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 coastal [...]

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 appearing [...]

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 [...]

Working Motherhood Is Insane… Or Is It?

Editor’s Note: If you missed out on this morning’s review of the luxurious Tigh-Na-Mara Spa & Resort, you can read all about it HERE. Now, here’s Robin with a look at working motherhood.
It’s hard to hear, that sweet voice sitting next to me coloring at the kitchen table that pipes up when my computer mysteriously [...]

Getaways – Tigh-Na-Mara Spa & Resort

When it’s time to head out of town sans partner and children, the one spot that almost always comes to mind when hanging out with my pals is Tigh-Na-Mara Spa & Resort in Parksville. This gorgeous retreat is a true mom getaway that can be a time to get away with one friend or a [...]

Book Review – Princess Pigs & Leadfoot Hampsters (giveaway)

Editor’s Note: If you missed Karen Pantuso Swanson’s piece on buyer’s remorse and Barbie, check it out HERE. Now we have to fun pre-K reads and a double giveaway. Enjoy!
We do a whole lot of reading around here – nature stories, science stories, stories about different cultures, checking out stories about baby animals (that’s our [...]

Buyer’s Remorse – Facing The Barbie Dilemma

Editor’s Note: Good morning! Karen Pantuso-Swanson is here with another insightful look at the trials and tribulations of parenting. Here she is:
“Math class is tough.” – Mattel’s Talking Barbie
I lost myself for about half-an-hour one Saturday afternoon. I’m not sure where I went, but another mom who buys high-heeled shoes and Barbies for her daughter inhabited [...]

Naturopathy & Autism Spectrum Disorder

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Dr. Amy Wells is here with a naturopathic view of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Have a great day. Here she is:
This month, I thought I’d shed some naturopathic perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a disorder affecting many families, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. ASD is defined by the Autism Society of BC [...]

Does Caring For Aging Parents Have You Caught In The Middle?

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Wendy Johnstone is on site discussing the Sandwich Generation and offers up some tips on how to manage this time in your life. Here she is:
Being a parent gives new meaning to the word exhausted. When my three-and-a-half-year-old, falls to the ground after a quick trip to the grocery store and says, [...]

Spring Break 2010 – Easy Family Activities Around the Region

Editor’s Note: If you missed out on this morning’s list of 10 must-have kitchen gadgets, you can find it HERE. Now, here’s Robin with some fun family activities to keep you busy for the rest of the week.
Okay, it’s day three of Spring Break. Breathe. There are still ways to occupy your kids that don’t require packing the car up, [...]

10 Kitchen Gadgets Moms Can’t Live Without

I am a self-proclaimed kitchen avoider. While I’m pretty confident in my cooking skills, I’m no lover of ending my day by cooking a big meal for the family. By the time dinner rolls around, I’m lucky if I actually have something defrosted enough to cook and I’m much more likely to pawn the job [...]

Spring Break 2010 – Craft Roundup

Good morning. You have to admit that the weather report is not looking up for the next couple of weeks. That could spell some serious trouble for getting the kids out of the house more than once or twice for an outdoor adventure.
But, that doesn’t mean that you are stuck with screaming, bored children.
We’ve got [...]

SHIFT News – Celebrate Great Canadian Women

Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s morning post on pregnancy advent calendars, you can read it HERE. They are simply lovely. Now, let’s take a look at five exceptional Canadian women as we celebrate International Women’s Day. Here they are:
When legendary Canadian speed skater Clara Hughes declared Canada one of the greatest countries in the world for [...]

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 [...]

Spring Break 2010 – Family Trails for Spring Fun

I have no idea how it’s possible that Spring Break is already here. But, hey, now that the kids have a week off and we have to find ways to keep them in motion without tackling each other, we might as well all get on the bus together. In the next seven days or so, [...]

Mom’s Book Shelf – Emily Schultz’s Heaven Is Small

Editor’s Note: If you missed Gayle Bates this morning, you can read her post on proactive consumption HERE. Now, here’s Robin with the book of the month for March. Here she is:
Iam mildly dark. Ken would tend to disagree, and go with a much darker assessment. My favorite authors are Rosario Castellanos, Keri Hulme and Joan Didion. I [...]

We All Buy Stuff – Be Proactive About It

Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday! This morning Gayle Bates is here discussing the mass media and the role it plays in consumerism. Here she is:
Oh my, does the media ever affect the environment. We are exposed to more than 3000 messages every single day, and the vast majority of these messages are telling us to consume, [...]

Ask A Midwife – Breech, Sickness, Cycles & Loss

Editor’s Note: Good morning. The crew from Plum Midwifery is here this morning answering four very interesting and provocative questions about pregnancy and childbirth – all submitted by OBE readers (thanks to everyone for your fantastic questions).
The Plum Midwifery crew includes Joanne Daviau, Amy Kelly, Emma Gledhill and Jessie Shannon, as well as the [...]

Spend An Afternoon Combing The Beach For Treasure

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jocie Ingram is here reminding us about our fabulous beaches and the treasures we can find on them. It’s time to hit the beach! Here she is:
On the weekend, we often take the kids up to “Granny’s house” at Miracle Beach. When we get there, our two-year-old son Alden heads straight [...]

Restaurant Review – Mad Chef Cafe

Since before Mad Chef Cafe even opened its doors in the old Orbits space in downtown Courtenay, there was a serious buzz about their food.
I figure anyone with the guts to call himself the Mad Chef has to be making some mad tasty food – and the Comox Valley sure seems to agree. Mad Chef [...]

Kids Crafts – Spring Eggs & Wet Felting

I am having a fling with wool. It’s true, I’m totally smitten. There are so many reasons why wool is the one for me. Wool is soft and so very cozy, makes me feel like I’ve done something good for myself just by being near it. Then, of course, there’s the whole “my child is [...]

Product Review – Black Drop Designs

If there’s one thing the tiny person inherited from me, it’s a love of all things jewelry. I don’t wear a whole heck of a lot of it. But, the pieces that I have are significant.
Ken can attest – after years of wondering if I will ever change a pair of earrings or try a [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Movie Review – Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs

Editor’s Note: If you missed the morning post about YANA’s annual dinner and action, you can read it HERE. Now we have Ken Henderson on site with the first of many movie reviews here on OBE. Today he’s reviewing Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. Here’s Ken:
I have to confess; when I first saw the [...]

Taking Care of Local Families – YANA’s Annual Dinner & Auction

It’s that time of year again when we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hearts of families throughout the region through one very special Comox Valley organization that takes care of those families in their darkest times and when the need is the greatest – You Are Not Alone, better known as YANA.
If you [...]

Tween Reads from Maddy Erickson – Savvy by Ingrid Law

Editor’s Note: Good Afternoon. If you missed the discussion on Zoe Whittall’s novel Holding Still For As Long As Possible, you can catch it HERE.
Now, I’m excited to introduce Maddy Erickson as the newest addition to the crew of writers here at Our Big Earth. Maddy – as well as her reviewing co-hort Madeline McNamee [...]

Creating A Sustainable Wardrobe, One Item At A Time

I love clothes. I love textiles. I love all things fashion. This has been a lifelong fascination that stretches as far back as elementary school when a friend and I started our own fashion design firm in her basement. It was serious business.
Back then my closet was stacked with issues of Vogue and Elle and [...]

Homeschooling – A Look At Theme-based Learning

It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten a chance to talk about homeschooling here on OBE. For the last year or so, we’ve been mulling around our educational options for the tiny person and it wasn’t until this month, actually, that we solidly moved forward with our plans to home-school.
It’s not that I think [...]

A Raw Food Q & A with the Crew from Zen Zero

As my adventures in the necessary retooling of my diet evolves, I’ve been digging deeply into all kinds of eating options that have anecdotal evidence of helping overcome disease, fatigue and general malaise.
The one that keeps resurfacing for me is raw foods. But, honestly, the only thing I’ve seen in the past when I think [...]

Winter 2010 NeighbourWood Walks Registration

Editor’s note: This morning’s post on making felt fortune cookies to celebrate the combo of Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day (both Feb. 14 this year) was so much fun. You can check it out HERE. Now, it’s time to finally get back outside as we get down to the business of registering for our [...]

Craft – Chinese New Year + Valentines = Felt Fortune Cookies

I was completely stumped this year when we started going through the craft books and websites looking for Valentine’s Day crafts. The sense was that there are some cute ones out there, but neither of us really wanted a pile of paper hearts, or to spend the time peeling and grating crayons to make a [...]

The Fit Family – Building In A Routine for All of Us

I have to admit that working out these days is like pulling teeth – for a couple of reasons.
Still trying to figure it all out, it looks like I have a combination of adrenal fatigue and thyroid issues wreaking havoc on both my energy and my stamina. I’ve given up on the regular doctors and have [...]

Esther Kane – More Men Than Ever Struggle with Food

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Registered Clinical Counselor Esther Kane is here discussing the growing struggles that men and boys face with eating disorders. Here she is:
In this article, I’ve decided to tackle the topic of males with eating disorders for a couple of reasons. I’m working with more men with this problem than ever before [...]

Taking A Peek Inside A Waldorf Classroom In Action

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Waldorf educator Rebecca Watkin is on site this morning showing us the inner workings of a Waldorf elementary grade classroom. Here she is:
The first time I set foot into a Waldorf classroom my breath was taken away by its beauty. I am not sure what I expected, but I was transformed [...]

When Birth Becomes An Inspired Resistance Movement

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! This morning we have Deepa talking about the incredibly powerful and moving birth story that inspired her to become a midwife. Here she is:
They say that a mark of happiness is whether you get any pleasure out of the question, “what do you do?”
I often get asked why I became a midwife. [...]

Empowering Your Kids to Become Housework Helpers

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Marcie Dumais is here this morning with some tips and insight on getting our kiddos to clean up after themselves and share in household chores. Here she is:
I get serious heebie-jeebies about clutter at this time of year. Who am I kidding? I can barely make it through Boxing Day before [...]

Tips for Making Hearty Food Fit For Your Family

Editor’s Note: Happy middle of the week! This morning we have food lover Sarah Stromquist dishing up tips on a year of positive eating. Here she is:
I no longer make unrealistic resolutions for the New Year, only to later feel the guilt of not sticking it through. That sense of failure does nothing for me [...]

Paper Crafts – Weekly Gratitude Book

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Crafting queen Vanessa Falle is on site with a lovely tutorial on creating a gratitude book. Awesome concept. Cool craft. Enjoy. Here’s Vanessa:
The beginning of the New Year is so inspiring. It’s much like preparing for the first day of school and being surrounded by piles of school supplies and anticipating [...]

Product Review – Science Kits for Young Kids

Now that the holiday craziness has wound down and we are back to normal around our house, we are also back to our regular theme action when it comes to our home learning with the tiny person. She got a challenging diagnosis at the end of December and we knew this year was going to [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Discovering Community Literacy

When you say the word “literacy” the images of libraries and academia often come to mind. It takes you down a mental path of helping kids learn to read and guiding adults through the challenges of needing to be able to interpret for themselves written words in order to manage the day-to-day tasks.
To me, it [...]

Environmental Ed Books for Children (giveaway)

Editor’s Note: If you didn’t catch Karen Pantuso-Swanson’s sweet story this morning, you can read it HERE. This afternoon we have Gayle Bates sharing some of her favorite eco-focused children’s books. Here’s she is:
What a way to start 2010 – getting to talk about two of my most favourite things: the environment and books!
Recent years have [...]

The Wisdom of Children – The Freedom of Innocence

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Karen Pantuso-Swanson is with us this morning sharing a lovely story that displays the ease and confidence that come with the innocence of childhood. Enjoy. Here she is:
“Kids: they dance before they know there is anything that isn’t music.” – William Stafford
My mom is a tap-dancer. She taught me to dance when I [...]

Sunshine in a Bottle – Why We Need a Daily Dose of Vitamin D

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! This morning Dr. Amy Wells is on site discussing the benefits of Vitamin D. Bring on the sunshine! Here she is:
After the craziness of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations died down, I made the mistake of saying to my toddler one morning “Okay, I’m ready for Summer now!” Every morning since, [...]

Helping Children Understand Dementia

Editor’s Note: Good morning! Today we have Wendy Johnstone on site helping us help our kids understand dementia. Here she is:
“I do remember, and then when I try to remember, I forget.” – Winnie-the-Pooh
“Why does Nana call me your name Mommy instead of mine?” “How come Grandpa doesn’t know how to use his knife or [...]

Exposing Kids to Great Music is Easy in the Comox Valley

Editor’s Note: Happy Tuesday! This morning we have Bobby Herron on site giving us the low-down on where to check out all the music greatness in this Valley of ours. Here he is:
Many people around this time are inspired to organize neat little lists that express their opinion of what was good and what was [...]

Fit Family – A Forced Reset of Family Priorities

I never find it a good thing when you head to the doctor, get some blood work done, and they call you for a follow up that starts with “Come on in today.”
That’s what happened to me in mid-December. I knew I wasn’t feeling good. I thought it was general malaise, some un-checked emotional goo, [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Emma Payton of Payton Hughes Consulting

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon! If you missed Robin’s morning post on the very cool, fun and interesting Capilano Suspension Bridge, you can read it HERE. Now we kick off another year of amazing women in business with a warm profile on mom entrepreneur Emma Payton.
We’ve got some fantastic profiles of mom entrepreneurs this year. But, [...]

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 [...]

New Kids Science Programs Make Courtenay Museum Come Alive

Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday! If you missed the morning post, you can read Robin’s review of two sweet Canadian authored books HERE. This afternoon we have the scoop on two new and very wonderful science programs offered at the Courtenay Museum. Check them out:
As self-proclaimed science nerds over here, the recent announcement from the Courtenay [...]

Book Review – Red is Best & Bella’s Tree

I cannot tell you how many times we have woken up in the last few weeks, our daughter launching herself onto the couch to check for snow outside, only to be bummed out at the perma-gray with no white stuff in sight.
“We live in a rainforest kiddo”, I gently remind her each time she asks [...]

Ask A Midwife – Top 5 Questions From Pregnant Women

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! It is with the greatest of pleasure that we launch the new Ask A Midwife column here on OBE with the midwives of Plum Midwifery joining us monthly to answer your questions about pregnancy and childbirth.
I’m honored to introduce you to Joanne Daviau, Amy Kelly, Emma Gledhill and Jessie Shannon, as [...]

Nature Journal – Animal Tracking Basics for Family Nature Fun

Editor’s Note: Good morning! Jocie Ingram is here with some great information on animal tracking. Now you can hit the trails like a pro! Here she is:
Tracking wild animals is a skill that takes years of experience, but anyone can follow a set of footprints and learn to become a keen observer of nature.
A familiar [...]

Restaurant Review – Downtown Courtenay’s Atlas Cafe

There are a few staple restaurants in life that I know any time I head out – whether it be for a business meeting, a late afternoon drink with a friend, lunch with the family or dinner with that hot guy I married, but never seem to have time to hang out with – the [...]

Crafts to Build Fine Motor Skills – Hand Sewing For Kids

They say knitting is the new yoga and sewing is the greatest happy pill out there. If a needle and thread can sooth the savage beast, fork a whole pile over to me and the 4-year-old. Both of us are searching for that quiet, peaceful truth these days!
And, lately, it seems that those wives tales actually [...]

The Green Wallet – Making Sense of Green Investment Funds

Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s morning post about some very cute, eco-friendly toys that teach environmental sustainability, you can check it out HERE. This afternoon we have Anthony Edwards on site making sense out of the different types of socially responsible investment funds.

These are fascinating times for those of us working in the field of [...]

Product Review – Idbids, the Eco-friendly Alternative to Webkins

I’m all good with pop culture and understand that kids will be into what kids will be into – made clear to me this year when my science kid went major girl with a castle, a ballerina and unicorns from every direction on her list to Santa this year.
But, one thing I’ve never really been into [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Winter Museum Walking

You have to admit that, some days this time of year, heading outside for an adventure in the perpetual downpour is not on the list of things to do. But, needing to get out of the house is going to be the one thing that keeps everyone from going off of their rockers in the [...]

Dispose of Your Christmas Tree for Charity

Good Morning and Happy 2010. Now that the holidays are wrapping up, it’s time to find a green, easy and community-minded way to dispose of your Christmas Tree.
The three Comox Valley municipalities and the Comox Valley Regional District are offering you some great options for doing just that, and giving back in the process. Here [...]

New Year’s Skating Traditions & Cheer

On this eve of the new decade, we here at OBE HQ are perpetually socially challenged in terms of where to get in a great party and take the kiddo. There are some cool things going on tonight around the Valley like the Family New Year’s Carnival Featuring Bobs and Lolo up at Mt. Washington.
But, [...]

Year In Review – Hottest Family Food Fun of 2009

It has been an excellent year for eating (especially eating local) here at Our Big Earth. We’ve loved learning lots of new and delicious recipes that are perfect for that family meal and really enjoyed learning how to create new and different dishes from a multitude of yummy ingredients.
Our recipe book is getting better and [...]

Year In Review – Favorite Family Nature Locales for 2009

Oh my goodness 2009 has been a fantastic year for weather, exploring and general outdoor adventures. The Comox Valley and Vancouver Island are absolute perfection when it comes to hanging in the outdoors and making family time nature time.
We’ve explored a lot of cool places, taken more than 150 kids and their parents on hikes [...]

The Wisdom of Children – Teaching Compassion

Editor’s Note: As we enjoy our holiday week with family and friends, Karen Pantuso joins us this morning with a lovely story revealing the heart of children and their limitless capacity for compassion. Enjoy!

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”
~ Mother Teresa
When I traveled to Jejuri, India to [...]

Year In Review – Family Health in 2009

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s post, check out Assistant Editor Bevin Clempson’s tips for reducing holiday waste HERE. Now, it’s time for a trip in the way back machine to check out 365 days of preventative health care with Dr. Amy Wells:
If there is one thing that has dominated family life this year [...]

Holiday Recycling – Shrinking the Mountain of Merry Waste

Out of bed at the crack of dawn, my brother and I would eagerly creep our way towards the living room where Santa had left his mark, the stockings were stuffed full and the space beneath the tree was piled high with presents. We were always astounded by the sight.
Santa’s gifts were almost always unwrapped [...]

Year In Review – Your Favorite Comox Valley Farm of 2009

Happy Wednesday. This year has been packed full of Comox Valley food here on Our Big Earth as we hosted the first Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge and connected families to some of the incredible farmers, ranchers and food producers that make this region such a special and unique place to live.
The stories [...]

Fun Last-Minute Gift Ideas for the Time Challenged

Oh my. Dec. 22. Where has the time gone? Many of us have the best of intentions to get everything done well in advance of the big day. But, there always seems to be that one special person or those last little bits that, well, sneak up on us and we realize we haven’t finished [...]

Year In Review – Mom Entrepreneurs of 2009

Good Morning! It’s that time of year again when we start to take a look back at the last 365 days and reflect a bit on the goodness, the craziness, the lessons and the shifts of the last year. I thought we’d kick it all off with a look at the women who made up [...]

Book Review – Favorite Stories to Celebrate the Solistice

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed out on the morning post, you can check out Rebecca’s post on Waldorf Kindergarten classrooms HERE. Now, we’ve got four of my favorite books to celebrate the solstice with your kids through stories.
Although we are just short of a week away from celebrating Christmas, one of my [...]

SHIFT News – Climate Change and Rethinking Electronics

Editor’s Note: If you missed our morning post today, be sure to check out the new format of our BUMPS column as the first of many birth stories is shared HERE. Now, as the United Nations Climate Change Conference continues in Copenhagen, Susan MacVittie from the Comox Valley’s own Watershed Sentinel is here today to [...]

Birth Stories – Conscientious Observation of Labor

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Ah, life, how it evolves. Deepa’s column is evolving too. Today, we start the first of many amazing birth stories told through the experiences of Deepa. I’m looking forward to this change of pace, as we are set to launch a whole bunch of goodness around pregnancy and childbirth in early [...]

Holiday Traditions – A Community Reading of Dickens A Christmas Carol

Editor’s Note: If you missed Marcie Dumais’ column on turning old traditions into something all your own, check it out HERE. Now, it’s time to tell you a bit about Our Big Earth’s last community event for 2009. We hope you’ll join us for a wonderful evening of fun for a great cause.
Our Big [...]

Making Old Family Traditions Your Own

Editor’s Note: This morning Marcie Dumais is on site with a look at folding old family traditions into your very own new holiday traditions. It’s such a fun time of year to reflect, honor, laugh and enjoy. Creating those memories and reliving happy pieces of our childhood are some of the best parts of this [...]

Family Eats – Simply Sinful Holiday Treats

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have local foodie Sarah Stromquist dishing out her love for the holiday season and some wonderfully delicious season-themed treats. Yum. Here she is:
I‘m not sure if anyone knows just how much I love Christmas, but there are the definite tell tale signs – my house is decorated on December [...]

Holiday Traditions – Where To Check Out the Lights

Editor’s Note: This morning we had a fun post about getting organized and creating some cute projects for 2010 courtesy of crafting goddess Vanessa Falle. You can check it out HERE. Now, time for more holiday traditions. Today, where to find some of the best light displays in the Comox Valley.
If there’s one thing about [...]

Craft Tutorial – The Perpetual Calendar (Giveaway)

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. As we make our way toward the new year, my brain starts to shift toward getting organized. Crafting goddess Vanessa Falle is here this morning with a great perpetual calendar project that looks pretty, is simple to do and makes that transition into 2010 a bit easier. Enjoy!
This is the [...]

Holiday Traditions – Our Favorite Spot to Cut Down the Tree

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s post, we got green and shopped local with recommendations for some of the hottest natural stocking stuffers for this year. Check it out HERE. Now, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit with the fun family tradition of cutting down the Christmas tree. We have a favorite [...]

Monday Morning Moms – Green Stocking Stuffers

Usually, right around Dec. 15 every year, I realize that Christmas is in 10 days and I have nothing for anyone. I vowed that would not be the case this season and actually got the bulk of the Santa Clausing wrapped up this weekend.
The big stuff is, for me, the easiest to knock off the [...]

Independent Education – Beachcombers Community School

We are science geeks in our house. There’s no denying it, we dig bones and organs and bugs. If we had our way, our days would be spent exploring the tide pools any time of year.
I’ve long been concerned about what school would be like for the tiny person. We’ve been contemplating homeschooling for quite [...]

Dr. Amy Wells – Natural Remedies for Holiday Stress

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells on site with ways to keep the mental pressure of the holiday season to a minimum. Here she is:
As the holiday season begins, most of us feel excitement and anticipation as we prepare for gatherings, feasts and gift giving.  We all have a vision of [...]

Memorable Care Home Visits with Aging Family

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have Wendy Johnstone with us discussing communication with an aging loved one, as well as tips and tools on communicating with those who have an impairment and/or challenge. Here she is:
“I’m among the forgetters. But I’m not an empty shell“. ~ Richard Taylor, author of Alzheimer’s from the INSIDE [...]

Monday Moms – Independent West Coast Fashion

Oh how I love clothes. Really, if there is one thing in life that I know will make a grim day bright it’s a soft, pretty sweater, or that great jacket that makes me feel super confident and collected.
I generally think of myself as a fairly practical woman – rarely extravagant. But, splurging on something [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Finding Swans

The truest sign of Winter’s onset for our family is the return of the Trumpeter Swans. Right after Halloween we move from salmon and skeletons to full-on ornithologists looking for our friends headed South from Alaska for their balmy vacation from the Northern cold.
They’ve become like the neighbors who only live in town half the [...]

Holiday Traditions Around the World & Global Giving

Editor’s Note: This morning Gayle Bates of the Comox Valley Regional District’s 5Rs fame talks a bit about looking at caring for the planet by getting to know the Winter traditions of people from different cultures all across the globe. Then, you can check out a few great spots to give gifts of planetary stewardship [...]

Sprouts – Garden-Inspired Holiday Crafts

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. Today, Kendra Quince discovers holiday ideas in her garden. It’s that time of year when getting out into the dirt is kind of a drag. Not much planting or pruning going on. But, kids always seem to know how to make dirt and the garden fun any time of year. Here [...]

Nature Journal – History of Holiday Greenery

Editor’s Note: Good Afternoon. If you missed out on Esther Kane’s morning post about how to beat Seasonal Affective Disorder, you can read it HERE.  Now, naturalist Jocie Ingram is here giving us the scoop on some lovely holiday greenery that you’ll be able to find in the woods, around your neighborhood or even in the [...]

Esther Kane – Winter Doesn’t Have to Be Blue

Editor’s Note: Good morning. We have Esther Kane with us discussing what ails many people during these months of darkness – Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here she is:
As a psychotherapist, this is my busiest time of year. Why? Because a lot of people are really bummed out and don’t understand why. They come to me feeling [...]

Decadent, Wheat-Free & Vegan in One New Bakery – Bake Sale

A long time ago in a land far far away there lived a girl with a blog called Comox Valley Kids and her friend Christa Herrling who wrote a fantastic weekly food column.
This CVK woman knew from the beginning that Christa was a chef extraordinaire – particularly in the baked goods department. But, the CVK [...]

Register Today for the OBE Heritage Holidays at Filberg Lodge

Editor’s Note: If you missed our morning post today, check out Bobby Herron’s take on why music lessons aren’t always the right path for your budding musician HERE. Now, it’s time for some holiday cheer and a fun, old skool Comox Valley event that is all about family, stories, treats and the traditions of the [...]

Kids Rock – Music Lessons Are Not for Every Musician

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Bobby Herron is on site today talking shop about why music lessons work for some kids and not for others. Finding creative ways to help your kids learn all kinds of things is a bit of an art in and of itself. One that is different for everyone. Here he is:
Music instruction [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – “Funding” A Start-Up Through Bootstrapping

Editor’s Note: Happy Sunday. If you missed this morning’s post on the second part of the Sustainability Strategy tackling hard social issues such as homelessness and affordable housing, you can read it HERE. Right now, we have local small business consultant Emma Payton back on site discussing bootstrapping as an alternative way to fund start-up [...]

Sustainability Strategy – Begin with Caring for Most Vulnerable

Editor’s note: Earlier this week, journalist Colleen Dane gave readers an introduction to the Comox Valley Regional Sustainability Strategy with a look into how it will effect everyday things in our lives like the contents of our refrigerators – Check it out HERE. Today, Colleen is back with Part 2, digging in to how the [...]

Book Review – The Dino Adventures of Cats & Dogs

Editor’s Notes: Good afternoon. If you missed out on the morning post from Rebecca on the tradition of advent, you can catch it over HERE. Now it’s time for a review of two very fun children’s books and a giveaway…

We have moved into the comedy portion of our daily story routine these days. There’s still [...]

Seeking the Light and the Warmth with Advent

Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday morning! We have Rebecca Watkin on site discussing the Waldorf tradition of Advent - a time of celebrating light. Here she is:
Deep Mid-winter drawing near –
May Light arise in our Garden here.
Advent has always been my favorite celebration. As a child I didn’t know it was Advent I loved, I only knew [...]

A Mom’s Guide to Greener Holidays

Tis the season to consume. The holidays are all about stuff. Why is it that this time of year brings out the worst in spending? People go crazy with trend and forget all about tradition. The season is supposed to be about joy, gratitude, family and friends. But this appears to be lacking, at least [...]

BUMPS – The Role Of A Father During Labor

Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday! This morning we have Deepa on site discussing the function a father has (or doesn’t have) during child birth. Here she is:
Do you know who Dr. Michel Odent is? He is truly a God amongst men in the medical world when it comes to natural childbirth. He is French trained obstetrician [...]

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. [...]

Eat Local – Learn What’s Available This Winter

Whoa weather, what have you done with the garden? My mother in-law’s magic green thumb meant we were still getting tomatoes, strawberries, even swiss chard and other loveliness out of the garden as late as last week.
I though we might just have veggies all Winter this year. Alas, Mother Nature took a dump in our [...]

Santa’s Workshop Needs Your Help

Editor’s Note: It is getting all holiday-ish around here the last couple of days. If you missed this morning’s craft post, check out the vintage ornaments Robin made from recycled lids and bottle caps HERE. This afternoon, it’s all about hope, community and the warmth of coming together for a fantastic cause.
The news that the [...]

Getting Away – Planning Your Family Winter Road Trip

Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s morning post on holiday sanity savers, you can check it out HERE. There are definitely some tips I need to incorporate! This afternoon we have Alix Wilson with us sharing tips on preparing for and enjoying the holiday road trip. Here she is:
The holidays are alarmingly close. For my family, [...]

Monday Morning Moms – Holiday Sanity Savers

Oh my holy no, no, no… it cannot be a month until Christmas. Seriously, how is it possible that I reach this day every year and shudder at the reality that I am so far behind and there is no turning back? Now, it’s all just about getting it done as fast as possible, with as [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Do What You Love

“I write because when I was an adolescent I looked in the mirror and no one was there. Can you believe it? Complete nothingness. And then, beside me, “others” assumed great importance.”
– Rosario Castellanos
I actually remember feeling that way, looking in the mirror and having no clue what I saw. It scared me and [...]

The Wisdom of Children – Eating Our Words

Editor’s note: Happy Saturday. This morning we have local blogger and Grateful Mama author Karen Pantuso-Swanson joining us for the first of what will become a regular column on OBE. (Yay Karen). She is with us sharing some heartfelt insight from her 3-year-old daughter that makes us all chuckle a bit and understand that kids teach us [...]

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 [...]

Helping Kids Learn the Value of Generosity

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Marcie Dumais is here discussing ways in which her family implements giving, generosity and gratitude. She also shares ways in which people can get involved in the community throughout the holiday season. Here she is:
With the newest holiday mumbo-jumbo at the front-line of most stores, it’s not surprising that Christmas is already on [...]

Regional Growth (Part 2) – What Affects One Affects The Whole

Editor’s Note: If you missed it this morning, jump on over HERE and catch Sarah’s Winter comfort foods. They all sound delicious.
Comox Valley journalist Colleen Dane is back this afternoon with Part 2 of the SHIFT News series on the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). Read Part 1 HERE. Today, she takes a look [...]

Family Eats – Winter Comfort Foods

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Sarah Stromquist on site dishing about some of her favorite comfort foods that help get her through the Winter doldrums. Here she is:
Idon’t know about you but I can’t resist the temptation of comfort foods, especially during the winter months. You know, those foods that bring back pleasant childhood memories, those [...]

Breaking News – Valley Flooding Forces Closures, Evacuations

Courtenay Mayor Greg Phelps declared a weather-related state of emergency and an evacuation alert was ordered for Cumberland residents living near Comox Lake this afternoon as torrential rains seriously impact the Comox Valley. The RCMP is advising limited or no traffic into Courtenay and schools were closed early today as well. The Fifth Street Bridge [...]

Monday Morning Moms – The Hottest Hats in Town

Happy Monday. With all of this crazy rain we here in the OBE newsroom thought it was the perfect time to talk shop this morning about one of our favorite topics – HATS.
Bevin and I have a love-hate relationship with the Winter gray. But, one thing that pretty much cures the rainy-day blues is a [...]

Regional Growth in Your Backyard

Editor’s Note: Good morning and welcome to SHIFT News. Today we have Comox Valley reporter Colleen Dane here with the first of a two-part series on the critical roll that local residents can play in the creation of the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy (RGS).
In part one, Dane takes a look at the background of [...]

An Early Welcome to SHIFT News

Good Evening.
While we await the launch of our first SHIFT News piece by Comox Valley journalist Colleen Dane, I wanted to welcome you personally to the investigative journalism arm of Our Big Earth.
This section replaces our Product Reviews. We will continue to check out products and pass along ones we love. But, they will now [...]

Book Review – Stories To Make Dark Days Fun

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed out on this morning’s post, you can catch Dr. Elaine Kerr’s educational piece on childrens eye health HERE. Now, we have two children’s book reviews about stories that make the lack of light during Winter a bit more magical and a giveaway to go with it. Have a great [...]

Eye Checkups are Key for Preschoolers

Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday. This morning we have local Optometrist Dr. Elaine Kerr on site educating us about the importance of preventative eye care. Here she is:
Imagine you are about five years old and your parents take you to a new and interesting place. There’s a kids’ play area where you entertain yourself for awhile, then [...]

Helping Children With the Loss of a Grandparent

Editor’s Note: Good morning. The loss of loved ones is such a hard thing to talk about, especially with children. This morning Wendy Johnstone is hear to help us all learn a bit more about helping our children deal with the passing of a grandparent. Here she is:
I think it’s safe to say, “Death isn’t [...]

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 [...]

The Green Wallet – Where Money Grows On Trees

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed this morning’s post on BC-made eco-friendly cleaning products you can read it HERE. Now we have local Investment Advisor Anthony Edwards back with more on socially responsible investments. Today he’s talking about investing in trees. Here he is:
The investment landscape of the 21st century has become increasingly inhabited [...]

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 [...]

Top Reasons Why Moms Actually Go to The Spa

Editor’s Note: Ah, Sunday… hope to see you out today at the Family Heritage Experience out at The Filberg. We’ve got great heritage activities, tours and a public art quilt. So, head on out. We’re there until 2 p.m. If you missed the morning post, be sure to check out our November Mom Entrepreneur profile [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Currently Cumberland’s Kathryn Chung

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 [...]

Green Learning – Reinvent by Reusing

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed us this morning, you can check out Pauline Rae’s informative story on Montessori education HERE. Now we have Gayle Bates with some highly creative tips on reinventing old household items. Here she is:
Aaaah November – the month between the crazy consumption potential of Halloween and the even crazier [...]

Montessori in the Comox Valley

Editor’s Note: Today we take a peek inside the world of Montessori education in the Comox Valley with Pauline Rae and learn a bit about why this public-school program is beloved by so many parents, as well as in need of strong community support. Enjoy!
During the year before my oldest child started kindergarten, we looked [...]

Sprouts – Discovering A Garden

Editor’s Note: This morning we have local garden enthusiast Kendra Quince discovering the treasures within her new garden and giving us a helping hand with identifying unknown plants and flowers. Here she is:
Well, I have to admit, I’m not sure where to start. This new garden is throwing me off. Suddenly my yard is twice [...]

Gather for a Family Heritage Experience

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s AMAZING nature journal, you’ve got to go check out Jocie’s fantastic post on identifying slugs HERE. It’s fantastic. This afternoon, we’d like to extend an invitation to families of all ages to join Our Big Earth and The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park for the Family Heritage Experience. [...]

Nature Journal – Sensational Slug Sightings

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have nature lover Jocie Ingram giving us the scoop on slugs. It’s interesting and educational, and may have you looking at those slimy creatures differently! Here she is:
I went to the forest for a specific purpose this week – to find some slugs. It had just rained, and a yellowish, dark blotched [...]

Restaurant Review – Kinaree Thai Cuisine

I think I’ve had some sort of mental block. When anyone says to me “Hey, want to go for Thai food?” I think back to this tiny hole in the wall in Fairfax, California where Ken and I would sneak off to once a week to get our fix. Or the restaurant we would wander [...]

Learning Through Online Music Labs

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Bobby Herron giving us a look inside the creative world of online music labs. Here he is:
I recently began looking online for websites that help teach drumming fundamentals and techniques so that my students would have some resources to help them learn at home. I stumbled upon a tremendous [...]

Product Review – Fossil Rubbing Plates

Science nerd alert: One of the favorite adventures that the tiny person and I made a regular event this last Summer was rock hunting.
An impromptu trip to the Puntledge River and the chance discovery that some rocks could be broken open to reveal crystals, more cool rocks and even – gasp – fossils changed our [...]

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 [...]

Haunting History – Cumberland’s Bickle House

Editor’s Note: Happy Halloween. We’re launching a great new occasional feature here on OBE and what better way to dig into the stories and places that make up the history of the Comox Valley than with a tale of our own local haunted house. Valley newcomer and seasoned writer Matthew Wright kicks our history feature [...]

Kids In The Arts – Local Olympic Experience

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Lindsay Sterk giving us the low-down on getting an Olympic experience right here in the Comox Valley. Here he is:

On November 2 the Olympic Torch is coming to Courtenay. The flame was lit in Greece on October 22 and is now making its way towards Canada, and will hit the ground running [...]

OBE’s Good, Bad and Ugly Homemade Halloween Treats

Good Morning. I have never aspired to be a genius in the kitchen, which by all accounts of my hearty Polish upbringing is so very wrong. There are a few things where I claim master title status – baked meat is right up there. I am a cole slaw champ. Potatoes 12 ways is my [...]

Comox Valley 2009 Halloween Hot Spots

Editor’s Note: Halloween is just around the corner. Time to bust out the decor and get spooky. If you missed this morning’s post, check out our crafty version of Dia de los Muertos skulls HERE. Now, on to the important stuff, where’s the candy and costume parades. Here’s what’s happening this Halloween weekend in the [...]

Craft – Day of the Dead Skulls

I love Halloween. But, one of my favorite celebrations every year is the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), honoring our ancestors, heritage and the renewal of life.
This gorgeous celebration is one that we had the honor of participating in for years when we lived in California – learning the [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – The Attributes of an Entrepreneur

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have local small business consultant Emma Payton back with us and taking a look at some of the characteristics that make successful entrepreneurs. You can find her first article on the myths and realities of self-employment HERE. Here’s Emma:

In the previous article in this series we explored some of [...]

Green-e-ology – Conserving The Heat

Old Man Winter is sneaking up on us – making his way through fallen leaves, rain puddles and dark skies. The days are shorter and the nights are colder. I’ve officially been moved out of flip-flops and tank-tops and pushed towards a cold weather wardrobe.
I love the seasonal change – the falling leaves, cold winds, [...]

Parent Wellness – Dress Up For Grown-Ups

Editor’s Note: Today we have the super fun and friendly Marcie Dumais serving up some tips on laughing your way to better health. Get your costumes ready… Halloween’s just around the corner. Here’s Marcie:

At this time of year our “tickle trunk” is in high demand. Knights, storm troopers, super-heroes, ghosts, fire fighters, pirates, farm animals, dinosaurs [...]

Family Eats – Healthy Pumpkin Treats

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Sarah Stromquist on site getting all pumpkin-licious with some of her favorite tasty seasonal treats. I’m ready to get busy in the kitchen! Here’s Sarah:
We have a pumpkin theme going on in the house and I thought it would be fun to share my ideas and recipes for such [...]

How to Make A Keepsake From An Altered Board Book

Editor’s Note: This morning we have crafting goddess Vanessa Falle creating memories through the construction of an altered board book. This is one of those gorgeous keepsakes that get the whole “upcycling” theme going while creating something personal and so very pretty. Can you hear Christmas bells ringing These are perfect gifts for the kids, [...]

Product Review – Hot Winter Lip Protection

Good morning. Blustery weather is as hard on the face as it is on the head, and as soon as the weather goes from sunshine to big rainy whine, I am always happy that my trusty lip gloss saves the family’s collection of dry lips from inevitable degeneration.
We always find that Winter weather seems to [...]

NeighbourWood Walking at the Courtenay Air Park

Happy Friday afternoon. Hopefully you all are just about done with your weeks and ready to enjoy a fun Fall weekend. We’ve got lots going on including the Cumberland Harvest Fair where we’ll be making binoculars and other coolness from 10 a.m. to Noon tomorrow.
If you missed our morning post today, Deepa took a peek [...]

BUMPS – The Mystery of Being Born In The Caul

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! This morning we have Deepa Upadhyaya bewitching us with tales of being born in the caul. Here she is:
Halloween month is upon us and within me several emotions are brewing. This witch’s cauldron has a heavy ladle for all the chunky matter that comes along with Winter’s upcoming arrival. To me [...]

Nature Journal – Leaf Watching 101

Editor’s Note: This morning we have naturalist Jocie Ingram on site, giving us the low-down on identifying leaves. Jocie is new to the OBE team and will be sharing her knowledge with us monthly. Here she is:
My toddler son is keen to collect fallen leaves, clutching fistfuls in each hand and sorting them by shape [...]

Taking The Farmers Market Indoors for Winter

I was only half joking yesterday when I updated my Facebook status to “It’s now officially toque season.” It’s COLD outside and it will take me a bit to adjust from the luxurious amount of gorgeous Fall sun that marked the end of September.
When the toques, gloves and scarves come out, I tend to start [...]

Spooky Crafts – Owl Luminara

Good Morning. Halloween is creeping up on us and here at OBE headquarters we have an annual tradition of coming up with something we can light on fire.
Pumpkins shmumpkins. Yeah, they’re totally fun to carve and we love our ghoulish globs of orange madness. But, there’s something super eerie and a bit fun about coming [...]

Product Review – Home Compost Bins

While Ken might tend to disagree right now, I became a big fan of the composter this Summer. We scored the big backyard model from the Comox Valley Regional District’s Compost Education Centre early in the season and set out to keep our organic matter out of the trash can and making great soil for [...]

Need a Night Away? Hit Cliffe Avenue

No, I am not suggesting that you hit the street in an attempt to spend an evening among adults.:) Actually, I’m not even suggesting you hit the road.
It’s a painful reality in our house that leaving said house is generally virtually impossible in a “date night” sort of way. Going out to dinner, that is [...]

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 [...]

Public Ed – The Scoop on Split Classrooms

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon! If you missed our morning post you can find book reviews on salmon learning books HERE. This afternoon we have three experienced teachers Marieke Holtkamp, Michelle Honeysett and Eileen David giving us the scoop on public school multi-grade classrooms. Here they are:
At the end of the summer, that buzz of back-to-school jitters becomes more and more [...]

Learning Books About Salmon

I know I’m a bit salmon crazed this time of year. Heck, even the Fall NeighbourWood Walks are all about checking out animal migration and hot salmon spawn spots. (Come on out and join us on Thursdays. Get the details HERE)
But, these upstream-swimming dudes are the cornerstone of the ecosystem and getting kids excited about [...]

Top 10 Immunity Boosters for Kids

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells serving up ten of her favorite immunity builders for children. With cold and flu season ready to strike, she certainly got me thinking about the state of my family’s immune system, especially the small person of the house. Here she is: 

While autumn signifies the end of summer and [...]

OBE Meets Pumpkin Patch

Good afternoon! If you missed the morning post, Wendy Johnstone offered some wonderful insight into aging with dignity. You can find her post HERE.
The Our Big Earth crew had a fantastic time collecting pumpkins, checking out the spooky barn and chasing chickens yesterday as we headed out to Shamrock Farms for the annual OBE Pumpkin [...]

Grand-Parents – Aging With Dignity

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Wendy Johnstone on site discussing aging with dignity and all those myths that tag along with aging. On Sunday, Our Big Earth is lending a hand with the Walk of Dignity at the Filberg Park and Heritage Lodge in Comox to help connect children to grandparents and grandfriends, also [...]

Restaurant Review – Tria Culinary Studio

Okay, I admit, I like dinner out to be an experience. Ninety percent of the time, the evening meal is just about getting some food pulled together that is healthy, easy to cook and not too complicated to clean up. But, when Ken and I head off on our own for an evening among adults, [...]

The Guitar That Inspired the Comox Valley

Yesterday afternoon we had the incredible honor of hanging with Peabody Award Winner Jowi Taylor and Canada’s guitar, Voyageur.
With a packed house at the Comox Valley Art Gallery (big thanks to Anh for donating the space), Jowi told the incredible, emotional story of how his travel companion grew out of a vision to unite Canadians [...]

Fostering a Musical Environment for Kids

Editor’s note: This morning, we here at OBE are excited to unveil the debut Kids Rock column from Comox Valley musician and music teacher Bobby Herron. He’s the creative genius behind the seriously successful School of Rock program through Courtenay Rec and has been living music just about as long as he’s been alive. He’ll [...]

The Fit Family – Week 1, The Harsh Reality

Editor’s Note: During the week here at OBE, you’ll now be getting a morning AND an afternoon post with some fun new features and timely coverage of community events in which Our Big Earth is involved. Our morning post today was a product review on gorgeous wooden Waldorf rainbow stackers. Check out the review HERE. [...]

Product Review – Waldorf Inspired Rainbow Stackers

I love Waldorf toys. They have a simple, gorgeous - almost fairytale – feel to them that sooths and allow kids to be creative. It’s like watching your child’s mind blossom right in front of you.
High-quality wooden toys with such a mystique are seriously hard to find locally. So, when Sherry and Kristina over at Podlings [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Salmon Run

Each Fall we make the same plans. About the time that the wool toques make their way out of storage and plastic pants become a regular feature in our daily wardrobes, we begin our journey down to the river banks of some very special waterways in the Comox Valley to make sure we don’t miss [...]

Think Green for Halloween

Editor’s note: Today we have the fantastic and energetic Gayle Bates and the debut of her green education column. She’ll be here once a month to talk shop about how families can walk more gently on the Earth by reducing, reusing and recycling. Tips and tricks abound! Here she is:
Oh Halloween and the thrill of [...]

Fall NeighbourWood Walk Photos

Good afternoon and welcome to our first day in which you get a morning and an afternoon post. Yep, that’s right, OBE has now nearly doubled our content and we will be bringing you some exciting new features as we begin to even more frequently update the website.
If you haven’t checked out Kendra’s sweet post [...]

SPROUTS – Goodbye Garden

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. This morning we have gardening goddess Kendra Quince taking us through the steps of moving a garden from one home to another. Here she is:

Every year at this time, I begin to feel a little sad. Pulling out the plants and harvesting what remains of the garden reminds me that cooler [...]

Welcome to OBE 2.0

Good morning everyone and welcome to Our Big Earth 2.0. We thought that relaunching this new and improved version of The Comox Valley’s Online Lifestyle Magazine for Families in conjunction with our 1st Birthday celebration made a whole lot of sense.
That way we can celebrate the successes of the last 365 days (whew, it’s been [...]

Register for OBE’s Annual Pumpkin Patch Party

Good morning. When it comes to Fall, our favorite family adventure is one that always involves the pumpkin patch.
While there really is all kinds of coolness in the orange farm field universe, we here at Our Big Earth have developed a soft spot in our heart for one Comox farm that puts some serious spooky [...]

Family Voyage Project

When Meg Cursons first handed me the book Six String Nation, I nearly cried. Having claimed Canada as home well into my 30s, my sense of cultural identity had not settled in much of anything traditionally Canadian and I’d been feeling a like a bit of a loner in terms of discovering my sense of [...]

Discovering Iconic Canada In A Guitar

A nation that defines itself through music is one that can connect on so many levels. It can honor and sound off clearly about the tragedies, admire the drive and determination of individuals and communities and tell the stories of each of its citizens.
That is what Jowi Taylor set out to do when he envisioned his [...]

The Making of a Mom Entrepreneur – Letting Go

I have been hanging myself out to dry for a while, all because of an inability to let things go.
I work hard on not being petty, keeping things in perspective and maintaining some sense of order (or simply the need to pick up pieces properly) when my quick-fire reactions lead to a giant flaming blaze [...]

Mindful Eating Roadblocks (Part 3)

Editor’s Note: The lovely and knowledgeable Esther Kane is with us today sharing tips from her latest book on practicing Mindful Eating. This is the third part of her Mindful Eating Roadblocks series. You can find the first two parts here – Part One & Part Two. Here’s Esther:

For this article, I will share with [...]

Creating An Idle-Free Zone

It began with a pet peeve and some serious evaluation. Oh, that drive-thru line-up with its length of vehicles and thick haze of exhaust. Oh, the strong smell of exhaust as you and your child walk beside a parked car, its engine running and the driver nowhere in sight. What’s the point of unnecessary idling?
Honestly, [...]

The Comox Valley’s Cody Rodgers

Editor’s Note: Today we have Lindsay Sterk giving us the scoop on one every talented Comox Valley youth. Reading it makes my feet start moving…
This is a story about a Comox Valley boy who made it to New York on pure passion and dedication to tap dancing.
From the day I was asked to take the [...]

Lunch Box Recipes Kids Will Love

Editor’s Note: The lovely local foodie Sarah Stromquist is with us today. She’s serving up some ideas that are sure to rock the lunch box. Check them out:
It’s that time of year again, when the weather starts to cool down, the days get shorter and, as school starts, parents everywhere are making lunches for their [...]

Fabric Covered Recipe Binder

Editor’s Note: This morning the very creative Vanessa Falle is rockin’ the craft world with this super cool fabric covered recipe binder. Go get yourself crafty:
After celebrating a month of eating locally with the 30-day Food Challenge in July, I thought it would be perfectly timed to create a wonderful hand crafted recipe book to store [...]

Blue Toque Sports Swap

For our family, it’s the season – you know, the one when hockey gear and dance shoes come out only to realize that – sometimes even for the adults – last year’s gear is not fitting like it used to.
We are a hockey family – you’ll often catch dad or daughter in full gear on [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Is Self Employment For You?

Editor’s Note: Happy Sunday! This fine morning we have local small business consultant Emma Payton on hand addressing whether small business is right for you. This is the first of a three-part series, so stay tuned for more…
Self-employment – is it for you?
How many of you have thought, “Wow, I’d love to work for myself. [...]

Review of The Grateful Mama

It was only a few weeks ago that I had the chance to meet local mom, blogger and teacher Karen Pantuso-Swanson in person.

As we sat across the table from each other at Benino Gelato, I thought to myself “How amazing she is, taking such a huge chance on her life.”
It’s a rarity – someone who [...]

Push It – The Second Stage of Labor

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday Morning! Through her extensive work as a nurse and a midwife, Deepa Upadhyaya has witnessed many beautiful birth stories. Today she’s discussing the second stage of labor – pushing - plus, the first of many international birth stories. Here she is:
For the longest time, whenever I was in the second stage of labor (pushing part) [...]

Motivating the Motivationally Challenged

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Marcie Dumais coming clean about exercise and sharing ten tips on getting motivated.
Check them out:
September will always be a start-up month for me.
I’m not sure if it is because of the twenty-one years of being a student, or the fact that I am a teacher and I come from teacher [...]

Farm to Family – Nature’s Way Farm

It’s a tale that’s become the stuff of childhood legend in the Comox Valley. That moment when George Ehrler slips a slick glass pebble into a kid’s hand and something magical begins for them as they’ve just acquired their first dragon tear.
The story of fairies and guardians, dragons and blueberries may live for tiny people [...]

“Stained Glass” Sun Catchers

As much as I insist on denying the loss of sunshine, it’s definitely Fall around these parts.
A few weeks ago, the tiny person and I took a look around a house filled with Summer craft projects.
We figured it was time to get going on something a bit more rustic, harvest-like and spooky – if you are [...]

Product Review – Preschool Learning Games

I often have this naïve notion that anything educational I bring home will be received with stellar enthusiasm and a rousing round of “Mommy, you are so stinking cool”.
Obviously, this notion is something I entertain in the privacy of my own mind, since 90% of the time I offer the 4-year-old – who has completely [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Keri Knierim-Brown

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 [...]

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Every year, the ninth day of the ninth month is a time to acknowledge and educate about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This disorder is a very real and irreversible imbalance for many children and adults. Often under diagnosed and mistaken for other behavior disorders, such as Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADHD/ADD), FASD has a [...]

The Greatness of Grandparents & Grandfriends

Editor’s Note: This morning we have Wendy Johnstone on site reminding us of the value of grandparents and grandfriends. Here she is:
A note from Wendy to readers: My trip to Toronto was fantastic – thank you for the well wishes. I have to admit I was greatly relieved that the garbage strike was over by the [...]

Restaurant Review – Raw Food In The Valley

I have daydreams about getting to the point where being a vegetarian, even vegan seems entirely doable to me.
There’s this big dilemma in my generally pacifistic mentality – that there’s nothing pacifistic about eating meat. I can call it a pork roast and put it in stir-fry. But, a pig still had to hit the [...]

Found-Object Food Jar Terrariums

Science in a jar is something that scores me some serious cool points in the scientist in training universe. That’s especially true when it means that we can head out for a walk around our local park – or even the backyard – with express permission to pick up, handle, pack away and take home [...]

Green Lunch Box Options

Gulp, gasp and hooray. This week is all about getting the kiddos back to school.
The tiny person started back at preschool a few days ago and it seems like a different universe. Getting her ready was pretty easy since the extent of her school supplies were a big giant smile and some wizard shoes (they [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Miracle Beach Forest Trail

Whenever I say to folks that we are headed out to Miracle Beach, there’s a bit of an assumption that the beach will actually be involved.
I have to admit that, much of the time, I forget that this fantastic provincial park extends back into the forest as well as out to the shore. But, when [...]

A Salmon’s Sky View

When I start pulling out the turtlenecks and cozy socks, it’s a sure sign that Fall is setting in around the Comox Valley.
The trees are still mostly green and kids aren’t even back in school. But, both the tiny person and I are counting the days until our very favorite nature spectacle of the year [...]

SPROUTS – Fall Flowers and Garden Chores

Editor’s Note: Kendra Quince is with us this morning. She’s got some serious fall gardening fever and has been busy harvesting, cleaning up and preparing for next year. Plus she has a fabulous way to make good use of fallen flower petals. Here she is:

Ah, September.  I get that back-to-school feel even though my children are not [...]

Wildlife Rehabilitation in the Comox Valley

Editor’s Note: Today we have Sandy Fairfield on site with wildlife rehabilitation at the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society. The society rescues, transports, rehabilitates and releases ill, injured and orphaned animals. Very cool. Check it out:
The cry of the wild has a whole different meaning for the dedicated volunteers and staff at the Mountainaire Avian Rescue [...]

Register for the Fall NeighbourWood Walks Today!

Good Morning. I am soooooo excited to finally be getting back to the business of NeighbourWood Walking after our Summer hiatus.
The tiny person and I really miss our weekly walks with the Our Big Earth crew and we are totally looking forward to catching up with new and old friends this season. The free eight-week [...]

People Who Care for the Wild’s Babies – MARS

There is something about that moment when a bird lifts off, swooshes away and gets the awesome gig of flying around the planet that has always made me want to be one.
Since I spotted my first feathered friend as a kid, I’ve been completely jealous of bird skills.
I personally think that one day my arms [...]

Symphonies and Fiddlejams

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! Lindsay Sterk is here today giving us the scoop on two very cool Comox Valley music organizations that welcome music lovers of any age and level to participate. I loved learning about these crews. Looks like it’s time to dust off the old trumpet and go jump in at the symphony.

I [...]

Farm to Family – Go Organic at Pattison Farms

When Gerry and Dagmar Pattison broke the news to their family 14 years ago that farming was their future, disbelief seemed the appropriate response.
After decades as a marketing professional, Gerry knew his decision to get back to the land would spark some wrinkled eyebrows.
But, they bought their first piece of land at Saratoga Beach and [...]

30 Days of Local Food – How Was It?

Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to turn in your 30-Day Food Challenge passports at Brambles by midnight tonight to be eligible for the great prizes to be drawn for this week. If you’ve got 12 stamps, you’re eligible for the grand prize. But, don’t let numbers deter you. Anyone who participated and turns in a passport [...]

Get Into Nature – Miracle Beach Nature House

Editor’s Note: Where could that second post from yesterday possibly have gone? The heat made my brain disintigrate into a pile of goo and my computer nearly melt down.
We’ll check out Saturday’s fun later this week.
Anyway, it’s time to chill out today with the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge and head over to [...]

Green-e-ology – Mis-Adventures In Canning

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! Thinking local grains today? Check out the Brambles Demo with True Grains Bakery at 11 a.m.
But, really, the big event of the week is tomorrow when Royston’s ASH Berry Farm hosts the final Farm Event of the 30-Day Challenge. It’s going to be hot. So, what better way to cool down [...]

8 Days, 4 Restaurants, Double Stamps to Eat Local

Editor’s note: Whoa, I hope it is a bit less sauna-like outside today – especially since the Comox Valley Regional District Compost Education Centre is hosting a fun afternoon open house as part of the Know Where Your Food Comes From tour. Drop by the centre between 1 and 7 p.m. to check out the [...]

Top Questions to Ask Producers About Local Food

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today we are out at Simms Park for NeighbourWood Eats and the Wednesday Farmers Market. Folks from the Comox Valley Regional District will be on hand teaching adults and kids alike about the food lifecycle and composting. So, come join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. over by the covered [...]

Store Review – Planet Kids Opens in Courtenay

Editor’s Note: Ah, cheese. GLORIOUS cheese. Natural Pastures Cheese Co. is hosting cheese making demos (and tastings) on the cheeses of Holland today at 11 a.m., Noon and 1 p.m. So, come out and discover the world of cheese, locally, at 635 McPhee in Courtenay.
Then, head right on over to Zen Zero in downtown Courtenay [...]

Seafood to Avoid During Pregnancy

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday (I am sooooo happy). It’s date night at the 30-day Food Challenge HQ and we are off for an evening of adult conversation and some good food. The Great Escape, Bisque, Locals and Anderton Bistro-Pub are all hosting a great Friday night of local delights. So, make a reservation, round up [...]

Nature Journal – The Edible Forest

Editor’s Note: Today, join us out at Tannadice Farms, 3465 Burns Road (just off of Condensory Road), for a great farm tour as part of the the Know Where Your Food Comes From Tour and the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Challenge. Heather and Allan will be on hand from 1 to 2:30 p.m. taking [...]

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 [...]

Getaways – The Mini Comox Valley Wine Tour

Editor’s Note: As a part of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge, you can cool off at the Courtenay Museum at 2 p.m. today with the showing (in partnership with World Community Development Education Society) of Deborah Koons Garcia’s The Future of Food. It’s a great film on food security that is sure [...]

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 [...]

A Great Day In Union Bay & a Foodie Film Today

Good morning. Another hot, sticky Summer day means that it’s the perfect time to sneak away this afternoon to catch the first in our Chew On This Film Series – Nick Versteeg’s Island On The Edge. Check out the trailer for this fantastic Vancouver Island film on food security HERE.
The showing, in partnership with World [...]

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 [...]

Maddy Erickson Reviews Fern Verdant

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Summer break kicks off this week and, for lots of parents, that means finding some perfect Summer reads for their families. Now, you can get some tips on THE tween Summer book list, and not from crazy, old parents.
Today, I’m excited to introduce Maddy Erickson as the newest addition to the [...]

Green-e-ology – Thrifting is the New Pink

Some say junk collecting. Some say thrifting. Whatever it may be, I say bring it on. Bring on the super finds and the price tags that leave you feeling like a thief. Bring on the history and the uniqueness. Bring on the craftsmanship and the savings. Bring on the eco-goodness.
The whole wide world of thrift [...]

Kids In The Arts – Rainbow Youth Theatre

I went into theatre to be a part of a family.  Not the kind of family with the “tantruming toddler  at the dinner table”, but a group of like minded theatre folks who get together to play and tell all sorts of magical stories.
I don’t join for the limelight and I certainly don’t take accolades [...]

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 [...]

Mommy Talk – On Fatherhood

I am the first to admit that I totally take my husband for granted.
It’s an embarrassing reveal. There’s a part of myself that takes a bit of pride in owning the burden of primary parenthood. If there’s laundry to do, meals to cook, noses to wipe, temper tantrums to navigate – I’m the it girl [...]

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 [...]

Parent Wellness – Facing Fear

I had no choice.
I had to write this article about the fears that accompany motherhood. I apologize in advance for the heaviness of the topic. I realize it is a contrast from the usual sweet spirit of most Our Big Earth posts, but like I said, I had no choice.
Let me explain.
It [...]

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 [...]

Eat Real. Eat Local. Take the 30-Day Challenge

It’s a big day here at Our Big Earth as we have long been waiting to announce what we think is one of the most exciting community events in the Comox Valley this Summer.
Our Big Earth, Brambles Market and EatRealEatLocal.ca are excited to announce that – from July 2-31 – we’ll be hosting the EatRealEatLocal [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Diane Kyle, Nearly New 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 [...]

Getaways – Comox Valley Shellfish Festival

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my head thinking up places and spaces where we can escape to for a couple of weeks this Summer.
We are – very seriously – in dire need of some unplugged family time of the leaving-town kind. But, while it may be a bit before we can [...]

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 [...]

Nurture Your Inner Diva at Flawless Beauty Bar

Good morning. I’d been ready for the last week or so to do a Monday Morning Mom’s poll about lipstick this morning. Then, lovely OBE mama Kindle left me a little bath-related surprise at the new Flawless Beauty Bar in downtown Courtenay.

Not knowing what to expect, I wandered in with the scent-loving 3.75-year-old and both [...]

NeighbourWoodie Watch – Black-Tailed Deer

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today, we are excited to connect you with wildlife educator Sandy Fairfield and her new NeighbourWoodie Watch column here on Our Big Earth.
Sandy is the educator for an organization that is near and dear to my heart, Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society – a Merville organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured [...]

SPROUTS – Get the Low Down on Good Garden Bugs

Editor’s Note: I am loving all of this time in the garden this time of year. My mother-in-law might wonder “What time in the garden is she talking about? I never see her in the backyard.” It’s true. It seems that most of my time is spent out at the Comox Valley Regional District Compost [...]

Choices & Good Books About Homeschooling

Since our daughter was about 18 months old and I started looking into the whole idea of homeschooling, I was pretty much sold on doing the learning at home thing.
We are a hands-on bunch to begin with, spending lots of our time looking for bugs in the forest, trying to figure out what bird we [...]

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 [...]

Making of A Mom Entrepreneur – Life’s Work

Karen and I have had a running joke for the last couple of weeks that – when I didn’t show up at the Today Party yesterday (hope you all had the best time ever!) – that we’d tell everyone that I’d opted for a nap. But, we figured no one would believe us.:)

I am, actually, [...]

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 [...]

Dr. Amy Wells – Taking Charge of Our Fertility

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Dr. Amy Wells is here this morning talking about a hot topic in our house right now – fertility. Plugging in to your body cues is an amazing way to feel empowered when working on getting pregnant.
On a couple of other notes, I posed the question over on our Facebook page [...]

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 [...]

Spring NeighbourWood Walks Series Delayed

Good morning. It was a troubled evening last night as I continued to read about the increasing global concern over the spread of Swine Flu – particularly in North America.
There are now at least 19 cases confirmed in Canada – including one in Victoria – and the World Health Organization has raised the alert level [...]

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 [...]

Esther Kane – Mindful Eating Road Blocks (Part 1)

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! We are here today hanging out with Esther Kane.
But, if you are out and about, be sure to come on over to Simms Park and hang in the Our Big Earth Family & Kids Zone at the 2009 Earth Day Family Festival. It’ll be packed with projects like a community art [...]

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 [...]

Kids In The Arts – Get Perspective on Competition

I had a conversation a while back with someone who asked why I did not place my students in competition.  When I conveyed my mandate of non-competition the reply was, “Oh, you mean just for fun.”

This is an interesting perspective because it is not necessarily what I have in mind when I talk [...]

Earth Day – Top 10 Reasons to Eat Local

Happy Earth Day!
It’s Food & Your Family day here at Our Big Earth. With all the talk around food sustainability and the ever-increasing prices at the grocery store these days, there are a lot of questions about why local food is such a big deal.
There are a ton of scientifically significant reasons why food that [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – The Value of Success Circles

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! Today we have small business consultant Karae White, owner of Morgan Ebbett Career Services, here to talk to us about how developing a tight-knight circle of business associates can be a valuable tool that helps you resolve business issues, flesh out ideas and even stretch your marketing dollars.
But, first, a quick [...]

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 [...]

Earth Day Craft – Recycled Paper Bag Puppets

Editor’s Note: For the next few Tuesdays, we’ll be featuring art projects that you can come out and do with us at Earth Day events that Our Big Earth is taking part in.
Today’s project – recycled paper bag puppets – will be one of the fun projects your kids can try out when you head [...]

Spring NeighbourWood Walks Registration…x2

I am so excited to say that the Our Big Earth NeighbourWood Walks program is officially one year old. We’ve completed four seasons of walking in the woods, on the trails and at the shoreline, exploring nature kid-style. (By the way, this is double-post Tuesday. I’ll have some crafts for you this afternoon)
And, with that [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Register – SPROUTS Children’s Gardening Series

Good morning. After such a gorgeous weekend filled with beach, trail, art, Easter events and all kinds of Spring-like fun, it seems like the perfect time this morning to open up registration for the first SPROUTS Children’s Gardening Series in partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District.
A while back, the CVRD’s  Education and Event Coordinator [...]

Get Organized – Planning Out A Nursery

Editor’s Note: Today the lovely and ever-organized Arran Kerrigan drops by to give us the scoop on getting the nursery organized.
I sure could have used this advice the first time around. I’m still looking for that pair of Canucks Robeez that disappeared about six weeks after the tiny person was born.
Organization is something I could [...]

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 [...]

Kids Health – The Pros of Probiotics

Nature provides us with a bundle of resources that help heal our bodies.  There are definitely a handful that I couldn’t operate my practice without, one of which is probiotics.
Probiotics, also known as good gut bacteria or acidophilus, are receiving more attention for their impact on health.  The literal translation is “for life” as it [...]

KidSports – Our Hockey Preschooler

How could I forget that day two Octobers ago when Ken and the tiny person hit the ice for the first time.
It was love at first sight – for both of them.
The trainer skates we’d picked up for our daughter seemed the perfect way to start her off easy. But, she’d have none of this [...]

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, [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Wendy Johnstone of Solutions for Seniors Eldercare Planning

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 [...]

SPROUTS – Early Spring Kid Gardening Fun

Brrr, it’s chilly.
On those afternoons when the bright sun makes it tolerable, I stroll aimlessly around my garden with hopeful ideas of planting.
My daughter and I sample a bite from a patch of oregano as it pokes its head out of one of my veggie gardens.  In the front yard we marvel over little yellow [...]

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 [...]

Restaurant Review – Cumberland Village Bakery

When we discovered, much like the rest of us around here, that our daughter is wheat intolerant, I personally mourned the loss of the bakery.
Yes, it had been at least a couple of years before that when muffins, cookies and crusty bread went the way of the Dodo for me after I discovered that wheat [...]

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 [...]

Kids In The Arts – Get Them Dancing

Dance in the Comox Valley is absolutely on fire.  Given a population of less than 70,000 people, you would assume one or two choices for your tyke would be the maximum a community of this size could sustain.
When I was approached to take over leadership of Pantuso Dance I looked at the fact that there [...]

Preschool Crafts – Salad Spinner Painting

Editor’s Note: It’s no news flash that we are big fans of art around our house. But, I have to admit that I’ve been finding myself in serious need of inspiration and a little artistic freedom that the dining room table just isn’t currently capable of offering.
So, our daughter and I have been hitting Becky [...]

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 [...]

Making of a Mom Entrepreneur – How OBE Began

NOTE: Robin will be writing about the evolution of Our Big Earth – offering insight on how everyday moms can create the life’s work they envision – every month here on OBE. Check back in for tools, tips, tricks, ideas and inspiration. Plus, take a peek inside the Our Big Earth machine and get a [...]

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 [...]

Healing Childhood Eczema Naturally

Our skin is an amazing thing. The largest detoxifying organ of our body, our skin functions as a protective barrier from the outside world while providing a route of elimination for waste products within.
As kids, our skin takes a beating.
Learning to walk results in tumbles and bruises. Bike riding spills end up with [...]

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 [...]

Monday Morning Mom Poll – Green Laundry Soap

Welcome to Monday. If yours is anything like our house, one of the biggest challenges we have with being more eco-minded is the constant din of the washer and/or dryer. We hang clothes year-around and try like heck to keep the laundry low. But, it seems like someone is always down in the basement throwing [...]

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 [...]

Homeschooling – Child-Guided Learning

Editor’s note: Today, homeschooling mom Susan Spyker joins us with her first homeschooling column. Susan has spent years educating her children at home – exploring a huge variety of learning paths including Waldorf, Montessori and more.
Her insight into giving children the space to discover how they learn best is a great first step for [...]

Restaurant Review – Lunch Time Crown Isle Style

When someone mentions heading to Crown Isle for the afternoon – where golf and getaways are the style – it generally doesn’t evoke that family-friendly vibe. In fact, the first time my mother-in-law suggested that she and I head up to the Silverado Steak House for lunch with the tiny person, I thought she had [...]

Our Big Earth – Now with 35% More Content

Good morning! February has started off with its usual gray and rainy patina outside. But, it kicks off with a bright, lively celebration here at Our Big Earth.
Today, we unveil a new tab structure to make it easier to find the features you are looking for as well as some fantastic new features, columnists and [...]

Learning to Live With Loss – Together

 
Down a Friday post, Ken and I hashed through a whole whack of topics that seemed a perfect fit to jump into while we all piled into our bed for movie night with the kiddo yesterday.
Taking a look at your water usage and how critical it is to start reigning ourselves in terms of consumption [...]

Family Literacy – Caldecott Award-Winning Style

Good morning. For the last few days, I’ve been meaning to pull something substantial together as a part of Family Literacy Week in Canada. But, my mental idea bank wasn’t letting me withdraw much in the way of anything labeled “substantial.”
Thankfully, there are brilliant people out there who are great at lending a hand in [...]

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 [...]

Winter NeighbourWood Walks Registration

Good Morning.
If you all are anything like us, this crazy Winter of snow, snow and more snow followed up by freezing, fog and more fog has left us a bit less active outside than usual.
I always need a bit of group motivation to get me outside when the weather looks much more suited for a [...]

Restaurant Review – Sushi Kobo, Takeout Goodness

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, sushi wasn’t exactly on my list of favourite foods as a child. Actually, it wasn’t until I moved to the West Coast in 2001 that it even showed up on my radar.
For our tiny person, though, sushi and the yummy sides that go with it is one of those [...]

Sunday Morning Walk – Courtenay Riverway

Good Morning. Hopefully, the strange fog that’s been dominating our days is headed in a different direction as we look forwarded to a bit of sunshine. But, in the mean time, checking out the cool effects of light and clouds – all while getting a front-row seat to hang out with some of the most [...]

Local Fresh Bread – Wheat- & Gluten-Free

Eating wheat-free or gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to give up foods you love! It seems these days.
Many families have to eliminate wheat products from the household grocery list because of intolerance or allergy. Bread lovers (myself included) find it hard enough to curb this staple from our daily diet (who can resist carbs!), and [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Karen McKinnon of McKinnon Photography

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 [...]

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 [...]

Homeschooling – Car School

Editor’s Note: I am sad to announce that this is Rosina’s last homeschooling column with Our Big Earth. Life is a busy, happy, complete place for her and balance is the key to anything good and true in life.
So, she is off to pursue more homeschool, family-focused goodness and we’ll all be looking forward to [...]

Top 10 Valley Nature Spots for 2008

We did a heck of a lot of discovering of new outdoor spaces last year – friends clued us in to not-so-secret spots that we’d just never gotten the scoop on before and we made our way out to some cool locales that became serious favourites.
The tiny person and I clued in to the [...]

Welcome to 2009

We are taking a much needed sleep day around here watching the snow fall again.
If you were party animals like us last night, everyone was asleep by 10 p.m. and the closest we got to ringing in the New Year was a sleepy kiss at midnight.
But, for those of you who actually hit the town [...]

Best Family Food of 2008

I love to eat great food. My mother, brother and father all duked it out over time in the kitchen when I was a kid. So, I enjoyed being out of the mix, eating rather than creating.
(there’s a pattern surfacing here. My parents suspected I came out of the womb a career girl)
But, as usual, [...]

The Best of A Crafty 2008

I never really thought of myself as a crafty sort of gal. Seriously, I have long lived with the crafty curse, trying many a Martha-centric project and failing in expensive, ugly sorts of ways.
I very much admit that my mom got the short end of the stick when it came to these sorts of projects [...]

Tita’s Warmth is Culinary Sunshine

As we move into the season of cold and darkness – and there may be a few extra bucks slotted for mom/dad dinners found tucked away in holiday cards recently – it’s time for the parents to find someone to watch the young people and head out for an evening on their own in pursuit [...]

Be Merry!

Love and peace to all of you this holiday season and in 2009.
May your lives be full of the beautiful, the creative, the warmth and the community that makes each day sweet.
Happy Holidays,
Robin, Ken and the crew here at Our Big Earth

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 [...]

Guest Craft Tutorial – Stamping 101

Editor’s Note: I am taking a few days off here so we’ve got a couple of guest writers this week including energetic Stampin’ Up demonstrator Susan Spyker who is here today to give us all a lesson in how to fine tune our stamping skills.
This tutorial on how to get a perfect stamp every time [...]

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 [...]

Nature Journal – Winter Tracks

Up earlier than anyone in the house this morning, the tiny person sprinted to the window, wrenched on the blinds and gasped that stunning “Oh my goodness” moment when she realized that yesterday’s snow hadn’t washed away.
Nearly impossible since we got nearly a foot – with a bit more on the way I’m told – [...]

Movie Adventures & Family Flick Favourites

I am more than a bit under the weather today, reluctantly submitting to at least a few days of bed rest as while the tiny person in my belly seems to be A-OK, my body is struggling a bit through this part of pregnancy.
Being mostly couch bound is not really my speed. But, when the [...]

Snow Sled Walks in the Comox Valley

Every day, it’s the same question: “Mommy, when is it going to snow? Santa won’t come if it never snows.”
While I’m sure kids in warmer climates would definitely debate the merits of her theory, our daughter could not help but find herself bundled up and ready to hit the hills the last couple of days [...]

Nature Journal – Winter Bird Feeding Walks

I saw the light in her face the first time our daughter and a chickadee made eye contact – and it was pure magic.
We’d walked the Lazo Marsh loop what seemed like a thousand times before then – through a Summer of sunshine and a mild Fall. But, the birds hadn’t made their debut until [...]

A Holiday Feast Filled with Local Food

It seems that each year the pre-holiday craziness sets in earlier, our wish-lists get longer and our expectations get higher. Add the task of preparing a tasty designer dinner and it’s downright daunting.
We’re so incredibly lucky to be living in the Comox Valley as it allows us access to fresh, local produce and specialty foods [...]

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 – Trumpeter Swans

When I was a kiddo, nature and I had an odd relationship. Growing up at the base of the mountains, the grandeur of nature’s “big-ness” struck me every time I walked outside. I wanted to explore, just to be left alone to check out the world.
On the other end of the deal, a mild [...]

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 [...]

Go Eco-Baby with Sage Creek Organics

This holiday season, I’ve had a huge whack of requests from friends and family about some special deliveries for our new arrival.
He/she won’t be greeting us formally until June. But, one of the most fun parts of pregnancy (besides back pain and nausea, of course) is getting all of those special little pieces of clothing, [...]

In Remembrance

In Flanders Fields
Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD (1872-1918), Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and [...]

Stress-free Holidays – Tips for Getting Organized

Editor’s Note:
If you are anything like me, it generally dawns on me somewhere around Dec. 10 that Christmas is two weeks away. In the mommy universe, that very late recollection of time and, well, time, is a not-so-happy moment.
Now that we have a baby on the way (holy cow, yes, it’s true, we are pregnant [...]

Create A Winter Wonderland In The Garden

It’s true – Winter is on its way. These warmer days and sunny mornings aren’t fooling me. When I open the door my breath fogs out in a misty veil around me and the grass actually crunches underneath my feet.
It’s getting colder and it’s about time I get outside to tend to my garden. If [...]

Nature Journals – Great Blue Heron

Editor’s Note: We had a fantastic launch to our Fall NeighbourWood walks yesterday, with an incredible crew of families out watching the salmon run at Morrison Creek.
Check out some of the photos from the day on our NeighbourWood Walks page

One of the great rainy season survival tools that I dug into while slugging through [...]

Hidden Secrets at Finlay Creek Farm

Editor’s Note: Today our intrepid local food writer Robyn Butler is revealing a true diamond in the rough when it comes to local charm and absolutely amazing products.
I had the chance to meet the women who run Finlay Creek Farm on Halloween and, I have to tell you, they are two of the most charming [...]

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 [...]

Turn Your Halloween Green with Free Gear

If I was talking to our daughter, she’d be hoping I was bringing up the green chatter about the spooky monster costume her daddy is concocting for her this year. It’s between that and a spooky ghost. Somehow, if daddy is in charge, the green monster will definitely win.
The tiny person may think green monsters [...]

Announcing The Fall NeighbourWood Walks

Good morning.
I am happy to say that after a couple months of NeighbourWood Walk withdrawl since our fantastic Summer series that saw 60 kiddos and their families out for walks all over the region, the Fall walk series is nearly here.
September is always a nutso month for families, and October has been a bit of [...]

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 [...]

Building Immunity for Children, Naturally

A week ago, my little guy and I were walking by Thrifty’s and I was showing him how the leaves on the two big trees out front where changing from green to yellow, and how when we walked over the leaves on the sidewalk, they made this beautiful crispy, crackling noise.
Yesterday, as we walked [...]

Welcome to Our Big Earth-Comox Valley!

Hey! This isn’t Comox Valley Kids?:)
It’s funny when you start to consider how to properly introduce your new baby. “Here it is.” “Check it out.” “Look what we did.”…Meh.
So, I thought the most proper way to ring in the launch of Our Big Earth-Comox Valley is to take you on a bit of a [...]

Thanksgiving Family Walks in the Comox Valley

We realized yesterday, at the point when we were still debating what will be on the table at Thanksgiving dinner – including a yet-to-be-purchased(oops) main dish – that we are a bit overworked right now.
We’ve debated the merits of breaking for a few minutes to go remember what the beach looks like or stretch our [...]

Time to Hit the Pumpkin Patch

After waking up yesterday morning to freezing rain, my enthusiasm for taking 30 kiddos and their parents out to the pumpkin patch waned more than a little.

But, as usual, Mother Nature remembered there was one of our events going on at 12:30 p.m. So, the rain broke and we had a totally GORGEOUS afternoon out [...]

Putting The Garden to Sleep

So, here we are with the cooler nights and still the hot sun during the day. Ah, Fall.
Time to harvest the rewards after a long season of gardening. Seems a shame to put the garden to bed with the weather we’ve been having, but alas it must be done before we are caught off guard [...]

It’s Raining – Time to Head Outside

Editor’s Note: OF COURSE the sun is back out today. Ha, ha Mother Nature.
But, do save this post for later reference. The sun is bound to disappear again, soon.:)

Mother Nature, she’s not exactly the subtle type.
No easing us into Fall, giving us a few clouds here and there before commencing with the deluge.
My mental space [...]

Register Today to Hit The Pumpkin Patch

Good morning!
The rumors are true – We have hooked readers up with Shamrock Farms and their giant pumpkin patch to do a little farm visiting and pumpkin picking.
We can take 30 kiddos and their parents on our Thursday, Oct. 9 tour of the farm, on Anderton Road just across from Watrin Orchard. The tour begins [...]

Natural Remedies for Hyperactive Kids

Ahhh, September! The time of the year for new beginnings and fresh starts.
As our children head back to the classrooms, meet new friends, and adjust to new teachers, we expect this transition to go smoothly and quietly. Frustration can soon set in when Johnny can’t seem to get out the door in the mornings [...]

Building Community – YANA Comox Valley

As we near the relaunch of the website, Ken and I have spent a lot of time talking about making sure that all of the amazing support the website gets every day is returned to the community – both locally and globally.
We can’t always give the kind of time we’d like lending a hand to [...]

Learning Trees With Leaf Hangings

There is a bit of a chill in the air and early last week, as I was packing us into the truck, I spotted red leaves.
Then yellow, even a couple of orange beauties stood out against the bluer than blue sky.
We’d been talking, the last couple of times out in the woods, about getting to [...]

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 [...]

Studying Sunflowers

The sun this week has totally inspired us to dig out our science gear and plug into some Fall nature study projects in the form of those gorgeous sunflowers brightening patches all over town.
Grandma is completely to blame for our love affair with sunflowers this year, as she planted a TON of them in the [...]

Comfy, Urban, Vintage – Freakin’ Coffee Shop

Dining may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to a place to load up on caffeine. But, it’s all about the experience at Tin Town’s Freakin’ Coffee Shop on Rosewall Crescent in Courtenay.

Food is optional.
Since my first job out of school, I have lived quite fondly for the cozy coffee [...]

The TumbleBooks Library

So, there I was snacking down on rice crispie treats, watching the tiny person soak herself in the only bit of water available at low tide at The Filberg when it was revealed to me.
The kiddo, she was soaked…and cold…and would eventually fall hands-first into a big, red jellyfish.
But, at least I knew that when [...]

Make Some Forest Fairies

We have always been into the lives of forest fairies around our house.
From some of our earliest days of walking the trails, it didn’t take much convincing to make us believers that some forests are truly the land of fairy people.
It’s one of those things that we casually weave into stories about the forest…or at [...]

Top Local Back-to-School Must-Haves

Some days, I prefer living in my pretend world where life has nothing to do with what is cool, hip or just plain old gotta-have-because-everyone-else-does.
But, really, who am I kidding?
I dig the feeling I get putting on that great pair of jeans I saw in a magazine or getting that excellent, trendy hair cut that [...]

Back-To-School Safety Tips

Editor’s Note: Street Smart Kidz’ Steven Baird is here with us today to share his wealth of knowledge about ways to keep your kiddos safe as we head back to school.
Safety is one of those necessary evils in the world and Baird’s organization does a fantastic job at giving parents the tools to make sure [...]

Green Your School Gear with Consignment

Let’s face it, the bill for back-to-school shopping is beginning to equal a rent check.
Clothes, gear, all of those special touches that makes hitting the classroom again totally cool don’t leave much room for things like, say, dinner after a long day of shopping.
Even the preschool crowd can rack up one heck of a bill [...]

Top 10 Herbal Remedies for Children

Herbs have an amazingly powerful effect on children.
An important contributor in restoring balance, botanical medicine is easily recognized by the body, easy to metabolize in the liver, illicit few side effects and has the added bonus of being a complete structure, as opposed to pharmaceuticals which are extracted chemicals.
Plants are often the raw material for [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No. 7 – Paradise Meadows

Ummmm, well…yesterday up on the mountain was…WET.
I had suspected it would be mildly damp, in a Summer sort of way – and the smallish group of morning walkers who headed up to Paradise Meadows early yesterday did hit the trail for a quite dewy wander full of friendly whiskey jacks and curious stellar jays, hunting [...]

Seal Bay Nature Park Beach Trail

There are a few special spots in our collection of adventures that spark imagination and make the tiny person buzz uncontrollably at the mere mention of a potential day spent.

Seal Bay Nature Park and its winding, lush, bit of a butt-kicker wander down the Main Beach (Don Apps) Trail to one of the most beautiful [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No. 6 – Lazo Marsh

Good morning!
We had nearly a full crew (52 kiddos) for the NeighbourWood Walk out at the Lazo Marsh yesterday and wow was I ever impressed at the ingenuity and sense of teamwork this group of tiny people have developed with each other.
But, before I gush, some cool breaking news.
Our long-term NeighbourWood Walks partner Active Comox [...]

The Farm – Everyone Loves Apples

Last Sunday we had a house full of old friends from Vancouver. The combo of energetic kiddos and sleepy adults meant we b-lined for the backyard, only to discover something fantastic – the apples are ready.
That may not mean much to anyone else. But, we weren’t even sure there would be any apples in the [...]

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 [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No. 5 – Seal Bay Beach Trail

Good Morning!
Well, the hiking gods conspired against our trip out to Cumberland this week as, while the family and I were out on our test run of the trail out at Cumberland Community Forest last Saturday we ran into a few unfriendly bits of poison foliage and bugs that, while they shouldn’t discourage you from [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No. 4 – Fanny Bay

Note to self: wine with the girlfriends after a long day on the trail is excellent fun at 9 p.m., not so excellent fun at 6 a.m.:)

A small group of super intrepid walkers made it out to our fourth NeighbourWood Walk yesterday, which took us to the far south end of the Valley and a [...]

The Farm – Rocking the Barnyard

When we popped in at the Hands-On Farm over at the Filberg on Sunday, Popsicle was giving us the evil eye.
Maybe it was the “Please save me from these crazy pigs” eye. Nonetheless, his new “buddies” Penelope and Veruca are scaring the spots off of him.
P & V may only be six weeks old. But, [...]

Paradise Meadows

With the wet, cold, L-O-N-G Winters we’ve had the last couple of years, we can only hope that Summer lingers a bit longer than usual.
Personally, I hope the sunshine puts in some overtime this year so we can spend some long days wandering the forest of Strathcona Provincial Park taking in the absolute magic that [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No.3 – Oyster River

I realized yesterday that one of the most fun things to do on a day in the woods is have a picnic.
OK, so that’s an easy one to figure out.
But, we are always hauling around food, snacking on the go, on the move. Stopping to actually sit down and have a formal, yet informal, meal [...]

The Farm – Keep Cool, Pioneer Style

It is HOT on the Farm these days.
This week is blazing as the dog days of Summer set in the animals are feeling it too, bucking for shady spots and taking quick dips in the pool (they have one, ya know) to beat the heat.
Our Hands-On Farm Friend, Popsicle, was feeling a little sluggish in [...]

Oyster River Nature Park

Editor’s Note: I admit it, I’ve been holding out on you a bit.
U-Pick Blueberry season is ON. Blue Haven Farm at Anderton and Idiens Way in Comox is open daily now and McClintock’s on Dove Creek Road expects to be ready for blueberry picking this week.
Raspberries are already being picked out at McClintock’s and ASHberry [...]

Fish Oils & Children’s Health

When I remind my dad to take his omega 3’s, it will inevitably result in a history lesson on Newfoundland’s cod fishery! That being said, my grandmother knew the benefit of subjecting her kids to their daily spoonful of cod liver oil. And back then, I’m told, there wasn’t lemon flavour!
I started my [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No. 2 – Pt. Holmes Reef

There is a perfection to kids in nature.
Those times when they can soak themselves down, run around barefoot and discover unbelievable sorts of wonders – together – force us as adults to slow down a bit, let a few things go, and just let them be for a while.
We find ourselves standing back and reminiscing [...]

Family Dinner – Spanikopita

Editor’s Note: Today we continue with our second installment of Summertime guest foodies with Nanaimo mom of four, master organic gardener and local food chef supreme Krista Johnston.
I first discovered Krista’s warm, wonderful, community-filled spirit years ago and have been a huge fan of her sensibility from that moment on. Her perspective on food is [...]

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 [...]

Mommy Talk – Keeping Kids Safe

This week marked a grim time when the first Amber Alert ever to be issued on Vancouver Island came out of the Comox Valley.
Although the details haven’t been released about a 10-year-old who was allegedly abducted by a 32-year-old local man, it has sparked more than a bit of fear in the hearts of parents [...]

Summer Sun Safety

Editor’s Note: Patti Fletcher is taking a break this Summer, on sabbatical from her post as Comox Rec Program Director.
Mandy Johns has stepped in and graciously agreed to write Patti’s column while she’s on leave. Mandy is busy this Summer filling in for Patti all over the place and we are grateful that she took [...]

Summer NeighbourWood Walk No. 1 – MacDonald Wood

It’s about 8:45 a.m. as I sit down to write this post.
As a general rule, I write the night before. Mornings are nuts around here and throwing blogging into that mix is generally a stress of the unnecessary kind. But, today, it’s entirely beautiful.
That’s totally because I got out of bed about five minutes ago [...]

George Sawchuk’s Enchanted Forest

The forests of Fanny Bay are enchanted.
A walk along the trails near Ships Point reveal dichotomy, controversy, community and absolute beauty.
Tucked away, just past trail heads hidden by a bit of overgrowth, is at least a Sunday morning’s worth of exploring art and nature – separately or together depending on what suits you.
CVK mom Melanie [...]

It’s (Sort of) Berry Season

Mother Nature has not been kind in the U-Pick universe this year.
The whole June-uary weather event means that berry ripening and picking is well behind schedule. But, the good news is that berry farms are starting to open and local fruity yumminess will be available for early risers for the next few months in one [...]

Mommy Talk – The Grandparent Effect

Today is Grandma’s birthday.
July happens to be a big month in the being born universe here (five family birthdays).
And, Ken’s Mom kicks it all off in style.
While I know she will be stomping up the stairs and kicking me in the head for announcing her big day in a public forum, she will be doing [...]

The Farm – Cow Lips

Happy Canada Day.
While you are soaking up all of the family good times in the Valley that is celebrating the nation’s birthday, we are busting out our maple leaves and saluting the cow in Canada – in honour of our Hands-On Farm Friend Popsicle.
First, a few facts:
- Popsicle is a Holstein, the breed of [...]

Which Cloth Diaper to Choose?

Editor’s Note:
Comox Valley Mom Kathy Roberts is a cloth diaper convert.
In her quest to make life easy and non-disposable, she took it upon herself to test drive just about every type of cloth diaper out there, even making a few of her own.
Thankfully, I’m annoyingly persistent and she is incredibly generous, now sharing her cloth [...]

Valley Insight – The Lazo Marsh

Editor’s Note: If there is one trail in the Valley that we L-O-V-E, it’s the Lazo Marsh loop. Short and sweet, this flat walk is just over 2K, but full of some of the coolest sights any kiddo can imagine.
We discovered this trail thanks to the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, and the first time we [...]

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 [...]