Backwoods MamaWinter

How to Dress a Baby for Cold Winter Weather

How to Dress a Baby for Cold Winter Weather

How should I dress my baby when it's cold outside? This is a question I get asked a lot. So often, in fact, that I figured the answer needed its very own post. I figure after raising five babies in the Great White North or Canada, I've learned a few tips and tricks...

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Atlas Helium Trail Snowshoes Review

Atlas Helium Trail Snowshoes Review

The Atlas Helium Trail snowshoes are a great beginner snowshoe for teens and adults looking to explore snowy trails. My teen went through a massive growth spurt, quickly outgrowing his MSR Shift Youth snowshoes and propelling himself into the world of adult snowshoes....

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MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes Review

MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes Review

The MSR Shift Youth snowshoes are great for kids between the ages 5 to 12 that want to explore snowy trails. If I had to pick a winter activity that is unique, fun, and great for entire family, it would be snowshoeing. Snowshoeing has been underrated by families for a...

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My One Word for 2024 + How to Pick a Nudge Word

My One Word for 2024 + How to Pick a Nudge Word

I sit in a small alcove of my small log home, my back the dining table which is stretched to its maximum length. Around its scratched wooden surface friends and family have gathered to play games. Their feet tap to tunes and their voices rise above the din of laughter...

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Picture Books for the Winter Solstice

Picture Books for the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice typically occurs on or around December 21st. While there are many wonderful ways of celebrate the winter solstice with children,...

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The Best List of Tree Picture Books for Children

The Best List of Tree Picture Books for Children

Trees are amazing plants. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, reduce airborne pollutants, bring water into soil, provide homes for wildlife, grow food, and prevent erosion. Trees make our planet, our cities and our families healthier and happier! This list of...

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Candlemas: Celebrating the Midpoint of Winter with Children

Candlemas: Celebrating the Midpoint of Winter with Children

The midpoint of winter is the halfway mark between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It typically takes place around February 2nd, but this date can vary slightly depending on the year. There are many beautiful traditions that celebrate the midpoint of...

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How to Make a Nature Ice Wreath

How to Make a Nature Ice Wreath

Brrrrr.... it's cold outside! An arctic outflow has blanketed our town with chilly weather. It's been so cold outside that our time in nature has been limited, especially with the baby. Despite the deep freeze my children and I have been embracing this cold weather...

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Magical Winter Picture Books for Children

Magical Winter Picture Books for Children

In our home, winter mornings are slow. After filling our bellies with warm oatmeal we snuggle together on the couch and slowly wake up to stories share aloud. Even as my children get older we still hold onto our winter morning ritual. Below are some of our favourite...

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A Delicious Traditional Winter Fruit Cake Recipe

A Delicious Traditional Winter Fruit Cake Recipe

For the longest time, I would do everything possible to avoid eating winter fruit cake. I found the cloyingly sweet cake with its fluorescent candied fruit strange and unpalatable. To be fair, I never had the opportunity to eat a traditional winter fruit cake until...

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How to Decorate an Outdoor Tree with Treats for Wildlife

How to Decorate an Outdoor Tree with Treats for Wildlife

Decorating an outdoor tree with healthy treats for local wildlife is a wonderful winter tradition that gives back to nature. It's a tradition that my children look forward to every winter. We often decorate a tree close to the Winter Solstice or Christmas Day but...

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How to Make Tree Ornament Seed Bombs (+ Free Printable)

How to Make Tree Ornament Seed Bombs (+ Free Printable)

When it comes to giving gifts during the holiday season, I'm all about hand-made earth friendly gifts. If I had the time to make all of my family and friends something handmade I would. However, it seems that time accelerates during the holiday season. Or maybe time...

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7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day with Kids

7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day with Kids

My children believe in Santa Claus. Not the fairy tale version of Santa Clause with his red suit, rotund belly, jolly laugh and flying reindeer but the man that inspired the legend: Saint Nicholas. Our family has been celebrating Saint Nicholas Day since my kids were...

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