In the Know
Meet Karlin Gray, Author
Local mom and children’s book author, Karlin Gray, just launched her 5th book – and her first graphic novel – Mia and Friends. Though Karlin did not know much about soccer prior to writing her latest book, she was intrigued by the sensational story of a shy girl who loved soccer, and with the help of the amazing friends she met on the field, went on to change history! Karlin loves being part of the Westport community, and enjoys the many “gems” It has to offer- including the Levitt Pavilion, The Library (of course!), and Toquet Hall, where her son has performed! Karlin dreams of owning a bookstore, but in the meantime, has curated recommendations of many picture-book biographies by interest area on her website called True Story Bookshop! If you are looking for a fun new book for your kiddo, check out Mia and Friends, and Karlin’s impressive other publications as well!
Meet Karen Klein, VP of Product at Evite!
Find out more about this mom and what’s new at Evite.
How to Create the Perfect Lawn
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to lawn care, there’s something incredibly satisfying about stepping onto a lush, green lawn. To create the perfect lawn, you need a mix of local expertise, thoughtful planning, and proper maintenance. With the right approach – and a little help from the pros – your lawn can become the pride of your home, staying beautiful and resilient all year long. Learn more!
Remodeling Consultants: Tips for Busy Parents Planning a Home Renovation!
We talked to the experts at Remodeling Consultants for their tips on how to kick off a home renovation with confidence (especially as busy parents).
Meet Stephanie Berghoff- Founder of the Home Cook CT
If weeknight dinners and meal prep stress you out like It does us – The Home Cook may be game changing, so you are welcome! Mom of two daughters here in Westport, Stephanie Berghoff launched The Home Cook in 2019, delivering home cooked meals to hundreds of families across CT and NY weekly! Steph always had a passion for food and cooking, and wrote her own kid’s cookbook at age 14! After college, she worked in PR for several NYC restaurants, started a Linked In- type platform for the restaurant industry, and did chef recruiting! In just 5 years she has grown an incredible business which feeds- and brings joy – to so many families every week! In her spare time, Steph loves spending time with her family at Compo beach, Apple Picking and all Fall Festivals! Fun fact- she hates salmon and bananas! If you haven’t tried The Home Cook yet, use code Westport mom at checkout and get 1 free kids meal with your order; we promise you won’t regret It!
MDSolarSciences arms the Westport Community with Sun Protection!
While Labor Day symbolizes the end of the Summer season to many, it’s important to note that the end of SPF season is nowhere in sight. Seen as a summer staple for many, SPF is a year round, daily skincare need to adequately protect the skin from harmful UV rays. To spread this message and educate the Westport community about the importance of year-round sun protection, MDSolarSciences CEO and Westport resident Renee Plato took to the streets to arm the Westport community with sun protection ahead of the holiday weekend, educating civilians about the danger of sun exposure. Locally based in Westport, CT, MDSolarSciences is a dermatologist-founded and formulated SPF skincare brand on a mission to spread awareness about the necessity of daily use of SPF! Learn more!
A New School Year is Here – Feel Confident!
Summertime is often a much-needed break from the school year and all it brings; homework, extra-curricular activities and packed schedules. So, when it’s time for kids to head back to school in September, they may feel anxious. You may not be able to relieve all of your child’s anxiety, but there are ways to help reduce this stress and build confidence heading into those first few weeks of school. Read on to check out these helpful tips from local mom and Learning Specialist, Dana Aussenberg, M.S., Ed.
Back to School Activity Guide!!
With back to school here, we wanted to help you kick off the school year right! Check out our Back to School Activity Guide for great activities ranging from art to sports to theatre – and more! If you have a program you would like listed, email us at [email protected].
Backpack Wearing – Do’s and Don’t
With back to school around the corner, backpacks are all the rage! Backpacks are customizable, come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are the ultimate in self-expression. But—when not worn properly, they can cause short- or long-term problems in kids’ muscles, joints and—well—back. So what’s the right way to wear and carry a backpack? What else should you know so we can keep our learners in good physical health? Dr. Phil Mack, orthopedic surgeon with Connecticut Children’s, has answers.
4 Tips for a Smooth Transition Home from Sleepaway Camp
Like college students heading home from school, children returning home from sleepaway camp have a big adjustment ahead. Sometimes, re-entry can become…rocky. It’s not just kids getting used to living back under our roof; we parents likely miss our break from driving and dinner duty.
TLMN contributor Dr. Reon Baird-Feldman says this bumpy return to the routine is both normal and expected: “Kids are returning home from an environment full of routine and structure from the moment they wake up until it’s time to go to sleep.” That’s a lot of stimulation that’s gone overnight. Dr. Baird-Feldman says the huge shift back at home can create boredom, a penchant for pushing boundaries, and even anxiety.
31 Screen-Free Ideas for August
To be clear, we have nothing against screens; there is a time and a place for them. As parents, they are a tool in our summer parenting survival kit. But come August, it can feel like the only tool we have left, now that camp is over, maybe friends are away on vacation, and our patience is long gone. If this is where you’re at, here are 31 screen-free ideas for this month – one for every day until September.
Meet Lindsay, Owner of Bricks and Minifigs, new LEGO store in Fairfield!
Meet Lindsay, local mom of two! Lindsay and her husband David recently opened Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield, a LEGO® store specializing in both new and used LEGO products. A California native and former professional dancer, Lindsay has loved becoming a part of the Fairfield community and opened @bamfairfield not only to offer a place for LEGO-lovers to shop, but to create a welcoming space for individuals and families to gather and connect.
When not at the store, Lindsay is also a personal trainer and dance instructor. She and her family love the beach, shopping the farmers market, and cooking delicious vegan recipes (Lindsay is the baker of the family!). She is excited to be a Fairfield mom and intends Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield to add to the amazing community Fairfield has to offer to families!
Meet Lindsay, Owner of Bricks and Minifigs, new LEGO store in Fairfield!!
Meet Lindsay, local mom of two! Lindsay and her husband David recently opened Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield, a LEGO® store specializing in both new and used LEGO products. A California native and former professional dancer, Lindsay has loved becoming a part of the Fairfield community and opened @bamfairfield not only to offer a place for LEGO-lovers to shop, but to create a welcoming space for individuals and families to gather and connect.
When not at the store, Lindsay is also a personal trainer and dance instructor. She and her family love the beach, shopping the farmers market, and cooking delicious vegan recipes (Lindsay is the baker of the family!). She is excited to be a Fairfield mom and intends Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield to add to the amazing community Fairfield has to offer to families!
Meet Christina – Greens Farm Nursery School Director and NEW Published Children’s Book Author
Director of Greens Farms Nursery School and mom of four, Christina is a lifelong educator, who just this summer published her first children’s book “The Barely There Bear” with her cousin, a fun way to share the true story of an adventurous evening on a family trip in the Adirondacks. The book is a perfect story to share with young readers who love a little mystery, and a fun family story! Christina has her Masters in Music Education and in addition to her primary focus on education, she is a singer/songwriter, and spent many years performing solo and in a band with her brother. She indulges on fresh flowers for her house, sleeping in, and can not survive without coffee! If you love children’s books and an awesome local story, Christina’s is the one to read!
Meet a Mom: Pediatric Audiologist Dr. Heather Haversat of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
Dr. Heather Haversat, AuD is a pediatric audiologist who has been treating kids with hearing conditions at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital since 2014.
Meet a Mom: Us Women’s Soccer Star Crystal Dunn on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris!
Crystal Dunn is a 32-year-old mom of a toddler…in Paris with Team USA! 🇺🇸 This is the soccer star’s *3rd* Olympic Games. 🏅⚽️ In this Meet a Mom interview, Crystal discusses her Paris Gail’s, introducing her son to soccer, the importance of women being able to achieve in their careers and as moms, and more. ❤️🤍💙
6 Lunchbox and Backpack Sets your Kids will Love
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. We’ve rounded up 6 stylish lunchbox and backpack sets that’ll have your kids racing to the bus stop!
Check out our full list of fun and practical picks. Who knows? The right gear might just make the end of summer a little easier to swallow.
Summer Reading for Moms from Zibby Owens
Looking for a beach read? Check out the shortlist from Zibby Owens – author, publisher, bookstore owner and host of Moms Don’t Have Time to read Books at the link in our bio ☝️
Great Family Event this Sunday – Soundview Summer Stroll!
This Sunday (July 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) marks the first-ever Soundview Sidewalk Stroll. The family-friendly street festival is a gift to Westport, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. We’ve got help from the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Police.
Should You Treat Your Baby’s Tongue-Tie_ What To Ask Your Doctor First
If you had trouble breastfeeding, your baby may have had a tongue-tie. But the controversial surgery that some pediatricians or lactation consultants recommend, called a tongue-tie release, may not be right for your baby.We spoke with a pediatric dentist about the pros and cons of the procedure and exactly what to ask your doctor when deciding.