EARLY SUMMER 2014
C O M P L I M E N TA R Y
A S E L F -WAT E R I N G
CON TA IN E R GS H OAR TRG RDO W IEN GNS E AF OS ORNA ( PAG E 1 2)
H O M E S C H O O L I N G • S K AT E B O A R D I N G F O R PA R E N T S • PA R T Y I D E A S • L U N C H B O X M E A L P L A N S • U P C YC L I N G
Expand your play room. “
We’re Driven
Family Owned Dealership Since 1972
307-733-6600 • Jackson, WY 1020 W. Broadway & 405 Powderhorn Lane tetonmotorssubaru.com
By Our Customers”
26
16
F E AT U R E S 20 ALTERNATIVE ED
HOMESCHOOLING, UNSCHOOLING, AND ONLINE ACADEMIES By Dondi Tondro-Smith
26 GRAND GALAS
FOUR PARTIES THAT ROCK By Leslie-Ann Sheppard
DEPART MENT S
4 8
FROM THE EDITOR
MOUNTAIN STYLE On-The-Go Travel Gadgets The Mountain Lifestyle Act Local
12
IN THE GARDEN
TUPPERWARE CITY: A SELF-WATERING CONTAINER GARDEN By Liz Hottenstein
16
ASK THE EXPERT
GO SKATEBOARDING ... IT’S NOT JUST FOR KIDS By Christina Shepherd McGuire
32
MAMASPHERE LUNCHBOX BLISS (MEAL PLANS FOR THE HARRIED HOUSEHOLD) By Andrea Swedberg
36 CABIN FEVER
32 2 Teton Family Magazine
SIMPLE REINVENTIONS By Christina Shepherd McGuire
40 MANDATORY RECESS
THE SUPERLATIVE By Christina Shepherd McGuire
Planning for your perfect day? Women & Infants Center
• Spa-like amenities • Family-centered care • Your birth plan is our birth plan • Outstanding classes in childbirth preparation and newborn care • Walk-in clinic for any concerns during your doctor’s off-hours • Perinatology services for high-risk pregnancies • High-tech Level IIIb NICU with capabilities for the tiniest preemies
It’s all in the details.
Where you go when it matters.
3100 Channing Way • Idaho Falls eirmc.com/baby
FROM T H E EDIT OR
L
ately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be an individual. As a collective, I feel like we define ourselves by our community, our jobs, our family ... It’s as if being part of a group warrants a sense of security (probably because it does). But before you moved to a mountain town, before you found your career path, or before you became a parent, what were you? When I stroll down our local streets, I see a lot of people just like me (especially in the off-season). And when I fly into our local airports after a journey to, say, the city, I’m comforted by the sense of “sameness” upon my return. “Ahh, back with my mountain peeps!” But even as a tight-knit community of recreationalists, we are all individuals, even if the visual distinctions aren’t nearly as obvious here as in a metro city, complete with different walks of life. But if you dig deep, you’ll notice that each person has their own set of traits, hobbies, and interests that adds to their distinct self—an element that inspired many of the writings in this issue. While reading Dondi Tondro-Smith’s “Alternative Ed” article on page 20, I was reminded of how truly unique the people of our mountain community are. Complete with excerpts from anonymous local mothers about their families’ educational paths, I realized that we are not all just ski bums, after all. Their resourceful choices were brought about by their set of experiences and the distinctive characteristics of their children’s learning styles. Cool! Expressing one’s individuality is what also prompted me to write the skateboarding article on page 16. While it might not be the most popular mountain town sport, I admire the culture it embodies and the message it sends. Encouraging your child to tackle his passions full-on— and maybe even trying it out yourself—fosters a creative path to finding his personal identity. And, while writing this letter makes me feel somewhat self-conscious, it also encourages me to embrace my distinct viewpoint. So spread your wings this spring (see my poem on page 40) and experience something new that doesn’t just follow the flow of what everyone else is doing. What’s the one thing you’ve been itching to do? Express it now, realizing that it may just become your “thing.” That adds one more unique trait to a remarkable individual in our community.
4 Teton Family Magazine
A partner in your child’s development from birth through preschool.
Located in the Flat Creek Business Center on the corner of High School Road and Gregory Lane, Jackson (307) 733-6580 www.sweetpeasbabies.com.
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WHERE LEARNING COMES TO LIFE
TETONFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM EDITOR Christina Shepherd McGuire christina@tetonfamilymagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Colleen Valenstein PHOTO EDITOR Paulette Phlipot
COPY EDITORS Michael McCoy Pamela Periconi CONTRIBUTORS Mollie Flaherty Liz Hottenstein Christina Shepherd McGuire Kristen Pope Leslie-Ann Sheppard Dondi Tondro-Smith Andrea Swedberg
Managing temperature is an art and science in the Tetons.
ADVERTISING SALES Dawn Banks dawn@powdermountainpress.com Mollie Flaherty mollie@powdermountainpress.com
P.O. Box 7445, Jackson, WY 83002 - (307) 733-2047 PUBLISHER: Kevin Olson BRAND MANAGER: Amy Golightly DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Adam Meyer DISTRIBUTION: Hank Smith, Pat Brodnik, Jeff Young, Kyra Griffin
Increase the efficiency and comfort of your home with affordable, intelligent temperature controls. Call today for a free consultation.
Teton Family Magazine is published three times a year and distributed at over 65 locations, for free, throughout the Tetons. To request copies, call (307) 733-2047 x108. Visit www.tetonfamilymagazine.com for additional content and insightful blogs. © 2014 Teton Media Works. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine’s original contents, whether in whole or part, requires written permission from the publisher.
Teton Valley
Jackson
208.354.3300
307.734.9040
www.silverstar.com
ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY 460° Bread............................................................... 24
Just For Kids.............................................................. 38
Axis Gymnastics........................................................ 35
Kisa Koenig.............................................................. 38
Barrels & Bins.............................................................31
Knotty Pine Bar and Restaurant.................................. IBC
Blue Spruce Cleaners.................................................. 39
Madison Memorial Hospital......................................... BC
Building Blocks........................................................ 39
MD Nursery & Landscaping, Inc....................................15
Discoveries Preschool................................................. 39
National Museum of Wildlife Art.................................. 24
Dreamchasers Fitness................................................. 39
The Learning Academy................................................15
Driggs Veterinary Clinic.............................................. 39
Reach For Rainbows................................................... 39
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center...........................3
Silver Star Communications...........................................7
Fall Line Realty Group/Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates.. IBC
Solace...................................................................... 38
Four Pines Physical Therapy......................................... 35
St. John’s Family Health & Urgent Care................11,19,23,25
Gary Bennett State Farm Insurance............................... 38
Stone Drug............................................................... 30
Grand Targhee Resort...................................................5
Sweet Peas Day Care.....................................................6
Gros Ventre OB/GYN................................................... 39
Teton County Library...................................................31
HD Dunn & Son Angus Beef.......................................... 39
Teton Motors Subaru.................................................... 1
Jackson Hole Women’s Care...........................................5
Teton Science Schools...................................................6
Jackson Whole Grocer................................................. 30
Teton Valley Health Care............................................. 29 Spring/Summer 2014 7
MOU N TA IN ST Y L E
ON-THE-GO TRAVEL GADGETS BY K RI STE N PO PE As the snow begins to melt, many mountain families pack their bags to hit the road. Whether heading to the desert to soak up some sun, back East to grandma’s house, or even to an international destination, the gadgets described below will help make family getaways fun, safe, and more comfortable.
1
The Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Mat is perfect for workouts on the go. Coming in at a scant two pounds, this mat is foldable and packs tightly into any suitcase or travel space. The mat is made from biodegradable natural rubber that won’t fade or flake. Restore after a hectic day of travel, or bust out a downward dog or sun salutation anytime and anywhere with this little number. Check out Manduka’s products at Inversion in Jackson. (MSRP $40)
2
Keeping peace during long drives in the car is simple with the Nabi Tablet, available at Kmart in Jackson. Designed as an educational tool, with numerous parental control options, the Nabi Tablet has models for kids ages 3 to 6, 7 to 10, and 11 to 14. It features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, age-appropriate apps for homework, social media tools, educational games, and more. It also has a drop-safe bumper to protect the device from breakage. Kid-safe headphones, with an ear-protecting sound limit of 80 decibels, are also available. (MSRP $99.99-$289.99)
3
Traveling parents know the frustration of changing squirming babies in the backseat of a car, atop a campground picnic table, in a grimy bathroom, or on any other quasi-flat and almostsanitary place they can find. Luckily, the NapSac by Lilly Gold, available at Backcountry Baby in Jackson, works as a diaper bag, changing pad, and Pack ’n’ Play. This foldout contraption converts to a sleeping area with four padded sides, a waterproof plastic bottom, and two sheets— one for changing and one for sleeping. (MSRP $124.99)
8 Teton Family Magazine
5 4
Spooky campfire stories are always better with eerie, flashlight-under-the-chin illumination. Just use the sun’s energy to charge the Verilux ReadyLight Solar Rechargeable Flashlight on a car dashboard or picnic table by day, so it’s ready for evening fun and late-night trips to the loo. This eco-friendly LED flashlight provides up to four hours of continuous light and features nightglow strips so you can locate it in the dark. (Verilux.com, $29.95)
Mom—keep your documents protected in style, when traveling domestically or abroad, with the Pacsafe Slingsafe 250 Handbag. With a slashproof strap, this organizer stores passports and credit cards in an RFID-safe (radio-frequency identification) sleeve, protecting you from any sketchy encounters. The turn-and-lock strap hook allows you to secure it to an airport or restaurant chair, and the wire-reinforced slash guards, inner key ring, and locking smart zipper add extra layers of security. Open it up to reveal a pretty printed inner liner. (Zappos.com, $85) -KP
MOU N TA IN ST Y L E
THE MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLE A CHILDREN’S PERSPECTIVE BY M OLLI E FLAHE RTY
P
eople from all over the world flock to our majestic snow-capped mountains every year to ski, hike, explore, and take part in the Teton lifestyle. While most of us are “implants,” as my Jacksonnative boyfriend likes to say, we were drawn inland from the coasts— often chasing snow. Soon after, our ski bum existence segued into a summer river guide position, which then amounted to “staying put forever.” Days turned into months, months into years, until eventually we had a family of our own. So what about our kids? Do we ever pause to ask them why they like the mountain life? This past summer, Teton Family Magazine reached out to local children. We recruited kids at festivals, family events, and the playground, asking them what they love about life in our small mountain towns. This beautiful artwork depicts their responses ranging from “the wildflowers,” to “skiing at Jackson Hole,” to “dancing at Music on Main in Victor.” Every once in a while it’s important for us to reflect—through a child’s eyes—on the beautiful place we call home. After all, it was our inner child who originally led us here to play. -MF Spring/Summer 2014 9
MOU N TA IN ST Y L E
ACT LOCAL: OFFSETTING YOUR TRAVEL CARBON FOOTPRINT
For a mountain community that relies on winter sports for both its economy and lifestyle, the impact of climate change can be profound. So, as a family embarking on a mud season holiday, how can we reconcile our desire to explore with our passion to protect the planet from climate change? Work these tips into your mindful vacation planning: 1. Research. Ask about a hotel’s energy and environmental policies and see if they are Energy Star certified (EnergyStar.gov). If you’re heading to the beach, choose a Blue Flag beach (BlueFlag.org), which meets strict criteria for water quality, environmental education, management, and other environmental practices. 2. Unplug. Before heading out on your trip, make sure all appliances are off and unplugged, including chargers, microwaves, televisions, kitchen appliances, and other gadgets. Leaving them plugged in drains energy. 3. Pack Light. One study found that for every ten pounds a U.S. airline passenger brings aboard, an additional 350 million gallons of jet fuel is required per year. 4. Reuse. Bring a reusable water bottle (and filter, if traveling somewhere with nonpotable water). Reusable shopping 10 Teton Family Magazine
bags or totes will ward off the ubiquitous plastic bag. And pack small reusable containers, instead of purchasing travel-size containers or portions, for toiletries and snacks. 5. Conserve. It’s easy to forget to turn off hotel lights and conserve water while on vacation, but to offset your impact, you need to be even more vigilant than usual. Reuse hotel linens and towels and, if the weather is cool, open the curtains on sunny days to heat the room. 6. Transportation. Enjoy the local culture and go carless. Use public transportation, bike, or walk. Take advantage of bike-sharing and rental programs, available in a growing number of destination communities. 7. Get Creative. Before leaving, purchase carbon offsets. Offered by many organizations, offsets make up for unavoidable energy use by investing in projects that reduce or capture pollution. TerraPass.com and Carbonfund.org both allow users to choose the project they want to support and feature calculators for determining the amount of greenhouses gases used. For example, a flight from Jackson Hole to New York City, with one stop, would equal 1,926 pounds of carbon dioxide, requiring an offset costing approximately twelve dollars—a small price to pay for doing the right thing. >
PHOTO TOP LEFT: FOTOLIA.COM, TOP RIGHT: GREG VON DOERSTEN
BY K RIST EN P OPE
Now Open
Organizations like Protect Our Winters (POW), founded by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones in 2007, help the winter sports community focus on the impacts of climate change. POW’s efforts include educational initiatives, advocacy, and supporting community-based projects. POW also helps educate kids on climate change, providing them with everyday steps they can take to help. Additionally, the group lobbies government officials to take action. Jones, frequently featured in films by Teton Gravity Research (a local film company founded by his brothers), created the organization in response to the changes he’s witnessed while traveling. “Through a lifetime in the mountains, I saw a definitive change,” he says. “I realized that—as a snowboarder who is out there every day—skiers, snowboarders, and winter enthusiasts needed to come together to protect our winters.” When Jones travels, he minimizes his airplane trips, while maximizing his time at a destination. “I definitely travel to snowboard,” he says. “[But] I try to do fewer trips and make them longer. When I’m getting on a plane, I want to get more out of it.” Check out POW’s efforts, or become a member, at ProtectOurWinters.org. -KP
KRISTEN POPE made her way to Jackson Hole after living in California, Alaska, and a few places in between. When she isn’t writing or editing, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and backpacking. To read more of Kristen’s works, check out her website at kepope.com.
St. John’s is pleased to announce premier services in state-of-the-art facilities • New 4,000-square-foot Oncology Pavilion • New surgery suites outfitted for high-tech care • New 11,000-square-foot Family Birth Center
To view a video, visit www.tetonhospital.org/expansion
625 East Broadway
307 733 3636 Spring/Summer 2014 11
IN T H E GARDEN
TUPPERWARE CITY: A SELF-WATERING CONTAINER GARDEN BY LIZ H OTTENSTEI N P H OTOG RA PH Y BY PAULETTE PHLI POT
12 Teton Family Magazine
G
ardening in the Tetons can be fickle and frustrating. A short growing season, with cool nighttime temperatures, and a hot and dry summer can cause a gardener to go nutty trying to keep plants watered and productive. And then there’s rodent control and weeding, weeding, weeding! So, while container gardening can’t change the short season, climate, or weather patterns, it can sure help the modern gardener get a better grip on some of the latter variables. Self-watering containers are great for aspiring green thumbs with little available space. They don’t drain excess water, so they are perfect for decks, roofs, patios, and balconies. Having a “bottom” to your garden means that rodents can’t eat the plants from below, and weeds can’t infiltrate either. Due to the nature of the self-watering system, plants regulate the amount of water needed, cutting watering time to about once a week. With elbow grease, time, and, ideally, some volunteers, you can whip up homemade, self-watering containers that won’t break your budget. The off-season time spent making these gems will provide you with ample free time later on— time that could otherwise be spent watering, weeding, and chasing chislers away from your veggies!
PHOTO TOP RIGHT: LIZ HOTTENSTEIN
MATERIALS: 1 3 to 5 1
large storage plastic container with lid (5-gallon buckets, pickle buckets, old trash cans, or recycling bins also work well) 5-inch diameter PVC, cut into 5-inch lengths 1-inch diameter PVC cut one inch longer than the height of the container zip-ties (you can never have too many) cordless drill with a ¼-inch plastic boring bit jigsaw or shears that will cut plastic permanent markers a crafty buddy (or two)
The self-watering container has three major components: the water reservoir located on the bottom third of the container; the aeration screen, which allows oxygen flow to the soil and roots of the plants; and the fill tube used to add water to the reservoir. The 5-inch PVC pieces support the aeration screen and provide a means for the water to be transported to the soil and plants. >
Spring/Summer 2014 13
PLANTS THAT LOVE CONTAINERS: radishes * carrots all types of greens beets * garlic * leeks sugar snap peas green beans * herbs
watering tube, aeration screen, container
5-inch PVC affixed to screen
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aeration screen with water fill tube
1 Take the lid off of the container and place the container, right side up, on top of it. Trace the circumference of the bottom of the container onto the lid. 2 Using a jigsaw or shears, cut the lid so that it will fit snuggly inside the container with 5 inches of space between it and the bottom. A tight fit is best, but don’t worry if you end up with a bit of a gap. 3 Using the jigsaw, cut the 5-inch diameter PVC into 5-inch lengths. This will support the lid. (If you are nice to the staff at your local hardware store, they may cut it for you.) 4 While in power-tool mode, cut the 1-inch PVC to a length that’s about an inch higher than the height of the container. Then, cut a 45-degree bevel on one end. This will be the water fill tube; the bevel will allow water to enter the reservoir. 5 Trace three to five 5-inch PVC circles (depending on the container size) and one 1-inch PVC circle onto the lid, making sure to leave an ample border around the edge. Cut out one to three of the 5-inch circles and the 1-inch circle using the jigsaw. Keep in mind that the uncut circles are for placement of the 5-inch PVC supports, so space them accordingly. 6 Drill holes at random all over the lid. This acts as the aeration screen, so you can’t have too many! Make sure to drill three holes around the uncut 5-inch circles to use for zip-tie attachment. 7 Drill holes at random in three of the 5-inch PVC pieces to allow the water to seep through the soil to the roots of the plants. 8 Drill three holes near the top of the remaining two lengths of 5-inch PVC. These are the supports. The holes in the PVC should coordinate with those drilled around the uncut circles in the lid for zip-tie attachment. >
PHOTOS BOTTOM LEFT: LIZ HOTTENSTEIN
BUILDING PROCESS:
• Organic seeds and gardening supplies • Bulk soil, mulch and compost • Inspiring seasonal home and garden décor
208.354.8816 2389 S. Hwy 33 • Driggs, ID www.mdlandscapinginc.com
Now that you’ve completed the parts, let’s put it together! 1
Place the 5-inch PVC through the holes in the aeration screen. Thread the zip-ties through the PVC and screen to attach. Repeat the process with the PVC supports. Slide the finished aeration screen into the container, PVC first. 2 On the outside of the container, mark the level of the screen. Place an “x” about one inch below this level on either side of the container. Drill holes through the “x’s” to serve as overflow drains. (I typically place a bare foot underneath the hole and fill up the reservoir until the water hits my foot. Not an exact science, but it works.) 3 Fill the rest of the container with soil, plant your seeds, kick back, and watch your weed- and rodent-free plants thrive! One note on watering: Water the seeds from the top until the seedlings have roots. When roots have formed (sprouts can be viewed from above), you can begin filling the water reservoir. Roots need to be present in order for the plant to utilize water from below. -LH
LIZ HOTTENSTEIN is a faux finish painter who has lived in the Jackson area for eight years. When she’s not practicing her art, she enjoys the outdoors and loves to garden. Check out her work at www. fauxjacksonhole.com or at Chameleon Designs on Facebook.
What can individualized learning do for your child? Call today!
www.learningacademyschool.org
EN
• Empowering all Learners • Inspiring Independence • Building Confidence • Encouraging Exploration • Nurturing Creativity • High Academic Standards • Financial Aid Available • Limited Openings
A
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PR L L IN E-K IN DE to G SC PEN GRA NO HO DE D W OL NT E 8 !
208-354-7898 facebook
Spring/Summer 2014 15
A S K T H E EX P ERT
GO SKATEBOARDING ... IT’S NOT JUST FOR KIDS BY C HR IS T IN A S HEP HER D M C G U IR E P HO T O G R A P HY BY PA U L ET T E P HL IP O T
Arrow Bupp sessions the Jackson Bowl.
16 Teton Family Magazine
S
o your kid wants to skate, and he wants you to teach him? The first thing that may come to mind is, “Shoot the duck? Easy. I’ve got that dialed!” Then you quickly realize, after seeing his cross-eyed expression, that he means “skateboard,” not “roller skate.” Oh. You begin dating yourself, recalling the, um, early ’80s, when you’d session your neighborhood cul-de-sac with your plastic-wheeled Kmart special. You’d craft ramps out of plywood scraps and hit them over and over while your BMX posse stared wide-eyed. Soon enough, and after many failed attempts at the ollie, you abandoned the sport for something more practical like, say, soccer.
A skateboarding fam (from left to right): Jefe, Dee Elle, Canyon, and Arrow Bupp
“Something magical happens when you and your son or daughter share that first longboard session on the road. The look on your kid’s face reminds you of a freedom of youth that none of us wants to give up.” - Mitch Prissel, manager and co-founder of Habitat in Driggs Jefe tailtaps the coping for styly execution.
Nowadays, you prefer to session the groomed trails or take your road bike “around the block.” You may favor the safety of the football or field hockey sidelines. But skateboarding? At this age? Well, it might just be time to hit the pavement. To some, skateboarding carries an outcast stigma. True—skateboarding’s unique attitude, code of ethics, and style of dress and conduct are not always accepted by the mainstream. And, unlike its sister sport, snowboarding, skateboarding is less standardized and structured. But still, skaters pride themselves on their beliefs, their knowledge of where to skate and when, the branded product they endorse, and even the music they listen to. Skating very much embodies a lifestyle—one that can help some children in their journey of self-identity. It’s natural as a parent to be squeamish about an activity that goes against the grain of convention. There’s a level of uneasiness in thinking your kid may be sneaking in a skate sesh on forbidden ground. But luckily, we live in an era in which skateboarding, with its X-Games sensationalism and mainstream push, has transitioned to the forefront of typical youth culture. And with it comes a commitment to designing designated skateparks in both cities and small communities
like ours. Not only has skateboarding become a competitive sport, it has also become a healthy recreational outlet for children and adults alike. Dee Elle Bupp, a local mother and creator of Dragon Lady Teas, explains that, for her sons (Canyon, 15, and Arrow, 10), skateboarding is a great self-esteem builder, because the boys are always challenging themselves with harder tricks. She says that skateboarding supports their bodies and minds, making them “amazing role models and mentors in the skateboarding community. They support one another, no matter what age.” Skateboarding really isn’t that intimidating, if you take things slow and methodically. In fact, it’s a great way to bond with your child. Learning together shows him that you’re up for something new and interested in his likes, and it fosters a type of connection that may not happen by simply kicking the ball around in the backyard. So before you head to the BoardRoom for a spiffy new pair of kicks, here are some “suggestions” that will help you ease in. Let’s first start with the lingo.> Spring/Summer 2014 17
Carving the smooth concrete can be as addictive as riding powder.
BASIC TRICK TERMINOLOGY:
Skateboarding with your child proves your commitment to his passions.
OLLIE: a jump performed without the aid of a takeoff ramp, executed by pushing the back foot down on the tail of the board and bringing the board off the ground. The basis of most skate tricks. KICKFLIP: an ollie in the middle of which the skater uses the front toe to kick the board around in a circular motion, in the same plane. FAKIE: rolling backwards when the rider is in his normal stance. SHOVE-IT: a trick performed by spinning the board 180 degrees beneath the feet without the skater spinning. CARVE: to skate in a long, curving arc. GRIND: scraping one or both truck axles on a curb, handrail, or other surface.
ANATOMY OF A SKATEBOARD: SKATEBOARDING 101: MANEUVERS DECK: the main part of a skateboard, the portion you stand on.
HARDWARE: nuts, bolts, and screws that hold the trucks, bushings, and base plate onto the deck.
GRIP TAPE: sandpaper adhesive affixed to the top of the board.
TRUCKS: the collective name for the front and rear axle assemblies.
33+
18 Teton Family Magazine
LONGBOARD: a skateboard measuring over 33 inches long; used for cruising downhill and carving snowboardlike turns.
PUMPIN’ TRANNY: Pumpin’ tranny helps you establish your balance point on the board, and it’s a fundamental skill for skate park riding. It’s also an awesome workout! Start slow, gaining speed and height on the wall as you become more confident. 1. Start in the bottom center of a concrete or wooden halfpipe (hit up the Jackson or Driggs skatepark). 2. Choose a direction and, facing that way, place your front foot on the front bolt heads of your deck. Push off with your back foot, placing it over your back bolt heads. Bend your knees, center your weight, and roll toward the tranny [transition]. 3. As your board climbs the wall, keep your body weight centered and slightly lean into the wall. 4. Push off your feet and bend your knees deep to gain momentum, as your board hits its apex. 5. Roll over to the other tranny, and repeat the steps. 6. Pump back and forth on the tranny, gaining speed and height, to establish your balance and technique. >
Treating You Right Now
A Clinic of St. John’s Medical Center
Canyon drops in with poised balance.
DROPPING IN: Dropping in on a ramp or bowl is a beginner skateboarder’s nemesis, but with a centered balance and a little courage, you can master this crucial trick. Strap on your pads! 1. Stand at the top of the bowl with your foot on the tail of your board and your board resting on the coping (metal bar at the top of the ramp) or the edge. 2. Place your other foot on the platform of the ramp. Make sure your wheels are on the ramp-side of the coping. The nose of the board will be in the air. 3. Bend your back knee deeply; turn your shoulders parallel to the board, and place your front foot onto the front bolt heads of your deck. 4. Bend your front knee, center your weight, and drop into the ramp. ** Tip: Grabbing the nose of your board keeps your center of gravity low and prevents you from moving your weight back, causing the board to shoot out from underneath you. Skateboarding is a superconvenient and relatively cheap way to have fun with your kids, once you get the hang of it. Both Jackson and Driggs have great outdoor skateparks. And, when you become proficient at carving the bowl or mastering the Targhee switchbacks, the smooth concrete can be as addictive as riding powder. I swear! -CM
- Primary care for adults and children - Care for injuries and illness - Lab and x-ray services - School and influenza immunizations Primary Care Providers: Scott Thomas, MD Cecelia A. Tramburg, FNP Visiting Specialist: William Ramsay, MD - Ophthalmology
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm; Sat: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Appointments and Walk-ins Welcome
208 354 4757 Turn at Broken Spur store, north of Driggs stoplight
St John’s
4 Peaks Clinic 852 Valley Center Drive • 4peaks.tetonhospital.org • Driggs, ID Spring/Summer 2014 19
Alternative Ed
homeschooling, unschooling, and online academies
WHAT IS… HOMESCHOOLING Traditional homeschooling offers a curriculum-based education outside of the public or private school environment. Traditional homeschoolers use a curriculum, complete with textbooks, teachers’ guides, tests, and worksheets. Eclectic homeschooling combines different philosophies or styles. Parents select the materials and methods they feel best fit their children’s learning style and adjust them as necessary. Parents create a unique homeschooling atmosphere based on their children’s needs, interests, and learning style. Unschooling, or the life learning” approach, offers a noncurriculum-based, experiential, interest-led model in which children learn what they want to know, when they are ready and willing to learn it. They’re constantly learning without being taught in the traditional sense. ONLINE ACADEMIES Online academies are primary or secondary education programs that utilize online instructional tools. Programs can be free or fee-based, accredited or unaccredited.
20 Teton Family Magazine
Seasonal foraging pairs perfectly with a lesson on our local ecosystem. Homeschooling allows parents to combine different teaching philosophies to suit their child’s learning style.
BY DON DI TO NDRO -SM I TH PH OT OG RAPHY BY PAULE TTE PHLI PO T
O
ur daughter just turned three. In the near future, we’ll have to make a major decision: Should she attend a public or private institution? Will she be homeschooled or unschooled? Or, should we start looking into online academies? What will her educational journey look like? And what form of schooling will be best for her individual and academic growth? When I first began writing this article, I was surprised by how reticent people were about publicly sharing their families’ individual educational philosophy. Having already started down the road less traveled (keeping our daughter home in lieu of starting preschool), I wasn’t the only one feeling challenged by our decision to approach education from a different angle. Anonymity became key when asking people to discuss their unique, and seemingly private, educational paths. While some of the names in this article have been omitted, their stories demonstrate the evolution of alternative education from theoretical terms into practical and effective application. The face of education is rapidly changing. Technology and the Internet have amplified our access to information. Remote classrooms, educational video games, and Google’s instant answers to everything have forever altered how we learn. The challenge for a new generation of parents and educators is to assess our children’s holistic needs and give them adequate access to the newest tools necessary for success. That said, how do we choose a platform of learning that’s best suited to nurturing children’s strengths and identifying unique learning challenges?
From tots to teens, various forms of education are revolutionizing a formula that suits both students and parents. This article aims to unveil the schooling options in the Tetons—both in Idaho and Wyoming— and to explore a new world of educational choices, no matter where you decide to call home. One of the first rules for making a sound schooling decision is this: Consider all financial and parental time constraints. Not all of us are in a position to facilitate a homeschool or life-learning environment. So first, network with other parents who have children slightly older than yours, to learn what has and has not worked for them. Then, select a schooling option that won’t induce financial or familial strain. Rule number two: Learning and schooling do not have to be linear or fixed. Children’s needs change and so do those of parents. Don’t be afraid to design your own unique educational plan, and then give yourself permission to change your mind based on how your child is responding. What works today won’t necessarily work tomorrow, and nothing is written in stone. Rule number three: Check your state’s education laws to see what rules apply to home-based education. According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, Idaho homeschooled students can dual enroll in a public school—offering them the ability to participate in public school programs and post-secondary programs, including nonacademic activities. A homeschooling parent must produce an annual standardized test score or portfolio that demonstrates grade-equivalent knowledge. > Spring/Summer 2014 21
Above: The flexibility of online education helps Amanda Johnson balance school, work, and play.
started at Jackson Hole High School in 2013. But, different states have their own sets of policies and A Kelly teacher recognized the learning differences of criteria. Wyoming state law allows parents to send their their daughter when she was in kindergarten, sparking their children to school for a portion of the school year and alternative journey of homeschooling two children with homeschool them the rest of the time. Elementary schools different learning styles. When I asked their mother about (K-3) in the state must maintain a sixteen-to-one studenther children’s public school years, she replied, “The public to-teacher ratio, with or without part-time students. And schools here in Jackson are like private schools in other high school students are required to complete five out places ... special needs are taken seriously. I am thrilled of seven classes in the classroom. If you comply with the individual policies, a nontraditional approach can work. When parents communicate clearly The challenge for a new generation of parents and and effectively with their school district and educators is to assess our children’s holistic needs and educators, the combination of public schooling give them adequate access to the newest tools necessary and homeschooling can be seamless. for success. “Homeschooling, and, in particular, unschooling, are both wonderful opportunities for parents to utilize individual resources to meet a child’s needs. It is important for parents to with the individual attention our daughter is getting. We are know they have choices,” explains Pam Shea, Teton County so lucky to have access to so many resources.” Currently, (Wyoming) School District superintendent. “If college is your she adds, public education works best for both children, goal [though], you still must test in,” adding that whatever but homeschooling still remains an option. As the past has program parents choose, they must know their child’s needs dictated, different forms of education have worked best at and communicate with educators to establish the central different junctures in their lives. “If you are lucky enough to goal of student success. homeschool, it affords you the time to know your children A family in Kelly, Wyoming, that wishes to remain on a very intimate level and to identify their specific needs.” anonymous, has done just that. By combining public and So what does a typical homeschool day look like? “Our home education with trips abroad, they’ve created their own school day lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but we never unconventional formula for education. Their son attended stopped learning,” explains this Kelly mom-turned-homeKelly Elementary School from kindergarten through fifth educator. We would observe phenology [the seasonal study grade, then homeschooled for sixth and seventh grades, of plants, weather, and life-cycle events], journal for a half and is now back in public school for eighth grade. Their hour, and read out loud … If we looked at the pond, we would daughter went to public school from kindergarten through talk about the ice and fish, create a poem about the frost, > fourth grade, spent five years being homeschooled, and then 22 Teton Family Magazine
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Parents can expand on their child’s interests by implementing a project-based teaching style.
then feed the chickens, talk about grammar over breakfast, and move on with our schedule. There was an hour for meals and an hour for physical activity. [Even] when we were skiing, we were still observing the world around us. We spent months on one book … we found an English curriculum that was already laid out … we used video lectures and the Khan Academy.” Enter this popular online academy founded by hedge-fund analyst Salman Khan in 2008. His vision of a global, oneworld classroom began when he started tutoring his cousins remotely via YouTube videos. It worked! His cousins were receptive and, later, so were other international students who posted enthusiastic comments about his videos. The Khan Academy is now a nonprofit online school that provides a free education for anyone, anywhere in the world. It covers a wide range of subjects, from basic math to collegelevel biology. Khan Academy offers free online educational materials that support a personalized curriculum and, in the past two years, has delivered more than 330 million lessons and 1.6 billion exercise problems. Currently, Khan claims ten million users per month. Kids in Timbuktu, for instance, with an Internet connection can tutor kids in Buenos Aires and vice versa. Not only have homeschoolers benefited from Khan, but public schools have implemented this tool as part of their curriculum. Khan collaborates with several nationwide classrooms. These pilot projects give students an opportunity to learn math, for example, at their own pace via quantifiable data the teacher accesses in real time. The teacher’s class time is freed up to interact one-on-one with students who need extra help with grasping concepts. Children can be tracked as they gain more skills, from teacher to teacher, year after >
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John Nieto (United States, b. 1936), Taos Buffalo—detail, 1993. Acrylic on Board. 61 1/2 x 49 1/2 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © John Nieto.
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year, providing measurable data for educators to better assess their comprehension. The system is designed to promote mastery before a student moves on. And anyone can access the Khan Academy site to become a student or mentor—adults and children alike. Online academies can complement classroom learning. Amanda Johnson, a graduate of Teton High School in Driggs, enrolled in an online academy her junior year when teachers encouraged her to take online classes that weren’t offered at THS. By her senior year, most of her core classes were online, and she began to enjoy the college-like freedom of picking classes and designing her own schedule. “Some of my classes were offered at the high school, but I wanted to learn them in a different way,” Johnson says. “You still had a live teacher, but there was less distraction … and it was easier to focus. In speech class, for example, we were required to make three video-recorded speeches for the teacher to watch. Then, the audio recordings were reviewed by other students in the class.” For Johnson, transitioning to online enrollment offered her greater flexibility to balance school, work, and play. She enjoyed the mix between her social life and online classes. “I had more time for a part-time job,” she says. The experience taught her to watch her spending and allowed her to save enough money to pay for her online education. This early responsibility helped define her professional direction. Currently, Johnson attends cosmetology school in Rexburg, Idaho, and plans on moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in special-effects makeup. Another family in Victor, which also requested anonymity, is taking a “life-learning” or “unschooling” approach with their three young children. More than a decade ago, the mother worked with an unschooled family—an experience that sold her on this style of education. “I was twenty-three years old at the time and lived with a family in California for six months,” she says. “Their children were eleven and fourteen. What I noticed most was how authentic the kids were, how they were never pressured, and how they explored their interests in their own time frame. They were their own people; they weren’t labeled or peer pressured. They chose their friends and, consequently, had very genuine relationships.” Unschooling has become a way of life for this family, cultivating togetherness and independent spirits. “My family is the center of our lives—not school or a schedule, with the demands they create,” the mother explains. Unschooling >
suits this family’s entire ethos, one which a traditional path wouldn’t satisfy. “Unschooling fits with my job of creating harmonious relationships in my house and works for the collective of our family.” Even as parents, we are forever students in a world with a shifting intellectual paradigm. And we all aspire to expose our children to every resource and benefit possible. The future of education is uncertain, but the tools we have to educate our children—in new and exciting ways—are more inventive and accessible than ever. Whether these tools are supplemental to a public or private school classroom, or primary to a home learner, we must remember that the most important thing is education itself—one that will enable our children to reach new and unimaginable heights. -DS
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RESOURCES WEBSITES: • Idaho Homeschooling: sde.idaho.gov/site/home_school/ • Wyoming Homeschooling: edu.wyoming.gov/programs/schools/ homeschools.aspx • Khan Academy: khanacademy.org/ • Unschooling Magazines: unschooling.com, lifemedia.ca VIDEOS: • Logan LaPlante, “Hackschooling Makes Me Happy,” Nevada University, youtube.com/watch?v=h11u3vtcpaY BOOKS: • Wendy Priesnitz, Life Learning: Lessons from the Educational Frontier, The Alternate Press, 2008 • Alison McKee, Homeschooling Our Children, Unschooling Ourselves, Bittersweet House, 2002 • Beatrice Ekwa Ekoko and Carlo Ricci, Natural Born Learners: Unschooling and Autonomy in Education, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014 LOCAL RESOURCES: • Full Circle Education: farm visits, educational gardens, sustainable living workshops, tetonfullcircle.org • Teton Botanical Gardens: farm-to-school curriculum, garden visits, volunteer opportunities, tetonbotanicalgarden.org • Friends of the Teton River: Water Wise community education, watershed curriculum, tetonwater.org • National Museum of Wildlife Art: Art in Action, internships, wildlifeart.org
DONDI TONDRO-SMITH is a Jackson-based writer who is fascinated with culture, kiddos, and the evolution of the human spirit. A healing arts practitioner and yoga aficionado, she delights in reading stories cover to cover, swimming in aqua blue waters, and playing in the Tetons with her daughter and husband. Read her musings at donditondro.tumblr.com.
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26 Teton Family Magazine
BY LE SLI E -ANN SHEP PA R D PHOTOGRAPHY BY PA U L ET T E P HL IP O T
L
ike our animal neighbors in their cozy dens, maybe you hibernated this winter and are now feeling the desire to venture out, to reconnect. Well—the sun’s presence is giving way to longer days, so it’s time use nature’s cues to tap into your primal instincts. Crawl out of your cave, take a big stretch, and phone a friend or two. Maybe there’s an important milestone on the horizon that calls for a good fiesta? We’ve all attended great parties that live on in our memories. But there are also those where we’ve Houdini-ed out the back door. So what makes a party memorable, and how can you pull it off? While it can be complicated navigating the party-hosting options, it needn’t stress you out. With some simple tools and guidelines, you’ll be on top of the social scene in no time. > Spring/Summer 2014 27
Kid-centric Birthday
Local Galleria in Driggs is available for parties at a very reasonable rate. Owner and local artist Teri McLaren, once a daycare provider, formulates events for budding young artists. She organizes activities like fashion and clothing design, jewelry making, and, of course, painting and drawing. The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is a good go-to for Wyoming parents. With plenty of hands-on stations and intriguing installations, there is nary a bored child. Axis Gymnastics in Jackson and TISA (Teton Indoor Sports Center) in Driggs are great alternatives for active bodies. Visit their websites for details, including pricing and party size limits.
Children often count the months, weeks, and days until their next birthday—sometimes sending you in a tailspin over the “perfect party” details. But take a breath and focus on the essentials. It doesn’t take much for kids to have a good time. Why not host a home party? Young children feel comfortable in their own digs and are proud to show off their world to peers. Choose a theme that’s centered on your child’s interests. Websites like spoonful.com, realsimple.com, and PBS.org offer creative party solutions from cute DIY crafts, to decorations and recipes. Get ideas, and then source the goods locally. Kids thrive on structure, so planned activities are the way to go. Projects also assure uncorralled kids won’t run rampant through your house. Plan a simple craft like scratchart, where children make art by scratching designs into black crayon-covered pages. Several companies manufacture scratch-art items, including the ubiquitous Melissa and Doug. Another low-cost, low-mess activity is making mosaics. Choose a sticker mosaic kit that complements the party theme. Piñatas are also a big hit, and you control the bounty. Fill them with candy, art supplies, costume jewelry, or other little trinkets. And as a mindful alternative to traditional gift giving, hosts can request that guests bring a previously loved item for a party-wide exchange. This way, the birthday child isn’t the only one leaving with something “new.” If the idea of a dozen energetic youngsters roaming your house doesn’t excite you, consider one of our local venues. The
Here in the Tetons, summer weather rarely arrives by June 21, but nature’s signs are still evident. Early sunrises and later sunsets, shifting winds, and early wildflower blooms all indicate the return to summer. Sounds like prime time for a celebration! Organize a solstice party to welcome in summer. An early afternoon-into-evening party ensures a family friendly event, while also targeting the season’s change. Plan activities that involve people of all ages. Retro games like kickball, kickthe-can, or any favorite form of tag (i.e., freeze tag or TV tag) encourage guests to bond. Enlist friends’ teenagers for some on-site childcare. Who knows? They might be excited to earn a few dollars while babysitting in an uber-safe environment. Teenagers can lead younger kids in activities, while their parents enjoy some social time. They can get their art on by making summer decorations using colored paper and glue, or stage a performance (dance, play, or puppet show) for the grown-up audience. Decor can be simple and inspired—no need to go with pastel streamers, if that’s not your thing. Instead, pick up some fresh flowers at the farmers market to adorn tables and nooks. Candles and bowls of citrus fruits also welcome summer nicely. >
28 Teton Family Magazine
Summer Solstice Party
And while the awakening of summer doesn’t totally coincide with fresh vegetable crops, it still makes for easy outdoor entertaining. Just fire up the grill and slow-cook some ribs, or ask guests to bring a throw-on. You could go picnic style and serve deviled eggs, quiche, and potato salad. Or choose a potluck fresca theme where the food items, like fresh summer rolls, mimic the crispiness of late spring. Summer libations are on order, too. Serve fresh sangria or mojitos. Choose crisp, light white wines like a Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc) from France, an Albarino from Spain, or a Vinho Verde from Portugal. Or, grab a quarter barrel of beer from one of our outstanding local breweries. For a delicious nonalcoholic option, serve sparkling water with a citrus garnish. And don’t forget the tunes! If you have gifted musical friends, ask them to bring an instrument. Spirited singalongs, jam sessions, or traditional solstice drumming help “up” the vibe!
Golden Milestones Party A special “round number” anniversary or retirement provides yet another great reason to celebrate. >
Spring/Summer 2014 29
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Commemorate your, or a loved one’s, golden milestone with an unforgettable party. Choosing a Jackson Hole venue like the Calico, Local, or Sweetwater allows everyone to relax and mingle—even the host. The friendly management teams make the party go off with ease and can work with different budgets. On the Idaho side, treat your guests to the magical ambience of the Linn Canyon Ranch, the Teton Teepee, or the Wildwood Room. Invitations are a big deal for a golden milestone party— especially if it’s a surprise—as they set the tone for the entire event. Be clear about the occasion (is it a 40th anniversary, a 50th birthday, or a retirement party?). And keep in mind, the more formal the event, the more formal the invitation. While the old-school way of sending a fancy creation by mail still reigns, you can also opt for sending invitations via email. It’s inexpensive, creative, and green. For a special presentation, ask attendees to bring a photo of the guest(s) of honor, or draft a story illuminating them. Organize the photos ahead of time and arrange them around the party room. Guests can mill about, checking out old photos and reminiscing. Or invite guests to share a toast. With a little pre-planning, photos and stories can be compiled into a slide show, or a photo album can be presented as a gift. Technology makes this fairly simple; generally, a laptop and a projector are all that’s needed, and many venues will accommodate.
Girls' or Boys Night Out Time and time again, friends intend to gather, but fail to make it happen. Family and work responsibilities vie for attention, and social opportunities often don’t make the cut. So use the arrival of spring a good excuse for a portable party. For the ladies, nothing beats a spa day! Round up your >
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girlfriends and enjoy catching up while indulging in a massage, facial, mani, or pedi. Stillwaters Spa at Teton Springs in Victor caters to groups. Soak in their outdoor hot tub, inhale the eucalyptus steam bath, and sip wine in their relaxation room. In Teton Village, Hotel Terra’s Chill Spa provides an equally suitable venue with their rooftop, slopeside tub! If spas aren’t your thing (if that’s even possible), how about a wine-tasting event at Bin22 in Jackson? Or consider a visit to Vom Fass, if you prefer spirits to grapes. You can explore and taste any of their wonderful products, including specialty oil concoctions and other gourmet food items. For the “bro” spa day, visit The Whiskey Barber in Jackson. Guys can meet at this throwback spot, get their domes trimmed, and grab a nearly extinct straight shave while throwing darts and sipping whiskey. It’s BYOB, so come prepared. Tastings can also be done man-style at Grand Teton Vodka in Driggs, Grand Teton Brewery in Victor, or Snake River Brewery in Jackson. Afterwards, catch a live show at the Pink Garter Theatre, offering an impressive lineup of national acts. And since Teton men tend to be active, don’t limit yourself to a nighttime affair. Disc golf at Grand Targhee Resort, or regulation golf for that matter, are good options before the trails dry out. A camping weekend or group float down the Snake or the Teton rivers always assures good camaraderie. Pack a portable barbecue and fly rod, and put away the phone for the day. (Just make sure to answer if your wife calls.) -LS
LESLIE-ANN SHEPPARD is a former web-footer (sea-level transplant), adventurer, writer, yoga enthusiast, and a lover of wine and food. She works for Pro Guide Direct in Victor, and lives in Tetonia, Idaho, with her husband and two young daughters.
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MAMASP H ERE 32 Teton Family Magazine
LUNCHBOX BLISS (MEAL PLANS FOR THE HARRIED HOUSEHOLD) BY A N D R EA S W ED B ER G P HO T O G R A P HY BY PA U L ET T E P HL IP O T
T
he world of parenthood has us scrambling with a calendar of functions, a task that goes hand-in-hand with having school-aged children. And while I wouldn’t trade the chaos for anything, time constraints certainly damper my ability to pull it off flawlessly (God forbid I leave a child behind at the hockey rink!). We all have the occasional epiphany, “There just has to be a better way!” Only to follow that thought with, “LUNCH! I [still] have to pack lunch!” As a child, I was a list maker, a bed maker, and a rock collector. I couldn’t tell you why, but I was the only one in the house who didn’t mind folding the laundry, helping mom with dinner, and even diminishing our supply of silverware while clearing the dishes (sorry, mom!). I give huge props to my mother for accomplishing what she did every day with two children and a full-time job. Now that I’m older, and a mother myself, I am also a clock racer. When the alarm goes off in the morning, it’s a sprint to get Piia (my daughter) to the bus stop ON TIME with the accoutrements for a successful day. My morning checklist includes: clean clothes, brushed teeth, hair—mmm— decent, change of shoes, homework folder, and the pièce de résistance—LUNCH, packed and in the backpack! Isn’t this the clincher for moms and dads everywhere? With young palates and hard-to-trick minds, we are plagued with empty lunch box questions. We’re facing the cupboards like a goalie waiting for the puck to come down the ice, deflecting anything that we know will not fly as a supposed “meal.” I ponder the box-packing puzzle: What containers will she be excited to open? Cold or hot? Glutenor dairy-free? How much time does she actually have to eat? Wouldn’t she just rather eat school lunch? Lunch building is not about reinventing the wheel. Just add fun! Replace the boring ol’ carrot sticks with flower-shaped, cookiecutter ones, and then add hummus or ranch for dipping. Make a heart-shaped sandwich to guarantee the lunch won’t come back home. Have your child or teen take ownership by packing her own lunch, ultimately reducing food waste. Write a fun note on a cute card— she’ll just giggle her way through the meal! Right about now, you might be thinking, “How does one accomplish this madness five days a week?” While it might sound crazy, I make 90 percent of the lunch the night before. I spend ten extra minutes in the kitchen, after cleaning up from dinner, which then gives me ten more in the morning to make breakfast, listen to Piia read, answer math questions, or, even better, hang by the fire and just plain cuddle. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll pack MY OWN lunch. I am a one-pan chef when it comes to time-constraint meal prep. One of my favorite ways to bring lunch to work is a layered salad in a jar. It’s easy, fast, and marinated to perfection by the time I am ready to eat. And my better half, Troy—well, he does a great job packing
5-DAY MENU
Day 1: honey sandwich apple and cucumbers almonds REAL lemonade Day 2: Main course: pasta with “mama’s red sauce” Fruit/veggie: watermelon and carrots Treat/snack: fun homemade goodie Drink: water Day 3: Main course: homemade mac-n-cheese Fruit/veggie: berries (seasonally available) and pickles Treat/snack: yogurt Drink: water Day 4: Main course: salami and cheese (separate from a sandwich) Fruit/veggie: mandarin oranges and beets Treat/snack: rice crackers with cream cheese Drink: smoothie Day 5: Main course: leftovers or a locally prepared meal (i.e., yummy tamales my co-worker makes and sells) Fruit/veggie: banana and edamame Treat/snack: Pirate's Booty Drink: organic chocolate milk Main course: Fruit/veggie: Treat/snack: Drink:
his own lunch. As a builder in Teton Valley, he doesn’t always have a way to reheat homemade food, so leftovers are not generally his goto. Soups are the exception, however, due to a keen little invention called the “thermos.” And while I would love to be his private, onsite chef, his lunches generally consist of: a sandwich, fruit, rice cakes, almonds and raisins, sometimes a small can of ginger ale, and, of course, a little chocolate. For those of us blessed with a company kitchen, consider these options: 1. Roasted veggies and quinoa, with a homemade vinaigrette (easy nighttime prep). 2. Tacos. Use any night-before protein. Requires minimal reheat time. 3. Strata. Use the bread scraps you created from making your kids’ supercool sandwiches. 4. Random mix: raw almonds, hard-boiled egg, piece of fruit, and half an avocado. Life is for loving and learning, not for wasting time agonizing over lunches. Make your food with love, and it will be the best meal of the day! > Spring/Summer 2014 33
MAMA'S RED SAUCE Makes 1 1/2 cups This recipe suits a young foodie’s palate—simple and uncomplicated. And it assures me she’s eating a fresh, homemade sauce. 2 1 1 1 1
tablespoons extra virgin olive oil clove garlic, roughly chopped teaspoon dried Italian herb cup home-canned organic stewed tomatoes (sub Bionaturae aluminum-free organic canned tomatoes, available at Whole Grocer or Barrels & Bins) tablespoon organic tomato paste, or more, depending on your desired thickness sea salt & pepper
1. In a medium saucepan, on medium-low heat, heat the oil. 2. Add garlic, saute until golden brown. Add herbs, saute until fragrant. 3. Pour in stewed tomatoes, heat through. 4. Raise heat slightly and add tomato paste, stirring to combine completely. Bring sauce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Simmer longer if a thicker consistency is desired. 5. Remove from heat and blend to desired texture. Season with salt and pepper.
34 Teton Family Magazine
NANA’S STRATA Serves 12 This is a great recipe for bread scraps. It also works as a Sunday prep recipe, to have for grown-up lunches or Monday night dinner. 12 slices worth of bread scraps 3/4 lb. grated cheese (whatever cheeses you like) 1 lb. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 2 cups cooked bacon, chopped 12 eggs, beaten 3 1/2 cups milk 2 tablespoons sauteed onion 1 teaspoon dry mustard salt & pepper 1. Arrange half the bread scraps on the bottom of a greased 9x13 glass pan. Layer cheese, then spinach, followed by bread and bacon. 2. Top with remaining bread scraps. 3. Combine remaining ingredients, and pour over the layered ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 4. Bake pan uncovered in a 325°F oven for 55 minutes or until egg mixture is cooked all the way through. >
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SALAD IN A JAR Makes 2 cups (fills one 16-ounce jar) The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Use your favorite salad ingredients to create and re-create different variations. 2 1/2 3 3 3 1
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tablespoons lemon vinaigrette (fresh lemon juice, olive oil, touch of honey, salt and pepper to taste) cup Lacinato kale, washed, ribs removed, chopped to bite-size pieces tablespoons garbanzo beans tablespoons diced cucumbers dried Medjool dates, seeds removed, chopped tablespoon almond pieces fresh herbs chevre
1. In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette ingredients until well combined. Add 2 tablespoons to a jar. 2. In the order listed, layer the remaining ingredients into the jar. Cover snuggly with lid. 3. When you’re ready for lunch, toss the ingredients in jar until coated. Plate and enjoy! -AS
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, ANDREA SWEDBERG feels fortunate to raise her daughter, Piia, in the Tetons. Whether it’s playing hockey, Nordic skiing, or mountain biking, she believes that nothing makes for a better family appetite than a hard day of recreation. Bon appétit!
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CA B IN FEV ER
SIMPLE REINVENTIONS BY CH RISTI NA SHEPHERD M CGUI RE PH OT OG RAPHY BY PAULETTE PHLI POT
R
educe, reuse, repurpose? Upcycling is making a comeback—literally—in modern decor and home application. With “shabby chic” being the timely rage in interior design, it’s now acceptable to take the eco-friendly route when sourcing home items. Whether you’re furnishing a newly purchased home, need fun accessories to update your style, or are looking to add pop to your outside space, upcycling is a nifty way of turning someone else’s trash into an eye-catching embellishment. So, you’ve heard the term before and have crawled Etsy’s pages of cool repurposed “stuff,” but you failed home ec and you’ve battled with the paintbrush one too many times. The thought of combing the dump for throwbacks grosses you out, and unless it can be disinfected—well, you’d rather not go there. That’s where I come in with ideas that inspire. You can steer clear of the landfill—I promise—and little artsy flair is needed. Let’s start with techniques before tackling projects: up.cy.cle | \ | v. reuse (discarded objects Develop an eye. A keen upcycler is or material) in such a way as to create a product the ultimate sleuth. She is constantly of a higher quality or value than the original. evaluating the needs of her home, then taking this mental list to the street, hoping to stumble upon the perfect item. First, gain inspiration from the Internet, then go out and purchase a few inexpensive findings. Once you have the items in hand, note the characteristics that make each piece worth the upcycle. Is it sturdy? Can it be transformed? Will it suit your needs as is? Developing an eye takes practice, but it will prevent you from buying useless junk. Shop your home. With a discerning eye, peruse the joint for items stuffed in storage, belongings you’ve grown tired of, or things destined for the recycling bin. Old wine bottles can become windowsill bud vases, an old frame can turn into a mirror, and discarded pavers can be cemented together for a DIY outdoor planter. So this season, in lieu of tossing things while spring cleaning, give your castoffs a second look. I’m sure you’ll find a few keepers. >
36 Teton Family Magazine
BEGINNER PAINT STICK GARDEN MARKERS
GRAIN SACK THROW PILLOWS
Tired of paper garden markers that disintegrate and wash away? Hit up your garage for some used paint stir-sticks and create colorful garden markers that will weather gracefully.
The epitome of shabby chic, grain sack throw pillows can liven up your living room couch or a child’s bed. Find old sacks on eBay for $5 to $15 dollars each, complete with fun pictures that match your decor. Potato sacks work great, too!
Materials: Several old paint sticks or trim pieces (used or unused) Acrylic stain or oil-based paint in various colors Paintbrush Permanent marker Sandpaper (optional) Mineral spirits (for brush cleaning, if needed)
PHOTO TOP MIDDLE: CHRISTINA SHEPHERD MCGUIRE
INTERMEDIATE
1. (optional) Sand used paint sticks to create a smooth surface. Wipe with a cloth. 2. Line your sticks on a table and, with a permanent marker, make a line to delineate the painted portion. Flip the sticks, and mark the other side. 3. Paint or stain both sides of your sticks. Allow to dry. 4. Write the names of your veggies, herbs, and greens onto the painted part of the sticks.
Once you’ve perfected your knack, it’s time to branch out of your comfort zone and: Hit up the thrift and antique stores. Where I come from, things are OLD (after all, the Pilgrims landed on New England soil)! Out West, I was surprised to find vendors wanting top dollar for items made in the 1970s. So I had to develop a new groove for sourcing “antiques” and found some regional goldmines along the way …
Materials: Vintage grain or potato sack (no holes or stains) Pillow insert or batting Matching thread (usually off-white) Sewing machine Scissors Straight pins Iron Needle 1. Take the approximate measurement of your pillow insert. Turn your sack inside out and trace this measurement onto the wrong side of the sack (if you are using batting, cut the sack to whatever size you choose). Make sure to include the entire design on the right side of the sack. 2. Cut the sack along the traced line. You will cut through both the front and back panels of the sack, forming a front and back for your pillow. 3. Pin the right sides together so that the edges line up. 4. Sew three sides of the pinned sack with the sewing machine. 5. Turn the sewed sack right-side in and iron. 6. Stuff the sack with the pillow insert (or batting) and machine or hand-sew the final side.
Jackson folks are lucky. You have the Browse 'N Buy and Habitat for Humanity for good finds. In Driggs, we have the See N’ Save. But for serious treasure hunting, I tend to hit the booming metropolis of Idaho Falls. The Country Store Boutique, the Trackside Mall, and the Park Avenue Antique Mall are always holding. Look for glassware, maps, a paned window to convert into a chalkboard, an antique stove that transforms into an entertainment center, or a bathroom > Spring/Summer 2014 37
sink to make a birdbath, complete with overflowing perennials. And don’t ever pay the ticketed price. Haggle a little, especially if you’re buying an assortment of items. Before setting out to fill your truck, do some recon: Troll Pinterest and other social sharing sites. This online pin board is a creator’s dream. I used to rip out magazine clips and stuff them in various file folders labeled Home, Garden, Fashion, Knitting, etc. Now I have it all on one screen. On Pinterest, cute pictures of upcycled crafts link to full-blown how-tos, giving you fodder for your shopping trip. Additionally, I use Facebook pages like Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, My Repurposed Life, and The Thrifty Couple for inspiration. Ready to tackle some projects?
ADVANCED TRANSFORM A RUSTY CLAWFOOT TUB If you find a rusted tub at a junkyard or in the back half of someone’s lot, you’re in luck! We trucked ours from back East and refinished it on site. Good as new! Refinishing a rusted tub isn’t hard, but it can be toxic, so make sure to protect yourself. I suggest using RustOleum products and following the specific steps outlined on this site:
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You can source new fixtures, made to fit old tubs, from your local plumber. After thirteen years of hard use, our tub is still in perfect shape. It will last longer than we will, I’m sure! Happy Upcycling! -CM
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As a mother and managing editor of Teton Family Magazine, CHRISTINA SHEPHERD MCGUIRE strives to create a wholesome and balanced life for her family through recreation, cooking, gardening, tending to animals, and laughing A LOT! When she’s not busy writing and editing, Christina provides brand-strategy help for cool companies in the action sports space. Catch up with her on her blog at skirtingseason.com.
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Spring/Summer 2014 39
MA N DAT ORY REC ESS
The Superlative by Christina Shepherd McGuire
Blossom out. Erupt. With strong roots,
With a steadfast center,
The time is now To free your sleepy soul.
To skip, play, and revel In springtime’s gift.
Don’t hide behind safeness. Change waits for no one. And predictability only lands you in a rut.
So—flourish now energy
,
With limitless boundaries. And turn heads, you emit. With the Don’t follow the trail of the masses. Be the exception.
40 Teton Family Magazine
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