Oct 1st-Oct 12th - Lindsay's Birthday & In Loving Memory

On Monday I flew back to the city and it was Lindsay's 21st birthday!

Sarah and I met up with Lindsay and her friend Marjorie who models for Ford at the restaurant Lindsay wanted to eat at. We had a nice dinner together eating sushi and giving Lindsay cards and gifts. She was so happy and I am glad she had a great day!

The next day at work I was in the office but in the restaurant Katie Holmes came in and also Bravo was filming a show. Later I took a reservation for owner Danny Meyer and Bravo's Andy Cohen. When I was heading home Dakota Fanning came in for dinner and she was pretty (I keep forgetting she is 18 years old now)! 

Thursday was Lindsay's last day in the city for a little while so the four of us went out for another dinner at Hane sushi. Marjorie's birthday was in a few days so we celebrated that with her too! 

It was a good time together but during dinner Mike called me and told me that his Grandma had fallen and was in the hospital not doing well. I quickly started making calls to find someone to work for me the next day and luckily my friend Elizabeth could work half of the day for me. 

I worked in the morning and then headed to my apartment to get ready to drive to Rochester. I found out that it was too late, Annie had passed. I could not believe it. I was so sad and cried in the apartment until Mike's cousin David and his wife Casta came to pick me up to go to Rochester which was so nice of them. They brought me a sandwich and at one point played Gangnam Style which was fun and we tried to stay positive. 

We got to the house and comforted each other and relaxed for the night. The next day Mike's extended family came over and it was nice to all be together. We all had lunch and later an amazing dinner that the Scott Miller salon got for the family from Good Luck restaurant. 

Mike's Grandpa with Massimo

Mike's cousin

Afterwards our friend Jorge showed us pictures from back home in Peru that were incredible. It is so interesting to me to see the different animals and insects there and Jorge is not afraid of any of them he holds spiders and snakes like it is normal! 

The next day my parents and I went to lunch at the Basin Bean which was really cute. We had some sandwiches and then I went with Mike and his family to talk to the Rabbi of Annie's memorial service. Everyone reminisced with stories and it was great to hear Mike's Grandpa tell the story of how they met and that it was love at first sight for him. It was a little emotional talking about how great of a person she was but we also shared some laughs and had a good time thinking of her. 

Annie was such a loving person and I remember watching her at family gatherings, she was so happy to have everyone together and with her. I really wish that I could have seen her again before she passed but I know that she will always be a part of us and with us. I love you Annie. 

Later at night celebrity hairstylist Oribe got dinner for the family from Blend which was really good and so nice of him. Afterwards Jorge started taking out these hollow candle sticks and said he could clean everyones ears if they wanted! I was hesitant and I had other people go first but then Mike and I did it together. He put an oil in our ears and we laid on our sides and he leaned the candle stick in our ear and lit the end of it on fire! It took about ten minutes to burn towards the end and during that it sucks stuff out of your ears! It was weird but cool and I could feel a little bit of a difference!

The next day I had to fly back to the city for work. Wednesday was the memorial service and I wanted to make it back but unfortunately it was very expensive and difficult with my work schedule. That day I had an opportunity to shadow my friend Chelsea in the accounting department which I was really excited about! We went through some things such as the cash process, sales journal and accounts payable and it was so much fun! I am thankful that Union Square Hospitality Group allowed me to have that experience to see some of the responsibilities of the accountants and I look forward to working in the finance and accounting industry in the future!  

The next two nights I was hostessing and on Thursday night Sheryl Crow came in for dinner. I have grown up listening to her music because my Mom loves her. She was cute and nice and in person she reminded me a little bit of my Mom. 

Friday I got ready to go back home for the weekend! 

Sept 25th-Sept 30th - Rochester Fashion Week!

Tuesday morning I flew home to Rochester for Fashion Week! My Mom picked me up from the airport and we went to Pelican's Nest for a nice lunch on the water.

Then I had to run around to fittings because I tried to schedule as many as I could in one day. My first fitting was at Panache where the owner Joan who I have worked with for a photo shoot before had set aside a cool dress and boots with a fun vintage hat and coat for me.

My next fitting was at Suzanne's where I tried on a tight grey silk dress and a black belted dress with a shawl. Afterwards I went to Joeval's Formalwear where I fell in love with the Sherri Hill dress they had me try on. I put it on and felt amazing!

Then I went to 2 Chic Boutique and tried on a high fashion outfit that I did not end up wearing in the show but I wore a pretty dress with a long coat. The next fitting was for Andrea Geer who makes interesting knitted pieces and I really liked my outfit. Last but not least I drove 40 minutes to my last fitting for Sojo Fashion. I tried on a beautiful handmade top and was all done with my fittings for the day!

It was dark and I was heading home when all of a sudden two deer ran in front of me! I tried to step on the brake but it was too late. I pulled over and was crying and really upset. I got out of the car and there were no deer in sight. A neighbor who heard the accident (and probably me crying too) came out to help and tried to make me feel better by telling me that deer are very strong and from the looks of it he might not have gotten hurt.. I hope this is true! The man also checked to make sure that the car was okay to drive since it was dented which I didn't even think about. My parents and everyone were just glad that I was okay and they made me feel better.

The next day I had a fitting at Paislee Boutique that our friend Fatima owns so I was really excited to be modeling for her in the show! I tired on some cute things and we went with a coat that had a really cool hood. Then Mike and I headed to Eastview mall for my last fitting with Free People. The stylists there were so cool and had such cute ideas for outfits. I tried on the final outfit and loved it and wore it in the show. 

Thursday we had a great relaxing day at Mike's house with our friend Jorge from Peru. Friday was the first day of Rochester Fashion Week and I went to Scott Miller salon to get hair and makeup done. The look was a deep side-part with a teased low ponytail and simple makeup with red lips which was really cool. At the salon I saw my pictures for ads in the program for Scott Miller Salon & Spa and Mary Therese Friel, LLC modeling agency!

With makeup artist Sylvana

Mike and I ate lunch at Plum Garden Japanese restaurant and then I headed to the Armory to get ready for the first show! When I walked in I was shocked because I saw a big backdrop that had my picture on it for an ad for Scott Miller Salon & Spa!

My best friend Liz came to the show and came backstage beforehand and then met up with Mike to watch the show. Mike's parents gave my Mom and her friend Karen a couple of tickets that they had so they got to come too! For the show they had well-known DJ Cassidy and eight-year-old DJ Fulano playing the music, I did four looks and it went really well!

Photo Credit: Kris Murante

After the show I talked with my agent Mary Therese Friel and then Mike, his family, Liz and I went to Applebee's where I treated everyone to a late night dinner (against their will) as a thanks for everything they did for me.

The next morning I got up and went to the salon for hair and makeup for day two of Fashion Week! For this show I did four different looks again and the hair was down pin straight with a smokey eye.

With hair stylist Maria

I opened the show with this look

Backstage with Mike

After the show I went home and got to see my kitty Cookie Dough which was so nice. Sunday was the last show and the hair was wavy with eyeliner and blush for makeup. Rapper Lil Wes performed and it was an outdoor show but luckily I got to model a coat!

Rochester Fashion Week was a lot of fun, I was glad to be a part of this great event in my community and for a great cause! The shows raised over $100,000 for Center For Youth which provides shelter and counseling for teens in need. 

Afterwards I spent time at home and got ready to go back to the city! 

Sept 17th-Sept 24th - Mike Visiting & Girls Night!

Monday morning Mike, his family and I headed to Manhattan from Nyack, NY. We went with his parents for them to check into The NoMad and then we went to Soho to look around. A little later Mike and I went to meet my friend Lindsay at my apartment since she was going to be staying with me for a few weeks to model for Trump Model Management. It was good to see Lindsay again since I had not seen her in a while because she lives in Quebec.

Lindsay was tired from traveling and wanted to get settled in so Mike planned a dinner for him and I at Asellina in the Park Avenue Gansevoort Hotel. We had a delicious dinner and could not help but finish with chocolate cake! Afterwards we headed to The NoMad where Mike's parents were having dinner with their friends Victoria and Larry who own Whittemore House Salon. When we got there they were just finishing up and we all went into the library to hang out and catch up, it was a fun night!

The next day we all went shopping around 60th street and then got lunch before I had to head to a meeting for work. Since it was right next door Mike and I stopped into Dylan's candy shop quick because I had never been in there before! Surprisingly I did not get anything but I was in a hurry to go to Union Square Hospitality Group for an inspiring presentation and talk from owner Danny Meyer.

Afterwards, I talked to a woman named Stephanie at the office who I had met before to ask her if there was any way for me to shadow an accountant in the company and see what their daily activities are. She thought that was a great idea and gave me her card to try to figure something out which was nice of her. Then I headed to Maialino to work that night and when I got out Mike and I went to Hard Rock Cafe to get dessert together before he left the city.

The next day after I got out of work I took Lindsay to La Follia to catch up and have a light dinner and she enjoyed it! On Friday at work Tyra Banks came in, this time with makeup on and looking beautiful again. On her way out I was on the phone but she smiled and said bye to me. Business man Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner who is married to Ivanka Trump, came in as well as television host and interior designer Genevieve Gorder and Tom Brady's manager Will McDonough.

After work we had a girls night where Sarah, Dennise, her sister Casta and I went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. It was a lot of fun to go out together and catch up! Then Lindsay met us back at the apartment and we all did our nails together and finished the night watching PS I Love You!

Over the weekend I worked and on Sunday celebrity chef Mario Batali dined with us. Later at night Lindsay and I watched the television show that she is on called Le Banquier which is like Deal or No Deal. While we were watching the show we also saw her in commercials that she did for Ford Fusion. She is a star in Quebec and I am proud of her!

On Monday I set up fittings for Rochester Fashion Week and then took Ernie to get a haircut. When I picked him up he came out with a mohawk! I started to laugh but the groomers thought it looked good so I didn't want to make them cut it off.

That night I packed a bunch of shoes and anything I needed to go home and walk in Rochester Fashion Week!

Sep 10th-Sep 16th - Meeting Dayana & Miss USA, FORD Models, and Celebrations!

Monday night Maialino was the place to be for Fashion Week! First Bryanboy and Rumi Neely, two popular fashion bloggers, came in and Eva Chen the Beauty Editor of Teen Vogue joined them. Also fashion designers Wes Gordon and Jason Wu each came in for dinner. Former Victoria's Secret model Stephanie Seymour was looking beautiful in a classy black dress and it was great to see Rachael Ray join us again that evening.

My favorite part of the evening though was meeting Dayana Mendoza (Miss Universe 2008, model and Celebrity Apprentice contestant) and Olivia Culpo the reigning Miss USA! As soon as Dayana walked in I was pretty sure it was her so I asked if she was Dayana and she said yes!

(Photo: Miss Universe Organization)

I told her how I am a former Miss New York Teen USA titleholder and that I admire her. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met and after we talked for a minute she went to the bar with Jonathon Martin who is a movie producer in Los Angeles. When she was leaving it was so nice of her to go out of her way to say good bye to me. Dayana is a beautiful person inside and out and I hope to follow in her footsteps!

(Photo: Miss Universe Organization)

Later at night when Olivia came in I walked her to her table and I told her how it is my dream to be Miss USA and she thought that was great. When we got to the table Jonathon wanted me to ask her questions since I had the chance to but I didn't want to interrupt their meeting so I just asked how her reign has been and how her recent trip back to Rhode Island was. Later they asked me what dessert to get and I treated them to the chocolate torte cake :) Olivia is gorgeous and I am glad that we got to meet! I will be rooting for her at Miss Universe in December!

Sarah and I were there in Las Vegas when she won :)

(Photo: Miss Universe Organization)

Tuesday was September 11th, eleven years since the tragedy occurred. We remember those who lost their lives and we pray for their families. We are thankful for those who serve to protect our country and together we unite... we will never forget.

That day at work Tyra Banks came in with her Mom and she was not wearing makeup but she still looked great and her skin is flawless!

After work I headed straight to Crema, a Mexican restaurant, where Chantale my mother agent was having a get-together of her girls in the city during Fashion Week! It was nice to catch up with her and the girls and have a little fiesta!

A few of her friends from a couple agencies stopped by and it was fun! I met with Natalie from FORD Los Angeles and she was so cool and nice. Chantale asked her what she thought of me for LA and she said that she thinks I can do great there and she would like me to go there for six weeks and give it a shot! I was in a little bit of shock when she said that and I left the restaurant thinking did that really just happen?!

Sure enough Chantale emailed me saying that Natalie would like me to go to LA at the beginning of the year! Hearing that news was incredible and my loved ones and I are so ecstatic! I am so thankful to be presented this great opportunity that I have been working towards but I do have a couple of events to attend in January so I am planning on going at the beginning of February! I am so excited that one of my dreams is coming true!

Thursday after work I went shopping for a portable clothing rack since my friend Lindsay from Canada was going to be staying with me on Monday for a few weeks to model for Trump Model Management! While I was shopping I found out that my friend Vince and his friend Eva were visiting the city! They invited Sarah and I to go to a comedy club show that night and it was hilarious! Each act was different and still very funny and there was also a couple in the audience that made quite a scene! I am so glad we got to go and that we all had a great time.

On Saturday I met up with Vince and Eva quickly at Central Park because I was not sure if I would see them before they left. We caught up and then I had to head to work but I invited them to come in to dine there later. They came in and I had a table all ready for them! I tried to talk to them for a few moments here and there while I was working and then I had a server put a candle in Vince's dessert because it was his birthday the next day! I am glad they had a great dinner and a nice trip to the city :)

On Sunday I took the train to the Bronx and went to Mike's cousins house so that Dennise, Casta, David and I could all drive together to a family party for Rosh Hashanah! When I got there they were making Kreplach to bring to the party which I had never heard of but it is a sort of dumpling. David was working on the meat ones and Dennise and I made vegetarian ones!

Before we left they asked me if I had seen this Gangnam Style video and I had not so they played it for me and it was so funny we were all doing the dance together! Then we packed up the car and started to head to Nyack, NY. Dennise was showing me gifts that David and Casta got her for her PhD and one of them was these puppets and Casta and Dennise started doing a little show with them. I could not stop laughing it was hilarious, they were really good at it!

We got to Nyack and Mike and his family met us there and we had a great dinner together! Everyone was so stuffed but we still had the energy to watch the Gangnam Style video and do the dance! We were doing it full-out and it was so funny! Then we enjoyed chocolate cake in honor of Dennise getting her PhD and later got ready to go back to the city the next day.