Everyone on the Northeast was affected one way or another by Hurricane Sandy. For many people, it was a traumatizing storm, that washed away entire homes. Others were without power for a week or more. One thing I think that everyone learned from that storm, one way or another, is that “safety never takes a vacation” (my Mom always told me this growing up). In other words, if they tell you to evacuate — do it — and there is no such thing as too much preparation!

MJ reader Allyson shared with me her love for candles (especially during the Holidays). I love them too (I am especially lusting over Fresh’s Sake candle right now). However, in a hurricane like the one we just experienced, sometimes a candle or two just wont cut it, especially in a city, when you have to trek up and down dozens of floors and your building is without power (I know too many people who experienced this). And who knows when this could happen again?!

I love my readers, and I want you all to be safe and prepared at all times, wherever you are. So, I am recommending this Stanley Tripod LED Flashlight (available using American Express Membership Rewards points) that is SO BOLD and SO BRIGHT a “little power outage” wouldn’t even phase you. This flashlight has innovative LED lights, a compact tripod design with hands-free convenience and a low power indicator.

“Santa Baby, hurry down the chimney tonight” (…and bring a flashlight!)

It’s that “most wonderful time of the year” time of year and… you’re procrastinating sorting out your holiday gifts, aren’t you? And who doesn’t have those one or two people who are really, really difficult to shop for?! I know I do.

So that is why I am sooooooo thrilled to be an American Express ambassador for their #PointsForPresents Holiday program this year! Over the last few weeks I have been digging through their extensive catalog of goodies and I’ve compiled a few of my faves to help you — my fabulous and in-the-know readers — pick out some seriously stellar gifts (all shoppable using American Express Membership Rewards) that seriously everyone will love!

American Express helps ease the pain of shopping by allowing their Cardmembers to earn and use Membership Rewards points. Surely you already know you can earn points for almost every purchase you make (and with no expiration date)… But — did you know you can use your points on a wide variety of gift cards, retail purchases, travel and entertainment events? Aha!

KEEP READING TO SEE WHICH GIFTS ARE MY PEACH PICKS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON…

With the help of Diet Pepsi, I set off backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in search of fun, fizz, and flare… and find out how to take the designer looks from the runway into your wardrobe.

Take a look at the clip below, currently on the homepage of DietPepsi.com, featuring interviews with designers Vera Wang and Nanette Lepore, renowned fashion editor Derek Blasberg and actress Abigail Breslin.

Head on over to the all new DietPepsi.com

According to top style bloggers and editors, adding stripes to your wardrobe will certainly keep you “in style” this season!

You can get fashion tips like these, check out behind-the-scenes videos and enter for the chance to win exciting daily rewards, all adding a little “fizz” to your day, by checking out the all-new DietPepsi.com!

Starting today, October 22, there are style tips from top bloggers, fashion editors & television personalities like Bryan Boy, Derek Blasberg, Harley Viera-Newton & E! News correspondent Alicia Quarles & more at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

But that’s not all — check out the site for fabulous daily prizes, including exclusive Diet Pepsi-inspired Baked by Melissa cupcakes, CoverGirl cosmetics, Rent the Runway gift cards and Spa Finder giveaways. Check it out daily to see if you are a winner!

Ummmmomg! Go go go!! What are you waiting for???

Katy Perry is all that and a bag of chips!

She’s one of the most famous pop stars in music today, so it only makes sense Katy is the newest face and brand ambassador of Popchips.

To celebrate their partnership, Micah Jesse headed to the Popchips Pop-Up at Westfield Garden State Plaza in New Jersey, to find out what it is about Katy that makes her the “ultimate pop star…” Hope you’re “wide awake” for this video!

Do you love MJ? Follow @MicahJesse on Twitter and “like” him on Facebook!

PHOTOS: Gabriel Olsen / WireImage

Did you watch the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards this year??? I’ve got it on my DVR, because I was busy hanging out backstage with presenters, nominees and winners — at the Emergen-C Inner City of Strength in The Presenters Gift Lounge backstage at The Nokia Theatre in Celebration of The 64th Primetime Emmy(R) Awards!

I had the pleasure of welcoming and chatting with stars from television’s biggest shows like Breaking Bad, Modern Family, Mad Men, New Girl, Damages, Homeland, Downton Abbey. Some of my favorite moments were with “30 Rock’s” Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan, “Modern Family” winner Eric Stonestreet, actresses Lucy Liu, Martha Plimpton, and Mayim Bialik (Blossom!!!), the iconic Glen Close & so many more…

I had so many favorite moments but here is  Micah Jesse’s Top 5 Favorite Primetime Emmy Awards Moments for 2012:

1. Actor, director and all-around intertainment industry legend Ron Howard stopped by the Emergen-C City of Inner Strength, where I was holding court, and told me that Super Orange was his favorite flavor because it reminded him of Tang, the popular drink from the “Happy Days” era. When asked where he’s residing these days, Ron said, “we really live in New York – we have an apartment in Santa Monica but most of our time is spent at our houses in Manhattan and Westchester County.” He went on to explain that he “grew up in Los Angeles and loves it here, but New York is now home.” Home to me, too, Ron!
2. Giancarlo Esposito, who was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for “Breaking Bad”, was such a breath of fresh air! I asked the vivacious actor if he drank Emergen-C, he said, “Are you kidding me – I don’t travel without it!” If Giancarlo had a superpower, he told me he would actually have a dual-superpower…he would be able to read minds & fly. Love that!

   

3. Who’s more fun than “30″ rock star Tracy Morgan? Easy answer — no one! The funnyman stopped backstage to kick his feet up and relax before the show was over and entertain us all. Tracy had us fizzing at the seams with hysterics. At one point he picked up the phone and said, “Tell Barack I’ll be right there!” You can actually watch a clip from Access Hollywood!
4. Best known for playing Al Bundy on “Married With Children,” actor Ed O’Neill was celebrating an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series nomination for his role as Jay Pritchett on “Modern Family.” As much as he loves his role as an actor, Ed told me that ultimately, he wants to be best known for being a “super dad.” Awwwwwwww!!!! Mush!
5. And last, but certainly not least, having a moment with actor Eric Stonestreet, who won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Cameron Tucker on “Modern Family.” The actor told me he is “super” at cooking and makes a mean steak. And he laughed off rumors of dating Charlize Theron but said he wasn’t mad about it! I wouldn’t be either!

Styled By: Moods Of Norway, watch by Montblanc, shoes by Carlo Pazolini (black) and Versace x H&M (pink)

All Photos: Gabriel Olsen/WireImage

Celebrity guests also walked away with gifts from: Bertolli® Sauces and Frozen Meals, Zerona (Body-Sculpting Treatments), New Balance (Minimus 1010′s), TiVo® (Premiere 4 DVR), New Era Cap Co., Black & Decker (PLATINUM Hand Vacs), CND (Shellac™ Manicures), Kipling, Ultimate Ears by Logitech, Aquaswiss Watches, Jill Reno Collection, Crunch Gym and more.

You saw my “Daddy to Dapper” ambush makeover (…how sizzling sharp did he look in that suit?) and then my “Workwear to WOW-wear”  mega transformation…

This time, I’m back at Century 21 to take someone who is so set in their stylish ways… that they need an entirely new look!!

Watch the last and final installment in my Century 21 Department Stores Ambush Makeover Series… from “Plaid To Prep-tastic!”

Thanks for watching and be sure to check back for more at C21Stores.com and check out HOT SHOTS from this makeover…after the jump.