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Water Bottle Roundup!

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

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

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!!

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!

Backpack Wearing: Do’s and Don’ts

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!!

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

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

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.

Meet Shannon!

Meet Shannon!

Mom of two teenagers, Shannon and her family moved to Westport from Texas five years ago, and though she loves Westport, she will admit she misses the food! After more than a decade building marketing and branding strategies for brands such as Cole Haan and Home Depot, she decided she wanted to stop managing the creative process and to start creating something! She quit her job and went to art school – and never looked back! She has always loved invitations and stationary, so Shannon launched Yozo Studio, designing custom letterpress cards, and loves what she does. Over time, her work has expanded into corporate event planning, custom birthday parties, and more! She is a creator at heart and the ideas keep coming! Shannon loves to travel (her bucket list remains seeing the Northern lights), eating tacos, and sometimes squeezing in a quick nap! For anyone looking for something really special, Shannon has you covered!

4 Ways to Get Organized for Back to School!

4 Ways to Get Organized for Back to School!

School’s out for summer, but for parents, it’s just about time to start thinking ahead to Back to School! Making a game plan now for August and September, including ordering some key supplies (including our secret organizing tool, Name Bubbles!), can really take the stress out of school prep. Here are four tips that will help you get to the finish line—aka the First Day of School—without losing any Summer vibes at the end of the season. Head to the link in our bio for all the details, and use code LOCALMOMS15 for 15% off!

Meet Jaime Dursht!

Meet Jaime Dursht!

Working with families going through a divorce – especially those with kids – can be complicated, and at times, even ugly. Local mom and partner at Broder, Orland, Murray & DeMattie, shares how and why she transitioned into Family Law after being a prosecutor in NYC before kids. As a mom of two grown kids (20 and 22), Jaime prides herself on having empathy and compassion for those figuring out the next phase of life for their family. In another life, Jaime might have been a dermatologist or be an expert in Korean dance or drumming! She appreciates the suburbs more than she expected, enjoys tennis and hiking, and loves a good Moscow Mule! Jaime is kind, compassionate, and driven – the perfect combination to help families navigating the toughest of times.

Weeknight Recipe – Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos!

Weeknight Recipe – Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos!

If you’re dealing with a picky-eating situation in your home, tacos can be a lifesaver. They’re one of the most easily customizable meals, so every taste, dietary restriction or other variation can be made without creating a totally separate meal. Babies and young toddlers can be served mashed ingredient components, while older kids can assemble their own tacos from bowls of ingredients. Fillings can be made ahead of time so weeknight dinners come together in just a few minutes. We love this version with sweet potatoes and black beans from Tik Tok Star, recipe developer, mom of two and Contributor for The Local Moms Network, Kathleen Ashmore.

5 Ways to Cook Healthy on Hectic Summer Days

5 Ways to Cook Healthy on Hectic Summer Days

Slow days of summer? Not in my house! I am the mom to five boys, ages 10-18 (my “walking stomachs”), I work full time as Whole30’s Coaching Program Manager, and I run my blog Whole Food For 7 part time. Yes, summer is (wonderfully) less scheduled –  yet it also feels scattered as I try to keep my boys entertained, prepare for or recover from various trips, enjoy holidays and friends…and of course, keep everyone fed. As a busy mom, I need recipes that are tasty and easy, which is why I started Whole Food for 7 – a free place I create and share no-fuss, gluten- and dairy-free family recipes that are easy, delicious, and nutritious. 

Back to School 2022- Backup Roundup!

Back to School 2022- Backup Roundup!

Although it may feel like summer has just begun, back to school is right around the corner! Whether your little one is heading to a half day of daycare or a full day of school and extracurriculars, they’ll need a bag to schlep their things back and forth. We’ve rounded up six great backpacks for the kids, from fun carryalls to sturdy book bags, that are sure to get the job done.

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