A Q&A w/ Christy Turlington Burns

Created on Monday, 25 March 2013 00:15

What inspired you to start Every Mother Counts?
After delivering my daughter Grace, I endured a complication related to the birth that totally caught me off guard. The pregnancy and delivery had otherwise been perfect. Our daughter was perfect. Luckily, we were in a birthing center in a hospital and had a competent team of nurses, a midwife and an OB who together managed the situation and I survived. I soon learned that hundreds of thousands of women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications each year because they don't have access to quality maternity care. A few years later while pregnant with my son Finn, I visited El Salvador, my mom's birth country, with the humanitarian organization CARE. One day we visited a remote village water project where women would walk for miles to collect clean water. CARE and USAID were providing some basic ante natal and post natal care for these women and their children. This is the moment when I realized that had I given birth to Grace in a community like theirs, I would have died. I left El Salvador knowing that I wanted to learn more and do all I could to ensure that every mother have access to the health care she needs.

After Finn was born I traveled with CARE to Peru and was inspired to make “No Woman, No Cry," the documentary film I later completed in 2010. At that time I realized I would be exposing a tragedy to potentially millions of people who would want to become engaged and put an end to these senseless, preventable deaths. I then founded Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal mortality reduction globally. Every Mother Counts seeks to engage new audiences to better understand the challenges and the solutions while encouraging them to take action to improve the lives of girls and women worldwide.

Can you share with our readers an experience or story that affected you through your work with EMC?
We met countless women over the course of two years making this movie who all touched me in some way. The four women whose stories are in the film are of course those we were able to stay connected to having followed them through their deliveries. We have since returned to each country to share the film with them and catch up. I will see Janet again soon when I return to Tanzania this summer with my family and another young woman named Lightness who appears only briefly in the film but whom we also filmed. Once you go through all we did together you are connected forever.

What has your work with EMC taught you?
I continue to learn so much about myself and the human condition. Childbirth is a universal human experience, yet only some of us have access to healthcare and that is an injustice. I believe that every woman's life is of equal value and any preventable death is one too many.

What can women do to support EMC?
My experience has shown me that once women, and the people who love them, know about the facts, they will want to do something about it so it's important to share the information with your friends and loved ones and if it moves you to action like it did me, then EMC can be a good resource for you. We all have something to contribute. This summer we created a Summer Bucket list to give women some ways to participate in our effort. We are calling it this the "Summer of Sisterhood." I truly believe there's another sisterhood that connects us all—the Sisterhood of Motherhood. What we learn in becoming a mom is how much we need the support of our sisters. We’ve invited women to share their stories, start a book club, try something new, share their kid’s camp letters, or set up a lemonade stand- some of these projects are designed to help people learn more about the interrelated issues, some are intended to help support vulnerable girls and women around the world and some are just about connecting to one another.

We also offer a variety of Take Action items on our website, where you can purchase a product that generates a donation or run a marathon or 5k to build awareness, or even donate your old cell phone to our partner organization, Hope Phones, which provides phones to health workers in Kenya.

How do your kids inspire you?

My kids inspire me daily with their enthusiasm, curiosity, humor and honesty.

What should the women reading this know about EMC – what is the situation for EMC mothers around the world?
The latest figures suggest that the numbers are finally coming down. But still, approximately 287,000 women continue to die every year from pregnancy or childbirth related causes even though we know how to prevent these deaths. This is a human rights issue that is urgent but solvable. If this information is shocking to you, then come to Everymothercounts.org and find a way to join the movement.
 
What’s one piece of advice your mother has given you that you now pass on to your kids?
My mom always encouraged me to travel and see the world. I will encourage mine to do the same. There is no better way to feel connected to others and gain perspective of all we have and sometimes take for granted.

You’ve travelled all over the world.  Favorite destination for a vacation with the kiddies? and without them?
I took each of my children on my travels when they were babies but as their lives got more settled it became easier to leave them behind with dad and go for shorter periods of time, but as a family we try to get away a few times a year, once to the sun and once to the mountains. I am taking them on their first trip to Africa this summer and can't wait to finally share it with them.
 

What’s your dream meal?
I love white truffles on just about anything.

What is your favorite kid-friendly restaurant in NYC?
We tend to go to Bubby’s a lot because it’s in the neighborhood and the kids love the photobooth. My kids prefer eating at home though.

What is your favorite secret junk food?
Fish and chips.
 
Which vice could you NOT live without:  coffee or wine?
I’d have to say wine over coffee although I like my soy lattes too.

Favorite activity to do with your kids?
Ride horses with Grace and shoot hoops with Finn.

Least favorite?
I am not great at imaginary play...

What toy could each of your kids not live without (at least for today)? And which toy could YOU not live without?
Finn loves his Pokeman cards and Grace loves her balance beam, she's also a gymnast. I can live without most things but my family, and maybe my phone...

Exercise of choice?
Since running the marathon last year, I have been pretty content running about 3-4 miles a couple of times a week. I love yoga best but have not had a regular practice since taking up running. They do compliment the other though and the more I run the more I need yoga.
 
What's your favorite neighborhood spot?
The library in the Greenwich Hotel.

Favorite thing about raising kids in NYC?
There is always something to do!

What's the perfect Sunday for you and your family in NYC?
Sleeping in and then if the weather is nice spending the day outdoors.

Ideal way to unwind after a day with the kids?
A glass of wine!

Cookies for Kids' Cancer Hamptons bake sale this weekend

Created on Friday, 06 July 2012 19:21

We are involved with a very special charity, Cookies for Kids Cancer, and wanted to share information about a delicious bake sale this weekend in the Hamptons, featuring baked goods from NYC's top restaurants and benefiting pediatric cancer research and treatment. The event will be held on Saturday, July 7, from 3-6pm in Amagansett Square. If you happen to be in the area, we hope you can stop by and purchase goodies from the city's best pastry chefs. Please read below for more about the organization, the bake sale, the participating restaurants, and more. Thank you!!

Cookies for Kids' Cancer was founded by parents Gretchen and Larry Witt, whose son Liam bravely battled Neuroblastoma for four years until his untimely death at age 6 in 2011. During his illness, the Witts were shocked to learn that the main reason over 25% of kids diagnosed with cancer do not survive is because of a lack of effective therapies, primarily due to lack of funding. Committed to doing all she could to raise funds as well as awareness for pediatric cancer research, Gretchen hatched a plan to bake and sell 96,000 cookies with a larger-than-life bake-a-thon. Through a determined journey, all 96,000 cookies sold in three days and more than $420,000 was raised. Gretchen and her husband realized they had come up with a sweet way to get people involved in the bitter topic of pediatric cancer. In September 2008, Cookies for Kids' Cancer was born, inspired by Liam, who we've since learned loved cookies and baking, the color orange, bugs and helping people. Today, bake sales are held across the country, and we are proud to be participating in the Hamptons sale this weekend.

The Hamptons Bake Sale will be held tomorrow, Saturday, July 7, from 3-6pm in Amagansett Square. In an effort to generate buzz and raise even more money, we invited some of NYC top chefs to donate baked goods for the sale - and were so moved by how many of them said yes enthusiastically:

• Christina Tosi, Momofuku Milk Bar
• Karen DeMasco, Locanda Verde
• Dan Kluger, ABC Kitchen
• Angela Pinkerton, Eleven Madison Park
• Mark Welker, NoMad
• Nancy Olson, Gramercy Tavern
• Rachel Binder, Maialino
• Carmen Quagliata, Union Square Cafe
• Lee Hanson, Minetta Tavern
• Marc Murphy, Landmarc
• Justin Smillie, il Buco Alimentari & Vineria
• Deborah Racicot, Red Rooster
• North End Grill, Blue Smoke, Hill Country, Tate’s, Butter Lane Bakery, Fresh Direct, This Chick Bakes, and more.

Visitors to the bake sale can expect to find cookies, brownies, pies and cakes from the chefs above, and even healthy fruit and nut bars from freshly pressed juice company, BluePrint, as well as Pop Chips. Many more baked goods will be provided by friends and neighbors in the community. All proceeds from the sale benefit Pediatric Cancer research and treatment. Additionally, face painting will be offered for the kiddies. If you are unable to attend, you can also support the cause by making a donation, purchasing cookies online, or hosting a bake sale in your area.

Cancer claims the lives of more children annually than any other disease – more than asthma, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis & AIDS combined. Each day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer, totaling nearly 13,000 new cases per year. Today, 4 out 5 children diagnosed with cancer can be cured.

Gretchen has said that people don't like to talk about Pediatric Cancer - it's too painful and unfathomable. But we need to. The alternative is even more painful. Come to the bake sale, support this cause, spread the word. Thank you so much!

Michelle and Daniel

Meet Tracey Stewart, Founder of Moomah Cafe

Created on Thursday, 17 May 2012 11:00

Tracey Stewart is the mother of two kiddies and the founder of one of the most beloved places in Tribeca, Moomah Cafe. Beautiful, light, open and completely welcoming to families, Moomah is one of our favorite spots in the neighborhood. Walk in and the place will be bustling, yet calm, filled with kids and their parents, as well as other residents and businesspeople, meeting, eating, playing, thinking, connecting. When Tracey announced Moomah would be closing a month ago, people in the neighborhood were devastated (including our 4-year-old daughter who only wanted to know where she would get chocolate croissants!) and thanks to their protest and cries of outrage, Tracey changed her mind and reopened last week. Moomah is not only a reflection of its neighborhood, but also of its founder, who brings the space to life with her warmth, humor, optimism and creativity. Read on to learn more about Tracey as a mom and an entrepreneur, and this very special place.

Where does the name Moomah come from?
Moomah was the name of my security blanket as a child. I wanted Moomah to be a respite for parents, so the name felt just right.

How did you come to open Moomah originally? What were you setting out to do?
I wanted to create a place I would enjoy bringing my kids that wasn’t necessarily a “kids place”. I wanted to create a community space where people of all ages would feel welcome and even soothed after a visit. I love when I can find cafes that feel like a real gathering place for a neighborhood. At their best they are social, nourishing and creative.

Why did you decide to close, and then reopen?
I absolutely loved feeling so connected to my neighborhood, but our old model just wasn’t sustainable. The day-to-day business of running a small café and keeping it afloat can be all consuming. I found myself constantly pulled away from other creative ventures that I also wanted to be able to put some heart into. But when our neighborhood kids starting petitioning and moms were crying, I realized it might be worth trying to figure out a new simpler model that would give our customers what they loved while still allowing for time for other pursuits.

Moomah is such a center of the community, and people were so sad when you announced its closing. What do you think it is about Moomah that struck a cord with people the way it did?
I think we’ve managed to make our place feel like a home away from home for all ages. We were just as happy to mash up a banana for our senior customers as we were for our teething customers. I always feel as though I’m sneaking peeks of really beautiful moments between customers; or parents and children. It really is life affirming.

You are the master of kid crafts activities. What are some of your favorites that parents can do with their kids at home?

I am by no means the master of kids crafts. I would however say that I have really big ideas…I start to try to pull them off…. I get lazy and then I figure out a great way to do the original idea in a much simpler way and so in the end, my projects might turn out a bit janky but my kids and I end up having a lot more fun together.
My favorite crafty activities to do with my kids are the ones I can do laying down, like drawing in their dream journals before bed. If I had to pick my favorite craft to be done in an upright position I would say that it involves inventing new projects with things we have around the house. Projects like glitter shells, shredder paper art and pistachio shell flowers. All of which can be found in my new magazine (knudge knudge wink wink).
Everything in Moomah is handcrafted and natural, but please, tell us what’s your favorite plastic vice.
I’m all for natural, handcrafted, non-poisonous toys but let’s be real my brothas and sistas. My house is loaded with BPA. I love magna-tiles, especially when my kids build with them and the sunlight shines through the different color tiles. I hear angels. And legos. Even though I complain that I am always the one who ends of having to finish them, I love finishing them. I go into a trance. And even though I love the earth very much I CAN NOT eat using a wooden spoon or paper straw. Sorry earth!

And you favorite secret junk food (and it can’t be organic)?
I LOVE Pirate Booty. I have Celiac Disease and it’s gluten-free which seems too good to be true.

We LOVED the food at Moomah. What are your favorite dishes to cook with/for the kids, and any recipes to share?
Hands down I love to make guacamole with the kids. The mashing, the cool pits, the discussion over what to add, how to season and then the resulting yumminess.
I wrote an article in DIT magazine about how to get your kids off the sugar cereals and onto the healthier ones by having them create their own box design, title and recipe. It works like a charm.

You are a big supporter of The Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders. Since every child has anxieties, do you have any basic tips to share when it comes to helping kids and their parents cope with these issues?
It would be extremely difficult and anxiety-producing to have to pick just one. Clearly I’m afflicted. Hell, I’m devoting a whole online magazine to the pursuit of peace of mind. I would say though that as a family we put a lot of focus on relaxation, conversation and appreciation.

What is your most treasured possession?
My family is my most treasured everything.

How do you balance running a business and being a mom?
I don’t. I’m a mess.

What is your ideal Sunday with the kids?
We have wonderful wonderful Sundays because we always do the exact same thing. We stay up late Saturday night so we sleep late Sunday. We make waffles for breakfast. We read the paper, while the kids play on their own (yes, this has finally happened this year for us). We go outside and run around a lot or at least we watch the kids do this. We eat lunch and then crash on our giant couch that fits all four of us and our two dogs (thank you Restoration Hardware). We watch tv and when we’re lucky we all take a late afternoon nap.

And how do you like to unwind without them?
I’m easy. I am truly appreciative whenever I have more than 15 minutes where I can lay on my bed without having to get up to get anyone else anything. Aaah bliss.

What is the activity with kids you least like (my wife tries to avoid a playground)?
I am terrible at playing Barbies. When I was a child I always played “dirty Barbies” so it’s really hard for me to come up with G-rated storylines.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Philadelphia which is why when I’m tired or drunk I drink wudder instead of water. I am very much not an Iggles fan though. Go Giants!

Where do you live now, and what are your favorite kid friendly neighborhood haunts?
I live in Tribeca. I never go above Canal Street so my entire neighborhood has to be my haunt.

What would your last meal be?
This is a dark dark question that makes my mind go to terrible places…mashed potatoes!

Which vice could you NOT live without: coffee or wine?
Coffee. I could be just as happy drinking mojitos.

Favorite kids book?
I would rather talk about how lately whenever I buy a beloved book from my childhood to read to my own kids I can’t believe how scary it is! It’s funny and horrifying all at the same time. I started to read to my daughter from the Little House on the Prairie series and here’s what she got…

“Uncle Henry came to help Pa butcher the hog. He brought Aunt Polly’s sharpened knife. They made a bonfire and heated a big kettle of water over it. The pig pen was nearby. Laura plugged her ears with her fingers because she didn’t want to hear the pig squeal as it was being killed. “After that, Butchering Time was great fun.”

Uncle Henry and Pa were “jolly”. There was spare ribs for dinner. Pa promised the girls they could play with the bladder, which he blew up like a balloon. They played games like volley ball and kick ball with the blown-up bladder. He also gave the girls the pig’s tail, which was roasted, sizzled, fried and sprinkled with salt. They ate all the meat off the bones, knowing there wouldn’t be another pig’s tail until next year.”

I looked up to see my daughter sitting stone still with her eyes wide open in shock. “Keep reading Mama”, she said.

Favorite kids toys?
Magna Tiles. See above.

How do your kids inspire you?
Oh the tears! They are falling just thinking about it. They are better people than me. They see the best in people. They laugh all the time about everything. They run around until they are exhausted and then get right back up and start running again. They read books about animals. They invent magical stories in their heads. They wonder what our dogs are trying to say to them. It’s just endless.

Meet Stacey Fraser, Founder of Pink Chicken

Created on Thursday, 10 May 2012 10:39

In addition to being a dear friend, Stacey is the founder of one of our favorite lines of children’s clothing, Pink Chicken (which excitingly now offers designs for moms too!). When we had our design store Clio, the only non-tableware items we sold were these amazing little dresses from Pink Chicken. We didn’t care that they didn’t fit into the theme of our store, we just loved them and knew other parents would too. Stacey’s super chic dresses, shirts, skirts and leggings are sold at Barneys NY and other top shops across the country – and she just opened her second PC store, this one on Madison & 88th on the Upper East Side of NYC.   Oh and did we mention that she is an amazing mom to two adorable girls? Here’s more on Stacey – we think she’s awesome!

When did you get the first inkling that you wanted to be a fashion designer?  Did you redesign your dolls clothes or were your childhood drawings all styled out?

My grandmothers were both in fashion – one owned her own womens clothing store in Ohio and I loved hanging out in her store on my summer visits.  The other was a bridal designer in New York.  I used to love to visit her and always created little outfits for me and my dolls!

Did your parents do anything to foster your passion for design?

They let me cut up my clothes and put them back together when I was in high school. Which when I think of my kids doing that now, it would freak me out, but they really gave me the freedom to be creative in every way.

How did you start your company?

I took a year off from working when my second daughter Sadie was born. Towards the end of the year, I started getting antsy so I started making dresses for my girls.  People commented on how much they loved them and I thought maybe I could make this into a business.   I had helped to build other brands for 15 years, maybe I should just go for it and I did!

Define Pink Chicken’s style.

Easy, breezy bohemian style that is no fuss and always stylish.    We have a love of vintage textiles and Indian block printing so we love to layer print on print.

You have such great personal style. Define it for us. And please feel free to offer any tips for capturing such a cool casual yet super stylish look.

I would say I dress very Pink Chicken.   I wear a dress 90% of the time – with boots in the winter, and a sandal in the summer!   Always print, always color.   Love to layer patterns…putting a great statement necklace with it makes you look more pulled together.

Where did you grow up, and was design a part of your upbringing in any way?

I Grew up in Northern VA.

Where do you live now, and what are your favorite kid friendly neighborhood haunts?

We live in Greenwich Village with our 2 daughters and dog Clyde.  A great Italian restaurant on our street called Gradisca.  They are SO great with the kids and the pasta is homemade by the grandmother, she rolls gnocchi right there!  Morandi is another great place we go with kids.  Also, you can’t go wrong with brunch at Pastis.

You also have such a beautiful home. What are your favorite design sources or tips for turning a simple room into something fab.

I used to LOVE Domino magizine, and was so sad when they shut down – but thrilled to learn they have a new issue out on the 334 best makeovers and easy decorating tips!  Can’t wait to pick it up!  I would say to turn a simple room fabulous – add a bright color or fun wallpaper to an accent wall, and then toss in a few new patterned pillows.

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m having a love affair with my new iphone.   I was one of the last hold outs, convinced I would never switch from my beloved Blackberry.  I finally did, and my life has changed. I finally feel cool! but seriously, I now listen to music on the subway to and from work that I haven’t listened to in years. . . have a great camera at my daughters school assemblies and cannot stop playing solitaire.

How do you balance running a business and being a mom?

Very carefully. J when you run your own business its 24/7 in your head, always thinking about what needs to get done but the best part is getting to take my kids to school everyday and volunteer for field trips and make every ballet recital or hockey game.   also building a good team around me here at Pink Chicken has been critical as well as having the best nanny you could ever ask for.  she has been with us for 8 years and it such an important part of our family.

What is the activity with kids, you least like (my wife tries to avoid a playground)?

I am with Michelle. . . I find the playground so boring. . . I’d rather do activities that we both love like doing art and crafts projects together, riding bikes, playing board games.

What is your ideal Sunday with the kids? And how do you like to unwind without them?

Being in our Amagansett home  . . sleeping in (to 8am. . .isn’t it funny that 8am is sleeping in now).   have a nice breakfast – I make a mean omelet . . play some hoops in driveway, ride bikes and head to the beach.   to unwind without them, I love to take a spin class at soul cycle, the best workout ever and emotionally clears my head and then dinner and movie with hubby.

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That is a hard one because I love food.   Can’t force me to pick!

What would your last meal be?

A dinner at Minetta Tavern – a thick juicy steak and simple green salad with their coconut cake for dessert.

What is your favorite secret junk food?

Can’t believe I am going to admit this but it’s hostess mini white powered donuts.

Which vice could you NOT live without:  coffee or wine? for sure coffee.

I love coffee.  the more ice the better. . . and now the girls in the office have me addicted to iced soy dirty chais!   (a chai latte with shot of espresso!)

Favorite kids book?

My six year old just started reading the Elephant and Piggie books.  Very funny.  From Mo Williams, the same author as the Pigeon books.

What are you going to do this Mother’s Day – and any specific gift you are hoping for?

I just booked a massage for myself, can’t wait!    Also, I think we might go to the Brooklyn Flea – I’ve never been and have always wanted to and could use a dose of inspiration and the food stands are suppose to be delicious!

How do your kids inspire you?

Their courage and unconditional love always blows me away.  when I watch them sleeping at night sometimes I get weepy that we created these amazing creatures and how lucky I am that I get to be their mom. . . it makes me want to be a better person.

Q & A with Christiane Lemieux, Founder of Dwell Studio

Created on Tuesday, 06 December 2011 11:02

Super mom, career woman extraordinaire, taste-maker, bon vivant, renaissance woman, Christiane, is the founder and creative force behind DwellStudio, and a dear friend who inspires us every day.  She is an incredible person, and obviously incredibly talented.  For those of you who are into design and haven’t read her book, Undecorate, I highly recommend getting it.  Enjoy our Q & A with Christiane, and see how one mom tries to do it all.

 
Why you love living in NYC?
I think that New York is the most amazing place.  You can walk everywhere so you have a small town experience in your neighborhood AND live in one of the most dynamic cities… Plus – who knew that the most gorgeous beaches you could imagine are such a short distance away?  Before moving to New York – I had no idea!

What you most love about your home?
The open space – I can cook dinner and interact with my family.  It just flows so well.

Favorite part of your kids’ rooms?
The bedding and decore :)

 

 

 

Top three tips for decorating a kids room or nursery:
Black out shades – get them...they will save your life and sleep...
storage, storage storage...you can’t even conceive how much you will need it !
Don’t go crazy...you will be switching it up all the time...that is why reCrib is such a great idea...

What inspires you?
Travel, museums, flea markets.... in new and exotic locations.

Define your personal style:
eclectic, modern luxe.

You've said before that fashion, art and travel inspire your designs for dwellstudio. Who are three people (one in each category) inspiring you right now?

Fashion – I am loving Dries Van Noten lately.  I love his mix of textiles.  Amazing, worldly and inspiring.
Art – I just saw the De Kooning show at the MOMA and fell in love with his amazing pinks, oranges and greens.  Fabulous.
Travel – Who does it better than Angelina and Brad?  How can I get my kiddies to Cambodia for the week?

I know you love mixing modern with vintage. What is your favorite source for vintage items?
3 Favorite sources are 1st Dibs, Ebay and V&M.

How do you balance your busy schedule with being a mom to two amazing kids?
Hmmmm – I am not sure that balance is a good word for my life. Just today, I was late for a meeting because my son had a school interview.  It’s a constant push pull. I need balancing tips!  I am constantly canvassing my mom friends for ideas.  A recent one – put your kids clothes AND yours out the night before when you are not harried during the morning rush.

Favorite hotel for family traveling? for design? for getting away from it all?
Family Hotel – We LOVE the Round Hill in Jamaica.  We have been going for years and know the staff.  It is the one place my kids can roam free.  That is amazing for city kids.

For design - I am dying to try the new “ La Maison des Centraliens” by Martin Margiela in Paris!

http://yatzer.com/La-Maison-des-Centraliens-by-Martin-Margiela

Getting away from it all...
The Six Senses in Vietnam - http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao/

Top three destinations on your must-visit list?
Burma
Bhutan
Uruguay

Three dinner guests?
Right this minute I would like to invite -

Sheryl Sandberg
Martha Stewart
Anna Wintour

I think that would be fun and I could do a lot of brain picking. This changes daily though.

Last meal before you die?
Baguette, Many Delicious Perfectly Ripe Cheeses and a perfect Burgundy (maybe from the DRC) - I am French afterall...

Favorite recent restaurant experience?
I just had Omakase at Sushi of Gari for the first time...wow..it was amazing.

What's it like to work with your husband? Best and worst part?
Best – Flexibility – for example we never have issues with travel – we can pick up and go as a family. Or school function – we can be be there....it’s pretty great!
Worst – taking work home – unavoidable and draining.

Companies or brands that inspire you right now?
Google – for constant innovation – wow.  I want to be part of the Beta of what ever they are doing.

What's next for DwellStudio?
Shhhh – looks like a store.

You accomplished so much as a professional and as a mom. What is something you still hope to do, see or accomplish in your life?

I would love to go to medical school and become a Doctor – crazy right?

Thank you, Christiane. I bet we'll be making that Dr. appointment to see you one day!

Q & A with Pavia Rosati

Created on Monday, 15 August 2011 11:03

Paris, Les Editeurs cafe

Pavia Rosati is the founder of the amazing new travel website Fathom (www.fathomaway.com), the kind of site that will inspire you to plan five trips in dreamy destinations around the world the second you see it. She was also the executive editor of Daily Candy since it was just a baby and directed all of us to all things fabulous. As you would expect from someone so stylish, Pavia is that friend that knows exactly where to go and what to do before it becomes chic. Luckily for us, Pavia shares some tips with reCrib. Now after you are done reading this, get online and book that next trip and stop dreaming…

What is your favorite place to visit?
City – Paris. I lived there in college and it’s like visiting an old friend.
Island – Lo Scoglio in Marina del Cantone. Okay, it’s technically not an island. But I feel so remote when I’m there, and it’s surrounded by water, so can you blame me for my confusion?
Adventure destination – Utah. Does climbing up and down state park mountains count as “adventure”?

What’s the one thing you won’t travel without?
A camera. Good moisturizer. And it doesn’t always happen, but I love traveling with my husband.

What do you most miss about home when you travel?
Cooking in my kitchen.

What is New York City’s (your hometown) best kept secret?
That we’re a village of connected and friendly locals.

Best destination with kids?
I don’t have kids, but I love watching my friends’ kids go crazy on the beach.

Best destination without kids?
A four-hour lunch at Le Meurice.

Favorite hotel?
The Connaught is pretty perfect. And though I only spent one night there five years ago, I’ve never been able to get Il Convento di Santa Maria di Constantinopoli in Puglia out of my head. I could move in for a few months.

After I land in Naples, my first meal is at Pizzeria Brand.

Top three destinations or hotels you want to visit?
1. Hong Kong.
2. Tierra del Fuego, Chile.
3. I’ve spent a quarter of my life in Italy, but I can’t believe I’ve never been to Sicily or Pantelleria.

Besides Fathom, what are your favorite travel blogs or resources?
Alastair Sawday finds the most charming small hotels, and Jonglez Publishing’s Secret/Unusual books unearth excellent quirk. Cool Hunting has impeccable taste. And since I have a fierce practical streak, I’m crazy about Michelle Wiggins in NYT, Wendy Perrin in Conde Nast Traveler, and Christopher Elliott in National Geographic Traveler.

Favorite vacation reads?
I like books set in the place I’m visiting. Reading Paul Bowles’ short stories in Morocco added a petrifying, atmospheric tone to my time in Marrakech. I don’t think we were kidnapped by bedouins on our trip, but I sometimes wonder.

Any travel secrets?
Pack half the things you think you need; you’ll never regret traveling light. Go see the thing you’re too tired to visit; you’ll never regret having seen too much.

Best thing about starting your own business?
Well, I had this idea about what a travel website should look like…

Hardest thing about starting your own business?
It’s really tough to blame the boss.

Q & A with Marc Murphy

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:03

Marc Murphy is one of NYC’s best known and loved chefs (and we feel lucky to call him one of our close friends).  In addition to cooking the classic, comforting and flavorful food at Landmarc and Ditch Plains, he also serves as an ardent supporter of hunger relief organization City Harvest. On top of that he is a judge on Food Network’s hit show, “Chopped.” Oh, and did we mention he is a Super Dad to his 8 and 4 year old kiddies, a consummate entertainer at home, surfer, ballet aficionado, and the list goes on…Can you say Renaissance Man?

 

Favorite thing to cook for your kids?

I love to cook anything that I can cook WITH them. Scrambled eggs with parmesan has become one of our favorite breakfasts because my daughter can now make them almost entirely by herself. We also make a lot of pastas and salads – anything they can help chop, clean and cook!

Favorite thing to cook for yourself?

A big bowl of pasta

Any tricks for getting kids to eat foods other than pizza and chicken fingers?

Getting kids interested in cooking really helps – if the kids work with me in the kitchen, they are way more excited to try what we’ve made. I also always have them at least taste whatever I’m eating. Our rule about food is to say yes before you say no and to at least try everything. You’d be surprised how many things kids will eat – we don;t give them enough credit!

Is there anything your kids eat that makes you cringe?

Chicken fingers.

What are 5 ingredients busy parents should always have in their refrigerator?

Parmesan Cheese, Milk, watermelon, cooked pasta, sliced turkey

Favorite restaurant other than your own (feel free to share as many as you’d like)?

ABC kitchen, Extra Virgin, Crispo, Locanda Verde

Your three favorite kitchen tools?

Vitamix, japanese mandolin, side towel

Is there anyone you would really like to cook for?

I would love to cook a state dinner at the white house.

When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do?

I love to travel with my family (eating is always a big part of these trips!) but when we’re home I love to surf and really the best way to spend time is just hanging with family and friends.

Favorite thing to do in NYC with your kids?

New York is such an amazing place to raise kids – there are so many amazing activities all of the time and truthfully, I love doing anything with them when they’re having fun and taking advantage of the city. Taking them to see things – museums, ballets, musicals – that’s pretty cool. It gets them thinking about things outside their world and it’s amazing to see everything through their eyes.

Favorite travel destination?

Italy and France

Place you haven’t been to that you’d most like to go?

Japan and China

What would your last meal be?

spaghetti carbonara

When you have dinner parties, who are your two very favorite guests?

Daniel and Michelle, of course!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Created on Tuesday, 07 June 2011 11:04

Teacher Appreciation Week

As much as we are looking forward to Summer, we are also sad the school year is over.  Both of our kids have had such an amazing year, and have grown and learned so much.  We want to Thank Beth, Stephanie, Ms. Fisk, Ms. Hanley, and all the others for everything they have given our kids this year.  You have laid the foundation for what’s ahead.  THANK YOU!

Q & A with Stomping Ground Photo

Created on Thursday, 12 May 2011 11:05

We are excited to introduce a new weekly column on our reCrib blog, Q & A with…

For our inaugural column, meet Dennis Kleiman, co-founder of Stomping Ground Photo, who with his wife, Kelsey, has reinvented the school photo. Remember those awkward and old fashioned pics of you and/or your kids? Well thanks to Stomping Ground, there is a new, modern, fun and beautiful alternative.  We’ve already forwarded info on Stomping Ground to our kids’ school and are hoping… Read on to learn how they got started, what floats their boat, why Metallica was a highlight, and how to get your kiddies to bring on the smile.

Check back on our blog each week to meet another extraordinary innovator. We’re already excited about who is on tap.

What memories do you have of your school photographs?

I really have none. Kelsey remembers the sense of disappointment that it was over so fast and she also remembers the anticipation of waiting for them to come.

You cut your teeth as a rock & roll photographer.  Who was your favorite musician to photograph and why?

This question comes up all the time, and it’s so hard to answer because I’ve had the opportunity to shoot so many fantastic artists.  But one that always stands out is the first time I was hired to shoot for the cover of a magazine.  I was assigned to photograph Kirk Hammett of Metallica for Guitar Mag.  And having grown up listening (and worshipping) Metallica, and now getting to shoot for a cover—it was something special.

What led you to reinvent the school picture?

Our first daughter, Leila, was in preschool at the time, and Kelsey pushed for us to photograph her class because she knew I could take really spirited photos of her classmates, who we knew pretty well.  The photos were great, the parents loved them, so we started Stomping Ground with zero investment other than our time. Kelsey built the website over three months with images from our daughter’s preschool. We got a surge of press in the weeks after we launched. Our first school partner was in Los Angeles.

What is it that Stomping Ground does that’s different?

We’re not taking the same picture of every kid. Every child is different and we listen to them and react to them. Our lighting is beautiful. Our sets aren’t cheesy. They’re modern. We give kids more space and allow them to move. We’re also a cool crew, I think. We make kids comfortable no matter what age. We do use other photographers and they’re experienced, talented photographers with great instincts and personalities that jive with kids.

What’s your favorite part of what you do?

I do enjoy shooting, but I’d say the best part is a few weeks after the shoot, when we get an email or a call from a parent who is really excited and appreciative of the work.  I think parents are getting real value out of our work.  We just photographed a school where sales were close to 100% of the student body which is pretty incredible.

I assume you’ve travelled your fair share.  What have been some of your favorite places to shoot?

Ahhhh, the glamorous life of a photographer!  I used to shoot adventure stories for Fast Company. It was a different style of shooting than what I am known for, more documentary. I shot a 24 hour bicycle race in Moab. I spent a week rafting down the Salmon River. A Ski school in Whistler. But there’s nothing like shooting in your own backyard.  There are so many hidden spots around the five boroughs, that feel so far from New York City.  I love shooting out by the Rockaways, Jacob Riis Park, and up in Pelham Bay. I also love shooting out at the Federation of Black Cowboy’s stables near the Brooklyn / Queens border. I’ve been working on a project out there for the last couple years.

What camera do you use for recreational purposes?

I still prefer film to digital for my personal work.  For some of my projects, I go back to my favorite format—the 4×5 camera.  But for family pictures, my hasselblad, or my fave point and shoot—the Ricoh GR1.

You and your wife work together.  What are the best and worst parts of working with your spouse?

I’ve been surprised at how well we’ve been able to navigate these waters.  We are both 150% invested in our business, and we have completely different skill sets.  I pretty much take the pictures and manage post production and she does everything else. Next year, our fabulous intern Laura will be an employee and Kelsey is really hoping we can bring her on full-time because the work literally never ends. And we need help managing the day to day so we can focus on the future of the company. The worst part…um…I usually get stuck making lunch for us.

In addition to photography, what floats your boat?

Starting this business and growing it has taken such an unbelievable amount of time and energy, that I’ve let most everything else lie fallow in the meantime.  We work while our kids are at school, then with the family from 4-8, then usually back to work until 11 or midnight.  This schedule doesn’t leave much room for boat floating.  But my two guilty pleasures have very little to do with kids—poker and boxing. And I like to noodle around on the guitar.

You live in Brooklyn…where are some of your favorite “stomping grounds?

We just moved deeper into Brooklyn, and we’re still exploring our neighborhood.  But we’re having a love affair with Farm on Adderly, a farm to table restaurant.  And it’s right across the street from the best hummus in Brooklyn—Mimi’s.  There is also fantastic Thai place called To B Thai on Beverly Road. The owner lives across the street from us and the waitress is our next door neighbor. For hanging with the kids, we’re close to Prospect Park and Leila and Kelsey been taking horseback riding lessons at Kensington Stables.  And the water park at the foot of Atlantic can’t be beat. When we go there we tend to stop at the kid’s favorite restaurant, Moxie Spot.

Tell us your fail proof tips for photographing kids.

Shoot A LOT.  Don’t just snap one photo, keep shooting.  Best to be using a pro or semi pro camera, that can shoot without any delays.  Also, get down to kid height.  I spend my days on my knees or crawling around the floor to shoot kids.  And talk to them, engage them—don’t say “smile!”  You’ll get more natural expressions if you let them do “their thing” and shoot the entire time.

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 12th, 2011 at 5:44 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.

sign of the week

Created on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 11:04

I just spotted this great sign at Moomah cafe in Tribeca, NYC.

Mother’s Day

Created on Saturday, 07 May 2011 11:11

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there.  You deserved to sleep in today, but now it’s time to get up!  How many days ’til Father’s Day?

Earth Day

Created on Friday, 22 April 2011 11:11

Great espresso find

Created on Saturday, 16 April 2011 11:12

I just received a bag of Ritual espresso beans out of San Francisco.  It is great, and seems to be giving me the kick I desperately need this morning.

3-2-1 blastoff! reCrib has launched. Please check it out and let me know what you think. www.recrib.com.

Created on Saturday, 02 April 2011 11:13

3-2-1 blastoff! reCrib has launched. Please check it out and let me know what you think. www.recrib.com.

Clear vs. Clutter

Created on Tuesday, 15 February 2011 11:13

I just received a bag of Ritual espresso beans out of SAfter one week in our new apartment (woohoo!), we have made it through 95% of our boxes.  As you can see we have a ways to go, but still it’s feeling really good.

the clutter

Thankfully, our living area is clutter free.  Just don’t turn around.

Ahhhh

As we are looking to make as much space as possible, this Netto Dresser may be for sale on reCrib very soon!  We love Netto (so clean and modern, great design), had two cribs and dressers for our kids. But alas the time has come…Bye-bye stuff!

for sale on reCrib?

i heart (valentine’s day) cookies

Created on Monday, 14 February 2011 11:14

Today we baked cookies for our daughter to decorate in school with her friends.  First, Michelle and the kids made the cookie dough from our favorite Barefoot Contessa cookie mix (when multi-tasking, it’s all about making things easy!). After eating lots of cookie dough, we cut it into hearts, J’s, and S’s, which we dipped in chocolate.  Jake and Sophia decided that drowning the cookies in chocolate, and burying them in rainbow sprinkles is the way to go.  Tomorrow, 14 little bakers are going home from school with a crazy sugar high.  Please don’t hate us moms and dads.

The Iceman Cometh

Created on Friday, 04 February 2011 11:14

amazing snow sculpture in Central Park

Snow day

Created on Friday, 28 January 2011 11:15

36? of snow, and it’s still January!  Typical snowfall for an entire NYC winter is 22?  Here are some images from around reCrib “headquarters”.

Weekend Activity

Created on Friday, 28 January 2011 11:15

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend, our good friend Christiane Lemieux (the force behind DwellStudio) will be teaching an art class.  Details below.

Art Class at CMOM

Children's Museum of Manhattan - Art Class with Christiane Lemieux

Hi all New Yorkers and visiting New Yorkers! I’ll be teaching an art class for 5-12 year olds at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan this Saturday afternoon. I’d love to meet some of your smiling faces and work with your kids on creating art inspired by nature. Obviously I’m very inspired by nature in our designs, so this will be a fun class for me.  Hope to see you there!

Here are the details:

Meet the Designer Series

From Nature to Canvas: An Introduction to Still Life Art

2pm, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

Explore shape and color through painting/drawing everyday objects in nature with Christinae Lemieux, mom and Founder/Creative Director of DwellStudio.

sledding in central park

Created on Friday, 14 January 2011 11:16

Snowfall!  Today we found a couple of used sleds in the basement of our building and headed straight to Central Park. Pure joy – for the kids and me. To see their little faces with big eyes beaming and hear their screams as they headed down the hill – nothing like it. It was a beautiful, crisp evening — we stayed just until sunset.  None of us wanted to leave (“one more time, dad!”)  Came home to hot chocolate with marshmallows. All is right with the world.

who’s been sleeping in my bed?

Created on Thursday, 13 January 2011 11:20

Sometimes our bed looks more like a playroom than a bed.  Last night I found two Kai Lan dolls warming our pillows.  I often find myself in the car alone, and only after about fifteen minutes do I realize that I’ve been singing along to Dora or The Mickey Mouse Club.  I wouldn’t change it for anything, but WHAT’S HAPPENED TO ME?! Been there?

moving on

Created on Tuesday, 11 January 2011 11:16

Today we moved from our SoHo loft, where both of our kids were born (not literally).  We are really excited about our new apartment and neighborhood (also downtown), but also quite nostalgic.   It seems like yesterday that we brought them home from the hospital, the little nuggets tucked snuggly in their car seats (now they beg me to sit in the driver’s seat – not happening of course).  It’s been an incredibly special and memorable five years filled with lots of exciting events and many firsts.  As we were packing, pouring over each and every belonging (keep, sell, throw out, donate?), we couldn’t help reflect over all the memories. Our son sleeping soundly in his crib that first night (and us checking every moment we could), our daughter happily eating mashed peas in her high chair, the two of them crawling around in their cute little clothes. Parting with some of these things is hard.  So it felt good to know that the owners of our old apartment would be using some of this loved and gently used baby gear for their own children.  As our family has grown out of these items, now it’s their turn to create their own memories.  It may sound cliche but it all goes so fast – it feels good to take a moment and reflect..

Cupcakes!

Created on Tuesday, 04 January 2011 11:17

Yesterday was my son’s birthday, and we may have found the BEST birthday cake ever!  Little Cupcake Bakeshop (www.littlecupcakebakeshop.com) on Prince Street in Nolita is a charming, old-school bakery serving the most amazing cupcakes and cakes.  We had the vanilla cake with chocolate icing, and it couldn’t have been better (said  the adults and kiddies).  Off to the gym!

Happy New Year

Created on Saturday, 01 January 2011 11:17

We are so excited 2011 is finally here.  The team at www.dotbox.com has  been working so hard to get the site up — and are so close. Before the end of January, we will be launching. Enter your email address at www.recrib.com to be notified of our launch.

Our favorite sheets…

Created on Friday, 17 December 2010 11:22

are hands down by our friends over at DwellStudio.  So…after you save money buying your dream crib on www.recrib.com, head to www.dwellstudio.com and put the money you saved towards sheets that will help your kids dream.

our favorite - Transportation crib set

Today’s pick

Created on Friday, 17 December 2010 11:18

Today we have a gently used Britax car seat, that is listed as “almost new”. Do you or anyone you know need this Rolls Royce of car seats?  Hurry — it won’t be on reCrib for long.

What to do with your used kids gear?

Created on Friday, 17 December 2010 11:11

When our kids turn three, we are all faced with the challenge of figuring out what to do with the gear our kids no longer need — e.g. cribs, strollers, highchairs… In about a month, this challenge will no longer exist. Towards the end of January, reCrib.com will be the place to go to sell (and purchase) the best gently used kids gear. To be notified when we launch, please go to www.recrib.com and enter your email address.