We’ve been living in Fairfield County for six years now, and I’ve certainly developed lots of favorites over the years! At first, when I came here, I was so worried that I’d miss all of the “options” that the city had to offer, in terms of activities, food, drinks, and shopping. What I quickly learned is that there are absolutely fantastic restaurants, cafes, stores, bars, and businesses of all kinds…and that the people running them are just as remarkable! I’m so proud to live in an area where there is so much to do and discover, and I very rarely go to NYC to explore now. I last shared my “Fairfield County Favorites” over four years ago!
Sadly, many businesses that I highlighted in that post have since shut down. As I sat down to update the post, it was a sobering reminder that it truly is so important to patron the businesses all around us in our area. It makes such a difference for the entrepreneurs who run them! I hope this post gives you some fun ideas of spots to try if you haven’t already. Let me know below in the comments if there are places I’ve forgotten or need to try!
We love visiting this awesome local farm as a family. They have great camps in the summer, and even offer cooking seminars and events!
This is our go-to spot to check out the petting zoo. I’ve taken the kids here regularly since we moved! They also do amazing seasonal Apple and Pumpkin picking that makes for the perfect photo opp. I personally can’t pass up their fresh apple cinnamon donuts in the fall!
My kids adore this aquarium, and it is always a great way to kill time, especially when the weather outside is too hot or too cold. Make sure to watch the sea lion feeding time show!
This fun and large museum is a great time for families! There is even an area set up for tiny babies and crawlers. I really love how there are great activities for all ages, and the cafe is pretty good as far as museum fare goes!
We love the nature center! It’s almost like a mini outdoor zoo, and they have awesome events and farmers markets in the summer time.
Marlowe, Kyle, and I had an awesome family date rock climbing here! It’s a rock climbing gym where you can hire an instructor by the hour or even climb around solo.
I took prenatal yoga at this studio, and my class was EXCELLENT, and a great community-building environment. They also have meditation classes.
This studio is a really fun way to spend an afternoon with the kids. We like creating special pieces for gifts and special occasions.
We love going to this drive-in movie theater in the warmer months in Westport! They play such fun movies, and the organization is actually a nonprofit (The theater employs and supports people with disabilities), so your ticket price goes to a wonderful cause!
We love renting kayaks with the kids and paddling down the Saugatuck! So fun.
This is an amazing set of trails near where I live. Highly recommend checking it out!
My kids LOVE a zoo, and this one is super cute and manageable! We also love their carousel, which is extra fun in the colder months
This museum has a great collection of items related to P.T Barnum…and is a must if you have kids like me who LOVE “The Greatest Showman”!
I think the beaches of Westport are some of the most charming parts of our town, and they’re definitely worth a visit!
This is the best Japanese pub food EVER. It’s our favorite date night spot, and never disappoints. They also have delicious cocktails! I highly recommend eating upstairs on the patio overlooking the river on warm summer nights.
This is a great family friendly restaurant, and has awesome healthy options. Call ahead to put your name down on busy weekends!
Ian helped open this restaurant when he was still working in the restaurant industry, and it remains one of our favorites! Delicious Mexican food and an incredible cocktail program. Eat out on the beautiful patio on nice nights!
Thank goodness for OKO .Fairfield county had been significantly lacking in great sushi, and OKO just opened with delicious omakase and nigiri! They also have lots of yummy cooked options and outstanding cocktails available.
This is our favorite non-fancy Japanese restaurant in the area. It’s very solid, and has a pretty large menu!
I’ve been eating the green papaya Salad weekly from Jeera Thai! I can’t get enough. I also highly recommend their noodle and fried rice dishes.
This is a good, dependable sushi spot that is open for lunch and has a really nicely priced brunch bento on the weekends. I find that it is also very kid friendly.
My favorite jewish deli in the area. It feels like it’s stuck in time, in the best way possible. I LOVE their matzoh ball soup.
Really good food, and great beer and wine list. My favorite oyster selection in the area! Hop across the piazza after dinner for ice cream!
A fun spot for wine and tapas! Plus it gets a little cray cray on the weekend, in a good way!
I looove this bbq place, and often use it to cater. It’s fun to eat in, too, and sometimes they have live music on the weekend evenings!
This little bistro is really great for appetizers and cocktails!
I love the Poke Bowls and the Poke Burritos and this yummy local spot!
This restaurant is so so tasty, and has so many interesting regional Indian dishes! I’ve loved every single thing I’ve tried from this place!
This family-owned french restaurant is delicious and hits the mark every time. Such a solid Date Night spot!
I love the salad pizza at this Norwalk pizza spot!
This is my go-to chopped salad spot in Fairfield, I’m beyond obsessed. They also have fantastic wood-fired pizzas!
This sweet little gem is right next to the train station and serves up thoughtful, seasonal dishes and to-go prepared foods as well!
I love this elegant restaurant at the Delamar Hotel in Southport. You truly feel like you’ve been transported outside of Connecticut!
I really like the healthy eats at this downtown Westport spot. They have cocktails and great coffee as well!
This is my favorite Italian deli in the area! The sandwiches are fantastic, but their creamy breaded chicken tenders are SO addictive too!
This Cafe in Westport is awesome for coffee drinks and pastries!
Want authentic Italian coffee, and imported goods? Visit Pausa Caffe ASAP. It mends my homesickness for Italia every time!
This is one of our faves because it serves up delicious “Hawker Fare”, or Asian street food! It’s family-run and just so lovely.
This Korean Fried chicken spot is a top choice for us when eating out with the kiddos. We all love it so much!
I like the healthy bowls at this spot!
I love the California vibes of this super chic boutique and art gallery hybrid. Kerri turns her cool paintings in to awesome home decor accent pieces and even has interior design services if needed!
I love checking out the market at this charming farm! Make sure to grab your A++++ produce as well as try some of the packaged products from local small businesses selling there.
This sustainability-focused clothing brand has ultra chic clothing and accessories!
I usually stop by Terrain to get inspo for any home or garden project I’m embarking on! If you haven’t been yet, it’s a whole destination in itself! It’s definitely on the pricey side, but it’s so well curated that I can get great ideas there!
This is a really sweet jewel box of a jewelry store in downtown Westport! She has beautifully curated pieces in a variety of price points!
This is a really cute, preppy boutique with something for everyone. They have a really cute jewelry selection, and great hostess gifts. I also use their monogram services to make custom baby gifts for friends!
I love going in to the local paper source for inspiration– they always have the greatest products and seasonal displays. Plus the best card selection around!
This is a very cool clothing and accessory boutique that is decidedly “Un-Connecticut”. They take their cue from west-coast style and it’s a nice breath of fresh air!
If you’re looking for a cool children’s boutique, YOYA is it! It’s on the pricier side but WOW is it amazing.
This is a small, hidden shop at the docks where Copp’s Island oysters are harvested in Norwalk! It’s beautifully designed, and has really cute, maritime-inspired products
This jewelry and women’s apparel brand is available online, and out of Greenwich Connecticut. The pieces are all so gorgeous and instantly transport me to Europe.
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The last couple of years have been an out-and-out struggle for small businesses everywhere. The fear of the unknown, ever-changing rules and regulations, limited resources, not to mention the stress of simply keeping themselves and their families safe and healthy—small business owners have faced unprecedented challenges throughout this pandemic. As a small business owner myself, and with many friends who own their own small businesses as well, watching the ups and downs have been so emotional at times. I see everyone out there, pivoting and reimagining…taking on extra hours and overbearing workloads just to make it work. I’ve noticed the struggle of everyone around me in my beautiful home state of Connecticut as well.
I’ve lived in Connecticut for over five years now, and I’ll admit that I never expected to land here. As a kid born and raised in New York City (which some would call The Capital Of The World), Connecticut was never really on my radar in a major way. We came five years ago because my ex-husband was working here and I was pregnant with our second child and was needing to settle and put roots down. I was nervous to live in what I thought at the time was a fairly “preppy” suburb. Most of what I’d heard about Connecticut was how homogenous it is, how wealthy it is, and quite frankly, how White it is. While those things certainly exist in Connecticut, what I discovered when I moved here was how much true diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, history, and joie de vivre exist in nearly every corner of this beautiful state. Connecticut is SO MANY things, is so rich with experiences worth discovering, and is filled with some of the most resilient people I’ve ever met. I truly couldn’t imagine NOT living here now, and I feel so lucky to raise my kids in the beautiful town of Westport and in an area with so much going on!
Today I’m inspired to share some of my favorite small businesses across Connecticut with you. These businesses need our help. They’re pulling through the pandemic, but it’s time for them to thrive instead of just survive. They deserve a break! Let’s all try and shop and visit the small businesses here in CT whenever we can. I’ve been blown away by not only how businesses across the state have adapted to the rules and regulations of COVID-19, but how they’ve gone above and beyond to show up for their communities and their customers. I always feel safe and taken care of when I go to these places, and I know you will too. I would love it if you shared some of your favorites in the comments section of this post as well!
And don’t forget to watch our series, ‘REZTT: Connecticut Rebuilds’ on my YouTube channel! The first episode is up now, which I’m including below, and two more will be released in the coming weeks.
An amazing Mexican restaurant with excellent cocktails and ultra-chic ambiance.
A top-notch Japanese, with a mouth-watering Omakase experience.
My favorite deli in the area, with my favorite Reuben.
Inventive French cuisine with an excellent wine program and a romantic ambiance.
I love grabbing lunch at this vegetarian spot with yummy food, coffee, and cocktails.
This pizzeria and salad bar is such a hidden gem. I drive all the way there from Westport for salads!
The cutest little deli and coffee bar right on the beach.
Japanese pub food, in a lively scene.
Authentic Jamaican fare, with occasional outdoor cookouts on the weekends.
An elevated juice bar serving smoothies, juice, smoothie bowls, and supplements with a focus on transformation from within.
Seasonal farm-to-table fine dining in a chill yet elegant atmosphere.
My favorite Thai food in the area, particularly the Green Papaya Salad and the Summer Rolls.
I love the bowls, salads, and coffee drinks at this healthy spot!
This little market has such an awesome health food and supplement selection…but my favorite part is their AMAZING food and juice bar. Their Macrobiotic bowl is a must.
This coffee spot has the best iced coffee, and a loyal local following!
The little shop makes totally allergen-free treats that are beautiful to boot. A great option for party favors!
I love picking up fresh produce and amazing local delicacies from the sweet market here.
This family-owned vineyard boasts a beautiful setting and delicious wines.
Crystal makes the most incredible cakes, cake pops, and cupcakes that are like works of art!
The chicest little house-turned-boutique filled with kids’ clothing, toys, and accessories.
A cheerful and stylish lifestyle brand with a west coast vibe and the best gift ideas!
Beautiful gifts, furniture, and home decor.
The cutest gift-centric boutique that can monogram or personalize almost anything in store. My go-to for hostess or baby gifts!
This female-founded, family-owned company is one of my favorites. The best cozy and chic fleeces!
The hands-down BEST organic spray tans!
I LOVE this cute little toy store that has so many great ideas for kids of all ages!
Great women’s boutiques are hard to find and this one is awesome! I love the curated collection of fashion, jewelry, and lifestyle items.
CT locals know that this is the BEST training studio for people who want to get fit with little free time in their schedule.
Pop in for acupuncture or ACU facials at this gorgeous wellness boutique!
I love watching movies at this drive-in movie theater that’s also a nonprofit!
I highly recommend booking a group bike tour through beautiful, historic Guilford!
Goat snuggles for sale at this pretty farm.
This farm is a favorite of ours for the petting zoo, apple and pumpkin picking, and the best apple cider donuts.
This museum holds a special place in our hearts. My kids and I visited and they still talk about it all the time!
Learn all about this decades-strong family favorite, and check out the production line in action!
The museum is super cool and a great kids’ activity.
This park is a throwback to prehistoric times and so much fun for dino-loving kiddos.
This beautiful steam train and riverboat excursion is a family tradition of ours every summer. Major absolutely flips for it! They also have adult dinner trains.
Such a fun activity to do as a day date or family time!
I love bringing the kids here to get creative and make sweet gifts for friends and family.
**Many thanks to Connecticut Children’s for sponsoring this post. As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed below are entirely my own.
With so much time spent indoors the last year, my kids have really been craving activity. Spending a long, New England winter with COVID restrictions in place has meant that I’ve definitely been lacking ideas when it comes to my kids getting exercise. I’m sure a lot of Moms can relate when I say that it’s been tricky enough just helping my kids do their school work AND figure out how to get dinner on the table for everyone. Physical activity took a backseat role for us, and I have seen the consequences of that with my kids. Whenever Marlowe and Major don’t get enough physical activity, they start bickering more, and little behavioral challenges start coming out. I know for a fact that when I am physically active myself, I not only enjoy physical benefits, but emotional ones as well. When I exercise I always feel better, and get a burst of energy– it can flip any bad day around for me. I feel like it’s totally normal for kids to act out if they’re not getting exercise and releasing those natural endorphins! That’s why I’m so excited today to be partnering with Connecticut Children’s to share some great Spring fitness challenges to help keep our kids active!
As a reminder, I am not a doctor and I can’t give you official medical advice for your family! For any medical questions you may have, check out www.connecticutchildrens.org!
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Connecticut Children’s a top children’s hospital in the nation for 2020-21 – a testament to their pediatric expertise and exceptional, kid-friendly care. In fact, one of the cornerstones of Connecticut Children’s is its dedication to creating a positive experience for all families in its care.
I’ve been particularly impressed with Connecticut Children’s website! I can’t say I’ve been somebody who regularly checks out hospital websites for tips, tricks, or to read up on topics, but I truly love the Connecticut Children’s blog portion of their website. It has great articles and a menu of common topics on the side that can help guide your research. I spent a long time reading it. One thing I thought was such a great idea, was their article about Spring Fitness Tips! I decided to try them out with my kids to see if we could get more active and work out some of that pent-up energy. Today I’m sharing what we tried and LOVED. If you want even more tips, check out the full article HERE.
I’ve always loved yoga, and thought it would be fun to try out some poses with the kids! It turns out that Major does some yoga in his classroom at Preschool, so he was excited to show us some of his favorite moves, too. I love teaching the kids how to practice yoga because the focus is on deep breathing and finding those quiet moments. Our entire family has struggled with periods of anxiety over the last year, so it’s a nice reminder to slow our breath and focus on relaxation. And speaking of relaxation, the past year has definitely taken a toll on kids’ mental health worldwide. I found Connecticut Children’s behavioral and mental health resources really helpful and informative!
We love playing freeze dance, and we love even more to play it outside! We each take turns being the Freeze Master, and put on a fun song to dance to. Whoever is the last to freeze in place when the Freeze Master stops the track loses! My favorite part is watching the hilarious poses my kids freeze into. LOL
Hiking is one of our family’s favorite forms of group exercise. I’ve been hiking with the kids since they were itty bitty, and it’s a great way to explore your local parks and trails while also getting your limbs moving and your blood pumping. You can totally hike even when the weather is still a bit chilly! We just make sure to bring a backpack with extra layers, bug spray, sunscreen, and water! I’m excited for Mateo to start hiking with us this year, too.
A new thing we’ve been trying is to put fitness challenges on our calendar, scattered throughout the week. We focus on three days a week, and we each get to suggest what the fitness challenge should be. I write them on the calendar, and then the kids get to add a pompom to the jar when they complete the challenges. When our jar is full of pompoms, we all get to go out for an ice cream cone! I make sure all the challenges are things we can do indoors, even if the weather is bad. My suggestion is usually jumping jacks, or crab crawls around the kitchen island. Marlowe has recently started learning how to do pushups, and she loves seeing how strong she can get, and challenging herself to do an extra one every week. Major likes playing catch for his challenges!
I’d love to hear about the ways your family is staying active and healthy this Spring. Do you have any activities you love doing together? Let me know in the comments below!
Photographs by Julia Dags | REZTT, Inc. © 2021 All Rights Reserved
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As a born-and-raised New Yorker (with a chunk of time spent in Italy for good measure), I can’t say that moving to the suburbs two years ago was an easy transition. In fact, getting used to the transition in to a suburban lifestyle has probably been more challenging than the transition in to Motherhood for me. I think I totally underestimated how used to city life I had gotten, as well as how much I had taken for granted my own childhood in one of the greatest cities on the planet. When Kyle and I moved from Los Angeles back East, we briefly considered moving back to New York City. Ultimately, though, I decided I wanted a different upbringing for my kids. We currently live in Connecticut– and while I truly, really miss the incredible energy and diversity of the city– there have been some serious upsides to living in the suburbs that have solidified our choice to move here! Today I thought I would share the five big reasons I appreciate living here, just in case any of you are considering a suburban move any time soon! I would love to hear from any other former City Kids who are now raising your own kids in the ‘burbs. How did you make the transition easier on yourself, and what are your major reasons for the move?
I really feel that the ability to explore the outdoors all around where we live has done so much for our entire family. I love that our home has a yard, that my kids can swim in our pool daily in the warmer months, and that there are parks, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures galore to be explored. I can’t call myself “Outdoorsy” by any means, but living here has really brought out a newfound appreciation in nature in me, and inspired me to get outdoors much more than I used to. Now I love hiking and exercising as a family– and my kids hike the trails around our home almost every day when the weather permits! I’ve also found that taking long walks in the woods, or on our local beach helps me clear my head when I’m feeling down or stressed. I will admit that outdoor time during the winter months isn’t my personal fave (LOL) but my kids absolutely love playing in the snow, and I’m happy that they can experience the seasons to the fullest. I’m even thinking about getting chickens or bees once my kids are a bit older!
One of the coolest part about moving to the suburbs of Connecticut has been exploring all of the incredibly cool historic and family run businesses that the area has to offer. There is so much farmland around us, and amazingly the families have continued to run them to this day. There are so many spots to buy fresh produce, and little hidden gems around every corner! There are some bigger ones that have hayrides, fruit-picking, and petting zoos, and then the smaller ones that teach seminars and and courses about canning, harvesting, and farm to table cuisine. I’ve realized recently how much I miss learning, and it’s been fun to throw myself in to exploring the rich history and culture that my area has to offer. Marlowe went to camp for a week at a local farm this summer, and it was such a positive experience for her. It makes me SO happy to see her so comfortable in her surroundings and learning a lot of those back-to-basics values. I wrote a post about some of my faves!
This one is HUGE for me. Growing up in New York City, there really weren’t excellent public schools, and the ones that were fairly good were so hard to get in to. When Kyle and I were considering moving back to New York City, one of my biggest arguments against it was how overwhelming it would be to try and financially support two kids through the private school system. It is NOT CHEAP. I didn’t want to put that financial pressure on our marriage and on our family at this point in time, and I love that the public schools in our area can give kids a great education in a more accessible way. We decided to find a spot with an excellent school system, and then commit to putting those “school funds” in to travel and in to our businesses and passion projects.
Not to be petty, but had I spent even ten more minutes in Los Angeles traffic, my head probably would have spun around on my body. When I moved back east, I was shocked to see that traffic is just as bad– if not worse– in New York City! It’s insane how much time you can lose in super trafficky cities, and I’m SO relieved that traffic is almost non existent in the suburbs. Also, you can find parking anywhere! I’m sure I sound like Tom Hanks in “Big”, in the scene with the tiny corn– but who knew these huge suburban parking lots were SO GREAT!!! And you go visit somebody and you can park pretty much anywhere on the side of their road. FOR FREE. You guys, for a city girl that is groundbreaking. LOL.
This one is important to me. Because of my job, and growing up in the Entertainment Industry, I really appreciate the ability to disappear in to our own little world when we need to. I love having private property, and being away from prying eyes, unless we decide to share. There is something so liberating about that, and different from City life, where you are literally a thin wall away from the next set of ears. When we first moved out to Connecticut, the stillness at night and the solitude would scare me. Our house is like Fort Knox to this day because I was so nuts when we moved in and put in crazy security. Kyle was shaking his head and telling the security team that I’m a City Girl. Ha! Over time, I’ve come to love the beauty of the silence, and the peace of being able to hear ourselves think. I truly believe that it’s made me more comfortable in my own skin. I love that my kids can go skinny dipping in our pool and run around the yard naked if they want to and feel totally comfortable and at home.
There are obviously so many positives to city living, but I’m happy with the choice we made for this season of life. Who knows what the future will hold!
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I really think that nothing screams “Connecticut” like a mud room! LOL. Having moved from the West Coast where there was seldom weather of any kind (this has since changed since I lived there!) back to the über seasonal East Coast– I was actually pretty excited to design our brand new Mud Room! I weirdly have always had an obsession with Mud Rooms since they’re all about organization and cleanliness– two of my most favorite things. Ha! (kidding but not kidding)
I knew immediately that I wanted to have a statement tile in our Entryway, Mud Room, and downstairs Powder Room. I recently have fallen in love with encaustic cement tile and thought it would be such a fun choice. I mad sure to keep the room really light and bright, and add warmth with some wood, natural weave and brass accents. The most important thing about a Mud Room, of course, is that it is functional!
We use our Mud Room to organize all of the shoes, jackets, boots, accessories, diaper bags, school supplies, and baby gear that come in and out of our car and garage. I like to use baskets in the cubbies to hide the more unsightly items. We have a fairly strict “no shoes” policy in our home since Major is so close to the ground these days and we want to make sure the ickies on our shoes stay out of our family space! Mud Rooms definitely have a predisposition to collect all of the random items and detritus from our homes, though, so I make sure that I stay organized so this room doesn’t become a catch-all for junk! On Sundays, I sweep through and organize– clear out the junk and make sure that the items that can be put away in other locations find their homes.
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Paint: Benjamin Moore “Chantilly”
Tile: Cement Tile Shop
Storage Baskets: Pottery Barn (similar)
Mirror: Room & Board (similar)
Potted Succulents: CB2
Umbrella Stand: Target
Kitty Cat Backpack: Skip Hop
Black Canvas Diaper Bag Backpack: Leader
Photographs by Courtney Ann Photography
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Oh hey, Connecticut, it’s nice to live in you! This week officially marks our very first week as Connecticut residents– and boy has the state been looking pretty this summer. There are so many adorable towns right on the water…including ours! The views take the concept of a scenic waterfront stroll to a whole new level. It almost feels like Paris, n’est-ce pas? I’ve been loving exploring a bit so far, and really look forward to getting to know the area like the back of my hand…one frozen yogurt place at a time. How pregnant is that? Ha!
This Taylor Maternity dress is the perfect flowy dress for an early evening stroll. I love how you can dress it up a bit with espadrille wedges as I did here, or dress it down with a pretty leather lace up sandal. Either way, it’s a great transitional piece for Fall, and an even greater (and so comfy!) piece for my growing bump.
If any of you have some recommendations for fun activities or places to visit in Connecticut, please let me know in the comments below!!
Well, we have some pretty big news today. It’s been brewing for a while, but there were so many moving parts that I thought I would wait until we were 10000% sure before I laid it all out on the table: After a lot of consideration, some tears (mine) and a mountain-load of logistics, Kyle and I have decided to move our family permanently to Connecticut! The California Martinos have migrated!
If you follow this blog (or my Instagram) you know that we’ve been in the Westchester area for the past four months– also known as the-majority-of-my-pregnancy with Baby Boy Martino! We did this to be closer to Kyle’s work as he finished out the soccer season. He works as a Soccer Analyst for NBC Sports and covers the English Premier League in a weekly studio show. This show shoots in Stamford, Connecticut. As most of you know, my husband has been traveling to do this job four days a week for the past five years.
Yes. You heard that right. Anybody with small children can probably relate to how hard that has been on me holding down the fort alone in L.A., on Kyle to be getting on two planes a week, and on Marlowe to only have her parents in the same house together for a a handful of days each month. It was terrible for everyone! In my “other life” (ok, a year ago) I was acting full-time and so I had to be based in Los Angeles to be close to all of my jobs, meetings, etc. But this blog has set us free! I can Blog from anywhere, and so as this business has solidified so has our interest in exploring a way of life that would be easier on our family. Then enter Baby Number Two (and pregnancy Number Three) and we looked at each other and knew we had to take the idea of relocation more seriously. We really felt like we wanted to be enjoying these years together, not constantly playing catch up, filling each other in, and powering through it as we had been doing for so long. Also, the idea of being along four days a week with a Toddler and a Newborn: HELL NO. Do you think I’m crazy?!
It’s been so amazing the past four months to be together so much more as a family. Kyle and I have both noticed such a change in Marlowe and her relationship with Kyle has really grown leaps and bounds. This was especially important to me, as somebody who grew up without my Dad consistently in my life– it was such a priority to have Marlowe build a close bond with hers. I also really missed my Husband! I wanted to be able to attend dinner parties with him, and grocery shop with him, and turn over in bed to feel his sleepy body warming up the bed sheets. We got married for a reason! (I’m pretty sure) So as our “bit of time” on the East Coast progressed, we started looking at homes and having long logistical conversations– and low and behold one day we found our Dream House!!
I know almost nothing about Connecticut (tips and info welcome!) but I do know that we have bought an incredible house that I am so excited to raise our family in and embark on this next phase of our journey together! We just started renovations, and we will be moving in to our NEW HOME (eeeek!) in August. I am beyond excited to take you along with me as I show you all of the changes I’m making, how I’m decorating the house, and tons of fun, crafty, and inexpensive ideas for creating that Wow-Factor. Get ready for some super fun REZTT Interiors content! Plus who doesn’t love entertaining in a brand-spanking-new space?! Party at our crib!
Of course this move and decision hasn’t been without its drawbacks and bumps in the road. Switching care providers for my pregnancy was really challenging and pretty emotional. After my miscarriage I got really attached to the providers I had in LA, and so it’s been tough letting go of the image I had in my mind of my Baby’s birth and opening my heart to it being a different way. Trusting new people can be a challenge after a loss, but I’m happy to say that I found an INCREDIBLE team here on the East Coast, and I am planning another Home Birth! (More on that later this month). It’s been so overwhelming to leave my closest friends in Los Angeles as well. As you would imagine, being without my husband a majority of the time, I really had to build such a strong little community with my Girls– and I miss them terribly. They are such a fantastic, strong, funny, and kind group of women and it still makes me sad that they aren’t just a short car ride away. I’m going to make a point of visiting often after this baby comes! There are tons of other little bumps when you move across the country with a family, of course, but I won’t dwell on them here because really what’s the point. This post is about moving forward and being joyful about the things that are positive about this big change!
And with that in mind, I’ll get to the HEA Housekeeping and a couple of Announcements:
First of all, I am launching a complete REZTT site redesign and revamp in a few short weeks!! SURPRISE!! I know I’ve been teasing it for a while, but it’s just around the corner now and I’m cartwheel-level excited for you guys to see this. It’s gonna be major!
The second announcement is that with all of this going on I am currently a little overwhelmed. Ha! I mean, a cross-country move, a Toddler, a Pregnancy, a Business, and a house renovation and complete redesign…. Overwhelmed, who? Me? YES. I want to keep bringing you the best content ever (duh) and so I’ve decided to cut my “new content” days down from Five times a week to Three times a week. The schedule will now be as follows: New content on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and once the new site launches I will send out a fun Newsletter on Fridays! Any extra content (I’m Type A, so sometimes this happens) will post on the normally dark days. I’m really excited about the Newsletter as it will have recaps, exclusive content, fashion finds, links to articles I’m loving that week, as well as totally exclusive information and announcements that only my Newsletter Subscribers will get. For example, I may or may not be planning to announce Baby Boy Martino’s birth and name to my Newsletter subscribers before anybody else hears about it! I love a Secret Club!! Don’t forget to sign up as soon as the new site launches. There will be prompts galore, so you won’t miss the chance.
Well that pretty much sums it up!! I’m so excited to take you on this journey with me as my family and I navigate a new environment and way of life! Thank you as always for being such a supportive, engaging, interesting and hilarious readership– you really do inspire and motivate me every day.
To the Connecticut Martinos!!!
xoxo
EAM
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