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Meet a Mom: Payton Reynolds of TimberNook of Greater Omaha

Meet the mom who brought TimberNook to the Omaha area. She believes that if we allow children uninterrupted time and space in nature, they will grow and refine their unique gifts and qualities in ways that we could never imagine.

Meet a Mom: Tracy Shevell, MD & Founder of Blue Moon Perinatal

Othe last five years, she’s noticed it’s become harder to give moms-to-be and new moms all the attention and support they need and deserve. To fill the gap in care, Dr. Shevell recently launched Blue Moon Perinatal, where she can offer one-on-one sessions to clients as a “bonus doctor” to support them in conjunction with their primary OB-GYN.

Money Saving, Environmentally Friendly Resusables

Switching from one time use items to reusable items could potentially shorten your week to week shopping list, save the environment by creating less trash, and save you money.

Small Business Saturday: Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch

Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch is a family favorite for so many in and around the Northeast Nebraska area. Chances are you’ve been there already or you know someone who has gone! They are open in the fall and in the spring for families to visit. And they are continually making improvements and additions to the farm.

Meet a Dad: Skier Bode Miller!

Skier Bode Miller is a gold medal-winning five time Olympian, a dad of eight and a tireless advocate, with his wife Morgan, for pool safety.

Northeast Nebraska Easter Egg Hunts & Events

Do you want to take the kids out for Easter Egg Hunts but you aren’t sure where to start? We rounded up all the events we could find and put them in one easy to read list. Make sure to head to our events calendar to find more details about each event.

Meet a Mom: Cassandra Freeman of Bel-Air!

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 90s, and launched Will Smith’s career, pre-Men in Black. On Super Bowl Sunday, with Smith as Executive Producer, the show returned as a modern drama, Bel-Air, on the Peacock Network.

Small Business Saturday: VR Game Truck Nebraska

Our March Small Business Saturday is on the blog today featuring VR Game Truck Nebraska and owner, Michael Dale. VR Game Truck Nebraska is a new business that started in 2021 in Norfolk and serves the entire Northeast NE corridor as well as parts of South Dakota and Iowa.

Board Games Your Family Will Love!

Having a few good board games on rotation is a great idea whether your kids are toddlers or teens. Too cold to spend much time outside? Kids home sick? Need to enforce a screen time break? Board games are a solution to all of these.

Leprechaun Snack Board!

We love a good snack board, and one that’s cute enough for a party and gets our kids to eat more veggies? That’s like finding a pot of gold.

Meet a Dad: Paralympic Snowboarder Noah Elliott

The Beijing 2022 Paralympics will run from March 4 to 13, 2022, and one of the athletes we’ll be following for sure is Noah Elliott. Four years ago in Pyeongchang South Korea, this Paralympic Snowboarder won the gold medal in the banked slalom event and a bronze medal in snowboard cross.

6 Great Indoor Toys that Promote Movement

We’re sharing six of our favorite toys that allow kids to move indoors, still get their wiggles out, and don’t break the bank or drive us too crazy.

Mess-Free Arts & Crafts

We love to see our kids get creative, make art, play, and proudly show us their masterpiece. What we don’t love so much? The mess. So when we stumbled across a post about Less Mess Arts & Crafts for Kids from Home with the Harrisons (a lifestyle and parenting blog from Lindsey Harrison of New Canaan & Darien Moms) we *had* to share.

2022 Nebraska Summer Camp Guide

We have so many great camps right here in Nebraska for the kids to go to this summer. They’ll get a chance to be unplugged, surrounded by nature, meet new friends, and experience new things.

Heart-Shaped Pizza Recipe!

Want an adorable Valentine’s Day activity to do with your kids?

Small Business Saturday: Window Medics, LLC

Window Medics, LLC is a fairly new business out of Norfolk that serves the entire Northeast NE corridor. Owner and dad, Bryce Hinrichs decided to follow the entrepreneurial pull he had been feeling, found his niche and started Window Medics LLC (formerly Klean Views) in November of 2021.

Northeast Nebraska Event Venues

If you are someone that has to plan an event this year or in the near future you came to the right place! Whether it’s a holiday party, a baby shower, a school party, wedding or engagement party, graduation parties, or company party we’ve got plenty of options for you to find the right fit, the perfect venue.

Guides Coming Soon

Our upcoming guides will feature Northeast Nebraska organizations & businesses that offer summer camps, host local County fairs, and provide Home Services. Mamas, make sure to keep your eyes out for them!

Game Day Nachos

Take your Game Day eats up a notch with these crowd-pleasing nachos!

Meet the Moms of #IMOMSOHARD!

Meet the Moms of #IMOMSOHARD! The comedic duo are both Nebraska natives and currently on their 3rd nationwide tour!

Binge Worthy TV Shows

Need a new show to binge-watch? From Netflix, to Hulu, to HBO and now even Apple TV, Westport Moms has rounded up some shows you’ll be sure to love!

Top Your Own Oatmeal Board

Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? It’s a perfect family-friendly breakfast, because everyone can add their own mix-ins and toppings.

Winter Board Books for Kids

Winter is here and we are celebrating with our favorite picture books showcasing the magic of snow-filled days!

Farm to Table in Northeast Nebraska

Whether you want to buy local beef, pork, farm fresh eggs, or farm fresh produce we’ve got a starting point for you!

Our 2022 Ultimate Sleepaway Camp & Program Guide!

Spending part of summer living independently from Mom and Dad is one of those amazing experiences that will stay with your child forever.

16 Indoor Places for the Pre-Teens & Teens in Your Life

They want their space and a little freedom. We want to know they’ll be safe while having fun all at the same time.

How to Keep Your Feet Happy

The pandemic hasn’t been great all around for our health—so many of us are dealing with issues from increased stress to weight gain. But did you know that doctors are also seeing a spike in foot injuries and other conditions?

5 Art Venues to Visit with the Kids

Escape the cold. Head to one of these awesome art venues to let the kids create this winter!

Meet a Mom: Natalie Krueger of Peaceful Miracles Birth Services

Natalie Krueger offers support for moms throughout pregnancy, labor/delivery, and the postpartum period with Peaceful Miracles Birth Services. She knows that becoming a parent is a pivotal moment of change and offers a holistic, natural approach to pregnancy, birth, postpartum and mothering.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas!

Take the pressure off and use the EASY button when it comes to Elf on the Shelf this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Picks for Kids!

Have you started (or finished?!) your holiday gift shopping for your kids? Recently, Layla Lisiewski, co-founder and CEO of The Local Moms Network, appeared on CNBC to discuss how supply chain issues were adding another layer of holiday stress for parents this season.

The Local Moms Network Wishlist!

Gift Ideas for Moms from The Local Moms Network Wishlist!

Santa Sightings, Tree Lightings, and Parades in Northeast Nebraska

Enjoying Santa Sightings, Parades of Light, Kids Night Outs, and Christmas Tree Lightings make such great memories for any family. Check out our list of things to do around Northeast Nebraska to celebrate the Holiday Season.

Shopping Small in Northeast Nebraska

If you are interested in supporting a small business owner in your own neck of the woods and aren’t sure who’s out there this might be the blog for you to keep handy this holiday season. Head to the list below to see the variety of services and goods offered.

Meet a Mom: Cheryl Granito of Denville Moms!

This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with Cheryl Granito, the amazing mom behind the Denville Moms, part of The Local Moms Network. She is a former Special Education teacher, a girl mom of three (Harper,10, Kayla, 5, and Ellie, 2), and a metastatic breast cancer warrior.

Why It’s Time to Retire the Term “Super Mom”

We’d like to suggest we collectively stop using the term “Super Mom”. Every time we hear it we cringe a little, and we’re pretty certain whoever coined it hadn’t experienced the miraculous storm of motherhood.

6 Steps to Getting Back to Work After Time Off

Moms who leave their jobs to be with their kids have always been faced with a challenge, if and when they decide to go back to work. And in the last two years, the pandemic has forced more moms than ever before to leave their jobs to prioritize their families.

Meet Dr. Jenna Hatfield!

Dr. Jenna Hatfield is a mom of two and owner of Hatfield Family Dentistry in Norfolk.

Easy Pumpkin Chili Recipe

This pumpkin chili recipe from Chef Debra Ponzek is a classic fall dish, full of seasonal flavors like pumpkin and butternut squash. Like all chilis, it’s versatile and can be made ahead and frozen, making it a go-to for busy autumn nights.

Experiences Instead of Things

Every year the idea of “experiences instead of things” comes up either between colleagues at work or other friends with kids. Any parent that is interested in adding experiences to their Christmas list for the kids or family this year should definitely start with this list. Take a look at the ideas we came up with. Use them or tweak them to make them your own.

Sleep Better Tonight & Every Night

Expert advice to get your best rest!

Meet Alecia Neidig & Lindsey Anderson

Alecia and Lindsey founded Forever in Our Hearts, a non-profit that supports local families through their grief journeys.

Halloween Books for Kids

It’s the season of ghosts and goblins and we are thrilled to share our list of brand-new picture books along with some timeless favorites that are perfect for getting children excited for Halloween! We hope you enjoy these spooktacular booooks as much as we do!

Halloween Snack Mix

Halloween is almost here and we’re adding this Spooky Snack Mix from The BakerMama to our shortlist of fun treats to make. It has all the things we love in a holiday snack—sweet, salty, festive and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Northeast Nebraska Halloween Events

Most of the towns in Northeast Nebraska all have special Halloween plans for the kids and families coming up throughout the month of October. Check out our list to see what is happening in your area!

Spooky Non-Candy Halloween Treats!

Looking for some candy-free options for Halloween this year? From savory eats to fun toys, here is a shortlist to start with. Find them all on Amazon Prime.

Meet Dr. Chelsie of Creekwood Chiropractic and Dr. Chelsie LLC

Dr. Chelsie has always known she wanted to serve others, and now she is doing that in multiple ways: whether it’s helping families through chiropractic care, sharing her knowledge as a childbirth educator, or supporting others on their health, wellness, and fitness journeys.

Maple Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

These Maple Pumpkin Pecan Muffins are full of Fall flavor. Bake up a batch on the weekend to serve all week long as a grab-and-go breakfast!

Meet Tracee Larson

Tracee founded Creatively Seeded in the fall of 2004 and left her part time job in the corporate world in 2015. She continues to grow her business while using the gifts and talents God has given her to help and be a blessing to her clients.

Creamed Corn Pasta with Zucchini & Basil Recipe!

This Creamed Corn Pasta with Zucchini and Basil is the perfect end of summer recipe, packing in all that seasonal produce into a pasta dish that is both kid-friendly and vegetarian.

10 Places to Visit with A Child Under Four

A list of our favorite places that are tried and true easy places and activities to take a little one.

Fall Family Fun List-Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards

Today’s list provides you with a round up of all the pumpkin patches and orchards in and around the Northeast Nebraska area.

Generation 9/11: An Interview with the Filmmaker

Liz Mermin featured seven of the children who lost dads in the terrorist attacks 20 years ago.

5 Reasons Moms Should Play Sports

As we head into Fall, many of us are signing our kids up for Fall sports—and reminiscing about our own childhood sports careers. What we should be doing? Signing ourselves up, too. Experts say sports aren’t just for kids, and moms especially should stay in the game to have a happier, healthier life.

60 Things to Teach Your Kids Before They Leave the Nest!

The days may feel endless, but the years are not. Take some time every week to teach them something they’ll need to know when you’re not there. There may even be a few things on this list you can learn together.

Day Trips Part 4: Other Family Friendly Adventures

Whether you like being indoors or outside, we’ve got a few more places for you to add to your list of family friendly fun in Nebraska!

Meet Kara Allbaugh

Kara Allbaugh owns Rival Design in Columbus, Nebraska! She left the corporate world to pursue her dream of being a business owner and started her own design company. She shares about her journey to becoming a business owner, her love for Nebraska and the people here as well as a little about family life.

Weekend Round Up August 20th-22nd

Summer City Fest in Battle Creek, ‘Fork Fest in Norfolk, and a movie night in Columbus!

Meet Olympic Athlete Cat Osterman

We interviewed Cat about her journey to Tokyo, including becoming a wife and stepmom, her advice for parents raising young athletes, the biggest hurdles at this year’s Olympics, and more.

Weekend Round Up August 13th-15th

County Fairs, Columbus Days, and Meadow Grove Corn Days are just a few things to do around our area this weekend!

Weekend Round Up August 6th-8th

Ponca Frog Days, Stanton County Fair, and more all happening this weekend!

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect summer dish to serve at a backyard BBQ.

Day Trips Part Three: State Parks & Recreation Areas

August has arrived! Summer may be slowly slipping away, but that means the weather gets cooler! So, this week we are sharing all about State Parks and State Recreation Areas that would be easy to visit for a day trip for anyone in Northeast Nebraska.

Meet Cortney Steffensmeier

Cortney is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who owns a private practice, lactation business in Norfolk, Nebraska- “Grow With The Flow Lactation Services.”

Day Trips Part 2: Zoos, Wildlife Safaris & Fish Hatcheries

Do the kids love animals? This list is for you and them! Check out our list of Zoos, Wildlife Safari Parks, and Fish Hatcheries all either in Northeast Nebraska or close enough to make in a day trip.

Day Trips Part 1: Five Closest Children’s Museums

Pack the kids in the car and head out on an adventure. We have some great Children’s Museums within driving distance of us!

Ultimate Kids Summer Reading Guide

To help get your children excited about reading over the summer, the “Library Mom” put together a list of books for children entering kindergarten through third grade with tons of kid appeal.

Weekend Round Up for July 16th-18th

County Fairs, Movie Nights, Farmer’s Markets and More!

Weekend Round up for July 9th-11th

A glimpse of what’s going on in Northeast Nebraska this weekend: Platte County Fair, Madison Fair, The Wayne, NE Chicken Show, and more!

Meet Rachel Hays

I made a difficult decision to step away from my career and reevaluate my priorities. With time away from working, I decided to pursue my passion which is coaching people – that’s what led me to found Walter Grace.

Northeast Nebraska County Fairs of 2021

It’s County Fair Season here in Northeast Nebraska! Almost every week from now until the middle of August you can find a fair to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun. Below are all the dates in one easy to read list.

Weekend Round Up 6/25-6/27

So much to do around Northeast Nebraska this weekend!

Ways to Avoid the Summer Slide

Keep them reading and doing math throughout the summer and they’ll be able to jump back into the school routine quicker than ever.

Meet a Dad: Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s Jeff Kinney!

This week, we’re sharing our interview with this dad of two, where he shares his best tips for raising readers, his own favorite childhood books, advice on getting kids off screens, and details of his latest book.

Weekend Round Up 6/18-6/20

Here are a few things going on this weekend. Check the calendar for full details and ideas throughout the week.

Diaper Bag Essentials

For many of us the diaper bag becomes our constant companion as soon as the baby does.

How to Prep Your Child for Sleepaway Camp

Preparing kids for camp—from emotional prep to packing tips.

Meet Heidi!

Like all moms she wears many hats: author, mom, deaconess, and clinical social worker. She has a passion for mental health and for walking alongside people every day.

Weekend Round Up 6/4-6/6

Check here for a glimpse of our full calendar. Find things to do this weekend all in one place!

Favorite Local Ice Cream Shops

Check out our list of favorite local ice cream spots from all over Northeast Nebraska.

Gardening with Kids

Gardening for Kids covers basic gardening skills but is also filled with educational projects that help kids grow their science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills while digging in the dirt.

Weekend Round-Up 5/21-5/23

Check here for a glimpse of our full calendar. Find things to do this weekend all in one place!

Rainy Day Soap Molds Activity

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.

Meet Mandi Jablonski

I have been a licensed massage therapist for the past 17 years. It is my passion to help people! Whether they suffer from chronic pain, are recovering from a surgery, suffer from depression or chronic stress, or just want to relax massage therapy can help in so many ways.

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