Recently, a young local family lost their father in a tragic mountain biking accident. I am writing this piece in honor of his family to provide resources for friends or families who are mourning. As parents, we often try to shield our children from the deeper sorrows in life. We do everything in our power […]
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
Two Little Red Mittens
Words by Kirin Hayashi | Pictures by Chiaki Okada
Two little red mittens. Left and right, they always went out as a pair.” What would happen if one of the little red mittens went missing? Could one red mitten go on an adventure? Make a snowman or tiny snowballs together with a new friend? Readers meet a variety of animals including a fox, rabbit, pigeon, […]
Posted inBookshelf
Winter Light
By Aaron Becker
An engaging board book that captures the light of winter. Discover crystals in a meadow or how the last sunlight of the day filters through bare branches. Will you see a kaleidoscope of colors? The background illustrations encourage discussions of winter scenes including a variety of snowflake shapes. “Share some time. Share some joy. Share […]
Posted inHoliday
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping and Decor
Creative and Sustainable
As a collective, we’ve become more conscious of our impact on the environment, and perhaps even more so around the holidays. During this season, it’s easy to rely on disposable items for convenience, but that can feel out of alignment with our values. We are connected to this Earth and all its life. Knowing that, […]
Posted inBend Nest Calendar
Nest Fall Calendar
Fun events this Fall
Wednesdays Bend Farmers Market FOOD – Rain or shine, this outdoor market is open all season long offering fresh fruits, veggies, meats, seafood, baked goods and more. Support local ranchers and farmers by making this a weekly stop. 11am-3pm, through Oct. 9 in Brooks Alley. Downtown Bend | Free bendfarmersmarket.com Moms + Groms Meetup MEETUP […]
Posted inFeature
A Global Movement Gains Ground in Bend-La Pine Schools
Cell phone and tablet usage policies are under pressure from local and statewide forces
It was the last day of school for most students at Bend La-Pine Schools. While many throughout the district celebrated the summer ahead on June 18, a group of concerned parents and healthcare practitioners gathered at the evening’s school board meeting to challenge administrators to urgently reconsider technology use in schools. “I brought in show […]
Posted inThings I've Learned
Things I’ve Learned: Emerson Levy
Oregon House of Representatives for the 53rd district
Emerson is a mom, state representative and attorney. She lives in NE Bend with her husband Sean, who works for St. Charles Health System, and their daughter, June, who is headed to the fourth grade this fall, and loves art and Mario Party. What did you learn from your parents about parenting? I come from […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Preserving the Beauty
Beeswax dipped leaves add autumn décor to the home
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 […]
Posted inOutdoors
More Than Just Cookies
Girl Scouts of the High Desert
Around February, shoppers may start to notice those brightly colored boxes and big smiles at the supermarkets and other businesses around town. Your home might receive a knock on the door from an eager young lady or two wearing a green vest covered in patches and carrying a clipboard. Everyone loves Girl Scout cookie time, […]
Posted inTrending
Slowing Down
The Art of Embracing Fall’s Gentle Pace
As the leaves shift from greens to shades of red, orange, gold and brown, the display of change extends a natural invitation for us to do the same. Fall and witnessing the slower pace that comes with it creates space for recalibration and allows us to savor each moment. This transition from the long glowing […]
