ML Interest Tag: greenhouse

IKEA Veggie Hot Dogs Are Finally Available Across the U.S.

by Erica Loop

There are many things IKEA is known for: DIY furniture, nearly unpronounceable product names and of course, those delicious Swedish meatballs and uber cheap $1 hot dogs. But what if you’re a vegetarian or your kiddo just can’t stand meat? Well now you’re in luck, because IKEA veggie hot dogs are finally here!

The IKEA Bistro now features a totally vegetarian hot dog. So what’s in these not-so-meaty dogs? Even though they may look sort of like the real deal, IKEA’s veggie take on the classic includes red lentils, kale, ginger and carrots. Yum!

Not only are these dogs good for you, they’re also good for the environment. And if you’re wondering what a hot dog has to do with the environment, IKEA notes that its sustainable veggie dogs have a greenhouse gas emission that’s seven times less than a regular ol’ hot dog. Now that’s some food for thought.

According to Micheal La Cour, Managing Director at IKEA Food Services AB, “We are facing many challenges in the food production industry today and one of those challenges is that we need to be more sustainable. With the global reach that we have at IKEA we believe that we have a responsibility and a great opportunity to serve food that is good for the planet.” La Cour adds, “But of course there is no point in creating a more sustainable food options if it is not delicious and that is why we are extremely proud of the new veggie hotdog.”

If you’re into veggie dogs, you may also want to check out IKEA’s Veggie Balls. They look just like their famed Swedish meatballs counterparts, but instead of meat, these treats are all carrots, chickpeas, bell peppers, kale and corn. Now that sound delish.

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

 

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Social Butterfly: Where to Hang Out with Monarchs, Swallowtails and More!

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Being swarmed by butterflies is nothing short of magical. Add a little “abracadabra” to your day at these exhibits and events, where you can walk among as many as millions (yes, millions!) of fluttering insects.

Photo: courtesy of Flickr

Wings of Fancy
Kids will be captivated by the array of color exhibited at this live butterfly and caterpillar exhibit which showcases species from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia. Not only can you explore the lifecycle of a butterfly at these public gardens, you’ll also get tips on what to grow to create your own butterfly paradise. Housed inside a greenhouse, the exhibit can run ten degrees hotter than outdoor temps, making conditions near perfect in the early fall.

When: Open daily 10 am-4 pm through October 25
Cost: $8/ages 13 and up; $5/ages 3-12; Free/ages 2 and under
1800 Glenallan Ave. (Silver Spring, Md)
Online: montgomeryparks.org

The Great Migration
Even butterflies make rest stops; along the Monarch’s great 3,000 mile journey to Mexico the insects gather in the millions at the southern most point of the Delmarva Peninsula. The butterflies’ visit coincides with the songbirds’ and is celebrated with the annual Eastern Shore of Virginia Birding and Wildlife Festival.

When: Monarchs can be observed from early September thru late October;  The Birding and Wildlife Festival runs from October 8-11
Cape Charles, Va
Online: esbirdingfestival.com

Citified Butterflies
You don’t have to leave the city to immerse yourself in a fluttering rainbow: on the Smithsonian grounds there is both an indoor and outdoor attraction. On the Ninth Street side of the National Museum of Natural History is a butterfly garden featuring four distinct habitats. Inside the museum is the Butterfly Pavilion, an encapsulated oasis housing tropical butterflies. Visitors can walk through this miniature landscape for a fee; the exhibit is free on Tuesdays (but a timed-entry ticket is required).

When: Open daily from 10:15 am to 5 pm
Cost: $6/adults; $5/ages 2-12; Free/ages 2 and under
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. and Constitution Ave.
Online: butterflies.si.edu

—Meghan Meyers

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Bust Out the Cameras & Make Your Own Photo Calendar

by Christal Y.

Take this monthly photo challenge  that’ll get your creative juices flowing when it comes to capturing family memories. From small reminders to take photos of classic moments like catching a snowflake on your tongue to laugh-out-loud snapshots like posing your little in pop’s suit, these ideas will leave you with 12 awesome memories for next year’s calendar.

JANUARY
Burr, it’s a new year. Capture a fleeting moment of a snowflake on your tongue OR start your kid’s growth chart and see what “new heights” the year will bring.

photo: danhooker via flickr

FEBRUARY
Love is all around! See if you can spot a something natural and heart-shaped and snap a photo OR take a picture of your little one helping out with baking. Bonus point if you’re baking sugar hearts!

photo: Steve Corey via flickr

MARCH
With the weather a little warmer, venture outdoors and find a special mural in your city for a cool family photo background OR head to a greenhouse and take an early spring photo with the flowers.

photo: TK Photography

APRIL
Take advantage of April showers and get your puddle splashing photo in OR get that classic Easter Bunny photo (bunny ears, with a real bunny or a character) for future family cards.

photo: Barney Moss via flickr

MAY
It wouldn’t be May without a mom-themed photo session or flowers. Pose for the camera with everyone making the same face as mom OR have everyone in the family get some I LOVE MOM tattoos and take a picture for the memories.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via flickr

JUNE
Two great things happen in June: School’s Out and Father’s Day! Snap a photo of your happy-go-lucky scholars jumping front of their school OR dress the younger kiddos up in Dad’s hat and coat.

 

JULY
Summer is officially in session! Get your family cooling off in style with an artsy snapshot of your feet dipped in water OR dress your kid in red, then in white, then in blue to make a photo collage. If you have more than one, adjust accordingly.

https://instagram.com/p/5ae9DBF_cL/?taken-by=redtricycle

AUGUST
There’s no other time to spread out a checkered blanket than August. Bask in the sun and take a family picnic photo OR get photo evidence of your little fashionistas rocking their celebrity-status in a pair of sunglasses.

photo: Aikawa Ke via flickr

SEPTEMBER
Now that the kids are jetting back to school, don’t forget to take photographic memories! Have their teacher snap a photo of you and your mini-me at school OR if you can’t head inside, take a photo of your little academics running onto the school yard.

photo: kimberly via flickr

OCTOBER
Pumpkins are all the rage. Photos of your family at the pumpkin patch are a no-brainer, so let’s get a little more creative! Take a picture of your family wearing all orange OR your precious inside a pumpkin.

photo: The Parasite via flickr

NOVEMBER
How often do you forget to take a picture before digging into that delicious Thanksgiving meal? This is your soft reminder to take a picture before your family digs in OR lay in a pile of autumn leaves and make a “leaf” angel.

photo: Russ via flickr

DECEMBER
It wouldn’t be December without a family photo for those holiday cards. Go the classic route or find the prettiest house in your neighborhood and pose there.

photo: Donald Windley via flickr

Then whip this whole list into a calendar for 2016 and you’ve got an awesome gift! 

Got any ideas for a photo theme? Share them in the Comments below!

— Christal Yuen

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Your Guide to Downtown San Francisco’s Secret (Public!) Gardens

by Yannina Pacis

Spending the day shopping downtown with a squirrelly toddler in tow? Before you let them loose in Bloomingdales to burn off some steam (they break, you buy!), check out our list of SF’s best POPOS, or privately owned public spaces. What downtown lacks in playgrounds, it makes up for in beautiful, landscaped and often art-filled atriums, roof decks and secret gardens—all completely open and free to the in-the-know public. A savior for families (as well as sun-starved office workers), these spots have been a development requirement since the passage of the 1985 Downtown Plan. Open mostly Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., these hidden gems are the perfect addition to any downtown field trip.

Photo via Sandy T.

Sansome Rooftop Deck
With breathtaking views of both the Transamerica Pyramid and the Bay, this is a picturesque urban retreat for the whole family. No need to check-in with lobby security—simply take the elevator to the 15th Floor to soak in the downtown views with your littles. Plan ahead and pack a lunch or snack, and grab one of the tables to enjoy the scenery.  Teach the kiddos about telling time in the era before the iWatch by explaining the colorful sundial smack in the middle of the space.

343 Sansome St.
San Francisco, Ca
Open Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of SPUR

Greenhouse
Enjoy this modern, indoor, five-story greenhouse at the corner of 2nd and Mission Streets in SOMA.  With floor to ceiling windows and open atrium-style layout, this makes for a balmy respite from San Francisco’s wind and fog. Order your favorite eats at one of the neighboring restaurants and cafes or pack your kiddo’s favorite snack and snag one of the designer tables and lounge with your little urbanite.

101 2nd St.
San Francisco, Ca
Open Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Photo via John H.

Crocker Galleria Rooftop Terrace
Trek to the two—yes TWO!—rooftop gardens at Crocker Galleria. The first sun terrace can be reached via the elevator at the corner of the historic bank at Montgomery and Post streets, and offers offer ledges and benches for ample outdoor seating. The second terrace—a truly urban, quiet oasis—also features plenty of benches to take in the San Francisco air. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants within Crocker Galleria below, pack your favorite fare, but think picnic-friendly bites, as there are no tables, only seating available. Nonetheless, if you happen to be in the area and want an alternative downtown spot to hang with your little shadow, this is the spot to go.

Good to Know: Every Thursday from 11am-3pm is the popular Farmer’s Market on Crocker Galleria’s Level 1, so indulge in some farm fresh eats and head upstairs to the rooftop!

50 Post St.
San Francisco, Ca
Open Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Photo via Kevin A. 

Empire Park
If you are near Chinatown and you and your little adventurer want to duck away for a moment, Empire Park is an ideal pit stop.  With a picturesque trellis framing the space, this is a nook you don’t want to overlook. There’s also tables and chairs scattered throughout, making it an enviable spot to unwind.

Kearny & Commercial St.
San Francisco, Ca
Open daily during daylight hours

Photo: Courtesy of author

View and Sun Terrace
For a truly beautiful view of downtown San Francisco, make your way to the gorgeous 11th-floor open-air terrace at 1 Kearny Street, near Union Square. Be prepared to sign in with lobby security, show ID, and listen to all the rules that must be adhered, but once you and your little ones are whisked away to this top floor hidden gem, it’ll all be worth it. This is a small space, with only a few benches—no tables—and shrubbery, but the view is absolutely breathtaking, especially with the top of the original French Empire style building acting as the background.

1 Kearny St.
San Francisco, Ca
Open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Citylab

Garden Terrace
Escape to this secret garden to experience a little slice of heaven in the city. Only six stories up, you and your family can partake in spectacular city views and get away from the usual hustle and bustle of FiDi. Check in with lobby security, then head to the second set of elevators and get off the 6th floor. Sculptured trees and an array of flowers adorn the space, and there’s tables and chairs where you and the kiddies can relax and get some fresh air. On a sunny Spring day, this is a great spot for you and your tiny tike to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

150 California St.
San Francisco, Ca
Open Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Photo via Tim B

Sun Terrace
Nestled between Ecker Place and 1st Street in Financial District, you’ll come across this rooftop oasis.  Enter through the staircase between the next-door parking garage and the building itself, then trek to the 2nd floor to enter this serene city getaway.  You’ll still hear all the sounds of city living – cars honking, ambulance blaring – but because it’s down below it feels miles away.  Enjoy the water sculpture, manicured greens, and ample tables and chairs, while your kiddie appreciates the wide open space to frolic, play, and stretch their little legs.

515 Mission Street
San Francisco, 94105
Open

This list is just a taste of the 68 (!!) Popos peppered around downtown San Francisco. For the complete list, check out SPUR’s comprehensive guide right here.

Have you visited one of San Francisco’s Popos? Do you have a favorite? 

—Yannina Pacis

 

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Where the Wild Things Are: 7 Spots for Animal Encounters

by laura house

When it comes to the native breed of city animals, you probably spend more time making sure your kids avoid creatures rather than cuddle them. Honey, that’s not a mouse….pigeons are NOT pets….don’t even think of touching that, err, water bug. However, it is possible to introduce your little animal lovers to friendlier (and much cuter) fauna at area zoos and farms.

The Art Farm in the City
Kids can cuddle bunnies and guinea pigs or pet chinchillas and turtles (and the occasional pig or sheep) at this Upper East Side indoor, eco-friendly petting zoo and activity space. There’s even a Part-Time Pet program where kids can “own” a pet—like a bearded dragon, dove or bunny––that lives safely at the farm. Through classes summer camp, open playtime and birthday parties, the Art Farm aspires to teach kids of all ages about “responsibility through caring, loving and being in the company of animals.” Sign us up!

Prospect Park Zoo
This zoo, tucked into Prospect Park appears to have been designed to kid scale. There is just enough for a morning or afternoon outing, but not too much to overwhelm curious animal lovers. Walk the Discovery Trail where tufted deer, prairie dogs and river otters dwell in marshes and scrubland. In the barnyard, milk a model cow (mid-May thru mid-October) and offer snacks to friendly sheep, goats and alpaca.

Queens Zoo
Wooded trails and an impressive aviary are just some of the draws to the Queens Zoo nestled in Flushing Meadows Park. The farm area—where Flemish giant rabbits hop in a pasture and llamas, goat and sheep wait to be fed by tiny hands ––is where all the hands-on action happens. And, like the other three city zoos, kids are drawn to the sea lion pool for daily feedings and training demos.

Queens County Farm Museum
This tranquil swath of land, which totals a whopping 47 acres (your kiddos may be just as impressed with the expansive outdoor space as with the animals themselves), offers a whole lotta country smack dab in the city. Wander orchards, a greenhouse, herb garden, vineyards and farm buildings on the city’s only working historical farm. While petting zoos are only set-up during special events, kids can purchase feed in the gift shop for resident cows, sheep and goats to nuzzle right out of their hands. The farm is open daily from 10:00am-5:00pm, but check the website for tour times and special seasonal events, like the Amazing Maize Maze in fall.

New York Aquarium
Coney Island isn’t just all freak shows and rickety roller coasters; it’s also a sanctuary for more than 300 marine species. Just off the boardwalk is a whole underwater world where jellyfish, penguins and sharks live. Kids can hold sea stars floating in the Touch Pool and watch live sea lion antics at the Aquatheater.

Bronx Zoo
Lions and tigers and grizzly bears and elephants and…oh my! The largest of the city’s four zoos has all the animals you’d expect from a top rated animal habitat. While most animals are off-limits for little (or any size) hands, kids can flutter with butterflies in the Butterfly Garden meadow and greenhouse and play farmer by feeding llamas, sheep and goats in the Children’s Zoo barn area.

Central Park Zoo
Just steps away from ritzy 5th Avenue is a mini-zoo that includes the very sweet Tisch Children’s Zoo, a little gem in the heart of Manhattan. Kids can hang around the duck pond, get their grain filled paws licked by potbellied pigs and alpacas, and stand nose-to-beak with peacocks and guinea fowl at the bird feeding station.

What are your favorite spots for animal encounters?

— Laura House

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Whole Earth Montessori School

by writerredtri

In finding a pre-school for her toddler, Dianna Galante sought a program that would teach the three R’s. Not reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic, but: respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment. She found those qualities in the Montessori method of teaching, and got so hooked, she started Whole Earth Montessori School in 1986.

Flash forward 23 years later and the Bothell-based school is a thriving community built upon the core philosophies Galante wanted for her son. The bucolic 2.5 acre campus — which has a creek, wildlife reserve, greenhouse and a recently-constructed building that’s powered by solar and geo-thermal energy —  is the perfect setting for students to develop an awareness for the environment.  Whether its growing vegetables or caring for the stream or monitoring the green building’s energy conservation, the children “see how things are connected and learn to appreciate nature,” says Galante. “That prompts them to care for it and perhaps live the rest of their lives that way.”

The school’s 100 students range from age 3 to 12 in five multi-age classrooms. Students do individualized learning and participate in a curriculum that emphasizes appreciation for the larger world around them.

Galante is proud of what she’s built. And she points to the front office for the ultimate testament to the school’s success. That’s where you’ll find Whole Earth Director Joe Galante, the toddler son who inspired his mom’s Montessori vision.

Whole Earth Montessori
2930 – 228th Street SE
Bothell, WA 98021
425-486-3037
wemschool.org

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