Issuu

Also Serving New Canaan

H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

FO O D IN FEBRUARY LI F E + C U LTU R E

RE ALIZIN G TH E N EW YE AR RESO LUTIO N P R O F E S S I O N A L S E RV I C E S

M IRRO R M IRRO R: FO CUSIN G O N SELF LOV E

F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

IT’S TIME TO DRIVE SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

It’s time to drive a

from

Todd Maserati of Danbury

833.244.3818 | toddmaseratiofdanbury.com 52 Newtown Road Danbury, Connecticut 06810

Who is Rachel Walsh and How Can She Help You Win Big in Real Estate? When it comes to real estate, experience matters. Rachel Walsh has been helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for 27 years. Rachel states that every transaction has its challenges and that she learns something new from every deal and every client. “Not only do buyers and sellers change throughout the years, so do needs and trends. There are always new health and safety concerns, new electronic capabilities, new regulations, and real estate laws. I stay current to best represent my clients.” Rachel has a deep knowledge of houses and locations within the towns she covers – Darien, New Canaan, and Rowayton primarily - but also every town and city between Greenwich and Fairfield, CT including Southport. She has a strong knowledge of construction from antiques to new construction. Rachel can advise you about a home’s current value and its historical resale, the quality of the construction, a home’s potential, and the value of good design and flow. Rachel is a hyper-local expert with a regional approach to help you find the right home and town for you.

Prior to real estate, Rachel was the assistant manager and VIP liaison in two Central Park South hotels in Manhattan, including working with Leona Helmsley who taught her a lot about the high-end client. Mrs. Helmsley demanded perfection and taught Rachel how to ascertain and anticipate a client’s needs. Rachel has brought that valuable training into her outstanding real estate career. She has hundreds of loyal and happy clients. Rachel is a huge animal advocate and fundraises for local pet rescue organizations. This love of animals stems from working as a veterinarian tech in her teen years. Rachel and her husband have lived in Darien and New Canaan, where her three adult children attended school. She is passionate about her communities and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you.

2 0 3 .9 1 2 . 5 9 0 8 rach el wa l s h h o mes . c o m New Canaan | Darien | R owayton

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Kristin Burnell | kristin.burnell@citylifestyle.com

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season. To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community. While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community. “Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. Those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee at Aux Delices and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine from Sip Stirs and some cheese from Greenwich Cheese & Fine Foods and indulge on a movie night in. We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month. Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like. Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. Don’t forget to scan the barcode in the magazine and vote for your favorite local businesses in our 2023 local love awards! Happy February!

MAR KET SUPPORT MANAGER

Lydia Turner | greenwich@citylifestyle.com PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Anna Barnes, Lea Grimaldi, Madhu Mathur, Cece Reeder

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER @DARIENLIFEST YLEMAG

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/DARIENCT |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Darien Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Darien area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Darien Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Food in February

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Self Care

Culinary Creations

Happy Hour

Expert Help

Home Update

Events

The benefits of eating foods in season.

24 Love Potion # 9

A Pink Cocktail Perfect For Celebrating Valentine’s Day

28 Realizing the New Year Resolution Healthful Tips to Carry in 2023

PR O FES S I O NA L S ERV I C E S HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

FO O D + B EV ER AGE LI FE + C U LT U R E HO ME + DES I GN

YOUR CLOSET IS A CANVAS

Reinspire

WALK-IN CLOSET

CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Be reinspired. See your wardrobe in a whole new light. You will wonder why you didn't do this sooner. Call (203) 549-1287 for a free in-home or virtual design consultation and estimate. Visit us online at closetfactory.com. Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801 Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 ©2021 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Networking event co-lead by Effective Educational and Therapeutic Services & Newport Academy 2: Local mental health advocates and professionals came together for a morning of yoga and smoothies. 3: In an effort to launch Effective’s yoga program, instructor, Lisa Levine taught the class. Photography by Erin Swett, Newport Academy

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @darienlifestylemag

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Pure Barre Align

Luxe Level Aesthetics

Moonlight Barista

Introducing Pure Barre’s newest class format, Pure Barre Align! Pure Barre Align combines our classic strength-building barre technique and unique emphasis on flexibility and balance training to deliver a full-body workout and restorative experience. In 50 minutes, you will focus on various types of stretching to increase your joint mobility, while building muscular strength and stability using our Pure Barre Classic positioning and the barre to enhance your alignment and take your mindbody connection to the next level!

Luxe Level Aesthetics is where beauty meets the most advanced medical technology. Their luxurious, boutique-style medical spa provides a superior experience. The team includes the finest NYC clinicians who deliver natural and beautiful results every time. Their providers specialize in routine and advanced injectables and a wide variety of other laser treatments. Whether you are seeking body contouring or the latest injectables and advanced laser treatments, they can customize a treatment plan specifically for you!

Moonlight Barista is the result of the unique collaboration between Barista & Bartender. COREBEV spent years working on this formula, made with Award-Winning Cylinder Vodka, Organic Cold Brew from RISE Brewing Co, and vibrant espresso liqueur. They took the classic espresso martini experience and put it in a can, working closely with RISE to create what they believe is the best product on the market. Pictured: Stelios Stavrianos, Founder, CEO | COREBEV

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Effective Educational & Therapeutic Services employs a unique co-treatment model where academic intervention and emotional support are tackled simultaneously. We service clients from elementary age into young adulthood. We specifically treat individuals who struggle with Executive Functioning | Social Interactions | Anxiety | Depression Learning Differences such as ASD, ADHD, and LD In order to fully support our clients, we believe in a holistic model where therapy, EF/academic support, and mindfulness are integrated to treat the whole child.

617.834.9969 | www.effective-services.com 1011 Hope St 2nd fl suite b Stamford, CT 06907 FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

From restaurants, shops, artists and more, show your love and support to our city’s creatives and visionaries. Enjoy these local establishments that you’re sure to fall for while giving back to our city’s economy simultaneously.

Our Picks to Show Your Local Love DAR IEN FLOWER S: Visit Darien Flowers this Valentine's Day and send beau-

tiful blooms and a little bit of love to that special someone! 97 NOROTON AVE, Darien, CT GOFER ICE CR EAM: Celebrate "Ice Cream for Breakfast Day" on February 4th at Gofer Ice Cream! 1020 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT DAR IEN SPOR T SHOP: Have a day of shopping and visit Darien Sports Shop! Check out clothing and accessories for men, women, and children! 1127 Post Rd Darien, CT CONNECTICUT MUFFIN: Celebrate National Muffin Day on February 20th at Connecticut Muffin in New Canaan! 108 Main St, New Canaan, CT HEATHER GAUDIO FINE AR T GALLER Y: Stop at Heather Gaudio Fine Art, an art gallery in New Canaan! 66 Elm St, New Canaan, CT

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

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MIRROR MIRROR

ARTICLE BY LEA GRIMALDI

MIRROR WORK FOR SELF-LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE

S ELF CA R E | PR OFESSIONAL S E RVI CE S

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Everyone knows this line from Snow White. The Queen wanted to be the fairest. When she wasn’t, she poisoned beautiful Snow White. Most of us do not believe ourselves to be the fairest, but quite the opposite. As February is widely known as the month of love, let’s focus on self-love. Often people, especially parents, tend to give a lot to their partners and their children and less to themselves. Sometimes it is challenging for us to silence the inner critic that speaks harshly to ourselves in a way we would never speak to a loved friend or family member. This is where mirror work can help. Many people have a complicated relationship with the mirror. We don’t always like to look at our reflections. We may find it confronting. Taylor Swift even sings about it in her song Antihero: “I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror.” Why is it so difficult for some of us to gaze with love–or affection–into the mirror? Mirror work, a term coined by transformational teacher and self-love expert Louise Hay,

founder of Hay House Publishing, and the author of You Can Heal Your Life and Mirror Work: 21 Days to Heal Your Life, is the practice of looking at yourself in the mirror and saying nice things to yourself. You can start with something simple. “I like myself. I am doing the best I can today.” Or even, “Hey sweetie! You look great!” One of my favorites is, “I love, accept, and forgive myself fully and completely.” Mirror work combines well with affirmations, which are positive phrases said in the present tense as if they are already true. The practice of saying affirmations combined with mirror work can increase the benefits of both practices. The objective of mirror work is to help people silence their inner critic and believe the positive words they are telling themselves while looking at themselves in the mirror. Mirror work can help with self-esteem issues and can achieve results such as changing a negative body image to a more positive one. Hay developed the practice to increase self-compassion and self-love as part of the daily activities detailed in her 1984 book You Can Heal Your Life. Although it can be confronting and challenging, it is important to practice mirror work regularly to reap the benefits. Set a daily goal of saying affirmations while looking at your reflection in the mirror and seeing how it makes you feel. Start with two minutes a day and work up to five. As a yoga teacher, I have included mirror work in my classes with clients. Often the first experience with the exercise is somewhat uncomfortable, but with practice, it becomes more natural. When resistance comes up, ask yourself what you are feeling, allow the emotion to be present, and then release it. It may be rooted in a past experience and just needs to be acknowledged and felt before you can let it go.

HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR HOW TO CREATE A MIRROR WORK PRACTICE: 1. Make sure you will be alone and uninterrupted so you can let your guard down and allow emotions to surface 2. Try to do it for a set amount of time, such as five minutes every day 3. Allow yourself to feel and process whatever emotions show up 4. Keep a journal to record your feelings, reactions, and experiences 5. Start with less confronting or difficult phrases, and as you become comfortable increase the intensity. Mirror work can be used in tandem with innerchild work because many of the negative limiting beliefs that play in our minds are the result of something we were told as a child that is not true about us or our life. If something negative comes up during mirror work, we can challenge it and write about the feelings in the journal, thus freeing us from that limiting belief. CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

Inner child work is an approach to recognizing and healing childhood trauma. We all experience traumas as children which affect the way we experience the world. As adults, we can reconnect with the child we once were, in order to heal. Mirror work is one way to help facilitate that process, in addition to talk therapy, meditation exercises, and setting healthy boundaries. Here are some ideas for affirmations to use with our mirror work. I am strong. I am capable. I can do this. I believe in myself. I know my worth. I can do hard things. My life is abundant. I am happy and healthy in mind, body, and spirit. I believe in myself. I am kind and compassionate. I deserve love and abundance. I am doing my best. I am smart. I am brave. I am powerful. In the words of Hay, “Doing mirror work is one of the most loving gifts you can give yourself.”

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FOOD IN

FEB R UA RY The benefits of eating foods in season. Plus a healthy winter recipe!

ARTICLE BY CECE REEDER

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

Incorporating in-season produce is beneficial for a host of reasons. When produce is in-season, it is more likely the product is from a local source, meaning it took less time for the produce to make its way to your kitchen, often resulting in a lower cost. Additionally, in-season produce, compared to out-of-season produce, has a higher nutrient density, which means there is a higher amount of nutrients per calorie. Selecting in-season produce allows diversity in the diet. Just as diversifying the diet from day to day is important to establish a healthy gut-microbiome (the good bacteria); diversifying the diet from season to season can optimize nutrient intake. Optimization of nutrient intake further supports the healthy bacteria to flourish, while allowing for a change in the flavors and taste we experience in meals. Incorporating in-season produce mitigates mundane meals, sparking new ideas with different, in-season ingredients. And most importantly, the increased quality of in-season produce tastes better!

FEBRUARY PRODUCE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Apples Arugula Avocado Beets Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Collard Greens Chicory Grapefruit Kale Kiwi

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Leeks Lemon Lime Mushrooms Oranges Parsnip Passion Fruit Pear Pomegranate Potatoes Radishes Rhubarb Spinach Sunchokes Sweet Potato Turnips Winter Souash

BRUSSEL SPROUTS: HOT + COLD Recently, the reputation of brussels sprouts has improved as a result of creativity in the kitchen! Gone are the days when brussels sprouts are to be boiled, instead they can be enjoyed in various methods. See the recipes below to find two ways to enjoy this star February produce. CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

SHAVED BRU SSELS SPROUT SALAD: INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • •

¼ cup Chickpeas 1 teaspoon Paprika 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw Mix (Shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots) Juice of one lemon 1 Pear ¼ cup Tahini ¼ cup Olive Oil for dressing ~1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil for chickpeas

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • Minced garlic (to taste)

DIRECTIONS

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS: INGREDIENTS • • • • •

Brussels Sprouts ~1-2 tablespoons of Olive Oil Salt and Pepper, to taste Minced garlic (~2-3 cloves) ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400º and line baking sheet with parchment paper 2. Cut brussels sprouts in half, lengthwise and spread evenly on baking sheet 3. Drizzle olive oil on brussels sprouts, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste 4. Roast brussels sprouts for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown 5. Sprinkle desired amount of parmesan on brussels sprouts and place back in oven for approximately 2 minutes, or until lightly melted Tips for serving: To add color and flavor, add baby carrots on same baking sheet when roasting. Serve alongside a lean protein and grain, thus providing a balanced meal.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

Roast the Chickpeas: • Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line baking sheet with parchment paper. • Place chickpeas on parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika and garlic powder • Roast for approximately 25 minutes, or until a crispy texture While chickpeas are roasting, prepare the vegetables and fruit: • Once the brussels sprouts are washed and wilted leaves are removed, begin to trim the ends and cut each brussels sprout in half, length-wise. From there, each brussels sprout will be cut in the opposite direction into thin strips. • Massage lemon juice into brussels sprouts to enhance the flavor profile • Prepare coleslaw mix (shredded red cabbage and shredded carrots) • Mix vegetables together in a bowl • Add finely sliced pears Prepare the dressing: • 1-part tahini to 1-part olive oil • 2 Tbs Dijon mustard • Squeeze lemon juice to taste • Add minced garlic to taste • Add water until reach desired consistency Assemble the salad & enjoy!

“ I N C O R P O R AT I N G I N - S E A S O N P R O D U C E M I T I G AT E S M U N D A N E M E A L S , S PA R K I N G N E W I D E A S W I T H D I F F E R E N T, I N - S E A S O N I N G R E D I E N T S .”

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

LIFESTYLE MEDICINE CENTER Weight Management & Nutrition

Dr. Madhu Mathur MD, MPH Pediatrician and Obesity Medicine Physician

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

LOVE POTION # 9 A Pink Cocktail Perfect For Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Who needs flowers and chocolate when you can have flowers and cocktails? This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA BARNES

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • • • • •

1.5 oz rosé 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice 5 oz simple syrup 1 egg white 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO: 1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker 2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled 3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer 4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine 5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel 6. Enjoy!

Though not required, edible flowers in ice molds make everything just a bit more lovely.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

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Realizing the New Year Resolution Yes, we made a resolution to be healthy, to lose weight, to work out more. Perhaps there was a plan attached to the resolution, a gym membership or a promise to cook more? But a few weeks into the new year, and old patterns have reemerged. No wonder you want to throw your hands up and forget the whole deal, except you can’t. It’s not just about you, it’s your family as well. First, of all, be kind to yourself. Look back at what we’ve collectively been through with COVID. We were homebound, anxious

till the vaccines arrived, worrying about every social interaction. For kids, who learn so much through interaction at school,remote learning was a very poor substitute. And we binge-watched TV like never before, we cooked and baked up a storm. We exercised less. Shopping was mostly online, and we bought in bulk to minimize trips to stores. And now we are back to socializing, children are going to school and most of us have been traveling. There is a sense of urgency, to enjoy and soak up family, travel and play.

ARTICLE BY MADHU MATHUR MD, MPH

EXP E RT H E LP | L IFE + CULTURE

We should recognize how fortunate we are to have our health and each other. It's important to acknowledge our loss during this pandemic but also to make plans so we do not dwell on it. Yes, I suggest plans, not resolutions because this is not a do-or-die situation, you are trying out healthier ways of doing things that might make life better, and happier as well. Let's keep the wellness goals of our family at the forefront. In my office, I see children who have gained weight due to increased eating and lack of activity. They think they have poor self-control. This is misguided because society was already in transition before COVID arrived. Technology has crept into our lives, changing our habits: more screen time, and more sitting alone. The food industry changed our relationship to food. Never in human history were calories so easily available and so cheaply. “Fat-free” and “sugar-free” became watch words rather than nutritious and sustaining. So let us begin with what we put in our bodies and how we stay active. If we want to change our diet, it must be simple, fun and easy to put into action. I suggest the following:

• Think of snacks as mini-meals. Try fruit and nuts and if possible, add plant-based protein like hummus. • Watch portions and limit variety: For example, if you have 3 desserts, folks want to sample them all. Make one and pair it with fruit. Apple pie and ice cream are two desserts, sorry! • Be creative: Lay the table in a pretty way and serve food restaurant style. Kids can help. • All physical activity is exercise. Try to keep it fun. Use any exercise machines you have. • Watch family movies once a week and let children pick something they think you will like. Be appreciative, do not criticize! They brought you a gift from their world, enjoy it! • Play a board game once a week. We want our children to be the best version of themselves through proper nutrition and physical activity. Let them eat what will help them achieve their genetic potential and eliminate the foods that slow down this process. The same holds true for adults. If we want change, we must model the behavior. It's still a new year, a natural time for a new beginning. What story will you write this year? Dr. Madhu Mathur is a pediatrician and an obesity medicine physician. Since 2014, she has been working with individual families addressing obesity in children, focusing mainly on lifestyle intervention. Her work focuses on changing behavior using the latest research and scientific methods to address lipid disorders, prediabetes, and other conditions while improving body composition with weight loss.

“Let’s keep the wellness goals

of our family at the forefront.”

• Three balanced meals with 1-2 snacks in between. • Start with a lean protein, add vegetables and then an unprocessed grain. • Good fat is good for you, such as the fat in avocados, nuts, other foods with unsaturated oils. But watch the portion, they are calorie dense. • Try organic, when possible. For vegetables, do check out the freezer section of your store. • During winter, soups are a good way to provide adequate nutrition without laboring over the stove for hours.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

3 WAY S T O O R G A N I Z E A N D

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our three tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love. A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care. When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

1. USE REAL ESTATE WISELY Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

2. ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

3. UPGRADED HANGERS The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

I NJ E C T ST Y LE I NTO YO U R S PAC E

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THE _VAULT_ NEW_CANAAN • 203.228.5027

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

Where Passion Meets Purpose

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

FEBR UARY 3 R D

Friday Shop Run

SOLD

In Contract

* Tamara Hanford Hughes/Brown Harris Stevens

1 4 B R O O K ST, DA R I E N, C T 0 6 8 20 | 9 :1 5 A M Join the Darien Running Company every Friday for a group run to kick off your weekend. Typically between 4-7 miles, the route will be posted on their Facebook, Strava, and Instagram stories the day before. Grab a NEAT coffee afterward! FEBR UARY 7TH

Morning Meditation & Walk

SOLD

320 P O ST R OA D DA R I EN , C T 0 6 8 20 | 8 :0 0 A M Join HAVYN for their weekly nature walk through Sellecks Woods and morning meditation led by HAYVN member, Maria Allen of Real and Powerful. FEBR UARY 11TH

Children's Sweetheart Ball

Tamara Hanford Hughes 203.253.3104 tamarah@afahomes.com

ST E P P I NG STO NE S MUS E UM F O R C H I L DR E N , 30 3 WE ST AV E , NO R WA L K , C T 0 6 8 5 0 | 4 :0 0 P M Share an enchanting evening with someone you love, including a performance, carriage rides and sweetheart-themed activities to make your heart sing! Reserve your “date” today by visiting steppingstonesmuseum.org

Born to a family deeply rooted in Darien real estate, Tamara Hanford Hughes has a unique understanding of the buyers and sellers in today’s complex market. After growing up in town and now raising her two boys in the same community schools she attended, Tami rightly considers herself a connoisseur of all things Darien. 975 Boston Post Road, Darien CT Team AFA at William Ravies Real Estate CONTINUED >

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Conservative Dentistry Enhancing what God gave you

NOW OFFERING FACIAL ESTHETICS BOTOX & FILLERS

Colin M. Pech, DDS

203.655.0667 | dariendds.com 36 Old Kings Hwy S, Darien, CT 06820

Professional branding photography for businesses, entrepreneurs & creatives ABBYCOLEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM info@abbycolephotography.com 203-940-2413

Transforming SPACE for

Better LIVING HOBI Award Winner BEST KITCHEN REMODEL

203.655.0204 woodlandpartners.com FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / DA R I E N C T

EVENTS CONTINUED

FEBR UARY 16TH

Special Concert: Harpist Eilidh McRae

1 4 4 1 P O ST R OA D DA R I E N , C T 0 6 8 20 | 7 :0 0 P M Enjoy a special concert with Darien's own professional harpist, Eilidh McRae. Listen to her solo performance, in which Eilidh will play special songs from her repertoire of harp music, including romantic ballads and other mesmerizing tunes. FEBR UARY 19 TH

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

6 1 AT L A NT I C ST, STA MF O R D, C T | 6 :0 0 P M R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is the ultimate tribute to the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Rejoice while you are taken on an intimate musical odyssey guaranteed to get you up and out of your seat and dancing! The production journeys through Aretha Franklin’s courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph starring a live band, supreme vocalists and a night full of music. FEBR UARY 26TH

Bridgeport Islanders vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

6 0 0 MA I N ST, B R I DG E P ORT, C T | 5 :0 0 P M Get your tickets to see the Bridgeport Islanders vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms game at the Total Mortgage Arena!

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WORLD CLASS SURGEON

Close to Home

As a Board Certified plastic surgeon in practice for over 30 years in London and New York City, two of the most glamourous cities in the world, Dr Kirwan has lent his expertise to some of the most discerning patients in the world. He is now pleased to offer his highly sought-after skills exclusively from his brand new, state of the art luxury boutique practice in Norwalk. From the most complex surgical procedures to the area’s largest array of noninvasive devices, Dr Kirwan and his staff can address any cosmetic concern you may have. L AU REN CE KI RWAN , M D, FRC S , FAC S

SERVICES

Pla stic Surgery Face | Body | Breas t s M inima lly I nv a siv e Procedures in clu din g Bodyt it e & Face t it e Botox & Juv ederm admin is t e re d exclu s ive ly by D r K i rw an Non- I nv a siv e Procedures in clu din g Ems cu lpt Ne o, Cools cu lpt in g, Morph e u s 8 & fu ll s u it e of facial de vice s

203.838.8844

10 MOTT AVE, SUITE 1A, NORWALK, CT

WWW.DRKIRWAN.COM

INFO@DRKIRWAN.COM

CONTEMPORARY STYLE, REDEFINING LUXURY.

1127 POST ROAD, DARIEN, CT

10AM TO 5:30PM

D A R I E N S P O R T. C O M

203.655.2575