Countess Joycelyn Engle

My dear friend Countess Joycelyn Engle Di Palma is beautiful inside and out! Her kind spirit and love for her family is paramount as we often discuss our lives and all that is happening in them.

Joycelyn received the title of Countess when she married Count Joseph Di Palma, a direct descendant of Norman Adventurer Rainulf Drengot, the first Count of Aversa, who emigrated from Scandinavia and Normandy France in the 11th century. It is wonderful to see the love that Joycelyn and Joseph have for one another after 35 years of marriage.
Read on »

If line and design could talk, its very threads would mention the fashion collection of Layana Aguilar. She is the featured Project Runway talent who brings new artistry to the scene. Fluid edit was prominent during Ms. Aguilar’s Fall 2015 informal Fashion Show followed with a Trunk Show. She featured twelve bold modern abstract patchwork designs mainly utilizing elegant shades, prints and reinventions of future forward fabrics for high fashion evening looks. Elegant couture styled models (Major Models) floated through the main living room of legendary Artist Ron Ferri and International Decorator Jean Pierre Borg while invited A-listers murmured that it reminded them of the classy Salons of Paris. Each unique runway look magically related, yet uniquely different through this young designer’s vision and inspiration. Read on »

Teen Philanthropist Zach Bonner

One is never to young or inexperienced to start making a difference in the world….and Zach Bonner is clearly demonstrating this. As an advocate for homeless youth, Bonner created The Little Red Wagon Foundation, a non-profit charity that raises money and collects supplies for needy children.

He began this non-profit charity when he was seven years old with his Mother and has raised thousands of dollars as well as pulling his little red wagon to neighboring households collecting supplies.

Teaching children the principles of giving is so very important. Give what you have, whether it is money, items or time. Involving children in volunteering will create strong morals and will make a difference in the community.

www.lrwf.org

Hudson House Inn

A delightful lunch…..

Hudson House is located on the serene waterfront in the village of Cold Spring, N.Y. …I love this area as my country house is nearby and there is so much to do and see. On a beautiful sunny day it is so nice to sit on the porch and have a delicious meal and watch the River boats pass by on the majestic Hudson River.

The Hudson House River Inn in Cold Spring

Hudson House Chopped Salad with Sashimi Tuna

Hudson House offers thoughtfully prepared dishes that are extremely fresh and the service is impeccable. The culinary team is led by executive chef John Guererro and some of my favorites include the Hudson House chopped salad with sashimi tuna, the mozzarella and beefsteak tomato, the vegetable spring roll and the apple strudel with French vanilla ice cream.

Hudson and Michelle-Marie Heinemann with friends Michael Chadwick and Jesse Peterson.

My son loves the sweet tea that is perfectly iced and served in a mason jar……the cocktail list is quite impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed my raspberry mojito!

Fresh Mozzarella and Beefsteak Tomato

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Apple Strudel with French vanilla ice cream

Cold Spring Living

Hudson House is a must if you are in the area….

Hudson House River Inn
2 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
www.hudsonhouseinn.com

Dear Moms and Dads, Here is an update on what’s trending in luxury real estate. Villa La Fiorentina, located in the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula in the south of France is just divine. It has a 30,000 sq meter park over looking the French riviera  and two swimming pools. According to Alexandra Lloyd Properties, “La Fiorentina was built in 1917 by the countess Therese de Beauchamp on a vast piece of land which occupies the extreme end of the Saint Hospice point of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula.

The daughter of the Count Giorigi Vitali who had 40 years earlier modified the Villa Fiorentina in Cannes, the Countess Beauchamp addressed the architects Aaron and Gaston Messiah who designed a large rectangular building surrounded by two large belvedere turrets.

The exterior of the building which forms the grand reception rooms, is made up of a large loggia of arcades with views stretching to Italy.

As they were accustomed, the Messiah brothers worked in collaboration with Harold Peto who authorized a part of the park which was made up of 22 hectares of pine trees which had been damaged by the wind. He designed notably the large staircase from the villa leading to the waters edge, along with the large ponds and orange tree areas.

ca. 1967, St.-Jean Cap Ferrat, France — Actors Richard Burton (wearing white turtleneck and slacks) and Elizabeth Taylor (wearing caftan from Givenchy boutique), seated and lounging and playing gin while on vacation at La Fiorentina, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. — Image by © CondÈ Nast Archive/CORBIS

Master Artist Eduardo Salazar is a world renowned portrait painter, art teacher and connoisseur. His works are held in both private and public collections and I have had a professional relationship with him for the last eighteen years.

His talent is extraordinary and his ability to capture the artistic representation of his subject on canvas remarkable.

There is no better way to document history in the making than with a piece of art that can be handed down from generation to generation and preserving memories.

Michelle-Marie Heinemann	Hudson Cornelius Heinemann
Hudson Cornelius Heinemann	Jon and Michelle-Marie Heinemann
Jon and Michelle-Marie Heinemann	Jon and Michelle-Marie Heinemann

There is no better way to document history in the making than with a piece of art that can be handed down from generation to generation and preserving memories.

Mother and Daughter

 

I encourage everyone to have their portrait painted at least once in their lifetime as the experience is extremely rewarding and leaves a wonderful legacy.

Brought up in the heart of French aristocracy, Stephanie Staub spent her entire childhood surrounded by elegance and good taste.

Since she was very young, she has been devoting her time to scouring exhibitions and studying paintings, because she was so inspired and impassioned by art.
At a tender age she used to watch her mother, with fascination, as she designed and created her own clothes, and then, on her tenth birthday, Stephanie made her own first steps in sewing, which culminated in her making her own party dresses as an adult, as well as all of the flower girls’ dresses and page boys’ outfits for her wedding…

After she had then taken some time out to complete her business studies diploma, she naturally came back once again, to her first love of sewing, but this time as a business venture!

And so, Little Eglantine was born, focusing exclusively on dresses and outfits for children, for all special occasions, with particular a focus on wedding designs!

Beautiful Fabrics to choose from… Exquisite.

www.littleeglantine.com – website
+44 (0) 2032870648 – telephone

The Legacy of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy

Throughout her life, Jacqueline Kennedy sought to preserve and protect America’s cultural heritage. The results of her work are still visible in Lafayette Square, across from the White House in Washington, D.C. While she was first lady, she helped to stop the destruction of historic buildings along the square, including the Renwick Building, now part of the Smithsonian Institution. In New York City, she led a campaign to save and renovate Grand Central Station. Today, more than 500,000 people pass through each day and enjoy its restored beauty, thanks to her efforts.

Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation and the rest of the world with her intelligence, beauty, and grace. With a deep sense of devotion to her family and country, she dedicated herself to raising her children and to making the world a better place through art, literature, and a respect for history and public service….she was a wonderful cook and below is a favorite recipe.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ Baked Beans
4 cups dry navy beans
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 pound salt pork, diced
3/4 cup brown sugar or molasses
1/2 cup catsup
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup boiling water
1/4 pound salt pork, cut into strips

Cover beans with water in a saucepan. Bring slowly to a boil or soak overnight.

Drain beans. Cover with fresh water and simmer slowly. When skins of beans start to burst, the beans are sufficiently cooked. Drain and add onion, salt pork, sugar, catsup, mustard, salt, Worcestershire and boiling water.

Place in greased casserole and top with salt pork strips. Bake covered in a 200 degree F oven for 6 to 8 hours. Uncover for last hour of cooking. Add additional water or stock, if beans become dry.

I adore Gstaad Switzerland, so much so, I envision myself moving there full time in the not so distant future. Gstaad is a bilingual village in the German speaking section of the Canton of Bern in Southwestern Switzerland.

Michelle-Marie Heinemann & Andrea Scherz

It is home to one of the largest ski areas in the Swiss Alps and has a marvelous picturesque promenade in the middle of the village that includes numerous shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Gstaad Palace

On my recent three week visit I stayed at the Gstaad Palace and found the service and accommodations exceptional. The attention to detail and opulent surroundings convey tradition and refinement while embracing modern day technology.

The Promenade

On a beautiful sunny afternoon underneath enormous yellow striped umbrellas at Le Grande Terrasse I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrea Scherz. He is the third generation proprietor of the Palace which has been in existence since 1913. There is a deep love and commitment that I instantly see when we begin to discuss this glamorous Hotel and all its history.

The Bar and Lounge Area

After graduating from the Hotel management School in Lausanne, and following various training periods and jobs in Switzerland as well as abroad, Andrea began working in his Fathers business as Chef de Reception in 1996. He then after some years was appointed General Manager, a position that fit him perfectly.

The magnificent view of the Swiss Alps

The Palace has an array of activities for guests, including the Spa and Swimming pools….there is a fabulous out door Olympic size pool that is ideal for children. It is heated and has a lush lawn surrounding the cool blue water so the children are free to run around and enjoy themselves. There is a wonderfully kind man by the name of “Tom” that took such good care of us. My little daughter knew him by name and would always greet him and be sure to say goodbye. There are many devoted employees at the Palace that have been there for decades making it a magical place.

The Olympic size pool…wonderfully fun!

Le Grand Restaurant

One such employee is Gildo, of Gildo’s Ristorante in the Palace. He has been with the Hotel since the sixties. He is the head Maitre D’ and I had one of his divine pasta dishes prepared table side on the La Grande Terrassa. It was cooked perfectly and extraordinarily fresh as authentic Italian Cuisine should be.

My suite….breath taking views.

There is no request to large or small that the Hotel Staff will not accommodate. One evening while dining, I discovered it was the birthday of a new friend. I immediately excused myself from the table and found the assistance of the chef who eagerly agreed to make a large birthday cake with candles. At the end of the meal the most extraordinary cake arrived with a fire cracker sparkler on top….it was absolutely perfect!!! This type of accommodating service is legendary at the Palace, which is comforting beyond measure when far away from home.

Alex celebrating his birthday……

Strolling the Palace grounds with my daughter Hyacinth.

Andrea believes tradition and respect are paramount in running a five star Hotel. His enthusiasm about his work is inspirational and clearly motivates those around him. He is committed to excellence and maintains high standards for his guests to enjoy.

I look forward to my return and will be sure to organize my paints and easel while there as the Swiss Alps are breathtaking and I can’t wait to capture the magnificence and splendor of it all on canvas.

Thank you Andrea….and to all the wonderful staff who made our visit exceptional. Until we meet again…xo, Michelle-Marie Heinemann

Michelle-Marie Heinemann & Andrea Scherz. Such a lovely conversation……and delightful day!

Michael Travin is the co-founder of Resident Publications, Manhattan’s largest weekly community newspaper and Magazine….a must read for savvy New Yorkers who crave luxury travel coverage, reviews of top dining destinations, exclusive interviews, and the latest on Art and Culture.

He is also the Co-Founder of Encompass Media Group, one of the leading companies for non-traditional out of home advertising. He is actively involved in the day to day operations and still finds time to be a devoted Father to his three children.

Over a delicious lunch at Sirio, I listened with enthusiasm as Michael spoke about the importance of being actively involved in your children’s lives. He has coached baseball, basketball, and football and has managed and organized entire sports programs. Keeping his family close and spending quality time together is essential. The family loves traveling together and are preparing for an upcoming excursion.

Michael is wonderfully charming and has a gracious relaxed manner that exudes confidence in his beliefs. One of them being, that traditional values are the cornerstone for todays generation of youth. He serves on the board of several privately held companies and leads by example.

How nice it was to spend time with a true family man that is successful in both his private and public lives and adores his family!

We here at Old Fashioned Mom are proud to introduce Michael Travin as our 4th Celebrity Father!

1. How would you describe yourself?

I’m a hard worker but fun guy who puts his family first. My family is my priority and we actually all really enjoy spending time together!

2. Can you tell us about your children?

My oldest child Chelsey has now graduated last spring from Syracuse… Go Cuse’ and has a fantastic job with Horizon, a digital media company. So far she’s really enjoying working there and all the perks.

My middle child, Courtney is at the college of Charleston and she’s really loving every minute of living in Charleston and college life in general. She’s living it up right now!

Brandon our youngest, is getting ready for moving up to high school next year. He loves sports; basketball is a main sport. I’ve coached all his sports teams and take him to his travel basketball games every weekend. We have a lot of fun either playing sports together, or just hanging out watching our favorite teams together.

3. What is a typical day for you?

My typical day is anything but typical. Because I run a company with many people there are always challenges and things going on that vary from day to day. No one day is the same. Right now I’m concentrating on building my social media with The Resident and bringing the magazine completely upscale which means networking at all the social events that are on going in the city. We hit every major party that is important for us to be a part of.

4. Parents need to be active participants in the lives of their children, I know you have been very involved. Please tell us about some of the activities you have been involved with?

I think it’s crucial not just to be involved with my children during certain events, but to be involved in their lives on a daily basis. Just knowing what’s going on with them and staying connected by listening and being there for them everyday.

5. What family vacations to you have planned this summer?

We all love traveling and that is big part of our lives together as a family. Now that everyone is older and goes in different directions, the family vacation is so important. We are planning on going to Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand this summer. We are very excited about this trip!

6. A large part of our job as parents is to teach our children…. what is the greatest lesson you have taught your children?

I pride myself on being the dad who taught them independence and self reliance. So far all three of my kids are incredibly independent… They don’t need us anymore (sadly)!

Resident Magazine