The Health Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry syrup is going viral for its antiviral properties right now, so the question is: does it live up to the hype? The short answer is yes, evidence shows elderberry can help support immunity. In lengthier reply, it’s important to remember that with any botanical remedy or DIY supplement, sourcing and product quality are important. If something is touted as a miracle cure, it probably isn’t. An antiviral remedy will not combat a dangerous bacterial infection, nor will most traditional herbal treatments provide a “quick fix.” But now that you know that elderberry can be a helpful tool in your kit for combating winter cold and flu, how do you use it?
A First Look at Outer Space Seattle
Back view of the play structure at Outer Space Seattle.
We spent the evening on Alki last night and had so. much. fun! I know you can’t WAIT to attend the grand opening of our newest indoor play space. As a mom of a kid who’s wired a little differently myself, the experience left us feeling accepted and exercised too.
A First Look
First look, the space is tall with parental seating scattered throughout and cubbies and bathrooms easily accessible. The front door area is gated, so there’s no risk of small escapees. While there is plenty of room to play (a fact my sore muscles can attest to) you’ll notice that the overall footprint is smaller than some of the other play structures like Playdate SEA or Funtastic Playtorium.
Socks and a waiver are required to play. The structure is designed for kids from 1 to 12 and is strong enough to support parents. Unlike the other indoor play platforms I’ve been too, the colored panels are a hard plastic, not a soft (and questionably sanitary) foam. The walls are a hard mesh. Everything feels incredibly sturdy.
The floors each have different playthings and fun obstacles like vertical and horizontal rollers, viewing bubbles, and spinners.
Raining feet on ascent and descent.
If your kid demands that you play too, you’ll find the climb up and down doable but pretty tight. Look for tumbling feet coming right at you! Some parent’s found the rocket side a little tighter crawl, but my non-existent abs made it up and down both sides without much trouble.
In addition to watching for the raining feet, I did also have to closely monitor my own limbs to avoid bopping littles in the face in more crowded locations.
Once you get up top, you’ll find that the room really spreads out with a spacious “penthouse” and full standing room at the balance bridge. There’s also quite a great view out the windows pointing towards Alki.
Accessibility
Sensory support backpacks near the cubbies.
A standout characteristic of this facility is its commitment to inclusivity. According to the owner, it’s “a space-themed indoor play space for kids of all abilities.” Unique in its commitment to the idea that play is for all children, the play space boasts supportive gear for children who can’t handle strong lights and noises. There is a sensory room in the back that my son loved. While not bothered by the excitement himself, he stopped about four times to recharge with fun space-themed toys and books. In here the lights are dimmed and there are soothing colors instead.
For those with mobility issues, the sensory room is easily accessible and there are toys and fun on the lower levels of the play structure. The slide is accessible on just the second level — about standing height for the average adult.
Know Before You Go
This space is new. Some things are still being added or are on the way. The experience is still worth it, but it will also get better. That said, I think I can help with a few pro tips so far:
Balance bridge to the rocket ship.
Water is free via drinking fountain. You will not dehydrate, but LaCroix and Honest Juice are reasonably priced onsite too.
Snacks are available — and I’d look for this menu to expand over time. If you need some additional eats, the Alki Beach strip is full of options.
There IS additional parking available. Ask about this at the front desk.
Alcohol — stay tuned for updates on their page. But don’t forget the location between Cactus and Locust Cider!
The visibility is great if you can convince your child to play without you — you won’t lose track of them as happens in some of the larger play locations.
The staff understands kids who are a little different, working graciously with me to communicate “walking feet” with a child with communication issues.
Bathrooms - yes, onsite. Clean and spacious.
Parent athletes - some spots can be a little tight, or perhaps my dimensions are a bit non-squeeze friendly? Watch your fit and flexibility, as well as your knees.
Try it yourself — it’s outta this world!
New holiday event: a fun run through Candy Cane Lane, in the dark!
The Candy Cane Lane Run is a 5K run/walk event for all ages on Saturday, Dec. 21. But there’s a twist: This is an evening run in the dark, and you even get your own 200 lumens headlamp included with registration.
Fall foliage and trail, from the 20th Avenue NE Bridge
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Race organizer Jimmy Addison says, "The nighttime course will be especially exciting for children because it can feel like exploring a cave with hundreds of others.”
Originally published on Seattle’s Child.
Take a break from shopping to explore technology at this Bellevue pop-up
Curator Aaron Alcorn wants to “grow your curiosity” with a new living computer pop-up exhibit this holiday season at the Xfinity store in Bellevue.
It's outside Bellevue Square in the Fountain Court, so it could be a nice change of pace from holiday shopping or a breather (or warmup spot) on the way to see Snowflake Lane or Santa.
4 Likes, 1 Comments - Kate Hagan (@cloudedkiwi) on Instagram: "So fun to get a preview of the new pop-up exhibit at the Xfinity store in Bellevue. The Twitter..."
The first thing you’ll notice about these interactive exhibits is whimsical fun. The Garden of Light Flowers adds some sparkle and shine to the winter gloom. The more noise you make, the brighter the exhibit gets -- the flowers react to sound, both ambient and directed. Your child can clap, stomp, whisper, or sing to evoke different light patterns in these 6- to 8-foot-tall flowers. The technology alone is worth a conversation with your child. Try this icebreaker: “So, what’s the color of a giggle?”
Originally published on Seattle’s Child.
The Ultimate Pre-Cruise Wellness Day in Los Angeles
It’s your vacation after all, and you deserve to have a little fun, but the last thing you want is to start feeling ill afterward. What better way to prepare, than a wellness day in LA?
While a cruise is good for the soul, there’s a chance you may overindulge when on vacation. Buffets will call your name, begging for that extra helping, or you might want to try each different drink with an umbrella as you sit oceanside in the sun. It’s your vacation after all, and you deserve to have a little fun, but the last thing you want is to start feeling ill afterward. What better way to prepare, than a wellness day in LA?
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
From kids' birthdays to corporate events, West Seattle mom makes cookies for all occasions
Jennifer Ensign, West Seattle mom of two, has perfected the sugar cookie: They're firm enough to dunk in milk, but chewy enough to fall apart as you take a bite.
33 Likes, 0 Comments - Seattle's Child (@seattleschildmag) on Instagram: "Jennifer Ensign, West Seattle mom of two, has perfected the sugar cookie: They're firm enough to..."
Jennifer Ensign, West Seattle mom of two, has perfected the sugar cookie: They're firm enough to dunk in milk, but chewy enough to fall apart as you take a bite.
What began as a heartfelt batch of lumberjack-themed cookies for her son Jack’s first birthday party grew into Jenn’s Cookie Jar, a home-based, custom cookie catering business.
Originally published on Seattle’s Child.
Art inspiration for kids, with a focus on diversity
Giselle and Josiah Fuerte, West Seattle parents of three, wanted to support their 4-year-old son’s growing interest in making art with a little art history. But when Giselle searched for a few examples of artwork by famous artists, she was dismayed by the limited information available on artists of color.
6 Likes, 0 Comments - Kate Hagan (@cloudedkiwi) on Instagram: "A gift with a purpose, @reallifeartistbox follows @playreallifebricks to provide a diverse..."
Giselle and Josiah Fuerte, West Seattle parents of three, wanted to support their 4-year-old son’s growing interest in making art with a little art history. But when Giselle searched for a few examples of artwork by famous artists, she was dismayed by the limited information available on artists of color.
Originally published on Seattle’s Child.
Take at Trip to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is well known for its focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man.
Costa Rica is well known for its focused on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man. Thanks to the still-active Arenal Volcano, this region boasts eco-experiences for curios travelers and hot pools galore for those looking for a little relaxation. Visiting Costa Rica on a cruise or on your own is a unique experience for most, so here’s a handy guide to what you need to know about Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano region.
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
The Best Place to Get Breakfast in Seattle Before You Cruise
A cruise is a fantastic way to see the sights of Puget Sound or extend a vacation on the water to more distant locales. This city known for its morning coffee also offers many diverse and delicious breakfast options near the waterfront. Check out some of these favorites before you set sail.
A cruise is a fantastic way to see the sights of Puget Sound or extend a vacation on the water to more distant locales. While you’ve packed your luggage and are awaiting those famous cruise ship buffets, you’ll still need time to grab breakfast before you go. Fortunately, this city known for its morning coffee also offers many diverse and delicious breakfast options near the waterfront. Check out some of these favorites before you set sail.
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
5 Reasons to Spend the Day at Seattle’s Alki Beach
Alki Beach is an iconic strip of surf and sand with one of the best views in Seattle. Located only minutes from the waterfront piers of downtown, Alki is a must-see destination for Seattle visitors. Whether your favorite pastimes are boat watching, great eats, water sports, or nature – Alki offers the best of West Seattle in a single package. Explore these top things to do in the area.
9 Likes, 1 Comments - Kate Hagan (@cloudedkiwi) on Instagram: "My latest article! I just ♥️ West Seattle. . . Alki Beach is an iconic strip of surf and sand with..."
Alki Beach is an iconic strip of surf and sand with one of the best views in Seattle. Located only minutes from the waterfront piers of downtown, Alki is a must-see destination for Seattle visitors. Whether your favorite pastimes are boat watching, great eats, water sports, or nature – Alki offers the best of West Seattle in a single package. Explore these top things to do in the area.
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
How Our Germaphobic Habits Are Actually Making Us Sick
Society and marketers teach us to focus on removing all dirt and microbes, but many health practitioners believe that in avoiding all bacteria, we've gone overboard in practices that damage both our health and our environment.
While proper sanitation and hygiene are vitally important, I had to learn to let go and allow my child to build his immune system by getting dirty. Society and marketers teach us to focus on removing all dirt and microbes, but many health practitioners believe that in avoiding all bacteria, we've gone overboard in practices that damage both our health and our environment.
A Naturopathic Safety Net, Primary Care for Portland’s Underserved
Carrie Baldwin-Sayre, ND, first worked with homeless youth through a local organization, Outside In, during an internship while in school. Fast forward to today. Her passion for helping the underserved continues unabated through Dr. Baldwin-Sayre’s work as associate dean of clinical education for National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and its safety-net community clinics. She believes that naturopathic primary care and complementary care help support our vulnerable populations, including those on Medicaid, uninsured, underinsured, undocumented, and who have low or no income. Here’s Dr. Baldwin-Sayre’s story about how naturopathic medicine has a positive impact on the Portland community.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
37 Likes, 0 Comments - Institute For Natural Medicine (@institutefornaturalmedicine) on Instagram: "Naturopathic Medicine helps provide a safety net for Portland's underserved. Learn more with..."
Laura’s Story: Know and Trust Your Gut
30 Likes, 0 Comments - Institute For Natural Medicine (@institutefornaturalmedicine) on Instagram: "Laura Hill Temmerman was excited about a full-time job at a west coast academic medical center..."
Laura Hill Temmerman was excited about a full-time job at a west coast academic medical center after completing graduate school, researching service excellence and the clinician-patient relationship. In 2008, she started experiencing stomach flu-like symptoms which would eventually be diagnosed as an extremely rare gastrointestinal (GI) bacterial infection. Several specialists, a functional medicine doctor, and a licensed naturopathic doctor later, Laura finally found the treatment and recovery path that was best suited for her body. With the help of physicians who took time to understand her condition, Laura now lives a full life and confidently understands the tools needed to manage her health.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
Listen to Your Gut!
Naturopathic doctors are especially interested in the microbiome or the entire environment that lives and evolves and interacts throughout your body and especially in your gut. In a compelling and intricate dance, our bodies are filled with many microorganisms including viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The gut provides a home for these microorganisms or microbes, primarily in the intestines and on the skin. The way we interact with these microbes is often referred to as gut health, and it has strong implications for the health of our overall bodies and minds.
Learn more about the gut from these licensed naturopathic doctors. Dr. Gran explains more about the neurons and the microbiome.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
56 Likes, 9 Comments - Institute For Natural Medicine (@institutefornaturalmedicine) on Instagram: "Listen to your gut! Check out expert advice from licensed naturopathic doctors. Link in bio. 👂..."
Why Avid Omnivores Go Meatless for May
Reducing meat consumption benefits health and the environment
Despite our love of eating all the things, for one month a year we choose to give up a food group we love for the health of ourselves and our planet and go meatless for the month of May. Here’s why we do it and how you can too.
Originally published on EcoParent.
What Makes a Naturopathic Doctor Distinct?
Most naturopathic doctors spend between 1-2 hours with patients on initial visits, and 30-60 minutes on subsequent follow up visits. Beyond extended time, you can expect a discussion about your lifestyle, social setting, and support systems as well as a detailed review of your current health concern and your health history. A licensed naturopathic doctor will also review your prescription and supplement history, conduct a physical exam as needed, and order diagnostic tests when indicated.
These 11 licensed naturopathic doctors want you to know what makes naturopathic care exceptional, with differences you’ll see, starting at your first visit.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
38 Likes, 0 Comments - Institute For Natural Medicine (@institutefornaturalmedicine) on Instagram: "・・・ Most Naturopathic doctors spend between 1-2 hours with patients on initial visits, and 30-60..."
Banned Ads: Restricted Ad Types for Search and Social Media
We all know paid advertising is an effective and efficient way to reach our online audiences. A lesser-known fact is that digital advertising is not available to everyone. Some types of advertising are banned based on government ad regulations, and other ads are banned on specific platforms. Here are some of the latest changes in online advertising.
We all know paid advertising is an effective and efficient way to reach our online audiences. A lesser-known fact is that digital advertising is not available to everyone. Some types of advertising are banned based on government ad regulations, and other ads are banned on specific platforms. Here are some of the latest changes in online advertising.
Originally published on Delightful Communications.
Which Is Best for a B2b Content Marketing Strategy? Webinar or Podcast
“Should my business invest in a podcast or a webinar?” The short answer to this question: yes.
Choosing between a podcast or a webinar to convey your multimedia message has created a false dichotomy where business decision makers believe they must choose one over the other, implying a single answer is best. The more nuanced answer is that your business should invest in whichever of these technologies will meet your end business goals, or invest in both mediums if the content warrants.
“Should my business invest in a podcast or a webinar?” The short answer to this question: yes.
Choosing between a podcast or a webinar to convey your multimedia message has created a false dichotomy where business decision makers believe they must choose one over the other, implying a single answer is best. The more nuanced answer is that your business should invest in whichever of these technologies will meet your end business goals, or invest in both mediums if the content warrants.
Originally published on Delightful Communications.
Embracing Facebook’s New Newsfeed for Business
Organic Facebook posts have long been a way for businesses small and large to affordably reach their audience. In the case of many small businesses, that has been the only way they engage online with their audience.
We all know the sky has fallen as the wails and cries of marketers everywhere announced Facebook’s de-prioritization of business news in mid-January. The group has emphasized a new focus on news from friends and family. Organic Facebook posts have long been a way for businesses small and large to affordably reach their audience. In the case of many small businesses, that has been the only way they engage online with their audience. Budgets have been tossed out the window and strategy has been re-plotted at a faster rate than Twitter’s #280.
Originally published on Delightful Communications.
Employee Advocacy – How to Increase Your Content Visibility & Engagement
One of the ways to increase this visibility is with employee advocacy. It’s essentially free. People you already pay take a moment to share your new content, increasing visibility, and organic reach. And the commentary on this content is from experts too, as employees have the most detailed knowledge of your brand and its features.
All digital marketers want to increase content visibility. All brands want to increase awareness that leads to trust and conversions—the basics of the business marketing. The trick is finding a competitive and cost-effective way to amplify this brand content. One of the ways to increase this visibility is with employee advocacy. It’s essentially free. People you already pay take a moment to share your new content, increasing visibility, and organic reach. And the commentary on this content is from experts too, as employees have the most detailed knowledge of your brand and its features.