Beauty

Fresh-Faced & Fabulous

Amanda Gabbard’s Ultimate Glow-Up Guide for Radiant Skin Article by Katie Parry Dewy skin is in, and spring is the perfect time to embrace this sought-after look. We’re sitting down with makeup artist extraordinaire Amanda Gabbard to learn how to achieve an effortlessly luminous complexion. Gabbard is a celebrity makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and cosmetic educator with over two decades of experience in the beauty and entertainment industry. Based in New York City, she has worked on...

Local Services

The Farmers Next Door

Meet the Women Feeding Ridgefield Article by Katie Parry | Photography by New Light Creative Services Ridgefield, like so many towns in Connecticut, was once a predominantly agrarian community. Over the past century, however, acre after acre of farmland has been developed to accommodate its growing population.  According to research compiled by Phil Esser in Agrarian Presence in the Country Place Era , Ridgefield boasted several thousand acres of farmland as recently as one hundred years...

Real Estate

Karla Murtaugh

Turning a Leap of Faith into Real Estate Excellence Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Ashley Hutchings and Jay Graygor Karla Murtaugh is one of Ridgefield’s most recognized names in real estate—so much so that it’s hard to believe she didn’t start her career in the field. Karla’s journey to Fairfield County began in 1987. When her company relocated to Dallas, she stayed in New York after meeting her now-husband, Greg Murtaugh. She then took a position at an international optical company...

Education

Opening Doors

How Ridgefield A Better Chance is Helping Students Achieve a Brighter Future Article by Katie Parry For nearly four decades, Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC) has been transforming the lives of young people of color by providing access to an education they might not otherwise receive. The national nonprofit, A Better Chance (ABC), was founded in 1963. In 1985, a group of Ridgefield High School (RHS) students proposed bringing the program to Ridgefield. With the dedicated support of RHS...

Home + Design

Changing Homes, Changing Lives

From Custom Closets to Garage Makeovers, Liberty Closet and Garage Transforms Spaces and Supports Heroes Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Jennifer Zarine Photography Liberty Closet and Garage Company (LCG) has been in business for nearly two decades. As one of the sole independent closet and storage companies in the area, that speaks volumes about the quality of their work—and their employees.  LCG’s owner Tony Sigillito began his career on Wall Street but left finance in early 2001...

Local Services

Rowe Construction

Helping Homeowners Love Where They Live with Craftsmanship and Integrity Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Abby Cole Photography A house is often the biggest investment a person will make in their lifetime. “When you invest in your home, you’re not just making upgrades—you’re enhancing comfort, efficiency, and long-term value,” says Connor Rowe, founder of Rowe Construction. “Simple changes, like replacing windows or adding spray foam insulation, not only reduce energy bills but also...

Food + Beverage

Flobee’s Roadside Stand

Serving Up Southern Bites and Family-Friendly Nostalgic Delights Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Kate Wark Photography “When we painted the stripes, a friend texted Aaron and said, ‘I saw the stripes! They look just like a jacket I had in 1980!’” Nadia Blair recalls, standing inside the newly opened Flobee’s Roadside Stand. “And I thought to myself: Nailed it! ” Nadia, who co-founded Flobee’s with her husband, Aaron Blair, and their good friend Ric Gutierrez, spent weeks looking at...

Home + Design

Patina & Provisions

Corrin Arasa’s Journey from Furniture and Farmhouses to the Ridgefield Farmers Market Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Jimmy ienner Jr. Corrin Arasa is many things. She is a professional scene setter with extraordinary attention to detail, a creative collector of beautiful and interesting things, a savvy entrepreneur who’s started several successful businesses. She is also a fantastic hostess. One bitterly cold afternoon, we joined Arasa in her impeccably curated home to chat about...

Life + Culture

Spreading Light

Hailey’s Day of Kindness Transforms Loss into Legacy Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Various It was the week before Christmas 2019. Jill and Ryan Merolle were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter—a longed-for rainbow baby after multiple miscarriages. On the morning of December 18, Jill visited her doctor for a routine checkup. Tragically, later that afternoon, she delivered their full-term baby girl, Hailey, who was stillborn. “My husband and I started Hailey’s Day of...

Food + Beverage

Acapulco Grill & Bar

Serving Up Heart and Hospitality, the Martinez and Leal Families Offer More Than Delicious Food Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Ashley Hutchings Driving North on Route 7, you’ll pass a smattering of local businesses. There’s La Pietra, Venezia Marble, and Your Style Upholstery. Next comes Route 7 Mason Supply, Fox Hill Luxury Real Estate Services, and Shalom Barber. A Days Inn Motel soon appears—and in that motel lies a hidden gem: Acapulco Grill & Bar.  Over the years, this space has...