Great Reads for Moms
As moms who made their careers within the book publishing industry, we at Fairfield Families read. We read a lot. To that end, we’d like to offer reviews of books we’ve loved and appreciated since becoming moms, books that taught something about motherhood, made us laugh, or simply entertained us during those very few solitary, quiet moments of our day.
When Did I Get Like This?
The Screamer, the Worrier, the Dinosaur-Chicken-Nugget Buyer & Other Mothers I Swore I’d Never Be
by Amy Wilson
If there is one event that can cause an intelligent, confident, capable woman to feel as if she is falling apart at the seams, it is simply this: becoming a mother. Happily though, When Did I Get Like This? is here to remind us of the following: We have unrealistic expectations for ourselves, we are attempting to live up to what are oftentimes ridiculous standards, and most entertainingly, and the real reason to read Amy Wilson’s memoir, a mother’s efforts to do-it-all and do-it-perfectly, can be HILARIOUS.
They are especially hilarious in Amy Wilson’s words. The vignettes of her escapades in motherhood are seam-splitting, too, but in good way! You’ll feel her pain and certainly, her frustration, but laugh, really laugh, in glaring recognition of her obsessions and her futile efforts to be a no-less-than-perfect mom. Her baring honesty and openness will make you feel as if you’re having a much needed and very fun night out with your best girlfriend.
Amy hits perfectly on many of the most absurd standards and challenges of modern motherhood. The birth clinic, pregnancy pains, birth plan, first nursing attempts, mommy and me classes, sibling rivalries, and sleeping (or rather NOT) stories. My personal favorite chapters involve her efforts to place her firstborn into one of the ludicrously competitive Manhattan preschools. Another must read is entitled “Penny the Pig”; the classic story of putting way too much effort into a mom project for little or no reward. Haven’t we all been there?
If you’re a mom who can do with a little sanity check, you won’t find a better read than When Did I Get Like This?
Connected Parenting
by Jennifer Kolari, MSW, RSW
I chose to read Connected Parenting because of its irresistible promise of developing deep, enduring bonds with my children. Drawing on twenty years as a child therapist, Jennifer Kolari teaches how to parent with empathy, rather than discipline with anger. So powerful are her techniques, she has helped thousands of parents transform their relationships with the most challenging of children. For those with easier kids with whom a close attachment already exists, I can personally attest that her strategies work like a dream, helping to maintain that close relationship while instilling noticeable confidence and positive self-esteem.
Kolari explains how all children crave the unconditional attention and understanding they received as infants. Unknowingly, I was giving my own son too much responsibility, causing him to feel insecure and anxious. Connected Parenting taught me to rebuild his sense of security through “baby play”, a heartwarming, affectionate practice that we now enjoy every day.
Also pivotal is her CALM strategy, a simple practice to empathic relating through “mirroring” your child’s feelings, instantly inspiring understanding and soon eliminating problem behaviors. I credit CALM with deflating tantrums and unbelievably, successful potty training, after a year of failed attempts. However, please note that these techniques promise to work right into the teen years for teen troubles as well.
I consider this one of the most helpful of parenting books and a “must-read” for any parent who dreams of bringing out the best in her children and developing loving bonds that last a lifetime…and really, are there any parents who don’t?
Fun February Activities To Get the Kids Out and About
The shortest month of the year very often feels like the LONGEST, especially with that week-long winter break when the kids are home from school. Below are some fun ideas to enjoy the time with your family during those cold, dreary winter days…
Meerkat Exhibit at the Maritime Aquarium
May 28th – Feb 28th
Meerkats are members of the mongoose family that live in social “mobs” or “gangs” of up to 30 members in burrows in the Kalahari Desert, in the southern African nations of Botswana and South Africa. No mere cats, meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are fascinating for living in structured but cooperative societies, including a foraging strategy where adults take turns standing guard upright on their hind feet, watching for predators, while the others eat. The exhibit will feature six sibling meerkats – three males, three females – born in the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their Maritime Aquarium habitat will offer windows into their underground burrows, so all meerkat activity will be within view. And there will be a viewing bubble, so visitors can stand up right among the meerkats. Maritime Aquarium general admission is $11.75 adults, $10.75 for seniors 65+, and $9.75 for children 2-12. For more information about The Maritime Aquarium’s exhibits, IMAX movies and programs, go online to www.MaritimeAquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700.
For More Information: Maritime Aquarium ; 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT’; 203-852-0700; www.maritimeaquarium.org
“Africa: From the Desert to the Sea” at The Maritime Aquarium
Aug 15, 2011 – Feb 28, 2012
“Africa: From the Desert to the Sea” Special exhibit open daily through February 2012. Explore the aquatic wonders of Africa and discover how the continent’s fish – though much different from those in Long Island Sound – face similar environmental challenges. See amazing fish from the Nile River, the lakes of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the Red Sea and Africa’s shorelines, including the remarkable ecosystem of Madagascar. Species highlighted include exotic air-breathing lungfish that can survive for a year if their waterhole goes dry, and electric catfish that use bioelectric radar to sense surroundings and zap their food in a dark and murky habitat. Other exotics include knifefish, bichirs and – appropriately for Africa – elephant-nose fish. Colorful cichlids and coral reef species shine in shimmering rainbows. Interspersed throughout are important messages about animal adaptations, the importance of habitat preservation and conservation, and stories that show how fish from the other side of the world face challenges similar to those in Long Island Sound. Sponsored by Bank of America and included with Aquarium admission.
ADMISSION: Aquarium only: $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors 65+ and $9.95 for children 2-12. Members free. Adventure Pass (Aquarium + IMAX movie): $19.45 for adults, $17.95 for seniors 65+ and $14.45 children for 2-12. Thrills Pass (Aquarium + Ride Film): $19.20 adults, $16.20 children (ages 2-12), $18.20 seniors 65+. Members pay $4.50. Value Pass (Aquarium + IMAX movie + Ride film): $24.45 for adults, $22.95 for seniors 65+ and $19.45 children 2-12. IMAX movie: $9 adults, $8 seniors and $6.50 kids 2-12. Members save $2. Hollywood IMAX movies: $11.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors and $9.50 for children 2-12.
For More Information: Maritime Aquarium; 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700 http://www.maritimeaquarium.org
2011/2012 Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ Season
Oct 8th – Apr 15th
The 2011/2012 Sound Tiger’s season runs Oct 8th, through mid-April, 2012, bringing hockey and family entertainment to Bridgeport. You’ll enjoy the many upcoming features multiplying the fun at the Sound Tiger’s games: season tickets, group outings, special family events, birthday parties and more!
For More Information: Bridgeport Sound Tigers; 600 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT; info@soundtigers.com; 203.334.GOAL; http://www.soundtigers.com
Teddy Bear Tea Party at The Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Saturday, February 11th
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Dress up your Teddy Bears in their party best and bring them to a special tea for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a variety of tea time treats and sweets, delight in an enchanting tale from Acting Out with Ms. Karen, and bring home your own teddy bear surprise. Space is limited, so book your spot early.
To register, call 203.977.6521.
Members: $25/person/Non-Members: $35/person.
For More Information: Stamford Museum; 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT; 203-322-1646 http://www.stamfordmuseum.org
Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball at Stepping Stones Museum
Saturday, Feb 25th
6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Admission: $12, $10 members
Calling all little princes and princesses! Dress up in your finest, make a crown, learn ballroom moves from the experts and pose for the paparazzi on this magical evening for the whole family.
Register online or call 203 899 0606, ext. 264.
For More Information: Stepping Stones; 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT; 203-899-0606 X2 alesia@steppingstonesmuseum.org; http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/
Storytime: Puppet Shows! at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
11:00 am -12:00 pm
Admission: $5.00
Come to the Fairfield Museum and History Center and hear engaging stories, followed by a fun craft. $5 per child, recommended for ages 4 – 6 accompanied by an adult. Hear stories about puppets, followed by a fun puppet-making craft.
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Sketching Theatre at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
With artist and illustrator Deborah Bassino Workshop for ages 8 – 13 $25; Members, $20 Learn sketching techniques inspired by the rich and glorious costumes and set designs in the theatre exhibition.
Please register with the contact person for this event. Visitor Service: 203-259-1598
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Mad Masks at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Workshop for ages 6 – 10
Admission: $15; $10 Members
Create a mixed media mask inspired by the costumes and creatures in the Bravo! theatre exhibition, like Egyptian gods, feathered headdresses, donkeys and lions! A staff-supervised lunch time and break is available for participants who sign up for both Wednesday workshops. Please bring a peanut-free lunch. Please call to learn more about this offer.
Please register with the contact person for this event. Visitor Service: 203-259-1598
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Theatre Explorers at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Workshop for ages 6 – 10
Admission: $15; $10 Members
Dive in to our costume trunk and explore fun theatre games, playwriting, improv and more in the Bravo! theatre exhibition. A staff-supervised lunch time and break is available for participants who sign up for both Wednesday workshops. Please bring a peanut-free lunch. Please call to learn more about this offer.
Please register with the contact person for this event. Visitor Service: 203-259-1598
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Danny Magic Presented by Fairfield Parks and Recreation
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Start: 12:30
Free Admission
Be amazed by Danny Magic on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 12:30 pm in the gymnasium of Roger Ludlowe Middle School! This is a must-see Magic Show and Slapstick Comedy that is amazing and amusing for all ages! Doors open 20 minute prior to show time. Thursday, 2/23
For More Information: Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department ; 75 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824; (203) 256-3191; http://cal.fairfieldct.org/; recsupport@town.fairfield.ct.us
American Girl Afternoon at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Thursday, February 23, 2012
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Workshop for ages 8 – 12
Materials Fee: $30; $25 Members
Pre-registration suggested.
Explore the history and adventures of the historical American Girl dolls, including the new pair from New Orleans, Marie-Grace Gardner and Cécile Rey, who lived in 1853. Learn about the fascinating culture of New Orleans and the French traditions that were adapted in America. We’ll make Mardi Gras masks, inspired by a fancy masquerade ball in the storybooks. Find out about the delicious foods popular in New Orleans and create a delicious snack!
Please register with the contact person for this event. Visitor Service: 203-259-1598
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Winter Back in Time at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Friday, February 24, 2012
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grades 3-6
Materials Fee: $30; $25 Members
Registration strongly suggested.
Discover how boys and girls spent the dark days of winter in the colonial days. Participants will get the chance to try on period costume and write their own stories with a quill and ink. We will also prepare a recipe inspired from time past.
Please register with the contact person for this event. Visitor Service: 203-259-1598
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Rapunzel at The Fairfield Museum and History Center
Friday, February 24, 2012
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Presented by Purple Rock Productions
$7 adults, $5 children. Free for children 3 and under.
In this wild and wacky adaptation of the classic tale, an old washerwoman tells the story of Rapunzel, who is very clever in this version. She has learned a few tricks from the witch, especially how to “sing” things to grow. She is able to “sing” a boat into existence in order that she and the Prince can get away on the ocean. The washer woman tells the story using a variety of household objects, as well as puppets. The audience is encouraged to participate in creating the story.
Please register with the contact person for this event. Visitor Service: 203-259-1598
This event is accessible to people with disabilities.
For More Information: Fairfield Museum and History Center; 370 Beach Road, Fairfield CT, 06824; 203-259-1598 http://www.fairfieldhistory.org
Fireworks for the Fourth!
Bridgeport
SkyBlast Party and Fireworks
July 3rd
Seaside Park
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Darien
July 3rd (Rain date July 5th)
Darien High School
9:15/Sundown
Fairfield
July 4th
Jennings Beach
Sundown
New Canaan
New Canaan Family 4th
July 4th
Waveney Park
5 p.m. Event begins
9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin
Norwalk
July 3rd (Rain date July 5th)
Shady Beach
Dusk
Orange
July 1st (Rain date July 2nd)
Orange Fairgrounds
7:00 pm- Concert begins
Stratford
July 3rd (Rain date July 5th)
Short Beach
7:00 p.m. Concert begins
9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin
Weston
July 4th
Weston Middle School Field
4:30 p.m. Gates open
9:20 p.m. Fireworks begin
Westport
July 1st (Rain date July 5th)
Compo Beach
Sundown
Wilton
July 4th
Wilton High School
SundownSee More
Register for Library Children’s Programs
Registration begins Tuesday, June 7 at 9:00 am! In-person or online.
Holiday Gift Guides
Wondering what to give the little ones this year? Check out these holiday gift guides for babies through kids 9+.
December 4, 2010 at 7:51 am fairfieldfamilies Leave a comment
Annual Breakfast with Santa
The Welcome Club of Fairfield/Easton will host the Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 4 from 10am to noon.
Greenfield Hill Congregational Church ~ Memorial Room
1045 Old Academy Road ~ Fairfield, CT
This is a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy good food, friends and, of course, Santa himself! Bring the kids ready to partake in a special holiday craft and to take pictures with Jolly ol’ Saint Nick! Rob Staub of Rob Staub Photography will be on hand to photograph your children with Santa and offer custom prints and holiday cards.
The cost of this fun filled event is $10 per family.
Please RSVP by December 3 to Jen LaPlante at jennlaplante9@gmail.com.
December 2, 2010 at 1:49 pm fairfieldfamilies Leave a comment
Rob Mathes Christmas Concert
Tickets for the 17th annual Rob Mathes Christmas Concert, December 18, 2010, at The Palace Theatre, Stamford, are available online at http://www.scalive.org. To learn more about Rob Mathes, visit http://www.robmathes.com.
December 1, 2010 at 10:55 pm fairfieldfamilies Leave a comment
Opening of Fairway Market
I was invited to visit the new Fairway Market in Stamford recently but unfortunately was unable to attend. Sissy Biggers wrote this guest post to provide readers an inside look at the new store. Sounds like it would be wroth the trip! Thanks, Sissy.
When the doors finally opened at the new, flagship Fairway Market in Stamford last Wednesday, it was reminiscent of the old Supermarket Sweep on TV. The grocery cart brigade, who’d lined up for hours, by-passed New York’s famous food family, Howie and son, Danny Glickberg –and other local glitterati–to roll right into the Fairway experience. As the shoppers entered the over 85,000 square feet of aisles, they were greeted by the stores’ very heart and soul, the floor to ceiling displays of fruits and vegetables. Fairway Market has never been more exciting.
Chairman of Fairway and CEO of Sterling Investment Partners, the majority equity partner in Fairway, and Greenwich resident, Charles Santoro, wielding the ceremonial (giant!) scissors to cut the ribbon expressed his own pride and great pleasure in bringing Fairway to Fairfield County.
“So many people are familiar with Fairway from working or living in Manhattan and have expressed their delight that we’ve made it to the area,” he said. “Now, Fairfield County has a world class food retailer that it deserves.”
Exactly! Ever since I learned Fairway Market was going to materialize on Canal Street, right off Exit 7 in Stamford, I have been touting its legendary status to eager foodies all over Fairfield County. Any of those busy moms who’d spent time near the Upper West Side in their prior lives knew just what I was talking about and the uninitiated couldn’t wait to learn more. It was easy to explain, because Fairway Market is like no other store: one-stop shopping for every food on your grocery list. A world-class food expert runs each department: a cheese monger, master butcher and all their specialists purvey the finest meat, cheese, fish, dairy, produce, fresh roasted coffee, international, organic, kosher, fresh-baked and prepared foods. By the end of my first visit I was on a first name basis with them all!
Tony, the store’s fish monger for more than a decade, showed off the giant swordfish pulled from the nearby Atlantic the day before and the fresh, large Maine lobsters as typical examples of the care and quality and value in every department. At $6.99 a pound (a price Tony boasts you won’t find anywhere else), you can pick out a pair of live kickers on the way in and he’ll have them steamed and bagged for you—at no extra cost—when you’re ready to check out.
Of course, I already knew that Fairway’s famous for unsurpassed variety, quality and freshness at surprisingly low everyday prices! As the first day’s discerning shoppers navigated the spacious aisles I over-heard wonderful comments, universally impressed by the store’s vastness and its value! For some, it was a first visit and the shock and awe at the initial glimpse of the store’s pristine cheese department was palpable. It’s no surprise! The culture of this department is legendary thanks to cheese expert Steve Jenkins who oversees the more than 600 artisanal offerings at all seven Fairways in the tri-state.
The bakery, run by Omar, an intense hands on manager, has an astonishing array of mouth-watering goods, including kosher items. In addition to the high quality baguettes and their famous bagels, they carry other crunchy in-demand brands like Tom Cat Bakery.
The butchers provide tremendous help and options behind their gorgeous display of fresh cut meats. (The head butcher steered me towards the top sirloin on sale). There’s a large selection of kosher meats with a full-time kosher butcher in the store. I’ve never seen so much beautiful, high quality chicken, turkey and, one of my hard to find favorite, fresh rabbit!
Master coffee roasters preside over the peppiest and most aromatic department in the store. The smell of roasting green coffee beans is a rare experience—as is the special Fairway blend of whole beans at $4.99 per pound!!!
A few other favorites, and what underscores Fairway as the destination for a full shopping experience, are the scores of fine olive and other oils imported by Fairway directly from Italy. Ian, one of the olive mavens in the Fairway family gave me a great tour of the towering aisles and helped me select a quality grape seed oil and a bottle of hard to find verjus for deglazing—two must haves for this foodie! I helped myself to some of the 50 kinds of freshly bathed and marinated olives, and stocked my pantry with a vast selection of “serious tuna” in a stand-alone display of canned, Italian tuna and anchovies.
The Fairway experience is all you need on your next big shop. The aisles are filled with more than 45,000 traditional and 90,000 specialty and organic groceries, as well as a kosher section and an organic and natural health and beauty department. In the dairy shoppers find one of the biggest selections of yogurts, milks and imported butters. In the back of the store, facing one of the parks in Harbor Point, is a glass enclosed 80 seat café where shoppers can select sandwiches, pizza, sushi, salads, soups to enjoy in a relaxing and picturesque setting.
But wait, there’s more! The Fairway Wine & Spirits Store opens in December! Thanks Fairway!
