Around Town
Pandemic Kindergartners — Social Media Meme or A Real Cause for Concern?
As the 2025-2026 school year got underway, social media was filled with memes about the so-called “feral” pandemic babies going to kindergarten—with a tongue in cheek “good luck” warning to teachers. What challenges might these pandemic kindergartners actually be facing—or is all of this a social media trend for the sake of traffic?
Meet a Mom — Liz Plosser
If you follow Liz Plosser on Instagram, you know that she is inspiring. In this week’s Meet a Mom interview, this fit mom of three shares about her decision to step down from a dream job, parenting teenagers, finding sobriety, and more.
Bourbon Brown Butter Roasted Cauliflower
How about roasted cauliflower infused with bourbon and maple syrup as a side this Thanksgiving? It has all the flavors of the season, with less carbs than mashed potatoes or stuffing, making it a perfect side to serve all fall and winter long. Get the recipe!
Sagging Shelves & Prioritizing Expectations: A Psychologist Weighs In
Dr. Nicole Lipkin uses “a sagging shelf” metaphor for overtaxed parents taking on the heavy burdens of parenting. The holidays haven’t even started yet, and already the shelf is starting to sag with back-to-school transitions, work deadlines, kids’ sports, activities and social calendars, and friends wanting to make plans. And everyone still expects you to function like a well-oiled machine. Or at least show up with your hair washed.
Fall Cocktail Idea — Apple Cider Spritz
Cheers to Fall with this Apple Cider Spritz from the talented moms behind Habitual Hostess. This light drink is perfect for game day, holidays, and any night you want a refreshing drink that tastes like autumn.
Fall Fashion: Splurge & Saves for Moms
It’s a favorite time of year—crisp air, cozy fire pits, colorful leaves, football weekends, and of course, all the pumpkin essentials. A refreshed fall wardrobe ranks high on the favorites’ list, too! Check out a little cheat sheet to discover some fave fall looks from New Jersey’s Hudson County Moms.
Caramel Apple Recipe from Food Network’s Melissa D’Arabian
When cookbook author and Food Network star Melissa D’Arabian goes apple-picking, her go-to move with her apple haul is to make Caramel Apples. “My favorite variation is to slice them up and serve as a little ‘dessert’ alongside a cheese plate. Here’s a Caramel Apple recipe that you’ll want to make all fall long.
Meet María Felicia Kelley, Author & Founder — The North County Moms
Our parent company, The Local Moms Network, kindly took a moment to check in with me about the Halloween book I wrote, “October Thirty-One: 10/31” — part of my children’s book series, Celebrate the HoliDates® and inspired by my youngest son, Constantine.
Healthy Halloween Fruit & Veggie Board
Halloween is almost here and we are sharing an amazing festive board from The BakerMama, which incorporates much needed vegetables into an adorable design.
Celebrate the HoliDates® This October Thirty-One: 10/31
This year, carve out time to celebrate fun Halloween traditions with the book The North County Moms’ founder, Maria Felicia Kelley, wrote with her son, Constantine. October Thirty-One is a popular title in the Celebrate the HoliDates® children’s book series.