If you're a new mother (or will be soon), catering to your baby's needs is probably the highest thing on your priority list. It's easy to get lost in the midst of diapering, feeding, bathing and cuddling, but don't forget that you're in for quite a ride, physically and emotionally! Having been a mother ten times over, I'd like to share my list of the top five needs that often get overlooked. Support Your place is with your newborn, but that can leave a lot of other things undone. So line up Continue Reading

How can we teach children that they can be good stewards of the Earth? From the earliest age, they marvel at creation and as parents it's important to foster this wonder and curiosity. Here are some practical ways that you can help instill an appreciation of nature and the outdoors in your family. Sowing and Reaping Planting trees, flowers and vegetables is an ideal family activity that gets everyone together for a useful purpose. Children love to help pick out plant varieties and can help Continue Reading

Are you curious about what type of water you have? It's definitely worth finding out and can make a big difference when it comes to your laundry routine, appliances and household fixtures.. Let me share a story with you to illustrate. The water was so hard at the last house we lived in that it broke down our water heater in just 2 years. The plumber told us he routinely replaces water heaters every 3 years or so in our area. Knowing our water was extremely hard helped alert us to problems Continue Reading

For years, I was confused by the term "heat pump" because I thought it was simply another way to keep your house warm. Interestingly, a heat pump is really an air conditioner that can work in reverse! I'll explain more about how it works, and also touch on the subject of whether or not it's a good financial investment. Standard A/C pumps air in one direction - from the inside to the outside - and that's how your home stays cool. But a heat pump moves heat in both directions—from the inside to Continue Reading