When Laura McIntosh moved to Marshalltown with her young family three years ago, she found herself feeling isolated, not knowing how to go about making connections.

“I felt really isolated when my first baby was born,” McIntosh said. “A neighbor invited me to a group called MUGGS — Moms Under God’s Grace and Strength — and that’s where I really started to discover there’s a lot going on in Marshalltown.”

Then an idea came to her. Why not start a website and open social media accounts, reaching out to other local moms who may share the same concerns, questions and interests?

This month, McIntosh launched her website, www.marshalltownmoms.com, a resource tool offering parents helpful tips, insights, advice and musings about what it’s like to raise children in Marshalltown, including offering a calendar of events, reviews of local businesses, giveaways and regular blog posts by McIntosh and her volunteer group of mom bloggers. What restaurants are the most kid-friendly? Where do you take kids to play when it’s cold outside? Where can you find the best bargains? What are some dinner ideas for picky eaters?

“We want to share moms’ perspectives on the parks, the restaurants, the shops, the activities and events … We use the blog to talk about the highs and lows of parenting — like things moms would talk about at a play date over coffee,” McIntosh said.

The website allows people to submit information about upcoming events and kid-friendly places and groups. Those interested can join her mailing list. Marshalltown Moms also has Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest accounts.

The atmosphere of the site is laid back and inviting, with the hope of letting families new to the area learn more about what Marshalltown has to offer, as well as let long-time residents know about kid-oriented things that don’t necessarily get widely reported or reviewed. Mom bloggers take turns writing, depending on what topics McIntosh wishes to highlight at a certain point.

“My life is not exciting by any means but it is relatable and hopefully brings people joy,” wrote mom blogger JoyfulL. “There is a lot of darkness in this world, and my mission is to be a light for others. My plan is to share with you all some tips for healthy living, some ‘confessions of a parent’ and other odds and ends things that my son and I happen upon throughout Marshalltown.”

McIntosh’s goal is to keep building up visitors to her website and social media platforms, as well as adding more bloggers and reviews. She said offering giveaways and freebies is an important aspect of the website. For the first giveaway, six moms will have the chance to win prizes worth over $100, donated by local businesses. From now until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 14, people may complete the entry form on her website.

“Marshalltown moms is about helping moms discover or re-discover all that Marshalltown has to offer. We are a small town with big city diversity, opportunities and activities. For raising a family, I think that’s the best of both worlds,” McIntosh said.

For additional information or questions, McIntosh may be reached at marshalltownmoms@gmail.com