Greenwich, CT March 2024

WINE ROOM

THE #1 IN ORTHOPEDICS MEANS SPINE CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT

HSS, the world’s #1 in orthopedics according to Newsweek, collaborates with Stamford Health to provide quick access to advanced care in Connecticut for back and neck conditions. The HSS Spine Center with Stamford Health offers appointment availability within 72 hours, and our dedicated Care Navigator will create a personalized care plan for each patient’s journey. Now you can get back to moving better, and doing what you love, sooner.

Learn more at HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

Homecoming Harmony: Embracing the Essence of Greenwich Living

As we welcome the blossoming of spring, it brings us immense joy to present our Home Issue. This month's magazine is a celebration of the spaces we inhabit, the designs that inspire us, and the stories behind the structures that shape our community.

In this edition, we're delighted to feature the expertise of Dr. Cece in our monthly nutrition column, guiding us towards a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle. The enchanting interiors shared by Beth Krupa will surely ignite your creativity, offering a glimpse into the artistry of home design.

Atrium Construction takes center stage as we delve into the narrative behind their exceptional projects, exploring the craftsmanship that goes into building the foundations of our homes. Whether you're considering a renovation or simply appreciating the art of construction, this story is sure to captivate.

Styling tips come to life with local influencer Zac Mathias, offering insights into the latest trends and creative ways to make your home uniquely yours. And don't miss our exclusive sit-down with Steve and Nicole Viola, the dynamic duo behind Ivory & Oak, a luxury residential design-build firm. Their passion for creating spaces that resonate with the essence of their clients is truly inspiring.

As we celebrate the essence of Greenwich living, let this Home Issue be your guide to unlocking new dimensions of design, construction, and lifestyle. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.

Wishing you a season filled with warmth, creativity, and the joy of home.

LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER @GREENWICHLIFESTYLEMAG

March 2024

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 | greenwich@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Barbara Accetta, Ashley Alt, Zac Mathias, Dr. Cece Reeder

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abby Cole, Danny Cooney

Corporate Team

Schowengerdt

Perry

Thompson

Robinson

TIME TO GET IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH

A NEW GARAGE

GARAGE

Rev-up

It’s time to rev-up your garage with a custom design by Closet Factory. Turn your ordinary garage into a man cave celebration. Call (203) 616-5847 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

©2024 Closet Factory. All right reserved.

GARAGES

WALL BEDS

WALL UNITS

LAUNDRY ROOMS

CRAFT ROOMS

MUD ROOMS

WINE ROOMS

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: The Cosmetic Clinic - Greenwich hosted a One Year Holiday Celebration complete with festive food, cocktails and major treatment giveaways on December 14th, 2023! Clients enjoyed learning about the latest treatments offered while enjoying tasty food prepared by Aux Delices. Some of the giveaways included GeniusLift RF Microneedling Session, Botox and Signature Facials, PRP Hair Restoration, Sculptra Session, and over $1000 Medical-Grade Skincare basket by Alastin and more! Be sure to keep a look out for their next celebration!

8-10: The Cosmetic Clinic - Greenwich hosted a One Year Holiday Celebration complete with festive food, cocktails and major treatment giveaways on December 14th, 2023! Clients enjoyed learning about the latest treatments offered while enjoying tasty food prepared by Aux Delices. Some of the giveaways included GeniusLift RF Microneedling Session, Botox and Signature Facials, PRP Hair Restoration, Sculptra Session, and over $1000 Medical-Grade Skincare basket by Alastin and more! Be sure to keep a look out for their next celebration!

BY CINDY SITES

Method for Life ™

“GREENWICH

1: Cara Barrett, Julia Dzafic, Eva Amurri 2: Keynote Speaker, Lydia Fenet 3: Meredith Hanson 4: Andrea Werbel, Ashley McCormick, Claiborne Swanson Frank, Meredith Hanson 5: Christine Mulhearne 6: Elevate Attendees enjoying the keynote speaker

Photography by Marilyn Roos

8: Lauren Stephens, Maureen Ahern Kaki McGrath 9: Chris Gelnaw, Samantha Cross, Christine Sullivan, William Hayden and Kimberly Thomas 11: Sue Bodson, Kimberly Thomas, Alessandra Long, Stephanie Cowie 12: Nina Clarke, Jennifer Stocker 13: Nina Clarke, Laura Sabia, Sue De Chiara, Patricia Maristch 14: Alston Calabrese, Lydia Fenet, Leigh Hansen

Photography by Marilyn Roos

Club Sweat, a dynamic local fitness brand, has recently joined the LTK platform, bringing its passion for health and wellness to a wider audience. Known for its innovative workout programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated community, Club Sweat offers a unique fitness experience tailored to individual goals. Now accessible on LTK, fitness enthusiasts can easily discover and engage with Club Sweat's transformative fitness offerings, fostering a stronger and healthier community one workout at a time. digital.club-sweat.com

Photography

Mills

Townhouse Greenwich: Four Years of Culinary Excellence and Exciting Changes

Celebrating four years of culinary brilliance, Townhouse Greenwich invites you to experience exciting changes! Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, this restaurant has been a local favorite, offering exquisite dishes in a stylish ambiance. Join them in savoring the next chapter of Townhouse's journey as they unveil new enhancements to elevate your dining experience and events. Don't miss out – indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors in this culinary haven!

Supr Food Kitchen Debuts in Greenwich

Supr Food Kitchen, a destination for clean and wholesome ingredients, has debuted in Greenwich. Formerly Myx Kitchen, the newly rebranded fast casual concept prioritizes the fusion of health and flavor. Supr Food Kitchen’s menu features meals rich in vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains, with a focus on protein-forward offerings and a seed oil-free approach. Supr Food will additionally open a first-of-its-kind drive-through location in Darien this year, and launch healthy vending machines.

Josy

Bruce Museum Selects Inaugural Artist-in-Residence to Ignite Creative Dialogues

You’re experiencing low sex drive, your energy level isn’t up to par and your strength isn’t what it once was. These conditions—even ED—may occur in any aging male, but they’re also often related to a drop in hormone production that leads to physical as well as emotional changes. Our team, led by a board certified, fellowship-trained urologist, is here to help.

The Bruce Museum is thrilled to announce the selection of Kimberly Klauss as its inaugural Artist-inResidence. With support provided by Art Bridges, this initiative marks a milestone in the Museum's commitment to fostering creativity, supporting emerging talent, and engaging the community in artistic dialogues. Klauss will embark on a nine-month residency at the Bruce Museum, where she will have the opportunity to delve into her craft, experiment with new ideas, and interact with the audience.

http://brucemuseum.org/

Optimal Wellness Starts With Your Oral Health

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider LANAP Laser Gum Treatment to Save Your Teeth:

+ Save money by saving your natural teeth.

+ Only FDA approved laser treatment to promote healthy bone and gum regeneration.

DMD, FIALD

Dr. Michele Volchonok is a laser cosmetic dentist. She specializes in laser treatments including SmoothLase (wrinkle removal) Lipase (Natural Lip augmentation) and SleepLase (Snoring and Airway treatment).

+ No scalpels or sutures means minimal bleeding, pain, or downtime.

+ Treat multiple teeth in one appointment.

Alexander Volchonok

DMD, MS, FICOI, FIALD

Dr. Alex Volchonok is a dual Ivy-League trained Board-Certified Periodontist and Oral Implantologist with advanced training in minimally-invasive surgical and laser periodontal therapy procedures.

Michele Volchonok

BRINGING

TO LIFE Your Visions

WITH ATRIUM CONSTRUCTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE

A generational business, Atrium Constructions prides themselves in bringing visions to life with their expertise in high-end residential and commercial construction. With 30 years of experience, the business runs in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Florida.

Atrium Constructions has merged companies and built a reunion of people who love and know construction, building high-end houses and industrial and commercial sites. The team has 20 plus years of experience in project management, and almost 10 years of experience in buying and distributing construction materials. Their services include: demolition and construction, exterior and interior remodeling, in-house design support, and a maintenance solutions program.

Atrium Constructions is a Connecticut-incorporated company and takes great pride in being an integral part of the thriving community of Greenwich. Their team consists of proud residents of the remarkable town.

"We understand the importance of shared values and are dedicated to upholding them. Greenwich, renowned for its strong sense of community, integrity, and pursuit of excellence, aligns perfectly with our own vision of putting integrity first and excellence in all we do. Our commitment to providing top-quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, and innovative solutions mirrors the values that Greenwich represents."

GL: OUR MARCH ISSUE IS ALL ABOUT HOME DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO KEEP THEIR HOME IN GOOD CONDITION?

AC: Keeping your home well-maintained and up-to-date is a matter of personal pride and essential for your overall comfort. It not only contributes to a sense of tranquility but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring your family's physical and financial well-being. Moreover, it's worthwhile to consider strategic home improvements as an investment opportunity, especially given the current high

interest rates and low housing inventories in Greenwich and surrounding areas.

By investing in remodeling and upgrading your home now, you position yourself for future gains. As interest eventually starts trending downwards (which may happen sooner than later!), having a newly updated home can serve as a valuable asset for various real estate opportunities. Whether you aspire to trade your house

“We pride ourselves on putting the needs of our clients first, ensuring that their vision comes to life as a result of high-end craftsmanship, quality service, and dedication.”  CONTINUED

for your dream location, upgrade to a larger property, or even downsize and make a profit, Atrium Constructions is here to help you. We are fully committed to crafting your dream into reality! Let us guide you on this exciting journey towards achieving your goals!

GL: WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DO YOU FOCUS ON AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE FAVORITE TO WORK ON?

AC: Our favorite project is the one that is concluded to our client's satisfaction. Our legacy of 30-plus years of combined experience in luxury residential and commercial construction builds puts us in a comfortable position to carry out whatever project comes our way.

We are presently managing 21 projects in Greenwich and other parts of Connecticut, Westchester County, Bronxville, New Jersey, and Manhattan, where we just opened our second office at the Rockefeller Center due to clients' demands. The projects vary from luxury houses to large and medium-sized remodeling of houses and/or apartments and large and medium-sized commercial sites. We are optimistic about future perspectives. 2024 looks promising, for we have an important pipeline of projects under consideration, from luxury residential houses to apartment buildings.

GL: WHAT MAKES ATRIUM CONSTRUCTIONS UNIQUE?

AC: We are a group of focused, motivated, specialized, and multifunctional professionals. We do not only manage construction projects. We also possess firsthand

experience in the actual construction process. Our team has extensive on-the-ground knowledge and building expertise, allowing us to approach projects with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the practical and technical aspects involved.  For example, our CFO not only possesses a comprehensive understanding of financial and budgetary matters in the construction industry, but he also brings to the table a wealth of expertise as an electrical engineer. His profound knowledge and experience in this field greatly contribute to our ability to effectively address the intricate technical aspects of our projects.  Our COO, who also leads our project management team, brings to the table a wealth of experience as a civil engineer with profound knowledge of all aspects of a construction project. With his expertise, he is able to delve deep into the intricate details of the process, making significant contributions towards enhancing the execution and success of our projects.

Another characteristic of our work is the close relationship we develop with all designers to ensure we bring their vision and ideas to life. Flexibility is in our DNA! So is our willingness to work together as a team with the designer's team and make the whole process fluid, smooth, efficient, and enjoyable to everyone, particularly to our client.

Atrium Constructions has two offices located at: 10 New King Street, Suite 202, West Harrison, NY, 10604 600 Fifth, Rockefeller Center, NYC, NY, 10020.

You can contact them and learn more: 914-875-3193  @atriumconstructionsllc or atriumconstructions.com

Broth

Nominate a Woman of Greenwich!

ARE YOU ACQUAINTED WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS A 'WOMAN OF GREENWICH' IN GREENWICH LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE?

SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT HER! ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 1ST, 2024

THE SELECTED WOMEN OF GREENWICH FOR 2024 WILL BE REVEALED IN OUR MAY 2024 ISSUE

*Note: Winners must not have previously won this title

10

3

S T A RT

WITH ART

TOP TIPS ON USING ART TO TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE CREATING YOUR IDEAL HOME

ARTICLE BY BETH KRUPA INTERIORS

color inspiration

Let art inspire your palette. Artwork acts as a jumping off point for everything, from the feel of the room to the colors and textures used to pull everything together. Tailor art to the room’s feeling. Serene and calming art might be suitable for a bedroom, while vibrant and energetic pieces can work well in a breakfast room or hallway.

Opposite:

The perfect pairing; abstract art creates a focal point in between this symmetrical arrangement of club chairs. Photography by Peter Rymwid

This Page: A soft and serene painting sets the mood for bedtime rituals and complements the organic shape of this nature-inspired console table. Photography by Jim Fuhrmann

An energetic piece custom colored and inspired by the homeowner’s love of entertaining. Original art on metal by Suzann Kaltbaum. Photography by Peter Rymwid

make it personal

Tell a story with your art by choosing pieces that have personal meaning or connect in theme. This adds depth and significance to the overall design. When sourcing art for a client, we take a very personalized approach. Designing a space that not only looks beautiful but creates a symbiotic relationship between the homeowner and their environment.

A joint collaboration with a graffiti artist, this artwork brightens up an otherwise plain wall. Art by Suzann Kaltbaum. Photography by Modern Media LLC

keep it fresh

Don’t be afraid to mix different art styles within the same space. This can create visual interest and make the room feel curated and individual. Consider keeping things fresh by rotating your artwork seasonally. This allows you to showcase different pieces throughout the year, keeping your home decor dynamic and engaging.

Artwork by Jessie Rubin

Photography by Jim Fuhrmann

Your Dream Home Awaits

WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGN, LARA MICHELLE KNOWS GOOD TASTE

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LARA MICHELLE

Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors Inc. is founded by award-winning designer Lara Michelle, an expert in her field known for her impeccable taste. Lara lives in Rye Brook, New York with her husband and two children. Her client base spans from Darien to New Canaan to Greenwich to in and around the lower Fairfield County. For clients dreaming of that picturesque, luxurious and elegant home, Lara is the person who can turn that dream into a reality.

Lara attended Cornell Fine Arts School, which had “a very small but a very great fine arts program.” Taking general courses like drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and art history, Lara realized she didn’t want to be a fine artist, as being stuck in a studio by herself didn’t thrill her.

“I am a highly creative person that wanted to do something creative,” Lara says. She ended up at the New York School of Design (one of the best interior design programs in the country), obtaining an internship with Victoria Hagan, a well-known designer in the art world. With Victoria, Lara loved how interactive her Take Victoria’s work was with people, not to mention the creative process, when she fell in love with the idea of running her own business.

After her time with Victoria, which Lara describes as “amazing and incredible,” she went on to work for several other well-known designers in the city. When she became a designer for an architectural firm, people started asking her to style their apartments. “And then it grew from there,” Lara says.

She started her business, officially, in 1995 on the side until she gained enough clients to go full-time.

Starting with an initial consultation, Lara meets the client at their home to get ideas and see what they would like to do with their space. “We walk through the house room by room and discuss their

dream for the entire house,” Lara says. “I give them suggestions, a timeline and as much information upfront as possible.”

Communication is the top priority in making her clients’ dream homes come true. Whether it’s redoing a bathroom, “making a fantastic man cave” or remodeling the kitchen, Lara explains her team can do anything when it comes to interior work in the home.

“My carpenter can basically build anything I can draw or dream up,” Lara remarks of her contractor. “Even furniture like dining tables, book shelves or bars.” Also a part of her team includes a plumber, an electrician, a painter and a “wallpaper guy who is fabulous.” “We’ve been working together so long we can really get into any client’s home and make it spectacular,” she says.

In addition to her design work and the construction of the homes, Lara also purchases the items the clients need for their homes including fabrics, trims and wallpaper. This involves the designer going to various showroom locations, including the New York Design building, “which has really great lighting showrooms,” to find the perfect fit for her clients’ homes. “The trade pricing used to be very secretive,” she states of the furniture wholesale model. “So I’ve devised a different way to work—I send the invoice that comes directly from the manufacturer so the client can see exactly what they are being charged and what I am being charged—I find that people really appreciate that [transparency].”

Depending on the client’s budget, Lara also works to produce custom designs and furniture. To bring these exact specifications to life, it’s a “big combination” of heading to markets and showrooms as well as taking advantage of online shopping.

“We walk through the house room by room and discuss their dream for the entire house. I give them suggestions, a timeline and as much information upfront as possible.”

“My carpenter can basically build anything I can draw or dream up. Even furniture like dining tables, book shelves or bars.”

“If a client is doing an amazing kitchen, living room and powder room, maybe we can cut back a little bit on a few bedrooms that are upstairs that aren’t seen that much,” she says of custom requests.

Her upholstery workroom can make these custom designs “work nicely,” from fitting sofas and upholstery items that is the exact configuration the client wants, to getting the precise fabric that the client wants.

“We are super customer-service oriented,” Lara says. “We ensure the client has the least stress possible.”

In the photos you see across these pages, Lara explains her design process, detailing the functionality of each household room.

Family Room: Lara designed this beautiful yet functional family room for a young, active Greenwich family. Her custom upholstery sofa and chairs have high performance fabrics and the custom rug, although ultra plush, is made with extra strong, stain resistant fibers. The fireplace is wrapped in statement-making zebra marble slabs spanning from the floor to the top of the 13-foot high ceilings.

Playroom: The playroom in this Greenwich home is outfitted with Lara’s custom designed built-ins which houses toys, games and art supplies. The TV and coffee table were intentionally omitted to allow for more play space and kids imaginations to run free—what a radical concept!  To lighten and brighten the space, the wood paneled walls were whitewashed and hardwood floors were stained in a light finish.

#3 Master Bedroom: Luxurious textures abound in the serene master bedroom designed by Lara. The custom upholstery is adorned with sublime designer velvets and chenilles while a textured golden wallpaper behind the bed adds a subtle glow. The crystal hanging pendant lights and grand chandelier create a glamorous effect.

As if her photos don’t do her work enough justice, her clients can attest to the brilliant work of Lara:

“Lara worked with us as we gutted our entire house. She project-managed on a weekly basis because we lived in the city and I was pregnant with our second [child]. We were very dependent on her being onsite, handling every detail and making real-time decisions. She did an exceptional job understanding out style, family needs and thinking out-of-the-box when we had to find solutions/workarounds. Our home has since been featured in magazines, home catalogs, websites, etc. all thanks to Lara’s brilliant design skills.” -Meredith and Nick G.

“We have recently completed a large renovation which included our kitchen, foyer with new stairs, three bathrooms, laundry room, mudroom and our master suite under the watchful eye of Lara Michelle, and we are thrilled with the professional and efficient way that every detail was handled. We were abroad for much of the project and any issues were very quickly resolved, with the whole process running smoothly and on time. Lara has excellent relationships with her contractors and suppliers and holds them to extremely high standards. We would not hesitate to recommend Lara Michelle for any renovation or design project.”

-Martin and Laura F.

“I interviewed several designers and decided on Lara. Lara’s expertise encompassed everything I was looking for in an interior designer. She was professional from our first meeting throughout the process, staying on task and sticking to a timeline. Her talents in every area of design made the process exciting and fun! She remained calm, reassuring and solution-oriented throughout, especially when we experienced unexpected hiccups along the way. Lara is extremely talented, dependable, confident, respectful and listens to her clients. I highly recommend her!” -Katie A.

WEBSITE: LARAMICHELLE.COM | INSTAGRAM: @LARAMICHELLEINTERIORS

Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors Inc. is founded by award-winning designer Lara Michelle, an expert in her field known for her impeccable taste.

ARTICLE BY BARBARA ACCETTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY COONEY

Home Sweet Home

The dynamic duo behind Ivory & Oak on building their dream home – family style.

Steve and Nicole Viola, the husband and wife team behind luxury residential design-build firm Ivory & Oak, have been creating dream homes for 20 years. In 2019, they had the chance to build their own, in Steve’s hometown, when they purchased a 1940 raised ranch and promptly tore it down. Two years later and still under construction, they moved in with their three kids and haven’t looked back.

CONTINUED >

Working within the existing footprint of the original home, the Viola’s built up, down, and side to side. The result is an open-concept modern farmhouse with soaring ceilings and custom everything, all fabricated by their in-house millwork shop, including the massive oak dining table. “Beauty and function are at the heart of every one of our projects right down to the simplest details,” said Steve.

For Steve and Nicole’s home, the focus was on family. The main living space layout offers a feeling of togetherness while enjoying separate activities, a testament to the family-first process that Ivory & Oak is renowned for. “We're a family business and tend to each project as if it were our own,” said Nicole. “We put a lot of thought into how each design decision will improve our client’s daily lives.” www.ivoryandoak.com | @ivoryandoak

CONTINUED >

“We designed our home around family, especially our Italian Sunday dinners with all the cooking, eating, and time spent together.”

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

Working towards building healthy eating routines this March

ARTICLE BY DR. CECE REEDER

Every March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has announced that this year’s theme is “Beyond the Table.”

The meaning behind this year’s theme is to encourage healthy eating routines, food safety techniques, and environmentally conscious food practices. Food is far more than just the ingredients that we eat throughout the day. Food serves as a mechanism to help us fuel our bodies to participate in the activities we enjoy, a way to celebrate and cherish time with loved ones, and a way to help us stay involved with our community.

FOOD TO FUEL:

Establishing a well balanced diet can endorse a healthy immune system, aids to prevent risk of an array of chronic diseases, and can provide adequate energy sources to help you power through your day. Consuming an adequate amount of calories, and the proper balance of macronutrients for you as an individual can help reduce levels of fatigue and promote an overall good mood.

FOOD TO CELEBRATE:

From weddings to birthdays, most celebratory traditions have a food component tied to it. It is not a coincidence that food plays a large role in celebration practices because food has the ability to foster conversation and encourage connection. In these moments, the food being served is much greater than just the meal being served on the table; it becomes about the environment, the company, and the enjoyment of the event.

FOOD AND COMMUNITY:

Embracing the tie between food and community can occur in various manners; from dining at local restaurants, to supporting local producers at Farmers’ Markets, and even sharing meals with neighbors. Food truly has the power to bond. This could occur through the growing process of cultivating a community garden or establishing rapport with the local producers. It could include phases of food preparation such as taking a cooking class with a loved one, passing down a special recipe with someone, or just spending quality time in the kitchen. Community ties can also be strengthened through sharing food with neighbors, whether it is sharing a meal together or dropping off a food item for an occasion. Recognizing the association between food and community helps not only enhance the food we eat, but the community we live in.

This March, I encourage you to think about how you can work towards building a more balanced diet, celebrating the moments that occur around food, and recognizing the community ties that are involved beyond the table.

Dr. Kelsey “Cece” Reeder, DCN, RD is a clinical and private practice registered dietitian in Fairfield County. Dr. Cece is now accepting new patients! Email nutrition@clubsweat.com for any inquiries.

Your New Nanny Matchmaker

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE

““When you find the right fit, the nanny becomes an extension of the family, it changes your life.”

Nannies have been called the glorified third parent. As a parent, you want to feel safe and secure that your kids are in good hands so you can focus on your work and other responsibilities. This peace of mind is only possible when you have the right nanny.

Keren Lai makes finding the perfect nanny a hassle-free, enjoyable experience through her nanny matchmaking service, Carnation Home Care. Taking the time to understand a family’s unique needs and preferences, Keren makes the process of finding the right childcare as seamless as possible, all while providing well-educated and highly qualified nannies stable employment.

Falling ill a few short years ago from a combination of health issues and spinal surgeries that resulted in a rare "catch all" combination of symptoms similar to Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and autoimmune disease, Keren has since made it her mission to fill the need for quality home care and childcare.

After waking up from her second spinal surgery unable to move from the neck down, Keren could no longer take care of her son and family the way she used to, she couldn't go grocery shopping, couldn't drive, couldn’t be “mom.” "I woke up paralyzed, and I needed help," Keren said. "I never had a nanny before and my husband worked full-time in the city — what were my options?"

The only option she felt like she had was to pay an extreme amount of money to a Nanny agency, as searching for help through Facebook and other childcare sites simply wasn't working. "I didn't feel heard or supported when searching for childcare options," Keren said. "And there is no service that helps out temporarily. Nothing was the right fit."

After realizing the need in this area, she decided to help people the way she would have wanted help, by pairing the right nanny with the right family, matching each of their needs respectively. Now, in just one year, Keren has successfully matched over 130 families and nannies. "It's a testament to the need that is out there," Keren explains. "Childcare is needed at every stage of a child's life, from the newborn and toddler stage, to middle school where priorities shift to driving kids to and from activities. Finding someone who

can grow with the family is wonderful. When you find the right fit, the nanny becomes an extension of the family, it changes your life."

When searching for nannies, Keren takes into account that every family's needs are unique, as all kids are unique. "I have families that don't allow television, families that want the nanny to teach their child Spanish, families that are very active with sports and want a nanny to throw a ball in the yard," Keren states. "It's not a 'cookie cutter,' let-me-throw-you-ananny type of deal," she emphasizes. "I don't want to waste anybody's time. I interview and vet each nanny extensively and will not refer them to a client unless I would hire them myself."

At Carnation Home Care, every client begins with a thorough discovery call. Once both sides decide to move forward, a small deposit is collected and Keren writes up a personalized agreement to ensure expectations are clear. Each agreement is completely custom to the family and nanny, clearly defining needs, hours, vacations, and any other terms the family has. On the nanny's first day of employment, a second and final deposit is collected.

"We all need help sometimes. Some people have a demanding career, and some people have health issues like me," Keren said. "It takes a village to raise a family, and oftentimes people are just left to their own devices. I’m here to help, and I love doing it. Our kids are our number one priority and nothing is more important than feeling comfortable and confident with the person taking care of our kids."

She mentions a lot of nannies come from places like Brazil where they were teachers or nurses, but their certificates are not valid in the states. They come here for a better life, they love to work with kids, and she is able to give them that position and fulfillment.

"It can be easy to get down and think, 'Why did this happen to me?' as she reflects on her health issues. "But this is what keeps me going," Keren said of starting the nanny matchmaking service. "I feel very lucky," she continued. "I have good days and I have bad days, but I put my energy into helping people, and it is so rewarding to know I am making a positive impact."

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST

Snow Sculpture Contest Deadline

Greenwich, CT | 12:00 AM

Don't miss the chance to showcase your creativity in the 12th Annual Snow Sculpture Contest by Greenwich Recreation! Submit your best snow sculpture photo by March 1st for a shot at winning exciting prizes from Greenwich Parks and Recreation!

MARCH 2ND

Maple Sugar Day at the Mueller Preserve

GLT's Mueller Preserve, 370 Round Hill Rd | 11:00 AM

The tradition of tapping maple trees for sap dates back to the indigenous people of the Northeast and was adopted by incoming European colonists. Visit Mueller Preserve to learn all about how the sweet stuff transforms from sap to syrup! They will have hands-on demonstrations and stations throughout the Muller Preserve with samples, a food truck, and more!

MARCH 5TH

Starting Garden Seeds Indoors

GLT's Mueller Preserve, 370 Round Hill Rd | 1:00 PM

Join Dean Fausel at GLT's greenhouse and gardens to learn about starting garden vegetable seeds indoors. Hear about the easiest seeds to start early and what time in the spring many common vegetable seeds need to be started. Soil will be provided as well as a variety of seeds. Bring pots/trays and any seeds that you would like to grow!

MARCH 11TH

“From the Twentieth Century”

Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave | 7:30 PM

Embark on a rhythmic journey through the 20th century with The Chambers Players of the Greenwich Symphony! In their 52nd season, witness "From the Twentieth Century", an unmissable musical experience. It's not just a concert; it's a musical adventure! Feel the energy with an evening of joy, discovery, and timeless magic.

MARCH 12TH

“My Ireland” Book Talk with Margaret Connor

Greenwich Historical Society | 11:00 AM

Explore 1950s Ireland with the Greenwich Historical Society and Margaret Connor at the "My Ireland” Book Talk. Learn more about her memoir on her captivating journey through rural life, community meitheal, and Dublin's wonders, free from the shadows of inequality.

MARCH 16TH

Luck Of The Irish St Patrick's Day Weekend Bar Crawl

128 Bedford Street, Stamford CT 12:00 PM

Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day at the Stamford Official Luck of The Irish Bar Crawl! Join the excitement of a captivating bar crawling adventure through the heart of the city, filled with surprises and engaging festivities. Dress in your finest green attire, gather loved ones, and raise a glass to an unforgettable celebration!

Want to be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ GREENWICH

DEDICATED TO OUR CORE VALUES

INTEGRITY

Building relationships that are based on trust.

PASSION

Demonstrating enthusiasm for what we do.

EXCELLENCE

Exceeding expectations at every level.

COMMUNITY

Contributing to the welfare of our communities.

OCTAVIA MELLY

Real Estate Salesperson

M 615.500.2388 O 203.869.0700

omelly@houlihanlawrence.com

octaviamelly.houlihanlawrence.com

GREENWICH BROKERAGE

DRIVE, GREENWICH, CT 06830

ANYTHING white trim BUT

How to Have Fun With Paint!

ARTICLE BY ZAC MATHIAS

Zac Mathias

For far too long we have all relied on white trim, painting it a color is an easy way to establish the mood of the room. A cheery bright color in a bathroom making this small space feel lively. An easy way to do this is by pulling color from a wallpaper. Or paint your trim the same color as your walls! The options are endless!

NUMBER 1:

PAINT A FRAME! Art by Yvonne Claveloux

Photo Julia Dags

NUMBER 2:

GO BOLD IN A BATHROOM. Interior Design by McNell Interiors Photo Julia Dags

NUMBER 3:

THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS. Pro tip: bring a wallpaper or fabric sample to try an match.

NUMBER 4:

GET CREATIVE WITH COLOR. Room Scheme by Zac Mathias

Exciting Update: Your Greenwich Real Estate

Dynamic Duo

Jenny Allen has joined forces with her identical twin sister, Kristen Studwell, to elevate your real estate experience.

Double the insight, double the dedication.

Ready for a dynamic real estate journey?

Connect with Jenny and Kristen today to get started.

Jenny Allen

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

M: 203.921.6327

jenny.allen@compass.com

jennyallen_greenwich

Kristen Studwell

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

M: 203.496.9383

kristen.studwell@compass.com

krissystuds compass.com