Cover Story
Unplug Together
Most parents can picture this scene: it’s dinner time, but instead of talking about the day, everyone is glued to a device. One child is watching videos, another insists on finishing a game, and your partner is scrolling through a social media feed. The constant buzz of screens has become the soundtrack of modern family…
Snow Much Fun
For some people, winter in Central Oregon means time to relax by a cozy fire, sip hot cocoa and watch the beautiful snow fall—all from indoors. But for many families, winter is an active season and one of the best times to get outside and take advantage of the snowy playgrounds our region offers. For…
Winter Bookshelf: Weiwei’s Winter Solstice
What would you do if all you saw was snow? It’s the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice is here. But this Chinese holiday looks different in Weiwei’s new home. And it’s cold out! You discover flowers and the river is sparkling. But even though this year’s Winter Solstice is different, it could…
Winter Bookshelf: The Winding Willow
What snowy good deed will you do when it snows? Hubert Cumberbun may be a tiny mouse, but he’s brave! Hubert is trying to get home. However, his path is not a clear journey. There is a mysterious tree holding treasures (his brother’s lost shoe!) and a beautiful yet hungry owl. Hubert tries to remember…
Holiday DIY Gifts
The best holiday gifts are the ones made by hand—the kind that capture tiny fingerprints, watercolor splashes or creative flair that only kids can bring. From keepsake plates and homemade greeting cards to jars of rich hot cocoa and colorful rock photo holders, these affordable projects make it easy to craft something meaningful, memorable and…
Things I’ve Learned: Executive Director Kat Mastrangelo
Who are your role models? I had the fortunate timing to work with the founding board members of Volunteers in Medicine: Jim Petersen, Jim Lussier, Bob Hakala, MD and Ron Carver, MD. They represent the epitome of a lifetime in service to others. They used their skills and connections to create a Central Oregon institution that…
Editor’s Note, Winter 2025
The nice thing about living in a growing community is that opportunity is everywhere. Local families often share how much they enjoy the family-friendly activities as well as the strong sense of connection here. As a bonus—there’s snow in the mountains! For many parents, though, the winter sports scene can be daunting. Life for my…
New Super Sports Facility Breaks Ground in Bend
Jordan and Jacob Bailey are on a mission to build skills and confidence in Central Oregon youth, one sport at a time. Since 2021, they’ve owned the Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy. In addition, “Jacob runs action sports camps at all the local skate parks through Parks and Rec,” Jordan says. “He has done so for…
“Smooch the Pooch” Offers Something Special to Readers
It’s always exciting to hear of a local author publishing a children’s book, and this occasion is no exception. The brainchild of Bend resident and university professor, Ed Jackiewicz, and recent Bend High graduate, Maris Findling, “Smooch the Super Pooch” is a touching story about the adoption of a dog from a local animal shelter. …
Expert Q&A with Holly M. Milligan
Q: A friend’s toddler recently had a severe case of RSV with wheezing and difficulty breathing. Naturally, I’m concerned about my own children. Do you have any strategies for prevention? A: Yes, there are great ways to protect your family during respiratory syncytial virus season from October to March. RSV can simply present a nasty…
Walking Together
There was a time when I dreaded raising a middle-schooler—the eye-rolling, sarcasm and moodiness is like the “terrible twos,” but in a taller, more hormonal body. As a former elementary school teacher, I used to wonder why anyone would ever choose to become a middle school teacher, but now I understand. This is a special…
Kitchen Hacks
The house is full of guests, and you’ve still got about a hundred things to do before getting the holiday meal on the table. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, we’ve got a solution. With a little planning, you can spend a peaceful day in the kitchen, then, when that special day arrives, pop…
Styling and Saving
As a kid I always wanted to wear the name brand stuff—Ralph Lauren, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger—you get the gist. Perhaps I was a bit vain, but I had various jobs as a teen that helped pay for most of my own clothing. I never even considered shopping at secondhand stores. College came and my perspective…
BendNest Winter Calendar 2025
November 15 Flannel & FrostFUNDRAISER – This unforgettable evening brings the community together for a night of celebration, generosity and impact, featuring a lively auction, great food and plenty of flannel—all to support local youth programs.Boys & Girls Club of Bend | $150bgcbend.org/flannel-frost-gala/ November 15 + 16 Holiday BazaarSHOP – Shop for holiday gifts and…
Playful Style
Children’s hair is a hot topic these days, with a focus on individual expression mixed with simple daily care. From throwback styles to classic cuts, hair can be an avenue for kids to show their personalities—and who doesn’t love a fresh hairdo to make those family photos pop? When children are young, their hairstyles tend…
Cozy Play Haven
With winter fast approaching, kids will be spending more time indoors. Instead of letting little ones stir up chaos in the kitchen or living room, consider creating a dedicated play space where they can channel their creative energy and imagination in a way that supports the overall family environment. One often-overlooked space for play is…
