Where are you from originally?
My family (The Pescatellos) moved to New Canaan in 1980. I attended South School, Saxe and NC High School. So, I guess I’m a ‘Townie’. Though, my husband, Chris, and I lived in NYC and Darien, prior to ending up in NC.
How long have you lived in New Canaan?
Chris and I moved to New Canaan in 2010, after I convinced him that it wouldn’t at all be weird living down the street from his mother in-law.
How many kids and their age(s)?
I have two kids: Alexandra, 11, and Liam, 9. Both of my kids are often described as ‘high energy’ by family members, which I think is code for something else…jury’s still out.
Favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
My husband, Chris, loves to ride into town with the kids for some quick errands and an ice cream treat. I love watching them go on their merry way and return invigorated. There’s nothing better than riding amid the fall foliage and the threat of distracted drivers! 😉
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends? Why?
Uncorked, Baldanza and Solé are my favorite restaurants in town. Uncorked gives me the feeling that I am on vacation elsewhere. There’s nothing better than watching the US Open with the fresh air blowing through that little gem of a restaurant!
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
My Welsh mother perfected my father’s Sicilian family’s recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs. And now, my humble version is also a crowd-pleaser with my kids and their friends. If I were to pen a cookbook, it would be called, The Waspy Italian.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Shoes? Furniture? Yourself?
Wave (in town) is a wonderful store to find gifts, jewelry and scarves. IMHO, their price points and quality of merchandise are spot on.
What are your favorite events in New Canaan?
I am not a fan of crowds; however, I do enjoy the sidewalk sale. Note: BUT only when it’s NOT a thousand degrees outside and I don’t look like I’ve been beaten by a wet mop.
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Every age is hard. The support of my family and close friends is the cornerstone of my mental health. The people I hold close are the ones who understand that life is oftentimes a dark comedy of errors. Also, a shoutout to Dr. Flynn. He has been an amazing pediatrician – calm, wise and trusted.
How do you relax and unwind?
Jogging in Waveny is my therapy. I love the solitude of the woods and being alone with my thoughts. I process a lot during my jogs. Often, I think about the times I ran with my father on the same trails as a kid. I would try to keep up with his marathon-man pace, but he was a gazelle…and I was not!
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
Be yourself. Be different. Be genuine. The whole New Canaan Stepford Wife thing is so boring and passé. I’m fortunate to have found many impressive women here in NC, who are interesting, opinionated, and unique! Life is too short to have an identity crisis at middle age – the one I had as a tweenager was good enough.
Anything else you want to add? Feel free to include a business venture, involvement in local organizations, etc.
Giving back to the community and being involved with my kids’ schools are important to me – that’s why I agreed to become Co-President of Saxe Middle School with Kate VanDussen. I really look forward to working with Kate to make great things possible at Saxe. Additionally, because when it rains it pours, I have parlayed my love of comedy and social media into gigs with newcanaandarienmoms.com and TR Building & Remodeling. Just the beginning of my social media empire…
