Where are you from originally?
Oakland CA but I grew up in Florida until I moved to NYC after college.
How long have you lived in New Canaan? How many kids and their age(s)?
4 years, From Manhattan, Ava & Dylann twin girls, 9 years old, Christopher 5, and Brody, 3.
Favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
I love shopping and getting mani/pedi’s at Tiffany Spa with my girls (they give free back rubs). We keep ourselves quite busy year round with sports.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family dinner? A night out with friends? Why?
South End is always good! Spiga has been a new favorite of ours as a family and I enjoy Elm for ladies nights out so I can dust off my closet full of heels and get dressed up.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
Every week we make turkey meatballs, chicken stir fry, turkey tacos, home made chicken nuggets always with something green (broccoli, peas, edamame) I would love some new ideas!!!
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Shoes? Furniture?
We shop all over: in town, Westport, Stamford Mall, New York City, and online. I have to let the girls pick out their own clothes since about 7 years old and they boys just need garments that are soft on their body.
What are your favorite events in New Canaan?
We love the YWL Easter egg hunt at Waveny, soccer and lacrosse on the weekends. The NCCares Kitchen & Homes Tour is not to be missed in May! The Waveny pool works well for us in the summer because we head up to Litchfield CT on the weekends where we have a house on Woodridge Lake (near Mohawk Mountain too). The Memorial Day parade, sidewalk sale in July and tailgating for Fireworks at Waveny park on July 4th are all fun summertime events! October brings a few fun events hosted by the Nature Center – Cider Saturday, Harvest Fest and the Fall Fair. Fall is my favorite season here in the northeast especially Halloween! Living on South Avenue we have a lot of fun decorating for the 700-1000 trick or treaters we get. Around the Holidays there lots to do as well, Town Stroll, Meet Santa, and every other year the NewComers Club Holiday House Tour.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Holy Moly, the terrible 3s, 4s, and 5s! My girls are 9 and have been so pleasant for the last 5 years, my boys on the other hand….wear me out! Everything is a negotiation! I have learned to reward good behavior.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you… OR if you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? OR favorite hobbies?
When I moved to New Canaan I enrolled in Interior Design School at Fairfield University. 2 years ago I started an online business reselling nearly new high end furnishings and decor. Since then we have been growing at an astonishing rate. With private clients and local companies like The Summerhouse, Pimlico, Caravan and LaGrange de S. We can offer amazing deals on beautiful, in style pieces. Its a great source for anyone new to town to help furnish all that extra square footage. Check us out at delvedecor.com
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
Regarding children – a mom once told me to walk away and collect myself when I am agitated and I still do it today, I will go hide in my closet or take a hot shower so I don’t lose my cool! Regarding marriage – have your own life – the more I focused on what my husband was doing or the more expectations I had we weren’t on the same page. As soon as I just focus on myself and what keeps me happy – we have a lot more to talk about and really enjoy each other.
What do you most value in your friends?
I have integrity and honesty and I look for the same in others. I look for authentic women, Women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and show their true colors. Humility and compassion are a must. We need to support each other in this small town. I don’t participate in gossip and really don’t care what others think of me.
What was your career before having children?
I spent 10 years in Finance working at Hedge Funds in NYC. I am a numbers/excel girl.
