Did you ever wonder if anyone ever REALLY wins those online contests they enter? We’re here to tell you they do and WE DID!

Bertolli held a Facebook contest simply asking “What Inspires You” so we responded

We’re inspired by people’s stories, laughter, good food & travel. Our journey is all about connecting with people … through social media we travel, enjoy good food, wine and great conversations. That’s how our “Midlife Road Trip” began – a simple conversation on Twitter turned into new friendships that are now spanning big cities and small towns. We love meeting people, seeing new places & crossing items of our “bucket lists” & helping the people meet along the way realize some of their bucket list wishes as well. We have taken an otherwise impersonal way of communicating and turned it into a way to build friendships. It’s what we like to call our Therapy for a MidLife Crisis!

We nagged, pleaded & begged you on Facebook and Twitter to vote for us and you did.  It was because you believed in us, because of your support and friendship that we won. Our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you.  We flew to New York on Friday, Sept. 13th, Fashion Night Out, the height of fashion week!

On Saturday night at 7 pm a town car was sent to retrieve us and whisk us away to a A List cocktail party at Lincoln Center hosted by celebrity chef Rocco DiSpiritu and fashion designer Zac Posen (Z Spoke) which was sponsored by Bertolli.

When we arrived at the “invitation only” soiree we were greeted by a representative of Ogilvy, Bertolli’s PR Company and granted entrance. The party was in a glass enclosed courtyard within Lincoln Center, illuminated by candlelight. It was magical. We were met by waiters dressed head to toe in white carrying  trays of  Champagne and White Wine. No shortage of celebrities on the red carpet we rubbed elbows and broke bread with the likes of  Rachel Bilson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Rashida Jones, Michelle Trachtenberg, Gillian Jacobs and Emmy award winner, Claire Danes who were met by the media. The food was delightful, all original recipes such as Bertolli® Braised Lamb Shank with Mushrooms and Brown-braised Onions and Walnut Pumpkin Ravioli with Ricotta and Bertolli® Vidalia Onion Pasta Sauce.  Everyone was welcoming, very friendly and we seamlessly mingled with the best of them!

One of the highlights of the evening was our conversation with Rocco. Totally charming, he made us feel right at home. His passion for food was truly evident as he shared with us why he does what he does!

We love New York and what a spectacular way this was for us to experience it.  Our sincerest thanks to Unilever, Bertolli, Rocco DiSpiritu, Zac Posen, Ogilvy and especially ALL of you, who without your support none of this would have happened

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
William Arthur Ward