Lifestyle
Learn How Your Child Can Prepare to Thrive
St. Luke’s invites everyone considering or curious about private school to join us for an upcoming admissions event to find out how St. Luke’s prepares students to thrive.
Do your kids love computers? Check out this new educational coding app!
Do your kids love computers? That’s a rhetorical question, of course—we haven’t met a child who *doesn’t* love devices. Codespark App is an educational app channeling this generation’s tech affinity into an enriching learn-to-code experience for kids 5 to 9. The word-free platform is incredibly engaging, teaching critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative learning using curricula adapted from MIT and Princeton. Click to learn more, and get a 30 day free trial using coupon code LOCALMOMS30!
Meet Sarah!
Meet Sarah! New-ish to Westport – and mom of two – Sarah teaches at home (and virtual) sessions integrating Pilates, yoga and flexibility practices into one. Formerly an aerial dancer with artists like Lady Gaga, Sarah has been teaching privately for 15 years, and has now brought her SSN Method to our community! Her primary focus is on helping people move their bodies in a way that feels good and strong! After recovering from her own addiction, Sarah is as focused as ever on finding things that bring her – and her clients – joy – and is the biggest cheerleader imaginable, despite being a natural introvert! Sarah loves all things Bravo, wishes she could sing, and has a weakness for Peanut Butter! Sarah’s methods of moving and stretching people’s bodies is truly unique (trust us!!), and she has a gift we are so lucky she has decided to share!
Meet Cara Zimon!
For those involved in any of the last few years of major Westport school decisions and improvements, you likely know and are grateful for Cara Zimon! Mom of three girls (and a Fairfield County native), Cara was a tenured educator in the Greenwich Public Schools for many years, and is currently back in school for her doctorate in Organizational Leadership, all while being active in the Westport community. During COVID, Cara was very involved in supporting home schooled and quarantined students, and most recently, in getting the “Where’s My Bus” app up and running in the Westport district, something many of us are exceedingly excited about! In a past life, Cara danced and performed professionally, and is an advanced open water scuba diver. Today, she swears by her homemade peanut butter, Nordstroms, and loves to travel. Cara’s passion for education, the Westport community, and continued progress is unmatched, and we are truly so very lucky to call her ours!
Lesser Evil – 5 Reasons We Love this Snack Brand for our Families!
As moms, feeding our kids can take up a lot of our time and brain power. If you have picky eaters or constant snackers, it can feel like half of your bandwidth is taken up by monitoring what your kids are (or aren’t) eating. That’s why we love Lesser Evil Snacks, a company on a mission to make healthier and less processed snacks kids and parents will love. Click here to learn more about this amazing brand, including its superior ingredients, eco-friendly packaging and more! Use code LOCALMOMS20 for 20% off your first purchase, or head to Whole Foods to check out their selection!
East Coast Nanny Agency Highlights Long-time Nanny Erin for Nanny Appreciation Week!
It is already September, kids are back to school, and cooler weather will (hopefully) be coming soon! In the midst of changing seasons and new routines, East Coast Nanny Agency wants to take the time to recognize all of our amazing nannies. This month we want to highlight one of our incredible East Coast Nanny Agency nannies, Erin! Erin has been a nanny for over 13 years and we have had the awesome opportunity to help her further her career in nannying by placing her with one of our amazing families.
What? I will hardly see my kids if I get divorced?
Despite historic paradigms of dads getting less time with their children after a divorce than moms, things have shifted tremendously and many parenting plans result in a 50-50 parenting time split. Learn more from Carole Orland at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC about this shift and the support they can offer
GRAND OPENING – Westport Medical & Wellness Center!
Kids in school, time to prioritize your own health! We are now seeing patients; become a member!
Top 5 reasons to come shop at Naturino Kids Shoes & More
Naturino Kids Shoes & More is NOW OPEN in Westport! Stop in for great back to school shopping, and meet the wonderful owners!
Water Bottle Roundup!
We all know that great intentions can sometimes lead us astray. Case in point, plastic water bottles! Of course, staying hydrated is a huge priority for us and our children. With fall routines – and lunchbox packing – around the corner, we rounded up eight great reusable water bottle companies you have to check out. We realize that reusable water bottles aren’t cheap. But if you consider the cost per use, the investment makes sense!
Top 5 Lunchbox Tips from weelicious
It’s a common pain point of the back-to-school routine: packing lunches. Though we might typically dread this step on a busy morning, we’re sharing some mouth-watering inspiration – and easy hacks – to help you reimagine the process. (Think: sous chefs and make-ahead options!) We’ve enlisted Catherine McCord, the talented founder of Weelicious, to help. The California mom of three is on a mission to make sure kids enjoy healthy food through beautiful presentation.
Help Your Kids Prepare For The Upcoming School Year and Fall Sports Season With Coastal Orthopedics
Can you believe summer is coming to an end? With your children going back to school and the fall sports season beginning, there is a lot that you can do to help them be prepared. Watching your children succeed in school and on the field playing their favorite sport, as they smile with their best friends is truly one of the most joyous feelings. Hear from Coastal Orthopedics how to best prepare your kids for the fall and upcoming season!
First Day Jitters!!
Summer is winding down and the first day of school is quickly approaching. Students may have a whole range of feelings to grapple with as they begin thinking about heading back into the classroom. Here are some great tips from local mom and M.S. Ed., Dana Aussenberg, for managing all of the emotions that come with back to school to help both parents and students alike feel prepared and confident going into the new school year. Let’s do this!
Meet Dina Ferdman – Pediatric Cardiologist!
Looking for some inspiration these last few weeks of summer? Read our interview with Dina Ferdman, M.D., a mom of three kids five and under (!) as well as a Yale Medicine pediatric cardiologist who sees patients at Yale New Haven’s Children’s Hospital
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..
