Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect

Author Archives: wenchia


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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!


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Herb Gardening harvesting & making Herb gift bundles to share! Aloha Spring!

Come visit my garden and see all the wonderful herbs and flowers in bloom! Growing herbs like lavender, thyme, basil, oregano, chamomile, and calendula in your garden offers a wealth of benefits for both your health and your outdoor space. These herbs attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity and improving the productivity of your garden. Lavender and chamomile add soothing fragrances and calming properties, while also repelling certain pests. Culinary herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano not only elevate your cooking with fresh flavors but also provide vitamins, minerals, and natural remedies for common ailments. Calendula and chamomile are valued for their gentle medicinal uses and their ability to draw beneficial insects and protect garden soil from erosion and weed growth. Together, these herbs create a vibrant, low-maintenance, and multi-functional garden space that enhances your well-being and the environment.

After harvesting my herbs and flowers, this second part video shows you how I make herb bundles, and arrangements as gifts for friends and family. Easy way to bundle and keep your herbs for later use or gift giving. I also like to use jars and containters and upcycle them as vases to present the flowers beautifully! It smells wonderful, and feels great to make and give gifts from mother nature to brighten someone’s day! Feel free to come visit my garden and harvest some herbs and flowers for you! follow me on instagram @wenchia and facebook on Wenchia Parker and kids can compost!

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Trip to Isla Mujeres Spring 2025, How to take the Bus, Ferry & Chill at Playa Norte!

We took a wonderful day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.  We took a public bus to the ferry terminal and bought a round trip ticket on the Ultramar Catamaran ferry.  The ride was very easy and picturesque.  We would definitely do it again. We decided to walk to Playa Norte and the snorkel area on the North East side of the island.  Many people rented golf carts, but we enjoyed the walk and wanted to be kinder to the environment.

We had rented two lounge chairs and an umbrella for  the day to relax and have a leisurely lunch of fish tacos, shrimp tacos and margaritas. We took the ferry back at sunset and really enjoyed our day on this beautiful island.Isla Mujeres, meaning “Island of Women,” is a picturesque island located about 13 kilometers off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea25. The island stretches roughly 7 kilometers long and less than a kilometer wide, offering a blend of vibrant local culture, stunning white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters25. Historically, Isla Mujeres was sacred to the Maya, who dedicated it to the goddess Ixchel, revered for her associations with fertility and medicine; remnants of this heritage can still be seen in the ruins at the island’s southern tip126. The island’s name originates from the Spanish explorers who, upon arrival in the 16th century, found numerous statues of goddesses and named it accordingly26. Over the centuries, Isla Mujeres has evolved from a Mayan sanctuary and pirate hideout to a tranquil fishing village and, more recently, a beloved tourist destination known for its laid-back charm, colorful streets, and lively culinary scene125. Visitors flock to Playa Norte, considered one of the best beaches in the region, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling at the nearby coral reefs, exploring the underwater sculpture museum (MUSA), and swimming with whale sharks during their seasonal migration25. Despite its popularity, Isla Mujeres retains a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite for both day-trippers from Cancún and those seeking a slower-paced Caribbean escape.


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Spring time Loquat Fruit picked ripe from the Tree

I have many loquat trees in my yard. I grew up eating them as a child in Taiwan. They are delicious and they’re good for you! If I got  sick with a cough,. My mom used to give me this delicious syrup made out of local juice. All of my loquats are trees grown from an original fruiting tree at Beethoven elementary school. I’m so grateful to the wonderful plant manager there Pedro who used to help me in the school garden! We picked many fruits from that tree and brought the seeds home and planted them into new trees. My trees are between 10 to 15 years old and give our family and neighbors tons of fruit every year! Here’s a little description about loquats:

The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a medium-sized, evergreen tree native to central eastern China and widely cultivated in subtropical regions for its attractive foliage and edible fruit145. It typically grows 3–10 meters tall, with large, dark green, leathery leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in autumn or early winter124. The fruit, known as loquat or Japanese plum, ripens from early spring to early summer and is oval, round, or pear-shaped, measuring 3–5 cm in length126. Loquats have a smooth or slightly fuzzy yellow to orange skin and juicy, sweet-tart flesh that ranges from white to orange, depending on the variety16. Each fruit contains several large brown seeds. Loquats are enjoyed fresh or used in jams, pies, and juices, and are valued for their high fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidant content, offering various health benefits such as supporting eye health, digestion, and immunity345.


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Repotting Orchids, Friendship, Live, Laugh Grow Get your hands dirty! March 2025

Orchids have captivated human imagination for millennia, with their history intertwined with cultural symbolism and scientific fascination. Originating in Eurasia during the late Cretaceous period (66–100 million years ago)7, they were revered in ancient China as symbols of integrity and humility3, while Greeks associated their root structures with virility1. The Victorian era ignited “orchidmania,” driven by colonial expeditions to collect exotic species like Cattleya labiata, which became a status symbol14. Their beauty lies in intricate floral adaptations: mirror-symmetrical blooms that twist 180° during development210, diverse sizes (from millimeters to 20 cm)2, and long-lasting displays that evolve through growth cycles5. With nearly 30,000 species, orchids blend elegance and resilience, embodying both timeless allure and evolutionary ingenuity910.

I love getting orchids as gifts and love even more growing them and enjoying them year after year for their long lasting blooms and ornate delicate flowers.  Staci and Wenchia repot two lovely orchids today as symbols of our friendship and growth and happy days to come for the Year of the Snake!


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Harvesting Picking cleaning and cooking KALE!

Kale offers numerous benefits for both cultivation and consumption. Growing kale is rewarding due to its hardiness and adaptability, providing fresh, nutrient-dense greens year-round with minimal maintenance. I have my Kale growing from a container on my roof deck.  Even after a month of neglect its grown tremendously and ready to harvest.  I pick a big bunch of Kale ready to eat! When eaten, kale delivers a powerhouse of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (calcium, potassium) that support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.  Its high fiber content aids digestion and bowel regularity, while antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin protect eye health; and it tastes delicious, crispy, nutty and sweet in flavor; rich in vitamin K and calcium, it strengthens bones,, and its low calorie count makes it ideal for weight management. Additionally, kale contains cancer-protective compounds like sulforaphane and supports immune function through vitamins C and E. I walk you through how I harvest before bolting (aka flowering) and how to clean and cook or eat raw.  Enjoy Kale and Life! 

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Our Getaway to Cape Rey South Carlsbad

We did a long weekend and escaped the smoke and stress of the Los Angeles County Fires to stay 3 nights at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach; a Hilton Resort & Spa, offers a luxurious coastal retreat nestled just steps from the surf in Northern San Diego. The resort provides an ideal escape for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure, with spectacular ocean views, an award-winning Ocean Crest Spa, and a range of amenities designed to rejuvenate guests. We were enjoying poolside services, beachside relaxation with complimentary Beach Butler Service, and indulge in spa treatments at one of the top 5 hotel spas in the U.S.  Our room had breathtaking sunset views.  It’s in a convenient location near local attractions like LEGOLAND and craft breweries, and Carslbad Beach and cute beach town restaurants.  Staying at Cape Rey was a memorable, fun and tranquil getaway experience.  We also took advantage of the timeshare preview package making it an affordable getaway just under 2 hours drive from home.  Would recommend staying here.  If you don’t want to pay full price for you room and can handle doing a 90 minute timeshare presentation with Hilton vacation club, then it’s totally worth it, our stay was about $250 for the 3 nights giving us more $ to spend on good food and treats! Let us know if you like our info we shared,  and will make more videos of my travel experiences.
https://www.caperey.com/


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Safely eating & saving my guava, lemon garden fruits, after LA Palisades fire 2025

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Below is a link to a LA times article with more info:

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-01-25/la-does-wildfire-smoke-ash-toxins-affect-vegetables-gardens-soil-plants

Below is a link for more resources to volunteer, donate and support the communities in the Southern California Area.  Mahalo and thank you for your support! 

https://www.aapialliance.com/post/wildfire-recovery-resources-preparedness

https://www.youtube.com/@wenchiat

#Composting, #GardenCompost, #DIYComposting, #CompostTips, #WormComposting, #Vermicomposting, #LazyComposting, #CompostBin, #OrganicGardening, #GardeningForBeginners, #HotComposting, #SustainableGardening, #EcoFriendlyGardening, #HomeGardening, #UrbanGardening, #SoilHealth #PlantNutrition, #GardenHacks, #FallGardening, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #rooftopgarden #guava #herbs #fruitbearingplant #fruittrees #fruitrees #greenparenting #ecofriendly #gardeningtips, #rooftopplants #reducecarbonfootprint, #rooftopplants, #rooftopgarden, #passionfruit, #solarenergy, #reducecarbonfootprint, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers 


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Wenchia YouTube we makes upcycled holiday decor with Kanoa & Kiki w/ tree trimmings

Aloha back from my visit to Oahu Hawaii, and decided to do some trimming and pruning to my trees and bushes. With the bay leaf tree, lavender, calendula, rosemary, pine clippings and branches we made beautiful wreathes by tying branches with twine and ribbons we up-cyced from gifts and packaging.  See how beautiful these decorative and environmentally friendly wreathes came out! 

Pruning trees during the winter season offers several significant benefits that contribute to their overall health and vitality. Less Stress on Trees: In winter, trees are dormant, which means pruning causes minimal stress compared to the active growing season when cuts can stimulate unwanted growth that may not harden before cold weather sets in.  

Improved Visibility: With leaves absent, it’s easier to assess the tree’s structure, identify damaged or diseased branches, and make precise cuts that enhance the tree’s form and health.  Reduced Risk of Pests and Diseases: Many pests and diseases are also dormant in winter, lowering the risk of infection through pruning cuts, which is particularly crucial for susceptible species like oaks.Enhanced Aesthetics and Safety: Winter pruning helps shape trees to fit the landscape better while also removing potentially hazardous branches before storms, ensuring both beauty and safety for your property.Overall, winter is an optimal time for tree care, promoting stronger growth in the spring.

https://www.kidscancompost.com/