Chef Toni: Saving the World...One Palate at a Time

With summer winding down and the back-to-school mania at its peak, parents are understandably concerned about their children's lack of enthusiasm to return to the daily school routine. But have no fear, 'rents, because Chef Toni - The Tesla Group's newest client - is here to save the day...and maybe even the world: one palate at a time.

Every once in a while, I come across stories of incredible women who inspire me to do more - and to do it better than everyone else. Chef Toni Willard-Young is one of those women.

A mother of four who has catered for NY/NJ politicians, the South African Embassy, private dinners for Columbia University's alumni, women's civic organizations - such as The Links - and international style doyenne, Audrey Smaltz, her resume is beyond impressive.

Chef Toni has also dedicated her time to teaching cooking classes at the YMCA and PS 166, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

If that's not astounding enough, Chef Toni's latest project, Chef Toni's Cooking Academy, turns kids into top "junior chefs," focusing on "farm-to-table" cooking through fun culinary adventures!

Sound a little too good to be true? It's not.

Students at the academy dress us in their very own chef hats and aprons, visit local farmers, butchers, bakers, grocers who teach students about fresh produce, and other food professionals - all in service of developing their palates with an understanding of food origins, preparation and dining.

With the back-to-school season upon us, Chef Toni understands the importance of nourishing food, because not only does it make a child healthier, but also improves their school performance and is a critical component in growth and development.

And the best part of the program? The kids receive Culinary Graduation Certificates at the end of the class semester!

Chef Toni's many accomplishments are a true testament to her skill and passion. She was just recently featured in Examiner and will be in TimeOut NY Kids in October, and she has been catering for high profile politicians and clients like Jonathan Waxman for years.

For more information on Chef Toni or her Cooking Academy, please visit http://cheftoniscookingadventures.blogspot.com/.

Locked and Loaded: Our Interview with Lock & Mane's Jackie Cascarano

It's been said that hair is the perfect accessory - and the ladies and Lock & Mane are proving that point.

Their site, http://www.lockandmane.com/, is the destination for luxurious hair products. I caught up with Jackie Cascarano, Lock & Mane's Creative Director, and she told me everything from what hair trends she wants to see this fall to what you need to do to ace an interview with their team (hint: it involves making a martini!).

1. You describe yourself as a recovering attorney. How did you jump from practicing law to creating Lock & Mane? That seems like quite a career change...

I always knew I wanted to do something in the beauty industry. Law was a safe career choice and I enjoyed it, but I always knew it wasn't the best fit for my demeanor and interests. My mother and I founded Lock & Mane in 2009 because we couldn't find a website that was upscale and completely devoted to luxe hair products and accessories. But we also wanted a site that had a personal touch with fun commentary on the latest hair trends and celebrity styles.

2. As I'm sure you know, there are lots of sites out there that are dedicated to hair and hair products. What sets Lock & Mane apart?

Lock & Mane is the fastest growing beauty retailer online because it truly is the ultimate destination for luxury hair products and hair accessories. We believe in all the products we carry because have tried them ourselves (and love them!). There's a personal touch to the site - we have video reviews of products, photos of us wearing the hair accessories, and a fabulous blog with fun commentary on trends and celeb styles. You can come to Lock & Mane to see what hairstyle your favorite celeb is wearing these days and also buy the products that will give you that look.

3. I really love your blog. Why do you think it's important to keep a blog when you have some many other facets to your site (not that I'm complaining!)?

Thanks! We love the blog because it makes Lock & Mane much more than just an e-commerce site. Sure, you can purchase a T3 hairdryer or Oscar Blandi shampoo or a crystal Jennifer Behr headwrap, but we also want you to come to Lock & Mane for the latest in hair and beauty news. In addition to giving our opinions on the latest hair trends, we have interviewed respected hair stylists, celebrities, and trendsetters. The blog is a fun and useful resource for the hair-obsessed.

4. Lock & Mane seems to have nailed the social media aspect of the business. Why do you think it is important to be on Twitter, Facebook, etc.?

It is vitally important for us to communicate with our customers! We want to hear what they have to say about products, accessories as well as celebrity hair trends. Other beauty retail sites have completely lost the personal touch and we are trying to bring that back. We enjoy being friends with our customers and we chat with them on Twitter and Facebook daily.

5. I love that one of your past blog posts was dedicated to wanting to dye Sookie's (from True Blood) hair. If you could kidnap any celebrity and change his or her hair, who would it be?

Oh so many. Britney comes to mind immediately. Poor thing. Someone needs to force her to take out the extensions and just rock a pixie or bob while her hair grows out. Also the entire Kardashian family needs a haircut. I have issues with ultra long hair. I'm a big proponent of well-manicured ends and hair that won't get stuck in your cleavage.

6. You're the hair guru, where do you get your hair done?

I split my time between Philadelphia and New York. When I'm in Philly, I go to Hush Salon in Old City where I see Carlos Rogers. When in New York, I go to Pierre Michel on 57th Street - my mom has been seeing Ron Levin for color for over 15 years.

7. What does it take to be part of the Lock & Mane team?

Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, and willingness to try any product! We definitely have fun at Lock & Mane and we want our customers to experience that when they visit the site. Also happy hour features prominently in our lives. Anyone who can't mix a good dirty martini in less than 20 seconds is turned away during the interview.

8. Finally, it's no secret that I love fashion - and you recently raved about Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 ad campaign. I agree; it's divine. Besides the 1950's flipped ponies, what other hair trends would you love to see this fall?

I love big hair, so for me voluminous, sultry hairstyles are always preferable to straight and sleek. I also believe the braid trend may have reached its limit. I'm hoping to see a more mature trend for the autumn and winter.

Many thanks to Jackie for taking the time to answer my questions! P.s. - Isn't her hair great?!

"Burlesque" Shows Alice in Wonderland

Perez Hilton recently posted the trailer for "Burlesque," staring Christina Aguilera and Cher, and I've got to say - It. Looks. Fantastic.

True, it may be a little early to call this movie a box office smash, but come on -it has Christina Aguilera, Cher, Kristen Bell, Dr. McSteamy (aka Eric Dane)...and it takes place in a burlesque joint! How can this not equal box office gold?!

The trailer shows Alice leaving her small town to chase fame and success in LA. After trying to persuade the owner of the club (Cher) to let her dance, Alice realizes she has to do more than just talk the talk to get on stage - she's going to have to strut and sing (half naked) to get there!

Add some glitter, lace, Agent Provocateur, alcohol, and some vintage Aguilera vocals and you get Burlesque! Question is, will you make your way to the theaters this Thanksgiving to see it?

Michael Kors Previews a "Cool" Promo for the Hottest Week in Fashion

New York Fashion Week is only (thankfully) weeks away, and fans of fashion can thank Michael Kors for bringing us a little closer to the Lincoln Center festivities today.

Michael Kors tweeted a photo teasing the promo he filmed with fashion juggernauts Anna Wintour, Iman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tommy Hilfiger - along with Mayor Bloomberg.

This news comes on the heels of the release of a tentative line up of shows, ranging from runway veterans like Max Azria and DVF to fashion favorites like Carlos Miele and Tory Burch.

To get your fashion fix, stay tuned to designers' Twitter account and Facebook fan pages - where the latest news is sure to leak first.

Weekend Warrior: Which Event Did You Attend?

In case you haven't heard, the most important wedding of the season took place Saturday night.

Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky at Astor Courts in Rhineback, NY, in front of 400 guests.

While there was speculation months ago that the bride would walk down the aisle in Oscar de la Renta, Chelsea instead chose a stunning Vera Wang gown to wear as she celebrated her nuptials.

From an outside observer's perspective, it is so refreshing to see the pictures of the new Mr. and Mrs. Mezvinsky and how blissfully happy they appear.

However, the Clinton wedding wasn't the only thing happening in New York this past weekend. If you weren't lucky enough to get your hands on one of those 400 invitations and you lived near the City, you probably spent your weekend in the Hamptons at the 13th Annual Super Saturday.

Benefitting the OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund), the daylong fundraiser was a dream come true for those both fashionable and charitably-inclined. Once hailed as the "Rolls Royce of garage sales," the event sells merchandise from the top tier designers: Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Theory, and DVF - to name a few.

While an estimate of the funds raised has not yet been released, last year's event raised over $3.7 million for the OCRF.