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Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I have so much love for Ridgefield but when it came to picking a town to settle down in it was just a little too far from the city to end up calling it home again.
What made you choose New Canaan or Darien over other towns in the area? How long have you lived in your town?
I lived in NYC for eight years. My husbands new job landed us in Greenwich where we lived on the Ave. for a few years. Even though we were already living in the “suburbs” it didn’t really feel like it. Our second child Ford really pushed us into home ownership and becoming true suburbanites. We began our search for the perfect town which was very tough because we loved them all! The Silvermine area in New Canaan started to grow on us as we visited it more frequently. I love both the history of this area and the growing establishments in the neighborhood. Having lived in city-like areas since 2008, I still wanted that feeling of being able to walk to things with the kids. We hardly had to get in the car when we were living in Greenwich & NYC. Having the Silvermine Arts Guild Center, Graybarns, the much anticipated Graybarns Mercantile and the Silvermine Market all in our neighborhood has been really nice. I also love how we are still close to downtown New Canaan and equally as close to Westport, Darien, Wilton and Pound Ridge. We’ve lived in New Canaan for just four months and are still exploring!
How many kids do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two boys #boymom. Charles Everett is 2 years old and Ford William is 6 months old. Charlie just turned two and I realized this is the first time I haven’t been able to say I have 2 under 2. Guess it’s time for number three 🙂
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
Charlie started at The New Canaan Nature Center in September and loves it. I couldn’t be happier with the program. He loves bugs, animals and anything that goes! When I heard about the concept of the outdoor classroom I knew it would be perfect fit for him. He comes home covered in dirt, the school is not afraid to take the kids out in the pouring rain. Snakes, frogs and bunnies are just a few things he sees during his school hikes. His classroom pets include a bunny inside classroom and falcons and eagles in his outdoor classroom. We love visiting as a family during the weekend. We visit the goats and also visit the indoor play room, if my husband and I need a break 🙂 The nature center also hosts so many great fall festivals including the Harvest Festival, Fall Fair and the Holiday Market.
When I first moved to town I met Samantha from the welcome committee. She offers paddle ball clinics at Waveny Park (beginners welcome). I really enjoyed attending my first paddle ball clinic and look forward to making it a monthly ritual. I not only met other women but I loved learning a new sport. It really is important for me as a mom with young kids to still set time aside to learn new things. Her clinic is an hour long and you can email her if you are interested in joining. [email protected]
What are your favorite events or favorite season in New Canaan and why?
No one does the fall like New England. Am I right? Watching the leaves change is one of my favorite things, along with all the apple cider and pumpkin picking we can get. We head to Fishkill Farms for apple picking & Jones Family Farm to cut our family tree. I love all of the fun activities that come with this time of year.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? Night out with friends? Romantic evening? Why?
We love the New Canaan Farmers market. My husband and I were really impressed with it when we first moved here, that’s the closest thing to dining out with 2 kids that we’ve experienced. A friend recently took me to Rosies, which is my new go-to. On nights my husband and I feel like exchanging words in peace we head over to Graybarns. For a kid friendly meal, again I have yet to find a place that can handle us. We’ve tried dining out as a family of four way too many times and still are experimenting with it. Every time we eat out with two babies we tell ourselves we are never going to do this again. I think someone needs to open up a lunch place with built in babysitters & a playroom. We would be your most frequent customer. For now we basically just pick places where we won’t run into anyone we know.
What are a few of the most recent things you’ve pinned on Pinterest and/or who do you follow on Instagram? Please provide links or tags
We are in the middle of furnishing our home which has been much more difficult than I anticipated. Some instagram accounts I draw inspiration from include, @pencilandpaperco @amberinteriors @haminteriors
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
My youngest song Ford was born with a lip tie. It went undiagnosed for months and during that time I just thought I was unlucky and had a colicky baby. I found out months later he wasn’t colicky but was in pain due to the air entering his tiny tummy during feedings. What was misdiagnosed as possible reflux was actually all due to a small lip and tongue tie which can be very easily reversed. Lip and tongue ties are so easy to spot and many pediatricians do not check for them in new borns. If you suspect your baby might have one you can read my post about my personal experience, here. https://www.mrsnipple.com/blog/2018/a-mothers-intuition?rq=lip%20tie%20 .
The first few months with Ford as a colicky infant were the hardest months I’ve experienced as a mother. I hope to help prevent other mothers from living with a colicky baby and help prevent babies living in pain by spreading awareness.
Most shocking moment of motherhood thus far?
The moment my son called me by my first name!!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
My full name is Elizabeth Ariola and I started a brand called, Mrs. Nipple. I offer resources for new mothers and love connecting with like minded women surviving on a daily basis through motherhood 🙂 We are in this together, right?! You can check me out at, www.mrsnipple.com and on instagram, @mrsnipple_ .
CALLING ALL LOCALS
Since I’m new in town any recommendations around what & where to eat, great things to do with kids, best hair & spa locations …pretty much any local recommendations would be greatly appreciated, even Darien locations are welcome!! I love using The Local Moms Network app which has been so helpful, especially being new in town. It is such a great resource to have. Head over to my instagram @mrsnipple_ and comment on my last instagram post your favorite things to do in town!!!