Around Town
Meet Maya and Kathy!
If there was one thing we learned from the pandemic, It was that slowing down enabled many people to find new interests – and launch new businesses – they never may have had time to before! Welcome Local Luxe Co – a business started by two local moms – Maya and Kathy – who discovered amazing local artisans and wanted to bring their products to others. With their custom gift boxes, you can try (or gift) unique products and support amazing local talent. Maya and Kathy love to travel, drink any and all forms of coffee, and are loving the chance to “give the gift of grATTITUDE” as they say! As the giving season is officially here, we wanted to give thanks to them, and share all they offer with you!
Meet Alex Morgan – Mom and Soccer SUPERSTAR!
In 2009, Alex Morgan joined the US Women’s soccer team, making history as the team’s youngest player, at just 22. Today, at 32, she’s a three-time Olympian, having taken home gold in London in 2012 and bronze this past summer in Tokyo. She helped the US win the World Cup in 2015. But 17 months ago she added a different role—Mom—to her impressive resume, when she gave birth to daughter Charlie. We spoke to Alex about how becoming a mother has influenced her career, her thoughts on raising an athlete (and her Fun Comes First campaign with GoGo squeeZ), her commit to gender equality in sports, and more.
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies!
If you loved the Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Cookies we recently shared, you have to try this Pumpkin version! Our food contributor Kathleen Ashmore has seriously done it again with these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. They have chocolate chips (read: kid-friendly), are full of pumpkin (so they feel all festive for Fall) and happen to be gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. Don’t have coconut sugar? Regular brown and white will work, too.
Halloween Breakfast Smoothie – Thank you Lauren Braun Costello!
Halloween night is all about costumes and candy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start the day with something healthy and wholesome. Enter a delicious breakfast smoothie, made either with frozen strawberries or bananas, milk of your choice, and your favorite protein powder (chocolate pictured). Bring the Halloween theme to life with a chocolate-covered strawberry goblin or an adorable banana ghost. If you don’t have frozen fruit on hand, just use fresh fruit and a fistful of ice. These smoothies are so easy to make that even the kids can make one for YOU!
5 Things You’ll Love About Hopkins School
Here at the nation’s third oldest independent school, high-achieving, motivated students come to Hopkins to be inspired, challenged, and share in a love of learning. If your child is passionate about learning, here are five things you’ll love about a Hopkins education.
Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe!
This pumpkin chili recipe from Chef Debra Ponzek is a classic fall dish, full of seasonal flavors like pumpkin and butternut squash. Like all chilis, it’s versatile and can be made ahead and frozen, making it a go-to for busy autumn nights.
Meet Kaile
After losing her mother to Ovarian Cancer at the age of 19, Kaile made It her life mission to help healthcare providers – and women – learn to see the warning signs of this often fatal disease, as early as possible. In addition to co-founding a foundation to train non-oncologists on signs of early detection, she is most recently the COO of Aspira Women’s Health, a public company focused on early detection of gynecologic diseases, namely Ovarian Cancer. As a mom of two, she believes It is as important as ever that coming out of this pandemic women do not leave the workforce due to pressures to be home more, and continue fighting to make the world a better place with support from their companies to do so. Kaile is as passionate, authentic, and badass as It gets. She loves a good book, sourdough bread, and can not wait to take her kids abroad when It is safe again. In the meantime, she is changing lives – and saving them – and our world (and community) is certainly better for having her in It!
WestportMoms Holiday Shopping Event on Friday, 11/5!!
JOIN US on Friday, 11/5 for our 5th Annual Holiday Shopping Event at the parking lot behind the Westport Playhouse! We will have more vendors than ever, food trucks and so many exciting things to buy! We hope to see you there! Tell your friends=)
Spooky Non-Candy Halloween Treats!
Looking for some candy-free options for Halloween this year? Whether your child’s school doesn’t allow candy, you want to offer kids (and parents) a healthier option or want to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project (allergy-free options in a blue pumpkin), we have you covered. From savory eats to fun toys, here is a shortlist to start with. The best part? They’re all available on Amazon Prime!
Sleep Better Tonight!
What parent doesn’t want a more restful night’s sleep? And yet many of us are struggling to fall and stay asleep. According to statistics from the CDC, one in three individuals in the U.S. doesn’t get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night they’re supposed to. There are quite a few common misconceptions that could be messing with your sleep. Learn more!
Spooky Snack Mix!
Halloween is almost here and we’re adding this Spooky Snack Mix from The BakerMama to our shortlist of fun treats to make. It has all the things we love in a holiday snack—sweet, salty, festive and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Terrain Health Special Offer on “Immune Package” for Westport Moms!
A huge thanks once again to Dr. Robin Rose from Terrain Health for her insights shared on our Insta Live on Tuesday night! Terrain is offering WestportMoms a special offer for their “Immune Package” (see below), and Dr.Robin has shared some great links to supplements she likes which are included!
Halloween Books for Kids!
It’s the season of ghosts and goblins and we are thrilled to share our list of brand-new picture books along with some timeless favorites that are perfect for getting children excited for Halloween! We hope you enjoy these spooktacular booooks as much as we do!
Join St. Luke’s for an Upcoming Open House!
Join St. Luke’s on campus for a discussion of the school’s distinct approach to these foundational years and learn about the magic of Middle School on Wednesday, October 20, at 9:15am (parents only).
Youth Basketball League with Coach Mike Evans now open at the Westport Weston YMCA!
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s new Youth Basketball League (YBL) is open to boys and girls in Kindergarten through 4th Grade with guided instruction from former Weston HS star Mike Evans! Registration is currently open for Session 1 (11/6 – 12/18), spots are limited sign up now….!
Meet Andi
If you love football (or are remotely curious about the obsession so many have!), and also love supporting great causes (this month’s is PINKAid!), you may enjoy following #AndiLovesFootball! What began as a Covid interest project for this passionate – and philanthropic – mom of three, has turned into an opportunity to take something she loves – football – and marry that with helping organizations who need It! While this last year plus has been challenging, her time with her family (in close quarters at times!) has been unforgettable, and she cherished every moment. In a next life, she’d have been an NFL (behind the scenes) reporter, has yet to miss an episode of Howard Stern, and credits her nanny for being her greatest inspiration in life. Enjoy this read, and #AndiLovesFootball; we could all use some lighter content these days!!!
Halloween Happenings 2021!
Halloween Fun is HERE!
You’re Invited: How Children Learn to Read!
If you are wondering what steps to take in order to help your child learn to read (and have fun while they’re doing it), our friends at Vivvi have a virtual program for you. Learn more about “How Children Learn to Read” and register today!
Corri Neckritz Shares her Story
As many of you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so we are interrupting our regular “meet a mom” interviews to feature a local mom (and celebrity!) in town – Corri Neckritz – the owner of Groove store for kids and women, who has so bravely shared her recent journey finding out she had breast cancer, taking proactive steps to keep herself strong – and sane – and the opportunity this experience has provided her to help her family – and others! Thank you Corri; you are an inspiration to us all.
Winter Collection from Rockets of Awesome!
Recently, we shared our favorite Back-to-School shopping secret weapon—Rockets of Awesome. This mom-founded kids brand is not only fun and fashionable, but their subscription and online shopping options make it super easy for busy moms to stay on top of wardrobe updates. Their new Winter collection is fantastic—bright, happy and full of pieces perfect for the holidays. Ready to try Rockets of Awesome? Use the code LOCALMOMS20 for 20% off your first purchase (both subscriptions and e-commerce)!