Welcome to your Meet a Mom Interview!
Where are you from originally? I grew up in Darien, CT, a “trader” in many Blue Wave eyes!!
How long have you lived in New Canaan? How many kids and their age(s)?
We moved to New Canaan in 2009, spent time renting at the Avalon, while we looked for a permanent home in both New Canaan and surrounding towns. It wasn’t long til we started meeting so many wonderful families that we knew New Canaan was the perfect town to call home. We have an eight-year old son, Tristan, a six-year old daughter Scarlett, and a three-year old son, Sawyer.
Favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We take an annual vacation to Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard in the summer where we love to stay at the beach all day, then head home for some dinner, and end our evening walking into town for an ice cream by the docks. This special place allows us to get away from the electronic world of video games and play some monopoly or take a family bike ride. Locally, we enjoy taking walks at Irwin or up and down South Ave.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends?
Sole is our family date night choice as it’s the perfect place to fulfill our kids liking for pizza and ours for finer eats! I can’t forget the New Canaan Diner either, the kids love it there for milkshakes and breakfast foods! Farmer’s Table, is a personal favorite, for a night out with our friends and as take out. The food is fresh and flavorful and the owners and staff are always very personable. We have used them to cater some of our events at home and it’s always been a success. Favorite dessert, hands down, the Gelatissimo in town!
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
I wish I could say I had one recipe all three kids eat! I find myself making two to three meals a night based on our limited and different taste preferences.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Shoes? Furniture? Yourself?
I love to shop! Crew Cuts and Candy Nichols are great for the kids and I have always been a fan of Tog’s, Soleil Toile, and Ralph Lauren. I always enjoy finding that special piece in Severed Ties or browsing Found and The Summer House.
What are your favorite events in New Canaan?
We love Halloween Night, trick or treating the South Avenue neighborhood and attending the May Fair!
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Seven was a tough age for me to cope with my son. He found his own voice and many times I struggled with his tone or attitude. I’m so lucky, my mom helps me on a daily basis and she told me “this too will pass, stay on top of him, don’t let him get away with it and be strong.”
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am one of six children (5 girls-one boy), two of my sisters live here in New Canaan, another in Darien, my brother in Rowayton, and my last sister in MA. Plus, both my parents live in town as well. Currently there are 17 grandchildren and I wouldn’t be surprised if we make it to 20! My favorite thing is having family gatherings and watch all the cousins laugh and play together and build “sibling type ” lasting relationships.
What was the best advice your mom gave you?
My mom always says, “ Enjoy these years when they are young- you may have moments when you want to quit, but there are far more that you’ll want to treasure and wish you could freeze time”.
Anything else you want to add? Feel free to include a business venture, involvement in local organizations, etc.
Recently, I started being a consultant for Beautycounter, a company devoted to making healthier, cleaner skin care and makeup products for you and your family. I’m happy to be doing something for myself while spreading the word on safer products you can trust.
Great Strides- Walks for Cystic Fibrosis- I have worked with this organization for over three years, to help find a CURE for Cystic Fibrosis, a disease near and dear to my heart, as my 6 year old daughter, Scarlett was born with this fatal disease. Walk with us May 21st at New Canaan High School, 9:30am, Wear Yellow for our team “Sunshine For Scarlett”! Your attendance means the world to us…