One of NAHA's big honorees was Vivienne Mackinder-she received the Lifetime Achievement award. I met with her on the show floor and heard all about her latest endeavor-HairDesignerTV.com. If you have a chance, check it out. It's first-rate education delivered in an entertaining, engaging way. Geno Stampora was also inducted into the Hall of Leaders (and was hilarious onstage!).

But perhaps my favorite part of the evening was watching our online editor, Melissa Hill, in action. She Tweeted and posted on Facebook live from the show. Her live commentary was great and kept everyone in the know instantaneously! So cool! If you haven't become a fan of MODERN on Facebook yet, check it out! You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/modernsalon.

Tonight was City of Hope, where Jim and Cheryl Markham were honored. The theme this year was masquerade and watching everyone walk around in elaborate masks was very fun … and a little confusing. I had a few people run up to me to say hi and I had to stare into their eyes through masks before I could figure out who I was talking to!

The show floor has been equally exciting. I've seen so many cool products, I probably can't mention them all at once, but here are a few that caught my eye:

Izunami: This new player in the flatiron market knocked my socks off. The special plates feature a frictionless surface that glides through hair as well as continuous temperature settings for even heat distribution. Bottom line: this thing delivers major shine. I fancy myself a bit of a flatiron connoisseur and this one measures up to the best of the best. It slid through my hair like it was satin. I'll definitely be adding this one to my collection! Side note: Izunami had awesome buttons they handed out with "Recession 2009" on them and a big red line through it. It also said "I refuse to participate." What a great message! 

Head Organics: Looking for a cool organic line? Head Organics has the purest botanical extracts certified by the USDA National Organic Program, essential fatty acids, essential oils and natural vegetable proteins. With only 9 skus, this line is very client-friendly-especially for those who are environmentally minded (the bottles are 100-percent recyclable!). Plus it smells great! Check it out at headorganics.com.

Valera: This Swiss company is coming to America with a bang. Their blow dryer blew me away(sorry, couldn't resist). The SwissNano is the super-compact dryer that also has a powerful jet of air of 72 mph (over the speed limit in some states). I tried it out and not only did it feel great, it looks really sleek and cool!

Novalash: What can I say? They're amazing! They're permanent, they're natural and they're fabulous! Online editor Melissa Hill had her lashes extended-check them out on her Cosmoprof videos at modernsalon.com. You can also check out novalash.com for more info!

Solano: This company has some really fun dryers and flatirons. My favorite was a bubblegum pink dryer called Power to Prevent 3200. A portion of the proceeds benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a foundation to help women after undergoing treatment for cancer. See more of Solano's products at solanopower.com.

Zotos' Diamondshine: 

A potent blend of real diamond micro-particles, keratin and panthenol instantly infuses hair with high-gloss shine and exceptional strength.