LOCAL SERVICES
CELEBRATING JEFF
BRAMEIER, A DARIEN LEGEND
SHOPPING
THE STYLE LIST BY STYLEE LYST
FOOD + BEVERAGE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN JUNE
We employ finely tuned techniques to administer neurotoxin and hyaluronic acid filler for facial rejuvenation.
performed by Board Certified Dermatologists
Our Board Certified Dermatologists with advanced training and experience, carefully examine your face at rest, in motion and across varied angles to determine optimal product placement.
We believe that the best injectable treatments should bring a refreshed harmony to the face.
Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!
One of the things my father always instilled in us was to have fun and not take life or work too seriously and to always be present. When I was growing up, he worked three weekends per month and we always did something fun on his weekends off even if it was just playing catch in the backyard.
A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:
• A father’s strength can be powerful
• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational
• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting
• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence
• Time with a dad can be fun and productive
• A dad’s physicality can be challenging
• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational
• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving
• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable
Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.
Happy Father’s Day!
June 2023
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kristin Burnell | kristin.burnell@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Lydia Turner | darien@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Cannon, Lea Grimaldi, Britta Mulderrig, Cece Reeder
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Abby Cole Photography
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 @DARIENLIFESTYLEMAGProverbs 3:5-6
HSS, the world's #1 in orthopedics according to Newsweek, is proud to team up with Stamford Health to bring the most comprehensive musculoskeletal care to Connecticut. Our industry-leading experts are here for you from diagnosis, non-surgical and surgical orthopedic treatment options, through post-operative care. Now you can get back to moving better and doing what you love, sooner.
Scan to learn more or visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth
Most major insurance plans accepted.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @darienlifestylemag
Functionally Driven, Minimally Invasive COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
Creating beautiful, healthy smiles with a modern approach and advanced techniques.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the nationally beloved brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams, has opened a scoop shop in Darien! The Darien store is the brand’s second location in Connecticut, and follows on the heels of its Greenwich opening in 2022. The launch also marks a return to its roots for co-founders Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen who are Fairfield County natives and whose ice cream journey began here!
Sweetgreen is now open in Darien! The 2,400-square-foot store is located at 126 Heights Road and features an outdoor patio and a designated pickup window. Sweetgreen passionately believes that real food should be convenient and accessible to everyone. Every day their team members create plant-forward, seasonal, and earth-friendly meals from fresh ingredients and produce that prioritizes organic, regenerative, and local sourcing.
Riko’s Pizza has brought its newest eatery to Boston Post Road! The new restaurant has seating for 170 people, with an additional 48 patio seats. Riko’s Pizza operates two eateries in Stamford, one in Norwalk, and one in Fairfield. The chain also has a presence in Long Island and Florida. Visit the new location in Darien and enjoy!
Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.
BLUE OX AXE THROWING, LLC: Visit Blue Ox Axe Throwing and enjoy a fun, exciting atmosphere! Bring food and drinks and have a great time with your friends! 1558 Barnum Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
SE UNCORKED: Enjoy an evening at SE Uncorked with the guys! Unwind in this fun casual spot with amazing food and drinks! 15 Elm St, New Canaan, CT
NEW YORK COMEDY CLUB STAMFORD: Visit New York Comedy Club in Stamford! See upcoming shows this month, including comedians such as Kelsey Cook, Alex Moffat, Jeff Leeson, and more! 230 Tresser Blvd, Stamford, CT
SELLECK'S WOODS: Go hiking in Selleck's Woods and experience various trails with small and large paths to explore! 1 Parklands Dr, Darien, CT
OAK HILLS PARK GOLF COURSE: Golf at Oak Hills Park and enjoy some of the nicest greens in Connecticut! 165 Fillow St, Norwalk, CT
Want to recommend a local experience?
The ONE ENDO team. Led by Drs. Dean Saccomanno and Nicholas Mastroianni, are proudly serving your community. Nationallyrecognized, technology-driven, locally sourced. With three state-of-the-art practices in Fairfield and Westchester counties, this compassionate team of specialists are highly skilled in saving teeth with endodontic procedures such as root canal treatments. The ONE ENDO concierge team delivers an unparalleled patient experience and the highest standards of care, a signature of Drs. Saccomanno and Mastroianni. What sets ONE ENDO apart begins the moment you enter the practice, as you are welcomed into a chic and soothing atmosphere that will ultimately leave you with a smile on your face. By combining modern luxury with excellent dentistry and cutting-edge technology, ONE ENDO transforms and elevates the patient experience to one that delivers the best possible dentistry, the most comfortable treatment, with the kindest team that honors the trust you put in them. Drs. Saccomanno and Mastroianni have been at the forefront of the dental industry since they founded ONE ENDO in 2019, and together they are committed to advancing the endodontic specialty and creating unprecedented access to the highest quality standard of care in endodontics. www.oneendo.com
Darien Lifestyle Magazine’s June Issue highlights men, so in their honor, I have rounded up some selects for the man in your life, as well as some goodies for us women…
In addition to being a style columnist, Ashley Cannon is a fashion/ lifestyle influencer (@styleelyst/ styleelyst.com), mother and marketing specialist. She resides in Fairfield County, CT with her husband, daughter and yellow lab.
JOHNNIE-O | EAST COAST TRADITION MEETS WEST COAST CASUAL Featuring the Belmore Sweater in Seaglass, $178. This cotton knit will come in handy on cooler days and nights. It can be paired with a polo, button down or tee for easy styling. The split-v design and ribbed color elevate this traditional wardrobe staple. johnnie-o.com | @johnnieobrand
Featuring the Venetian Split in Loden, $575 . Stubbs & Wootton has been making slippers for 25 years, and now they are introducing the loafer. The Venetian is an exclusive style with historic roots, inspired by the original Venetian slipper. This stunning handcrafted, Khaki English Split Suede with Self-welt Trim loafer is going to be the “it” shoe in your closet this season. Dress up or down, the classic style and silhouette paired with immaculate craftsmanship is a win every time.
stubbsandwootton.com | @stubbsandwootton
MATEO
Featuring the 14K Gold Duality Pearl Drop Earrings, $600. Summer is the time for a good statement earring – and I am loving this classic pearl set. Comprised of cultured freshwater baroque pearls these are simple yet visually stimulating. mateonewyork.com | @mateonewyork
DOLCE VITA
Featuring the Nitro Heels in Seaglass Raffia, $100. These fabulous raffia sculptural heeled sandals come in 6 colorways that are sure to spice up your wardrobe this season.
dolcevita.com | @dolcevita
BSPK SHOES & CLOTHING CO. | LUXURY CUSTOM MADE CLOTHING & HANDCRAFTED FOOTWEAR | HERITAGE OF SPAIN
BSPK offers custom shoes, suits, shirts and denim. Visit their website today to start designing your bespoke items with their 3-D design platform. Supporting local has never looked so good. bspkshoesandclothingco.com | @bspk_shoesandclothing_co
| Local Store in Greenwich
CLOSED OFFICIAL | DENIM HANDMADE IN ITALY | BASED IN EUROPE | INSPIRED BY EUROPE | CRAFTED IN EUROPE
Featuring the Soft Suede Sandals in Reed Beige, $385 . These neutral-toned slip-on sandals are curated from fine Italian suede and 100% made in Italy. They have adjustable straps to form the perfect fit on the wearer, and the 100% cowhide light footbed provides ultimate comfort. Whether you are running errands, going for a walk or off to the farmers market, these summer slides are easy-to-wear.
us.closed.com | @closedofficial
SOURCE UNKNOWN | MULTI-BRAND CONCEPT STORE
Featuring the Sweetheart Satin Camisole in Champagne, $112. Peplum-style tops are all the rage this season, and I love the modern take on this one. The structure of the bustier shape, along with the lightweight satin effect fabric and sweetheart neckline are gold. Add this to your wardrobe for a muted, yet feminine touch. Features an elasticized back and adjustable spaghetti straps for ideal fitting. sourceunknown.com | @sourceunknown_official
VUSTRA | EST. 2018 | SUSTAINABLE FASHION | DESIGNED IN CALIFORNIA
Featuring Island Sky, $98. This organic linen and cotton blend shirt is not only stylish, but a great go-to staple for the warm weather months. The true baby blue hue is complimentary to any skin tone, and is easy to pair with slacks, shorts and jeans alike. VUSTRA is eco-friendly menswear made with fair trade practices. shopvustra.com | @shopvustra
Featuring the Solanales Crystal Cuff Bracelet in Champagne, $295 . I am usually not one for costume jewelry, but I think that this cuff looks so elevated and would be a fabulous accent to summer dresses. This statement piece is comprised of 14K gold plated brass and crystal. The waved structure and winding lines orbit the wrist accentuating any look. alexisbittar.com | @alexisbittar
Featuring the Weekend Duffle in Ivory, $550. This duffle is the perfect go-to travel bag for the summer season. The 100% cotton ivory canvas with leather accents not only makes it lightweight and durable, but a neutral accent to any ensemble. The brass hardware adds a flare of sophistication, and the detachable shoulder strap lends to practicality and ease-of-use.
petermillar.com | @petermillar
Featuring the Egola in Forest Green , $440. I have a major crush on this company - their designs are simple, tasteful and intriguing to look at. The forest green shade feeds my love of green, and the Buffalo calf leather of this handwoven bag exudes sophistication. The unique pattern of irregularly woven leather strips remains true to the traditional basket weaving technique; it also comes with an open top, which is perfect for the summer season. Note that there is no lining. An antiqued St. Christopher medal charm, in homage to the patron saint of travelers, is hand-sewn inside each Dragon Diffusion bag - which is their brand’s very own seal of authenticity. dragondiffusion.com | @dragon.diffusion
To see my fashion, beauty and lifestyle selects on the daily, be sure to head to styleelyst.com and follow me on social @styleelyst | Psst. keep your eyes peeled for The Style List in the 2023 issues of both Greenwich and Darien Lifestyle Magazines.
Jeff Brameier has been a prominent legend in Darien for the past few decades. It's not just his leadership as the Darien High School Lacrosse Coach that many may know him by, but also the impact he has had on the lives of the young athletes he has coached for the past 40 years. He has led the team to hundreds of wins throughout the years and various State Championship titles. He has not just coached lacrosse to the youth but through his leadership, he is able to share valuable lessons that they can carry through everyday life and into the future.
For Darien Lifestyle's men's issue, we could not think of anyone better to highlight than someone like Coach Brameier, who truly defines the value of community and the importance of quality leadership.
DL: WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN TO YOU?
Leadership comes from those that possess self-awareness. One of the most important qualities of a good leader is self-awareness and finding ways to get others to follow suit. To lead you have to garner credibility by displaying positive behaviors, actions and results. To lead you need to focus on relationship building and team building. A leader is not always one who needs the “limelight”, but rather one that exhibits humility and allows others to stand in the spotlight and enjoy their moments of success. A good leader empowers the team and its leaders to take
control and lead by example. A good leader should be constant and consistent in his behavior.
DL: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES IN LACROSSE OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS?
JB: The biggest change in lacrosse over the past 40 years comes from the growth of this great sport. The sport has exploded in popularity not only in the town, but throughout the state, the country and even across the globe.
DL: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT COACHING?
JB: I love being part of the process, where I, the coach, get to share the wisdom and passion with the players I'm coaching. This knowledge and information now gets applied in the player’s / team’s lives and they make progress. They become more successful and hopefully, I have had a positive effect on their lives more than just on the field.
DL: ANY GREAT SUCCESS STORIES?
JB: One of the greatest success stories that come out of the Darien lacrosse program is the story about Logan McGovern. I am very proud and honored to have been a small part of Logan’s success story. He’s a tremendous young man who has persevered and waged a great battle with CF and is a winner in so many ways.
“A GOOD LEADER EMPOWERS THE TEAM AND ITS LEADERS TO TAKE CONTROL AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE. A GOOD LEADER SHOULD BE CONSTANT AND CONSISTENT IN HIS BEHAVIOR.”
- COACH JEFF BRAMEIER
In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are homeowners
have the following and should clean their air ducts more often:
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, & 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.
203-539-1541 | www.effective-services.com
info@effective-services.com
1011 Hope St, 2nd fl, Stamford, CT 06907
“Had the facial acupuncture for smile lines and saw immediate results in our before and after pictures! I don’t like to do Botox or fillers and this is a very natural way to help the signs of aging. All in all just an incredible experience and she uses all organic and top of line products.” - V.N
Darizen Pure Glow Cosmetic Acupuncture
This treatment is targeted to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an ageless look with a luscious combination of bamboo, vitamin C, açai and neroli while Natural Retinol and Swiss Green Apple Stem Cell Technology will repair the signs of aging.
(203) 984-9834
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY CANNON/@STYLEELYST
We have been lucky to establish a solid local presence at Gingerline; with that being said, due to our location, foot traffic also accounts for a large amount of our business.
There is a new restaurant on Market Street, and let me tell you, it’s a must-visit if you live in or are visiting Charleston. The Latin and South American flared cocktail bar boasts a cultivated menu and specialty drink list, that is sure to please even the harshest critic.
I had the pleasure of visiting the adorable spot while down south this past February.
We dined on: Yellowfin Tuna Poke, Snapper Ceviche, Oysters, Sweet Plantains, Gingerline Smash Burger, Street Tacos (Chicken Tinga, Spicy Chorizo, Baja Shrimp), Shrimp & Grits, Mahi Mahi, Cubano and the Roasted Beat Salad. I recommend all of them.
Intrigued by the palate-pleasing menu and the refreshing ambiance, I reached out to the Gingerline, and had a wonderful chat with Gingerline’s General Manager, Maureen Samu to get a little more insight on the restaurant and what’s to come:
BEING ON MARKET STREET, DO YOU MAINLY CATER TO TOURISTS, OR HAVE YOU CULTIVATED A LOCAL FOLLOWING/CLIENTELE AS WELL?
IN THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF, WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST MILESTONE(S) FOR GINGERLINE?
I would say the start of the spring season has been our biggest milestone as we have been able to open for lunch, brunch and dinner and within the next few weeks will be running a seven-day operation.
WHO DESIGNED THE TROPICAL AESTHETIC?
IT’S VIBRANT, FRESH AND SIMPLY DARLING. Jenny Keenan did an amazing job designing the ambiance of Gingerline.
WHAT INSPIRED THE LATIN & SOUTH AMERICAN FLARE ON THE CUISINE?
My background in hospitality is greatly influenced by Latin Caribbean and South American cuisine. When moving to Charleston to open Gingerline I felt that the flavors paired well with design and branding, and I really believed the combination of local ingredients would bring something unique to Charleston.
ARE THERE ANY NEW MENU ITEMS BEING ADDED FOR SUMMER 2023?
Regarding the menu, we aspire to change seasonally; however, we will be using specials and events to highlight new items in our first summer season, moving to a menu change come fall 2023.
WHAT IS THE CHEF’S FAVORITE DISH OR RECIPE? OUR WAITER LET US TRY SOME BANANA KETCHUP WHILE VISITING IN FEBRUARY, AND WE WERE IMPRESSED! ADDITIONALLY, ALL THE DISHES WE TRIED WERE FANTASTIC.
Honestly, the Banana ketchup is one of Chef’s favorite sauces in the kitchen, along with our shrimp and grits, it really incorporates tropical notes with a lot of Southern love.
AS FAR AS YOUR COASTAL-INSPIRED COCKTAILS GO, CAN DINERS EXPECT TO HAVE A FRESH SIGNATURE COCKTAIL EACH SEASON, BEING A COCKTAIL BAR AND ALL? IF SO, WHAT’S TO COME FOR SUMMER 2023?
Our menu in whole will change with our food menu come Fall, but we will have some fun additions for both spring and summer.
Gingerline | Lively Cocktails + Coastal Cooking | Charleston’s newest cocktail destination with a food menu to match. #GingerlineCHS #JuiceWorthTheSqueeze
gingerlinechs.com | @gingerlinechs
To see my lifestyle, fashion, and beauty selects on the daily, be sure to head to styleelyst.com and follow me on social @styleelyst | Psst. keep your eyes peeled for my column The Style List in the 2023 issues of both Greenwich and Darien Lifestyle Magazines.
Xenhouse, derived from the Greek word Xenodochial, meaning “friendly to strangers,” is designed to be a house of helping strangers reach greatness in all aspects of their lives. Located in Harbor Point and founded by three friends from the community, this gym provides a unique experience for everyone that enters its doors. The philosophy of Xenhouse is that there is an athlete in everyone. Our bodies are designed to move, and with regular exercise, you can improve your physical and mental health, strength and endurance.
Desmond Hinds, Alex Joseph and Ross Bertrand all met at an early age playing sports. They gravitated towards each other at Stamford High School when joining the track and football teams; and bonded over their passion for the game and commitment to strive for more. Upon graduation, Alex Joseph attended Temple University, becoming captain and leading Temple to their first Bowl Game appearance in 30 years. He went on to play in the NFL for two accredited seasons and one season in the CFL. Desmond Hinds went to Iona College then to Pace University, where he played football and got his degree in Business Management. Ross Bertrand attended the University of Albany where he played as a true freshman and graduated with a Communications degree.
Then tragedy struck for all of them, they each experienced unimaginable losses within a few months of one another. These losses ultimately brought them back together and helped them recognize their desire to create their own legacy, and they became hyper focused on planning their next move. In 2020, the pandemic pushed them to come together and work hard to start their own business. They set out to create a place that truly felt like home, and knew it had to be located in the community that helped shape them. Xenhouse opened its doors to the public in Harbor Point in June 2021.
ARTICLE BY BRITTA MULDERRIGXenhouse launched with three main categories of offerings, with plans to expand. Their athlete training offers a tailored approach to a specific sport, while focusing on ways to separate their athletes from the competition. They aim to improve their athletes' confidence; teaching them accountability, integrity, respect and the importance of prioritizing studies. In the past few years, they’ve had local athletes commit to their dream schools and make travel teams they’ve had a goal of joining. Their professional athlete clientele have had outstanding seasons after working with the Xenhouse team. Xenhouse trained NFL linebacker Austin Calitro, focusing on his footwork,
“THEIR ADULT FITNESS PROGRAMS CONSIST OF HIIT, STRENGTH TRAINING, CARDIO, MOBILITY, AND MORE. THE GOAL IS TO HELP ADULTS BREAK THROUGH THE NOISE AND STRESS OF THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES AND BE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES.”
agility, speed and explosiveness training. Additionally, they trained Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) player Connor Kelly; and he subsequently led his team to a PLL championship.
Their adult fitness programs consist of HIIT, strength training, cardio, mobility, and more. The goal is to help adults break through the noise and stress of their everyday lives and be the best version of themselves. Xenhouse has been credited with helping get their adult clients back in shape and pushed outside of their comfort zone, with the stimulation they receive from intellectual conversations being an added bonus. Xenhouse also provides special needs training, tailored to athletes who are limited in life's daily activities, ensuring each session has no disruptions to stimulate or challenge their clients.
Xenhouse has also expanded their wellness and recovery offerings having a sauna, cold tub, recovery training and sports massages all offered onsite. In late 2022, the three founders launched the Xenhouse Podcast in an effort to share their perspectives with a wider audience and inspire the next generation of athletes.
The core values of Xenhouse are faith, loyalty, integrity, passion and growth, and the trainers all believe that by putting these first, they can help their clients achieve their highest potential. That potential isn’t just about fitness, it’s about helping you get better physically, mentally and emotionally. Desmond, Alex, and Ross are looking forward to expanding Xenhouse into a global brand and reaching as many people as possible in the process.
ARTICLE BY LEA GRIMALDI
What is our inner child, and why do they need healing? Our inner child is the part of our personality that reflects the child we once were. It includes the coping mechanisms we learned as children about how to deal with problems, emotions, and relationships. That child lives within us even as adults and it’s often that part of our personality that responds to challenges.
Therefore, if your 7-year-old self was traumatized–and it doesn’t have to be a capital T trauma, it could be the usual disappointments we all face while growing up–it is the 7-year-old self that responds to similar issues in adult life, because the hurt hasn’t healed. When childhood issues are not identified and healed, we often respond from that place of pain. Through talk therapy, meditation, and connecting with the child we once were, we can validate the feelings of hurt, and look back on early interactions without judgment.
Our inner child also holds keys to our joy, wonder, and playfulness, which we can incorporate into our lives as adults to live and love more fully in the moment. If we were taught certain behaviors were childish and we should not act a certain way, we may have left our childlike sense of wonder behind, and may benefit from reconnecting.
Where did inner child healing originate? The term inner child is commonly attributed to Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) who described the inner child in his divine child archetype. Jung’s teachings reflect his belief that we come into the world with a predetermined archetype based on his theory of collective unconscious. There are many archetypes of which the divine child is one.
The idea is that when we connect with our inner child, if they are wounded, we can heal the hurt that they felt, and then we will react as our adult self in times of stress or turmoil. If they are not hurt, we can learn joy, openness, and optimism. We can also potentially reconnect with activities that we loved as children but had abandoned.
Here is how to do an inner child meditation: become still and quiet, and focus on your breathing.
Visualize yourself as a child and talk to them. Hug the child and ask what they need from you. In this way, we start to connect with and heal the child as the adult we
are now. You can let them know that everything is OK, and that they are safe and loved. If there is a particular memory that causes pain or emotional hurt, you may want to speak to a therapist or psychologist about it. You can also rewrite the memory with the preferred ending. In this way, you are taking care of the child you once were.
SIX WAYS INNER CHILD PAIN CAN PRESENT IN ADULTS:
1) Trouble with Boundaries – Saying no is difficult for you. You don’t set boundaries with others, and would rather feel uncomfortable than risk upsetting someone else.
2) Tough Inner Critic – Are you extra critical of yourself? Do you find that no matter what you do, nothing is good enough for your inner critic?
3) Weakened Sense of Self – If you were taught to put others’ comfort above your own, you may have learned the habit of changing your personality to match those around you. It may have served as a survival technique, but as an adult may leave us insecure with our own identity.
4) Highly Anxious – You experience a high level of anxiety whenever you enter a new situation. The lack of control makes you feel uncomfortable.
5) Needing Constant Outside Reassurance – You continually seek approval from others, because you learned from a young age to be a people pleaser to stay safe. You may feel like a failure if others do not praise you.
6) Have Difficulty Handling Strong Emotions – You may find it challenging to control your emotions, and may feel guilty if you feel an emotion that is negatively perceived, such as anger or sadness.
Learning to connect with our inner child, validate their pain, and heal the hurt without judgment can help us address our emotions and emotional needs in the present. Also beneficial is connecting with the joy, playfulness, and open heart of the child we were. The inner child meditation should be done at least twice a week if this resonates with you. If you feel you need additional assistance, speak with a psychologist or therapist.
Lea Grimaldi is a reiki master and mind, body, spirit coach in Norwalk, CT. Available for group and individual sessions.
“The idea is that when we connect with our inner child, if they are wounded, we can heal the hurt that they felt, and then we’ll react as our adult self in times of turmoil.”
ARTICLE BY CECE REEDER
As spring transitions into summer this month, we have a variety of colorful, seasonal produce available to spruce up our salads. Salads are a great option that pack a large amount of nutrients into a single meal, but if the salad is the main course, be sure to follow these tips to ensure it is both nutrient-packed and satiating!
1. Make it colorful: Plants contain phytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals; these contain an array of health benefits, including antioxidative properties. Plants of differing colors contain different types of phytonutrients, providing a wide variety of colors in our diet allows for diversity of phytonutrients; ultimately providing an expanded array of health benefits.
2. Make your protein accessible: You certainly want to include protein into your salad, but protein doesn’t have to be complicated. Using convenient foods such as canned tuna or tuna from a pouch, chicken or salad from last night’s dinner, or even a plant based, complete protein such as edamame.
3. Include your whole grain or starch: Including a whole grain or a starch, like potatoes, increases the available nutrients, while also allowing for it to serve as a complete meal to increase the satiety level.
4. Your dressing does more than just enhance the flavor : Salad dressings are commonly written off as an unhealthy
addition to a salad; however, salad dressings are an important component. The dressing enhances the flavor, making the nutrient packed salad more enjoyable. That reason alone is enough to continue using your favorite dressing; however, beyond that, it does serve a nutritional purpose. Salad dressings are typically higher in calories because they are higher in fat. Monounsaturated fat, or the “healthy fat,” is a necessary additive in a nutrient packed meal. Vitamins A, D, E, and K all rely on fat for absorption in the body.
June produce in season: apricots, avocado, beets, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, kale, mango, peaches, peas, plums, radishes, raspberries, rhubarb, spring greens, strawberries
Ingredients for salad:
• 5 medium red-skinned potatoes
• 4 hard boiled eggs, sliced
• 2 pounds of trimmed green beans
• 4 stalks of celery slices
• 6-8 radishes, sliced
• 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes
• 3 7oz cans of drained tuna
• 10 sliced, large, black olives
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 1/3 c chopped parsley
• 2 tbs chopped fresh basil
Ingredients for dressing:
• 4 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ c wine vinegar
• ¾ c olive oil
• ½ tsp crushed black pepper
• 2 tsp chopped thyme
1. Boil potatoes until tender; once cooled, slice in rounds
2 . Blanch the green beans
3. Chop and slice produce
4. Combine dressing ingredients
5. Assemble the salad
Note: can replace eggs and/or tuna with edamame for protein
Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!
What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most— time together —is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.
Find a local trail you haven’t tried before, load up the bikes and set out for a day of riding. Finish off the day with a nice meal out after all your hard work.
Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.
JUNE 4TH
13 OENOKE RIDGE ROAD, NEW CANAAN, CT | 1:00 PM
Come for the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society annual Ice Cream Social! Enjoy music from the Town Band, cakes baked by the National Charity Leagues, ice cream scooped by members of the Exchange Club, children’s games, Gofer’s ice cream, and vintage cars on the lawn. The event is free and open to all!
JUNE 8TH
677 SOUTH AVENUE, NEW CANAAN, CT 06840 | 10:00 AM
The New Canaan Garden Club will present its inaugural garden tour, Gardens in Bloom, featuring four beautiful, private New Canaan gardens. Each garden is unique in horticulture and garden design. Visitors will be given the rare opportunity to see meticulously cared for, and thoughtfully planned established private gardens. This tour will provide a day of inspiration, education and delight!
JUNE 10TH
THE GLASS HOUSE NEW CANAAN, CT | 12:00 PM
Save the date for The Glass House annual summer party on Saturday, June 10 from 12:00-4:00 PM. Stay tuned for more details!
JUNE 11TH
93 NORTH MAIN ST, NORWALK, CT | 11:00 AM
Participate in the O'Neill's 5K, a great course with shirts, a raffle, and the best post-race party in Fairfield County! If you can't make it physically, you can still join from afar by participating in the O'Neill's Virtual 5K Run, 1 Mile walk, or 1/2 Mile Kids Fun Run!
JUNE 24TH
50A CALF PASTURE BEACH RD, NORWALK, CT | 10:00 AM
L.L.O.T.S is a semi-annual celebratory summer Saturday filled with food, drinks, LIVE music, games, shopping, raffles and so much more! A community event for all ages (furry friends also welcome), L.L.O.T.S will have a variety of vendors/small businesses, food trucks, interactive experiences, entertainment and neighbors!
JUNE 25TH
MATHEWS PARK, NORWALK, CT | 10:00 AM
This juried fine art and fine craft festival will have some performing artists as well as a tempting international food court! The event features a high quality arts experience for both the visitors as well as the artists. There will be many special events for children and adults through the weekend long event. Bring your talents and enjoy!
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/DarienCT
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.
Plastic Surgery
Face | Body | Breasts
Minimally Invasive Procedures including Bodytite & Facetite
Botox & Juvederm
administered exclusively by Dr Kirwan
Non-Invasive Procedures including Emsculpt Neo, Coolsculpting, Morpheus 8 & full suite of facial devices
