I wrote a few weeks ago about how Dancing With the Stars has figured out a way for there to be a little something for everyone roster-wise. People.com recently unveiled their Season 8 Pair Photos and I’m even more intrigued. What can I say — I’m a sucker for spectacle.

I know I’m biased towards gymnastics, but how adorable yet grownup does Shawn Johnson look? And actually, now I wonder how tall Mark Ballas is. Shawn’s little, and even in a knees bent position the height match looks good. Actually, it would make sense if he was on the shorter side, and subsequently gets matched with smaller contestants, since he was paired with Kristi Yamaguchi.

And is it just me or is it really apparent that Steve Wozniak refused to wear a blingy costume? Though maybe it was a big deal for him to wear a pink button down… Hope he cuts loose on the dance floor!

Image credit: People.com

After early morning interviews with Rachael Ray and the Today show, followed by the press conference and several hours of interviews, Salma Hayek still – impressively – had the steam to chat with me, Isabel Kallman (Alpha Mom), Nicole Feliciano (Momtrends), and Lauren Passell (Parenting.com). Hayek of course looked beautiful though understandably a tad weary, but the energy immediately picked up when we started discussing the work, and how it has related to her daughter Valentina and her parenting journey.

I actually loved that when we walked in the door, Salma wasn’t as perfectly put together as when we had seen her during the press conference; her (fierce) Alexander McQueen stilettos were off, her cuffs unbuttoned, and there was a smidgeon of makeup on her white collar. But it actually seemed perfect for what the moment essentially was; a gathering of moms talking about parenting and nurturing babies. You can read the transcript of the interview over at Boston Mamas; below are a few more photos from the day:

Caryl Stern (UNICEF), Andrea Urioste (Rocket XL), Isabel Kallman (Alpha Mom), Salma Hayek, Christine Koh (Boston Mamas), Nicole Feliciano (Momtrends), Laurel Passell (Parenting)

With Isabel & Nicole

Carlos De Jesus (P & G) and Andrea Urioste (Rocket XL)

Last week I was honored to attend a NYC media event to announce the second wave of the Pampers/UNICEF “1 Pack = 1 Vaccine” campaign; an event headlined by the lovely Salma Hayek (you can read about the press conference at Boston Mamas).

I must say that after witnessing the photo frenzy at the press conference I developed a new sensitivity to, and compassion for, what celebrities go through, with a million flashbulbs going off in their faces. Ironically, with my slim little digital camera I still wanted to go flash-free. Here are some of the photos I got at the press conference, from my fabulous front row seat:

UNICEF President & CEO Caryl Stern + Salma Hayek

Gorgeous, articulate, and passionate about the cause.

With kids from Broadway Kids Care. Had to include this shot to show Salma’s KILLER Alexander McQueen stiletto boots {covet}.