The Makings Of A Confident Mom

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Marcie Dumais is on site with a look at the top traits that make for a confident mom. Here she is:
Over Spring Break, my kiddos and I flew to Penticton to spend time with my parents. This meant a quick flight to Vancouver, followed by a few hours in the Vancouver [...]

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 [...]

Spring Break 2010 – Ken’s Picks for Family Movies

Editor’s Note: If you missed Wendy Johnstone this morning, you can read her post on the Sandwich Generation HERE. Now, here are some great family movies to help get you through Spring Break.
Have you thrown up your hands yet? Conceded that there will be some serious movie watching for sanity’s sake? We are right there with you [...]

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 – Tween Must-Have Reads

Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s Spring Break craft roundup this morning, you can catch it HERE. Now, here’s a look at some must have Spring Break reads for those tweens in your life. Here’s the list:
Good Afternoon. It may be time for some quiet time around your house, making a trip to the bookstore [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Zac Whyte’s Lunatic Disposable Cups

I‘ve been hearing whisperings around town for a while about a film being made right here in the Comox Valley. Today, Zac Whyte and his crew released the trailer for Disposable – The Billion-Cup Blood Bath featuring local stars like Maya from Freakin’ Coffee.
Check it out:

Disposable – The Billion Cup Blood Bath from Zac Whyte [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Shift News – The Right to Speak & Listen to Language

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

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 [...]

Getaways – The Pacific Rim Whale Festival

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

Choosing Love – Making Friends From Enemies

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

The Cultural Value of Garbage

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

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine

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

Is Montessori Right for Your Family?

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

Improving Our Community One Elder at a Time

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

Getting Kids Into The Olympic Spirit at Home

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

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

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

Kids Crafts – Making Fun Fairy Bowls

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

Product Review – Sassy Smoking Lily Linens

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

Deciding on Kindergarten – Options, Talk & Opinions

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

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 [...]

Books to Teach Kids About Chinese New Year

Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Rebecca’s morning post giving us a look inside the Waldorf classroom, you can read it HERE. Now, here’s Robin reviewing a cool collection of children’s books that help kids learn about Chinese culture and Chinese New Year. Have a great afternoon. Here’s Robin:
I get sort of droopy after [...]

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 [...]

Helping Haiti In A Way That Is Most Effective

Editor’s Note: If you missed Deepa’s birth story this morning, you can read it HERE. This afternoon we have United Nations Aid Worker and Comox Valley mom Kelly Flynn talking about the importance of understanding the most positive and effective ways you can help the people of Haiti. Here she is:
When we see human beings [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

Kids Food Crafts – Painting with Jello

It has been so crazy dreary around the Comox Valley the last couple of weeks that we have been super dug in at the craft table and looking for ways to combine all sorts of things like food and paper into good fun.
Jello isn’t something we regularly eat around here. But, it is super cool [...]

Roll with Local Veg and Cabbage Rolls this January

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

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 [...]

SHIFT News – The Yellowcake Trail, Uranium Mining In Canada

Editor’s Note: This series of articles, “The Yellowcake Trail,” tracks all aspects of uranium in Canada from the mining and milling, to processing and use, throughout its eighty-year history. The series begins with the history of uranium in Canada, from its initial discovery to the rapid development of mines that placed Canada as the prominent [...]

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 [...]

Mom’s Book Shelf – Zoe Whittall’s Holding Still for As Long As Possible

One of my major resolutions for the new year is to spend more time reading for myself, something that went by the wayside far too long ago. I tried very hard to get back into it last year, was even blessed enough to be invited to be part of an incredible book group filled with [...]

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 [...]

Year In Review – The Best Children’s Books of 2009

One thing that never seems to give in our house is the love of a great story. We pound through tons of books and if anyone knows what she likes best, it’s the 4-year-old.
We’ve had such a great time discovering some seriously great new reads this year to spend afternoons curled up on the couch [...]

A Year for Joy

I sat here for an hour trying to come up with a clever headline that captured the emotion of this year without sounding like a broken record or a trite cliche. Joy ended up the only word that constantly came to mind.
Perhaps most people, including myself, wouldn’t consider joy the appropriate sentiment based on the [...]

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 [...]

Warmth & Joy from Our Home to Yours

May your Christmas be merry and bright.
Wishing you all the Happiest of Holidays,

Robin, Ken and the Our Big Earth crew

Tracking Santa from Vancouver Island

So, I put in a call this morning to the secret Santa Division of Environment Canada and they said that the big guy is already on his way, completing the rounds in places far off like New Zealand where it’s already tomorrow (he is in Cambodia as I write).
Besides the obvious pure joy that Santa [...]

Thanks to Your Generosity, People In Crisis Have More This Holiday

Good afternoon. Last night, Our Big Earth and a huge crew of community friends and partners came together to read Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol and raise money for people in crisis.
The evening was intimate and warm, with tasty treats courtesy of Fran Yates and Thrifty Foods as well as tons of holiday cheer and [...]

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 – Best Crafts of 2009

Good Morning. As I looked back through some of the creative projects we took on this year, it was great to check out how much fun we had learning about and discovering nature through creativity. There was lots of painting and gluing for sure. But, I’m wondering which project you all liked the best this [...]

Getaways – The Ultimate BC Toy Adventure

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

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 [...]

Getaways – Learning, Adventure & Airplanes Up Close at YVR

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

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 [...]

Preserving Holiday Traditions with Sausage & Kraut

Tucked away in a kitchen cupboard is an old paper-bound cookbook. It’s nothing fancy, no spectacular photography, not even a professional print job. But, this book – The Wigilia – is one of my dearest possessions.
When I was nine, my grandmother and I traded letters and tapes once a week for a month as she [...]

Send Your Letters to Santa via Canada Post

Editor’s Note: If you missed our morning post, check out some easy ideas for making holiday cards HERE. Now, it’s all about getting that special letter off to Santa (and getting one back from the big guy) thanks to Canada Post. HOHOHO.:)
You know Dasher and Dancer, maybe even Prancer and Vixen. But, did you know [...]

Holiday Crafts – Easy Kids Cards

One thing I promise myself that we will do every year is send out homemade cards. When Ken and I were DINKS (Dual Income No Kids) we made the craziest Christmas cards ever like us hanging lights off of the Golden Gate Bridge, us as Star Wars characters, the list goes on.
But, that would mean [...]

The Green Wallet – Microlending as a Global Investment

Editor’s note: If you missed this morning’s post, we took a look at some of the hottest eco-friendly Vancouver fashion designers and where you can find them in the Comox Valley. Check it out HERE. Now, Anthony Edwards takes us away from consumerism to a form of global lending that serves as a bridge between [...]

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 [...]

Kids Book Review – Winter Gems for a Roaring Fire

Editor’s Note: If you missed our morning post, Gayle Bates gives us a peek into holiday traditions around the world and how to take part in some global giving HERE. Now, we’re checking out two Winter children’s book faves that are a part of OBE’s holiday events at the Filberg Lodge.

Chestnuts roasting on the fire [...]

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 [...]

Bitchin’ Kitchen – Spice Agent, Cumin

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s post, we had a great interview with the Comox Valley’s newest specialty baker Christa Herrling. Check it out HERE. Meanwhile, the Bitchin’ Kitchen crew are back today with a Spice Agent special report. Enjoy:

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 [...]

Hand Sanitizer – Not Every Germ Killer is Equal

While I was in Vancouver last week, one of the pervasive concerns amongst the crew – none of whom were Canadian except for me – was not getting sick.
This was especially true for the moms in the group who, even though they were in professional mode and sans kids, found themselves seriously concerned about taking [...]

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 [...]

Homemade Holidays – Easy Recycled Ornaments

As the holidays begin to descend upon us, the tiny person and I are very seriously focused on learning about traditions, honoring our own and creating some new ones this year.
We’re also working hard at keeping with the whole idea of creating more and consuming less. And that has lead to great projects in the last [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The Fit Family – In The Groove…Getting Motivated to Move

Editor’s Note: Whoa is it ever wet out there! This late Fall rain is absolutely crazy, definitely time for hats. If you missed it, be sure to check out our piece from this morning on scoring the coolest hats in town HERE. Now, it’s time for our fitness update. Stay dry!
Getting fit is an uphill [...]

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 [...]

A Peek Inside A Celebration of Comox Valley Spirit

The day didn’t necessary start off on the brightest foot. Rain, rain, rain – that was the forecast for Sunday. But, with a 40X40 heated tent, happy spirits and a sense of creative flexibility we headed out for a day of celebrating our heritage.

Thankfully, the sunshine made an appearance just about the time we got [...]

Heritage Crafts – “Stained Glass” & Decoupage Lanterns

All of our Heritage good times out at The Filberg last Sunday made me get all nostalgic for projects that induce that cozy feeling, are not so frustrating and generally keep a kid’s attention for more than a milisecond. Two that we did over the weekend were super fun and easy – stained glass and [...]

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 [...]

Bitchin’ Kitchen – Olive Oil Wars

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s post, we reviewed the yumminess that is Kinaree Thai Cuisine in downtown Courtenay. Check out the goodness HERE. Meanwhile, Nadia G and the Bitchin’ Kitchen crew are back today with Olive Oil Wars. Enjoy:

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 [...]

The Fit Family – Creaky Bones & The Death of Procrastination

Editor’s Note: Happy Monday. If you missed our early post, check out our review of Roylco’s fossil rubbing plates HERE. Meanwhile, we are slugging through finding our workout groove:

Oh how uninspiring we find ourselves these days. Ken and I both agree that we have mental blocks when it comes to long term fitness. But, really, [...]

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 [...]

Halloween Safety Tips for Families

The trick-or-treat festivities are just about upon us… and so is the weekend. Fright night or a Monday or a Wednesday, well, pretty chill. Saturday’s frightful activities might be a bit less tame than usual.

So, in the name of good, clean, spooky fun, here are some hot tips from the Comox Valley’s own Street Smart Kidz, [...]

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 [...]

Planning for the Worst Makes Family Travel the Best

Editor’s Note: Happy Monday. If you missed our morning post, OBE and Bitchin’ Kitchen have hooked up for a spooktacular giveaway. Check out the details and video HERE.
As we start to plan for the holiday season, traveling with our families enters into the picture. Before you run screaming from the thought of taking a long [...]

Get Spooked (and Win Gear) with Nadia G

Take a deep breath and steady your nerves, it’s time for Bitchin’ Kitchen’s official Halloween Treasure Hunt and Giveaway. You can win a copy of the Bitchin’ Kitchen cookbook, cursed by Nadia G herself, a DVD of the original Saw film that kicked-off the franchise, and Our Big Earth will throw in a surprise gift [...]

Bitchin’ Kitchen – Halloween Hootenanny

Helping Your Daughter Feel Good About Her Body

Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed it this morning, we had local small business consultant Emma Payton exploring attributes of successful entrepreneurs. You can check it out HERE.
This afternoon we have Esther Kane on the topic of body image and helping girls be comfortable with their bodies. Here she is:

Thanks to Twitter, I’ve been able to [...]

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 [...]

Book Review – Not So Scary Monsters & Witches

Some kids love Christmas. Some love Easter. Mine, she L-O-V-E-S Halloween. I love the wawawahhhhhhhh coming from her when describing vampires and ghouls. But, really when you ask the tiny person what kind of stories she wants to read right now, the terms mildly spooky, a little mysterious and a lot funny are on the [...]

What to Do About The Flu

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

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 [...]

Bitchin’ Kitchen – Single-Life Salmon

Ah, crazy rainy day…we are busy concocting some spooky decorations and reading spooky stories while Ken plots some time in Vancouver to finish up a project he’s been working on for a while. I had a freakishly early morning…which led me to Sarah’s yummy post on happy family pumpkin recipes…which led me to a batch [...]

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, [...]

The Fit Family – The Flu, Frustration & Funk

Editor’s Note: This is the second installment in The Fit Family – the OBE year-long adventure from flab to fit. Robin and Ken are here today in diary style talking a bit about how the process is taking shape. They need a boost. You may want to send some love their way today. It’s ugly [...]

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 [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – Integrity

As many mom bloggers do, I get A LOT of freebies offered and/or sent to OBE. I don’t go looking for them, phone people, send letters or ask for them. While there’s a huge business culture based on cashing in on these freebies, there’s one big reason we don’t take them (and it’s not because [...]

What Is Your Personal Parenting Style?

Editor’s Note: Good Morning, today early childhood educator Heather Magdanz is here to talk shop about parenting. She’s got some interesting insight into why we all parent the way we do… food for thought. Here she is:
Have you ever considered what kind of parent you are? Come on… who thinks about that really?
It is busy [...]

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 [...]

Bitchin’ Kitchen – Deflate Your Mate

Happy downpour. If you missed our morning post, check out all the details on the new location for the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market Winter Market HERE.
In honor of the OBE HQ weight loss extravaganza, the chilly weather and my uncontrollable urge to make a giant pan of baklava that no one else will be allowed [...]

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 [...]

What Is Socially Responsible Investing?

Happy Thanksgiving Monday afternoon. While you are recovering from the holiday meal make sure to check out our post from this morning HERE. We’re trying to find the perfect kitchen counter compost bucket – a hot topic now that the temperatures outside have cooled and the veggie scraps are plentiful.
This afternoon we are excited [...]

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 [...]

Bitchin’ Kitchen – Coffee Wars

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 [...]

Welcome to OBE 2.0 Podcast

Bitchin’ Kitchen Episode 1

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 [...]

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 [...]

Preparing Kids for the 1st Day of School

Editor’s Note: Today we’ve got School District 71 teacher Marieke Holtkamp in the house talking shop about how to help your kiddos and yourself ready for the first day of school. Enjoy.

“Will my teacher be nice? Where will I sit? Will the other kids like me?”
Ah, back to school a time of excitement and anxiety [...]

Product Review – Budget Organic Cosmetics

I consider myself a middle-of-the-roader in the living green universe. We live on a very tight budget and every dime counts. So, while buying eco-friendly, organic and natural is the way we roll, we can’t always roll that way.
Priorities live in the food, household products and personal care fronts for us.
But, holy batman can I [...]

Rhyme Time with Julia Donaldson

There’s a theme in our house right now. We have the time to rhyme about slime on a dime. It’s not a crime, a bit sublime without an ounce of grime.
So, when we look for a book that has a lyrical hook, it’s no surprise that children’s author Julia Donaldson is exactly what we took.

Her [...]

The Green Kid Party In Action

Editor’s Note: Bevin Clempson is here today letting us take a peek into her son’s very cool green birthday bash and her adventures in planning. This whole green thing is complicated some days. Have a great Friday!
Last month my wee dude turned 3. It was the first ever kiddo-centric party I had ever thrown. The [...]

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 [...]

BPA in Sigg Bottle Liners, Company Comes Clean

Good Morning. We have preempted our regular Farm to Family feature here today to keep you up to speed on the news that broke earlier this week when Sigg executives admitted that bottles manufactured before August of 2008 had liners that contained BPA.
Treehugger.com was one of the first to break the news and I got [...]

Nature Crafts – Plaster Fossils

Science girl has decided that her major professional interests are learning toward paleontology of the late – so much so that we are in full roar around here in terms of dinos, digs and – of course – fossils.
We’ve spent most of the Summer on the hunt for the coolest rocks and the collections that [...]

Prosuct Review – The Educational Thrift Store

I admit, I’ve been keeping this one to myself for a while. Not that I want to be stingy. But, I love a great deal, a great book and a great piece of educational gear. A combination of those three is so very welcome, I have trouble sharing.

The perfect storm came about six months ago [...]

The Making of a Mom Entrepreneur – Relationships

A little slow out of the blocks this morning, I’ve been sitting here for a few minutes with my mandatory coffee, toast and jam thinking about family, relationships and the “office.”
First, I feel like I need to come clean. When I was 18 and making that mega decision of what I wanted to be when [...]

Five Tools for Overcoming Anxiety

Editor’s Note: Good morning, the insightful and lovely Esther Kane is here on OBE this morning to share with us a bit of her personal story about dealing with anxiety.
This topic is one that is close to my heart, as anxiety has stopped me from moving in a positive direction so many times in my [...]

Michael Jackson through eyes of Mom

Editor’s Note: Good morning. BUMPS mama Deepa Upadhyaya is here today to take a look back at one of her childhood idols and how his death has effected her perception of parenting.
Enjoy:

I was a Michael Jackson fan before I was a mom.
Ok you probably did not know this about me, but in high school I [...]

Accepting Change By Creating Memories

Editor’s Note: Marcie Dumais is here today to offer up a very personal perspective on coping with major changes in our lives with grace while helping our kids cope with their own change-related anxieties.
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a sense of grace…here she is:

Let’s face it.  Having children is all about change.  I [...]

Family Eats – Summer Soups

Editor’s Note: Ah, Wednesday. Yummy day. Family chef Sarah Stromquist is here today offering up some tasty insight into Summer soups. delish.
Anytime of year soups are a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and generally quick meal. Paired with a wrap, sandwich or some such delight they become a full meal.
But I usually think of [...]

Back to School Crafts – Clipboard Organizer

Editor’s Note: Crafting guru Vanessa Falle has come on board here at Our Big Earth to take us on a funky project-focused journey in the land of the creative. She’ll be here once a month bringing you cool ideas on how to make just about anything fabulous, and the major bonus is that she also [...]

Fast-Dry Towels for Active Families

We are big on the outdoors thing. I know it’s not a shocking statement if you’ve been following us here at Our Big Earth for a while. But, whether it’s the middle of a glorious Summer or the dead of a gloomy Winter, you’ll more than likely find us in the forest or on the [...]

Getaways – Victoria Family Staycations

There’s been a lot of talk from local tourism folks this year about it being the Summer of staycations. With folks out of work, scaling back and tightening their belts, the great family Summer holiday has taken a bit of a back seat. Staying close to home makes sense.
But, that doesn’t mean that we all [...]

Books for Girls Who Stand Out

Editor’s Note: Wow, what a gorgeous weekend. If you are wondering what to do with such a beautiful Saturday, come join the Our Big Earth crew out at the Filberg Lodge and Park in Comox today for Kids Day at the Park.
We’ll be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. helping kiddos make instruments out [...]

The Good & Bad About Fluoride

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Dr. Amy Wells is here today talking shop about teeth and the ongoing debate about the use of fluoride. As usual, I learned a ton of interesting information.
Enjoy your Friday.

The topic of teeth seems to keep popping up in our household this month.  My sister was horrified to report to me [...]

Traditions for Long-Distance Grandparents

Editor’s Note: Today we have Wendy Johnstone discussing long-distance grandparenting. Here she is:
It’s been a flurry of activity and excitement for Carly around our house for the past 3 weeks.  (Actually, if any of you know me personally, there’s never a shortage of excitement and flurry in our house).  However, the charge in our house is [...]

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 [...]

Summer Crafts – Backyard Paint Party

Good morning. Just back from our brief, yet very go-go-go staycation in Victoria, we are all over the play-where-you-live theory on breaking now as we got deals all over the place, explored far-off worlds and ate at one or two of our favourite spots in the process.
I’ll be back later in the week with some [...]

Natural Pod Tree Branch Blocks

Ken laughed at me. “You brought home a cut-up tree,” he quipped smuggly, looking at me like there were plenty of more useful things to have spent our money on.
Yep, I did indeed bring home a bag filled with a cut-up tree – a gorgeous, light, fun and imaginative tree.

He’d give that it was a [...]

SPROUTS – Getting The Most Out of Tomatoes

What’s growing in the garden? Some tasty treats to eat, bake, blend, and freeze!
Toe-may-toe. Toe-mah-toe. Yummy yum yum.
Now that Summer’s in full swing and my tomatoes are nearly 2 meters into the sky, each day brings me closer to harvesting these glorious red goodies! So far we have had about 15 grape tomatoes to snack [...]

Nature Journal – Captivated by Raptors

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today we have a special guest on site helping families learn about some of the coolest birds on the planet – raptors. Joanne Bentley runs Emrys Raptors in the Cowichan Valley, a fantastic spot for the whole family to learn and experience these majestic birds.
If you are headed south on [...]

And The Winner Is…

Today is the big day when – after all of that fun work that went into eating local in July has the potential to pay off big.
Today, we award the 30-Day Food Challenge prizes.
I’d blather on, but let’s get down to business.
The ballots are in and Comox Valley residents have voted for their 2009 Yummy [...]

Kid Science – All About Apples

Summer is starting to break a bit (gasp) and sooner rather than later it will be time to break out the turtlenecks and toques. The big sign for me that my favourite time of year is nearly upon us is the arrival of local apples at the market.
I am, thankfully, on the early end of [...]

Quick Kids Recipes – Zucchini Fries & Onion Rings

Good Morning. The first Wednesday of every month is usually reserved for restaurant reviews. But, we are clocking some chill time this month in preparation for proper introductions to some new foodie folks here on Our Big Earth. In the meantime family gardens around the Comox Valley are bursting with lots of onions and zucchini [...]

Homeschooling – Find the Right Curriculum

Now you’ve pulled your kids from the public schools, for reasons that vary from family to family and it’s time to decide what you are going to do with them at home.  Chances are your mother and/or mother-in-law are breathing down your neck about wrecking your kids’ future because they don’t go to school.  (Not [...]

The Botanical Soap Shop

Happy B.C. Day! I so love long weekends that the family can actually take part in. We celebrated British Columbia with our own great Canadian backyard campout last night, pitching a tent, sleeping under the stars, realizing the the ground is very, very hard (oh, my ancient back). If it wasn’t for the raccoons hitting [...]

Sunday Morning Walk – Willow Creek Conservation Area

Good Morning. I have to admit that it feels terribly strange to have no editor’s notes, calendars to keep up with or some place to be. Slow is not my normal pace. I’ll have to get used to it because Ken and I have promised that August – mostly – will be the month of [...]

Books for Hands-On Nature Learning

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

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 [...]

Intergenerational Music Programs for Toddlers

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Wow has this last month flown by. As we head into these last two days of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge, enjoy a couple of great Brambles demos. Today, think dairy goodness as the folks from Island Farms are on hand at 11 a.m.
Don’t forget that, in order [...]

Twitter About #Realfood to Help Evergreen

Editor’s Note: First, the bad news. As Environment Canada is predicting a temp of 35 degrees today, we have decided to CANCEL our NeighbourWood Eats program. I can’t imagine learning how to can in this weather and we really don’t want to have kiddos getting sick out in the blistering sun.
So, we’ll get something scheduled [...]

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 [...]

Cougar and Bear Safety as a Family

Editor’s Note: Quick, rearrange your schedules, there is ALL KINDS OF CHEESE GOODNESS going on today as Natural Pastures Cheese Co. wraps up its month of cheese from around the world. Head on over to 635 McPhee Ave. in Courtenay for fantastic cooking demos at 11 a.m., Noon and 1 p.m. I know it’s killer [...]

Mom-P-Inc. – The Value of Time

Editor’s Note: Ah, movie day. Come inside and cool off at the Courtenay Museum today when we show the last movie in the Chew On This Film Series, “The World According to Monsanto.”
This amazing film takes a frank look at bio-engineering and its effect on the global food system and I encourage you to [...]

Out and About – Does Sunscreen Equal Prevention?

Editor’s Note: Beat the heat today out at ASH Berry Farm as Don and Louisa McClellan host the final Farm Event of the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge. This fun day is all about berries, pigs (brings your veggie scraps to feed them) and farm sprinklers.
It’s all from 10 a.m. to 2 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Foodie Crafts – Seashell Maracas

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. If you are looking for something fun to do in the local food universe today, be sure to head over to Brambles to meet the folks from Hazelmere Farms. Their unusual and tasty greens are a treat at any dinner table. The demo runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, as [...]

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 [...]

Cookbooks That Renew Traditions

Editor’s Note: This afternoon is going to be AWESOME as Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge Featured Producer DeeKayTee Ranch hosts a fantastic farm tour event.
There will be some wagon riding, some animal checking out, a tour of their guest houses and gorgeous farm, demonstrations and more from 1 to 3 p.m. out [...]

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 [...]

Foodie Crafts – Homemade Dyes

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. It’s time for a mid-week meal as part of the 30-Day Food Challenge. I think I may try to talk the hubby into sneaking off to Bisque with me this afternoon. Locals and Anderton Bistro-Pub are open today too.
I’ve been cooking up a storm at home these last few weeks [...]

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 [...]

Dr. Amy Wells – Pesticides Effect on Kids

Editor’s Note: Good Morning! Today is the last day to get yourself registered for the 30-Day Challenge. Whether you make it to one or all of the events, registering means you get cool bonus material AND get a chance at all kinds of prizes. We are registering people live at Brambles from Noon to 6 [...]

Food Through the Generations

Editor’s Note: Bite-Sized Specialty Foods is going to be at Brambles from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. There is some serious yumminess going on, so I would head in the direction of downtown Courtenay and check it out.
I would also like to encourage you to take some time out at Noon today and attend [...]

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 [...]

Foodie Crafts – Homemade Stickers

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today is kind of chill in the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge universe. So, if you are thinking local, make some plans for a leisurely lunch or dinner at Anderton Bistro-Pub, The Great Escape, Bisque (I think we are headed that direction) or Locals.
A lovely meal is the [...]

Bambu Disposable Plates

Editor’s Note: Oh, Summer rains. They are so refreshing. While Mother Nature is giving us little cool down today, it’s the perfect time to hit two of the hottest event on the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge.
Natural Pastures Cheese Company kicks off its Featured Producer events with the first of its Taste The [...]

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 [...]

SPROUTS – Family Greenhouse

Editor’s Note: Good morning. Thinking local food today is all about date night. Get on the horn to grandma or the babysitter and plan for a great evening of local food at Bisque, Anderton Bistro-Pub, The Great Escape (I am so in the mood for Indian food) or Locals-Food From the Heart of the Island [...]

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 [...]

Summer Crafts – DIY Canada Day Magnets

Ah, Canada Day.
I love this country and give it a solid go every year when it comes to busting out the patriotic gear. But, getting the tiny person plugged in to something more than the candy from the Canada parade is, well, challenging.
She’s at the age of dis-interest – too young for a bigger history [...]

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 [...]

Family Local Food, NeighbourWood Eats

Good morning. Registration for the Eat Real. Eat Local 30-Day Food Challenge is in full swing and we are excited to see people gearing up for the next month of learning how to eat local. If you’ve picked your challenge passport up from Brambles Market, be sure to register online here at OBE in order [...]

Foodie Crafts – Macaroni Necklaces & Musical Beans

It’s no shock that I am knee deep in the foodie universe right now. Between the garden, the food challenge and the general joy of eating when all of the goodness that is Vancouver Island food is in season, I can’t help myself.
The same seems to apply in the kid-style creative universe too. Seems like [...]

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 [...]

Using Anti-Depression Meds in Pregnancy

I know the last few cool days of rain in the Valley are lovely, but the continuous sunshine just seems to be infecting us all with joy.  It is the start of the season of moist plums, laughter at the water park, sandy toes, breezy fragrant endless evenings, and picking out corn kernels from your [...]

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 [...]

Backyard Craft – Butterfly Feeders

Editor’s Note: Good morning. We’ve got a fun craft for you this morning. But, it’s this afternoon that brings big news here at Our Big Earth.
It’s a deliciously detailed dish comes with a month’s worth of community goodness, family fun of the foodie kind and the chance to win nearly $3,000 in tasty treats.
So [...]

Greening the Places that Children Play

Where Do The Children Play?
O.K. I’m dating myself but I’m sure you’ve heard of the peace lovin singer/song writer Cat Stevens. And who hasn’t heard of Dr. Seuss? One of my favorites books of his is The Lorax, while published 38 years ago the environmental message still rings true today.
What do the two have in [...]

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 [...]

Connect Kids to Grandparents-Living Legacy

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

As my great-Aunt Adelaide would say, “My cup runneth over”.   It was an honour and a privilege to read your comments and stories about your own grandparents last month.  Thank you for [...]

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 [...]

Eco Crafts – Egg Carton Shadow Boxes & Rock Gardens

So, I have to say that it’s a good thing that the only people who have been subjected to the condition of our house lately are my sweet friend Kathy and her family. While she might think “Oh my God, don’t touch anything!” and her lovely little girl did actually ask if she could help [...]

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 [...]

Books Review – Fairy Folk & Spring Day Dreams

Long hot days this time of year make me want to find a big, giant maple tree to spread a blanket out under, unpack a lunch full of cool veggies and fruit and lay back to begin a few hours of uninterrupted day dreaming.
Since the likelihood of that happening is less than the odds of [...]

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 [...]

I’m Supposed to Be Having A Baby

It’s all I have left of him – a pair of footprints locked away, never to be seen again, and a single heart filled with petals that hangs in the kitchen window.
I had convinced myself, for a long time, that this week would come, I would acknowledge it and we would continue on.
Life, it doesn’t [...]

Restaurant Review – April Point Resort

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

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 [...]

Shower Curtains Go Hemp

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

Sunday Morning Walks – Quinsam River

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

Retro Saturday – Natural Nature Journals

OK, I concede. I’m EX-HAUSTED. There’s this great delusion in my head that if I just keep going my energy won’t realize that it has been non-existant since July of 2005:)
Anyway, I logged 13 hours of sleep last night (about 3 times my normal) and the price was no e-mails answered, no posts written, no [...]

Can’t-Miss Canadian Food Bloggers (giveaway)

I swear I’ll wrap my foodie thing up this week. Well, maybe not. I mean, check out this steak:

I’m still day dreaming about the bacon doughnut I ate last weekend.
Anyway, to wrap up the Toronto adventure, I wanted to plug you guys in today to some of the coolest Canadian food bloggers out there.
You’ve already [...]

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 [...]

Get Bitchin’ in Your Kitchen (giveaway)

Good Morning!
So, Toronto was INSANE (in the best of ways). We ate until the cows refused to come home for fear that they would be course #6 at dinner, talked shop about food. But, best of all, I met some of the coolest Canadian food bloggers out there.
Everyone was amazing (seriously), and I’m hoping 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, [...]

Esther Kane – Mindful Eating Roadblocks (Part 2)

Editor’s Note: Speaking of mindful eating, get yourselves on over to the Today Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Karen McKinnon’s studio, 4th Street and Cliffe Avenue (enter in the parking lot behind Brambles).
There will be cupcakes to decorate and take to someone special, not to mention a few to nosh on [...]

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

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

Parent Appreciation from the “Middle Place”

A few months back, a friend sent me a YouTube internet link that led me on a journey. The link was to Kelly Corrigan reading words about women and strength in a speech she calls “Transcending.”
A full Kleenex box later, I was ordering her book The Middle Place and within days of receiving the [...]

What to Do When Kids Cook – Chill Out

At the end of a rather exhausting day, my oldest asked “what’s for dinner?”
Feeling a little cheeky I retorted with “I don’t know. What are you making?”
It’s a little game my husband and I play when we should cook but want to eat out. K didn’t catch on.
An unmistakable glint of excitement and a flare [...]

Nature Craft – Flower Chains

Good morning! It’s that time of year where the big debate in our house over what flowers can and cannot be picked rages wild.
Pretty much, our kiddo would prefer to pick every flower in sight.
Wild, someone else’s, grandma’s favourite in the garden – it doesn’t matter. Flowers should be for picking, she believes.
Since not everyone [...]

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

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

Come and Celebrate Community with Cupcakes

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

Guides for Tiny Explorers

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

Overcome Infertility with Chinese Medicine

Infertility rates have increased dramatically in the last decade with one in six North American couples experiencing difficulties conceiving. This is an extremely difficult time for most couples, a roller coaster of emotions, frustration, anger, sadness and regret. Traditional Chinese medicine has been treating infertility for over two thousand years and has recently been gaining [...]

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, [...]

Crafts for Boys – Adventure Belt

It seems like FORVER since Ken jumped in here with another one of his boy-focused Craftizmos. April was one big adventure in exhaustion and good times with Earth Day events. So, busting out the duct tape and whipping up a very cool outdoor adventure pack (which could double as an awesome tool belt), got the [...]

Blog Book Tour – Crocodaddy

Once in a while we jump in on the KidBookBuzz.com Blog Book Tour and today we are checking out the very sweet, dad-focused tale of fun Summer imagination Crocodaddy by Kim Norman, illustrated by David Walker.
Early readers and picture books are the hot thing at our house right now – right next to crazy creatures [...]

Monday Mom’s Poll – The Perfect Jeans

 
So, ummm, well, anyone who knows me knows for sure that the above photo is not representative of my current physique.
Marshall’s Clothing Company isn’t exactly selling these jeans to the average 38-year-old. I don’t suspect that my butt ever looked that hot in pair of anything.
There was a time when I felt great about my [...]

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 [...]

Using Internet Explorer 6? Time to Switch

I’m jumping in with a double post today because lately I’ve been getting e-mails from a few clients and e-mail subscribers who said that, when they went to the website, it was a mess and didn’t load properly.
I was super concerned and went on a little fact-finding mission.
It ends up that the load problems were [...]

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 [...]

Summer Planning – Tips for Traveling with Kids

Editor’s Note: So, I woke up this morning, doing my normal morning thing, and hit 9:50 a.m., was in the middle of answering about 1.2 million e-mails, and realized I hadn’t posted yet today.
Some days…I feel like I need a brain transplant.

The good news is you don’t have me writing something unintelligible here today [...]

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 [...]

Register Today for Family Community Garden Plots

I have a huge confession to make. My thumb, it’s brown. I’ve perfected the art of picking and eating veggies, am a big fan of the farmer’s market and all things farm stand related. But, please, don’t give me something and ask me to make it grow. The chance of seeds actually becoming veggies is [...]

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 [...]

Earth Day Crafts – Binoculars & Mini Journals

Editor’s Note: This week we are plugging in to all things Earth Day and thinking green as we work our way toward Saturday when we celebrate island-style with the Earth Day Family Festival.
Our Big Earth is running the Kids and Family Zone and, whoa, there is some seriously fun, green-ness on the schedule. Check it [...]

Monday Morning Mom Poll – Green Dish Soap

Good Morning! Today’s topic – finding green dish washing soap and dishwasher detergent – is seriously hot.
When I sent out a note to the usual Mom Poll suspects last week, the general response from nearly everyone was “I can’t wait to hear what everyone else says because we haven’t gone green in the soap department [...]

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 [...]

BUMPS – It’s Spring, Time to Nest

The space I have carved out for myself in this house is the spare room.
This is where I write.
Since my daughters share a room, this one is mine…well kind of.  I guess I share the space with the ironing board, the pack-n-play (for our baby guests to snooze), broken and obsolete electronic equipment, and other [...]

Where is The Love? Finding Time for Each Other

“It feels like I’m running a daycare with someone I used to date.” I’m not sure who the frustrated husband is who made this remark about parenting, but it really struck me and made me laugh.  I think the statement was particularly meaningful because I fell in love with my husband 13 years ago… at [...]

Lower Grocery Bills with Smart Food Planning

Editor’s Note: Sarah Stromquist is here this morning with her supermom advice (she’s amazing) on how to shop, cook and plan smart while keeping to a strict grocery budget.
That leads me to our Earth Day thought for the day.
Think local.
I know, I know. It’s all the rage. But there’s a good reason for it.
When you [...]

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

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

Getaways – Family Time on Quadra Island

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

The northern islands – [...]

Prevention to Keep Kids Asthma at Bay

As I chase my toddler around the backyard on these Spring afternoons, I breathe deeply the fresh newness of this season.  I watch as my little guy gets out of breath from running, takes a quick five-second rest and recovers enough to continue playtime.  I take a minute to be thankful for his gift of [...]

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 [...]