Northwest Living

Chinatown-International District festivals

The Seattle Chinatown-International District (aka the “ID”, pronounced eye-dee), located south of downtown is a cultural hub of the Asian American community. Historically, it is the only area in the continental United States where several cultures—Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans, and Vietnamese—settled … [Read more...] about Chinatown-International District festivals

Where to order vegetable and herb seeds online

The seed companies listed below are those most often recommended by gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. They offer seed varieties suitable to the cool, wet, marine climate in the Puget Sound region where the growing season is later and shorter than other areas of the country. All these seed companies can ship your … [Read more...] about Where to order vegetable and herb seeds online

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

How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW

Vegetable gardening is a great family activity or for anyone. It's one of the most rewarding home projects you can do. You can grow a little or a lot, from a few salad greens or cherry tomatoes to a large plot for a variety of vegetables from asparagus to zucchini. Whether you own or rent a house, or live in a … [Read more...] about How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW

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

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

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

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

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

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. Above all, beware of charity … [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

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

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

Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region

The following nurseries and garden centers offer supplies for fruit and vegetable gardening. Hardware stores and nurseries are considered essential services. Some are open for in-store shopping. Some offer online, phone, or email orders and curbside pickup. A few offer delivery on qualifying orders. Nurseries and … [Read more...] about Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region

Skagit Valley trip planner

Skagit Valley is located about 60 miles north of Seattle, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or just a quick day trip. It’s an easy drive straight up Interstate 5 (I-5). But you can also get there (or return) via the following more leisurely routes. For a more scenic route, you can drive Washington … [Read more...] about Skagit Valley trip planner

Flea markets, swap meets, and antique malls

Listed below are flea markets, swap meets, and antique malls in the Puget Sound region. This list does not include salvage and second-hand clothing stores. For these, you'll want to visit: Surplus stores, auctions, salvage, and recycled materials Best used clothing stores in Seattle and Puget … [Read more...] about Flea markets, swap meets, and antique malls

Best Seattle wedding gift registries and tips

If you are a couple planning your nuptials in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, our wedding gift registry list features some uniquely Northwest choices, as well as some wedding gift ideas that are a bit outside the box. Of course, we include a list of popular wedding gift registry sites that many couples across the … [Read more...] about Best Seattle wedding gift registries and tips

Maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards

If you like to eat out regularly (and who doesn't), whether at fine dining restaurants or casual eateries, be sure to join a reward or loyalty program. Many restaurants are more than happy to slip you a little green in the form of a discount when you come back regularly. We have a few tips for choosing a restaurant … [Read more...] about Maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards

Best retailers for gifts, party supplies & holiday decor

Here are the best places to buy gifts in the Puget Sound region. Our list focuses on local retailers with a variety of products for every occasion and gift recipient on your list. These shopping sources feature unique gifts for every special occasion, from Valentine's Day to Christmas and graduation to retirement. Many … [Read more...] about Best retailers for gifts, party supplies & holiday decor

RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow