Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect


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!


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/


Succulent Gardening and Making Holiday Gifts to Share and up-cycle your containers

Gardening with succulents in Southern California is not only visually stunning but also remarkably easy, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor planters. These resilient plants thrive in the region’s warm climate, requiring minimal maintenance while adding vibrant colors and unique textures to any garden. Propagation is particularly simple; gardeners can easily multiply their succulent collection by using cuttings or leaves. By following straightforward steps, direct planting them in well-draining soil, one can watch new roots develop and transform into beautiful new plants. This process is not only cost-effective but also rewarding, as it allows enthusiasts to create lush arrangements that reflect their personal style and creativity. Have fun collecting succulents creating beautiful arrangements you can use as gifts for friends and family this holiday season!  Also you can repurpose and upcycle pots, cups, bowls and all sorts of containers including coconut shells! Check out my video and have fun gardening!
https://youtu.be/_h-uurqJBUw?si=_GVS6yv3arBbv2TT