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Published on November 15, 2021 09:53

New Iceland tourism ad roasts Zuckerberg and the Metaverse while showing off its waterfalls

A new Iceland tourism ad has taken Mark Zuckerberg’s weird Metaverse announcement and transformed it into a hilarious appeal to enjoy Iceland‘s natural beauty.

Created by Inspired by Iceland, a Zuckerberg look-alike named Zack Mossbergsson makes an awkwardly impassioned speech about the future of human connection: The Icelandverse. But unlike the virtual reality nightmare Zuckerberg’s trying to push down our collective throat, Icelandverse is actual reality “without silly-looking headsets.”

Instead of staying indoors and connecting with others via technology, Mossbergsson, Chief Visionary Officer of the Icelandverse, explains that the Icelandverse consists of interacting with other human beings by going outside and talking to people.

The spoof is near perfect, with an actor who looks as unnatural as the real Zuckerberg and uses similarly overcomplicated jargon.

“This groundbreaking service allows users to discover Iceland’s breath-taking surroundings and endless landscapes in real life, from stunning waterfalls, soothing hot baths, the Northern Lights… and moss,” the Inspired by Iceland website explains. “Users can explore and navigate their way through the many different layers of captivating reality just by visiting.”

But the new Iceland tourism ad does much more than just roast Zuckerberg and his freakish ideas for the future, it showcases the best of Iceland with great shots of the country’s hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and more.

Zuckerberg, for his part, commented on the video on Inspired by Iceland’s Facebook page. “Amazing. I need to make a trip to the Icelandverse soon. Glad you’re wearing sunscreen too,” Zuckerberg wrote.

The message behind the ad is simple: don’t get swept up in the Metaverse and enjoy the world around you by just going out in nature. Not only is it a prettier, healthier way to live, but it’s also real. And that has to count for something, right?

More like this Road Trips The best road trips in Iceland — from three days to two weeks

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Published on November 15, 2021 08:52

November 14, 2021

The most wish-listed US cabins on Airbnb

Few vacations are more relaxing than a cabin retreat. Whether you’re using it as a base for your hiking or skiing excursions, or simply planning to kick back by the fireplace and relax with a book, cabins have a quiet romance about them. It’s no surprise, then, that cabins are among the most popular properties searched for by Airbnb users. The company just revealed its most wish-listed Airbnb cabins in the US, and the list might just inspire you to pull a Thoreau and head to the wilderness. From New York to Washington, these are the most wish-listed Airbnb cabins in the US.

We hope you love the Airbnb cabins we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.

1. A-frame cabin in the Catskills — Kerhonskon, New York

Photo: Airbnb

This two-bedroom A-frame cabin from 1961 is located on a private road in the Catskills and named the “Coolest A-frame in NY” by the New York Post in 2020. It has an open dining room with original wood ceilings and beams, a fire pit, a screened-in gazebo, a small pond, and a long picnic table for outdoor dining.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $345 per night

2. Midcentury cabin near a lake — Hamlin, Pennsylvania

Photo: Airbnb

An A-frame surrounded by trees in the Pocono Mountains, this Airbnb cabin has a deck with benches and fire pit, and access to a community pool, tennis court, ski hill, and two lakes. There’s also a full chef’s kitchen with hardwood countertops and a dining table that seats six — perfect for larger family gatherings.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $351 per night

3. Cozy cottage on the edge of Yosemite — Oakhurst, California

Photo: Airbnb

Located right on the edge of the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park — and just 15 minutes from Bass Lake — this A-frame cabin is surrounded by oak, pine, and manzanita trees. Inside you can enjoy the home’s modern design, while a rugged wilderness awaits just outside your window.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $266 per night

4. Alpine ski cabin — Henryville, Pennsylvania

Photo: Airbnb

This A-frame is just a few minutes from Camelback Ski Resort and comes equipped with a modern kitchen, three bedrooms, and a hot tub that overlooks a river. It also has some pretty unique features like a spiral staircase to a catwalk mezzanine and a floor net lounge.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $379 per night

5. Cozy treehouse-inspired cabin — Boone, North Carolina

Photo: Airbnb

This cabin in the woods of North Carolina comes with a lofted bedroom under a peaked roof, and woodsy furniture that lends to its treehouse-esque atmosphere. There’s also an outdoor swing overlooking a creek, and windows throughout with views of the forest. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat to get off the grid for a while — this is it.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $207 per night

6. 1960s A-frame with river and mountain views — Packwood, Washington

Photo: Airbnb

Located between the Cowlitz River and Coal Creek, this cabin is surrounded by river and mountain views. It has large front and back decks, a fully-stocked kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and it’s just a short drive to Mt. Rainier National Park and the White Pass Ski Area. The best part is that it’s completely pet-friendly.

Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $329 per night

7. Contemporary cabin with a touch of luxury — Blue Ridge Georgia

Photo: Airbnb

One of the most modern Airbnb cabins on the list, this brand new cabin has a stone-stacked fireplace, hot tub, grill, an expansive deck with plenty of seating, and glass windows pretty much everywhere overlooking the forest. It’s also just three miles from the shopping and restaurants of downtown Blue Ridge, as well as the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $432 per night

8. Mountain cabin with forest views — Maurertown, Virginia

Photo: Airbnb

This secluded cabin overlooks the scenic Shenandoah River and sits right on the edge of the George Washington National Forest. Recently renovated, the cabin features a wood fireplace, outdoor fire pit and hot tub, and wrap around deck. It also has private access to a trail leading to the Massanutten Circuit Trail.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $250 per night

9. Cabin built from converted shipping containers — Rockbridge, Ohio

Photo: Airbnb

The Box Hop is a house on 18.5 acres in the Hocking Hills, constructed using three intermodal shipping containers. With a focus on sustainability and modern design, the house is simple and economical in design but has all the amenities you need to be comfortable. In addition to the gas grill and fire table, there’s also a hot tub surrounded by trees and a rooftop patio for sunbathing.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $436 per night

More like this Where to Stay Not a camper? Try these luxury cabin rentals for a relaxing escape

Numi’s sweat-absorbing Signature and Lace shirt: $65

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Published on November 14, 2021 01:00

November 12, 2021

This sweat-absorbing shirt is my favorite thing to wear when I fly

I admire people who wear sweatpants and hoodies on flights. They just don’t care what those around them think of their style — they just want to be comfortable for the 10-hour ride ahead.

I am not one of those people. I care. I always wash and blow-dry my hair before getting into an airplane and I select my clothes carefully so I look semi-decent for the flight and the inevitable post-airport trek to my final destination. Sometimes, that means sacrificing comfort for elegance. Yes, that makes me vain. I’m okay with that.

To add a layer of complication to the already-ridiculous ritual of finding flying clothes that don’t make me look and feel like ground pork squeezed in a sausage casing, I tend to sweat a lot. I’m not dripping with the stuff on a regular day, but I’m a very nervous flyer and, as soon as I step into an airplane, I’m boiling.

A few years back, in an attempt to not be the worst seat neighbor in the history of flying, I tried Knix’s Don’t Sweat It shirt (currently unavailable on their website) on a three-hour flight to L.A and a 11-hour transatlantic trip. While it did the job, it was far from the ideal garment. I chose the white version of the shirt in size M (my regular size) and I felt like I was wearing some sort of medical garment. The shirt felt thick, and too tight, with very visible seams along the side, front, and back to accommodate the reinforced “moisture-wicking, odor-fighting fabric” around the armpits. In short, Knix’s sweat-absorbing shirt was ugly and the only way I’d be wearing it in public was hidden under another top.

This summer, knowing a multi-connection, double-digit flight to Europe was in the books for fall, I searched the internet for another sweat-proof shirt that I could wear on my trip. Numi’s sweat-absorbing shirts stood out from the rest immediately. While they call them “undershirts”, Numi’s products look like any other cute top on the market and can be worn as such. The extra padded area around the underarms is barely visible and there are no chunky seams. There are also a range of cuts and colors to choose from, with crop tops, boat necks, and body suits available for every body type and skin color.

Photo: Numi

I picked a size M in two different styles and shades: a black Lace and a caramel Signature, both of which fit perfectly and look sophisticated. Because I am a busty gal with a couple of chocolate-related rolls around the midriff ( I am 5’4, 140 lbs, 32 D), I think I could have gone for size L, too. Numi’s sweat-absorbing shirts are skin-tight to absorb the moisture, but if you’re in between two sizes and want to feel more comfortable, opt for the larger size.

I wore my black lace Numi’s sweat free shirt on its own on my most recent flights and was pleased with the result. While it’s black so sweat stains would not show no matter what, I looked good and did not feel damp and yucky at all. Note that wearing Numi’s sweat-absorbing shirts does not mean you can skip applying deodorant. While it seems that odors are lessened, you need to do your best not to be the most-hated person in the aircraft.

Photo: Numi/Facebook

Numi’s sweat-absorbing shirts are made of TENCEL and Lycra and can be thrown in the washing machine on a cold cycle without worrying that they’ll shrink or fall apart. Even better, the brand is also committed to do their best to be sustainable; the fabric used is knit and dyed in Canada and their TENCEL is “processed in a closed-loop facility. This process recycles water and reuses the solvent at a recovery rate of more than 99%,” their website explains.

I’ve started wearing my Numi shirts on other occasions that could trigger some heavy sweating, like violin lessons, biking back fully loaded from the grocery store, walking to town to meet friends, etc. and there have not been any awkward situations.

And for people who sweat a lot, it matters. It’s freeing to know you’re not going to look like you just ran a marathon when you’ve actually just walked for five minutes in totally normal temperatures, or just sat in an airplane for a few hours.

More like this Fashion The most comfortable, chic, and affordable travel clothes, according to a stylist

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Published on November 12, 2021 11:49

Voices winners of UN COP26 Summit

This is The Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.

As the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or the COP26, winds down, a final agreement is expected soon. While it won’t contain everything we’d like it to, some last-minute wording has been added and it means one thing: the voices of climate activists are sinking in.

Energizing climate voices

This week, Greta Thunberg and other activists called on the United Nations to declare a state of emergency, The New York Times reported. Considering the lack of urgency with which many world leaders have approached our warming Earth, the plea was necessary. The good news is that it looks like the message, underlined by tens of thousands of protestors filing through the streets of Glasgow, has been heard.

According to The Guardian, the latest iteration of the Cop26 draft agreement says that the section titled “Science” has been amended to “Science and urgency.” [emphasis added]. A bullet point below that title has strengthened the sentence about “alarm and concern” about human activities’ negative effects on the climate to “alarm and utmost concern” [emphasis added]. The changes may seem small, but adding those two key words to a short document means those words matter and that the hard work of Thunberg, other activists, and everyone marching in the streets, is having an impact. And it should motivate them and all of us to keep speaking out.

Even though the negotiators in Glasgow didn’t call climate change a planetary state of emergency, they’re doing what they can to produce a document that every country can sign and that asserts loud and clear the need for us all to act now.

Fossil fuels are called out

Here’s a shocker: Fossil fuels have never been explicitly mentioned in the United Nations climate talks, a result of political pressure by oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia. This time around, as Reuters points out, it was looking likely that the final draft of the COP26 would finally state that the use of fossil fuels needs to be curtailed, and quickly. However, due again to pressure from certain countries, this has been toned down to refer instead to unabated coal power generation — that coal power that doesn’t use modern technologies like carbon capture to reduce emissions — as well as “inefficient” subsidies for fossil fuels.

Sure seems like a COP-out, appropriately enough, given the name of the conference. In fact, it’s important to note that, for once, fossil fuels as a cause of climate change is being officially named. More importantly, by calling out subsidies, perhaps we can finally start addressing the obscene amounts of money handed over to some of the richest and most polluting companies in the world. In fact, according to Generation 180, nearly six trillion dollars subsidized the burning of fossil fuels last year, and it’s time for that to end.

Financing for poor countries

As The Guardian notes, developed countries have been reluctant to give more money to poorer countries, which are being asked to forego the very same fossil fuels that allowed wealthy countries to modernize decades earlier. Many poor countries will also disproportionately suffer the effects of a warming planet, so additional funds for these countries must be part of the solution. One new element in the text of the Cop26 is that it urges not just wealthy countries, but “other Parties” to also provide support to less wealthy nations.

The text may seem impossibly vague, and it undoubtedly is, but it also means that countries that are still considered “developing” but have big economies — China, in particular, notes The Guardian — can be called on to provide support to smaller economies. It’s a shaky premise for optimism, but getting the support of countries too poor to abandon oil in favor of still-pricey reusables will be critical in the fight to phase out fossil fuels.

More like this News Video compares what a $1 million home looks like in 15 cities across the US

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Published on November 12, 2021 11:00

The most expensive zip codes in the United States, mapped

If you’re tempted to pack your bags and move to greener pastures, you’ll want to take a good look at where you can afford to go before you hit the road. Property Shark, a website that provides and interprets real estate data, recently published a report of the most expensive zip codes in the United States in 2021. As you can probably guess, if you’re on a tight budget, then California is not the place you want to move to right now.

Out of the top 100 most expensive zip codes in the US, 70 percent are in California, with the town of Atherton, in the Bay Area in between Mountain View and San Mateo, and its roughly 7,000 inhabitants leading the way.

To build a ranking of the most expensive zip codes in the US, Property Shark calculated the median home sale prices for each zip code and selected the top 100. (The list actually includes 127 zip codes but there were many ties.)

Most expensive zip codes in the United States

Property Shark

Atherton, the most expensive zip code in the nation for the fifth year in a row, has a median home sale price of $7,475,000, which is much higher than Boston, Massachusetts, at $5,500,000 and Sagaponack, New York at $5,000,000, which are second and third, respectively.

But Atherton is only one of 89 Californian zip codes that made the top 100. The Bay Area has 47 of them, and Los Angeles County has 21. Living in the sun is gonna cost you, apparently.

Although living in New York City is always referred to as a drain on the wallet, home prices don’t compare to what urban Californians have to deal with. No New York City county cracks the top 20, with the first appearance in the ranking at number 22 in the zip code that includes Hudson Yards and Little Italy. The state of New York as a whole is home to 17 of the most expensive zip codes in the US.

Property Shark

Three locations saw median home sale prices surge dramatically in the past year. Gibson Island, Maryland, had a 97 percent increase to reach an eye-watering $3,195,000 average, taking the 23rd spot; Crystal Bay, Nevada, rose by 68 percent to take the 39th spot; and Miami Beach increased by 66 percent to became the fifth most expensive zip code in the US in 2021. On the other side of the trend, the median home sale prices in Greenbrae, California, and in one small area of New York City’s Upper West Side by the water decreased by 39 percent.

Biggest increase decrease expensive zip codes United States

Property Shark

The 20 most expensive zip codes in the United States:

94027 — Atherton, California02199 — Boston, Massachusetts11962 — Sagaponack, New York94957 — Ross, California33109 — Miami Beach, Florida90210 — Beverly Hills, California93108 — Santa Barbara, California90402 — Santa Monica, California94022 — Los Altos, California98039 — Medican, Washington94024 — Los Altos, California94301 — Palo Alto, California11976 — Water Mill, New York90742 — Huntington Beach, California92662 — Newport Beach, California94970 — Stinson Beach, California94028 — Portola Valley, California92067 — Rancho Santa Fe, California92657 — Newport Beach, California92661 — Newport Beach, California

If those numbers have discouraged you from finding a spot in the sun and you’re thinking about leaving the US altogether, don’t forget to check the most expensive cities in the world for expats.

More like this News Video compares what a $1 million home looks like in 15 cities across the US

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Published on November 12, 2021 07:25

These fantastic books are sure to inspire your kids to go outdoors

One of the most valuable present you can give your kids is the opportunity to develop a love for the natural world. This can be done by gifting them sustainable toys and games, or by offering them meaningful books. Both non-fiction books and imaginative tales can spark an appreciation for and even fascination about plants, animals, and the magic you can find when you step outside. From classic stories to brand new publications, these are our favorite books to inspire your kids to go outdoors.

1. Peter Wohlleben’s books

Photo: Greystone Books

German forest manager Peter Wohlleben is best known for his international bestseller, The Hidden Life of Trees, an eye-opening look at how trees nurture each other, socialize, communicate, compete, and even exhibit different “personalities.” The insights you’ll glean may well transform your walks in the woods forever. The book makes for a great audiobook on car trips with tweens and teens. For younger kids, Wohlleben has written a whole series of books, including Can You Hear the Trees Talking?

Wohlleben also ventures into the animal world in such books as The Inner Life of Animals. In writing about the deer, goats, and other wild and domestic animals of Central Europe, Wohlleben’s observations are more anecdotal and less scientific than when he writes about trees — but he nonetheless succeeds in making us consider species other than our own in a new light. And books like Do You Know Where the Animals Live?: Discovering the Incredible Creatures All Around Us will make your big kids and tweens eager to get out there and find for themselves those creatures Wohlleben so poetically describes.

2. A Girl’s Guide to the Wild: Be an Adventure-Seeking Outdoor Explorer! A Girl's Guide to the Wild

Photo: Penguin Random House

There are plenty of books promising to be girl’s guides, but most of them are less than empowering. “A Smart Girl’s Guide to Boys” for example, doesn’t even consider that not all girls are into boys. And don’t get us started on guides to makeup and what-have-you (there’s YouTube for that anyway). A Girl’s Guide to the Wild, on the other hand, really does deliver, aimed as it is at getting girls to enjoy the outdoors fearlessly. This useful book by Ruby McConnell offers recipes for outdoor cooking, games and crafts that can be done outside, tips on reading the clouds to discern upcoming weather, and plenty of suggestions for where to get out there both in the US and even overseas.

3. Island of the Blue Dolphins Island of the Blue Dolphins book

Photo: HMH Books

There’s a good chance your child may read this beautiful and melancholy tale for school anyway. But this Newberry Medal winner by Scott O’Dell is important on many levels — not only because it tells us about the Indigenous people who lived in the islands of California before Europeans arrived, but because the book’s heroine shows patience, courage, and resilience in surviving alone on an island for years and making use of what Nature provides.

4. My Side of the Mountain My Side of the Mountain book

Photo: Penguin Random House

A bit of a Walden for the more adventurous set, this book tells the story of a boy who can’t stand living in a cramped apartment in New York’s tangle of concrete. He makes the bold decision to live in the woods alone, with some cash, penknife, and little more — and he survives. (And he didn’t have his mom to bring him food, as Henry David Thoreau did in his Walden cabin). It’s a gripping account by Jean Craighead George that hopefully will inspire kids to test their mettle outside, but not actually disappear into the woods for a year. George is the author of several celebrated books, among them her Newberry-winning Julie of the Wolves, another book about survival outdoors, perseverance, and our relationship with animals.

5. The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth Cover of the book

Photo: Chris Burkard Shop

While adventure photographer Chris Burkard has often provided the stunning images for books written by those he’s partnered with, such as his book At Glacier’s End, which Matador Network reviewed, this time Burkard provides the words and illustrator David McClellan provides the pictures. But while Burkard doesn’t do the imagery for The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth, his message as a photographer shines through: Rather than travel to the ends of the Earth to find happiness, stop to admire the beauty right in front of you.

6. The Giving Tree The Giving Tree book

Photo: Harper Collins

Like Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein knows that kids are able to handle more darkness than we give them credit for. And The Giving Tree is certainly dark, showing us how we can take the world around us for granted and how we can harm the natural world that gives us so much. It’s a good lesson for children, much in the same way Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax is, but somehow more poignant. Silverstein is a master and this little heartbreaker is a must-read.

7. Operation Redwood Operation Redwood book

Photo: Amulet Books

The message in this first book by S. Terrell French is that you are never too young to be an environmental advocate and to do your part to save the natural world. Julian Carter-Li finds out his uncle’s company plans to cut down redwood trees, and he bands his friends together to try and stop them. Since they’re just kids after all, they rely on some pretty quirky tricks; not just sit-ins, but fake emails, and other fun, suspense-building tactics.

8. Downriver Downriver book

Photo: Simon & Schuster

Downriver, by Will Hobbs, relays the story of seven teenagers rafting the Colorado river without permits, maps, and little else besides the rafting gear they took without asking. It’s not all white sand beaches and pretty waterfalls; it’s also scary rapids, caves, and freezing rain. Lauded by the American Library Association as one of the top 100 young adult books, this gripping read will inspire your kids to go outdoors — but with hopefully a lot more preparation than this crew.

9. No Summit out of Sight No Summit out of Sight book

Photo: Simon & Schuster

The full title of this non-fiction book is No Summit out of Sight: The True Story of the Youngest Person to Climb the Seven Summits, which speaks for itself. With the help of Linda LeBlanc, Jordan Romero tells his own story of summitting Everest at age 13 and proceeded to climb the highest mountain on six more continents — all by the age of fifteen. The book doesn’t make the task seem like a cakewalk, detailing the obstacles that nature and your own body can throw at you, and how Romero started working towards this goal when he was just nine years old.

More like this Travel The perfect gifts to inspire a love of science in your kids

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Published on November 12, 2021 07:24

Sustainable gifts for kids

When it comes to our ever-growing collection of stuff, many of us have come to realize that, at least for the planet’s sake, less is more. Try telling that to a kid around the holidays. And, of course, there is the joy of giving. So how to square our desire for gift-giving with Earth’s plea not to produce vast more quantities of plastic toys? Look no further than these irresistible, and sustainable, gifts for the kids in your life.

1. Adopt an animal in a child’s name WWF blue footed booby

Photo: World Wildlife Fund

We suggested this last year, and the feedback was positive — so why not adopt a new one again this year? The World Wildlife Fund lets your child symbolically adopt an endangered animal, since you can’t actually bring home a blue whale or a blue-footed booby. The NGO offers different giving levels, from $25 to $250, which come with an adoption certificate and the corresponding stuffed animal, be it sea lion or snow leopard. Even if it’s a tarantula or prairie chicken you want to support, the WWF has stuffies. If your child is younger, the token stuffie might be perfect, but if they’re a bit older, consider the virtual adoption kit. That means nothing is wasted and more of the gift goes to saving the animal in question. Sadly, there are plenty of animals to choose from.

Learn More

2. Plan Toys beehive game from PlanToys

Photo: Plan Toys

PlanToys has been at the forefront of sustainable toy production for forty years, creating toys with minimal waste and garnering dozens of eco-awards along the way. To make their lovely and creative toys, it uses the wood from tapped-out Thai rubber trees, which will be destroyed anyway; it even reuses leftover sawdust to make more toys. An adorable beehive matching game costs $30, while a more classic wooden play kitchen comes in at $84. Every step of the Plan Toys process is well-considered, with even recycled packaging that uses plant-based inks. These ultra-green toys are also thoughtfully designed to foster specific physical and social-emotional developmental goals.

3. Recycled Paper Beads box for recycled paper beads toy

Photo: 4M Toys

There’s hardly a more satisfying gift to give a kid than beads with which they can spend hours making necklaces, bracelets, lanyards, and what-have-you. There’s just one small problem: the beads in question are nearly always made of plastic, tiny little items that end up in your dog’s stomach, between the sofa cushions and, more ominously, in our waterways. Green Creativity has solved this problem with a disarmingly simple solution: a toy that lets your kids make their own beads from recycled paper. And since it’s gift-giving time, there will probably be some brightly colored wrapping paper around to use for the first set of paper beads.

4. Earthhero Paint Kit sustainable paint kit for kids

Photo: EarthHero

With sidewalk chalk, colored pencils, and fingerpaints, the proud new owner of this kit will have plenty of options to design their masterpiece. Plus, EarthHero fingerpaints are made of fruit, vegetable, and plant extracts, so they not only spare the planet, but the child who uses them, from exposure to petroleum-based dyes and chemicals. The $29.50 kit comes in boxes made with post-consumer egg cartons and cardboard, making it yet more eco-friendly. Time to start creating!

5. Mokulock Wooden Blocks child playing with mokulock lego toys

Photo: Mokulock

There’s no arguing that Lego’s are excellent for learning and creating, and for making surprisingly enjoyable movies. But that’s a whole lot of plastic right there. How about mixing it up this year by adding Mokulock Blocks to that Lego set — stretching the use of those Lego’s with toys that are made from six different types of trees harvested locally and sustainably: cherry, maple, hornbeam, birch and a Japanese magnolia.

6. Flower Seeds

Photo: David’s Garden Seeds

Flower seeds are a pretty unique gift, and you’ll win points for a gift that may teach your child a new skill: gardening. Of course, you’ll have to add to that another skill: patience. While the rewards of seed planting aren’t immediate, the reward of spending time with the child in your life as you plant the seeds together definitely is. Depending on the weather, you can certainly plant seeds inside, as long as you have a good windowsill. You’ll find plenty of vendors of non-GMO seeds, like David’s Garden Seeds, with easy-to-grow marigolds or flowers you can sow in winter like pansies.

7. Green Toys sand toys Green Toys sand play set

Photo: Green Toys

There are some instances when wooden or paper toys are a bit more challenging: for playing at the beach or watering the garden, say. Green Toys makes all of its toys with 100 percent recycled plastic, so when your budding architect is nurturing their inner Zaha Hadid while creating sand structures, you’ll feel better knowing the plastic they are using was repurposed from milk containers, with no phthalates or other harmful chemicals. The sand playset is $25.87, while the watering can, hoe, and rake are $14.78.

8. Magnetic wooden blocks Tegu blocks

Photo: Tegu

Magnetic tiles free kids to put together shapes in an entirely new and creative way. Unfortunately, most magnetic sets use a lot of plastic. Tegu makes an assortment of magnetic sets using only sustainably sourced hardwoods from Honduras, and colors them with non-toxic, water-based finishes. The blocks come in options to create specific things, like cars a toddler might put together, to more freeform shapes for older children.

9. Organic cotton kids’ clothing gray Jackalo pants

Photo: jackalo

Conventional cotton farming is pesticide-intensive and can use thousands of gallons of water to produce just one T-shirt. Fortunately, several options exist today for organic cotton kids’ clothes, including Winter Water Factory, which we’ve listed before. Another one designer we’ve fallen in love with is jackalo, which not only uses organic cotton and sustainable manufacturing processes but keeps the clothing sustainable even after you’ve bought it. They will repair your kids’ clothing for you (minus shipping costs), offers tips on minimizing washing, and will take back your kids’ outgrown clothes for discounted resale on their site. And jackalo will give you a $15 discount on their next, always fashionable, item.

More like this Travel The perfect gifts to inspire a love of science in your kids

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Published on November 12, 2021 03:30

November 11, 2021

I climbed a skyscraper 1,300 feet above Manhattan and it was terrifying

New York City’s City Climb is sure to get your blood pumping.

Located at 30 Hudson Yards above the Edge observatory, the newly opened City Climb takes people outside and up a skyscraper for unobstructed views of the city. The experience lasts anywhere between 90 minutes and two hours, with time allotted for people to get suited up and harnessed, multiple safety checks, and the actual climb itself.

View of people climbing City Climb from afar

Photo: Courtesy of Edge

It all starts at Base Camp, where visitors ascend 32 steps to the Cliff, the first viewing platform at a height of 1,190 feet. Next is the actual open-air climb, with 161 steps on a 45-degree incline that leads to the Apex, which is the second and final viewing platform at 1,271 feet. There, people get the chance to walk around, lean out, and hang over the platform for some of the coolest photos they’ll ever get.

People walking up the outdoors steps at City Climb

Photo: Courtesy of Edge

How it holds up

After doing the City Climb myself, I can honestly say the experience is exhilarating. NYC has no shortage of observation decks, such as SUMMIT One, One World Observatory, and the Empire State Building, but there’s something very exciting about being able to see those views without anything in your way. There are no walls, gates, or barriers impeding the vast stretches of cityscape in every direction. And through it all, I felt completely safe.

Upon arrival at City Climb, staff will provide a thorough safety briefing and then have you sign a form to confirm that you’ve understood everything you’ve been told. You’re then led to a locker room to store your belongings as no loose items are allowed, which includes cell phones and cameras. That’s where you’ll meet the two guides that’ll be with you on the climb; the group limit is capped to eight people, with two guides for each group no matter what.

Photo: Courtesy of Edge

Your guides will then get you suited up in protective gear and a harness, and you’ll be checked twice to make sure everything is properly fitted and secure. You’ll then head to Base Camp, where you’ll be securely attached to the course via your harness and a trolley. After another set of safety checks, the first guide leads the way while the second takes up the rear.

The guides handle all the photos and videos, as one will be wearing a helmet with a GoPro while the other carries a digital camera, so the only thing you need to worry about is taking in all the excitement and views.

For the adventurous yet cautious folks, know that the guides are experts at keeping you calm. While an adrenaline junkie myself, the initial few steps on the open-air climb made me anxious but the guides kept me distracted with historical facts and general chit chat, and my worry soon dissipated to allow me to thoroughly enjoy the climb. The guides also make sure to stop for breaks on the way up, to allow people to catch their breath and get pictures on the steps.

How it compares

City Climb bills itself as the highest open-air ascent in the world. It’s the first of its kind in New York City, but similar experiences exist in other places around the world. There’s the Sky Tower Walk in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Edge Walk at the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, for starters. They all work on the same premise of walking hands- and barrier-free at dizzying heights, but City Climb sets itself apart by including the open-air staircase.

Person on The Cliff platform at City Climb

Photo: Courtesy of Edge

Having done the aforementioned tower walk in New Zealand, I believe all walks bring their own thrilling elements to the table. The Sky Tower’s walk provides 360-degree views as it has a longer platform that goes in a complete circle around the tower. There’s also no observatory deck beneath it so it truly feels like a steep drop. City Climb’s platforms generally only face south, but the added element of scaling a skyscraper to get there is something uniquely fun.

Know before you go

City Climb operates year-round in most weather conditions, including light snow and rain. Staff are constantly monitoring weather conditions and may cancel or delay daily operations in the event of heavy rain, high winds, lightning, or extreme temperatures (and tickets would be rescheduled).

Tickets are $185, which includes the experience, photos and videos, a commemorative medal, and entry to the Edge observatory. They must be booked for specific time slots, with the first entry being 9:45 to 10:00 AM and the last being 3:45 to 4:00 PM. Tickets can be booked on site, but to make sure you get the time and date you want, online is the way to go.

More like this News New York City’s SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the city’s newest instagrammable attraction

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Published on November 11, 2021 11:50

All the knitting tools you need to make the most famous styles from around the world

It might be too late to start knitting your holiday presents this year, but now is the perfect time to decide on a new hobby or get ready for a project for the new year. In 2019, Matador Network listed some of the most iconic knitting patterns from around the world with some tips on how they are traditionally created, and this year, with the help of knitting expert Romi Hill, we give you the lowdown on all the knitting tools you’ll need to make them. Here is your one-stop shop for all things knitting.

Rosemary (Romi) Hill is a professional knitwear designer with a lifetime of crafting and knitting experience under her belt. Specializing in lace knitting, Romi has self-published over 140 patterns and her work has appeared in Interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, PomPom Quarterly, and Making Magazine among others. She’s written two books about the art of knitting, Elements of Style: Knit and Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt and Beads (2013) and New Lace Knitting (2015), and has even led knitting cruises! Romi founded her own knitwear company, Designs by Romi, in 2005. You can find Romi’s patterns on Ravelry and her own site, and admire her beautiful work on Instagram.

We hope you love the items we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to purchase some knitting tools. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.

Style one: Iceland’s Lopapeysa, the iconic Icelandic sweater

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Une publication partagée par Kelechi Anna Hafstad (@kelechiannaa)

The yarn: Lopapeysa are traditionally made with unspun Icelandic bulky wool called lopi. Lopi is not a cheap yarn to purchase, that said, you can find some reasonably priced lopi in a variety of color on Etsy from Icelandic vendor SAIceland.

Buy lopi now

The needles: Lopapeysa are made in the round, meaning you don’t knit the front and the back of the sweater separately and then sew them together — you knit the whole sweater at once like a tube. You’ll need a large circular needle for the body of the sweater and two smaller circular needles or one set of double-pointed needles for the sleeves. Romi recommends Knitter’s Pride needles, available on Etsy via the Handsome Fibers shop. You’ll also need a tapestry needle to weave the yarn ends in when your sweater is done.

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Buy a tapestry needle now

Other knitting tools needed: Beyond the yarn and the needles, you’ll want a knitting thimble to knit a lopapeysa. It’ll help you keep the different strands of yarn apart while you work on the sweater.

Buy a knitting thimble now

When you’re done knitting your Lopapeysa, Romi recommends that you wool wash your piece with Eucalan or Soak. Make sure to rinse them completely! Both wool wash brands are great to clean your knitting and to block your piece, i.e. even out the stitches and set the shape and size of the knitted item.

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Buy Soak wool wash now

Style two: Scotland’s Fair Isle sweater

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Une publication partagée par Shetland Wool Week (@shetlandwoolweek)

Fair Isle is a knitting style specific to the eponymous Scottish Island located in the Shetland archipelago. Fair Isle knitting consists of horizontal bands of geometrical and colorful motifs. You can use an unlimited number of colours when knitting a Fair Isle sweater, but note that no more than two colors are to be used per row — that’s the rule!

The yarn: Fair Isle knitting is done with Shetland wool, which is a yarn that is very sticky (so it does not unravel). Shetland wool can be very expensive, but you can purchase Jamieson’s of Shetland yarn in every shade imaginable on Etsy for a reasonable price. Other brands of Shetland wool include Jamieson and Smith, and Elemental Affects for American-grown Shetland wool. To knit a Fair Isle sweater, you’ll need fingering weight woolen spun yarn.

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Romi suggests that when you’re working on your Fair Isle project, you keep your wool in a shoebox with a hole for each color yarn to be fed through. That way, you won’t get your yarn tangled up. It’s an inexpensive and expert tip!

The needles: To knit a Fair Isle pullover sweater, you’ll need a large circular needle for the body of the sweater and two smaller circular needles or one set of double-pointed needles for the sleeves. As for the Lopapeysa, you’ll also want a tapestry needle to weave in the yarn ends when it’s all done.

Other knitting tools needed: If you decide to knit a Fair Isle cardigan rather than a pullover sweater, you’ll need to steek your piece once you’re finished knitting it. Steeking is the act of cutting the sweater in the middle of the front where a bridge of extra stitches has been created to open it up into a cardigan. For that you’ll need a pair of sharp scissors.

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Just like with the Lopapeysa, when you’re done with your Fair Isle piece, wool wash it with Eucalan or Soak and rinse it thoroughly. Try a traditional Wooly Board or blocking mats to block your new sweater and even your stitches out.

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Style three: Canada’s Cowichan sweater

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Une publication partagée par Trashtiques on Etsy (@trashtiques)

To be authentic, Cowichan sweaters must be hand knit in one piece with undyed wool by a Coast Salish artisan, according to traditional methods. Each of the motifs used in a sweater carries a deep meaning and for this reason, you may wish to purchase one knitted by an artisan instead of knitting your own.

The yarn: Cowichan sweaters are knitted with bulky sheep’s wool. Traditionally, only natural colors are used for Cowichan sweaters (white, black, grey, beige, brown). To approximate the style of sweater, Lamb’s Pride bulky wool is a good choice and is widely available on Etsy for cheap, or on their website in just about every color in the rainbow.

Buy lamb’s Pride bulky yarn now

The needles: Cowichan sweaters are usually knitted in the round, but instead of circular needles, the Cowichan people use long double-pointed needles. Shorter double-pointed needles are also used for the sleeves and the shawl collar.

Other knitting tools needed: Cowichan sweaters are most often cardigans with zippers or buttons in the front; therefore, you’ll need to steek your piece once you’re finished knitting it in the round. Just like with the Fair Isle cardigan, you’ll want a pair of sharp scissors to do so.

When you’re done knitting your Cowichan sweater, wool wash it with Eucalan or Soak, rinse well, and lay flat to dry. Since this sweater is so bulky, a sweater drying rack can help speed the process.

Style four: Norway’s Lusekofte sweater

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Une publication partagée par Selmi Nytt og Brukt (@selminyttogbrukt)

The yarn: Only two colors are used in the making of a Lusekofte, usually white and a darker color, so you’ll need regular or superwash Norwegian sheep’s wool in the two colors of your choice. Norwegian wool is tricky to find on Etsy, but you can substitute it with any sport or light worsted sheep wool. The hand dyed light worsted wool from Black Sheep on Etsy is pricey, but a beautiful option. Superwash wool is a type of wool that has been treated so that it does not felt when washed.

Buy hand dyed superwash light worsted wool now

The needles: To knit a Lusekofte sweater, you’ll need a large circular needle for the body of the sweater and two smaller circular needles or a set of double-pointed needles for the sleeves and neckline. You’ll also need a tapestry needle to weave the yarn ends in when it’s all done.

Other knitting tools needed: To keep the two strands of yarn apart while knitting, you’ll want a knitting thimble/yarn guide.

Buy a yarn guide now

Lusekofte can take different styles — they can be crew neck, open collar, or cardigans. If you decide to knit an open-collar or cardigan Lusekofte, you’ll need to steek your piece and use a pair of sharp scissors for that purpose. Note that if you steek, non-superwash wool is best.

Knitting an open-collar or cardigan Lusekofte also means you’ll want to purchase Norwegian trim for the edges of the opening in the front and the sleeves, as well as Scandinavian clasps. Norwegian trim can be sewn by hand or with a sewing machine, while the clasps will be hand-sewn.

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Style five: Ireland’s famous Aran sweater

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Une publication partagée par Aran Sweater Market (@aransweatermarket)

The yarn: To knit an Aran sweater, you’ll need Aran weight sheep’s wool in any color of your choice. Aran sweaters are usually natural colored, but there’s no rule against using your favourite hue.

Buy Aran wool now

The needles: Aran sweaters can be knitted in the round with a large circular needle for the body of the sweater and two smaller circular needles or one set of double-pointed needles for the sleeves and the neckline. If you prefer to knit your Aran sweater flat and seam the pieces together later, you’ll need a pair of regular straight needles for the body and sleeves, with double-pointed needles for the neckline. You’ll also need a tapestry needle to weave the yarn ends in when it’s all done.

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Other knitting tools needed: What makes Aran sweaters special are the beautiful stitches that adorn them: cables in honeycomb, diamond, and other patterns. To create those special stitches on your own creation, you’ll need a cable needle.

Buy a cable needle now

When you’re done knitting your Aran sweater, wool wash it with Eucalan or Soak, rinse, well, and dry it on a sweater rack.

Other knitting tools you’ll need, no matter the project unfinished knitting project

Photo: Shine Caramia/Shutterstock

A pattern: The best place to find patterns for the styles listed above is Ravelry. Ravelry is a free website for yarn lovers where there are free patterns, a forum for crafters to chat, and a yarn review section. All you need to access Ravelry is to create a login. The pattern you choose will indicate what size needles you need, how much yarn is required, etc.A project bag: To keep all your yarn and knitting tools for one project in one place, Romi recommends having a project bag. There are plenty of cool project bags available on Etsy at a variety of prices, but we love the bucket-style project bags from Grannys on the Go on Etsy.Point protectors: If you don’t want your knitting to slide off your needles while in your project bag, you must use point protectors (also called needle stoppers.) The ones by Tesla Baby on Etsy are cheap and super fun.Stitch markers: Stitch markers are indispensable whatever project you’re working on. By sliding them on to your needle in between stitches or around a specific stitch, they help mark an important spot in your knitting. We recommend that you purchase a couple of dozen stitch markers and that you choose very colorful ones so they stand out. You can get 30 locking stitch markers at Yarnshop4U on Etsy for just $1.90.Crochet hooks: Crochet hooks in a variety of sizes are must-haves in your knitting toolkit. They are used to pick up stitches if you drop some while knitting, and they’ll help you fix mistakes in your knitting without having to unravel several rows. You can purchase six different-size crochet hooks for just $2.75 at Yarnshop4U on Etsy.Try-it-on tubing: Like the name indicates, try-it-on tubing is flexible plastic tubing that fits at the end of your knitting needles and on which you can slide your stitches. The goal is for you to be able to try on your knitting and check for size while your project is still unfinished. Try-it-on tubing is available on Etsy for less than $6.A ball winder and swift or a nostepinne: A lot of the yarn out there is sold in skeins or hanks which need to be turned into a ball before usage. To wind a skein or hank into a ball you need a swift and a winder. The swift holds the yarn in place while you turn it into a ball with the winder. Alternatively, you can do it by hand by using a nostepinne. Check out these tutorials on how to use a swift and ball winder, and how to use a nostepinne.A row counter: To keep track of the numbers of rows you’re knitting, use a row counter. Tips from the expert to knit for less person purchasing yarn for a knitting project

person purchasing yarn for a knitting project

Photo: Usacheva Ekaterina/Shutterstock

Yarn is expensive and if you can’t afford to spend all your money on wool, Romi has you covered. There are some great swap groups on Facebook and Ravelry, and you can often find yarn at estate sales and thrift stores. If that’s not your cup of tea, below are several websites where you can get great deals on yarn:

WEBS KnitPicks Schoolhouse Press for traditional knitting tools and yarnColourmart

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