Entries Tagged 'Interviews' ↓

WIFE Interview with Monica Rosenthal

I’ve been fortunate and lucky enough to work part time with the Rosenthal Family for the last 2 years as their Domestic Assistant and Organizer.  I help Monica with everything from organizing charming dinner parties, to helping with the kids, to all their personal shopping and styling.  You probably recognize Monica from the hit TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond,” she is loveliest of wives and an ever giving philanthropist. I sat down with the mother of 2 to find out what has made her 20 year marriage last ( Husband is Phil Rosenthal, Creator and Writer of Everybody loves Raymond) , and why she can’t live without  ”Funny” in her life and would prefer a gin martini at the end of everyday. -THE WIFE

Name?

MONICA HORAN ROSENTHAL


Where Do you Live?

LOS ANGELES, CA


Occupation?

HOMEMAKER, PHILANTHROPIST, ACTRESS


How Many Kids Do you Have?

TWO, NOT INCLUDING MY HUSBAND


How Long Have You Been Married?

20 YEARS ON APRIL 22, 2010


Favorite Qualities in your husband?

HUMOR, INTELLIGENCE, GENEROSITY


What did you learn from your marriage that would be good advice to pass on to Others?

MARRIAGE IS A WAY OF LIFE.  IT’S BEST IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHO YOU ARE & WHAT (and who!) YOU LOVE, AND TO BE AWARE OF WHAT MOTIVATES YOU. YOU MARRY BECAUSE YOU FALL IN LOVE. YOU STAY MARRIED, BECAUSE YOU BOTH WORK AT BEING THE BEST YOU CAN BE AND WANT TO HELP THE OTHER PERSON TO DO THE SAME….WHILE MANAGING KIDS, YOUR FAMILIES, A HOUSEHOLD AND YOUR RESPECTIVE DREAMS (THE ONES THAT COME TRUE, THE ONES THAT DON’T, AND THE ONES THAT COME UP AS A RESULT OF WHAT HAPPENS EITHER WAY).


How long have you been a Mother?

SINCE 1994 (15 and a a half years!)


Favorite Family Tradition?

CELEBRATING JEWISH HOLIDAYS …all the menorahs in the front window in the winter, the sukkah in the back yard in the fall, but I’m alone in that.  The kids would say traveling over the winter break with our friends. My husband would say Sunday Movie Night.  So the family is kind of split on tradition.


What is the one thing you wish you have known before becoming a parent?

NOTHING…WOULDN’T MATTER SINCE EVERY KID AND EVERY EXPERIENCE IS DIFFERENT AND CHANGING ALL THE TIME.


The most fun thing about being a mom?

FUNNY KIDS


The last time your child made you laugh?

THIS MORNING


The Invention you wish you could create to make your life easier?

A BIG BOX WITH A BUTTON YOU PUSH THAT TELLS YOU WHAT TO MAKE FOR DINNER AND HOW, IT THEN OPENS TO REVEAL ALL YOU NEED TO MAKE IT, IN PROPER PROPORTIONS.


The future parenting moments you fear?

MY KIDS EXPERIENCING LOSS


Whats the one thing you cant live without?

FUNNY PEOPLE


What is your perfect idea of happiness?

EVERYBODY CONTENT, CONTRIBUTING AND CONSCIOUS…wait, that’s NIRVANA.  HAPPINESS: Phil, me and the kids laughing, talking over dinner.


What is your marked characteristic?

LIKING OTHER PEOPLE


Your idea of misery?

STUCK WITHOUT SEEING CHOICES


Your present state of mind?

GRATEFUL


Most Inspiring Book?

RAMBAM’S LADDER by Julie Salaman.  Inspired and educated me about how to take our Philanthropy to the next level.


How Do You Relax?

COCKTAILS and DINNER WITH FRIENDS


What Way Do You Start the Day?

TAKE THE DOGS OUT


Greatest Hope for the Future?

EDUCATION REFORM


Words to Live By?

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED


Biggest Personal Influence?

MY HUSBAND, PHIL


Favorite Hotel?

THE ALGONQUIN (because it makes me feel like I thought it would feel to live in New York)


Favorite Museum?

THE BARNES INSTITUTE, THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. THE FRICK, THE TEL AVIV MUSEUM


Favorite Cultural Experience?

SEEING BARYSHNIKOV AT THE BROAD THEATER, ALSO THE VERSA-STYLE DANCE COMPANY AND GABRIEL CORTEZ AND DARIO SERANNO FROM GET LIT PERFORMING SPOKEN WORD POEMS FOR INNER-CITY ARTS


Favorite Flowers to fill your home with?

SEASONAL FLOWERS STANDING ALONE, NOT IN AN ARRANGEMENT, AND ORCHIDS


Favorite Florist?

MICHELLE, LARCHMONT FLORIST


Favorite Room in your house?

MY BATHROOM AND THE PUB


What is one Thing you do to conserve Energy?

DRIVE MY PRIUS


Favorite Eco Friendly Product?

CORN POLLIMER BAGS


What’s your Garden Style?

A MIX BETWEEN COUNTRY AND FORMAL…MEDITERANEAN


Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant?

MUSSO AND FRANK


Favorite Cocktail?

BEEFEATER GIN MARTINI


Day Bag?

BOTKIER (bought originally as a prop in a play)


Most frequently worn Item?

MY UGGS


What is your Style Uniform?

HAIR UP, CROPPED PANTS, BLACK FLATS AND CUTE TOP


Favorite Store?

I HATE SHOPPING


Fashion Icon?

I alternate between AUDREY HEPBURN AND DIANE KEATON


Favorite Charity?

INNER-CITY ARTS


Favorite artist?

TZODEK BEN DAVID AND RUPERT DEESE

Favorite Gift to Give?

FACIALS BY SHULA GOLDFARB, FACES EUROPEAN SKIN CARE

Fill in the Blank -

Sexy is FUNNY, SMART AND CONFIDENT
Dress for HOW YOU FEEL
Sunday Morning Wardrobe WHATEVER FEELS LIKE PAJAMAS OR LIKE I LIVE ON THE EAST COAST.
The Perfect Marriage is EVER CHANGING
The Perfect Husband is NON-EXISTENT
Great Sex is GREAT
Etiquette is FUN SOMETIMES

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WIFE Interview with: Chloe Lee Evans

Chloe, Violet and Jonny

I meet my dear friend Chloe about 3 years ago at The Spotted Pig in New York by sheer coincidence. We were all smothered together in a tiny room upstairs, when we happened to be seated next too one another. We struck up a friendly conversation that lead to shopping sprees in Topshop, Lunches at Roka, too many Spa Sessions to Count and well.. The rest is history ( At the time I was living in London). Ever since I’ve know her, she has been one of my most stylish friends. Even when Violet was an infant she was the only mom I knew that rocked Christian Louboutin shoes and Stella McCartney Tops will breast feeding! Tres Chic! Chloe is one of my favorite friends to spoil… Probably because she is the most beautifully sweet, calm, selfless and thoughtful friends any girl could ask for! Not only is she all those very wonderful things, but is always gracious enough to extend their very cozy guest room to me every time I’m in town. She’s also an amazing mother and soon to be Bride. Chloe will be walking down the aisle in the next week to marry her lovely fiance, Coldplay Guitarist, Jonny Buckland. Lucky Girl! So I will be traveling across the pond to celebrate this joyous occasion with the Happily ever after couple. I interviewed Chloe to find out why she cant live without her iPhone, How the Brazilian blow out makes her life easy, and why her heart belongs to Jamaica!
- THE WIFE

1. Name

Chloe Lee-Evans (soon to be Buckland!)


2. Where do you live?

Hampstead, London. Sometimes the East Village in New York


3. How Many Kids do you have?

One – my gorgeous little Violet, aged almost two.


4. How many Kids do you want?

Probably three? We’ll see as we go!


5. Did you have a moment when you realized you had turned into your mother? What was it?

In a shoe shop, buying shoes for my daughter. The shop assistant asked what style she’d like and I replied ‘I don’t mind what they look like, as long as they fit well!’ That’s exactly what my mother would have said. She was adamant we wore ’sensible’ shoes when we were little!


6. Favorite Family Tradition

Waking up early on Christmas morning to open our stockings together. Everyone in my family has one with his or her name embroidered on it. My grandmother made mine when I was born, and then one for Violet. I made one for my fiancé.


7. What have your parents taught you about marriage?

Good communication is key – whether it be talking through a problem or just chatting about your day. And they’ve been married for 36 years!


8. What are 3 of your favorite qualities you love about your husband-to-be?

He’s very kind, intelligent and has the ability to make everyone around him smile.



9. What is the one thing you can’t live without?

My i-Phone! Keeping in touch, snapping photos of my day, to-do lists, calendar. I’d be lost without it!


10. What is your perfect idea of Happiness?

Around a big table eating great food with the people I love.


11. What is your favorite discovery?

The Brazilian Blow Dry! I have thick, coarse, completely unruly hair. It is the only thing that’s been able to tame it!


12. Necessary Extravagance?

Taxis in London and Crème de La Mer!


13. Who is your Real life Hero?

A friend of mine, who is also a mother. This past year has been hell for her yet she has remained so strong and positive. It is very humbling and I admire her so much.


14. What is your present state of mind?

Happy and contented.


15. Favorite Place to Travel in the world?

New York & Jamaica will always have a special place in my heart.


16. Favorite Hotel?

I love the Bowery in New York – lots of good memories. For total peace I’d spend a weekend at Tensing Pen in Jamaica. It’s rustic with beautiful ocean views and far enough up the cliff to avoid the crazy Negril party scene.


17. Preferred Airline?

Virgin Atlantic. The staff are friendly and helpful and I like their beds!


18. Chic Luggage brand?

I’m pretty functional when it comes to luggage so it’s usually enormous Tumi suitcases. I save the chic for the hand luggage – an oversized brown leather Chloe bag with big stitching and buckle straps.


19. Signature Perfume?

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, but I don’t often wear perfume. I stopped when my daughter was born, as newborns are apparently very sensitive to scent.


20. Favorite Flowers to fill your home?

When in season, I always have tulips on my kitchen table.


21. Favorite Dessert to Order?

The white chocolate and raspberry dessert they serve at Roka on Charlotte Street.


22. Favorite Stationary you use?

Smythson – the notes and envelopes have a lovely feel and weight. They are doing our wedding invites! I also always stock up on handmade cards at ‘Cat Fish Greetings’ on Mulberry in Manhattan.


23. Favorite Room in your Home?

Our drawing room. The house is always busy with people coming and going but that room always feels peaceful and calm.


24. What things do you do to be more eco friendly?

Eco friendly household products, biodegradable chlorine-free diapers and baby wipes, our lovely hybrid car… but my big obsession is with reducing my usage of plastic carrier bags. Reusable bags are everywhere now – we just need to get in the habit of carrying them with us – everywhere!


25. Favorite Neighbourhood restaurant?

Ottolenghi in Islington for brunch or lunch.


26. Favorite Designer?

I try to mix it up as much as possible, but if I went into Chloe or Stella McCartney I know I’ll always find something I’d love to wear.


27. Favorite store? And Favorite Bargain shop?

I tend to end up zipping around Selfridges Department Store as it has everything under one roof. Since having my daughter time is precious – naptime only lasts a few hours! For bargains it would probably be American Apparel. I always keep a good stock of their black winter leggings!


28. Which Day bag do you carry?

I’m a sucker for bags so I have lots. Current favourite is a little black satin Lavin bag with a long strap that I wear messenger-style – it’s pretty and feminine but also practical when I need my hands free and don’t want to be weighed down by a big bag.


29. Preferred Jeans?

At the moment, Acne Kex in navy. JBrand jeans also fit my shape well. Even during pregnancy they were a staple.


30. What is your style uniform?

As a mum I tend to dress for walks on Hampstead Health or play-dates at the park, so it’s usually jeans or leggings, flats and a smart top or jumper. I splash out on a gorgeous coat for the winter – something with a bit of character or detail that dresses up the whole jeans look. It’s too easy to get stuck in a rut when you put on jeans everyday, so I always try to add something I really love. In the summer I keep things really simple with a little sundress and pretty sandals.


31. What is your most frequently worn purchase of 2009?

Mui Mui flats – lovely gold gladiator style sandals and a pair of black leather studded ballet pumps with bows.


32. Favorite Website? Last 5 google searches?

My favourite websites are probably vintage furniture sites like www.retrouvius.com. I’m always on the look out for great pieces for our house. For some girlie window-shopping I’ll look in net-a-porter.com.


Last 5 Google searches:

“Restaurants in Borough Market”

“Streetmap”

“Covent Garden Flower Market”

“BBC News”

“Affordable Arts Fair”


33. Favorite Charity?

We’re raising money for the UK-based charity Shelter, which works to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people. Instead of wedding gifts we are asking our guests if they will make a donation.

Beautiful Chloe and Jonny

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THE WIFE Interviews with Corto Moltedo


I had the fortunate fate to meet Corto last February in Paris during Fashion Week. After becoming friends, he was so kind and gracious to extend an invitation to me this past summer to come to Florence. Besides being a great friend to me, Corto is a Magnificent handbag designer. Through knowing Corto I have had the opportunity to fall in love with his handbags up close and personal. I have to say first hand they are the most well made, unique and fun bags to carry. No detail does Corto miss…. From the Label, to the Zippers, to the Stitching, to the Leather! They are worth every penny spent! My personal favorite is the Classic Blue Sailing Shopper Tote. Corto Moltedo Bags are available at his Shop in Paris or Blue and Cream in New York. I sat down with Corto at Joan’s on Third to ask him about his bags, Life and Love!

1. Name: Corto Moltedo


2. Occupation: Creative Director of Corto Moltedo Hand Bags and Travel Bags


3. Place of Residence: Italy


4. Tell me about your bags and why they would be a great investment in a wife’s wardrobe: Corto Moltedo Bags have a fashion edge and they’re design will last a lifetime. The bags are very classic, unique and have limited distribution. Because of the recession people are returning back to value, Its worth what you pay for it. They are made in Italy by Italians using the finest materials. They can give the Wife and edge amongst her friends.


5. What day bag would you suggest for a wife and mother: The Priscilla Bag. It’s a light purse with lots of pockets to keep you organized. And bonus, its a shoulder bag.


6. What evening bag would you suggest for a night out with her husband: Susan Hard Clutch.


7. Who is a great wife style icon: Priscilla Presley


8. What is your style Uniform: This year I’m wearing Grey Jeans, Patch Work Shirts, and Minnetonka Shoes.


9. Favorite Men’s store for Husbands: Men should save it if there Wives are going to spend it!


10. Favorite Men’s Label for Husbands: Tailor Made


11. What is your Ideal Vision of Marriage: A phase of Life, a Challenge, a Moment to Cherish Death do us Part


12. What is your Ideal women? What kind of Wife do you want? Smiley, Happy, Tender and Independent


13. What should women know about men that they don’t: Men are like women, They can’t be changed.


14. What is you Advice for a Women who does want to get married: Don’t think to hard about and don’t be too picky. Pick Your Bags not your Men.


15. What is Your Most Treasured Possession? My independence.


16. What is your Favorite Discovery: Love.


17. What is your Favorite Room in Your Home: My Terrace, it has an incredible Sunset View.


18. What is your favorite Neighborhood Restaurant: Troia, Florence


19. What is your Favorite Hotel? Hotel Belles Rives, South of France



Fill in the blank


Sexy is Red


Dress for Sunday


Sunday Morning Wardrobe is a Suit


The Perfect Marriage is on a Greek Island


My Perfect Wife is all my Ex Girlfriends


I know How to Cook Very Well


Etiquette is Underrated







Corto Moltedo Shop
Jardins du Palais Royal
Galerie de Valois – Colonnes 146 – 148
Paris, France 75001
+33 49 27 97 91

Modeling the latest Corto bag while running an Errand with Corto at the post office! And it’s pink my Favorite Color!
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