The highlight of our week was the presentation of our second Three Tomatoes & Glow Magazine Giving Circle grant to Hearts of Gold. The orchids are back at NYBG.  Head to Eataly and experience the Italian Alps with their winter pop-up experience. The Met is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events and activities. Our Long Island reporter some fun suggestions for celebrating Galentine’s Day with your besties. And our roving photographer is roving in one of our favorite iconic shopping spots in NYC.

We Can All Make a Difference

Anne Akers and I are thrilled that The Three Tomatoes and Glow Beauty Magazine Giving Circle, in partnership with She Angels Foundation has kicked off with a bang thanks to the generous donations of our Giving Circle members and donors. We have now awarded two grants totaling $15,000 to two amazing grassroots organizations founded by women for women. On Sunday we presented Hearts of Gold with a $5,000 grant. This incredible non-profit founded by Deborah N. Koenigsberger is helping to break the cycle of women and their children living in shelters. Since their founding, they have helped over 36,000 homeless women and their children!  Read more.

Feb. 15-April 27. The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism

Always a glorious event, the orchids return to the  New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) and these year the orchids are set in a Mexican-inspired environment. The exhibition features stunning displays of orchids amid settings inspired by the bold, colorful designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán.

Visitors can explore lush landscapes filled with thousands of orchids, showcasing diverse ecosystems and rich cultures. The show also includes special Orchid Nights on select Saturday evenings, where guests can enjoy music, dancing, signature cocktails, and food for purchase.

For those interested in learning more about orchids, NYBG offers guided tours, expert talks, and even classes on orchid care and design. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both orchid enthusiasts and newcomers to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of these fascinating plants. GET THE DETAILS.

The Met Celebrates Black History Month

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) celebrates Black History Month with a variety of engaging events and exhibitions. Here are some highlights:

Exhibitions: The Met features works by Black artists across its galleries, including the exhibition “Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now,” which explores how ancient African civilizations inspired Black artists.

Special Programs: There are special programs for families, teens, and members, such as storytimes, art-making activities, and member-only tours that delve into Black narratives and art.

Events: The Met hosts events like “Electric Root: Let Love Lead,” a tribute to the legacy of Black music, and “Blues to the Future,” a concert celebrating Black History Month with middle school students.

Podcasts and Talks: The Met offers podcasts and expert talks, such as “Harlem Is Everywhere,” exploring the Harlem Renaissance, and “Met Expert Talks,” providing deep dives into specific exhibitions.

Afrofuturism: The Met presents “Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room,” imagining what might have been if Seneca Village had thrived into the present. GET THE DETAILS.

Escape to the Alps this Winter

Head to Eataly for an Italian Alps experience right in the heart of the city. “Alpina: A Winter Pop-up Experience,” offers a variety of Alpine-inspired activities, food, and drinks. The pop-up is designed to transport you to a snowy mountainside with cozy, wintery decor and a festive atmosphere. Here’s what you can expect:

Indulgent Alpine Cuisine: Enjoy hearty dishes like Fonduta di Formaggio (Italian cheese fondue), Canederli (bread and speck gnocchi), and Cotoletta alla Valdostana (chicken cutlet with prosciutto and cheese).

Seasonal Beverages: Warm up with a selection of winter cocktails, including hot toddies and the Bombardino (an Italian egg nog drink). There are also non-alcoholic options for those observing Dry January1.

Hands-On Classes: Participate in workshops where you can learn to make Alpine-inspired cocktails, pasta, and more.

Après-Ski Nights: Weekly DJ nights with a special après-ski dress code, unique beverage options, and group dining offers.

Winter Brunches: Enjoy Alpine-inspired brunch favorites on weekends.

Spotlight on Long Island: Sip, Savor, and Sisterhood

There’s nothing better than gathering in the warm glow of our women friends, and our Long Island reporter, Andrea Peponokis suggests celebrating each other on Galentine’s Day. With glasses raised in cheer, let’s toast to resilience, to dreams realized, and to the unshakable bond that lifts us through every triumph and challenge. She shares some great events taking place around Long Island to honor our sisterhood. READ MORE.

Roving at Fishs Eddy

Our roving photographer Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:

If you are on the market for new onion soup crocks, need to buy a housewarming gift, or simply a good laugh, head to Fishs Eddy. This store was founded in 1986 by the New York wife and husband team Julie Gaines and David Lenovitz who got lost on a drive upstate. In a small town called Fishs Eddy, the couple stumbled upon a barn filled with restaurant dishware that survived a fire. They fell in love with these relics and bought the whole lot to open their small store. The pair also scavenged restaurant supply stores on the Bowery and found thousands of early 20th-century items. They salvaged relics from the Pennsylvania Railroad’s original dining cars, American Airlines, and old country clubs.

Their first store was small and in 1990 moved into the emporium space they occupy today, located at 889 Broadway. Fishs Eddy has certainly become a phenomenon and an entertaining tourist attraction in New York City. Over the years they began to produce their own quirky tableware and have collaborated with numerous artists and celebrities.

I love visiting the store as it is amusing like a real life New Yorker cartoon. In fact there is a secret museum on the second floor with limited tours. I think I will add this special insider’s viewing to my bucket list. Until then, I will merely go to the vast gift shop and buy a new plate.