Autumn brings renewed excitement as children head to school and connect with friends new and old. Social opportunities abound and inevitably, parents are called upon to gate-keep and review their child’s readiness for independence. One of the biggest questions on parents’ minds these days are sleepovers – when is a child ready to sleep away […]
Nicole Blume
Posted inBend Nest
Food and Farm Trail for the Whole Family
Experience Central Oregon’s robust agricultural community
Here in Central Oregon, we are blessed to live in a thriving agricultural community where farm-fresh produce grows right around the corner. From juicy purple plums to crisp green kale, and grass-fed beef to local honey, so many nourishing options abound! Children love picking out food and are more likely to eat their vegetables if […]
Posted inBend Nest
The Mythology of Love
Many ways to celebrate
Did you know that the origin of the word “psyche” stems from the Greek word psukh, meaning “soul”? Legend has it that Psyche was once a beautiful princess who fell madly in love with Eros, the god of love, and yet had to endure many terrible trials before finally marrying him. This story shows us […]
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Where to Begin?
Questions for parents when touring schools
As parents, we value our children’s education and know that getting involved in their school life is important. Perhaps the most crucial first step is finding the school that is the right fit, whether it’s a larger public, smaller private, charter school or other. With so many different options, how is a parent to decide? […]
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Festive Holiday Candles
Simple beeswax rolling kits offer fun for all ages
Did you know that once, during the Victorian era, people would place candles directly on their Christmas trees? Affixed with a bit of melted wax and some metal pins, the candles were glued to the branches and then set alight to create a spectacular glow. Unsurprisingly, the risk of a house fire was quite high, […]
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A Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes
Thoughtful reads for kids to bust the winter break blues
As the snow drifts outside the frosty window, what could be more appealing than curling up by the fire (or space heater) in cozy holiday pajamas to lose yourself in a good book? Reading is the perfect, low-cost activity that both young and old can enjoy together. Broadening a child’s worldview and exposing them […]
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New Year, New You!
Local gyms offer parents and kids time to move together
As the new year approaches, many local parents are making resolutions to get more physically active and improve their health. As difficult as it can be to schedule self-care time and childcare, indoor gyms can be a real lifesaver when it comes to meeting those new goals. Not all gyms are created equal, though. At […]
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Gentle Giants
Equine Assisted Therapy Opens Doors for Healing
For many children with disabilities, mental or physical, local equine services offer a golden opportunity to be in the healing presence of horses. Known as “adaptive/therapeutic horsemanship” and “equine assisted therapy,” this novel approach can make a world of difference for young people who need special support. “Horses, by their majestic nature, touch our spirits […]
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Celebrate the Fall Harvest
Central Oregon pumpkin patches delight one and all
The leaves may change color and the kids may be back in school, but it truly feels like fall when pumpkin patch season rolls around! Here in Central Oregon, where we are blessed to live among incredible local farms and ranches, visiting a pumpkin patch—or several!—is a major must-do on every family’s list. Did you […]
Posted inBend Nest
Showing Up
Education and the importance of parental involvement
We did it! After a few weeks of frantic back-to-school shopping, our kids are finally ready to head back to school. The backpack is loaded, and the iPad is charged. Sure, we can get them to the bus stop on time, but our work doesn’t end there. We trust our teachers to deliver an amazing […]
