Dear Santa...... Bike #1

Dear Santa,

Since our family is a family of upCYCLISTS, could you please add this to our holiday list?  It is from a Dutch company called Babboe.  This is the "city" edition.

We would also welcome the "cargo" edition below.  It looks like Lil O could bring a friend - or two.  or three with the cargo model, yes?

Mr. UpCyclist and I could stock the bikes with a cute, brown haired kid (we don't have any blonde ones around here), one furry puppy - who is going to try to jump out - and all our favorite gear (like rock climbing, river walking, snacks or crafting supplies.  Ha!).

Big thanks, Santa.

I have a few more bikes I want to request in the coming days......I hope I am not being too forward.

xoxo,

Jen

PS - Thanks, Sue.  I fell in love with Babboe while visiting your Pinterest boards.  Yay!

Teaching Videos {for Tech Tuesday}

Today I hope to give and get.  I will share with you one of my favorite videos that I like to use in some of my classes (and recently, used this video in a public speaking engagement).  And you will share with me a useful 30-60 second video that could be used similarly, OK?

Give and get. That's our deal today.

Here is my "give"......

What do you think?  Are you ready to share your favorite video?  Of course you are!  Just leave the URL in the comment section below or email your video link to me at jen at upcyclededucation.com.

You're the best!

Jen

My Favorite Family Sport

In efforts to balance work + play (and sanity), today's post is play related.  Yay!

Last year, this was our holiday blog collage.  I altered it to reflect this very important thought for today.

Skiing is my favorite family sport.

It is a sport kids pick up rather quickly when they are taught early how to ski.  It is a sport the whole family can enjoy together even with young kids (probably because most kids, like Lil O, are fearless on their skis).  And by the way, I swear Lil O is significantly faster than me on her skis (and Mr. UpCyclist, sorry babe to rat you out publicly).  When we race Nastar, she consistently earns gold and platinum medals.  Me?  Bronze.  And Mr. UpCyclist?  Hey, our entire family can't be medalists.  Mr. U has other great sports moments....like in mountain biking.

Back to skiing.....it is a sport that you can literally enjoy your entire life.  Have you seen how many 80+ older people ski and rip at it?

Thus, I'm planted a seed today - albeit, an expensive seed - teach your kids to ski early, got it?

You'll thank me when you are 80 years old and can still keep up with them on your skis.

xoxo,

Jen

PS - Mr. U and I snowboard, too.  From teaching snowboarding in my 20s, I am pretty certain you can pick up snowboarding at most any age.  Skiing, on the other hand, is best learned young.  Oh, and don't forgot about our lovely ski condo rental.  It would be fun to have cool blog readers rent it.  See you on the slopes!

Scholastic Books Warehouse Sale

It is that time again.  Rock bottom prices at the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale.  Click here to find a warehouse sale near you.  If you are in my area, the sale begins this week.   Last year, Lil O and I went and scored so many books for so few dollars.  You do not have to be a teacher or librarian to attend.  Anyone can go and shop.

Have fun!

Jen

Learn to Type {for Tech Tuesday}

Lil O has been asking to have her own blog.  Sure, you can blog.  You just need to know how to type.  Thus, I found a free, online typing program called Typing Web that will track her progress, teach her the home row keys (plus all the other zillion keys, letters, numbers, punctuation and symbols), and she can do it at her leisure.  No pressure, Lil O.  Just jump on the computer when you want to practice.

I also created a worksheet for her to track her typing lessons.  You, sweet blog reader, will have to wait and see that nifty worksheet in 2013.  That's when a new website for kids rolls out called Cwist - Challenge with a Twist!  Nifty name, no?  The worksheet and three typing Cwists will live on that website.

Until then....type on.....

Jen