Barista Kids is a joint venture between MontclairKids and Baristanet.

Local mom Kristen Kemp started MontclairKids in August 2008 for two reasons. First, when she moved here three years ago, she had no idea where to find info on everything from baby music classes to local pools to the best preschools. Second, she longed for a resource, guide and connection to parents like herself who were trying to survive in the suburbs. Kristen, a longtime freelance writer for Glamour, Cosmo, Self and Seventeen, decided to dive into the murky waters of the web and create MontclairKids. She is also the author of seven teen novels from Scholastic, and the mother of three children ages three and under.

Mom of two girls, Georgette Gilmore fell in love with Montclair while majoring in art at Montclair State University and settled in Baristaville seven years ago. After teaching art for several years at Sage Day, she took time off to stay at home with her girls. Always in search of things to do with her family, she is excited to be Upcoming Events editor at Barista Kids. She is also owner of Barefoot Books Montclair, which sells children's books that celebrate art, story and diversity.

Baristanet was born in May 2004 and soon after emerged as a leader in both hyperlocal blogging and citizen journalism. Baristanet receives about 10,000 visits daily and has inspired local news sites in Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, New Haven, Watertown, MA and Red Bank, NJ. It was named the #1 placeblog in America in 2007. Debbie Galant and Liz George, co-owners and editors of Baristanet, have created a true online community with both personality and flair.

Barista Kids has a simple mission: To make life a little easier and a lot more fun for parents in Baristaville.

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For information on advertising, write to ads@baristakids.com. Please send your press releases and news tips to tips@baristakids.com.