Well happy start to summer. Our Renewal Summit last week was awesome, and we are sharing all the details and the full videos. It’s always exciting when the Fleet is in town…hop aboard a ship and thank those who serve. The NY Philharmonic has a FREE Memorial Day at St. John the Divine. Or maybe enjoy a day at the Bronx Zoo. One of our favorite cabaret performers, Lynn Henderson, returns to Don’t Tell Mama on June 1. Our roving photographer, who happens to be one of the top interior designers in the city, shares her photos and commentary of the Kips Bay Decorator’s show House open through Tuesday.

Renewal Summit Videos and Photos

Co-hosts, Anne Akers and Cheryl Benton

What an extraordinary day! It truly embodied our theme: “Inspiration for living the life you want.” The engaging panels, remarkable special guests, and the pinnacle moment—the presentation of the Woman of Purpose Award—struck a harmonious chord, leaving attendees feeling both uplifted and profoundly inspired. And let’s not forget the delightful interactions with our exhibitors! Connecting with fellow awesome Tomatoes during lunch and the wine reception at day’s end added the perfect finishing touch to this memorable event.  WATCH THE FULL VIDOES NOW.

Special Thanks to Our Exhibitors and Sponsor!

Our attendees enjoyed engaging with our sponsor, Revitin, and receiving full samples of their innovative probiotic toothpaste. Additionally, they explored a diverse array of offerings from our wonderful exhibitors, including fashion and jewelry designers, CBD products, beauty essentials, and talking stress relief experts.  Check them out.

Fleet Week is Here

We love this weeklong event, when the city’s waterfront comes alive with the presence of impressive naval vessels, including U.S. Navy ships, Coast Guard cutters, and international warships. This weekend is a great opportunity to explore some of the ships getting an up-close look at the intricate machinery, historical significance, and the dedication of the men and women who serve aboard them. Here’s a list of the ships you can board.

Whether you’re fascinated by naval history, enjoy watching ships glide through the water, or simply want to pay tribute to our armed forces, Fleet Week in NYC offers a unique and memorable experience.

May 27. New York Philharmonic Free Memorial Day Concert

The New York Philharmonic is giving a free concert on Memorial Day inside Morningside Heights’ stunning Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Conducted by music director Jaap van Zweden, the 31st Annual Free Memorial Day Concert is presented as a gift to New Yorkers and a day of musical remembrance.

The program will include Wagner’s “Prelude to Act I of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg,” Copland’s “Quiet City,” and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4.” Admission is free, but tickets are limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. May 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Get the details.

Commune with the Animals

Here’s a fun way to kick off summer. Visit the Bronx Zoo this weekend It’s not too late to make plans to spend time with wildlife! Enjoy time with loved ones outdoors in nature, discovering over 11,000 animals together at the Bronx Zoo. And it’s the 125^th anniversary of the zoo and there are many new exhibits to partake in. Get the details.

June 1. Singer Lynn Henderson Returns to Don’t Tell Mama

Singer Lynn Henderson will reprise her delightful show, There’s Still a Little Starch Left – Reflections on Aging, Downsizing …and Mascara. Lynn will perform one show at Don’t Tell Mama on June 1st at 4PM accompanied by her Musical Director Douglas Cohen, and Bassist Bob Sabin. Lynn describes her show: “The joys and challenges of life are many. This show reflects on some of the delicious  – and the difficult – experiences we all have. The music is interwoven with quotes, stories and much humor.” Make reservations now.

Roving at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens, one of the top interior designers in NYC, writes:

If you are looking for a burst of excitement to remind you that sometimes more is more, visit the 49th annual Kip’s Bay Decorator Show House before it closes on May 28th. This fundraiser event is located in a grand, old world 12,000 square foot Charles A. Platt neo-Georgian townhouse at 125 East 65th Street.

In general this year’s interior designers pulled out all the stops and delivered a wild and wonderful, stimulating domestic fantasy world. Most of the rooms have an abundance of textural and colorful details covering every surface, creating so many heavenly ceilings!

Some of the highlights for me include, Swati Goorha Designs’ inventive and fantastical rainbow stairwell that moves from dark to light, adding a lively beating heart to the home. I would like to move into Patrick Mele’s “On a Clear Day” bedroom which is simultaneously, miraculously tranquil and whimsically vibrant with the perfect pops of color. The dining room done by Kit Kemp Design Studio is as loaded with surprise, texture and detail as a fine 25 course tasting menu.

If you are looking for some energizing inspiration or just want to be tickled pink, this mansion certainly delivers a lot of punch, while raising money for worthwhile after-school youth programs. Enjoy walking the kaleidoscope staircase!

~ Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”