Since my daughter Rachel moved to New York City last September, I find myself heading there for visits every few months now! I lived on the Upper East Side for over 25 years before moving to LA so when I go back there, I like to spend time downtown, especially in Soho. For me, it’s a fresh and fun area with tons of great restaurants, shops, sites, history, culture, and more. Read on to see some of my favorites places I’ve visited.
Read moreHow to Relax Your Hair Safely: New Japanese Straightening
I have been getting my hair Japanese straightened by Yuki for several years, usually right before the summer. When I lived in NY, I really needed it because the humidity would make my hair unruly and frizzy. I have never tried the Keratin treatment (Brazilian straightener) because it contained formaldehyde. I was so happy to hear that now there is a less damaging version of the original Japanese straightening product that is safe to use on highlighted hair. It's by Milbon and called Liscio Crystal Highlight Smoothing formula. I asked Yuki who is now at the Pierre Michel salon to go through the steps with me so that I could share his magic! To find a salon near you that offers this process, click here.
Emotional & Mental Health Support: The Jed Foundation & Love is Louder
The primary goal of The Jed Foundation is promoting emotional health and preventing suicide among college and university students. Over ten years ago, my family and I lost an immediate family member to suicide so this has become an extremely important cause to us. Many celebrities including Mary J. Blige, Pete Wentz, Glen Close, Melissa Rivers and Brittany Snow have also supported the foundation's mission.
The Jed Foundation along with with MTV and Brittany Snow started an important on-line movement called "Love is Louder." It's goal is to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood, or alone. Everyone knows someone who could benefit from this movement so please share this information and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
I recently attended The Brightest Night 12th Annual Gala benefiting The Jed Foundation that took place at 583 Park Avenue in NYC. The event was hosted by Stacy London author and host of TLC's What Not to Wear and included cocktails, dinner, awards, live auction and entertainment.
Mental health awards were presented to individuals and companies who made important contributions to advance initiatives for those with mental and emotional illnesses. The evening's entertainment was an inspiring performance by NYU students about student wellness and one by singer and song-writer Ann Hampton Callaway.