Celebrating Spring Equinox

As winter bids us farewell and the days begin to stretch longer, we approach a significant celestial event—the spring equinox. This moment marks the balance of light and dark, as we transition into a season of renewal and growth. At the coming equinox on March 19th, 2024 everyone worldwide will experience nearly equal amounts of day and night, with the sun rising due east and setting due west. Celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries, the spring equinox, also known as Ostara, is a period of joyous celebration. It signals a powerful time to realign our energies with the rhythms of the Earth and welcome the new beginnings that this season brings. It’s a time to honor the awakening […]

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Elderberry Syrup

Make your own elderberry syrup to support your families immune system! The antioxidant rich elderberry provides immune support while honey adds sweetness and is a natural preservative. Ingredients 2/3 cup dried organic elderberries (double amount if fresh!) 3 cups water 2+ Tbsp fresh ginger 2 cinnamon sticks 2 tsp cloves 1 cup local raw honey Directions Add water, dried elderberries, fresh grated or diced ginger and cinnamon sticks to a pot and bring to a low simmer. Do not boil. Allow to simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes until liquid has reduced by half Allow to cool and then squeeze through milk bag. Add local raw honey and mix well. Add to a 16 oz mason jar. Keep refrigerated. Best used […]

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Holistic Moms Network Expands Governing Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2024 CONTACT: Andria Somers, andria@holisticmoms.org  HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK EXPANDS GOVERNING BOARD New Trustees to infuse energy and knowledge to help organization grow [Caldwell, NJ] [February 6, 2024] – Celebrating two decades of commitment to holistic parenting and green living, the Holistic Moms Network (HMN) is excited to announce a significant expansion to its Board of Trustees. Joining existing Trustees Barbara Arango, CAE, Michael Connolly, and Rajae Nami, along with Executive Director Andria Somers, are two distinguished members, Kate Birch, RSHom, CCH, and Stacy Cook, LOT, CCH. This dynamic team is set to lead HMN into a transformative era of growth. As part of the expansion, both Ms. Cook and Ms. Birch bring extensive expertise as certified homeopaths […]

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Creating a Sacred Space

For many of us January is the time that we make resolutions to improve our lives, to eat better, exercise, and improve our relationships. What if instead of pushing harder we could set ourselves up to more effectively reach our goals? Our living environments have a profound impact on our well-being, influencing our emotions, thoughts, and overall energy. Beyond the aesthetics, creating a sacred space allows us to intentionally shape an environment that nurtures and supports our individual journey, providing a refuge from the demands of daily life. This could look like a meditation corner bathed in natural light or a cozy reading nook adorned with soft blankets and essential oils. These purposeful spaces become sanctuaries for rejuvenation, relaxation and […]

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Holiday Traditions

by Nancy Peplinsky – HMN Founder Each year it seems that the holiday season creeps up faster and faster. Stores begin decorating for Christmas before the arrival of Halloween and the sheer commercialism of the season seems to take hold. Between planning, decorating, shopping, cooking, and juggling our everyday lives, the season often seems daunting and overwhelming. When we look back on holidays past, it is never this busy-ness that we recall fondly, but treasured traditions and time with friends or family that warm our hearts. It is time for all of us to let go of the holiday crazy and to rediscover the simpler, more memorable parts of the season to share with our children. Growing up my best […]

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Happy 20th Anniversary HMN!

Dear Holistic Moms Network Community, What a time of gratitude it is as we come together to celebrate two decades of nurturing, supporting, and empowering our incredible community! I am honored to have been a part of the journey for the past 11 years as a member, a volunteer, and as Executive Director. From the moment our nonprofit was founded, it became clear that we were not just creating an organization; we were building a family. The love and care that each one of you has poured into our community has made it into a haven of holistic wellness, support, and immense compassion. For two decades, we have been on a shared mission to create a healthier, more harmonious world […]

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Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

The change in seasons to fall often brings illness., but simple natural remedies and techniques can help provide relief and boost your immune system. Many plants and substances found in nature have been used for centuries to alleviate cold and flu symptoms and promote a speedier recovery.  Look through our round up of simple ideas to find something to support your wellness this season Boost Immunity Work on the forefront to prevent illness to begin with!  Proper sleep, diet and hydration can support your body’s ability to fight off infection swiftly and with fewer symptoms. Certain plants and herbal supplements are beneficial to consume to help support your immune system. Garlic is not just a kitchen staple; it’s a natural […]

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DIY Popsicles

Popsicles are a cool and healthy treat for kids and adults during the summer and are super quick and easy to make. Prep after breakfast for a late afternoon snack or freeze overnight. Stainless steel and silicone molds are available to make creating pops super simple but you can use what you have around the house too! Muffin tins, recycled yogurt containers, ice cube trays and even loaf pans work. Just partially freeze your popsicle mix then add a popsicle stick to the mixture. Loaf pans can be sliced into individual servings after removing. Here are 2 recipes you can try. Share with the family or make them an adult-only treat with an alcohol addition! Watermelon Lime Popsicles 3 cups […]

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Around the Table

by Nancy Peplinsky, Founder Holistic Moms Network Above my over-sized dining room table are the words “The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table.” Growing up, my parents were relatively flexible in their parenting style but were strict about always sitting down to dinner as a family. The dinner table was a place not only to enjoy a meal, but a place of connection, conversation, and exploration. My father was ever the scholar and always intellectually curious. As a passionate teacher of the humanities, he brought his interests in art, literature, language, history, and philosophy to the table, quite literally. Dinner conversation could extend hours beyond the completion of a meal, debating life’s great questions, comparing interpretations of […]

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Nineteen Years of Gratitude and Community

by Nancy Peplinsky, Holistic Moms Network Founder Parenting can be a lonely job. Raising a child often means putting aside your own desires and choices to dedicate your time to the care of another. In the early days of parenthood the demands can be exhausting. Feeding and caring for your new babe on little sleep and almost no personal space or time can be alienating and exhausting. Among moms we joke that the newborn stage is being “in the trenches”. Showering, ha! Getting dressed? Makeup? Laundry? Nope. “Is it like this for everyone? Why is it so hard?, we ask ourselves. We get enveloped in a fog of sleeplessness and exhaustion. Waves of challenges lie ahead – weaning, schooling, behavioral […]

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