I just got back LATE last night from a great weekend in New York City, where I got to speak to parents of girls at the 2nd Annual AllyKatzz Tween Summit, hang out with my besties, and enjoy a few gorgeous fall days in the city I used to call home.

The Summit was definitely a highlight, as I spent the day soaking in more girl energy than one can imagine, speaking with parents of girls about the ways they can empower their daughters to take charge of their personal stories, signing books, seeing friends, and making some new ones.

Highlights for me were getting to spend time with my mentor and overall inspiring shero Jess Weiner and teen social media whiz /founder of , Emily-Anne Rigal (perhaps better known as The Schmiddlebopper) and meeting some amazing women I admire, but until now, have only known through Twitter or Facebook, like Vanessa Van Patten, the guru behind the Radical Parenting website and the author of You’re Grounded: How to Stop Fighting and Make the Teenage Years Easier; Caitlin Boyle, author of the cool new book, ; and Melissa Walker, popular YA author, readergirlz Diva, and co-founder of the fabulous blog, iheartdaily.

Check out some pics of me with Jess, Caitlin, Melissa, and Emily, along with a shot from the Summit and a picture from the incredible High Line park in Chelsea, below.