If you need a good feel good story to kick off this month – and summer – we’ve got you! Meet Blake Leonard, a Westport native, proud member of the family who created Stew Leonard’s (which we all know and love), mom of two boys, and certified sommelier. After many years working for Stew’s Wine & Liquor store, Blake is thrilled to announce the opening of their family’s first swim school – Stewie the Duck – in Norwalk this month! When Blake was 3 years old, her little brother died in a horrific drowning accident, and her family has been focused on providing swim lessons and water safety to children ever since. Blake loves sushi (OKO is her favorite on a special occasion), Ted Lasso, time with her boys (all 3 of them!), and in another life might work for the CIA! Check out Stewie the Duck for a free lesson, and spread the word about this amazing family – and swim school -opening right around the corner!

Until recently, perimenopause had a reputation of being something that was only of concern to “older” ladies. Think: gray-haired grannies playing bridge. In fact, perimenopause, the transitional period where hormones begin to fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes, typically begins in the early to mid 40s but may start earlier. (Once women skip a period for an entire year, they’re in menopause.) But that pre-period, previously, has been glossed over, not only by women going through it, but the very doctors who could be helping them through it. Recently, that stigma seems to be lifting, thankfully, in part because celebrities like Naomi Watts and Drew Barrymore are speaking out about their experiences.

Summer is around the corner and the seasonal shortlist of recipes below will take you from Memorial Day to Labor Day. From potlucks to backyard barbecues, there’s something for everyone. Most include fresh, colorful and in-season produce, are simple to double or triple and none require a culinary degree – ha! Plus, you can make most of them ahead of time for easy entertaining.

Cheers to Summer! We love a good Sangria in the warmer weather, and depending on the setting or food pairing, have served it in white, red or rose varieties. This Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria from The BakerMama is not only refreshing, but decorated with a patriotic, festive kabob—making it perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July or Labor Day.

If your pregnancy is high risk, it’s natural to have a mix of emotions ranging from joy and anticipation—to fear and even sorrow. Even though every woman’s high risk pregnancy is different, you’re not alone. As a trained, certified fetal care coordinator for women with high-risk pregnancies, Jennifer Humphrey, MSN, RN, supports families facing some of the most challenging fetal conditions at the Fetal Care Center at Connecticut Children’s.

Dresses are the ultimate #momhack for your wardrobe. Just slip one on, and you’re basically dressed in seconds, without wasting time mixing, matching, or styling separates. Our favorite kind? Spring dresses that can be layered in cooler weather, and worn solo through summer.

Effective May 12, 2023, public and private health insurers are no longer required to cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing (including over-the-counter tests) at no cost to consumers, according to a blog post from the United States Department of Labor.  As a result, consumers may be required to pay all or part of the cost of COVID-19 tests and vaccines depending on changes to individual health plan policies.

Mom to four and newer to Westport, Kristen is a life coach of over 20 years, who achieved her lifelong goal to write her own book – “If It’s Not Right, Go Left” – during the pandemic, which is entirely centered around community, family, and wellness. Kristen has loved the calm of the suburbs, seeing simple things like daffodils on the drive to school each morning, and treasured the family time the COVID years forced upon us all. In another life, Kristen might have pursued a career in politics, always interested in bettering the world (and her community!), loves French fries and sushi, values sleep tremendously, and still treasures her annual trips with her high school friends! As we all strive to balance the many demands of work, self-care, and motherhood, Kristen has helped many stay on track – and find their way. Learn more about this dynamic momma and the many lessons that got her to where she is today.

Struggling with allergies, constant colds this Spring? Did you know it might have something to do with dirty ductwork?!