Meet Ali & Ali - Westport Moms

How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport?
Ali D: Kylie 6 and Emme 8; we moved here 4 years ago from NYC
Ali C:  Spencer is 6 1/2 and Chase is 9; we moved from NYC 6 years ago
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Ali D: Every age has its challenges – but I guess 3 was the hardest because they are still like babies but also toddlers so it wasn’t the easiest time with either of my kids! And a lot of wine!
Ali C: probably when my youngest became mobile and it went from giving attention to one to making sure both were safe and staying out of trouble. Also a lot of wine!
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns?
Ali D and Ali C: Definitely the beach! The beach and the water is what makes wWestport so special and the main reason we moved here. We try to take advantage of it as much as possible and you can always find our families hanging by the beach, eating Joeys or boating on the Sound.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why?  BOTH: We grew up going on family ski vacations in Vail, Colorado so watching my girls (Ali D) and watching my boys (Ali C) and skiing with them in the same place we went as kids is really amazing.
What is the best white lie you have told your kids?
Ali D: The list endless! The ice cream store is closed…the beach is closed…any time I don’t want to do something I just tell them something is closed! Obviously now that they’re getting older it is more challenging to get away with a white lie!
Ali C : I would never tell a lie
What is your proudest mommy moment?
Ali D: When other people tell me how much they adore my kids I feel like maybe I had a tiny part in it!
Ali C: Every morning when my boys wake up and come in bed and snuggle with me.
What’s your favorite app right now- for you- and for your kids?
Ali D: I could give a white lie (!)  and say we don’t use technology –  My girls are obsessed with musically where they create music videos.
Ali C: Ring because I love seeing who is coming and going…and shopify, and quickbooks because these apps have been my life for the past year working on the Paper Alley website!
What’s your can’t live without beauty product?
Both! Under eye concealer to hide the bags under our eyes from the lack of sleep!
Ali D: Rosebud salve for my lips 
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family dinner? A night out with friends?
Both: Definitely the Spotted horse for both family and friends. It has something for everyone and it is comfortable and casual, not to mention the food is always good. We are also excited about the opening of The Port!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Ali D: I am a lawyer and thought I wanted to be a Senator….maybe that’s why I am so argumentative. Of course Ali C has never seen me argue!
Ali C: I was born in Brussels, Belgium while my dad was in medical school. I moved back to the US when I was 1 1/2.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do?
Ali D: Ski on a bluebird day in Aspen, then go for apre ski at The Little Nell, get a massage, eat an early dinner and be in bed by 9.
Ali C: Sit on a tropical beach with a cocktail and relax.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Ali D: I would say my honesty. I tell it like it is and there’s nothing I wouldn’t say behind your back that I wouldn’t say to your face. Oh yeah, you look awful!
Ali C: That I am a good friend but don’t tolerate people who aren’t that way in return.
What do you most value in your friends?
Ali D: Wit and humor. I need people who make me laugh!
Ali C:  Honesty (that’s why I am best friends with Ali D)
What is your greatest regret?
Ali D: I would say not living overseas for some time. I was a producer at CBS News for 15 years and I’ve been to tons of places in the world but it would have been interesting to spend a few years living aboard before I started a family.
Ali C: Giving up on playing an instrument when I was younger. I hated to practice and it didn’t come naturally but I wish I could sit down at a piano or pickup a guitar and play.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms?
Ali D: Don’t worry what other people are saying or doing. Everyone has their own situation and everyone’s kids are unique in their own ways so do what is right for you and your family and not what is right for someone else.
Ali C: Do your best to guide you children but let them be who they are, make mistakes and be independent thinkers. You can’t always make everything perfect for them.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing?
Ali D: I went to law school and worked as a TV producer for 15 years. I was always so passionate about my career – but after I had kids I felt like I wasn’t giving work 100% and I wasn’t giving my kids 100%. I realized that before long my kids would be all grown up so I decided to give up my amazing career and be home with the kids. I also wanted to do something that would work with my kids’ schedule so we started The Paper Alley – a personalized gift business. We spent all year curating the best products and we are so excited to launch our online shopping site this week!
Ali C: I left my career when I had my second son but always knew that once he was in school full time I would want to do something with my time. I started doing some part time work but nothing was satisfying and I always wanted to start my own business. When the opportunity presented itself to start the Paper Alley I had to give it a try. A year later we have learned so much and keep looking to grow. Happy shopping!!
XO,
ALI AND ALI

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