Tag: Vancouver Island
Vancouver Islanders Are Swapping Costumes This Weekend
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means one thing to kids all across Canada – time to get cracking on the coolest Halloween costumes EVER! For mom and dad, it is bittersweet. We dig into those old boxes in the basement, hoping something from last year or an old tickle trunk goodie will be the [...]
Digging In The Dirt: Helping Kids Grow Their Own Garden
“ Might I,” quavered Mary, “might I have a bit of earth? Fans of “The Secret Garden” will recall orphaned Mary Lennox’s timid request of her uncle for space “to plant seeds in – to make things grow” on his huge English estate. What started with an ivy-covered door, revealed by a friendly robin to [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 2 – A Magic Carpet Ride in the Rocky Mountains
As I ran out to the Xterra on Friday morning to collect some clothes for the kids, the rain beating against the ground in Chilliwack matched with the smell of working farms reminded me of late Spring days in my mid-20s when I worked as a reporter in a small Illinois town. That was the [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 1 – Getting Off The Rock
When we finally rolled in to the Chilliwack Travelodge at about 1:15 a.m. this morning, we knew we had done the right thing. A stopover so close to Vancouver definitely hadn’t made it into the planning book. But, then, neither did leaving Comox at 7 p.m. yesterday either. I tend to think of myself as [...]
May Long Weekend Adventures – Family Gardening
Editor’s Note: While going through old posts this morning, I found this sweet gem about gardening with kids. What better time to get out into the back yard and get digging with the tiny people in tow? This was originally posted on Comox Valley Kids in May, 2007. Enjoy. While I watched the tiny person [...]
The Summer To-Dos – What’s On Your Bucket List?
It’s the first Beach Days of the season with my wee kids and the effects on me and mine were wonderful. With all three of us at the tail end of a sniffly/sneezy bug, the salt air and sea breeze were just what we needed. My 5 year old is pumped following his morning soccer game and although my [...]
Earth Day – Top 10 Reasons to Eat Local
Editor’s Note: As we celebrate the Earth today, I have to admit that I am ALWAYS thinking about food. With 7 billion people on the planet, keeping everyone fed and healthy is a big issue that I often find myself trying to wrap my head around. That’s a lot to take in. But, what goes [...]
Spring Break Plans – Get Out and Go Geocaching
Editor’s Note: Today, Martin and Lisa Pedersen from familynavigation.com are here to inspire us all to get outside and spend some time on a treasure hunting adventure. Geocaching is one seriously popular pastime and there are tons of geocaches all over Vancouver Island. I’ll let them share their adventures and get you excited about this [...]
Think Spring, Think Veg Delivery, Think Faires Farms
With all of this gorgeous Spring-like sunshine here on Vancouver Island it’s no wonder that many of us have gotten our kitchen mojo back after a long Winter’s nap. The urge to whip up some new and wonderful culinary delights makes Spring so much fun. It also makes us long for a regular fresh veg [...]
Ease Holiday Stress, Naturally
As the holiday season revs up, most of us feel excitement and anticipation as we prepare for gatherings, feasts and gift giving. We all have a vision of how we’d like the holiday to play out, whether it is coordinating the parents and in-laws for a big “Griswold Family Christmas”, or watching your children opening [...]
As Wolves Attack Dog, Black Creek Residents Raise Concerns
Editor’s Note: This morning Black Creek resident Samantha Garstang is here to address the community about a recent attack that left her dog clinging to life and to raise awareness about the growing wolf population in the region. Her story follows. I am writing to let you know about an incident that happened on Thursday [...]
Head Out Today for the Strathcona Wilderness Festival
It’s a gorgeous day outside, perfect for heading out for a bit of an adventure to celebrate the gorgeous wilderness and natural parks of Vancouver Island. The Friends of Strathcona Park have the perfect day planned for you as they invite you to come out to the Strathcona Wilderness Festival. This great day filled with [...]
Summer Eating Means The Chance to Go Local
Now that the sun has finally burst through the clouds and summer is in full swing it also means that Comox Valley produce is in full swing as well. I totally love this time of year as berries, tomatoes, salad mix and so much more comes into season. The other great discovery is that there [...]
2011 Easter Events in the Comox Valley
We’ve been so wrapped up in all things Earth Day that it wasn’t until this morning that I REALLY remembered that it’s Easter this weekend. I love this sweet Spring holiday for all of it’s sunshiney smiles, flowers and gorgeous pastel colors. The Comox Valley is buzzing with annual Easter traditions over the next few [...]
Local Food Blogs To Love
I am not the world’s finest cook. My family would say that they eat variations of five basic recipes all the time. The depths of my food creativity are profoundly shallow. But, if there is one thing I love to look at, admire the makers of and – of course – eat it would be [...]
Learn About Where You Live at the Day of the Estuary
When you think about the iconic features of the Comox Valley, you think the glacier and the estuary. We see them, drive past them every day. But, rarely do we take the time to learn about how the incredible landscape of our region effects and shapes our lives. This Saturday, we can celebrate, learn about [...]
Celebrate Spring at the Brant Wildlife Festival
There’s a sparkle in the ocean and a scent in the air. Spring, it’s coming, and nature knows it. With the onset of March every year comes the herring run and the incredible display of wildlife that comes with the arrival of food. That also means it’s time for the annual celebration of the Spring [...]
10 Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day Outside
Lately my commitment to getting the tiny persons outside for at least an hour a day has gone the way of the dodo. I’d blame it on the holidays or the mad rush of company that invaded our house the last few weeks. But, since the holidays were actually pretty chill, and we had no [...]
Sunday Morning Walks – Fungus Amongus
Moving into these last couple months of the year can be kind of a drag as the weather turns cold, gray and blustery and we start thinking more about hibernating rather than spending lots of quality time outside. But, it turns out that late Fall and Winter on Vancouver Island are actually the most fantastic [...]
Shift News – Food Security, Our Seed to Survival
Editor’s Note: The Watershed Sentinel’s Susan MacVittie is here this morning to share a provocative article on making sure that our food sources are safe and healthy. This piece was originally published in the Sept./Oct. edition of the Watershed Sentinel With supermarket aisles filled with a colourful array of foods and accessibility to farmers’ markets [...]
Nature Crafts – Salmon Migration Mobiles
One of the things that our daughter and I spend every Fall looking forward to are the easygoing days of watching the salmon run in our local streams, heading out to the hatcheries to learn a bit more and – now that we are full-on into science and nature learning with homeschooling – having a [...]
Join Us for the Annual OBE Pumpkin Patch Party
Good Morning. Fall has settled in and along with that, October. What that means in our universe is that it’s THE BEST TIME OF YEAR! That’s because we here at Our Big Earth have developed a soft spot in our heart for one Comox farm that puts some serious spooky fun into our annual ritual [...]
Comox Valley Gems – Anderton Therapeutic Gardens
Editor’s Note: Tucked away behind the Anderton Nursery just north of Comox is one of those incredible, peaceful yet vibrant gems of the Comox Valley that is a great place to spend a morning at, pack a picnic for and explore. We have often wandered the garden paths and poked around the hundreds of varieties. [...]
Support Community, Food & Family for $10 A Week
Good Morning. What if the simple act of changing the way you spend $10 could help the environment, keep people healthy, create a stronger sense of community and support local job creation? By shifting just $10 a week to local sustainable food, you can make a real difference for healthier communities and good food for [...]
Kids Crafts – Bubbles & Boxes to Beat Boredom
You know how parents always seem to chuckle a bit at how the kids love the big box better than the present that came in it? More often than not, simple is the solution when kids are seriously bored and in need of an imagination adventure or giggle fest. I can’t tell you how many [...]
Books to Read When Teaching Kids About Local Food
I‘ve been in way back mode the last week or so taking a peek at some of the things we have written about in the past. One of them that keeps me coming back is books that are all about connecting kids to food. While we are far from harvest time in this neck of [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Beef Lettuce Wraps
Editor’s Note: Happy Wednesday! Christine Buchholz is here with another delicious kid-friendly recipe that was inspired by local farms and is sure to please. Enjoy. Here she is: So often I think about my son and how he will learn about food. I wonder if he’ll know that vegetables come from a planted seed and [...]
Birth Stories – Pushing 40 and Pregnant
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. Deepa Upadhyaya is on site this morning with a birth story reflecting on how women who start their families a bit later in life cope with those stigmas, its challenges and its incredible joys. Here she is: Even though it is worded in a politically correct way, the term “advanced maternal [...]
How Parents Feel About Us Taking Care of Them
Editor’s Note: Good morning readers. Wendy Johnstone is on site with a look at how parents and older loved ones often feel about their kids beginning to take care of them and make life decisions. She also offers up some tips when providing care and making tough decisions. Here she is: When my father had [...]
Dairy Free Betty – Green Smoothie And Raw Garden Soup
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jessica McRoberts is back this morning with some wonderful, fresh recipes that highlight the amazing foods of summer, keeping things light and flavorful. Enjoy. In June, I was lucky enough to do a 10 day Raw Foods course with the famous “Raw Rose.” It was the perfect opportunity to inspire me [...]
Product Review – The Hottest Sun Protection
With all of this unbelievable heat these days we are all headed directly for the beach or the lake to cool off and soak our feet in the water. One thing we all think about is making sure no one’s summer days get ruined by an awful, dangerous sunburn. But, the sun protection we put [...]
Kids In The Kitchen = Healthy Eating
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Karen Pantuso-Swanson is here with a look at the importance of getting kids involved in food preparation. Enjoy. Here she is: “Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can’t taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie.” – Astrid Alauda [...]
Foods For Optimal Brain Function And Mood
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Naturopath Amy Wells is on site with a look at foods that boost brain function and mood, along with foods that hinder health and wellness. Here she is: The other day, I had a food meltdown. It wasn’t on purpose, it just sort of happened as a result of circumstance. It [...]
Five Easy To Find, Wildly Delicious Edible Berries
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jocie Ingram is here taking a look at the bounty of edible berries that are readily available to enjoy along the trail. Tasty. Here she is: On my daily morning stroll with the kids, something bright red and shiny caught my eye in the green shrubbery lining the trail. It was a perfect salmonberry, [...]
Ten Farms & Food Producers Local Families Shouldn't Miss
There are definitely more than ten fantastic farms and food producers to visit here in the Comox Valley. But, we thought we’d chime in with a few gems this morning and throughout the month to plug you in to great local food. If you haven’t gotten your Comox Valley 30-Day Local Food Challenge passport yet, [...]
A Summer Survival Guide For Parents Of Teens
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Today we have Tara Colborne back on site with an informative look at risks that our teens face during the summer months, along with ways that parents can keep them busy, out of trouble and safe. Here she is: Alert! Alert! Parents of teenagers, listen up. It is summer. Do you know what [...]
The Benefits of Eating Locally Sourced Food
Editor’s Note: Happy Saturday! This morning Gayle Bates is on site with a look at the importance of sourcing out local food. Here she is: The 2010 Comox Valley 30-Day Local Food Challenge is on! We have before us a July filled with opportunities to celebrate our local food producers and vendors. It is fantastic for [...]
Hook Up with the 2010 Local Food Challenge Today
Happy Canada Day! While we are “taking the day off” to celebrate this fantastic country of ours, we just have a quick programming note to let you know that Ken and I will be at the Comox Valley 30-Day Local Food Challenge booth during celebrations at Lewis Park today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [...]
Get Ready for A Spectacular Canadian Celebration
Oh, Canada. It’s nearly time again to celebrate this great country of ours with a great day of parades, park, food and fun as the Comox Valley 2010 Canada Day celebrations kick off tomorrow at Lewis Park. It’s a great time to come together and enjoy the sense of community that is so much a [...]
Life Abroad Makes Connections To A Universal Community
Editor’s Note: Happy Monday! This morning Heather Beckett is back sharing another story about her family’s adventure of living in Australia for a year. Today she discusses how they shifted into their life abroad and established themselves in a new community. Here she is: Moving can be unsettling. Our year in Australia was a process [...]
10 Things To Plan For Your Kids Summer Break
The school year has nearly wrapped up and even for those of us who have yet to wonder what’s going to happen for those months when the kids aren’t in the classroom, there’s still a bit of dread that sets in about what to do with the family during the summertime. With preschoolers – really [...]
Four Reasons Facebook Can Make You A Better Parent
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday. Local teacher and mom Tara Colborne is here with four reasons Facebook can make you a better parent. Here she is: If Facebook were a country it would be the fourth biggest in the world. Since its inception in 2004, membership on Facebook has grown to more than 250 million users [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Blueberry Lemon Stacks
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Christine Buchholz is on site with a tasty kid-friendly dessert recipe that is sure to have you running for the kitchen to whip it up. Enjoy. What comes to mind when you think of the word fresh? I think of clean, pure and, well, delicious. When I think of the word [...]
Paper Craft – Vintage Spool Albums
Editor’s Note: Vanessa Falle is back this afternoon with one of her gorgeous vintage crafts that is all about taking your photography and scrapbooking to the next level. It’s a gorgeous project, perfect for gifting or preserving precious moments. Enjoy. I am a lover of all things vintage. Especially things that relate to real life. [...]
Vote The Elasmosaur For British Columbia's Provincial Fossil
So, it’s pretty much official in our house that there has never been more exciting news than the possibility that the Elasmosaur – the Comox Valley’s own Elasmosaur – is in the running to become the new official British Columbia fossil. We lovers of the dinosaur kind here could not believe our ears when it [...]
Birth Stories – The Parallels Of Birth And Death
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Deepa Upadhyaya is here with a personal look at birth and death and similarities found between the two. As always, a story that will touch your heart and leave you thinking. Enjoy. In nursing school we had to gain experience in all fields of nursing. We tried our hands at obstetrics, orthopedics, pediatrics, [...]
Coping Skills for When Kids are Mean
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday. This morning, local mom Marcie Dumais is on site with a look at how we can address unkind behavior amongst children and teach them how to manage themselves socially. Definitely a tricky and awkward situation at times. Here she is: I had no idea the words ‘toe punt’ would trigger such [...]
Dairy Free Betty – Sweet & Spicy Lamb Burgers with Tabbouleh
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jessica McRoberts is back today with two tasty, exotic recipes for summer that will have your mouth watering. Enjoy. Do you have days when you want to spice up your life a little? I have these moments all the time, especially when it comes to food. I like food experiences that [...]
Kids And Deception – The Art of Teaching The Truth
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Here’s Karen Pantuso-Swanson with a look at dealing with our kiddos when they experiment with lying. “A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt to be dangerous.” – Alfred Adler It’s strange when your innocent little four-year-old looks you right in the eye and lies. I think Pip’s [...]
Calcium And Magnesium Go Beyond Building Bones
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Naturopath Amy Wells is with us this morning with an in-depth look at calcium and magnesium supplements. Here she is: After the birth of my first son, the excitement of being a new mom kept me going. I can honestly say that I never felt sleep deprived. Four years and a second son [...]
Shift News – World Refugee Day
Editor’s Note: If you missed Wendy’s post on planning for unexpected eldercare, you can catch it HERE. Now, here’s United Nations Aid Worker and Comox Valley mom Kelly Flynn with a look at World Refugee Day and the encounter that influenced the direction of her career. Truly eye-opening. Here she is: For those of you who [...]
Denial Is Not A Strategy – Planning for Unexpected Eldercare Challenges
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday! This morning we have Wendy Johnstone on site with a look at planning for unexpected eldercare. Here she is: There are days where being in denial is better than coming face to face with reality. Like when your child is so misbehaved in the grocery store, you actually believe this small [...]
Crafting Supply Box Basics For Any Home
It’s no big news flash that we spend a fair bit of time creating all sorts of fun things around here. Hanging out around the craft table has become a bit of a ritual when it’s time to chill out or spend a low-key afternoon together minus electronics. Crafts can be super challenging to get [...]
Sunday Morning Walks – Head Out to the Farm
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on this morning’s post regarding high arsenic levels in the Quinsam Watershed, you can read the story HERE. Now, here’s Robin with a look at a few fantastic farms in the area, so get yourself ready to head out to the farm. It’s about this time every year that [...]
Mom's Book Shelf – Nicolas Dickner's Nikolski
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Gayle’s post about connecting your family to the past through a less disposable way of life, you can read it HERE. Now, here’s Robin with the skinny on OBE’s June book of the month. I am so ready for another great book this month and, after Nicolas Dickner’s [...]
Your Grandma was an Environmentalist
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Gayles Bates is on site with a look at connecting your family to the past by incorporating a less disposable way of life. Here she is: The family is where we learn the values and beliefs that we either adapt as our own as we mature, or use as a launching pad [...]
Ask A Midwife – Circumcision, Depression And Water Birth
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. It’s time for our Ask A Midwife column from Plum Midwifery. We had three interesting 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 includes Joanne Daviau, Amy Kelly, Emma Gledhill and Jessie Shannon, as [...]
Discovering Nature as a Young Naturalist
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Naturalist Jocie Ingram is here with a look at membership with the Young Naturalists’ Club… “A growing body of evidence confirms that when children spend time in nature they are healthier, happier and smarter.” – YNC web site My little ones are growing and changing so fast, and they are already [...]
Kids Craft – Printmaking for Beginners
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on how you can scoop up free tickets to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, you can see all the details HERE. Now, here’s Robin with a fun and easy printmaking tutorial. Lately, we’ve been experimenting with some new painting techniques that take our watercolor and other types of basic artwork [...]
The Green Wallet – Too Much Stuff Requires Responsible Choices
Editor’s Note: If you missed the scoop on how you can get involved in tomorrow’s annual Mile of Flowers Plant In, you can get all the information HERE. Now, here’s Anthony Edwards with a look at all that stuff we take, make and waste. Here he is: I remember the conversation as if it were [...]
A Seasonal Primer on Cougar & Bear Safety
This spring seems to have really drawn out not only the humans, but lots of the large animals that live among us into places where we also like to roam. The number of cougar and black bear sightings near Comox Lake, in the Cumberland Community Forest and in other areas around the Comox Valley is [...]
Get Ready For Bike To Work Week
Get ready, set, bike! It’s time again to get re-inspired for life on two wheels as we celebrate the annual Bike To Work Week festivities this coming week throughout the Comox Valley. Besides the eco and fitness value of hitting the pedals, it’s also great fun to get outside and enjoy this time to year. [...]
A Balanced Approach To Healthy Weight Loss
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. Esther Kane is on site sharing her personal experience with healthy weight loss. Truly inspiring. Here she is: Normally, I try to avoid talking about weight loss. Being an eating disorders therapist, it can be a touchy subject indeed. But lately, I’ve come to realize that there is, what I believe [...]
The Forever Family – Raising Challenged Children
Editor’s Note: Robin Blackburn is back on site with a look at some of the issues that her family faces raising adopted children. Truly honest and touching. Here she is: This was supposed to be a different column. This was supposed to be warm and supportive, culturally inclusive and celebrating diversity. But, I have had a [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – BBQ Skewers And Pasta Salad
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Christine Buchholz is here with two tasty kid-friendly recipes that will have you firing up the BBQ. Enjoy. Here she is: I can hardly believe it. Spring is almost over and it feels like it has only just begun. I know what you’re thinking. This happens every year without fail – [...]
Travel With Kids Offers So Much Time To Learn
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Heather Beckett is back with more of her family’s year-long experience of living in Australia. Today she focuses on how her family extended their learning beyond the classroom. Makes me want to pack my bags and head out into the world immediately. Here she is: Often when we think of learning we may [...]
Waldorf Learning – The Spring Festival Of May Day
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Robin’s review of some great science and non-fiction easy readers, you can catch it HERE. Now we have Rebecca Watkin on site with a look at the spring festival of May Day. Here she is: May Song Here’s a branch of snowy May, A branch the fairies gave us. [...]
Easy Readers for the Scientist in Every Kid
We seem to have crossed a threshold of independence in our house lately that makes me mildly weepy for myself and very excited for the tiny person. She has always loved stories and the time we spend reading them together. The favorite comfort tales such as Grandfather Twilight, The Rain Babies, Miss Rumphius and Bunny [...]
Birth Stories – The Hands Of A Grandmother
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on all the information about Cumberland’s Empire Day celebrations, you can catch it all HERE. Now, here’s Deepa with a moving birth story for all the mamas out there. Enjoy. Sometimes you do things right and sometimes you live with regret for the rest of your life. We all [...]
Celebrate the May Long Weekend at Empire Days
Ah, Victoria Day weekend. How is it possible that nearly half the year is already over and we are working our way into a summer of long weekends? I’m a particularly big fan of all of the fantastic festivals that mark the sunshine season here in the Comox Valley and Empire Days in Cumberland is [...]
Letting Your Right Brain Out To Play
Editor’s Note: This morning Marcie Dumais shares her quest to find the artist within herself and how she plans on encouraging her boys to explore their artistic interests and abilities. Here’s her story: I really believe there is an artist inside all of us. I know that sounds cliché, but it is true. For some [...]
Dairy Free Betty – Stuffed French Toast
Editor’s Note: Jessica McRoberts is back on site with a tasty and creative recipe for French toast that includes wheat-free and egg-free suggestions. Simply delicious. Here she is: You know those mornings when you wake up and it’s the perfect morning? You wake up from a restful sleep to the sun peeking through the blinds, [...]
Paper Crafts – Creating A Decorative Pennant Banner
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Vanessa Falle is on sight with an easy paper craft tutorial. Today she has us whipping up a lovely decorative pennant banner for any occasion. Get creative. Here she is: This month’s project is a decorative project that you can make over and over again. It can be created to suit [...]
Battling Hay Fever And Seasonal Allergies With Natural Remedies
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Naturopath Amy Wells is here discussing seasonal allergies and gives us some natural suggestions on how to tame the severity. Here she is: Spring is such a catch 22 for me. What’s not to love about longer days, sunshine, warmer temperatures and blooming buds? When you suffer from seasonal allergies, there’s [...]
When It's Time to Have "The Talk" with Your Parents
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Wendy Johnstone is on site with tips to help you recognize when your aging parents need more help than they want to admit and accept, and how to discuss this with them openly and honestly. Here she is: When I was about 25 years old, my grandmother stopped allowing her family and friends [...]
When It’s Time to Have “The Talk” with Your Parents
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Wendy Johnstone is on site with tips to help you recognize when your aging parents need more help than they want to admit and accept, and how to discuss this with them openly and honestly. Here she is: When I was about 25 years old, my grandmother stopped allowing her family and friends [...]
The OBE Best Birthday Cake List
While I totally get that there is a birthday every day of the year, it seems like there are “seasons” amongst friends or certain ages of kids that mark the onset of birthday party madness. For us, it’s right about now. From around June 1 through the end of October it is, literally, birthday after [...]
Praise Our Kids Art? The Answer May Be 'No'
Editor’s Note: If you missed Robin’s review of Robert Bateman’s book Vanishing Habitats, you can read it HERE and try to win a copy. Now, here’s Karen Pantuso-Swanson with some great information from local pre-school teacher Lesley Henderson on how praising your child’s artwork can do more harm than good. Here she is: “All children [...]
Canadian Nature Books for Kids – Vanishing Habitats
I think we all remember those places that we used to escape to as kids – whether it be a field behind the school, a stand of trees we climbed at the local park or a long stretch of beach that marked summer fun every year. It’s hard to deny that – for most of [...]
Ask A Midwife – Hip Pain, Episiotimies, Yoga & More
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. 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 includes Joanne Daviau, Amy Kelly, Emma Gledhill and Jessie [...]
Nature Journal – Finding Art In Nature With A Camera
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jocie Ingram is on site today with a look at getting creative with a camera outdoors and tuning into your artistic side. She has some great tips for us. Enjoy. Here she is: I’ve always been drawn to the arts, be it visual art, music or literature. My other passion (which [...]
Mom's Book Shelf – Anne Michaels' The Winter Vault
Good Morning and welcome to May. Nearly half of 2010 is already over and I feel like it’s time for one of those novels that I can pull out the lounger in the backyard one afternoon and disappear into. That is why I’m so looking forward to reading Anne Michaels’ latest work – The Winter Vault [...]
Talking with Teens – Let's Talk About Sex
Editor’s Note: Happy Thursday! Tara Colborne is with us today getting down to the business of how to talk with your teens about sex. Ah, the joys of that conversation.:) Tara always makes it accessible. Here she is: Yo, I don’t think we should talk about this. Come on, why not? People might misunderstand what [...]
The Kid-Friendly Gourmet – Easy Root Vegetable Gratin
Editor’s Note: Good morning readers! Today we are lucky to introduce you to another new OBE foodie addition. Food photographer and at-home gourmet Christine Buchholz’s column focused on savory – dare we even say gourmet – kid-friendly recipes launches today. Her first recipe is sure to please those tiny people in your life and give [...]
Paper Crafts – Welcoming Spring With A Wreath
Editor’s Note: Crafting queen Vanessa Falle is back on site with a tutorial for a lovely spring themed wreath. Enjoy. Here she is: As winter’s chill leaves the air and the sun’s rays invite the blossoms to come back for another season, I find that few things inspire me more than the beauty found in [...]
Getaways – Planning for An Extended Trip
No matter what way you travel, an extended trip involves extensive planning and a long to-do list. Preparing to go away for a year is no small feat and by the time my family settled ourselves on the plane we were physically and emotionally exhausted. But, I must step back and take us to the [...]
Mom's Book Shelf – A Discussion on Too Much Happiness
Good Morning. As I spent the last month poring through Alice Munro’s latest collection of short-story genius, I was really struck by how these stories less took me away from reality, but more plunked me right down in the middle of women’s lives. Munro spared no emotion and left me feeling that life is genuinely [...]
The Forever Family – Private Adoption in B.C.
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on this morning’s post about the Robert Bateman Get To Know Contest, you can catch it HERE. Now, Robin Blackburn is on site with more on the adoption process in British Columbia. Today she has an intimate look into one family’s private adoption experience. Here she is: This week I have [...]
Connect with Nature – The Robert Bateman Get To Know Contest
Editor’s Note: Happy Earth Day. This morning we are excited to help launch the 10th annual Robert Bateman Get To Know Contest – helping kids across the country get to know more about the wildlife and biodiversity of this great country as well as understand the impact that we have on that space. Olga Efimova [...]
Dairy Free Betty – Turkey Veggie Chili & Cornbread
Editor’s Note: Good morning. It is our pleasure to introduce one of two new foodie columnists here at OBE. Today we have Jessica McRoberts, from Dairy Free Betty, on site dishing out a tasty, versatile and simple recipe for turkey veggie chili and cornbread. All of Jessica’s dishes focus on allergy-friendly alternatives. My mouth is already watering! Enjoy. [...]
Eco Crafts – Recycling Roundup
With Earth Day nearly upon us, it’s time to get our creative vibe on using things that are just laying around the house. We’ve had a ton of fun with leftover cardboard, scraps of material, egg cartons and all kinds of reusables. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorites over the years: – Magic [...]
Mom-P-Inc. – Overcoming Fear in Business
Whenever I sit down with my friends who own businesses, the conversation almost always veers toward ways to kick ourselves into gear. It’s not that we are standing still, watching our investments, time and energy swirl around us. But, sometimes it really does feel like this apocalyptic weight of “what do I do next?” weighs [...]
Educational Books About Earth Day for Grade School Kids
If there’s one publisher that is a go-to when it comes to great educational books that really hit the mark for kids, it has got to be Usborne Books. Lately, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to come up with a good collection of Earth Day-related books for the kiddo, and it wasn’t until I [...]
Birth Stories – Magic Comes in Threes
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday! Deepa is on site with another fabulous birth story from her experience as a midwife. Enjoy. “Does anyone here want to take on triplets?” said the red-headed Sister Midwife of National Maternity Hospital’s Labor Ward in Dublin, Ireland. It was a place where 30 births could happen daily in one of [...]
Outdoor Activities To Rekindle Your Love Life
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Marcie Dumais is here with some great tips on keeping the flame of love alive with some great outdoor activities just in time for the warmer weather and Earth Day. Here she is: Blame it on the rain, but I’m afraid I’ve landed in a big, nasty rut (sometimes you just have [...]
Meet the Creators of The Magic School Bus
Good Afternoon. As Earth Day edges up on us, the talk of thinking more about the Earth, giving some love to Mother Nature and helping our kids plug into the complicated conversations about pollution, global warming and more are definitely on the rise as well. But, kids, hey, they don’t go much for complicated. So, [...]
Savoring The Ordinary Moments of Motherhood
Editor’s Note: Karen Pantuso-Swanson is here this morning sharing some insightful words on finding the extraordinary in all of those ordinary moments in life – one of the greatest challenges many of us face. Her piece is a a great reminder to remember what’s important, live for the moment and find the joy in everything. Lovely. [...]
First Credit Union & Insurance Builds Community with $10,000
Editor’s Note: If you missed Amy’s morning post on ways in which your environment influences your health, you can read it HERE. Now, here’s the scoop on how First Insurance is building community with a $10, 000 giveaway. The Board of Directors of First Credit Union & Insurance are excited to announce the launch of a [...]
How Your Environment Effects Your Family Health
Editor’s Note: Happy Friday, readers! This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells discussing environmental medicine – how things in your environment from off-gassing plastics to shampoo and polyester blankets – can effect your health. Here she is: Environmental medicine is a personal interest of mine. I was first introduced to the concept in naturopathic medical [...]
Aging Parents, Adult Children – Learn to Make Life Decisions Together
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Wendy Johnstone is on site with a look at learning how to communicate better with your aging parents as they need more care, understanding each others differences and coming to a happy medium where important decisions for health care, living arrangements and more can be made together. Here she is: “It’s hard [...]
