Bethenny Frankel, Who Proves That It Is Indeed Possible for a Pregnant Woman to Look Simply Spectacular

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NY Observer Playground • Wed 5/5 • 7.875x9.75 Letter From the Editor

pril’s rain showers did indeed bring AMay flowers ... and this season promises to bring now starring New York moms so much to feel happy about. Like Moth- HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’S er’s Day, a relaxing Memorial Day weekend with the family and the anticipation of a fabulous summer to come. In this issue of Observer Playground, we’re excited to present you with an early taste of what this fun season has in store. Corbin Bleu I loved sitting down with our cover mom Bethenny Frankel, who proves that it is indeed possible for a pregnant woman to look simply spectacular. Over cups of healthy kombucha tea, thru july 25! we talked about everything! She dished the dirt on the last season of Real Housewives of New York City, her recent marriage to hubby Jason Hoppy and the baby they’re expecting next month. Bethenny doesn’t know whether she’s having a boy or a girl, but my hunch—call it a woman’s intuition—is that it’ll be a gorgeous baby girl! I can’t wait to see her new spinoff, which premieres on Bravo later this year. This issue includes a profile of Rosie Pope, whose fabulous maternity goodies have helped loads of stylish future moms look glamorous. There’s also an interview with celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, who’s whipped into shape powerhouses like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. Plus, we take a look inside the beautiful apartment of author and mom Jill Kargman. Pick up her latest page turner, Arm Candy. And, you absolutely must pick up a copy of The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben. Find out about more of our picks for summer reading on page 30. We loved putting together this sunny and sumptuous issue of Observer Playground—we hope it’s as much fun to read as it was to work on! Have a wonderful summer. See you as the kids head back to school in September.

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Contents

Departments

18 shopping lysst 30 books 20 on the blog 34 beauty 22 party 38 design 26 fitness 40 real estate 28 hot to tot 80 mom’s minute

Features

47 Bethenny Frankel, Mom-to-Be Real Housewives of New York-er Bethenny Frankel on her cast mates, her push present and becoming a new mom. 54 Insider Digs Take a peak around writer Jill Kargman’s beautiful New York City home. 58 Playground Fashionistas! In this issue’s fashion spread, cuties romp, playground-style. 62 parenting How much is enough when it comes to free time for your kids? 68 Travel Seven family-friendly day trips from New York City. tracy toler tracy

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Family Concert Editor in chief Lyss Stern

managing editor shaina feinberg Matt Wilson JAZZ FOR Contributors RAchel Felder FREE JAZZ? Heidi Green hosted by drummer wendy straker hauser YOUNG PEOPLE Josh Helmin what is julie earle-levine Betsy Schur Levy PM Lia Miller & 2 TheaterPM REbecca Morse zibby right Rose 3PM Rachel Smith & wendy sachs Tickets 1PM start at $12 5, June

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Production director Tyler Rush jalc.org Associate Publisher, observer playground CenterCharge Betty Shaw Lederman 212-721-6500 Marketing Manager Ashley O’Brien Box Office / Entrance Sponsored by Broadway at 60th Account Executives Media Partner Mitch Bedell, David Bendayan, paul kornblueh, Michelle Morgan, Spencer Sharp, Robyn Weiss

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circulation peter parris, eden sherman

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Publisher Jared Kushner

President, Observer Media Group Christopher Barnes

Senior Vice President Sales Stephen Goldberg

Executive Vice President Barry Lewis

editor, the New york observer kyle pope

THE NEW YORK OBSERVER 915 Broadway, 9th Floor New York, NY 10010 212.755.2400 www.observer.com

To become a charter subscriber of Observer PLAYGROUND, and receive a full year of the quintessential parenting magazine 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 magazine you need!”

Cover photographed by Tracy Toler; styled by Anna Katsanis. Bethenny wears Alexander Berardi dress, $1,050, available by special order only, houseofberardi.com.; Giuseppe Zanotti Design Clear Swarovski Crystal Embellished Peep-Toe Pump, $1,195, available in stores by special order, giuseppe-zanotti-design.com; Alexis bittar lucite small secret garden hinge 557 Broadway • New York, NY 10012 • 212 343 6166 • scholastic.com/store bangle in pale olive, $425, alexisbittar.com; Kenneth Jay Lane gold crystal snake hoop clip earring, $200, 877-953.5264.

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Whether you’re hinting to your hubby what you’d love for Mother’s Day or just shopping for yourself, plenty of indulgent new goodies are out there to crave.

Marissa Alperin Gold Sweet Pea Necklace, $700, Marissa Alperin Studio. There’s something Morimoto Love Knots, just plain perfect about a $17,000, Mikimoto. little gold pendant. And this Flowers and perfume are pendant is just right for nice, but when it comes late spring and summer: a to the perfect Mother’s Aurelie Bidermann multi-strand charm tiny gold pea pod filled with Day Gift—let’s be honest bracelet, $1,060, Bergdorf Goodman. If your emerald peas. And if your girls—it really doesn’t memories of summer include colorful strands family’s still in the market for get better than keepsake of friendship bracelets tied around your wrists, a great Mother’s Day gift, it jewelry. And these stun- consider this to be the grown-up version. would be best presented by ning earrings are as good your own little sweet peas. as keepsakes get.

Coach Hamptons Washed Canvas Tote, $298, the Coach Men’s Bleecker Street Store. Do you spend every Dior Limited Edition Gold Sunglasses, summer hunting for the $1,295, Dior Boutique. It wouldn’t be summer perfect roomy tote bag without a great pair of shades, and these bold to shlep everything to sparklers from Dior—finished with a logo the country, down to the signature in 18-karat gold—might just be the beach and around town? ultimate pair. You’ll want to live in these. Look no further than this stylish, spacious tote. It is bound to fit the bill.

Voyage d’Hermes, $90, Hermes. Let’s face it: Hermes is essentially the gold standard of elegance, class and quiet luxury. Here’s something to tide you over as you’re saving up for that Birkin: a new fragrance that’s light and woodsy. Plus, it comes in a predictably gorgeous bottle. And it smells as good on your guy as it does on you.

18 P9241-MAD-NYObserver:Layout 1 4/26/10 4:34 PM Page 1

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Where did our moms go to get the scoop on schools or to vent about crazy mothers-in-law and flaky husbands? Lucky for us, there are a plethora of online communities that cater to whatever needs you may have in the mom mom-101.com department. —Lia Miller If you’re looking to lose yourself for a little while and find a friend in parenting, visit www.mom-101.com. Writer, advertising exec and two-time mom Liz details it all, from the knock-knock jokes to the sleepless nights. She doles out advice, stumbles through many mom-situations (she’s just like us!) and also manages to give us the roundup on hot-button topics like breast-feeding in public. All without youbemom.com ruffling any feathers to boot. The site www.youbemom.com is easy to use and has lots of action motherloadshow. and no “deleter” to police it. It was blogspot.com started last year in response to Ur- Amy Wilson’s blog, www.mother- ban Baby’s corporate redesign. After loadshow.blogspot.com, is more 10 p.m. on weekends, it gets rowdy. popular than ever today. The actress nycmomsblog.com A random selection of recent posts and new author is like an updated include the following headlines: The bloggers at www.nycmoms- Erma Bombeck. Wilson writes on the “SEXLESS MARRIAGE” (this poster blog.com have great advice on how guilt that mother’s feel at not being found a whole group of women in to get involved if you want to keep perfect, “the mothers (and fathers) similar situations); “Do you think sex education in the curriculum at urbanbaby.com you swore you’d never be.” She says 2 glasses of wine a day, 5x a week your public school, bullying and the she’s been “the snack bringer, the (10 glasses total per week) is heavy challenge of spring break boredom. The site www.urbanbaby.com barney fan, the public bathroom drinking for a woman/”; “going We love this thoughtful site, written has much stricter policies than its freak out-er, the ice-cream-for- on a long flight with 1yo daughter, by a group of New York City mothers. rival, youbemom.com, on what is breakfast server,” and more. Though can i give her benadryl? she never In March, one contributor (a vegan) acceptable chatter or what gets a lot of space recently has been sleeps on planes.” And because it’s made hay of the breast-milk cheese deleted. Rumors have it that Urban devoted to her book, When Did I Get anonymous, it’s a good place to (!) the chef at Klee in Chelsea was Baby lost its edge when CNet Like This?, Wilson still manages to come if you want tough love. There serving diners. The milk came from bought it in 2008. have new entries on topics like the are lots of heated and silly battles his lactating wife. “My breast milk This site keeps things pretty recent study on obesity and toddlers over Obama, status and who’s in the was for my kids, not for the paying clean and focuses on questions like or whether antibiotics make kids right—working moms or the stay-at- public,” she wrote. “Call me old- “assuming you have nice legs, at extra cranky (complete with a link to homes, but also jokes. The question fashioned. I am keeping my bodily what age should you give up shorts? Wanda Pratnicka, exorcist!). “Are denim bermuda shorts bad?” secretions to myself.” Commenters i don’t mean bermuda shorts or was answered with one word, the both agreed (“Just the thought of hot pants but regular in-between awesome portmanteau, “Jorts.” Just this gives me the creeps. YUCK”) or shorts.” Answers: “Here’s to gran- in time for summer! decried our hypocrisy (“You have nies in shorts!!”; “50”; “never wear trouble with human consuming shorts, unless really short+then human milk but you wouldn’t think only to bed. they are not flattering twice about drinking milk made for on anyone (over 21).” Best thing cattle?? These reactions are weirder about Urban Baby? It has a great than the thought itself!”). They are section on what’s going on locally on still serving it, if you’re curious. weekends.

20 playground june 2010 The Lizards and Snakes Are Back!

Featuring more than 60 live lizards & snakes!

Lizards & snakes: Now Open Alive!

Open daily • Central Park West at 79th Street, New York City • 212-769-5100 • amnh.org Lizards & Snakes: Alive! is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta, and the San Diego Natural History Museum, with appreciation to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland.

AMNLIZ1114_ObsPlygrnd.indd 1 4/28/10 2:22:49 PM Party

Veteran party planner Marla Mase (partypoopers. com) recently transformed a client’s backyard into Alice in Wonderland, with a huge tent and a black-and-white floor and dozens of different-size teacups. Then the Queen Of Hearts invited all the children on an adventure. “There were very cool drag queen centerpieces. Everything was totally over the top,” says Mase. Many of the children receiving these over-the-top parties are still in diapers. One couple has big blow-out parties for their two kids, now ages 4 and 6, every year, says Mase. They held one recently with a 1960s theme, with tiny go-go dancers, peace signs and lit-up furniture. “There was a huge candy bar, a huge video screen and really wild entertainment.” Among the performers was a “bubble boy” who came out, blew himself into a bubble and bounced around inside of it. Among older children, Arabian nights themes are becoming more popular; at one such party recently, the ballroom at the Hilton was transformed. “There were ponies inside, and a tiger cub. Alicia Keys sang happy birthday. I would imagine that was half a million dollars, for about 60 kids,” Mase says. Magic is another hot theme. Fantasma Magic has its own theater, with amazing props and magic shows where kids become the official magicians’ assistants. Live birds and rabbits are produced and petted by all. The birthday boy or girl can also be hyponotized—in a fun way! Guests get awesome goody bags, including magic tricks. The two-hour parties cost $1,250 for up to 10 kids (fantasmamagic.com). A Citibabes party can run the gamut. Homes, parks and restaurants are transformed into petting zoos, or parties for pirates or princesses. It even hosts puppy parties, with real puppies. Circus-themed parties have carnival games, popcorn machines, cotton candy makers, photo booths and bouncy castles (from $875 for 15 kids; citibabes.com). FAO Schwartz, the legendary toy store on Fifth Av- enue, has an array of offerings on a Sugar variety of themes. Couture. Birthday Bash FAO Schwartz rents out its store Julie Earle-Levine Explores The Wonderful several nights World of A-List Kids’ Parties a week for par- IDS’ birthday parties are getting bigger and more ties; the base cost extravagant. Whether its renting FAO Schwartz for is $25,000. The Kthe night or having a slumber party at the Plaza Ho- store’s special tel, celebrity and well-to-do kids are celebrating, and celebrat- party room in the ing big, with incredible invites, to-die-for cakes and festive store, for up to 10 decorations. adults and 40 kids,

22 playground JUNE 2010 Eloise at the Plaza. Ballet Academy East Ballet Pre-Ballet Mother & Child Tap Drama Modern Pilates Yoga has a Toy Soldier as the official party host (partyplan- [email protected]). BAE Student Company And there will soon be Eloise at the Plaza birthday SPRING PERFORMANCE parties for ages 3 and up. A basic package for eight May 21st thru 23rd kids is $500, with extra kids $50 each for up to 18 Featuring "Cinderella's Ball" children; the package includes invitations and thank- www.ticketcentral.com you notes, party bags, a birthday book and a cupcake tower. Plus, the hotel is getting a Betsey Johnson– designed suite that is ideal for parties (theplaza.com). Entertainment aside, some parents are splurging www.baenyc.com Photo: Rosalie O'Connor thousands of dollars on stunning cakes. For a cake that really steals the show, Penny Stankiewicz, the owner Programs for Children and Adults - all ages and levels of Sugar Couture in Brooklyn (sugar-couture.com) can Summer Classes and Full-Day Summerdance Program begin June 28th. Call or Email for brochure and information. create a “cake story” on any theme you like, from rac- ing cars to soccer. The former filmmaker turned her 1651 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10128 212-410-9140 [email protected]

How and Where the Celebs Party MANDARIN IMMERSION ~ AGES 2-8 Madonna and Lourdes get Babycakes—delicious vegan cupcakes free of flour, eggs and dairy. Madge’s favorite: vanilla cupcake with lemon frosting. They cost $44 per dozen (babycakesnyc.com). Suri Cruise gets super parties. For her second birthday, mom Katie Holmes reportedly spent $100,000 on a butterfly theme party, with a special $5,000 butterfly- decorated cake, personalized cakes for each guest and a dinner for adults. Gwyneth Paltrow threw a swank princess party in London for Apple’s fourth birthday, but a more low-key Mexican SpringTime Samplers fiesta for Moses’ birthday in New York. He got a superhero- cooking, experimenting, fine arts, and more! themed third birthday party in a backyard in L.A., deco- Bilingual Buds announces “Springtime Samplers”– hands-on, rated with dog, cow, pig and project-based, Mandarin immersion classes for kids ages 2-8. zebra balloons. Melania Trump celebrated Bar- $35 per class April 27-May 19 ron’s fourth birthday at the Intrepid sign up for one or multiple classes (Tues and Weds) Sea, Air & Space Museum, where they ate pizza and Katie Holmes For a list of classes, and to register online, visit chicken nuggets. and Suri. www.bilingualbudsnyc.com 175 Riverside Blvd (at 68th Street) 212-787-8088 playground june 2010 23

Top Five Photo tips

With a background in film and many years spent as a teacher, photographer Heidi Green certainly has a leg up when it comes to photographing N.Y.C. kids’ parties. We asked Heidi to give us her top five tips for capturing the kiddos in action. If you’re not hiring a professional, you might want to designate one responsible guest to be “photographer for the day” to make sure everything is documented. Then you can relax, enjoy the party and be present with your guests. Focus on the birthday child and make sure to include shots of them with all important friends and relatives (remember both sets of grandparents!). Include shots of the décor; the cake from various angles, balloons, place settings and party favors. These are important aspects that shouldn’t be overlooked, as they add flavor to the album. Get down low to capture the kids at their level as they play and inter- act. This kid’s-eye view gives the photos a sense of reality from their perspective. have fun with your kids. And that is an order! For more information, please visit: www.heidigreen.com.

(Left to Right) Michelle Marie and Jon Heinemann threw a spooktakular birthday party for their son, Hudson, at Doubles in the Sherry-Netherland; Donny Deutsch and Amanda Lederman celebrated daughter

Daisy’s birthday at Eli’s Vinegar Factory. he i d green attention to cakes in 2004, and has created them Summer Soirees centralparknyc.org, 212-310-6668. for such clients as Hugh Jackman and Donna Web site: centralparknyc.org/pgp Karan. Kids can choose among 500 flavors (red Explorers’ Party 17th Annual Family Benefit The Annual Playground Party at Heckscher When: Wednewsday, May 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. velvet is very popular) and 38 fillings, including Playground is the main fund-raiser for the Who: Wildlife Conservation Society Playground Partners. Children of all ages buttercream. Prices are $9 to $13 a serving, with a Where: Central Park Zoo, Fifth Avenue at 64th Street; enjoy face painting, music and magic. minimum order $400. Co-Chairmen: Paige Hardy, Kelly Mallon. Contact: Michelle Kahn, Funds are raised through contributions, So whom are these parties really for? “[With] [email protected], 718-741-1639. Web site: wcs.org underwriting and ticket sales. some clients you really feel it is for both the kids The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Explorers’ Party is and the adults to have fun,” party planner Marla an annual family benefit that celebrates education, wildlife CMEE Under the Sea and the joy of learning. This event inspires future genera- When: Saturday, July 24, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Mase says. “Then there are some parents who tions to understand and conserve the world we live in. The Who: The Children’s Museum of the East End . are doing it for show. First birthdays can be re- Explorers’ Party raises critical funds for WCS’s Education Where: At CMEE, 376 Bridgehampton ally elaborate, then sometimes when kids get Programs throughout the world and at our five local parks— Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, N.Y. older, they tone it down.” Or in the case of some Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Co-Chairmen: Natalie Barth, Dana Golding Manhattan parents, ramp it up by hiring the Zoo and the New York Aquarium. Scharf, Lauren Goody, Pam Henes, Beth Festively geared toward parents and their children, penthouse suite at a five-star hotel for a sweet 16 Kojima, Erica Martini, Zibby Right, Amy Tarr. the Explorers’ Party welcomes more than 250 families Contact: Steve Long, [email protected], (631) 537- party where the girls have their makeup and hair each year to the Central Park Zoo. Guests can enjoy live 8250. Web site: cmee.org done, then head out to dinner and a show. entertainment, a sea lion feeding, a scavenger hunt and Premiering in 2009, the Children’s Museum But parents can take a more low-key ap- hands-on educational activities that introduce kids to the of the East End’s fund-raiser, “CMEE proach. We’re not talking $100,000 to $500,000 thrill of science exploration. Under the Sea,” became a big hit of the Donna Karan hosts Super Hamptons summer season. With more for a party. Try out, for instance, the Pirate Parties Saturday. Annual Playground Party in Heckscher Playground: than 700 people attending last year’s at South Street Seaport, where kid swashbucklers Picnic in Your Playground! inaugural Family Fair, CMEE Under the Sea raised $165,000 can commandeer the Seaport’s famed tall ship When: Wednesday, May 26, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. to benefit the museum. This year, families can enjoy a day and learn how to be real pirates by hunting for Who: Central Park Conservancy Playground Partners of fun, including music, magic and theater performances treasure (212-748-8774). Where: Heckscher Playground in Central Park in the outdoor amphitheater; art activities; face painters; —Julie Earle-Levine Chairman: Kamie Lightburn. Contact: Hannah Parker, hparker@ bouncy castles; a petting zoo; and more. CMEE Under the

24 playground june 2010 Posh Parties Why should you pay for someones outrageous overhead?

Divalysscious Moms hosts a moms’ night out

M c Mu llan of pampering for Hot Moms Handbook NYC book launch at the Paul Labrecque Salon. atrick Divalysscious Moms hosted a Divamoms night out of cooking with Food Networks Alex Guarnaschelli at the Devonshire House. ; CARRIE SHALTZ/©P ; CARRIE checter S ; A na ; com M c Mu llan . atrick La Mer kicks of its Divalysscious Moms

R eboh /P 2010 World Oceans and Michael Bolla Campaign with hosted “A Love, Life Haute Mamas & Mamas-to-Be Unite at DKNY a family-friendly and After Event.” to celebrate the birth of Amy Tara Koch's screening of Disney- ; A driel ; images BUMP IT UP: Transform Your Pregnancy Into nature’s Oceans. the Ultimate Style Statement. getty

Sea helps fund a diverse array of programming at the Einstein’s Wild West Family Day Carnival When a great Haircut Children’s Museum of the East End. When: Sunday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Who: National Women’s Division of the Albert Einstein College and Haircolor is what Super Saturday 12 of Medicine. you really want! When: Saturday, July 31. Where: The Ross School (lower campus), 739 Butter Lane, If your tired of paying for “the salon Who: Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Bridgehampton, N.Y. experience” when all you really Where: Nova’s Ark Project Water Mill, New York. Co-chairmen: Christie Brinkley serves as event co-chair with desire is Haircolor that turns heads Co-Chairmen: Patti & Harvey Cohen, Faith & Jeffrey Lauren Anmuth, Mindy Feinberg, Tasha Genatt, Jackie Harris and a Haircut that works with the Kogan; Hosted by: Donna Karan, Ariel Foxman, Hochberg, Erica Karsch, Bari Katz, Roxanne Palin. Present- hair you have then it’s time to call InStyle, along with Kelly Ripa; Sponsors: Donna ing Sponsor: Marquis Jet. Contact: 718-430-2818; Patricia. Tres Jordan. Tres brings a love and Karan, InStyle, QVC. Contact: Katie Dillon [email protected] or [email protected]. passion for the Art of Hair that’s 212-268-1002, [email protected]. Web site: Web site: einsteinfamilyday.com been his hallmark for 25 years. www.ocrf.org This Western-themed carnival features games, rides But don’t believe us, see what his Super Saturday is a fun-filled, and exciting contests, such as a scavenger hunt, patrons say at Yelp.com or check out family-oriented, daylong fundraiser freeze dancing, hula-hooping, potato sack races, tresjordan.com for any questions to benefit OCRF, complete with a parent-child tug-of-war, watermelon eating and you may have. one-of-a-kind designer garage sale, a water balloon toss. Ongoing activities include kids’ carnival and activities, a raffle a silent auction, arts and crafts, family photos, a and gourmet treats. The most antici- giant slide, pony rides, an obstacle course, carnival Upper Echelon pated element of Super Saturday is the booths, cupcake decorating, face painting, balloon fashion garage sale, which includes artists and much more! Proceeds and contributions work at half merchandise from more than 200 of the will fund cutting-edge research studies at the Albert most prominent designers including Einstein Cancer Center. Last year’s Family Day event the cost!!! Donna Karan, Theory, Carolina Herrera, was attended by more than 1,200 children and adults, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Catherine raising more than $350,000. CALL 646-573-4856 to Malandrino, Diane von Furstenberg, Christie book an appointment Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and Salvatore Fer- Brinkley hosts For your event to be considered for inclu- Einsteins Wild ragamo. Attended by all ages, Super Saturday sion in future issues, please send all rel- West. 2009 raised nearly $3.4 million for OCRF. evant information to [email protected]. tresjordan.com

playground june 2010 25 Fitness Solid as a Rock

Go-To Girl for Celebrity Moms: Tracy Anderson, Personal Trainer

ant a butt like Gwyneth’s? Abs like Madonna? Courtney Cox’s Wlithe arms? Yes! That’s why we went to Tracy Anderson, the pint-size trainer who is famous for transforming all these mom’s bodies into those of sexy, sculpted temptresses. Did we work ourselves into a sweaty mess? I won’t lie. But I wanted to find out exactly what we ies of swimmers and classical dancers and all want to know: How do we get looked to Jane Fonda for her hybrid videos of those bodies? Really, is it possible? dance and aerobics. “I wanted to be able to Here is the good news: An- have my body be 20 times better after my derson, who runs a sleek, $900-a- pregnancy than it was before.” month workout studio in Tribeca Her sweet spot is helping get back into (Gwyneth is a partner in the business), shape moms who have just had a baby or says moms can transform their bodies those with a 3-year-old or older. at home, by following her Pilates- She trained Madonna, who has de- style exercise regime she is now scribed Anderson as her “savior,” for marketing worldwide, and by be- three years straight, and Madge has had ing strict about food, of course. two Caesareans. Christy Turlington, When I meet Anderson, who Courtney Cox and Sarah Jessica is seriously tiny, I comment that Parker are devotees. And of course, she’s compact. “Don’t call me there’s Gwyneth, who writes glowingly compact. Compact means bulky, of Anderson in her online newsletter, do you know what I mean?” Goop, and went to Anderson after seeing She prefers sculpted, which a friend’s results. Paltrow says Anderson is more feminine. kicked her “formerly sagging ass into Anderson, who down- shape” and is especially good for the sized herself from a size 6 to “batwing” problem. a zero, means business. She “The body changes after pregnancy so was overweight as a young much. Even if you look great in clothes, people dance student in New York, don’t realize the sagging skin, the belly button, where she yo-yo dieted and the expanding of the back, the connection couldn’t shed pounds. Then of the torso to the butt doesn’t look as good she struggled with baby as it used to,” says Anderson. She says her weight at 23, after giving birth formula gets all of that back, and keeps it. She to her son, Sam, who is now 11. talks a lot about skin tone and getting rid of “I couldn’t find a fitness program cellulite. More on that shortly. Let’s talk about that worked for me.” Anderson Paltrow’s body. says she did most of her research Didn’t Gwynnie have a great body before? when she was pregnant. She stud- “Yeah, she had a great body, but now she has a

ied the bod- Sarah Jessica Parker, perfect body. We transformed her butt, her legs, images getty Courtney Cox and Gwyneth Paltrow. 26 playground june 2010 MOM KNOWS BEST! everything. She worked very hard.” Anderson’s approach is about targeting what she calls the “accessory muscles” that line large muscle groups like the biceps and quadriceps, to achieve an effect that makes limbs lean and bodies “teeny tiny.” Anderson’s programs consist of a total of 3,000 moves mind over matter that get progressively harder to perform. You never use weights more than 3 pounds. I confess that I’ve watched Anderson’s videos, and they were hard for me to follow. Anderson shoots me a “you-need-to-try-harder” look, but I feel better when In-Home Fitness Specialists she tells me it can be hard for women if they weren’t dancers as children. “When I started with Gwyneth, she Mind Over Matter Health and Fitness was founded to provide busy NYC Moms couldn’t dance at all, but now she’s phenomenal.” Gw- a service to integrate fitness into their daily lives. yneth also revealed that the exercise really helped her M.O.M’s mission is to provide certified Pre-natal and Postpartum fitness instructors with the postpartum depression she suffered after her specializing in areas such as Personal Training, Yoga & Pilates. second child. “It really eliminated the toxicity for her.” What is the No. 1 celebrity complaint? Skin tone on Whether in your home, office or outdoors, MOM trainers are equipped to turn any space into your own private gym. the stomach. “It’s so hard. Moms think they’ll never be in a bikini again. Moms that gain a lot of weight 212-865-9290 lose a connection with their bodies.” Anderson herself www.mindovermatternyc.com [email protected] gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy. “Come on, let’s be honest: The whole body just goes to pot.” But ASK ABOUT OUR M.I.L.F. BOOT CAMP CLASSES! Anderson was able to transform her body within six weeks after giving birth. When Anderson changes people, she says she gets them to their tiniest, leanest, healthiest point. “They live at that point and 10 pounds above. I don’t believe in dieting for life. I don’t believe in never having that piece of cheesecake, glass of wine or carbs.” If you are at the top of the 10-pound zone, if you’ve been really bad, then maybe you’ll get a little cellulite. And yes, you can get rid of it. “There is a formula to it. It’s get- Chic Maternity Chic.Dressing. ting rid of the layer of fat that can sit between connec- Convenient. tive tissue.” Courtney Cox says of the program: “My Without the InvestmentSmart. of Buying. butt has lifted, my arms are sculpted and my skin is tight and actually clings to the muscle again.” e rent gorgeous maternity dresses bought directly I ask her if she can she really transform anyone, Wfrom top maternity wear designers such as Christian even cheese-loving,Chic gym-lazy Maternity me? “Yes! I haveDressing spent 11 . WithoutSiriano, the Investmentwinner of Project of Runway.Buying. We have the perfect years working my butt off with a very focused question dress for every event on your social calendar – be it a in mind. Can IWe take rent any gorgeouswoman from maternity any genetic dresses back- bought directly from top maternity wear designers such as ground? Can I make them tiny, sexy but strong, lean, holiday party, wedding, baby shower, or a special dinner out. Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway. We have the perfect dress for every event on your perfect, cellulite-free? Yes, I can.” Come see our extensive collection, only available online. social calendar – be it a holiday party, wedding, baby shower, or a special dinner out. Here’s the best bit. If you do work hard and transform your body, you can still indulge.Come “I have see a sweetour extensive collection, only availableCh online.IC. Conven Ient. SMaRt. every day, but it might be a coconut cacao smoothie one day, or a full blown gigantic chocolate chip cookiewww.RentMaternityWear.com the www.RentMaternityWear.com next.” Her favorite? “Cupcakes with butter cream frosting are my favorite thing on the planet.” Sign us up! —Julie Earle-Levine playground june 2010 27 Hot to Tot by rachel felder Even if you’ve already bought everything on the camp supply list and turned on the heat in your Hamptons pool, there’s still Stylish wheels to plenty to get for a stylish, savvy accommodate summer. Here are our picks of the both kids hottest necessities and indulgenc- In: BumbleRide es for you and your brood. Double Stroller Out: Cumbersome twin stroller that’s way too wide for city streets

Weekend treat to reward five weekdays of dietary virtue Crimson-touched In: Minetta’s Tavern Black Label burger footwear (with chocolate brioche for the kids) In: Converse (PRODUCT) RED out: Fast-food burger (with happy Summertime love shoes meals for the kids) skin saver out: Ubiquitous (and uncom- In: Perricone MD More Than fortable) red-soled heels Don’t-leave-home-without-it Moisture: sunblock and mois- bright summer accessory turizer in one easy bottle In: Sprint’s new red BlackBerry curve out: Extra bottles of spf 50 and out: Colorful exotic skin tote aloe vera gel Indulgent Father’s Day gift (that mom will covet) Mother-and-tween-daughter In: Cowshed’s Bollock’s Massage at Soho House bonding experience out: A designer leather wallet bought in Soho In: The Carlton’s hotel’s “13 Things Recurring weather-related nightmare to do by 13” package, complete In: A rained-out weekend entertaining Guilt-free pick-me-up with style with’s Candy Bar visit with extra-bored kids In: L’age de the loose Darjeeling tea out: Inexpensive neighborhood mani- out: Two consecutive school snow days out: Single espresso from a fancy Italian coffee bar pedis, followed by a Pinkberry visit with extra-bored kids

Mom and Dad’s coordinated timepieces In: His and hers Bell and Ross watches out: A pair of iPhones with matching covers

28 playground june 2010 New York Observer ad released111209.pdf 1 11/12/09 4:41 PM

Breast-feeding moms’ magic postpartum elixir In: Mamatinis at cocktail hour out: Protein smoothies at breakfast

Edible treat from a weekend CM visit to hipsterville MY

In: Kors d’Oeuvres dips from CY the Brooklyn Flea CMY out: Chocolate-dipped marshmallows from Economy K Candy on Rivington Street Give her a gift that symbolizes the loves of her life–

Summer’s precautionary parental the Moon & Stars necklace, set with knapsack addition the birthstones of her loved ones. In: CleanWell all-natural hand sanitzer out: Kids’ cell phone for the bus ride to day camp

“What are you wearing” pedicure color www.lunaandstella.com In: Ginger & Liz Draw Blood out: Bright magenta

How to keep in touch with out-of-town grandparents In: Facebook and Twitter out: Sunday night phone calls

Now enrolling for summer! Evocative smell of the early Tutoringutoring aand Enrichment summer woods th In: Atelier Cologne Bois Blonds Cologne Absolue out: Mosquito repellent 1597 York Avenue (b/t 84th & 85th) mathnasium.com/manhattan • 212-828-MATH (6284) playground june 2010 29 Books summer reading special The Hot Mom-to-Be Handbook: Look and Feel Great from Bump to Baby, by Jessica Denay This inspiring handbook Our Favorite encourages moms-to-be to feel confident and empow- Summer Reads ered throughout their pregnancies and beyond. Filled Whether you’re packing your bags for the with great ideas on how to beach or lounging in the yard, a good book make pregnancy stylish, is essential. Here’s our round-up of this satisfying and fun, this book summer’s must-reads for moms and is a must-have. moms-to-be. —Rachel Smith

When Did I Get Like This? The Screamer, The Worrier, The Dinosaur Chicken Nugget Buyer and Other Mothers I Swore I’d never Be, by Amy Wilson This hilarious memoir about the travails of motherhood is both Flying Lessons, by Gilbert Ford sweet and sardonic. This book will This adorable children’s book, written and make every mom feel better about illustrated by Gilbert Ford, tells the story of the ups and downs of modern a passenger airplane who befriends a flock parenting. of doves as they share the airways. The book’s quirky, retro illustrations and heart- felt story of friendship and acceptance will be appealing to children and adults.

Nicole Richie’s must-have bag, the Simone Camille, available exclusively at Ron Herman, $975-$1,475, ronherman.com.

The Happiness Project, or Why I spent A The O2 Diet, by Keri Glassman Year Trying to Sing in the morning, Clean Is it possible? You can look and feel Bump It Up: Transform Your Preg- my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristo- great while indulging in raspber- nancy Into The Ultimate Style State- tle, and Generally Have More Fun, by ries, chocolate, avocados and even ment, by Amy Tara Koch Gretchen Rubin coffee? Well, according to Keri From page one, fashionista Amy Tara This charming account of one woman’s many Glassman, you can be healthy and Koch’s complete guide to pregnancy attempts to find happiness will make you look stunning to boot. Glassman’s style will make any mom-to-be want to want to embark on your own happiness quest. easy-to-use guide gives you the swap her sweatpants for designer jeans. Let Gretchen Rubin be your guide to age-old scoop you need on antioxidant-rich This cleverly illustrated how-to makes questions like “Can money buy happiness?” foods that will change your skin, being stylish while “with bump” seem and “Can you blog your way to personal fulfill- your body and your mood. so easy and fun. Our prediction? Soon ment?” Just reading this book will brighten everyone will be getting pregnant—just your day. And maybe even more importantly, for the clothes! it’ll make you clean out your closets.

30 playground june 2010 The perfect Mother’s Day gifts for your crafty Mom!

The ultimate guide to crafts by the A treasury of essential sewing and fabric ultimate teacher. This beautifully crafting techniques, including hand and designed, comprehensive resource machine sewing, appliqué, embroidery, contains 200 projects, templates, and quilting, dyeing, and printing, plus detailed instructions for more than step-by-step instructions for 150 inspired 30 craft techniques, including beading, projects. Included is a CD with print-at- jewelry making, paper cutting, silk- home templates and patterns. screening, origami, and much more.

Potter Craft MarthaStewart.com Books summer reading special of passage and celebrates and paying the bills, and relationships that turning 40 by becoming the weigh you down. I wanted to write a book that sexiest, funniest, most chic would be uplifting and lighthearted and re- and confident woman that mind us of who we are or who we always want- you can be. ed to be. Sometimes in life, we do what we are Ringwald, who lives in expected to do. But then as you get older you Los Angeles, where she think, ‘I’m not doing what I want to do at all.’ shoots the ABC Family TV Did you get pulled away and couldn’t find your show The Secret Life of the way back? American Teenager, calls I love being a mom and am proud of my chil- herself a “displaced New dren, but it’s not all that I am. Very often I think Yorker.” The mom of three women use their children as an excuse to say, children (Mathilda, 6, and ‘I have no time to take care of myself,’ and then 9-month-old twins, Adele the children grow up and it can foster resent- and Roman) spoke candidly ment. I respect stay-at-home moms as much as about motherhood, her I do working moms, but it’s important to take new book and life after 16. care of yourself, however that manifests itself. —Wendy Sachs It can’t be all about your kids. How has motherhood changed you? Is it what W.S.: How did you handle you expected? turning 40, and is it as The biggest thing motherhood has done is shocking and depressing made me more conscious of time management. as everyone warns? I’ve always been very spontaneous and instinc- Molly Ringwald: It’s re- tive. I moved to France just because I wanted ally not awful at all. The to. Any big decision in my life has been from leading up to it was more the heart, but you can’t do that in the same way traumatic than actually turning 40 years old. when you have kids. I have three kids, and they No Longer 16 I am doing everything that I want to do in my have schedules. My 9-month-old twins take life right now. I am creating my own destiny naps, and that very much affects my day. We But Still Pretty and have the confidence that comes with expe- have an iCalendar, and we sync up the calen- rience. Particularly in my case, having always dars just to stay organized now. Gen X Icon Molly RingWald been associated with youth, turning 40 seemed What’s the best part of motherhood and On Motherhood and Turning 40 impossible—not Molly Ringwald! Everyone else what’s the worst? could turn 40! But not me! And then I turned 40 I find my daughter is an endless amount of olly Ringwald, the iconic teen- and I really never even thought about it again. inspiration. But she can also be really intense. movie queen with her pouty, But it did give me the idea of writing this book. She’s very cerebral and creative and into art. Mcherry-stained lips and flaming And I wanted to write something that showed She reminds me of me how I was into singing red hair, who personified our collective mid- 40 as empowering and fun. and acting as a kid. ’80s adolescent angst, has turned 40. I love the name of your book, Your book talks a lot about per- For those of us Gen-Xers who identified and Getting the Pretty Back. sonal style. Has your daughter cheered on our redheaded hero as she navi- After having babies, it can inherited your sense of style? gated the awkwardness of teenage crushes, the be hard to feel sane, let alone Mathilda definitely has her own cliques and the mean girls, it’s shocking to real- pretty. What do this title and sense of style. She will actually ize that Molly Ringwald has grown up. Because, this book mean to you? say to me, ‘Mommy this is your well, then so have we. I use ‘pretty’ in terms of an at- style and not my style.’ The fact But fear not, just as Molly guided us gracefully titude. I think the word pretty that she’s able to articulate it, through teenage hell, so too can she usher us into is very associated with being well, I have to respect that. our 40s with attitude and style. In Molly’s new young. Pretty is a lightness and She puts together outfits that I book, Getting the Pretty Back (HarperCollins, an attitude that you lose after would never put together, and April 2010), she pays homage to yet another rite years of looking after your kids, she looks fabulous.

32 playground june 2010

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MakeUp artist Carlo Geraci Shares Beauty Tips for the Season

From season to season, we can expect subtle Carlos changes in beauty trends—with a slight twist to Says freshen and update the look. Unless you were lucky enough to have an early spring resort vacation, you’ll want a bronzer. Bronzer is a great way to get the “I’ve been away” look. I’m obsessed with Hourglass’ Bronze Light cream bronzer and gold highlighter. It wears like skin and gives you the option to highlight those cheekbones. Now that we’re on the topic of cheeks, I’m loving Laura Mercier’s Barely Pink powder blush for more of a subtle cheek and Shu Uemura’s MPink 34 for a brighter flush of color.

Bright, bold (almost neon) lips are huge this season—matte, being the new approach to a modern lip! My personal favs are Shiseido Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte lipstick in RD325, a guava-ish color pink and PK224 is a very safe coral. For you glossy girls, Nars Easy Lover raspberry-colored gloss would be the shear alternative to a bright lip.

Moving on to the Not In Vein eyes, keep them toned Writer and mom Tatiana Boncompagni down with Hourglass’ Suede eye-shadow duo: soft shimmering beige and the perfect Exposes the truth about Varicose Veins neutral taupe. This combo brings light to the eyes and keeps them demure. ome women get stretch marks. Others get cellulite, lopsided The fastest way to enhance your peepers belly buttons or saggy breasts. I was lucky; I escaped most of would be to curl those lashes the physical after-effects of pregnancy except for one: varicose with Bobbi Brown’s lash S veins. And we’re not talking about a smattering of spider veins on the curler—yeah, that’s right, I said it! I backs of my thighs. Oh, no. We’re talking big, blue and bulging. like this curler better than all the rest. Finish by dou- And painful, too. When my children would sit or play on my lap, bling up on mascara; Armani’s Eyes to Kill in black I would hold their little feet away from where one of the veins rose, or black/brown. like the Appalachians, from my right thigh, right at miniskirt height. I Nail color is still muted. Chanel’s Trapeze is would bite my tongue to keep from cursing. Obviously, this was no way a lighter taupe with shimmer, ideal for that to live; I had to do something. strappy sandal. Dr. Howard Sobel, director of the Skin and Spa Cosmetic Surgery My nose is pointing Center, told me that varicose veins result when veins fail to pump blood towards Francis Kurkd- back up the leg toward the heart effectively, instead allowing blood to jan’s Aqua Universalis flow back down and pool inside the tributaries beneath. This pooling this season, a blend of lily causes the veins to expand and become visible underneath the skin. of the valley, lime and ber- This is the case with both larger varicose veins and smaller spider gamot; the smell of Paris veins. Spider veins are by far the most common, with up to 50 percent in the summer. of women developing them by age 50. By comparison, only 10 to 20 Spritz yourself with this delicious scent, and percent of women develop varicose veins—which are characterized by a then get out there and enjoy the weather! blue, ropey appearance—by the same age, says Dr. Sobel.

Varicose veins run in my family, which means I’m genetically pre- images getty

34 playground june 2010 The United Nations disposed. Aside from genetics, the biggest factor in de- International School veloping varicosities is (surprise, surprise) pregnancy. “During pregnancy, you have more blood circulating in the intravenous system, increasing weight in the uterus, which slows circulation in the legs, and hormones that have an overall loosening effect on the vein walls,” ex- plains Dr. Luis Navarro, director of the Vein Treatment Center in New York. Many doctors also believe that women who have extra estrogen and progesterone in their body because they are on hormone-replacement therapy or birth control pills may be at increased risk of developing varicose veins. What doesn’t seem to cause varicose veins? Crossing UNIS Summer Program provides recreational, academic & your legs. (Hear that, Mom?) “That’s an old wives’ tale,” enrichment activities for children 4 and 14 years old, in a says Dr. Robert Weiss, an associate professor at Johns friendly and supportive environment that fosters friendship, Hopkins University and the director of the Maryland develops sportsmanship and is nurturing in spirit. Laser, Skin and Vein Institute. “Everyone crosses their legs, and a lot of people have varicose veins, so when Office of Special Programs two common things occur at the same time, people 24-50 F.D.R. Drive (& 25th Street), NY 10010 sometimes see a causation link where there isn’t one.” Tel #: 1-212– 584-3083 My mother might have been wrong about crossing my legs, but it turns out she was right about wear- www.unis.org [email protected] ing compression stockings, which I didn’t do. Dr. Karyn Grossman, a dermatologist with practices in Santa Monica, Calif., and Manhattan, says she wore Apply On-line TOdAy! liTchfieldJAzzcAmp.cOm * 860-361-6285 compression stockings during both her pregnancies and counsels all her pregnant patients to do the same. The setting is naturally beautiful and the enthusiasm “Compression stockings offer graduated external sup- of the students is contagious. – Dave Liebman port to help constrict dilated veins to decrease reflux “ of blood from the deep to the superficial veins and pro- ” pel blood to the heart,” says Dr. Sobel. (A good online 2010 KenT SchOOl source is www.healthylegs.com.) e STB. 1997 KenT, cT Other preventative tips include elevating legs while A life changing musical experience. resting (gravity helps blood drain back toward the Jul 11-16 Jul 18-23 Jul 25-30 Aug 1-6 heart, giving veins a chance to rest) and not wearing * * * heels for long periods, says Dr. Weiss. muSic drumS SAxOphOneS VOcAlS direcTOr Charpi Persip Claire Daly Carla Cook nclude nclude Unfortunately, these precautions only do so much. i s s Don Braden, Matt Wilson Wayne Escoffery Shelia Jordan T

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Because of the severity of my case, I was a candidate r a BASS piAnO TrumpeT And mAny, for an endolaser procedure as well as what’s known as Nilson Matta Junior Mance Russ Johnson mAny mOre Avery Sharpe Rachel Z Claudio Roditi *subject to change a mini-phlebectomy. My surgery was lightening quick. Teaching I went in for a short procedure and then the mountain chains and blue rivers were gone. I wore short skirts with abandon, let my kids crawl on my lap to their hearts’ content. … But then I got pregnant again. And guess what? They’re back. In different places, and not quite as bad—because I’m wearing those darned stockings. Well, at least now I know they’re fixable.

Tatiana Boncompagni is the author of two novels, 15Th AnniVerSAry Of The SAVe Hedge Fund Wives and Gilding Lily. *The* Litchfield Jazz Festival {dATe { AuguST 6-8, 2010 playground june 2010 35 Beauty

into the present and keeps you from get- crease inflammation in the body, increase ting caught up in unproductive thoughts alkaline levels and keep blood sugar and worries. levels even, reducing sugar cravings. My 2. List three things per day for which favorite is Green Love from Organic Av- you are grateful. Focusing on what you enue (www.organicavenue.com). have and what you’ve accomplished is 4. Eat every three hours. far more productive than thinking about 5. Chew your food 24 times. what you don’t have or what more you 6. Don’t eat after 8 p.m. Wait 12 hours should be doing. before eating again. Fasting rests the in- testines and allows you to detoxify. Nutrition 1. Take out all processed food or any- Fitness thing white (flour, sugar, rice). You will 1. Jump on the Urban Rebounder (www. likely lose 5 to 10 pounds, you’ll have urbanrebounding.com) 25 minutes a more energy, your skin will look better day. This mini-trampoline is convenient, and you’ll be a nicer person. easy, fun, improves digestion, enhances 2. Limit coffee and alcohol. They deplete the lymph system and isn’t hard on the your energy, lead to cravings and often joints. Do it before your kids wake up trigger bingeing. Instead, drink more wa- in the morning or when you’re on the Magen Banwart. ter. Most people walk around with a low phone with your mother. level of dehydration. Minor symptoms 2. Work your core three to five times include fatigue and hunger. If you’re a week. This is the most important hungry, and you’ve eaten within the past strength training, as it supports the spine. Secrets to Sanity two hours, drink some water and see if it 3. Sweat everyday. Skin is your largest dissipates. organ. Sweating detoxifies the whole Guru Magen Banwart Shares 3. Drink organic green juices 30 minutes body. Try spending 5 to 20 minutes in a Health and Wellness Tips for Moms before meals. Green juices are nutrient- dry sauna. dense and improve digestion. They de- —Zibby Right agen Banwart, founder of MB Fit- ness, is one of Manhattan’s best- Mkept secrets. A wellness, fitness and nutrition guru, Magen has been helping VIP Skin Care New York City moms for years with her holistic approach, from teaching unique classes like Yin Want to glow like a Hollywood hottie? Michelle Williams, Denise Richards, Yoga at Physique 57 (www.physique57.com) to Amber Valetta and others trust their skin to one of Hollywood’s top skin running her Best Body program and wellness doctors, Dr. Harold Lancer. Dr. Lancer shared the skin care tips that retreats. A lifelong fitness buff and former com- Hollywood royalty rely on. petitive runner, Magen turned to yoga, medita- Q. Dr. Lancer what should all New York moms be doing everyday to tion and nutrition after an injury. She never get that Hollywood glow? A. New York City moms need to follow went back. I asked Magen to share some of her either the anti-acne or the anti-aging Lancerx Method. The three-step proprietary techniques for helping moms like program in conjunction with lifestyle modification can produce mag- me keep their crazy lives in balance. If only I’d nificent results. asked earlier! Q. If there’s one of your products all moms should not be without, which one would you say it is?A. The Lancer Polish is of supreme Wellness importance and no mom can live without it. Q. What’s the one beauty secret you can share with us moms 1. Breathe. Short breaths put your body in fight- about our skin? A. Skin care for moms includes the first step of making or-flight mode. Deeper breaths (four to six sec- time for yourself. You can take care of yourself and be a great mother at onds in and out) send the body a message that the same time; one does not exclude another. everything’s O.K. and calm the nervous system. Got Glow? Further information can be found at www.lancerdermatology.com. Denise Richards, Plus, paying attention to breathing brings you Amber Valetta and Michelle Williams.

36 We just look expensive. Smile Mavens

Whether you’re talking to the glamorous Beyoncé Knowles or scruffy-on-purpose Brad Pitt, one of Hol- lywood’s obvious must-haves is a beautiful white smile. Americans revere beautiful smiles. Think about it: Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus—their smiles just make us want to smile. When it comes to getting the teeth you want, it appears that all roads lead to the same place: The office of cosmetic dentists Marc Lowenberg, Gregg Lituchy and Brian Kantor. We sat down with Dr. Lowenberg and asked him our five most pressing smile questions. Who is a good candidate for a smile makeover? Mark Lowenberg: Anyone who doesn’t like the way their smile looks is a good candidate. The most dramatic results are in the “aging” smile whereby the teeth have got- ten darker over time and teeth have chipped or moved with age and use. Often a “smile makeover” can make you look younger because whiter, healthier-looking teeth are more youthful-looking, and make for a more appealing smile. What is a good smile vs. a bad smile? In today’s world, a good smile is one that looks healthy and white. Almost every celebrity has beautiful white teeth that show broadly when they smile. We look for specific things in a good smile. The color is white and clean-looking; Visit our showrooms: the shape of the teeth is attractive and presents as even 819 Broadway 388 Summer St. Canac Kitchens of NJ throughout the mouth; oftentimes, a wider smile is at 12th St. Stamford, CT 99 North Dean St. deemed more attractive (i.e.: Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, New York City 203.327.8800 Englewood, NJ 212.260.7768 201.567.9585 Matthew McConaughey). A bad smile is one that exhibits any of the following: stained, dark or discolored teeth; www.broadwaykitchens.com chipped teeth; spaces between the teeth or crooked teeth. What kinds of cosmetic procedures can you choose among? People who have a good smile but whose teeth have darkened over time can try bleaching or whitening The Kinneret School their teeth, but otherwise the only way of changing your early childhood elementary junior high school It looks good. Please add smile is with porcelain veneers. after NYC specialized Ranked as a Is it possible to get the smile you want? (add=High Schools OR You have to be realistic about your expectations. Ev- top ten school eryone cannot have a Julia Roberts smile. The dentist has based on N.Y. H.S.) so it should read to take into account facial bone structure, the size of the State tests =NYC specialized high mouth and the size of the teeth. If you are realistic, then schools. you absolutely can get the smile you want. We incorporate the best of American Once you have the smile you want, is there a lot of and Jewish Also omit the word “in” upkeep? Veneers, if done properly, will last for up to 20 Education in an years. They are treated exactly like normal teeth and need inclusive before 2010-2011. to be cleaned professionally every four to six months like environment. regular teeth. No different than your own teeth. To make an appointment with one of these über-dentists: Kinneret ITS A NICE AD! 212-586-2890. —Lyss Stern does it again! THANKS 83.3% of our The Three students were Mouthkateers: OPEN HOUSE accepted into (left to right) EVERY FRIDAY NYC specialized Dr. Lituchy, Dr. 9-10 AM High Schools Lowenberg, Please Call 2010-2011! and Dr. Kantor. 2600 netherland avenue, riverdale, NY 10463 718.548.0900 fax 718.548.0901 mark jason photography; getty images getty photography; jason mark www.kinneretdayschool.org

playground june 2010 37

Kinneret School.indd 1 4/27/10 1:49:27 PM Design

for insurance purposes. But we lost something in the process. Look back at the adventure playgrounds in Central Park, post–World War II, and you will see these amazing playgrounds built out of found stuff because that was all that was available.” Take the subway north to Union Square and you will find an equally intriguing playground—the Union Square Park Playground. The 15,000-square- foot space features futuristic climbing structures; a sandbox with a water-play ledge and fountain to make mud; checkerboard flooring made of inter- locking rubber tiles; and a stainless-steel talk tube, where kids can stand on opposite sides of the park and hear one another speak. The state-of-the-art playground and its sur- rounding landscape is the work of Matthew Ur- A rendering of the Burling Slip banski, a principal at the landscape-architecture Imagination Playground. Below left, firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Every architect David Rockwell. Right, aspect of the playground, from the three distinct kids test out the new equipment at a outdoor “rooms” created for three different age playground in Brownsville. groups to the futuristic nature of each installa- tion, was chosen to enhance a child’s play experience. “We wanted to provide a complex layout for imaginative play,” says Urbanski, who chose square-foot space that acts as a constantly chang- Japanese cryptomeria, a skinny evergreen, over The Future Is Now ing village in which kids can make something, simple planters. “This way,” he says, “kids can take it apart and start over the next day. With imagine they are playing in a forest.” It’s all Monkey bars and swing sets? Passé. more than 250 custom-designed loose parts; a about stretching the imagination. The future of playgrounds is now sand and water station where kids can create —Wendy Straker Hauser and destroy mud sculptures; a chalk board on rchitect David Rockwell might make the ground that is constantly changing; and a his living designing large amphitheater with oversize Where to Go glamorous spaces like balls that kids can roll around, this A Imagination playground At Burling Slip in the Kodak Gallery Theater or Jet is not your everyday play space. the South Street Seaport area of New York City. Blue’s J.F.K. terminal, but it’s his “I am a big fan of monkey bars Scheduled to open summer 2010. latest project, the Imagination and swing sets with my kids,” says Union Square Park South of the Pavilion, on the Playground at Burling Slip in Rockwell, who has a boy, age 10, north side of the 16th Street Traverse, from Union South Street Seaport, that has him and a girl, 8. “But there are a lot of Square East to Union Square West. Open now. acting as giddy as a schoolkid. them around. We thought of this “I grew up in a world with as an alternative to things that al- lots of sudden changes and tran- ready exist.” sitions and the key creative life- It was Rockwell’s experience saver for me was play,” says Rockwell. “A lot of as a child living in Mexico that inspired him my play consisted of making things. We had this to build an entirely new kind of play space, a really dilapidated garage and that was sort of my project that took him more than five years to play laboratory where I would take doors and create. “When you look at the history of play- handles and objects that I would find around me grounds, it was in the mid-’60s that play equip- t ric Axonome ; and use those to create things.” ment started to get more fixed,” he says. “Part

The Imagination Playground is an 18,000- of it was the litigious nature of the world, and Pli tt Todd

38 playground june 2010 Labor of Love

It only takes a pregnant pause for Rosie Pope to pop out a baby. And a store on Madison Avenue

Rosie Pope is the kind of woman you would love to hate, if it weren’t for the fact that she is so darn nice. The 5-foot-9 blond bombshell with hazel eyes and a soft British accent just happens to excel at everything she puts her mind to—even when she has no idea what she’s getting into. “Thank goodness,” Rosie admits. “If I knew what I was doing when I started any of these things, I would have been too scared to do them.” By “these things,” Rosie is referring to her past careers as an Alvin Ailey ballet dancer, a fashion model for international magazines, a Columbia University medical student specializing in neuroscience and, of course, her latest incarnation as the creator and designer of Rosie Pope Maternity. It wasn’t until Rosie became pregnant with her son, J.R., now 19 months old, that she decided to launch her own maternity line with a boutique on Madison Avenue, which coincidentally opened its doors on Labor Day of last year, the same day her son was born. “The business was actually my husband’s idea,” she says. “All of our friends were having babies and complaining that there were no good designers out there. I’d always made my own clothes, but when my husband suggested I start my own line, I thought he was crazy. One week later, I found out I was pregnant, whereupon I thought he was a genius. I was so shocked that in this day and age, it was still so hard to find good, stylish maternity clothes. So I set out to make it my mission.” The result was a chic collection of ready-to-wear evening and couture pieces designed for all stages of pregnancy. Within weeks, Amy Poehler, Ashlee Simpson and Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford became big fans—and with them, so did the rest of New York City. The fabulous store, with oversize cushioned seats in every dressing room, high dramatic ceilings and glass chandeliers, features everything from stylish button-up shirts to silk blouses, suits and cashmere sweaters. “Our motto is that every day is your baby shower,” says Rosie, who offers her customers a complimentary car service and greets them with cakes, candies and virgin “mimosas,” a mix of papaya and mango juice served in Champagne flutes. “We feel that it’s hard enough to get outside when you are pregnant, especially in New York City, where the weather is temperamental.” So how does this fashion-minded maternity designer mogul balance work with the trials and tribulations of motherhood? It all comes down to scheduling. “Everybody knows that you cannot get me on the phone between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. I have to always give my son breakfast and dinner and put him to bed; it’s the only way I stay sane.” —Wendy Straker Hauser Michael Fine Michael

playground june 2010 39 Real Estate

Building from the ground up and including ample seed: Developers catch on to the private-lawn trend. Left: The Visionaire.

their steel and stucco house, one of two plopped and do better in school; they have more self- Grass Is Greener on top of a century-old Lifesavers factory, open confidence, are more creative and more coop- onto an incredibly lush private grass lawn, where erative. There is even some evidence that chil- In Your Yard the Chiccos’ four children play soccer. Ameri- dren are less stressed when they have exposure can soccer, that is. “I have them help me work and experience with nature.” No grass Growing Under Developers outside; they help plant flowers when we do the Once upon a time in Manhattan, “exposure In race to Sow some Seed annuals, and they helped me plant the tulips, fer- with nature” meant running into a flasher near tilize and water the bamboo.” Fertilizer? Gentle- a fruit stand. Not for families lucky enough dward Curtin, father of two, mows the men, start your mowers. to revel in private grass. For Chicco, a private lawn on Saturdays. With his power The grass is always greener on the other side lawn “is almost like having Central Park in your Emower, Curtin carefully avoids the (of the Hudson), and historically, the desire for backyard.” Central Park is indeed every New swing set and basketball hoop installed in his a lawn—suburbia’s sodded siren—has propelled Yorker’s backyard, but a safety land mine for backyard, where his son Danny learned to pitch New York families out of the concrete jungle. parents, who need to keep vigilant eyes on their as a Little Leaguer. Butterflies swoop. Birds But for a growing number of New York fami- children in the vast space. Meanwhile, on the chirp. Last year, a family of cardinals built a lies, this comfort of the ’burbs can be captured Curtins’ lawn, where many a croquet game has nest in the backboard of the hoop. There will be right here in the concrete jungle. “Our lawn been played, the children “could run outside on fireflies tonight. was what really allowed us to stay in the city,” their own, dig in the dirt, make discoveries, and It would be the idyllic suburban summer says Jill Curtin of raising two children in the I didn’t have to worry about them! They were day except the Curtins live in a co-op at East Curtins’ grassy apartment at 288 Lexington. safe,” says Jill. 36th Street and Lexington Avenue, and the With private lawns sprouting up all over the Safe, and with a doorman to keep out the cardinals did not get a buildings permit for that city, it’s an option that’s becoming more avail- crowds; on sunny days, it seems like there nest. “The fortunate thing is that I don’t have able to all—and New York City children are rak- might be more sweaty New Yorkers in Central to keep up with the Joneses,” says Curtin of his ing in the benefits. “A growing body of evidence Park than blades of grass. turf. “No one’s really looking over the fence and indicates that direct experience with nature in Kimberly and Bill Walsh can do the math at a saying, ‘Hmm, his lawn is getting a little long.’” children’s growing years is fundamental to their safe distance: They overlook Central Park’s Great

Be warned, Mr. Curtin. Somewhere in the healthy development,” says Dr. Cheryl Charles Lawn from their really great lawn, a 25-by-25- ’ E rrico western skies, Giancarlo Chicco might be mow- of the Children & Nature Network, who notes foot grassy area perched atop 225 Central Park aniel D aniel ing his lawn right now. Italian Chicco and his that outdoor play in nature contributes to West. They purchased their penthouse from

British wife, Claire, live high above the Hudson children’s physical, intellectual and emotional Christmas ornament king Christopher Radko ymwid; D

at 120 11th Avenue. The sliding glass doors of health. “Children tend to be happier, healthier in 2007. “The thing we love most about it,” says Peter R

40 playground june 2010 LLLG_ob_play_5-5-10_v3_Layout 1 4/21/10 3:41 PM Page 1

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Mrs. Walsh, “is that when we go up there, Central Park Your DOG in a typical apartment might be packed,” but the Walshes and their chocolate anywhere else Lab have a lawn all to themselves. “It only takes a few minutes” to mow, and it’s pretty unbelievable: “Every- one who comes here says, ‘I can’t believe you live here.’ 25 EXCLUSIVE LOFTS IN A FULL-SERVICE HIGH-RISE BUILDING Sometimes I can’t believe I live here either!” more less With good reason—Manhattan’s private lawns were LOFT M ONEY 201.716.3000 once rare, usually the result of incredible history, like > THEMERCURYLOFTS.COM 2,955 – 6,665 SQ. FT. the tiny clapboard house with a lawn at 121 Charles SALES AND PRESENTATION CENTER INTRODUCTORY PRICES FROM Street that was transported to the West Village from 20 BEACON WAY, JERSEY CITY $ 925,000 MONTGOMERY STREET/MILL ROAD its original location on the Upper East Side; or design flukes, like a co-op at 224 West 18th Street where the The complete offering terms are in a New Jersey public offering statement as well as a New York State supplement (File No. CD09-0345) available from sponsor. lawn is bigger than the apartment itself. But the seeds of the idea have been planted, and developers are capital- izing on the trend to capture the family market, with Mercury_18395_PLAYGRND_4.65x4.75_4C_DOG_V6.indd 1 4/13/10 2:16 PMmore and more new buildings boasting private lawn American Dream space. “A very special handful of new developments have jewel-like parks and lawns open only to their Car & Limousine residents,” says Kelly Mack, president of Corcoran Sun- shine Marketing Group. “Developers of buildings like • Sedans Manhattan House, 515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Liv- • Vans ing and Soho Mews have made private parks a central • Limousines design feature, creating the perfect spaces in which to • Coaches run around and play, lay out and read a book or enjoy the company of neighbors—and all of this within a com- pletely secure environment.” airports • theatres • weddings • out of town • Proms What does that mean for New York families? Green serving the tri-state area • tlc bo1734 for less green. Private lawns that used to be available to only the very, very fortunate (like the 25-by-25-foot 212.426.1010 lawn that comes with the $13,500,000 townhouse cur- Book online at: www.thenylimo.com rently for sale at 60 West Ninth Street) are now slightly more in reach—and it’s allowing more and more fami- Manhattan Sedan Rates (up to 125th Street) lies to stay in the city. “Buyers who might otherwise LaGuardia...... $33 JFK...... $48 Newark...... $48 move to the suburbs are choosing to stay here, and NO Blackout Restrictions on coupons private parks are a fantastic lifestyle improvement for If you need additional coupons, check website. them,” says Mack. From airport or any ride over $30 evelopers building from the ground up have 212.426.1010 Dco-opted the trend. At Columbus Square on the $4 off Tolls and gratuities extra Upper West Side, developer Peter Rosenberg of Stellar b e Brian.Du

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Management took action on what he sees as “the new trend in roof decks,” building a 30,000-square-foot lawn area at 808 Columbus. Rosenberg, who lives in the rental complex, revels in the phenomenal lawns, often taking his three there children to play. At 808 Colum- bus, residents picnic and arrange dinner parties, and “a At 40 Central Park South lot of people bring a bottle of wine out in the evening.” luxury rentals are a breath of fresh air Sounds like a perfect play date! Rosenberg has a great and white glove services add up to homeowner’s pride in his lawn. “I’m really proud of it. classic luxury inside and out. It’s all I’m willing to put our lawn up against any other condo about comfort and convenience in this or hotel in the city. We’re issuing a lawn challenge!” pet-friendly building, with sound proof Miraval, Manhattan House, the gauntlet has been windows, climate control systems thrown. Also in the ring? The Visionaire, a modern, or- in each apartment, and electronic ganic condominium in Battery Park, features a roof lawn keyed elevators. with views of the Hudson River, built-in grills and individual cabanas. A wholly different kind of grass is for • 24 hour concierge/doorman sale these days in the East Village at 425 East 14th Street, • 24 hour fitness room where condominium purchasers have access to a roof- • Wood burning fireplaces top lawn a stone’s throw from a pool. And at the Chelsea • Balconies/terraces Enclave, at 177 Ninth Avenue, residents enjoy privileged • On-site management access to the Close, an expanse of green running up to • Packages/mail delivered to your door the condominium’s Gothic seminary neighbor. • Park views If the idea of lawn maintenance makes you say “not in • Bike room my backyard,” not to worry: Lawn care is included in all of the aforementioned developments’ monthly charges or rents. It’s a good thing, because as Christopher Myers, lead designer of Just Terraces, tells us: “To have an actual Discover what a difference healthy life lawn is virtually impossible [in the city]. How 40 Central Park South makes in New York living, do you mow it? How do you fertilize it? Plus, many build- contact us for an appointment. ings have very shady setbacks, and grass really loves sun.” And for private homes that do not come with lawn 40 Central Park South New York NY 10019 maintenance? Happy, lawn-owning families can draw 212.750.1600 straws. —Rebecca Morse www.essentialnewyork.com 44 playground june 2010 Make our wood’s history yours

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Spunky, sassy and hillarious! Don’t even think about telling Bethenny Frankel she can’t have her cake and eat it, too

momversationBethenny

o call Bethenny Frankel, star of The Real nant. People always complain about being pregnant. What’s Housewives of New York City, a housewife is to complain about? I don’t feel tired, hungry and cranky. I feel really expanding the definition of the word. great, energetic, bootylicious. Jason tells me my tush is juicy. With a best-selling diet and cookbook under What do you like most about being pregnant? her belt, her first exercise DVD on the hori- I like that it’s making me dress nicer. I used to always dress like a Tzon and her new spinoff show slated to tape this summer, slob; I love my pajamas. However, now that I am pregnant, I am Bethenny obviously doesn’t rest on her laurels. And she and dressing much more together. I am putting outfits together, gether new husband, Jason Hoppy, are expecting their first baby ting excited about getting dressed up. Perfect example: Look at this summer to boot. As you’ll learn from our Momversation, me today: I am in an outfit with coordinated shoes. In the past, if nothing has slowed down this mom-to-be. Thankfully, Fran- I had a photo shoot, I would show up in my flip-flops or sneak- kel was able to take a little time out of her busy day to show ers and looking disgusting. Now I am putting myself together off her beautiful baby bump and talk shop about pregnancy and am proud of the way I look, right, Julie? Julie agrees 100 and being a first-time mom in New York City. —Lyss Stern percent. [Julie is Ms. Frankel’s assistant.] I like the not drinking alcohol. I feel that my skin and hair are glowing. I am taking my LS: You must be over-the-moon excited? prenatal vitamins and I am feeling great. Bethenny Frankel: Yes, I am really excited! I am not rush- Did you set up the baby’s nursery yet? ing this; I am enjoying being pregnant! I am having lots of fun Nope, I am going to get a bassinet for the first three months. with being pregnant. My husband cannot stop telling me how Everyone is so wound up about it, I am not going to stress sexy I look! about it, the nursery will happen. What has shocked you the most about being pregnant? Have you done your registry? That it’s not as bad as people make it out to be. It’s not difficult. No, not yet; I just did a wedding registry. I will get to the baby I am not complaining. There is nothing hard about being preg- registry before the baby shower.

PhotographY by tracy toler / fashion styling by anna katsanis

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50 playground june 2010 Michael Kors Pistachio Stretch Boucle T-Shirt Shift W/Zip Detail, $1,495; call 866-709-KORS for locations. Kenneth Jay Lane satin gold knot cuff, $113, 877-953-5264. D&G dress, price available upon request, Dolceand- Gabbana.com. Alexis Bittar lucite small celestial ocean hinge bangle in silver, $350.

Cupcakes by The King of Cupcakes, 299 Seventh Avenue; 212-239-4700; thekingofcupcakes. com.

Hair and makeup, Sonia Rodriguez. Prop stylist, Samantha Kreitzer. Photo assistants, Daphne Borowski and Johnny Rodriguez. Wardrobe assistants, Ashley Sarah Allen and Candy Javier.

52 playground june 2010 What stroller do you want? How do you think being a new mom will affect Five Favorites Everyone talks about the Bugaboo, the Quinny. how you get along with your cast mates? I don’t know. … I want the lightest and the one Ummm, I already can tell that me being pregnant New York City guilty pleasure? Probably one that’s practical and easiest for on the go. Jason has softened my relationship with some of the oth- of my food guilty pleasures are Two Little Red has been looking at all the different strollers; er cast mates. Ramona has really been overly cod- Hens Red Velvet Cake. That’s my favorite, it has he’s really into finding the best one for us. dling me and so very supportive. If we are in a taxi, to be red velvet and from Two Little Red Hens. Another guilty pleasure is Becca at Haven Spa Are you excited to embrace being a she will make sure that I have my seat for massages. It’s a little, low-key spa on Mercer Divalysscious Mom? belt on. She will buckle me in. Alex Street. Her massages are the best! Yes, cannot wait! I am defi- has also been great. Oh, and Jen- local park? There’s a park right down on nitely Divalysscious and can- nifer Gilbert, one of the new- Hudson, and I am sure we will stroll to the parks not wait to be the best mom est housewives, has been very down on the water. and a sexy one! kind to me; in fact, just today ice-cream flavor? I don’t love dairy, but I love Have you hired a baby she texted me and wanted to Peanut Butter ZigZag by Purely Decadent. It’s nurse? know if I wanted her breast dairy free. It will make you cry. It has slivers of Yes, the day I found out I was pump. She wanted to know if I chocolate; it’s out of this world! pregnant, I hired a baby nurse. wanted her onesies. clothing store in N.Y.C.? Montmartre (named Are you interviewing nannies? A lot of the women are very after a hill in Paris which was at one time an art- I have not hired a nanny yet. How- into their own things, so I don’t ex- ists’ mecca) in the Time Warner Center, and one on Madison Avenue. And I love Michael Kors—so ever, I know I need to have a nanny! I pect them to stop the world for me or even simple and classic and fits me great. cannot work at the pace that I work and not think about me being pregnant and/or having a Salon to get pampered in? I am not that high have a nanny. I was actually just thinking about baby. They are all really into themselves. maintenance; I really don’t get pampered. I like that today: I need to find a nanny. They are ex- You should be excited raising a child to get in and out. My favorite salon is my apart- pensive, right? in New York City. Agreed? ment, seriously. However, if I need to get pam- Do you think that TV needs a “Real” TV show Yeah! It’s an exciting place with a lot of exciting pered, I will go to the Peninsula Spa. I love this about “Real NYC Moms”? people. I look forward to walking everywhere little room they have with the best mushy, fluffy Ummm, I don’t know. The Real NYC moms, no- with the baby. Everything is accessible to you. pillows and the best service. When I am stressed body would probably want to watch. What are Any food cravings? out, I will do my yoga tape. I live for yoga! I also they going to show, all the lunatics on Nothing crazy. I have been drinking a lot love my facialist, Christine Chin. It’s like torture. the Upper East Side? Any mom that of orange juice. Some dairy-free ice She digs in, but it’s the best facial. is “normal” is not going to want to cream. I swear if my belly wasn’t be on a reality show. big, you would never know I was What will your push present be pregnant. I really don’t have those from Jason? cravings that everyone talks about. I have been hinting about Eternity Jason calls me an alien. I can go all Diamond Bangles. We are on a bud- day in 5-inch heels and not com- get. I want to be able to collect them for plain once that my feet are swollen or “Life does not happen to each holiday: one for the baby being born, that I am hungry. you; you happen to life. one for Valentine’s Day, one for my birthday and Will you breast-feed? final note so on. Julie, have I been blatant enough about that Yes, I am going to try. A company called Boob Nothing just comes to you. hint? Can you make sure he’s on it? Maternity just sent me some cool breast-feeding People think that you’re Do you think you’re fully prepared to be a mom? tops. I have some sexy lingerie for breast-feed- lucky. Lucky does Yes, because I am fully prepared for everything ing as well. I also have been using this belly band not come to you; you in life. I am the type of person that is fully pre- that plays music to the baby; it’s really cool. have to go get it. ” pared for everything that comes my way. Tell me one lullaby you think you will always —Bethenny Obviously, there’s a real sexiness to being sing to your baby? pregnant. Do you feel it? Awww, I have not even thought about that yet. Beyond sexy. I have never felt so sexy in my en- Probably “You Are My Sunshine.” Yes I like tire life. I love being pregnant! that song! playground june 2010 53 Kargman and son Fletcher at work. Below left, front door artwork, and right, Tauba Auerbach's K. HomeNo Place Like For the writer, mom and die-hard New Yorker Jill Kargman, home is definitely where the heart is

By Rebecca Morse

54 playground june 2010 The Kargman living room blends classic chic with modern family comfort.

photography by Daniel D'Errico

he burnished brass door knocker of Jill “Two words. Fiber. Seal. They did all my couches, all my carpets,” Kargman’s prewar Classic Seven has two advises Kargman. “The white couches horrified people when I first round googly eyes stuck to it—right above did this place.” Kargman, however, had lived with a “Crate & Barrel a hand-glittered hot pink construction- explosion” for 15 years and wanted a grown-up apartment. “Funnily paper heart taped to the door. It’s a per- enough,” she muses, “the worst spillage is from our friends with a fect entrance for the home beyond, where glass of wine—it’s not even the kids that are the culprits.” a well-loved Mickey Mouse sits under A few bachelorette years downtown aside, Kargman is an Upper Tauba Auerbach’s pen-and-ink K that East Side lifer: She grew up on East 66th and Madison and now lives matches the “K” tattooed on the wrist of the lady of the house. Wel- only a few blocks away with her husband of eight years, Harry, the Tcome Chez Kargman, where toys, modern art and a fab iTunes library founder and CEO of Kargo, a wireless software company. Her father, blend together in a fantastic—and totally eclectic—domestic mix. Arie Kopelman, the former CEO of Chanel, and her mother, Coco, re- The door knocker may be watching you, but the surveillance stops main close by: “My parents are basically raising my kids with me,” there in 34-year-old novelist Jill Kargman’s four-bedroom family says Kargman, convenience to them being one compelling reason for home, where three mini-Kargmans—Sadie, 6, Ivy, 4, and Fletch, 2—are loving the East 60s, the other being … proximity to Brooklyn? free to roam, climb and jump with impunity by the wood-burning fire- “We go downtown a lot,” says Jill, and the subway is a short block place, around art-choked walls and all over two pristinely white—yes, away. “The one danger of living up here is that I have a lot of friends white—couches. who don’t go downtown, ever. They consider downtown Saks. ‘I’m playground june 2010 55 going downtown—to Saks.’ That’s not my life. I grew up with parents that are very adventur-

Ivy's room. Right, a telling ous—we always went to all five boroughs.” pillow. Below left, an hour- And with her family in tow, Kargman still glass collection, and right, ventures outside of Manhattan every Saturday. the Kargman Family. “We’re basically in our pajamas until 10:30 a.m., then we go to brunch in Williamsburg or Park Slope, and then to the Fairway in Red Hook— which is, in my opinion, the best supermarket in New York City.” Kargman and her home are uptown with a downtown soul, not unlike Eden Clyde, the mom-heroine of Kargman’s newest book, Arm Candy, who after decades as a West Village muse reclaims her freedom at 40 by moving to the Upper East Side. On bookshelves now, it is the fourth novel for Kargman, whose other blockbusters—among them Momzillas, The Right Address and, most recently, The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund—chronicle (and skewer) the foibles of would-be socialites in Manhattan. The appeal of Kargman’s books is how knowledgeably she depicts this world, but it is hard to reconcile her high-maintenance characters with their decidedly low-key—and eccentric—creator. What would a Momzilla think of Kargman’s penchant for skulls and hourglasses, which appear throughout the apartment? (Each of her children received a Michael Belivacqua framed skull upon birth; one hangs above each daughter’s bed.) “I do have that kind of dark side—that’s one thing that’s tricky to reconcile with being a mom. … I’ve always been into vanitas paintings [the Northern European 16th- and 17th-century still lifes] with jewels and riches and art and flowers, but then there’s the skull there to remind you The Kargmans' that you can’t take it with you. Somehow, that favorite hangouts: struck me at a really young age.” the den, here, and the master bed- If her carpe diem philosophy stems from a room, opposite. touch of the macabre, it translates into joy in the Kargman apartment. While the apartment is

56 playground june 2010 My Home

neighborhood Vibe Proximity to Central Park and midtown (plus great subway access) makes the Lenox Hill neighborhood attractive for families and professionals alike, with as many briefcases as diaper bags on the crowded sidewalks. High-end hotels, shopping and restaurants on Fifth and Madi- son give way to comfortable grocery stores, Gaps and Banana Republics on Third Avenue and beyond. Schools P.S. 59 Beekman Hill (K-5), JHS 167 Robert F. Wagner (6-8), York Prep, Browning and Episcopal School . Kargman’s Crib 2,000-square-foot Classic Seven with semi-private elevator landing, den/library and wood-burning fireplace in a prewar doorman co-op. Traditional comforts meet serious Modern Art for a young and fun family home. Jill’s Family Faves in the Hood Serendip- ity, Dylan’s Candy Bar (pictured), Heckscher Playground at Central Park, the MetKids store at the Metropolitan Museum, Via Quadron- no for hot chocolate.

gorgeously chic, it is at the same time a real home, with toys and books she writes between 12:30 and 2 each day (“I can’t be funny after two and juice cups and silly family photos throughout. hours”) in between school drop-offs and pickups. The kiddos each have their own rooms—in Fletch’s hangs Flor Leo- The ultimate New York City girl loves raising kids in her hometown. pold’s American flag made of toy cars—but the real action happens in “There’s constant stimulation. We’re always doing something fun. the brown lacquer, bookshelf-lined den, which was what sealed the Even if we have no plans, just walking down the street, we bump into Kargman’s purchase in 2004. While house hunting, the Kargmans fo- people. It’s such a healthy group-learning experience. The kids’ brains cused on finding a real family room. “Most people in our building use are just going all the time, and the culture is part of the education. In the den as a formal dining room, but we don't formally dine. We love New York, you’re more worldly because it’s so international; you’re plopping in couch-potato mode, and the people not in your little pea pod of homogeneity.” before us had done all the library built-ins. We That’s not to say the Kargmans are out and just decorated and moved in, zero work!” “I do have that about all the time. “We’re very lazy. I can do If you hear music, look no further than the kind of dark side— about one activity. On Tuesday, the girls didn’t master bedroom. “All the dance parties are have school so I took them to the Met for four in my room,” says Jill. “It’s where my iTunes that’s one thing hours. They could have stayed another two y Bar. y are.” With “Hey Mickey” playing on the iMac, hours, but I came down and lay down in an X it doesn’t take long for 2-year old Fletch to start that’s tricky on my bed. I could have died.” A totally differ- grooving down on the canopied master bed- to reconcile with ent kind of X than The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund: In room, holding the mouse of the same name. The this case, X marks the spot for a superfun—and d Can Dylan’s of Courtesy bedroom does double duty as Jill’s office, where being a mom.” stylish—mom.

playground june 2010 57 Time

Sammi wears Paul Frank T- shirt, $20, and Pinc jean shorts to $41.90.

Harry wears Alpha Industries shorts, $44.90, and top, $33.90, and Geox sneakers, $65.

Summer means longerPlay days and more time outdoors. And what better way to celebrate this season than a stylish romp in the playground? Dress your kids for summer fun in these adorable outfits.

photographs by heidi green

58 playground june 2010 Anna wears Roberta Roller Rabbit by Roberta Freyman, top and leggings, $50 each, and her own sandals.

Left, Ellie wears Hala- baloo dress, $72, and Nina sandals, $45.

playground june 2010 59 Ellie wears IT jean shorts, $42, 10 Again top, $29.90, and Crocs sandals, $24.99.

60 playground june 2010 Sammi wears Pinc jean shorts $41.90, and So Nikki white tank top, $15.90, and pink top, $27.90.

Mac wears Roudy Sprout Grateful Dead vintage T-shirt $35.90, Volcom shorts, $32, and Geox sneakers, $65. Navigating Charting the course of parenthood can sometimes feel like a wild ride. Here, some tips to keep you feeling sane. Parenthood From how to manage the freedom of summer months to dealing with the waiting list and more

62 playground june 2010 Lazy Days of Summer

Managing your child's free time.

ith spring in full bloom, New York- world of play is rich in symbolism and promotes and/or books that appear “too easy" for them. er’s can’t help but fantasize about creativity, intellectual growth and early social- This experience promotes both mastery and Wthe approaching warm summer ization skills. Never dismiss your children’s re- self-confidence. Have your child accompany you months. Summertime presents a much-needed quest to play with them, even when you have on an old-fashioned trip to the library. Choose reprieve from the hectic, pressured and excit- heard the words “let’s play” over and over again. your summer reading together and don’t forget ing lives of New York City families. However, Play defines and depicts the magic of the child- to get a book (or two) for yourself. summertime is not as simple as one would hope. hood years. Summertime presents a unique opportunity While summer life offers a temporary vacation Many parents express concern that too for relaxed and extended family time. This ap- from the demands of your child’s school sched- much unstructured playtime will prevent their plies both to the child’s ability to see more of his ule, teacher conferences, play dates, after school child from engaging in the more disciplined or her parents (perhaps during their summer activities, flu shots, ERB tests and strict bedtime and constructive activities of summer, such as vacation time or on a long weekend), and his rituals, it certainly presents its own complexi- day camp or formal preparation for the upcom- or her siblings who may have otherwise been ties and challenges. ing school year. Here, balance and modera- off at school and involved in their own activi- The summer dilemma is best defined by the tion are the key ingredients to healthy summer ties prior to the summer months. Family time ever-present question: What should we do with days. The school-age (nursery is undoubtedly the most im- the children during the free, unstructured days and early elementary school) “Let’s play” is a portant component of a child’s of summer? What will we do without school? child may crave and flourish sense of security, connected- How will the kids keep up and what do they need from the more predictable and very meaningful ness and belonging. Family time to accomplish this summer? New York educa- routine activities provided by communication may involve long-awaited visits tors, psychologists and psychiatrists are flooded day camps, athletic programs, with grandparents and other with such questions. Should we be preparing for music classes, etc. These activi- from any child. extended family members. next year (perhaps tutoring a bit)? Hiring a ten- ties often require the capacity Family time can be kept quite nis coach? Or at least a swim instructor? After to separate. Some children separate from their simple. This applies to families who summer in all, every child has to learn to swim. How about parents with ease; others experience more the city, in the country or both. Try cooking today camp, sleep-away camp or travel? It ap- anxiety and difficulty. Parents need to consider gether (even the inside barbecue will do), enjoy pears that parents feel guilty and uncomfortable how their child separates and makes transitions fresh and colorful summer foods, plant a gar- letting summer be summer. A less-structured to new environments, and how long a day is ap- den, grow vegetables, watch the flowers blos- time filled with play, creative exploration, new propriate for that child. For some children, a som. Remember to count the stars in the sky, friendships, sea shells, sunsets and sometimes half-day of summer camp is just perfect; other have endless ears of corn, try the two-wheeler even sunburns. children clearly need more. One child may ben- again, take a walk on the beach or in the parks, Many parents ask a critical question: How efit from additional athletic activity after camp swim, play in the sand and find your favorite ice much free play time versus structured time is and/or on weekends. Others appear to need a cream parlor. On a rainy Sunday, build Lego’s best for a child during the summer months? To day off from camp (and complete downtime) to the ceiling. These summer memories don’t answer this, each parent must consider both the each week. Some children use their free time seem to fade, but rather become the foundation universal and psychological virtues of play, as to challenge themselves academically (beyond for wonderful stories passed on from genera- well as the individual needs of each child, his or their grade level) and seek enrichment. And tion to generation. her age, stage and character. children with specific learning differences may In this pressure-packed, fast-paced, ever- First and foremost, let's talk about play. Play need to work on academic tasks at home or with changing world, summer provides an oasis is the most important vehicle through which a tutor to prepare for school in the fall. In each from it all. Summer living embraces the magic our children grow and explore themselves and of these situations, it is essential to maintain a of childhood with warmth and excitement. Ex- their world. “Let’s play” is a very meaningful healthy balance. plore with your child, engage in their play, build communication from any child. It is an innocent Summer provides a wonderful time for your that tall sand castle, knock it down if you wish but direct expression of a child’s wish to engage child to read for pleasure. Encourage your chil- and then build it again. Celebrate summer! and connect with others and include them in his dren to read books that they simply enjoy. This —Betsy Schur Levy, Ph.D. or her world of fantasy and imagination. The often includes books that they have read before www.drbetsylevy.com playground june 2010 63 The Waiting Game

Handling those waiting list blues.

y necessity, the New Yorker is a pa- of years myself if we don’t solve the problem by tient species. The wait for a cab after then.” In terms of moving up on the wait list? Ba Knicks game on a rainy Friday night “There’s not a lot a parent can do, which is ex- could kill lesser souls. We know the eternal traordinarily frustrating.” hours before Time Warner shows up or a table However, wait lists will move at public at Babbo becomes available. Some of us have schools. “We understand that for the families of been known to wait an hour for a cupcake. these children this is a time of real anxiety. But And then there is the ultimate in New York rest assured, every child on a wait list will get City waiting: the school admission’s waiting list. an offer for a seat in a local school by the week For the thousands of New York parents whose of May 17th, six weeks earlier than last year and children linger in public- and private-school four months before the start of the school year.” purgatory, the upcoming months may be less a said Jack Zarin-Rosenfeld, spokesperson for the summer break than a summer breakdown. Department of Education. shift; that will come in the middle of June,” said For wait-list movement, “summer is a criti- As for private schools, there’s a reason they Councilwoman Lappin. Nonetheless, as the cal time,” according to Roxanna Reid, director maintain those wait lists: Spaces do open up, Councilwoman notes, “It’s hard to predict how of Smart City Kids, an educational advisory ser- and the schools want to fill those spots. “In many will be offered placements, and not every- vice. We talked to industry every school, even the most one accepts a gifted and talented placement.” insiders about how to win “I think it’s desirable, things do happen the waiting game. over the summer, occasion- Confirm your interest; totally appropriate. ally: Child A’s parents get check desperation at the curb. What recession? There’s no harm relocated to London, or Racked with anxiety? Pick up the phone. Coun- For private schools, “this was Child B’s parents get a re- cilwoman Lappin advises public-school wait- a very competitive year,” says in calling the cord contract in L.A. Things list parents to call: “I think it’s totally appro- Emily Glickman, president of happen,” allows Glickman, priate. There’s no harm in calling the school to Abacus Guide Educational school. I wouldn’t who often works with fami- check in and see if there’s been movement. ... Consulting. “There continue call every day, lies in the financial and en- The parent coordinators at each of the schools to be very affluent people in tertainment industries. are excellent, and I assume would be happy to New York chasing very few but there’s Roxanna Reid, director share what they know.” She adds, “I wouldn’t private school spots at the no harm in of Smart City Kids, an edu- call every day, but there’s no harm in touching top schools.” cational advisory service, base every couple of weeks.” It’s the second year in a touching base.” has seen private schools call When calling private schools, “you want to row that public schools are with last-minute openings be pleasant and you want to be present,” Abacus operating on a wait list. New York City public as late as August: “It’s within reason that it Guide’s Glickman suggests. “You want to make schools have hundreds on their wait lists, in- could happen.” your commitment level known.” If you’re anx- cluding students zoned for the West Side’s P.S. Keep your eye on the calendar: Acceptances iety-stricken, “don’t project that to the admis- 87 and P.S. 199 and the East Side’s P.S. 6, P.S. 183 to Gifted & Talented programs (“G&Ts”), antici- sion directors: You’re confident, you’re happy and P.S. 290. It’s a frustrating situation: “I think pated in June, could make waves on wait lists— and you’ve got your act together. You don’t want people have a right to go to their neighborhood in both private and public schools. “Some people to convey your desperation.” school, and it’s very disappointing people are on who have put down deposits for private-school “You want to treat [admissions contacts] like wait lists,” says Councilwoman Jill Lappin, who programs may be willing to lose that deposit if they’re a friend and try to find a mutuality that represents the 5th District of Manhattan. She their child gets into a desired G&T program in will make you stand out,” offers Brian Kaplan, doesn’t blame those who are anxious. “I would June,” notes Robin Aronow, Ph.D., founder of director of communications at MetSchools, be very upset too. My son is 3, but we live in the School Search NYC. which owns Claremont Prep, further suggesting P.S. 59 school zone, which has a wait list this And in public schools, “as the gifted and tal- that parents offer to sign a document commit-

year, so I will be wringing my hands in a couple ented assignments go out, there will be a big ting their kids to attending the private school N YC Carbon

64 playground june 2010 Young Collectors if admitted. “The more you follow up and the more you show you want to be part of the com- A parent’s guide to buying art munity, the better your chances are.” Reid adds, “Manage the expectation of the phone call. Ask, ‘Is it okay if I call you back in two weeks, two months? When is the best time wouldn’t classify myself as a true art “If you’re buying a brand-new work of art, it to call you back so that we can identify the best “collector.” The term conjures up im- is typically in pristine shape,” Schwartz says. time for movement?’” Iages of worldly, international jet-setters “If you’re buying on the secondary market, It really can pay to be in touch as much as with unlimited budgets, not moms like me beware of stains, tears, fading and trimmed possible. “Some schools maintain their wait lists with a few prints and photos hanging above margins, because all those factors will affect through September; others officially close them piles of toy dinosaurs, scattered puzzle pieces the value of the print.” in late spring,” says Aronow. “Then it’s kind of and half-dressed dolls. However, I have pur- open game again. I have found that sometimes chased a couple pieces over the past five years. Shop around. “The more looking you do, the it’s the person that happens to be on the phone I didn’t set out to do it consciously; I just found more sophisticated and knowledgeable you at the same time someone else has just dropped a few things I loved and bought them. Was that become about the quality and prices of art,” out. If his or her child fits the profile, that child the “right” way to do it? What should I keep Schwartz says. might get the spot.” With persistence, timing in mind going forward? And will my toddler Schwartz suggests going to the Met and just might be on your side. twins eventually destroy all of it? I decided to MoMA to hone your tastes. consult some experts. When to Pull Out all the Stops. Consider prints and photographs. They’re a For private-school waiters, if there was ever Look for quality and value. When shopping great entry point to the art market and aren’t a time to call in the big guns, that time is now. for art, find out as much as you can about the as prohibitively expensive as other works, like “If you have any connections at the school, they piece. Sometimes only industry experts, like oil paintings. Goulding notes that smaller edi- should be going to bat for you,” Glickman says. gallery dealers or art consultants, have this tions, like a set of 10 prints, tend to hold their No big names in your BlackBerry? Don’t despair. kind of information or know exactly what to value better than larger editions in the hun- One connection that parents may have is their look for. dreds, but can be more expensive. own nursery school. “They can help assess if the Alexandra Schwartz, director of Pace Still, she says, “there’s a lot you can do for wait list is really viable for families,” says Reid. Master Prints, knows that condition matters. under $5,000.” Have your nursery school’s leaders reach out to your wait-list school to determine how realistic Massimo Vitali, your chances are. Cefalù Nonna, Sicily, But for public schools, resist trying to have 2008, part of the connections call on your behalf. “Sometimes author’s collection. that can backfire,” notes Councilwoman Lappin. “I have been assured that this has all been done by a lottery system. I don’t think it could help, and I think if you had somebody trying to twist arms, it could only hurt your standing. ” And, at some point, give up. When all else fails, relax and take stock of things. No matter how disappointed you may be, it’s important that your child be excited about the year to come. The good news? “Even people who are very disappointed generally are feeling pretty good about the school by the end of the first year,” notes Aronow. So take a deep breath, log off urbanbaby.com and take your kid for a cupcake (just go early to avoid the wait).

b i Gallery the Bonni Benru and artist the of courtesy —Rebecca Morse.

playground june 2010 65 Field Trip to the Met

Make an investment in your love of the piece. Take a trip to one of New York City's greatest assets: “Art can turn out to be an investment,” Schwartz Our guide to a child-friendly visit to the Met says. “But you can’t go into it that way. Tastes I SPY Interactive they can locate his paintings with a balle- change, an artist’s work changes. Buy what you games like “I Spy” rina theme. Discuss the difference between love because you’re investing in your enjoyment, aren’t just for road painting and sculpture. Explain how Degas not because the artist is hot or because someone trips. Take your was an artist who worked in several mediums, told you to buy it.” little one to the but that he never showed his sculptures to Goulding agrees: “First and foremost, art African Art gallery anyone. should be considered for its art historical and and go on an “I SIZE IT UP In a period room from Versailles, aesthetic quality. The market for great art al- Spy” safari. Start with something they love like have the kids find the biggest chair and then ways follows.” elephants and say, “I spy an elephant,” and ask the smallest chair. Explain how the most im- Really you have to buy what appeals to you. your child to search the room until they find portant person would sit in the big chair and it. While you’re looking together take the time As a good friend with two young children just the least important in the small chair. to mention fun facts about elephants, like the told me, “I went to a gallery recently and the For older children, a discussion of size in fact that their tusks are made from ivory. Then artist was there explaining all the details and a work of art could lead to talk of how art- later you can point out art made from the ivory motivations of his various works. And all I was ists use size in creating perspective (objects of an elephant's tusk. thinking was, ‘I just need something that looks further away appear smaller, objects closer up good over the couch.’” COUNT ME IN Counting is a great way to appear bigger). keep kids involved and on their toes and the SHAPES AND COLORS Head over to the Modern Oceanic art galleries are a great place to start. Galleries. In front of an Ellsworth Kelly instal- “Buy what you love This exhibit is filled with sculptures portraying lation of different-colored canvases, give each gods, spirits, ancestors and other supernatu- because you’re child a piece of colored construction paper, ral beings. Have your child count how many and ask them to stand in front of the canvas figures they can find in a grouping of wood investing in your that is painted the same color as his/her sculptures. enjoyment, not be- paper. Once the child has made the match, FIND A THEME Some artists, like Degas, took he/she can trade in the color for another. cause the artist is an interest in a specific subject matter—in his STRIKE A POSE case ballerinas. Take your child to the Impres- In front of a Japanese Buddhist altar, have the hot or someone told sionist galleries to see Degas’ ballerinas. kids sit like the Buddha. Talk about what the Explain that he was also a painter and see if you to buy it.” pose and hand gesture means in this culture.

Start early. Many fellow parents have purchased art specifically for their children’s nurseries and bedrooms. Schwartz cites stud- Protect your investment … from your kids. If your kids do add their own flourishes to ies showing that very young children respond Art should be hung high on the wall. Works on your art (as I did at age 5 by scratching my name to black and white; older children respond paper should also always be framed behind glass into my mother’s Friedel Dzubas), call Elizabeth to color. Figurative is great, she adds, but ab- or plexiglass. Keep all of it out of reach as much Estabrook at Amann + Estabrook Conservation stract art is also wonderful for children. She as possible. “Work that has been conserved is Associates. recommends artists such as Donald Baechler, generally less valuable,” Goulding warns. “We worked on one painting for eight months Jim Dine, Wayne Thiebaud, Claes Oldenburg, She advises parents to establish boundaries that a child had drawn on, but the results were Kiki Smith, Sol LeWitt and Ryan McGinness. within the home for where kids can go. (Easier not satisfactory,” Estabrook says. “It couldn’t be Goulding adds that Jeff Koons prints and said than done.) Goulding herself owns a 4-by- remedied.” But Estabrook says she usually has Christopher Wool skateboards are perfect for 6-foot Guyton/Walker silkscreen on drywall better luck. kids’ rooms. that leans against the wall and can easily tip I’m definitely rethinking where I’ve placed “If you like it, your children will react to it,” over. Her baby, Miles, “will never be allowed my prints and photos. Yes, my twins might de- says Schwartz. “Buy great, fun things that will near there!” crease the value of my art by adding their own endure, not just cutesy things for the nursery. Schwartz adds, “Prints are glazed and have special touches one day. But they’ve increased Exposing your kids to art at home, in museums, plexiglass on them, so the artwork is protected. the value of my life immeasurably. I think it’s or at galleries is a life-enhancing gift that they’ll Besides, I always found that my children wrote well worth the risk. I’m headed to the Armory.

enjoy for the rest of their lives.” on the walls, not the artwork.” —Zibby Right art of museum metropolitan of courtesy

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Family Day Trips

It’s the weekend, and you’re not in the Hamptons. There’s nothing on the calendar, and you might just lose your mind if the kids keep saying there isn’t anything to do. The solution? A quick and easy, kid-tested and parent-approved day trip out of the city, easily accessible by car or public transport. Best of all, with these picks you’ll have as much fun Perfectas the kids. By Josh Helmin

A mini Versailles & Louvre, right in your backyard. One of the nation’s largest suburban museums is just 40 minutes east of the city. (Wave to Jennifer Lopez and family, who live nearby, as you drive in.) The Nassau County Museum of Art houses a first-rate art collection in a resplendent mansion and boasts more than 145 acres of unspoiled grounds, perfect for family exploration. Catch a kid- friendly gallery talk and tour Sundays at 1 p.m., followed by an art activity for all. Outside you can follow marked walking trails, wander through lush gardens—some fastidiously restored to historical 1920s design—and discover sculptures spread throughout the acres. One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, N.Y., 516-484-9337; nassaumuseum.com playground june 2010 1 69 Eat like an Obama. Michelle Obama made headlines when she planted a garden at the White House and fed her family with garden-fresh ingredients. Take a cue from Michelle and head to Stone Barns, an upstate farm (affiliated with the Rockefeller family) where your family can harvest fresh ingredients, turn it into a simple cooked snack with the staff and learn about how food goes from farm to table. You can help the Stone Barns team collect eggs, do some gardening or even shear sheep. Take a stroll on the woodland trails and check out animals grazing in fresh pastures and farmers planting and harvesting crops. Food, served with a side of education, has never been this delicious. 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, N.Y., 914-366- 6200; stonebarnscenter.org. 2

Modern Art for all. If you’re thinking that a Modern Art museum might not be much fun for kids, perhaps you haven’t been to the Dia:Beacon. The 240,000-square-foot museum, formerly a Nabisco factory, feels like a giant, welcoming Soho loft. The decidedly unfussy art, bathed in acres of natural light and underscored by blond hardwood floors, is a collection accessible to visi- tors of all ages. A big hit among the younger set is the work of Richard Serra, composed of giant, walk-through sculptures nearly the size of a tanker’s hull that shift and move space in unexpected ways as you venture into them. When you’re done exploring the art, check out the adorable, newly flourishing Main Street just up the hill. 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, N.Y., 845-440-0100;

diabeacon.org moran michael 70 3 playground june 2010 2

Hands-on: art in the great outdoors. Central Park is great, but if you’re ready for even more unspoiled acres of nature close to home, look no further than Wave Hill, only a train ride away in the Bronx. On weekends you’ll find free art activities for the whole Exclusive US Distribution BY family (sculpting clay into kiln-cooked flowers, for example, or drawing classes for any skill level). While away the afternoon wandering around the gardens, Country Gear Ltd. strolling through the woods and, in the kid-favorite 2408 Main Street, bridgehampton, ny 11932 631.537.1032 aquatic garden, peering at the koi and frogs. West 249th Street & Independence Avenue, the Bronx, N.Y., 718-549- www.countrygearltd.com

joshua bright; Mick H ales Mick bright; joshua 3200; wavehill.org playground june 2010 4 71 All aboard for the train-obsessed. If your kids can’t get enough trains, there’s no place cooler to visit than the Railroad Museum of New England. An extensive, beautifully maintained collection of locomotives is on display, including passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses, from the 1840s onward. Hop on the Naugatuck Railroad right at the museum for a 75-minute train ride along the river, through the Mat- tatuck Forest, up along rock cliffs and past the historic brass mills of Waterville. You can even sit in the seat on the train where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed scenes for the movie Revolutionary Road. For train lovers of all ages, it’s an unforgettable visit. 242 East Main Street Thomaston, Conn., 860-283-7245; rmne.org

Picnic among world-famous sculpture. On the grounds of PepsiCo headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., is one of the best (and least overpopulated) sculpture gardens in the Northeast. Bring your picnic basket and a blanket to the Kendall Sculpture Gardens and stroll the 168 acres of winding, manicured5 lawns, punctuated with more than four dozen large sculptures from world-famous artists (including Monsieur Rodin). You’ll have the place mostly to yourself, and the kids can run free without worry. 700 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, N.Y. Sore? Want to enjoy your

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To celebrate Mother’s Day and raise awareness of (RED), Bugaboo teamed up with supermodel and mother of three Natalia Vodianova and world- renowned photographer Mary McCartney (one of Sir Paul McCartney’s talented daughters) to create this artistic representation of the children that have been helped through the partnership between the two entities. The new (BUGABOO) RED campaign launches Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010, to raise awareness and help generate funds for the Global Fund, an international organization dedicated to combating AIDS in Africa.

74 playground june 2010 OPENING THIS FALL

The World Class Learning Academy New York

he World Class Learning Academy New ing, quality of the work, and how far ahead our stu- piece of paper,” says Northey. York, opening this fall, features an inter- dents are” says Ann McPhee, Vice President of U.S. Classroom activities are also very hands-on, so that nationally renowned curriculum to help Operations and Director of Education for the WCL students have the chance to really “live” the curriculum. students reach their full potential Group. “We track the progress of our students and Quite often teachers assume that they imparted the Most educational curriculums still re- evaluate their outcomes comparative to students in knowledge, and therefore the student learned. It doesn’t Tvolve around traditional teaching methods that don’t schools in the U.K. and U.S. so we know our students work like that.” always work for every student. Children who process are succeeding for both their age and ability. Gradu- Ultimately, says Northey, “The IPC was written for information differently, require extra help along ates of our schools regularly go on to Ivy League and the sole purpose of giving children ownership over their the way, or simply are ahead of their classmates prestigious universities around the world.” learning. That’s how we’ve found children learn best.” don’t get the individualized attention they deserve. Something else that makes the IPC distinct is its Increasingly, schools are offering more personalized focus on globalized learning. Its goal is to teach students curriculums that address each child’s unique learning understanding, respect, and knowledge of other cultures style, and a proven leader in this field is World Class The IPC was written for and beliefs around the world. It makes the World Class Learning Group (WCL Group). Learning Academy a compelling choice for students Known for highly-regarded schools the WCL the sole purpose of giving who will go on to work and live in a very international, Group will open its first school in the city this fall—the children ownership over their ever-changing, 21st century world. “In this world, chil- World Class Learning Academy, New York, located in dren are going to need to be adaptable, to communicate the heart of the East Village.“We are extremely pas- learning. That’s how we’ve well, to be cooperative, to have respect, to be thought- sionate about learning,” says Emma Northey, Head ful,” says Northey. “Any school can say they want that for of Primary Learning at the British School of Boston, found children learn best. their students, but realistically, are they equipping the one of its sister schools. “We believe very strongly students with these skills? Our curriculum does.” that one size does not fit all, and therefore in order As much as it will offer an education with a worldwide for a child to learn and succeed, they need to have a So what does the IPC look like? For one thing, you perspective, the World Class Learning Academy will also tailored program that teaches to the child and not to won’t typically see a teacher standing in front of a class- have a deep focus on its home city, Manhattan, using the class.” room lecturing a group of students. At the World Class the city as an extension of the classroom, drawing on What makes the WCL Group’s approach stand Learning Academy, New York, educators will adapt the the city’s art, culture and history to enhance the learning apart from other schools is that it’s rooted in some- resources or media they are using so that every child is that takes place inside the school. thing quite tangible: the International Primary Cur- able to access the curriculum. For families looking for a school for this fall or in the riculum (IPC). Created and developed 25 years ago Additionally, teachers cater to each child’s ability coming years, World Class Learning Academy New York by a branch of the WCL Group called Fieldwork, the level, so that in any given classroom, some students are most definitely provides a unique option. Families get the IPC is taught at all of the WCL Group schools, includ- working at a beginner’s level while others are working on best of both worlds: the energy, new facilities and fresh ing the British Schools of America, based in Boston, more advanced assignments. approach that come with a new school combined with Charlotte, Chicago, Houston and Washington, DC And students play an active role in deciding how they the impressive track record of the WCL Group. (the New York school will be the latest addition). The learn best. “For instance, if a child is presenting their IPC is also taught in 900 schools around the world. knowledge or skill, they may be happier doing it with a To learn more about the World Class Learning “[People are] very taken by the focus on the learn- Power Point presentation or through role play or on a Academy, New York, visit www.wclacademy.org. Playground Gallery

Two attended lobbies, ANTIQUE & VINTAGE BABIES is a visually fitness room and WOODS OF AMERICA stunning and joyful new locked elevator access, We offer one of the most film that simultaneously 40 Central Park respected and diverse follows four diverse babies South homes are inventories of reclaimed Antique & Vintage from around the world on spacious, harkening and recycled wood in Woods of America an epic adventure - from back to a time when New York City floor plans America. Dedicated to first breath to first steps. were majestic. Generous terraces and Juliet the Green Earth Concept, our major goal is to salvage BABIES captures on film balconies, elegant foyers, en suite bathrooms, and reclaim old wood and incorporate it into new the earliest stages of the separate bedroom wings and discrete service and restorative construction. Our antique flooring journey of humanity that entrances define these residences. The kitchens products and beams come from salvaged barns and are at once unique and and bathrooms are fitted with the latest appliances gristmills. Our vintage flooring products come from universal to us all. USA and finishes, and the seasoned staff pays close managed forests or from fallen trees over 100 years Today raves, “If you were enraptured by ‘March of attention to all of your personal needs. old. Our vintage line has widths over 36 inches. We the Penguins’, wait until you see ‘BABIES’.” have 2 million board feet in inventory and can do large commercial projects as well as smaller ones. High end consulting services are available for all of your 40 Central Park South New York NY 10019 specialty wood needs. 212.750.1600 2290 Route 199, Pine Plains, NY 12567 Premiering in theaters everywhere May 7th, www.essentialnewyork.com 518-398-0049, [email protected] Mother’s Day Weekend.

The Beacon is an historic art deco Bilingual Buds is a unique Bowlmor Lanes, landmark in Jersey City, NJ featuring luxury Mandarin immersion school for New York City’s renowned condominium residences and onsite retail. children ages 1-10. The first school bowling alley since 1938, is More than 550 residents already live in of its kind in New Jersey and now proud to present Carnival. The Beacon, including many with children. Manhattan, Bilingual Buds offers Located on the 5th floor Developer Metrovest Equities recently a strong language arts and math of Bowlmor, Carnival is unveiled Mercury Lofts, a 17-story building curriculum, as well as science, a 16,000 square foot offering 25 half- and full-floor lofts ranging from 2,994 to culture, music and art in both wonderland of amusement featuring boardwalk style 6,665 square-feet. The lofts, some of which have huge Mandarin and English. Class sizes are small and games, live performers, classic carnival food favorites outdoor terraces and spectacular Manhattan views, are teaching is hands-on and interactive. Bilingual Buds’ and much more. We’ve brought the excitement of introductory-priced from $925,000. Residents enjoy extensive list of programs include full and half-day Coney Island indoors with face painters, balloon 45,000 square feet of private amenities, while BeKids at preschool (ages 2∏-5), kindergarten, afterschool artists, magicians, over a dozen games and fabulous The Beacon, a ten-story, 66,000 square-foot children’s classes for children ages 5-10, and Mommy & Me for prizes! Throw your child a birthday party they will destination, will offer a variety of activities for kids of all ages. ages 1-4. The school’s summer camp program takes never forget, or bring the family and join us every There’s also valet parking, shuttle service to PATH trains place in New York and Beijing, China. Bilingual Buds Saturday from 12pm to 6pm. Also available for Private and ferries to Manhattan, a private two-acre lawn featuring is currently enrolling for summer and fall 2010. Parties and Special Events. an organic community garden, outdoor children’s play area, jogging and exercise areas and a dog run. 175 Riverside Blvd at 68th Street, For more information call 201-716-3000 or visit NY, NY 10069 212-787-8088 Call 212-255-8188 or log on to CarnivalNYC.com www.thebeaconjc.com. www.bilingualbudsnyc.com for more information.

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76 playground june 2010 Playground Gallery

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The Inn At Pocono Jazz at Lincoln Center, Kinneret Day School Manor- a 3,000-acre resort under the artistic direction of provides an early childhood is your getaway for family, golf Wynton Marsalis, is dedicated to education to 3-, 4-, and 5-year- groups and romantic getaways. inspiring and growing audiences olds in a loving and stimulating Our rich tradition of hospitality for jazz. The world-renowned environment. We help our insures your expectations are not institution’s Jazz for Young children gain self-confidence only met, but exceeded. Many of People family concert series feel at ease in social settings and our packages include a generous engages children and adults alike, with popular develop a love for learning. Our breakfast and dinner, and our numerous leisure hosts including Wynton Marsalis, Ted Nash, and children are introduced to song, activities include golf, horseback riding, indoor and Sean Jones. Tickets are on sale now for the final dance, music and art, Hebrew and Jewish holidays outdoor swimming pools and state-of-the-art spa. concert on June 5 with Matt Wilson. Subscribe now and customs. The Inn At Pocono Manor sports offers fishing, clay to get the best seats at the best price for the 2010-11 The children have multi social and educational shooting and more. Our location is convenient to season. experiences all day long and work in both small the area’s famous activities and is less than 2 hours groups, one on one, and with the entire class. from New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Located in Riverdale Kinneret is minutes away from the city. Transportation provided.

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About MAM Manhattan House, the Founded in iconic landmarked luxury Vienna, Austria residential condominium, in 1976, MAM has been impeccably re- is a leader Mathnasium makes math fun!!! engineered by O’Connor in providing Mathnasium offers tutoring and enrichment Capital Partners and offers spacious one- to five- families with programs exclusively in math in your home bedroom residences for immediate occupancy. industry or at our center. We help students in grades Residents enjoy the 10,000-square-foot rooftop leading baby care products, essential for a child’s PreK-12 build a solid math foundation while level featuring the Manhattan Club and exhale® early years. A trusted brand for over twenty-five developing confidence and a love for math. Your spa, the brand’s first residential spa in New York years, MAM is sold in over thirty countries and five child will receive both homework guidance and City. Set within one of Manhattan’s largest private continents. MAM has strived to be on the cutting a customized program that fills in skill gaps and residential gardens, Manhattan House also features edge of technology, lifestyle and modern design, builds number sense. a Roto Studio-designed children’s playroom and while upholding industry leading quality control and WARNING: Your child could become CRAZY about exhale® fitness center, as well as full-time doormen, testing standards. Math!!! five-star concierge services, porte-cochere entrances and on-site garage and valet service. For more information about MAM and 1597 York Avenue (b/t 84th & 85th) 200 East 66th Street MAM products, please visit us at mathnasium.com/manhattan W: www.manhattanhouse.com www.mambaby.com 212-828-MATH (6284) P: 212 566 0660, E: info: manhattanhouse.com

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A Conspiracy of Fun The Pavilion Located at 500 Whether we are sewing East 77th St., the historic Pavilion custom gifts for friends, silk- offers the best of luxury rental screening designs on t-shirts living today. The Pavilion’s one-, or illustrating our latest two- and three-bedroom homes Classic and timeless, Pippen Alley creates loveable character: We are are built with growing families highly personalized stationery products perfect to all about one thing –– fun! in mind, boasting Glenwood’s share with new parents, children and friends and, We have been creating smiles all over the globe for signature finishes, generous sometimes to give to yourself. Our whimsical yet ten years through our most recognized character, proportions and timeless sophistication. Just steps sophisticated designs are on art-quality paper and Julius. Combine all that with our brightly colored, mid- from John Jay Park and the City’s finest schools, have a hand-made feel. If you are feeling creative, centruy inspired vision and you’ve got Paul Frank residents also benefit from Glenwood’s full-service select from our charming, fun motifs to create Industries. amenities including landscaped rooftop sundecks, something unique. Mix and match from our selection available valet and maid service and on-site of motifs, color and fonts and add your own message shopping. to create something truly special.

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78 playground june 2010 Playground Gallery

Rent Maternity Located in the Wear company’s We rent gorgeous corporate SLATE maternity dresses world bought directly from top headquarters, maternity wear a landmark SLATE, one of New York’s only venues with private and designers such as building in the heart of SoHo, New York, The semiprivate reception spaces; featuring 16,000 square Christian Siriano, winner Scholastic Store is a unique space that elicits feet of sleek décor over 2 floors, accommodating of Project Runway, Olian gasps and giggles from even the most sophisticated parties of 10 to 1200 guests. Slate provides on-site

Maternity, and Maternal shoppers.www.scholastic.com/store We offer the latest products for kids of catering of sumptuous modern American cuisine, America. all ages, including books, toys, plush, puzzles, audio activities such as billiards, ping pong and foosball, state- We have the perfect books, CD-ROMs, videos, games, and the best of-the-art surround sound and audiovisual capabilities maternity dress for interactive books from Klutz. Little ones can also as well as a spacious dance floor. Slate is ideal for all every event on your social calendar – be it a holiday celebrate their birthday in our activity Loft! of your special and private events including corporate party, wedding, baby shower, cocktail party, or parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahís, fashion shows, birthday dinner out – without the investment of buying! parties, film shoots, meetings/seminars, rehearsal Come see our Collection today. Only available The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway (between dinners and receptions. The possibilities are endless! online. Prince and Spring), New York, NY 10012. 212- 54 West 21st Street, 343-6166. TheScholasticStore@scholastic. Between 5th and 6th Avenues, NYC www.RentMaternityWear.com com. www.scholastic.com/sohostore www.slate-ny.com - 212.989.0096 [email protected]

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UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Summer Program was created to provide Reserve Space Now recreational, academic and enrichment activities for children between the ages of 4 and 14, in a friendly and supportive environment that fosters friendship, For the August 25th develops sportsmanship and is nurturing in spirit. The program offers a unique composition of student and Issue of Observer Playground professional faculty.

For advertising information contact Betty Lederman, Associate Publisher, Observer Playground

www.unis. 212.407.9359 [email protected] 212-584-3083 Email: [email protected] playground june 2010 79 Mom’s Minute

Jeweler Mimi So’s creations are both wearable and glamorous and on the arms of some of New York’s most fabulous moms. The suc- cessful jeweler and mother of three shares some of her pearls of wisdom.

How do you juggle work and family? You just do! 100 percent family, 100 percent work. When you love both you make it work for you.

What lesson from parenting have you incorporated into you work? Patience and time.

What’s the best advice you’ve given your child? Eat all the ice cream you want now because you can get away with it.

What’s your favorite family moment everyday? Dinnertime—this is when we get to ask each other about our days.

What’s the best part of raising a child in New York? Once you step out of your apartment, the entire city is our backyard. It’s eclectic and a huge melting pot of many cultures, art, fashion and history.

What’s the worst part of raising a child in New York? Once you are exposed to this great city, it’s difficult to be anywhere else that’s not as active or convenient and colorful.

What’s your guilty parenting pleasure? Staying up late with the kids past their bedtime—breaking the rules. … Yes, I’m the softy one.

80 playground june 2010 nine local golf courses full scale aquarium private swimming pool tons of shopping

private tennis courts over thirty wineries ﬁ ne dining

day spas beautiful beaches neighboring farm stands

hiking trails local riding stables

Are you looking for a second home? There is something for everyone here at The Highlands Club. Nestled on Long Island’s North Fork just 90 mins from Manhattan, sits this unique private community with luxury homes starting at $499,900. Seeing is believing, come visit us at 4681 Sound Ave, Aquebogue, NY 11931. Models open 6 days 11-5 Wednesday by appointment. 631.722.5900. To request additional information email us at [email protected]

From the Eclipse Collection: Pendant, ring and hoop earrings in 18k rose gold with brilliant-cut cinnamon pavé diamonds. Ring $ 8,995 Earrings $ 6,755 Pendant with La Catena necklace $ 11,275