Heartbroken: RIP Kathreen Ricketson

(image source)

I never got to a part of any playgroup.  I found my community of mothers online.  Blogging has allowed me to meet amazing people who share their creativity in powerful ways. One of those people was Kathreen Ricketson.  Her ACTION PACK ezines provided me with so much inspiration with which to engage my son. I loved them so much I became an affiliate.

Not long ago, Kathreen and her family decided to take on an exciting experiement. They planned a road trip across Australia for a year.  I was having fun hearing about their progress and looking forward to the book that would follow. Their journey just ended.

Kathreen died yesterday in a tragic accident. Her partner has still not be found.  It is so heartbreaking. I want to gather up her children in my arms and hug them. I am just speechless and feel such loss for this woman that I never even met in person but who provided me with so much inspiration for so many years. Her children have had the kind of childhood I would have wished for my own son and my heart aches for them.

I'll be praying for the safe return of Kathreen's partner, Rob, and for comfort for their children and families.

Read about this loss here and here.

The blogging community has come together to create a trust fund for Kathreen and Rob's beautiful children. If you would like to contribute, please go here.

Action Pack: Family Apothecary

The new Action Pack is here!!!

I have been so excited for this issue to arrive because I have been really interested in making my own products at home lately.  This particular issue has 50+ pages of salves, lotions, balms and crafty projects for the whole family!!!

Find the following recipes in this issue [all using herbs and commonly found simple ingredients like beeswax, olive oil and bicarb soda (plus a few special products too -- like coconut oil and kaolin clay)] :

• Home herbal medicinal recipes (salves and cold remedies)
• Eco-home cleaning and freshening ideas (natural cleaning products and washing recipes)
• Eco beauty treatments (lip balms, creams and hair tonics)
• Natural personal products (toothpaste and deodorant)

Buy this e-magazine for only $10 and start making your own products at home. I think they will also make lovely holiday gifts.

Get your issue here.

(I really believe in this product and I am an affiliate for it)

Action Pack #9: The Mad Scientist Edition!

I am such a fan of WhipUp's Action Pack series.  They are always filled with such wonderful activities to do with your children. This issue looks especially good:

Who doesn't want to be a mad scientist? 

In this issue there are more than 14 fun, curious, tasty and artistic scientific experiments:

• You will learn about microwave expansion
• and the science of bubbles and yeast,
• you’ll experiment with crystals
• and make some cool potions too.

I can't wait to try the "Fireworks in a Glass" activity!

Although these activities are geared for children ages 7-12, I find that most can be adapted for children of other ages.

Only $5 for 20+ pages of activities to do with your kids. 

Get your digital copy here.

Action Pack 7----Sticks and Stones

The new Action Pack is here! Wahoo!!!

As most of you know, I only do a minimal amount of advertising on my blog. I am an affiliate for three different vendors and that is it. I am highly selective about what a choose because I want you to know that I really believe in these products. Whipup's Action Packs are one of them. Kathleen Ricketson creates these wonderful e-zines for kids that gets them outdoors and exploring the world around them. Each issue has a different theme and the new one is "Sticks and Stones."

Most of the activities are geared for children ages 7-12 but there are always projects that can be adapted for younger children.  Look at these colorful painted rocks:

And how about this adorable log cabin:

This printable downloadable magazine is available for only $5 and has no advertising.  Only fun things to do!!!

Get your copy here. 

I'm heading over right now to get mine.

Action Pack 6--Zap and Zest!

A bright spot in my otherwise gloomy week---the arrival of the new Whip Up Action Pack!  This issue centers around the theme of Zap + Zest!

Zap refers to electricity and battery experiments, poppers and fizzing reactions too, while Zest is focused on citrus fruits – mainly lemon! Lots of projects to keep you busy no matter what the season. Lots of science, cooking and some art and craft too!

This particular issue has a couple of projects suitable to the little ones too – try some Lemon stamping, Static electricity experiments (yes the little ones will love these), how about some lemon boats and making a vinegar volcano too! So excited to find some fun things to do with Noodlebug!


Buy your copy here!!! I'm going to get my own right now!


This is a printable downloadable emagazine – with no advertising and only $6 for 60 pages of science, creativity & cooking. It's a DOUBLE ISSUE extravaganza!