City Lights Gala

Sunday night, I enjoyed my first post-PDA injury outing and headed over to History Starts Now’s City Lights Gala.

HSN founders Kristina Lee Grandstaff (left), Rachael Lechliter and me at the City Lights Gala

Held at the swanky and intimate Aspen Social Club near Times Square, the event drew about 100 guests supporting HSN’s mission -- to raise awareness for the fight against sex trafficking of minors in the U.S.

Smart and dedicated co-founders Rachael Lechliter and Kristina Lee Grandstaff gave a brief presentation that included the story of a young woman whose sister was trafficked in Queens. You can watch a video with her personal testimony at HSN’s website.

The crowd at Aspen Social Club

The gala featured open bar for the first hour and a yummy selection of hors d’oeuvres. While I was sampling a bite of cheese, email marketer Lak approached me.

“What are some of your favorite ‘cheesy’ events?“ he said, clearly amused by his food-inspired pun.

Lak sat down next to me, telling me about his recent divorce and move to NYC from Virginia and how difficult it is to meet people here.

Given the lopsided guy-girl ratio in Gotham, I was surprised by Lak’s complaint. And equally surprised when he said his taste is very specific, and that he prefers classy women. Since I practically trip over fabulous, single women every day, I’m skeptical of his claim that there’s a shortage of this type in the Big Apple.

“What are you doing for New Year’s?” he asked suddenly.

Though the invitation was a bit much after only five minutes of conversation, I appreciated Lak’s honesty about having to relearn the dating ropes after his eight-year marriage-induced sabbatical.

Equally candid about his single status – IT customer support rep Noah.

While chatting about the charms of the Pacific Northwest, Noah told me that his job requires being on the road 80% of the time, making it impossible to sustain a relationship. I nodded empathetically, newly grateful that most of my traveling is dictated by pleasure.

After taking a bite of the delicious cupcakes from Desserts by Tawny, I thanked the lovely hostesses and called it a night. The work that Kristina and Rachael are doing is truly inspiring. Visit History Starts Now's website to find out how you can be a part of it.

Coming up…being minus a plus one at another wedding and dinner with SingleEdition.com founder Sherri Langburt.

Women In Digital Media Mixer

Tuesday night, I joined my new friend, SingleEdition founder Sherri Langburt at a Women In Digital Media (WIDM) cocktail party.

Held at the fabulously futuristic Sony Wonder Lab in Midtown, the mixer attracted over 100 women from a variety of industries working in the digital media space.

The Schmoozing Scene At Sony (photo courtesy: Aileen Atkins)

Since launching less than a year ago, WIDM has quickly grown from 4 to 400 in membership. Based upon the smart, savvy ladies I met the other night, I’m not surprised.

I chatted with branding consultant Jennifer and TV host Vanessa about the upcoming new webisode series “Girl Blog” and the need for more shows profiling intelligent women.

Upon mentioning Single Gal In The City, Vanessa asked me about the pros and cons of online and speed dating. I told her I’m all for both -- as long as you don't rely on them as your only mechanisms for meeting new people.

Sherri, whose hubby is New Jersey born and bred, says I should cast a wider net geographically speaking. Brooklyn and Westchester speed dating, here I come.

Much as I wanted to continued schmoozing, I had to make an early exit....for my date with HurryDate guy #2.

Single Gal Online And On TV With Dr. Oz

When it comes to websites geared toward unmarried individuals, SingleEdition.com breaks the mold.

In addition to providing great information and resources for those of us who are flying solo, SingleEdition.com is one of the only sites that actually celebrates singlehood. Which is why I was delighted when founder Sherri Langburt asked to profile me for SingleEdition’s Solo Spotlight.

As part of the Q&A, I share my favorite activities and mingling spots for singles in NYC – and why, lopsided guy-girl ratio and all, there’s no better place to be if you’re minus a plus one. Click here to read my entire interview.

In The Green Room: Cardio dance superstar Stepp Stewart and me at NBC Studios

Speaking of media appearances, I’m happy to report that "The Dr. Oz Show” cardio dance segment I taped last month is finally scheduled to air tomorrow. It will be part of an action-packed episode that also covers the world’s deadliest bacteria and body odor. Dr. Oz and his producing team definitely know how stack a show!

Coming up…drinks with another HurryDate guy and an attempt at flirting at the gym.

Live The Life You Love 3: Part Two

Tuesday’s Live The Life You Love panel hosted by SingleEdition continued with a spirited conversation about work and dating.

SingleEdition founder Sherri Langburt led the lively Q&A

Human Resources Consultant Alyson D’Anna talked about the importance of self-promotion when it comes to managing your career.

“It’s the key to creating visibility,” she said.

Career expert Alyson D’Anna

Alyson outlined a three-step approach to personal PR – self inventory, career situational analysis and using information from both to advance yourself professionally. She also advised getting a mentor and perfecting your elevator pitch.

Twenty first Century Guide To Bachelorhood author Brad Berkowitz offered some straight talk about where to meet men and how to shake up your social life.

Author and dating expert Brad Berkowitz

“Expand your horizons by going to new restaurants, clubs and bars,” he said. “Never eat alone [at home], because you’re not meeting anyone but the Domino’s delivery guy.”

When it comes to online dating, Brad suggests having a male friend review your profile before you post it. Speaking of the Internet, he recommended Facebook as a great way to connect with single friends of friends.

Brad also said the gym is a great venue for meeting men – though in my experience, you’ll encounter more endorphin-induced scowls there than come hither smiles.

Offline, Brad and I chatted about how to look approachable when you’re out and about, especially in the bar scene. Guys won’t approach a closed circle, so open it up.

I liked Brad’s take on dating and really putting yourself out there. Stay tuned for an in-depth Q&A with him.

Coming up…an exhilarating first date with one of the HurryDate guys and a look at my favorite NYC spots for singles.

Live The Life You Love 3: Part One

Tuesday night, I headed over to Saks Fifth Avenue for the finale of Single Edition’s “Live The Live You Love” series about lifestyle issues from a single woman’s perspective.

Guests enjoyed complimentary make-up applications

Focusing on career, cooking and relationships, the event featured cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, make-up applications, after hours shopping – and a lively expert panel discussion led by SingleEdition.com founder, the fabulous Sherri Langburt.

Business Startup Advisor Beth Schoenfeldt offered some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, making the case that singles are well positioned to strike out on their own.

Business Startup Advisor Beth Schoenfeldt

“It takes so much time and energy,” says the three-time entrepreneur. “When you are single, you have more freedom to work as much as you want.”

Beth’s top tips – create a strong support system, be passionate about what you’re doing and start (small) with the end in mind.

“Know what your goal is,” she said. “Whether you want to go public, sell it or just make money for a few years.”

Sherri , a successful entrepreneur herself, chimed in about the value of persistence.

“You can turn a no into a yes,” she said. “Unlike the bedroom, there’s always another entrance.”

Entertaining and Food Expert Karine Bakhoum got the crowd excited about cooking for one. The frequent Food Network “Iron Chef America" judge encouraged singles to make the most of their solo lifestyle.

Entertaining and Food Expert Karine Bakhoum

“Enjoy the moment and the time with yourself,” she said. “Think about what you want to eat and enjoy the process of cooking.”

Karine recommends treating yourself like a guest who is coming to dinner – put on some music and break out the wine.

Get inspired, she says, by shopping at quality markets like Whole Foods and stock up on tasty staples (extra virgin oil, balsamic vinegar and tapenade are Karine’s top 3). And be sure to make your kitchen environment cook friendly.

Up next…advice from Single Edition's experts on navigating your career and jump starting your love life.