If you have ever wanted a fancy compost tumbler but couldn’t find the funds to indulge yourself you need not look any further. We are here to show you how to make your very own compost tumbler. Well, at least I’ll show you where I found out how to do it.

I stumbled across a compost blog and although the blog isn’t full of composting tips and facts, it did have some rather simple gardening techniques that were practical and down to earth. The homemade compost tumbler really caught my eye. I’ve yet to make one since I am just starting my compost pile here at this house. While my past attempts at composting have been unsuccessful, I am trying again and planning to put forth just a bit more effort.

One of the other good bits of information I found on this particular compost blog where the homemade compost tumbler was originally posted was that if you aren’t in a hurry for soil, just throw your green compost in a heap and alternate the layers with brown compost (i.e. leaves, dry grass, etc.) In a year or so you’ll have soil. It doesn’t have to be perfect…it just takes time if you don’t apply the science for speedy compost material. So for now I’ll just be the not-in-a-giant-hurry composter. I’ll be keeping an eye out for some garbage cans that I can turn into homemade compost tumblers and I’ll let you know how it works for me. If you get to it first be sure to let us know how it goes.

I don’t know Heidi Swanson but I can tell you that I would love to be in the kitchen with this gal. She has an obvious flair for food and flavor and I adore her recipes, especially since she focuses on natural and whole foods. I stumbled across her blog while having a conversation with a fellow foodie on a long train ride. The first recipe I tried was the one that my train buddy emailed to me…. it was a chocolate chip cookie recipe that was sugar and wheat free. I took them to all of my fitness buddies and everyone loved them! So did my kids.

I’ve since made several of Heidi’s wholesome recipes and I love being subscribed to her blog so that I’m constantly being faced with a new flavor when I open my inbox. I dare you try one….any one. I’ll even help you get started with an idea other than the sweet one I pointed out above. How does summer squash soup sound? If you’ve got an abundance of summer squash this one will be sure to tickly your fancy and give your summer squash a lovely place in the kitchen.

I’d love to know what you think about Heidi Swanson’s blog or where your other favorite and unique recipe blogs are at.

Getting outside and experiencing nature is a super fun activity and we can always see something new. The best part is that it doesn’t have to cost much, if anything, so it makes for the perfect family outing.

With little ones it can be difficult to spend time in the great outdoors but with a little bit of planning your outdoor trip with your baby or toddler can be fun and memorable. Here are some tips for hiking camping or other outdoor trips with an infant or toddler:

Choose a place that offers short day hikes.
If you have a toddler and just a short amount of time find a place you can park and walk. Maybe it’s a park you haven’t been to or the river’s edge. Whatever it is, just being outside makes you feel better.
Have plenty of easy snacks on hand. I like to cut up apples into cubes or slices for my toddlers. I also peel a carrot and leave it whole for the babies to hold on to and chew.
Bring a soft structured baby carrier with you for day hikes. We recommend an ergo baby carrier.
For longer hikes you may want to check out a framed child carrier.
Bring an extra set of clothes for baby (you never know when they might need them)
Only bring one toy and/or book. Allow your curious baby to explore nature.
Some state parks offer rustic cabins or yurts. Stay in one of these if you aren’t ready for the tent yet.
Sleep on an aero bed if you opt for the tent.
Bring a washcloth and a towel. Even if you don’t plan on showering, your toddler may get messy and need more cleaning than what a wipe can offer.
Even if you are an extreme backpacker, you may want to ease into the outdoors if it’s been awhile or if you’ve never been with children. Because kids can be unpredictable, it’s good to get a sense of how they handle different environments.

What has made your outdoor adventure trips with children work well for you? Share them with other parents by writing them in the comment area of this post.

It’s week 4 of growing our sunflower house. We have enjoyed watching the sunflowers get taller…..such a rewarding project for young children because sunflowers grow so fast you can almost watch it happen before your eyes. I have a hard time taking credit for the how great the sunflowers are doing….the fact that we have cool temperatures and the occassional rain shower has helped them grow strong.

We have had one casualty and a couple of injuries though. One of the sunflowers just didn’t make it. He got sort of floppy one day so I watered him some more but he just didn’t make it. This has sort of created a wide open “window” I guess. The morning glory will climb up in that area so I will train it to climb onto the next available sunflower stalk.

Earlier today a neighbor friend came over with her children and one of the toddlers walked right through two sunflower and held them in his hands as he continued to walk! (holds heart in hand) His little foot crushed the morning glory and thankfully the sunflowers bounced right back up. In no time at all the sunflowers will have created the walls that will make it the magical sunflower house we have been waiting for and I know all children will be drawn to the door so they can walk inside…..I’m sure we won’t have to worry about them trying to walk through any walls.

If you would like to build your own sunflower house start here with our instructions for natural outdoor play spaces.

National Resource Defense Council, otherwise known as “The Earth’s Best Defense” has one of my favorite online newsletters. NRDC discusses the most up-to-date environmental issues and informs you about actions you can take. But I personally love the information about sustainable living, gardening and other things that are close to home.

Check out the latest NRDC newsletter.