Lifestyle
Let’s Light up Westport Together!
We LOVE Westport, and that’s why we are thrilled to launch our first ever “Light Up Westport!” We partnered with Ali Dorfman of Purpose 2 Purchase (@purpose2purchase) to create “The Light Up Westport Appreciation Project,” a fundraising initiative where members of our community can send luminaries and personalized notes of gratitude and friendship to friends, local businesses and first responders. We have all been through so much in the past year and even small gestures of appreciation can have a huge impact on community pride. On February 4th at 7PM, all participants will be asked to place the luminary in front of their homes, stores or headquarters so we can light up this incredible town TOGETHER. 100% of proceeds will go to Filling in the Blanks, a local non-profit that helps fight childhood hunger by providing weekend meal bags to local children in need.
5 Minute Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mug Cake
Looking for a quick sweet treat to get you through the long winter days? Check out this delicious 5 minute Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mug Cake!! And you likely have ALL the ingredients you need (especially if you have some over-ripe bananas!)
January Mocktails!
If you’ve committed to Dry January, you might be in the market for a good mocktail right about now. Sure, a sparkling water with dinner or an herbal tea post-bedtime can do the trick, but these 12 options will help mix things up. We’ve rounded up options for whatever you’re in the mood for—sweet, spicy, refreshing or warming.
2021 Health & Wellness Guide is HERE!!
The WestportMoms 2021 Health & Wellness guide is here!! Though this year may not be quite what we expected, it is undoubtedly time to think about YOU! Whether you need new ideas for what to cook each night, some CBD to help you sleep, or even someone to help you organize that closet or garage, we have you covered! We all spent 2020 making sure everyone else was feeling ok- now it’s your turn!!!
Meet Ilana
Motivated to eat healthy foods after losing her mom at a young age, Ilana, mom of two girls, started experimenting with recipes for delicious feel-good treats in her kitchen as a new mom! When she somewhat accidentally sold over 250 orders of her famous OatMEAL cups, she decided to take things to the next level. Three years ago, she left her job in the legal world and founded Stylish Spoon, a company that makes “feel-good” treats that are gluten-free, dairy free, soy free and full of plant-based ingredients you can pronounce! Ilana moved to Westport during the pandemic and never looked back, loving beach nights at Compo, driving outside the city, and long outdoor power walks. In another life she might have been a private investigator, but for now she is loving devoting time to growing her business, and being a mom in the suburbs! You will be blown away by how delicious – and filling – these treats are; we are so thrilled to have Ilana in our hood!! Ps. Use code “Westportmoms” for 15% off any online order AND visit The Granola Bar to try Ilana’s OatMEAL cups sold individually starting this month!
What to Consider when Traveling (or planning travel) during the Pandemic
Are you ready to start planning future travel but totally overwhelmed by the new travel landscape? Check out this post by local travel advisor Jennifer Terra Halberg for her advice on what to consider when planning travel within the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you are ready to plan travel – or just dreaming about it, these are tips you won’t want to miss!
Getting Divorced During Covid
If you are thinking about divorce, ready to start, or frustrated that your divorce case is not proceeding in ways you would like, you should know that It is possible to initiate, work through, and finalize a divorce during COVID. And you will not even have to go to Court. Hear from Divorce and Family Lawyer, Carole Orland, how her office – CT Family Law – is handling these cases regularly, and with positive results! You are not in this alone.
Winter Recipes that are easy – and delicious!!
As we all need new recipes to get us through the long winter ahead, we turned to local mom and nutrition expert, Robin Barrie Kaiden for some of her best! See below for two favorites for right now! For more from Robin, visit her website, and follow her on Instagram (@robinbarrie)!
The Bittersweet Emotions of Kindergarten Registration
Though it’s hard to believe, Kindergarten registration for Fall 2021 is HERE! For those anticipating Kindergarten for the first time next Fall, not only are many of us a bit scared, sad and nervous, but also overwhelmed by the registration process itself. Here are a few tips – and key dates- to help you!
Meet US! (Melissa & Megan)
As we near our 4 year anniversary running WestportMoms, we thought we could share a few fun facts about the two of us! If you are new to this community, WELCOME and we are thrilled to have you! If you have been along for the ride, THANK YOU; your support and ideas have meant so much! To a wonderful 2021 – and a lot more Wine, cake, Diet Coke, and chocolate I guess?=)
Fun “Staycation” ideas to get you through the Winter!
Bummed about being home so much this winter? We hear you. So many of our us are feeling pretty isolated right now, skipping ski weekends, not visiting family and friends, and with limited to no travel planned anytime in the near future. We hope these “stay-cation” ideas give you inspiration for the weekend and weeks ahead, and the rest of the winter.
New Years traditions for you and your pup!
Whether you’re learning something new, trying to get in shape, or just giving yourself space to be the best version of you, let your best furry friend join in
your resolutions this year! Enjoy these tips from Active Dog – and a special Local Moms offer!
DIY Staging Tips to Implement before Selling!
Across the United States, a lack of housing inventory has created a huge seller’s market — and if you are looking to sell, now is a great time! Before you can start marketing your home, you need to get it ready for the stage: putting it in its best light so that buyers can picture themselves living in your home. You can hire a professional stager, but there are also some DIY tips that you can move on yourself to help your home look its best for its time in the spotlight.
Join Executive Coach Karen Elizaga for a Virtual Book Club Starting January 4th!
Karen Elizaga is an executive coach, author of Find Your Sweet Spot, and, for the last 12 years, a fellow community member of Westport. She’s spent years coaching clients on how to live with confidence, authenticity, and fulfillment. Karen is doing a virtual book club starting in January to help all of us put some teeth into our new year’s resolutions for 2021. Learn more, and use code WESTPORTSWEETSPOT for 25% off!!
DIY Hot Chocolate Bombs!
Hot chocolate bombs are having a moment, and with good reason. They’re a perfect stocking stuffer, they’re cute enough to be Instagram-worthy, and they’re delicious. We love this simple DIY version from The Local Moms Network contributor Maria Provenzano. Order some molds, enlist some helpers and use the recipe below to get started!
Meet Nikki
If you know Nikki through one of her four children, the restaurant/ food industry, or because she has catered an incredible meal or event you have planned (or been to), you know you’ve struck gold. Nikki is top notch at everything she does, and is currently the CEO of her own incredible catering and event planning company, Nikki Glekas Events. She fortunately found and pursued her passion for food in the restaurant space in 2008, and all the rest has followed suit. She loves feta cheese and Pellegrino, sleeps rarely, and credits her dad for being her inspiration – in business and in life. Nikki does everything with heart, and with her entire industry being forced to pivot at this time, Nikki refused to be defeated and has created an amazing cooking show on YouTube, Nikki’s Modern Mediterranean, to bring joy (and education) to others! We love supporting female entrepreneurs, and Nikki is as good as it gets!
Seven Things to Consider when Thinking about a Divorce
Starting a divorce may seem daunting. Whether you are contemplating your options or have decided you’re ready for a divorce, consider the following seven tips from the team at Ferro & Battey LLC, as you take the next steps….
Need a Special Last Minute Gift??
Need a special last minute gift? All the Restaurants in New York is a gorgeous gift book, and now artist John Donohue is selling prints on his website, alltherestaurants.com. Search for your favorites or he can create something custom! The best part? He’s giving back to NYC restaurant workers who are struggling due to the pandemic. Read our interview with this artist dad at link in bio.
Must See 2020 Holiday Light Displays!
Looking for holiday light displays that the whole family will love? Check out a list of beautifully decorated homes in our area, as well as drive through and walk through holiday displays that are lit up to get everyone in the spirit!
Make Gingerbread Houses this Holiday Season!
Looking for a fun holiday activity and to help a local organization? Order a gingerbread house making kit today!
