HMN Blog

Elderberry Syrup

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 you forage 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. […]

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Holistic Moms Network Expands Governing Board

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 […]

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Creating a Sacred Space

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 […]

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Holiday Traditions

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 […]

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Apple Scrap Jelly and Vinegar: Zero Waste Recipes

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 […]

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Happy 20th Anniversary HMN!

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 […]

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Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

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 or think about how you can grow or forage items to make your own remedies! 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 […]

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Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Gretchen

Of all the choices and stresses of bringing baby into this world, breastfeeding can be overwhelming to many new mothers. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous but sometimes the support and knowledge that parents need isn’t available.  Having realistic expectations can help families better manage the various challenges they might encounter along the journey. Ideally, breastfeeding should be initiated as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour. This early initiation promotes skin-to-skin contact, which helps stimulate the baby’s natural reflexes and facilitates breastfeeding. Newborns are alert and ready to nurse during this period, often called the golden hour. Understanding the cues and signals that indicate a baby’s readiness to breastfeed is important. Common cues include rooting (turning […]

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Lactation Boosting Blueberry Muffins

Gretchen

Bake a delicious dairy free, gluten free and nut free treat that helps boost lactation and is safe for babies with sensitivities! The traditional combination of galactagogues such as oats, flax and brewers yeast make these perfect for nursing mothers but they are great to share with your whole family too! Want to lean more about galactagogues? Check out this resource from La Leche League Blueberry Lactation Muffins 1 ¼ cups gluten free oat flour ½ cup tapioca flour ½ cup ground flax 3 tablespoons brewers yeast ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 eggs ⅓ cup raw honey ⅓ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or coconut milk 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted and cooled 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar 1 ¼ cup blueberries plus more for topping 1 tablespoons oat flour Instructions Preheat oven to 350·F. Line muffin tins with […]

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DIY Popsicles

Gretchen

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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