Health & Beauty
Meet Louisa
Mom of three, Louisa left the world of finance and hedge funds to pursue her entrepreneurial itch after having her daughter and realizing there was an opportunity to make ear piercing both a safe and celebratory experience. She shares how studying malls and recognizing the meaningful role Claire’s played in so many of them helped trigger her own idea to do something innovative and fresh! Rowan recently launched in Westport as the 2nd stand-alone studio in addition to Rowan’s presence in over 250 Targets nationwide! They offer piercings done by nurses, and sell only hypoallergenic earrings! In her spare time, Louisa loves yoga, all things French (including – and especially – French Fries!), and has a passion for helping others in the community who need It. Rowan is a special place that helps safely celebrate a special milestone for so many kids (young and old); we are proud to have you in Westport!
Introducing Rockets of Awesome (which is pretty awesome)!
Anyone else a bit overwhelmed with back-to-school shopping this year, or reluctant to spend a lot of time at the mall with your kids trying on clothes? We’re right there with you, and that’s why we’re partnering with Rockets of Awesome, a mom-founded kids brand that allows you to shop through a subscription service (customized to your child) or simply make a la carte purchases online. All of the clothes are super fun, as unique as our kids, and not cheesy at all. We spoke to Rockets of Awesome Founder and CEO Rachael Blumenthal about her amazing brand, back-to-school picks, being a dual-entrepreneur family (her husband founded Warby Parker) and more. Use the code LOCALMOMS20 for 20% off your first order!
Meet Dana!
As we all get ready to kick off the 2021-2022 school year, knowing our kids are supported in their learning is as important as ever! Dana Aussenberg is a local mom of two boys and a Private Learning Specialist with a focus on teaching children Executive Functioning skills – skills and strategies to work smarter, not harder. In her spare time, Dana loves hiking with her family, gardening (in another life she may have been a landscape architect!), and of course beach nights with friends! Dana is approachable, warm, and customizes all of her learning plans to each child with the utmost care. It is people like her who make getting through these tough few years manageable for so many kids- and their parents! Thank you Dana for all you do!
Meet Annabella
Mom to three boys, Annabella began mocking up product ideas when too many daily routines (like washing your face and hair, or applying sunscreen) turned into battles! As the co-founder of Daily Jungle, she recently launched her first product – the Rush Brush – a Paint-On Face Wash & Balm that kids can use by themselves, and LOVE! Annabella is Scandinavian born and raised, and spent time living in 6 countries and California, before settling on the East Coast. She believes wholeheartedly in kids spending time outdoors (rather than on screens), and loves sleep, Finnish Panda licorice, and all things travel! As we all struggle with our kids’ daily routines, we can thank Annabella for helping make some of the big things feel a little bit easier!
Divorce During COVID: The Effect on Parenting Plans
In many cases, COVID has or will have an effect on Parenting Plans for families where the parents are already divorced and for those who will be divorced going forward. A Parenting Plan is a document that sets forth when the child(ren) will be with either parent. Often it is specific as to days and times, school vacations, and holidays. Carole Orland of Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC shares some important things to consider during this complicated time.
Meet Olympic Softball Player and Inspiration, Cat Osterman
When softball star Cat Osterman competed at Athens in 2004, she was the youngest athlete to win a gold medal for Team USA—in fact, she was still a student athlete at the University of Texas. The pitcher won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and she came out of retirement at age 38 to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While the host team of Japan took gold this year, Cat’s legacy as an inspiration to young girls was cemented by the message she shared after her team’s second place finish. We interviewed her about her experience, and all she’s learned!
A COVID Vaccine for Kids May Overlap With Annual Flu Shots. Is It Safe to Get Both?
Right around now, between soaking up the end of summer and racing through your family’s back-to-school checklist, you’re probably trying to schedule your child’s yearly well visit with their pediatrician – including that old standby, the annual flu shot. But this year, there’s a twist: A COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 12 could be ready soon, too. Should you try to space out your child’s vaccinations? Plan them together? What’s safe, and what’s even possible? For answers, we turned to Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP, physician-in-chief at Connecticut Children’s.
Back to School Find from an Entrepreneurial Mom!
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, we’re sharing one of our favorite new mom-owned brands. StyleChild is a fashion-forward line for kids, founded by Jade Sklaver, mom to Liv, 4. After building a career in corporate fashion, she became a wife and mom, and then, like many women, found herself going through a divorce. We spoke to this inspiring single mom about starting her own business, offering entrepreneurial opportunities to other moms through her Kick Starters program, her favorite must-haves for Back-to-School shopping, and more. Use code LOCALMOMS for 15% off your first purchase at stylechildbyjl.com.
Introducing TREAT, a new app you don’t want to miss!
After over a year and a half of being primarily homebodies, we’re experiencing serious wanderlust. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to our newest partner Treat, an innovative new brand that’s set to launch their app this month and offering a holistic approach to travel, health and wellness through virtual care, products, content, select airport wellness centers and more. Learn more!
Meet Julie
Meet Julie! Mom of two (and recent transplant from Southern Cali to Westport), Julie created Modern Pop when she couldn’t find a simple ingredient frozen fruit bar for her teething son. She subsequently pulled our her blender and started making them herself, and fruit bars at home moved to a push cart in Laguna, and Modern Pop is now in 3,000+ retailers nationwide! Julie couldn’t function without her morning coffee, might be a professional matchmaker in another life, and she and her family are amazed by the incredible restaurant scene in Westport! It is always fun to learn about the incredible entrepreneurs right here in our neighborhood, and we are so glad Julie and her family now call Westport their home!
Baby-Proofing Your Smarthome: A Room-by-Room Guide
In 2021, it seems as though technology is everywhere: and that includes your home. Smart devices in your home are making things easier than ever. Whether that’s using voice commands to control your home’s lighting or automatic vacuum cleaners, the days of manual home labor are slowly fading away. For families, one of the most tedious tasks to tackle in your home is baby proofing. Prior to the rise of home technology, installing hardware in every square inch of your home was a baby proofing necessity. Now, thanks to smart devices, it’s easier than ever to babyproof your home in a new, modern, and technologically advanced way.
Not sure where to start? Here are some tips for baby-proofing each room in your house.
Meet Kelly, Founder & CMO of YupPup
Meet Kelly! After decades working in advertising, and raising two boys with two pups by her side, Kelly and her entrepreneurial husband decided why not do something they love together! Their brain child is YUP PUP, a healthy, organic, non-GMO, all natural set of treats for dogs because why shouldn’t our pups live the same healthy lifestyle we do! Kelly and her family returned to Westport after a brief stint in California, and are thrilled to be back! Fun fact- she has two albums on I-tunes, has roasted marshmallows atop a volcano in Nicaragua, and could not live without salted nuts! Kelly has shown us that sometimes following your passion, and doing what you love can create even more fulfillment than you could ever imagine!! Let’s treat our pups!!
Camp Kindness Day!
On July 20th, 2021, The American Camp Association is proud to announce Camp Kindness Day, a day where camps will celebrate the acts of intentional kindness by incorporating it into their programming and daily schedules. Camps across the country teach youth and young adults all aspects of kindness throughout the summer months which continues to be carried throughout their lives. Camp Kindness Day will illustrate the dedication of these camps that instill the core values of compassion, empathy and humanity. Follow what camps will be doing for this special day on social media #CampKindnessDay.
Meet Erin!
Meet Erin! Mom to two daughters, and a superstar person, Erin recently joined the team at New Beauty and Wellness in Westport as a Board certified Physician Assistant specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology. After 13 years at a larger dermatology practice, Erin was inspired by her dad to make a career move to a place where she could spend more time with each patient, and focus namely on non-surgical facial rejuvenation which is her passion. Some fun facts – Erin dreams of of being a dancer in a next life, is addicted to Hot Tamales (the candy!) in this life, and once owned- and rode – a motorcycle! As a mom, Erin has recognized her own increasing need to focus on “wellness,” and is thrilled to be helping others focus on their own as well at her new home! Erin is renowned in her field, and Westport is lucky to have her!
Summer Salad for alllll those BBQs!!
With July 4th weekend just behind us, we are totally in the swing of summer! There are so many backyard BBQs and outdoor dining days to attend! Instead of a traditional pasta salad, try this recipe next time you host or visit friends for a meal. Quinoa is...
Meet Lauren (from It’s Lauren of Course!)
Many people know Lauren for her incredible recipes, unique style of cooking, and her charismatic personality which has stolen the heart of millions on talk shows, cooking shows, and social media! What many don’t know is she is a Westport mom of two boys who left Wall Street for culinary school after her then-boyfriend-now-husband dared her to quit her job and go to cooking school! Since graduating from the French Culinary Institute. Shortly after, she launched her own catering company, while simultaneously working as a private chef, teaching cooking classes, and pursuing her passion for food styling on live television. During the pandemic, she brought joy – and delicious meals – to so many via her Instagram, It’s Lauren of Course, doing 100 live shows! She couldn’t live without smoked fish, is a self-proclaimed night owl, and loves nothing more than a vacation in France! If you are looking for yummy food, some new inspiration, or just someone to make you smile (all the time), Lauren is your girl!!
60 Second Coleslaw!!
This take on coleslaw from Cat with a K Cooks uses pre-shredded coleslaw so it comes together in just under a minute. Plus, it can be made ahead so it’s the perfect summer party (or busy weeknight) side!
Make 4th of July FUN for your PUP with YUPPUP!
For HUMANS, 4th of July is a celebration. For PUPS, 4th of July is a nightmare. Make 4th of July FUN for your PUP with YUPPUP. Fireworks, without the ANXIETY. July 4th BBQ without the BELLY-ACHE. Summer fun runs, without the JOINT PAIN. Pick up a bag of YUPPUP treats at yuppup.shop. You can also find YUPPUP at Earth Animal and this Saturday at the Westport Summer Sidewalk Sale.
Meet Jon
If summer camp, kids sports, leadership development, or good humans are things you enjoy, you should know Jon (and Sara) Deren! Dad to three kids, and a Westporter for ten years plus, Jon is an entrepreneur through and through and continues to create experiences that will change children’s lives and enable them to have active, tech-free experiences outside of their ‘comfort zone’ (and away from their parents!!. He currently owns and runs a boys sleep-away camp in Maine, owns a girls camp and performing arts camp up there as well, and runs Experience Camps for children who have lost a parent or sibling! His newest project is creating a place here in Westport where kids can play sports, socialize, and be part of a community that believes in the values and skills that are built through a positive version of youth athletics, similar to what he does at camp! In his free time, he loves skiing, coaching and watching his kids activities, and is eternally grateful to his wife Sara for agreeing to spend her summers with him in Maine! Jon is just the greatest, and Westport couldn’t be luckier to call him ours!
Come Celebrate Franny’s 1- Year Anniversary on June 19th!
SAVE THE DATE! Join Frannys in celebrating their one year anniversary🌿It’s going to be a great day with live music, free samples, giveaways, local partners, experts to answer all your CBD questions and more!