Calgary Nature Kindergarten Fundraiser

These works of art are the result of a beautiful collaboration between the students and their teacher Miss Emma, and would make a beautiful and meaningful addition to your home decor.

These works of art are the result of a beautiful collaboration between the students and their teacher Miss Emma, and would make a beautiful and meaningful addition to your home decor.

A gorgeous piece by this year's NK class - featuring beautiful snowflakes and chilly shades of blue. 

Four Hand Crafted Bowls, beautifully glazed in shades of blues and greens by Sage Pottery (www.evonnesmulders.com)

Hand Crafted Pottery Mugs by Sage Pottery in beautiful shades of green and blue. (www.evonnesmulders.com)

Garden Bliss Herbal Bath and Sweet Garden Herbal tea by Sage Traditions and Libre tea glass, valued at $50. This collection will make for a blissful refuge at the end of a long day. 

Beautiful basket with beeswax candles, lavender massage oil, himalayan salt candle holder, Hugo Naturals bath bombs in Sea Fennel & Passionflower and Rose Sandalwood.  GC to Hillhurst Healing Arts for a one hour massage.

Beautiful woven basket in a stunning shade of green - made in Ghana, and gorgeous Norwegian Children's book - My Father's Hands are a Boat. 

Thank you to Bluerock Gallery!

This tender and heartening Norwegian gem tells the story of an anxious young boy who climbs into his father’s arms seeking comfort on a cold sleepless night. The two step outside into the winter wonderland as the boy asks questions about the red birds in the spruce tree to be cut down the next morning, about the fox out hunting, about why his mother will never wake up again. With his warm and assuring answers, the father watches his son make sense of this strange world of ours where love and loss go hand in hand.

(review from Brain Pickings)

Samples of many Monat products as well as a full size sculpting taffy.

http://kathrynenns.mymonat.com/

Splish Splash gift basket - filled with over $100 of Rocky Mountain Soap Company goodies.

Introduction to Permaculture Book donated by Verge Permaculture

Value: $40

Written to introduce readers to Permaculture concepts and design strategies.

Topics include: energy efficient site analysis, planning and design methods, house placement, design for temperate, dry-land and tropical regions, urban Permaculture garden layouts, land access and community funding systems, chicken and pig forage systems, orchards and home wood lots, how to influence micro-climate and a large section on selected plant species with climatic tolerances, heights and uses.

Abundantly illustrated with detailed diagrams and line drawings throughout. Includes a listing of useful Permaculture plants with descriptions and uses, and a further species list in useful categories.

The book is set out as a step-by-step introduction to Permaculture with detailed instructions. Using simple language it describes the range of Permaculture for general consumption. Very little content of Mollison's other books are found within Introduction to Permaculture.

Review

"Excellent introduction to the science of Permaculture. This book has lots of ideas for you to start your own design to the permaculture world." Garden Community (www.gardencom.com)

Synopsis

The book that started it all, this revised edition of a classic weaves together philosophies of land-use, hands-on techniques of soil, agricultural, and livestock management, earth-friendly irrigation, and more, to form a very clear and inspiring picture of how sustainable agriculture not only can but must be made to work. Simple line illustrations throughout.

Introduction to Permaculture Book donated by Verge Permaculture

Value: $40

Written to introduce readers to Permaculture concepts and design strategies.

Topics include: energy efficient site analysis, planning and design methods, house placement, design for temperate, dry-land and tropical regions, urban Permaculture garden layouts, land access and community funding systems, chicken and pig forage systems, orchards and home wood lots, how to influence micro-climate and a large section on selected plant species with climatic tolerances, heights and uses.

Abundantly illustrated with detailed diagrams and line drawings throughout. Includes a listing of useful Permaculture plants with descriptions and uses, and a further species list in useful categories.

The book is set out as a step-by-step introduction to Permaculture with detailed instructions. Using simple language it describes the range of Permaculture for general consumption. Very little content of Mollison's other books are found within Introduction to Permaculture.

Review

"Excellent introduction to the science of Permaculture. This book has lots of ideas for you to start your own design to the permaculture world." Garden Community (www.gardencom.com)

Synopsis

The book that started it all, this revised edition of a classic weaves together philosophies of land-use, hands-on techniques of soil, agricultural, and livestock management, earth-friendly irrigation, and more, to form a very clear and inspiring picture of how sustainable agriculture not only can but must be made to work. Simple line illustrations throughout.

Mindful ABC Book by Tamara Hackett of Sweet Clover Studios

Mindful ABCs by Tamara Hackett of Calgary’s Sweet Clover Studios, is a beautiful way to introduce children to the words and concepts that can shape a more mindful life.

The spirit behind this book is evident, from the meaningful word choices and thoughtful, kid friendly definitions, to the delightful little animals that are featured on each spread.

Through bold typography and gentle watercolour illustrations, we are taken through the alphabet from “Appreciation” to “Zimzum”. Parents will appreciate the chance to introduce concepts like presence, gratitude, and energy, to their children and open up important conversations.

We especially loved, “M is for mindful – being mindful means listening to all your senses to learn about your mind, body, and the world around you”. This was a wonderful opportunity for our family to discuss our concepts of mindfulness and how bringing attention to ourselves and the world around us helps us to learn each day.

In the introduction, Tamara writes, “Mindful ABCs is meant to be an easy introduction to vocabulary and concepts that can support the overall well-being and awareness of feelings in a little one’s life”. As a teacher, I can see the potential for children to create their own definitions or add to this book, and as a parent I can appreciate the many ways we can refer back to this book in our day-to-day experiences.

This unique alphabet book will be a welcome addition to your picture book collection.

(review by Morgan Chapman for Dote Magazine)

Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman + sketchbook to inspire your own creativity

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you. 

Quiet night in for those busy weeks with a beeswax candle in hand crafted pottery by Sage Pottery alongside a mindfulness colouring book, for a calm moment to appreciate beauty in chaos.

Gorgeous hand knit bear cowl is the perfect way to keep your child's head warm and encourage imaginative play. 

Hand Knit Cowl in shades of Brown and Blue

Hand Knit Cowl in shades of Black and White

Hand Knit Headband- Blue

Gorgeous hand knit scarf in soft rainbow hues.

Gorgeous hand knit scarf in soft greens and blues.

Gorgeous hand knit scarf in cheery pink and black.

Gorgeous hand knit scarf in mustard yellow, with buttons to keep in cozy around your neck. 

Gorgeous hand knit toque and neckwarmer in a mossy green colour. Will fit ages 4-8.

Gorgeous hand knit wolf cowl is the perfect way to keep your child's head warm and encourage imaginative play. 

5-6 year old Snow suit by Busy Little Adelie with detachable fleece inside the jacket. This funky Belgian brand makes winter bright!

A must-have for any forest school or nature kindergarten child! Fleece suit and rain suit from Busy Little Adelie - these are such beautiful quality and perfect for fall and spring weather!

Whether on a bike, in the snow or at the beach, the original Ducksday rainsuit protects your children from bad and windy weather. Hip, convenient, high-quality and affordable: a must-have for little ones playing outdoors. Our rain suits have been awarded with an ISPO Award as best newcomer in the outdoor world. Waterproof and breathable. 5-6 year old

Lovingly crocheted by a Nature Kindergarten grandmother, this character toque will be adorable on your little one (ages 3-7).

Lovingly crocheted by a Nature Kindergarten grandmother, this character toque will be adorable on your little one (ages 3-7).

Lovingly crocheted by a Nature Kindergarten grandmother, this character toque will be adorable on your little one (ages 3-7).

Lovingly crocheted by a Nature Kindergarten grandmother, this character toque will be adorable on your little one (ages 3-7).

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES 

In this beginner's class, you will learn a series of key blacksmithing techniques and the foundations of practical skills for making decorative ironwork. We will also explore the history and background of the craft in addition to forge safety and efficient use of the tools.

Throughout the course of the day, students will develop their skill and technique to make their very own hand crafted item to take home, while enjoying the creative process. The opportunity to create, not just observe the movement of hot steel, the goal is your discovery of the satisfaction of seeing a completed, tangible and functional piece of art.

This beautifully aged checker set looks as if it has hosted decades of play. A perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the winter season, this set is a nostalgic take on this classic of pastimes and sure to offer hours of family fun. Made of hand-crafted wood, it includes 25 checkers and a pouch for convenient storage.

Gray Eagle Casino Show Package + Buffet includes:

- Two Tickets for an upcoming show (David Wilcox, Ian Fletcher, Spirit of the West, Bee Gees Tribute, Price is Right Live, Jay & Silent Bob, Tom Cochrane, Joe Satriani)

- Two Buffet Vouchers for the Buffet & Restaurant.

Local, raw, unpasteurized honey from Halo Honey.

With 4 of your closest friends, you will gather at your home and have a beer expert come (with lots of Sleeman samples) to educate and sample some of the finest beers in Canada. 

Located beyond the limits of downtown, but still close to the core, Alloy offers all the swank of a high-end downtown restaurant with its cherry blossom trees, pure white booths and large patio. Latin meets Mediterranean meets Asian cuisine in inventive dishes like the grilled Argentinean prawns and the ahi tuna ceviche. Judging by the tasty results, it'€™s obvious chefs and owners Uri Heilik and Rogelio Herrera have mastered the art of the blend.

Enjoy a beautiful meal at one of the city's finest restaurants - a hidden gem!

http://www.alloydining.com/

ELXFIT combines the benefits of resistance exercise and HIIT training into short intense 30 minute workouts. Record and track your workouts on our easy to use platform.

Stream your fitness from your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Share, engage and support within the ELXFIT community to help you stay on track. Whether you’re at home, travelling for work or simply at the gym, ELXFIT will be with you every step of the way.

_____________

Have you ever dreamed of having a personal trainer on demand to whip you into shape? Well then ELXFIT's online system is what you’ve been waiting for... at a fraction of the cost. We’ve designed ELX for the busy individual. Our program makes fitness accessible to everyone, anywhere and anytime. Our workouts are short, intense and effective.

You CAN get fit in only 30 minutes a day! ELX delivers an online fitness experience allowing you to stream your workouts from your laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Whether you’re at home, travelling or at the gym, ELXFIT will be with you every step of the way. CONVENIENCE - Enjoy short, intense and effective workouts that can be done with minimal equipment.

All you need is 30 minutes and a set of dumb bells to get started.

ACCOUNTABILTY - Stay on top of your fitness journey. Set weekly goals and track your progress in your very own lifestyle journal. Even chart your stats to visualize your results.

COMMUNITY - Connect! Share your workouts, celebrate your success and offer support on our ELXFIT community newsfeed. Even push to Facebook if you desire.

RESULTS - ELXFIT combines the benefits of resistance exercise and HIIT training to burn fat, build strength and maximize your results in 30 minutes or less.

One on one personal training certificate and Arbonne gift basket from livewell fitness

Quiet time basket - Alberta honey, beeswax candle in pottery by Sage Pottery  peppermint tea, and cream of earl gray and lavender tea.

Initial Visit + 5 follow up visits for Acupuncture with Dr. Mariko Shigemi 

at Cross Currents Clinic on Valiant Drive NW

Value: $660

Following her heart, Mariko travelled for an extended period of time after high school and then chose to study music, graduating from Grant McEwan College. She soon realized that a career in the music wasn't a solid match for her hopes, aspirations, and beliefs. In 2003 she worked in a group home for special needs adults. Her experiences there led her to conclude that while medications are sometimes necessary, some conditions and ailments might be better treated with a more natural approach. She then began her research in acupuncture, initially interested because of her Grandfather's improvements in health from many years of acupuncture treatments. Mariko graduated from the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary in 2008, and began her acupuncture practice both at home and in a clinical setting. Practicing in these two settings brought her an appreciation for the community acupuncture model, combining the benefits of healing in a congenial atmosphere and a group setting. While studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mariko felt her spirit re-awakened. She continues to study esoteric acupuncture, an approach that harmonizes and balances chakras (energy centres in the body), while addressing imbalances on many levels. Mariko is an avid reader, enjoys Kundalini Yoga, camping, gardening and walking with her Jack Russell Terrier, Bailey. Mariko is dedicated to seeking balance in her life and promoting the well-being of her clients.

Two essential oil sprays in beautiful glass bottles - Rebirth of Wonder and Down to Earth. Perfect for meditation, balance and calm. 

Nutritional Consultation or Private Yoga Session

with Tessa Greening of www.poshana.com

Poshana Yoga and Nutrition is happy to offer you Nutritional Services or a Private Yoga Session.

Nutritional Services can be one of the following programs: A Healthier You!, Kitchen Makeover, Pre-Conception Nutritional Counseling or Baby's First Foods.

(Value: $75-125)

Pre & Post Natal Nutrition / Wellbeing Support

• One hour prenatal yoga session with breathing techniques

• Prenatal Nutrition & supplement support

• Emotional support & empowerment leading up to birth

• Postnatal emotional, breastfeeding, nutrition support up to one month post partum

$400 Value

Thank you Laurinda Penner of Rooted Sprout!

Custom Holistic Nutrition Assessment

• Review of personalized health assessment form (to be completed &

returned in advance)

• 1.5 hr personalized session to review health assessment forms and

answer questions

• 1 personalized nutrition plan and lifestyle practices for a soulful

foundation

• 1 hr follow up (30 days after initial assessment) to review plan, and

answer questions

• Email support (pertaining to discussed information) between your

initial and follow up appointments

$300 Value

Thank you to Laurinda Penner of Rooted Sprout!

One hour of reflexology and cold laser light therapy with Sage Traditions.

http://www.sagetraditions.ca (located in DeWinton, 5 min south of Calgary)

Amethyst Pregnancy/Birthing Necklace by PoshanaMama

Of course, they tell us we look wonderful. We are Goddesses, beautiful and bountiful with this glorious swollen belly. And then sometimes. We feel we just don't hear that enough.

Either way, this is a precious time in life, we are responsible for the energy that we are putting into our first step as a mother and we want to feel it. We want to feel this buzz and glow that they all keep telling us that they see. With a loop of high- vibration crystals around your neck, placed with grace and care onto a waxed cotton cord, we are beginning to really feel the energy of being the Pregnant Goddess which we are told we are.

Hanging this wire or hemp wrapped adornment around our neck, any day of these 10 months and then once the birth journey begins, we feel our feet steady and root to the ground as the vibration of raw earthiness emits from the stones and our hearts expand. Such fitting sensations for this rollercoaster ride in our life as a birthing woman.

Amethyst Beautiful deep purple stone, thank you for assisting the intuition of a mama who at this phase in her life, needs gentle reminder of her inner wisdom. Touch her, let Amethsyt sit between your fingers and trace her shape. Feel your forehead sparkle. That, the sparkle and expansion you feel right there between your brows, is your intuition being activated.

The purple crystal here will offer you protection against negativity from outside influences, provide a sense of stability, so imperative as your world is rocked by a culmination of hormonal, emotional and physical alterations in your world. Allow tensions to melt as you caress Amethyst in your hands; as you approach birth-time, as you sink into the birth journey, as you nurture yourself post birth, let your fingers wander over the surface of this crystal and feel physical ailments lessen and your connection to the divine begin to heighten.

You have the knowledge within you. You can be a birthing woman and a mother without anything, but this is the crystal to help you remember that.Safety Note:*This is not a nursing necklace. It is not intended to be played with by babies.Product Details:* 1 mm adjustable black cotton cord* 5 cm X 1 - 1.5 cm amethyst crystal* white hemp

Nursing necklace by Poshana Mama.

Oh that baby. Always grabbing at your hair, giggling as she pinches, scratches with those tiny razor sharp nails, sticking fingers in your mouth! It's sweet, but you're wondering if there isn't something that could really delight this little one with the curious hands and keep your space a little less invaded as your nurse or rock her to sleep. And you can't run the risk of her breaking that special keepsake necklace that anchored you throughout pregnancy and birth. 

Aha, now you've seen it. That necklace right there!

The one made with waxed cotton for a cord and maple wood, high in antibacterial properties which won't splinter in that baby mouth which is all about chomping and chewing right now. Oh wow, yes. Those beautiful stones, devoid of the harmful heavy metals that you notice in other necklaces, with unusual textures and coolness to intrigue this learning babe.

How the warmth of the wood will resonate as a sensory change once the little one wraps fingers or gums around the jewellery and explores the shapes and structure. Do not confuse this pretty and versatile stone with the Jade that you know of. Though she is pretty, they are not relations.

Rather, She is cousin to the stone Serpentine. Just as the serpent snakes its way through the plains, New Jade assists in the rising of the Kundalini energy, that primal energy, the shakti, which is located at the base of the spine, coiled and waiting to be uncoil upwards towards your head, bring its Mother Energy with it.

When this is achieved, when Kundalini Rises, your power of intention, desire and force of energy is unleashed and a path of least resistance is made. A path of less discomfort.It sits in the hollow of your neck as we speak, and you can feel a buzz of energy snaking up from your sacrum, along your spine, towards your crown. You sense that this would be a wonderful stone to enhance your meditation, your breathing techniques, your resting consciousness.

Celebrate a special day for your child and seven of their friends. Two hours of nature crafting, storytelling, and nature connection. Hosted by Common Digs Forest School.

*date to be agreed upon. Some weeks in Jul/Aug not available. Red Deer Lake Community Hall location. Must be accompanied by two additional adults.

We hope you got to meet Kelly at the Festival. He donated his time and helped raise money for our Nature Kindergarten Program. His caricatures are amazing!!

This Gift Certificate Entitles the Bearer to (2) Hours of Complimentary Caricaturing by Kelly Shoults, at an Event of Their Choice.

* *Based on Availability - Some Date and Location Restrictions May Apply

 **[ Not Valid During the Calgary Stampede or in December ]

 If requested (-Availability Allowing-), artist may work event past the 2 hours (-at which time, Regular Event Caricature Rates Apply, tbd)

• • Gratuity Not Included

This “get in and rip” trip offers some of the best whitewater rafting in B.C. Our new Ready-Set-Gogives you 14 km of Clearwater River that definitely delivers the “Wow Factor”… Chosen by Tourism Canada to be part of their “Signature Experience Collection”. IWE is one of only two rafting companies in the entire country to make it into this prestigious group that offer tourists a ”Once In A Lifetime” opportunity. With 32 years of experience on the Clearwater River, IWE is the safe choice for you and your family. (min age 12 years old)

Value: $109

Location: Clearwater, BC 

Expires: Aug 31, 2016

 Experience a FULL DAY of heart pounding thrills as you charge through Sabertooth Canyon one of the province's largest commercially run rapids. Go "white-knuckle" over romping wave trains in the S-Bend. Be amazed by the breathtaking scenery and towering volcanic canyons of the Clearwater River in Wells Gray Park. Hike to a spectacular waterfall, complete with rainbows and explore a cave. Invigorate your senses as you walk behind the misty wall of water or even swim right through MOUL FALLS. You'll have worked up an appetite on the river, so our buffet style lunch will be enjoyed with the scenery on our riverside beach. Our qualified river guides will keep you informed of what's coming next. This trip is the perfect cure for the adventurer in you!!! Start to finish, this trip will be one of the best days of your life, GUARANTEED!!! 

Value: $169 (this experience is for one person)

Location: Clearwater, BC

Website: http://www.interiorwhitewater.com/site/location.html

Expires: Aug 31, 2016

Evolution Goaltending offers the opportunity to work with Todd Ford (formerly of NHL Washington Capitals) for TWO, one-on-one hour long goaltending sessions for competitive athletes. In 2015/16, Todd has been working closely with the Mount Royal goaltending program and the Calgary Flames Organization. Located at The East Calgary Twin Arenas, these individual focused sessions are designed to specifically develop and refine the athlete’s skills and increase.

Value: $250

You hear the telltale “woosh” from your child...

...that lets you know they’re playing with something that is “flying.” They rush around the corner and you see it’s a fighter jet, snapped together from their favorite building block toy, Click-A-Brick.

The jet lands and the “woosh” turns to a “vroom,” as they grab the tank and it rumbles off into battle. Then, after a flurry of clicking, your child unveils the ultimate creation for defending freedom and fun … the Army Defenders battle bot.

“Oooh, what’s your robot’s name?” you ask.

“Hmm,” your child scrunches up their face with concentration, their tongue ever-so-slightly peeking out of their mouth. “I dunno. What do you think its name should be?”

What looks like a simple, plastic block is the key to unlocking your child’s imagination, helping them create vivid worlds and keeping them busy for hours. So, you get to choose whether you want to sit back and watch them play, enjoy the quiet time to yourself or get right in there and build along with them.

But, as you and your child play with Click-A-Brick, beyond just sparking their imagination, they’ll be learning.

Thank you to HiJinx Toys of Canmore!

Designed in France and loved the world over, multi-award-winning Corolle Dolls make perfect playmates for pretend parents of any age. Each Corolle Doll has lifelike features, baby-soft skin, and a gentle vanilla scent to encourage hugs, enrich imaginative play and capture hearts.

Thank you to HiJinx Toys of Canmore!

GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit is Goldie's ultimate kit for the most adventurous innovator! With more than 190 pieces, GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit offers hours of fun and endless possibilities. Goldie’s Diary of Inventions offers kids a wide-eyed perspective of Goldie’s world, her friends and family, and all of her secret inventions. From budding engineers to master architects, GoldieBlox and the Builder’s Survival Kit gives inventors the freedom to choose their own difficulty level. With included prompts, kids can build simple and small or big and bold. 

Wooden blocks painted with gradient colours in a cloth bag. 

Wooden blocks etched with nature scenes in a cloth bag. 

Thank you to HiJinx toys of Canmore!

Brictek - Big Pirate Ship

The Pirates are ready to set sail on the Big Pirate Ship.

All Brictek Sets are Lego Compatible. Includes 953 Pieces, Sailors, and Complete Instruction Manual. Ages 6+

(valued at $85)

THank you to HiJinx Toys of Canmore!

Come to the rescue and save the day with the Playmobil Ambulance and Siren.

The siren and lights on this ambulance really work so your little one can get the injured cyclist to hospital in double quick time.

With 2 highly qualified paramedics on board, the stretcher is on hand to help get the injured rider in the back and make him nice and comfortable.

When it's time to race through those traffic lights, the real working siren and lights will ensure any other traffic stays out of the way.

The sliding door and removable roof makes it easy for little hands to take the action inside too, great for encouraging your little one's imagination.

Useful info:

• Playmobil Ambulance and Siren - 5541
• Working siren and lights
• Includes 2 Playmobil paramedics
• Comes with Playmobil cyclist and accessories

• Requires 1,5-V-Micro-Battery

• Age from 4 years

Thank you to Run Bikes YYC!

Strider bike in green with additional skis for winter sliding. All season fun for your little one!