This past December, I had the joy of collaborating with Alex Bodden, president of the South Okanagan Naturalist Society, to bring the first-ever Christmas Bird Count for Kids to Penticton, BC. The event was a resounding success, sparking excitement among families and...
It’s officially 2025—a fresh start for everyone! The new year traditionally brings resolutions and lofty goals, but if you’re anything like me, those well-intended plans often slip away by February. I’ve especially struggled with the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge....
A Gentle Guide to Inspire Your Year Ahead: A Nudge Word As 2024 comes to close, I find myself entering into a state of soft reflection. I've never been one to end the year strong. Instead, I prefer to lean into the slower paced days that fill the void between...
How should I dress my baby when it's cold outside? This is a question I get asked a lot. So often, in fact, that I figured the answer needed its very own post. I figure after raising five babies in the Great White North of Canada, I've learned a thing or two along the...
The Atlas Helium Trail snowshoes are a great beginner snowshoe for teens and adults looking to explore snowy trails. My teen went through a massive growth spurt, quickly outgrowing his MSR Shift Youth snowshoes and propelling himself into the world of adult snowshoes....
I am no stranger to Mountain Equipment Company's winter gear. I remember my parents flipping through MEC catalogues in the 90s carefully picking out hats, gloves, and winter suits for my siblings and I to wear. I grew up in Prince George, British Columbia where...
The MSR Shift Youth snowshoes are great for kids between the ages 5 to 12 that want to explore snowy trails. If I had to pick a winter activity that is unique, fun, and great for entire family, it would be snowshoeing. Snowshoeing has been underrated by families for a...
I sit in a small alcove of my small log home, my back the dining table which is stretched to its maximum length. Around its scratched wooden surface friends and family have gathered to play games. Their feet tap to tunes and their voices rise above the din of laughter...
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice typically occurs on or around December 21st. While there are many wonderful ways of celebrate the winter solstice with children,...
Trees are amazing plants. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, reduce airborne pollutants, bring water into soil, provide homes for wildlife, grow food, and prevent erosion. Trees make our planet, our cities and our families healthier and happier! This list of...
The midpoint of winter is the halfway mark between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It typically takes place around February 2nd, but this date can vary slightly depending on the year. There are many beautiful traditions that celebrate the midpoint of...
Brrrrr.... it's cold outside! An arctic outflow has blanketed our town with chilly weather. It's been so cold outside that our time in nature has been limited, especially with the baby. Despite the deep freeze my children and I have been embracing this cold weather...
In our home, winter mornings are slow. After filling our bellies with warm oatmeal we snuggle together on the couch and slowly wake up to stories share aloud. Even as my children get older we still hold onto our winter morning ritual. Below are some of our favourite...
For the longest time, I would do everything possible to avoid eating winter fruit cake. I found the cloyingly sweet cake with its fluorescent candied fruit strange and unpalatable. To be fair, I never had the opportunity to eat a traditional winter fruit cake until...
Decorating an outdoor tree with healthy treats for local wildlife is a wonderful winter tradition that gives back to nature. It's a tradition that my children look forward to every winter. We often decorate a tree close to the Winter Solstice or Christmas Day but...
When it comes to giving gifts during the holiday season, I'm all about hand-made earth friendly gifts. If I had the time to make all of my family and friends something handmade I would. However, it seems that time accelerates during the holiday season. Or maybe time...