How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? My kids are 10, 8 and 6 and we’ve lived in Westport for almost 4 years.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? They are at a perfect age for a quick day trip into NYC, but Compo Beach is always a winner (weather permitting, of course!).
What was your most memorable family vacation and why? We recently took the kids to London and Paris. We went off peak (no lines, decent weather) and the kids were at a perfect age to really absorb the culture and history. I don’t think they will ever forget the London Eye or the Eiffel Tower or climbing to the dome of the Sacre Coeur.
What is the best white lie you have told your kids? Well, they still believe in Santa, the tooth fairy and Easter Bunny. 😉
What is your proudest mommy moment? (Most recent one I can remember!) My kids are far from perfect and do more than their fair share of sibling fighting. However, just a few weeks ago my 6 year old asked to spend his hard earned $5 to buy a Beanie Boo for his sister – not for any special occasion – but just because “she did a great job at her chorus concert”. Little boys can make your heart melt!
What’s your can’t live without beauty product? I love my BeautyCounter peony lip gloss.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family dinner? A night out with friends? Kids. Spotted Horse (spoon salad – every. single. time.). With Friends? If not at a dinner party at a friend’s house we will likely travel outside of the 06880. I’ve never had a bad meal at Match in Sono and love Artisan and Le Penguin. The food and service are consistently outstanding and the atmosphere is casual and fun.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I’ve run 10 marathons and too many halves to count – however in high school I couldn’t run 400m to save my life!
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? I’ve often fantasized about this! Wake up early (must maximize my day!) and after coffee go for a 6-ish mile run, then I’d take a CST50 class (full disclosure, I teach this 50 minute full body workout on a megaformer so obviously I’m biased when I say it is amazing!), then I’d shower, brunch at The Granola Bar or Terrain, go on a long walk with my dogs, take my kids on a hike or ziplining (I know, ideal day – but have them outdoors). Pickup dinner (again, ideal day: no grocery shopping or cooking) and be in bed by 9pm after watching House of Cards.
What do you most value in your friends? Each of my friends are amazing because, in one way or another, they inspire me to be a better a better mother, wife, teacher and friend. I get so much from them and hope that I somehow am giving back to them.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? Take care of yourself first! For me that means that I make working out a priority. If I don’t do it I am beyond cranky. We are all busy so if it means getting up at 4:30am (which many days it does!), to have some ‘you’ time, do it, you won’t regret it (you may just fall asleep at the dinner table though.) 😉 It doesn’t have to be exercise – whatever it is, take some part of each day to step away from the dishes, the laundry, the grocery store and do what makes you happy.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? I used to have a fitness blog, FitCT, and I would explore all things fitness in Fairfield County. Once I tried CST50 I was hooked, driving to Darien multiple times a week. I loved the workout because it was THE most challenging for me. I loved that I was working non-stop for 50 minutes and burning my muscles like no other workout could do. No rest, no chatting between sets, it really is like nothing I had ever experienced. Years later it never gets easier; you can get better at it but it is consistently challenging. I was thrilled when the owners opened a Westport location. Months later they asked me if I knew of any fitness professionals who might be interested in teaching and that’s when I raised my hand. I have met so many amazing, strong women (and men!), whether they be my students or my fellow instructors, and I can honestly say I love what I do. These people have become family to me!
