In the Know
Pantry Must-Haves
Kathleen Ashmore is a social media star, with 1.7 million followers on TikTok alone. Every day, Kathleen (aka Kat) shares recipes and secrets from her chef days. So what does a TikTok chef, and busy mom, keep in her pantry—and more importantly, how does she keep it organized? We asked Kat to share – and here’s what she said.
Meet a Dad – ParaOlympic Snowboarder, Noah Elliott
The Beijing 2022 Paralympics ran from March 4th- 13th, 2022, and one of the athletes we followed was Noah Elliott. Four years ago in Pyeongchang South Korea, this Paralympic Snowboarder won the gold medal in the banked slalom event and a bronze medal in snowboard cross. But it’s his amazing back story as a teenage cancer survivor and single dad that are truly inspiring. We chatted with Noah, now 24, about his life as a professional athlete and motivational speaker, raising his daughter (now 9) and his hopes for Beijing.
Meet Rosie!
Meet Rosie! Born with no forearms, she embraced her disability and began painting with her toes as a toddler. By 6, she was winning art competitions, and has gone on to become a tremendously successful artist, after many years in film production and TV focused on visual effects. Mom to three kids here in Westport, Rosie really found her calling at a retreat called We Want More several years ago when she had the chance to paint in front of others, and has been painting and sharing her story to empower others ever since! In her spare time, she loves kdramas (a guilty pleasure!), playing retro Nintendo games, and still hopes to one day be an Oscar winner for a Short Animated Film! Rosie has lived a life to be admired, focused on embracing her differences, sharing those with the world, and choosing to be extraordinary, rather than ordinary. Extraordinary she truly is!
Who Pays for College After a Divorce?
When you are going through a divorce involving children, it may be difficult to think about long-term plans. Children grow up faster than you expect, and before you know it they will be considering college or some other post-secondary training. Planning for college tuition should be part of the divorce process, and Connecticut law allows courts to order parents to help pay for their children’s education expenses.The attorneys at Ferro & Battey, LLC can help guide you through this process so feel free to reach out to them at 203-424-0482 to learn more about how to navigate this challenging time.
Kids Books about Strong Women
It’s Women’s History Month and I have the perfect picture book biographies to wow and inspire children! You are not going to want to miss learning about these incredible trailblazers who changed the world!
Four Hopkins Parents – On Hopkins
Middle and high school are critical periods in any young person’s life, as these are the years that will help shape the person they will become. Selecting a school for this formative time comes down to a series of choices — about academic quality, community, values, relationships, extracurricular pursuits, college placement and more. So the question arises: What is the best environment for this experience to take place? We invite you to meet some of our Hopkins parents, as they share their thoughts about the transformative education and close community they’ve found at Hopkins School.
5 Secrets from People who are Fit!
Do you ever wonder how people get in shape, and stay fit? Send Me a Trainer shares 5 Tips to Stay Fit!
Have you Heard of the Prospector Theatre?
Maybe you have heard of The Prospector Theatre….maybe you have not……! Either way, we are officially putting it on your radar! Head there for a date, family fun day or you can even rent one of their private theatres for a birthday party or special event.
Meet Susan!
Often referred to as “Nanny 911,” Susan OBrien has been helping local families for decades work through parenting challenges, providing advice and support. Mom to four kids in 20 months (they are now grown!), Susan has seen It all, and found her calling while running parent support groups at a preschool many years ago. From their, her private business grew via word of mouth, and she loves working with and helping families with a focus on potty training, sleep, nutrition, anxiety and discipline strategies in young children. In her spare time, she loves reading a good book, talking to her children, and in another life may have been a lawyer! Her children are getting married this year which will be a highlight, and she hopes to keep helping many families looking for that person who just “gets It.”
Green Construction: At the Heart of the Tarzia Group’s Projects!
Tarzia Group strives to ensure that all of their homes are on the cutting edge of sustainable building practices and technology. Along with architects and designers, they sit down with you to discuss the most efficient way to construct your home in conjunction with utilizing the greenest materials and methods. Learn more here!
Meet Jen!!
While many in town may know Jen, mom to three who has been in Westport with her family for 14 years, what many may not know is that she works for Save the Children (STC), an amazing organization locally that works to provide resources and support to children across the world when crises strike. At a time like this, the work they do is as important as everI After a pre-kids career in real estate finance, Jen found herself at STC doing research for their strategic foundation partnerships group which she loves, feels good at, and feels good about. In her spare time Jen loves traveling with her family, eating pizza, reading a good book, and avoids snakes at all costs. She is an awesome human doing awesome work!
How to Talk to Kids About Scary or Tragic Events in the News!
Your child has probably heard about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and they may have seen disturbing footage on the news or on social media. This raises a question that parents often struggle with after scary and tragic events: What’s the best way to talk to kids about the news while also managing your own emotions as parents? Connecticut Children’s developmental pediatrician Robert D. Keder, MD, shares advice…
Hoffman Landscapes Wins National Decade Award
Warmer weather is coming (we promise!), so it’s time to get your backyard ready for spring. Want to enjoy your property without having to manage different service providers? At Hoffman Landscapes, you’ll get a personal property care manager to handle all your maintenance and landscaping needs—from spring clean-ups and mulching to weekly mowing and container plantings. Mention Westport Moms when calling for a complimentary consultation with a Hoffman Landscapes specialist.
It’s Time to Elevate the Way You Work
Professional juggler, multitasker extraordinaire, supermom, boss lady and so much more. These are the badges we’ve earned, and we wear them with pride. Every mother is a working mother. Our lives are not easy, but we really wouldn’t want them any other way. These past two years were particularly challenging for parents and it’s time to get back in the driver’s seat of our own lives. Enter Serendipity Labs in Westport, a shared office space and co-working center that is truly transforming the way people work. In honor of Women’s History Month, Serendipity Labs is inviting all working women to enjoy one free week of coworking in the month of march. For more info, or to redeem call 203-290-1150!
Changing How We Talk to Kids About COVID-19 When Someone Tests Positive
Although mask mandates have been lifted, and many of us are ready to return to “normal” life, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a never-ending rollercoaster ride for kids and families. Over the course of the pandemic, a sensitive subject has arisen: what to say to your child when they or someone they know tests positive. Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologist Emily Wakefield, PsyD, helps your family navigate the conversation!
Coterie Diaper Review, from the Founder of The Local Moms Network!
After a friend introduced Layla Lisiewski to Coterie Diapers, the Mom of 4 and CEO of The Local Moms Network was blown away, calling them a “game-changer”. Find out more about why Layla loves this clean line, which has no parabens, harsh chemicals, dyes or fragrances by reading her full review at the link in our bio. Not only are the diapers super soft and ultra-absorbent (no more middle of the night changes!), they even have a time-saving subscription option! Ready to try? Use code COTERIETLMN*20% for 20 percent off your first order!”
Special Interview with Westport Olympic Snowboarder Julia Marino!
NOTE: This is an interview from February, 2018 (re-shared!). CONGRATS JULIA! With the Winter Olympics just days away, Westport has been discussing the exciting news about our very own Westport native – Julia Marino – who will be on the Olympic team, competing in both the Slopestyle and Big Air Snowboarding events. As a recent Washington Post article quoted: “Julia Marino and gravity were never really a great pair. To her, everything was a launching pad — furniture, household objects, playground equipment. She was always on the lookout for something to jump off of.” Julia was kind enough to answer a few questions of ours while at the X Games this week, and we can’t wait to cheer her on when the Olympic games begin!!
Hands On Science at Easton Country Day School
Easton Country Day is a small, independent, coeducational school for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Easton Country Day School was founded by educators who wanted the best possible academic and social foundation for their own children, in a learning environment where the values taught at home were echoed and strengthened. Recently, we were able to catch up with the school and learn about their commitment to hands on science. Below, Easton Country Day School shares a few of their recent Physics experiments!
Valentine’s Day Craft brought to you by The Academy at MoCA Westport!
Valentine’s Day is coming up… what a great opportunity to connect with your kids by making a special craft! (Brought to you by The Academy at MoCA Westport) One of their favorite ideas, a Mixed Media Valentine’s Frame, can be put together in under an hour, and is a great project for upcycling any leftover art supplies. Best of all, this activity can be shared with artists of all ages.
Meet Jessica, owner of “Samson the Dood!”
For all the dog lovers out there, this is MAJOR! Did you know Jessica, the owner of Samson the Dood lives HERE in Westport? For anyone who doesn’t yet follow @samsonthedood, you’re welcome! A little over five years ago, Jessica starting posting pictures of her Golden doodle on Instagram, and very quickly Samson became an Internet sensation! With over 1M followers, Jessica loves spreading joy through her pups (Charley and Shea are now in the mix, and her son Theo who is 2!) In addition to her doodles, Jessica loves anything with HOT SAUCE, a good rom com, the TV Show Younger, and of course Westport! If you have a pup – or pups make you happy, Samson the Dood should be in your life!!!