[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it.
An Urban Outdoor Adventure Guest Post for Rain or Shine Mamma
I must admit that I am a bit envious of my fellow nature lovers and outdoorsy families who live next to pristine nature preserves on the outskirts of breathtaking national parks, but alas, that is not the geographical landscape we live in here in Los Angeles. We live smack dab in the middle of a sprawling urban city and so, we must be creative and determined in our hunt for outdoor adventure. Here is a guest post I wrote for Linda at Rain or Shine Mamma, which details seven of our family’s most favorite outdoor urban activities, designed to you get you and your kids outside and into nature!
Adventures in Urban Hiking
Hiking in an urban setting can mean something as simple as stepping foot outside your door and making the decision to turn left or right. You’d be surprised how much there is to discover and learn with your children, just by making a trip around the block. Gather items like rocks, seed pods, berries and leaves to use as tools for teaching how varied leaf textures can be or to open a discussion on the difference between metamorphic and sedentary rock formations.
Urban hiking is a great way to start if you’re a novice because it’s easy. Let’s face it, you’re never too far from a restaurant or a store, so no need to buy a grappling hook or expensive high tech hiking boots. Just pack a light lunch, some water and use it as a way to take in the sights, study the surrounding architecture and reflect on the distinctions of the enveloping sounds. Better yet, on a nice warm evening, adventure out on a nighttime walk and allow your child to examine how differently the world seems when the sun goes down.
[Food Series] Roasted Balsamic Beets with Goat Cheese
I know, beets aren’t for everyone. Most people I know either love them or hate them. Luckily, for my family, we all fall in to the LOVE them category! In the last few weeks, we’ve received a ton of fresh beets in our CSA delivery and I’ve been experimenting and re-imagining some of my favorite recipes. This one is so incredibly easy and delicious, it’s almost a crime! Enjoy!
Ingredients
3 lbs Golden and Red Beets
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
2 ounces Goat Cheese
To roast the beets, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Remove beet tops (the stalks and greens) and wrap the beets in aluminum foil. Place the beets in the oven for about an hour, making sure rotate them every 20 minutes. If they are really large beets, they might need more roasting time. I generally do the ‘squeeze’ test. If you squeeze them (with an oven mitt!) and they depress, they are ready! When the beets are done, take them out and set them on the counter and allow them to cool. When the beets are cooled, easily remove the skin with your hands or by gently rubbing them with a paper towel. Slice the beets a 1/4 inch in thickness, sprinkle a few dollops of goat cheese on top and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Enjoy!
Mommy Hiker 