The New Dream Blog
In our blog, we feature stories, tips, and commentary from contributors around the world on topics ranging from
consumerism and parenting to how to live a fuller life with less. Enjoy!
Interested in contributing a guest post? Please review our submission guidelines.
Give What Matters—Your Loved Ones Will Appreciate It
by Edna Rienzi | September 2, 2015
Read an excerpt from Rachel Macy Stafford's (also know as the Hands Free Mama) beautifully written new book, and learn how her daughter Natalie taught her to let go of societal expectations and her perfectionist tendencies and give the gifts that really matter in life.
Kicking the Bottled Water Habit: How I Started My Own Water Bottle Company
by Colton Weaver | August 12, 2015
A college senior shares his story of venturing into the unknown realm of entrepreneurship and product design to create a water bottle like no other.
Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids
by Margaret Swink | August 12, 2015
Mindfulness facilitator and mom Laurie Cousins shares some tips for New Dreamers on how to be more mindful.
Meet the 2015 Neighborhood Challenge Winners
by Margaret Swink | August 4, 2015
Learn more about our Challenge winners, five outstanding community groups that are working to make the New Dream a reality.
From Workaholic to Social Activist: A New Dream Story
by Tabita Green | July 23, 2015
Tabita Green didn’t plan to become a workaholic. It just kind of happened. But when her daughter became ill, she knew something had to change.
Living the Dream: The Fowlds – Living Large with Less
by Edna Rienzi | July 14, 2015
After a neighbor’s oak tree fell on their custom-built dream house, Sean and Linda Fowlds decided to try out a more mobile lifestyle.
"One More Generation" Working to Stem Plastic Pollution
by Anna Awimbo | June 10, 2015
An organization started by two Georgia siblings is fighting to save endangered species and clean up the environment.
Reflections on a Resilient Family Road Trip
by April Roggio | June 10, 2015
We have returned! In total, we traveled through 23 states in about 34 days, in search of rural resilience, working landscapes, and grand adventures.
Introduction to the SoKind Celebration Series
by Edna Rienzi | June 1, 2015
Welcome to the first installment of the SoKind Celebration Guide, which we will bring to you as a weekly blog series. This series is designed to serve as a resource for you regardless of whether you’re planning a wedding, a baby shower, a birthday party, a holiday celebration, a graduation picnic, or a backyard barbecue. Although we have focused on weddings, baby showers, and birthday parties throughout the series, most of the ideas and tips can be easily adapted for any type of celebration.
Real Celebration: Guinevere's Potluck Baby Shower and Mother Blessing
by Edna Rienzi | May 19, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Guinevere's friends and family came together for a potluck baby shower and mother blessing where the main event was the sharing of heartfelt blessings and advice.
Shipping Container Homes: An Easier Way of Life?
by Taraneh Arhamsadr | April 27, 2015
Learn more about what's driving the latest "tiny" home craze.
Determined to Thrive: A Family Pilgrimage
by April Roggio | April 26, 2015
What happens when you stuff 6 kids into a 1976 Travco RV & make plans for a cross-country voyage to discover America? This family will soon find out.
Greener Grads: Changing the Way We Approach Graduation
by Seth Yon | April 26, 2015
Greener Grads is offering the tools to change our traditions into less wasteful and more responsible celebrations.
Dishing the Love, Potluck Style
by Holly Minch | April 15, 2015
In this post, Holly Minch describes her experience as a wedding guest at a potluck wedding and her new-found appreciation for this catering option as an opportunity for friends and family to actively participate in the celebration. Read on for more details about this "extended family dinner" wedding as well as for practical tips on pulling off a potluck wedding with ease.
Danielle and Michael’s Baby Boy’s Brit Milah
by Edna Rienzi | April 1, 2015
In the Real Celebrations series, SoKind asks registry users to share a bit about their celebrations. Read about how Danielle and Michael encouraged their friends and family to provide them with the gifts they really needed and wanted for their baby boy, Avi.