HMN Blog – Holistic Moms Network

Allergy Relief: Tea and DIY Massage

April 11, 2024 Gretchen

If you are looking to help relieve seasonal allergies using more natural methods, try our herbal tea and a gentle massage! Tea is hydrating, which can help thin mucus and the warm steam also helps with sinus pressure and congestion. This tea has simple to find ingredients you can find at many health food stores or even grow at home! Nettles provide antioxidants and may have an antihistamine effect. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve sinus congestion. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. Adding raw honey for local pollen and sweetness finishes off this lovely tea. If you are not a fan of peppermint or want to switch things up, feel free to swap out for a slice of fresh […]

Sowing Seeds: Seed sourcing and saving

April 11, 2024 Gretchen

Some of the healthiest food we can find is what we grow ourselves. Even in the tiniest of spaces we can produce some amount of food to eat. Whether you are growing in pots on your patio, have a community garden plot or your own substantial home garden, seeds are where it all begins. In addition to the care of our plants during the growing season, the quality of the seeds we choose is important. Where your seeds are sourced from and what you grow can be just as important as how you grow it! When selecting seeds consider choosing diverse varieties to increase the genetic diversity in your garden. If you have space, plant a couple types of each […]

Celebrating Spring Equinox

March 12, 2024 Gretchen

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 […]

Elderberry Syrup

February 7, 2024 Gretchen

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 […]

Holistic Moms Network Expands Governing Board

February 5, 2024February 6, 2024 Gretchen

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 […]

Creating a Sacred Space

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 Gretchen

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 […]

Holiday Traditions

December 7, 2023 Gretchen

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 […]

Apple Scrap Jelly and Vinegar: Zero Waste Recipes

November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 Gretchen

It always feels good to make something from nothing! There are many great ideas on how to reduce kitchen waste by using what might be discarded in other ways like carrot top pesto or watermelon rind pickles. Today we would love to share 2 recipes to use your apple peels and cores, apple scrap vinegar and apple scrap jelly. As you peel and core apples for snacks or other recipes, stash the peels and cores in a container in your freezer until you have enough for one of these recipes! Apple Scrap Vinegar Ingredients: Quart/Pint Mason Jar Apple Cores & peels Sugar Water (filtered/non-chlorinated) Apple cider vinegar with mother (optional) Directions: Fill your jar 3/4 full of apple peels and […]

Happy 20th Anniversary HMN!

October 10, 2023December 11, 2023 Gretchen

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 […]

Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023 Gretchen

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 […]