In the Know
Meet Julie – Founder of Resme Swim (October)
In the spirit of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to share a beautiful story about a local mom in Weston, Julia Kosinski. Mom to three little ones, Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer when her second son (now 5 years old) was just 5 months old. After her own journey with chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, immunotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction. she struggled to connect with her new body, especially when it came to being carefree at the beach and pool, and could not find elevated and youthful swimwear that made her comfortable. Recognizing this, she decided to make her own, and with a tremendous amount of input and try-on sessions with many women, resme was born! In addition to a higher neckline, extended underarm coverage, and UPF50+ fabric, the swimwear has a unique padded top that smooths, compresses, and conceals any areas of asymmetry. In her spare time, Julia loves game night and hikes with her family, can not survive without dried mango and chocolate chip cookie batter, and swears by Kari Gran Face Balm. Julia’s story is one of survival, resilience, and entrepreneurship; we hope you enjoy It!
Meet Amanda Volper, Clinical Psychologist
Mom to three little ones, Amanda moved to Westport three years ago, but grew up coming here all her life to visit family! Amanda is the co-founder of City Psychology Center (CPC), a
clinical psychology practice with offices in New York City and Westport. CPC specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based therapies, for clients struggling with a variety of mental health and mood symptoms across the lifespan, particularly related to reproductive and perinatal mental health. This includes women struggling with mood and anxiety symptoms during (and after) the reproductive process (something 1 in 5 are likely to develop), such as infertility problems, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and during the postpartum period. Having experienced her own challenges during – and post pregnancy, Amanda’s primary goal is to help women during this period and reduce the stigma and shame that often goes hand in hand with It. She shares her own story with us, why she loves the work she does, and her goals in helping others go through what can be a very scary and emotional time.
Meet a Mom – Kelly Stafford (wife of NFL Quarterback, Matt Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams)
Kelly Stafford may be best known in the public eye as the at-times outspoken wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, but she’s also a busy mom of four girls (7-year-old twins as well as a 5-year-old and a 4-year-old), and host of the popular podcast The Morning After. Like many moms, she says she’s just trying to keep all the balls in the air. “I’ve always wanted a big family but I never realized how much work a big family was. The only thing that gets me through is staying ahead of it all, like laying out the kids clothes and packing the lunches the night before,” says Kelly. We spoke to Kelly about her family life, including her infertility journey, perspective on youth sports, and more. Plus, what she thinks would surprise people about being an NFL wife.
Game Day Nachos!!
If you’re here for the food during football season, put these Game Day Nachos on the menu! 🏈
Fall Sneakers You’ll Wear All Season!
Sneakers are the ultimate style mom hack; even while you’re (literally) running after kids, you can look great. Plus, a great pair of fall sneakers can go with anything: jeans, leggings, dresses, skirts. Because moms don’t have time to be second guessing their own outfits, especially when they’re already dealing with morning wardrobe drama with toddlers or tweens. The Local Moms Network asked Style Contributor Kristin Koch to give us a shortlist of stylish fall sneakers she’s loving this season!
Telehealth: How It Can Help Busy Moms!
A Nuvance Health doctor and mom shares what moms should know about telehealth.
Water Safety Tips for Baby Safety Month
This Baby Safety Month, Goldfish Swim School and board-certified pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shea give 5 tips for parents when it comes to keeping babies safe around water.
25 Fall Activities Your Family Will Love
Need fall activity ideas? Add these to your list: Leaf Peeping (and jumping!) 🍂, 🍏Cooking Fall Recipes 😋, Hosting Sunday football, 🏈 Have a Cozy Reading Day 📚 and more! Head to the link in bio for 25 Fall Activities to do with kids ☝️
Meet Karlin Gray, Author
Local mom and children’s book author, Karlin Gray, just launched her 5th book – and her first graphic novel – Mia and Friends. Though Karlin did not know much about soccer prior to writing her latest book, she was intrigued by the sensational story of a shy girl who loved soccer, and with the help of the amazing friends she met on the field, went on to change history! Karlin loves being part of the Westport community, and enjoys the many “gems” It has to offer- including the Levitt Pavilion, The Library (of course!), and Toquet Hall, where her son has performed! Karlin dreams of owning a bookstore, but in the meantime, has curated recommendations of many picture-book biographies by interest area on her website called True Story Bookshop! If you are looking for a fun new book for your kiddo, check out Mia and Friends, and Karlin’s impressive other publications as well!
Meet Karen Klein, VP of Product at Evite!
Find out more about this mom and what’s new at Evite.
How to Create the Perfect Lawn
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to lawn care, there’s something incredibly satisfying about stepping onto a lush, green lawn. To create the perfect lawn, you need a mix of local expertise, thoughtful planning, and proper maintenance. With the right approach – and a little help from the pros – your lawn can become the pride of your home, staying beautiful and resilient all year long. Learn more!
Remodeling Consultants: Tips for Busy Parents Planning a Home Renovation!
We talked to the experts at Remodeling Consultants for their tips on how to kick off a home renovation with confidence (especially as busy parents).
Meet Stephanie Berghoff- Founder of the Home Cook CT
If weeknight dinners and meal prep stress you out like It does us – The Home Cook may be game changing, so you are welcome! Mom of two daughters here in Westport, Stephanie Berghoff launched The Home Cook in 2019, delivering home cooked meals to hundreds of families across CT and NY weekly! Steph always had a passion for food and cooking, and wrote her own kid’s cookbook at age 14! After college, she worked in PR for several NYC restaurants, started a Linked In- type platform for the restaurant industry, and did chef recruiting! In just 5 years she has grown an incredible business which feeds- and brings joy – to so many families every week! In her spare time, Steph loves spending time with her family at Compo beach, Apple Picking and all Fall Festivals! Fun fact- she hates salmon and bananas! If you haven’t tried The Home Cook yet, use code Westport mom at checkout and get 1 free kids meal with your order; we promise you won’t regret It!
MDSolarSciences arms the Westport Community with Sun Protection!
While Labor Day symbolizes the end of the Summer season to many, it’s important to note that the end of SPF season is nowhere in sight. Seen as a summer staple for many, SPF is a year round, daily skincare need to adequately protect the skin from harmful UV rays. To spread this message and educate the Westport community about the importance of year-round sun protection, MDSolarSciences CEO and Westport resident Renee Plato took to the streets to arm the Westport community with sun protection ahead of the holiday weekend, educating civilians about the danger of sun exposure. Locally based in Westport, CT, MDSolarSciences is a dermatologist-founded and formulated SPF skincare brand on a mission to spread awareness about the necessity of daily use of SPF! Learn more!
A New School Year is Here – Feel Confident!
Summertime is often a much-needed break from the school year and all it brings; homework, extra-curricular activities and packed schedules. So, when it’s time for kids to head back to school in September, they may feel anxious. You may not be able to relieve all of your child’s anxiety, but there are ways to help reduce this stress and build confidence heading into those first few weeks of school. Read on to check out these helpful tips from local mom and Learning Specialist, Dana Aussenberg, M.S., Ed.
Back to School Activity Guide!!
With back to school here, we wanted to help you kick off the school year right! Check out our Back to School Activity Guide for great activities ranging from art to sports to theatre – and more! If you have a program you would like listed, email us at [email protected].
Backpack Wearing – Do’s and Don’t
With back to school around the corner, backpacks are all the rage! Backpacks are customizable, come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are the ultimate in self-expression. But—when not worn properly, they 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? What else should you know so we can keep our learners in good physical health? Dr. Phil Mack, orthopedic surgeon with Connecticut Children’s, has answers.
4 Tips for a Smooth Transition Home from Sleepaway Camp
Like college students heading home from school, children returning home from sleepaway 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. Dr. Baird-Feldman says the huge shift back at home can create boredom, a penchant for pushing boundaries, and even anxiety.
31 Screen-Free Ideas for August
To be clear, we have nothing against screens; there is a time and a place for them. As parents, they are a tool in our summer parenting survival kit. But come August, it can feel like the only tool we have left, now that camp is over, maybe friends are away on vacation, and our patience is long gone. If this is where you’re at, here are 31 screen-free ideas for this month – one for every day until September.
Meet Lindsay, Owner of Bricks and Minifigs, new LEGO store in Fairfield!
Meet Lindsay, local mom of two! Lindsay and her husband David recently opened Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield, a LEGO® store specializing in both new and used LEGO products. A California native and former professional dancer, Lindsay has loved becoming a part of the Fairfield community and opened @bamfairfield not only to offer a place for LEGO-lovers to shop, but to create a welcoming space for individuals and families to gather and connect.
When not at the store, Lindsay is also a personal trainer and dance instructor. She and her family love the beach, shopping the farmers market, and cooking delicious vegan recipes (Lindsay is the baker of the family!). She is excited to be a Fairfield mom and intends Bricks & Minifigs Fairfield to add to the amazing community Fairfield has to offer to families!