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Free Beauty Events June Giveaway

2020-06-18T11:29:00.003-07:00

FreeBeautyEvents.com is back this month with another amazing giveaway! For anyone not familiar with FBE, the site is a great tool for all beauty addicts. It helps you stay up to date on the latest beauty happenings in your area and serves as an awesome way to snag killer free samples. Each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's best must haves, and this month's is worth a whopping $160.00 value! Let's check them out...

This month's basket includes industry favorites from YesTo, Maybelline, Neutrogena, L'Oreal, and more! The contest runs from now through 6/30/20, winners will be chosen on 7/10/2020 and notified by 7/15/2020. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog. Like any of the products you read about? Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up! Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples. It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.

Get more FBE info here

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Free Beauty Events April Giveaway

2020-04-05T18:43:00.003-07:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Maybelline, Clean & Clear, L'Oreal, Bella Curls and more! The contest runs from now through 4/30/20, winners will be chosen on 5/10/2020 and notified by 5/15/2020. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Get more FBE info here

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Free Beauty Events March Giveaway

2020-03-09T18:00:00.004-07:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Maybelline, Garnier, Dionis, L'Oreal, CoverGirl, , more! The contest runs from now through 3/31/20, winners will be chosen on 4/10/2020 and notified by 4/15/2020. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Get more FBE info here

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Opera Lafayette Celebrates New York Opening of Leonore

2020-03-09T17:52:00.002-07:00

Will Crutchfield and Ryan Brown

Opera Lafayette celebrated the New York opening of Leonore with a champagne toast on stage for both donors and the cast at The Kaye Playhouse on March 2nd. Board co-chairs Dorsey C. Dunn and Nizam P. Kettaneh raised a glass to toast the remarkable production which the NY Times called “Fresh and sweet".

Guests included Janet Desforges (Opera Lafayette’s New York Committee member), Oriol Tomas (Stage Director), Dominique Brown, Myron Magnet, and Leonard and Annemarie Ralston.

Beethoven wrote only one opera, known today as Fidelio; Leonore is its earliest version. Opera Lafayette’s orchestra played period instruments and, as is typical of their efforts, offered Beethoven’s music as it was performed in his day. Musicologist Will Crutchfield, who was charged with reimaging a never-before-heard aria based on surviving texts from Beethoven, was given much deserved praise for his work reconstructing the lost music. The orchestra was conducted by Ryan Brown, the company’s Artistic Director. Soprano Nathalie Paulin, tenor Jean-Michele Richer and soprano Pascale Beaudin received a standing ovation for their performances.

Opera Lafayette will present the first-ever English translation of François-André Danican Philidor's French opera, The Blacksmith on April 4th at Carousel of Languages. This modern premiere will adapt the story to the late 19th-century American West and integrating American folk songs into the plot where French folk songs were originally sung. Audience participation encouraged.

Photo courtesy of PR

Free Beauty Events February Giveaway

2020-02-26T17:59:00.002-08:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Love Beauty & Planet, Carol's Daughter, Batiste, EVA NYC, Sally Hansan, more! The contest runs from now through 2/29/20, winners will be chosen on 3/10/2020 and notified by 3/15/2020. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

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Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY Holds Screening of @giselle at Lincoln Center

2020-01-17T11:57:00.004-08:00

A new Giselle, by Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY, was screened at The Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center, New York City on January 14, 2020. A modern take on the beloved classic; where dating apps, Snapchat, and Instagram, reinterpret love, sex, and relationships. Titled @giselle it stars ABT's Catherine Hurlin in the title role and Betsy McBride as Bathilde, Pennsylvania Ballet's Sterling Baca as Hilarion, and National Ballet of Canada's Harrison James as Albrecht. The production uses motion-captured digital projections and visual effects to reflect the digital world we live in. Commissioned by TO Live, Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY premiered @giselle at the Vancouver Playhouse in September 2019.

"The ballet Giselle is one of the most profound constructions of the classical canon.” said Joshua Beamish as he introduced the show. “I want the original work to exist within our production as its own ghost - a ghost from another time. Traditional romance is evaporating. The internet is threatening our ability to value individuals. @giselle shows the evolved hysteria born from unanswered texts, likes, and story views. In today's media saturated environment, is Giselle's descent into "madness" really so shocking? I hope audiences will relate to Giselle's journey and see themselves in the plights, struggles, and joys of the varying characters and their social interactions."

Hurlin, McBride, and Baca joined Beamish on stage after the screening to share the creative process. McBride praised Beamish's hyper-detailed choreography that brought “classical steps into a new light.” The Willis all had their own digital shadow dancing alongside and Hurlin shared that she danced each one in a motion-capturing suit to give the realistic illusion of doubling the number of Willis on stage. Baca noted how Beamish brought a tale as old as time into present-day and quoted his former ABT Director, Kevin McKenzie, "art is an expression of the times in which we live".

Photos by Sean Zanni PMC

Free Beauty Events January Giveaway

2020-01-17T11:38:00.001-08:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Ardell, Maybelline,Raw Sugar, CoverGirl, Aveeno, Sally Hansan, Palmer's, L'Oreal, more! The contest runs from now through 1/31/20, winners will be chosen on 2/10/2020 and notified by 2/15/2020. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts Holds 46th Candlelight Concert

2019-12-23T15:50:00.003-08:00

Casey Reitz, President Segerstrom Center For The Arts and Elizabeth Segerstrom

A beautiful winter’s spell seemed to have been cast over Segerstrom Center for the Arts, creating a magical setting for its 46th Candlelight Concert. More than 400 guests gathered on Friday, December 6, contributing more than $2.79 million to support the Center’s array of stellar entertainment, artistic, education and community engagement programs including American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities. Mother and daughter, Marta Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage chaired. It was also the first time for many long-time donors and supporters to meet the Center’s new president Casey Reitz and his wife Naomi. They arrived in Orange County just a few days before from their home in New York, where Reitz had been president and CEO of Second Stage Theater.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers provided the eponymous concert and The Revolution, Prince’s former band, pounded out songs that kept the dance floor filled through the final hour. And, as guests left Segerstrom Hall and the 46th annual Candlelight Concert, they were treated to afterhours In-N-Out burgers and soft drinks.

Other noted guests included Marta Bhathal’s husband Raj and Lisa’s husband Richard Merage, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Jennifer and Anton Segerstrom, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Sally Segerstrom and Toby Andrews, Susan and Steve Perry, Jane Fujishige Yada and son Grayson, Julianne Argyros and daughters Lisa and Stephanie, Jaynine and David Warner, Wendy and Mark Hales, Nancy and Rick Muth with daughters Veronica Vlasik and Stephanie Watts and their husbands, Deborah and Larry Bridges, Valaree Wahler, Sally and Randy Crocket, Angela and Jim Has, Elizabeth An, Sara King and Kamran Pahlavi, Susan and Tim Strader and their family, Dee and Larry Higby, Betty and S.L. Huang, Maureen and Bill Callahan, Courtney and Jason Howard, Rett, Lindsay and Chad Coluccio, and Ling Zhang.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an acclaimed arts institution as well as a beautiful multi-disciplinary cultural campus. It is committed to supporting artistic excellence, offering unsurpassed experiences and to engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance and a diverse array of inspiring arts-based education and community engagement programs.

Photos courtesy of PR

Musical Sensation The Athenians Perform at Birthday Celebration

2019-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Alice Kandell

The Athenians captivated over 60 guests at Alice Kandell’s Upper East Side penthouse with a performance in celebration of her birthday. From her Steinway grand piano Athenian’s director Dr. Michael Fennelly, led 19 soloists (including the soprano and co-director of the Athenians, Megan Watson) in renditions of great opera arias. Superb singing came as a surprise from every entrance to the large living room with the singers mixing freely among the delighted guests. Addressing her guests she said, " Thank you for celebrating not only my birthday but also Cody Austin's, Michael Fennelly's, and Maestro Peter Mark's, who are all here with us today. I can't imagine a better birthday present than this music." Alice, a longtime patron of The Athenians, reminded friends of their concert she helped arrange at The White House, in addition to many other remarkable performances in the USA and abroad. Guests included Stephen Fang, Silvia Frieser (director of the NY Viennese Opera Ball), Fred Karger, Kathy Roeder, Dame Jillian Sackler, and Charles Sullivan.

Cody Austin, Alice Kandell, Michael Fennelly

The Athenians are an ensemble of exceptional professional soloists from the Metropolitan Opera and other leading opera companies and orchestras who specialize in uniquely engaging opera gala concerts, tours, and staged opera productions. Upcoming shows in 2020 include a special choral concert at Lincoln Center “You Are My Rhapsody in Blue” as well as a summer series in historic homes in the New York area.

Photos courtesy of PR

Free Beauty Events December Giveaway

2019-12-15T16:04:00.003-08:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from Maybelline, CoverGirl, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Garnier and more! The contest runs from now through 12/31/19, winners will be chosen on 1/10/2020 and notified by 1/15/2020. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

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Holiday Gift Ideas and Review: W7 Makeup

2019-12-08T13:29:00.001-08:00

The holidays are right around the corner, but it's never too late to snag some awesome gifts for the beauty lover on your list this year! W7 Makeup is a UK brand that recently become available in the US, and offers everything from killer eye shadow palettes and foundation, to lash curlers and make up bags. They offer great quality at surprisingly affordable prices. Scroll down to check them out!

Retail: $12.95

The GOLDIBOX is a functional palette that is great for everyday use. It has 12 shades, including shimmers and mattes, and range from "pinky nudes and nude coppers to brown, natural shades" as described by the company. I've worn this palette just about everywhere including work, evening cocktails, and to run errands on a Sunday. The wear time and quality are pretty good, and the colors make it easy to turn a natural day look and into a smoky going out look.

Retail: $

Dusk Till Dawn contains 14 shades of "popping ultra violet tones", designed to "bring the essence of Aladdin's cave to your make up as described by the company. This is a fun palette that will get you out of your comfort zone. There are 7 mattes (top row), complimented by 7 shimmers (bottom row). The pigment is really beautiful, and should be commended considering the low price point. Each color pops, including the shimmers, and blend well together. This packaging is a magnetic cardboard box, with a mirror, which is always handy.

Retail: $9.95 "On the Cusp"

I am OBSESSED with W7's Starry Eyes Metallic Jelly Eye shadows , especially the shade "What's Your Sign?". I get compliments ever time I wear it. The color is a pinky/nude that gives a natural, fresh faced appearance, and looks pretty when coupled with the right nudes. I apply two coats with a brush, although you could probably get away with one. These have awesome staying power, and are easy to remove. They're lightweight and don't flake off like, or have that papery feeling like other metallics.

Their Ready Set Glow Rose Gold Setting Spray is by far one of my favorite setting sprays out there. I started using it over the summer and it did a great job of keeping my makeup from sweating off. There's a few things I like about this one, aside from it's effectiveness. It dispenses as a refreshing mist, so I feel like it hits my face evenly and gets me better coverage, then the ones that dispense more like a spray with sort of spotty coverage. I also love that it has delicate gold shimmers that add a subtle glow without becoming clumpy, or disturbing my make up. Lastly, the scent. OMG the scent! It's so delicious. I can't quite pin point it, but to me it smells like a combination of caramel, and sweet florals. It's currently sold out on the company's website, so I recommend jumping on it once it's available!

Shop W7 Makeup here

What do you think? Are you interested in gifting any of the above items for the holidays?

Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra Kick Off Celebration

2019-12-08T12:00:00.002-08:00

Last month, Victoria Wyman opened her contemporary art filled Park Avenue apartment for the Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra with guests of honor Governor and Mrs. George Pataki, Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Susan Gutfreund, Kati Marton, and Adrienne Vittadini. The party kicked off the campaign for the season's upcoming gala on Saturday February 23^rd at David Geffen hall at Lincoln Center.

Amid candlelight Wyman, the elegant Hungarian born, French raised, hostess offered, "New York is a world stage of excellence and the Orchestra is among the best. Please join me and raise your glass for them and for the orchestra." Stephen Benko, chairman of the organization, followed, "The Budapest Festival Orchestra is one of the great wonders of Hungary and of the world. The upcoming concert in New York features and remarkable all-Dvořák program, with a gala dinner following. A very special concert will be held that morning for people on the autism spectrum. This is a niche that our Maestro Iván Fischer has created. The Orchestra has also been invited to return to Mostly Mozart in August with an utterly incredible Falstaff. Please join us!"

Guests included FBFO Board members Andrew Komaromi, Sylvia Hemingway, Susan Bender, Aaron Feinstein, Heidi Lee-Komaromi, Stephanie Stokes, David Tobey, and chairman emeritus Daisy Soros, as well as Steven M.L. Aronson, Murat Beyazit, Janna Bullock, Karen Burke, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Joanna Fisher (just back from three months in Europe and wearing an antique gold tiara), Michèle Gerber Klein, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Peter Hay Halpert, Sharon King Hoge, are advisors Beverly Jacoby with her daughter Elizabeth Jacoby, Alicia Lubowski, Alice Lutz, Mary McFadden, Roxanne Motamedi, Reni Rotshchild, Jean Shafiroff, Barbara Tober, Sandra and Stanford Warshawsky, and Saundra Whitney.

The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra was formed to support the Orchestra’s work in the USA and across the world. Supporters of the Foundation raise public awareness and financial support for the BFO and have the opportunity to build a closer relationship with the Orchestra both in the States and at home in Budapest.

Photo courtesy of John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com

Kick Off Celebration For The 65th Viennese Opera Ball

2019-12-01T16:07:00.002-08:00

Actor and VOB Emcee Nathan Lee Graham, VOB Artistic Director Daniel Serafin, VOB President and Executive Director Silvia Frieser

The Viennese Opera Ball announced their upcoming gala at the Upper East Side residence of Sabine Riglos, a board member. “The Viennese Opera Ball is one of the highlights of the annual charity season for Austrian Americans, with performances by extraordinary opera singers and musicans” explained artistic director Daniel Serafin as he introduced mezzo soprano Nicole Piccolomini, who sing “L'amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Carmen. " Juilliard violinist Anastasiia Mazurok also performed a solo by Bach. All providing a taste of what's to come at the 65th Viennese Opera Ball. Silvia Frieser, president and executive director said, "With it's long-standing tradition of 65 consecutive years, the Viennese Opera Ball demonstrates that the ballroom and the dance floor is the best platform for cultural exchange between distinguished guests and nations."

Each year, the Ball supports charitable projects connected to New York and Vienna. This year proceeds will benefit the musical therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center through Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. Their CEO, Jen Raniri, and Associate Director of Development, Michele Keene, also shared a few words about the importance of the program.

Among the guests were Nathan Lee Graham, who will emcee the upcoming Ball, Chair Jean Shafiroff (who will be joined at the Ball by Chairs Denise Rich and Elisabeth Muhr), Host Committee members Janna Bullock, Joanna Fisher, Ana Saucedo, and Marisa Rose van Bokhorst, Junior Chairs Colgate Rumbough and Emily Mohr, and Board Member Stefan Oehner as well as Audra Asencio, Leszek Barwinski-Brown (CEO, Lang Lang International Music Foundation), Maestro Alvise Casellati, Adrian Danchig-Waring (principal dancer, NYC Ballet), Michael Friedl, Franz Gerhardter, Eric Huebscher, and Catherine Leung.

The 65th Viennese Opera Ball will take place on February 7, 2020. There is nothing like this in America with traditions that could only come from the oldest Royal houses in Austria and Europe. Just like in Europe, the celebration with both music and dance, with a Midnight Quadrille that enlivens the dance floor until 4am. The Viennese Opera Ball is inspired by the famous Vienna Opera Ball in Austria, but it is an American 501 (c)(3) not for profit association.

Photos courtesy of John Sanderson/Annie Watt Agency

The National Institute of Social Sciences to Honor Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb

2019-11-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Peter Gelb and Yanna Avis

The National Institute of Social Sciences (NISS) hosted a cocktail party at the home of Yanna Avis in honor of Metropolitan Opera general manager Peter Gelb, who will be honored at the organization's 105th Gold Medal Dinner this December. At 7:00PM sharp, Fred Larsen, President of NISS, with his wife Michele at his side, said, "We honor those individuals who made distinguished contributions to humanity and society. We thank Peter Gelb, who made time during his workday to join us, and who has to run off and supervise a production of Orfeo." Replied Gelb, "If I was chosen for this distinguished award because of my position at the Met, I guess the study of social sciences certainly would apply to the Metropolitan Opera House. We have more than 3,000 people who work there and they certainly exhibit every form of behavioral science. Sometimes I feel like I work in some kind of social science laboratory. Maybe that wasn't why you decided to give me this award, but I am very grateful to be receiving it."

Guests included Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Angela Cason, Trustees Michele Jeffery and Barbara Tober, Honorary Trustee Geraldine Kunstadter, as well as Dr. Lisa Airan, Debbie Bancroft, Dr. Karen Burke, Christina Cote, Sharon King Hoge, Elizabeth Jacoby, Henry Larsen, Edith and Philippe de Montebello, Mr. Frederick W. Peter, Jonathan Piel, Julie Sagoskin, and Pepita Serrano.

The NISS 105th Gold Medal Dinner will be held at a private club in Manhattan on Thursday, December 5. You may purchase tickets here

Yanna Avis

Yanna Avis and myself

Myself and Michele Jefferey

Sharon Hoge, myself, and Madelaine Piel

Photos courtesy of John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com

Free Beauty Events: November Giveaway

2019-11-07T10:57:00.002-08:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from L'Oreal, Maybelline, CoverGirl, Simple, EVA NYC, Splat and more! The contest runs from now through 11/30/19, winners will be chosen on 12/10/19 and notified by 12/15/19. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended an event listed on the site?

French Heritage Society Hosts Book Launch

2019-11-07T10:51:00.002-08:00

Ann Van Ness and Elaine Sciolino

French Heritage Society board member Ann Van Ness and her husband William opened their Upper East Side townhouse to launch Elaine Sciolino's new book, The Seine: The River that Made Paris. A contributing writer and former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, she opined, "The Seine is the most romantic river in the world. She encourages us to dream, to linger, to fall in love, or to at least fantasize that falling in love is possible." Audience members who won impromptu quizzes on French topics received an illustrated map of the Seine. In closing, French Heritage Society's Chairman, Elizabeth Stribling, a longtime friend of Elaine’s, shared, “I see young lovers from my Paris apartment window overlooking the Seine. I see old lovers, too. In Paris, there are a lot of old people just as amorous as the young ones. It's one of the things I love most about the river. Elaine, I love you, too!"

Guy Robinson, co-chairman of the New York Chapter, made elegant introductions and pointed out the upcoming FHS events- The Black & White Ball, and a Thanksgiving dinner in Paris, “where the turkey, or dinde, is twice as small as the American counterpart - and twice as delicious."

Elizabeth Stribling and CeCe Black

Guests included CeCe Black, Special Events Chair, Jennifer Herlein, Executive Director, Judy McLaren, board member, George Sape, board member, and Jeri Sape, as well as Susan and Gerald Baker, Caroline Bassett, Rick Boldini, Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, Luis Garcia, Mai Hallingby, Kathy Irwin, Helen King, Caroline Lareuse, Catharine Macdonald, Nadia Martincic, Friederike Moltmann, Paul Rankin, Carole Bellidora Westfall, and Lisa Witomski.

FHS's upcoming Black & White Ball will be held on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 at a private club in Manhattan. The honorees are interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield and philanthropists Margaret and Gregory Hedberg.

To purchase tickets click here

Photos courtesy of John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com

Casita Maria Holds Fiesta Gala 2019 at The Plaza Hotel

2019-10-21T17:05:00.001-07:00

Juan Montoya, Jackie Weld Drake, Ambassador Mary Dawkins, General Peter Dawkins, Edgar Legaspi and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education’s annual gala, Fiesta, was held at The Plaza Hotel on October 15, 2019. The evening honored Ambassador Mary Dawkins and Brigadier General Peter Dawkins, John Hardy Jewelry, Edgar Legaspi, and Juan Montoya with the Casita Maria Gold Medals of Honor. The evening’s host was Sissi Fleitas. The award is bestowed to individuals in recognition of their contribution to the worlds of arts, education and philanthropy. The festive evening began with cocktails, followed by a dinner dance to the tune of Bob Hardwick’s Latin inspired tunes.

“Casita Maria has been a second home and safe haven for kids and their families for more than 80 years,” introduced host Sissi Fleitas. “It's really a blessing and an honor to serve as executive director of the first and oldest Latino charity in all of New York City,” said Haydee Morales. “Welcome! I am here to be brief and grateful,” said Jackie Weld Drake.

“The Casita Maria enterprise is a remarkable one that for decades has done such wonderful things for this community,” said Pete Dawkins upon receiving his Gold Medal. “I would just like to add my congratulations to the other recipients of this wonderful award,” added Mary Dawkins. “To see such kindness and thoughtfulness at Casita really touched my heart,” said Juan Montoya. “Community and support are the most important things we can nurture. You all are an inspiration.”

Edgar Legaspi, on stage with his family, said, “We believe we have a mission to help people through education. I would like to encourage people to help Casita. It’s not about money, it’s about effort and time.” John Hardy Jewelry’s CEO Kareem Gahed, said, “Thank you from all of the generations of artisans, wax carvers, chain weavers, inspired employees, and passionate leaders at John Hardy.”

Model Adwoa Aboah attended with Gahed. She is the latest face of John Hardy, joining Pénelope Cruz and Julianne Moore. Aboah was adorned with John Hardy’s jewelry.

The Dinner Chairmen were Jacqueline Weld Drake, HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Urban Karlsson, Mary Snow, and Joan Steinberg. Honorary Chairmen were Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Elizabeth Peabody, and Carlos Souza. Past honorees have included Santiago Calatrava, Roberto Cavalli, Agnes Gund, Audrey Hepburn, Carolina Herrera, Daisy Soros, and Lynn Wyatt. Pachanga Chairs co-chairs were Victor Roquette and Sabrina Wirth.

Fiesta is arguably the best party in New York. It attracts a glamorous international crowd for a lively evening that is light on speeches and great fun, all in the service of our serious purpose. Much of the operating budget of the organization is raised at the event.

About Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education

Casita Maria, the oldest Latin charity in New York City, provides high-quality, innovative arts programming to over 1,000 students daily both during and after school, producing participatory, well-rounded individuals who go on to fulfill their dreams. Located in the country’s poorest zip code, the South Bronx, Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural, art and educational experiences and programs.

Photos by PMC/ Gonzalo Marroquin

Youth America Grand Prix 2019 Celebration

2019-10-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

L-R Sergey Gordeev, Larissa Saveliev, Fateev, Laura Lobdell, Xander Parish

"Beautiful things are naturally attracted to each other. It's only natural that beautiful people flock to this beautiful house and hostess," said Youth America Grand Prix's Sergei Gordeev as he thanked jewelry designer Laura Lobdell and her husband, who graciously opened their TriBeCa duplex to the Mariinsky Ballet company and nearly 80 guests including Larissa Saveliev, founder and artistic director of YAGP. The hostess, noted for her champagne-inspired gold and silver jewelry, lived up to her reputation with cases of bubbly on hand as well as mini-knishes from Lower East Side baker Yonah Schimmel. “For the past 20 years Youth American Grand Prix," Gordeev continued, "has made it it's business to travel the world, find the most talented young people we could possibly find all over the planet and make it, help them get to the companies like the Mariinsky and mare than 30 other companies around the world where Youth America Grand Prix dancers are dancing at the world's largest scholarship audition."

Guests included all eight of the Mariinsky dancers visiting from St. Petersburg including the recently knighted Xander Parish, OBE and the director of the Mariinsky Ballet, Yuri Fateev, the evening's guest of honor. Also there were ABT dancers Skylar Brandt, Patrick Frenette, Connor Holloway, Calvin Royal III, Hee Seo, Gabe Stone Shayer, and Christine Shevchenko, as well as ballet lovers Maria-Cristina Anzola, Delin Bru, Marie de Foucaud and Renaud de Tilly, Peter Hay Halpert, Krystn Hammond, Kristina Allegra Kingston, Michèle Gerber Klein, Susan Leslie, Helen Marx, Roxanne Motamedi, Wendy Perron, Cole Rumbough and Emily Mohr, Irene Shen, Benny Tabatabai, and Adrienne and Gianluigi Vittadini, plus devoted YAGP board members Suzanne Dance, Judith M. Hoffman, and Richard Osterweil.

Youth America Grand Prix is the largest global network of dance with more than 10,000 young dancers – ages 9 to 19 – auditioning annually. 450 Youth America Grand Prix alumni are now dancing with 80 professional companies around the world. 100 of these alumni are soloists and principal dancers. YAGP fulfills its mission through scholarship auditions, master classes, alumni services, performances, educational and outreach activities. On April 16, 2020, YAGP will host its annual Gala at Lincoln Center.

Photos by John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com

Free Beauty Events October Giveaway

2019-10-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from L'Oreal, Milani, Rimmel, BodyMark, Essie and more! The contest runs from now through 10/31/19, winners will be chosen on 10/10/19 and notified by 11/15/19. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended an event listed on the site?

The Curly Hair Products that Made My Hair Bomb this Summer

2019-09-24T19:28:00.002-07:00

After my last haircut at Ouidad, I decided that this summer I would go full force with my curls. That meant no pony tails and no clips. Just my natural curls, and whatever products it would take to manage them for the next few months.

Why you ask? Simple. My stylist schooled me about the dangers of pony tails and how they ultimately destroy your hair. Given my recent scare, where my hair mysteriously started to thin, (which was later determined to be the result of my lack of meat consumption), I took this lesson very seriously.

This summer my bathroom saw in influx of curl creams, gels, lotions, oils, you name it. Some worked, and some worked better. So I decided to pick my favorites and create a list to share with my fellow curly haired lovelies. Scroll down to see which ones made the cut!

novex is a Brazilian brand designed especially for curly hair, which I've been using for a couple of years now. I love these shampoos because they don't dry out my hair, and the added keratin attacks any frizz.

I prefer to wash my hair at night and then re- wet it in the morning. I do so with Curly Hair Solutions H2O The Best Water Bottle for Fabulous Curls. It sounds silly but this isn't your average water bottle. It's designed to provide a "continuous" mist that covers a larger area of curls, and allows you to wet your hair faster and more evenly. I have long hair so this definitely saves me time, and it's pretty durable.

Curly Hair Solutions' Original Total Control for Frizzy Hair, paired with the Tames Textured Hair Styling Cream work amazingly for me. The Total Control has a water-like consistency that I brush throughout my hair. It helps minimize frizz, and doesn't weigh my hair down. The Styling Cream has a thicker consistency that locks my curls in place and still manages to keep them soft. No 90's wet look here! (Spoiler alert; NONE of these products leave me with hard, crunchy curls. Finally!)

O&M Styling Guru is an absolute must have. It not only keeps my curls soft and manageable, but it smells amazing! I like this one a lot because the texture is quite thin. It allows for volume and definition, yet still has enough strength to keep my curls under control. It comes in a pump too so it's also easy to apply and distribute.

Love Beauty and Planet Medium Hold Volume Hair Spray is a new product I came across by way of the fabulous FreeBeautyEvents, and I am SO grateful for the intro! A 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner, it is infused with coconut milk and white jasmine, and smells incredible. The unique bottle is powered by air, and dispenses a delicate mist. After applying any gel/cream, I spritz this on the top of my head as the finishing touch. It keeps fly aways at bay and makes it easy to put any stragglers back in place.

The Ouidad Vitalcurl Shampoo and Conditioner was recommended to me by my stylist at Ouidad. They work to balance your hair's PH levels while gently cleansing and providing moisture. I alternated between these and novex.

Undoubtedly, these two have been my go-tos throughout the summer (as you can see from the empty Mongongo Oil bottle, and near empty gel bottle :) After learning about the havoc Moroccan oil reeks on hair (weighs it down, and basically eats away at it, in case you didn't know), I ditched anything with it on the label.

I replaced it with Mongongo Oil. It contains Vitamin E which is helpful for repairing split end. Plus, Mongongo actually washes out when I shampoo, while the Moroccan Oil didn't. Scary.

The Heat & Humidity Gel is my favorite gel to date. It's everything I could want and more; lightweight, good control and hold, minimal frizz, easy to apply, a small amount goes a long way, creates definition, and keeps my curls s.o.f.t. It has a thin consistency for a gel, and still manages to get the job done better then the heavier ones I've tried. Curly girls, you will love this one.

Finally, once my curls have dried, I finish them off with a few drops of the Shine Glaze Serum. It provides some added softness and extra protection against frizz.

The end result?......

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education Celebrates Kick- Off Party

2019-09-24T14:35:00.002-07:00

General Pete Dawkins, Jackie Weld, Drake, Ambassador Mary Dawkins

Jacqueline Weld Drake opened her Park Avenue residence to nearly 100 friends to kick off Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education's annual “Fiesta” Gala. This year's honorees, newlyweds Ambassador Mary Dawkins and Brigadier General Peter Dawkins, Edgar Legaspi, as well as interior designer Juan Montoya were all there. Also being honored is the John Hardy jewelry company.

Guests included Casita Maria Board members Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Michèle Gerber Klein, Alberto Mariaca with his wife, Annabelle, Fiesta co-chairs Urban Karlsson, Mary Snow, HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, as well as Steven M.L. Aronson, Yanna Avis, Cathie Black, Merilee and Roy Bostock, Geoffrey Bradfield, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Joan Hardy Clark, Angela Chen, Suzi Cordish, Adiana Echavarria, Camila Mendoza-Echavarria, Nick and Edmée Firth, Susan Gutfreund, Ambassador Brenda Johnson, Alice Kandell, Maria Eugenia Maury and William Haseltine, Christopher Mason, Mary McFadden, Ann and Bill Nitze, Tom Quick, Marc Rosen, and Adrienne and Gianluigi Vittadini.

On October 15, 2019, Casita Maria will host Fiesta 2019 at The Plaza Hotel. Fiesta attracts a glamorous international crowd for a lively evening that is light on speeches and great fun, all in the service of our serious purpose. Much of the operating budget of the organization is raised at the event. Tickets can be purchased here

The Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education is the oldest Latin charity in New York City, providing high-quality, innovative arts programming to over 1,000 students daily both during and after school. Located in our country’s poorest zip code, the South Bronx, the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural, art and educational experiences and programs and producing participatory, well-rounded individuals who go on to fulfill their dreams.

Myself, Homero Niño and Karen Klopp

Photos courtesy of John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com

Free Beauty Events September Giveaway

2019-09-11T18:03:00.005-07:00

This month's basket includes industry favorites from L'Oreal, Maybelline, Neutrogena, and more! The contest runs from now through 9/30/19, winners will be chosen on 10/10/19 and notified by 10/15/19. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended an event listed on the site?

W7 Cosmetics Announces Reuben de Maid as its Newest Brand Ambassador

2019-08-18T15:11:00.001-07:00

Last month W7 Cosmetics hosted a celebratory party to announce it's newest brand ambassador, YouTube sensation, 14 year old Reuben de Maid. Press got front row seats to watch the uber talented 14 year old make up artist in action, as well as check out products from the brand.

W7 Cosmetics is a wildly popular brand in the UK that is slowly (and thankfully!) making it's way to the US. Turns out, W7 offers just about every product known to man for super affordable prices, and impressive quality.

The brand has an incredible selection of products that range from eye shadow palettes and primers, to lash curlers, foundations, lipsticks, bronzers and brushes. Guests were treated to make up trials and got to experience the great quality first hand. My favorite one that the MUA used was definitely the eye shadow palette Life's a Peach.

Currently the brand is available mostly on line, but you can also find them in select stores like Century 21, and Walmart. In the meantime, you can shop them here.

P.S. W7 is currently running a pretty sweet sale :p

Scroll down to check out some of my favorite items, and comment your thoughts if you plan to try them out!

Reuben de Maid

Socialite Eyeshadow Palette

Retail: $9.95

Starry Eyes Metallic Jelly Eyeshadow in "Whats Your Sign"

Retal: $5.95

and

Eye Got The Power Temptation Eye Shadow Primer

Retail: $4.95

Glowcomotion Highlighter

Retail: $5.95

Banana Dreams Loose Powder

Retail: $5.95

Honolulu Bronzer

Retail: $4.95

Free Beauty Events August Giveaway

2019-08-10T08:35:00.004-07:00

FreeBeautyEvents.com is back this month with another amazing giveaway, and time it has a whopping $125 value! For anyone not familiar with FBE, the site is a great tool for all beauty addicts. It helps you stay up to date on the latest beauty happenings in your area and serves as an awesome way to snag killer free samples. Each month the site gives away a bundle chalk full of the industry's best must haves. Let's check them out!

This month's basket includes industry favorites from L'Oreal, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Ardell, Revlon, LA Girl and more! The contest runs from now through 8/31/19, winners will be chosen on 9/10/19 and notified by 9/15/19. Entering is simple! Visit FreeBeautyEvents on Facebook (don't forget to like them!) or enter directly on their website.

Get more FBE info here

Have you attended an event listed on the site?

Lang Lang International Music Foundation Holds Young Scholars Concert at Steinway Hall

2019-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last week the Lang Lang International Music Foundation held its Young Scholars Concert at Steinway Hall in New York City, which showcased some of its most celebrated young talent. Founded in 2008 by world- class pianist, Lang Lang, the foundation strives to make music a part of every child's life, regardless of their background. The foundation offers music education programs to children across the world, including the evening's Young Scholars program.

The concert began with 14 year old Aliya Alsafa performing Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 17 in B flat Major Ravel. Aliya has performed for several prestigious concert venues including Carnegie Hall, and Merkin Hall. She has also received a number of awards such as Best Etude at the 107 Seattle International Piano Completion and First Prize at both the state and regional levels.

The concert closed with 19 year old Amir Siraj, who began his performance with Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 17 in B Flat Major Liszt. Amir's performances include the GRAMMY Salute to Classical Music at Carnegie Hall, and at the Joh F. Kennedy Center for teh Performing Arts in Washington D.C. His resume includes the Grand Prize at the Fidelity Investments Young Arts Competition and First Prize at the Harvard Musical Association.

"We believe that music has the power to make the world a better place and with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, we strive to achieve this every day", declared ceo Leszek Barwinski-Brown, as he welcomed a capacity audience to their first Young Scholars Concert at Steinway Hall. Lang Lang himself chose the performers--- offering a note to the program, "My wife, Gina Alice, and I send our love and support . You’ll forgive us for not being there as were on our honeymoon in China.”

A disarming talented and stunning Aliya Alsafa, 14, played Ravel, Mozart, Liszt and Morton Gould. With remarkable command. Amir Siraj 19, now an alumni of the program, played Mozart, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Currently he’s at Harvard, studying both piano and astrophysics (and a member of the Steinway Young Artist program).

Among the audience were board members David Hyrck, Kyle Wool, plus his wife Soo Yu. Also guests Teri Agins, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Joanna Fisher, Stephanie and John Foster, Barrett Frelinghuysen, Michèle Gerber Klein, Luchia Hwong Gordon, Sylvia Hemingway, Kate and Gary Parr, Sana Sabbagh, Klara and Larry Silverstein, Mengmeng Wang, and Victoria Wyman

Leszek Barwinski-Brown closed the concert saying, "Without your friendship, we could have never accomplished and of this" A Moët & Chandon reception followed.

Victor Roquette, myself

Photos courtesy of PR