From the first week of our child’s birth, we encouraged her connection to nature through all of her senses. Her ears perked up at the sound of the nesting birds’ melody. Her eyes opened to the vastness of a mountain lake and her perception increased gradually with each passing week as we said the names of the plants animals, insects, stones, etc. She smelled and felt the grass, leaves, flowers, and water as we passed through our surroundings. She later tasted the berries we picked for her along the way. And she is still always intrigued by the sound of a passing brook. We use our imagination to inspire and develop our senses every day. Here are some of the ways you can help your child do so, too: Read the rest »

I’ve heard my fair share of kids’ CDs since my daughters were born. Some are awesome and some make me want to toss them out the window of our minivan as we drive down the highway.

I recently came across some CDs that parents and kids can enjoy together. Universal Music just released a “Family Collection” of six discs. We have been rocking out to Motown for Kids as well as Songs for the Car. Read the rest »

No one wants a child crawling around on dust and grime, so we vacuum carpets and mop kitchen floors.

But what about the contaminants we can’t see, lurking in unexpected places? How do we get rid of these potential irritants and allergens, before they become airborne and we begin to sneeze, cough and wheeze? Read the rest »

Dear Ms. Thomas – I love shoes; just can’t get enough.  I crave them!  The trouble is I can’t organize them.  Do you have any tips?  I’m desperate;  I have a lot of shoes (expensive shoes).  I would like to be able to see them but when I put them out, on display in my closet, they get dusty.  Since my appetite for shoes is not likely to be satisfied anytime soon, do you have any creative organizing ideas? - Elizabeth Read the rest »

The players all want the same prize; a life of simplicity and contentment: a world free from clutter, missed appointments, and misplaced items. Their training in the past has included countless organizing books, shows, and magazine articles.  Today is the day when they find out if they have what it takes to actually use what they have learned. Read the rest »

Here are some great recipes that offer a new twist to your child’s vegetarian diet!

White Bean Burritos
White beans have a great mild flavor that most children find appealing. Read the rest »

Fiber is very healthy and went somewhat missing in the modern first world diet with the onset of mass food production, processing and the fast food rage.

Food companies and the media have since picked up on a large body of scientific research indicating fiber protects us against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, certain cancers and gastrointestinal disorders.

So what do you need to know about fiber to raise a healthy family? Here’s the Fiber 411. Read the rest »