I am now home after my quick trip to New York City attending an event for the Euro-Pro’s Ninja Master Prep (my first all-expense paid blogger event!). I was in the city for less than 24 hours, arriving by train late Wednesday night (actually, it was early Thursday morning by the time we arrived) and leaving Thursday afternoon. Even though my time in New York was limited, it was packed with fun times and new friends!
So, this week’s Friday Favorites will be a bit different… I decided it would be fun to introduce you to a few of the bloggers that I met at the event and tell you about my trip and the Euro-Pro event.
Today Show Taping
After arriving in New York and getting to the hotel around 1am, I decided to join a few fellow bloggers for a trip to the Today Show early in the morning before the Euro-Pro event. I set my alarm for 4:45am so that I would be ready to meet everyone in the hotel lobby at 5:45am (I am high maintenance, OK?).
We arrived at Rockefeller Plaza around 6:00am and got into the crowd to watch the taping of the Today Show. We each made signs to hold – advertising our blogs, of course! I didn’t manage to get on TV (a few others did, but I had already left at that point). We did, however, have our pictures taken by one of the photographers for the Today Show, and you can see us on the allDAY blog for the Today Show.
Even though I only managed to get about 3 hours of sleep, it was fun to see the Today Show taping, and even more fun to spend some time with these lovely ladies:
- Carmen of Mom to the Screaming Masses
- Jendi of Jendi’s Journal and Simple Vlogging Tips
- Jenn of Frugal Upstate
- Kim of Hormone Colored Days
Euro-Pro Launch of the Ninja Master Prep
After watching the first hour of the Today Show, we headed off to Columbus Circle for the Euro-Pro event. We made a quick stop at Bouchon Bakery for breakfast on the way to the event.
The event was held at the ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental, 36 stories above Columbus Circle and Central Park. The view was absolutely amazing (refer back to the photo at the top of the post), a perfect backdrop for the coffee reception that started the event.
Following a quick meet and greet, we got to see the Ninja Master Prep in action in a cooking demo by Robin Miller. She prepared numerous dishes and kept us all entertained with stories, jokes, and conversation. She was assisted by Dann Provolo of Euro-Pro. I think the most interesting feature of the Ninja Master Prep is the fact that it has a double blade instead of the single blade you find on most food processors. It can chop ice without adding any liquid – I saw it with my own eyes. Having seen it in action, I am even more excited for homemade frappucinos now!
After the cooking demo, we learned a bit about Euro-Pro’s cleaning products and had a chance to try everything ourselves. I was fascinated by the steam cleaning appliances. Imagine eliminating all of the harsh cleaners in your home and cleaning your countertops, stovetop and cupboards with steam instead! I am really looking forward to having the chance to give the products a try.
The demonstrations were followed by a buffet lunch featuring the recipes demonstrated by Robin Miller earlier in the morning. During lunch, I had the pleasure of sitting with a great group of food bloggers. Everyone had a blast, and I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to meet everyone for the first time! Take a few minutes to check out their great food blogs:
- Bee of Rasa Malasia
- Ilina of Dirt and Noise
- Jennifer of In Jennie’s Kitchen
- Marc of No Recipes
- Rachel of La Fuji Mama and Steamy Kitchen
I had a fun time at the event, and even had the opportunity to pose for a quick picture with Robin Miller. As a relatively new food blogger, I was honored to have the opportunity to spend time with so many more experienced bloggers. I met lots of wonderful people (more than I could include in this post, there were too many to list).
After the event, I had time for a quick stroll through the city with Jendi and Rachel. We saw some of Central Park, did a bit of window shopping on 5th Avenue, and then ended our trip in Times Square. Less than 24 hours after first arriving in New York, it was time to head back to Penn Station to board the train and head home. I had a great trip, but it’s always good to be home!
I love the view from Bouchon. Doesn’t it feel like you’re floating over Columbus Circle? :) Have fun!
What a fun day! It was a blast getting to meet and hang out with you. I hope we get to do it again in the future!
Great recap!! The Today Show excursion SOUNDS like a lot of fun, but NOTHING could have dragged me out of my bed at 4:45. Wow. You ladies were dedicated to getting the MOST out of your NYC experience, and for that, I applaud you!!
Looks like you had a fantastic time! It’s great to finally see what you look like Jen!
What fun experience. I’d love to go back to NY again someday. Thanks for sharing the recap of your trip.
For the record – I did not get out of bed until 5:15. I’m not as high maintenance as Jenn. :)
Thank you for the links.
And a thank you for walking me all over NYC – my hip bones are sore! It was so-o fun!
Your pics look great too.
Wow that sounds like a lot of fun, great pictures.
What a great post about your 24 hours in NYC. Too bad everyone didn’t have much time to just hang out and relax. They should have given us two nights of hotel stay!
Can’t wait to get the product samples!
What a fun day – thanks for taking us with you!
oh, for a while I thought you were actually talking about Ninja’s, I am so outa of it! Great post of a great day! Thanks for sharing
That is so cool that you made it on the Today show blog! Sounds like you had lots of fun and took full advantage of your time there. What a nice lady Robin Miller is. I occasionally see her show on Food Network and she has some yummy recipes.
It was great meeting you and hanging out. I had fun at the Today Show. I look forward to the next event that brings us together!
Looks like you had a great time! Gotta love NYC:)
It was great to meet you at the event! Such a great tool, isn’t it? Can’t wait to test it out with all our recipes at home :)
Wonderful recap, off to check out the Today Show blog to see you and the others! :)
Sounds like you had a blast. What an amazing trip!
Wow!! So cool that you went on a paid blogger event. And to NYC!!! I’ve never been…have only really started wanting to in the past 3 yrs! I am SO not a morning person, so I don’t think I’d have been up early to do the today show taping. It looks like you had such a fun day!
I’m glad that you had a great time — and your hair looks great!