Entrepreneur and creator of all things fabulously unique, Tracy Stern presents her newest venture, Skateboard Studio.

May 2015, New York, New York. Skateboard Studio is a collection of artfully designed skateboards inspired by color, art, pop culture,movies,nature and music. Tracy has been fascinated by the artwork and color of skateboards since gradeschool when she became the first female freestyler in her neighborhood.

Not just for the streets, skateboard decks are highly collectible today. “Famous artists like Warhol, Basquait & Damien Hirst are my first collectible skate decks” says Stern. With names like Super Tramp Lava Lamp, Boogie Nights, Studio 54, Peep Show, Spiritual Skater and Film Noir, one can imagine these decks will become collectibles as well.

As if Tracy’s designs weren’t unique enough, she’s enlisted the infamous artist Randy Polumbo to create a limited edition series of boards featuring his inspiring work Lovestream. “Randy’s work (sculpture), his imagination, his mind and his heart, are what made this collaboration a must” says Stern. “I’m inspired by his use of colored glass and beautiful shapes. It’s magical and transports us all to a different planet and takes me to my own garden of Eden.”

As a successful entrepreneur Tracy has cultivated several brands to international status and has appeared in countless international magazines and TV such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and 0, The Oprah Magazine. Tracy writes several national columns on decor trends and entertainment pieces. She received an associate degree from the New York School of Design as well as Received BFA in painting at the University of Tampa. Tracy currently resides in New York City.

Randy’s work has been featured internationally at venues such as Art Basel/Miami Beach and Burning Man, Crocker Art Museum and Museum of Sex, NY. He has been reviewed in the New York Times, New York Magazine, and Art Daily to name a few. Current studio projects include a large penthouse residence turned art installation designed and built from Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratory salvage and extensive plants (hydroponic gardens, plant walls, a green roof, and a food garden.) Randy lives and works in New York City and is a graduate of The Cooper Union School of Art.

The boards can be purchased online at www.sk8studio.com. Retail price is $95.00 and $250.00 for Randy’s limited edition versions. T-shirts and matching Adidas are available for purchase as well. Tracy can be seen sporting her gear as she skates through Central Park. And when the summer comes to an end, your board will find a perfect place on the wall as a conversation piece like no other.

Photos by BFA.

On a gorgeous afternoon in historic Murray Hill at Villa Berulia, I sat down with award winning television producer, Jeff Devlin…to discuss the wonderful joys of Fatherhood. Riding horses and the love of horses are a family pastime and Jeff serves on the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors of the United States Equestrian team. He is also a senior TV Executive with Ride TV, the first and only 24-hour, high definition cable television network and website dedicated to the horse culture and lifestyle. My children are avid equestrians so it was wonderful to share stories of eventing, trainers, and the unconditional love one has for his/her horse.

Jeff has won over 60 awards in his industry and is considered a star, however he is very modest when the talk turns to himself….focusing primarily on the love and support he has for his four children. Being a good Father, spending time with your children and listening are essential for Jeff….we couldn’t agree more!

We here at Old Fashioned Mom are proud to introduce Jeff Devlin as our 3rd Celebrity Father!

1. How would you describe yourself?

First and foremost I consider myself ‘Dad’. I’m that loyal and dedicated knucklehead dad, like Chevy Chase playing Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation. By profession, I’m a TV Producer and do try to pursue creative excellence in all aspects of my professional life. I’ve worked hard my entire life, and am blessed with a strong work ethic I inherited from my artist/writer parents. I’ve served on many public and philanthropic boards, but consider fatherhood my biggest accomplishment.

2. Can you tell us about your children?

I am blessed. I have four amazing successful kids. My son Matthew is a Wall Street guy, turned stay at home Dad to his two young boys, Jack and Lucas. His beautiful wife Nina is a globe trotting, senior pharmaceutical executive, and they made the smart decision that one parent would stay home.

My beautiful daughter Elizabeth is a research scientist working in medical research and truly important life saving stuff. ‘Lizzy’ has two awesome small children, Thatcher and Kathryn. Lizzy is a remarkable wife, mom, sister who seemingly makes it all look easy. I’ve always been in awe of how she balances her busy life with such grace.

My daughter Hayley followed my footsteps into the media world. Hayley works at famed ad agency, BBDO where she is the Account Director, on Guinness and Johnson & Johnson. Hayley is engaged to a talented young attorney, who we adore. Since early childhood, Hayley James, as I call her, has been a passionate equestrian. She has won many events, including a state championship. She recently adopted a thoroughbred off the track, and working diligently to rescue horses that desperately need safe havens.

My youngest daughter Annabelle, recently graduated from SMU’s prestigious Cox School of Business. She landed a terrific job in the marketing department of the movie business company, Deluxe. Annabelle is blessed with beauty on the inside and outside. She is smart, caring, and cherished by all that know her. Like all my children, Annabelle has always been a pride filled joy to me.

3. What do you love most of being a father?

I love being Dad because it is such a privilege to invest in my children. The fact that God would entrust these 4 impressionable children to me is a daunting and humbling responsibility. I love watching my children learn to be gracious, be kind, and how to take care for one another. Being Dad (or Mom) is the most important thing you’ll do in your life. Your parenting skills will impact generations of children to come. If you fail at this, you fail at everything.

4. What valuable lessons did you learn from your parents?

If I mess up in life, I can’t blame my parents. I had a awesome childhood. My parents, Harry and Wende Devlin were amazing people. They met at Syracuse University, fell in love, raised seven children in Mountainside, New Jersey, became famous artists and writers of 27 classic children’s books. They were always home, and beloved by all.

5. What advice would you give today’s generation of Fathers?

Be there! Show up! Be involved in all ages and stages of your child’s life. Read to your children every night for thirty minutes. We must love our children unconditionally, and they must know it. And make your home a fun place to be, and have a great sense of humor, the kids will love it. I know my kids have healthy humor in there lives because they always are making fun of Dad. And that’s fine with me, as I see it as a sign of love.

By Melissa Levis – Family Inn Keeper

The Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont is a majestic 30-acre hilltop estate that is a fabulous four-season destination for families. My family has run the inn for nearly 30 years and as we sing in our Wilburton Inn theme song we didn’t buy it to run it like a Hyatt. The Wilburton is an extension our family’s genuine passion for hospitality, creativity, beauty, healthy living and the gift of time to unwind with family and friends in the mountains.

Wilburton Inn

My mother was the inspiration for Madeline Kahn’s Tony Award winning role, Gorgeous in The Sisters Rosensweig that was written by her sister, Wendy Wasserstein. When mom suddenly passed away last year, my brother and I came home to run the inn with our father. With our Downton Abbey Parties farm to table dinners destination weddings and huge family celebrations the inn shines brighter than ever as a tribute to her. Our Cavalier King Charles puppy, Jetson, who was named for mom loves to welcome children and other dogs to our inn too!

Farm to Table Dinners at The Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton is a private 30-acre resort that features two historic mansions, eight large vacation villas, a farm, museum, pool, tennis court, sculpture garden and restaurant. We can accommodate up to 125 overnight guests in a range of accommodations from individual guest rooms to our five, six, seven and eight bedroom homes to our fourteen-bedroom Battenkill Valley Mansion that sleeps 34 guests under one room! With the perks of an inn and the privacy of a home, the Wilburton is the perfect place to host girl’s weekends, 40th birthdays, 50th anniversaries, and all the big milestones of life. Guests truly feel like the king and queen of the castle when they rent out our homes and mansions as their private country getaway.

The Grand Living Room at The Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton Inn is located in Manchester, Vermont which is only 4 hours from Manhattan and 3 and a half hours from Boston. It is such a charming, quintessential New England town that it was profiled in the New York Times Summer is the perfect time to visit because there is zip lining at Bromley Mountain for the kids, fly fishing at Orvis, hiking, golf and antique car shows for the dads, antiquing, theatre, concerts, farmers markets, and designer outlet shopping for the ladies, and the six-week long Vermont Summer Horse Festival that is fun for the whole family. The Inn is also a wonderful base for day trips to Williamstown, Massachusetts, Saratoga and Lake George, New York and Shelburne, Vermont.

Lovely Fireplace at The Wilburton Inn

Guests can also enjoy the unique talents of my family. Families can enjoy planting, harvesting, and baking workshops with my brother Oliver at his nearby Earth Sky Time organic farm and bakery. My sister who is currently writing the musical adaptation of Green Acres for Broadway, hosts Murder Mystery Weekends each year. Guests have so much fun dressing up and figuring out who-done-it as they traipse through the mansion. My Harvard scholar brother Max and my psychiatrist father Albert offer workshops on the nexus between creativity, psychology, religion and wellness at our Museum of the Creative Process. And I lead Moey’s Music Party concerts and family sing-alongs during the holidays. The Wilburton is truly a magical setting for the vacation of a lifetime.

“To all the Mothers in the World….I wish you the grandest Mothers Day, filled with love and happiness.”
xo, Michelle-Marie Heinemann

Angels Are Mothers

There are Angels God puts on this Earth
Who care for us and guide us.
You can feel their love and gentleness
as they walk through life beside us.

They do great things for us every day
they whisper in our ears,
they even hold us in their hearts
when we are filled with all our fears.

They are always there to give a hug
and try to make us smile.
They treat us with respect and love,
they treat us like their child.

God blessed me with an Angel,
I’m proud to call my own.
She’s been with me throughout my
life, been with me as I’ve grown.

She’s guided me the best she can,
she’s taught me like no other,
and I’m thankful I’m the lucky one

Poem by Kathleen J. Shields

Children love to be silly and laugh….and quite honestly I do too. Jump on the bed, play hide and seek, have a water balloon fight. We try so hard to be perfect parents most of the time, once and a while its good to let that go and get a little rambunctious. We actually have a game we like to play called the “laughing game” the person who is “it” has to make the other people laugh….nothing is off limits and it gets somewhat crazy at times….but we laugh hysterically, and it is fun!!!

Create your own games…your children will love this.

On Wednesday, April 22, Martha Stewart hosted the sixth Martha Stewart Center for Living 2015 Gala, bringing to life the importance of health care accessibility to older adults for the sixth year. The gala included a panel discussion moderated by Maria Bartiromo, Global Markets Editor, FOX Business Network/FOX News Channel.

The discussion focused on the Mobile Acute Care Team (MACT), an innovative program being piloted by Mount Sinai to provide patients in need with acute care in-home. Bartiromo moderated the panel with Albert L. Siu, MD, Chairman of the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai and Audrey K. Chun, MD, Medical Director of the Martha Stewart Center for Living within the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine. The event raised nearly $500,000 for the Center.

Following the panel, Stewart presented several honorees with the “Living Award,” an honor bestowed each year to someone who has made a substantial and positive impact on the public good.

The Martha Stewart Center for Living (MSCL) serves to promote and facilitate access to health care resources for older adults and to enhance the public perception of aging. Through the MSCL, patients and their caregivers have access to programs and resources appropriate for their needs and interests. These may include medical care, healthy living activities, educational programs, caregiver support, and community referrals through the most up-to-date technologies and evidence-based information.

Photos by Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Mount Sinai Health System.

Last weekend my family and I visited my beautiful friend Princess Amanda Borghese on Amelia Island. The Borghese name is displayed throughout Italy, including Florence at the Palazzo Borghese, Siena, where the family began and Rome where the name is most prominent.

Rome’s largest Park, Villa Borghese Gardens, was owned by the family until 1902, and one of Rome’s largest museums, Galleria Borghese, holds the family’s art collection. One of Rome’s most famous streets is also named after the family, Via di Fontanella Borghese and the family has a private chapel in one of Rome’s most famous basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore.

American born Amanda is married to Prince Francesco Marco Luigi Costanzo Borghese, who’s paternal Grandmother was Princess Marcella Borghese. They met at a wedding in Florence Italy while Amanda was living in Madrid….and the rest is history in the making!

Amelia Island is located just off the coast of Northeast Florida. There are 13-miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife and unique history. Amanda graciously showed us all the fabulous shops, restaurants and beautiful scenery…and arranged a magnificent luncheon at the Marina where her eldest son Skip drove his boat over from Jacksonville with his family to attend. It was such a lovely day and apparent was Amanda’s love for family and bringing people together to celebrate life.
Amanda is an amazing Woman and Mother, she adores her three children and her positive energy radiates into everyone she meets.

Her ultra successful company comes as no surprise as Perlier, one of the most prestigious Italian product lines that specializes in bath and body treatments was the first of its kind to be launched into the world of electronic retailing. The company has been going strong for 22 years and Amanda and Skip are the companies spokespersons. They are brilliant together and can be seen monthly on the HSN channel.

The products are amazing! Amanda sent me home with bags filled with the most luxurious creams, powders, elixirs, lotions, soaps and bath gels. One of my favorites is the Imperial Honey pure silk talcum powder….I smell like a fresh honey blossom and it feels like heaven on my skin. The Perlier line is synonymous with outstanding quality and true opulence.

Years ago Amanda wrote a compressive hardcover coffee table book on Flowers titled “Flowers from my heart.” It is a beautiful book describing the language of Flowers, their myths, history, medicinal, astrological and spiritual aspects. I love Flowers so much I named my daughter Hyacinth, so for me this book encompasses everything extraordinary about Flowers and their ability to be so much more than looking pretty.

Thank you Princess Amanda for your open heart, beautiful spirit and gracious manner that welcomed us to Amelia Island. We love and adore you….

We here at Old Fashioned Mom are proud to introduce Princess Amanda Borghese as our seventh Celebrity Mother!

____________________

Left: Princess Amanda Borghese and her husband, Francesco. Right: Amanda with grandchildren, Francesca & Leonardo.

1. How would you describe yourself?

At heart – a spiritual person, who passionately loves her family, friends, her life, and her Creator. I live in constant “gratitude” for all of the above – as THAT is what Life’s true meaning is to ME. I am also an entrepreneur, a searcher of truth, and a perfectionist. I love, love, love: history, travel, good food, the beauty of Nature, art and architecture, music, movies, romance, a good sense of humor and all that is mysterious! And…I love learning about anything!

Left: Michelle-Marie Heineman & Princess Amanda Borghese. Right: Speaking with Princess Amanda Borghese.

2. Please tell us about your children?

As far as my relationship with them – we are all very close. I am truly blessed with children who are beautiful inside and out – they are compassionate, caring, thoughtful, passionate in work and in life, and they, each one, want to make the world a better place!! They do not “talk” it – they live it! I am very proud of them.

Left: Lorenzo, son. Right: Ilaria, daughter.

Left: Skip, son, with grandson, Massimo (Max). Right: Katie, daughter-in-law, with grandson, Leonardo (Leo), Bottom: Amanda with grandaughter, Isabella.

3. What surprised you most about being a Mother?

That my children would be born in Italy – and that there were such things as “Midwives” in this day and age! I thought Midwives were things of the past. As far as “surprises” – everything surprised me about them! I was not prepared to be a Mom….in school, you are taught everything, but not child rearing! Every day I learned something NEW from my children – how to look at the world thru their eyes, and how to be completely flexible, since their needs and wants changed by the minute. It was fascinating.

4. Do you enjoy cooking for your family? If so, what are their favorite dishes?

I have never enjoyed cooking day to day things. I esp. like “baking’ – desserts, for example. More than cooking, I enjoy when the family can get together – and that usually means around a special meal – Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, etc. I find that when I have family over I want to be part of the conversation and fun. If I have to cook, I cannot do that, easily!! I usually have these meals catered, but I will almost always do the dessert! Their favorite desserts are OUR DELIGHT and my RUM CAKE – both secret family recipes!

Michelle-Marie Heinemann & Princess Amanda Borghese

5. You are a true beauty….can you share your beauty secrets?

I have been the spokesperson (along with my son,Skip) for Perlier Bath & Body products – a line from Italy – on HSN, for almost 20 years. My two favorite products – which I call: “Secrets from the Fountain of Youth” are Perlier’s Honey Royal Elixir and Hydro-Zone.

The Royal Elixir is the only product of its kind – in the WORLD – with pure, living Royal Jelly. Even with modern technology, scientists have not been able to recreate Royal Jelly in the Lab. Its secret has eluded them – yet Perlier has been able to bring this magical formula to our skin, by encapsulating the living Royal Jelly – a Patent that only Perlier owns! The skin appears to get younger before your very eyes.

A clinical study actually showed a 10-fold INCREASE in the skin’s collagen production when using the Royal Elixir!! No other cosmetic company can boast such results.

Hydro-Zone is called the “intelligent hydrator” or the “smart serum”. Perlier was able to take the secret from the Rose of Jericho – which releases moisture on the skin – when , where, and how much the skin needs! The Rose of Jericho is a small, green, evergreen-like plant which can live up to 50 years without water. After years of no water, the Rose of Jericho becomes dried up and brown, yet it can pick up its roots, out of the ground, and roll, like a little tumble weed, across the plains, or desert, until it finds water. Once it finds water, it replants itself, and becomes totally hydrated again, and turns bright green! Its ability to retain enough moisture to live up to 50 years WITHOUT water, is what Perlier’s technology has recreated – a moisturizer to give the skin moisture, where, how much, and when it needs it! This is a “must-have” moisturizer for ANY skin, and works with any other skin regime. It prepares the skin , the way one prepares a canvas before painting – making it uniform in moisture and feel. The skin looks moist and youthful.

Princess Amanda Borghese

6. Please tell us about your family traditions?

We love TRAVELING/VACATIONING together. We plan many family vacations together. This summer we are taking 3 homes, next to each other, on an island in the Caribbean. Two years ago we took a large villa in Tuscany, for the entire family, and before that, a large villa in Lucca. We LOVE being and doing things together! What makes it work, and fun is that we all have a sense of adventure and we are always up for discovery!!

Speaking with Princess Amanda Borghese.

Carving pumpkins at Halloween and watching fireworks on the Fourth of July are part of our national culture. Holding neighborhood barbecues and New Year’s Day pot lucks provide us opportunities to meet and get to know our neighbors. Baking special birthday cakes and setting the table with a birthday tablecloth create a sense of belonging in families.

These are all traditions. Traditions are rituals that help us build support, connection and caring in our families, neighborhoods, schools and communities. Celebration of traditions creates a common bond and builds community. Often we celebrate traditions without realizing how they started or why they are important. Think about the traditions in your life. What are they? Why do you celebrate them?

Traditions can be created by intentional words or deeds to value a person or event in our life. If you want to learn more about older traditions, consult with elders to find out about the traditions of their childhood. Ask older members of your family or neighbors what they used to do. Think of what they say. Would it be fun to start a new-older tradition? Consider dropping May Day baskets on May 1 or eating black eye peas on New Year’s Day. Reviving something old will link older generations to today’s youth.

Celebration of traditions gives us a positive sense of self. Traditions that are based in our cultural heritage give us a sense of who we are and where our ancestors came from. Weaving cultural heritage activities throughout our daily lives roots us with a sense of purpose and promotes family togetherness. Working together with grandchildren, children, and parents to cook special foods, to sing songs, to dance ceremonial dances, and to hear family stories connects family members and preserves their heritage for future generations.

To preserve your traditions or to start new ones, follow these guidelines:
• Keep your traditions simple.
• They should be fun, inexpensive and not time consuming.
• Provide opportunities for all to be involved, from the youngest to the oldest.
• Look at your interests as a group and create an activity based in this interest.

Discuss your thoughts with all family members including the children. Ask for their suggestions on what to do or how to improve something you are already doing. Rituals don’t need to be complex to be meaningful. Finally, you may also want to start a traditions journal with your family to record the current traditions you celebrate all year long. In your journal, write all about it. Include recipes, pictures, and a brief description of your activities. Future generations will maintain and continue the tradition if there is a written record. Families with a strong sense of traditions and special celebrations are more likely to raise kids who have a strong sense of identity, are healthy, have close ties to family members, and succeed in school.

This is a great time of year to focus on traditions, either experiencing them through the holidays or including them in a New Years’ resolution. May your holidays be filled with your best traditions!

Spring break is perfect for family getaways. Whether looking for a break from the snow or from the busy work and school schedule, get away this spring while you can. Here are some of the best places you can take your family for a wholesome, yet fun, spring break getaway in 2015.
See Family Spring Break Spots at familyvacationcritic.com

Amelia Island, FL

Situated in the northeastern-most part of Florida, Amelia Island is not only beautiful, but also peaceful. It has managed to escape much of the commercialization that plagues other parts of Florida, and as a result, doesn’t attract the typical college spring-breaker. The island is rich in history and has been under the rule of eight different flags — the most of any place in the United States.

The Palm Beaches, FL

With miles of coastline, water sports, a water park and a zoo, an escape to the Palm Beaches in Florida this spring break will be filled with fun for the entire family. Plus, the Palm Beaches offer luxurious shopping and award-winning dining options, for those parents who also want to make the most of their own break from the daily routine.

Carlsbad, CA

Located just 30 minutes from San Diego, a spring break trip to Carlsbad can include the beaches, theme parks, zoos and museums all during one vacation. Spend a morning at the Carlsbad State Beach, which is 5 miles of quiet sand, before heading to Carlsbad Village for snacks and shopping.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Snorkel, fish or just soak up the sun during your spring break at one of the islands that makes up the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are no passports needed for this Caribbean vacation and the U.S. dollar is the currency, so you’ll feel right at home.

Riviera Maya

Less densely developed than Cancun’s hotel zone that attracts college-aged spring breakers galore, Riviera Maya is just 30 minutes to the north and much more family-friendly. A number of all-inclusive family resorts make the getaway easy, as well as a number of lodging options spread over 86 green miles lining a beautiful coastline.

See more family Spring break locations at familyvacationcritic.com >>

View the Top Easter Egg Hunts for Kids in New York City from Mommypoppins.com

Easter is just a hop, skip and a jump away, falling on Sunday, April 5 this year. One of the best ways to celebrate with kids is to attend one of NYC’s treat-filled egg hunts. Most are outdoors in playgrounds and parks, zoos and gardens, but a few are indoors at museums and other culture spots. Many also offer additional spring fun like seasonal crafts, face painting and live entertainment.

Remember, Easter egg hunts in NYC are extremely popular so arrive early and expect hordes. If you can’t handle crowds, avoid the FREE hunts and opt for one that costs a small fee as those usually have a cap on participants.

Click through to the listings for all the info, including address and time.

Manhattan

The Great Easter Egg Hunt
– Tribeca– Saturday, March 21 – FREE
The Lower Manhattan Community Church sponsors this annual holiday fest featuring egg hunts for children up to the third grade. Face painting, carnival-style games and pictures with the Easter Bunny are also on tap.

Carl Schurz Park Egg Hunt
– Upper East Side-Saturday, March 28 – FREE but donations accepted
Head to the beloved Carl Schurz Park to decorate egg collecting bags followed by hunts for different age ranges, including one just for toddlers. At noon, Patrick and the Rock-a-Silly Band rock the playground. Rain date: Sunday, March 29.

Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Festival
– Harlem-Saturday, April 4 – FREE
Enjoy cookie decorating, face painting, games, dancing, a visit from the Easter Bunny and an outdoor egg hunt at this community fete in St. Nicholas Park.

Easter Eggstravaganza
– East Harlem– Saturday, April 4 – FREE
Join community organization NYSoM for its third annual egg hunt in the Target East Harlem Garden. Additional fun includes an egg race, egg decorating, crafts and face time with the Easter Bunny.

See more events >>