Darien New Canaan, CT April 2026

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D E S I G N S E R V I C E S

3 D L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n

E x t e r i o r D e s i g n

( R e n o v a t i o n / N e w Co n s t r u c t i o n )

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F l o r a l I n s t a l l a t i o n s

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Stories That Shape Us

There is something about this part of the world that shapes people quietly, and powerfully.

Maybe it’s the rhythm of shoreline mornings. The way community threads itself through bookstores, school drop-offs, and Friday night dinners. The way ambition and intimacy somehow coexist here. Whatever it is, it leaves an imprint.

This month’s cover story is a perfect reflection of that imprint.

Carola Lovering grew up not far from here and now calls Darien home. Her bestselling novel  Tell Me Lies  and its successful television adaptation has become a cultural phenomenon. But what makes her work so resonant isn’t just the drama or the fandom. It’s the specificity. The emotional nuance. The recognition that love is complicated and that sometimes the stories we are most afraid to tell are the ones that connect us most deeply.

In many ways, her fiction mirrors the emotional landscape of our region where country club summers and coastal evenings may look polished on the surface, but beneath them live ambition, pressure, and growth. It is an honor to feature Carola in this issue, not simply as a celebrated author, but as someone shaped by this community and now shaping culture far beyond it.

And speaking of impact beyond borders, this month, we’re also taking you to Florence, Italy, where Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo offers the experience of staying in a centuries-old hilltop villa overlooking the Renaissance skyline. There is something magical about perspective, about stepping outside your everyday life and seeing the world (and yourself) differently.

We are also thrilled to feature Tim Tebow in this issue. Known globally for his athletic achievements, Tim has spent the past decade redefining what leadership and purpose look like. His work through the Tim Tebow Foundation continues to serve some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. At a time when so much of culture can feel loud and divisive, his commitment to service, faith, and mission offers a powerful reminder that influence can be used for good.

Darien and New Canaan are places where stories begin, sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly but always with depth. Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for reading, supporting, and showing up.

And perhaps most exciting of all, stay tuned. We are working on something special that will bring conversation, literature, and community together in a way we can’t wait to share.

With gratitude,

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Lara Casiple | lara.casiple@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Leslie Kumar, Megan Schinella

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Brook Road Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

ARTICLE BY MEGAN SCHINELLA

Local Experiences

THE BEST PLACES AND THINGS TO DO IN OUR AREA.

SoJo Spa Club | a large Korean inspired day spa offering various saunas, heated pools, rooftop infinity pool with NYC views, hydrotherapy baths, and a range of treatments like body scrubs, massages, and volcanic sand baths. | Edgewater, NJ.

The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum | a large outdoor aerial adventure located on five wooded acres. The park features platforms in trees connected by bridges, ladders, zip lines, and rope elements you can climb through. | Bridgeport, CT.

AutoCamp | experience custom Airstreams, cabins, and adventure tents in a scenic location. Inside of a timeless 31-foot Airstream, you’ll find a bright and airy sitting room, private full bathroom, and kitchenette. Enjoy your favorite amenities, surrounded by nature. | Catskills, NY.

BLADE | fly by helicopter, a technology powered, global urban air mobility platform, cost-effective air transportation alternatives to some of the most congested ground routes in the U.S. | Westchester, NY.

Riding In Redding | horseback riding lessons, a unique, backyard barn that specializes in personalized and customized horseback riding lessons that are both safe and fun. | Redding, CT.

Megan Schinella

You only live once, make the most of it! Choose your next adventure and broaden your horizons, increase your heart rate, and try something new that will fill your bucket.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Carola Lovering:

Writing What We’re Afraid to Say

From Upper Westchester to Hollywood, the bestselling author reflects on love, vulnerability, and the stories that refuse to let us look away

Before the television adaptation, before the Calvin Klein campaign, before  Tell Me Lies became a cultural obsession dissected across TikTok and late-night group texts, there was a girl growing up in Upper Westchester, spending summer days at the country club and watching boats drift across the Sound.

That girl was Carola Lovering.

And the emotional terrain of this region. Its privilege, its pressure, its intimacy, its drama would one day become the backdrop for the stories that made her a phenomenon.

“This part of the world has always been home to me,” she says. “Even when I’ve lived elsewhere. My family is here. My closest friends are here. And as a writer, I’m constantly drawn back to it because I know it so intimately, its people, its class distinctions, its emotional undercurrents.”

In  Tell Me Lies , Lucy’s hometown of Cold Spring Harbor mirrors Bedford in subtle but unmistakable ways. The lazy summer days at the tennis club. The ease and boredom of adolescence. The familiar ritual of meeting at the pool. The scene where Lucy and Stephen take a boat out onto Long Island Sound one summer night feels almost autobiographical to anyone who has grown up in Fairfield or Westchester County.

Readers recognize it because they’ve lived it.

And that intimacy, the specificity of place is part of what gives Lovering’s work its quiet power.

The Story That Changed Everything

Carola didn’t always know she would become a novelist. As a teenager, she loved writing and reading, but she wasn’t someone with a crystal-clear career trajectory.

That changed in the aftermath of an on-again, off-again toxic relationship during and after college.

When it finally ended, she was devastated. Confused. Unmoored. Overwhelmed by emotions she didn’t know how to process.

A friend suggested she write about it.

So she did.

What began as catharsis became  Tell Me Lies,  a raw, psychologically complex exploration of obsession, humiliation, longing, and the kind of love that fractures your sense of self.

“I think many people have been in Lucy’s shoes before,” she says. “Or at least know someone who has. It’s often the most humiliating, shameful experiences that tap into our deepest vulnerabilities and that’s what connects us as humans.”

That emotional honesty is precisely why audiences can’t look away.

The television adaptation didn’t just expand her readership, it ignited fandom. As a consulting producer, Lovering was closely involved in season one, visiting the set and watching her characters take physical form. Seeing Grace Van Patten as Lucy and Jackson White as Stephen felt surreal.

CONTINUED >

“I truly cannot think of a more perfect Lucy or Stephen,” she says. “Their casting is a huge part of what makes the show.”

By season two and especially season three the response reached another level. Social media engagement exploded. The discourse deepened. And when the two leads appeared in a Calvin Klein campaign, it crystallized something.

“It felt iconic,” she says. “That was a moment where I realized this was bigger than I imagined.”

Yet what makes  Tell Me Lies culturally relevant isn’t chemistry or glamour. It’s restraint.

The show does not glorify toxicity.

“We all know Stephen is toxic and that’s the point. You’re not supposed to root for him and Lucy,” she explains. “I grew up watching shows that arguably glamorized certain unhealthy dynamics. I don’t think that was healthy for my generation. I’m glad  Tell Me Lies shines a light on toxicity instead of ignoring it.”

Why We Can’t Look Away

Part of what makes  Tell Me Lies resonate so deeply is that it captures a generational shift in how we talk about love.

For decades, pop culture romanticized dysfunction. The brooding bad boy. The push-pull dynamic. The woman who endures emotional chaos because the chemistry is electric. Those narratives weren’t presented as cautionary tales, they were presented as destiny.

Lovering’s work disrupts that.

Stephen is magnetic, yes. But he is also manipulative. Lucy is intelligent and self-aware, yet repeatedly pulled into a dynamic that erodes her confidence. The tension isn’t about whether they’ll end up together, it’s about whether she’ll survive herself inside the relationship.

That distinction matters.

In a post-therapy, post-#MeToo, emotionally literate culture, audiences crave stories that reflect the complexity of desire without romanticizing harm. They want to see the mess without pretending it’s aspirational. Lovering gives them that.

And perhaps no setting is more fertile ground for that kind of storytelling than the tri-state area.

This region, Westchester, Fairfield County, the commuter towns just outside Manhattan exist at a fascinating intersection of affluence and insecurity. Achievement is expected. Image is curated. Social hierarchies form early and harden quickly. Summers revolve around

country clubs and tennis courts. Friendships are intimate, but reputations are fragile.

There is privilege here, certainly but also pressure.

That emotional landscape of ambition, comparison, longing, and the fear of falling short seeps into Lovering’s fiction. The boats on the Sound, the poolside afternoons, the quiet, tree-lined roads: they are beautiful, yes. But they are also stages upon which identity is performed and tested.

Readers from this area recognize the subtext immediately.

They know the feeling of wanting something or someone who threatens their stability. They understand how easily external polish can mask internal unraveling. They see themselves in Lucy not because her circumstances are extreme, but because her vulnerability feels familiar.

By anchoring her novels in places she knows intimately, Lovering achieves something rare: specificity that becomes universal.

She writes about Bedford and Cold Spring Harbor, about tennis clubs and shoreline summers but she’s really writing about the universal ache to be chosen, to be seen, to matter.

And that’s why we can’t look away.

The Personal Layer

Success has changed her career but not the work itself.

“There are more eyes on my writing now,” she says. “And yes, success has boosted my confidence. But it hasn’t made the process any less daunting.”

There are no shortcuts in writing.

The joy, she explains, is in the work itself. The quiet hours at her desk, the frustration, the breakthroughs. Even when drafting feels clunky or agonizing, she feels grateful that this is what she gets to do.

At the moment, she’s navigating a new chapter in more ways than one. She welcomed her third baby in December and is on what she calls a “self-imposed maternity leave” in quotes, because writers don’t really get to turn off.

When she’s actively drafting a novel, her days are structured. Kids to school. Coffee. Emails. Then the manuscript. A thousand words a day, if possible. She writes until she hits her word-count goal or reaches a natural stopping point, closing her laptop around five when her children return home.

Writing is not a hobby.

“It’s very much a full-time job,” she says. “A job I happen to love, but a job nonetheless.”

To protect her creativity amid Hollywood attention and social media noise, she follows advice from her agent: start writing the next thing.

“Keep yourself busy creating,” she says. “That’s the best way to tune out the noise.”

When she needs to reset locally, she heads to Kaia Yoga in Darien, takes long walks near her home, or attends author events at Athena Books in Old Greenwich, Barrett Bookstore in Darien, and Elm Street Books in New Canaan, independent spaces that keep the literary community alive.

Her hometown, she says, is “community-oriented.”

That word feels fitting.

What’s Next

Her fifth novel,  Whiteout, will publish next winter. Set in Aspen, it explores motherhood, marriage, and mental health. Suspenseful, but not quite a thriller.

“I’ve been working on it since 2023,” she says. “I can’t wait to finally share it.”

“I’m currently collaborating with a studio on adapting another of my stories for TV; while I can’t share specifics yet I’m incredibly excited about this potential adaptation.”

Despite the scale of her success, she approaches new projects the same way she always has: trying to improve with each book.

At this stage of her life, raising three young children, she feels especially called to explore motherhood and how parenting reshapes marriage.

The emotional complexity never disappears. It simply evolves.

And perhaps that is what defines Carola Lovering most: a refusal to look away from what’s uncomfortable. Her advice to young writers growing up here is simple, and powerful:

“The thing you are most afraid to write. Write that.”

Because vulnerability breeds relatability. And relatability breeds connection.

From Bedford to Greenwich to Darien, her stories echo with the tension and tenderness of this region. The tennis courts. The country clubs. The Sound at dusk. The marriages under pressure. The ambition. The longing.

She writes what we’re ashamed to admit. And in doing so, she transforms shame into art.

On Writing Fearlessly

“The thing you are most afraid to write. Write that. So often what we’re most scared of sharing is exactly what people want to read. Vulnerability breeds relatability. Break through your shame and create art from it.”

Sophisticated, story-driven design that seamlessly interlaces your love story throughout your celebration.

www.lermanweddingandevents.com @lermanweddingandevents

ASK LESLIE!

Welcome back to Ask Leslie! Your guide to life’s everyday dilemmas.

I love where Ask Leslie lives in this issue — somewhere between etiquette and emotion. The questions we think are about fashion, calendars, or plane tickets are really about something deeper: connection, belonging and guilt.

Thank you for reading.

xx Leslie

When you admire a standout piece on someone, is it acceptable to ask for details — or does this cross a quiet social boundary? And does the fact that they’re a complete stranger change the rules?

I love this question. Because it’s really about style, yes — but it’s also about connection.

Before I answer, let me tell you how I found my all-time favorite coat..this might not be interesting, but I’ll share it anyways.

It was a chilly October afternoon at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street. I was wandering through the jewelry department when a woman walked by in the most beautiful coat — color-blocked wool, straight cut, high Nehru collar. Chic. Timeless. I needed it.

I complimented her first (of course), and asked where she found it. The moment I had internet access, I hit the buy button on JCrew. com. That was twelve years ago and I still wear it every season. And I still get compliments every single time.

All of this to say: when you genuinely admire something, say so!

A sincere compliment can absolutely make someone’s day — sometimes even their week. And! You also get the bonus of intel on your new favorite piece. It’s a win-win.

Now, does it cross a social boundary? Not if it’s done thoughtfully.

With a friend, just be yourself. With a stranger, lead with friendliness and a smile:

“Hi — I hope you don’t mind me saying, but your scarf is stunning and I feel like I need one. Would you mind sharing where you found it?”

The fact that they’re a person you’ve just met doesn’t change the “rules” — it just calls for a

bit more social awareness. Most people are delighted to share when you’re being genuine. Style is personal, but sharing the details? That’s usually part of the fun! (Unless you’re asking for my babysitter’s contact. That’s classified.)

— Leslie

My family and friends who have more flexibility in their lifestyles and jobs will schedule extravagant trips. How do I manage the relationship when I cannot attend these trips? I feel like I'm always turning them down. How do I come up with other ways to fuel the relationship?

You don’t have to travel far or spend crazy to create rich memories. Some of the most meaningful, luxurious-feeling experiences don’t require a passport… just a free weekend and fuel in the tank.

We are surrounded by incredible places and moments right here at home. “Extravagant” doesn’t need to be about distance and dollars — it can be about how you choose to experience it.

CONTINUED >

Here are a few of my favorite little indulgence destinations, all within an hour or so of Fairfield County. These are fabulous options to spend the day, or day and night if budget allows.

The St. Regis New York - New York, NY / @stregisnewyork

Bedford Post Inn - Bedford, NY / @bedfordpostinn

The Mayflower Inn & Spa - Washington, CT / @mayflowerauberge

The J House - Greenwich, CT / @thejhousegreenwich — Leslie

I’m an only child of divorced parents. I live on the East Coast near my mom, who’s single, and I see her often. My dad lives in Texas near his stepchildren and grandchildren, and he frequently tells me I don’t visit enough. The truth is, I don’t always want to — so I tend to avoid the conversation. How can I find a healthier balance with both parents without feeling guilty or like I’m constantly disappointing someone?

Oh, this is layered.

Being an only child of divorced parents can feel like its own emotional job, I’m sure. You’re constantly weighing: Who needs me more? Who am I disappointing this time? Who feels left out?

And I understand why you avoid the conversation, but avoidance isn’t a long-term strategy.

Try stepping into his perspective for a sec. You’re his only child. He may very well be thinking, I just want time with her while I still can. Time moves quickly.

So… at some point, you probably have to bite the bullet and go see your dad. The relationship requires presence, even if it’s not as effortless (or as fun) as the one with your mom (believe me, I get it!).

Not wanting to hop on a plane constantly doesn’t make you a bad daughter. It makes you totally human.

Consider committing to and scheduling your visits with your dad ahead of time. When it’s clear and concrete, there’s less ambiguity — and fewer guilt-filled, uncomfortable conversations to avoid.

– Leslie

Want to submit a question to Ask Leslie? Email darien@ citylifestyle.com or DM Leslie directly on Instagram (and follow along!): @ask_leslie_official. All submissions are confidential and anonymous.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA | PHOTOGRAPHY

A medieval villa-turned-hotel in the rolling hills south of Florence, where sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops and ancient gardens make every moment feel extraordinary.

Set high on the verdant Bellosguardo hill, just a short drive from Florence’s historic center, Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo lives up to its name: the Tower of the Beautiful View. Perched above the Arno Valley and its terracotta-roofed skyline, this 13th-century villa offers an unparalleled panorama that unfolds from dawn’s first light to the golden hour glow of sunset.

Originally built as a hunting lodge and family residence for the Italian poet Guido Cavalcanti, a close friend of Dante, the structure evolved over centuries into a noble villa adorned with artistic treasures and echoing with stories of Florence’s rich cultural history.

Today, Torre di Bellosguardo remains a rare blend of historic authenticity and intimate hospitality. Its 16 uniquely appointed rooms and suites occupy an estate that once hosted Renaissance thinkers. Legend has it that Galileo Galilei studied the stars from this very tower, imbuing every stay with a sense of continuity and tradition.

The hotel’s location is its defining feature: a quiet hilltop sanctuary framed by olive groves, cypresses, and meticulously tended gardens. From the terraced lawns to the poolside lounge, each vantage point presents a sweeping tableau of Florence’s skyline, including the iconic Duomo and Palazzo Pitti, framed by Tuscan hills and sky. Guests here don’t just visit Florence, they  watch it, as centuries of history rise and recede beneath the shifting light.

Stepping through the gates feels like entering a private residence rather than a traditional hotel. Antique furnishings, original frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and carved stone fireplaces whisper of bygone eras, while modern comforts air conditioning, private baths, Wi-Fi, and mini-bars ensure every stay is relaxed and contemporary.

The villa’s story is woven into the very walls: in the early 1500s, the Michelin-rated residence saw frescoes commissioned by the Roti Michelozzi family, and its grand entrance still features sculpture and art that reflect the Renaissance spirit. Later, in the early 20th

century, Baroness Marion von Hornstein-Franchetti transformed the estate into a gathering place for intellectuals and nobility from across Europe, a legacy that lingered long before its conversion to a hotel roughly a quarter-century ago.

Despite its proximity to Florence which is just ten minutes by car, Torre di Bellosguardo delivers a sense of seclusion and serenity that few city stays can match.

Mornings here might begin with coffee on a private terrace overlooking rolling hills, followed by a leisurely stroll through the citrus-woodland garden or a swim in the pool with an unobstructed vista of the Renaissance city. As the sun dips, the rustling orchard and olive groves invite guests to linger with a glass of Chianti, watching as Florence’s terracotta hues melt into twilight.

While the atmosphere is rooted in history, modern touches ensure comfort and convenience. Daily housekeeping, poolside amenities, and attentive service create a welcoming environment for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, all eager to experience a view like no other

Perhaps the city’s greatest gift to guests at Torre di Bellosguardo is perspective. Not just the physical view stretching from hilltop to cathedral dome, but a deeper sense of place and history. Here, amid the whisper of olive branches and the glow of Tuscan sunsets, Florence isn’t merely a destination you visit; it’s a vista you carry with you

Learn more at https://www.torrebellosguardo.com

BEST TIMES TO VISIT HOTEL TORRE DI BELLOSGUARDO

APRIL–JUNE (SPRING IN BLOOM)

Arguably the most magical season on the Bellosguardo hill. The gardens are lush, olive trees shimmer in soft green, and temperatures are ideal for long mornings on the terrace. Florence is lively but not yet at peak summer intensity.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER (GOLDEN LIGHT SEASON)

Early fall brings warm days, cooler evenings, and the kind of Tuscan sunsets that feel almost cinematic. The vineyard harvest season adds another romantic layer to the landscape, and the views from the tower glow in amber tones.

JULY–AUGUST (FOR SUN SEEKERS)

While Florence can be hot, the elevated position of the hotel offers more breeze than the city center. The pool becomes a welcome retreat after sightseeing, and evenings on the terrace feel expansive and celebratory.

NOVEMBER–MARCH (QUIET & REFLECTIVE)

A slower, more intimate Florence. Fewer crowds mean unhurried museum visits and a peaceful atmosphere. The villa’s historic interiors feel especially cozy during cooler months.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side— they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

APRIL 2026

events

APRIL 12TH

Cars & Coffee Season Opener

Old Kings Market (formerly Goodwives Shopping Center) | 7:00 AM

Don't miss Cars & Coffee Darien for their 3rd season opener, when they will be featuring German Marques! As usual, all make and models are welcome! Gates open at 6:30 am. To be eligible for an award, your car must be on the field by 7:30 am. Judging begins at 8:00 am, and awards will be awarded at 10:00 am.

APRIL 20TH

Monday Night Movie: "Hamnet"

Darien Library | 6:00 PM

The Darien Libaray will be showing “Hamnet" as part of their Monday Night Movie series. The film received eight Academy Award nominations for the 98th Oscars. Nominations include: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress (Jessie Buckley), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Achievement in Production Design, Best Achievement in Costume Design, and Original Score.

APRIL 23RD

The Community Fund of Darien's 47th Volunteer Celebration

30 Old Kings Highway South Darien, CT | 5:30 PM

Get ready for the Community Fund of Darien's Annual Volunteer Celebration, a tradition that honors Darien’s volunteers. The free event invites community members, nonprofit partners, donors, and volunteers for an evening of appreciation, thanking and recognizing those whose time and talent make a lasting impact on our community.

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APRIL 25TH

The Darien Foundation

Yacht Rock Benefit 2026

Wee Burn Beach Club | 6:30 PM

The Darien Foundation’s signature Yacht Rock 2026 benefit returns! Enjoy a festive evening of beachside cocktails, dancing to Yacht Rock favorites, and sweeping views of the sound. This fundraiser supports the mission of The Darien Foundation to provide capital grants that create opportunity for our youth, support our towns first responders, and enhance the overall quality of life in Darien.

APRIL 25TH

Earth Day Celebration

Grace Farms | 10:00 AM

Grace Farms’ annual Earth Day Celebration offers a family-friendly day inspired by their season’s programmatic theme, “We all build.” Explore the many ways intentional design can benefit humans and nature through hands-on activities, nature-inspired arts and learning, and endless fun for all ages, including bird watching and an art activity.

APRIL 26TH

Open-ended Art Exploration with Barbara Rucci

New Canaan Library | 12:00 PM

Famlies can drop in to come make art with Barbara Rucci! There will be 3 different art stations where you can explore your creativity. No registration needed, this is a drop-in program. This program is designed for children to explore materials and ideas on their own!

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