BERGEN COUNTY MOMS

By Dr. Karen Hart One of the more common conversations I have with new patients begins with something like this: “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and it made me want to be more on top of my own health.” Sometimes it's a parent, sometimes a sibling or a close friend. The impulse is understandable: A health event affecting someone close to us has a way of making us want clarity on our own health picture. In my experience, this is a genuinely useful startin

My youngest daughter graduated from college this spring. Like every parent sitting in those graduation seats, I couldn't have been prouder. But as I watched thousands of graduates toss their caps into the air, I had another thought: They're about to enter the real world, and many of them have never been taught the basics of managing money. They can solve calculus problems. They can write research papers. They can discuss world history. But many don't know: how to read a payc

It's time to celebrate our country's independence—and this year, the celebration is even more special as we begin honoring America's 250th anniversary! What better way to gather friends and family than with a festive Red, White & Blue party featuring delicious food, refreshing beverages, and patriotic desserts? What can you do for the Red, White + Blue Party? Here are some ideas... Of course, color coordinate! Invitations, decor and dress the part! Wear red, white and b

☀️ Smoothing Summer Special Beat the heat and humidity with Bali Salon's exclusive summer offer. Get perfectly smooth, frizz-free hair that lasts all season long. Keratin or Brazilian Blowout $250 (Originally $350-$375) Promotion ends July 31, 2026 *MUST mention "Bergen County Moms Promotion" upon booking in order to redeem the promotional price. Bali Salon 109 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ | 201.862.8886 Visit Bali Salon

FREE Webinar for New & Expecting Parents on July 30 Welcoming a baby brings immense joy, but it also brings a wave of challenges that catch many moms completely off guard. If you’re quietly navigating postpartum anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by mental health struggles, or dealing with the frustrating reality of pelvic floor issues that no one really warned you about, we see you, and you are not alone. To give you the real, compassionate support you deserve, the Lukin Center fo

If you’re a college student or young adult, summer can feel surprisingly heavy. Between the loss of routine, the "what am I doing with my life" thoughts, and the endless doom scrolling, it’s easy to feel directionless. Lukin Center is dedicated to continually expanding its reach in helping its clients on their journey to better days ahead. That's why they launched a brand-new summer DBT program for young adults, led by professional clinician Shoshana Levie, LCSW. This isn't j

Weekend Events June 26 - June 28, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. Farmers & Outdoor Markets Shop local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, crafts, and artisan products. The popular and family-friendly markets run Saturdays throughout the season and are always a popular family outing. Ramsey Farmers' Market Ridgewood Farmers Market (Opening weekend!) Franklin Lakes Farmers & Artisan Market Westwood Farmers

Need a summer date night? 💕 Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at The Brick House—a historic and elegant steakhouse known for its incredible food and timeless atmosphere. Enjoy the perfect summer evening with amazing food, great company, and a cozy, elegant vibe. Enter now for your chance to WIN $100 Visit The Brick House The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave | Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.848.1211 The Brick House, a Wyckoff NJ restaurant and event venue, has been a premier Bergen

First Time 15% Off Our Botox® Cosmetic & Juvederm® Pricing - Clear Costs for Every Treatment - ​ Botox: $14 per unit Botox: 1st time 15% off discounted price at $11.90 per unit Juvederm: $850 per syringe Juvederm: 1st time 15% off discounted price at $722.50 per syringe     ​​ Click Here to Schedule an Appointment Aesthetically Above 1124 E. Ridgewood Ave., Suite 104 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Visit Website

What do gremlins have to do with parenting and kids? A gremlin is something that holds you back from having, being or doing what you want in your life. It's a limiting belief, fear, or other emotion that keeps you stuck and prevents you from making progress with what you want to accomplish. That happens in parenting as well. If you have a belief about the world or that parenting is supposed to be difficult, it will affect your relationship with your kids and keep you and

Let your graduation party, Fourth of July celebration, backyard barbecue, or summer gathering be remembered for the memories—not the mosquito bites. Graduates should be celebrating their accomplishments, not reaching for bug spray, and your guests should be able to enjoy great food, fireworks, and time together without swatting away mosquitoes all evening long. Luckily, Mosquito Joe of Wayne offers special event mosquito treatments designed to help keep your outdoor celebrati

It's Father's Day weekend and that means grilling, and grilling means kabobs! Bright citrus flavors and fresh herbs make these shrimp kabobs a warm-weather classic that you’ll be sure to make year after year. The natural citrus juices are loaded with vitamins A and C to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Ingredients: 8 bamboo skewers 1½ cups water 1 cup jasmine rice 2 medium zucchini (10 ounces each) 2 medium yellow bell peppers 2 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon sea s

Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. A day remembering the end of slavery in Texas has spread across the whole U.S., with a larger meaning. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipa

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center If you are raising children today, chances are you have seen it firsthand. The child who suddenly doesn’t want to go to school. The teenager who seems overwhelmed by anxiety. The young child struggling with big emotions they cannot yet explain. The family trying to figure out whether if what they’re seeing is a phase, stress, or something that requires professional support. Children today are growing up in a world that can feel increasingly co

Spook Rock’s golf camps are designed for boys and girls between the ages of 6yrs – 16yrs.

On hot, steamy days, there is nothing more refreshing than an all-natural slushie! The only preparation required is to freeze the melons ahead of time into cubes or balls. This slushie gets its color naturally from vitamins A and C. Kids and grown-ups definitely agree on this delicious and nutritious melon slushie with a hint of mint and sweetness. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 cup watermelon, frozen 1 cup cantaloupe, frozen 1 cup honey dew melon, frozen 2 cups water (coconut water o

The book is coming! The book is coming! The release date is June 16. Here's the origin story. Spoiler alert: it's taken 13 years to birth this book and get it out into the world. Leashes, Lessons and Love — What Dogs Teach Us About Raiding Our Kids and Ourselves — is my first book and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands. Six months after our first dog, Goldie, passed, and we said we couldn’t go through it again… well, you know how that goes. Kessie came into our ho

Kitchen Renovation, Edgewater, New Jersey Choosing the right renovation company in New Jersey can make or break your project. From permitting and project management to design and execution, the best renovation companies in the Garden State combine technical expertise with reliable service. In this guide, we highlight the top 5 renovation companies in New Jersey for 2026, starting with Chapter, a full-service design-build firm recently ranked among the top 3 contractors by Arc

Many women are surprised to learn that mental health and pelvic floor health are closely connected, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Anxiety, stress, and birth-related trauma can affect the body in ways that extend beyond emotional well-being, often contributing to physical symptoms that impact daily life. In these visuals, the Lukin Center explores the often-overlooked connection between pelvic floor health and mental well-being during pregnancy and pos

There are four words I hear from women constantly when it comes to money: “He handles all that.” The investments. The taxes. The retirement accounts. The insurance policies. And honestly? I get it. Life is busy. Between careers, kids, activities, aging parents, dinners, laundry and just surviving the week, someone naturally takes over the financial side of life. In many marriages, it becomes the husband. Until one day, something changes. Maybe it is divorce. Maybe illness. Ma

This recipe “stacks up” better than the traditional eggplant parm you’ll find on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant. We wanted to lighten up the old-school version, which can be very heavy and high in calories. We started by baking instead of frying the eggplant but still kept the crunchy texture by using panko breadcrumbs, reducing the extra calories and saturated fat. The result is a protein and fiber-packed side dish or main course, if you serve with a mixed gree

When Hope was born in 2015, I thought for sure that the world had Down syndrome all figured out. There was a reality show on A&E following seven young adults with DS who were thriving in Southern California. We had easy access to medical research and healthcare guidelines to ensure Hope would have the best start possible from the moment she took her first breath of air. She was treated with dignity through all of the interventions she required during her first few weeks of li

This June marks the 56th celebration of Pride Month -- a time when millions of people come together in support of the LGBTQ+ community by walking in parades and attending festivals. We are proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community this month and every day. To help kick off Pride Month, whether you're interested in watching or being a part of an event, here's a calendar of Pride events happening in New Jersey and around the world!

By Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti Arranging for a sports physical. Scheduling flu shots for the family. Making sure a sick child gets a same-day appointment with the pediatrician. Managing prescriptions and appointments for elderly parents. These are the tasks that usually fall on the woman of the house; she is the de-facto family scheduler and healthcare manager. I certainly know this firsthand from my own experience organizing the healthcare of my three sons, husband and aging pa

Pools open! It's that time of year for pool parties and celebrations! Although swimming remains one of the healthiest and safest forms of recreation today, the need for awareness about pool safety cannot be over-stressed. When people (especially children) come to a pool, a full explanation of pool rules should be given before any activity around the pool begins. This not only helps prevent accidents from occurring, but it helps you win the respect of your guests. Be sure t

Blueberries are a superfood! Blueberries are versatile fruit: great for fruit salads, grain salads, smoothies, and baked goods! But did you know that this delicious little fruit is also a superfood? Their deep blue color isn’t just pretty to look at. The color is a result of a high flavonoid content, which may help to preserve memory and is a powerful antioxidant. Blueberries also have a high water content, keeping your skin nicely hydrated. One cup of raw blueberries p

The instinct to correct. Sit with that for a while. When children make mistakes, the instinct to correct just appears. It is, after all, an instinct. It comes unbidden, without thought. To quote Star Trek, it comes from the brain’s “prime directive” — to protect and ensure survival. This leads to an often-uncontrollable need parents have: to teach to guide to prevent mistakes to help their child do better next time But there’s a small – and quite significant – step that of

Weekend Events May 29 - May 31, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. Duck, Duck, Doc Hosted by One Bergen Health 📍 Wild Duck Pond, Ridgewood, NJ Bring the whole family out for a fun afternoon! This family-friendly community event will feature kids activities, games, giveaways, refreshments, and interactive fun for all ages — plus a chance to connect with the physicians and specialists from One Bergen Health in a

☀️ Shop Summer at Van Riper Plaza ☀️ From sunny mornings to summer nights, Van Riper Plaza is your go-to destination for shopping, dining, beauty, wellness, and seasonal fun. Whether you're planning beach days, backyard gatherings, or simply refreshing your summer routine, everything you need is right here in one convenient spot. ✨ Discover your summer favorites: ✨ Whole Foods for grilling-ready favorites and healthy summer snacks ✨ Sephora for dewy summer beauty and SPF vaca

For Bergen County homeowners, whether longtime residents or new to the area, a successful renovation is about creating spaces that feel both elevated and livable: calmer, easier, more beautiful, and more thoughtfully tailored to the families who use them every day. Here’s what Ulrich experts say homeowners are prioritizing in 2026: 1. Warm, Timeless Kitchens Wellness-centered remodeling continues to be one of the strongest trends. The all-white or white-and-gray kitchen aesth

Did You Know Mosquito Joe Also Offers: ✔️ Granular Treatment ✔️ Deer Repellent ✔️ Home pest defense Their targeted treatments create a protective barrier around your home—so you can enjoy your yard and spend more time with your family! Less stress. Less pests. More time outside. Mosquito Joe of Wayne 973-435-0747 WEBSITE​ Mosquito Joe of Wayne provides pest control services for residential and commercial properties. From mosquito, flea + tick and spotted lanternfly treatment

Abandonment trauma shapes the way a person relates to themselves and others long after the original experience has passed. It develops when early or repeated experiences of being left — emotionally or physically — create lasting patterns of fear, anxiety, and relational difficulty. For many people, these patterns go unrecognized for years, quietly driving relationship instability, low self-worth, and chronic emotional pain. Key Takeaways It starts early but shows up later: Ab

Caprese Salad on a Stick

By Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti There are certain conversations between a woman and her doctor that cannot be rushed. In over 25 years of clinical practice, two topics that frequently concern my patients as they enter their forties and fifties are the effects of perimenopause and how to approach cancer screening as they age. The traditional doctor’s office, where time is a limited commodity, may not be conducive to having these important conversations. Practicing medicine in a sm

Couples therapy works for most people who commit to it — decades of clinical research consistently show that structured, evidence-based approaches help partners reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection. Whether you’re facing communication breakdowns, infidelity, or growing apart over time, therapy gives couples the tools to change patterns that aren’t working. Key Takeaways Research-backed success rates: Studies show that approximately 70% of couple

If you haven’t had a tasty farm-fresh egg, you are really missing out. Egg whites get thumbs up from kids! Egg whites are a complete protein and kids will have fun getting some exercise by whisking them to be super-fluffy. We added fresh spinach and parsley from the garden for some greens. Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, look for eggs! Ingredients: 2 large egg whites 1 tablespoon low-fat (1%) milk 1 tablespoon chopped baby spinach ½ tablespoon shredded 50% reduc

In honor of Financial Literacy Month Let’s be honest. Most women aren’t “bad with money.” They’ve just never had it explained clearly. And if you’ve ever nodded along to terms like dividends, bonds, “the market,” or the Fed without really knowing what they mean…you’re not alone. So in honor of Financial Literacy Month, let’s break down five market terms every woman should understand -- no jargon, no intimidation. 1. Stocks (a.k.a. Equities) & Dividends Let’s start simple: sto

You didn’t choose to go no-contact — but the effects can linger deeply. And if you’re here, you may be carrying confusion, grief, or unanswered questions about your relationship with your child. For many parents, it’s their child who chose distance. And while every story is different, one thing is shared: this experience can feel incredibly isolating. You don’t have to go through it alone. We invite you into a gentle, safe, and educational space where you can be supported wit

Imagine being seen by a doctor in just 7 minutes. When something is wrong with your child or a loved one, those minutes can feel like forever. And in that moment, everything comes down to one urgent question: Where do we go right now? It might be a child struggling to breathe, a sudden fall, a parent with chest pain, or a moment in the middle of the night when something just doesn’t feel right. As moms, we’re used to managing everything—but in these moments, nothing feels in

One of the questions parents of middle school students ask most frequently when they consider moving their children to Saddle River Day School is, “When is the optimal time to apply for admission?” Many families believe that their middle schoolers should maybe just wait and apply for admission to the Upper School in the 9th grade. Although 9th grade is the traditional time for students to make that transition, there are a number of reasons why a transfer to Saddle River Day S

Henry is 8 and enjoys all things Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Super Mario. When he grows up, Henry wants to be an entrepreneur. It was April of 2017 when I first heard the term “limb difference.” Sure, I’d seen people in movies or occasionally on a family trip with prosthetic limbs, but I never considered what their life experiences might have looked like–to me, they always seemed confident and natural. Actually, the first amputee I ever saw was “the one-armed man” as they

Did You Know Mosquito Joe Also Offers Deer Repellent? From protecting your plants to keeping bugs away, they provide full outdoor protection with: ✔️ Deer repellent ✔️ Mosquito control ✔️ Tick control ✔️ Gnat control ✔️ Home pest defense Their targeted treatments create a protective barrier around your home—so you can enjoy your yard and spend more time with your family! Less stress. Less pests. More time outside. How Mosquito Joe Helps Mosquito Joe of Wayne 973-435-0747 WEB

This new recipe is a favorite with kids (and parents, too!). It’s super fun to make and delicious to eat, and it’s loaded with good nutrition. High in protein and vitamin A and also a good source of iron, just two Vietnamese Spring Rolls pack a serious nutrition punch. Perfect for lunch, as an afternoon snack or fancy party food! This is a thumbs up winner! Ingredients: ½ pound shrimp, deveined 10 ounces of thin rice noodles 16 rice paper sheets 1 cup mint leaves 2 cups sh

Weekend Events April 24 - April 26, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. J.A. McFaul Environmental Center 📍 Wyckoff, NJ An 81-acre environmental park featuring scenic walking trails, gardens, a duck pond, and wildlife habitats—perfect for a peaceful family outing. Great for birdwatching, nature walks, and outdoor learning. Fri, April 24 – Sun, April 26 • Open daily (weather permitting) Free admission Environmenta

We know that as Bergen County moms, you love the thrill of a great find. You want pieces that look beautiful, feel incredible, and hold up to your busy lives—but you also want to shop in a way that aligns with your values and your budget. That’s exactly why we are here. Born and raised right here in New Jersey, with our office in Ridgewood and our warehouse in Passaic, we are a local company on a massive, global mission: to disrupt the modern retail system. We achieve this by

A student-athlete’s mental health depends on three interconnected factors: their developmental stage, the emotional environment parents create, and how well the adults in their life respond when things get hard. Understanding all three can make the difference between a young athlete who thrives and one who quietly struggles. Key Takeaways Development drives what your child needs: Kids ages 7–11 need adults who reinforce effort and build self-esteem; teens ages 12–18 need spa

The Rainbow Swirly Smoothie was created here at HealthBarn for kids by kids! It’s so easy, refreshing and vitamin-packed that parents love it, too. Blend this yummy smoothie up for breakfast or share it with friends for a high-energy, after-school snack. It’s loaded with vitamin C to help keep your body running strong, it’s a good source of calcium, and it has fiber to keep your digestive system regular. Drink up! Ingredients: 1½ cups frozen strawberries (can substitute froze

By Dr. Karen Hart Since I moved to Harley Street Medical and began scheduling longer visits with patients, I’ve noticed a shift in our conversations. They want to understand their results, not just to be told that everything looks “fine.” They’re thinking about the next decade, not just the visit in front of them. And their trust in the traditional care system — one that feels designed to minimize these conversations and get them out the door — has been evaporating. A growin

In most elementary schools, the science curriculum is limited to instruction and experiments that can be performed in the students’ primary classroom. The Lower School at Saddle River Day School is not like most elementary schools. One of the great features of the Lower School at Saddle River Day School is a dedicated science classroom and lab, one in which the science teachers have the space and the freedom to devise instructional units and experiments that include scien

Peas are the first seeds to be planted in the spring season, so we had to celebrate the season with this deliciously fresh Pea Hummus. The splash of orange juice makes it a good source of vitamin C to boost the immune system. This light and refreshing hummus is perfect for dipping or spreading on sandwich bread or wraps. Ingredients: ½ medium fennel bulb, trimmed 1 garlic clove ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 1½ cups of fresh or frozen sweet green peas