In the Know
Meet Blake Leonard!
If you need a good feel good story to kick off this month – and summer – we’ve got you! Meet Blake Leonard, a Westport native, proud member of the family who created Stew Leonard’s (which we all know and love), mom of two boys, and certified sommelier. After many years working for Stew’s Wine & Liquor store, Blake is thrilled to announce the opening of their family’s first swim school – Stewie the Duck – in Norwalk this month! When Blake was 3 years old, her little brother died in a horrific drowning accident, and her family has been focused on providing swim lessons and water safety to children ever since. Blake loves sushi (OKO is her favorite on a special occasion), Ted Lasso, time with her boys (all 3 of them!), and in another life might work for the CIA! Check out Stewie the Duck for a free lesson, and spread the word about this amazing family – and swim school -opening right around the corner!
Perimenopause – What to Expect…
Until recently, perimenopause had a reputation of being something that was only of concern to “older” ladies. Think: gray-haired grannies playing bridge. In fact, perimenopause, the transitional period where hormones begin to fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes, typically begins in the early to mid 40s but may start earlier. (Once women skip a period for an entire year, they’re in menopause.) But that pre-period, previously, has been glossed over, not only by women going through it, but the very doctors who could be helping them through it. Recently, that stigma seems to be lifting, thankfully, in part because celebrities like Naomi Watts and Drew Barrymore are speaking out about their experiences.
Summer Recipe Round Up!
Summer is around the corner and the seasonal shortlist of recipes below will take you from Memorial Day to Labor Day. From potlucks to backyard barbecues, there’s something for everyone. Most include fresh, colorful and in-season produce, are simple to double or triple and none require a culinary degree – ha! Plus, you can make most of them ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria for Summer!
Cheers to Summer! We love a good Sangria in the warmer weather, and depending on the setting or food pairing, have served it in white, red or rose varieties. This Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria from The BakerMama is not only refreshing, but decorated with a patriotic, festive kabob—making it perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July or Labor Day.
High-Risk Pregnancy: What to Do and How to Cope
If your pregnancy is high risk, it’s natural to have a mix of emotions ranging from joy and anticipation—to fear and even sorrow. Even though every woman’s high risk pregnancy is different, you’re not alone. As a trained, certified fetal care coordinator for women with high-risk pregnancies, Jennifer Humphrey, MSN, RN, supports families facing some of the most challenging fetal conditions at the Fetal Care Center at Connecticut Children’s.
Spring Dresses!
Dresses are the ultimate #momhack for your wardrobe. Just slip one on, and you’re basically dressed in seconds, without wasting time mixing, matching, or styling separates. Our favorite kind? Spring dresses that can be layered in cooler weather, and worn solo through summer.
Update – Health Insurers No Longer Required to Cover COVID-19 Tests
Effective May 12, 2023, public and private health insurers are no longer required to cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing (including over-the-counter tests) at no cost to consumers, according to a blog post from the United States Department of Labor. As a result, consumers may be required to pay all or part of the cost of COVID-19 tests and vaccines depending on changes to individual health plan policies.
Meet Kristen Glosserman
Mom to four and newer to Westport, Kristen is a life coach of over 20 years, who achieved her lifelong goal to write her own book – “If It’s Not Right, Go Left” – during the pandemic, which is entirely centered around community, family, and wellness. Kristen has loved the calm of the suburbs, seeing simple things like daffodils on the drive to school each morning, and treasured the family time the COVID years forced upon us all. In another life, Kristen might have pursued a career in politics, always interested in bettering the world (and her community!), loves French fries and sushi, values sleep tremendously, and still treasures her annual trips with her high school friends! As we all strive to balance the many demands of work, self-care, and motherhood, Kristen has helped many stay on track – and find their way. Learn more about this dynamic momma and the many lessons that got her to where she is today.
What are the Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning?
Struggling with allergies, constant colds this Spring? Did you know it might have something to do with dirty ductwork?!
Meet Julie Kucinski, co-founder of Wile
Meet Julie Kucinski, the founder of Wile, a supplement brand changing the way we think and talk about midlife and perimenopause!
Prior to founding Wile, this inspiring mom spent years working with natural brands like Mrs. Meyers to Aveda, as well as other big names like Levi’s, Target, and L’Oréal. Our interview with Julie focuses on Wile, Julie’s founder story, and more. Head to the link in bio to read, and use code LocalMoms20 for 20% off sitewide.
Meet Shonda!
If you ever wondered who the creative genius was behind shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Station 19, and most recently the acclaimed, Bridgerton and Inventing Anna, it is Westport’s very own, Shonda Rhimes. Mom to three daughters, Shonda was a storyteller from an early age, whose long-time interest in hospitals and the medical field were ultimately her inspiration for Grey’s, currently in its 19th season! Shonda is currently most excited about the launch of “Queen Charlotte,” (the prequel to Bridgerton), debuting on Netflix on May 4th. Her own favorite shows include “Yellowjackets” and “Dark,” as well as “Abbott Elementary” when she wants something lighter! She can not live without herbal tea or her iPad, and while she plays many instruments (including the oboe, drums and xylophone), she hopes to be able to sing in her next life! Though Shonda is constantly creating, she values her time with her children more than anything, and has loved being part of the Westport community. In a town so focused on arts and education, how lucky we are to have her!
Keep Moms Moving! 5 Common Orthopedic Conditions We See and How to Manage Them
At OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics, we’ve seen first-hand what a toll motherhood can take on your body. As Mother’s Day approaches, we want to extend our appreciation for all the hard work you do in the best way we know how — offering some quick tips on the most common orthopedic conditions we see in moms, including how you can prevent and treat them. From the new moms, the veteran moms, the active moms, and every mom in between, we appreciate you!
6 Blazers to Buy for Spring and Beyond!
Blazers are the definition of a fashion mom hack. “Busy moms need pieces they can just throw on and go,” says fashion contributor Kristin Koch, “and tossing a blazer on over jeans and a tee or dress is the easiest way to create a chic, put-together look in seconds.” This Spring, consider investing in a blazer that will take you from work to date night to school functions. “One great jacket can elevate casual basics like jeans, tees, black pants. It can make an evening dress work for the office or PTO event,” says Kristin, a mom of three and editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine. See some favorites here.
Interested in a Green Home Tour?
Trillium Architects, has been actively designing sustainable and energy efficient, custom homes since 2004.
Meet Mary Dobson
A Fairfield native, Mary and her husband returned back to the area over 15 years ago, and haven’t looked back. After her initial career balancing private-practice counseling with her role as an executive on the corporate side of mental health, directing nationwide treatment programs, Mary found her way to her true passion (after becoming a mom!) and over the last decade, birthed what her children call “her third baby” – LIFT Wellness, a comprehensive counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatry, and nutrition company, employing a team of 25 healthcare specialists, with a flagship campus in downtown Westport. LIFT combines the many needs of families and children into one – featuring integrative, multidisciplinary care, family support/coaching, daily therapy and peer support groups after school and evenings, in the kind of warm, welcoming environment that instantly makes all who enter feel safe and at home. In her spare time (which is rare these days as she’s often jotting down ideas at 3AM!), she has enjoyed watching Shrinking, loves any and all time with her family, and views her heroes in life as the clients she treats who are finding their own strength, confidence and purpose. Mary and LIFT are a true gift for us here in Westport, and we look forward to featuring more of them both in the coming months!
See How Closet Factory Turns An Extra Room Into A Closet
Struggling with adequate storage space in your home? Learn how Closet Factory can help with a custom solution.
5 Tips for Packing Lunch for Kids
Making a school lunch every day can be a time-consuming task. That’s why our Moms are loving @skoutorganic, a line of organic kids bars that are plant-based, made with 7 or fewer simple ingredients, and come in kid-friendly flavors like Apple Pie and Blueberry Blast! 😋 Use code LOCALMOMS for 20% off, and keep reading for five tips that can make lunch-packing a breeze.
Simple Chic Easter Tips
Easter is around the corner, and whether you’re hosting extended family or just creating an intimate brunch for your crew, there are easy ways to make it feel special. Here, the talented duo behind Host to Perfection share four tips to try.
The White Shirt Round Up!
Fashion and function intersect at the white button blouse. That’s why this staple is so appropriately called a wardrobe workhorse. Classic and chic, the white button shirt exudes calm, cool and collected. Spring is a great time to put this staple at the forefront of your closet. Get it back into rotation with these six picks from The Local Mom’s Network.
Meal Planner – Trader Joe’s Edition
Ask any mother – working woman or stay-at-home mom, contented chef or takeout pro – busy families need meal inspiration. Use the Local Mom’s Network meal-planning guide to get breakfast, lunch and dinner on the table simply and easily. In this installment, we look to Trader Joe’s for their delicious, cost-effective, and quick food choices.
