Navigation

Guess Who Borrowed Our Palm Tree?

June 27, 2012 0

Over the past few weeks, we have enjoyed watching a pair of doves nest in the palm tree off our second story balcony. Can you see her in the first photo? The female would sit perfectly still in her nest and the male would come and tidy up the nest for her. It was amazing! I decided to snap a few photos of her when she was faced towards our house.

My favorite part was when she realized I was taking photos of her – I don’t think she liked it, so I was quick.

Then, early one morning, we were able to see who she was protecting in that palm frond – her little one!

The next day, they were both gone! Have you enjoyed watching nesting birds or baby birds this summer?

Eco Adventures for the Whole Family: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

June 22, 2012 0

Last week, I took the boys to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources. They offer both a wildlife rehabilitation program and environmental education and community outreach programs. They rescue, preserve, rehabilitate, and care for Florida’s wildlife that have been injured while in the wild or when they were illegally owned as pets and are no longer fearful of humans.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to stop for the afternoon with a picnic lunch and your camera. You can take a guided tour or stroll through the beautiful sanctuary on your own. The boys thoroughly enjoyed experiencing all of the animals, including; birds, deer, foxes, reptiles, bears, otters, large cats and many more. Our favorites were the turtles, owls, alligators, crocodiles!

If you are in the Jupiter, Florida area and are looking for a great place for a picnic and animal encounter with your little ones, I highly recommend it. Eben and I stop several times a year and always have a blast! And if you are able, please donate here.

+ Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 
2500 Jupiter Park Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
561.575.3399

7 Eco-Friendly Beach Bag Must Haves

June 21, 2012 0

This summer, I have spent almost every single sailing, hanging out at the beach or swimming at the pool with these guys! And since I have been packing my beach bag every day, I thought this would be a good time to share my 7 favorite eco-friendly must haves that I pack in my beach bag every morning.

1. Beach Bag
A large, roomy beach bag to carry all of my beach goodies! Right now, I am using a bag I have had for years! When I do need a new one, I love this Beach Bag made from Recycled Sailboat Sails $75 via HoistAwayBags.

2.  A Good Book
After, spending the afternoon snorkeling or paddleboarding, I like  to relax on the beach with a good book. Right now, I am a little obsessed with urban gardening, so Urban Farms $30 via Anthropologie is calling my name!

3. A Big, Floppy Hat
My skin is super-sensitive, so I have been obsessed with wearing my big floppy hat every time we go outside. The mister picked me up a Columbia floppy hat years ago, and I love this turquoise straw floppy hat $49 via Goorin Bros.

4. Giant Organic Hooded Towel
Perfect for wrapping up on a cool beach day or after a dip in the pool, this organic chevron hooded towel $49 Teagan and Bailey is fabulous and did I mention – chevron!

5. A Long-Sleeved Rash Guard
I am obsessed with my white long-sleeved rash guard – it keeps me protected all day when we are surfing or paddleboarding. Our entire family wears long-sleeve rash guards, they are a great way to make sure your family is always protected when out in the sun all day! These eco-friendly rash guards via Sol Wear are only $34.

6. Stainless Steel Divided Containers
I like to fill our reusable stainless steel containers with fresh whole snacks for the whole family. These stainless steel containers $49 via LunchBots have four sections and an attached lid!

7. A Great Organic Sunscreen
We keep our home stocked with great organic sunscreens for the entire family. One of our favorites is Badger’s Organic Sports Sunscreen $16 via Badger Balm.

8. Flip Flops
I am a huge fan of flip flops, some of my favorite include Ocean Minded (I have them in turquoise and yellow!), Simple Shoes and these Reef flip flops $32 that support local Mayan highland artisans via Planet Shoes.

What eco-friendly goodies are packed for your day at the beach or pool?

5 Healthier and Delicious Birthday Cake Alternatives

June 19, 2012 0

Chances are you have a birthday on your summer calendar, which means you may be serving your child cake in the near future.  The problem with most store-bought or box cake varieties is that they’re packed full of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sugar. You can celebrate your favorite people and serve them cake too – just serve a fun, tasty alternative birthday cake that is actually good for them too. Here are my five favorite healthier alternatives to the birthday cake and believe me, your children will devour them.

photo credit devinf via Inhabitots

A Week Flies By – Then You Get Four More

June 13, 2012 1

Taven, my nephew has been with us for eight days. This means that we have spent the past eight afternoons at the beach! This also means that Monday night when I was laying in bed, all I could think about was how quickly eight days goes by and how much we will miss him when he leaves today. 

Taven took to the ocean like a fish out of water, he and Eben have spent hours this past week face down at reef snorkeling. And when the visibility is low, they have enjoyed paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and building sandcastles. Then, every evening when we get home, they beg me to let them swim in the pool before dinner. When it comes to energy – Eben has meet his match. And he has been in heaven spending time with someone his age who also shares his passion for the ocean.

Yesterday, as we spent our last day at the beach together, Taven told me how much he loved spending time with us in Florida. He also said that he wished he could stay longer and when it was time to leave the ocean, I had a hard time getting him out. He kept saying that he had to soak up as much as possible, because it may be a long time before he saw it again. I sent my sister a quick text telling her how much fun he was having.

Then, I received a text back. “Want me to change his flight?”

My immediate response was “YES!” Lucky us, we were able to make arrangements that will allow him to stay with us until July 13th – 4 more weeks! This means that I will have two children for 5 weeks total. How great is that? Taven will be going on a week long sailing trip to the keys with us for the 4th of July and he will also turn 13 while he is here. Hooray for summer vacation surprises!

Have you had anything unexpected and fun happen to you this summer?

Older posts Newer posts