Recent Posts
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Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Lime Avocado Crema
Thank you to our food contributor CatwithaK Cooks for sharing this delicious plant-based taco recipe with us. Introducing new vegetables (like cauliflower) to kids can be tricky. Experts recommend serving it in a form they are familiar with (in this case, tacos). Try...
Meet a Mom, Peggy Honore
Owner, Ridgefield Travel and Cruise Planners Travel has been both a sensitive and desirous topic since the pandemic began in 2020. Having constant wanderlust, we sat down and talked to travel expert (& team) Peggy Honore, a local Mom Owner of Ridgefield Travel and...
TLMN featured in Forbes!
Apr 27, 2021,08:30am EDT|449 views This Founder Wants Moms To Feel More Connected To Their Local Communities Layla Lisiewski is a mom of four and CEO of The Local Moms Network, a platform of local resources for moms by moms. After six years at Merrill Lynch, Lisiewski...
Healthy Alfredo Pasta Recipe!
If you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your family meals, this Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta from our contributor CatwithaK Cooksis a great start. For more recipes from The Local Moms Network, go to https://thelocalmomsnetwork.com/articles/recipes/. Cauliflower...
Meet A Mom- Jenn Breznen of Mined+Found
Our Meet A Mom Monday spotlight is Jenn Breznen of Mined+Found…click to read more about this talented Ridgefield mom and her handcrafted jewelry!
Earth Day activities with Kids!
Earth Day 2021 is Thursday April 22, and all of us at The Local Moms Network love celebrating with our kids—but try to keep it genuinely fun. Depending on the age of your little ones, celebrating Earth Day may be as simple as going for a walk outside in the...
Local Earth Day Happenings
Earth Art at New Pond Farm Friday, April 23 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Channel your inner Andy Goldsworthy and join us down in the meadow to create your earth friendly works of art, using only elements of nature, your bare hands, and your imaginations. Leave your creations in...
Easy Spring Salad
Easy no-cook recipe that is bursting with spring flavors? Yes, please. Thank you to our contributor, CatwithaK Cooks, for sharing another beautiful, seasonal and nutritious dish! For more easy and delicious recipes, go to...
Rainy Day Activity: DIY Soap Molds!
This rainy day activity from our contributor Maria Provenzano is our favorite type of DIY—it’s easy enough to do with kids, but the result is cute enough to give as a gift. You can customize the shapes for any holiday or interest by simply using different silicone...
Meet a Mom, Emma Hemming Willis
Before her 12-year-and-counting marriage to actor Bruce Willis, Emma Heming Willis walked the runway as a model for some of the world’s top fashion houses, including Chanel, Valentino and Ralph Lauren. Needless to say, skincare was important to her work—and she has...
Meet A Dad- Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wimpy Kid has sold over 150 million copies, making it one of the bestselling children’s series of all times. Author Jeff Kinney is a verified celebrity in the genre, and was even named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential People. This week, we’re...
Carrot Spice Cake
Fall may have Pumpkin Spice, but this Spring, we're all about this Carrot Spice Snacking Cake. Thank you to our contributor, CatwithaK Cooks, for sharing this gluten, butter and oil-free healthy treat! Carrot Spice Snacking Cake Yield: 1 8x8 inch square cake...
Pink Deviled Eggs
These days, we're all about making holidays a little *extra*. These "Pretty in Pink" Deviled Eggs from celebrity nutritionist and Today Show contributor Joy Bauer, RD, will certainly make your Easter table sparkle a little brighter. "You can’t go wrong with eggs—the...
Cinnamon Roll Easter Bunnies
These Easter Bunny Cinnamon Rolls from Maegan, the talented mom behind The BakerMama, will do double duty as a fun holiday activity and a delicious Easter breakfast. And while you can certainly make your rolls from scratch, Maegan says store bought are perfectly...
Dr. Harvey Karp Shares How to Stop Toddler Tantrums
Dr. Harvey Karp Shares How to Stop Toddler Tantrums Anyone else feel like their toddler’s tantrums have gotten more frequent, and more intense during the pandemic? We’re not sure if it’s all the extra time at home, less time at preschool or Mom’s fuse being shorter...
Author Susan Verde on Mindfulness, Yoga & Kids!
These days, kids have a lot on their plates—and were juggling plenty even before the pandemic. Susan Verde is a mom of three who has dedicated her career to teaching kids mindfulness, yoga and happiness—all coping skills for this modern age. She’s a New York Times...
Easter Events & Happenings!
IN PERSON Easter Egg Hunt Egg-Stravaganza Mar. 24, 2021 through Mar. 25, 2021, 3pm; 4pm; 5pm Stew Leonard's Danbury 99 Federal Road, Danbury Baby & toddler, Pre-school & younger, Young elementary Free Stew Leonard’s invites children aged 8 and younger to join...
Baked Potato Bar
We’re always looking for weeknight dinner ideas that appeal to everyone in our families, from husbands to big kids to toddlers and even babies. That’s why this super simple but completely customizable Baked Potato Bar from The Baker Mama—a Dallas, TX-based mom of...
Raising the Bar- Interview with Sandy Golinkin
Sandy Golinkin speaking at Richard's in Greenwich, CT We’ve all heard the saying – little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems. One of the biggest challenges when parenting older...
Meet a Mom: Sara Alter of Moment Consulting!
This week’s Meet a Mom is Sara Alter, a Greenwich Mom and founder of Moment Consulting. We spoke to Sara about her quest to help woman reach their goals, her family life in Old Greenwich and more. Plus, she shares her local favorites (below). Can you please tell us a...
Hasselback Potato Skillet with Mustard Garlic Butter + Chives!
This easy potato dish is just a little bit of an upgrade on classic roast potatoes. Use it to introduce picky eaters to new flavors, or for your next dinner party. Thanks to our food contributor CatwithaK Cooks for sharing this go-to recipe! Hasselback Potato...
Rainbow Cheesecake
We love this colorful cheesecake for St. Patrick's Day, an alternative to a birthday cake or any time you need to mix up a little cheer. It does need to chill overnight, so grab these ingredients below and click through for the full instructions from food blogger and...
Recycled Rainbow Garland
St. Patrick’s Day Drawing
Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patty’s Day at home this year? We asked Kathy Chattoraj, owner of Future Picassos, to share a fun project for kids of all ages—see below! Older kids can use these to draw their own and younger kids can simply color in the template. To...
Gardening With Kids
Spring is finally here, and we couldn’t be happier to be shaking off the winter doldrums and getting outside again. Since we’re planning on still spending more time at home this spring and summer, gardening is at the top of our list. We found a fantastic new book,...
Motivate with Gabby Bernstein
A Conversation with Motivation Guru Gabby Bernstein! This story was contributed by our wellness columnist, Michelle Calarco. When I first heard about the concept of “manifesting,” and the idea that you can attract whatever you want, I’ll admit it sounded a...
Meet A Mom Jenn Sproule
Meet Jenn Sproule, a Ridgefield mom of four who moved to town in 2015. Jenn works at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, where she serves as Upper School English Department Chair. She loves “talking with young people about literature” through her job, and on weekends,...
Creamy Vegetable Chowder!
This comforting, veggie-filled soup comes together quickly, in about a half hour. Plus, it uses long lasting root vegetables (sweet potatoes and carrots) and some frozen corn, making it a perfect end of week, pre-grocery shop meal. Thanks to our food...
Connecticut Announces Plans to Ease Some COVID-19 Restrictions
Governor Ned Lamont announced on Thursday that in the coming days he plans to revise some requirements that were implemented in Connecticut in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when it comes to those relating to capacity levels and travel restrictions....
Self Care
Does anyone else feel like in the past year they haven’t been alone—truly alone—for more than a handful of times? Ironically, staying isolated at home can mean not being very isolated (ever!) from your kids. Without any time to ourselves, many of us are catching up on...
2021 Summer Camp Guide
With all the snow in February, our eyes are set on warmer temperatures and of course Summer Camps! Local camps are ready to make sure our kids have the best summer ever in 2021. The Ridgefield and Newtown Moms Summer Camp Guide is here to help make the decision and registration process simple for you this year. We’ve teamed up with our sister site Newtown Moms to bring you a comprehensive guide to days camps in the Greater Danbury area. With information all in one place, you’ve got what you need to keep your kids occupied this summer.
Meet A Mom- Meghan Salonia of Newtown Moms!
This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with Meghan Salonia, the mom behind Newtown Moms, one of the CT sites of The Local Moms Network, encompassing Newtown and the Danbury area. This mom of two (Isabelle is 4 and Abby is 17 months) first started following The Local Moms...
Book Club Addition- Your Fully Charged Life
Every time we interview Meaghan Murphy, her commitment to finding the “Yay” in the everyday is contagious. Her Instagram is also like a shot of sunshine, full of ideas and strategies to find joy, from workouts to mind shifts. She's also a super fun mom to three...
The Local Moms Network Book Club: Your Fully Charged Life!
Photo credit: Lauren Anzevino Every time we interview Meaghan Murphy, her commitment to finding the “Yay” in the everyday is contagious. Her Instagram is also like a shot of sunshine, full of ideas and strategies to find joy, from workouts to mind shifts....
How to Help Texas
At The Local Moms Network, we’re moms committed to helping other moms. And right now in Texas, a lot of moms are dealing with unimaginably tough conditions due to the record-breaking snowfall—freezing temperatures, homes being destroyed and lack of food....
How Divorce Impacts Children- Webinar Registration
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7gW9nW6lQ1urZM1D4urIsQ
Meet-A-Mom Interview
Laura & Gabrielle of You Can't Craft With us 1. Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Ridgefield? Gabrielle: I grew up in Ridgefield and moved back about 5 years ago. Laura: I am originally from Yonkers, NY and I currently live in...
Take on the Slopes While Skiing/Snowboarding/Tubing at One of These Local Mountains
If you’re looking to get briefly out of town and for a fun outdoor activity, why not head to a local mountain to ski? Not a skier or snowboarder?! No worries some of these places offer snow tubing!
Busy Little Hands- Activities For Preschoolers
Previously, we’ve shared all about one of our favorite cookbook authors, Amy Palanjian, the Iowa-based mom behind Yummy Toddler Food. On her blog and Instagram she shares her expert tips, recipes and real life moments that we can all relate to. In her new book, Food...
The Ultimate 2021 Sleepaway Camp Guide!
Spending part of their summer at camp is one of those amazing experiences that will stay with your child forever. Use this guide to learn about some of the top sleepaway options throughout the United States. All of them will help your child gain valuable confidence,...
Meet A Mom- Meta Ela
“Ridgefield’s own real-life design flower fairy.”
Valentine’s Day Fairy Shake!
This story was contributed by SouthOC Moms Network. Who is ready to celebrate Valentine’s day with a super sweet treat? This Valentine’s Day Fairy Shake will bring smiles to all the kiddos faces this year. Ingredients: 1 Vanilla Ice Cream Cool Whip Icee or a Slurpee...
Valentine’s Dessert Board
We love this Valentine’s Day dessert board from our food contributor, CatwithaK Cooks, and think it will for a sweet activity and family-friendly snack. Not only is it colorful and festive, it’s easy to use it as a template and go with any ingredients you have—and...
Meet A Mom-Jacqueline Lisk
Meet Jacqueline Lisk, Ridgefield Mom, writer who has a way with words that move you, make you think, connect, act and founder of JR Lisk, Inc., a content creation and strategy agency.
Easy Peanut Butter Football Dip!
This easy, no-bake dessert dip from Lynn Lilly, the talented mama behind the Craft Box Girls blog uses basic pantry ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate chips and pretzels. We’ll be making it for the Super Bowl and then again for Valentine’s Day—simply swapping...
Super Bowl Snack Board!
Super Bowl eats are known for being heavy—cheesy dips, fried wings, and rib-sticking chili. And we’re all about comfort food, but we also love to serve a little something green to go along with it. That way, there’s something for everyone, from kids to adults,...
COVID-19 Vaccine: Grandparent Visits, Travel & More!
Now that COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out natinwide, we’re starting to wonder what this means for our families and routines. How will the vaccines change visits with grandparents, who have been prioritized for immunization? And is spring break/summer travel now...
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A local version of this story originally appeared on New Canaan & Darien Moms. We are thrilled to introduce our new food/recipe contributor, Kathleen (Kat) Ashmore. Kat recently launched the CatwithaK Cooks food blog with a focus on healthy recipes that are...
9 Ways to Feel Instantly Happier!
January isn’t the easiest month under normal circumstances. In most parts of the country, it’s cold, the days are shorter, and by mid-January the luster of New Year’s resolutions has worn off. Of course, these aren’t normal circumstances at all. We’ve emerged...
Keep your New Years Resolution!
Did you make resolutions this year? And if so, how it all that going? Researchers who have studied resolutions predict that most people will slip by January 19. If you’re in that faltering group, it’s...
Mocktails
If you’ve committed to Dry January, you might be in the market for a good mocktail right about now. Sure, a sparkling water with dinner or an herbal tea post-bedtime can do the trick, but these 12 options will help mix things up. We’ve rounded up options for whatever...
Meet a Mom: Wall Street Journal’s Julie Jargon!
The second Meet a Mom of the week interview is with Julie Jargon, the Wall Street Journal’s Family & Tech columnist. We picked her brain on tech and screen time during quarantine, her career in journalism and more. Want to follow along with what Julie is working...
Detox Drink Recipe from Sara Lovestyle!
We’re all about small, easy ways to be healthier. That’s why we love this versatile twist on spa water from Sara Hood, aka Sara Lovestyle. “This infused water is a fun way to change up boring water. It helps me consume more water, and I get to eat the fruit!” explains...
Daniella Monet Talks Baby #2!
Credit:Jeffrey Fountain The last time we chatted with Daniella Monet, she was getting ready to become a mom for the first time. Her son Gio is now 1.5, and she is getting ready to welcome Baby #2 – a girl! We spoke to the actress about prepping for her new...
Where To Ski & Snowboard Within Driving Distance!
Looking to take a day trip or weekend trip to the mountain to ski, snowboard or even go tubing? There are plenty of options within driving distance. Check out our Skiing & Snowboarding Resource Page for a list of mountains for day trips, weekend trips, those that...
Meet a Mom, Dr. Bre Haizlip
Recently, Bre Haizlip (“Dr. Bre”) gave an end of year motivational Zoom talk to the moms of The Local Moms Network. We all loved her down-to-earth advice and her commit to helping woman. For this week’s Meet a Mom interview, we spoke to Dr. Bre about her counseling...
9 New Year’s Eve Cocktails & Mocktails!
Cheers to 2021, from our families to yours! And a special toast to you, Moms, for shepherding your herd through everything that you’ve been thrown. We hope you’ve been able to find true silver linings, from more quality time together to gratitude. Here’s a shortlist...
10 Family-Friendly Staycation Ideas!
Bummed about having to stay close to home this holiday season? We hear you. So many of our us are skipping family travel for the holidays or winter break. We hope these “staycation” ideas give you inspiration for this week, and the rest of the winter. Hide Those...
Easy Holiday Recipe: Gingerbread Man Cake!
This recipe was provided by The Local Moms Network Contributor Host to Perfection. Cake recipes that start with a box mix are some of our favorites. This one simple shortcut helps you take more time for decorating your creation (in this case, with pre-made...
Holiday Gift Wrapping
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that simple things can matter the most. That’s why we’re taking a bit more care with our gift-wrapping this year—to make the holidays as joyful as possible for our kids, family and friends. We turned to lifestyle expert Caryn...
Gift Wrapping 101
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that simple things can matter the most. That’s why we’re taking a bit more care with our gift-wrapping this year—to make the holidays as joyful as possible for our kids, family and friends. We turned to lifestyle expert Caryn...
DIY Hot Chocolate Bombs!
Hot chocolate bombs are having a moment, and with good reason. They’re a perfect stocking stuffer, they’re cute enough to be Instagram-worthy, and they’re delicious. We love this simple DIY version from The Local Moms Network contributor Maria Provenzano. Order...
Caryn Antonini- Winter Wonderland Inspiration
We’re all celebrating in different ways this year, but we also all have the same “mom goal” as we do for every holiday—make the holidays magical. That’s why when we saw these gorgeous photos from New Canaan, CT-based lifestyle expert Caryn Antonini, we knew we had to...
Meet A Mom- Elizabeth Berkley
Have you been watching the new “Saved By the Bell”? To put it simply, this is the show 2020 needs—a healthy dose of humor and nostalgia, and a perfect choice to watch together as a family. We spoke with Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, who became a familiar face to 80s and...
2020 Christmas Shipping Deadlines to Remember!
The holidays are around the corner and when purchasing the perfect gift for loved ones… we all want to make sure they arrive in time! Scroll down for a look at the shipping deadlines to keep in mind if you want to get your package to loved ones in time for Christmas!...
Celebrate Hannukah
Happy Hannukah to all who celebrate! Whether you’re connecting with family via Zoom, getting together a small group or hosting a holiday meal outside, these recipes will help make this Hannukah memorable. From latkes to brisket, there is something for everyone....
2020 Holiday Gift Guide
Our 2020 Holiday Shopping Guide is Here! Shop local ideas for the whole family.
Elf on the Shelf: 5 Easy Tips to Make It Less Stressful
Courtesy of Elf on the Shelf To read our interview with the founders of Elf on the Shelf, click here. Like basically everything in parenting, Elf on the Shelf can be a blessing and, well, a curse. The cute little guy (or gal) creates instant opportunities for...
Giving Tuesday for Ridgefield resident, Conner Curran
https://kindnessovermd.kindful.com/?campaign=1097728 Giving Tuesday is still going NOW! Your generosity will definitely transform Ridgefield resident, Conner Curran’s world and so many children with Duchenne. Every donation TODAY up to $30,000 will be DOUBLED by a...
Celebrate With Our Cocktail Lineup
Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe
This holiday season will probably look a little different for most of us. We might not be hopping on a plane to the in-laws, or maybe we’re setting fewer spots at the table for a more intimate meal. Some of us will be hosting our holidays outdoors, while others will...
Social Distance Entertaining Ideas!
This story was provided by our contributor Host to Perfection! As we approach the holidays, a highly entertaining time of the year, we need to stop and thoroughly think about how to host in the era of COVID-19. It will be a unique holiday season!! It can be extremely...
Meet A Mom, Amy Pal
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town? Although I grew up in Connecticut, I moved away after high school. I met my husband Kevin Manley while working for the same company in Seattle, and together we moved to London so that I could pursue...
DIY Thanksgiving Balloon Parade
This DIY Thanksgiving Day Balloon Parade from The Local Moms Network contributor Maria Provenzano is perfect for anyone swapping their traditional parade tradition for more social distance-friendly activities this year! DIY Thanksgiving Day Balloon Parade ...
Meet – A – Mom Alison G. Waldmann
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town? I grew up in South Salem, NY. Because South Salem was such a small, rural town, we always went to Ridgefield for shopping, dining and the movies. I currently live in Sherman, the hidden northern tip...
Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
Get ready for the holidays with this delicious dessert from, One Potato.
Meet the Leading Ladies of Bella Soiree, Kelly York and Heather Cody
Simple, magical, elegant event styling/dining/tenting…under the stars or cozy and safe inside your home with your loved ones.
Greek Salad Hummus from Beach Cities Moms!
We’re about to head into the holiday season, and if you’re like us, that usually means diving into some delicious and decadent food, from frosted cookies to festive cocktails. Now, 2020 can use all the help it can get, so we’re not suggesting you skip any of that. But...
Meet A Mom- Dr. Brittny Howell
“The Ridgefield Moms community has been open and supportive from the moment my family first moved to town from DC. I am encouraged, educated and entertained by at least one Ridgefield mom every day, and, more importantly, so are my children.”
Rafael Magana M.D.: Experienced Cosmetic Surgeon in Riverside!
If you’ve considered giving yourself the gift of plastic surgery this year, Dr. Rafael Magana is a highly skilled and trained doctor located right here in Riverside, CT. He has NYC training and 13 years of postgraduate experience in cosmetic surgery. He even practiced...
Meet a Mom: Sharon Feldstein of YourMomCares!
Recently we had the opportunity to chat with Sharon Feldstein, a dynamic mom who is co-founder, CEO and the visionary behind YourMomCares (YMC). This amazing organization was founded by Sharon and her lifelong friend Patsy Noah and Terria Joseph; these women are moms...
Maple & Cinnamon Roll Pancakes!
Cinnamon rolls are a favorite holiday treat, but the maple-infused pancake version below, from Nicole Washington—the talented mama behind the Brown Sugar blog—is a perfect Fall breakfast. It uses simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry—including...
Scout and Cellar
Have you heard about Scout & Cellar? It’s a clean-crafted wine that moms across The Local Moms Network are loving. Clean-crafted wine, if you’re not familiar yet, is held to a higher standard than your usual vino. For instance, there are no synthetic pesticides,...
Meet an Entrepreneur – Hilary Olivier, DPT Co-Owner, Pure Barre Ridgefield
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Ridgefield? I was born and raised in Northern California. I moved to Brookfield, Connecticut in 2008 to be with my husband and start my career in Physical Therapy. I...
Music Together of Fairfield County
Looking for a fun, educational, engaging and social activity for your child ages 0 – 10 ? Want to meet other moms and kids ? Join a Music Together of Fairfield County class outdoors, in your backyard/pod, or online and have fun singing, dancing and making music with...
Pumpkin Picking!
Pumpkins are popping up everywhere over the course of the last few weeks. Whether you are looking for a pumpkin patch or a gardening center, pumpkin picking is the perfect activity for cool (or warm) Fall day. Below is a list of local spots selling pumpkins. Please be...
Fall Fashion
Fall Mom Fashion: From School Drop Off to Apple Picking! This story was contributed by Kristin Koch, executive editor at Seventeen magazine, blogger behind closetfulofclothes.com and mom of two. Fall is one of my favorite seasons to dress for. There’s nothing better...
Classic, Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe from Maria Provenzano!
We’re calling it now—pumpkin bread is the new banana bread. And besides the fact that it is a delicious fall treat, the beta-carotene in pumpkin (converted to Vitamin A in the body) is a true powerhouse vitamin. It boosts the immune system, promotes eye health and...