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 [...]

Product Review – Pregnancy Advent Calendars

I have several friends who have recently announced that they are expecting and one asked me about where to find a cool pregnancy calendar that wasn’t the typical “200 days to go” sort of electronic countdown.
I went hunting for the perfect alternative and found the most gorgeous keepsake countdown ever from Julaan Creations, made right [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

Roll with Local Veg and Cabbage Rolls this January

Good morning. While I was wandering the aisles at the grocery store the other day I had a very uncomfortable moment of consciousness when I looked down into my grocery basket and saw very little fresh food.
It’s that time of year – the dead of Winter – when it seems like the possibilities for local, [...]

Getaways – Family Learning at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

As the world descends upon the West Coast of Canada for the 2010 Olympic Games in February, the one thing we’ve been chatting about lately is getting over to the Mainland in the next couple of weeks to get our Vancouver fix in before everyone else shows up.
It’s not that we don’t want to be [...]

Getaways – The Ultimate BC Toy Adventure

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. As we all gear up for some holiday travels this week, Comox Valley mom Alix Wilson has a great suggestion for a fun detour on the way to Grandma’s house – or anywhere on the Lower Mainland for that matter. Safe traveling. Happy Winter Solstice and enjoy this lovely week.
As a [...]

Getaways – Learning, Adventure & Airplanes Up Close at YVR

When I was a kid in the 1970s one of the things that I waited for all year was to be able to stand right at the gate, face glued to the glass, waiting for my grandparents to get off of the airplane – whether it be for Summer vacation or Christmas holiday. We would [...]

Our Sustainable Future Is In Your Fridge

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s post, check out our list of great, local fresh fruit and vegetables you can find during the Winter HERE. Now, we join Colleen Dane as she gets us to take a look into the Comox Valley Regional Sustainability Strategy and what it means to things like our refrigerator. [...]

How to Create Emergency Kits & Plan for Natural Disasters

So, yeah, Mother Nature has been having some very serious personal issues with us folks on Vancouver Island for the last week or so. It’s nerve wracking at these sort of times when you look around your house and realize that you’ve got one match, a tiny tea light, no stored water and the pantry [...]

Is It A Cold or the Flu? Symptom Checker

Editor’s Note: If you missed the morning post by Marcie Dumais on helping kiddos learn the value of generosity, you can check it out HERE. This afternoon, we have some great information on the topic of cold Vs. flu.
With the news this week that St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox is asking people who have only [...]

A Time To Remember

Good Morning. May we all take a moment today and remember those who have gone before us and lost their lives in service to Canada. May this solemn day remind us all to cherish our lives and honor them. We remember.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between [...]

Product Review – BC-Made Household Cleaners

When it comes to household cleaners and laundry soap, I’ve never really thought much about shopping for locally-made products. I totally admit that I’m a fussy-butt about germs and – while I definitely wanted to make sure that we didn’t throw a huge whack of chemicals, that come with non-ecofriendly options, into the mix – I wanted [...]

10 Walks To Beat the November Blues

Good morning. As the darkness of Fall sets in, so does my urge to lay on the couch and moan. Obviously, this is not a solid use of time to pursue on a daily basis. So, one of the things that we, as a family, focus on with the onset of the rainy season is [...]

What to Do About The Flu

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! There is some serious goo going around town right now. So, we thought we’d pass along some resources and info this afternoon. If you missed this morning’s story, Bevin gave us some great advice on some DIY ways to conserve heat this season. Check it out HERE.
There’s a wild wave pounding [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Kristi Walker of Eco-Centric

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Getaways – Apple Deliciousness

When September peeks its head out each year there is only one thing on my mind – apples.
Call me an apple snob, an apple specialist, a woman of the apple kind. But, I love them and when the Gravensteins, the Fujis, the Transparents, the Honeycrisps, the Spartan, the Jonagold and the Braeburn come into season, we [...]

Books for Hands-On Nature Learning

Our month-long adventure in local food may have come to an end. But that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped thinking local. On our adventure out to Miracle Beach Nature House the other day, I made a very lengthy pit stop at the Nature House’s book store and picked up two fantastic nature learning books for kids [...]

Family Eats – A Day of Local Food Meals

Editor’s Note: Good morning. There are some seriously exciting events going on today as a part of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge. Join us out at Simms Park near the Kiwanis BBQ for NeighbourWood Eats where families gather for a potluck lunch and are learning how to Winter garden with the Comox [...]

And The Winner Is…

After registration wrapped up on Friday we validated entries and did a random draw for the winner of the first of a whole whack of prizes.
Everyone who has registered was eligible for this $250 gift basket full of local food goodies and the winner is …
Linda Barfoot!
We’re only 12 days into the challenge and there [...]

Product Review – Local Cloth Sandwich Bags

Editor’s Note: If you are in some serious need of inspiration to leave the house today after a fabulously hot weekend jamming at MusicFest (I was so tired I went to bed at 8 p.m. last night), I have one – cheese, of the French kind.
Natural Pastures Cheese Co. is having its second cheese tour [...]

5 Chefs, A Week of Local Family Fun & Food

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. It’s an amazing weekend to mix food and funk as you get your local eating groove on at MusicFest. While you are down at the Exhibition Grounds, make sure to hit the Comox Valley Farmers Market today as the 30-Day Food Challenge will be out there – aprons on and recipes [...]

Six Local Food Gems to Check Out

Editors Note: Today we are headed out to the Wednesday Farmers Market at Simms Park in Courtenay for the first of four NeighbourWood Eats events as part of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge. Bring a picnic (including a dish to share) and join in near the band stand as kids get to [...]

Learning to Make Summer’s Bounty Last

Editor’s Note: Today is a BIG day in the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge Universe.
Besides the obvious continuation of date night at one of our featured restaurants, you can go check out Island View Lavender right on the Old Island Highway in Union Bay. Kathleen will be hosting a lavender extravaganza from [...]

Eat Local, Comox Valley – The Locavores at Locals

Editor’s Note: Locals – Food from the Heart of the Island is a Featured Restaurant in the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge. You can earn a stamp and cast your vote for the 2009 Yummy Awards at Locals as well as Bisque, The Great Escape and Anderton Bistro-Pub throughout the month.
If you [...]

Eat Local, Comox Valley – Day One

Good morning and welcome to Day 1 of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge. We will be here all month bringing you the ins and outs of local food.
TODAY’S LOCAL FOOD FUN:
- Plan a lunch or dinner at Locals-Food from the Heart of the Island, Anderton Bistro-Pub, The Great Escape or Bisque and [...]

Canada = Community = Family-Friendly Local Food Guide

Editor’s Note: The Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge officially kicks off tomorrow morning! If you have your passport and haven’t registered, get on it! You have to be registered to be eligible for prizes and you get access to lots of local eating info when you do so. Click HERE for the registration [...]

Bobs and Lolo Rock Comox

My pal Ange is ground zero for all things kids and cool. She’s proven it over and over again as I can officially say that I’ve never been steered wrong by her kid sensibility. So, it’s no surprise that – when she heard years ago that the tiny person was seriously ocean-minded, she introduced us [...]

Challenge Yourself – Get Your Yummy On

Happy Sunday! While you are all out enjoying this gorgeous Sunday on a sort of-kind of holiday weekend, I wanted to tempt you inside a bit (starting this Thursday) with some details on the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge Featured Restaurants.
Taking a weekend away is nearly impossible for Ken and me. But, we [...]

Register – Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge

Good morning and welcome to everyone who is joining us here on Our Big Earth for the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge.
We’re getting right to the point today:
Need the scoop on the challenge? Go HERE
Want to check out the calendar of events? Click HERE
Having trouble finding the registration form? Go HERE to get [...]

Challenge Yourself ~ Chew On This Film Series

Good Morning.
The launch of registration for the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge is so close we can just about taste it (Get your Food Challenge Passport at Brambles starting this Monday).
There are lots of questions about how this whole fun community event works – and we are confident that, when you pick [...]

Family Eats – Hot Summer-Time Treats to Keep Cool

It has been hectic around here with the winding down of school, sports and all this incredible weather. In the chaos and heat my ladies, like most kids I suspect, have been having trouble wanting to eat.
I don’t blame them really.
But I know that when my kids play outside all day, melting away in this [...]

Dr. Amy Wells – Overcoming Male Infertility

Good morning, OBE readers.  I thought I’d begin my column today by addressing some of the comments regarding my last article on female fertility.  I must admit I’m (pleasantly) surprised with all the attention Natural Fertility Management received.  I agree – it is a shame that we aren’t taught more about this in school, as [...]

Farm to Family – ASHBerry Farm

Don and Louisa McClellan once saw themselves as the unlikeliest of farmers.
Globe hopping with the Canadian Armed Forces, they lived in corners of the Earth most North Americans rarely see. But, it was that time away, and the start of a family, that brought a military pilot and his self-professed “B.C. hippie” bride back to [...]

Restaurant Review – April Point Resort

I have this general theory these days that, once a month, we need to get the heck off of the island.
With the ferry to Vancouver forcing us to take a personal loan out to go to the aquarium, we’ve decided that means island hopping of the more local kind.
The Discovery Islands are awesome, and I’m [...]

Shower Curtains Go Hemp

Happy June!
With the onset of the hot weather, I thought it was a solid time to talk about something near and dear to all of our hearts – mold.
Oh how I hate the red and black goo – especially when it shows up on my shower curtain and I can think of a million ways [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Quinsam River

Good morning. It’s another gorgeous island Sunday, which seems like the perfect time to recommend a walk in the woods.
Beachy sunshine is so fantastic. But, when the temps start pushing the high 20s, I start thinking about heading toward the cool shade of the forest.
That’s exactly what we did yesterday, checking out the Quinsam River [...]

Kids In The Arts – Exploration Art Camp

Today I had a chat with my friend Heili Garcia. She’s got this fun, fantastic Summer art adventure going again this year and can’t wait to share her stories about art boot camp.
Exploration Art Camp began up on Mt. Washington in 1990 and the original facilitators were Heili, Lea Mann and Penny MacCullough (all of [...]

Farm to Family – Island View Lavender

Editor’s Note: Good morning. As we dig into our regular Farm to Family column this morning, I’ve got to say that my eyes were opened last week as to how truly special the food system in the Comox Valley is.
I went to Toronto with an open mind, and came out surprised for the better having [...]

Getaways – Plan for June: Family Farms, Food & Wine

Welcome to my 30-day reminder that another month has escaped us (gasp!). Nearly HALF of 2009 is over and I still think it’s January.
While I realize this could be construed as a personal issue, I seriously suspect that time is simply speeding up and laughing at me as it whizzes by.
In an effort to [...]

Green-e-ology – Green Your Kid’s Birthday Party

Editor’s Note: Today Suzanne Corrin, owner of Green Planet Parties in Port Moody has dropped by to give us some seriously great tips on how to green our kids birthday parties.
I have to say that I personally love the Suzanne’s (both owners are named Suzanne) and their products. After searching high and low for [...]

Product Review – Old Maid, B.C. Bird-Style

Good Morning and happy Victoria Day!
In celebration of a lazy day off that is hopefully filled with parades, barbecue and sunshine, we vote for a game of cards.
Back in the day, cards were just about the only thing other than Lawrence Welk on the tube that made me feel right at home on Summer vacation [...]

Come and Celebrate Community with Cupcakes

I have to start this one out with a big, gushy moment. I love you guys. Seriously, you are inspiring.
There is a purposefulness about all of you that I want to forever linger in – that warmth, sense of place, community and love for others is unmatched and I am so very grateful to connect [...]

Guides for Tiny Explorers

Good Morning. With the sun making a regular appearance these days and our NeighbourWood Walks finally started back up, we are spending a whole lot more time outside right now.
My scientist kid told me the other day that she wants to be a paleontologist (actual use of the word, which makes my jaw drop) when [...]

Grand Parents – A Love That Defines Generations

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. I am over the moon to have Solutions for Seniors Eldercare Planning’s Wendy Johnstone here this morning to kick off our new Grant Parents column.
Wendy brings with her a lovely, warm, soulful perspective on learning, love and compassion through the generations and I am truly honoured that she has agreed to [...]

For the Love of it – Good Earth Farms

One day, not so long ago, there was a couple who would soon know that a life in the garden would be something they made together.
On that first date, the guy – Simon Toole – brought with him some home grown gems and seeds he’d saved and offered them to a gal named Heather.
That day, [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Aline Wittwer of Benino Gelato

Editor’s Note: Happy Mother’s Day!!!
I could wax on for days about motherhood. But, this year – I have to say – is the year of inspired motherhood for me. The women in my life – so many of them mothers even if they do not have their own children – are remarkable.
They have guided [...]

Bike to Work Week Goes Bike to the Playground

When we first heard about Bike to Work Week, Ken and I chuckled a bit talking about pulling the tiny person’s tricycle in from the back porch and riding it from the bedroom to the office – which involves a short, straight hallway and just enough time to pick up speed for an awkward crash.

Just [...]

Reclaiming Our Childhood Connection to Nature

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today, local mom and outdoor education advocate Barb Haffner is her to kick off her regular Nature Journals column on OBE.
In my own experience, getting kids outside and letting them discover the natural world for themselves is a remarkably eye-opening experience. From the relationships that they develop with other children to [...]

Restaurant Review – Maple Noodle House

I need some help. Seriously, my poor family is suffering from “Mommy hates to cook” syndrome.
By the time I get to 4:30 p.m. every day my enthusiasm for the kitchen is sooooooo not happening. I would rather eat nothing than spend an hour cooking a meal. It has become my drudgery – the one thing [...]

Mom-Rated Family Learning Websites

The kiddo totally decides what is cool in our house.
Yeah, I lead her in directions I would like to see her pursue. But, cripes if she thinks my coffee filter butterflies are lame and I am a dork for any number of not-so-veiled attempts and exercising my parental will in the educational universe lately.
She likes [...]

Mom Poll – B.C. Coffees, Who’s Got The Best?

Good Morning. If there is ever a day of the week to talk shop about coffee, it’s Monday morning. I am a non-functioning blob of glue without my morning jolt of java and in the years since university where we’d drink anything remotely full of caffeine, I’ve become a little bit more fussy about my [...]

Great Canadian Kids Nature Books

Spring brings out the scientist in me (ha, you all laugh. When am I not in science girl mode?)
I am a botanist/ecologist/microbiologist/nature loving curious type from the word go. But, this time of year I get serious about our nature learning and head out into the deep forest of the local bookstore for some non-library [...]

SPROUTS – Creating a Kids Garden

Another sunny day. Everyone loves it when warm days blow in. With all this good weather I can finally tackle the weeds that have been meandering in my garden beds and deadhead a few of the plants that escaped me in the Fall.

It is so refreshing to be outside for hours these days – with [...]

Nature Crafts – Building Bird Nests for Kids

Good Morning. I’m still basking in the glow of festival goodness from the weekend. I feel like the tiny person saw enough and made a few very important discoveries about taking care of the Earth this weekend that got her brain moving even more in conservationist mode.
Leave it to a nearly 4-year-old’s bluntly honest ways [...]

Plan Some Family Fun in May

Did I say May? This year is racing by at the speed of light for me. I can’t believe we’re already nearing the middle of 2009. But, what that does mean is that things are starting to get very, very busy again around the region and doing some family fun planning for the next month [...]

Earth Day Family Fest is All About Community

Right around Noon yesterday I looked across Simms Park from where I was guiding folks to art making, terrarium construction, binocular building and wool felting and spotted my childhood.
There stood about 15 or 20 kiddos, potato sacks pulled up to their waists, waiting, waiting, waiting – GO!
Down the field hopped smiling faces, laughing, cheering, testing [...]

Green-e-ology – Equitable Eating’s Many Forms

Genetic engineering. Antibiotics. Pesticides. Additives. Air pollution. Animal welfare. Economics. Irradiation. Hormones. rBGH. Water pollution.
Now that I’ve got your attention, do you think about any of the above before making food choices?
If so, then you’ve likely been far ahead of me for years. I’m a little slow with the food.

[give that head [...]

Book Review – Earth Day Stories

Good Morning! It’s time!
Today is HUGE in the OBE universe as we kick off a week’s worth of fantastic Earth Day good times with the opening of our new Family Community Gardens in partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District.
The ribbon cutting is the culmination of a day’s worth of family-friendly events including those fun [...]

Mom Review – Woodland Rogue

Editor’s Note: In honor of Earth Day (April 22) and all of the exciting OBE events going on like the CVRD Earth Day celebrations and ribbon cutting on the new Family Community Gardens this Saturday, we’ll be focusing the next couple of weeks on ways that you can think green and live gently on the [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Keli Carpenter of Warriors Realm & Raw Realm

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Getaways – Family Time on Quadra Island

When I sit down to plan a bit of a family escape, my mind has always wandered toward the west side of Vancouver Island. With all of its tide pooling, surfers and sea life, the West Coast has its beauty. But, lately, I’ve been dreaming spending some serious time on another island.

The northern islands – [...]

Easter Crafts, Easter Egg Hunts, Easter Food

Well, here we are – the Thursday before Easter – and I’ve got nothing. Seriously, it’s ungood. Thank goodness for our pals Nicola and Mike who threw a big egg bash for the kids last weekend.
I’m hoping I’m not the only momma out there who is relatively unorganized in the Easter/Passover action department. Luckily, it [...]

Family & Freshness – Seaview Game Farm

Editor’s Note: This is a bittersweet day as Robyn Butler hangs up her OBE columnist pen when she moves into her new role as our advertising and marketing associate.
I have been inspired over the last half a year to spend way more time cruising the local farm scene. Eating local is as easy as it [...]

Homeschooling – Choose The Right Books

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today, Royston farmer and homeschooling mom Louisa McClellan is here to talk shop on how to find the right books for your kids.
Reading is a HUGE part of our lives around here and I, seriously, pound through dozens of books a month searching for the gems out there (long live the [...]

Restaurant Review – Benino Gelato

 
There we were, standing at the corner of Fourth and Cliffe a few days ago snacking down in gelato, chatting up Benino Gelato mother-daughter team Ruth and Aline about life in general when it occurred to me that I had yet to chat up our most favourite afternoon treat locale with OBE readers.
Maybe it was [...]

Family Fitness – Safety Keeps You Fit on the Trails

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today we’re hanging out with Equilibrium Lifestyle Management owner Sarah Seads as she gets us geared up for long Spring days out on the trails or at the beach.

After this crazy Winter, I know I’m totally excited to get back out there and spend some quality time working out and [...]

Sunday Morning Walk – Time to Tide Pool

The starfish are calling. I’m totally serious, they’re wondering where all of the humans are. They’ve finally come up for some air after a long, chilly Winter under water.
So, it must be time for us to dig out the wellies and head for the waves…or at least the low tide line.
This is the time of [...]

Growing Children with Song

Editor’s Note: This morning, Comox Valley Children’s Choir Director Carol Anne Parkinson has stopped by to talk about the wonderful ways song can help your children grow strong.
Music was a huge part of my childhood. It gave me the space to be that could be found no place else.
Enjoy!

From my very earliest memories, I [...]

Fostering A Community Without Hunger – LUSH

Food security is a hot topic these days and one enterprising local non-profit is putting the Valley on the map when it comes to sustainable practices.
The folks at Lush Valley Food Action Society are seriously committed to the health and well-being of us Valley folk by offering a whole load of fun and encouragement when [...]

Local Youth, Helen Austin Create “Island Home”

So, a while back the Shape The Future Comox Valley folks invited me to give a quick talk to the crew at their meeting of local residents focused on developing a sustainability plan for the Valley.
While I was there to talk to the adults, I was totally wowed by a crew of Huband Park Elementary [...]

Get Away – Planning for April Family Fun

It’s official. We’ve passed that critical point in every year when getting out of town is required by the necessity of maintaining good mental health during the dark days of Winter.
Spring has sprung – and that also means that the Comox Valley begins to spring to life as warmer days mean lots to do close [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Boundaries vs. Balance

Editor’s Note: Karen McKinnon is dropping by today to offer up her insight into life as a mom in business for herself.
If anyone can lend a hand in working the kinks out, it would be Karen. With her busy house, growing business and warm sensibility, she’s mastering the art of learning how to say [...]

Product Review – Daisychain Maternity Support Belts

Good morning. I’m still feeling mighty sluggish and a bit dazed after a weekend across the (tiny) pond battling hordes of Spring Breakers at Science World while trying to cram in some relax time and catch up with pals.
Getting over to Vancouver is totally fantastic. But, I always feel like we never get the chance [...]

The Making of a Mom Entrepreneur – Voice

I had NO IDEA what I was doing when I first started Comox Valley Kids.
That’s not entirely true. I’d been writing professionally for about 17 years – a serious bonus. But, really, it wasn’t about the writing for me. The trick came with figuring out what “I” sounded like. It seems a little silly, since [...]

Get Away – The Brant Wildlife Festival

Good Morning! With Spring Break upon us it seems like the perfect time to scramble for something cool to take the company to or get the family together for.
Easier said than done.
I’ve said it probably way too much. But, Spring is one of the most amazing times of the year on Vancouver Island. [...]

Go Old Skool (and delicious) at DeeKayTee Ranch

Ah, how I live for Saturday mornings. It’s become a necessary ritual to indulge in some “me-time,” and my favorite way to cap off yet another busy week is to set out to explore what’s fun on the farm market scene in our beautiful little corner of the Earth.
My latest discovery is DeeKayTee Ranch, [...]

An Interview with BC Kids Book Author Scott Higgs

Good morning. Today we’re checking out the charming tales of Haley & Bix, two best friends who are sweet, caring and totally cool.
Our daughter and I picked up the first in the series: Haley & Bix, Best Friends No Matter What, a while back and totally loved this easy reader.
So, we jumped at the chance [...]

Moms in Need Seek Affordable Fitness Trainer

As parents, we will do almost anything to ensure that our children are healthy and well cared for.
We do whatever it takes to get them to eat their veggies, give them creative/ play time, and make sure they get adequate sleep and exercise each day.
Our priority is to give them the best possible start, all [...]

Sunday Morning Walk – Pt. Holmes Beach

Editor’s Note: Parents, one of the lasting legacies we can leave for our kids is the way our communities are allowed to develop today. Preserving parkland, ensuring smart, green development, making use of land in a way that nurtures nature as well as inspires a thoughtful business community is crucial.
We as parents now have an [...]

Digital Dating & The Single Mom

Editor’s Note: Esther Kane is back today to talk about digital dating for single moms and I have a quick digital dating success story to share – mine.
Ken and I had moved to Seattle within two weeks of each other eight years ago, and both of us for just about all the reasons Esther points [...]

Green-e-ology – Save Money, Unplugged

Not so long ago I was searching online for power saving ideas (no gigantic bill this time, just pure curiosity).
I came across information about power usage for electronic devises that are not in use and was amazed to learn that many electronic devices continue to use power when switched off, or in stand-by mode.
This continuous [...]

Mom’s Office – Must-Have Organizational Tools!

Editor’s note: Good Morning! As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of moms everywhere, we are launching our Mom-P-Inc Small Business Consultation column on OBE this morning.
This is a space where moms with ideas brewing, new businesses on the launch, a position in a larger company or solid businesses in [...]

KidSports – Big Fun, Build Skills with New T-Ball

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! It may be still be Winter, but all signs point to sunshine and outside fun – including T-BALL REGISTRATION, which begins Monday morning (Feb. 16) at the Lewis Centre, Comox Rec and Happy ’s Source for Sports (on Sixth in Courtenay).
That also means there couldn’t be a better time to [...]

Preserving the Comox Valley, One Bite at a Time

When Karen Pattison bottles up local crops using the age-old tradition of preserving fruits and vegetables, she’s also preserving fond memories of her childhood in Willow Point near Campbell River.
Now the owner of Bite Size Specialty Foods, she grew up eating tasty veggies from her grandparents’ garden in their neighbouring property. And after a lifetime [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Rhonda Parker of Well-Balanced Fitness & Bodywork

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Win Kids Gear with the Click of the Camera

M and I just spent an hour or so watching the gorgeous sunrise this morning and, while we were busy telling stories about unicorns in the clouds and watching them change lovely, mid-Winter shades of pink and orange, she belted out “This needs a picture mommy. Go get the camera.”
While I passed, wanting more to [...]

Enjoy A Local Chinese New Year Feast

With the Lunar New Year starting Monday (January 26), what better time to gather the family and celebrate by creating a local feast to commemorate the Year of the Ox.
In Chinese culture, food prepared during this celebratory season is meant to bring luck as many dishes have symbolic meaning in relation to their appearance and [...]

Beating The Winter Blues

Editor’s Note: Registered Clinical Counselor Esther Kane is here with us again today to talk about one of the hottest Winter topics – Seasonal Affective Disorder.
For me, Winter is a real challenge – and families definitely go through it together. So if the cold and gray is getting you down, try a few of [...]

Prontissima Pasta – A Taste of Italy in the Valley

Life is a combination of magic and pasta…
…these famous words of Italian film maker Fellini have come to life in our little slice of paradise. From their home-based commercial kitchen on Courtenay’s Fifth Street, Prontissima Pasta owners Sarah and Wally Walsh have seen their year-old business flourish so much that they’re in production four days [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Pam Watson of Planet Kids

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Buy British Columbia at Courtenay’s Newest Grocer

We interrupt regularly scheduled programming today for a couple of reasons. This week, when I took a look at what was on deck for our Nature Journal, the calendar read something that we have yet to witness this year – ice.
You will not get even an ounce of whining from this direction about one of [...]

Nature Journal – Mushroom Magic

It’s a story up for hot debate in our house right now, “Do fairies ACTUALLY live under mushrooms in the forest?”
Our daughter is adamantly against the whole theory. They may use these cool weather blooms to escape from the rain, stay out of the sun or hide from odd creatures (like humans, according to her). [...]

Wholesome Goodness In A Nutshell

Editor’s Note: A trip to just about any local farm – or as a rainy-season alternative, your local Farmers Market – is a great way to connect kids to food. Putting that together with family reading of a book like This Is The Feast by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated by Megan Lloyd, which we [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Paola Lewis of The Rusty Rooster

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Nature Journal – Nutty Buddies

So, I’m crashed out in bed here after a huge day of walking (Mother Nature loves the NeighbourWoodies, holding back on the rain until we were on our way home) totally chilling out to the Ray LaMontagne CD my lovely pal Karen McKinnon gifted me with recently (oh how I love the Ray, Karen).
I’m totally [...]

Get Water Wise, Turn the Tap Off on Your Hydro Bill

Editor’s Note: I very much believe that it is up to us to make sure our children’s Earth is alive and well. We are the keepers of the future. If we live for today, that’s not good enough.
I could, and often consider, going on a mad tirade about it all. But, we all know [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Jan Peavoy of Dark Side Chocolates

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Family Card Games, BC Wildlife Style

I don’t mean to be a grouch about this, but what about Canada?
It is so amazingly tough to find cool learning tools and games for kids that are based on all of the amazing sites and experiences this great nation holds.
Canadians are a modest bunch. We figure the beauty speaks for itself.
But, I totally want [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Teneille Higgins & Chelsea Kennedy of Firefly: New Beginnings

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Homeschooling in BC, How to Get Started

Homeschooling Valley mama Rosina Huber is here today to talk shop about how to go about getting your kiddo hooked up as a homeschooler this year.
If you’re considering or continuing homeschooling your tiny people, Rosina is the mom in the know.
Her article was originally published on the BC Homeschool Network.
Here she is:

It’s that time of [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Tina Willard-Stepan of Seeds Natural Market

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Sarah Stromquist of Kasa Bags

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Cherry Bread

While it may not have seemed like it here on site, I’ve been on staycation for the last 10 days or so.
No packing, traveling or expense involved – just a whole lot of sleeping in, napping and working less hard than usual.
With all of this “free” time, I have found myself wandering the veggie stalls [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Sherry Turnbull & Kristina Jespersen of Podlings (formerly Little Me)

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Kyla and Marussia Nesling

Motherhood, it changes you.
For four weeks now, we’ve been taking a look at moms across the Comox Valley who have taken the ingenuity thrust upon them by parenthood and turned it into businesses.
Today, we get to know two local mamas who took their passion for health, the environment and family and worked together to build [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Louisa McClellan of Ashberry Farm & Usborne Books

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Jennifer Barth of Be on Sixth

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Julie Catania of Organic Family Natural Home

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Carol Anne Parkinson of Kindermusik

Motherhood, it changes you.
While there’s a whole list that involves sagging and wrinkled, exhausted and emotional that can be wrapped in there, for many women becoming a Mom takes life to a whole other level.
It brings out our genuine loves, forces them into places creatively and personally that reveal talents and ingenuity unrealized until that [...]

Resources for Special Needs Children in the Comox Valley

Resources for children with special needs are often tricky to find.
Here is a compilation of support groups, organizations and other resources for families:
Valley Resident Susan Millette runs an activity-based social communication program for children with special needs. Her program is designed to promote social communication,
self-esteem and empathy through various motivating activities and techniques
in a fun [...]

Book Review – The Magic Forest

I am in love with the forest.
Growing up in – and living most of my life surrounded by mountains and wilderness – something deep inside always resonated profoundly with me.
Strangely I didn’t really begin to understand why until I started plugging into nature from a kiddo’s perspective.
Getting on your hands and knees to look up [...]

Reading Local in British Columbia

I am a big fan of all things local. Not that I’m averse to exploring the world – it just seems to me that connecting deeply to your everyday means a personal investment in the well-being of everything around you. That’s where we can begin to truly make a difference.
Living on the West Coast is [...]

Get Your Family Involved with Conservation

The grandeur of the Pacific Coast Rainforest and the majesty of nature is one of North Vancouver Island’s most valuable resources, preserved and cared for by a diligent handful of dedicated organizations including:
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS:
The Comox Valley Naturalist Society
Comox Valley Land Trust
Greenways Land Trust (Campbell River)
Friends of the Comox Lazo Forest Reserve
Greenways Land Trust
Ecotrust Canada
Strathcona Wilderness [...]