Blog
7 Ways to Reduce Screen Time
As parents, all of us often wonder – “Are my children spending too much time in front of screens?” The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommends a variety of things depending on the child’s age, and provide recommendations for ways to help balance the screen time. Given screen time IS a reality for kids of this generation, we turned to Connecticut Children’s whose developmental pediatric experts share 7 ways you can help your child reduce their screen time…in a realistic way!
Are Phone Recordings Legal in a Divorce Case?
Recording family events and interactions may be all in good fun, but when one spouse starts recording another without his or her knowledge or consent, there can be major implications.
Many people considering or going through a divorce ask whether they can make or use recordings, either audio or visual, as evidence in their case. These recordings can be useful. With the advancement of technology, however, the question of whether these recordings are legal is increasingly more complicated.
Who is Laurel Rock?
Looking for an established, professional company to manage and maintain your landscape this summer? Call LaurelRock! With over 45 years of experience, we get it right. As a LaurelRock client, you are assigned a knowledgeable Garden & Property Manager to proactively manager your property, bring forth creative new ideas to enhance your landscape and to be your one point of contact. We take ownership so that you can sit back and relax.
Meet Jessica Talley!
Mom of three here in Westport, Jessica always loved nature, art and science. After time spent as an artist and then working on projects like Hudson Yards post grad school, Jessica found her love for architecture, which she describes as the place where art meets nature. Jessica loves the idea of helping people create spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and instill a newfound sense of well-being. While her business Spring Architecture & Design is her main focus, Jessica is launching an innovative class, called Springboard, a 6-week course beginning on March 20th, for those curious about design and perhaps unable (or not wanting) to hire an architect for a project or space! In her free time, Jessica listens to books on Audible, loves to cook, and still paints and sculpts in her rare free time! In another life she’d be a doctor, would love to visit Iceland, and loves what she does! We are lucky to have such a talented and creative person in this community, who is supporting many local town projects as well!
OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics is Here To Keep Your Kids Moving
Because children are still growing, they require specialized orthopedic treatment. The experienced team of specialists at Coastal Orthopedics is dedicated to helping your children reach their full potential. They use the latest techniques and technologies to diagnose and treat a variety of pediatric orthopedic conditions to help your children return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible – while providing long-term support for optimal growth and development.
Meet the Founder: Eddie Prchal of Gunner Roofing!
Eddie Prchal is the Co-Founder of Gunner Roofing, which brings together the best workmanship, unparalleled customer service, and a brand new online quoting platform, all of which shows their commitment to stress-free and seamless projects for their customers whom they service in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Eddie and his wife, Casey, the owner of a women’s clothing boutique in Fairfield named ONE 5, have a 7 month old daughter and are loving bringing her up in Byram. Eddie shares with us what makes his business unique to others in the industry, what it’s like to run a company with his brother and how their family balances having two entrepreneurs and a young daughter!
The 2023 WestportMoms Day Camp Guide is HERE!
After a strangely warm winter, it’s hard to believe It, but summer is almost HERE! And our 2023 Day Camp Guide is also HERE! We have organized the many camps available locally into THREE distinct sections to help you navigate the different options – Featured Camps, All Around Camps, and Specialty & Preschool Camps (think art, education, sports, & more)! Check them out!
Plan Your Next Party with Coalhouse!
Now offering a pizza truck or trailer, BBQ smoker, three rental space options at the restaurant and a bar car… check out all of the options Coalhouse has for your next party!
Travel Bag Roundup!
February can get a bad rap: you’re fighting the winter doldrums and seasonal affective disorder, but alas, the remedy comes in the form of our dear American Presidents, saving us from a full month of the blahs with a weekend off (or for the lucky ones, a full week of school vacation), and hopefully a mini-break to a fun locale. Whether your travels include hitting the slopes or soaking in the sun, you need a way to tote your stuff. Here, six travel bags that fit every budget and aesthetic.
How to Talk to your Kids about Black History Month
February is Black History Month. If you’re looking for ways this month (and always) to celebrate Black History and have age appropriate discussions about race and racism, you’ll want to bookmark our latest interview with our psychology contributor, Reon Baird-Feldman, PhD. Below, find her smart ideas on how to use this month to get those conversations started, from her perspective not only as a psychologist but as a Black mom of two (her daughters are pictured in their Black History Month shirts!).
The 9 Mom Friends every Mom Needs in Her Life
Mom friends are the glue that hold us together when shit hits the fan, and motherhood’s fan is being in a wind tunnel while you’re going 100 mph in a convertible. In other words, you’re going to need some good glue. Here, seven moms you need in your crew.
Apres Ski Style for Spring Break
Whether you’re hitting Aspen for February break, skiing the East, or just fending off frigid temperatures, looking chic is half the battle. Fashion Contributor Kristin Koch, mom of three and editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine — and self-professed après ski aficionado — gives her stylish cold-weather picks from knit hats to shearling-lined booties.
5 Ways to be more Present with your Child
We all want to be present with our kids—but some days, nothing can be tougher. You’ve probably read about ways to stop looking at your phone. And while putting your phone away (and having your kids do the same) is a big part of being present, we are sharing five more proactive ways to be mindful and truly dial into your kids.
Meet the Founder of Pinstripes!
Dale Schwartz spent years working in the financial and pharmaceutical sector, but always dreamed of opening a bowling alley. In 2006, the dad of three young kids launched Pinstripes, which is everything you *don’t* expect from a bowling alley – gorgeous design, gourmet food, Bocce, and a best in class party planning team ready to plan a party for a 3-year-old or a 33-year-old. Did we mention they have a bottomless brunch that will rival any you went to pre-kids? Today they have 13 locations, with plans to open six more this year. Our Local Moms Network team spoke to Dale about his own family’s Pinstripes favorites, why the pandemic bolstered their business, and more.
Meet Peloton’s Robin Arzon!
Robin Arzón is the definition of a fit mom. As the Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, as well as a professional ultramarathon runner, she’s not afraid to work hard to be her fittest—and is inspiring other moms to get out there and do the same. She’s also a two-time New York Times Bestselling Author, and her newest book, Strong Baby, is available for pre-order and comes out in February. Finally, she’s working on a brand new project – she just announced that she’s pregnant with baby #2, so her 2-year-old daughter Athena will soon have a younger brother or sister! We spoke to Robin about her fitness tips, family life, and more!
Smoothies 101!
Smoothies have been a tried and true favorite among nutritionists and busy moms for some time now – and for good reason. They make a quick and portable breakfast for hectic mornings and you can sneak in the good stuff easily (think: spinach, berries, cauliflower rice, flax seeds). Time saver and picky-eater proof? Win-win. We asked Stefani Sassos, Registered Dietician and Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, for her best smoothie tips—and she even shared her go-to Banana Protein Smoothie.
Marshmallow Heart Lollipops!
Valentine’s treats like these Marshmallow Heart Lollipops from South OC Moms are both an activity for kids to help with – and a festive snack. Happy Valentine’s Day, Moms!
Meet Aliza Sokolow, Author of a New Book for Picky Eaters!
Feeding our kids and introducing them to new and healthy foods can feel like a part-time job in and of itself. A new book from food stylist, photographer and private chef Aliza J. Sokolow, THIS IS WHAT I EAT: Fun Activities for Mindful Eating is full of activities, journal pages and other fun ideas that will help your kids become great eaters. We spoke to Aliza about her new book, which was inspired by her time working for Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. Plus, she shares her fresh and easy recipe for Israeli Salad that you’ll want to make on repeat.
Meet Heather!
Mom of four and Westporter for over 20 years, Heather is known by many for her incredible work with – and support – of youth sports. From a young age, Heather was a problem solver, an entrepreneur, and loved to get to work. Childhood lemonade stands taught her the ropes, and she has spent almost 25 years now at a large investment bank. When Heather is not in the city (or on a train), she can be found on the sidelines, helping to grow the PAL Lacrosse and Basketball programs, encouraging hundreds of youths to play, to continue trying new things, and to keep standing up no matter how often you fall. Heather likes a good nap, cheese, time with her family, and prays to never be eaten by a shark. Heather hopes to be an inspiration to young women that you can do whatever you want- work hard, take risks, find good role models, and never give up! Thanks for helping so many of us find our way Heather Talbott; Westport is lucky to have you!
Meet Grace
For all those out there who love beautiful interiors and exteriors, you should know Grace and her amazing design business, Roan. After a brief stint in advertising and PR, Grace went back to her roots and got her Masters in Interior Design, and has never looked back! Mom to Clara – with another on the way this fall – Grace and her family are loving Westport, meeting new people, and the chance to fall in love with gardening, an unexpected surprise! In her spare time, Grace loves to play polo, is always up for some old school karaoke, and dreams of vacations in the summer in Nantucket! Grace loves the projects she’s working on, and is always thinking about the next thing she will create, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!