Earth Day 2019: Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Everywhere

by rtstephaniekanowitzApril 18, 2019

Spring has sprung in the D.C. area and everyone is in the mood to get outside. It’s perfect timing for Earth Day, an event that has been celebrated annually on April 22 since 1970. Naturally, there are tons of opportunities to honor the day, even if most of them fall on different dates. Attend a festival to learn about going green or get dirty at a local cleanup. Can’t make an Earth Day-related event this month? That’s OK! There are plenty of chances to do your part with conservation throughout the year. Here are 10 to consider.

photo: Michel Curi

Easter Monday and Earth Optimism Celebration at the National Zoo
This free event features egg hunts, food trucks and games centered on saving animal species. Hear Smithsonian conservation success stories, watch animal demonstrations, and meet scientists and conservation partners who work worldwide. Education stations include coral conservation, giant panda research, and Eyes and Ears in the Forest. Do your part to help our planet by taking the Metro or walking to the zoo if you can.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 22
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Alexandria Earth Day
The theme for this year is “Climate Change – Take Action,” and will feature an art display by students who create 3-D pieces on the topic, a student-created Trashin’ Fashion Show that repurposes materials into something new. Check out educational exhibits and hands-on activities for kiddos, too. Of course, earth-friendly opportunities aren’t limited to this one four-hour span. Check out programs at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center (5750 Sanger Ave.) such as Nature Play ($5) for children 2-5 years old or the Nature Buddies After School Program, which is open to children 5-10 during the school year for $350/month.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 27
Where: 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Online: alexandriava.gov/EarthDay

photo: Herald Post via flickr

SpringFest Fairfax
This free annual event, a partnership between the Fairfax County Park Authority and Clean Fairfax, attracts more than 5,000 people and 75 exhibitors, vendors and food trucks. Children will enjoy a Recycling Pirates puppet show, petting zoo and touch-a-truck. There will also be an environmental obstacle course and crafts, while parents can buy plants for their garden. Can’t make it to this festival? Schedule a community clean up through Clean Fairfax for any day that meets your schedule. Tell the organization where you plan to clean and it will send 30-gallon trash bags, clear bags for recyclables, safety vests and other supplies to support your effort.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 27
Where: 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly
Online: springfestfairfax.org

Earth Month at Montgomery County Parks
Why dedicate only one day to helping the environment? Choose from several opportunities to help with here. There’s the Week Warrior Workdays, held on weekends from 10 a.m.-noon, during which a trained volunteer supervisor leads warriors through identifying and removing invasive plants. Or assist with park and stream cleanups at places like Little Falls Watershed, Sligo Creek and Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park. Additionally, there are three Trail Workday projects this month – and more through June 22 – to beautify sections of the county’s 165-mile natural-surface trail network.

When: Check website
Where: Check website
Online: montgomeryparks.org

photo: wendy kanin via flickr

GreenFest at Brookside Gardens
OK, so this is technically part of Montgomery County’s Earth Month, but this event is worth highlighting. It’s a merger if GreenFest and Brookside Gardens Earth Day Festival, and it will have live performances, kids’ activities like tree climbing, a plant sale, and an electric vehicle and car show. There will also be educational workshops on topics such as fermentation and growing a vegetable garden. While you’re at the gardens, take a look at the Wings of Fancy butterfly exhibit, which reopens for its 22nd year on April 17. Get in the spirit by taking the Metro to the Glenmont stop and then hopping on the free shuttle to the event.

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 28
Where: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton
Online: onemontgomerygreen.org/index.php/calendarevent/montgomery-county-greenfest-2019/

EcoArlington Earth Day Cleanup
Remove litter from Bon Air Park and Arlington’s bike trails. Participants can bike the Arlington Loop – a 16.5-mile loop along four trails or “plog” the park. Plogging is picking up trash while jogging, so you’re doing good for your body and the environment. Come back June 2 from 1-5 p.m. for the 17th annual Green Home and Garden Tour to see homes with energy-efficient technology, solar energy, water-saving techniques, native plants and more.

When: 9 a.m.-noon, Apr. 27
Where: 850 N. Lexington, Arlington
What to bring: Bike and helmet, running shoes, reusable water bottle
Online: ecoactionarlington.org

Terrariums for Kids Presented by the Great Falls Garden Club
Not directly related to Earth Day but very much educational nonetheless, this event will give kids ages 7-11 a chance to learn about the science of creating a self-sustaining environment in a terrarium. Participants take home their projects. Registration opens April 11 at 4:30 p.m.

When: Apr. 25, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: 9830 VA-193 A, Great Falls
Online: librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4843403

—Stephanie Kanowitz

8 Easy Activities to do as a Family On Earth Day

Moms, You Are Going to Fall in Love with This Subscription Service

by Jennifer Massoni PardiniMarch 8, 2019

Crawling, walking, touching and feeling. Your home is a hot bed for your child’s curiosity to abound, but it also means that keeping your household healthy and safe is extra important once your kids are on the move. Grove Collaborative shares your mission. They’re a customizable auto-shipment service, which delivers a wide array of sustainable household and personal care essentials that are great for you and your family, your home and the planet, too. Read on to discover why this is one collaboration you definitely want to join.

New customers who spend $20 get a FREE Home Essentials Kit, a $30 value.

What Grove Collaborative Is All About
From the hand soap we use to the lip balm we wear when we kiss our babes, it takes energy to ensure everything we use is safe, natural and, ideally, reasonably priced. Grove Collaborative’s Grove Standard shares these same principles. All of Grove’s products are healthy and effective, eco-friendly and affordable.

As a parent and consumer, you can rest assured that Grove has already checked every ingredient and tested each product in order to tell you how it aligns with their Grove Values—perhaps for being Non-GMO, Paraben-free or for using responsible packaging—and exactly what they love about it (shade-grown, solar-roasted coffee, anyone?). Translation: Grove did the research for you, which means you can use that energy to spend on actual homework.

How It Works
Shop the leading natural brands like Mrs. Meyer’s, Method and Zarbee’s and discover new ones like Counter Culture, Full Circle and Earth Mama Organics, to name a few. With customizable shipments, that healthy lifestyle we all strive for is accessible and effortless. Here are a few reasons why Grove Collaborative will make your life easier:

• You control refills, frequency of delivery (the default is monthly), and adjust what you receive as you go. They’ll even send you convenient monthly reminders to restock so you never run out.

• There is no requirement to order every month and you set the frequency of product shipments. For example, designate Method Laundry Detergent to arrive every two months, but ask for Seventh Generation Baby Wipes to ship every month.

• When your home care package arrives, it contains just what you need, when you need it. No surprises here and no last-minute trips to the store.

• Everyone in the family has been thought of, including dads and pets, too!

What’s Inside Your Box
Grove Collaborative isn’t just imagining a better world for our kids, but they’re creating a reality where every product we use can actually be good for the planet. That global philosophy is distilled into our homes whenever Grove’s healthy household essentials arrive at the door, such as cleaning products for the house, bath soap for baby, biodegradable bandages for the kids, or some Nourishing Coconut Skin Superfood by the Grove Collaborative brand just for you. Whether you’re already a seasoned natural products guru or looking to learn more about sustainability, Grove is an easy and enjoyable one-stop shop.

Other Perks of Going Green with Grove Collaborative
One way Grove offsets the carbon footprint that comes with shipping is by dedicating a portion of every shipment to the Arbor Day Foundation. Their goal is an impressive one—to plant one million new trees over the next three years. Grove’s packaging also prioritizes post-consumer materials and has helped to earn Grove Collaborative its Certified B Corporation status for doing good for people, animals, communities and the planet. And, the fact that your first order ships for free is a pretty sweet perk, too.

New customers who spend $20 get a FREE Home Essentials Kit, a $30 value.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Grove Collaborative

How to Teach Your Kids to Save the Planet, One Light-Switch at a Time

By Brandon Jarman

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 5, 2019

Photo: Rawpixel

Going green is easier said than done, especially when you have kids. You do your best to install eco-friendly products and appliances, but you’re still surprised when you get an expensive monthly utility bill.

Naturally, it’s easy to blame it on your kids. You tell them to be better about their energy use, but they don’t listen. It can seem like a never-ending battle between parent and child to save energy and it’s easy to give up or feel discouraged.

Thankfully, there are tools and resources that parents can use to fix this never-ending cycle of energy waste. Here are three things you can do to help your kids become the ultimate energy conservationists.

Show Them Why Conserving Energy Matters

If you’re like me, you look for the path with the least resistance when it comes to parenting your children, often times saying “Because I said so” works. However, this may not be the best thing to say when you’re trying to instill eco-friendly habits into your son or daughter. Instead, show them why saving energy will be beneficial for them and the planet.

There are multiple ways to do this, but NASA has a great resource for both parents and children to learn about the importance of energy conservation. Talk through the following basic concepts with your child: “What is a climate? What is weather?”

After you lay the groundwork , start adding in the next layer for them: “Why is the earth getting warmer? Why should we care about the earth getting warmer? What can we do to slow down or stop climate change?”

Show Them How to Conserve Energy at Home

Now that your children (hopefully) understand the importance of saving energy, it’s time to show them how to use less of it. There are many things you can do to save energy in your home, but I would just start with the simple things.

Turning off the lights when you leave a room is probably the lowest hanging fruit when it comes to saving energy. It’s not a hard concept to teach and it’s an easy habit to develop. Conserving water is also a straightforward principle for kids to understand. Try teaching them to shut off the faucet while they are in the middle of brushing their teeth or washing their hands.

The thermostat is also a good place to show your children how to save energy. It’s tempting to crank up the heat or air conditioning when it’s hot or cold outside, but increasing or decreasing the thermostat temperature by small increments can make a big difference for your home’s internal temperature.

Some other habits you can teach your children:

Shutting all of the blinds and drapes during the summer months. Blocking the sunlight from entering your home will help keep your living space cooler.
Opening all of your blinds and drapes during sunlight hours during the winter. The natural heat from the sun can do wonders to warm your home.
Not opening the oven door while baking. Ovens lose a lot of heat if you open their doors during the baking process. It takes a significant amount of energy to reheat them.
Using desktop lamps instead of overhead lighting. Lamps use a lot less electricity than conventional overhead lightbulbs. Using energy-efficient bulbs are helpful, too.

Show Them Saving Energy Can Be Fun

It’s not fun being the thermostat or light police. But saving energy can be an enjoyable experience for your family. Try the following creative ideas that your children can participate:

Energy treasure hunt. Have your kids search the house for devices or appliances that use a lot of energy.
Family teaching night. Encourage your kids to teach the rest of the family about the importance of conservation.
Family bike rides. On your next family outing, ditch the car and ride your bikes together.
Home improvement projects. Next time you’re doing a home improvement project to save on your utility bills, have your children help! It can help them feel more involved.
Reward systems. Setting up some sort of a reward system can motivate your kids to stay consistent in their energy-saving efforts.

It will require some creativity, but there are a lot of activities you can do with your children to get them excited about using less water and electricity.

Decreasing your family’s energy consumption is no simple task—but it is achievable. Education, consistency and creativity can help your family be energy savers rather than energy wasters.

Act now to instill lifelong eco-friendly habits into your children. The Earth (and your wallet!) will thank you.

Brandon Jarman

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Brandon Jarman is a recent Brigham Young University graduate who is currently living In Salt Lake City. When he’s not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and eating delicious Mexican food. He and his wife are expecting their first baby at the end of August.

This Eco-Friendly Stroller Is Made from a Clever Upcycled Source

by Erica LoopMay 13, 2018

Are you ready to get just a little bit friendlier with your home planet? That’s right. Now there’s a new way to be eco-friendly. The Safety 1^st RIVA Travel System is a stroller made out of recycled car seats. Exclusively sold at select Walmart stores, and on Walmart.com, this is a game-changer when it comes to infant safety, convenience and going green.

Safety 1^st, part of Dorel Juvenile, is on a mission. Okay, okay, so obviously Safety 1st into safety first. But along with your kiddo’s safety, this company wants to help out the planet. The new design is the result of years of careful planning—and an effort to reduce landfill waste. Not only is the RIVA Travel System made with recycled components that include recycled Safety 1^st car seats, but it’s also made at the company’s Columbus, Indiana zero-landfill factory.

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Oh, and don’t worry about sacrificing ease-of-use, or anything else for that matter, just because this is an Earth-friendly product. The travel system includes a lightweight high-impact stroller frame (made from recycled materials), machine-washable fabrics, an American-made onBoard 35 FLX car seat for children weighing 4 to 35 pounds, a storage basket, a compact auto-lock closure that stands when folded and parent cup holders/cell phone holders.

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A post shared by Safety 1st (@safety_1st)

So if you’re wondering where old Safety 1^st car seats go, here’s one pretty awesome answer!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Walmart

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30-Minute Dinners That Are Insanely Easy

by Anna DooganSeptember 15, 2017

If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the hunt for quick dinner ideas to make busy weeknights a little bit easier. We’ve rounded up our favorite healthy 30-minute meals that are guaranteed to please everyone at your table, from a unique take on pizza to a lightning-fast stir-fry. Just scroll down for all the details.

Mini Egg Pizzas

Instead of ordering a pizza, go for this healthier version that comes together in just 15 minutes. Use naan bread or a flatbread for the crust, then top it with your favorite veggies. An egg cracked on top gives it a nice protein boost. To get the recipe, click here.

Garlicky Peanut Soba Noodles with Roasted Broccoli

With a few pantry ingredients and a bunch of broccoli, you’ll have this tasty meal on the table in no time. We love the tangy, sweet peanut sauce, and even veggie haters will be seduced by the crispy roasted broccoli. Click here to see the recipe from My Kitchen Love.

Sneaky One-Pot Mexican Pasta

This recipe from Siri Daly is a win for picky eaters—they won’t even realize they’re eating veggies, thanks to a sneaky squash puree. The dish is rounded out with ground turkey, taco seasoning and plenty of cheese. Get all the details by clicking here.

Beef Stir-Fry

It doesn’t get much easier (or more delicious) than this stir-fry from The Leaner Approach. Just be sure to prep and chop all your ingredients before you start cooking because things move fast once you start sautéing. Click here to grab the recipe.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Fish

White fish fillets cook up in no time at all, which is why we love this parmesan crusted fish from !Hola! Jalapeño for an easy weeknight dish. Pair it with steamed green beans or pasta to round out the meal. To get the recipe, click here.

Baked Ravioli

Take your pasta dinner to the next level with this recipe from Laughter and Grace. Refrigerated ravioli is paired with a meaty spaghetti sauce, then it’s all covered with cheese and baked. To grab the recipe, click here.

Thai Basil Pork

It’ll be love at first bite with this delish Thai-inspired dish by Patricia Tanumihardja. If you’re not a fan of pork, you can sub in whatever your family prefers, from ground turkey to scallops to salmon. You can also throw in frozen veggies to make it a complete meal—delish! Click here to see the recipe.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

Brighten up your dinner table with this filling salad from Cookie Monster Cooking. It’s filled with fresh corn, hearty black beans, savory queso fresco and a tangy dressing. Drooling yet? Get the recipe by clicking here.

Salmon Cakes with Lemon Green Beans

What’s not to love about these delicious salmon cakes from Momma Cuisine? They’re filled with crunchy breadcrumbs, hearty salmon and red pepper for crunch, and they cook up in less than 10 minutes. Pair them with lemony green beans for a well-rounded meal. Click here to snag the recipe.

Red Pepper & Broccoli Frittata

Keep it simple but delicious with a hearty frittata filled with veggies and cheese. The good news: if you end up with leftovers, it tastes just as great (if not better) the next day. To get the recipe, click here.

Quesadilla Pie

This quesadilla pie from Dash is comfort food at its finest: shredded chicken is layered with tortillas, chunky salsa, sour cream and cheddar cheese. To get the details on how it’s done, click here.

Chicken Pesto Pasta

pesto chicken pasta is a kid friendly pasta recipe — Leelalicious

Go green with this simple recipe from Regina at Leelalicious. With chicken, pasta and pesto, you’ve got a filling meal that you can whip up in 20 minutes, and dinner is done! Grab the recipe right here.

Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna

Lasagna in 30 minutes? Yes, it’s totally possible! This skillet version saves you time but doesn’t hold back on flavor. Our Family Eats has the recipe that’s soon to be one of your favorites. Get the full recipe here.

Pasta with Peas and Bacon

Go back to basics with a tried-and-true, kid-approved recipe. For those nights when the tots are fussing and the clock is ticking, you can’t go wrong with this 30-minute meal. To see the full recipe, click here.

Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Sauce

If you need a hearty entrée that will satisfy your crew in a hurry, look no further than this juicy pork tenderloin with a bright lemony sauce. Just add a veggie and rice, and you’re all set! You can find the recipe right here.

Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

The next time you’re craving Thai food, skip the takeout and try this easy Thai basil chicken stir-fry recipe from Chef Savvy. Add steamed rice and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dinner in 30 minutes. Click here to get the recipe.

Go-To Stir Fry

honey garlic chicken broccoli stir fry — Kari of Get Inspired Everyday

Thank goodness for stir fry! This dish not only features a good amount of broccoli, but it also has sweet and savory flavors that are better than any takeout options. Did we mention it only takes 30 minutes to make? Get the recipe from Get Inspired Everyday.

Pan-Roasted Chicken and Shallots

This chicken recipe is super simple, but fragrant shallots and rosemary make your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking away all day! This amazing dinner from The Food Network just made your weeknights a little bit easier. To make it yourself, click here.

Filet of Sole à la Meunière

Fish dinner on a busy weeknight? It can be done! Pass on the fish sticks and serve your family these sole filets with a delish brown butter sauce. Robert Rosenthal, author of Short Order Dad: One Guy’s Guide to Making Food Fun and Hassle-Free has you covered. To get his recipe, click here.

Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Tofu and mushrooms replace the meat in this quick vegetarian version of lettuce wraps. With a sweet and tangy sauce and cool, crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps come together in a snap for a fast dinner. Get the recipe from Well Plated right here.

Tuscan-Style Sausage Soup

Great news! This recipe from Prevention RD uses ingredients you probably have on hand. Plus, there’s a healthy twist: low-sodium chicken broth, whole wheat pasta, and lots of adaptability if you want to add your fave veggies. Get the recipe here.

—Anna Doogan & Susie Foresman

30 Incredibly Easy Ways to Keep Kids Busy After School

by Christal Y.October 2, 2016

School’s back in session and the witching hour—those afternoon moments when crankiness is at its peak—has cast a spell over your little ones. Time to pull out your arsenal of activities to keep kiddos busy and happy before dinner’s served. Need a few new ideas? We’ve got you covered. Read on to discover our Red Tricycle checklist of fun, filled with 30 easy, awesome ways to help little minds unwind. Print it out, pin it up, and revisit for activity inspiration.

Psst—click on the blue text in the pdf to get the tutorial! If you want to go green and save paper, opt to check off each box digitally. Remember to save the file to save your progress. Click here to download the pdf (right click and “save as” to save onto your computer).

1. Play a classic backyard game.

2. Build a nature fort in the backyard.

3. Create something cool out of cardboard.

4. Look for butterflies.

5. No paint brushes? No problem. Here are 10 art projects that don’t need bristles.

6. Go on a scavenger hunt that requires quiet time.

7. Make a puppet theater.

8. Read a book that inspires innovation.

9. Get crafty a project with five supplies or less!

10. Practice your pirate vocab.

11. Make your TP roll go the distance and use it in a project.

12. Set up an imaginary world of play and watch the afternoon fly by.

13. The homework’s gotta happen. These ideas will make it fun!

14. Make a pet rock.

15. Arrange a creative play date with friends.

16. Give their brain muscles a boost with easy memory games.

17. Make a toy car garage.

18. Let your little magicians impress you with seven easy magic tricks.

19. Spice up coloring time with a new and cool coloring book.

20. Explore the art of image projection with a DIY pinhole camera.

21. Discover easy ways to upcycle your scrap paper.

22. Run relays in the backyard.

23. Feel the force with a Star Wars-themed activity.

24. Give their green thumbs a workout with eight easy gardening ideas.

25. Share some wacky animal facts.

26. Explore science with simple outdoor experiments.

27. Have a dance party.

28. Whip up a batch of your own bubbles.

29. Try out a new subscription box.

30. Make math fun with these easy games.

Share this checklist with your friends and then tell us below your go-to activity for after school fun!

— Christal Yuen & Gabby Cullen

Earth Day Clean Up Events Around the Bay

by Molly BlakeMarch 14, 2015

Going green for Earth Day is a great excuse to get dirty! All around the Bay, families can roll up their collective sleeves to pull weeds and spruce up area trails. You might even learn a thing or two. Like the fact that this year marks the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day and every year a billion people participate in events around the globe all in the name of keeping our planet healthy. Here are a few ways you can pitch in this year.

Photo credit: Chris Martin via Flickr

Angel Island
Hop a ferry to Angel Island and spend the day cleaning up the dock, pulling weeds and even swinging an ax. The 640-acre island in the Bay boasts fabulous views and roads and trails that need some love.

When: Sat., Apr. 18, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (check-in 8:30 a.m.)

Where: Angel Island State Park. The ferry leaves at 9 a.m. from Tiburon Ferry dock, 9 Main Street. Return trips run every hour until 4:20 p.m.

Ages: All

Online: calparks.org

Photo credit: California State Parks Foundation

Stinson Beach
The devastating tsunami that rocked Japan in March 2011 sent tons of refuse into our oceans and it’s still washing up on our beaches. Help scour Ocean and Stinson Beaches for trash and debris. Meet by the entrance to the beach on the northern end of the middle parking lot at Stinson Beach.

When: Sat., April 18, 10 a.m. – noon

Where: Stinson Beach, Marin, Ca

Ages: All

Online: http://www.earthdaystinsonbeach.org/

CandleStick Point
Just one of 27 parks that are due for some spring cleaning, CandleStick Point State Rec Area will need folks to put picnic tables together, remove graffiti, pull weeds and participate in general cleanup.

When: Sat., Apr. 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (check-in 8:30 a.m.)

Where: Candlestick Point State Recreation Area; 1150 Carroll Ave., San Francisco, Ca

Ages: All

Online: calparks.org

Photo credit: California State Parks Foundation

East Bay
Restore habitats and spruce up the rivers and shoreline this Earth Day in the East Bay. Grab your refillable water bottle (less plastic), work gloves and a trash bag. Check out the

When: April 18, 8:30 am to noon

Where: 3 locations
Martin Luther King Jr., Regional Park – Damon Marsh Trail, Oakport Drive
Lake Chabot Regional Park
McLaughlin Eastshore Regional Park – Pt. Isabel

Ages: All

Online: ebparks.org

The Baylands, Palo Alto
The Baylands are a mega habitat. Home to tons of plant species, weeding out unwanted residents helps keep this precious resource healthy. Grab a sun hat and rain coat and prepare to get dirty and muddy. Register here. But do it quickly as there are limited spots available.

When: Sat., Apr. 25, 9 a.m.–noon

Where: Palo Alto Baylands

Ages: All

Online: savesfbay.org

Photo Credit: Don McCullough via creativecommons flickr

South Bay
Earth Day doesn’t have to end in April. Keep the green going with National River Clean Up Day on Saturday, May 16. Join volunteers along Santa Clara County waterways and pick up trash and debris that clog these beautiful rivers, lakes and streams. Sunscreen is a must!

When: Sat., May 16, 9 a.m.–noon

Where: various locations

Ages: all

Online: http://www.cleanacreek.org/

How are you planning on helping out this Earth Day? Tell us in the comments below!

—Molly Blake

8 Colorful Rainbow Projects

by Gabby CullenFebruary 11, 2015

There’s just something about rainbows—Kermit the Frog knew it and we do too. With a certain lucky day fast approaching, it’s time to celebrate! Instead of going green this year, it’s all about the most clever (and colorful) hiding spot of all (never could find that pot of gold!). From melting crayon art to watercolors and windcatchers, scroll down to discover cool ideas for helping those little leprechauns of yours discover a real rainbow connection.

meltingrainbows_megdeurksen_rainbowcrafts_stpatricks_national_redtricycle

photo: Meg Duerksen via Meg Duerksen

Melting Rainbows
It’s a science experiment and art class all rolled into one. Meg Duerksen and her crew tried their hand at the colorful creation and the results were awesome. With just a little hot glue (to keep the crayons on the canvas) a hair dryer and a steady hand, watch the oozing and goozing turn into amazing. Don’t want to buy a whole new box of Crayola? Downsize and use broken crayon bits instead. Find out why it’s best to leave out brown by paying a visit to Meg Duerksen.

saltrainbow_vickymessforless_rainbowcrafts_stpatricks_national_redtricycle

Photo: Mess for Less

Rainbow Watercolors
We think this black-glue-salt-rainbow from Mess for Less is so cool looking. The key is of course, the glue—once it’s dried, set your watercoloring kids free to fill in the blanks. Find out what happens next (and how to make black glue) over at Mess for Less.

3Drainbowcraft_arenablake_rainbowcraft_stpatricksday_national_redtricycle

photo: Arena Blake via The Nerd’s Wife

3D Rainbow
A 3D rainbow, so neat-o and so simple to boot! Creative mama Arena of The Nerd’s Wife provides an easy tutorial even a preschooler can master. We love how with just a swipe of the glue stick, your kids can create a colorful crescent. Got a kid who likes to mix it up? Tell them to arrange the strips of paper in their own rainbow form. Get the low-down from The Nerd’s Wife.

corkrainbow_allisonmcdonald_rainbowcrafts_stpatricksday_national_redtricycle

photo: Allison McDonald via No Time for Flashcards

Cork Painted Rainbows
This is your chance to pop the top on that Pinot Noir you’ve been saving. After all, how else will you collect enough corks for this super creative and very easy art project? We love the easy handling corks offer little artists! Simply drop paint on a tray, add a cork (or six) and let the littles have at it. Get the low-down on this adorable project over at No Time for Flashcards.

stainedglassrainbow_trishmomontimeout_rainbowcrafts_stpatricksday_national_redtricycle

photo: via Mom on Time Out

Rainbow Stained Glass
You know you keep every piece of tissue paper hoping to reuse it one day. Well your day and your art project has come! Pull out the whole supply, add wax paper, glue and let your kiddos get crazy. Your super littles can help by ripping up the paper, and older kids will enjoy creating a colorful window design. For tips and tricks from smoothing paper to hanging it right, skip on over to Mom on Time Out.

fruitlooprainbow_crystalunderwood_rainbowcrafts_stpatricks_national_redtricycle

photo: Krystal Underwood via Growing a Jeweled Rose

Fruit Loops Rainbow
Talk about an awesome project for keeping kids entertained, not to mention a fab way to clear out the remains of that sugar cereal you bought to keep the kids quiet in the grocery store. Add paper, glue, and cotton puffs. See why art master-mama Krystal suggests tracing the rainbow before adoring with sugary circles over at Growing a Jeweled Rose.

rainbowcrowns_krissybeinspired_rainbowcrafts_stpatricks_national_redtricycle

photo: via B-Inspired Mama

St. Patrick’s Day Crown
She’ll be queen of St. Patrick’s day with a pipe cleaner crown. If you’ve got straws, pipe cleaners, foam shamrocks (may we suggest the Dollar Store?) a hole punch, it won’t take much arm-twisting to get your kids to create their own headpieces. Krissy of B-Inspired Mama shares with us why it’s not just art, it’s a fine motor skill workout too!

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photo: via Crafty Morning

Rainbow Wind Catcher
A project requiring very little in the way of supplies but providing a lot of creativity time, these paper towel wind catchers designed by Michelle of Crafty Morning are almost as clever as little leprechauns. If you’ve got paint, floss, and green ribbon (Christmas leftovers!) you’ll be good to go. Check out the entire project over at Crafty Morning.

— Gabby Cullen

Trash to Treasure: Eco-Friendly Art Studios

by rtelenawfOctober 31, 2014

Green may be a secondary color, but going green is the primary thought behind creating recycled art. Grab your little environmentalist and hit up these art studios where pre-used materials that would otherwise be landfill fodder turn into amazing art and science projects. Say hello to thinking outside the box − then re-use that box to make something special!

photo credit: ReDiscover’s facebook page

ReDiscover
Teach your kiddo about the environment through found art: the ReDiscover Center recycles everyday objects discarded by businesses and gives them a new purpose as hands-on learning materials. This non-profit in Culver City is a community art center where kids can get their hands on the coolest stuff to build, craft and design. ReDiscover even joins local festivals, where they create Cardboard Playgrounds, which encourage kids to see the never-ending fun in everyday objects. The studio is open every Saturday, so it’s the perfect place to pop in with the fam. (Fine print: Parents need to be present. Each project takes about an hour and is recommended for kids age 4 and up.) Oh, and drop by Pitfire Pizza next door if all that creating has left you hungry.

When: Studio is open every Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 12958 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
Cost: $5 per project
Online: rediscovercenter.org

photo credit: Trash for Teaching

Trash for Teaching
This place is all about minimizing waste and maximizing education. Manufacturing overruns, castoffs and discards are rescued and brought here, to be re-imagined into something truly special. Your kiddos’ endless curiosity will thrive while they experiment with unlikely art materials. All the learning is hands on, and your kids will discover new ways to rethink things that others may dismiss. It’s more than just art – it’s a way to encourage critical thinking and problem solving with a unique approach.

Where: 12815 S. Western Ave,  Gardena
When: Open workshops are Sundays 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cost: No charge, but suggested donation is $5 per child. Parents need to stay with their kids while they create.
Online: trashforteaching.org

photo credit: CReaTE Studio’s facebook page

CReATE Studio
Mom Jemma Wilermuth wanted to combine her love of arts and crafts with a way to better the enviroment, so she started CReaTE Studio, where materials that would otherwise be thrown away are instead used to make imaginative art. Not only does her studio provide a platform for kid’s expression, but it can help them problem solve. By using unusual materials that might have formerly been seen as useless, they’re training their eyes to think beyond a concrete reason for any one thing. While other recycled art studios use large quantities of discarded materials from companies, CReaTE accepts donations from homes. Find inspiration for your own unique recycled art nook at home by reading the suggested “starter list” on the website. And, instead of tossing those holy socks or old shoe laces, why not start a collection of materials to then donate? Bring your kids and fire up their creativity at walk-in studio times.

Where: 31840 Village Center Rd., Westlake Village
When: Drop-in Studio hours are 11a.m.-6 p.m. Tues-Fri and noon-5 p.m. on Sat.
Cost: $7/ages 2-5; $9/ages 6-12; $11/ages 12-19; $13/adult Includes all materials and 2 hours of studio time, and there is no charge for parents who are just assisting their kids with their projects.
Online: createstudiofun.com

photo credit: Trash for Teaching

Where and how do you turn old stuff into new and amazing art? Let us in on your favorite upcycling projects in the comment section.

-Elena Wurlitzer

25 Reasons To Be Thankful You’re A Los Angeles Parent

by rtkrishannbriscoeOctober 21, 2014

The beach in November, snowcations in Mammoth, and enough food from around the globe to ensure sophisticated palates by age 3—LA is a glorious place to be a parent. Not like you need any reminding (a holiday trip home to the Midwest should take care of that), but we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what makes our home the happiest place on earth for both kids and parents.

why we're thankful to be a parent in Los Angeles photo by Flickr user Maxime Auger via Creative Commons

photo credit: Maxime Auger via Creative Commons

1. You don’t have to board a plane to allow your kids to immerse themselves in a new culture. Chinatown, Olvera Street, Little Tokyo and Little Ethiopia are just a freeway (or a few blocks) away.

2. The arts abound, with museums, theater, art studios, music classes or dance performances and lessons; there are a million and one ways here to cultivate your children’s artistic abilities and interests.

3. We live in a city where people are free to be who they are. Individuals and families of various cultures and walks of life all call this place home and each day is an opportunity to instill kindness, compassion and tolerance in our kids. From Venice to WeHo to Ktown to Downtown, just visit any nook in our city to check out the awesome diversity.

4. Whether it’s at the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame or The Grove shopping center, stars (human ones and the kind our kids wish upon) abound in this city known for star sightings.

5. We’ve got mountain tops and ocean views, sunsets and forests, gardens and the desert, cities and suburbs and just about everything in between. If it’s all about location, location, location— here in LA we’ve got it in spades.

photo credit: Chaboukie

6. Shop til you drop at hip, trendy and one-of-a-kind boutiques, second hand stores where you can score designer duds for less, and even big box stores abound where you can go bulk and stock up on all those things that always seem to disappear from the diaper bag. If you want to buy it, you can find it!

7. Even in the dead of winter families can spend the afternoon pool side. Only in LA can you find people heading to the sand for the holiday staycation. Park play-dates also happen throughout the year. Struggling in and out of snowsuits? Can’t even imagine it!

8. Here in the winter, we have sweater weather. Not parka weather, not wellington boots and thermals weather—sweater weather. Closet space is for surf boards, tennis & golf gear and sand toys, not bulky coats.

9. We don’t have to leave town to hit the theme park! Whether your kid loves the thrill of a roller-coaster at Six Flags, the chance for a dinosaur sighting at Universal Studios or they’ve got a soft spot for the mouse, you don’t have to spring for plane tix to indulge in childhood’s greatest delights.

10. People make fun of our eating habits, but we love the variety. There’s an eatery that caters to the taste buds or allergies of every member of your family. Whether you’ve got a sushi lover or a kid who will only eat mac and cheese you’re covered. Hip froyo spots and cool coffee shops are just the tip of the iceberg. Vegetarian, juice bars and gluten-free havens are on every corner. Not to mention, we’ve got our share of legendary food places.

photo credit: Clover via facebook

11. After a long week, few things are more relaxing than a nap. But a great manicure and pedicure come close. Nail shops are as numerous as palm readers in our city and many cater to the 10 and under crowd. Pamper ’em young, we say!

12. Living in LA can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. LA has loads of really cool free activities— stuff to eat and do. Whether it’s a free concert, museum or a restaurant where kids eat free, living in LA doesn’t have to break the bank.

13. Contrary to popular belief, LA peeps are not as self absorbed as some think. From donating to a local charity to dropping off food at the food bank, there are loads of ways we teach our kids to make a difference in our city—and beyond.

14. We practically invented farm to table, mostly because here the farm is never far from the table! As the fruit bowl of the nation, several farms can be found close by. On a lazy day, simply opt for a local farmers market. There’s one on every corner, every day of the week.

15. We do complain about the traffic a bit, but we don’t even have to leave the house! You can have milk and cookies delivered, order Thanksgiving dinner to go or have a cool class come to you.

16. It’s a great city to show your little girl some serious girl power. Women are political leaders (both CA Senators are women!), professors, activists, studio execs, business owners and holding their own in the rink.

photo credit: Derby Dolls

17. We’re a movie town, but we love our books! With libraries galore, indie bookstores tucked around town and specialty places for kids like Books and Cookies, not to mention the annual LA Times Festival of Books, LA loves the lit.

18. LA is leading the charge in going green. We’re all about making strides to reduce our carbon footprint and helping our kids learn how they can do the same. Recycling and upcycling may seem trendy, but here it’s also a way of life.

19. There are plenty of places to make a splash. Public pools, splash pads and water parks. Even in the drought-iest of days, you can keep it cool.

20. We still have a winter experience, just minus the freezing temps! Local malls bring out ice skating rinks and artificial (and real) snow all winter long. And you can always turn up the AC while you sip your phenomenal Hot Chocolate.

photo credit: Big Gay Ice Cream

21. While we are a rather health conscious city, we do love our sweets. Ice cream is the new cupcake, donuts (and fonuts) rule the breakfast table and we’ve never met a macaron or salted caramel treat we wouldn’t devour.

22. But back to the health conscious thing – we’re a fit city! With awesome hiking trails, exercise classes with kids and super yoga for the whole fam, we’ve got lots of ways to get and stay fit together.

23. To drive or not to drive, that is the question. No, really! We’ve got options. There’s actually an extensive and growing subway, trains and bus system in the city. And with more bike lanes and bike laws all the time, we’re becoming a pedal friendly place, too.

24. Not only are there tons of opportunities for kids to participate in athletics, but there are many opportunities for them to watch them. The Derby Dolls, Dodgers & Angles, Clippers & Lakers, Sparks, Kings & Ducks, the Galaxy and USC & UCLA all call this city home. Who needs football?

25. Our city is filled with a rich history, and each day every family living here gets a chance to add to LA’s story.

What’s your story? What makes you thankful to be an LA Parent?

-Krishann Briscoe

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