Johnny Weir's ITNY 2010 Gala Video Performance of Heartbroken

Johnny Wier's signature performance of "Heartbroken" for the Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala. Weir did the choreography and costume design especially for the Ice Theatre of New York. Watch for the interview with Johnny joined by Sarah Hughes at the end of his performance!

Johnny Weir was a guest performing artist for this year's Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Benefit Performance. Johnny is a 3 time National Champion, World Bronze Medalist and a 2 time Olympian, (recently at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games). As you can see in the video, from his original choreography to his unique costume design, Johnny is one of the most avante-garde performers on ice today. Johnny joined in the celebration of the Ice Theatre of New York's 2010 Home Season and has contributed his outstanding artistry and creativity to their events.














Johnny Wier on the ice as Dorothy Hamill receives her bouquet and award from The Ice Theatre of New York. See Dorothy Hamill's Complete 2010 ITNY's Gala Performance!

This event is held each year at the Sky Rink Chelsea Piers, NYC with the cocktail reception following at The Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61. Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes, JoJo Starbuck were the celebrity guest skaters on program this year.














Blast From the ITNY Past:
The lovely Ivana Trump and my escort Joseph Y. Miczak attending the 2006 21st Anniversary ITNY Gala reception at the Lighthouse Restaurant.

ITNY 25th Anniversary Gala Honors Dorothy Hamill VIDEO

Dorothy's timeless performance to Moon River, (Henry Mancini) as honoree of the Ice Theatre of New York's 25th Anniversary Gala! This special performance took place on Monday night, October 25th, 2010 at the Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers. Watch for the personal interview with Ms. Hamill at the cocktail reception which followed.

The Ice Theatre of New York pulled out all the stops for their 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala this year. This year's honoree, Olympic Gold Medalist, Dorothy Hamill was joined on the ice by skating greats: Two time Olympian Johnny Weir, 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes and two time Olympian JoJo Starbuck. This was a sold out event with more than 750 in attendance. ITNY's founder, Moira North, skating legend Dick Button and fashion designer Vera Wang came on the ice to present Dorothy with her award for the evening. (Pictured here is a unique jewelry piece designed & donated by Vera Wang for the Silent Auction)

The cocktail reception which followed was hosted by the Lighthouse Restaurant on Pier 61. Vera Wang was on the scene first so I enjoyed speaking with her briefly between photos. Dick Button who is a fixture and main supporter of the ITNY stopped by to say "hello" with former honoree, Aja Zanova of Prague, Czechoslovakia. Later came Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes and Moira North who posed for photos and interviews with Dorothy (see my interview with Dorothy at the end of her skating performance in the video above).

The Ice Theatre of New York is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and is widely known as the Nation's Premier Ice Dance Company. The ITNY's community outreach program aimed at inner city children offers inclusion rather than exclusion to those seeking to be part of what is now called "theatre on ice". As one of the founding skaters in Ice Capades, Hamill has had four ABC television skating specials in her honor and worked with disadvantaged children in Harlem. Hamill is a most a fitting candidate for this distinction. ITNY's past honorees I have covered include, Moira North, Aja Zanova, Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie.

A Blast from the ITNY Past:
Dick Button and Dr. M. enjoying the reception at the 2006 Ice Theatre of New York Gala honoring Czechoslovakian skater Aja Zanova.
Notice all the fur I'm wearing. It was a LOT colder in October back in "those days"!

Bill Boggs Host of Chef Foy Day

October 24th is now Chef Dennis Foy Day! Left to right celebrity host, Bill Boggs, Estella Foy and Chef Dennis Foy. The event included video clips from Bill Bogg's Corner Table television show from the Food Network and a tasting of culinary treats from local restaurateurs.

Big Boys Brisket busy preparing a delicious organic smoked chicken with apple cole slaw. This chicken was so moist and tender. Served hot, the cold Granny Smith apples & slaw set it off perfectly. This was hands down the most delicious chicken!

This lobster tail delight was executed by The Shipwreck Grill of Brielle, NJ. A Smoked Paprika sauce was used to poach the lobster which was finished with a Chili Oil. It was served on a scoop of sweet potato-chorizo hash which included European peas. Fabulous!














On the left we have a lovely Braised Short Rib on a Chinese Pancake finished with Hoisin Sauce prepared by The Black Trumpet of Spring Lake, NJ.
On the right is a delicious wild green salad with candied pecans and a light, fruity vinegarette from The Labrador Lounge of Normandy, NJ. This is all part of the Farm to Table Movement sweeping the Garden State.

Be sure to catch four time Emmy winner, Bill Boggs on PBS television for My Generation!

Bobbi Brown's Fall Make-Over Event

New York City based DJ JVC, aka Jimmy Connolly keeps the mix going at Bobbi Brown's Fall Make-Over Event! Old School 80's tracks down to Lady Gaga and everything in between. His high energy club style DJ-ing really made the event.

My new fall palette is everything rosy! Peony Blush, Desert Rose & Rosy 7 Treatment Lip Shine and Blushed Rose Pot Rouge pictured here. What to see more? Stop in at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for the full scoop!

After my Bobbi Brown make over with make-up artist Amelia who took about 20 minutes to pull this look together for me. I am SO ready for the Ice Theatre of New York's Gala Event on Monday!

My favorite picks for the day? Well, I just couldn't resist Bobbi Brown's Smoldering Eye Palette, Peony Blush, Rosy 7 Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 and her Skin Foundation in Natural which was a PERFECT match, (naturally)!

Fall Fashion Sense

Cozy Comfort in Smartwool separates, turtleneck sweater in Deep Purple Heather & action Simerset skirt all made of 100% Merino wool! Silk cardigan by Heke Silk. Italian Leather boots by Apepazza.

Warmth, comfort and great looks! Who says you can't have it all? Just invest in a few smart pieces this season for a comfortable pulled together look that will take you anywhere you want to go. Town or country, the choice is yours!

SMARTWOOL

Women's Midweight Turtleneck
I really enjoy my cashmere sweaters but always have to wear a liner-shirt under them. When I received this SmartWool turtleneck sweater, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. However, once I tried it on and noticed the softness of the wool and added features such as flatlock seams, I knew this was a sweater I could live in. Even on a cool, windy day this midweight, semi fitted sweater keeps you very toasty yet breathes thus preventing over-heating. The curved hemline means this top won't ride up and princess seaming means no ugly side seams. Made of 100% SmartWool interlock knit this is a classic look taken to a fresh, modern level.

Women's Simerset Skirt
This skirt is as soft as a pair of sweatpants but look SO much better! There's really no need to go back to sloppy exercise clothing when you can be comfortable AND look fantastic in these SmartWool separates. This skirt has softness yet is structured to give you a clean line with a princess seam detail and a vent at the left front of the hem. It is warm and moves with you without cinching up as you walk. A warm pair of tights underneath and you are ready for anything! 100% SmartWool terry back knit.

Visit SmartWool online for these and MORE fall fashion essentials.

Apepazza Italian Leather Zippered Boots
This season Ugg boots may still be in but the bedroom slipper look needs a rest. You can see the clean lines that a classic pair of black boots brings to this outfit. Now imagine this ensemble with a pair of puffy Uggs on bottom. See what I mean? Sorry but sheepskin boots don't go with everything despite what the magazine ads would have you believe. These Apepazza boots are made of Bologna leather which is so very soft and supple. I've had practically no break in time with these boots. The partial invisible zipper is hidden by being situated on the inside of the ankle and the leather tabs at the top facilitate removing them. Beautiful details and a well balanced heel is sure to turn heads.

Accessories: This season leopard prints are definitely in so grab a scarf or some arm candy with this pattern to update what you already have.

Drink to Your Health!

All Day Energy Greens and Go Ruby Go from IVL Products are two of my favorite ways to sneak in those much needed 5 servings of fruits & vegetables each day. Photo: Go Ruby Go drink prepared in a tall glass and our estate's organic tomatoes.

Yes, yes. We all know how important it is to get those 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. We also know how easy it is to fall short when the lettuce we "just brought" is now wilted and summer fruits are no longer in season. I pride myself on fresh juices made in my Vita-Mix but some days, I have to get out early and don't have time for the "morning grind". Another benefit is that fruits and vegetables help to alkalize the blood. High acidity in the body is linked to inflammation such as arthritis, gout, retention of fat and other health problems.

This is where I've found All Day Energy Greens and Go Ruby Go drink mixes to be in a class all their own. I have used different green energy powders in the past but have to admit, I didn't notice much of an "energy surge". Many energy drink mixes are made with fillers or high amounts of fruit pectin which may add fiber but are not high on the nutritional list.

All Day Energy Greens' first ingredient is alfalfa leaf powder. Alfalfa is a powerhouse of nutrition and is the most cultivated legume in the world. Alfalfa has been used as a medicinal herb for over 1,500 yrs, especially by the Chinese who used young alfalfa leaves to treat digestive and kidney disorders. Alfalfa is high in B vitamins and minerals such as calcium. Since it is from a plant source, the calcium found in alfalfa is easily and completely absorbed. Still this is only one of the ingredients in All Day Energy Greens. It also contains soy lecithin which is excellent for emulsifying fats, organic barley grass and other organic seeds, fruits, vegetables and herbs. It even contains a full array of digestive enzymes to help utilize this product to the full. I noticed a definite lessening in stiffness after working out and more energy with my first container. The taste? Really delicious!!! One scoop exceeds the equivalent of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits so while it is not a replacement for them, it can be a very helpful insurance policy.

Go Ruby Go is such a treat! I use it to help make less palatable drinks such as my Organic Kelp and blue green algae powders taste good. The first fruit/vegetable on the list of Go Ruby Go is tomato. Rich in lycopene and antioxidants, it is one of the many vegetables we grow in abundance in our gardens. The second ingredient is red raspberry which is another highly nutritious fruit that Native Americans used by women to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles.
What you will like about Go Ruby Go is that it doesn't taste like tomatoes, (no V-8 taste), but is light and fruity. It blends so easily in water, coconut milk or green tea and makes a great smoothie with fresh blueberries. Just like the All Day Energy Greens, it gives extra confidence that you are getting everything you need and more with the addition of antioxidant berries, fruits & probiotics. I think you will be truly pleased and pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get your 5 a Day with these drink mixes. Your energy will definitely improve as will your digestion and regularity. That's what eating fruits and vegetables will do!
IVL Products- All Day Energy Greens & Go Ruby Go

REMEMBER!!!! Enter the Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook GIVE-AWAY ! Entry deadline is MIDNIGHT October 24th, 2010 so hurry!

Hungarian Kielbasa & Cabbage

Hungarian Kielbasa & Cabbage is a favorite fall gourmet dish in my home. Simple & easy to prepare it is very rich in delicious antioxidants! Here is a traditional recipe from my sister-in-law's authentic Hungarian kitchen.

Hungarian Kielbasa & Cabbage

1 small head of green or Savoy cabbage
1 medium onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 medium carrots
10 plum tomatoes
3 small potatoes, (diced)
1 tsp Emiril's Original Essence
1 tsp of Szeged Hungarian Paprika
1 tsp of sugar
1/2 cup red wine
1 lb of Kielbasa, (sliced)

Spray a large Dutch Oven with Pam. Mince the onion, garlic, carrots and plum tomatoes almost to a puree using a food processor. Pour these vegetables into the pot and add the roughly chopped cabbage. Dice the potatoes & slice the Kielbasa to add to the pot along with seasonings, sugar & wine. Set on low, cover and let it cook all day, stirring occasionally. This recipe will also work in a Crock Pot.
I only use traditional Szeged, (pronounced seg-ged) Paprika from Hungary. It has more flavor than Spanish paprika so you need to use only a little in your recipes.