Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect

Monthly Archives: May 2025


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Monstera Deliciosa in my home & garden

I love my Monstera plants, and I love the entire pothos plant family! Just a small branch, leaf cutting can be propagated to grow into a beautiful lush new plant to enjoy for years to come! Monstera plants thrive both indoors and outdoors in Southern California, thanks to the region’s mild climate and USDA hardiness zone 10+ conditions. Indoors, monstera prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept away from intense, direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 85°F, with moderate to high humidity-conditions that can be maintained by misting the leaves or using a humidifier. Well-draining, organic-rich soil is essential, and watering should occur when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding both overwatering and drought stress. Outdoors, monstera can be grown year-round in Southern California, provided it is placed in dappled sunlight or partial shade, such as under a tree canopy or on a covered patio, to mimic its native rainforest environment and prevent sunburn. While monstera can tolerate brief dips to around 50°F, it is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors or protected during rare cold snaps. Whether grown inside or out, providing a climbing structure like a moss pole or trellis encourages healthy, upright growth and larger leaves. With these care practices, monstera can flourish as a striking tropical accent in Southern California homes and gardens.

Propagating Monstera plants is widely regarded as easy and beginner-friendly, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. The most common and straightforward methods include water propagation, soil propagation, and air layering. Water propagation is particularly favored for its simplicity and the ability to observe root development directly: simply take a cutting with at least one node, place it in a jar of water with the node submerged, and keep it in bright, indirect light-roots typically start to form within a few weeks. Soil propagation is similarly easy: plant a node-bearing cutting in moist, well-draining soil, keep it warm and well-lit, and roots will develop in a few weeks as well. Air layering is another effective method, especially for larger plants, as it allows roots to form on the stem while still attached to the parent plant before being separated and potted.  Monstera propagation is so rewarding and highly successful allowing you to expand your collection and share new baby plants with friends and family!  Aloha and I’m happy to share the joy of monsters from my home to yours! DM me if you would like a cutting to propagate yourself! kidscancompost.com


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Making Avocado toast with local ingredients!

I love making this for a quick and healthy breakfast! When I add fresh local ingredients and rustic country bread its even better! Add what ever fresh herbs you have in season from your garden making the best Avocado toast to a nutrient-dense meal that offers a variety of health benefits; The combination of whole grain bread and avocado provides a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. Avocados are also packed with dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer, which may assist with weight management. Additionally, avocado toast delivers a spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals-including potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and B vitamins-along with antioxidants that support immune function and overall wellness. Compared to traditional toast toppings like butter or jam, avocado offers a lower-carb, more satiating option without added sugars, making it a smart choice for sustained energy throughout the day.


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1st time in Cancun at Westin Lagunamar Resort

We stayed for a week at the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun for a week during Spring Break 2025.  We love the location and the view of the Caribbean ocean!  

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun is an upscale beachfront resort located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The property features 580 modern villas, each equipped with a fully furnished kitchen or kitchenette, washer and dryer, and a private balcony with ocean views, making it ideal for families and longer stays. Guests enjoy direct access to a white-sand beach, multiple infinity-edge pools with waterslides, a kids’ club, mini-golf, tennis courts, and a well-equipped fitness center. On-site dining includes several restaurants and bars, along with a market and outdoor grills for self-catering. Unlike many Cancun hotels, it is not all-inclusive, allowing guests more flexibility in dining and activities. The resort is eco-certified and caters to both families and couples seeking a relaxing, amenity-rich getaway close to La Isla Shopping Mall.

We used our Marriott Vacation club points for the week stay and it was a great value.  We enjoyed the spacious room and cooked a few simple meals in our room, like scrambled eggs and ramen noodles and sandwiches.  The bed was very comfortable and the staff was friendly and helpful.  The downside was that room service was not included since we were not there for a full week, you have to book 7 nights to have a room tidy.  There is a washer and dryer in the unit so it was easy to do a load or two for our towels and clothes.  The food and drinks at the resort was pretty good and prices were about 20 to 30% less than what we usually pay in LA and Hawaii.  Also they gave us a discount card that we used at a few restaurants within walking distance in the area.  Also it was a short walk to a supermarket and xoxo convenience store that had great prices on fruit, snacks and beer.  Most exciting was how cheap the eggs were! Only about 30 pesos which is about $1.50.  The beach was a beautiful long stretch of white sand and clear crystal blue water, so it was easy to swim and relax and go for beach walks! We would love to go back to Cancun again and explore the neighboring towns!


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Cut your own MANGO and Papaya Yummy!

I love to prepare delicious fruits for my family; Papayas and mangos are so good to eat and good for you!  Great share with my family and I will save the seeds to try to grow them! Mango and papaya are tropical fruits packed with nutrients that offer a wide range of health benefits for the heart, skin, eyes, digestive system, and immune system.

Mango Health Benefits

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Mangoes are loaded with more than 20 vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium. One cup of sliced mango provides nearly 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which supports immunity, improves iron absorption, and helps protect cells from damage.

Supports Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in mangoes help lower cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Boosts Eye and Skin Health: Mangoes are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are essential for good vision and healthy skin.

Aids Digestion: Mangoes contain digestive enzymes and fiber that promote healthy digestion and regularity.

Antioxidant Protection: Mangoes are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce cancer risk.

Weight Management: The fiber content in mangoes helps you feel full longer, supporting weight control.

Papaya Health Benefits

Nutrient Dense: Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, beta-carotene, and lycopene. One small papaya can provide more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Supports Heart Health: The antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in papaya help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Protects Vision: High beta-carotene and vitamin A content support healthy eyes and vision.

Improves Digestion: Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which aids in protein digestion, and its high fiber and water content promote regularity and gut health.

Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects: Papaya’s antioxidants, particularly lycopene, reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

Both mango and papaya are low in fat, hydrating, and versatile in recipes. Including them as part of a varied diet can help support overall health and well-being.


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Peaches coming soon! Protecting them the sustainable way using up-cycle food containers!

Watch me protect my beautiful peaches so they can ripen and be ready to harvest without using pesticides; I up cycle containers, and boxes from other fruits and vegetables, and reuse them multiple times before recycling, its a great way to be a environmentally friendly and also increase your harvest! Also, this allows my peach trees to grow without using pesticides or chemicals, healthier, and better fruit produce to eat for your body and better for the environment! #greenlove WenChia.com kidscancompost.com treesteps.com #ecofriendly #greenparenting #naturelovers #peaches #trees #fruitrees

Planting a backyard peach tree in Los Angeles offers numerous benefits. Peach trees thrive well in Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, especially low-chill varieties like Redhaven, Elberta, and Reliance, which require fewer chilling hours suitable for the region. They provide fresh, delicious, and nutritious fruit rich in vitamins A, C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting a healthy diet and immune system. Beyond fruit production, peach trees enhance the garden’s beauty with their attractive pink blossoms that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity. They are relatively easy to grow and maintain with proper watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control, making them suitable for home gardeners. Additionally, peach trees contribute positively to the environment by providing shade, shelter for wildlife, and supporting a balanced ecosystem in your backyard. Their manageable size and adaptability to well-drained soils make them ideal for urban gardens in Los Angeles, offering both aesthetic and practical rewards for home orchard enthusiasts. Having my peach tree for over 18 years, it bring me joy year after year! Very grateful for its delicious fruit, beautiful blossoms and shade and fresh air! Mahalo to this beautiful and wonderful living soul in my garden!