This week’s meet a mom is Liz Barrett, who helms South Wake Raleigh Moms. This mom of two (her son Logan is 4 and daughter Caroline is 2) is giving moms the gift of time in several vibrant suburbs in Southern Wake County in Raleigh, NC: Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Cary. Not only is Liz a full-on mom, she’s one of our moms who is a site curator and also working a 9 to 5: “I work full-time in the IT industry, currently as a data analytics consultant developing big data solutions for clients in the Raleigh area,” says Liz. We caught up with this busy mom to learn more about her, South Wake Raleigh Moms and her corner of North Carolina. Interesting in joining her on The Local Moms Network team? Email [email protected]!
Can you please tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up in VA, spending my 20s in the DC area where I met my husband. We now live outside of Raleigh, NC with our two kids and Labradoodle pup, Kona.
Why did you decide to bring The Local Moms Network to your town?
Being new to the area and not knowing many moms with young kids, I was desperate to get to know more about my local community. I wanted answers to simple questions like, what are the best places to host a kid’s birthday party and what pediatricians are most recommended. As a full-time working mom, I wanted one place to go for all of this information. Creating my own moms network has allowed me to gather this information and share it back with my South Wake community of moms. It has allowed me to pursue this passion of blogging I never knew I had, while still juggling a full-time career and raising two little ones.
South Wake sounds like a great place to visit. Can you please share your local favorite:
Must-try restaurants:
With kids – Mason Jar Tavern, Holly Springs/Fuquay, Totopos, Cary
Without kids – Pooles Diner, Brewery Bhavana both in downtown Raleigh
Hotel you recommend to friends/family:
Closest to us – SpringHill Suites by Marriott Raleigh Cary
Worth the drive – AC Hotel by Marriott Raleigh North Hills
Go-to drink spot:
Niche Wine Lounge in Holly Springs, Aviator Brewing Company in Fuquay, SideBar in Cary
Place you love to get coffee:
Thanks A Latte in Holly Springs. This shop has the cutest gift items for family and friends, in addition to great coffee!
Favorite stores (to shop for yourself and kids):
Anywhere in Downtown Apex! They have something for everyone and great finds for home décor.
Where to entertain the entire family indoors/outdoors:
We love going to Marbles Children’s Museum in Raleigh and the Durham Museum of Life and Science
Don’t miss events for visitors (and locals!):
Holly Springs Spring Fling & Apex Peakfest
Our mission is to give moms the gift of time. What are your best time-saving tips/resources as a mom?
Plan ahead! I try to meal prep/plan grocery lists on Sundays to get ahead of the week and ensure that we eat healthy meals each night. Also, get a shared calendar with your spouse for family events and activities so that you’re both on the same page with what is planned.