nature

Nature’s Path Coconut Chia Tropical Smoothie Bowl Recipe

January 26, 2016 by Kathryn 219 Comments

While a new year starts out with great intentions for many people, it’s usually around the end of January that resolve starts to fade and we start to slip in our attempts to stick to our new goals.

Whether a bout of cold weather convinces you to skip that run, or an especially busy week has you reaching for the phone to order takeout instead of cooking at home, little stumbles don’t have to mean the end of good intentions! And this year, Nature’s Path wants to help keep you on the path to good health.

coconut chia tropical smoothie bowl

First of all, try making this Coconut Chia Tropical Smoothie Bowl! Packed with banana, peach, mango, yogurt and delicious Nature’s Path granola.

It’s a breakfast that will have you feeling full and energized all day. Personally, I love how easy this recipe is to customize with different fresh and frozen fruit! [Read more…]

Get Inspired to Meet Your Goals for 2016 with Top Titles from Netflix

January 18, 2016 by Kathryn 5 Comments

I’ve already shared quite a few of my goals for 2016, and one of my top ones is to do more traveling. With all the changes that took place in my life in 2015, travel had to take a bit of a back seat. But now that my house has been sold, the plans are in place for our move to Ontario and my boys are settled in for the rest of the school year, I have time to focus on fitting more travel into our lives. And to keep me inspired about my goal, I’m turning to Netflix Canada!

I’ve long been a fan of the many great documentaries on Netflix, and I’m not the only one. My oldest son first started watching documentaries when he was just five years old; I remember coming downstairs one morning to find him completely enthralled by a program on the Galapagos Islands. I was so happy that he was interested in the world outside our own small town! [Read more…]

Join the Nature Valley #RediscoverNature Day on September 20 and You Could Win a Trip to Banff National Park-Giveaway

September 10, 2015 by Kathryn 139 Comments

Growing up in the lush Qu’Appelle Valley on the Saskatchewan prairies has meant that nature has always been very important to me. The unique flora and fauna of the area is fascinating to me, whether I’m throwing seeds from ash trees into the air and watching them spin like helicopters to the ground or picking tiny, tart buffalo berries for a snack while hiking.

I’ve tried to share as much of my love of nature with my boys as possible, but there’s no question that doing so is harder with today’s generation. Zackary and Benjamin are more interested in watching cartoons and video games than squirrels and birds. And between school, work and extra-curricular activities, none of us have as much free time to spend outdoors as I’d like either.

That’s why I’m so excited about the upcoming Rediscover Nature Day created by Nature Valley and the non-profit organization Take Me Outside, on September 20, 2015. Nature Valley is a company that understands the importance of exploring nature, and created an informative and emotional 3 Generations video showing just how much we’re losing touch with nature as the generations pass. Rediscover Nature Day is a chance to get outside with the family and see how many fabulous activities and learning opportunities the great outdoors has to offer! [Read more…]

Teach Kids About the Earth with Help from EnviroKidz-Giveaway

June 30, 2015 by Kathryn 120 Comments

One of the things I love about my house is the fact that the yard is big enough for a garden. I enjoy growing my own vegetables each year for so many different reasons. The taste is so much better, I don’t have to worry about pesticides and chemicals on produce and I can save money on my weekly grocery bill. What more could any health-conscious mom on a budget ask for?

But in addition to all those benefits, planting a garden is also a great way to teach children about the importance of plants in our environment. And that’s why I love that EnviroKidz is so passionate about encouraging kids to learn about the earth and the way it sustains us and our animal friends. In fact, the company is doing that in a very fun way this year with a prize pack that will let kids get their hands dirty and grow something tasty! [Read more…]

Teach Kids About Nature with Jessie Farrell’s Children’s CD Take Me Outside-Giveaway

May 13, 2015 by Kathryn 34 Comments

It’s been quite some time since I’ve discovered a great new children’s musician, but recently I was lucky enough to discover the upbeat music of award-winning Canadian singer Jessie Farrell. Her new children’s CD, Take Me Outside, is a collection of thirteen fun songs that are perfect for celebrating the beauty and magic of spring.

I have a love of folk music, so the mellow country/folk style of Jessie’s songs is one that immediately appealed. The songs were catchy and embraced both a love of nature and of spending time together as a family. With kid-friendly themes ranging from mud pies to the moon, these songs offer appeal to both adults and children, something that I always appreciate.

[Read more…]