• Last updated 3/26/13 by Melanie Mayo

  Whether you celebrate Easter, Ostara, Spring Equinox, all or none of the above, dyeing eggs is a fun, crafty tradition that children love to be involved in.  However, using toxic food coloring is something most natural living families probably want to avoid.  Thankfully there are many options for eco-friendly egg dyeing!         Some all natural options for dyeing eggs include: red, purple, or yellow onion skins, red cabbage, blueberries, yellow apples peels, paprika, carrots, and grape juice.  We decided to use what we had on hand, which was beets,... read more

• Last updated 11/30/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites       Large Felt Mushrooms   Why We Love It: This has to be one of the most unique items we have seen yet. These huge felt mushrooms with matching mat instantly make one want to dive into a world of pixies, fairies and gnomes. Available in red or green these delights could be coupled with any number of small or large figures to make a truly mystical... read more

• Last updated 12/11/12 by Melanie Mayo

In 2003, one of our Mothering community members, Tracy, started the first Holiday Helper thread. Over the years the Holiday Helper program has helped thousands of families and we are proudly continuing the tradition this year.  FAMILIES IN NEED To be eligible, a member’s family must have significant financial need. The member must have been a Mothering member for one year and have posted 500 times. In the interest of privacy and security, Families in Need remain anonymous to the community and are identified by a number. Only the... read more

• Last updated 1/25/13 by Melanie Mayo

Looking for a fun way to introduce science and nutrition concepts to your kids?   In her new book, Candy Experiments, author Loralee Leavitt shares dozens of brand-new experiments that use candy to teach about these topics. The following excerpt from Candy Experiments contains fun and easy ways that you and your children can test food for sugar, hydrogenated palm kernel oil and artificial dyes!   About the Book:   Make giant gummi worms, turn M&Ms into dazzling comets, grow candy crystals and turn cotton candy into slime! You'll find all these... read more

• Last updated 11/20/12 by Melanie Mayo

Braiding Native American Heritage Month with Thanksgiving: A Native American Mother’'s Perspective   Thank you to our guest blogger, Terra Trevor, for this work commemorating Native American Heritage Month.   Wind, smelling of wood smoke rattles the yellow leaves off the peach tree. I adjust my glasses, button my coat. My son bounds from his classroom to greet me. Eyes filled with brown warmth, he peeks out from under a cap of shiny dark hair; it’s the kind of black that shines red in sunlight. “Mom, something about this isn’t right.” He is... read more

• Last updated 11/30/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites       Cowgirl or Cowboy Doll   Why We Love It:  The quality and detail is wonderful in these natural, fair trade dolls. The cute little outfits make them truly one of a kind. Choose from a posable cowboy or cowgirl and pair it up with a felt horse (see below) for hours of old west fun.    Price: $23.95    Where to Buy: A Toy... read more

• Last updated 2/10/11 by Laura E Taylor

All these years, I haven’t forgotten snow globes we made out of baby food jars when I was in kindergarten. I loved those things! So when—as the snow was yet again coming down outside our office windows—Mel and I started putting together our list of things to make for Valentine’s Day, I saw my chance to create these again. Back in the day, we used some pretty awful plastic flowers (I think we were making our snow globes as Mother’s Day presents), but I thought it might be fun to try making some using old castoff toys and gumball machine trinkets. Here’s how it works. .... read more

• Last updated 11/30/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites         Earthopoly   Why We Love It: This Monopoly inspired game provides all of the fun as the original--with an earth-friendly twist. Instead of attempting to take over and develop as much property as possible, players work to save the earth by protecting and cleaning up habitats. It is truly a blast to play and great way to teach eco-values. Printed on... read more

• Last updated 11/30/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites       Tegu Dart   Why We Love It: Tegu has one of the coolest natural toy items on the market with its magnetic wooden block sets--now this special Dart combo is putting a whole new twist on the fun! Everything you need to make this sleek car, from the cool topper to the stylish wheels, is included. Plus, you can take it apart and easily dream up other... read more

• Last updated 11/22/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites       Four Elements Building Blocks   Why We Love It: This colorful set can be used as a puzzle or as blocks. The original shapes put a whole new spin on homemade block towers and castles. With endless possible arrangements the kids will find all sort of uses for this delightful toy.   Price:$129.95   Where to Buy: Rosie... read more