Around Town
The Local Moms Network 2019 Holiday Gift Guide!
Welcome to The Local Moms Network 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Before kids, we had all our holiday shopping done by (or shortly after) Thanksgiving. Post-kids? We sometimes find ourselves relying on anything available with overnight shipping, or online gift cards (when we’re truly out of ideas). We hope this shortlist provides you with both some solid inspiration and any needed motivation to check all of the dads, moms, kids and everyone in between off your list early, and give unique gifts they’ll love and use over and over.
Meet Michelle-Lee!
If you have noticed or met a tall woman with an endearing Brooklyn accent running around town with three adorable girls (and possibly a lab!), it is likely Michelle-Lee! After taking some time away from her career in finance, Michelle-Lee got involved with The Sunrise Association, and more specifically Sunrise Day Camps, the world’s only dedicated full summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings all provided for free! As part of her time with Sunrise, Michelle volunteers weekly in Montefiore’s oncology unit, brightening the days of the kids and giving their parents a much needed hour to themselves. A fun fact – once a year, Michelle-Lee also cans tomatoes (800 lbs last summer) with family and friends, a tradition many look forward to. Michelle-Lee is someone with a heart of gold, who Westport – and Sunrise – are truly lucky to have. If you are interested in learning more, or helping with her current initiative to fill 200 stockings for the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, email her directly at [email protected].
4 Childcare Personalities You’ll Find in Suburbia
While there are tons of childcare options in the suburbs, most towns tend to have one approach that’s most popular. “Every town has its own childcare ‘personality,’” says Suburban Jungle Strategist Alli Levine. “Kids may go from preschool to extended care. Parents may pick up from school every day. In other towns, driving nannies take kids from parks and playdates to activities.” Here’s what Suburban Jungle suggests people moving consider…
Meet Coterie: The Next Generation of Diapers!
As parents, we all want the best for our kids. One new product that fits that bill to a T is Coterie, a next generation diaper. Just launched this past summer, Coterie is the highest quality diaper available, with twice the absorbency (read: fewer leaks, blowouts and overnight protection), softer and safer materials and a true commitment to sustainability.
WestportMoms Holiday Shopping Event is Almost Here!!
Come join us on Friday, December 6th for our 3rd annual Holiday Shopping Event! We have more vendors than ever before with amazing holiday gifts for you – and everyone you love! We will be at Christ & Holy Trinity Church in downtown Westport, and cant wait to see you there!
Meet Susie!
If you are looking for an expert at event planning – mainly bar and bat mitzvahs (but now weddings too!) look no further than Susie Blumenfeld and Pink House Productions! A Westport mom of three girls, Susie fell into event planning over 13 years ago by accident, recognizing her unique ability to make – and maintain – connections with any and every type of person. Her creativity is unmatched, and over a decade later, she still LOVES what she does. Some fun facts – Susie could see herself as a reality TV star in another life, hates planning family vacations despite being a “planner” by day, and has a secret spot in Florida her family vacations for alone time! Check out Pink House Productions, and keep an eye out for Susie- she does a party like no other!
Hoffman Landscapes wins Excellence Award
Hoffman Landscapes is proud to announce they have been selected to receive an Award of Excellence – Judges Award by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).The winning estate sits on a beautifully manicured 3.3 acre lot. Hoffman Landscapes provides...
What You Need to Know About Getting Through Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a heartbreaking condition that robs you of the happy moments you should have with your baby in the weeks after its birth. Instead of feeling that new mom bliss, you’re left feeling sad, detached, and guilty. When you’re suffering from postpartum depression, that’s normal — and you need to remember, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s look at some key facts about postpartum depression and how you can overcome it.
Meet the newest Resource in Real Estate!
We wanted to share a valuable new resource for anyone thinking of buying a home in our area – Prevu Real Estate. By using their service, homebuyers save an average of $23,000 per transaction thanks to the brokerage’s Smart Buyer Rebate and online platform that pairs you with a local expert. Read more about Prevu, and their founders’ thoughts on real estate trends in Fairfield County.
Rudy's Executive Transportation – Safe Holiday Transportation for You and Your Family
Trust Rudy’s Transportation for any and all of your travel needs this holiday season! Their luxurious vehicles & professional chauffeurs make the start and end to any trip a breeze. They have a variety of vehicles which make them perfect for families of all sizes; including car seats upon request. Let Rudy’s take you and your family safely to your destination this holiday season!
The Mom Behind Smitten Films
Lisa Ridd is the talented mom who launched the business that helps families preserve memories through video!
Using CBD to manage Anxiety: One Mom's Story
This week, one of the founders behind The Press Pause Project shares her personal story with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and how CBD has helped her live a happier, healthier life, including being more “present in the moment” with her husband and three kids. With so many women—particularly moms—dealing with anxiety, postpartum and silently drowning in life, we’re happy to partner with a brand looking to help.
The SoNo Collection: A New Shopping Experience Is Here
The SoNo Collection is a modern boutique shopping center with an emphasis on art and community gathering, recently opened in Norwalk, CT! We’re here to help you get acquainted with the 700,000 sq. ft anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
Youth Sports & Hydration with ONS Sports Medicine
Did you know that the majority of young athletes are already dehydrated when they show up for practice or a game? ONS Sports Medicine Specialist, Dr. Marc Kowalsky explains what signs to look for and what guidelines to follow.
Gently Spiced Cranberry-Apple Prosecco Recipe!
For a fun holiday cocktail (or mocktail), check out the below recipe from Katie of Katie’s Kitchen, a local caterer not to be missed!
Election Day 2019 – Camps, Classes, & Activities
With Election Day coming up, many of us are looking for activities or classes (or even for a few hours) to keep our kids busy and/or to let them try something they may not have time in their normal schedule to do! We’ve compiled a list of local options which hopefully will help!
RECIPE ALERT: Cranberry Sauce to a Whole New Level…
If you’re looking for a fun holiday recipe that the kids will also enjoy, this amazing recipe from local mom and trained chef, Lauren Costello, takes Cranberry Sauce to a whole new level! Every plate looks prettier with one of these beauties next to all the holiday fare!
Meet Lauren!
If you enjoy food in any capacity – eating it, cooking it, or even just looking at pretty pictures of it, Lauren is someone you should know! After a career in Corporate Communications, Lauren decided to follow her passion for food and entertaining, and went to Culinary School, after which she never looked back. A trained chef, food stylist and writer, Lauren spent many years pre-kids on TV and publishing books. Ten years later (after a brief hiatus to move to Westport after almost 40 years in NYC), she is back at it, having launched Its Lauren Of Course, with great videos, recipes and fun content not to be missed!
Eyebrows 101: Thank you European Wax!
Everyone’s eyebrows are different, and as you have likely seen or heard – eyebrows are all the rage these days! If you never had your eyebrows shaped or maybe you had a bad experience, here is everything you need to know about eyebrows from European Wax!
Outsmarting Daylight Savings Time: A few tricks to help ease your children’s transition to the time change!
The dreaded daylight savings is upon us! Suddenly your adorable children, who were happily asleep until at least 6 AM are awake and ready to go at 5. I don’t know about you, but in my house, 5 AM is the middle of the night. So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?