual reality before so I was super excited to try Skyrocket's VRSE VR Entertainment System. They had Jurassic World and Batman. I tried out the Batman and it was so cool to be immersed  into Gotham City. I am definitely intrigued and interested in VR gaming. 

Sweetlings
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a custom little cupcake! I LOVE cupcakes! Sweetlings is a fun DIY toy that allows youngsters to make custom cupcakes, cake pops, donuts and more! It comes with whipped clay as the frosting and a bunch of other accessories. Just let it dry overnight. I think this is a cute craft activity. 

Fingerlings
An interactive baby monkey that clings to your finger! Do I need to say more? Fingerlings are super adorable and react to sound, motion and touch and even make monkey noises. I wanted to take this little baby monkey home with me. 

Soft'n Slo Squishes
Like I previously mentioned I really love cupcakes and when I saw these it caught my attention. While I know this is meant to be a kids, toy, I am seriously considering getting these for everyone at the office. Soft'n Slo Squishes are so fun to squeeze and to me it is an upgrade to a stress ball. They are very soft and rise slowly. They come in all sorts of fun varieties like ice cream cones, cupcakes, cookies, cake and even pancakes!  

Here are some other fun pictures and a video from the showcase....

August is officially back to school month!  I had the pleasure of covering the Nickelodeon and Love Tribe Apparel's Launch Party of their 90's themed collection on Saturday at Macy's. If you are still  back to school shopping or just simply a 90's kid at heart, this collection is just for you!

This event was definitely a trip down memory lane. The DJ was spinning  all my favorite 90's hits and it was hard to not sing along to Backstreet Boys. There was even froyo and a candy bar  which was a really fun touch. I grew up watching Clarissa Explains It All, Rugrats and All That. It was great to see fashionable apparel of my favorite 90's Nickelodeon shows. 

I had the opportunity to chat with Bonnie Dogan, VP of Specialty Sales at Love Tribe. She is the mastermind behind this 90's inspired collection. 

I asked her what her "aha"  moment was that made her decide to go with the 90's. She stated "the bright and colorfulness of it......it's a couple of things honestly, the nostalgia behind it that's my era. I love all the characters from those shows from back in the day. They're fun, they're playful and I just love the bright color palette."

Her favorite piece in the collection is the Angelica Hoodie which actually sold out that day. Naturally her favorite 90's cartoon show being of course Rugrats. Who doesn't love Tommy Pickles and his pals! 

I asked Bonnie what her favorite 90's trend was "I love the over sized trend, We tried to incorporate that into some of our styles........in the 90's  you would take what your father wore and wear it."  Myself on the other hand rocked  butterfly clips and big bows. 

In the background 90's jams are playing and I asked her what her favorite artist was in the 90's and Bonnie said Prince. It is safe to say we were certainly partying like it was 1999. 

To  check out the full collection  visit Love Tribe Apparel. 

This was my second year hosting a Holiday card activity. These cards will be donated to The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie. 

On Saturday, October 22nd at the NYC 14th street Party City location  Executive Chairman of Party City Holdco Inc, Gerry Rittenberg donated Halloween costumes to pediatric cancer patients from Candlelighters NYC. Their smiles truly lit up the room! 

Founded in April 2007 by Barbara Zobian,  Candlelighters NYC is an organization dedicated to helping families get through  difficult times when their  child is diagnosed with and being treated for cancer .They  assist through all stages: discovery, diagnosis, treatment and remission. 
Candlelighters NYC is a free service that is open to anyone who has a child being treated for Cancer in New York City. ​

DONATE
LIKE Candlelighters NYC on Facebook

Be sure to check out Party City for all your Halloween costume and Party needs. 

I know every year for Halloween I am very indecisive with what I want to be. Do I want to be  silly, spooky or sexy? Well one thing is  for sure and that is that Party City will have  me covered.
I had an AMAZING time attending Party City's  Halloween Fashion Show held at Capsule Studio in NYC! Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays! I am so excited to share with you this season's latest costume trends  hitting  the shelves at a Party City near you! 

First, let's talk about the awesome Halloween decorations. Part City carries the most festive party supplies sure to captivate your guests. From skulls and eyeballs to Skeleton straws(my fav) and plateware. They have everything you need to make your event SPOOKTACULAR! ​

Let's start with the spooky costumes of the night. This is the Witch Doctor collection. I LOVED it! From the snake print leggings, voodoo doll, detailed accessories and awesome make-up. My favorite look of the evening. 

It simply isn't Halloween without some Superheroes. Captain America, Bat Girl, Super Girl and Deadpool were the highlights of the evening. These costumes were really cute and came in a bunch of different styles. 

When there are Superheroes, there are villains! The most popular costumes this season will most definitely be the Suicide Squad version of Harley Quinn and the Joker. I loved the movie  and I definitely anticipate a lot of Harley Quinn's this season. I mean she is the coolest villain. 

If cute is more of your style then you will love these looks. These fabulous feather looks and Alice in Wonderland themed costumes are super cute. I really enjoyed the Peacock costume myself. 

Pokemon Go, Emojis and Snapchat Filters are all huge pop culture phenomenons sweeping the nation. How can you not love Pikachu? 

With the upcoming presidential election, of course there is  a Donald and Hillary costume. 

I had a BLAST!