Meet our new friend Melissa Tidgwell, the Cos Cob-based blogger behind ModishMel! We admire this mom of three’s sunny yet raw look at motherhood and youthful, effortless style. So when we found out she was right here in Greenwich, we knew we wanted to speak with her. Any mom who can keep a positive attitude while dealing with three kids four years old and under? On our shortlist to chat with! Here’s a little more about Melissa, her family of five and her new life in Greenwich.
When did you move to Greenwich and how did you end up here?
We moved to Greenwich in April 2018. So far we love it. I grew up in Fairfield, CT, and went to private school. All my friends lived all over Fairfield County and I had a lot of friends who lived in Greenwich so I spent a lot of my time hanging out in Greenwich when I was in high school. Truthfully, I always thought I would end up living in Manhattan, which I did for 8 years, but after having kids, the next best thing was Greenwich, CT.
And how old are your kids?
I have Vivienne (4), Eleanor (2), and Thomas Jr. (10 months).
So…you’re kind of busy! Love ModishMel—how would you describe it for those who aren’t yet following?
Thank you! ModishMel is a fashion lifestyle blog where you’ll find fashion inspiration, the must-haves and trends, motherhood advice, product reviews, beauty tips, home decor and real life experiences along with tips and tricks, and much more.I wanted to build a virtual stage and to fulfill my dreams in performing (I was a singer) plus share all that inspires me and tell my story. After becoming a mom and leaving my job in the fashion industry, I needed something for me, so that is where the idea of ModishMel came from.
You have a quickly growing following. What are your hopes for it over the next few years?
I hope to keep growing and keep staying relevant and continue to make a lifestyle brand out of ModishMel. I also am venturing into the YouTube world because video is where it’s at and I don’t want to miss out on that opportunity.
What do your kids think of your blogging and videos?
I have a lot of videos of myself, but also the kids, which is why I’m starting a YouTube channel. They don’t really understand what I do just yet, but the other day Vivienne was on her fake computer and told me not to interrupt her because she was working. I asked her what she was working on and she told me it was her blog. I thought that was cute because I want to set a good example of being a good mom, but I also want them to know they can do anything they ever want and show them by example on how to be successful.
Very cute! What’s your best tip for keeping your sanity with three kids four and under?
Find time for yourself and don’t feel guilty about it! Being a mom is all consuming and takes every little ounce of energy. It’s ok to just “do you”. If I didn’t have date night with my husband, or go out with my mommy friends WITHOUT KIDS, or find time for myself, I would be in a mental hospital.
Ha! On a related note, what are you doing to keep busy with them this winter?
I’m still trying to figure that out! We lived in Dallas for 3 years and I’m not use to having kids in the cold just yet even though I grew up in this area. If it’s not beyond freezing we still go to parks, but when weather is bad we go to the Maritime Aquarium or Stepping Stones Museum and have a lot of playdates with friends. My kids also do soccer, dance, swimming, and tennis.
And in the summer?
Summer you will find us at a pool or Tod’s Point. We also go to Nantucket for two weeks out of the summer and when home I put my kids into summer activities like camps and swimming lessons.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your singing?
I started when I was just 4 years old. That’s what my life was about growing up and what I did as a young adult. That’s who I am. I love to be on stage. I went to Berklee College of Music in Boston and I left to move to NYC to pursue my dreams in singing and performing. I got a few jobs and gigs, but nothing that paid well so I got a side job in the fashion industry to make more money, and the rest is history. I miss singing and performing every day and almost have an identity crisis because of it. Now that I’m done (at least for now) having kids, I am looking into getting back in the scene. My mom always reminds me “when God gives you a gift (my voice) you use it.”
Love that. What’s your favorite part of being a mom to three little ones?
Literally just being their mom. I feel so blessed that these three little humans call me mom. I love watching them learn as they take in new parts of this world. They are all developing such unique personalities and character traits, and I love being around for that.
What’s the hardest part?
Balancing everything—work life, motherhood, being a good wife, being a good mom, being a good friend, being a good daughter or daughter-in-law…. sister/sister-in-law, finding time for myself. I mean, you name it! I keep reminding myself to take it one step at a time, and it’s ok if everything on the list doesn’t get accomplished. I know that this part of motherhood is just a season and it will pass, so I don’t want to wish it away. I’m really trying to just be present in the moment.
Great advice. So where are some of your go-to spots in Greenwich so far?
Starbucks in Cos Cob or downtown for coffee—not too creative, but I love Starbucks.
For girls night I love East End (but really anywhere on The Ave), Little Pub, Louie’s, and Lugano. Date night is also the same. My husband and I love to get out and have fun. We have a great relationship so when we are able to get out we want a fun atmosphere…not sleepy. In the summer we also love Bar Taco in Port Chester and we also venture over to Stamford downtown to Barcelona. We also
love NYC because we lived there for 8 years and love to get out and go into the city and Greenwich makes it so accessible!
If you had one day all to yourself, what would you do (assuming you’d stay in the area)?
Wouldn’t that be a dream! My days in the winter versus summer are very different so a solo day in the winter, I would do a Soul Cycle class in the morning on The Ave. After the class, I’d grab a coffee at Starbucks, jump into a couple stores to browse the merchandise and possibly make a few purchases and then get my nails done with a nice massage. I’d also fit in some blogging work while grabbing a bite to eat at Ginger Man because I love their fries and cause I am always working. I’d run home to jump into the shower and then meet my husband for a drink at Louie’s or Lugano and then hurry home to get some snuggles in with the kids before bed and put them to sleep! I love my “me time”, but when I’m away from the littles all day, my heart just yearns for their touch!
For more great profiles of local moms, go to our Meet a Mom section!
