In the Know
Meet the Pink Aid Trio – Andi, Jill and Lindsey!
If you live locally, you have likely heard about PinkAid, an amazing organization that provides support and financial assistance to families (and patients) battling breast cancer. Founded in Westport by four amazing individuals impacted by Breast Cancer in a meaningful way, the organization has exploded, and now has a national reach. This Thursday, October 12th, the 13th Annual Pink Aid Luncheon and Warrior Fashion Show will take place at Mitchell’s in Westport. We had the chance to speak with the three amazing women chairing this event about their role in the organization, their passion for the cause, and why PinkAid matters so much to those in need.
Meet Ali Heitz (Kerri Rosenthal’s Daughter)…A True Warrior
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, another amazing warrior – Ali Heitz (daughter of beloved artist and local mom, Kerri Rosenthal) – shares her story of battling – and surviving – breast cancer! At the young age of just 30, Ali learned she had breast cancer through a routine visit to her OBGYN, reminding us that this disease does not discriminate against age. With the support of her mom – and her community – she did all that was needed to fight, including 20 rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, plus freezing her eggs before treatment started given her young age and life stage. We are thrilled to share that Ali is doing remarkably well! She is very excited about she and her mom’s recent collaboration with Pink Aid – and Bloomingdales – where Kerri painted an incredible piece of art to help support Pink Aid, a locally started- and now national organization, providing Compassionate Support and Rapid Emergency Financial Assistance to patients in treatment who do not have the resources needed. Learn more about Ali’s story- and the journey she and her mom are on.
Molly Sims 5 Minute Skincare Routine!
Moms don’t have time for elaborate skincare routines – whether they’re mere mortals like us, or iconic model and entrepreneur Molly Sims. Recently, she shared her 5-minute skincare routine with The Local Moms Network CEO Layla Lisiewski. “We were in the sun for the last three months, so now it’s time to bring your retinols back, and incorportate brightening essentials to target any dark spots, hyperpigmentation and sun damage to the skin, while also continuing to protect your skin from the sun with SPF,” says Molly. Below, she shares her daily routine, using her go-to Yse Beauty products, the skincare line she created.
Warrior Spotlight – Mammograms Save Lives…
Many in our community know Felicia Sale, mom of four, and co-founder of Restore Hyper Wellness in Westport! We are so grateful she was willing to share her story about how a recent mammogram led to detection of early stage breast cancer, and how proactive treatment and surgery likely saved her life. Through her experience, she was supported by friends and our amazing community, and has gotten involved (with her daughter Avery) in Pink Posse, an arm of Pink Aid where volunteers help those in dire need of resources going through breast cancer – and the treatment process. Felicia is a reminder to all of us to be proactive, to be positive, and to take care of ourselves, no matter how busy life gets!
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.