Find Your Luvah Party: Part Two

Friday, after chatting with matchmaker Steve Ward, I rejoined the sizable crowd at Purple Lab’s speed dating party.

Extreme Speed Dating: Purple Lab’s event drew 400 people

About 400 people turned out for the event, evenly split between men and women.

During the cocktail hour, I found myself chatting with amiable twenty something Jersey natives Edmund and Colby. We talked about what kinds of questions are appropriate for a three-minute date. I had a good chuckle when Colby suggested this one -- if you were a drink, what would you be?

Both Edmund and Colby were speed dating virgins and so, based upon my informal polling, were most of the men in attendance. Not surprising, given the age spread of 21-35 (most speed dating events have a more targeted range).

Around 9pm, the round robin dating began. Despite impossibly loud music, I managed to have a few memorable conversations. One of my favorites -- Matthew, a music producer whose opening gambit was to say he’s only interested in women for sex.

“I’m just trying to keep it real,” he said of his candor.

How romantic.

Thankfully, the other men present appeared to have more than booty on the brain. Like adorable real estate exec Frank, who charmed me with his passion for cooking and appreciation of his Italian heritage.

“I would love to hang out with you,” he said. Sign me up.

After speed dating was over, I ran into Edmund and Colby and we headed over to a nearby Irish pub, where we enjoyed a few laughs about the evening’s festivities.

Upon sharing my story about the randy music guy and how taken aback I was by what he’d said, Colby said--

“If a guy heard that from a woman [he just met], he’d be like ‘Alright! Let’s get out of here.’ “

I laughed again, amused to be reminded of the biological differences between men and women. And happy to be reminded also that, sometimes, the most fun connections to be made with the opposite sex are those of the platonic variety.

Find Your Luvah Party: Part One

Last night, I headed to Hoboken for Purple Lab’s “Find Your Luvah” speed dating party.

Strike A Pose: All smiles at the W Hoboken

Held at the swanky W hotel, the action-packed event promoted the brand’s new Luvah lip color and featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a swag bag and Vh-1 “Tough Love” host and Master Matchmaker CEO Steve Ward.

Known for his no-nonsense approach to dating and relationships, Steve tells it like it is -- and yes, he’s even more adorable (not to mention very, very tall) in person.

What A Charmer: Vh-1 “Tough Love” host Steve Ward and me

His top dating tips -- be yourself, be honest and don’t overthink things.

“Women try really hard and make it really complicated, when it’s really simple,” he said, adding that a little common sense goes a long way.

When I asked him the number one question he gets from single women, Steve said it’s invariably about failed relationships.

“If it doesn’t work out, it’s always about the other person, it’s nothing [women] attribute to themselves,” he said. And yet, he added, women are far more inclined to look inward about their dating behavior when they’re unattached.

His Rx -- do that introspection regardless of your relationship status.

“There’s always something you can do differently, I don’t care if you’re Drew Barrymore or Joe the Plumber,” he said.

Up next…a look at the big speed dating crowd and the two Jersey boys who made my night.

Girls Night In: Williamsburg

Wednesday night, my good friend Caroline and I headed out to Brooklyn for an evening of fun and fabulous food at our Quinn & Co. galpal Morgan's abode.

Girls Night In: Caroline, me and Morgan

Nestled in the hipster hamlet of Williamsburg, the apartment that Morgan shares with France-born hubby Arthur is a perfect reflection of them -- chic, inviting and warm.

One of the most well-matched, likeable couples you could ever hope to meet, Morgan and Arthur treated us and a handful of friends to a scrumptious homemade meal that included two kinds of quiche, chocolate pie and, bien sur, plenty of wine and cheese. It's no accident that the French are renowned for their hospitality.

Joined by Morgan's lovely galpals Prune and Judith, we toasted with a round of cosmos before settling in for the evening's main event -- a "Sex And The City" marathon.

Cheers: (from left to right) Judith, Morgan, Prune, me and Caroline

The men played cards as we curled up with season one of SATC which, outdated hair and fashion notwithstanding, holds up surprisingly well a decade later. Or maybe it's just, now that I'm a mid-thirtysomething single, I relate to Carrie & Co. on a more visceral level than I used to.

Whatever the case may be, one thing's for sure. Like a pitcher of cosmos, laughter and good food are infinitely more enjoyable when experienced with your girlfriends.

Singles Event Pick: Valentine's Week At Havana Central

NYC’s Havana Central is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a Week of Love. Two of the Cuban restaurant’s three locations are hosting fun events for singles.

On Tuesday February 9th from 7-9pm at Havana Central Times Square, kick off Valentine’s Week with the Love Potion Cocktail Challenge.

Cocktail lovers are invited to create a unique “Love Potion” cocktail using Bacardi rum. The winner will receive a $250 prize, credit on menus and a plaque commemorating this first-ever Cocktail Challenge at Havana Central.

Havana Central: The Cuban restaurant chain is hosting a series of Valentine’s-themed events

Entries should be emailed to lovepotion@havanacentral.com and click here for full contest rules and regulations.

On Thursday February 11th, join relationship experts Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus for an evening of dating do’s and don’ts, featuring a panel of three men-about-town on hand to answer questions. Tickets are $15 and include one “Love Potion” cocktail. For reservations, email ylanfranco@havanacentral.com.

Finally, start off Valentine’s weekend with Spice It Up Speed Dating at Havana Central’s uptown location on Friday February 12th.

Geared toward singles ages 25-45, the event runs from 7:45 to 9:45pm. Ticket price of $59.95 includes tax, hors d’oeuvres and one Havana Central classic cocktail. To purchase, call 1-800-406-0832 or visit the following links:
Women (ages: 22-32) and men (ages: 24-34) , women (ages: 25- 35) and men (ages: 27-37) and
women (ages: 30 – 38) and men (ages: 34- 44) .