Author Archive: Guest Columnist
From time to time friends and neighbours around the community drop by to share ideas, trade stories and offer up their wisdom – joining us as guest columnists here at Our Big Earth.
Understanding a Parent’s Grief: How to Support Family and Friends Who Face Child Loss
Editor’s Note: Losing a child is painful for a family and the people around them. Today, Avril Nagel is here to talk with us about the grieving process. Avril is a bereaved parent and the coauthor of When Your Child Dies: Tools for Mending Parents’ Broken Hearts. The book is a comprehensive step-by-step guide for grief-stricken [...]
Getting Your Life Organized For Back To School
Editor’s Note: Whether we like it or not, school days are about three weeks away and before we can get our kid’s head wrapped around getting back into the classroom, we have to start by reconnecting ourselves with the school-days universe. Loosey goosey days of random summer goodness are morphing into the sweet organization of [...]
Summer Treats – Coconut Carob Pops
Editor’s Note: My pal Tree Haverner has been hanging out with me on the Internets for one heck of a long time and she has also been sharing her foodie goodness for that long too. In fact, that’s how we first met – FLICKR and food that lead me to her blog, Tiny Morsels. We first [...]
Keep Your Home Safe This Summer – Don’t Advertise Vacation on Facebook
Editor’s Note: Today, the folks from Toronto-based Weiser Lock are here with some great reminders on how to keep your home safe while you are out and about enjoying vacation, road tripping or just a day at the beach this summer. 6 Tips for protecting your home on social media With Summer here, people are [...]
5 Easy Yoga Poses for Moms
Editor’s Note: Moms have a pretty sound reputation for being last on their own list. But, what if you could take 10 or 15 minutes out of your day, even when the kids are around, to do a little something for your own zen. Danielle Mika Nagel is the studio director for the world’s first [...]
Top 10 Things To Expect For Baby’s First Photo Shoot
Editor’s Note: Is there anything more precious than those first professional photos taken of your gorgeous newborn babe? It’s an exciting time, but also one that can leave mom and dad a bit on edge as to how to prepare. Vancouver photographer Rhonda Dent is here today to give us a quick run-down on how [...]
Don’t Let The Bedbugs Bite
Editor’s Note: While just the mere mention of them makes just about anyone’s skin crawl, bedbugs are one of those health concerns that we as parents should be very aware of. Today, Dr. Dianne Saxe and Jackie Campbell of Canada’s Envirolaw are here to breech this touchy topic and give us all the scoop on [...]
Spring Break Plans – Get Out and Go Geocaching
Editor’s Note: Today, Martin and Lisa Pedersen from familynavigation.com are here to inspire us all to get outside and spend some time on a treasure hunting adventure. Geocaching is one seriously popular pastime and there are tons of geocaches all over Vancouver Island. I’ll let them share their adventures and get you excited about this [...]
Thinking Fitness? Personal Tips to Keep On Track
Editor’s Note: Good morning. I am not exactly on the fitness train this year. I keep thinking it’s a good idea. But, getting motivated and, mostly, finding the time in already jam-packed days have set my vision of fit me back a bit. Thankfully, there are inspiring women such as Kaylee Norton out there. Kaylee [...]
As Wolves Attack Dog, Black Creek Residents Raise Concerns
Editor’s Note: This morning Black Creek resident Samantha Garstang is here to address the community about a recent attack that left her dog clinging to life and to raise awareness about the growing wolf population in the region. Her story follows. I am writing to let you know about an incident that happened on Thursday [...]
Home Helpers – Easy Solutions to Everyday Problems
Editor’s Note: This morning we have DIY guru Jeremy of www.easyppliancesparts.com EasyApplianceParts.com, an online resource for the DIY repair market and appliance parts retailer. I particularly appreciate Jeremy Godfrey jumping in today as I’ve been dealing with a couple of these daily monsters myself and now feel armed for success. Enjoy. For every problem there [...]
Andrew Gower – Some common sense for Comox Valley Common Sense
Editor’s Note: As municipal elections in the Comox Valley heat up and voting day nears, there is much discussion about a new, seemingly anonymous, group that has emerged called themselves Comox Valley Common Sense. Local engineer, community development advocate and businessman Andrew Gower joins us today to discuss the group which formed as a part [...]
Crafts for Organizers – Fabric Covered Recipe Binder
Editor’s Note: This great project to get you all organized for your holiday baking and making first appeared on Our Big Earth in September 2009. As we start thinking about the holidays this year, the first thing I think about is where are all of my recipes. Instead of digging through drawers for hours on [...]
Warm Cumin Lentil Chickpea Salad with Turmeric-Scented Shrimp
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today we are joined by the lovely food blogger and chef France Morisette from Beyond The Peel. France has just released a new digital cookbook. Do you ever wonder if there’s such a thing as delicious health food? Would you like meals to be stress free, nourishing, fast and amazing? Would [...]
Get Kids Car Seats Double Checked, You'll Be Surprised
Editor’s Note: This morning we have Comox Valley mom and car seat safety technician Jen Shapka with us to talk about how important it is to have your kids car seats installed properly – and to have them double checked. I’ve always been of the mind that our seats were in properly, until an ICBC [...]
DIY Projects to Keep Back to School Organized
Editor’s Note: Good Morning, I’m still working hard on getting organized for school. So, when the lovely and talented Katherine Wadden from Partselect.com offered to write a great piece on DIY ways to get things in order I jumped at it. Partselect.com is a cool business, an online retailer of Maytag parts and a great [...]
Fall Food – Zucchini Times Two
Editor’s Note: Every year during the summer I head back into the Our Big Earth archives and check out some of the oldies but goodies that get filed away and dust them off because it doesn’t matter if it’s 1967 or 2011, they are truly timeless. Every September my counter is packed full of one [...]
The Big Impact of Little Helping Hands – Volunteerism for Kids
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Connecting kids to the community can often be challenging. But, one of the most fun and interesting ways to do so is to get them started early with volunteering. Today, childhood educator Dan Gilbert of Primrose Schools is here to talk a bit about the value of volunteering and how to [...]
Why Every Parent Needs A Will
Editor’s Note: Comox Valley family lawyer Pauline Rae of Nowicki & Rae is here today to discuss getting your affairs in order so that – in case something happens to you – your family is cared for. Writing a will is a hard thing to think about, but so very important. Pauline tells us why. [...]
Getting Positive About Post-Partum Depression
Editor’s Note: Having coped with a wicked bout of post-partum depression myself, I am honored to have Esther Kane here today to talk about this important topic that hits so many new moms hard. Thanks to Esther for your perspective and helping hand. Motherhood is wonderful and magical…and sometimes none of the above. It’s great [...]
Celebrating the Environmental Stewards of Tomorrow
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today, the folks from Comox Valley Land Trust have stopped by to talk about a wonderful program for kids who are the future stewards of the Earth. Check out this unique way of honoring the spirit of children who see the natural world and caring for it as their passion. Have [...]
Family Movie Review (Easter Edition) – HOP
Editor’s Note: In-house movie critic Ken Henderson is here today with a movie review just in time for Easter. Hippity Hop. Enjoy. For any parent out there who was wondering what excuse they’d need to get their kids to eat more candy, soda and or popcorn over Easter weekend here’s your solution. Finally… an animated [...]
Saying Grace – Cultivating Rhythms at Meal Time
Editor’s Note: Today we begin our first installment of Saying Grace, a series created by moms who are cultivating grace in their lives. Today, Nicole Benjamin of GardenMama is here to share with us how she cultivates grace at meal times (the craziest time in our house for sure). Her photos and stories are absolutely [...]
Planning for Spring – Get Your Seeds Started
Editor’s Note: Today Comox mom Kirra Gullickson has dropped by to get us all in the mood for Spring – even with this frosty weather. There’s no better time to be thinking about your garden than right now and she’s walking you through the process of seed starting with kids. Enjoy. There is something so [...]
Family Treats – Yogurt Poppy Seed Cake
Editor’s Note: Comox Valley mom and entrepreneur Ewa Nowicka is here this morning to share one of her favorite family recipes that makes these last few days of Winter a bit more bearable. It looks so delicious, I may just have to go make it this afternoon. Cake is heaven. This thin, moist cake is [...]
Old Skool Holidays – Valentines Sugar Cookies
Editor’s Note: This fantastic recipe was first posted on Ourbigearth.com in February, 2008 by local mom and baker Christa Herrling. As Valentines Day 2011 catches up with us, I thought it was time to revisit it and get our baking groove on with delicious, sweet and gorgeous sugar cookies. Enjoy. For this Valentines edition of [...]
Helpful Hints for Art at Home
Editor’s Note: Matisse said Creativity takes courage. He couldn’t have been more dead-on. The ways people get their creative groove on define them in huge ways. They give people courage…a place to let all of their emotions spill out…and a voice to speak out, admire, honour or just simply reveal those things that mean the [...]
Lunchbox Ideas – Go For The Thermos
Editor’s note: Good Morning, I’m always looking for lunch ideas to keep us interested instead of eating the same thing day after day. Thank goodness Christy Aune from Kids Konserve is here today with some great ideas on how to trade the lunch box for the thermos during the winter to jazz up those noon-time [...]
Hunting for the Light – Fighting off Seasonal Affective Disorder
Editor’s Note: Registered Clinical Counselor Esther Kane wrote a column for OBE several years ago on how to help fight off those Winter blues that hit so many people hard this time of year. As those super gray days settle in, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at it [...]
On Fatherhood With Daughters
Editor’s Note: This morning I am pleased to have Registered Professional Counselor and Comox Valley dad Brennan MacDonald here to talk a bit about what life is like as the father of girls. His lovely, warm perspective is one that brings it all together. Enjoy. I have the privilege and challenge of being the father [...]
Holidays 2010 – Last-Minute Holiday Meals
Editor’s Note: Good Morning, OBE Mom Posse mamas Leah Douglas and Robin Blackburn have joined forces today to help us all get through those last-minute holiday meal emergencies with style and some yummy eats. Don’t spend too much time in the kitchen (unless there is wine involved). Enjoy! Okay, it is nearly Christmas. You have [...]
OBE's Top 5 Animated Family Movies of 2010
Editor’s Note: OBE’s in-house movie critic Ken Henderson is here this morning to pass along his top family movies of 2010 and why. It’s been a great year at the movie theater. It took him a while to make his picks. Enjoy! What a year for kids animated films, it seems the industry is finally [...]
Holidays 2010 – Awesome Alternatives to Wrapping Paper
Editor’s Note: While we are all bustling around getting ready for the big day, local entrepreneur Heidi Fuerste from First Curb Recycling is here this morning to talk shop about giving a gift to the environment this holiday season in the form of rethinking what you wrap gifts in. With the Christmas Season in full [...]
Connecting to Your Kids Through Books
Editor’s Note: Vancouver Island mom Joanne Allair is back today to share with us ways to turn stories into great family conversations and get more out of the reading you do together. I love her book recommendations at the end and reminders of why reading with your kids is so important. Enjoy! There are a [...]
SHIFT News – Human Rights Day
Editor’s Note: This morning Comox mom and UN aid worker Kelly Flynn joins us to talk about Human Rights Day, which is tomorrow – Dec. 10. Kelly has explored the global community with us all year and it is fitting that we close this series honoring human rights for everyone. It is December, a busy [...]
Movie Review – How To Train Your Dragon
Editor’s Note: As the holiday season kicks in, it’s also a great time to pick up the hot movies of the season as well. Resident movie critic Ken Henderson will be here throughout the month to review movies, offer up favorites and more. He’s here today reviewing one of the hottest animated films of the [...]
Winning the Lottery Without Knowing It – Universal Children’s Day
Editor’s Note: Today Comox Mom and UN Aid Worker Kelly Flynn is here to help us learn more about Universal Children’s Day and why people across the globe are working to care for children everywhere coping with war torn conditions and other threatening situations. Kelly’s personal perspective is one that moves me to action every [...]
Simple, Special Memory Keeping: A Day In The Life
Editor’s Note: Today I am grateful for another member of the OBE Mom Posse. We have a special post from Vancouver Island mom Joanne Allair as she shares with us her special ways of preserving family memories. As we all move into holiday mode, this is a great way to share and celebrate. Just a [...]
Mom's Book Review – The Idle Parent
Editor’s Note: This morning Comox mom Robin Blackburn gives us the low down on one of the hottest parenting books on the market right now – The Idle Parent by Tom Hodgkinson. The book tackles a touchy topic and asks us all to look at why we parent the way we do. Robin breaks it [...]
Real Life Motherhood – Worry & Love Through Childhood Milestones
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today, Comox mom Merrilee Bouchard joins us with a sweet personal story about the trials and tribulations of mom life when it comes to helping your kids through major milestones. Enjoy! It’s amazing the difference a few months can make in the development of a child. When my daughter Ava turned [...]
The Tales of Storyteller Naomi Steinberg
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Comox Valley mom and writer Traci Skuce is here today to share with us how storytelling as taught by the lovely and engaging Naomi Steinberg has taken her family so many places. Now, Steinberg is back in the Comox Valley to teach folks how to take that journey of imagination for [...]
Shift News – Food Security, Our Seed to Survival
Editor’s Note: The Watershed Sentinel’s Susan MacVittie is here this morning to share a provocative article on making sure that our food sources are safe and healthy. This piece was originally published in the Sept./Oct. edition of the Watershed Sentinel With supermarket aisles filled with a colourful array of foods and accessibility to farmers’ markets [...]
Build Your Kids Confidence & Comradery Through Choir
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Comox Valley Children’s Choir Musical Director Wendy Dyck is here this morning to share her experience on how getting your kids involved in community choirs can be a great experience of a lifetime. Get those toes tapping and voices singing! Here she is: There are a dizzying array of activities for [...]
Esther Kane – Take a Mental Health Break with Yoga
In this article, I wanted to share with you one of my greatest passions and recommendations for all of my clients to help them de-stress, find balance, and get in shape- yoga. I have been practicing this ancient form of fitness, meditation, and relaxation for over half my life already. I was introduced to Kundalini [...]
Halloween Safety Tips from Street Smart Kidz
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. As Halloween is nearly upon us, Steven Baird from StreetSmart Kidz Canada has dropped by this morning to remind us of all of those important holiday safety tips for keeping everyone healthy on fright night. Here he is: The excitement of Halloween is already upon us. The stores are full of [...]
Movie Review – Legend of The Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Editor’s Note: Happy Monday. OBE Design Director Ken Henderson is here this morning with his review of the latest release from Animal Logic Studios – Legends of the Guardians, The Owls of Ga’Hoole. Ken is an entertainment industry veteran with more than 20 years working as an animator, art director and concept illustrator for film [...]
SHIFT News – International Peace Day
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. United Nations relief worker and Comox mom Kelly Flynn is here today to remind us all to pause from the grind of our busy daily lives to remember those people lost throughout the world due to the violence of war and for the peace in which we now live here in [...]
Back-to-School 2010 – Breakfast, The Most Important Meal
Editor’s Note: As your groggy crew rolls out of bed this morning and gets ready for another day of school, it’s time to consider what we are putting into our systems to fuel up for the busy school year ahead. Dr. Heather Manley – a Canadian naturopath now living in Hawaii – is here this [...]
Back-to-School 2010 – Important Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe
Editor’s note: We take a break from the giveaway madness this week (it’s been so fun) to talk with StreetSmart Kidz Canada Managing Director Steven Baird this morning about keeping your kids safe as they head back to school. Helping your kids and yourselves feel confident about their safety on the walk or bus ride [...]
Back-to-School 2010 – Back Care Begins with the Backpack
Editor’s Note: Good morning. When it comes to back-to-school health, there are some basics that every parent needs to know. One of the most important is how to help kids take care of their backs – especially as they lug their gear to school on their shoulders each morning. Cumberland chiropractor Dr. Colin Wilson is [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Salmon Pasta Salad
Editor’s Note: The weather may be a bit cooler. But, that means the backyard will be the perfect temperature for that family BBQ you’ve been putting off all summer. It also means that refreshing, hearty, yummy fare like a gourmet take on pasta salad are in order. Kid-Friendly Gourmet Christine Buchholz is here this morning [...]
Keepsake Crafts – Canvas Height Chart
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. As you work your way back into back-to-school mode, establishing some fun, creative and memorable traditions for this season is all about being able to take a look back from one year to the next. Today, crafting mama Vanessa Falle is on site with a tutorial for a gorgeous canvas height [...]
Comox Valley Gems – Anderton Therapeutic Gardens
Editor’s Note: Tucked away behind the Anderton Nursery just north of Comox is one of those incredible, peaceful yet vibrant gems of the Comox Valley that is a great place to spend a morning at, pack a picnic for and explore. We have often wandered the garden paths and poked around the hundreds of varieties. [...]
Breastfeeding May Be Best. But, Let's Not Judge
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Comox Valley mom Andrea Postal touched base with me recently to talk about an issue that we all face as mothers – whether or not breastfeeding our babies is the route we choose to go. This topic has become one of heated debate that can end in accusations, strong judgments and [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Beef Lettuce Wraps
Editor’s Note: Happy Wednesday! Christine Buchholz is here with another delicious kid-friendly recipe that was inspired by local farms and is sure to please. Enjoy. Here she is: So often I think about my son and how he will learn about food. I wonder if he’ll know that vegetables come from a planted seed and [...]
Kids In The Kitchen = Healthy Eating
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Karen Pantuso-Swanson is here with a look at the importance of getting kids involved in food preparation. Enjoy. Here she is: “Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can’t taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie.” – Astrid Alauda [...]
A Summer Survival Guide For Parents Of Teens
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have Tara Colborne back on site with an informative look at risks that our teens face during the summer months, along with ways that parents can keep them busy, out of trouble and safe. Here she is: Alert! Alert! Parents of teenagers, listen up. It is summer. Do you know what [...]
The Benefits of Eating Locally Sourced Food
Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday! This morning Gayle Bates is on site with a look at the importance of sourcing out local food. Here she is: The 2010 Comox Valley 30-Day Local Food Challenge is on! We have before us a July filled with opportunities to celebrate our local food producers and vendors. It is fantastic for [...]
Life Abroad Makes Connections To A Universal Community
Editor’s Note: Happy Monday! This morning Heather Beckett is back sharing another story about her family’s adventure of living in Australia for a year. Today she discusses how they shifted into their life abroad and established themselves in a new community. Here she is: Moving can be unsettling. Our year in Australia was a process [...]
Small Business Consult – Niche Markets that Pay the Bills
One of the most interesting, unnerving and ultimately eye-opening parts of owning a small business is discovering what pays the bills. Sometimes, your main product is the big revenue generator starting out. But, more often than not – as I’ve seen a lot of lately – it is something you never expected to be a [...]
Four Reasons Facebook Can Make You A Better Parent
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday. Local teacher and mom Tara Colborne is here with four reasons Facebook can make you a better parent. Here she is: If Facebook were a country it would be the fourth biggest in the world. Since its inception in 2004, membership on Facebook has grown to more than 250 million users [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Blueberry Lemon Stacks
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Christine Buchholz is on site with a tasty kid-friendly dessert recipe that is sure to have you running for the kitchen to whip it up. Enjoy. What comes to mind when you think of the word fresh? I think of clean, pure and, well, delicious. When I think of the word [...]
Paper Craft – Vintage Spool Albums
Editor’s Note: Vanessa Falle is back this afternoon with one of her gorgeous vintage crafts that is all about taking your photography and scrapbooking to the next level. It’s a gorgeous project, perfect for gifting or preserving precious moments. Enjoy. I am a lover of all things vintage. Especially things that relate to real life. [...]
Kids And Deception – The Art of Teaching The Truth
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Here’s Karen Pantuso-Swanson with a look at dealing with our kiddos when they experiment with lying. “A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt to be dangerous.” – Alfred Adler It’s strange when your innocent little four-year-old looks you right in the eye and lies. I think Pip’s [...]
Shift News – World Refugee Day
Editor’s Note: If you missed Wendy’s post on planning for unexpected eldercare, you can catch it HERE. Now, here’s United Nations Aid Worker and Comox Valley mom Kelly Flynn with a look at World Refugee Day and the encounter that influenced the direction of her career. Truly eye-opening. Here she is: For those of you who [...]
Quinsam Watershed Shows High Arsenic Levels
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Dolores Broten, publisher of the Watershed Sentinel – Western Canada’s only environmental magazine – is here this morning to raise awareness about a recent study released about findings in watersheds that lead into the Campbell River water system. Whether you are keeping track of ongoing concerns over the proposed coal mine [...]
Your Grandma was an Environmentalist
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Gayles Bates is on site with a look at connecting your family to the past by incorporating a less disposable way of life. Here she is: The family is where we learn the values and beliefs that we either adapt as our own as we mature, or use as a launching pad [...]
The Green Wallet – Too Much Stuff Requires Responsible Choices
Editor’s Note: If you missed the scoop on how you can get involved in tomorrow’s annual Mile of Flowers Plant In, you can get all the information HERE. Now, here’s Anthony Edwards with a look at all that stuff we take, make and waste. Here he is: I remember the conversation as if it were [...]
A Balanced Approach To Healthy Weight Loss
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. Esther Kane is on site sharing her personal experience with healthy weight loss. Truly inspiring. Here she is: Normally, I try to avoid talking about weight loss. Being an eating disorders therapist, it can be a touchy subject indeed. But lately, I’ve come to realize that there is, what I believe [...]
The Forever Family – Raising Challenged Children
Editor’s Note: Robin Blackburn is back on site with a look at some of the issues that her family faces raising adopted children. Truly honest and touching. Here she is: This was supposed to be a different column. This was supposed to be warm and supportive, culturally inclusive and celebrating diversity. But, I have had a [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – BBQ Skewers And Pasta Salad
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Christine Buchholz is here with two tasty kid-friendly recipes that will have you firing up the BBQ. Enjoy. Here she is: I can hardly believe it. Spring is almost over and it feels like it has only just begun. I know what you’re thinking. This happens every year without fail – [...]
Travel With Kids Offers So Much Time To Learn
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Heather Beckett is back with more of her family’s year-long experience of living in Australia. Today she focuses on how her family extended their learning beyond the classroom. Makes me want to pack my bags and head out into the world immediately. Here she is: Often when we think of learning we may [...]
Waldorf Learning – The Spring Festival Of May Day
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Robin’s review of some great science and non-fiction easy readers, you can catch it HERE. Now we have Rebecca Watkin on site with a look at the spring festival of May Day. Here she is: May Song Here’s a branch of snowy May, A branch the fairies gave us. [...]
Paper Crafts – Creating A Decorative Pennant Banner
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Vanessa Falle is on sight with an easy paper craft tutorial. Today she has us whipping up a lovely decorative pennant banner for any occasion. Get creative. Here she is: This month’s project is a decorative project that you can make over and over again. It can be created to suit [...]
A Peek into the Roll of a Doula
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Local doula Stephanie Janzen is on site explaining the role that doulas play during childbirth, as well as the benefits of professional labor support before, during and after the birth of your child. Our Big Earth is a sponsor of this year’s Bellies, Birth and Babies Fair hosted by the Comox [...]
Praise Our Kids Art? The Answer May Be 'No'
Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s review of Robert Bateman’s book Vanishing Habitats, you can read it HERE and try to win a copy. Now, here’s Karen Pantuso-Swanson with some great information from local pre-school teacher Lesley Henderson on how praising your child’s artwork can do more harm than good. Here she is: “All children [...]
Shift News – Uranium Mining in Canada (Part 2)
Editor’s Note: This series of articles, “The Yellowcake Trail,” tracks all aspects of uranium in Canada from the mining and milling, to processing and use, throughout its eighty-year history. The series begins with the history of uranium in Canada, from its initial discovery to the rapid development of mines that placed Canada as the prominent [...]
Talking with Teens – Let's Talk About Sex
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday! Tara Colborne is with us today getting down to the business of how to talk with your teens about sex. Ah, the joys of that conversation.:) Tara always makes it accessible. Here she is: Yo, I don’t think we should talk about this. Come on, why not? People might misunderstand what [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Easy Root Vegetable Gratin
Editor’s Note: Good morning readers! Today we are lucky to introduce you to another new OBE foodie addition. Food photographer and at-home gourmet Christine Buchholz’s column focused on savory – dare we even say gourmet – kid-friendly recipes launches today. Her first recipe is sure to please those tiny people in your life and give [...]
Paper Crafts – Welcoming Spring With A Wreath
Editor’s Note: Crafting queen Vanessa Falle is back on site with a tutorial for a lovely spring themed wreath. Enjoy. Here she is: As winter’s chill leaves the air and the sun’s rays invite the blossoms to come back for another season, I find that few things inspire me more than the beauty found in [...]
Getaways – Planning for An Extended Trip
No matter what way you travel, an extended trip involves extensive planning and a long to-do list. Preparing to go away for a year is no small feat and by the time my family settled ourselves on the plane we were physically and emotionally exhausted. But, I must step back and take us to the [...]
Esther Kane – Finding Happiness In Yourself
Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot of stories from clients about how unhappy they are in their present circumstances, and if only they could have more money, land a better job, move somewhere more exciting, find the right partner,__________(fill in the blank), life would be oh-so-much-better. I am really good at this form of wishful [...]
The Forever Family – Private Adoption in B.C.
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on this morning’s post about the Robert Bateman Get To Know Contest, you can catch it HERE. Now, Robin Blackburn is on site with more on the adoption process in British Columbia. Today she has an intimate look into one family’s private adoption experience. Here she is: This week I have [...]
Connect with Nature – The Robert Bateman Get To Know Contest
Editor’s Note: Happy Earth Day. This morning we are excited to help launch the 10th annual Robert Bateman Get To Know Contest – helping kids across the country get to know more about the wildlife and biodiversity of this great country as well as understand the impact that we have on that space. Olga Efimova [...]
Savoring The Ordinary Moments of Motherhood
Editor’s Note: Karen Pantuso-Swanson is here this morning sharing some insightful words on finding the extraordinary in all of those ordinary moments in life – one of the greatest challenges many of us face. Her piece is a a great reminder to remember what’s important, live for the moment and find the joy in everything. Lovely. [...]
Rethink May Be Better than Recycle
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today Gayle Bates in on site with a look at how rethinking the way you use things can be even more powerful than recycling. Here she is: I have the privilege of working a contract with the Comox Valley Regional District, as a Waste Reduction Educator. The CVRD Waste Reduction Program [...]
Aromatherapy Makes Motherhood Sweeter
Editor’s Note: Good morning. The lovely Rhonda Parker is here with the scoop on aromatherapy and what it can do for you. Enjoy. As moms, we are constantly reading labels and trying to find healthy choices for our families. When kids are sick or unhappy, finding healthy and natural ways to help them feel better [...]
Long-term Getaways – Living Abroad With Your Family
Editor’s Note: Happy Monday. Comox Valley mom Heather Beckett is here sharing her family’s experience of living abroad for one year. Here she is: Like many families, we lead a busy, scheduled life which often pulls us in different directions and creates stress. This often leaves us feeling like we are missing out on precious [...]
The Gift Of Imagination
Editor’s Note: Happy weekend! This morning Rebecca Watkin is back on site reminding us of the importance of imagination. Enjoy. Here she is: “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world” – Albert Einstein I’ve been thinking about [...]
Women's Health – Mid-Life Eating Disorders
I am seeing more and more women ages 30+ in my practice who are struggling with disordered eating. Many people think that eating disorders are only for teens and women in their twenties, but research shows this is absolutely false. In fact, the following statistics will most likely shock you. I was lucky enough to [...]
The Forever Family – British Columbia's Waiting Children
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Comox Valley mom Robin Blackburn is back on site with more information and insight on adoption in British Columbia. Here she is: Where was I? Okay. Yes, In British Columbia, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has “Waiting Children.” Why are they waiting? Well, the children are predominantly between six [...]
Sick of Dust? Maybe More Than You Think
Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s morning post on ways to eat local this spring, you can read it HERE. Now, here’s Sharon Daly from ecoLife Solutions with the dish on dust. Very informative info that may just have you breaking out the mop and dust clothes today! Enjoy. Many of us wait until spring [...]
Lady Gaga Says Listen Up to Your Teens
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Alix Wilson’s post about travelling by train, you can catch it HERE. This afternoon, local teacher Tara Colborne is on site discussing communication with your teens. Here she is: Teenagers talk all the time. Right? I hear them in the hallways of my school – talking, talking, talking. You might [...]
Taking A Family Trip? Travel By Train
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Alix Wilson is here, sharing her experience of travelling by train with children. Here she is: Since moving to the Comox Valley a year and a half ago, taking the train down island has been high on our to-do list. When I was six years old, my family lived just outside [...]
Neither War, Peace or Water – Reflections on World Water Day
Editor’s Note: Good morning. United Nations Aid Worker and Comox Valley mom Kelly Flynn is here talking about life without access to adequate fresh water. This provocative topic is one we don’t often discuss living in a rain forest climate. But, water is precious, so very worth the conversation and action it takes to ensure [...]
Adventure Learning – Kids Need to Discover the Outdoors
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Michelle Hughes’ post discussing the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy, you can read it HERE. Now, here’s Jamie Black with her new column on the incredible learning that comes – at any age – from getting outside and getting into old skool adventures that change us, for the [...]
Traditional Chinese Medicine In Pregnancy
Editor’s Note: Good morning readers. Registered Acupuncturist and Herbalist Michelle Hughes is here discussing the use of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine during pregnancy. Here she is: Treating women during pregnancy is an area of Traditional Chinese medicine that is continuing to grow, as more and more women realize the benefits of including acupuncture and Chinese [...]
The Comox Valley's Zone of Abundance
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Pieter Vorster from Project Watershed and Keeping It Living is on site discussing one of our gorgeous attractions – The Courtenay River Estuary. Here he is: One of, if not the most significant, attractions, and natural features in the Comox Valley is the Courtenay River Estuary. An estuary is a semi-enclosed [...]
Greet Spring With A Paper Posie Bouquet
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Crafting goddess Vanessa Falle is here with a fabulous paper and button flower tutorial. Enjoy. Here she is: This time of year is so dreary and drab up in Canada’s frozen north. We’re still buried under a blanket of snow and it’s so disheartening to hear of the buds and blossoms [...]
SHIFT News – Make BC Pesticide-Free
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. As Spring slowly creeps up on us, it means we’ll be heading out into the garden, preening the lawn and looking for greener days. It also means it’s time to think about what we’re putting on out plants and take a stand. Susan MacVittie from the Comox Valley’s own Watershed Sentinel [...]
