10 Cool Nature Crafts for Kids

September 28, 2015 · 5 Comments

10 Cool Nature Crafts for Kids

Using items found in nature for craft or creative play is a great idea.

As well as being eco-friendly and sustainable, kids are getting hands on with nature – learning and appreciating our natural wonders. You don’t have to buy plastic stuff that ends up back in landfill – just throw it in the compost.

Here are some fun ideas for kids of all ages!

Natural Paint Brushes

Nature Boats

Dinosaur Play World

Butterfly Finger Puppets

Easy Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Echidna Grass Head

Pinch Pots with Nature Designs

DIY Terrarium Necklace

Seashell Windchime

Nature Dream Catcher

I hope these 10 Cool Nature Crafts for Kids have inspired you!

Want more?
Check out the Mother Natured blog. Penny has some amazing ideas.

Do your kids love nature and nature play?

Love List – May15

May 27, 2015 · 60 Comments

Well, that was May! Here is my love list for the month – things I have been using, trying, loving and crushing on.

♥ A Bit Hippy

Why, yes I am! I have been trialling this lovely natural skincare range this month and I am now a firm fan. My favourite products include the shampoo and conditioner (they make my hair feel sooo lovely). The deodorant works really well and has a very mild scent so suitable for either gender. The anti-ageing cream is gorgeous and I would use it again – for $30 it’s great value. My daughter loved the BB cream – as well as giving a light coverage, it also helps with acne!

They have a lovely baby range which makes a very cute gift. Also in the range is sunscreen, tanning cream, all sorts of products for the face, body wash and a body bar too. What I love is that it’s a really family friendly, affordable, natural range, made in Australia. The packaging and fun concept is also really quirky and appeals to me too! You can find it at some health food stores or pharmacies. Go here to find stockists near you or just buy straight from them online. Update: Free Shipping for all of June 2015.

GIVEAWAY: Yep the lovely hippies are giving away a hamper pack of their goodies to one of you to test it out as well. You will get a shampoo, conditioner, facewash and deodorant plus a heap of little samples added in as well. All you have to do is go and like the A Bit Hippy facebook page and leave us a message on this article letting us know how you are ‘a little bit hippy’! Read the terms at the bottom of this post too please!

The lucky winner was Rebecca F!!

♥ Anita Rossiter.

Anita is the awesome nutritionist at Eat and Three Veg and she lives near me now, so we get together and talk food and health! When Anita put up this post about Post Natal Depression and Nutrition, I was blown away. This info needs to be shared with anyone with PND or anyone about to have a baby. It’s time we support mums and nourish them after birth.

♥ The Happy Cookbook

Speaking of hippies, the biggest hippy nutritionist in Australia has to be Lola Berry. Her new cook book is amazing – all the recipes are gluten free and sugar free and based on real, whole food. She’s up on the latest nutrition so you won’t find any low fat in here! I love that it’s family friendly and simple too. A favourite for the collection.

Get it online ($15 off!) or wherever you normally buy good books!

♥ Nature Crown.

I am totally loving this project over at Mama Miss. It’s a gorgeous crown made from sticks! I think it’s so important to get kids not only being creative, but getting in touch with nature. Of course, non-plastic, eco-friendly, economical things to play with always get me excited too. This one is a winner.

Find all the details here.

♥ Happi Empire Gratitude Journal

I’ve actually had this for some time, but it’s been pulled out again and lovingly filled in. I like making my gratitude practice a lovely ritual – some quiet time, candles and oils and writing in a pretty book. There’s something more powerful about it this way. I adore Fran’s work – she is a graphic designer and sells some pretty and inspirational things on the side. I love the journal and it’s one of my favourite things to give my girlfriends for gifts.

Check out Fran and her Gratitude Journal here.

♥ Succulents in Recycled Tin Cans

How amazing is this project from Caz at Home Heart Haven? Make a very stylish pot plant for very little cost and effort. I love succulents – not only do they look spectacular, but they are hard to kill!

Read how to do it here.

♥ Red Boat Fish Sauce

Yummo – we have been loving the Red Boat Fish Sauce in our asian cooking. How amazing is this! Fish sauce with no sugar, no nasties, no preservatives. It’s made with traditional fermentation methods, it uses only anchovies and salt and it’s full of protein and vitamins and minerals. A two ingredient product? Unheard of! It’s a favourite with those following the paleo way of living too – many asian sauces are loaded with msg, sugar and all sorts of additives.

Get it online here (ps 10% off at the moment, see below)

This month’s bargains:

♥ 20% off Gourmet Organic Herbs and Spices only online here.

♥ 10% off all Eco Tan and Eco by Sonya products until 30th June, use code: NNAM

♥ 10% off storewide at Organics on a Budget until the 30th of June, use the code: celebrate

♥ Free 400ml coconut oil from the Wholefood Pantry range with every order at Nutra Organics.

♥ 30% off storewide at Miessence certified organic skincare, makeup and health products until midnite, 28th May. Use the code: tweet30

♥ 15% off storewide at Sustainababy until the end of May, use the code: NNAM1505

♥ The bargain bin at Shop Naturally has heaps of stuff up to 40% off!

♥ Check out what’s on sale at Biome Eco store (50% off a lot of natural make up)

♥ Allergy friendly food on sale at Happy Tummies here.

♥ 20% off all cookware at Zanui. Remember which ones are best in my last article!

This month’s articles:

♥ How to find a Holistic Health Practitioner

♥ How to Boost your Immune System, Naturally

♥ Roasted Cauliflower

♥ Top Ten Tips for Avoiding Dry Winter Skin

♥ Cookware: What is safe? What is toxic?

Join the gang:

Would you like me to send you the monthly newsletter? I have exclusive recipes, tips, giveaways and discount codes just for you. I have an amazing pecan and salted caramel truffle recipe for you in the next one.

Go here to add your email. You can take a look at last month’s newsletter here.

[box] Giveaway terms and conditions: This giveaway is open to subscribers (go here) and Australian residents only. Closes 9th June, midnite AEST. Winner will be chosen randomly from those meeting the entry criteria. Please check your emails![/box]

Resources for Raising Natural New Age Kids

February 26, 2014 · 14 Comments

Resources for Raising Natural New Age Kids

So, you are all into the natural, new age thing but your kids are not?

One of the best ways to teach is by example. Let them watch you doing things like eating a healthy snack, recycling some paper or taking time out of your day to relax with yoga.

They see. They learn.

I have also found some awesome resources that explore this concept a little further if you need some inspiration.

Kelly Burstow at Be A Fun Mum has a printable list of 100 things you can do with your child to learn how to live in the moment. Enjoying and appreciating the small things is a valuable life lesson.

Caroline at Gardening 4 Kids has some fabulous ideas on how to teach children to connect with nature. She says (and I agree wholeheartedly) that encouraging younger generations to think and act in a more environmentally sustainable manner has to be a good thing.

The beautiful people at Embrace Virtues have an amazing blog post about how to teach children to access their inner joyfulness, even when they are feeling sad. Actually, I want to give this technique a go – it’s sounds just blissful!

Kirri White at Kirri White Coaching shares her tips on teaching meditation to children. I love the ideas of imagining bubbles or taking imaginary trips. All very easy and age appropriate.

Kelly Burch at Transformations with Kelly Burch has some great tips on how to help children with problems, using energy work. Kids can easily learn EFT (tapping) to help them deal with emotions.

Debra Dane at Home Life Simplifed has 30 ways to teach children about kindness and gratitude at her blog.

Author Jennifer Cohen Harper has a beautiful book, Little Flower Yoga for Kids. The book aims at teaching children to pay attention, increase focus, and balance their emotions-all while building physical strength and flexibility.

Do you have any other resources you like for teaching your kids natural, new age stuff?

Click here to check out the Superfoods for Kids range.

Why I walk….

September 11, 2012 · 15 Comments

Walking has always been something I have been in the habit of doing. It is so good for my mind, body and soul. I love it.

These photos were taken on my walk this morning. If that’s not enough to inspire you, here are some other reasons I love to walk.

Exercise. Well we all know we have to do some sort of exercise, right? The body was designed to move and mine feels better when I do. I think walking is the best exercise there is. You don’t need any special equipment, it’s free, it’s easy and you just head out your front door and there you are… walking!

Meditation. Walking is a great moving meditation. Sometimes I will focus on my breath, or repeat a mantra or affirmation to stop my mind from wandering while I am walking.

Communing with nature. Negative ions abound at the beach, mountains, waterfalls, parks and without a doubt, they make me feel so good. I try to get out into nature as often as I can. Megan at Your Intuitive Family also talks about us needing grounding or connecting with Mother Earth.

Social connection. Most times when I walk, I take the dog (I have a long-haired dachshund called Wilbur). I am always being stopped and chatted to – mostly because of the cute dog! It’s so lovely to pass the time of day with people, say hello, smile or wave. It gets me out in my community, connecting with local people.

Fresh air. Being stuck inside all day around electronics can really zap my energy and give me a fuzzy brain. There is nothing like having some fresh air to revive and recharge me. If I come home from work feeling tired, I will head out for a walk. All that oxygen zinging around my body peps me up!

Endorphins. Nature’s prozac! Regular walking has been proven to be effective against anxiety and depression. I know it keeps my mental health on the right track if I walk regularly. Happy mum = happy family.

Small things. Walking gives me time to appreciate and be grateful for the small things. Warm sunshine on my back, a mother duck with her ducklings, beautiful flowers, a refreshing breeze. Stopping to smell the roses is so good for my soul and it makes me happy.

Vitamin D. Getting outside in the sun helps top up my Vitamin D levels. It’s really important for me, because I suffer from a deficiency. Read the blog post I did about that here.

Bonding. Sometimes I walk with a friend or family member. It is such a great way to chat without distractions or interruptions (I never take my phone!) I find ‘walking chats’ particularly useful in opening up the communication with my teenage son.

I love walking! For me, walking is not exercise to dread doing, it’s a chance to take time out and practice some self care.

Talk to me. Do you like to walk? Why do you like to walk? Where do you walk?

A natural and new-age Father’s Day gift guide!

August 21, 2012 · 7 Comments

Father’s Day is nearly here and it’s time to show our Dads how much we love and appreciate them.

Here is my pick of the best online gifts for Dad.

Upcycle.

I love these quirky, hand-made vintage signs for Dad’s shed from Whatsy Dots. Find the whole range online at Etsy.

Organic.

Get your dad looking spiffy with some Aussie organic skin care, especially designed for men. Sanctum Men’s Essentials pack contains shave gel, shower wash and face moisturizer. Available online here.

DIY.

Make your own green gift for dad! A little bit of nature for dad to put on his office desk, bedside table or in the shed. This beautiful and easy to make terrarium is something the whole family can help out with. See how to do it here at My Green Australia. Add some crystals or a write a nice message on a smooth rock.

Eco-friendly.

The Contigo Travel mug is possibly the best on the market. Perfect for hot or cold drinks, it is 100% leak proof and spill proof. Perfect for Dad to drink his coffee on the way to work. No more takeaway cups means your Dad is doing his bit for the environment too. Buy it online here.

Charity.

A piglet – such an awesome gift. Don’t panic. You don’t actually get the piglet delivered to your home! For $39, you can gift a piglet on Dad’s behalf to a family in Laos. Or for $10, a chicken. Go to the Oxfam Unwrapped website.

What have you got planned for your Dad?

Our Trip to Henderson Park Farm Retreat

April 6, 2012 · 6 Comments

I love those holidays where we don’t have to do anything, see anyone or be anywhere. It’s nice to unplug from the world and just be. I was desperately in need of some down time, time with my family and a big dose of Mother Nature. Kids and hubby were worn out from school and work too. So last week, we took off for a couple of days to Henderson Park Farm Retreat. Truly one of those magical spots where you can just relax and connect with nature.

sunrise over Hedlow Creek

Henderson Park is just north of Rockhampton, in Central Queensland, Australia nestled on the banks of Hedlow Creek. The farm has been in the family for generations and now they share their little piece of paradise with visitors from all over the world.

We stayed in a motel room in the lodge with a shared kitchen. It was very luxurious and comfortable. Happy Natural New Age Mum! I like my creature comforts.

four star rooms at a farm stay? you betcha!

There is not a lot to do at Henderson Park. There are no shops, no restaurants, no entertainment. Bliss! What there is to do, is bushwalk around the farm, canoe on the beautiful Hedlow Creek, and chill out. We also did a lot of napping, reading, yoga and board games! We didn’t even turn on the tv, use our phones or check Facebook!

bushwalking

canoeing on Hedlow Creek

(the canoes are free for guests to use whenever they want)

local wildlife

Being a farm stay, you will see lots of cows and you can do a tour around the farm with the hosts if you like. We also saw lots of native wildlife. These kangaroos were very interested in us paddling past them! We also saw some wallabies and lots of different birds. Apparently the odd koala makes an appearance in the gum trees, but we weren’t lucky enough to see them this time.

sunset over Hedlow Creek

By the time dark descended over the farm each night, we had enjoyed our bbq dinner, a round of Pictionary and were ready for bed !

We came back so very relaxed, recharged and happy with some more beautiful memories to cherish and add to the memory bank!

Have you had a holiday lately where you were able to really relax?