Parenting
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If your kids think “outside” is just a loading screen between Wi-Fi signals, this one’s for you. As a mom of three and a small-town nature wanderer, I’ve watched my kids come alive in the wild—muddy boots, rock collections clinking in their pockets, and…
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Tonight was one of those evenings that reminds you exactly why small-town living is so special. The 2nd Annual Back to School Night at the North San Juan Community Center was an absolute success, with a huge turnout of community members ready to celebrate,…
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The first day of school always seems to come at us faster than we expect (while also taking too long to get here.) One minute, you’re buying popsicles and sunscreen, and the next, you’re staring at a pile of school supplies wondering how your…
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If you’ve been around the Ridge long enough, you know we do back to school a little differently here. We’re not just about shopping lists and shoe sales—we’re about coming together as a community to make sure every kid heads into the school year…
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If there’s one thing parenting will teach you, it’s that “winging it” only works for so long—usually until the first time you realize you’ve been giving your toddler fruit snacks for dinner three nights in a row and calling it “balanced.” The good news?…
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Summer in Nevada County can be beautiful, but it also comes with risks we don’t always think about—one of the biggest being children accidentally left in hot cars. Even on what feels like a mild day, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can skyrocket in…
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Every year I tell myself, This year I’m going to be organized. I’ll have the school supplies bought weeks in advance, everything labeled, and the kids set up for success. And every year… I still end up making at least one emergency Target run…
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Nevada County is known for its charm—quaint towns, creative energy, and a neighbor-helping-neighbor kind of vibe. But beneath that surface are two community powerhouses doing the heavy lifting to support local families and fuel our cultural soul: the Community Support Network of Nevada County…
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If you’ve stepped outside lately and wondered whether we’re living inside a sepia-toned Instagram filter, you’re not wrong. Wildfire smoke is back, and it’s turning our normally crisp mountain air into a hazy mess that smells like a campfire gone rogue. For those of…
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If you’ve ever tried to do back-to-school shopping with one (or more) kids in tow and a tight budget… you know it’s no joke. Between the lists that require 87 pencils each, the shoes they will outgrow overnight, and the overpriced spiral notebook your…
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There’s something magical about teaching your little ones to swim—it’s part survival skill, part freedom, and part “mom-I’m-a-mermaid-now” moment. Whether you’ve got a backyard kiddie pool or just access to a public one, introducing your child to swimming doesn’t have to be intimidating. In…
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Today, July 8th, marks World Allergy Day—a perfect opportunity to talk about something that affects nearly all of us in Nevada County, either directly or indirectly: allergies. Whether it’s the dreaded pollen season, food sensitivities, or even bee stings, allergies can range from mildly…
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It’s that time of year again! Nevada County is gearing up for our favorite red, white, and blue bash, and there’s no shortage of parades, pancakes, and pyrotechnics. Whether you’re just waiting for the fireworks or planning a day-long adventure, here’s your go-to guide…
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As a small‐town mom with three energetic kiddos, I’ve trekked through every nook and cranny of Nevada County’s parks and playgrounds. They combine fun, safety, and community spirit (no flimsy swings or bare patches of dirt here) with the natural beauty of the outdoors.…
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In Nevada County, we’re not just tossing food scraps into bins—we’re teaching kids why that matters. A pilot program at Ready Springs School is one of only two in California (along with a San Diego site) using Leah’s Pantry’s Food Smarts: Waste Reduction curriculum,…
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Some days, you just need a little escape—but not the kind that involves packing, planning, or Pinterest-perfect itineraries. Nope. I’m talking about the kind of adventure that starts with a backpack, a river trail, and maybe one child dramatically yelling, “TO BATTLE!” with a…
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If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how many activities is too many?” while frantically packing snacks for soccer, piano, and the meltdown happening in the backseat—you’re not alone. And hey, you’re not a bad parent for wanting to give your kids all the things.…
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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably said the words “go read a book” at least five times before lunch now that school’s out. But what if I told you there’s a place in town offering free crafts, storytimes, movie nights, Dungeons & Dragons,…
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Let’s be honest—summer with kids is basically a game of “What can we do today that won’t end with someone crying or sunburned?” Lucky for us, Nevada County delivers the goods when it comes to family-friendly trails, river dips, and just enough adventure to…
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If you’ve been anywhere near a school campus in the last few years—or had to wrangle a child into doing math homework while their emotions are doing cartwheels—you’ve probably felt it: the mental load on kids (and parents) is no joke. And finally, schools…
