Pink Party Video! Check it out!

Devon Fleming Pink Party from Thomas McGovern on Vimeo.

The HOUSEHOLD CEO Column New Canaan News June 25, 2009

New Canaan News Published my first article June 25, 2009

Summertime can be a wonderful time of year. It can also be daunting, as so many modern moms are faced with finding activities for the children, and given the economic climate budgets are on the minds of many. With the added summer fun and lack of a regular schedule for the kids, household managers have less time to handle the day-to-day tasks of staying organized and on top of the house, handling the finances and generally keeping everyone happy and healthy. Household CEOs – my term for today’s modern women who may or may not work outside the home but definitely run the ship at home - are leaders by nature. We are the ultimate multitaskers, yet few of us use our business smarts when managing life at home. The time has come to take the business of living seriously, using tools and proven business methods to get things done. The profit of this mindset is extra quality time with your family, friends and yourself. Who doesn’t want that?

Your Communications Plan
Every business needs to be able to convey its mission and its plan – whether it is to attract new clients, find investors, sell a new product or manage employees – communication is key. The same is true in the family, your team players. I am continually amazed at how few families actually sit down together and communicate (effectively) towards their common mission. Given the technological advances, so many of us are ‘virtual families’- we communicate electronically and spend less and less time together. When I find myself texting my 15 year-old daughter more often than I see her, it’s time for an in-person communications intervention.

So, what’s your family’s plan for the summer? What’s already scheduled (camps, family trips, visiting relatives, etc)? What’s pending? What goal or goals does each member want to accomplish? These questions and more can be addressed a fun family meeting. In my house, we pick an “easy” night like Sunday or Monday, make a fun meal like tacos and make your own sundaes to set the tone, and then make a plan for the next week, month or even the whole summer. As the CEO, keep things on track by printing out an agenda for each person and assign a family “secretary” to take notes. Encourage creative brainstorming where no idea it too “out there,” even if it’s unlikely to happen this summer. The idea is that your family it getting to know each other, you’re identifying short-term and long-term goals and needs, and it’s fun right in the moment! Your daughter wants to go to Paris? Write it down. Your 13 year old son wants to build a rocket? It goes on the list. Your husband wants to golf at least once a week? Put it in writing. Don’t forget to include some of your needs and goals, too! Household CEOs often need to be reminded of that!

Once everyone’s ideas are on the table, discuss the feasibility of each and make plans where you can. Determine each member’s general responsibilities of the household as well as any additional ones to help them reach their goals. If you son wants to build the rocket, perhaps he needs to research any local resources to help him (a rocket club?) and then earn the money to buy it? How will he do that?

In our house we find it helpful to create a chart of chores and goals. Rewarding good behavior or ‘promoting’ their privileges is a nice motivation. If your kids are old enough to have email, send them updates on their progress during the week and friendly reminders if you see areas that need more attention. Continue to schedule family meetings to discuss the progress made and check in to see if anyone has changed their goals. Just as with any business, the ability to adapt to changes and new circumstances is vital – helping your family by checking in and letting them know it is okay, and often the best decision, to re-assess a goal and change course if needed.

The result of this communications plan? A family who knows the plan – the overall family plan and their own personal one. With clear goals, each member of the family can feel secure and confident in the weeks and months ahead. And, if you’re really lucky, you’ve just cut down on the number of times you’ll here “Mom, I’m bored!”


Devon Fleming is considered the area’s Home and Lifestyle Expert. She writes books, articles, blogs, and other online content. She provides ‘Fairfield County Living Tips’ on four local radio stations and appears on area TV providing lifestyle segments and “solutions for the modern woman.” For more information, visit www.DevonFleming.com.

The Pink Party! JUNE 4TH

WHAT A TERRIFIC TIME!

STAY TUNED FOR MY NEXT APPEARANCE To PROMOTE THE PINK PARTY JUNE 18TH

NEW BOOK LAUNCH 300 on RSVP!!

COME for PINK-TINIS, FAB FOOD and FAB PEOPLE!

JULISKA FLAGSHIP STORE
465 CANAL STREET
STAMFORD CT
JUNE 4TH 6-9PM


Local press is covering the event- photogrpahers, video crews- wear something PINK!

Cheers

Devon

FASHION ICON BOOK SIGNING RICHARDS TODAY

Come meet Ira Neimark, former CEO of Bergdorf's at Richards TODAY

He will be signing his boook- "Crossing Fifth Avenue to Berdorf's" An Insider's Account of the Rise of Luxury Retailing..

RICHARDS
659 Greenwich Ave
Greenwich CT

2:00-4:00 TODAY

Susan Kane Catering is providing Champagne and refreshments!

Elle Girl Model Search May 16th Darien Sport Shop

Attention all aspiring models! Come to Darien Sport Shop in Darien, CT on May 16th for your chance to enter and win the ELLEgirl Nationwide Model Search, and meet our judges! To win the contest is a life-changing opportunity that could launch your career into the modeling industry, as well as provide a strong advantage for the other 15 finalists from across the USA! The model search will fulfill your dream to pursue a modeling career, complete with some incredible and exclusive prizes that will jump-start her future and accelerate her success.

PIMLICO in New Canaan

I LOVE these folks! They have such FAB Home Accessories!

They are having a ONE DAY SERENDIPIDTY DAY

April 22nd
10:00-5:30

PIMLICO HOME
7 ELM STREET
NEW CANAAN
203.972.8166
www.PIMLICOHOME.com

Devon on ABC Connecticut Style March 18th OLGA ADLER INTERIORS is HOT

Devon will be reporting on HOT HOME Designs with Olga Adler Interiors

www.OLGAADLERINTERIORS.COMWednesday, March 18th
ABC Channel 8
12:30-1:00

Check it out!

Devon on Better Connecticut TV tomorrow

Check it out!

Wednesday, March 3

CBS Channel 3 Better Connecticut morning program to Interview the Pink Lady at 10:50 am...

TUNE IN!

New ABC Program- Connecticut Style with Devon Fleming

Stay tuned for more information about a new show that I will be a part of.

Channel 8 ABC WTNH
12:30-1:00 Weekdays
Beginning the end of February

Warren Buffett's The Business of Life- February 19

Come hear Alice Schroeder, author of the NY Times bestseller 'The Snowball- Warren Buffet and the Business of Life'

Thursday, February 19, 2009
6:30-8:30pm
Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams
45 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT
203.661.4480
To Benefit the Junior League of Greenwich

RADIO INTERVIEW TODAY

Tune into WSTC/WNLK 1400 or 1350AM TODAY at 12:00 noon- I will be interviewed by Joe Grushkin's show 'Attracting Success' on being a successful Entrepreneur and how to build your small business in these challenging times!

I will be the Keynote Speaker on February 4th:
Ethan Allen Hotel
Danbury, CT
www.SmallBusinessMoves.us for more information

DEVON

Amy Simon Fine Art Exhibit- Inaugurating Dreams 1/10/09-2/14/09

Amy Simon Fine Art, located at 275 Post Road East, Playhouse Square, Westport, is pleased to announce its latest exhibition “Inaugurating Dreams:  Jung Hyang Kim and Eleanor Miller.”  This is a two person show featuring work by two highly recognized artists, each working in different styles, creating work that is lyrical and bucolic.   Jung Hyang Kim is a Korean artist currently living in New York.  Eleanor Miller is a Connecticut artist. 

www.AmySimonFineArt.com for more info!

FAB FAB FAB Dresses

Featuring the Romyda Keth collection





Last Trunk Show before the Holidays

Thursday, December 18th from 10:30am-3:30pm



at the home of Veronique Lee

159 Lost District Drive

New Canaan

203 972-6501

showings also available by appointment day or evening

Véronique Lee

(203) 972-6516

(203) 858-3870 cell

vlee@360diva.com

Romyda Keth now available in the US exclusively through 360Diva

New Canaan, CT

360Diva.com

FAB Trunk Show GORGEOUS Jewelry

Christmas Cheer and Sale
Baubles & Bubbly

Valerie Peyton Horn
at
L’Atelier

Unusual gifts
for body, home, and travel

Tuesday, December 9th
9am – 7pm

20 Meeker Court
Rowayton, CT

Call for directions (203) 866-9242

Friends welcome

Connecticut Food Bank & Dream Spa Event November 6th

Dream Spa & Hairspa of Westport has partnered with the Connecticut Food Bank to host a Pre-holiday open house on Thursday, November 6th, from 6:30-9PM. Visit the Spa, located at 1220 Post Road East for cocktails provided by Fat Cat Pie and Fountainhead Wines of Norwalk, enjoy wonderful cheeses from Mirabelle Cheese Shop of Westport and complimentary mini massages & warm paraffin hand treatments courtesy of Dream. Purchase Holiday Gift Certificates valued at $100 or more and receive a $25 Gift Card for yourself. A portion of the evenings proceeds will go to support the Connecticut Food Banks Annual Thanksgiving Appeal…feeding hungry children, seniors and families throughout Fairfield County this holiday season. Come, be pampered, get a start on your holiday shopping, receive a gift for yourself, all while helping to make this Thanksgiving a joyous occasion for all.

Devon on ABC giving 'Practical Solutions for the Modern Woman'

TUNE into WTNH local ABC Affiliate
Starting on Friday, October 3rd

at 12:20pm

Devon will be giving an introduction to the 'Household CEO' concept


Check it out!

Amazing Makeup Artist

Finally I have discovered a truly talented makeup artist who transforms your face to a 'Red Carpet' look! You feel glamorous and fabulous but without the heavy 'makeup' look!
Jill Keogh has been working for celebrities and actresses for years and is now available in Westport Connecticut.

I highly recommend trying this very talented and beautiful lady.

Pure Makeup
Jill Keogh
917-373-0860
pure27@aol.com

Celebrate Modern Design

The Modern Estate magazine is sponsoring an event:

'Celebrate Modern Design' to benefit the Phillip Johnson Glass HouseFriday, October 17th 6:00-9:00pmThe Bridge House, New CanaanDesigned by John Johansen, last living member of the Harvard FiveCocktailsLight FoodLive and Silent AuctionExhibitThis will be a a prestigious and high profile event.For more information about Sponsorships or other, please contact:Jenna Macari203.801.9933www.TheModernEstate.com

Create Your Own Future- Spa Retreat

Jane Pollack, a nationally reown artist and business coach, invites you to a free preview of her upcoming 'Create Your Own Future" luxury spa retreat. The retreat, scheduled for early 2009 at Canyon Ranch, is designed for women in business who want to take their business and personal life up a notch. At the local preview event Jane Pollack's guests can experience firsthand what it's like to create their own future while making healthy choices about food, body and wellness.

Thursday, July 17th

5:30-8:30

Artifact Design Group

66 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT

The evening will begin with Gina Paterno Villalobos, an organic coach, demonstrating and preparing healthy light-fare. Guests will then enjoy a demonstration from Leigh Scott, Feldenkrais Practitioner. This will be followed by Susanne Jogoda’s yoga instruction. Jane Pollak will end the evening with the special attraction of the night. In a 30 minute session she will guide participants through a visualization exercise so they can begin creating their own future.

There is no admission fee, but reservations are required by July 10th due to space limitations. Those interested can register and get more information about the retreat by visiting www.janepollak.com.

Border Books, Music and Cafe TODAY

Come listen to me speak about 'The Joy of the Juggle' - Super Solutions for the Modern Mom!! How to handle all of the different demands of being a wife, mother, worker and friend- while actually enjoying yourself!

Border Books, Music and Cafe
14 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT
203-834=0600

Saturday, June 28th 2pm

See you there!!

Devon

Fun Outdoor Furniture Event

Check out one of my FAV furniture stores in Greenwich- Mis En Scene - hip, colorful, modern and chic!

They are launching a new outdoor furniture line on Tuesday, June 24 from 6-8pm.


Mis En Scene Outdoor
135 Mason Street
Greenwich
Tuesday, June 24
6:00-8:00 pm

CHEERS

Spring Flings! Save the Dates

Mark your calendar for the spring's HOTTEST parties!!

May 8th 6:00-8:00 Darien Sport Shop 'Pink Party' to benefit Multiple Schlerosis
Darien Sport Shop
1127 Post Road
Darien CT
203.655.2575

May 13th 6:00-8:00 Mitchells of Westport hosts The Third Pink Party to launch the new Pink Book!!
Mitchells of Westport
670 Post Rd East
Westport, CT
203.227.5165


Juliska- Sumptuous European Luxury
June 5th 6:00-9:00 FABuLUSH Fantasy Garden Party HOT HOT HOT event!!
465 Canal Street
Stamford
203.316.9118

info@devonfleming.com for more info on these FABULOUS events!!

Breakfast with the Bunnies!

Breakfast with the Bunnies!


The Darien Sport Shop and FairfieldCountyChild.com
invite you and your family to come and meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny
recieve a complimentary photo
and get added savings on children's clothing:
Lilly Pulitzer, Florence Eisman, Carriage Boutiques, Pears and Bears, Polo Ralph Lauren, Casey Parker and Burberry

Saturday, March 8th
10:00-12:00
Darien Sport Shop
1127 Post Road
Darien

for more info:

fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com

Devon Fleming

Signs of Spring (CLEANING)

Check out my March Column of Fairfield County HOME Mgazine-

www.FCHMAGAZINE.com

or on my site 'In the Media'

for the latest tips on keeping your home sparkling and 'fix-it' free!

Stay tuned for more info on my new Pink Book coming in May!

GET IN SHAPE!!!

Check out the hottest magazine in lower Connecticut- Fairfield County HOME Magazine- my January Column 'From the Pink Book' is all about getting in shape.

I write about my favorite places to exercise as well as some of the hottest home training tips...

CHECK IT OUT!!

Fairfield County HOME Magazine

MonaVie ACAI SUPER FOOD

I was just introduced to a wonderful juice that contains the highest antioxidant mix available. The MonaVie Acai Berry is an incredible nutritional break-through hidden deep within the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. This "Brazilian Mega-Nutrient," is the main ingredient in this Super fruit and vegetable blend- 19 in all!

The blend looks and tastes like a thick blueberry juice and has serious nutritional benefits from helping most organs to boosting your immune system and energy!

Check out the ACAI BERRY benefits!

Call Jenn Warwick 203.570.3680 to try this amazing product.

Endorsement- Academic Coach and TUTOR

I have a wonderful recommendation for my readers in Fairfield County...
Marc Hoffman, of Hoffman Educational Group, is a terrific resource for parents of children who need a tutor or have any questions relating to their childrens education.

Marc has been a tremendous help to me over the years and has given me some very valuable information. His staff are very professional and personable and have helped my teenage daughter for the last 5 years with her education and now with our boarding school admission process.

I highly endorse Marc Hoffman and Hoffman Educational Group and suggest that you call him today!

203.536.1044
HoffmanEducation.com HOT LINK

Spooktacular Tomorrow!

The famous Spooktacular, held each year at East School, New Canaan, will be held tomorrow from 9:00-2:30.. I will be volunteering from 1:00-2:30 with the nail painting, tattoos, face-painting and hairspray section! As you can see, this is always a HUGE success and favorite among small children and draws children from many neighboring towns.

I hope to see you there to support the local elementary school in New Canaan.



East School Annual Spooktacular 9:00-2:30
Saturday, October 27
54 Little Brook Rd
New Canaan, CT
203.594.4200

Feel Good by Doing Good "DailyGood.org"

One of the oldest commandments is to "Love Thy Neighbor". I will tell you that during some of the most difficult times of my life, I have reached out to help another person- that can start with a smile, letting someone who has 'wronged you' off the hook and forgiving them. It can also mean really trying to help a person in need. This is the season of Thanksgiving- It can be a difficult time for some- remembering the loss of a loved one (I have that) and if we want to feel better within ourselves, I will guarantee you that, 100% of the time, you will feel better by doing something nice for someone else...

You should sign up for this free daily 'inspiring" email- www.dailygood.org It will lift your spirits and inspire you to be the best person you can be!

Be well and spread peace.