Lifestyle
Meet Renee
Holiday vacation is around the corner, so meet Renee!! Mom of three here in Westport, Renee came happened upon this community before having kids when being somewhere convenient between NYC and Bristol, CT was important. A golfer, sailor, and outdoor enthusiast, she now can’t imagine living anywhere else! Renee is currently the CEO of MD Solar Sciences (based here in Westport!), dermatologist developed SPF skincare products that are made with clean formulas, fragrance-free, safe for kids and adults, and actually improve the quality of your skin! Fun facts- Renee is originally from South Dakota, couldn’t live without cheese, and is a huge fan of the classics, currently re-reading Wuthering Heights as a guilty pleasure before bed! Pro-tip – her favorite must-have product is MD Solar Science’s Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm AND MDSolarSciences products can be purchased at MDSolarSciences.com and will be 35% off from November 21st-December 2nd using the code BFCM35.
Sheer Health- A New App that Saves Moms Time
Sheer Health is a genius new health insurance app that saves moms time and money. Enjoy our interview with Co-Founders Ben Howard (a dad of three) and Jeff Witten (a dad of two).
Meet a Mom: CT Army National Guard Captain & Psychologist Valeria Martinez-Kaigi, PhD, MS
Valeria Martinez-Kaigi is a health psychologist, a Captain in the CT Army National Guard, and a wife and mom. “As a clinical health psychologist, I have the privilege of working in both the military and civilian sectors,” says Valeria. She is currently serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard with the Medical Readiness Detachment. Valeria says that her military experience has enriched her civilian career and life in ways she didn’t expect. “When I felt a calling several years ago to serve the military community, I had no idea of the extensive knowledge I would gain in leadership and the opportunities for personal development that awaited me,” she says.
6 Winter Coats for Kids (that they’ll actually wear)!
As the weather gets chillier, finding the perfect winter coat for your kids becomes a top priority. We’ve curated a list of six jackets that will keep your little ones warm, stylish, and happy throughout the season. From heavy-duty options for the frostiest days, to trendier choices for special occasions, these coats are designed to withstand the test of time (and make great hand-me-downs!).
Meet a Dad: Pediatric Surgeon, Daniel Solomon, MD, of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
Daniel Solomon, MD, is a pediatric surgeon and father of two who treats patients at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Specialty Center locations spanning Greenwich to New Haven.
Meet Sarah Fiallo, MD
A Westport mom and Board certified Family Medicine physician, Sarah is trained in both adult and pediatric medicine and has joined One Medical Westport, the newest location for this nationwide revered Primary Care Medical Practice. Sarah loves being able to treat all different generations, and is excited about the brand new office, offering a new take on the traditional medical experience! Sarah claims she was a total “punk rocker” as a kid, and still loves rock music, shares that an all-inclusive resort hotel is her ultimate splurge, and speaks about the invaluable role her parents – and grandmother Leila – have played in making her the doctor – and parent she is! We are thrilled to have One Medical now open here in Westport (right in Bedford Square!), and are lucky to have a local mom like Sarah at the helm!
NYC Dermatologist, Mohs Surgeon & Mom Dr. Dendy Engelman Shares Her Secret Skin Weapon
Learn all about Medik8 skincare from a dermatologist and mom. Use code LOCALMOMS20 for 20% off your October order!
Renovate and Elevate: 2025 Forecasting Shows Why Home Remodeling Wins Over Moving!
Remodeling Consultants explains why home remodeling offers numerous benefits! From increasing the value of your current home to creating a space tailored to your specific needs and preferences, renovating allows you to truly make a house your own
New Mom Hack Alert: Evite’s SignUp Sheets!
New Mom Hack! Planning class parties is one of those mom tasks that feels like work even though you don’t want them to. As we head into the holiday season, two of the party planning moms from The Local Moms Network-CEO Layla Lisiewski and Westport Moms’ own, Megan Rutstein-are sharing their best tips. These two busy moms have seven kids, from toddlers to teens, and have planned a lot of parties. Both of them say they are absolutely loving the new SignUp Sheets from evite and call it their favorite new mom hack.
25 Halloween Movies to Watch in October!
It’s that time of year where Halloween movies are all the rage! Check out some of our favorites and ENJOY!
Art Exclusive Online Event!
This October, join Sorelle Gallery for an online Art Exclusive sale event and shop original art by over 70 artists in four price categories: $2500, $2000, $1500, and $750 and Under. Included artwork is now on view to explore and save to your Wishlist here. Art will become available for purchase online when the event opens at 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and will remain available until 7:00pm on Friday, October 25, 2024.
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!