Mom-P-Inc. – Blog Love for The Organized Business Mom

Good morning. It’s Sunday and that usually means we kick into Mom Entrepreneur mode around here with guest columnists like Emma Payton of Payton Hughes Consulting.
Emma has offered up some fantastic business advice to OBE readers and now it’s time to return the love as she’s kicked off her own blogging project that is sure [...]

Watercolor Painting In the Waldorf Style

Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s review of Canadian author Wayson Choy’s fabulous novel All That Matters, you can read it HERE. This afternoon, we have Waldorf educator Rebecca Watkin back on site with a look at the Waldorf method of watercolor painting. Here she is:
A Painting Verse
The sunlight shines into each day
And sends the [...]

Mom’s Book Shelf – A Discussion on All That Matters

I have to say that I now have a whole new appreciation for Vancouver and its evolution as a city, as well as the unbelievable conditions under which people come to this country and endure with the hopes of a better life thanks to Wayson Choy.
His novel, All That Matters, was February’s book of the [...]

Enjoy Home Cooked Meals, Don’t Fret About Calories

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Esther Kane is here with ten great tips for healthy, happy eating and entertaining. Here she is:
I recently had the pleasure of visiting my grandmother Ruth in London, England, which I am lucky enough to do once a year. Although it’s quite the schlep to get there and the jet-lag is [...]

The Forever Family – Adopting Children from Near & Far

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Many of us have thought about adopting children at some point in our lives and I have always been a huge admirer of couples who choose to go that route. Today, Robin Blackburn introduces you to her story – about two beautiful children who found their forever family with Robin and [...]

Spring Has Nearly Sprung- Time for Seedy Saturday

I am in love with the idea of the garden this year. Planning in my head for the last couple of months the serious yumminess that will be popping up from the raised beds and imagining a Summer full of fresh peas, tomatoes and other veggie goodness is making me wish it was April already.
But, [...]

Remember Your Teens? Start There with Your Teenagers

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today I am excited to introduce to you a woman who I think may be as brave as she is foolish:) Highland Secondary English teacher and mom of three Tara Colborne is here to help us all gain some insight into that scary, amazing and oh so wild world that is [...]

Kids Get to Jam at The School of Rock

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Bobby Herron is here with the scoop on the Comox Valley’s very own School of Rock. Here he is:
I’ve seen the movie School of Rock a few times and have to admit it was part of the inspiration behind the musical boot camp I facilitated a few years ago as part [...]

Esther Kane

Esther Kane, MSW, Registered Clinical Counselor, empowers her clients to become all that they dream of being. Call for free 15-minute telephone consultation.

Payton Hughes Consulting

Payton Hughes Consulting offers business advice and support to small business owners in the Comox Valley.

Making Room for Baby – Tips For Nesting

Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Alix’s morning post with tips on planning for large family gatherings, you can read it HERE. Now, we take nesting to a new level and get you organized for new babies (or even just to be more organized) with some tips that simplify, focus and pamper:
I don’t think I [...]

How To Plan For A Family Reunion

Editor’s Note: Happy Monday! This morning Alix Wilson is on site with tips on preparing your kids for large family gatherings. Here she is:
This summer we are headed to a huge family gathering. It’s a wedding on my husband’s mother’s side of the family, so there will be plenty of people that I have met [...]

Kyler Contracting

Heavy-duty mechanic and dump truck services based in Black Creek, B.C.

Well-Balance Fitness & Body Work

Personal Fitness Training (in-home option available), Flow Yoga, Personalized Yoga training, Fitcamps, Circuit, Mom & Baby, StrollerFit, Prenatal classes, Aromatherapy Massage & Reflexology.

Shift News – The Right to Speak & Listen to Language

Editor’s Note: Good morning. It is with a sense of admiration and humility that we here at OBE have the opportunity to bring to you United Nations Aid Worker and Comox mom Kelly Flynn as she opens our eyes up to the importance of human rights and how they play a role in the daily [...]

Madeline McNamee Reviews The Sisters Grimm Series

I have recently read The Sisters Grimm series up until the seventh book – they are packed full of fairy tales, but are for kids like me.
The first book starts it all when Sabrina and Daphne`s parents are kidnapped. Then the sisters are put in an orphanage where the case worker sends them to live [...]

Bumps – Finding Love In Rural Afghanistan

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Deepa is here today with another wonderful birth story from far off Afghanistan, as well as a love story that gave her a sense of home, wherever she may be. Here she is:
I was all geared up to write the story of the triplets I helped to deliver vaginally in Ireland, when [...]

Willow Creek Builders

Reclaimed, Refined, Reliable Renovations and interior finishing. We offer custom locally produced wood products from reclaimed and locally sourced timber.

Finding Your Parenting Zen (and Strength) with Yoga

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have Marcie Dumais discussing one of my passions – yoga. Here she is:
As parents, the wellness of our little people is top priority – making sure they have nutritious meals, stimulating activities, exercise, time outdoors, caring role-models, quality education and so on. We devote a lot of time and [...]

Jipsi Clothing Movement

We are an ever-evolving clothing boutique featuring Canadian designed funky, wearable, versatile clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories for men and women

Avenue Bistro

Avenue reflects the best of the season & region has to offer with a spin on classic favourites. We have an awesome kids menu and Thurdsay night features our PIZZA & PASTA $10 special. Opening Comox first kid-friendly patio this Summer.

Atlas Cafe

Atlas is a global experience with a world of choices. Our family-friendly cafe is in the heart of downtown. The atmosphere is warm & inviting, consistent quality food & service keeps folks coming back.

The OBE Business & Community Directories Are Here!

Wow, what a great sunny day. Have you seen the Comox Glacier yet? It’s truly breathtaking.
With all of this gorgeousness going on, we are excited to unveil the latest OBE tool for folks in the Comox Valley and beyond to easily find the restaurants, organizations, service providers and destinations that make this region such a [...]

Develop A Kids Cultural Palette-Learn to Make Sushi

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Sarah Stromquist is on site this morning sharing her recent adventure in making sushi with her lovely girls. She definitely inspired me to give it a whirl. Here’s Sarah:
Straying from my usual barrage of recipes, I decided to focus on one idea in hopes of convincing people to undertake their own [...]

Get Listed

Help you business stand out by signing up for our Preferred listing package. With 10 searchable keywords, a custom photo, colours and specials area you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the online crowd again.

Street Smart Kidz

Our goal to give kids and parents  the tools to be able to think their way through dangerous situations. “Safety First.”

Child Development Assoc.

We serve children needing extra support through services including autism, occupational and physical therapy, groups and more.

C.V. Hospice Society

The Comox Valley Hospice Society provides compassionate care and support to individuals in the last stages of living and their families.

C.V. Transition Society

The Comox Valley Transition Society provides counseling, support and education services to women who are victims of violence.

LUSH Valley

LUSH Valley Food Action Society is a non-profit striving to create social change through food security initiatives.

M.A.R.S. Comox Valley

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centre specializing in the care of young, injured mammals and birds.

Y.A.N.A. Comox Valley

We are a non-profit society providing financial assistance to families in the Comox Valley whose children must be moved from the Valley for medical care.

Horne Lake Caves

Crystal clear water and Vancouver Island’s coolest outdoor adventures makes Horne Lake an outdoor-lovers dream. Two parks offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities including camping, canoeing, rock climbing and cave tours.

Horne Lake Caves

Crystal clear water and Vancouver Island’s coolest outdoor adventures makes Horne Lake an outdoor-lovers dream. Two parks offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities including camping, canoeing, rock climbing and cave tours.

Eco-Centric

We are a natural fiber fashion boutique with hot 100% natural styles for men and women. We also offer a wide range of botanicals.

McKinnon Photography

Karen McKinnon – voted Vancouver Island photographer of the year – is a full-service portrait, wedding and studio photographer.

Simon’s Cycles

We are the Comox Valley’s full-service bike shop with family-friendly gear including Bob Strollers and Trail Bikes. Come by and meet the team.

Laughing Oyster Bookshop

Courtenay’s full-service independent book seller, Laughing Oyster is your literary stop for the hottest new hardcovers and enduring classics.

Zen Zero Juice Fountain

We serve up fresh juices, smoothies and wheatgrass, vegan sandwiches and wraps, wheat free treats and raw delights. Come and enjoy our family-friendly eatery that includes a kiddie play area, sunny patio, free parking and free wireless internet.

Zen Zero Juice Fountain

We serve up fresh juices, smoothies and wheatgrass, vegan sandwiches and wraps, wheat free treats and raw delights. Come and enjoy our family-friendly eatery that includes a kiddie play area, sunny patio, free parking and free wireless internet.

ecoLife Solutions

ecoLife Solutions is committed to helping clients find solutions they need to create safe, healthy, eco-sustainable households & workplaces. We show you how `greening up` can be very simple, cost effective & educational for your family or business!

ecoLife Solutions

ecoLife Solutions is committed to helping clients find solutions they need to create safe, healthy, eco-sustainable households & workplaces. We show you how `greening up` can be very simple, cost effective & educational for your family or business!

Marigold Natural Pharmacy

Marigold is a full-service pharmacy with a wide selection of natural remedies for families and children. We combine modern medical research with traditional methods. Our knowledgeable staff will help with your natural medicine needs

Marigold Natural Pharmacy

Marigold is a full-service pharmacy with a wide selection of natural remedies. We combine modern medical research with traditional methods. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with your natural medicine needs

Planet Kids

Our goal at Planet Kids is to exceed your expectations and provide quality, value and service with a variety of award-winning educational toys and games.

Monte Christo on the River

Unsurpassed location in the heart of the Comox Valley with magnificent river views. Enjoy the casual atmosphere & delicious food.

Reel Films at Frelones

We are a cozy, personable movie house showing a wide range of films. Birthday party bookings welcome!

Organic Family Natural Home

Located in Cumberland, we have something for everyone! We carry a variety items from baby to organic beds. Most of our products are exclusive to our store: Aerobie Coffee Press, Sodastream Soda Maker, Sanctus Mundo and Preserve Recycled.

Organic Family Natural Home

Located in Cumberland, we have something for everyone! Try the Sodastream Soda Maker, a great alternative to Pop. For babies and kids we carry some items exclusive to our store: Kanoe Baby Hammock – Hazelwood Necklaces – Sage Creek Organics.

Green Room

Eco-friendly alternatives for home and lifestyle. Here you will find re-purposed, fair trade, organic, local and non-toxic products. Sustainable yet stylish items are found at this ethical boutique.

Planet Kids

Our goal at Planet Kids is to exceed your expectations and provide quality, value and service with a variety of award-winning educational toys and games.

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

Beachfront suites, a world-class spa and fine dining, Kingfisher Resort is a genuine Comox Valley destination. Warm hospitality. Exceptional service.

Sound Advice Music Shop

We are the Island’s full service music center. We offer a full range of instruments, lessons and rentals and professional event staff.

Kids Crafts – Making Magic with Apothecary Boxes

Good Morning. Oh how we are having fun making cool new stuff for our magical world. After the fairy bowls, we definitely decided that the Land of Purple Unicorn Fairies (LOPUF), as it has now been deemed, definitely needs some storage with lids. This isn’t heavy-duty, big storage. But, more a need to have cool places [...]

Product Review – Strap-On Trainer Skates for Kids

Editor’s Note: If you missed Anthony Edwards this morning, you can read his post on investing in fair trade foods HERE. Now, here’s Robin with the scoop on children’s strap-on trainer skates:
Ken is Mr. Hockey. Seriously, he doesn’t even know what a sports junkie he is. On our first date he told me he was [...]

The Green Wallet – Why Invest In Fair Trade Foods?

Editor’s Note: Happy Monday! This morning we have Investment Advisor Anthony Edwards discussing why we should invest in fair trade foods. Very interesting and insightful. Here he is:
In the ragged hills of Andalucia, by whitewashed villages and ancient trails that wind from Africa to Spain, old Tomás was known as the ‘cabrero’, which roughly translates [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Leanne Zdebiak-Eni

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed out on Robin’s morning post on the very cool Pacific Rim Whale Festival, you can catch it HERE. Now, we have another amazing mom entrepreneur profile to share with you. Have a fabulous Valentine’s Day.

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted [...]

Getaways – The Pacific Rim Whale Festival

There are days, this time of year, when all I can dream about is the vacation that we aren’t taking. Leaving the house is monumental sometimes, leaving town – Ha!
I suspect we are not the only family for whom jumping on a plane and wandering the world is not an option right now. But, that [...]

Choosing Love – Making Friends From Enemies

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed Gayle’s post on culture and waste, you can read it HERE. Now here’s Karen Pantuso-Swanson with another lovely story of motherhood:
“The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” – Abraham Lincoln
Not everyone is a fan of Valentine’s Day. Some people detest the commercialization [...]

The Cultural Value of Garbage

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have Gayle Bates with us discussing cultural perspectives on things that are headed for the trash can and how different societies deal with it. Here she is:
How waste is a part of culture is a huge and fascinating topic. There are a number of cultural and traditional forms of development and sustainability across [...]

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Dr. Amy Wells is here helping us learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and the benefits of treatments. Here she is:
Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, is a 5000-year-old eastern medical system that includes a method for diagnosis and treatment. This medical model emphasizes a lifestyle that promotes health as much [...]

Is Montessori Right for Your Family?

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed out on Wendy Johnstone this morning, you can read her post on the value of seniors in the community HERE. Now we have Pauline Rae on site with an in-depth look at whether a Montessori education is right for your child and your family. Here she is:
If you are considering [...]

Improving Our Community One Elder at a Time

Editor’s Note: Good morning readers. First I’d like to announce that Stacey, Kathy and Melanie won the fantastic cookbooks from yesterday. Yay! Now, we are excited to reveal a new direction for Wendy’s Grand-Parents column this morning, as we move toward a long-term discussion about planning for different stages in our lives and ways to [...]

Getting Kids Into The Olympic Spirit at Home

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed this morning’s interview with Canadian cookbook Wise Women Shannon Loeber and Mary Edwards talking about their sexy take on food, folklore and sparking that magic (we’re giving away copies), check it out HERE. Now, it’s time to get our families into the spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic [...]

Cook Up Some Magic (Hubba Hubba) This Valentine’s Day & Win

Good Morning. Oh do I have a treat for you today. When my pal Kim first phoned me up and told me I had to check out the new book by Shannon Loeber and Mary Edwards I figured it had to be fun – because Kim doesn’t live in a world minus sassy fun. But, [...]

Kids Crafts – Making Fun Fairy Bowls

As our “magical world” project continues this year, we are still super focused on the fairy forest part of that imaginary adventure. The tiny person is so excited about creating the bits and pieces that line the path to her castle and lead the way along the path into the fairy forest, that we found [...]

Product Review – Sassy Smoking Lily Linens

Happy Monday! It’s February and I have to say that this time of year pretty much sucks wind in my book. It’s that 6-week swath of gray before the flowers really start to bloom that makes me want to book an out-of-country holiday or – in less expensive, more local move – redecorate.
I also feel [...]

Deciding on Kindergarten – Options, Talk & Opinions

Editor’s Note: If you missed the Sunday Morning Walk post, you can read it HERE. The forests are alive with mushrooms and fungus and other coolness this time of year. Now, we dig into Kindergarten options here in the Comox Valley. Please jump in on the discussion.
It’s the hot buzz among preschool parents in the [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Marvelous Mushrooms & Fungus

Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to drop back in here this afternoon when we get the discussion going about Kindergarten options in the Comox Valley. Now, it’s time for a fun Sunday Morning Walk:
One of the biggest challenges of making it through the permagray this time of year, is figuring out what can distract you from [...]

Book Review – The Love List of Kids Valentines Faves (giveaway)

Editor’s Note: If you missed out on the morning post introducing February’s author of the month, Wayson Choy, you can read it HERE. Now here’s Robin with a list of kid-approved Valentine’s Day books:
Love is in the air, and there’s nothing like a silly, fun, sweet children’s story to make Valentine’s Day great fun for everybody.
Sifting [...]

Mom’s Book Shelf – Wayson Choy’s All That Matters

I am so excited to announce February’s featured author and book of the month – mostly because I can’t wait to get started on a new novel and sink my teeth into a book that’s been on my shelf for ages.
As Chinese New Year nears, I wanted to take the time to examine Chinese-Canadian culture. [...]

Ask a Midwife – HBAC, Weight Gain, Soft Cheese & Sleep

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. It’s the first Friday of the month and that means it’s time for our Ask A Midwife column from Plum Midwifery. We had four interesting and provocative questions posed to this team of midwives from women throughout the OBE community and are excited to share their insightful response.
The Plum Midwifery crew [...]

Nature Journal – It’s The Peak Season for Swans

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Naturalist Jocie Ingram is here with some great information on swans. Until now, I had just admired them for their beauty and grace! Here she is:
I’ve recently introduced my toddler to the story of the “Ugly Duckling” by Danish poet Hans Christian Anderson. He loves the way the ugly duckling (actually [...]

Get Apple-licious Pies to Support LUSH

Food security is one of those topics that nobody really wants to talk about – mostly because about the time we need to be worrying about it, other really scary events are going on.
So, let’s trade the picture of natural disaster for homemade pie.
That’s what you can pick up at Edible Island and Brambles Market [...]

Paper Crafts – Valentine’s Day Treat Holder

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Vanessa Falle is back with us in time for Valentine’s Day. Today she leads us through a fabulous paper craft. Here she is:
I don’t know about you, but I love to make special things for my kids. They know how much time and thought I put into each one of their [...]

Product Review – Melissa & Doug’s Wooden Castle

Happy Monday! It was a fun and exciting weekend at OBE HQ as we were nominated for two Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce community awards and were so very honored to be a finalist for the Chamber’s Environmental Initiative. So many fantastic businesses were honored over the weekend. It’s amazing to see the drive, ingenuity [...]