Around Town
The Summer Sneaker Edit: 6 Stylish Picks for Busy Moms
Summer calls for footwear that can keep up with playground adventures while still looking polished enough for impromptu coffee dates and weekend errands. This season’s standout sneakers pair with everything from casual denim to flowy summer dresses, proving you don’t have to sacrifice sophistication for practicality.
Ultra-Processed Foods and Kids_ How to Choose a Healthy Snack
Recently, the term “ultra-processed foods” has become a red flag for parents trying to feed their families healthy foods. In the last few years, studies have linked ultra-processed foods (UPF) to everything from dementia to diabetes. But those UPFs are, unfortunately, staples for many parents feeding picky eaters. Kacie Barnes MCN, RDN, LD is Mom to two picky eaters herself, as well as the creator behind Mama Knows Nutrition, and advisor to Jennifer Garner’s Once Upon a Farm baby & toddler food brand. We asked Kacie to help us cut through the noise and share the facts about ultra-processed foods—what they are, whether and how strictly our families should avoid them. Plus, some easy and healthy snack choices.
Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Feta, and Honey-Lime Dressing
What is it about watermelon and feta that just screams summer? This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Feta and Honey-Lime Dressing is perfect to serve as a side when you’re grilling or to put together for a quick and healthy lunch. Light and refreshing, it’s an elevated summer classic.
What Homeowners Should Know Before Starting a Design/Build Landscape Project
When planning a luxury outdoor renovation, many homeowners don’t realize just how complex these projects can be. From grading and drainage to material selection and long-term maintenance, there are dozens of details that must align to create a truly exceptional space. That’s where the Design/Build model shines. Learn more about how LaurelRock can help with all of your renovation needs!
Whole 30 – Thai Inspired Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet
A great weeknight meal is fast, healthy, and tasty. This Whole30 Thai-Inspired Coconut Lime Chicken Skillet checks all those boxes, says Whole30 co-founder and CEO Melissa Urban. “This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep, and is quite versatile. Use kale instead of spinach, serve over cauliflower rice (or Jasmine rice in your food freedom), or add hearty veggies like broccoli, cabbage, or sugar snap peas for extra fiber and nutrition,” says Melissa. She doubles the recipe so she has leftovers for lunch the next day, saying “The flavors meld together even better overnight.”
9 TV Shows to Watch (or Rewatch) Right Now
As a busy mom, there are few easier ways to unwind quickly than a great post-bedtime TV show, accompanied by a glass of wine (or mocktail, snack, or all three!). We polled our moms nationwide, and these are nine shows they’re loving right now. Dive in where they are or start one that’s between seasons and catch up over some TV date nights.
Youth Sports – Expert Advice on when to start Travel, Dealing with Disappointment and more!
Your most pressing Sports Mom questions, answered, from when (and if) to start your kids in travel to what to say when they get cut from a team. ‼️Plus, the *only* thing your kid needs to hear after every game. 🤯 We asked these questions and more of Kirsten Jones, former D1 athlete, mom (including of two D1 athletes) and the author of Raising Empowered Athletes
Make a Splash with these Important Water Safety Tips!
As we prepare for summer, the swim and water safety experts at Goldfish Swim School are sharing key water safety tips with us in honor of National Water Safety Awareness Month.
5 Things your Child Should know before Going to College
Before your child goes to college, you want them to be 100 percent ready—but not just academically. Head to the link in bio for a list of what life skills they should know—and an amazing new program in Canada, Next Step, that is filling in the gaps for teenagers this summer.
Meet Kim Hausman Athan of Mother’s Day Movement
Almost $36 billion is spent on Mother’s Day each year. Kim Athan is one of the moms behind @mothersdaymovementmdm, a non-profit organization trying to “shift the gift” to help moms worldwide. Since their launch in 2010, Mothers’ Day Movement has given $1 million to charities supporting women and families; this year’s beneficiary is @family.promise, a nationwide organization fighting family homelessness. Learn more!
Introducing Alphabet Academy- the newest preschool coming to the area!
The Alphabet Academy and Nest Early Learning Community have been crafting authentic learning experiences based on the Reggio Emilia Philosophy since 2004. With current locations in Hamden, New Haven and Branford, they are excited to offer Fairfield County families the high level of care and progressive education as well as real, whole food made by our in-house chef that has defined us for the past 20 years. The Nest at Greenfield Hill, located at 161 Hillside Road, will open this September, and serve families with children ages 1-6 (toddlers through Kindergarten). Learn more!
The Granola Girlies take on Grand Central Station!
Just a few years before we launched Westportmoms (well four years to be exact=)) two local moms- Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain- created and launched The Granola Bar, now a regional phenomenon with it’s newest location opening right outside Grand Central Station in New York City! As we like to do every few years, we connected with them about their journey, how they are feeling today, and they shared some advice for other “mompreneurs” out there! We love you J&D; thanks for the special gem you created first in this community of ours! We are forever grateful!
Meet Dr. Michelle Foley – Pediatric Cancer Specialist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
Meet Michelle Foley, DO, a Greenwich mom and Yale Medicine pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Meet Joan, Co-President of Staples Tuition Grants
Mom of two here in Westport, Joan Gillman is currently a corporate board director, serving as a steward for shareholders and a mentor to CEOs but she is also the co-president of Staples Tuitions Grants (STG), an amazing donor-funded organization helping over 25% of Staples graduates meet the burdens college can require. After 35 years working in the US Senate and then running 3 tech-startups, Joan followed her passion to help others excel in leadership, philanthropy and education. While hard to believe living in Westport, college tuition continues to rise, and STG helps so many students pursue higher education, a cause Joan feels passionately about. In her spare time, Joan loves hosting parties to support causes (and candidates) she believes in, enjoys travel, and loves to read! For those interested in supporting STG, Millie Rae’s is donating 10% of profits on 5/1 so head in for some spring or Mother’s Day shopping! Thank you Joan for all you do for our students and the community!
Meet Gwen Snider, Cofounder of Luxury Family Travel Resorts, Little Gem
Twenty-five years ago, Gwenn & Mark Snider were avid travelers who quickly realized that family travel was often more fun for the kids than adults, and decided to change that by elevating the experience. Today, they’ve built three luxury, family-focused resorts, The Winnetu, The Nantucket and Lovango Resort, all under the umbrella of Little Gem Resorts. Read our interview with Gwenn at the link in bio. When booking at the Winnetu, use code MOMS for 10% off between May 19th – 23rd and September 4th– 22nd. (Must book before June 1, 2025.)
Meet Tracy Flood, President of CLASP and a mom with a mission
As April is Autism Awareness month, we are thrilled to feature Tracy Flood, local mom and president of CLASP, an incredible non-profit organization creating and supporting family environments for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. Today CLASP serves 85 men and women in 12 homes and 9 apartments throughout Fairfield County. Tracy took a job at CLASP 41 years ago thinking It sounded interesting, but never knew It would become her life mission! In her spare time, Tracy loves time at the beach, watching Ken Burn’s documentaries, and traveling. She loves lobster, chocolate, and dry shampoo, and would be able to sing in another life! CLASP and Westport are so lucky to have Tracy, and for those who want to support CLASP further, check out their Taste of Western event at Longshore on June 5th!
Spring Ahead for Savings on Window Treatments for Bumble Bee Blinds
As the vibrant hues of spring start to bloom, there’s no better time to breathe new life into your home with stunning custom window treatments from Bumble Bee Blinds. Their expert design consultants will guide you through the process, ensuring that you find the ideal combination of fabrics, colors, and styles to complement your décor. Schedule a FREE consultation today to explore our exquisite collection and discover the incredible savings waiting for you. Your dream home makeover is just a window treatment away!
Meet Bobby Wilson – MD, Medical Director for One Medical
For those who haven’t heard, One Medical is the newest Primary Care Medicine practice here in Westport. We were lucky enough to talk to Bobby Wilson, the Connecticut Medical Director (and a local dad) about how he ended up where he is, and what makes One Medical unique and an option you may be interested in! We are thrilled to have you- and One Medical – here in Westport!
Spring has sprung and it’s time to protect your lawn!
Learn why moms are loving Mosquito Squad for spring pest protection, from ticks to mosquitoes, ants, flies and beyond! Book and start treatment now for the best protection.
5 Reasons Local Moms Love Lakeside Watersports!
Lakeside Watersports creates lasting summer memories by providing private watersports lessons & boat charters on picturesque Candlewood Lake.