On May 29, Gov. Jay Inslee released a county-by-county based “Safe Start” reopening plan for resuming recreational, social and business activities. Read more about county-by-count status, face mask requirements, and 'Safe Start' phases below. County-by-county 'Safe Start' status You can check the current status each … [Read more...] about What’s open/closed: July 7 update to WA ‘Safe Start’
Living in Seattle
13 free park entrance days in Washington State
Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days and plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park or a getaway to another park around the state. Short History of Our National Parks In 1872 in the … [Read more...] about 13 free park entrance days in Washington State
10 frugal ways to stay fit in Seattle
Fitness exercise is a popular reality in Seattle. The city consistently ranks as one of the healthiest places in the country, as reported by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index. The report finds that we like fitness and exercise, evidenced by our overall health, walkable city, abundant … [Read more...] about 10 frugal ways to stay fit in Seattle
Find a tool library in the Puget Sound region
Like a traditional library, a Tool Library is a sustainable community resource that lends tools for short term use. Sharing tools helps save you money by not buying ones you will only use a few times. It also gives you access to many more tools as well as a "Do-It-Yourself" community. Each library offers tools for … [Read more...] about Find a tool library in the Puget Sound region
Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region
Farmers markets had been closed due to WA stay-at-home orders. Farmers Market managers have worked with government agencies to adopt new rules in order to open farmers markets. See our "Before you go" list below. 2020 Farmers Markets Washington State farmers markets provide a diversity of fresh produce, including … [Read more...] about Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region
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
How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW
It's easy to start vegetable gardening. Well, it can be. Read on for several ideas for getting started in small, easy ways. Vegetable gardening is a great family activity or for anyone. It's one of the most rewarding home projects you can do. Whether you own or rent a house, or live in a condominium or apartment, … [Read more...] about How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW
How (and why) to build a rain garden
Most Seattle rain is collected by gutters around your rooftop and flowing from your driveway and patio into the street. All of this runoff is diverted into the storm drain system that ultimately empties into the nearest body of water—namely Lake Washington or Puget Sound. Along the way, it collects oil, fertilizers, … [Read more...] about How (and why) to build a rain garden
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 on … [Read more...] about Best discount grocery stores and bakery outlets
Discounts and deals for First Responders
Various retailers and restaurants are offering discounts for first responders. Please double-check for whom the offer applies, as each one varies — some are specific to nurses and front-line workers, all hospital workers, or first responders, or some combination. Some require validating ID or uniform … [Read more...] about Discounts and deals for First Responders
Month-by-month u-pick crops around Puget Sound
Here’s our list of popular u-pick crops and when to pick them around the Puget Sound region. In addition, we provide links to a list of farms for each u-pick crop. If you are originally from the southeast or southwest United States, you will find the growing seasons in Washington State to be later than … [Read more...] about Month-by-month u-pick crops around Puget Sound
10 mental health self-care tips for every day
We all need to handle stress in our daily lives. The trick is to take care of our mental health before the day-to-day pressures build up and cause “burnout” or worse. Symptoms of burnout include a loss of motivation—finding it difficult to complete tasks. You may feel overwhelmed, tired, or simply incapable of … [Read more...] about 10 mental health self-care tips for every day
Crisis Centers and Suicide Hot Lines
Find resources for yourself or others experiencing emotional, housing, or financial crisis. The following crisis centers and phone call help lines in Washington State or across the country can provide support and access to resources for individuals, teens, families, and their loved ones who want to … [Read more...] about Crisis Centers and Suicide Hot Lines
Help WSDA trap Asian giant hornets July-October 2020
As you may have heard, Asian giant hornets have been found in Washington State. So far, there are no known sightings of these pests anywhere else in the United States. The Washington State Department of Agriculture invites the local community to help trap these uninvited and unwelcome pests. WSDA asks that … [Read more...] about Help WSDA trap Asian giant hornets July-October 2020
STEM for kids at home with Rosie Research
Science projects are a key part of learning for all kids. With school closures, many families are wondering how to fill in the gap with science activities at home. "Rosie Research" on Bainbridge Island helps families do just that. What's more, the projects and activities are affordable and fun for kids and … [Read more...] about STEM for kids at home with Rosie Research
