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Trim Size: 8.875 in × 10.75 in Client: Date: Letter From the Editor I love this time of year! Filled with family, friends and, of course, Thanksgiving. There’s so much to be grateful for—like being a parent and living in the world’s greatest city— and I’m happy to get to share this wonderful time of year with you in our latest issue! For many people—me included!—this time of year is synonymous with great food, and in this edition of Observer Playground, we’ve included some stories aimed straight at your sweet tooth. We’ve got a terrific interview with candy maven Dylan Lauren about her new book. We’ve also got an interview with Norah O’Donnell about her fabulous new cookbook, Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler. This issue also includes some must-read features on maximising your quality time with the kids. We’re spotlighting Scribble Press—a new play space where your kids can make their own books. On a more serious note, we’ve also included stories on how to teach your little ones social skills, and how to help them in the school application process with Karen Quinn’s new book, Testing for Kindergarten. As always, we’ve got a glamorous cover star, and I’m so thrilled that it is Elisabeth Rohm. Elisabeth talked to us about her extra- busy (but admittedly wonderful) life, which includes a successful acting career; life with fiancé Ron Wooster and their adorable daughter, Easton; writing novels, recording music and doing charity work; and being the spokesperson for an amazing line of kids’ educational products, Juno Baby Jr. She is an incredible role model. There’s much more, including the regulars you love—Hot to Tot, the Lysst and an irresistible kids’ fashion spread.

Phew! What a full issue! Enjoy! bar candy dylan’s And Happy Thanksgiving!

Dylan Lauren.

[email protected] Figjam Portraiture, Fine Portraits by Francis Hills; courtesy o f courtesy Hills; Francis by Fine Portraits Portraiture, Figjam

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Editor in chief Lyss Stern

managing editor shaina feinberg

Kids Fashion Editor Stephanie Kaster editorial associate Kat Harrison Styling INTERN Victoria McClellan

Contributors Liz Armstrong, TAtiana Boncompagni, Alix Cohen, Pamela Weiler Grayson, LAmbeth Hochwald, julie earle-levine, Betsy Schur Levy, Laura Morgan, REbecca Morse, Melissa Schweiger, Emily TannenbauM, Zibby Right

Now open on the Upper West Side! art director BARBARA SULLIVAN Tutoring and Enrichment Production director Tyler Rush advertising/production coordinator lisa medchill th Associate Publisher, observer playground Betty Shaw Lederman ."5) Marketing Manager Ashley O’Brien

"NTUFSEBN"WFt:PSL"WF Account Executives Mitch Bedell, David Bendayan, paul kornblueh, Tracy Lingo, David Wolff, Michelle Morgan, Spencer Sharp, Robyn Weiss

WinterF session junior account executive Elana Delasos starts circulation January 29. peter parris, Carlos rodriguez, eden sherman

InquireSummer about Camp our 2: AugustSummer 15-September mini-camps 3 Observer Media Group Girotondo (circle of fun) AgesF 2-5 Publisher Jared Kushner An Italian language program which improves ﬂ uency through songs, stories, President Christopher Barnes games and arts & crafts. Classes require parent or caregiver. Giardino dei Bambini Ages 2-5 Executive Vice President Barry Lewis Giardino dei Bambini is a morning drop-off playgroup at CI for kids ages 2-5. Senior Vice President Sales Stephen Goldberg SummerNEW CampChildren 2: mayAugust join in on15-September the fun every Tuesday 3 and Thursday from 9-12 on an as needed basis. Experienced instructors provide multiple opportunities for kids to Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing david gursky learn Italian through play, while learning important socialization skills. The pro- Girotondo (circlegram ofoffers fun) language Ages learning2-5 through games, activities, songs, dance theater, Director of Classified Advertising Ken Newman and hands-on creativity (art projects and cooking). An Italian languageSpace program is limited. which 24-hour improves advance ﬂ uency reservation through songs,is required. stories, games and arts & crafts. Classes require parent or caregiver. THE NEW YORK OBSERVER 321 West 44th Street Giardino dei BambiniPiccoli Cuochi Ages 2-5Ages 5-11 New York, NY 10036 Italian Cooking and Recipes for children & grown-ups. 212.755.2400 Giardino dei Bambini is a morning drop-off playgroup at CI for kids ages 2-5. www.observer.com NEW Children may join in on the fun every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12 on an as needed basis. ExperiencedCreate, instructors Act, Draw... provide Ages multiple 3-5 opportunities& 7-12 for kids to learn Italian throughItalian play, Theater while learningWorkshop important socialization skills. The program offers language learning through games, activities, songs, dance theater, To become a charter subscriber of Observer PLAYGROUND, and and hands-on creativity (art projects and cooking). receive a full year of the quintessential parenting magazine Space is limited. 24-hour advance reservation is required. Group and private classes for adults and children for over 70% off the cover price, please call 800-542-0420, x2331, and get five issues for just $9.95. It’s the only parenting Piccoli Cuochi Ages 5-11 magazine you need!” Italian Cooking and Recipes for children & grown-ups. Create, Act, Draw... Ages 3-5 & 7-12 Cover photography by Tracy Toler. Fashion Styling by Anna Katsanis. Italian Theater Workshop

12 playground november / december 2010 Group and private classes for adults and children … 10AM - 2PM | Madison Ave. bet. E. 67 Street and E. 86 Street, NYC Shop to bene t the Whitney Museum Family Programs

M A D I S O N A V E N U E BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Baby CZ by Carolina Zapf Jaded Petit Bateau 820 Madison Avenue (68 - 69) 1048 Madison Avenue (79 - 80) 1094 Madison Avenue (82 - 83) Bonpoint Juicy Couture Spring Flowers 810 Madison Avenue (67 - 68) 860 Madison Avenue (70 - 71) Children’s Boutique 907 Madison Avenue (72 - 73) Cozy’s Cuts for Kids La Perla 1125 Madison Avenue (84 - 85) 803 Madison Avenue (67 - 68) Vilebrequin 1070 Madison Avenue (80 - 81) David Barton Gym Monnalisa 30 East 85th Street (Madison - Fifth) 1088 Madison Avenue (81 - 82) Zitomer Department Store 969 Madison Avenue (75 - 76) Dean & Deluca 1150 Madison Avenue (85 - 86)

Visit www.madisonavenuebid.org for a schedule of in-store performances and events. The Madison Avenue Business Improvement District and the Whitney Museum of American Art are 501(c)(3) organizations. A copy of their latest annual reports are available from the organizations or the New York State Attorney General’s Charity Bureau, Attn. FOIL Of cer, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. 46 Contents Departments

16 shopping lysst 26 career 18 Celebs give thanks 28/38 REal estate Experience Pennsylvania in 20 fitness 32 party 22 Books 34 bike 24 hot to tot 36 food

Features

46 Elisabeth Whoa is me! Actress, writer, spokesperson and mom,the gorgeous and unstoppable Elisabeth Rohm. 52 fashion night out A mother and daughter fashion show at the Lisa Perry Store that rocked the runway. 56 home Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Reporter Cat Greenleaf gives us a personal tour of her amazing Cobble Hill home. 60 kid’s Fashion Pint-size style! Pop-Tart pop-up fashion. 64 parenting Great Choices Lead to Thanksgiving means more than mashed Great Experiences. potatoes and turkey. A how-to on emphasizing the spirit of gratitude this season. 68 Travel

Luxury vacations for the entire family. toler tracy padutchhotels.com Hershey Harrisburg Lancaster

Shopping Lysst Lyss Stern’S Latest must-haves Tree of Life Necklace The Tree of Life Neck- lace ($180) is made of pink tourmaline; you feel like you’re wearing a miniature piece of artwork with this beautiful item. darlingdesigns newyork.com

Everlon Diamond Eternity Band says forever for the holidays! The ring ($915) is inspired by eternal love. Sleek and stylish, the Everlon knot Ruinart Golden features a contemporary design set with dia- Thread Wine Stopper monds. Can be given with love for any occasion. by Patricia Urquiola Ruinart, one of the old- est Champagne houses in the world (est. 1729), has released a special wine stopper called the Golden Thread, designed by Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. sherry-lehmann.com

Dennis Basso Tipped Faux Mink Tiered Coat Diva moms will want to sashay H.Bloom down the streets of Manhattan Nothing classes up an apartment when they are wrapped in this or office more than a fresh vase faux mink coat ($168). Three of flowers. Lucky for us moms, luxe tiers, balloon sleeve cuffs H.Bloom is giving us a chance and a shawl collar with a hood to get in on some serious floral give the fabulous piece action with their new weekly its super-chic silhouette. flower-delivery service. It’s a great gift—nothing makes me smile like The Hammitt Westwood bag is the company’s No. 1 seller. It’s a gorgeous flowers! little bit slouchier (a hot look for fall) and available hbloom.com. in the popular leopard print. This hot bag ($485) is perfect for autumn, and can go with almost every outfit in your closet. hammitt.com/westwood.html

16 playground november / december 2010

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Hot to Tot.indd 39 8/19/10 6:27:24 PM “I’ll be giving the Give Thanks gift of meditation at the David Lynch Foundation TM Some of our favorite New York celebrity parents share centers. I’ll be get- what they’re giving thanks for this Thanksgiving ting good karma.” —Russell Simmons

“I am thankful for the “Every Thanks- opportunity to give giving, our back. Being on a real- family enjoys ity show has put my time down name out there and al- at our home in Palm lowed me and my girls Beach. We love going to be charitable on a down there to get away, level we never expected. enjoy each other’s This Thanksgiving, my company and eat fan- daughters (Sea, 12, and tastic food! I’m giving Teddy, 10) and I plan to thanks this year for serve at a local shelter our health and hap- such as the Food Bank piness!” of New York.” —Melania Trump, —Kelly Bensimon mom and wife of The Donald

“It’s something we mean to do every day—say thanks— but seem to lose sight of most of the time. Make sure that no matter what type of “For Thanks- meal you are giving, I will having, you take be in the 212 a moment to watching the think about parade! No, how much not sipping you do have latté from “I am thankful for human spirit. (health, love, some fancy We all too often take our health friendship, pal’s CPW and good fortune for granted, passion, duplex. I’ll be abusing our bodies, pushing them perspec- Park-side with to the limit, depriving ourselves of tive, ap- the fanny- sleep, drinking and eating too much, preciation, pack-wearing smoking and heaven knows what else. intellect, Red State mass- “As a photographer and filmmaker, I reason, es. We do it every have had the honor of traveling around the kindness), year. It’s freezing world, to places like Tanzania, Haiti and and reflect and mobbed and the ice floes off Eastern Canada, docu- on how you insane, but the menting the struggles many people can share smile on my face in abject poverty, extreme condi- more of it with son’s face when tions and poor health. Yet one overall theme others.” ginormous Sponge- that I always discover is hope. No matter how —Gwyneth Bob floats down makes it all difficult a situation may seem, we have the ability to Paltrow worth it. I’m thankful I live rise above it and fight on. I will be spending this Thanks- here. I love New York.” giving with my wife, Cristen, and our two children, Jack, —Jill Kargman, author who’s 4, and Jasmine, who’s 2.”

—Nigel Barker, fashion photographer and model —Julie Earle-Levine images getty

18 playground november / december 2010 Divalysscious Hot Shots by Heidi Green Photography

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER WHAT IS JAZZ? � JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE & 3 1� 20 FAMILY CONCERT FAMILY NOVEMBERCONCERT Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Divalysscious Moms Night Out with Brooke Peterson of the Food Network

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Preferred Card of Media Partner Divalysscious Moms and Daughters launch of Jazz at Lincoln Center

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ity friendly and her energy comfortable, yet still feel the burn. That alone is positive. Before class begins, the theme of Core Fusion. she chats with everyone It’s easy to see that Elisabeth has a great briefly, introducing herself to passion for the Core Fusion workout. Before the newbies and getting up- creating Core Fusion, she taught the Lotte Berk dates from others she seems Method for years at the studio she and her hus- to know quite well. band owned. She immediately embraced the Core Fusion is a mix of idea of Exhale when she was approached by various disciplines, includ- the founder to help create the ultimate “urban ing Lotte Berk, Pilates, escape” in New York City. Now that there are Yoga, core conditioning and 17 Exhale properties across the country (includ- stretching. There is no run- ing six in Manhattan and one in the Hamptons), ning or jumping (students Elisabeth can’t possibly teach every class like simply wear a pair of socks) she used to years ago. She does, however, but rather small, intense ensure that classes are taught by instructors movements. The class begins who’ve received 275 hours of training, no small with leg lifts, to get your feat for even the most intense workout enthusi- energy flowing and prepare ast. Core Fusion has also morphed into various you for what lies ahead. forms, including Core Fusion Cardio, Sport and The arms get targeted first, Yoga. Each workout is different, but they all and though working with promise to give you long, lean muscles, a higher 2-pound weights may sound backside and washboard abs. There is also a like a pleasure cruise, by DVD series for those who don’t live near a loca- the time you drop and give tion or would rather work out in the comfort of them 20 (push-ups, that is), you can actually their own home. As with any fabulous workout, Inhale, Exhale, feel the muscles beginning to surface on your it’s hard to keep it a secret for too long. Celebri- Now do it again biceps and triceps. The class moves along, as ties like Brooke Burke, Anna Paquin, Cameron Exhale’s Core-Fusion rocks you target your thighs and glutes while holding Diaz and Charlize Theron are toning their bod- the body real good on to the bar. Elisabeth moves around the class, ies with this addictive workout. giving everyone the attention they need to en- The best part about Exhale and Core Fusion, pon entering Exhale, you’ll be tempted sure they are maximizing their workout. She is and the thing Elisabeth kept emphasizing, is to breathe a sigh of relief. The space is constantly encouraging you to push through the that they strive to create a harmonious energy Urelaxing, and the idea that it doubles as pain, even when all you want to do is break out as you enter and leave. It’s very difficult to find a workout facility and a spa makes it much less of the zone you’re in. The amount of concentra- the motivation necessary to start or end your intimidating than your average gym. But while tion needed is incredible; it’s the ultimate real- day with a great workout, but Exhale and Core the atmosphere may put you at ease, Exhale’s ization that you don’t need anything but your Fusion make this transition seamless. Core Fusion workout will make your heart race. own body to challenge yourself. Even though —Emily Tannenbaum The Core Fusion studio is a large open space the workout is entirely independent, with ballet bars lining the walls. Everyone is you feel yourself bonding with those equipped with some weights and a strap for around you, sighing deeply after suc- stretching. It’s obvious that many people are cessfully holding difficult positions regulars; they grab the heavier weights when and smiling at your neighbors, who they enter class and their bodies are toned and are struggling as much as you are tight. On the day Playground visited, there was (even if they are regulars). The final a large range of women, most of whom were segment of class targets your abs, older, but it quickly became clear that age was which have actually been working all just a number in this class. Elisabeth, who still along but still deserve special atten- teaches at Exhale on occasion, embodies the tion. This abs series is no easy task, workout she created with her husband of 27 but you are given multiple ways to years, Fred. Her body is amazing, her personal- modify your workout so that you feel

20 playground november / december 2010 Hello Gorgeous!

It may be the season of delicious turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, but that doesn’t mean your get-pretty routine has to fall by the wayside. Here are six new products that will have you say- ing “thank you” even after the holiday feast and Black Friday madness subsides. —Kat Harrison

Pretty in Plaid. Harness your inner Scot with this six-shadow palette, decked out in velvety tartan. This limited edition MAC Reelers & Rockers Eye Kit features nighttime shades like matte black (perfect for lining) and a sexy metallic shadow, A WALK IN coyly dubbed “Gaelic Gold.” All six colors are sure to add some spring to THE PARK your jig, er, step. $36, mac- cosmetics.com That’s how easy we can make it to ﬁ nd that Little Jack Horner. What’s chic all over and très autumn, too? Essie Nail Polish in Velvet Voyeur. After you apply two special nanny you’ve coats of this ultra-lush chocolate-plum shade on your been seeking. fingers and toes, it becomes practically an accessory all on its own! Though a gold bangle or two is always an exception to the rule. $8, essie.com With 20 years in the New York City market, Lather Up. Nothing says a-ha to cold fronts better than a hot bath and divine smelling suds. We adore the palm-size we know nannies. L’Occitane Fleur Chérie Flowers Soap that celebrates the Mediter- ranean orange blossom with a slight woody finish. Trust us—you’ll be thankful the chilly weather kept you cooped up for once. $7, A CHOICE NANNY loccitane.com 850 Seventh Avenue NYCDCA #0890176 Hello, Bombshell. For so long we’ve scoured the shelves for the Member, Better Business Bureau Marilyn Monroe of sheer red gloss. But thankfully the search is over! Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Hollywood Red looks gorgeous flying solo or adds a killer kick of shine on top of your go-to lip- stick. Plus, the gloss’s botanical extracts will keep your lips oh-so smooth even after the rouge color fades. $20, bobbibrown.com

Pompadour Perfection. How many brushstrokes does it take to get to a polished, detangled coif? Thanks to the magnificence of the Italian-crafted Bumble and Bumble Flat Classic Hair Brush, just a few glides through will do. This boar bristle beauty evenly distributes your hair’s natural oils so that your locks look glossy and smooth. Plus, the beechwood handle is just the right size and doesn’t slip as you primp. $85, bumbleandbumble.com

Fringe Benefits. The Josie Maran GOGO Mascara manages to volumize, thicken, Call to discuss your child strengthen and curl your lashes all in one fabulous black swoop. And thanks to the protein component care challenge! of the Argan Oil, lashes stay limber (not brittle) around the clock. Even better? Josie Maran will donate one dollar from the sale of each mascara 212-246-5437 to support the treatment and research of women’s www.achoicenanny.com/nyc cancers at the City of Hope Center (cityofhope.org). $22, sephora.com [email protected] playground november / december 2010 21

CHOICE NANNY.indd 1 10/27/10 2:50:47 PM Books

the book? I taste everything and just a bite satisfies me. I I love candy and feel a book think to not try things or eat in moderation is is another way, in addition problematic. I also work out to even it out. to the retail experience our Even though your family isn’t in the candy stores provide, to show the business, you are surely surrounded by cre- beauty and fun of candy and ative minds. How have they supported your demonstrate how I see candy endeavors? as fashion, art and pop cul- They all are very supportive entrepreneurs and ture. I also want to inspire artists, and have creative business minds. They people to get in touch with are constantly providing me with ideas and their creative spirit and inner showing me tear sheets for inspiration. child through candy. Do you ever find it difficult to constantly Were there any surprises reinvent the wheel? What keeps the ideas along the way? coming? It felt like I was back in I actually find it easy to be creative with candy. school writing my thesis with There are so many shapes, colors, textures and lots of very late various packaging to play with or nights, more get inspired by. of them than Five stores nationwide, a line any candy-store of beauty products and now a project. It was book. You seem unstoppable! also most chal- What’s next for you and the lenging to ensure Dylan’s Candy empire? the photos and We are looking to expand into text lined up accurately. It was like major cosmopolitan cities such Sweet Tooth a puzzle to try and fit the photos on as L.A., Las Vegas and London. Dylan Lauren gets serious pages with the appropriate text, as We have and continue to open about sweets some text was too short or too long, wholesale shops in luxury hotels and some photos too wide or vertical. department stores such as Neiman Marcus, s the founder and CEO of the Since you are the official taste-tester for Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s or the Regency and W. flocked-to hot spot Dylan’s Dylan’s, what are some of your weak- What’s a candy-coated tip from Unwrap Your ACandy Bar, Dylan Lauren has nesses when it comes to sweets? Sweet Life that you can share with our Play- a passion it takes only a millisecond to Everything, but more so fresh-baked ground readers? piece together. Whether it’s chocolate- chocolate chip cookies, anything with Always surround yourself with candy, whether covered, butterscotch-filled or vanilla fondant or marshmallows. you have it to eat or to give to others. Candy smothered in sour sugar crystals— How do you fight the urge to over- never fails! the inner workings of candy are indulge on new inventory? —Kat Harrison something this lady knows a little something about. And now she’s sharing her secrets with the rest of us! In Treat Yourself Dylan’s new book, Unwrap Your Sweet Life, she spills candy-inspired crafts, Dylan Lauren’s flair for all things sweet shower gels and ice cream–inspired scrubs holiday gifts and decorating tips that stretches far beyond the average lollipop. in four yummy flavors. Among our favorites will get you thinking creatively and In 2008, she launched a line of beauty are the Strawberry Licorice Candy Butter y Bar. y playfully about sugar. products (adorably dubbed Re-Treat) Cream ($5.50) and the Birthday Cake Lip that are full-on delish without the Saver ($2). Not to mention that the prod- So this is your first written calorie intake. Sold exclusively at ucts are paraben-free and not tested on venture. What inspired Sephora and Dylan’s Candy animals—so you can feel good about what Bar, the line features you slather on (and smell!).

Dylan as Barbie. lip balms, lotions, Prices are based on Sephora.com d Can Dylan’s of Courtesy Photos

22 playground november / december 2010 Dance Till You Drop

There’s nothing more fun than dancing around the living room with your little one. You can shake your hips, do some dips and sing to the music at the top of your lungs—so long as you don’t bother your downstairs neighbor! Here, two moms share their iPod playlists. Get ready to rock.

Classic and more in Turtle Bay Amy Metrick Hornstein, executive director of global communications at Origins, and mom of Ethan, 19 months, says there’s nothing better than dancing with her little guy. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga “Poker Face is easy to dance to and sing along with. At the chorus, Ethan says ‘Pa Pa Pa’ when Lady Gag says ‘Pa Pa Poker Face’!” “Big Shot” by Billy Joel “Any fast song by Billy Joel is a must on our playlist!” “Birthday” by the Beatles “Ethan loves it when they sing, ‘They say it’s your birthday.’ He starts clapping at that point in the song!” “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z with Alicia Keys “How could you not start smiling when you listen to this song?” “If You’re Happy and You Know it” “Ethan has this song choreographed. He claps his hands, stomps his feet and raises his hand for ‘hurray.’ It’s adorably entertaining!”

Rocking out on the UES fiction • nonfiction • poetry • reviews • art Marni Konner, founder of Little Maestros, and mom of Sammi, 8, and Mac, 19 months, can regularly be found rocking out with her kids—in whatever room she’s in. “LA Baby” by Jonas Brothers “Forty is the new teenager, at least in my house, where Radio Disney reigns supreme! And Sammi is the A literary magazine written by teens quintessential teeny-bopper. She puts on Pandora radio and knows every word to all of the tween songs!” “The New Yorker for teens” “See the Signs” by Chris Brown and Elmo “Maybe it’s just because I’m delirious at 6 a.m., but this song is incredible, no joke!” nd “Parachutes Will Open” by Enid Our 22 Year! “I am fortunate to have a dear friend who happens to be a genius songwriter. This is one of her original songs that touches my soul.” “Mambo No. 5” by Perez Prado For just $35 a year, “I love to dance, and here’s a secret—our family actually has a silly boogie-down ritual to this song!” receive the most “Do You Believe in Magic?” by the Lovin’ Spoonful exciting magazine “My favorite song ever!” Dreamgirls soundtrack written entirely by “The entire thing rocks. I hope my neighbors don’t teens for teens! mind when I belt out awesome show tunes!” “Beg Steal or Borrow” by Ray LaMontagne “This is such relaxing music after a hectic day!” —Lambeth Hochwald Subscribe at Teennk.com or call 800-363-1986 playground november / december 2010 23 Hot to Tot

Need to know what’s new, noteworthy and not to miss this season? As always, we’ve got you Beatles Mania covered. Here’s our definitive list of the In: Macclarren Yellow most fabulous things to do, buy and enjoy for Submarine Stroller you and your family. Out: Burnt Out Beatles T-Shirts

Essential November reading In: Revive: Stop Feeling Spent and Start Living Again by Dr. Frank Lipman Out: A comprehensive weekly list of sample sales

Fond childhood memory to re-experience with the kids Music for the Kids In: Egg creams at the In: Moey’s Dance party Brooklyn Flea Out: The Hokey Pokey Out: Thanksgiving Parade floats in the freezing cold Hipster-in-training Seasonal treat kids’ clothing In: Cranberry Apple pedicure at Snowbird trip to look for- In: Diesel motorcycle jacket Sweet Lily on West Broadway ward to Out: Black tee and skinny jeans Out: Cranberry sauce from In: Visiting the new Fairway on Broadway JW Marriott in Miami Out: Visiting the In-laws’ November obsession condo in Boca In: Roger Vivier Pilgrim flats Out: The story of the pilgrims Cold weather schvitz central In: The steam room at the gym Distinctly New York City Out: An overheated prewar time-consuming activity apartment In: Impressing preschool admissions directors Out: Impressing co-op board Winter warmer Stylish snowl- directors In: Fur vest, preferably faux overs’ most cov- Out: Moncler jacket, particu- eted accessory Long distance trip for larly if purchased full price In: Henri Bendel Thanksgiving weekend logo snowboard In: Six-hour plane ride to Gros- Calories-be-damned carb- Out: Chanel logo skis venor House in London laden splurge Out: Two-hour drive to Grand- In: Large Pulino’s pizza pie Promising opening that ma’s house in Long Island Out: Morning-after-Thanksgiv- will hopefully be worth ing leftover pumpkin pie the wait: In: Fairway on East 86th Street Guilty late-night shopping Out: The Second Avenue Subway pleasure: In: A trip to a newly-renovat- Tummy Time Holiday and Birthday ed, 24-hour Duane Reade In: Erika Bloom Next Level Pi- Gifting for the kids Out: Overspending on tele- lates DVD In: GiftHero.com and online gift vision shopping networks Out: Having to leave your apart- store with the best of the best ment to do Pilates selection of toys and games for Ubiquitous (but so kids, and the gifts get sent in the comfy) footwear Inevitable seasonal cutest recycable bags In: Fit-Flops Mukluks complaint Out: Waiting on line at the Out: Uggs In: Too much traffic toy stores to have the gifts Out: Too much turkey wrapped

24 playground november / december 2010

Career

to and advises young women they come—they are the way they are. It doesn’t at her firm about being a mean that we [shouldn’t] do a really good job working mother, to share parenting, and helping with things that they’re some of the secrets of her not good at, but when my child has an incredible success. success or does a great time with a presentation Find a company that or with test scores, I don’t mix that up with my allows flexibility. “I’m really, success—[that’s] their success.” really lucky because I have a Follow the 10-10-10 rule. Relations with company that allows flexibil- caretakers can get “emotional,” says Foster. “It ity,” says Foster of her firm, can seem like Armageddon that they didn’t wear Cushman & Wakefield. “Peo- underpants to school or something,” she jokes. ple get emails from me after Her rule. Ask yourself “will this decision matter I put the children to sleep; in 10 minutes, 10 weeks or 10 years? If it won’t I get up very early, I get on matter in 10 years, say your peace and move on.” the stationary bike to bicycle, Be direct. “Another really important tip is to [and] I do emails then. During be very, very direct about your schedule,” Foster the day, I’m mostly in meet- advises. “I don’t ever get defensive that I have a ings and on phone calls, but I school meeting or something else; I just say, ‘Lis- do have a certain amount of ten, I can meet you beforehand, I can meet you flexibility.” Foster has learned after, but I can’t meet you during.’” to make every moment count; Finally, know that it’s hard. “I miss every as she lives in Rye, her com- second that I could have been with them that I’m mute varies widely based on not,” says Foster. “[I tell] the women here [go- traffic. “I try to be home with ing on] maternity leave for their first child—one my kids at one end of the day. If I have a dinner, thing that you need to know is that if you think Cynthia foster: I take them to school [in the morning]. If I don’t you will have clarity on this decision, you won’t. power mom have a dinner, then I try to leave the house early, If you decide to stay home, you’re going to have Kids, husband and career— pre-traffic, at 6:30 a.m.” days that are boring, tedious and complicated … tips on having it all Aspire to a position of seniority. Loyalty and if you come back, you’re going to miss them. has its privileges. When Foster’s first son was There is no such thing as perfect clarity.” ynthia Foster knows a little something 3 and the second a newborn, she faced the dif- Moms who have broken the glass ceilings about getting things done. Head of ficult choice of signing a five-year employment show their children that it can be done. “I’m not Cglobal client development for re- contract that took her from “middle to senior at the stage where my children perceive me as a nowned real estate giant Cushman & Wakefield, [level],” she says. “Once you’re over the hurdle, mentor for them for working,” Foster admits of she has three somewhat smaller clients develop- and you’re an executive, [that’s when] you get her still-young children—but that day will come. ing at home—sons Beau, 13, and Jack, 10, and flexibility.” Plus, “the [senior] job is a lot more “What I say to her is you get to do it all because daughter Jessie, 7. Having begun her career in interesting, you are better at it, [and] you’re able women can do it all, they have that ability.” And real estate investment banking at Lazard, she to balance it better. I always tell young women, with a supermom like Cynthia Foster as her ex- quickly climbed the ladder at Cushman & Wake- try to picture yourself five to seven years down ample, it won’t be hard to believe. field, where she has been since 2001. With three the road.” —Rebecca Morse children, a husband of 15 years and a commute See the positive aspects of your dual roles. to Westchester to contend with, how does she Managing a full-throttle career and a family may manage it all? “There’s a lot of juggling when seem like pulling a double shift, but, as Foster you’re career is on fire and you’ve got three kids says, “it allows for perspective”—a perspective at home,” admits Foster, laughing. “I’ve been at with benefits. “Having a demanding full-time meetings, and people say, ‘I’m exhausted, I didn’t job [means] that I don’t take my children’s weak- sleep well last night.’… I look at them and think, ness or failures personally: Their success are ‘I’m in a REM sleep at a stop sign!’ How could theirs. There’s a richness in that and a clarity. … you possibly have the option of not being able to When you’re home, and [the children] are your fall asleep?” We asked Foster, who often speaks job, it gets complicated. They come the way

26 playground november / december 2010 N EW Y ORK THEATRE allet Diana Byer, Artistic Director s exquisiteb little ballets

N EW Y ORK THEATRE allet diana byer, artisticb director exquisite little ballets 2010-11 SEASON theatreNEW YORK allet diana byer bartistic director e o n c u p e t Gaggle of Chicks o n a b a l l As a Manhattan mother of twins, I am always searching for ways to save time and money. That’s why when Gagg- leofchicks.com CEO and New York native Matt Evans told me n c e u p t about his genius idea for a daily deal Web site for moms and o o l l e families, I not only wanted to sign up as a customer, but I also n a b a wanted to join the team! GaggleofChicks (www.gaggleofchicks.com) launched its New York site in late August 2010. (Look for more city sites in late 2010/early 2011.) It’s a Web site that offers a new deal for moms and families every weekday. The deals are only “live” for 48 hours so you have to act quickly. Gaggle also has a social buying component. A set number of moms need to purchase a deal before it “hatches.” For example, Gaggle’s deal of 52 percent off a four-pack of classes at Moey’s Music Party required 10 moms to buy it before it hatched. Gaggle’s most successful deals to date have been with online meal delivery service Susie’s Supper Club, the Children’s Museum of the Arts and Karma Kids Yoga. Founder Matt Evans, a Collegiate School, Amherst Col- lege and Harvard Business School grad with a background in finance, nonprofit management and venture capital, spent one summer interning at Cheerios. After doing extensive consumer research on the mom demographic, he realized

three key things: Raising kids is really expensive no matter Photo: Richard Termine where you are; moms don’t have a lot of time to get everything done; moms have to navigate a sea of information to figure 1 hour All performances at out what’s best to purchase for their children. Evans decided programs there should be a way to save moms time and money by of- Florence Gould Hall perfect for fering highly curated deals for moms and families. The Gaggle 55 East 59th Street was born. kids! The Gaggle team relies extensively on its rapidly growing community of moms to inform the deal selection, including For details, visit nytb.org its Mom Advisory Board, which consists of several industry leaders; its Gaggle Ambassadors (more than 50 connected Keith Michael’s moms who help spread the word and advocate the brand); and the stellar moms on the management team who lead the nutcracker everything from editorial to December 11–12, 18–19 sales. These moms try every Donald Mahler’s single product or service firsthand before approving a cinderella partnership. February 12–13 Gaggle also tries to bring moms together through its Choreography by Agnes de Mille, Lotte Goslar & Antony Tudor Community section. “An important part of our business is our NEW! exquisite little ballets grass-roots approach,” Evans April 9–10 says. “There’s nothing more powerful than one mom talking James Sutton’s to another about a recommended product or service.” sleeping beauty To join the Gaggle, please May 14 – May 15 visit www.gaggleofchicks. com. —Zibby Right playground november / december 2010 27 Real Estate

minium, told Playground, “I have worked in the residential real estate market for over 25 years, mainly in Manhattan, and was pleasantly surprised by life in Long Island City and all it has to offer,” most of all, Long Island City’s park- side living that New York families are finding more and more appealing. New green spaces are attracting families in Brooklyn as well—like in Brooklyn Heights, where Pier 6 has just opened at the Brooklyn Bridge Park where Pier 6 has just opened. One Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn’s largest condominium conversion, looms above the park: “We always knew this building was truly a one-of-a-kind development,” said the building’s developer Robert Levine, president of RAL Companies, the building’s development, “but with the opening of Brooklyn Bridge Park in The New ‘It’ Parks in question being Gantry Plaza State Park in our backyard, buyers have finally realized what Watch out Central Park: Long Island City, 12 acres spanning the Queens park living really means.” At Brooklyn Bridge Families are flocking to more waterfront where children of all ages enjoy Park, a kids-only playground teems with happy intimate neighborhood parks manicured gardens, a mist fountain and play- tots a stone’s throw from Brooklyn’s largest around New York City grounds galore. Mya and her husband, Lev, sandbox and a variety of wading pools. And in started renting at the View, a luxury condo- nearby Williamsburg, the loftlike 80 Metropoli- iving within blocks of Central Park is minium blocks from the park, when Mya was tan condominium is within a few short blocks the New York City dream, reflected pregnant with their third child; they fell so in of the L train—but also the East River State Lin literature, in movies, in advertising love with the proximity to the park that they Park, a newly opened 7-acre park on the side of campaigns—everywhere, it seems, except real- ended up buying their unit. “Sometimes going a 19th-century shipping dock. With open views ity. Only those who live here know the deep, to the park can be a big outing,” says Mya, “but of Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan, the dark secrets of the most famous city park: that for us, it’s right outside our door—it’s literally East River State Park is also home to concerts its size and breadth can make planning play our backyard.” Since every apartment at the that Williamsburg residents love. dates a pain; that adjacent Upper West and View has its own outdoor space, the Fishmans It’s not just outer-borough parks that are East Side real estate can be more like unreal have a backyard, too—but “we usually go to the competing with Central Park: right in Manhat- estate; and that, like the sidewalks they head park more than we use our backyard.” At Gan- tan is the jewel of downtown, Battery Park, into the green to escape, this park is packed. In try Plaza State Park, the Fishmans’ son, Joshua, which stretches along the Hudson River, and recent years, New Yorkers in the know have 10, rides his bike while Briyana, 2, and Chloe, on sunny days, evokes a Southern Califor- turned away from the center to smaller parks 16 months, play in the lush grassy areas. “The nia vibe. Towering above Battery Park is the that combine a quiet accessibility with familiar- only place I can think of in New York City with Visionaire condominium at 70 Little West ity and a neighborhood feel. New development grass is Central Park,” says Mya, adding, “Don’t Street. The 35-story high-rise condo has 246 projects near today’s It parks allow growing get me wrong—I love Central Park. But this families to turn away from the ubiquitous Up- is more neighborhood friendly—we’re always One Battery per East and West Sides and find themselves at bumping into people we know and my son’s Park Place. home in luxury buildings with New York City friends.” Buyers at the nearby L haus have parks that serve as their backyard. found the same pleasure in the area, combining Park-adjacent living has been a green dream luxury living at a brand-new condo with the come true for the Fishman family. They use award-winning Gantry Park just a hop, skip their neighborhood park all the time. Use? and jump away. Karen Mansour, the executive Well, sort of. “‘Use’ is not the word,” laughs vice president of marketing and sales for the Mya Han Fishman. “Since we have three chil- Development Marketing Group at Prudential

dren, we practically live at the park,” the park Douglas Elliman, who works with the condo- JessyeAnne

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2280FDB FP ad NOV Playground.indd 1 10/26/10 5:32 PM 4-year-old daughter and 16-month-old son—“in tive of the building), its studio through four- the summer I feel like it’s all the time!” says bedroom residences are just steps away from Nicole. “Central Park just seemed so crowded Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park, which boasts to me, especially on weekends,” says Jay, a a farmers’ market, a dog run and designated native New Yorker. “Bike riding is a totally dif- areas for children. So important is Marcus ferent experience” in Battery Park. “Instead of Garvey Park to Fifth on the Park residents it being a huge square,” adds Nicole, “you have that they’ve created a committee to help with a feeling of it being different parks all the way keeping the green clean and planting flowers; along—there’s a lot going on all the time,” like recently, a Fifth on the Park representative tells fishing, preschool classes and tai chi. For resi- Playground, “some of the residents got together dents of Battery Park City, like Jay and Nicole, for the first-ever Mahatma Gandhi Health and and recent buyers at buildings like the Liberty Peace Walk in Mount Morris Park. It was orga- Luxe and the Liberty Green, Battery Park is a nized by one of the first residents of the build- The View. very good neighbor. ing … as a health enhancer and another way for And uptown, at 1485 Fifth Avenue, there’s people to meet each other.” Rainy clouds over- residences, having from one to three bedrooms: a park right outside the door for residents head? No worries. Fifth on the Park residents Not only does it overlook the green, but it of Fifth on the Park. Not that park, though— can enjoy the park from the comfort of their is green—the greenest, in fact: It’s platinum while the majestic, window-walled, 28-story own spectacular windows—as well as a brand- LEED certified. For Nicole Schaffer and Jay FX-Fowle–designed condominium does offer new children’s playroom off the lobby. Hirschon, who moved to the Visonaire from sweeping views of Central Park (“The views We’re green with envy of these park-proxi- the West Village, Battery Park is a neighbor- are breathtaking no matter where you are mate places! hood perk that they use weekly with their located within the building,” said a representa- —Rebecca Morse

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bound book. choice: “a Peanut Ninja.” Co-founder and Louise Phillips Forbes’ sons were supposed CEO Anna Barber met to skateboard in the park the day of the open- Darcy Troy Pollack ing but asked to go to Scribble instead. Her son (president) on a plane, Douglas said, “It was cool seeing my art being where they discussed made into a book.” their passion for books Many mothers compared Scribble to the and sharing them with more ubiquitous craft store–studio. “This is their children. Thus more exciting and physically appealing, and the was born the idea for activity is different from the other places on the Scribble, which opened Upper East Side,” said Suzette Rubinstein. in 2008 in California Scribble offers classes for kids ages 20 months and was named “Best to 13 years old, so children can graduate from Kids’ Party Place 2008” picture books to more complex creative writing. by L.A. Parent. Summer camp is an option as well. It’s also a great Barber and Pollack place to make personalized gifts for relatives. hope their Manhattan At a recent Chapin first-grader’s birth- stores will have special day party, staffers helped the kids contribute appeal in this media- words for the story template; think group Mad centric city. “New York- Libs project. “This is really fun!” exclaimed a ers are more attuned to smocked-dressed moppet. writing and reading and “We have four kids, and I know every venue appreciate fiction,” said imaginable, so when I heard about Scribble, I Barber. “And this is the jumped,” said Mona Aboelnaga, the birthday center of the publishing girl’s mother. world.” After cake and a short music/dancing inter- The Early bird The Upper East Side location boasts 5,000 lude, it was time to read the girls’ book out loud. catches the Bookworm square feet of space and is designed in an arty, The title was Rockstar Stravaganza and sample Scribble Press creates eco-friendly style. The founders chose the phrases such as “Mrs. Gaga was so startled she parties for the bookish metaphor of the toolbox in creating Scribble’s dropped her birds” and “Her two best friends, look: rows of shelves stocked with markers, and Hannah Montana and Michael Jackson” elic- he long wooden table was crammed wooden caddies filled with each child’s markers ited squeals of laughter. with girls in party dresses, deeply of choice. The children pose for author photos, Each party guest left with her own book Tengaged in drawing and writing pages which will adorn the back cover of their books, to take home. “This is cool!” shouted a curly- for a book. Nearby, clusters of Upper East Side then write and illustrate their stories. A large haired cutie. “I love writing books!” mothers were expressing their own excitement wall behind the central table is plastered with Nothing against painted pots and mani-pedi about this new kiddie hot spot that was both plot and character ideas, helping kids under- parties, but Manhattan moms are beaming over fun and educational. No screaming kids flailing stand story structure. The binding, which takes their little authors. around, doing the same-old paint-and-chicken- about 15 minutes, is done at the back of the store. —Pamela Weiler Grayson dance routine. As one mother gushed, “This is At the April opening party (the preview party very civilized. I had a disco party.” prior to that included Kelly Rippa’s daughter If you’re tired of repeat parties and rainy- and the Seinfeld kids), the air was buzzing with day stints at traditional Manhattan venues, chatter. Ali Hewson, wife of Bono, brought two you’re going to love Scribble Press. The store of their four kids to the opening. “It gives them a opened its first New York location in April, sense of achievement,” she said. “Creating a story on the Upper East Side (First Avenue at 84th from beginning to end is something parents can Street), and its second one in November on the do with their kids.” Her sons, Eli (10) and John Upper West Side (84th and Broadway). Scrib- (8), were thoroughly engrossed in their projects. ble is a unique concept, where kids can write “My book is about an Apple Ninja, and about and illustrate their own stories and take home a the good and evil side of a kid,” said Eli. John’s

32 playground november / december 2010 Madame Alexander Lottie Nickinson lives on the Upper West Side of Man- hattan. She is 8 years old. She chatters easily, likes to act, sing and dance, and does a terrific cartwheel. Last year, Lottie had a pool party for her birthday. This year, in her continuing search for the unique, she and her mother, Ann, chose to celebrate her 8th birthday in the domain of Madame Beatrice Alexander, at the Alexan- der Doll Company in Manhattan. “We decided we just wanted a little party this year, and I wanted to make a doll,” says Lottie, eyes shin- ing. With five of her best friends, their mothers in tow, Lottie did just that. The girls enthusiastically chose among Caucasian, African-American and Latina skin color, a dozen wigs and a rack of outfits. Three of the six girls selected the same wardrobe, deciding their dolls might be triplets and immediately started arranging play dates. With help from the staff, they glued on wigs and wriggled their dolls into polka-dot dresses. One created a princess in a purple tutu. The shoes were small and took negotiating. Each doll was placed in her own carry box and added to the gift bag awaiting Lottie’s guests at the end of the festivities. Next, the girls and their mothers took a tour. First stop was the showroom. Cruella De Ville and Angelina Ballerina were instantly recognized. “I see Cinderella and I’m looking at her right now!” cried one excitedly. The mothers gathered around models of Ms. Obama ;f[ef[_WXadS^[ff^W in her inaugural gown, Audrey Hepburn and the Rock- ettes. Every size, shape, color, nationality, storybook and historical character is represented. ,WLVWLPHIRUDOLWWOH?SY[Ua`fZW?ag`fS[`0DJLFRQWKH0RXQWDLQ The girls visited the Heritage Gallery with more than 600 dolls from every era, where they were told WKLVFRPLQJ+ROLGD\VHDVRQ)HHOWKHPDJLFRI&KULVWPDVDQGDZDNHQ\RXUVHQVHVZLWKWKHVZH HW that many of the dolls were priceless collectables. VPHOORIURDVWLQJPDUVKPDOORZVZDUPWKRIWKH¿UHDQGVSHFWDFXODU GLVSOD\RIOLJKWVDGRUQLQJRXUJURXQGV(QMR\6DQWD¶V5HLQGHHU “Are they worth more than a thousand dollars?” asked KRUVHGUDZQFDUULDJHDQGWUDLQULGHVVWRU\WHOOLQJDQGPXFKPRUH Lottie, amazed. There were five enormous Eloise Doll Houses standing across from versions of elaborately costumed Romeo and Juliet figures that had previ- ously been sold at a charity auction for $8,000. Tour stops also included the designers workroom, the factory and the doll hospital. And after the visit to +2/,'$< the Heritage Gallery it was time for the party! In a room surrounded by dolls, at a table whose centerpiece was made with tiers of small dolls like a cake, Lottie and her 75$',7,21 guests sat for tea. Party hats, favors, pink paper plates 2SHQV7KDQNVJLYLQJ1LJKW SPSP and utensils rested among decorative confetti on a DQGHDFKZHHNHQGWKURXJK1HZ

playground november / december 2010 33 Bike

League of American Bicy- light and red taillight on each family member’s clists moved New York up bicycle.” five notches from last year Lights are required by law in many places, on their annual Bicycle as are properly fitted helmets for any riders Friendly States rankings. under 14 years of age (which are a good idea Bike Month techni- for everyone else as well). Bike New York of- cally comes each May, when fers these rules, plus safety tips, in free classes humans perched on two for all ages and skill levels throughout the year. wheels are celebrated with More tips from Podziba: “Using hand signals countless sponsored rides for stopping and turning is especially useful throughout the city. And as when cycling in a group—each cyclist needs summer comes and goes, the to see what the other cyclists are doing—and bike traffic wanes, and so knowing how to signal is a skill that children does the sun. “Besides the will use as they bike throughout their lives.” fantastic weather and beau- Bike New York offers a visual of hand signals tiful, color-changing leaves, on their site, as well as comprehensive re- one thing to pay special at- sources for getting around the city on bicycle. tention to in the fall is that it Once you all feel self-assured enough, get gets dark earlier and earlier,” to know New York as a unit, unwinding and says Ken Podziba, CEO and observing as the scenery becomes more fluid. president of Bike New York, “Bicycling is the healthiest family addiction,” perhaps the city’s says Podziba. “The more you ride together most vigilant and as a family, the more everyone, espe- active independent cially the kids, will want more and bicycle awareness and educa- more of it. I know this from observing Biking En Masse tion organization. “Families our constituency and from firsthand The family that bikes together on bikes can help them- experience—only my wife and I stays together selves remain visible use a trailer for the long rides to drivers, pedestrians with our 3- and 4-year-old ecently spotted: An otherwise and other cyclists by daughters.” Now bundle smartly dressed man in socks and wearing bright, re- up the little ones, get out Rflip-flops, leisurely riding his bike flective clothing and there and enjoy. while eating a sandwich and talking on his cell installing a white head- —Liz Armstrong phone. That display of overconfidence is the cultural signifier of a bicycle-friendly city, the The stylish activity that gives visible credence to all the Pashley Poppy. stats the Department of Transportation likes to tout about the city. Cycling Tips In the past couple years especially, New York’s been promoting its bike awareness, hav- ■ For pier enthusiasts, the Bethpage Bikeway in Long path to the East River State ing last year completed a massive campaign Hudson River Park bike path Island, where you’ve got nearly Park in Brooklyn near North to build 200 new bike lanes that add up to an extends from Battery Park nine miles of quiet nature to Ninth Street. Enjoy the view of extra 620 bike-friendly miles. According to up along the Hudson to the yourselves. the city from the other side. the Department of Transportation, commuter southern edge of Riverside cycling is up 66 percent, and there are nearly Park, with several options for ■ Head across the Williamsburg ■ Don’t discount the obvi- 9,000 new bike racks (and we still see pile-ups boat scoping along the way. Bridge using the relatively ous. Make a big loop through on poles). As a result of its efforts, the city new buffered bicycle path on Prospect Park or Central Park has received some heavy accolades: Bicycling ■ If you want to really make Delancey (not for the tiny or and look at the fall leaves; if magazine called it one of the best big cities for a trek of it and escape traf- timid, for sure), then up Kent you choose the latter, why not

the two-wheeled activity, and the no-nonsense fic almost completely, hit the Avenue’s two-way separated head on up to the Cloisters? tt Hugge Travis

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on his kitchen staples, high-fat butter, olive oil, salt and peppercorns in a grinder for adding amazing flavor whenever cooks. “Other than that, we can go to the store and buy some fresh veggies, fresh protein and maybe a starch and make anything taste good,” he says.

Get them involved in the kitchen “The big buy-in to eating is getting the kids to help out with the cooking,” says Brown, who delegates less-dangerous kitchen duties, such as shucking corn, opening fresh peas and shell- ing beans, to his kids. Another great way to get children interested in what they’re eating is taking them back to the source. “I’ve taken my kids to the farm in Ohio where I get a lot From Fussy to how to raise good eaters without pulling your of my produce,” says Brown. Once at the farm, Foodie hair out in the process. Brown tells his kids the stories behind each Uncover your kid’s inner food, including how long it took to grow and gourmand Make things that taste good what kind of climate it needs. There are many It may sound simple enough, but if you cook nearby farms in New Jersey and upstate New or many families, mealtime resembles something delicious, your children are more York to take the whole family to. Make friends a three-ring circus, with Mom as ring- likely to want to eat it. “People say you have to with some of the farmers at the Union Square Fleader, trying to prepare separate din- develop your palette, but actually your palette Greenmarket and ask them for a tour. ners for all members at the same time. Trying is most sensitive when you’re younger, which Taking kids along to the grocery store is to remember which child hates tomatoes and is why things taste so strong to kids, especially also essential. Once they pick out some of the which one loves them is enough to send most vegetables,” says Brown. His rendition of the ingredients, they feel a sense of ownership well-intentioned moms to Menu Pages faster ultimate offender, Brussels sprouts, sounds toward it and will want to get their hands on it than the drop of a wooden spoon. Children delicious enough to make even the most finicky in the kitchen. have long been stereotyped as picky eaters, and eater want a bite. Brown uses a knife or a man- while some researchers point to evolution as doline to shave the sprouts down to cole slaw– Introduce tasty food at a young age the culprit, there are certainly environmental like shards. He then heats a pan with olive oil “I have used very good flavors and spices since factors at play, too. As parents, we have many and salt and pepper and sautés the sprouts for my children were babies,” says Karine Bakhoum, responsibilities, and getting our offspring on about two minutes. The end result is a crunchy, president and founder of KB Network News and the good-eater track is no exception. “My kids healthy and, yes, delicious, treat. Brown relies frequent judge on the Food Network’s Iron Chef eat everything because I wouldn’t allow it any other way,” says Ed Brown, chef at Ed’s Chow- Surprisingly Kid-Friendly Restaurants der House on the Upper West Side. “I know parents that are fussy about food, and guess You don’t have to head to Mars ■ Tocqueville: 1 East 15th enough of the authentically what, their kids are fussy about food.” 2112 every time you want to Street; 212-647-1515. If the French roast chicken and pom- My husband and I take our food seriously. go out to eat with the tots. kids are old enough, then they mes frites. Like many other New Yorkers, our weekends Book a table at one of these might be treated to a quick ■ Patsy’s Pizza: Multiple loca- revolve around the seeking out of new and restaurants that will please all trip to the kitchen. Makovitzy tions. A healthier alternative interesting tastes to try. We have visions of our palettes. has also given the underage to your typical pizza joint. 15-month-old son becoming the next Tom Col- ■ Gradisca: 126 West 13th set raw bread dough to play ■ Bottega Del Vino: 5 East lichio. Needless to say, one of our biggest fears Street; 212-691-4886. The with if she sees them getting 59th Street; 212-223-3028. is that he becomes (gasp!) a picky eater. In waiters at this convivial Village antsy. The proximity to FAO Schwartz hopes of laying down the groundwork for my Italian spot kept my son happy ■ Le Charlot: 19 East 69th plus a menu full of creative budding gourmand, I got the skinny from vari- and entertained with a toy and Street; 212-794-6419. Bak- paninis equals a win-win for

ous professional New York City foodies about lots of special attention. houm’s children can’t get families. images getty

36 playground november / december 2010 Some favorite kid’s cookbooks.

America. She started by adding exotic spices like cumin to her children’s puréed carrots. “I was concerned that if they were only eating bland foods, that’s what they would get used to,” she says. Nowadays, Bakhoum adds curry to her children’s noodle soups, nutmeg to their mac and cheese and herbs de Provence to their burgers. She also buys them limeade instead of lemonade. “Lime has a more evolved flavor,” she says. One of her kids’ favorite meals is a chicken and sausage dish Bakhoum makes called Poulet Basquaise that delivers a hit of spice with red pepper flakes and paprika. “My daughter’s first meal was risotto with parmesan, extra virgin olive oil and butter,” says Jo-Ann Makovitzky, who co-owns the Union Square restaurants Tocqueville and 15 East with her husband. Her daughter, Francesca, now 7, regularly eats her meals at the sushi bar at 15 East.

Use pop culture references to introduce them to new foods After Bakhoum’s kids saw Ratatouille, she took the opportunity to introduce them to the namesake vegetable dish. “I jumped into the kitchen and made them ratatouille with crunchy little sautéed potatoes—like little French fries but cube shaped—and put that on top of it. They loved it,” she said.

Never label your kid as a picky eater “If you do, you’re only giving them an excuse to eat everything you offer them,” write Matthew Yeomans and Hugh Garvey in their kid-oriented cookbook, Gastrokid. “Kids’ tastes can be entrenched or they can turn on a dime,” says Garvey. “I once assumed my kids would hate anchovies, to only have them steal the little spiny briny fish off my cutting board.” Meaning? Don’t underestimate your kids’ palettes; they may actually be more daring than you give them credit for. In fact, the only food Makovitzky’s daughter, Francesa, won’t try? Sea urchin with octopus. I bet there are plenty of adults that would agree. —Melissa Schweiger Kleinman playground november / december 2010 37 Real Estate

Properties Group developed a nine-unit boutique condominium at 208 West 96th Street on the Upper West Side, they designed each of the apartments as sprawling three-bedrooms. “The Upper West Side attracts large families,” says Manor’s Simon Shamilzadeh, adding that even for those buyers without children, “a three- bedroom on the Upper West Side is really mar- ketable and very much in demand.” (Size isn’t all that matters at 208W96: Parents may not be able to resist each apartment’s “crumb catch- er,” a central vacuum vent in the kitchen that catches and sweeps away any floor-bound mor- sels!) At the Rushmore on Riverside Boulevard and 64th Street, apartments range from two- bedrooms to five-bedrooms, including apart- The Georgica. ment 5U, a 2,507-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath unit currently on the private to public, in part due to the recession, market for $3,455,000. Sotheby’s Nikki Field SUPERSIZE ME there has been an increase in demand of family- sees Riverside Boulevard as a great “destination When baby makes four sized apartments,” says Francesca Conejero of neighborhood,” where new buildings were de- (or five), it’s time to expand the Voda Group of Prudential Douglas Elliman. signed with larger floor plans and proximity to Even families that are happy to shoehorn three parks along the Hudson River in mind. “These n New York, that extra child is fast be- little ones into a two-bedroom might recon- spacious, landscaped areas, with playgrounds, coming the human equivalent of a Yves sider once those little ones are, well, bigger. are populated with friendly neighborhood lo- ISaint Laurent Muse bag: It’s cute, you’d “Parents need to look at well-planned layouts cals who keep an eye out for one another and really love it and it’s a status symbol that shows with sufficient separation of space,” advises tend to form neighborhood friendships,” says the world you can afford it—but can you? Re- Nikki Field, a senior vice president at Sotheby’s Field, adding that there’s an added bonus: “The cent figures released by the Agriculture Depart- International Realty. “You may prefer to have dog runs are convenient and take the strain out ment indicate that a child born in 2009 will your toddler on the other side of your bedroom of apartment living with pets.” cost approximately $222,360 to raise through wall now, but when the sleep-over dates begin On the other side of the park, developers the age of 18. If you live in the “urban North- and the teen years of ‘I need my space’ begin, near the East 86th Street corridor have seized east” add about $30,000—and that doesn’t even parents find that their children often opt out upon New Yorkers’ desire for larger apart- include the cost of college. Up and down the and prefer friends’ homes, where there is more ments. The Georgica, at 305 East 85th Street, Eastern Seaboard, families are asking them- independence of space (known as privacy).” In has only two to four residences per floor—many selves how they’re going to pay for that bonus other words: Space may spell happiness for big- of those half-floor three- and four-bedrooms child. In New York, there’s a follow-up ques- ger families. It’s a trend that developers across tion: Where are we going to put it? the five boroughs have noticed, and a wave of 208 West 96th When lifestyle and budget rule out town- new buildings with supersize apartments ap- Street. house living (whether in Manhattan or nearby peal to those families that need a multitude of urban outposts), families might find themselves bedrooms—and square footage. Now might be up against a brick wall—and not just the one just the time to go big, too: “Buying a seven- outside their cramped apartment’s “city view” room home today is more affordable than at window. Market reports show that two-bed- any time in the past four years,” says Field. “If room apartments are on the rise, encroaching you were once out of the game due to the me- upon the historic market domination of smaller teoric price escalations, it was worth the wait, one-bedrooms and studios, but a two-bedroom as there are now many options in both condos, might feel tight when you’ve got three under 3. and the less expensive alternative, co-ops.” “With the improvement in New York City pub- Those options abound in the child-heavy lic schools, and the move of many families from zone surrounding Central Park. When Manor

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WCLA Observer Playground Full Page Ad.indd 1 9/22/10 9:57 AM ® New York’s ONLY And many are quite reasonable: At One Rector “make-your-own-book” store! Park, located at 333 Rector Place in Battery Park City, a 2,363-square-foot four-bedroom apartment Second Location is on the market for $1,725,000. 84th and Broadway This real estate baby boom isn’t limited to Manhattan. Long Island City developments like OPENING SOON! the Murano and the View attract growing families with spacious three-bedrooms. And at Williams- Birthday Parties burg’s new 80 Metropolitan, buyers don’t have to Holiday Camps stop at the spacious three-bedrooms: Currently on the market is a nine-room duplex PHXV with Special Workshops four bedrooms and 3.5 baths spread across 2,800 Writing & Art Classes square feet and 856 square feet of private outdoor space overlooking the East River and midtown. Drop in & Create! Jay Overbye, a senior vice president at Halstead, has been the exclusive broker at 80 Met since Make one book and get the second FREE when its inception. “There was and is a lot of demand you bring this coupon to any Scribble Press! for three-bedrooms,” he says, and “based on that Offer expires February 28, 2011 demand, we’ve responded by creating additional apartments” for prospective purchasers. All those 1624 First Avenue NY, NY 10028 212-288-2928 newly created apartments have turned out to be [email protected] scribblepress.com ones grabbed by families. And until you find that three-, four- or five- bedroom jewel, a shared room can be a good thing. “My kids and I live in a three-bedroom apartment, and two [of the three kids] share a room,” offers Conejero. “My next-door neighbor has her kids share a room even though they live in a three- bedroom because they made their third bedroom into a huge dining room, which will remain the case until they are tired of sharing their bedroom. Many families do this. I wouldn’t say it is a trend per say, as opposed to a necessity mixed with a limitation of budget. Or sometimes, like in my case, my two youngest daughters wouldn’t dream of Amanda in an ad for Hummer. being in separate rooms because they are so close.” The amenities that larger developments offer make dèlk\j%J_\Xcjf_XjXkiXè\iXe[nfibjflk]fiXkfkXc long-term sharing a real possibility. “Bless the new f]knffik_i\\k`d\jXn\\b%È@nfibflk#Xe[k_\e@[f developments with their swimming pools, play \o\iZ`j\j]fidpc\^jXe[XY[fd\e%É rooms, game rooms, media rooms, music rooms, È8]k\i_Xmè^>`fmXee`#@nXek\[kf^\kYXZb%@k`j party rooms, lending libraries, basketball courts, \jg\Z`Xccp_Xi[n_\epflXi\jbèepXccpflic`]\%Pfl rooftop terraces, interior courtyards and more,” Xi\c`b\#ÊF_dp>f[#EFK?@E>ÔkjË@XdljlXccpX says Sotheby’s Nikki Field. “These well-designed j`q\)fi+%ÉN_\en\jgfb\#j_\_X[efkp\kY\\ekf and easy-access (just a elevator ride from your liv- j\\_\iX^\ek%È@efe\dfek_#@n`cc^fYXZb%@ZXeËk ing room) children-focused spaces have expanded lek`c@Ëdi\X[pXe[cffbè^^ff[%É the family living quarters and eliminated the need ÈPfl_Xm\kfjkXpi\cXo\[XYflk`k%Efk^\kXeo`flj% to buy that extra room for play dates and private 9\]fi\@nXjZiXqpXYflk`k%@b\gkjXpè^@Ë[^fYXZbè teen hangout space. Make no mistake, these build- fe\dfek_#Ylk`k[f\jeËknfibc`b\k_Xk%É ings give back an enormous advantage ... safe and N`k_>`fmXee`#j_\e\\[j\e\i^p%9i\Xb]Xjk`jk_i\\ convenient spaces for recreation and entertaining.” \^^n_`k\j#jZiXdYc\[#Xe[k_\ej_\nfibjflk%J_\ \XkjXcfkf]]il`k18YXeXeXjXk`jÔ\j_\iXgg\k`k\]fi k_i\\fi]fli_flij%CleZ_Xe[[èe\iXi\c`^_k%JeXZb$ 42 playground november / december 2010 è^6EfnXp%ÈEfn@Ëd\Xkè^Xcfkf]jXcX[j#jk\Xb# Z_`Zb\e#Ôj_%@Ëdefk\Xkè^ZXiYjYlkjfd\k`d\j@Ëcc _Xm\Xm\ipjdXccgfik`fe%EfZ_fZfcXk\fi`Z\Zi\XdXk Xcc%@Ëdkipèêfkkfk_èbXYflk`kÉK_\Yi\X[YXjb\k Xki\jkXliXekj6È@aljkjXp^\ki`[f]`k%ÉJ_\n`ccfi[\i Ôj_n`k_XjXcX[Çe\m\in`k_[i\jjè^%È@e9iXq`cpfl [feËk\Xk[i\jjèÂljkXc`kkc\c\dfefif`c%É8e[j_\ e\m\i#\m\i\XkjX]k\i/g%d% ?fnXYflkYffqè^`klg6È@[ièbfeZ\Xn\\b n_\e@^fflk%DpkiXè\ijXpj`kËjefkk_XkYX[#Ylkefk kffdlZ_%É@]j_\e\\[jXjn\\kki\Xk#j_\_Xj]il`k#fi Xm\ipjdXccjZffgf]cfn$]XkZfZfelkjfiY\k J_XifeËj JfiY\k %È@kËjjf^ff[%Pfl]\\ceXl^_kp\Xkè^`k%É 9lk_\ilck`dXk\j\Zi\k`jfe\k_Xk\m\e@Xd Learn one of the most elegant, exhilarating and safest sports which teaches discipline, coordination k\dgk\[kfkipflk%@kËjZXcc\[XjXleXjl`k%J_\j_fnj and sportsmanship in $' " %' d\n_Xkcffbjc`b\XjgXZ\$X^\jl`kpfln\Xin_\e For a child who may be interested in competitive fencing, the perfect age to begin lessons is be- pflnfibflk#kf_\cgpflYlieZXiYj% tween 6 and 12 years old. ÈN_\e@^fkfk_\^pd

PLAYGROUND FALL 2010 25

Model Mom's.indd 25 8/19/10 6:09:14 PM

Manhattan Fencing School.indd 1 8/12/10 4:05:21 PM 80 Metropolitan.

But if you’re looking to put more you’ve got five tots? Well, 535 West distance between yourself and, say, End Avenue has the place for you—a several surly teens, forge on with 6,637-square-foot condo with six your search—but be wise about it. bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, for “A seasoned broker has access to only $18,900,000 … a steal compared the ‘quiet’ hidden treasures that are to the seven-bedroom in the same not publicly listed,” says Field. One building that is under contract with a of them will be big enough, even if list price of $23 million. you have three or four kids. What if —Rebecca Morse

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The leaves have changed color and you're sporting your favorite cardigan—what's not to love about this season? This is our sixth issue of the Observer Playground, and it is filled to the brim with content you'll love. Get up close and personal with actress and power mom Elisabeth Rohm. Plus: Dr. Betsy Schur Levy on celebrating Thanksgiving with the kids. Travel with the whole family. Kids fashion galore and so much more! Glamorous, gorgeous and going places. Powerhouse Elisabeth Rohm talks to us about her life

Queen of her domain

Elisabethmomversation lisabeth Rohm is best known for her roles as Assis- her name should be. She’s an old soul. tant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn on Law and That’s a great story! Well, post-baby, you look fantastic! What is Order, and as Detective Kate Lockley on Angel. And your workout routine? Did you bounce back after having a baby? when this youthful beauty (she’s 37, but could pass I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy. I was a ripe 200 pounds for 22!) isn’t playing smart and sassy women on TV, when I gave birth to Easton. I dove into a pint of ice cream every sheE keeps herself plenty busy. If she’s not spending time with fiancé night, I will admit. I have to say, I was the happiest pregnant person. Ron Wooster and their adorable daughter, Easton August Anthony I was not moody, was not crazy; I was relaxed and happy. In truth, Wooster (more on this unique name later), Rohm is sure to be busy putting on the weight was healthy for me at the time. My doctor was writing novels, recording music, raising awareness for her favorite worried that I had gained so much weight; however, he said that the charities and being the spokesperson for Juno Baby—a line of edu- body really knows what it needs to create this baby. I put on 70, 75 cational products for kids. Oh, and did we forget to mention she also pounds. I had always been really active and athletic. Right before I rides horses and keeps fit with a serious workout routine? There is got pregnant, we moved to Venice, and I started working out a lot no doubt: This mom is an incredible role model. I was honored to get at a place called Circuit Works. I want to bring Circuit Works to to talk to Elisabeth during hair and makeup for our November photo New York City. I honestly took my time taking off the baby weight, shoot to find out more about her full and dynamic life! I breast-fed, so I am sure that helped. I went back to exercising a few months after Easton was born. I enjoyed being home with Easton and Lyss Stern: Your daughter’s name is quite unique. How did you not worrying about running back to a gym, then started to do a little come up with it? yoga. I approached my weight loss without a race, I took my time. If Elisabeth Rohm: Her name was going to be Grace. One night I had you’re happy, you have a happy baby! an epic dream when I was pregnant, about a little girl and her name I couldn’t agree more! I know you ride horses. Is horseback rid- was Easton. The dream was a vivid dream. I woke up the next morning a workout for you? Or is it just a hobby you love? ing, called my mom and told her about the dream. My mom said I I love horseback riding! I think riding is a workout; it’s really great have to name the baby Easton. She was telling me in my dream what for your core.

PhotographY by tracy toler / fashion styling by anna katsanis

46 playground november / december 2010 Elisabeth

Michael Kors Black Cashmere Body Suit, $895. Michael Kors Black Double Face Stretch Wool Crepe Pailette Fishtail Skirt, $5,995. Available at Michael Kors Collection Store, Madison Avenue. Antique Coin Necklace, by BVLGARI, an antique coin on a cotton lace, $4,100. B.zero1 Ring, by BVLGARI, 18-karat pink gold and black ceramic, $890. Avail- able at BVLGARI stores nationwide or visit bulgari. com.

Easton IL GUFO Pink dress.,$345. 25park.com White tights by Childrens place. childrensplace.com. Elisabeth wears Michael Kors Barley Feather- weight Cashmere Long Sleeve Crewneck, $595; Michael Kors Cross Fox Strips on Chiffon Skirt, $5,995; Michael Kors Teak Leather Asymmet- ric Belt, $395. All are available at Michael Kors Collection Store, Madison Avenue. WALTER STEIGER Monel shoes, Fabrication Calf Leather, $1,250, waltersteiger.com. Parentesi Openwork Ring, by BVLGARI, an 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds, $5,400. Tondo Sautoir necklace, by BV- LGARI, in 18-karat yellow gold and stainless steel; available at BVLGARI stores nationwide, or visit bulgari.com. "Magic Alhambra" earrings set in 18-karat yellow gold with two tiger's eye and carnelian motifs by Van Cleef & Arpels, $5,100.

Easton wears Navy wool shirt and navy tweed skirt by IL GUFO, 25park.com. White tights and shearling boots, available at Children’s place, childrensplace.com.

48 playground november / december 2010 d

Elisabeth wears Herff Christiansen char- coal ribbed long sleeve shirt, $125, 25park.com. Leila Shams stud crop tie dye top, $475,25park.com. James Jeans Twiggy Bou- doir, $119, Piperlime. Michael Kors Black Ankle Wrap Sandal, $895, Michael Kors Collection Store, Madi- son Avenue. Pamela Love Short Decay Ring, sterling silver, $175. Pamela Love Double Cage Ring with Hinge, sterling Tea silver, $525. Partyd Easton wears Pink long sleeve T-shirt, black denim skirt, tights and cowboy boots; available at Children’s Place, childrensplace.com.

Minden Chan striped batwing shirt, $198, 25park.com. Max Mara Atelier "Acinoso" washed camel hair Notch Collar Coat with Coat Fur Lining, $5,990. Van Cleef & Arpels "Magic Alhambra" necklace set in 18-karat yellow gold with 11 white mother of pearl motifs, $12,300. "Magic Alhambra" bracelet set in 18-karat white gold featuring five pave diamond motifs, $40,100. Pamela Love Double Cage Ring with Hinge, sterling silver, $525. So not only are you an actress, but also a en nuggets and French fries. I also love the book writer and musician? The Sneaky Chef, and I try and sneak in spinach Five Favorites I wouldn’t say I am a musician. I would defi- and broccoli. She loves her bread … bread and nitely say I am a writer. I went to Sarah Law- bananas. We’re also a fan of yogurt. Movie? rence to become a writer. I was not starring in What projects do you have lined up for 2011? Cinema Paradiso the Sarah Lawrence musical; I wanted to write. I have two movies coming out, Chlorine and Ab- My friends from college remind me that I al- duction. I am also the Juno Baby Jr. spokesmom. Ice-cream flavor? Vanilla ways wanted to be an actress. I guess they were I am now going to take a little time off to be with right. When I started working on Law and Or- Easton. To be involved with Juno Baby is such Vacation spot? der, I also started writing more. I wrote a period an amazing experience. Everything Easton and Miami, The Aqualina Spa piece called Nerissa, a great feminist book, and I do, we can do together when it comes to Juno Music? my second book is Desire, which I wrote during Baby Jr. It gives me and Easton so much joy. Country rock shooting scenes of Law and Order. You are very active with Make the Connec-

Beauty product? LS: What is an average day like for you? tion--an organization devoted to raising Lucas Papaw Ointment from Australia, ER: I wake up between 2 and 4 a.m., when Eas- awareness about cervical cancer. How did the best for chapped lips. My makeup ton comes into my bed to say, ‘Mommy, I love you come to get involved with that particular artist turned me on to this product that you!’ We wake up around 7 a.m., and the day is cause? I now cannot live without. really all about Easton. And then try and find I am still supportive of this, but not too involved, some time for work. actually; I only did that PSA once. I worked for

I will say that finding the balance of being a the Red Cross for five years, though. I have done mom, and being multidimensional, is such a pro- relief work for them in Cambodia, Asia and Viet-

found challenge. I feel so blessed that I chose the nam. I am also an emergency trained volunteer. right career, being an actress. I get to be on a job, I am also involved with Refugee International; and then have time whend I am done with the job my heart really goes out to people that have been to be home with Easton, where I can be 100 per- displaced by natural disasters. cent with her. How did you meet your fiancé? And how do We eat dinner together at 6 and we cook ev- you tackle raising Easton together, both being ery meal at home. To be honest, she loves chick- such busy people? Well, he and I share the same thoughts: Family comes first. Anything else has to fit around our family. Productive with purpose. Elisabeth's favorite for Thanksgiving: INGREDIENTS We met because he is a fashion designer, an Curried Buttercup Squash and Apple Soup 1.5 cups sour cream amazing designer; RATS is his company. I was ¼ cup maple syrup serves 8-10 people 2 tsp. salt (or more for taste) borrowing clothes for an event, he measured my 1 cup pumpkin seed shells thigh and that was it. [laughs] Recipe1. Heat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, 8 tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter What kind of music do you play for your

2 small buttercup squash, maple syrup, 2 tbsp. of water, and a pinch of salt. Cover; refrigerate. daughter? 2.In another bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with 2 tsp of salt. Spread sliced lengthwise

evenly over a baking pan. Toast in the oven until seeds are golden 2 medium onions, roughly chopped We really love the Juno Baby Classical Music. and begin to pop (7 to 10 minutes). Set aside. 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped We listen to music all the time. I go to Juno Baby 3.Butter 9x13x2 inch baking dish. Place squash, cut-side down, and 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped for a lot of the music; the music is classical and half-cupd water in dish. Bake until tender, about one hour. Let cool for 1/3 cup dark brown sugar 45 minutes. Remove seeds, peel and set aside. 1 tbsp. cinnamon modern compositions, and we really sing the 4. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add on- 1/2 tsp. ground clove songs together. We have this connection togeth- s ions, celery, and carrots; cook, stirring, until onions are translucent, ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg er through the music and characters. We totally about 10 minutes. Add brown sugar and spices; cook, for 5 minutes. 1 tsp. ground curry powder

blast the music in the morning in the house. Juno n k i d bar y Add apples and brandy; cook for 10 minutes. Add the squash and ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper 4 Macoun apples - peeled, cored, music has helped Easton find a voice! tt e r

12 cups of water; simmer for 1 hour. Let cool for 30 minutes. Puree p o

in food processor until smooth. Add honey, and salt and pepper to and roughly chopped o f y

How do you keep the “sexy” in your life now s 2/3 cup brandy taste; pulse to combine. that you’re a mom? 5. To serve, garnish with a dollop of maple cream (already made in ¼ cup honey e rt ou the refrigerator) and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds. Fresh ground pepper to taste I am working on that now. [laughs and smiles] ge c

ke ima u pca c

50 playground november / december 2010 HANII Y fur cardigan, $860; Herff Chris- tiansen white ribbed long sleeve shirt, $125, 25park.com. James Jeans Twiggy Boudoir, $119, Piperlime. WALTER STEIGER MINT shoes, $1,200, waltersteiger.com. Cerchi Necklace, by BVL- GARI, 18-karat white gold and diamonds, $54,000; Lucea Ring, by BVLGARi, 18-karat white gold with diamonds and pearls, $3,800. Available at BV- LGARI stores nationwide or visit bulgari.com.

Photographed at 20 Park (penthouse apt) courtesy of Stonehenge stonehengenyc.com

Porcelain tea set, cupcake set with tray, and cake courtesy of pottery barn kids. potterybarnkids.com

Chalk table and chairs courtesy of Giggle. giggle.com

Photo Assistant: Shana Schnur Digital Imaging: Taisa Rudnik Stylist Assistants: Michelle Charak and Candy Javier Hair and Makeup: Liam Dunn

playground november / december 2010 51 52 playground november / december 2010 Observer Playground and Divalysscious Moms presented Fashion Night Out 2010 at the Lisa Perry Store. A mother and daughter fashion show that rocked the runway!

RunwayPhotography by ana schechter 54 playground november / december 2010

Star-Studded Cat Greenleaf entertains New York celebrities— and one adorable toddler— Stoop in her Cobble Hill townhouse

56 playground november / december 2010 Right, the $2,800 Ikea kitchen; below, Brooklyn Buddha. Opposite: Cat and Primo.

ome people are natural hosts, and Nicholas Joseph Greenleaf Rey is one of them. Visitors to his townhouse on a leafy green Cobble Hill block are greeted immediately with a smile as warm and welcoming as the room into which he quickly leads them, an airy, sunny space overlooking the quiet streetscape beyond. Everyone gets the star treatment here, celebrity or not— though, admittedly, the neighbors have spotted some pretty big names comingS and going (Kim Kardashian, Edie Falco, Spike Lee, Clay Aitken, Brooke Shields, the Backstreet Boys, the Muppets). Nick, though, is no name-dropper. For one thing, he can’t talk yet, but for the 19-month- old, a steady stream of boldface names is just another day at home: His Brooklyn house does double duty as a greenroom. Nick’s mom, you see, is WNBC’s Cat Greenleaf, whom up to 40 million viewers might spot each day on the television screen or Taxi TV, above gas pumps or on Path train monitors. A New York City local news fixture for almost a decade, Cat has risen to fame thanks to her showTalk Stoop, a series of coffee klatch conversations with famous personalities that take place, rain or shine, perched on the kind of rust-colored stoop that is indigenous to New York. “People think it’s a set,” Cat admits, but these steps adorn the front of house that she, Emmy-nominated CBS producer husband Michael Rey and son Nick call home. Luminaries traipsing in and around the late-19th-century house have been a part of take care of the dog or the baby.” As was the case with fellow Brooklynite Nick’s life since he arrived in New York: Cat and Mike brought their Rosie Perez, who, after walking over to Cat’s house in her flip-flops, fed adopted son home from Louisiana in the spring of 2009, and Talk Stoop Nick a bottle before the shoot began. “A lot of time, they precede me here,” started not that much later. says Cat, who might run a few minutes late shuttling from the studio to The show’s arrival in the family’s life was “just one of those things,” Cat stoop on the subway. “I’ve walked in countless times and the celebs are says. “I woke up one morning [and] came up with the title. By the time I already here, waiting for me!” Waiting and virtually undisturbed by the got to work, I had come up with the concept. … I didn’t really realize it neighborhood: “Sometimes we have these huge stars that come without was going to take over my life in the way that it has!” Take over her life entourages and people just walk right by, not noticing. … We have had and house—but that homey feeling is what gives the show its charm. “The nothing but positive feedback from the neighborhood. Everyone has been greenroom is our living room,” explains Michael Rey. “[The interviewees] really supportive. We’re lucky, because if they weren’t …” She trails off. come over with no idea what to expect. When they realize that they are in Luck has been a major force in Cat Greenleaf’s life—or maybe it’s fate. someone’s house, it immediately disarms them. Cat’s making coffee, they “I know so very few things in the world,” she says, “but I did know a settle in … it changes the whole couple things: One was that I was always going to adopt, and then, when tone for everyone,” making even I met [now husband] Mike, I just kind of knew, ‘The store was closed, the biggest names drop their guard he’s the one.’ And another thing—when I saw this house.” and, sometimes, pick up some Ah, the house—whether fate or luck, it is a part of Cat’s story that chores. “We’ll book four guests makes it clear she is living under a lucky star, or a lucky stoop, at least. in a row,” Cat says, “so I’ll have Close with the people who lived next door, Cat and Michael had always to run upstairs and change in be- admired their friends’ Cobble Hill existence, “living in a house in the tween. Often the guests are left to city, having a yard, being able to take the subway but still having trees,

By Rebecca Morse / photographs by Daniel D'Errico playground november / december 2010 57 [and] a lot of people that seemed to be around our age and into similar things.” They knew their house well, having walked by it for years and peered into its backyard while visiting next door, “and then we got the phone call, and then we knew.” That phone call? From the house’s owner, who, far from looking for a profit, even during the height of the real estate boom in 2005, merely “wanted to pass it along to a nice young family,” because someone had given him a deal on his first house. “He just wanted to do a nice thing,” in this case, a very nice thing, offering them the house at perhaps 40 percent less than it could have been. The Clockwise from property never even went on the market, and Cat and Mike agreed to top left: Julio; Primo in his buy it before they had even been inside. nursery; a family The outside was the stuff of dreams, the inside the stuff of HGTV re- of guitars. ality TV shows. The house needed a gut renovation right away, “down Opposite: Cat to the studs,” Cat says. “I loved the renovation process, I loved every- with her kitty, Mighty; Michael, thing about it, but in terms of advice I would just say… stay someplace Cat and Primo. where it’s comfortable,” more comfortable at least than the spot next to the boiler in a friend’s basement, where Cat and Michael camped out during the six-month renovation. Today, those boiler days feel worth it; the townhouse, which the couple divided to create a tenant’s apartment downstairs, is a warm (not as warm as a boiler), happy place, perfect for a young family. “We tried to preserve as much floor space as possible,” says Cat. “Even though it’s a house in New York, it’s quite compact [the house, including the tenant apartment, is 2,300 square feet]. We wanted the downstairs as wide open as possible.” The parlor floor encompasses the open kitchen and dining room and the bright, sunny living room, where a sectional lounges under a Martha Hoover print of a trailer covered with the word “Health.” The piece is special to Cat because “it inspires us to try to stay healthy, but because it’s kinda run down around the edges, it also reminds us that perfection is elusive.” It’s a good lesson for the 38-year-old who says, “I have incredible OCD. I cannot take it when things are out of order, so we keep our stuff quotient very low in this house because I can’t bear [it]; OCD is hard enough on its own.” If Mike and Cat do go shopping, it’s at country stores and five and dimes in Stockbridge or Woodbridge. “We’re the boring parents with the wood toys,” she says of their other old-fashioned finds. Most other purchases were from the Red Hook Ikea, including the kitchen, which opens onto the terrace (outfitted with Ikea furniture!) beyond. “The day we stopped renovating was the last day that I went into Ikea, but during the renovation period, I was there probably twice a week. Our whole kitchen is Ikea, but we waited for a sale so it only cost $2800.” Keeping to a strict budget was an important theme for the reno-

58 playground november / december 2010 Living in Cobble Hill

The Vibe Landmarked streets make this southern Brooklyn neighborhood, with its bluestone sidewalks and late-19th- century brownstones, feel like a slice of “old New York.” Independent stores and charming restaurants line Smith, Union and Court Streets. Schools: Linden Tree Preschool (ages 2 to 4), Open House Nursery School (ages 2 to 6), P.S. 029 John M. Har- rigan (grades PK to 5), P.S. 448 Brooklyn School for Col- laborative Studies (grades 6 to 12), P.S. 292 Henry Street School for International Studies (grades 6 to 12), P.S. 519 Cobble Hill School of American Studies grades (9 to 12) Behind the Stoop: The Greenleaf-Rey townhouse is 2,300 square feet, 1,700 square feet of which is used by the family (the remainder makes up a separate apartment below, currently rented by tenants that Cat and Mike adore). On two levels, Cat and Matt’s living space includes a master bedroom, a nursery and a playroom/spare bedroom, with an open kitchen, a dining area, a living space and a charming terrace on the first floor. Family Faves in the Hood Cobble Hill families love the Bookcort bookstore, Verandah Park, Cobble Hill Cinemas and nearby Carroll Park. For their frequent dinner parties, Cat and Mike shop at local favorites like Los Paisanos meat market, the Trader Joe’s on Court Street and Jim & Andy’s fruit and vegetable cart.

vation: They had no room to be surprised. If a light fixture was five dol- [adoption] was how I was going to grow our family,” says Cat, “and on lars more than they had thought, “well, even five dollars more per bulb our second date, I told Mike that … and he drank more wine.” Mike in- … adds up. So we just didn’t get it. Bringing coffee to the contractors also terjects to joke, “And I said, ‘What was your name again?’” The couple, doesn’t hurt!” says the couple, who “didn’t hammer a nail” in the house. who despite spending their early years virtually next door to each other (“We wanted it to stand!”) And stand it does, anchored proudly by the in the small town of Mamaroneck, met only while he was at a produc- entrance with its rough-hewn wood trim, a find from Sullivan’s County, tion company and Cat was working at NY1 on the Road and Rail Report. where “an old farmer was getting rid of a barn, Nick, or Primo, came along seven years later, and and just gave it to us.” The hulking piece of wood hopefully, another little one will join the family is appropriate for Cat, who says her “knuckles are soon. raw from knocking on wood,” superstitious of her “The neighborhood is perfect for kids,” says luck in life, love and real estate. As with most luck, Cat. “We love our neighbors so much; during the though, it arrived only after a lot of hard work. weekends, we just sit out on the stoop and every- “Like most people in New York, I started my ca- one comes by.” reer without a mirror. I couldn’t even see how I Between his celebrity visitors and his neighbor- looked when I went off to work—on television!” hood friends, Nick’s pretty popular. Is that where Now, she’s got a giant walk-in closet that helps he got his nickname, Primo? No. 1 in their hearts? with a 4 a.m. wake-up time, attributable to both Cat laughs. “Primo—not because he’s the first … life on the air and life with a toddler. but because he always flies first class! He always And with all Cat and Mike’s good fortune, it’s gets bumped! When we were flying home from clear that the magnanimous Nick, whom the Louisiana, they kicked him up to first class, and couple calls “Primo,” has been the four-leaf clo- for the next four flights after that, too.” Well, with ver that Cat and Mike cherish most. “I’ve had friends like Primo’s, we have no doubt he’s got a him in mind since I was 4. I just always knew that VIP future ahead, in the air and on the stoop. playground november / december 2010 59 Adorable (and fashionable!) kids invade the Pop-Tarts pop-up store, and delicious and wild times ensue!

Photography by Heidi Green / Styled by Stephanie Kaster 60Pop Partyplayground november / december 2010

62 playground november / december 2010 (from left to right) Bella wears: my vintage baby headband, mini boden bow dress and faux fur vest, tory burch shoes, north face hat, pop tart scarf, ooh la la legging. Dylan wears: north face hat, j collection /my vintage baby shoes. Artie wears: Shirt Mini Boden, Pants Ralph Lauren, Shoes Nike Sneakers. Sophie wears: ooh la la dress, wristlet, leggings, wizards of waverly place shoes for payless, scarf & hat north face. David wears: geox sneakers, ralph lauren jeans, volcom T-shirt, jack's shirt. Dylan wears: ooh la la dress, leggings & headband, wristlet, splendid button down shirt, uggs. Lilly wears: ooh la la top, skirt with legging. Ethan wears cut by 2 blondes shirt, volcom T-shirt, ben sherman sweater, north face hat, volcom jeans, new balance sneakers, my vintage baby headband, uggs.

playground november / december 2010 63 N avigating Parenthood

Connecting your kids to the spirit of giving

Emphasizing gratitude this Thanksgiving

n Thanksgiving Day, families and and educational for all! involves no exchange of gifts. The gift is in friends come together to prepare Participate. Have your children partici- the giving. Oand delight in the most popular pate in the preparation of the Thanksgiving Give Back. Finally, focus on the true mean- American holiday meal: turkey, stuffing, sweet meal and the decoration of the Thanksgiving ing of "giving" during "Thanksgiving." Families potatoes, pumpkin pie and more! But we know table, though make the involvment age-ap- can go together to serve meals to the home- that this holiday is about much more than a propriate. Younger children can make turkey less and elderly at soup kitchens and nursing meal. On Thanksgiving the spirit of goodwill, placemats and decorate the table playfully, homes or join programs at their churches or compassion, thankfulness and gratitude fills and older children can help in the cooking synagogues that are designed to give to those our hearts. Here are some ways to enrich your and preparation of the meal. Let your chil- less fortunate. Emphasize that giving to others child's experience of this wonderful holiday: dren pick the flowers, serve the food, join is the core to a meaningful life and strength- Family and Friends. First and foremost, the clean-up committee. Active involvement ens one's sense of self—from drawing a pic- emphasize the value and importance of fam- and participation make the experience much ture for an elderly person to preparing the ily and friends. Thanksgiving is a time of the more meaningful for each child. Help your Thanksgiving meal for the hungry or disabled. coming together of all family members. It children to feel as if the preparation of the Many people in your community will benefit is also a time to welcome friends and those Thanksgiving table and dinner is a group ef- from the food left over from your scrumptious who are alone to your Thanksgiving table. fort. Every contribution is a valuable contri- Thanksgiving dinner. Perhaps your children Be grateful for the love of family and friends. bution. It's all about togetherness, coopera- can accompany you as you deliver the excess Cherish your loved ones. tion and building tradition. food to shelters or hospitals and the many or- Learn. Every holiday presents a unique Be Thankful. During the Thanksgiv- ganizations that provide food to those in need. opportunity for learning. This Thanksgiv- ing meal, talk about what the holiday repre- Giving in these ways makes each one of us ing, read books with your children, watch sents—being thankful and giving. Emphasize stronger, kinder, more fulfilled. Reward your movies and go on the Web to explore and that we all should be thankful for our family, child's efforts to give. Help them to acknowl- learn about the rich and interesting history our friends, our teachers, our doctors, our edge that the ability to give to others is a gift. of Thanksgiving. There is much to be dis- health, our freedom, our lives as Americans. Teach them, by example, to be thankful for ev- cussed about our country's history as it re- Nothing should be taken for granted. Recog- ery blessing and to cherish those they love. lates to the declaration of the Thanksgiving nize the wonderful feeling of being thankful Happy Thanksgiving to all!! holiday. Make sure that this process is fun and how this holiday, unlike many others, —Dr. Betsy Schur Levy getty images getty

64 playground november / december 2010

afteritsdebut, Warner Brothers snapped theup dlertutor and became anational best tod- seller. a of Soon travails fictional the charted Chronicles, book, first Her novelist. turned counselor tary) manyfindthemostanxietyinducing. College Hunter for Stanford-Binet gifted-and-talented programs and the schools, the OLSAT for private public-school for ERB the primarily that’s the intelligence testing (in New York, it’s in letter, acceptance one of through pursuit jump to has parent a hurdles the all of But job. full-time a as time-consuming and stressful as be can process application the ona dozen (or more) school tours, going and essays personal writing K Enter Karen Quinn, a kindergarten admissions Craft Studio down some newspaper so your kitchen tabledoesn’t fall victimandgather energy and send them outside to find some great intact fall leaves. Lay browns, oranges, deep reds and yellows. Next, have the kids burn some acrylic paint in festive fall colors like chocolate table is) 6-inch terra cotta pots, and some buy two or three (depending on how big your centerpiece. At your local florist orcraft store, favorite turkey day craft is a Thanksgiving Day Have the kids contribute to the ambience! My Thanksgiving Day Centerpiece Thanksgiving withthese crafty tips. Keep your little ones excited and interested in oauay Between vocabulary. parent’s Manhattan a in words scariest the ofindergarten two admissions … to looklike thefan of aturkey’s feathers on stamp it onto the pot in alternating colors your kids to paint their pointer fingers and Now don’t panic, but you are going to allow amazed by a perfect and beautiful leaf print! away without sliding or moving them and be hold for five seconds. Carefully take them them like stamps and push on to the pot and fall leaves and paint one side. You will use base colors and letting it dry, get out those the kids around. After painting some nice Elemen- Kindergarten? Cando! Kindergarten? TheIvy A bookthatputs you back inthedriver's seat to star Sarah Jessica Parker. But Quinn still didn’t didn’t still Quinn But Parker. Jessica Sarah star to rights for a motion picture adaptation, now slated to level the playing field—her book is priced at is priced book field—her playing the level to new book, terialsthat sell forhundreds ofdollars; ma- with her prep test commercial buy or session, hour one- per $200 to $100 cost which tutors, to turn to had either parents now yers For out.” child childintoschool, badscore butacankeep your Testing For Kindergarten, Quinn hopes feelsatisfied, so she set about penning a how-toa guide forparents looking to helptheirchildren improvetheir IQ scores. “I owed it to people to put this information Quinn, there,” says out whooriginally fell into tutoring after helping her own then 3-year old son son old 3-year then own her helping lift his IQ scores from the 37th to the the to 37th the from scores IQ his lift 94th percentile. score may not be able to get yourget to able be not scoremay competitive,”saysQuinn. good“A “In New York, it has become so on theUpperEast Side! For all your craft, gift andtoy needs, make sure to visitusattheCraft Studio happy. So here’s to abeautiful andfun-filled Thanksgiving Day! have everyone answer around thetable. This willkeep kidsinvolved and restless at the table, have guests read aloud the question nearest them and of the meal, what are you most thankful for. Just when the kids are getting ing questions. For example, favorite Thanksgiving memory, favorite part their littlechicken scratch, andhave themwrite allover different Thanksgiv child withthebest penmanship, ortheworst, because itisso cute to see leaves and stamp it with some of those great fall acrylic colors. Find the same size asyour dinningtable. Have thekidswhipoutsome more of those and killtwo birds with onestone whenyou buyyour turkey) andcutto the some eco-friendly craft paper (or hit up the butcher for some butcher paper get to spend more time at the table. The week before Thanksgiving, buy Keep the kids happy during dinner, and adults will Dinner Games Thanksgiving Jackson Pollack! the colors mixtogether onthepot, itwilllooklike a guarantee that the table will look good; even if all do the kids feel proud, but it is a foolproof way to mini-pumpkins, Indian corn and gourds. Not only famous gobbler neck. After letting it dry, fill with face in the middle, complete with a beak and that the other side of the pot. Finish by painting on a available viawww.testingforkindergarten.com. IQ-boostingCandyland—for fourchildren,toup an as it of game—think board a created and questions, prep test daily free offers that site Web a the mostnervousparentatease. insider tips and common-sense advice to put even (Myson loves doing these.) There’s day. big also the plenty for ready ofget children help to funac- tivities 125 includes skills—and motor fine and cognitive visual-spatial, knowledge, mathematics, specific abilities—language, seveninto memory, do wellinschool,”shesays. to need they what also but testing, for need they crashing for a test; they’re learning not only what yourchildren. And it’s organic. You’re child isn’t thehandstheparent.of “Youeasilycanso help $14.99—and put the power of preparation back in Play datesmayneverbethesameagain. As a companion for the book, Quinn developed Testing for Kindergarten breaks down test prep —Tatiana Boncompagni —Lindsey Johnson —Lindsey - Norah O'Donnell's Breaking News:

Healthy food can be delicious!

ith their new book Baby Love: ing I do. So one of the things I take a little time to Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals do in the book is to outline some basic techniques Wfor Your Baby and Toddler, No- that I learned at the Culinary Institute of Amer- rah O’Donnell and Geoff Tracy take a break ica. They’re not complex, but I spell them out from their demanding day jobs (she’s the chief very straightforwardly, and by following them, Washington correspondent for MSNBC, and you become much faster in the kitchen—not only he’s a trained chef and the owner of five D.C. cooking baby food, but cooking anything. I basi- restaurants) to help parents feed their kids bet- cally spent an hour every other weekend doing ter. Loaded with quick and simple recipes like this, usually while watching a football game. I “Strawberry and Fig Puree,” “Norah’s Brain was able to knock it out and feed the babies for Booster Zucchini Muffins” and “Baby Guacamo- two weeks. le,” the book is the perfect kitchen companion for How important is it to use organic fruits and time-crunched moms and dads who don’t want vegetables? to resort to feeding their children processed, Geoff: I do highly recommend going for US- jarred or canned foods. DA-certified organic ingredients for baby food. I and is doing such a great job with this issue. I also talk about local foods in the book. The closer So whose idea was it to write the book? was recently at the White House with a thou- something is, the fresher and better it tends to Geoff: When the twins started to get to the sand chefs from across the country—Michelle be. And it’s greener. Generally, I think that pro- point where they were ready to eat, there was Obama invited us to talk about her efforts. And cessing the ingredients yourself makes for much never a doubt in my mind that I was going to pro- what we’re doing in the book starts right at the healthier food than anything you could ever find duce their food. But I had no idea that we were beginning. This is the first food babies put into in a jar. going to end up writing a book about their mouths as they move out of the Norah: Organic products should be your first it. Within a few weeks of watch- breast-feeding stage. preference because there are fewer hormones, ing me, Norah said, ‘We have to How easy are these recipes for fewer chemicals and fewer pesticides. That’s im- write this book,’ because she felt moms not lucky enough to be mar- portant because in these very early ages of brain it was very important. I probably ried to a chef? development, we should be trying to make sure said, ‘Really, we’re really going to Norah: We designed this book there’s not a lot of junk in children’s food. write a book about baby food?’ It not only to help people build a You make the case that it is also cheaper than turned out to be a great project foundation for healthy eating, but buying jarred food. that we worked on together and also for it to be easy. We certainly There’s a sense that organic products can be something that we both very much enjoyed. looked at some of the other cookbooks that too expensive, but the price gap between organic Was it easy to work together? are out there and made sure these recipes are and conventional foods is starting to narrow. You Geoff: That sounds like a marital question. beyond simple. I’ve made the “perfectly basic can expect to pay a little bit more for organic, but [laughs] applesauce” in 30 minutes before work. One in our book, we compared some of the prices of Norah: It was great to work together. We morning my nanny turned to me at 7:30 and said jarred food at the local Safeway versus organic, just divided up the project and helped edit one there’s no more food left. So I zipped out to the and you still are getting a better bang for your another, rather than trying to write the recipes Whole Foods, got some organic apples, quickly buck buying organic. Our chicken soup is like the together. Geoff handled a lot of the recipes and I cut them up and put them in a pot with a little bit biggest bargain in the world. handled all the nutrition stuff. That’s of huge in- of water, covered the lid, cooked them for about So you’ve never broken down and fed your kids terest to me. As we say to our kids, ‘What works? eight minutes—until they were tender but not too food from a jar? Teamwork!’ mushy—put them in a blender and puréed them Geoff: Not even once. Even on vacations we In light of Michelle Obama’s focus on chil- and, boom, there was the applesauce. Not only is just either made it where we were or brought it dren’s health, a book like this is quite timely. it healthier, it’s very, very easy. with us. You can just freeze the food in contain- Geoff: It’s really interesting that Michelle Geoff: I fully understood that the audience ers and carry them on. The TSA allows for chil- Obama has come out so strongly on nutrition out there wasn’t going to have the culinary train- dren’s food to be brought on a plane.

66 playground november / december 2010 Norah: That’s not to say they haven’t eaten Michelle Obama hosts ment does have a role store-bought crackers. Healthy Kids Fair at to play and must play the White House. Geoff: But as babies they never ate baby food a role. As it is now, we out of a jar. spend nearly $150 billion s a year on conditions You mention that what kids eat now may im- related to obesity like cancer, heart disease and pact them later in their lives. strokes. The heath costs are staggering, and if Norah: To me, this is the most fascinating as- we don’t make fighting obesity a No. 1 concern, it pect, and we’re really just scratching the surface will bankrupt us. The statistics are unbelievable; scientifically in terms of learning about this time I mean, compared to 40 years ago, we consume in children’s lives where you can really influence 23 percent more calories and 56 percent more their future health. added fats and 14 percent more sugars. The Would you like to see food become more of a policy question out there. federal government does have to get involved political issue? Geoff: I’ll put my two cents in here, but basi- in terms of changing the school lunch program. Norah: One of the questions that’s out there cally I think the government needs to stay out of This is an area where they have to do something, is can Washington find similar success fighting some of these things. People like chefs and the and they’re trying to do something. We shouldn’t fat like they did smoking. The federal govern- first lady putting it on the agenda may be more have kids getting overweight eating the food that ment decided to take on smoking, and it actually impactful than policy changes. The last thing I the government subsides. has worked, but it was due to a combination of want as a restaurateur is to have the federal gov- Geoff: Absolutely. things—making it socially unacceptable, higher ernment talking to me about how much butter I What are your kids’ favorite recipes from the taxes, proving it was unhealthy, suing the tobacco can put in my risotto. book? companies. And over half a century now, it has Norah: And this may be an area where Geoff Geoff: Pancakes! produced a reduction in smoking. So there is a and I disagree, but I believe the federal govern- —Laura Morgan

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playground november / december 2010 67 The Wheatleigh Terrace Suite; exterior; and Great Hall.

travel for families

Travel Kardashian-style: Take the whole family along by Julie Earle-Levine

ringing the entire family together for a holiday can evoke a com- binationLuxury of joy and dread. But sometimes it is a necessity. Why not do it in style by taking over a small, exotic luxury hotel, so you can keep the family banter and bickering private? The beauty of a buyout at the right resort helps ensure fantastic staff,B exceptional cuisine and absolute privacy. We think these properties deliver.

The Wheatleigh, Berkshires Yes, it’s grand, with antique mirrors and marble fireplaces, but it’s also family friendly if you book this late-19th-century mansion, in Massachusetts’ Berkshire Hills, for $21,000 to $30,000 a day (tipping and service charges included). The Wheatleigh has 19 suites and guest rooms and recently refreshed its restaurant, which is wonderful for diner, and launched a new private wine cellar. The Dining Room, with sweeping views of the country, offers contemporary takes on classic French dishes. Guests

68 playground november / december 2010

Borgo Finochchieto, Tuscany.

discuss personalized menus with executive chef Jeffrey Thompson; ing and the first press? December is all about Christmas fairs and there are also wine tastings. Food and beverage are extra. chestnuts roasting. Cosy up inside and indulge in the luxurious amenities—La Prairie, The Borgo holds up to 44 guests in 22 bedrooms and suites, and Bulgari and Aromatherapy, your choice—while the kids run around also offers "exclusive use" of the property for groups that want only the private 22-acre estate or swim in the outdoor heated pool. Dad the manor house’s nine suites, giving them exclusive use of the pool, can go golfing, horse riding or fishing. Snowshoeing and skiing can be gym and grounds. There is a minimum of three nights, or seven nights arranged in the winter, followed by a fire pit with smores. It’s only two during the holidays. The cost is about $9,800 a day for exclusive use hours and 45 minutes by car from the city, with easy access by private (nine suites) to $20,800 for the complete property (22 rooms/suites). plane. Weekend bookings have a two-night minimum, and holidays carry a three-night minimum. There is a 40-guest maximum. Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, Cartegna, Colombia This 250-year-old, seven-room luxury hotel with its own spa, roof- Borgo Finocchieto, Tuscany top pool deck and restaurant in the heart of Cartegna’s Old City along The Borgo is an 800-year-old village, or "borgo," that has been trans- the Caribbean coast already feels like a private mansion. Families formed into a luxury retreat, with its own manor house and four vil- can make it their own from $4,000 a night (not including meals and lage houses. It is 30 minutes south of Siena, and very close to Mon- a spa). It’s the first collaboration between Colombian fashion icon talcino in the Brunello wine district. Silvia Tcherassi and Miami-based CF Hospitality and it wows. The The Borgo has nine luxurious suites hotel has four pools, a stunning vertical garden with more than 3,000 Bookings in the manor house, plus four village

Lighthouse Bay Resort houses consisting of 13 suites and bed- Tcherassi www.lighthousebayresort.com rooms. Between the library, the wine- Hotel + Spa. tasting room, the spa, the sports courts Tcherassi and the swimming pool, there is some- www.tcherassihotels.com thing for everyone. Some families like The Borgo to launch their own competitive bocce www.borgofinocchieto.com tournaments, gather to watch classic movies after dinner or take family biking The Wheatleigh www.wheatleigh.com expeditions on road bikes, with stops for photos and snacks. Spicers Tamarind Did we mention that November in www.spicerstamarind.com.au Tuscany brings the white truffle festival, and the end of the year means olive pick-

70 playground november / december 2010 lush plants and incredible views of the city, as well as a full-service spa. The kids may be fighting over the rooms, which are all unique and occupy the four-story mansion. The largest is a 1,200-square-foot, trilevel penthouse suite that has its own private rooftop pool. But all rooms have soaring ceilings, rich wood floors, restored original stone walls and private walk-out balconies offering views of the garden, or the city. Tcherassi boasts custom amenities, including its own fragrance and his and her bathrobes.

Lighthouse Bay Resort, Barbuda The Lighthouse Bay Resort, set on a peninsula off the small Caribbean island of Barbuda, is accessible only by boat or helicopter. “We fly by helicopter. It’s basically an uninhabited island with the best private strip of beach in the world. There is no better pink sand than Barbuda,” said one Wall Streeter and father of three who likes to buy out the nine-suite property. A bonus: A private chef whips up lobster, any way you want it. “It’s available anytime. There is also shockingly fantastic wild game, and the best venison and duck I’ve ever

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It’s basically an uninhabited island with the best private strip of beach in the world.

eaten, hunted, and butchered right on the island.” From $69.00 to $499.00 Barbuda, is the sister island to Antigua, with 17 miles of perfect soft white sand beaches. Snorkel- ing is incredible, right off the beach, where fish and rays swim lazily by in clear turquoise water. It costs $12,500 a day for a buyout for up to 20 people. All

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Unique Toys and Gifts www.kiddingaround.us meals and alcohol are included. There are a dozen staff on hand should you need cocktails. When you tire of snorkeling, swimming, sailing and kayaking there are tennis and basketball courts. Scuba, spa and fishing cost extra. Sunday December 12th 2010 Spicers Tamarind, Australia Ready for a close up with kangaroos and other Aus- 11:30 am tralian wildlife, in your own private retreat? Spicers Tamarind in Maleny on Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a great stop-off en route to Far North Queensland. A buyout is about $2,400 a day or, midweek, $1,980 a day, and includes breakfast. Right now, it’s summer Down Under. Arrive by helicopter or drive to this tucked-away, 19-acre property overlooking the rainforest and Australian bush teeming with local wildlife. Expect to see pad- dy melons, a small chubby version of a kangaroo, Help FDNY firefighters rescue Santa from the roof of the Museum. kookaburras (birds) and possums. Kids can explore Once safely inside Santa will be available for photos and gift requests. the Obi Obi, the river that runs through the prop- Join us on our 3rd floor loft and enjoy Christmas Carols performed by John Clacher’s band. Hot cocoa, hot dogs and drinks erty, and hang with general manager Paul Blain’s will also be available for purchase at our Christmas Cafe. domesticated pet dingo. Blain is a renowned Thai $7 for adults $5 for Children chef, and his restaurant here utilizes Thai methods and sources some ingredients, such as turmeric, N E W Y O R K C I T Y Purchase Tickets in advance chili, galangal, Tahitian limes, custard apples and F I R E M U S E U M Online at www.nycfiremuseum.org 2 7 8 S P R I N G S T R E E T mangos, from the retreat’s private garden and or- email: [email protected] N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 1 3 by phone: 212-691-1303 playground november / december 2010 73 MADE IN NEW YORK

Spicers Tamarind, Maleny, Australia.

chard. The menu ranges from oysters with finger lime sorbet to spicy Massaman curry and more. First-class comforts abound: Private outdoor heated tubs, king-size beds and fluffy bathrobes are in all five one- bedroom villas and the one two-bedroom villa, surrounded by rainforest and sounds of waterfalls. After a few days relaxing, head to the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical 2000-ki- lometer gem along Australia's east coast and that is among the world’s top reef and diving spots. Spicers Tamarind has a 14-person maximum.

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THE INN AT POCONO MANOR Located in Pa., just two hours from New York City, this 3,000-acre historic resort is an ideal choice for family, w corporate meetings, retreats, and honeymoons or romantic getaways. Many of the hotel guest rooms offer beautiful, panoramic views of the Pocono Mountain range and modern conveniences that include complimentary wireless Internet. Packages include a generous breakfast buffet and four-course dinner, and our numerous leisure activities feature golf, horseback riding, indoor and outdoor pools, full-service spa, dog sledding, snowmobiling, Manor Sports Lodge offers fishing , clay shooting, cross country skiing, and more. Conveniently located to to attractions for which the region is famous. Only 2 hours from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. This Thanksgiving enjoy all of the traditional favorites: Affordably priced at $26.95 per adult, seniors $20.95, children 5 to 12 $12.95 and children under 5 free. Prices subject to tax/gratu- ity. Select an overnight package or the Black Friday package for an excellent start to your holiday shopping at the Cross-

π ings. The resort grounds and buildings will be beautifully ORDER adorned, the Fireside Lodge will be transformed into a Winter NOW Wonderland featuring Santa & Mrs. Claus, Live Reindeer, π Family activities, horse and carriage rides, build a s ‘mores by the fire and more! Event begins Thanksgiving night and runs each Friday, Saturday & Sunday through New Year’s day. Overnight package rates start at only $158 for a family of four and includes admission to event, breakfast each morning and in-room milk and cookies with one of Santa’s helpers. For further info, please visit poconomanor.com .

74 playground november / december 2010 Playground Gallery

2280 FDB in Harlem has raised 5th On The Park A CHOICE NANNY has been matching the standard for quality of Located at 1485 Fifth high-quality nannies with discerning construction, materials, appliances Avenue on the corner New York families since 1991. With and finishes to a higher level. of 120th Street directly attentive, personal service and The sleek and modern kitchens across from historic Mount professional guidance throughout the feature Aster Cucine custom Morris Park, this 28-story hiring process, A CHOICE NANNY cabinetry with CaesarStone countertops and appliances shimmering glass tower, provides full time, part time and from Electrolux ICON Series or Wolf, as well as Sub-Zero fully complete and ready temporary caregivers for newborns to school-age and Miele. The baths incorporate stand out features for immediate occupancy, children. Background investigations by private detectives including Grigio Luna Indian Sandstone tile. From the 12th at once sets a new standard for luxury condominiums in included. Located at 850 Seventh Avenue, A CHOICE floor communal roof terrace with an outdoor fireplace to Harlem and is the newest elevation of its renaissance. 1 to 4 NANNY is licensed by the NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs its on-site parking, 2280 FDB has the amenities that matter. bedroom, duplexes and penthouses from $580K. and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Immediate Occupancy. FHA approved Bldg. www.achoicenanny.com/nyc. To schedule a no- 212-521-5742; obligation child care needs assessment, contact 2280FDB.com www.5thOnThePark.com 212-246-5437 or [email protected].

The Aldyn is located Italian fashion brand Allegri Basic Bidet. Bidets for decades in the city’s vibrant has been the master of stylish popular in France & in the Far East are new Riverside South and functional outerwear since now becoming a common bathroom neighborhood. It features 1961. Thanks extensive fabric accessory in the U.S. Bidets easily an indoor playground research, Allegri raincoats and installed onto your existing toilet bowl designed by Kidville jackets offer the best protection wash your private parts with just a press USA, and a La Palestra from the elements without of a button for a clean and fresh feeling. fitness center with its own compromising style. This ivory Beneficial for Pregnant Women, Children, Older Folks & basketball and squash courts, 75-foot swimming pool, goose down water repellant people with physical handicaps. Bidets save millions of 38’ rock climbing wall, a bowling alley and golf simulator. satin coat features diagonal rolls of toilet paper hence thousands of trees. The Bidet Residents have access to acres of green space and stitching that both lengthens and slims down the silhouette. Shop located in mid town, New York City, offers a range soccer and baseball fields along a newly planted section Available at Saks Fifth Avenue of Bidets from $69.00 to $499.00. of the park. Nearby the Aldyn are schools, museums, the jackets retails for $ 1,195 All are (DIY) do it yourself products. restaurants and shops as well as Lincoln Center. thealdyn.com www.allegri.com To order, please visit www.basicbidet.com

Bilingual Buds is a dynamic Fun, family and friends forever… what Bowlmor Lanes, preschool and kindergarten that Blue Rill is all about! Comprehensive New York City’s original focuses on the development of the sports programs, state-of-the-art upscale bowling alley whole child and his or her relationship swimming pools and beautiful lake, in Greenwich Village with the world. We believe that incredible creative and performing presents Bowlmor students’ personal journey to arts, outdoor adventure programs and Times Square- opening this November! 90,000 square feet bilingualism enriches all aspects of their academic awesome traditions and special events. New SportsPlex, of fun and excitement on 44th St btw 7th and 8th avenues. exploration and creative expression. The school offers a tennis complex, rock wall, zip line and Playworld Featuring 50 lanes divided into 7 New York City themed continuum of Mandarin immersion programs including playground! The perfect combination of exceptional bowling lounges, The Stadium Grill Restaurant with food by Mommy & Me, Preschool, Kindergarten, Summer Camp, programs, great facilities and experienced and enthusiastic celebrity chef David Burke, the Tribeca Loft Nightclub and and After School for ages 5-12. staff for campers ages 3 to 15. Transportation included - the New York Salon private event space. Finally- a reason 175 Riverside Blvd. (at 68th Street) only 25 minutes north of the GWB! for New Yorkers to roll into Times Square! New York, NY, 10069 444 Saddle River Rd, Airmont NY, (845) 352-3521 (212) 787-8088 www.bluerilldaycamp.com www.bilingualbudsnyc.com [email protected] www.bowlmor.com

The British International Welcome to Cayman Villas Collina Italiana’s School of New York provides a Grand Cayman in the beautiful Italian Winter in high-quality educational foundation Cayman Islands!?Cayman Villas is the City program is for children from all over the world, the premier on island villa booking for children of all ages integrating the widely acclaimed agency, located in Grand Cayman. who want to learn and International Baccalaureate model We represent about 70 privately practice Italian, meet new friends, absorb the warm and with the best of the British Curriculum. owned beachfront villas and condos in the Cayman lively culture of Italy, and have fun Italian style...right here In a safe, happy and nurturing environment, students Islands. Established in 1970 we have friendly, professional in New York City! Giardino dei Bambini, a morning drop- develop a genuine love for learning, and academic success. accommodation specialists with a wealth of knowledge off playgroup for ages 2-5, is offered year-round. Other The school has gained an enviable placement record of and experience to help you plan your perfect Cayman programs, including comprehensive language learning and excellence and achievement both locally in New York are Island vacation getaway! hands-on instruction in the arts, are Girotondo (“Circle”), and internationally. Teatro Italiano and Piccoli Cuochi for little chefs. 1-800-235-5888 135 E 96th Street For more information visit [email protected] (212)-427-7770 www.bis-ny.org www.caymanvillas.com www.collinaitaliana.com

playground november / december 2010 75 Playground Gallery

Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, New The Craft Imagine a world where childhood York’s premier children’s hair Studio is the dreams come to life. One of toy salon and toy boutique, makes hottest place in soldier greetings and piano dancers. haircuts fun for kids and easy NYC for parties, Travel through a safari of plush wild for parents. Our expert stylists play dates, animals. See yourself as a Muppet 1657 Third Avenue, New York City 10128 love working with kids and make painting, toys, candy, crafts, gifts,212.831.6626 and more. Whatnot puppet. This is the storybook world of FAO www.craftstudionyc.com every experience enjoyable. Having a party? Let our party Always offering the latest and greatest workshops, SCHWARZ, where you’ll find an enchanting assortment consultants help you choose the perfect gift or party gifts, and fun. For over 15 years the Craft Studio of fun and delighting the senses with our world of dolls, favors from our unique selection of toys. Treat your little has also been the premier party location for cool limite-edition treasures and exclusive experiences you’ll glamour girl and her friends to the Ultimate Beauty Bash - kids in New York City. With over 20 themes to forever cherish. a birthday party at Cozy’s! chose from, there is something for everyone. Call for reservations and walk in availability. 767 5th Avenue New York, NY (at 58th Street) Visit us at: www.cozyscutsforkids.com 212-644-9400 1125 Madison Avenue 1657 3rd Avenue, NY, NY 10128 Personal Shopping: 212-644-9400 ext. 3 1416 Second Avenue 212-831-6626; www.fao.com 448 Amsterdam Avenue www.craftstudionyc.com Hours: M-W: 10-7, TH-Sat: 10-8 Sun: 11-6

Gymtime Harry’s Shoes for Kids Hudson Urban Bicycles, Gymnastics features quality infants’ and located in the West Village, now Rhythm and children’s footwear from the has the best selection in NYC of Glues is now the most popular name brands, pedaled child-carriers. 5 different newest gymnastics including Ugg Australia, Umi, models, available for sale and center in Manhattan! Join us for our many programs Primigi, Naturino, Jumping rent, will carry 1, 2, 3, or 4 children in our brand new, state of the art gym! Gymtime Jacks, Robeez, New Balance, Timberland, Hunter, Geox, easily “at least around Manhattan Gymnastics Rhythm and Glues offers classes for Ecco and many more. We are renowned for our fitting or Brooklyn” says George Bliss children 6 months - 18 years including mommy and expertise as well, and have a proud tradition of serving the HUB’s general manager. “Other boroughs may me, gymnastics, sports, tae kwon do, music, art, New York families since 1931! Find us at 2315 Broadway, require electric-assist.” These are mostly Dutch and cooking, preschool, birthday parties and more! between 83rd and 84th Streets. We’re open seven days! Danish designs, although the store has developed its own product, with children in the back. Open daily 9-6.

Gymtime Rhythm & Glues 1520 York Avenue, For more information please contact us at 139 Charles St. 212-965-9334 NYC, NY 10028, www.gymtime.net, 212.861.7732 212-874-2034 hudsonurbanbicycles.com

The Inn At Pocono Manor- a 3,000- Established in 1938, Jaguar of kidding around — named acre resort is your getaway for family, Great Neck was the first Jaguar “Best Toy Store in NYC” by New golf groups and romantic getaways. Our dealership in the Country. Our York Magazine. Sister store, just rich tradition of hospitality insures your experience has led to a reputation kidding around, named “Best expectations are not only met, but of value, personal service and Toy Store in NJ” by New Jersey exceeded. Many of our packages include after-sale support that is unrivaled. For 70+ years we have Monthly Magazine. We are a generous breakfast and dinner, and our been selling to and servicing the New York area with the passionate about our selection numerous leisure activities include golf, horseback riding, pride and attention it deserves. Model for model, option of toys, games and gifts. Great design and great value indoor and outdoor swimming pools and state-of-the-art for option, no one is more competitive than us. We will beat – lots of classics and lots of surprises! As a family owned spa. The Inn At Pocono Manor sports offers fishing, clay any advertised price in New York...Guaranteed! Fulfill your business, we so thank you for your support of local shooting and more. Our location is convenient to the passion for perfection with one of our awesome 2011 Jaguar independent retailers! Unique toys & gifts. area’s famous activities and is less than 2 hours from New XJ models. One is waiting for you at Jaguar of Great Neck. York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. 60 west 15th Street, New York City 10011. www.PoconoManor.com www.GreatNeckJaguar.com 212.645.6337. www.kiddingaround.us [email protected]; 1-800-233-8150 888-263-4158

Manufacturing How do you make a child happy to get The Lucida, a dramatic furniture is ready for bedtime? Visit Lester’s for the 21-story glass curtain wall our expertise cutest and coziest nightwear. This holiday condominium developed by ñ providing season Lester’s is offering a collection of Extell Development Company, an unforgettable experience is our passion. Lazzoni fun prints in pajama bottoms, shorts, tops offers residents a lifestyle does not design, manufacture, and market extraordinary and robes they’ll love to snuggle up in. that combines the prestige furniture for the home, but for the individual. We Prices range from $32.90 - $74.90 Lester’s, of the Upper East Side with embrace the diversity, inconformity, and uniqueness of known for its trendy fashions and the eco-consciousness and the ultimate in modern amenities, our customers and furniture alike. The foundation for this most wanted brands of clothing, shoes including the LA PALESTRA Fitness, Wellness and Spa philosophy was established over 50 years ago, and Lazzoni and accessories knows what your children Center, a playground designed by Kidville, N.Y., a private has never looked back since. If we are as exceptional as our want and love. lounge and game room, wine cellar and bike storage. customers, who knows what will come next. Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group is the exclusive marketing and sales agent for The Lucida. Lester’s is located at 1534 Second Ave and 80th St in 154 West 18th Street Manhattan (212 734 9292) with additional locations in For more information, call 212.585.1510 212-242-0606 Brooklyn, Rye, Greenvale and Huntington. or visit www.thelucida.com

76 playground november / december 2010 Playground Gallery

Make Meaning’s brand We’re MAM- the small Austrian company The iconic, landmarked Manhattan new 3-level store on the UWS with big ideas! From our start in 1976, House has been impeccably re-engineered is the best new creativity our mission has been to combine by O’Connor Capital Partners with one- to destination and party space in outstanding design, optimal functionality five-bedroom residences for immediate NYC. Adults and kids alike can and medical know- how to a line of smart occupancy. O’Connor recently unveiled The make amazing soap, candles, baby products. Starting with one unique Modern Collection, a portfolio of signature-designed residences or jewelry, paint ceramics or pacifier, today MAM’s range includes a by James Huniford, Celerie Kemble and Rita Konig, in response make a beautiful glass plate – just by walking in! Come in and variety of intelligent baby design in four to growing demand for larger residences in Manhattan. be the first to create a beautiful and thoughtful holiday gift for key areas- pacifiers, bottles, teethers and Set within one of Manhattan’s largest private residential your friends and family. oral care. gardens, Manhattan House features the rooftop Manhattan Club and exhale® spa. There is a children’s playroom and exhale® fitness center, full-time doormen, five-star concierge services, 329 Columbus Ave (btwn 75th and 76th) For more information about MAM and porte-cochere entrances, on-site garage and valet service. (212) 362-0350 MAM products, please visit us at Manhattan House, 200 East 66th Street www.MakeMeaning.com www.mambaby.com W: www.manhattanhouse.com , P: 212 566 0660 E: [email protected]

Mathnasium THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE MUSEUM Oompa offers a constantly makes math fun!!! Plan your visit today! The New York expanding collection of European Mathnasium City Fire Museum, the official museum wooden toys, baby toys, lunch offers tutoring of the FDNY, occupies a renovated bags, baby gear and modern and enrichment 1904 Beaux-Arts firehouse built for children’s furniture. We pride programs exclusively in math in your home or at our Engine Company 30. Permanent ourselves on selling non-character centers. We help students in grades PreK-12 build a and temporary exhibitions document branded, quality toys that are solid math foundation while developing confidence the evolution of firefighting technology, beginning with designed to last for generations. and a love for math. Your child will receive both the early bucket brigades, and depict the traditions and We believe baby toys should be homework guidance and a customized program that romantic lore of firefighting. The museum houses fire natural, safe, eco-friendly, and fills in skill gaps and builds number sense. Come visit related art and artifacts from the late 18th Century to the non-violent. us at our brand new UWS location! present, including a permanent September 11th Memorial. Free shipping over $65. WARNING: Your child could become CRAZY about Math!!! NYCFIREMUSEUM.ORG UES – 1597 York Ave (b/t 84th & 85th) [email protected] UWS – 506 Amsterdam Ave (b/t 84th & 85th) 212-691-1303 To see our complete collection, visit www.oompa.com

PA DUTCH HOTELS The Pavilion Penelope’s People is an Great Choices Located at 500 East 77th St., the historic innovative placement agency Lead to Great Pavilion offers the best of luxury rental living offering excellent nanny Experiences. Perfectly today. The Pavilion’s one-, two- and three- care, housekeeping, personal located in the heart of PA’s top destination locations, bedroom homes are built with growing assistance and senior care PA Dutch Hotels offers 5 exceptional hotel choices families in mind, boasting Glenwood’s services. We personally match caregivers to make your life in Lancaster, Harrisburg and Hershey Pennsylvania. signature finishes, generous proportions easier when you care for your most precious possessions – Specially designed for group travel for all ages, our hotels and timeless sophistication. Just steps from your children and loved ones. offer memorable value-packed packages year-round. John Jay Park and the City’s finest schools, We have an extensive screening process that includes Come experience Central PA’s beautiful landscapes and residents also benefit from Glenwood’s full- interviewing, reference checks and background checks by a fun-filled activities. From Sight and Sound Theater’s service amenities including landscaped rooftop sundecks, private security firm. magical performances to the action-filled, nationally available valet and maid service and on-site shopping. recognized Hershey attractions, we truly do offer 226 East 54th Street, Suite 306 something for everyone. For more information, call 212.535.0500 or visit www. 212.444.1313, Email: [email protected] Padutchhotels.com glenwoodnyc.com www.penelopespeople.com

Classic and timeless, Rent Maternity Wear.com Scribble Press, ® Pippen Alley creates Chic Maternity Dressing. Without the New York’s only highly personalized Investment of Buying. “make your own stationery products We rent gorgeous maternity dresses book” studio, perfect to share with new parents, children and friends bought directly from top maternity inspires creativity and, sometimes to give to yourself. Our whimsical yet wear designers such as Christian in kids from 2 sophisticated designs are on art-quality paper and have Siriano, to 92. Drop in, make a book or just a hand-made feel. If you are feeling creative, select from winner of Project Runway, Olian do some scribbling; take a placemat our charming, fun motifs to create something unique. Maternity, and Maternal America. We have the perfect workshop or comic book class; have a superhero, Mix and match from our selection of motifs, color and maternity dress for every event on your social calendar fashion or zoo bookmaking party. Enjoy our fun, fully fonts and add your own message to create something –be it a holiday party, wedding, baby shower, cocktail stocked art studio and get published while you wait! truly special. party, or dinner out – without the investment of buying! Check our website for holiday workshops and class schedule. Contact: Jennifer Mincey 203.563.9885 500 Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT 06897 Come see our Collection today. Only available online. East 84th and BRAND NEW West 84th Street www.pippenalley.com www.RentMaternityWear.com location. www.scribblepress.com

playground november / december 2010 77 Playground Gallery Playground Gallery

SLATE, one of New York’s B63167:2@3<¸A/72A=173BG¸A only venues with private and ;7@/1:3=<;/27A=</D3O`bg [email protected] 2WdOZgaaQW]ca;][a´G]c` !^[ 1=0C 6]ZWROg 5WTb5cWRS Sugar Beach is a condominium resort on St. Croix with studio, one, two, three 4=@;=@37<4=@;/B7=</<2B=D73E>/@B717>/B7<5@3B/7:3@A and four bedroom units - all directly D7A7B(167:2@3/@B717>/B7<5@3B/7:3@AB=3C@16/A303<347BA167:2@3<7<<332=443@D/:72AC<2/G2313;03@#B6=<:GB=033:7570:3B= @3137D30==7@3E/@2A>@=5@/;µ>@=5@/;¶/BB63B7;3=4>C@16/A3/<2G=C;CAB16/@53G=C@>C@16/A3=</<3:7570:3 rental for a memorable time! 3<@=::32/;3@71/<3F>@3AA1/@20==7@=5@/;/11=C>3/@=<G=C@07::7<5AB/B3;3@=5@/;433A/>>:G4=@13@B/7<1/@2>@=2C1BA4=@;=@37<4=@;/B7=<=<B63>@=5@/;D7A7B;3;03@A67>@3E/@2A1=;=@1/:: &/F>3/@<0=

Teen Ink is a monthly magazine, now in its 22nd year, written entirely by teens and for teens. It has been called “The New Yorker for teens”. Each issue includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, opinions, movie, music and book reviews and more. In addition, all the art and photography is by teens. There is no charge to submit or to be published. The magazine is produced by the nonprofit Young Authors Foundation and your subscription helps support teens.

To Subscribe or obtain a free sample copy, visit the website at: TeenInk.com or call 1-800-363-1986 Teen InkBox 30, Newton, MA 02461 617-964-6800 teenink.com

Because New Yorkers’ have everything but space: techline Studio- furniture that fits. Architect owned, we measure, design, and install our modular systems for a custom fit solution. Our job is to help you make the most of your home and office space. And to find spaces and places for the things that matter.

35 East 19th Street, NY, NY 10003, 212-674-1813 www.techlinestudio.com

78 playground november / december 2010 Playground Gallery Amagansett East Hampton

Brooklyn’s newest iconic tower is now over 65% sold and available for immediate occupancy. This SOM designed building offers residents an indoor pool, attended lobby, fitness room, roof terrace and a 25 Year 421-A tax abatement. On track for Gold LEED certification,Toren features its own on-site cogeneration plant- one of the first in a NYC residential tower. FHA & Fannie Mae approved. Offering Studio to 3-bedroom homes from $392K-$1.495M.

For more information visit www.torencondo.com or call 718-222-8673

The View, located on Long Island City’s ELEGANT EUROPEAN VILLA CUSTOM-BUILT IN 2002 graces the Bell Estate section of Amagan- waterfront on 4630 Centre Boulevard, sett. Minutes to town, ocean & bay beaches, golf & equestrian. Secluded & private. 5 ensuite boasts gorgeous water and skyline Bdrm and 5.5 marble Ba to serve family and guests. Mahogany French doors open to marbled views from every home. Each spacious entrance foyer leading to the gourmet chef’s kitchen w/ SS appl, 2 D/W & wet bar. Great room boasts 12-ft Ceil, marble WBF, sitting and dinning areas. A wall of French mahogany doors lead one-, two- and three-bedroom residence to a covered patio & stone terrace adjoining a 22x44 heated pool & Greek gazebo. Pool is viewed offers floor-to-ceiling windows, white from almost every room in the house & children can easily be supervised inside & out. 2nd Fl has oak flooring, up to 12-foot ceilings, a grand master suite w/ WBF & jacuzzi bath, 3 additional ensuite Brs. 2nd Fl Terr overlooks pool gourmet-ready kitchens featuring Sub & grounds. Finished Bsmt includes spa/gym + large sauna & steam room & 2 ensuite Brs. Four- Zero and Viking appliances and elegant berth, oversized Garages for your cars. Perfect for entertaining & displaying ﬁne art and antiques. five-fixture marble baths. Amenities Excellent investment. Near The Ross School. include rooftop garden, glass-enclosed heated pool, state- of-the-art fitness center, screening and game rooms, all one For Sale $3.495 Mil. short subway stop from Manhattan. Lili Elsis Broker, Prudential Douglas Elliman 631-267-9700 x404 4630 Center Boulevard, LIC www.livingtheview.com, 877.LIC.7778

Your world is his studio! Photographer Alex M Wolff becomes part of your world and captures your Playground stories, memories and emotions in artistic and expertly crafted images delivered in sizes ranging from wall portraits to profile pics. wants to hear from you! Alex M Wolff 516.375.4315 It’s been a little over a year since we debuted in September 2009, great images at and we think we’re doing a pretty good job at www.AlexMWolffPhotography.com getting you fun, useful stories and tips in each issue. But we want to hear from you!

And because we value your opinion and time, we’re giving away a beautiful Reserve Space Now Locman diamond watch to one lucky For the reader who fills out our survey. It December 1st Issue of shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes— Observer Playground we know how busy you are! For advertising information contact Betty Lederman, Log on to Associate Publisher, www.surveymonkey.com/s/observerplayground Observer Playground and tell us what you think! 212.407.9359 [email protected] Terms and Conditions can be found at www.observer.com/content/observer-playground-survey-giveaway-official-rules playground november / december 2010 79 Mom’s Minute