In the Know
Meet a Mom, Chrissy Khachane of Gowan Placement!
Meet a Mom, Chrissy Khachane, is a career-long educator, and part of Gowan Placement, an innovative Independent School consulting firm composed of former school leaders–people who have taught classes, coached teams, advised students and parents and as such know young people.
Meet a Mom – Dr Corinna Franklin
Meet Dr. Corinna Franklin, MD, AB, FAOA, chief of pediatric orthopedics at Yale School of Medicine. She has been an orthopedic surgeon for almost 11 years, with a focus on female pediatric and adolescent athletes. She sees patients at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Specialty Centers in New Haven, North Haven, Trumbull and Old Saybrook, and lives in Hamden with her family, including a daughter, 6. We spoke to Dr. Franklin about her practice, tips for keeping kids healthy while playing sports, and more.
How can Text Messages and Other Communications be Relevant in My Divorce Case
Did you know that text messages and other electronic communications, such as e-mails, What’s App messages, and Facebook messages are increasingly being used in Connecticut divorce cases? The lawyers at Ferro & Battey, LLC share what is important to know to protect yourself- and your family!
Meet Lauren Urist!
With the start of another school year, what a perfect time to introduce Lauren Urist, mom to three, who has been a teacher at Long Lots Elementary since 2010! After her post-college career spent putting in long nights in advertising, she found her passion for education, got her Masters in Teaching, and became an early bird, and she never looked back! In another life, Lauren may have been a lawyer, she swears by chips, candy, and chapstick, and shares that a fun activity she did as a high school senior in Illinois was Donkey Basketball, where they rode Donkeys and played basketball in their school gym…Were pretty glad Lauren met her husband, a Westport native, and settled here, as her warmth, supportive nature, and love for kids and all things education have had a positive impact on hundreds of kids over her time as a teacher! As we kick off a new school year, huge thanks to all the amazing teachers out there- how lucky we are!
Learn 3 Things you Should know about the LanternFly
Have you heard about the Spotted Lanternfly—the invasive species popping up in our area? It looks like a butterfly with shades of black and red, but it’s actually a flying insect that can severely damage local trees and plants. They were only discovered in 2014 but have already caused $324 million in damage throughout the United States—and they’re popping up in record numbers throughout this area. Here are 3 things you should know about the Spotted Lanternfly—and how Mosquito Squad can protect your landscaping (and even your outdoor furniture and car) from their damage.
Helping Your Child Discover who they are in Middle School
Middle school is a critical time in a child’s learning development. Students are growing physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally. At St. Luke’s, the joy of discovery is palpable. With care and guidance from exceptional teachers, middle school students explore exciting topics, discover new interests, and forge their own paths. They develop confidence, study habits, and communication skills needed to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Vanessa Landegger, a mom of three from New Canaan, shares her family’s experiences and how St. Luke’s helped her kids discover who they are.
CT State Senator Ryan Fazio on the Change to Kindergarten Start Date!
Big News for Parents in CT! In June, Governor Ned Lamont signed a law requiring all incoming Kindergartners to be 5 before entering Kindergarten. Previously, students needed to turn 5 by January 1st; starting in 2024, they must have their birthday by September 1st (aka the first day of school). To help answer a few questions we’ve been hearing from other local moms, we sat down with Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio to discuss the new law. Click link in bio for the scoop!
Anniversary Celebration for Naturino Kids
Naturino Kids Shoes & More Westport is thrilled to celebrate their One Year Anniversary! Their journey has taught us that unwavering commitment, hard work, consistency, and a fantastic selection are all integral to delivering excellent customer service & top-notch products that our customers truly deserve. Join them on Saturday, August 26th, from 10am to 6pm, as they host an exciting celebration for our first anniversary! The festivities will feature a balloon artist, glitter tattoos, sand art, and a delightful candy bar. Be on the lookout for instant discounts, giveaways, raffles, and scrumptious snacks!
Meet Melissa Franklin!
Another incredible Westport entrepreneur, Melissa Franklin – mom of two boys – JUST launched VISOR CLEAR – a high-quality, clean, and clear sunscreen with added skincare benefits for everyone! After decades in marketing for Consumer Packaged Goods, and watching her mom suffer (and beating!) Stage 4 melanoma cancer, she decided that creating a sunscreen that can prevent things like skin cancer, while being pleasant and enjoyable to put on (and affordable!). In her spare time, Melissa loves nights at the beach with family and friends, sleeping in when she can, any and all pizza, and indulging in light-hearted funny shows like Ted Lasso and Might Gemstones! Melissa shares her path to where she is today, and is excited for the launch of her first product – as are we!
How to Find a Qualified Nanny!
Are you in search of childcare for your new baby, or school-age children? Let us help you find a trustworthy, responsible, and highly qualified nanny. Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny, serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire and Rhode Island, stands by your side throughout the search, during placement and after.
Top Tips for a Smooth Transition Home from Camp!
Like college students heading home from school, children returning home from 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. Learn More…
Easy Weeknight Recipe – Marinated Mediterranean Chicken!
As we turn the corner on summer and head back to school, easy weeknight recipes become even more important than ever. Marinade recipes, like this one from Layla Lisiewski, CEO and co-founder of The Local Moms Network, are a true timesaver. Here- find her super simple, healthy recipe for her Marinated Mediterranean Chicken, which she serves with garlic aioli and a simple tomato/cucumber/olive salad.
6 Ways to Raise Children with a Growth Mindset
Ever worry about your child’s desire to learn? Are you concerned that they do not feel as smart as other kids, but do not know how to change this outlook? A positive attitude can help them reshape their perspective on learning and what it means to achieve a goal. For years, researchers have looked into the effects of a “growth mindset,” where children focus on learning from their failures rather than worrying about being judged by them. We spoke to the experts at Connecticut Children’s to learn more about SIX ways to develop a child’s Growth Mindset to make them even more successful in life!
Meet (or re-meet) Kitt Shapiro!
Local mom, author, and owner of West – the chic fashion boutique in downtown Westport known for its combination of East Coast edge with a casual West Coast flare – Kitt Shapiro does It all! A Westport resident for 22 years, Kitt is well known for her welcoming personality, great sense of style, and amazing commitment to her blended family, whom she adores. She shares that the time her family spent together (with 4 grown children among she and her husband) was the best part of COVID, that Catwoman – and her mom (Eartha Kitt – beloved singer and actress) are her heroes in life, and that she LOVES country music! Kitt wrote a memoir about her mom and their lives in 2021, and is an inspiration to all who know her!
How and When to Refresh Your Foundation Planting
Did you know that your exterior landscaping not only can boost your curb appeal by complementing your home’s exterior, making it feel more welcoming, and unifying your home with the surrounding landscape, but it can even increase the property value of your home by more than 10%!? We spoke to the experts at LaurelRock, who shared some simple ways you can transform your landscape into a breathtaking masterpiece that perfectly frames and accentuates the beauty of your home.
Mexican Street Corn Salad!
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a crowd-pleaser for any summer barbecue. It lasts in the fridge for a few days, so make extra on the weekend for easy weekday lunches. Can’t find cotija cheese in your local grocery store? Substitute feta or parmesan.
Meet a Mom: Libby Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom
Sometimes, social media can feel like fake news—particularly surrounding the topic of motherhood. Perfectly coordinated outfits, smiling family dinners, lavish vacations (and no plane meltdowns)…it can all make a mom feel like she’s just not doing enough or savoring the moments. That’s why content creators who don’t sugarcoat motherhood are so refreshing, and deservedly growing in popularity. One of our absolute favorite follows? Libby Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom. With over 1 million followers on TikTok and more than a half million on Instagram, a lot of other moms are taking notice, too.
Looking for the Perfect Family Vacation Spot?
Looking for the perfect resort for an upcoming Hawaii trip? Look no further than the Alohilani Resort. Our fellow mom in California just got back from a family vacay, and she shares that this chic hotel really has it all. From every amenity you can possibly think of, to the perfect Waikiki beach location, to multiple outstanding food options all on property….Check It out!
Meet Ellie!
Mom to three, and a New Canaan native, Ellie has been practicing yoga for 17 years, and is now fully certified and finally followed her passion to teach – and to help others find the mind body connection! She originally found yoga after experiencing sports injuries, and loved how strong and flexible It made her feel! Ellie loves the recent show The Last Thing He Told Me! on Netflix, loves her Vanilla Sweet Cream in her coffee every morning and Golden Retrievers, and has strong Bucknell spirit across her extended family! Don’t miss our beach yoga with Ellie on Monday, July 24th at 930AM- stay tuned for more details!
5 Ways to Keep Your Backyard Safe this Summer!
Summer is officially in full swing, and there’s no fun better than Summer fun! While you’re creating memories in your backyard, you’ll want to keep your family safe. Take the 5 easy steps listed here, (including spraying for pesky and potentially dangerous mosquitos and ticks!), to keep your backyard safe all summer! Mention Local Moms for $50 off a season of protection.
