In the Know
Backpack Wearing: Do’s and Don’ts
It’s hard to believe BACK TO SCHOOL is around the corner! In the spirit of always keeping you in the know, did you know that backpacks – when not worn properly, 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? And what else should you know so we can keep our kiddos in good physical health? Dr. Phil Mack, orthopedic surgeon with Connecticut Children’s, has answers.
Back to School Shopping is HERE!!
Not sure where to start with Back to School shopping? Check out the 6 Pieces to Upgrade Your Child’s School Wardrobe from @hatley (link in bio). This classic, sustainable, family-owned brand has committed to a more mature look for their kids line, with prints that will satisfy even the most discerning pre-teen girl (think: subtle embroidery and whimsical ruffles) and boys up to 8 years old (like solid shorts and sweatshirts with cool fossil graphics that are more cool than cute). As always, Hatley pieces are made to last (aka: hand-me-down quality!). Ready to order? Go to Hatley.com and use code LOCALMOMS15 for 15% off and free shipping (US only, expires 9/30/22)!
Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
This summer we’re grilling non-stop. It’s a no-brainer – enjoy the outdoors with your family while skipping the hot kitchen and cleanup. This recipe from Jo Keohane, the mom of three and recipe developer behind The Family Food Kitchen, is perfect for meal prep. Grill up these versatile, juicy thighs and use them all week long in salads, sandwiches and more!
Meet Bluet Girl
When Elizabeth Rietz’s daughter was eight, she was an “early bloomer.” Like many preteens, she wasn’t quite ready for a bra, but started wearing a second layer under her shirts to feel more comfortable. When Elizabeth scoured stores to find a next step solution—a comfy cami with a shelf bra—she wasn’t impressed with the options. “That became my first idea: to create a super soft, cami with a shelf bra to add more coverage and help girls get used to wearing a bra,” shares Elizabeth. Fast forward a few years later, and @bleuetgirl was born, a line of first bras that are comfortable for all children, even those with clothing sensitivities. We spoke to Elizabeth about her age-appropriate, size inclusive line, what separates it from other training bras, and more. Head to the link in our bio for the full interview, and from July 27-August 17, go to Bleuetgirl.com and receive a 20% discount.
Learn to Row at Maritime Rowing Club
Learn to row at Maritime Rowing Club! The Fall Under 14 program at Maritime Rowing Club helps rowers improve in all aspects of rowing including fitness, strength, flexibility, mental toughness, and discipline. Using facilities both on and off the water, MRC works to develop proper rowing technique, good boat handling skills, and water safety.
Did COVID cause a rise in Divorces?
Did COVID cause a rise in divorces? The answer is: It is hard to define It. Carole Orland of Broder, Orland, Murray & DeMattie share some thoughts on the way COVID has impacted families these last two years..
Meet Shannon!
Mom of two teenagers, Shannon and her family moved to Westport from Texas five years ago, and though she loves Westport, she will admit she misses the food! After more than a decade building marketing and branding strategies for brands such as Cole Haan and Home Depot, she decided she wanted to stop managing the creative process and to start creating something! She quit her job and went to art school – and never looked back! She has always loved invitations and stationary, so Shannon launched Yozo Studio, designing custom letterpress cards, and loves what she does. Over time, her work has expanded into corporate event planning, custom birthday parties, and more! She is a creator at heart and the ideas keep coming! Shannon loves to travel (her bucket list remains seeing the Northern lights), eating tacos, and sometimes squeezing in a quick nap! For anyone looking for something really special, Shannon has you covered!
4 Ways to Get Organized for Back to School!
School’s out for summer, but for parents, it’s just about time to start thinking ahead to Back to School! Making a game plan now for August and September, including ordering some key supplies (including our secret organizing tool, Name Bubbles!), can really take the stress out of school prep. Here are four tips that will help you get to the finish line—aka the First Day of School—without losing any Summer vibes at the end of the season. Head to the link in our bio for all the details, and use code LOCALMOMS15 for 15% off!
Meet Jaime Dursht!
Working with families going through a divorce – especially those with kids – can be complicated, and at times, even ugly. Local mom and partner at Broder, Orland, Murray & DeMattie, shares how and why she transitioned into Family Law after being a prosecutor in NYC before kids. As a mom of two grown kids (20 and 22), Jaime prides herself on having empathy and compassion for those figuring out the next phase of life for their family. In another life, Jaime might have been a dermatologist or be an expert in Korean dance or drumming! She appreciates the suburbs more than she expected, enjoys tennis and hiking, and loves a good Moscow Mule! Jaime is kind, compassionate, and driven – the perfect combination to help families navigating the toughest of times.
Weeknight Recipe – Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos!
If you’re dealing with a picky-eating situation in your home, tacos can be a lifesaver. They’re one of the most easily customizable meals, so every taste, dietary restriction or other variation can be made without creating a totally separate meal. Babies and young toddlers can be served mashed ingredient components, while older kids can assemble their own tacos from bowls of ingredients. Fillings can be made ahead of time so weeknight dinners come together in just a few minutes. We love this version with sweet potatoes and black beans from Tik Tok Star, recipe developer, mom of two and Contributor for The Local Moms Network, Kathleen Ashmore.
OMG – The Granola Girls Saved the Day!
For anyone who has been following WestportMoms since we launched in January, 2017, you might remember that our very FIRST "Meet a Mom" feature was with Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain of The Granola Bar Westport! As regular customers, we have enjoyed every moment of...
5 Ways to Cook Healthy on Hectic Summer Days
Slow days of summer? Not in my house! I am the mom to five boys, ages 10-18 (my “walking stomachs”), I work full time as Whole30’s Coaching Program Manager, and I run my blog Whole Food For 7 part time. Yes, summer is (wonderfully) less scheduled – yet it also feels scattered as I try to keep my boys entertained, prepare for or recover from various trips, enjoy holidays and friends…and of course, keep everyone fed. As a busy mom, I need recipes that are tasty and easy, which is why I started Whole Food for 7 – a free place I create and share no-fuss, gluten- and dairy-free family recipes that are easy, delicious, and nutritious.
Back to School 2022- Backup Roundup!
Although it may feel like summer has just begun, back to school is right around the corner! Whether your little one is heading to a half day of daycare or a full day of school and extracurriculars, they’ll need a bag to schlep their things back and forth. We’ve rounded up six great backpacks for the kids, from fun carryalls to sturdy book bags, that are sure to get the job done.
Meet Latha
It’s amazing how many interesting people live and work in this community! Meet Dr. Latha, an amazing internal medicine doctor heading up Westport Medical Wellness Center, a new membership-based practice focused on customized, quality care! Having grown up in this area, Dr. Latha is moving back with her family from DC and can’t wait to settle in! Though medicine – and being a healer – has always been in her blood, Dr. Latha loves writing (she still writes short stories in her free time!), traveling, and understanding people and what they need. Dr. Latha loves broccoli=), almost any drink with elderflower and in another life would be able to sing! Westport is so lucky to have her coming back to the area, and we are excited to share more from her in the months ahead!
Ignite a Love of Reading in Middle School
Every parent wants their child to love reading. Developing strong reading skills builds the foundation for academic success and offers access to endless new worlds and experiences. But how do we encourage children to read when many of them would prefer doing just about anything else (especially over summer vacation)? Below, St. Luke’s Head of Middle School Amber Berry describes how St. Luke’s builds a love of reading into the school’s curriculum.
Looking for something fun and educational for your teen?
Looking for something fun and educational for your teen? Merkaz Community High School for Judaic Studies is coming to Fairfield County this Fall! Give your teen the gift of Jewish community with fun classes and time to see old friends and make new ones. Merkaz is a weekly educational program open to all Jewish Teens grades 8-12.
Family Photo Fundraiser with Shoott!
If you’re involved in fundraising at your child’s school (shoutout to fellow PTA or PTO Moms!), sports team, or other local organization, coming up with creative ways to raise money can be a challenge. Seriously – how many bake sales or car washes can you do before people start to lose interest? Shoott, a female-run photography business, is offering a fabulous, fun solution – a photography fundraiser!
Local Fireworks 2022!!
It is almost July, and early July often means time at the beach, BBQs, and of course- FIREWORKS! While Westport is known for it’s annual fireworks display – this year they will be held on Thursday, June 30th (more info to purchase a ticket for them can be found HERE!), but there are other opportunities to see fireworks locally as well! Check out the list below, and email us anytime at [email protected] if there are others we missed! Happy July!
Meet Sara Beitman (Merkaz CT)
It is truly amazing how many people who grew up in this area come back after having kids! After years in digital marketing, and then several years managing a $50M fund that awarded grants to the families of health care workers who died fighting COVID-19, Sara Beitman decided she wanted to do good in her own community, and joined The Jewish Federation, working on education and family engagement programs. She helps to run Merkaz Community High School for Judaic Studies, and is very excited to be opening a new campus in Westport this Fall. Merkaz is a really cool weekly educational program open to all community teens, grades 8-12. In her spare time, Sara loves spending time with her 2 year old daughter, finding great restaurants, and cooking! Sara is excited to build a program that her own children can partake in as they grow up!
Get Organized with the 5 Step Design Process from Closet Factory
Closet Factory offers custom storage solutions for all areas of your home.