Even if you don't usually get a flu shot and even though most of us are staying at home, socially distancing, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and have hand sanitizer at the ready--review the guidelines for flu shots and make sure you have a plan for the 2020-21 flu season. In 2020, there is a campaign … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)
Living in Seattle
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. After dry or hot summers, … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
Virtual: Free Washington State Biz Fair
Join the annual Washington State Biz Fair -- for both new and existing small business owners. Biz Fair is the longest running all-government and non-profit-run small business fair in our state. The purpose of the fair is to provide a wide spectrum of information, in a non-sales environment, that small business … [Read more...] about Virtual: Free Washington State Biz Fair
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
Washington State parks & public lands open for recreation
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages more than 160 recreation sites and 1,200 miles of trail. Campsites are available first come, first served at no additional cost for vehicles with a valid Discover Pass, making it easier than ever to find your new favorite outdoor … [Read more...] about Washington State parks & public lands open for recreation
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. Tips for maximizing your book buying (and returning) dollars Here are some general guidelines for saving money when … [Read more...] about How to save money on college textbooks
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. They are arranged roughly north to south. Find our Google Map with each of these lighthouses pinpointed at the end of the list. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though most will gladly accept donations. Lighthouses inside … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
Free and cheap meditation resources
Meditation is a great way to relax and reduce stress or “unplug” from the pace and responsibilities of everyday life. The benefits of a regular meditation practice can include many positive changes such as increased focus, creativity, patience, happiness, and overall life balance. Meditation is a tradition dating … [Read more...] about Free and cheap meditation resources
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
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
Low power FM community radio stations in the Puget Sound region
Have you ever gone to the drive-in movies and turned on your radio to hear the audio of the film? Or tuned into a station listed on a highway sign for ferry, highway, or weather information? If so, you’ve used a Low Power FM radio station. These stations are becoming more popular as folks learn the benefits … [Read more...] about Low power FM community radio stations in the Puget Sound region
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
Get emergency alerts in the Puget Sound region
There are several emergency notification systems in the greater Seattle metropolitan area and throughout the Puget Sound region that can communicate with residents during emergencies. These systems are used to send alerts to the public, as well as to first responders and other government employees during emergencies, … [Read more...] about Get emergency alerts in the Puget Sound region
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
Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is a week-long kite celebration and competition held annually in breezy Long Beach, WA about 170 miles southwest of Seattle. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, Kitelife Magazine calls … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)
Restaurant delivery service in the Puget Sound region
Restaurants in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area offer delivery in a variety of ways, directly or through restaurant delivery apps. We've got all the details here on the different ways to get food delivered to your door. Independent restaurant delivery We strongly encourage you to connect directly with … [Read more...] about Restaurant delivery service in the Puget Sound region
$25 summer language camp (grades 9-12) in Seattle
OneWorld Now! (OWN) was founded in Seattle in 2002. OWN serves diverse populations of youth, provides opportunities to learn world languages and navigate diverse cultures, and builds leadership skills. Their programs prepare students to interact in new environments and build the skills to be effective global citizens. … [Read more...] about $25 summer language camp (grades 9-12) in Seattle
Washington State COVID-19 vaccine information
Vaccination is one of the most important tools we can use to end the pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in phases starting with those most at risk for COVID-19 infection. Eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone in Washington State who wants it. Meanwhile, remember that it is more … [Read more...] about Washington State COVID-19 vaccine information
Washington State January 11 COVID recovery plan
In order to slow the spread of rapidly increasing COVID cases in Washington state and ensure that hospital and medical systems are not overwhelmed, difficult but necessary steps are being taken to protect public health. On November 15, Governor Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response … [Read more...] about Washington State January 11 COVID recovery plan
Save money with these ideas for a plant-based diet
VegSeattle.com is the Pacific Northwest's most comprehensive resource for anyone interested in reducing meat, dairy, and other animal products they consume. The primary objective of VegSeattle is to promote the pleasures and benefits of plant-based eating. Whether it's personal health or appearance, global … [Read more...] about Save money with these ideas for a plant-based diet
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
Emergency Preparedness information & classes
Bookmark this page for quick access to resources for emergency preparedness in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. These resources can help you get prepared before an emergency occurs and after disaster strikes. This emergency preparedness information includes links to local and national emergency preparedness … [Read more...] about Emergency Preparedness information & classes
Pilot Flying J travel centers in Washington State
Pilot Flying J (PFJ) is the largest operator of travel centers in North America with more than 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The travel centers are committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care, and a smile at every stop. Last time we checked, in Washington State there were nine Pilot … [Read more...] about Pilot Flying J travel centers in Washington State
All about cloth face masks: wearing, making, donating
As of April 7, 2020, we’ve updated this information about the use of cloth face masks based on information published by CDC and Washington State Department of Health. Anytime you are in within six feet of someone, tiny droplets from talking, as well as from sneezing or coughing can land on nearby people and surfaces … [Read more...] about All about cloth face masks: wearing, making, donating
Free and cheap resources for Seattle-Tacoma teens
Listed below are free (and low cost) resources for teens in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The list includes places where teens can hang out, enjoy local entertainment, or get help. We list mostly resources and activities that are free, and a few that are low cost. Seattle-Tacoma Teen Hangouts Seattle Parks & … [Read more...] about Free and cheap resources for Seattle-Tacoma teens