Northwest Living

“Where is Santa” photos: free phone call, 5×7 photo, visits at area malls

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This is a sponsored post. When you support our advertisers, you help to keep our site in business, bringing you the best deals and free events in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. Sponsored by: Cherry Hill Programs (whereissanta.com). Read full disclosure: Privacy Policy - Affiliate Program Participation … [Read more...] about “Where is Santa” photos: free phone call, 5×7 photo, visits at area malls

Food deals and discounts on coffee, fast food, and fine dining

These food deals (and drink deals) and restaurant dining discounts are available throughout the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. You'll find offers from local eateries, national chains, and fast-food restaurants. As always, we focus on those with modest prices. We may also feature more expensive options that offer a … [Read more...] about Food deals and discounts on coffee, fast food, and fine dining

Shredding services help prevent costly identity theft

Shredding services are inexpensive and easy to do. Compared to the cost of fixing your credit if your identity is stolen, it's truly a bargain. To protect yourself from identity theft, it is very important to securely destroy routine, but sensitive information. Merely tossing it in the trash or recycle bin is a … [Read more...] about Shredding services help prevent costly identity theft

Best discount grocery stores and bakery outlets

Here’s our list of the best discount grocery stores, bargain warehouse stores, specialty discount grocers, and bakery outlets in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. Notice that we focus on Pacific Northwest owned companies. So, that’s why we’ve left out some stores usually recommended for grocery shopping … [Read more...] about Best discount grocery stores and bakery outlets

Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)

Review the guidelines for flu shots and make sure you have a plan for the current flu season. Flu shot recommendations for 2023-24 season Influenza (Flu) is a very contagious respiratory illness. Flu is caused by infection with four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C and D) and various subtypes (such as A/H1N1, … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)

Grocery list + easy recipes for college students

The following list of groceries are foods that are widely available and easy to use with little or no preparation before cooking. They are also some of the more nutritious and inexpensive foods you can buy. You and your brain need to stay fueled and sharp to make the most of your day. So, we focused on delicious and … [Read more...] about Grocery list + easy recipes for college students

Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions

While Washington State’s first wine grapes were planted in 1825, the first commercial plantings did not begin until the 1960’s and major production not until the 1970s. Forty years later, Washington is the second largest premium wine producer in the United States behind California. Wine growing regions around … [Read more...] about Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions

7 ways to pay for college without loans

There are several ways to pay for college without resorting to college loans. Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. College loans leave you with a financial obligation after completing college. This strategy can be a great path into careers that have the possibility of lucrative … [Read more...] about 7 ways to pay for college without loans

13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color

In an average year, the best time to see Seattle fall color is the last week of September and first week of October. In the foothills and mountain areas, foliage peaks about one to two weeks later than at lower elevations. Depending on weather conditions, the fall season in Seattle can begin earlier, in mid-September … [Read more...] about 13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color

Outlet malls in Seattle and around Puget Sound

From north to south, these are the major outlet malls in the Puget Sound region, offering plenty of shopping and food options for a day of browsing and saving every day. All stores typically offer special sales on holiday weekends throughout the year, including Labor Day weekend, fourth of July, Memorial Day, and … [Read more...] about Outlet malls in Seattle and around Puget Sound

Month-by-month u-pick produce around Puget Sound

Here’s our list of popular u-pick fruits, berries, and vegetables and the best month to pick them in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and Western Washington counties around the Puget Sound region. In addition, we provide a link to a map of u-pick farms near you for each crop. Washington State is known worldwide … [Read more...] about Month-by-month u-pick produce around Puget Sound

Art & craft shows in the Puget Sound region

The Puget Sound region boasts a thriving visual arts community. Throughout the year, you can tap into the local arts scene at art festivals, craft fairs, and makers markets in cities and venues all around the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. At these arts and crafts events, you'll find primarily locally made … [Read more...] about Art & craft shows in the Puget Sound region

Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)

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Leavenworth, Washington is a small town (pop. ~2,000) about 120 miles east of Seattle. Nestled in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is graced by mountains rising to 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The area is known for abundant sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. One … [Read more...] about Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)

How to save money on college textbooks

We've researched various ways to save money on college textbooks, including tips for getting the best price on new and used books, buying digital ebooks or renting textbooks, plus a few other tricks. Listed below are some general guidelines for saving money when buying and returning textbooks for college … [Read more...] about How to save money on college textbooks

Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color

If you are seeking Washington State fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives throughout the counties in the Puget Sound regions. The colorful fall foliage is often set against deep green evergreen trees, with lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains completing the vista. The primary viewing period for … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color

Disaster Relief: where to donate

The best way to help whenever a disaster strikes at home or abroad is to donate money to reputable, established charities and funds. Clean-up and rebuilding takes months of effort...sometimes years. Every dollar you donate to well-established aid organizations go toward relief efforts. Experts say whatever you do, … [Read more...] about Disaster Relief: where to donate

Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)

The first Wooden Boat Festival (WBF) in North America in 1978 at Port Townsend eventually joined with Northwest Maritime Center in 2005 to continue to engage and educate people in traditional maritime culture and to inspire people to adventure on the sea--the most powerful teacher you may ever know! Today, the Port … [Read more...] about Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)

News you can use about nCoV

Listed below is useful information about the coronavirus pandemic. Last updated July 5, 2023. About CoV On May 11, 2023 the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 ended. The expiration of the emergency declaration does not mean that the pandemic is over as COVID-19 continues to circulate in … [Read more...] about News you can use about nCoV

Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State

One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State

Free food safety apps and guides

By following basic rules of food safety, you can help prevent foodborne illness for yourself and others. Here is a list of downloadable, free food safety fact sheets for grilling and other summer activities with food. The information will help you prevent food poisoning while having delicious fun this summer. USDA … [Read more...] about Free food safety apps and guides

JBF consignment sales of children’s & maternity

Just Between Friends (JBF) consignment sales are a savvy consumer's dream. No wonder, JBF are North America's leading children's and maternity consignment sales events. At a JBF event, you can buy or sell clothing, toys, baby equipment, strollers, high chairs, cribs, joggers, nursery gear, maternity wear, baby … [Read more...] about JBF consignment sales of children’s & maternity

Berry festivals in the Puget Sound region

Berries are synonymous with summer. Ripe, juicy, and delicious, who doesn't dream of berry shortcake, berry ice cream, fresh berry pie, berry scones, and more. Popular berries in Western Washington include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. June-July is the primary strawberry season around … [Read more...] about Berry festivals in the Puget Sound region

Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region

Washington State farmers markets provide a diversity of fresh produce, including fruits. vegetables, herbs, and flowers (edible and otherwise). You can also find other locally grown products, including meats, poultry, fish and shellfish, eggs, and a wide variety of value added-farm products such as preserves, ciders … [Read more...] about Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region

Best used clothing and consignment stores

Listed below are second-hand clothing stores in Seattle and surrounding cities in the Puget Sound region. We’ve listed the best reasons to shop at each location, so you can find what you need—whether you want cheap clothes or designer goods at the best possible price. Check their website for details or before you head … [Read more...] about Best used clothing and consignment stores

Home gardening resources and plant sales

Gardening in the Puget Sound region gets the advantage of rich volcanic soils, abundant rain, and year-round temperate weather. However, Northwest gardeners also face several challenges: a shortage of sunny days, a growing season that starts later than other parts of the country, and understanding the microclimate … [Read more...] about Home gardening resources and plant sales