Welcome to your Meet a Mom Interview!
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Mount Vernon, NY, but my father was in the military for years so we lived all over the country before returning to NY for good when I was 11 years old. We settled in Tarrytown, NY.
What made you choose New Canaan over other towns in the area? How long have you lived in New Canaan with your family?
We moved from Greenwich, CT almost seven(!!) years ago. My former boss and mentor was a New Canaan resident, and he kept pushing the idea of living here. We had several NCHS interns in our office over the years, and I remember being genuinely impressed with them. When we were ready to move to a new home, we started looking in New Canaan. The rest is history! We have three children, ages 8, 5 and 2.
Favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
My kids love visiting the playground at Mead Park and then dinner at the Apple Cart. We sometimes have play dates there. If we’re lucky, my husband comes home early and meets us there for dinner. The kids LOVE waving to his train as it passes the park.
What are your favorite events or favorite season in New Canaan and why?
Selecting a favorite event is so hard. Fall Fair at the Nature Center and May Fair at St Mark’s are two standout events. Also, we never miss Summer Theater of New Canaan.
Three things in New Canaan that you can’t live without:
Carolina, age 8. Sebastiano, age 5. Alessio, age 2. Daddy, too! OK, that’s four things!
Which are the best spots for beauty and pampering in New Canaan?
I love Alfya Skincare and True Grace Nail Salon. Le Boudoir is another favorite.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? Night out with friends? Romantic evening? Why?
Locali and Rosie are our favorite family restaurants. For a night out with friends, Uncorked is always fun. For a romantic evening, my husband and I usually sneak out of town so we can be alone (wink, wink).
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
Every Sunday is family pizza-making day. Tomatoes imported from Naples, Caputo flour…it’s a very serious tradition in our house! We watch international soccer matches on TV while we wait for the dough to rise. The kids always wear team jerseys.
What are a few of the most recent things you’ve pinned on Pinterest?
We are in the process of redecorating our home in a totally different style of decor, so I am addicted to Pinterest and Houzz for inspiration. I need an intervention!
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
I think every age poses its own set of challenges. With three kids, it’s certainly a balancing act. New Canaan Cares has amazing lectures and I’ve discovered some great parenting books that are my go-to resources. Sharing stories and trading advice with mom friends has also been incredibly helpful. It’s comforting to know other moms struggle with the same issues. We are in this together!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m a total music geek who lives for live concerts. My taste in music is super eclectic but I love, love, love hip hop. Bonus points if it’s old school.
What was the best advice your mom gave you?
My mother-in-law was an amazing woman who always gave the best advice. She always told me being a mother was “the hardest, best job in the world.’ She was right.
Anything else you want to add? Feel free to include a business venture, involvement in local organizations, etc.
I am Co-Chair of a group called Friends of Mead Park Playground. We are a hard working and dedicated group of New Canaan mom volunteers. We are raising funds for the purpose of reinventing the playground into an all-abilities play space that better meets the recreational, social and developmental needs of children in our community. We have been so encouraged by the community’s support! We have a Polar Express movie event on Dec 16 at Playhouse Theater in New Canaan. Kids will arrive in pajamas and enjoy a special screening. Santa will be there to hand out goodies! To purchase tickets, click here.
For more information on our campaign, please visit our website at New Canaan Community Foundation:
www.newcanaancf.org/give/friendsofmeadparkplayground.aspx
To purchase a brick for our Legacy Walkway, please visit:
www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/meadplayground
