Welcoming New Baby
Few things are more important to parents than having their kids get along well together. Nevertheless, it can be difficult for kids, especially toddlers, to accept new additions to the family. “Where they were once the center of your world, now they’re forced to share the spotlight,” says Sophie Bell of babycenter.com, a popular parenting…
From Obsidian to Agate
After moving to Oregon, my family and I quickly became addicted to rockhounding. What is rockhounding, you may ask? People who search for and collect rocks or other minerals are considered rockhounds. Geologically, Oregon is one of the best places in the entire United States to search for and discover beautiful natural treasures like sunstone,…
Fire, Water, Air, Earth
Since ancient times, philosophers and artists have honored the four natural elements – earth, air, fire and water – as essential to life. Across the globe, cultures acknowledge that these four elements not only sustain physical life but also carry many religious and spiritual meanings as well. As spring welcomes the newness of life, now…
Edible Easter Fun
If you’re looking for a spring baking activity or special dessert for Easter, a flowerpot cake is the perfect way to mix creativity, fun and a little bit of magic. Although there are numerous variations, this recipe provides an easy step-by-step guide. Gather the kids and dig in! Ingredients and Supplies Cake Your favorite chocolate…
The Beauty of Children in Nature
A special part of Bend’s history, Skyliners Lodge, also known locally as Skyliner Lodge, has been a treasured space where families have gathered throughout the years to explore nature, ski and celebrate. Sadly, this summer, it is set to close due to some looming major repairs and subsequent funding issues. Located along Tumalo Creek in the…
Dynamic Youth Theater Brings Teens, Audiences Together
Local theater group, the Ponderosa Players, brings the musical, Ride the Cyclone (High School Edition) to life February 19-22 at Open Space Event Studios, in Bend. Known for their pre-professional youth theater productions, the Ponderosa Players are poised to deliver this cult hit musical, which blends humor and emotion, while adding in some amazing technical…
BendNest Calendar Spring 2025
Tuesdays Kids Yoga Teacher Training YOGA – Join Namaspa’s lead children’s yoga trainer, Deven Sisler, to become a certified children’s yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. She has developed a comprehensive 95-hour teacher training online that is perfect for parents or educators who want to share the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with children. Namaspa Yoga…
BendNest Bookshelf Spring 2025
A Treasure of Measures By Mike Downs | Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz How would you measure the time it takes to read a good book with your brother or sister? Or to splash in a puddle? Do you mark your inches of growth on the wall? Author Mike Downs takes an imaginative look at the…
Here’s to our Neighbor
Like many local families, ours takes full advantage of the school vacations. Christmas and spring break, summer vacation or even a long weekend – it’s time to travel! Although our beautiful state of Oregon has no shortage of captivating places to visit, sometimes it’s fun to venture out a little further from home. Fortunately, close…
Bend Nest Turns 10!
Where has the time gone?! As we celebrate Bend Nest’s 10th anniversary, I’m in awe looking back at the wonderful staff and writers who’ve helped shape our humble magazine. I’ve been proud of every edition; of the articles and resources we’re providing. In a landscape where local stories by local writers are not exactly a…
Bend Nest News
Central Oregon Locavore Nourishes from Birth with Breast Milk, Infant Formula and Feeding Supplies Local nonprofit, Central Oregon Locavore, is making “local” accessible for all ages, even the newest members of the community. Centrally located in Bend, Locavore is now the distribution site for donor breast milk. Working in collaboration with the Northwest Mothers Milk…
Meet Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang
You have a long history of public service. Where does your inspiration come from? My grandparents were public servants and elected officials within the Nationalist government in China during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Having fled the mainland during the communist takeover, my parents appreciated being welcomed to the United States, essentially as war refugees.…
Health Expert Q&A
With so many children’s apps and video content available, it’s hard to know the limits. Are there guidelines for how much screentime my elementary-aged child should have every day?While there aren’t any federal guidelines for screentime, The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that elementary-aged children have no more than two hours of screentime per…
Changing Lives
Bullying remains a pressing issue for children and adolescents, despite the best efforts of parents, teachers and administrators. Sadly, many students still face harassment from their peers, both in person and online. According to the CDC, “Bullying is common. About one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property in the past…
Right Here in Our Backyard
How lucky are we to experience mother nature’s incredible beauty right here in Central Oregon? We often take it for granted, but there is a delicate balance that’s important to help preserve for generations to come. As parents, we have the power to make conscious consumer choices that align with the goal of long-term ecological…
