
A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
Interview - Fit4Mom of Fairfield
Many of our clients come to House to Home because they not only want to take back control of their space, but they often want to take back control of their lives. Exercise and staying healthy can be hard for busy people and when you add kids to the equation forget about it. We spoke with Courtney at Fit4Mom for one possible solution to finding the right balance.
Many of our clients come to House to Home because they not only want to take back control of their space, but they often want to take back control of their lives. Exercise and staying healthy can be hard for busy people and when you add kids to the equation forget about it. We spoke with Courtney at Fit4Mom for one possible solution to finding the right balance.
For the busy parent, what is Fit4Mom?
FIT4MOM is one stop shopping for the mom looking for a workout, a network of friends for her and her little ones and a supportive village to lean on through all stages of motherhood. As the nation’s leading provider of fitness programs for Moms (Fit4Baby, Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Body Back and Run Club) we are dedicated to Strength in Motherhood. Here, women have the opportunity to have a workout and support that is flexible around motherhood!
How did you get started with company?
I discovered FIT4MOM right after I had my first child in 2011. As a brand new (and slightly terrified) mom, a colleague of mine encouraged me to meet her one morning at the Stamford Town Center for a class for moms and their babies called Stroller Strides. Being slightly skeptical and very nervous, I ventured out with my then 6 week old son. I mean was I really going to get a workout? What if my baby cried or was hungry? Do I need a jogging stroller? I had ALL the questions. And no sooner than the first five minutes of class did I know I found my lifeline as a new mom!
The women were kind, engaging, approachable, knowledgeable, authentic. There were moms with brand new babies like me, pregnant moms and veteran moms who had two or more children. The moms were of all fitness levels (and the workout was accessible for everyone) but most importantly, they were a wealth of mom knowledge and an instant village that I needed as a new mom! Our days and routines began to revolve around getting to Stroller Strides. It gave my baby and I a routine, something to look forward to, a great way to stay active without leaving my him and a place for me to connect with other women. Four months into this whole motherhood gig, an opportunity to get certified and start teaching Stroller Strides classes arose and I knew I had found a way to extend my maternity leave from my teaching and coaching career.
Fast forward to my son’s first birthday and we moved from Stamford to Fairfield and my biggest concern, “what was I going to do without Stroller Strides down the street?" For a while, I continued to drive down to Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk (during rush hour) to attend and teach classes and then I got pregnant with my second. As much as I loved my village down in Stamford and Greenwich, I knew I needed one in my own town. We loved Fairfield but the one thing that was missing was Stroller Strides. So at 8 months pregnant with baby #2, I took a huge leap and purchased a FIT4MOM franchise. And this Spring, we are celebrating our 4 Year Anniversary!
Where are the classes held?
We currently have classes 6 days a week at various locations in Fairfield and Trumbull. During the warmer months (typically mid-April through mid-November) you can spot us at Veterans Park or Owen Fish Park in Fairfield and Twin Brooks park in Trumbull. During the colder weather months we hold classes at the Trumbull Mall before it opens (9am – 10am) and the Field House at Sportsplex in Fairfield.
How does it work with the babies and kids?
During our Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre classes, the babies and kids (ranging anywhere from 6 weeks to typically 4 or 5 years of age) are buckled into their strollers. Each 60-minute workout is comprised of strength training, cardio and core restoration, all while entertaining little ones with songs, activities and fun! You will see the moms lunging and tickling toes, sprinting towards excited little ones ready to give high 5’s and kisses, planking for the duration of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”, moms singing nursery rhymes as they use their resistance bands and more! Our instructors arrive each day with a functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow which means an arsenal of puppets, bubbles, games and songs which allow the moms to leave class feeling connected, successful and energized! No more mama guilt! This class is all about self care in a supportive and encouraging environment. After all of our classes it’s the kids turn to play! We host weekly themed playgroups for the little ones and when we are outside the kids head to the playground. The moms with little ones get to hang out on the mats and blankets and connect and really make it a full outing each morning.
Which class is the most popular?
Our Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre classes are definitely the most popular as they are the backbone to FIT4MOM. However, our Body Back program which is our moms only 8 week results based high intensity interval program and our Run Club provide great opportunities for moms who have returned to work or no longer have stroller aged children to take their fitness level to the next level and stay connected to our FIT4MOM Village!
Any interesting tales from the trenches mixing young ones and exercise?
I love this question because no class is ever the same, just like parenting young kiddos! A Stroller Strides or Stroller Barre class is never complete without spilled snacks, a fussy baby, a tired toddler, a sleep deprived mama, a mom who needs to pause their workout to nurse or feed their baby, some spit up or the occasional tears, you name it, we’ve seen it. Beyond the tough moments, you will see kids imitating the exercises and stretches that we did in class, an instructor rocking a fussy baby so that mama can get her workout in, little ones cheering their moms on (or telling them to run faster), little ones meeting and looking forward to seeing their best buddy, and some genuine mom and baby bonding! That’s what makes our classes so unique and special! Motherhood is hard! We are all moms (instructors included) and we get it! We pride ourselves on creating a safe space for all moms and their little ones to come together, support one another and truly provide the strength for motherhood all while knowing that #themotherhoodisreal.
Interview - Cozi
One of the main factors that determines why we get called to in to help people is that they are busy. If you add parenting to the mix finding the time is especially hard. We spoke with Kati at Cozi for some thoughts on how technology can help you stay organized.
One of the main factors that determines why we get called in to help people is that they are busy. When you add parenting to the mix, finding the time is especially hard. We spoke with Kati at Cozi for some thoughts on how technology can help you stay organized.
For busy parents, what is the best way to describe Cozi?
Cozi is a mobile app and website designed to keep busy families organized. Cozi has a shared calendar and lists that everyone in the family can see and update from any mobile device or computer.
What is the Cozi origin story?
You can find some of it here. The founders knew they wanted to design and build technology products for families, and when they were doing initial in-home visits, they kept hearing about the difficulties families had with keeping track of their busy schedules. So Cozi was born as a way to use technology to make family life simpler.
Besides the calendar function what other features does it have?
Cozi has a Shared Calendar, Reminders and Event Notifications, Shopping Lists, To Do Lists, Recipe Box, Meal Planner, and Family Journal. The premium version also offers a Birthday Tracker, Contacts, and other premium features like Shopping Mode and Mobile Month View.
What is the family journal?
The Cozi Family Journal is a fast and simple way to keep memories and fun everyday moments, so you can enjoy them again and again. You can save an image and jot down a memory to capture a family moment.
What is Club Cozi?
Club Cozi is our social ambassador program where members share news and stories from Cozi in their social media channels. Members use and love Cozi and want to share it with their friends.
In terms of feedback what feature seems to be most popular?
Most families come to Cozi to use the Shared Calendar. Multiple, busy schedules are part of family life, and keeping them all on one calendar is the best way to stay on top of it all. And families can rely on Cozi to send reminders, notifications, and daily agenda emails to the right people in the family. The grocery list is very popular too!
Interview - The Undies Project
At House to Home we are big on donations. About half of our clients have a difficult time letting go of items, but knowing that it will go to someone in their community helps easy the transition. We spoke with Laura & Lucy at The Undies Project to learn about how we can all help those in need.
At House to Home we are big on donations. About half of our clients have a difficult time letting go of items, but knowing that it will go to someone in their community helps easy the transition. We spoke with Laura & Lucy at The Undies Project to learn about how we can all help those in need.
For the busy person, what is the best description of the Undies Project?
The Undies Project is a unique nonprofit that collects and distributes new underwear to men, women and children in need.
What is the origin story, how did it start?
The Undies Project was set up in November 2015 by Lucy Langley and Laura Delaflor to fulfill the basic need of new underwear among our low income neighbors. Underwear is the most under donated, and most needed, item of clothing. Hygiene and physical comfort are only a part of this basic human need. New, clean underwear also provides dignity and self esteem.
How do people donate (drop off) and what type of donations are you looking for?
We receive donations of new men's, women’s and children underwear of all sizes as well as new and gently used bras. Donations can be mailed to 10 Steep Hollow Lane, Cos Cob CT 06807 or can also be dropped off at the following permanent locations: Wesport: Soleil Toile (24 Post Rd. E), Greenwich: Inside the Armoire (45 E Putman Ave) or Stamford: Professional Physical Therapy (83 Harvard Ave.).
You suggest holding a donation party, what is that?
A donation party is a cool party with all your cool friends and instead of a hostess gift you ask your friends to bring a donation of a pack or packs of undies to give to those in need. After the party you can mail us your collection to 10 Steep Hollow Ln, Cos Cob CT, 06807, or let us know you have humongous collection and we will arrange for a quick pick up. Thank you in advance for holding a donation party! : )
Any interesting tales from the trenches since you deal with unmentionables?
Most of our stories are on the sad side, so I’m only going to share the most recent one of when someone came up to us and in a very low and ashamed voice said, “ Thank you so much for what you do, you can’t imagine what it is like to go to work with disintegrating underwear, your generosity helps me feel better about myself and with this I can do my work better”.
This basic human need that our low income and homeless neighbors have, has been overseen for so many years. It is time to start talking about it and taking action!
Interview - Artkive
Many of our clients have children at home and a common question we get asked is, what do I do with my kid's artwork? We turned to Jedd at Artkive for one possible solution.
Many of our clients have children at home and a common question we get asked is, what do I do with my kid's artwork? We turned to Jedd at Artkive for one possible solution.
For the busy parent, what is the easiest way to explain what Artkive is?
Artkive solves the problem of what to do with all the art and school work kids bring home. Parent feel bad throwing it away and it usually ends up stuffed in a box. With Artkive it’s easy to turn all those memories into beautiful keepsake books by using the Artkive app and doing it yourself or the Artkive Box service where we professionally photograph it all for you.
What is the Concierge/ARTKIVE BOX service?
For parents who don’t want to Artkive themselves, the Artkive Box is a great solution. We’ll ship you a box to fill with your art. Use the UPS shipping label we provide to send it all back to us and we’ll then professionally photograph, edit, tag, and load all the art to your account. One of our designers will create a book proof for your review and when you’re happy, the book will be printed and shipped to you.
What are products one can create from the saved artwork?
Artkive images can be turned into books, calendars, beach towels, aprons, mugs, puzzles and more.
My child doesn't just have flat paper art, but large sculptures and over-sized posters, how does that work?
If using the Artkive Box, depending on the size of the art, you can either carefully wrap and ship it to us, or you can take pictures of the art and load them directly into your Artkive account to be combined with the art you send us. You can also just email us pictures you’ve taken and we’ll take care of the rest.
Does someone at Artkive inspect the photos to identify the next Picasso?
Millions of pieces of art are loaded into Artkive so we’re not looking through them for the masterpieces, but you never know which young artist will turn into the next Picasso, Rembrandt or Basquiat. Imagine if Picasso’s mom had been able to use Artkive to store his childhood art!
I assume Artkive is a play on the word Archive, does anyone offer other thoughts on the subject?
Nope - people do seem to like the name as it tells you exactly who we are and what the company does.