Lifestyle
Top Tips for a Smooth Transition Home from Camp!
Like college students heading home from school, children returning home from 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. Learn More…
6 Ways to Raise Children with a Growth Mindset
Ever worry about your child’s desire to learn? Are you concerned that they do not feel as smart as other kids, but do not know how to change this outlook? A positive attitude can help them reshape their perspective on learning and what it means to achieve a goal. For years, researchers have looked into the effects of a “growth mindset,” where children focus on learning from their failures rather than worrying about being judged by them. We spoke to the experts at Connecticut Children’s to learn more about SIX ways to develop a child’s Growth Mindset to make them even more successful in life!
Meet (or re-meet) Kitt Shapiro!
Local mom, author, and owner of West – the chic fashion boutique in downtown Westport known for its combination of East Coast edge with a casual West Coast flare – Kitt Shapiro does It all! A Westport resident for 22 years, Kitt is well known for her welcoming personality, great sense of style, and amazing commitment to her blended family, whom she adores. She shares that the time her family spent together (with 4 grown children among she and her husband) was the best part of COVID, that Catwoman – and her mom (Eartha Kitt – beloved singer and actress) are her heroes in life, and that she LOVES country music! Kitt wrote a memoir about her mom and their lives in 2021, and is an inspiration to all who know her!
How and When to Refresh Your Foundation Planting
Did you know that your exterior landscaping not only can boost your curb appeal by complementing your home’s exterior, making it feel more welcoming, and unifying your home with the surrounding landscape, but it can even increase the property value of your home by more than 10%!? We spoke to the experts at LaurelRock, who shared some simple ways you can transform your landscape into a breathtaking masterpiece that perfectly frames and accentuates the beauty of your home.
Mexican Street Corn Salad!
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a crowd-pleaser for any summer barbecue. It lasts in the fridge for a few days, so make extra on the weekend for easy weekday lunches. Can’t find cotija cheese in your local grocery store? Substitute feta or parmesan.
Meet a Mom: Libby Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom
Sometimes, social media can feel like fake news—particularly surrounding the topic of motherhood. Perfectly coordinated outfits, smiling family dinners, lavish vacations (and no plane meltdowns)…it can all make a mom feel like she’s just not doing enough or savoring the moments. That’s why content creators who don’t sugarcoat motherhood are so refreshing, and deservedly growing in popularity. One of our absolute favorite follows? Libby Ward of Diary of an Honest Mom. With over 1 million followers on TikTok and more than a half million on Instagram, a lot of other moms are taking notice, too.
Looking for the Perfect Family Vacation Spot?
Looking for the perfect resort for an upcoming Hawaii trip? Look no further than the Alohilani Resort. Our fellow mom in California just got back from a family vacay, and she shares that this chic hotel really has it all. From every amenity you can possibly think of, to the perfect Waikiki beach location, to multiple outstanding food options all on property….Check It out!
Meet Ellie!
Mom to three, and a New Canaan native, Ellie has been practicing yoga for 17 years, and is now fully certified and finally followed her passion to teach – and to help others find the mind body connection! She originally found yoga after experiencing sports injuries, and loved how strong and flexible It made her feel! Ellie loves the recent show The Last Thing He Told Me! on Netflix, loves her Vanilla Sweet Cream in her coffee every morning and Golden Retrievers, and has strong Bucknell spirit across her extended family! Don’t miss our beach yoga with Ellie on Monday, July 24th at 930AM- stay tuned for more details!
5 Ways to Keep Your Backyard Safe this Summer!
Summer is officially in full swing, and there’s no fun better than Summer fun! While you’re creating memories in your backyard, you’ll want to keep your family safe. Take the 5 easy steps listed here, (including spraying for pesky and potentially dangerous mosquitos and ticks!), to keep your backyard safe all summer! Mention Local Moms for $50 off a season of protection.
Kick Up the Curb Appeal: Landscape Advice for Property Showings
Don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal for making a good first impression, attracting interest, and leading to a quicker, higher sale. A thoughtfully designed and carefully maintained landscape can make a property stand out in a competitive real estate...
Meet Keenan
Dad to four kiddos, Keenan always loved to build and after a decade in the corporate world, COVID allowed him time to start a side business in woodworking, following his true passion. Now he runs Westport Woodworks, a family-run woodworking company dedicated to creating beautiful, timeless pieces of furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects that will last for generations. Keenan loves building anything and everything with his children (and encourages others to do It with their kids as well!), loves nights at Compo Beach with his family, and swears by his monthly date nights with his wife! If you are looking for anything custom-built that will truly feel crafted and special, we have found you a match!
8 Reasons Why Moms are Obsessed with the Taylor Swift Eras Tour!
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is, officially, breaking records left and right. Besides selling 2.4 million tickets on one day of presale, estimates are being made that the Grammy winner may have ticket sales topping $1 billion when all is said and done. Even as Harry Styles finishes his uber-successful Love On tour, social media is seriously *all about Taylor*. A big portion of those ticket buyers? Moms going with daughters, sons and even on their own. Here are 8 reasons why Moms are all in on Taylor Swift…
Chic Cover Ups for Summer!
When it comes to making your beach or poolside outfit perfect, a cover-up completes the look. Fashion Contributor Kristin Koch, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine and the mom of three behind Closetful of Clothes says cover-ups are not only pretty, but versatile too. No matter what style you choose, cover-ups can take you from daytime to dinner with a quick change of shoes and a few added accessories to elevate your look. Check out these recos – you’re welcome!
Meet Dan Orlovsky!!
Calling all football and sports enthusiasts!! Did you know that 12 year-NFL quarterback of the Detroit Lions (and the Texans, Colts, Bucs, Lions and Rams) and current ESPN Football Analyst is also a dad of 4 kids here in Westport, including triplet 11 year old boys and a 7 year old girl! Dan met his wife at a friend’s wedding, and shares that he immediately turned to a friend upon seeing her, and said “I am going to marry that girl!” Dan shares how lucky he feels to have been able to follow his love of sports into a career – as a player and broadcaster – and loves what he does. In his spare time, he loves working out as hard as he is capable of (often with his wife, Tiff), beach nights with family and friends, and watching his kids’ sports! Dan loves red wine, golf, and the Jersey shore. Happy Father’s Day to you Dan; thanks for all of the entertainment you have brought to so many, and for being such an involved part of this community!
Meet a Dad- Eric (Charlie Puth’s Trainer)
Eric Johnson is a rockstar local dad to three boys, and a celebrity personal trainer. He currently works at a private facility in Westport, and is currently on tour with Charlie Puth as his personal trainer! He regrets not moving back to CT from NYC sooner, and is so glad he is here with his family now, excited for Friday beach nights and time with his boys! Eric believes It is important to exercise in front of your kids so they see you working hard and overcoming challenges, and swears by water with electrolytes! While 4am wake ups can be exhausting, he loves what he does, loves living in this community, and can’t wait for all that’s ahead!
2023 Fairs & Festivals
Its summer time, which means local fairs and festivals are in the area almost every weekend! Check out some of the fun events not to be missed! If we are missing any, let us know!
Berry Picking 2023!!
It is officially that time of year again when you can load up the car with your little ones and head to a farm to pick delicious FRESH fruit!! Westport Moms has created a list of farms in and near Fairfield County that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and...
Meet Blake Leonard!
If you need a good feel good story to kick off this month – and summer – we’ve got you! Meet Blake Leonard, a Westport native, proud member of the family who created Stew Leonard’s (which we all know and love), mom of two boys, and certified sommelier. After many years working for Stew’s Wine & Liquor store, Blake is thrilled to announce the opening of their family’s first swim school – Stewie the Duck – in Norwalk this month! When Blake was 3 years old, her little brother died in a horrific drowning accident, and her family has been focused on providing swim lessons and water safety to children ever since. Blake loves sushi (OKO is her favorite on a special occasion), Ted Lasso, time with her boys (all 3 of them!), and in another life might work for the CIA! Check out Stewie the Duck for a free lesson, and spread the word about this amazing family – and swim school -opening right around the corner!
Perimenopause – What to Expect…
Until recently, perimenopause had a reputation of being something that was only of concern to “older” ladies. Think: gray-haired grannies playing bridge. In fact, perimenopause, the transitional period where hormones begin to fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes, typically begins in the early to mid 40s but may start earlier. (Once women skip a period for an entire year, they’re in menopause.) But that pre-period, previously, has been glossed over, not only by women going through it, but the very doctors who could be helping them through it. Recently, that stigma seems to be lifting, thankfully, in part because celebrities like Naomi Watts and Drew Barrymore are speaking out about their experiences.
Summer Recipe Round Up!
Summer is around the corner and the seasonal shortlist of recipes below will take you from Memorial Day to Labor Day. From potlucks to backyard barbecues, there’s something for everyone. Most include fresh, colorful and in-season produce, are simple to double or triple and none require a culinary degree – ha! Plus, you can make most of them ahead of time for easy entertaining.