Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
Clare: I am a Jersey Girl…I grew up in Ridgewood, located in northern NJ. After graduating college, I moved to Boston and fell in love with the area. My husband and I bought our first place in Southie the same day our daughter was born. We knew that we couldn’t fit in 1000 sf forever if we were going to continue to multiply. So, about a year and half after our son was born we moved to Milton during the Summer of 2017. When we began our search, location was a big factor. Now we can’t imagine ourselves in any other neighborhood. We’ve built so many friendships in the 2 years since we’ve moved – it is a great community!
Emily: I grew up in Western MA, and moved to South Boston after college. I met my husband in Southie and he is from Milton. We always knew that when we started our family, this was the place we wanted to raise them. We moved here in the summer of 2015 before the birth of our son Teddy.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
C: Madeline (6) Declan (4) and Leighton (5 Months) E: Teddy 4 years old, Eloise almost 2
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
C: I need a sound machine and eye mask to help me fall asleep
E: I am obsessed with Ina Garten!
What is your favorite thing about living in the area?
C: The walkability. Living in East Milton – we scored big! I love walking my daughter to and from school. I probably visit the Fruit Center a minimum of 3 x’s a week (not so nice on the wallet – but a huge perk to have a local grocer in our back yard). Going for a run – is something I love to do (although I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like!) I always feel safe and have fun.
E: I love being so close to Boston, yet still having the neighborhood, great schools, neighbors and a driveway! We also love walking into East Milton, for coffee, dinner, shopping and of course The Fruit Center!
What is your favorite thing to do with your kids around town?
C: We are big fans of the Milton Public Library and the variety of programs they offer for all ages. We live at the Town Pool (pond) in the Summer. I mean how can you turn down a thousand swim lessons for $30 bucks. We are regulars at Andrews Park but love switching it up and going to the various other playgrounds in the neighborhood. Participating in street hockey and the other recreational sports is a huge draw for our kids.
E: We enjoy going to all of the amazing new playgrounds around town. The library is always a fun time and we love to go for walks and feed the ducks at Tuners Pond.
Favorite restaurant or spot for drinks?
C: Novara has a great patio, but I’ll only go sans kids. Our back deck or a neighbors house. In the winter, my couch in my favorite sweatpants by the fireplace with a glass of Meiomi.
E: I love to cook, but when it’s time to go out we enjoy going to Novara.
What is your go to meal for your family?
C: Do Dino Nuggets with a side of fruit count?
E: Soup! We all love it, and it’s the only way I can get the kids to eat vegetables.
Anyone special you would like to thank for helping you through this journey of parenthood?
C: The hubby. He loves our kids unconditionally and puts up with my crazy. Both our parents. They are always ready to drop anything for their grand babies. Our neighbors for helping out in a pinch.
E: There are too many to thank! My husband for always being supportive, loving and hands on with our children. My family and my inlaws for always helping out when they can- not to mention my children cannot get enough of them! Also, my wonderful network of girlfriends!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
C: I work for a Real Estate Marketing firm based in Boston. It’s great collaborating and brainstorming with various vendors to successfully appeal to a target market and sell out a residential project.
E: My friend and business partner Clare and I started our business this year! In March we launched our custom monogram and embroidery business called Goldigram that we run out of her house together. We also do the embroidery and monogramming for The Nutshell- they have been so supportive and are keeping us busy!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
C: My business partner and I noticed there was a hole in the market in our little town. What we create is personal and people love to give and receive gifts from the heart. We feel honored to share in the customers thoughtfulness and create something one-of-a-kind.
E: It has been such a blessing to start a business in such a supportive community. We get so many referrals and repeat customers that are local.
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
C: Hold them, hug them, love them,
E: Always start and end your day with love.