Issuu

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Investing in Yourself

September 2026 PUBLISHER

As women, we become incredibly good at taking care of everyone else. We schedule the appointments, drive the carpools, meet the deadlines, volunteer at school, care for aging parents, support our spouses, remember birthdays, and somehow keep all of life's moving pieces together. We show up for everyone around us often without stopping to ask what we need ourselves. Somewhere along the way, self-care became associated with indulgence. But I've come to believe the opposite is true. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's responsible. This month, we celebrate women whose lives remind us that investing in ourselves looks different in every season. For some, it's building strength and confidence through movement. For others, it's nourishing our bodies with wholesome meals, creating homes that bring us peace, or simply making time to pause and reconnect with ourselves. One story in particular is especially close to my heart. Our Pure Barre feature highlights women spanning multiple generations, each sharing how movement has impacted their lives in unique ways. Reading their stories reminded me that wellness isn't about chasing perfection or reaching a finish line. It's about showing up for yourself again and again even when life gets busy. Whether you're taking your very first fitness class, trying a new recipe with your family, tackling a home project, or simply finding an hour to recharge, every small investment you make in yourself has a ripple effect. When we feel stronger, healthier, and more grounded, we're better equipped to care for the people we love and contribute to the communities we call home. I hope this issue inspires you to carve out a little time for yourself this month. Support a local business. Try something new. Move your body. Cook a meal that makes you feel good. Walk through a door that feels a little intimidating. You never know where one small decision might lead. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes each month and for continuing to support the incredible local businesses, organizations, and neighbors who make Darien and New Canaan such a special place to live. Here's to investing in yourself, because you're worth it. Warmly, LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER @ DA R I E N N E WC A N A A N L I F E S T Y L E M AG

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com SAL E S S U P P O RT D I R E C TO R

Andrea Alderson | andrea.alderson@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Leslie Kumar C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Neil Landino

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Darien New Canaan Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Darien and New Canaan area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect

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Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Darien New Canaan Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

16 Featured

16 26

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Ask Leslie The Art of Good Taste

Your Guide to Life's Little Luxuries

Chopped Greek Salad

The perfect back-to-school salad for busy weeknights, easy lunches, and September gatherings.

On the Cover Wherever the season takes you, style follows.

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS

Road Trip TRAVEL

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

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With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

It’s Simple. Work. Life. Balance. CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • WALL UNITS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PANTRIES • CRAFT ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Call (203) 616-5847 for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801 Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 ©2026 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-28: The 2026 Glass House Summer Party, held in June, brought together the worlds of art, architecture, and design for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating creativity while supporting the preservation of the iconic New Canaan landmark. Photography by Neil Landino

C I T Y SC E N E

Photography by Neil Landino

CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

21 20

Photography by Neil Landino

C I T Y SC E N E

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Photography by Neil Landino

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SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Welcomes New Trustees The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (LMMM) has welcomed Jud Aley and Lisa Pisano Henderson to its Board of Trustees. Aley, owner of R.J. Aley Building Contractor, LLC, brings decades of expertise in historic preservation, sustainable construction, and architectural history. Henderson, former owner of Tuff Lawn, offers extensive business, nonprofit, and community leadership experience. LMMM Chairman Douglas E. Hempstead noted that both trustees will play important roles in supporting and enhancing the National Historic Landmark. Photography Courtesy of Lisa Pisano Henderson

OrthoConnecticut Celebrates New Chapter in Wilton Built on expertise and rooted in the community for generations, OrthoConnecticut recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its Wilton clinic, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional musculoskeletal and orthopedic care throughout Fairfield County. Serving patients of all ages, the practice provides comprehensive care including sports medicine, joint replacement, spine care, hand and upper extremity care, foot and ankle care, interventional pain management, physical therapy, and orthopedic urgent care.

Now Open: Mercer Medical Greenwich Mercer Medical Greenwich is a concierge primary care and executive health practice founded by Dr. Jessica Levatino, offering personalized, relationship-based care for individuals and families. Members receive extended appointments, same- and next-day access, comprehensive preventive care, advanced health screening, and coordinated specialty care. With a focus on longevity, cardiovascular and metabolic health, hormone optimization, and whole-person wellness, Mercer Medical delivers exceptional access and continuity of care. mercermedicalgreenwich.com | 81 Holly Hill Lane, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT.

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ARTICLE BY LESLIE KUMAR

ASK LESLIE Hi Everyone! Welcome back to Ask Leslie, your go-to guide for life's everyday dilemmas. September has arrived, and while letting go of summer is never easy, I confess fall is my favorite season. There's something elegant about it... the crisp air, the golden sunsets, and yes, the fashion! Fittingly, September is our style issue, and this month's letters each touch on style in their own way. Not just what hangs in our closets, but how we present ourselves to the people in our lives. One reader has a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, another wonders if her gift-giving is going unnoticed, and a third longs to feel chosen again after 15 years of marriage. True style has never been only about the outfit. It's how we dress, how we give, and how we love. So pour some mulled wine, settle in, and let's turn over a new leaf together. xx Leslie

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

I have a closet full of clothes, but I still feel like I have nothing to wear. What's the first thing a stylist would tell me to do before I go shopping? Great question! And I suffer from this too! Even after regularly donating clothes and editing my closet, I still feel like I gravitate towards the same small grouping of shoes and clothes. To best answer this question, I've reached out to (super fab) local stylist Natalie Decleve of Natty Style. Dear Style Stuck, A classic problem! If you have a stuffed closet, the fix is rarely to buy more until you understand what you have. We often keep a lot of "meh" items that make it harder to see the pieces that we love, and getting dressed becomes daunting. Go through your closet piece by piece and be brutally honest about whether each item belongs in your closet. Does it actually fit? Does it suit your current lifestyle? Do you have too many items that serve the same purpose, even if they look slightly different? Remember that even if something was expensive, it's not earning money back by sitting in your closet. And who cares what the brand is if it doesn't look good. As a stylist, I guide any new client through this process before we buy a single thing, but anyone can make a day of it on their own. As you go, you will start to see wardrobe gaps and identify what (if anything) you need to pull everything together. Sometimes, it is just a matter of spending time trying on different outfit combinations to realize that you have more than what you thought! Natalie is a local fashion stylist with 17 years of styling experience in NYC. Effortless polish is her forte, whether for events and appearances, work, date nights, or everyday attire. She makes getting dressed easy for both men and women through thoughtful closet curation, lookbook styling and wardrobe maintenance. WEB // www.nataliedecleve.com INSTA // @natty_style I never show up to a friend's home empty-handed. But one friend never acknowledges my gift after she's opened

it (always once I've left). I like to think I'm a good gifter, so I find it a little strange and a little rude. It's bothering me more than I expected. Do I say something, or let it go? Dear All Wrapped Up, You're my kind of gal, and I'm with you here... zero acknowledgement of your gifting does seem a little strange. I'm sure you're a great gifter, and even if your friend doesn't love every gift, it's still poor taste not to at least mention the thought behind it. You're being polite and generous, and that deserves a "thank you". Here's my take: you can't please everyone. If it's acknowledgement you're seeking, casually mention it over text or the next time you see her. Something simple like, "Oh hey, forgot to ask, how are the new coasters working out? I saw them and thought of you." If it continues to bother you after that, stop bringing this friend hostess gifts and save your thoughtfulness for someone who appreciates it. But also ask yourself... are you giving gifts to receive a little extra love, or purely from the kindness of your heart? Your answer matters more than hers ever will. xx Leslie My husband and I have been together for 15 years, and lately it feels like we're running parallel lives. On paper we look great. The logistics run, we get along, but I'm starting to feel more like the manager of our life than someone he's actually choosing. Help! Is this just what happens after so many years of marriage? This is not simply "what happens" after 15 years. But your letter deserves more than my two cents. A phrase like "the manager of our life" deserves real expertise. So I brought in Tiffany Florio, an intimacy expert based in Darien and the creator of 'Intimate Storytelling', a framework that helps women rebuild connection in their relationships. Dear Love Logistics, This is so common, and 15 years in, it makes total sense. At some point, the marriage turned into a to-do list and you became the one holding it all together. Nobody decided to stop choosing each other. It's just what worked, CONTINUED >

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so you kept doing it. So how do you find your way back? A few ideas: Get clear on what kind of connection is worth wanting. Name it, even if it feels awkward. You can't reach for something you haven't let yourself want out loud. Don't forget the in-between stuff: the flirting, the hand holding, the kiss and hug in

‘TRUE STYLE HAS NEVER BEEN

ONLY

ABOUT

THE

OUTFIT. IT'S HOW WE DRESS, HOW WE GIVE, AND HOW WE LOVE.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

the first minute he walks through the door. Bringing it back will remind you both that closeness doesn't have to wait for date night. And try telling him a story instead of having a talk. "We need to reconnect" lands like an agenda item. Try "Remember that trip when we..." instead. Get into the details: where were you, what were you wearing, what were you doing? "Remember that trip when we... [got lost in Chicago / biked along the beach / ordered every dessert on the menu]?" Sharing a story pulls you out of the everyday and gives you a chance to remind both of you what it feels like to be chosen. You're asking to be lovers again, not just partners, the kind who choose each other, not just the kind who get things done. More of us need to be having this exact conversation. Tiffany Florio is the Creator of Intimate Storytelling, a framework for helping women improve intimacy in their relationships. She's a wife and mom of three girls based in Darien. Want to submit a question to Ask Leslie? DM Leslie directly on Instagram (and follow along!): @ask_leslie_official. All submissions are confidential and anonymous.

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Join us for Open House Sunday, October 4 kingschoolct.org/open-house

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Strong at

Every Stage Walk into any Pure Barre class and you'll see something remarkable. A college student takes class beside a grandmother. A new mom shares a ball with a retired executive. Someone recovering from an injury celebrates a personal milestone while another person takes their very first class. Different stories. Different decades. One community. That's the beauty of Pure Barre. It isn't about chasing a certain age, size, or fitness level. It's about building strength for life and finding a community that celebrates you every step of the way.

Eliza and Eloise Sheffield

For this special feature, we asked members spanning multiple generations the very same questions. Their answers are different, but one theme rises above the rest: Pure Barre changes far more than your body.

Generation to Generation Eloise (Teen Athlete) For Eloise, Pure Barre began as a way to become a stronger athlete. As a varsity soccer and lacrosse player, she was looking for a workout that would improve strength, flexibility, and performance while complementing her demanding training schedule. What she found was much more than cross-training. Since joining in 2024, Pure Barre has become the workout she knows she can rely on. The variety of classes keeps every visit fresh, while the encouraging atmosphere makes it easy to walk through the doors each week. "It has helped me build consistency," she says. "I've always enjoyed working out, but Pure Barre became the workout I could count on to show up for week after week." Beyond becoming stronger and more toned, Eloise says the studio offers something equally important—a mental reset. She appreciates that instructors know members by name and that familiar faces quickly become part of every class. "Everyone pushes each other while also supporting each other," she says. For other teenagers wondering if barre is for them, her advice is simple: just try it. "Pure Barre is an amazing community. It's challenging enough to keep helping you improve, but sustainable enough that you can continue doing it as your body changes."

From first-time clients to longtime members, Pure Barre proves strength, confidence, and community have no age limit ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Mikayla Avallone

"I truly believe it's one of the reasons I've been able to continue improving my strength and flexibility safely," she says. Although she values every class format, from Classic to Define to Empower, it is the people who continue bringing her back. "The community is incredibly supportive," she explains. "The instructors know their clients well and genuinely care about helping everyone reach their goals." Her advice for anyone who believes they're "too old" to begin? "Absolutely give it a try. The instructors meet you where you are, quietly helping you improve without judgment. It's never too late to become stronger." Perhaps what Eliza loves most is that Pure Barre evolves alongside its members. "Every class can be tailored to how you're feeling that day. As your body changes through life, the workout grows with you."

Mikayla (20s | School Teacher & Future Pure Barre Instructor)

Eliza (50s) Nearly a decade before her daughter walked into the studio, Eliza was searching for something entirely different. She wanted a workout she could sustain for years. Something that prioritized strength, flexibility, and longevity without placing unnecessary stress on her body. She found exactly that at Pure Barre. A member since 2016, she credits the studio with helping her continue investing in her health while aging confidently and intentionally.

Sometimes the hardest workout isn't the first plank or the final tuck, it's simply walking through the front door. For Mikayla, that first step began with an Instagram ad. Having never exercised before, signing up for her first Pure Barre class felt intimidating and completely outside her comfort zone. Today, it's difficult to imagine her story unfolding any other way. Three years later, and now preparing to join the teaching team, she credits that first class with changing far more than her fitness routine. "I found a love for movement and confidence in myself that I didn't know I had," she says. What initially felt intimidating quickly became something she looked forward to each week. Every class challenged her to become a little stronger while giving her a place to disconnect from the outside world and focus entirely on herself. "Whenever I finish class, I leave feeling revived with a completely different mindset." CONTINUED >

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While the physical transformation has been meaningful, Mikayla says the emotional transformation has been even greater. "I've gained so much confidence in myself. Pure Barre pushed me outside my comfort zone and inspired me to try new things in every part of my life. It's shown me I'm capable of so much more than I ever believed." As an elementary school teacher, she understands the importance of encouragement, patience, and creating environments where people feel safe to grow. She found those same qualities inside the studio. "The community is one of my favorite parts of Pure Barre," she says. "Every class is filled with encouragement, positivity, and familiar faces who genuinely want to connect. It feels like so much more than a workout studio." Her advice to anyone in their twenties or anyone feeling intimidated about trying something new is refreshingly simple. "You don't have to be experienced, and you definitely don't have to be perfect. The hardest part is walking through the doors for the very first time. After that, you have an entire community cheering you on." As she prepares to stand at the front of the room as an instructor, Mikayla hopes to give new members exactly what she received on her own first day: a warm welcome, unwavering encouragement, and the confidence to believe they belong. For her, Pure Barre isn't about being the strongest person in the room. It's about discovering strength you never knew you had.

Long before the Darien studio opened, she drove to Westport nearly every day because she already knew she had found the workout that delivered results unlike anything else she had tried. When Pure Barre Darien opened its doors, she became one of its earliest members and nearly 13 years later, she's still walking through those same doors five or six mornings each week. "I honestly feel stronger today at 54 than I did when I started in my early forties," she says. For Kate, that statement isn't about appearance. It's about capability. "The biggest compliment someone can give me isn't that I look thin, it's that I look strong." She credits Pure Barre's unique ability to continually challenge the body as one of the reasons she's remained committed for more than a decade. As technique improves, so does the intensity.

Strength That Lasts Kate Roland (50s | Member for 13 Years) Some workouts come and go. Others become part of who you are. For Kate Roland, Pure Barre has been exactly that.

Kate Roland

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Eliza and Eloise Sheffield

"The better your form becomes, the harder the workout gets," she explains. "I've taken thousands of classes, and I still have to stop a couple of times. That's how I know there's never a plateau." While the physical benefits keep her feeling strong and flexible, the people have kept her coming back year after year. "What exists inside this studio is a genuine kindness," she says. "No one cares what you're wearing or whether you have the newest athletic outfit. People are simply warm, encouraging, and happy to see each other." Over the years, classmates have become close friends, and instructors have become part of her life's story. She's watched engagements turn into weddings, weddings into babies, and young teachers become homeowners, all while sharing countless 9:45 a.m. classes together. Her favorite unofficial role? Greeting members as they walk through the door. "I've kind of appointed myself the welcoming committee," she laughs. "It makes me happy." Kate has enormous respect for every new member, especially those who arrive feeling nervous or convinced they're "not a fitness person." "You can't judge Pure Barre after one class," she says. "Give yourself five or six classes. Learn the movements. Trust the process. It's absolutely worth it."

Looking back, she's proud of something far greater than the number of classes she's completed. For more than a decade, she's consistently chosen to invest 50 minutes a day in both her physical and mental well-being. "It's one of the best investments I've ever made." CONTINUED >

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“You don’t have to be experienced, and you definitely

Every member featured in these pages arrived for a different reason. One wanted to become a stronger athlete. One was searching for sustainable fitness. One walked through the doors having never exercised before. One has spent more than a decade proving that strength has no expiration date. Their stories are different, but the outcome is remarkably similar. They found confidence. They found friendships. They found resilience. They found themselves. That's what makes Pure Barre unique. It's not simply a place to work out, it's a community that grows alongside you through every season of life. Whether you're sixteen or sixty, taking your very first class or your two-thousandth, every journey begins the same way: with the courage to walk through the door. Because strength isn't something we're born with. It's something we build, together.

don’t have to be perfect. The hardest part is walking through the doors for the very first time.

Beyond the Barre: Myth vs. Reality

After that, you

MYTH: I'm not flexible enough. REALITY: That's exactly why you should start.

have an entire

MYTH: It's only for dancers. REALITY: Our members include teachers, moms, executives, students, retirees, athletes, and complete beginners.

MYTH: I'll be the weakest person in class. REALITY: Every single member once walked into their first class feeling exactly the same way. MYTH: I need to get in shape before I try Pure Barre. REALITY: Pure Barre is designed to help you get in shape not to expect you to already be there. Every class offers modifications, allowing you to work at your own pace while gradually building strength, balance, flexibility, and confidence. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or returning after years away, you’ll be welcomed exactly as you are.

MYTH: I’ll be the only new person and everyone will know what they’re doing except me. REALITY: The hardest part is walking through the front door. 24

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

community cheering you on.”

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YOUR GUIDE TO LIFE'S LITTLE LUXURIES

THE ART OF GOOD TASTE

ARTICLE BY LESLIE KUMAR

INTRODUCING...THE LESLIE LIST Welcome to The Leslie List, where timeless style extends beyond the closet. From exceptional hotels and unforgettable restaurants to beautiful finds and can't-miss experiences, these are the places and moments Leslie wholeheartedly recommends. When every scroll offers us another "hidden gem,” I wanted to create a place for the ones that truly stand apart...the places, people, products, restaurants, and experiences I would enthusiastically recommend to my closest friends. In short: if it's on The Leslie List, it's worth your time, your money, and your attention.

R OA D T R IP | TRAVEL

lagoon, a 500,000 gallon wonder home to some 2,800 tropical fish and 40 rays. And when the girls wanted an adventure of their own, the Reef Rangers Children's Club delivered...they came back proudly carrying art they'd made from sea glass. Then there are the rituals (I have a soft spot for tradition). At 6pm sharp, every St. Regis around the globe performs a champagne sabering, and we made sure to be in the lobby for it before dinner at Riva, where we all had an incredible meal capped by a tiramisu cart rolled right to our table. My only regret? I never made it to The St. Regis Spa. But that's the beauty of a place like this... there's always "next time." This is a brand that simply knows hospitality and does it right, every. single. time. Worth your time, your money, and your attention. The St. Regis Longboat Key is officially on The Leslie List. xx Leslie THE DETAILS: The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Longboat Key, Florida. Rooms from $900 per night. Book a Gulf-view room, stroll by the saltwater lagoon, time your evening around the 6pm champagne sabering, and save room for the tiramisu cart at Riva! GETTING THERE: Breeze Airways flies nonstop from Westchester (HPN) to Sarasota Bradenton (SRQ ) in about three hours on select days, and the resort is a scenic 25 minute drive from the airport. Feeling extra? Through the resort's Tropic Ocean Airways partnership, you can arrive by seaplane from Miami or Palm Beach, landing right on Sarasota Bay...with a Bentley waiting to finish the journey. As one does.

First up? A place that felt like the perfect introduction. The St. Regis Longboat Key. I should confess my bias upfront, though. I've celebrated my birthday at The St. Regis New York for the past twelve years. I know this brand, I love (ok, obsessed with) this brand, and my standards for it are sky high. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort soared right past them. Elegance greets you at the door, that immediate exhale of "ahh, now this is vacation!" Check-in was seamless, complete with a glass of champagne (yes, please!), and our spacious room overlooked both the resort and the Gulf. One morning, my husband and I had breakfast on the balcony in our robes and slippers, naturally, while the girls watched their favorite movie inside... a small luxury that felt like its own little spa treatment. Our days flowed effortlessly between pool and beach. The Winding River, the resort's take on a lazy river, was everyone's favorite. The calm Gulf waters made for peaceful shell collecting and floating together, with poolside cocktails and lunch just steps away. The showstopper, though, was the on-resort saltwater

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CHOPPE D GR E E K SA L A D

The perfect back-to-school salad for busy weeknights, easy lunches, and September gatherings.

Isabel Smith

September in Darien and New Canaan means school buses, packed schedules, and dinners that need to come together fast. This chopped Greek salad has become my go-to for exactly that kind of week. It takes about 15 minutes start to finish, needs zero cooking, and makes the most of the last of the season's vine-ripened tomatoes and cucumbers while we can still get them. It's the kind of dish I make for a quick weeknight dinner, pack for lunch the next day, or bring to a September gathering when I want

something that feels fresh but isn't fussy. It also happens to be one of the most requested recipes in my own house once the after-school activities start piling up on the calendar. As a Registered Dietitian, I love this salad because it's doing more than filling you up. The romaine, tomato, and cucumber are full of fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and keeps digestion moving smoothly. Olive oil and olives bring hearthealthy monounsaturated fats that also help calm

ARTICLE BY ISABEL SMITH NUTRITION & WELLNESS

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

inflammation in the body. The fresh herbs and vegetables supply antioxidants that protect your cells and support immune function, which matters as everyone heads back into closer quarters at school and work. And because the meal is so well balanced, it helps keep blood sugar steady, which supports both hormone health and the kind of even, lasting energy you need to get through a long September day. It's proof that simple, fresh ingredients can make a real difference in how you feel, not just how a meal tastes.

Ingredients (serves 4) • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 hearts of romaine, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 4 oz dairy-free or regular feta cheese (we love Violife) 1/2 cup olives, chopped 1 mini cucumber, chopped 1/3 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and prep all of the vegetables, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. 2. Combine the romaine, tomato, bell pepper, feta, olives, and cucumber in a large serving bowl. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended. 4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

5. Serve right away, or store the dressing separately if you're meal-prepping for the week ahead.

Serving Tips & Substitutions

This salad is endlessly easy to customize, which is part of why it's stayed in my regular rotation. Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to turn it into a heartier main course, or stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice if you want something more substantial for dinner. If dairy is a sensitivity, a plant-based feta like Violife keeps all of the flavor without the digestive upset; if not, traditional feta is delicious here too. A handful of fresh parsley, dill, or mint on top adds extra brightness and a boost of antioxidants. This is also a great one to prep ahead: chop everything and keep the dressing on the side in a separate container, so lunches are ready to assemble in under a minute all week. It also holds up well in a lunchbox or thermos container, which makes it an easy one to send along on busy school mornings.

Where to Source It Locally

September is actually a wonderful month to shop hyper-local for this one. The Darien Farmers Market and New Canaan Farmers Market typically run through the end of the month, and both are excellent sources for the last of the season's tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh oregano, often picked that same morning. Palmer's Market in Darien is a great stop for good olives, a quality olive oil, and feta. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, most local grocers, including Stew Leonard's in Norwalk, now carry plant-based feta right alongside the traditional kind. What's your favorite way to use up the last of summer's produce before fall arrives? I would love to hear about it.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

SE PT E M BE R 1 3T H

Cars & Coffee Darien Goodwives Shopping Center, Darien CT | 7:00 AM Experience the Cars & Coffee Darien September event, when they will be featuring cars from the Pacific Rim: Datsun, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota Acura, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Isuzu, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Genesis, Subaru, Suzuki, Thunder Power, and Luxgen. As usual, all make and models are welcome! SE PT E M BE R 1 6T H

Women’s Mentoring Network (WMN) Young Prof. Group Meetup HAYVN Darien | 6:30 PM Join a group building real relationships, supporting one another, and making a difference for women and families in our community. All young professionals are welcome! SE PT E M BE R 2 0 T H

2026 Darien Road Race & Family Fun Day Charity Fundraiser Darien CT | 9:00 AM Lace up for the 46th annual Darien Road Race & Family Fun Day on September 20! Choose between a timed 5-mile race or 1.5-mile run/ walk, then enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day. Every registration supports more than 30 local nonprofits providing food, housing, healthcare, and essential services to neighbors across Darien, Stamford, and Norwalk.

EVE N TS

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / D A R I E N N E W C A N A A N

S E P T E M BE R 2 5T H - 2 6TH

Rotary Club of New Canaan’s 41st Anniversary Lobsterfest! Waveny House, New Canaan CT | 4:00 PM This well-loved celebration will again take place at Waveny House with music and outdoor seating (indoors if there is rain) for the whole family. Enjoy steamed lobsters, lobster rolls, beef tenderloins, salmon or kids’ meal with free home delivery for orders of eight or more! Proceeds go to support grants to local non-profits! S E P T E M BE R 2 6T H

New Canaan Nature Center: Cider Saturday New Canaan Nature Center | 10:00 AM Celebrate the season with Cider Saturday at the New Canaan Nature Center! This beloved fall festival features hands-on cider pressing, apple-themed games, pumpkin scavenger hunts, campfires, and family-friendly activities. Roast cornbread, bake apples over the fire, sample fresh cider, and enjoy seasonal treats while experiencing the best of autumn in a beautiful outdoor setting. S E P T E M BE R 2 7 T H

New Canaan Farmers Market 244 Elm Street, New Canaan CT | 10:00 AM Catch the end of the summer market season! Enjoy fresh produce, flowers, pasture-raised meats, eggs, mushrooms, maple syrup, and artisan goods from regional farms. Browse specialty vendors offering handcrafted breads, pastries, seafood, bagels, kombucha, gourmet foods, coffee, pet treats, and more. Plus, hear live music from the The Parkway Ramblers!

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Join us for our 20th

Pitch Night for Female Founders

e We’r g ratin b e l e C 0th our 2 ! H HATC

Monday, October 5 5:30 p.m. at HAYVN 320 Post Road, Darien

Get Tickets!

$25 Members $45 Non-members $35 Early Bird Pricing until Sept. 21