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Rock Climbing With a Toddler on Your Back: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding Me?

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:11 PST

For Menna Pritchard, rock climbing, hiking, and surfing are a way of life -and she isn't going to let a lil thing like a baby get in her way of a great adventure. The single mama is at the center of a storm of controversy since turning to Facebook to post a photo of herself rock-climbing with her daughter Ffion, 2, strapped to her back. In the image, mama Menna is wearing a helmet for protection, but lil Ffion is not. When fellow moms questioned her decision, she told the BBC:

The route I was climbing with Ffion [at Three Cliffs], there was no risk of any rock fall. I knew 100 percent it was safe. The person below me was very competent, I had a mountain climbing instructor there too and I'm pretty confident of my own competence. I was top-roping (which prevents a climber from falling down the cliff surface), which is very safe.

The babywearing advocate spends a significant amount of time blogging on her personal blog, Per Ardua Ad Alta, about her adventures, many of which include having her daughter riding on her back.

What do you think?

Source: Per Ardua Ad Alta

Are Sticks Safe Playthings For Your Pets?

PetSugar — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:12:14 PDT

Impromptu games of fetch often use sticks as bait since there's no need to bring the toy to the park . . . or tote it home again. While I've advised to always choose a large enough branch, this one looks like the splinters could be dangerous.

And, by the way, if you aren't into the wooden options, pick up one of these that never splinter instead.

Party Time! Martha Stewart Editors Share Outdoor Party Ideas For Summer

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:36:01 PDT

Move the party outdoors this Summer! Space constraints are always an issue when planning a party for tots, but when the temperatures warm up, it's the perfect opportunity to make use of the great outdoors. The June issue of Martha Stewart Living is packed with warm weather recipe and party ideas, and Marcie McGoldrick, MSL editorial director of holiday and crafts, was eager to show us how to transform them for the kiddie set.

Since summer is the perfect time for gathering outdoors – we thought it would be fitting to include a family reunion story in our June issue. A "Grand Old Time" has a lot of great ideas for kids and parents alike. These ideas are not specific to a family reunion and would be great for any outdoor kids party you may be throwing.

For some light and easy Summer dishes inspired by the June issue, visit Busy Cooks at About.com and visit Examiner.com for some fun, adult-friendly Summer cocktails!

Photos by Francesco Lagnese. Copyright © 2011, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Originally published in the June 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine.

Whatchu Lookin' At? 5 Dog Walk Distractions

PetSugar — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:27:13 PDT

Between potty stops and smell breaks, you can end up short on exercise and long on time when walking a pooch! To help us out, I've rounded up the five categories I'd consider the top distractions for dogs. Check out the slideshow to see my tips for dealing with each type. Happy trails to you!

Stroller Accessories to Roll Into Spring

LilSugar — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:32:07 PDT

The warming temperature calls for different trimmings on your favorite stroller. As families spend more time outdoors, they find their daily pushchair needs a few updates to accommodate the changing weather conditions. We've rounded up some pram accessories that will help keep tots cool and mama more comfortable as they stroll their way through Spring and into Summer.

Take Your Baby Shower to the Great Outdoors With a Rustic, Camping-Themed Party

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:31:02 PDT

Take your shower outdoors this Spring – we mean your baby shower, of course! When a mama-to-be has a thing for camping and she's got some crafty and creative friends, a beautiful, rustic shower can be thrown for the guest of honor. Jesi Haack did just that when she planned a shower for her expectant friend. Filled with thoughtful lil details (see the pinecone garland and camping-themed sandwich picks) and fun activities (the make-your-own onesie station was too cute), guests are sure to remember this party well after the lil one's arrival. Check it out!

Source: Jesi Haack Design

4 Steps For a Safe (and Fun!) Sidewalk Café Stay With Dogs

PetSugar — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:13:38 PDT

This Chow Chow looks ready to chow down or, at the very least, enjoys accompanying an owner for a coffee and snack at a sidewalk café. It's the perfect way to get some yums, and for a dog to enjoy the fresh air.A couple tips to keep in mind when heading out:

Before You Leave: Although many pet-friendly establishments offer to-go dishes for a pet's water, it can't hurt to bring along your own portable bowls. Also, make sure I've got a non-Flexi leash and a bag (if your pet's small) to be able to secure him. I like to loop the leash around the leg of my chair 'cause I know my weight will keep him down. Remember to pack some to-go treats to prevent the temptation to give your dog any inappropriate human food.
Before You Enter: Check with a hostess or server before you sit down! Just because it's outside, doesn't mean it's automatically OK. Be mindful of other diners - if it's a crowded patio, it may be better to go elsewhere.

Time to be seated! Learn what to do to help ensure a pleasant meal when you

Spring Training: 5 Routines to Start This Season

PetSugar — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PDT

Things are really heating up - the weather, that is - so use rising temps as an excuse to create a doggie athlete routine for Spring. I've come up with five activities to start a fitness plan, so find inspiration and get started now!

To the Rescue: 3 Outdoor Wintertime Activities For Pets

PetSugar — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:39:56 PST

Just because some wintertime activities are dangerous doesn't mean your pups have to sit this season out. With plenty of fun activities brought on by the white stuff, like scampering through the drifts and fetching snowballs, as long as your pets are warm enough, it's a lovely time to play. Topping my list of cold weather activities for doggies are:

Cross-country Skiing: Open fields and dog-friendly trails are a great place to explore with furry friends. Voice-trained pups can run alongside but remember to keep the jaunts short so pets don't get too chilly.

Skijoring: Intermediate or advanced level cross-country skiers can test out skijoring, where a dog helps pull a person along with a special belt.

Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing or even hiking with pets spices up their walks with new scenery - they need the bathroom breaks anyway. Be careful letting pups off leash and out of sight (since snow makes dogs lose their scent), especially if there are things they're tempted to chase nearby.

To the Rescue: 3 Dangerous Outdoor Activities For Pets

PetSugar — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:36:03 PST

Winter walks are the norm - unless your pooches use indoor potties - but remember that bitter temps require shorter trips and closer attention to his body temperature. It's actually extra risky to let a pooch off leash on snow or ice because they can lose their scent and easily become disoriented, especially during the storm itself. Check out three activities that may pose a problem.

Sledding: Most people won't take a dog on a sledding adventure - it requires solid sit-stay skills in chilly weather and it's just not fun for the animals. However, also be careful if your off-leash walks pass by a sledding area. Dogs can confuse flying sleds with something OK to chase, but the dangerous part comes from the sledder's difficulty stopping if a dog decides to run in front.

Get the rest when you