Stories To Inspire: The Today Show's Hoda Kotb Shining Light on Pediatric Cancer - New Video with Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareilles To Raise Funds

Talk Show Host, NY Times Best-
Selling Author bringing joy
and awareness to children with cancer
Photo Courtesy Facebook

"They were singing along!" Hoda Kotb said, They were all looking for themselves in the video as they sat on the couch, but then they were "singing along."

This is what Hoda Kotb told Access Hollywood today about the debut of her video earlier that morning on the fourth hour of the Today Show with Kathy Lee Gifford.

The Today show studio was filled with the beautiful children from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that were the stars of the video. This video is Hoda's contribution to the TODAY's Shine A Light Series, a campaign to support worthy causes. Hoda herself battled cancer 7 years ago.

Review: The Friends Central Perk Pop-up Cafe - Should You Go With YOUR Friends?

The Central Perk Cafe is open until 10/17/14     Photos Suzanne Ordas Curry

Review by Suzanne Ordas Curry


In one word, Yes.

But not on a weekend.

I waited two and a half hours, albeit just how long the line control people told me the wait would be from a corner two blocks away, Was it worth the wait?

One of the line control guys and gals (all were decked out in "How You Brewin?" ) shirts told me that during the week the lines so far were maybe under a half hour. But today, he said, "New York City, Saturday, Free Attraction? This is what you get!"

I saw people - that were obviously not Friends superfans - leave the line. Even after repeated questioning from my family, I would not leave.

The Friends Couch minus the Friends                                                                             Photo by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I smile at the thought of the Holiday Armadillo, or Monica's dreadlocks. I frown at the "We were on a break" breakup. I feel wispy over Monica's proposal or Ross' mis-speak of "Rachel" at his English wedding. The hundreds of people who waited, these were my peeps.

Book Review: Miss Nicole's Cupcakes Sure to Please: Free Download on Itunes

Cookbook author and celebrity journalist Nicole Russin is offering her cupcake book, Miss Nicole's Cupcakes as a free download on Itunes for your Ipod, Ipad or Mac.

For any cupcake aficionado, or anyone that enjoys a good cupcake, this book is sure to please with its diversity of recipes and enticing and creative photographs. There are cupcakes for any occasion and the photos are sure to inspire any baker. The recipes are easy to follow. Though any female baker would appreciate this book, children and adults alike will enjoy these recipes.

To download it click here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/miss-nicoles-cupcakes/id903612571

Event: Tickets Still Available for Wanda Sykes at NJPac

Wanda Sykes is ready to make NJ laugh.

Wanda Sykes is coming to NJ. If you want more of her than what you have seen on the Ellen Show, on The New Adventures of Old Christine, or any talk show, head on down to Newark for a night of laughs. This comedienne has been named one of the 25 Funniest Women in America by Entertainment Weekly and tonight she gets to prove it. For info visit: www.NJPac.org. One night only: September 19, 2014

NJ Resident and Former Jet Damien Woody Featured on NBC's Biggest Loser

Damien Woody from the Jets to the Biggest Loser Competition

UPDATE:
Congrats on your new weight: 296!

Mendham's Damien Woody tweeted his last tweet on June 23rd: Gotta take a twitter hiatus but know that I'm coming back better than ever!!! Y'all hold down the fort for me

This 36-year old father of 7, and two-time Super Bowl Champion is no stranger to competition, but it's usually on the playing field. After playing college ball at Boston College, this offensive lineman played for the New England Patriots, the Detroit Lions and and the New York Jets. He's also a commentator for ESPN.

This time around, he's competing on the popular NBC weigh loss show, The Biggest Challenge. He started at 388 pounds.

You Tube Personality Alli Simpson to Appear at Garden State Plaza September 13th

Alli Simpson, who has amassed millions of views for her songs on YouTube, will appear at Delia's at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus on Saturday, September 14th from 12-2pm. You can get a selfie with her, freebies, and more, according to the press release. Alli is a 16 year-old model with over 1 million twitter followers. Fans may know her song, "Why I'm Single".

For more information, call 201.843.0287.

LOCATION

DELIA'S - LOWER LEVEL

Event: Jersey's Christina Milian Makes Two Appearances in NJ for Her Wine Brand, VIVA DIVA Wines

From Jersey City to Hollywood on The Voice and Dancing With the Stars, singer, actress and TV Host Christina Milian, born in Jersey City as Christina Flores is coming back to Jersey to promote her wine brand, Viva Diva Wines, which she has recently taken on full ownership of. Come see her on September 12, 2014 from 3 - 5 pm at the Joe Canals in Lawrenceville, Nj and then again on September 13th from 2-4pm at the Magaziner Canals in Mays Landing, NJ.

For more information on Christina visit www.ChristinaMilian.com or visit www.VivaWines.com.

Coming Soon to SuzeeBehindTheScenes: Interview with Christina Millian

RHONJ Kathy Wakile Launches Indulge Recipe Book at NJ Bookstore: Fans Learn How to Keep Life Real Sweet

Kathy Wakile launched Indulge at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ

Indulge, by Kathy Wakile with Miriam Harris is a recipe book of over 75 personal treats of hers, published by St. Martin's Press.
          Story/photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

I've been to a lot of book signings, for clients, friends and family members. At the launch signing, always on Tuesdays, the author's family and friends typically fill the room with support. No one knows who in the crowd is family and friends or just book fans, but at this one, all of Kathy Wakile's fans knew who they were. And they sure did fill it.
______________________________________________________________________
Meet Kathy: This month, Kathy will be all over NJ, heading west to Illinois and Kansas, south to Maryland and back to NJ. Here is a list of her appearances:
http://www.kathywakiledesserts.com/#!appearances/cv9
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About the signing:

Daughter Victoria Wakile
with Grandma Maria Pierri

This was a RHONJ fan bonanza. Kathy was there, and spoke to everyone. Her proud mom Maria was there. Rich her husband was there. Her daughter Victoria was there looking beautiful in a pink dress with bright pinkish lipstick. Her handsome teenage son Rich was there looking like he's grown a bit since last season. Her sister Rosie Pierri was there, looking very tan and slim, wearing all black. Rosie walked up and down the line of fans - about 50 or so - and greeted each and every fan. They were thrilled. She posed for pictures with anyone that asked.

                        RHONJ Jaqueline Laurita stopped by to support her friend KathyWakile.                                                                                                                                                       Photos by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Jersey City Fashion Week is Back and Bigger than Ever: Featuring Project Runway's Helen Castillo

Jersey City Fashion Week is Back this September 24th- 28th with FASHION IN THE PARK.

Come see fashions by local and name designers, dine on food at local restaurants, meet Jersey's Designer Helen Castillo from Season 12 of Project Runway and other notables, listen to the music of Jeff Fox from WBLS, and donate to a good cause at the same time. 

Stories to Inspire: What is CASA? See How You Can Help a Child in Foster Care

Find out how you can change a foster child's life. SheKnows.com writer Sherri Kuhn sheds light on the organization bringing light and love to the life of a child.

Ever want to help a child in foster care, but don't know how? CASA, which stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocate, is a national organization which provides a one-on-one volunteer, an advocate, for each child in foster care. That advocate acts as the voice of the child to help insure that the child receives the best care and placement while in the hands of the foster system. Most states have a chapter as do most counties. There are many ways to help out. You can train to become an advocate, help out in fundraising, become a member of their board, give a little bit of your time where and when needed, or help out financially with a monetary donation or goods and services as needed by each chapter. Most chapters do not have the resources to help each

and every child, so help is always needed. As President of the Board of  Directors for Bergen County CASA for Children in NJ, this organization is special to me and I have seen firsthand the tremendous difference this organization and its people make in the lives of a child without a stable family. Read more here:

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1040143/who-is-looking-out-for-foster-kids                                                        - Suzanne Curry

Careers in Entertainment: Interview with NYC Playwright Michael Block

 Michael Block

Jersey's Michael Block is one of the NYC area's up and coming playwrights. As part of  this site's new "Careers in Entertainment" page we interview Michael to find out the answer to "So You Want to be a Playwright?"

Read on about his latest stage production Pageant Tales and Beauty Fails, how he got started, and how he'll keep trying to get on Big Brother.

Suzee: First, tell me about your latest project.

The Cast of Pageant Tales and Beauty Fails                                                             All photos by Molly O'Keefe

Michael Block: My play Pageant Tales and Beauty Fails is a hilariously outrageous and offensive comedy about a fictional