Welcome to your Meet a Mom Interview!
Where are you from originally?
Boston, MA
How long have you lived in New Canaan? How many kids and their age(s)?
4.5 Years. Nora 7, Bridgy 4, Gracie 2.5
Favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
Picnic at Waveny and a walk around the mansion or on the trails, visit to Mead for the playground and the Apple Cart, walk around town with a stop at Swirl or Baskin Robbins. Is it me or do all of these involve food? Out of town, we love the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk and Cos Cob Park in Greenwich. If you haven’t been to Cos Cob park, pack a picnic lunch or dinner and head there for the playground, waterfront pavilion and the breathtaking September 11th Memorial.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends? Why?
For a family date, we love the Apple Cart – nothing like dining outside with great food, some healthy options, space for a 2.5 year old to move, and ice cream! For a night out with friends, I love Uncorked and South End – both locations make a great margarita, and the relaxed vibe with fantastic food cannot be beat.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
Oh man, anything all three of my kids will eat is a favorite. Crock pot pulled bbq chicken with homemade cole slaw served on potato rolls or on shredded greens. Lots of flavor, easy to make, and a big hit with kids and grown ups!
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Shoes? Furniture? Yourself?
Crew Cuts and Shoes n’ More are always our “go to” stops for back to school shopping. For me, I love Scout n’Molly and She la la. For furniture I usually enlist my mother-in-law who is an interior designer to join me. When she visits us from the Midwest, we hit up Design Solutions, Country Design, and Severed Ties. She knows more people in town than I do!
What are your favorite events in New Canaan?
Summer concerts at Waveny, Summer Theater of New Canaan, Halloween, Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis, New Canaan Turkey Trot at Waveny…there are so many! We are so fortunate to live in this awesome town.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Every age has presented us with immense challenges and great joys. I try very hard to stay in the moment, so that a tantrum or a homework assignment or a trip to the grocery store doesn’t get the best of me. It’s easier said than done, but when I’m successful I find I’m able to enjoy my kids right where they are (in age and ability) rather than where I want them to be. They grow up so quickly, so I’m trying to savor these opportunities to keep things simple and silly.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I have an identical twin who lives about 1.5 hrs away in New Jersey. We’ve had some funny moments here in town when she is visiting and people mistake her for me. So, if you’ve waved to or even hugged my sister at preschool pick up, that’s hilarious and fantastic – she loves the attention. 🙂
I’m incredibly lucky to have my brother and his family living here in town! Justin and Jessica Connolly are thee best. My sister-in-law is my “go to” person for everything! How lucky am I?
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
To my fellow moms: We’re all in this together!
My Mum always reminds me to “keep my head where my feet are”.
What do you most value in your friends?
Sense of humor, kindness, and a “can do” spirit.
What was your career before having children?
I worked in the not-for-profit sector and in politics doing fundraising and event planning.
Anything else you want to add? Feel free to include a business venture, involvement in local organizations, etc.
I recently got involved with a great organization started by two awesome moms. It’s called Good Sports. Good Sports gives all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing new equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need. If you’d like to learn more check out the website below or contact me via email: [email protected].
http://www.goodsports.org/