Seasonal Ideas

I love Thanksgiving, especially when extended family can get together to celebrate. Every time we do, we usually follow the family’s traditional Thanksgiving schedule: cooking and baking all morning, eating a huge meal around lunchtime, taking a nap, and then playing a family football or volleyball game. And while the food is delicious and the …

At our house, it’s time to start decorating for Christmas on December 1, even if some years we get off to a slow start. But did you know there’s a way to celebrate Thanksgiving all month long? Not only is it easy to do, but it helps bring everyone’s attention back to the things that …

  We love thinking of ways to celebrate each season.  Here’s what we’re looking forward to trying this Fall.  Let us know if you try them!     You’ve tried a leaf pile. This Fall, try a leaf maze or labyrinth. We’d love to see pictures of your designs. Make smores with a solar oven. …

Here are some fun ways you can welcome summer: 1. Make sure to get yourself to the path of totality for a once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse on August 21st. Learn all about the Great American Eclipse here. 2. Goat yoga is the latest craze. We give you permission to cave to temptation and check it out! …

This is going to be a milestone summer. This is the first summer in which both my girls will attend sleep-away summer camp. The first word that explodes in my mind is “freedom” — for them and me. As excited as I am to have some time to tackle a few projects at home, to …

If the optimism with which you began your New Year’s resolutions has met the solid reality of limited time, limited energy, and limited resources, you might be wondering if this really can be the year in which you feel better and have stronger relationships. But take heart. One simple rule has helped our family in …

I noticed her bulbous form, striking colors and lean legs in my front garden bed. She had just trapped a large bumblebee in her web and was swiftly wrapping it up in silk. My first reaction was to take a step back, as if she was going to jump from her web to suck the …

1. As soon as you tumble out of bed, go outside for a few minutes and let the sun’s rays help wake up your brain. 2. If possible, eat breakfast outdoors or with a window open. Let the sounds of nature set the tone for a peaceful, productive day. 3. On the ride to school, …

1. Go kayaking! And check out these five reasons why you should take the kids with you. 2. Stargaze. Put these summer dates on your calendar. 3. Pick some fruit and make a cobbler. 4. Try tie dying with dye made from plant matter. 5. Use these tricks to attract fireflies to your yard. 6. …

Help the Monarchs by planting Milkweed in your yard.  Learn about varieties that work best in your region and how you can become a Monarch Waystation from Monarch Watch. Skip rocks. See if your community has a bike parade and join the fun.  If not, consider organizing one for your neighborhood. Make a rain chain …

We love snow days at my house. Because it doesn’t snow that often, we’re outside even on bitterly cold, windy snow days. Then, when we’re just too frozen to stay out any longer, we head inside for a bowl of hot soup or chili. But have you ever wondered what the birds eat during the …

If you are looking for outdoor pursuits in the upcoming cold months, consider the equestrian opportunities of horseback riding. Horses harness an ability to make you feel connected to the natural world like no other  animal. They are strong yet gentle. Independent yet empathic. There’s something  about their calming nature that can bring one into a …

Make a giant cup of hot chocolate and sip it on your porch. Catch a snowflake with your tongue. Make an impact in your community:  spend an hour picking up trash in or near your neighborhood. Have a competition amongst your family and see who can collect the most pinecones.  Then make something beautiful with …

Passport to nature A national park pass For your New Year’s resolution A pair of running shoes To document your adventures A new digital camera To keep you hydrated A good-looking reusable water bottle Get out and about A trip to a natural wonder Show your true colors A quirky t-shirt For your curious side …

There’s no better way to give thanks than to display your appreciation for nature at the Thanksgiving table. Natural elements, with their depth of texture, are always beautiful to behold. Next time you are out on a walk, whether it be in the country, city or suburbs, make it a game with kids to collect …

1. When leaves start to fall, try to catch one before it hits the ground. When you do it, make a wish. 2. Ready for a break from your routine? Follow a squirrel for five minutes (watching out for traffic, of course). You never know what you might find. 3. Roast butternut or acorn squash. …

Choose one (or six) of these ideas to make this semester awesome. 1. In the morning, use five minutes to take a quick walk outdoors to wake up your brain. Read why exercising outdoors is optimal. Bonus: Try running outdoors in the mornings. Be sure to eat some easily digestible breakfast before you head out …

1. Tired of your alarm? Let the sun wake you up. Read our article on revamping your morning routine for summer. 2. Set up a hummingbird feeder just outside your breakfast window and start your day with a smile. 3. Enjoy a lemony and tangy salad of wood sorrel and wild strawberries (from organic, pesticide-free …

March 30th is “Take a Walk in the Park” day.  Spend an hour enjoying a lovely stroll! Either find a fourth grader or act like one and plan your summer trips around national parks. As of this year, fourth graders get free annual passes to national parks! Make your own spring tonic soup. (Be sure …

1. Start a New Year’s tradition to celebrate the possibilities of a fresh start. For example, a New Year’s afternoon family hike! 2. Make your own centerpiece from natural materials: for example, pine boughs, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, sprigs of rosemary or floating cranberries. Share your photos with us on Facebook. 3. Place leaves on photosensitive paper, …