Ready to spin, whirl, twist, jump, bounce and move around? “People love to dance! But did you know that animals also love to dance?” See a peacock’s fluttering feathers, gazelles leaping and dolphins splashing. This is a unique and interactive picture book. It will keep everyone moving and grooving. Each colorful illustration is beautiful and filled with […]
Bend Nest
Bend Nest is a place to discuss, consider and laugh about all that parenting brings. A quarterly magazine produced by some of the finest writers, editors and photographers in Central Oregon, Bend Nest is smart and informed.
Posted inBookshelf
My Book and Me
By Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by Chris Raschka
What is your favorite book? This is a collaborative story about reading together, reading alone or reading your favorite book over and over again. What brings you joy? Reading to your dog or goldfish? Discover the happiness of reading books that take you around the world or simply comfort you at home. You might read […]
Posted inHoliday
Trick or Treat
Exploring the Origins of Halloween, Day of the Dead and All Hallows’ Eve
In its vast array of expressions, Halloween is a holiday known by many. For some it is an occasion laced with costumes, candy and spooky decorations. For others, it symbolizes a connection to death, darkness and otherworldly beings. Though often we come across a commercialized orchestration of Halloween, beneath the surface of this modern celebration […]
Posted inBest of the Nest
Best of the Nest 2024 Winners!
You voted, we counted and now… we present the winners!
Loving what you do and working hard at it are the keys to success. Thanks to our vibrant community of dedicated individuals and businesses who deliver top-notch services and products on the daily, raising a family in the high desert is a dreamy endeavor. This year, Nest followers rallied in great numbers to voice their […]
Posted inExpert Q&A
Health Expert Q&A
Questions answered by Jenni Whelan, MS, NPT, Spacious Table, Nutritional Therapy for Families
Q: I know my kids need to eat healthier, but I don’t know where to start. There are so many convenient pre-packaged food options that I seem to fall into the trap of buying what’s easiest. How can I reset my way of thinking? A: Eating processed foods is at the heart of our modern-day health […]
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 inFamily Time
Family Mocktails
Just for the fun of it
Summer takes the cake when it comes to unstructured schedules. Tis the season of slower mornings and MUCH later nights, thanks to our PNW latitude, and the time for being together instead of going every which way. Summer begs us to go off-script and do things just for fun. So, in between the camps and […]
Posted inThings I've Learned
Kirstin Vlodica, Chidlren’s Pastor at New Hope Church
Interview by Roseann Dennery
Kirstin is a wife, mom and a pastor at New Hope Church in Bend, where she has worked in family ministry for 16 years. She and her husband, Tyler, have two daughters, Avaree (14) and Maycie (11). When she doesn’t have her nose stuck in a book, she loves family time, riding bikes on the […]
Posted inNest News
Central Oregon Junior Golf Association Expands Offerings
The Central Oregon Junior Golf Association just unveiled its 2024 development programs for youth, ages 4-18
The Central Oregon Junior Golf Association just unveiled its 2024 development programs for youth, ages 4-18. Through interactive and social games, movement and play, young golfers will learn foundational skills necessary for the game, as well as gain valuable life lessons. As golfers grow, COJGA builds on this foundation with strategy-driven tasks and cooperative learning, […]
Posted inBest of the Nest
Best Veterinarian: Pawtown Veterinary Care
Interview with Owner, Lauren Stayer, DVM
BN: How long has Pawtown been in business? LS: We opened here two years ago, in March of 2022. We have really enjoyed watching the practice grow, while meeting a lot of new patients and families. We have a great support staff who are good friendly people enjoying what they do. BN: Does Pawtown offer […]