Your Family’s Dream Portland Staycation
Vacations are nice, but sticking around the Portland area in the summer offers so many fun opportunities for families. It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and try out new and new-to-you parks, frozen treats, art exhibits and so much more. Here’s our curated list of fun ideas and places to try out during your family’s Portland summer staycation!
5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Vancouver
If you haven’t been across the Columbia to Vancouver, aka the Couve, lately, you’re in for a sweet family-friendly surprise. Vancouver has so much to offer from ooey-gooey waffles, local fish and chips to a NY-style vegan slice and pinball. These family food spots pair perfectly with summer fun.
Outdoor Therapy for the Whole Family
The healing power of nature isn’t a new idea. Experts date the idea of nature’s healing powers back thousands of years. It can be found across traditional practices and systems, from Indigenous medicines to Ayurvedic, and TCM. Naturopathic doctors recognize nature’s “inherent self-healing process” and take it as one of their six main principles, referred to as the Vis Medicatrix Naturae.1 And even modern e-medical providers mention ecotherapy, or green or nature therapy, as the idea of being in nature to boost growth, healing, and mental health.2
Green therapy isn’t new, but you can always discover new ways to enjoy this health boost.
Originally published in print. Read the article on Ecoparent online.
CARE + GIVING: The Trials and Triumphs of Caregiving
In the Clark County community, and indeed across the world, there’s a population of helpers who often go unnoticed, who stay up through the night, working 24/7 shifts. They care for family members, young and old, often without pay. These are the caregivers in our community, and they are a diverse and extensive group. Like all unsung heroes, the essential work they do to care for those in need is often unappreciated until someone needs their help.
Quick and Tasty Dinners Made With Trader Joe’s Products
Weeknight dinner ideas that save time and taste delicious
In our house, a new season always means testing out new Trader Joe’s recipes to add to our dinner rotation. Recently, Trader Joe’s launched sous vide products, which are perfect for quick and easy weeknight meals. (These factor into two of the recipes below.) Inspired by some new tastes and some old favorites, here are some recipe ideas to inspire you for the new year.
Read the full article at Parentmap. Reach out to Kate for more about these original recipes and photos.
The Best Halloween Goodies at Costco
Halloween house kits, hot cocoa bombs, costumes and more
There’s a slight chill in the air, and the scent of pumpkin spice is wafting through stores and cafés. Fall is here, and Costco has some fun seasonal finds you'll want to snap up soon.
Eye-popping hot cocoa bombs
These hot cocoa bombs are watching you! The white chocolate globes are filled with white cocoa and marshmallow and decorated to look like spooky eyes. These terrifying treats (sold in packs of eight) are the perfect evening warmer for your trick-or-treaters.
Exciting New Trader Joe’s Items to Try This Fall
Gum Drop grapes, apple cider doughnuts, charcuterie pinwheels and more
September is peak harvesttime, and Trader Joe’s is a great place to stock up on seasonal delights. There are many new and exciting products coming to Trader Joe's this fall, including new grape varieties, a hot and spicy condiment, apple cider doughnuts and more.
For Youth By Youth
From Vancouver Family Magazine
Many anxious parents have been working to find tools to support their youth through the pandemic and beyond. However, sometimes the best support for a teen is not an adult, but rather fellow teens who can truly empathize with their peers. Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H. explains, “Some teens may worry that their parents will overreact or not understand what they’re going through. Teachers and school counselors may also have limited time to talk with students in the middle of other responsibilities.” Most parents seem to realize their own limitations with teenagers. In fact, over 70% of parents surveyed agreed that peer support is vital to teens in offering both a better understanding of the situation than adults may have, as well as increasing the likelihood that youth will open up about their current situations.
Noting this important piece of teen development, programs that support peer-to-peer interactions for a variety of communities abound in Clark County. Here are just a few of these fantastic local organizations.
Mashed
Writings from Mashed:
About Mashed
About Mashed Mashed is the ultimate destination for all things food. Whether you're looking for the latest foodie news, the dirt on your favorite celebrity chefs, or inspiration for tonight's dinner, we've got you covered. Mashed has all the tips and tricks you'll ever need to be a chef... Or at least enough hacks to help you fake it til you make it. We've got your back at every step, from grocery shopping smarts to serving a perfectly prepared dish. Would you rather eat out than whip it up yourself? Mashed has all the info you'll need for that, too — from the best and worst foods to order at your favorite restaurants (and which restaurants to avoid entirely), to what today's most popular chefs really have up their sleeves. No matter what kind of foodie you are, Mashed has your recipe for success. Read More: https://www.mashed.com/about/?utm_campaign=clip
Foul Weather Fun is Good for your Kids
Rain or shine or snowflakes
Sure, the fall and winter days in the Pacific Northwest are shorter than a toddler’s attention span, but that doesn’t mean your kids should stay inside. Connecting to nature and experiencing the outdoors in all seasons is more vital during this pandemic era than ever before. Here’s why your kids need to go outside and play — rain or shine or snowflakes.
Sweeten the Pot: The Search for Greener Cookware
Why going green will make your next purchase a long-lasting one
BY KATE HAGAN, 09 NOVEMBER, 2020
Like many moms, I am always seeking balance. When it comes to cookware, I try to balance health and safety, impact on the planet, and the overall ease of making a meal. Choosing greener cookware is more than simply avoiding Teflon pans: it’s a choice about avoiding toxins and reducing your footprint while still getting your hands on reliable and usable products. In a market inundated by so many options, not all of them high quality, how do you choose the right cookware for the job that’s also long-lasting, durable, and easier on the planet?
When Navigating Speech Delays, Don't Assume You Have All the Answers
Delayed speech is a common issue that can cause a diverging developmental path. Up to 10 percent of preschool-age children will experience some form of speech impairment. The causes of these communication difficulties are as diverse as the expected outcomes. The misconceptions about speech delays seem to share much common ground, however. As a parent of an amazing human with an expressive-receptive language delay, I’d like to correct some of these assumptions.
This article is available in full at ParentMap.
Sweeten the Pot: A Guide to Greener Cookware
Eating the right food is great for our health, but the benefit becomes less if we are exposing ourselves to toxic chemicals from our cookware. Consider cooking organic carrots in a Teflon pan — kinda cancels out the benefit. This article seeks to explore not only the cookware that is good for us, but also that which is good for the environment. Appearing originally in EcoParent in summer of 2020, this cookware guide has been republished with permission at Realize a Healthy California.
Review: Plant-based 7 Minute Lift
*Affiliate disclosure - currently all of my paid work is shared via offsite links. I do not at this time receive compensation for posts on my own website. I do, however, get the opportunity to sample some products for free or discounted pricing. I am not paid to write a review.
I am so glad I tried these beauty products. In addition to feeding my newfound love of all things Greek, I also avoid most makeup instead sticking to simple and naturally based skincare routines. In summer, this can often devolve into a less-than-desirable mix of sweat, sun, and sunscreen — so I really need some fast and easy tools to help support my active lifestyle. Additionally, I stopped wearing mascara and eye makeup due to regular allergies (itchy eyes) and sensitive skin, so I’m super picky about what goes on my face. I’m happy to say that all of these products not only worked but did so with zero skin irritation.
Athena 7 Minute Lift
Before - freshly washed, ready to go
After - 8 minutes later, makeup free
I’ll admit I was skeptical, thinking a 7-minute face-lift sounded more like an infomercial than a product I wanted to try. It’s a bit difficult to see with my home lighting, but 8 minutes later my doubts were over, however, as I could see a noticeable difference in forehead lines after only a single application. The product is simple to apply. First, wash and dry your face. Dampen the included brush which looks much like a brush for blush or some powdered foundations and lightly “paint” on the Athena product. While the jar is tiny, a little goes a really, really long way and I actually over-applied a bit on my eyes on the first go-round.
The most difficult part of the process was trying not to make a facial expression for 7 minutes. As any mom knows — 7 minutes is enough time to have insane amounts of chaos happen in a home with a preschooler. The feel is an initial tightening, almost like wax solidifying and then a slight tingle - but that’s it. It’s subtle in the picture, but I definitely saw a softening of my “thinking” lines on my forehead and the squinty lines near my eyes.
The pleasant smell and tingly sensation are likely products of the ingredients which consist of 12 different Greek organic essential oils including lavender, peppermint, citrus, and chamomile. The product smells good. An absolute must for me too, the company does not test on animals under any circumstance. Check out the website to learn more!
Adonia Organics Plant Collagen Day Serum and Cleansing Gel
The Athena 7 Minute Lift is part of the Adonia Organics skincare family. You have to apply to a clean face, and Adonia Organics has just the products you need. I tried both the Plant Collagen Day Serum and also the Daily Cleansing Gel for Face & Neck. You can see that beyond my sunshine burnt shiny nose, my skin is moisturized and clear. I’ve been using both products for a few weeks now, sometimes only every other day as the kid has a tendency to knock things off the bathroom counter and force me to search for missing items.
Again, these products are based on organic Greek ingredients and animal-friendly. They smell good. My face feels better without irritation. I had previously avoided most collagen-products due to their association with animal products, so have been enjoying the opportunity to use a collagen-product with plant-based ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, artichoke, algae, and nettle extracts. Working with naturopathic medicine professionals, I know that nature can support our skin and bodies without the needs for excessive processed ingredients.
The cleansing gel I have nicknamed the “feel-good, soothing, smell-nice face stuff” as it has become a favorite part of my skincare routine. If you check my writing on other platforms, I don’t normally rave this much about a soap. This gel is definitely another level however as it’s not just how my face looks and feels after use, but the actual experience of putting on my face feels like the daily minute of soothing self-care I never knew I needed. It’s just a nice smelling and genuinely soothing experience, especially during a time where I’m avoiding any indoor spa experiences.
So what’s next? Buy it. It’s a long-lasting, all natural, organic plant-based experience. And the product line doesn’t end at the three items above. I have discovered that Adonia Organics makes a tummy-toning serum and wrap and OMG am I in. If it works anything like the rest of the products I can’t wait. I didn’t even know about these products before, but now I need them all.
Review: A2 Milk
*Affiliate disclosure - currently all of my paid work is shared via offsite links. I do not at this time receive compensation for posts on my own website. I do, however, get the opportunity to sample some products for free or discounted pricing. I am not paid to write a review.
I stopped drinking regular milk probably 20 years ago. Cereal has never been the same since. That’s not to say I’m unhappy - I really enjoy Blueberry Lavender Almond Milk from Trader Joe’s in my coffee and coconut milk or oat milk with just about anything. I even still use real, hormone-free milk in cooking sometimes, but am careful not to over-consume because I get both stomach and sinus issues.
In addition my aversion to standard milk, I was intrigued by a2 Milk’s New Zealand roots. As a Kiwi-American myself this immediately got my attention.
An alternative to lactose-free milk
People always suggest lactose-free milk to those with dairy issues (who aren’t vegan) but I’ve never found it made a difference to anything beyond my budget. While lactose is the issue for some complaints on dairy, for others it seems to be protein-based. In my the case of a2 Milk, they take the protein issue seriously being made with only A2 beta-casein protein.
Why is this important? A1 beta-casein seems to be linked to many different digestive and health issues. On the minor end is discomfort, but on the major end, this protein has been linked to childhood (Type 1) diabetes and heart disease in adults (via Healthline).
All I know is that both my family and myself saw an immediate difference when we started drinking it. In addition, a2 Milk cows are not treated with the growth hormone rBST*, follow a plant-based diet, and focus on sustainability in their farming — all concerns to me as an eco-focused parent. The product is non-GMO, just focuses on a specific kind of cow.
Is a2 Milk good?
My child and husband are the best taste-testers when it comes to milk — and both of them loved it. Neither guy noticed a discernable difference in taste or texture when compared to regular milk, but everyone felt better when switching to this brand. I tried it in cooking and found that it worked well too. We tried regular milk, chocolate, and coffee creamer. Honestly, we loved them all.
My only complaint is that the chocolate milk and coffee creamer are nowhere to be found in my neighborhood. Fortunately, I can find a half-gallon of the regular 2% for about $4 at my local Target and Safeway. In fact, it’s in my fridge right now!
Review: School Mask Pack
We ordered our first School Mask Pack by Crayola in search of the perfect fitting mask. Finding the right fit has definitely been a challenge in this house. Each family member needs masks that do different things. My husband needs a mask he can wear at work five night a week, that can also be easily removed for a snack or socially distanced break. I leave the house less, but double mask in grocery stores and also run frequently. Kiddo is higher needs but also four. He needs a mask that is comfortable and fits well. If it slips, he’ll try to take it off.
We don’t need a one-size-fits-all mask
We’ve supported a number of local businesses and purchased home-made cotton masks locally. These have been great, but as different family members have borrowed the closest clean mask — we’ve easily stretched out many elastics. I don’t feel the need to commercially purchase more simple elastic straps for this reason. I also love the neck gaiters I’ve gotten from different virtual races, but if you’ve read the news lately — neck gaiters are fine but likely controversial.
School Mask Packs are worth the wait
We ordered our pack of kid’s masks back in June when I still believed in-person preschool might be an option. It was understood that this was a preorder and would be a significant wait. I received these items in early August. If you need a mask right now, you will need an interim purchase until your pack can arrive, as the company has experienced Covid-related delays in shipping and manufacturing.
But it’s worth the wait.
Sealed package that arrives with your mask 5-pack.
The masks arrive five to a pack in a sealed bag, and inside that bag is a washable mesh holder. Preventing mask loss in the laundry is definitely a plus. The masks themselves are colorful and you can choose from multiple patterns on the website including a waterproof version. There are also masks in adult sizes, which we have ordered too.
The company lists the mask materials as:
100% Cotton Outer Layer
Cotton-Polyester Blend Inner Layer
Polyester ear straps
Polystyrene bead stopper
I thought the delivered product fit well-tried on both my child and his stuffed puppy. I was delighted with the ear-adjustment straps. It’s a stretchy elastic with a bead to hold exact ear placement. There’s also a bendy nose wire. I could tell the fit was right because both puppy and child wore their masks the entire time we were out instead of swiftly discarding the face cover.
Overall I’m really happy with the purchase so far, and can’t wait for our adult packs. For a five-mask deal prices run about $35 for kids and $45 for adults when I purchased, making these affordable too.
Masks in mesh bag with use tracker.
School Mask Pack in solid blue.
Survival Tips for Working at Home With the Kids
Originally published on ParentMap.
A local mom shares her experience and offers some practical advice.
Schools and offices are closed, and working parents all over the state are scrambling — and wondering how they are supposed to get anything done?
I typically work from home and manage a rambunctious 4-year-old at the same time. As we all get to grips with the new normal, I wanted to share my experience plus some crowd-sourced tips to help you make it through the coming weeks.
The List
Writings from The List:
About The List
The List is a women's news and lifestyle site with a twist. We pride ourselves on being original and well-researched, and we don't sugarcoat things. But we're not here for salacious gossip. We love Blake Lively, hate acne, and strive to be healthy while still enjoying life. We cover friendship, love, moving on, and everything in between. We reminisce about '90s TV shows and obsess over tried-and-true beauty hacks, all while staying up to date on pop culture and current trends, too. Read More: https://www.thelist.com/about/?utm_campaign=clip
Dye-Free, Naturally Green St. Patrick's Day Food Ideas
One of my biggest food pet peeves is artificial food dyes. It’s not just because I’m allergic to them (I am) or that I can get rashes in funny colours as a result (I do) -- but there seems little good reason to eat artificial food colours at all. In my head, it just isn’t food.
And I’m not alone in this thought.
Pandemic Risk Assessment - An ASA Research Note
Disclaimer: I am not a public health expert, simply an information student seeking to understand things better. The following is an academic paper I wrote while in grad school as a Masters of Science in Information Management student at the University of Washington. My goal was to better understand the risks posed by a pandemic and how it might affect the United States.
This work is copyrighted and published in Reflections on Risk III by Annie Searle (and associated authors) in 2013. The book of selected research notes can be purchased on Amazon.
