Who doesn’t love frolicking in the falling leaves of the season? Alas, the beauty of autumn is ephemeral. Leaves crumble and disappear, leaving bare branches behind. With this fun and creative kids’ craft, however, you can keep the magic of the season alive by preserving beautiful autumn leaves in all-natural beeswax! Colorful leaves make a […]
Nicole Blume
Posted inParenting
It’s a Magical World
The Power of Imaginary Play
While summer vacation conjures dreamy images of family time and no homework, all parents know that keeping kids entertained throughout the break is no easy task. Without the daily routine of school and extracurricular activities, it’s easy for children to complain of boredom. Furthermore, in this age of smartphones and digital devices, it’s even easier […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Traditional Baskets
Create a traditional reed basket for spring!
As spring blooms around us, we’re called to move outdoors and smell the flowers – literally! Whether collecting beautiful plants on a nature walk or preparing for an egg collecting adventure on Easter, you can bring the season to life with this sweet DIY basket-making craft for kids. In addition to being useful for carrying […]
Posted inHoliday
The Year of the Dragon
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Celebrated by millions of people around the world, Lunar New Year is popular in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as in many Asian American communities worldwide. The holiday marks the beginning of the new year based on a lunisolar calendar, which follows the phases of the sun and moon, and […]
Posted inParenting
Big Stuff
How to support your child’s gross motor skill development
Children are perpetually on the move! From their first wobbly steps as toddlers, kids are always growing and developing in exciting new ways. Parents can support this healthy gross motor development by being intentional about which toys they bring into the home based on age and developmental stage. Child development experts agree that strong and […]
Posted inHealth
A Heart Warming Escape
The perks of a family home sauna
As the winter season arrives, bringing cold gusts of wind and snow, there’s nothing like finding creative ways to keep warm. One of the best ways to seek the heat and beat the winter blues is to enjoy a sizzling hot sauna! The word “sauna” comes from the Finnish language, meaning “bathhouse.” (Fun fact: “sauna” […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Traditional Craft
Learn the Art of Corn Husk Dolls
Long before store-bought toys, parents around the world made creative, homemade playthings for children. Here in the Americas, many indigenous peoples used natural materials sourced from the land to craft lovely toys treasured among generations. One such iconic toy is known as the “corn husk doll.” When properly dried, corn husks could be weaved into […]
Posted inTrending
Let’s Take it Outside this Year
Winter Wonderland Birthday Party Ideas
If your child was born in a winter month, you’ve probably already thrown a birthday bash or two at the many indoor places in Bend, from Tula Movement Arts and the Big Indoor Play Thing, to Mountain Air and Trampoline Zone. While these businesses offer wonderful cost-effective birthday packages, sometimes it’s nice to mix it […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Edible Creations
Beautiful DIY arrangements from nature’s bounty
There’s nothing quite like cool, delicious fruit on a warm autumn day! Let’s take it to the next level and create a piece of art. Like a flower arrangement but made with cutouts of fruit, this DIY project showcases the colorful, plump bounty of the season. These edible bouquets make great eco-friendly centerpieces for back-to-school […]
Posted inBend Nest
A Little Heads Up
September is baby safety month
Did you know that September is officially Baby Safety Month? This little-known but important celebration seeks to educate parents and caregivers about the latest guidelines in baby safety standards, tackling new topics every year, from car rides to safe sleep to playtime and baby proofing. Working together, our community can help take important strides to keep […]
