End-of-summer kiddos may have these personality traits in common
Have you got an August baby in your life? A bun in the oven almost all done? You may be wondering what type of personality traits are common in August-born people. Are they curious? Will they be famous? Are they determined? Maybe all of the above! Here are some interesting facts about people born in August.
They’ll Probably Be The Youngest in Their Class
Since many schools have a Sept. 1st cutoff for kindergarten, your August baby may end up being the youngest kid in her class. This can be good or bad, depending on where your kid is at—socially, physically, and emotionally. Some kids struggle; others do just fine (and almost all end up catching up in the long run).
They’re Confident and Strong-Willed
The stars have a lot to say about August-born babies (though we always take these messages with a grain of salt). The Zodiac sign for people born in August is either Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) or Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22), with both signs being known for confidence, smarts, and a strong will. They’ll never back down from an argument, according to this online astrology site, so get ready to stand your ground, parents.
They’re (Slightly) Less Likely to Go to College
According to findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research, as noted in The Wall Street Journal, august-born kids may be at a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions. This is attributed to the fact that many schools have a Sept. 1 cutoff for kindergarten, so kids with August birthdays are the youngest in the class. The research found that August-born kids were 2.1% less likely than September children to attend college, 3.3% less likely to graduate from college, and 7.2% less likely to graduate from a selective college.
They May Be Misdiagnosed with ADHD
Studies show that kids born in August are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those born in other months. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t necessarily mean they actually have ADHD: Research published in 2016 by the Journal of Pediatrics found that summer-born kids are often misdiagnosed with behavior problems when the real issue is simply that they’re younger and not yet ready for the rigor of the school day.
If you think your August babe is always smiling, you may be right. Research from Vanderbilt University found that people with summer birthdays are less likely to be depressed than people born in the cooler months. It could be because of all that vitamin D exposure in the womb. Still, researchers also theorize that a newborn’s “biological clock” may be permanently stamped by the summer’s long light cycle—and that stamp brings a sunnier disposition.
They Tend to Be Bigger
According to this Cambridge University study of more than 450,000 people in the U.K., babies born in August (and June and July) have higher birth weights—and may even grow into taller adults—than babies born in other months. The size difference was attributed to the fact that women who give birth in late summer are exposed to more vitamin D during pregnancy, which is beneficial to the baby’s growth and development. Interestingly, the study also found that girls born in the summer tend to start puberty later (which is linked to lower rates of breast cancer, teen pregnancy, and HPV). Hooray for sunshine!
They May Be More Likely to Get the Flu
A new study from a pair of doctor-dads concluded that summer-born kids are more likely to get the flu, based on the fact that their annual check-ups occur in the summer before the latest flu vaccine is available.
There Are Two Birthstones for the Month of August
Here’s an interesting August birthday fact: there are two birthstones for the eighth month of the year. Peridot is a yellow-gold stone known as the gem of compassion and represents peace and harmony. Spinel can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and blue. The gem is believed to inspire relaxation in those who wear it and is associated with energy and joy.
There Are a Lot of Them!
Your baby won’t be the only summer birthday party on your social calendar. According to the CDC, August is the most common month to be born in the United States (meaning that November and December are the most common months for conception). Blame it on the holiday spirit! Or the cold.
The final half of this ‘supersized season’ of ‘Firefly Lane’ will kick off on April 27
Firefly Lane first hit Netflix in February 2021, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster during its ten-episode run. And in just that short time, the show, which follows friends Tully and Kate (Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke, respectively) through different chapters of their life and friendship, has garnered millions of fans.
Fans learned late last year that the second season of Firefly Lane will be the series’ last, and we’ve been anxiously awaiting the final episodes ever since. Sensing our impatience, Netflix just released the Season 2, Part 2 trailer—and if you can get through it without crying you just might be dead inside:
The trailer opens with Tully wistfully stating that she hasn’t been the same since she “lost her best friend.” To clarify, she explains that Kate is still alive and “probably great” but that they’ve stopped speaking. However, we soon learn that Kate has been struggling to stay strong after a breast cancer diagnosis and that she might not be doing as well as Tully assumes.
The trailer takes you back in time, and we see the pair in happier times celebrating Tully’s TV show and Kate’s engagement. But it’s not all peaches and cream in the present, where the former friends’ mothers have to step in to bring them back together in Kate’s time of need. “What took you so long?” is what Kate asks Tully when they finally reunite. Cue the tears.
Part 2 will launch on April 27, 2023. The streamer also released some first-look photos of the upcoming season. If you need a refresher on what happened in the first half of season 2, you can check out the Part 1 trailer here:
Based on author Kristin Hannah’s book, Firefly Lane follows the pair from the time they meet as teens in the ’70s to the present day, and touches on some pretty important topics, like love, divorce, sexual assault, miscarriage, and careers.
Tully is the sassy, headstrong character that comes from a broken home, and Kate, the total opposite: a sweet, shy woman who often finds herself in Tully’s shadow. Tully ends up a famous talk show host while Kate enters back into the workforce after having a child.
You have a month to get yourself caught up before the final episodes kick off on April 27.
Keep the shopping small and local and support the women in our city
March is all about girl power. Not only is it Women’s History Month, but International Women’s Day falls on March 8. This makes it the perfect time to support hardworking women, some of them moms, in our community. From circuses in the parks to delightful sugar-filled bakeries, dive into our list of women-owned businesses in Chicago.
Just Some of Our Favorite Women-Owned Businesses in Chicago We Love to Support
Metta Baby Rachel Harangody's Metta Baby is Chicago's premier infant wellness studio with offerings including water stimulation, infant massage, baby yoga, parent/baby classes, music classes and more. The team is dedicated to promoting early developmental activities starting at two weeks that support motor, sensory, and cognitive skills while nurturing secure attachment between infants and their parents.
1921 N. Damen St. Bucktown
Kido Kido is a south loop kid's shop with a focus on positivity that sells books, clothes, puzzles and toys owned by husband and wife duo, Doug and Keewa. Along with the responsibilities of the store, Doug is a visual artist specializing in graffiti and murals and Keewa is a performing artist who sings jazz and plays characters. And, their kids are ridiculously adorable.
1137 S. Delano Ct. South Loop
Oasis Face Bar
Oasis Face Bar Leila Golding's newly opened Lincoln Park Oasis Face Bar takes the facial out of the spa, making it more budget-friendly and less time-consuming than a traditional spa experience. Her space is bright and beautiful and the estheticians are knowledgeable and friendly, so you still feel pampered. Book you or your partner a facial or schedule a family spa date. It's never too early to teach kids, boys or girls, the importance of a good skincare routine.
2136 N. Halsted Lincoln Park
Katherine Anne Confections When this local confectioner isn’t busy making mouthwatering truffles and caramels, it's drawing people with delicious hot chocolate in flavors like bittersweet, semisweet or salted caramel topped with homemade ‘mallows. The secret? Steamed whole milk and a creamy top that has 45% butterfat.
2475 W. Armitage Ave. Bucktown
Nadia Girl Owned by local mom, Briana Beazley, Nadia Girl makes tween clothing that not only feels and fits great but also helps girls feel more confident. All of the line’s designer duds are made of sustainable materials, with a portion of sales dedicated to organizations that empower girls through education.
Give Me Some Sugah A potato chip cookie? Uh, yes, please. Lenore Lindsey is a South Side native who believes the secret to success is to do what you love, which led her to open Give Me Some Sugah in 2008. She's famous for her potato chip cookie, but also loves anything lime and keeps things interesting (and savory) with an ever-changing line-up of homemade soups. Due to health issues, Give Me Some Sugah will be closed Feb. 2-Mar. 31. But, let's show her some love and support when she returns to her beloved kitchen.
2234 E. 71st St. South Shore
Purple Monkey Playroom Jessica Roubitchek opened Purple Monkey Playroom when her daughter was just shy of turning 2. She wanted to give families a bright, nurturing destination for young children, parents and caregivers to have drop-in playdates, parties and more. They managed to sneak in a small design-on-a-dime renovation during COVID shutdowns, so they're excited to showcase their upgrades.
2040 N. Western Ave. Bucktown
The Stork Bag Chicago mom, Ericka Perry, created the Stork Bag after searching online for a care package to send her pregnant best friend who lived in Florida. When she didn't find anything that fit the bill, she created her own and a business was born. The Stork Bag care packages target specific needs based on where a mom is in her pregnancy or post-pregnancy, and they even offer rainbow care packages for moms who have lost a baby.
Goldfish Swim School Kathy Ryan and her husband Bob co-own Goldfish Swim Schools in Roscoe Village and Wicker Park. They offer year-round swim instruction to ages 4 months to 12 years in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes, shiver-free 90-degree pools and a state-of-the-art water purification system. Families with children of different ages and skill levels can conveniently have all of their swimmers in the pool during the same half-hour time slot.
2630 W. Bradley Rd. Rosco Village
1930 W. Hubbard St. Wicker Park
Mimi's Tot's Closet Mimi's Tot's Closet sells seriously cool threads and some of the sweetest outfits for infants and toddlers you'll ever see. They are located inside Mimi's Vanity Room, which hosts sassy spa, paint and slime birthday parties—they also have a mobile spa service for at-home parties!
8442 S. Ashland Ave. Washington Heights
Makoshey
Makoshey Tired of the same old tight, short, and sparkly clothing options for their three girls, Kristen Flather and her husband Fred started Makoshey, a clothing company that focuses on comfy, stylish and durable duds made to keep up with girls who want to climb, explore, invent, dream, run, play and create. Makoshey’s t-shirts are proudly printed in Chicago and feature an ideal blended fabric pairing a super soft feel with reliable durability.
Lolita's Productions Marisa Díaz-Arc is CEO of Lolita Productions LLC, which curates events that highlight Chicago Latinx entrepreneurs such as Lolita's Bodega's monthly pop-ups at Humboldt Park. They also produce the annual Puerto Rican Festival that celebrates the beauty of Puerto Rican culture. She is also the founder of Dándole Tech, a non-profit organization that provides education and repurposed technology for future leaders in need.
1440 N. Humboldt Park Blvd. Humboldt Park
Art Makers Outpost In 2019, Valerie Kahan decided she was done being torn between work and spending time with her kids. She set out to build a business of her own, Art Makers Outpost, an environmentally conscious art makers-space for young artists and adults. They work with local businesses to identify excess materials, recyclables and scraps that can be repurposed into art supplies for the studio.
609 South Blvd. Evanston
Essie Marie's Dressings & Marinades Itiona Scott grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the second youngest of 14 children. Her happiest memories were made in the kitchen watching her mom cook from scratch with zero need to measure. Losing her mom unexpectedly from heart disease at the age of 15 inspired a life-long devotion to healthy eating. Leapfrogging on the unwavering support she received from her mom as a child, Itiona started Essie Marie's Dressings & Marinades, which put a heart-healthy spin on her mom's best recipes.
Anupy Singla
Indian As Apple Pie Cookbook author and journalist Anupy Singla wears many hats. She’s the author of three books, including Indian For Everyonea regular commentator on NPR, a culinary instructor and the founder of a fast-growing food and housewares company, Indian As Apple Pie. She’s also the mom of two girls. Pay a visit to her website where you can purchase her cookbooks, spices and other products, as well as find approachable recipes.
Mindy's Bakery Previously named Mindy's HotChocolate, Chef Mindy Segal of Mindy's Bakery switched things up and is now specializing in handcrafted sourdough bagels and bialys, babka, za'atar challah and seasonal pastries. Lucky for us, Mindy still has a sweet spot for the roasty-toasty drink she serves with a house-made marshmallow on top.
1747 N. Damen Ave. Bucktown
Brown Sugar Bakery Stephanie Hart notes that opening her own business, Brown Sugar Bakery, in 2004, gave her more time to focus on being a mom. As she transformed from tech consultant to mompreneur, baking up her "dangerously delicious" cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies and pies, she relished the extra time spent with her daughter. The bakery is best known for its specialty sweets, including sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and bread pudding as well as nearly 20 cake flavors, including German chocolate, red velvet, carrot and turtle.
328 E. 75th St. Greater Grand Crossing
Le Chocolat du Bouchard Get ready for sugar bliss. This french bistro owned by Cathy Bouchard serves a wide variety of decadent hot chocolates, along with cases of baked and chocolate goodies. We highly recommend their carrot cake, it's one of the best around.
127-129 S. Washington St. Naperville
Monica + Andy Monica Royer started her oh-so-adorable kids’ and baby shop for the sole purpose of making things better for moms and their babies, focusing on everything from better fabrics to better ways to shop. From this simple concept grew a space where moms come together to not only shop, but bond at one of the many events that encompass singing, dancing, bubbles, music, yoga, laughter and learning.
Various Locations
Toys et Cetera Learning and play intertwine at Nancy's toy shop, which is located in the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park. It's big on safe, eco-friendly fun that's also educational, developmentally and culturally sensitive. They've been going strong since 1976, so they have their finger on the pulse of what kids like. They seek out good craftsmanship and clever toy inventors.
1502 E. 55th St. Hyde Park
The Dearborn Sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless opened The Dearborn in 2016 after 40-plus years of hospitality experience to provide guests a way to enjoy a working lunch, pre-theater drinks or family dinners any night of the week.
145 N. Dearborn St. Loop
Chicago Boudoir Photography When Liz Hansen founded her studio, she aimed to offer a Victoria's-Secret-style photoshoot experience for the everyday woman. She believes every woman, in every stage of life and in every size and shape, should feel empowered and celebrated. Her business focuses on a personalized experience for each client, so she limits the number of photoshoots each month to allow time for pampering.
896 Green Bay Rd. Ste. 12 Winnetka
2 Moms Media LLC Sara Fisher and Caitlin Giles founded 2 Moms Media LLC in 2011 after the dynamic mom duo realized a need to improve how brands reach moms. They work with clients to create and execute integrated marketing campaigns that deliver real results in line with strategy and budget. Their services include media outreach, influencer management, grassroots marketing tactics, events, social media management, marketing analysis, brand positioning and more.
Cat & Mouse Game Store Owned by LInda Schmidt and Adre LeMoine, this West Loop shop has grown-ups hooked with its focus on games, puzzles and brainteasers. Everyone that works at Cat & Mouse is seriously addicted to games and puzzles and the huge selection in the store reflects that. Staff members are always willing to demo a game and introduce your family to something new.
Vicinity Candles Annie from Vicinity Candles Etsy shop sells candles inspired by local Chicago neighborhoods, with scents like Lakeview, West Loop, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Gold Coast, Pilsen, Wicker Park and Hyde Park. Each includes an insert that provides a glimpse into the neighborhood history which led to the inspiration for the scent.
Geppetto’s Toy Box Like Pinocchio, your kiddo will want no strings to hold him down at this Oak Park treasure. Cut them loose to explore art kits, building blocks, puzzles, developmental diversions and lots more. The owners, Brandy and Eric Masoncup, stand behind "slow toys" — back-to-basics playthings that children need time to explore and grow from. To that end, you won't see a lot of beeps, flashes and electronic brouhaha on the shelves.
This hotspot is full of fun and educational finds, and it has a sweet nostalgic twist. Owner Ann Kienzle has worked in the toy biz for eons and stays on top of the latest innovations. She has a passion for the importance of play in a child's life and has created a well-designed space that inspires awe in all who step into one of Play's three shops.
3109 W. Logan Logan Square
2462 N. Lincoln Lincoln Park
5311 N. Clark Andersonville
zpd a
zpd+a Tai Kojro-Badziak is a partner with zpd+a, a Chicago-based architecture firm with projects nationwide. They focus on adaptive reuse, mixed-use/multi-family new construction, hospitality, senior housing and some residential. During Covid, she created a home studio that doubled as a kindergarten classroom. Running an architecture firm from home while simultaneously homeschooling isn’t for the faint of heart. She and her husband got through with deep breaths, giving each other and their daughter space to feel all the feels, hot baths and a decent amount of wine.
67 E. Madison Loop
Dance Academy of Libertyville Growing up in Chicago’s northern suburbs, Emily Winkler was pretty sure she’d be a teacher or dancer. Turns out, she was right on both accounts. Besides her day job as Director of Dance Academy of Libertyville, she's mom to yin and yang super duo Chloe and Phoebe, quick-witted, wickedly smart and has an unsinkable passion for encouraging and inspiring young people to reach their full potential.
746 E. Park Ave. Libertyville
Melissa Salvatore
A Little Photo Studio Growing up, Melissa Salvatore thought she’d be one of two things: A photographer or she’d live on a farm, wear overalls every day and marry a guy named Bob. Well, some poor schmuck named Bob missed out, because, lucky us, she chose photography. She provides a full-service experience, from photo session to design and print. Her team is made up of professional kid wranglers, designers and masters of printing and editing.
2868 N. Lincoln Ave. Lakeview
Codeverse
Codeverse Co-founder Katy Lynch created Coveverse to give kids an impactful first introduction to real programming. Their interactive coding platform, Codeverse Studio, gives kids all the developer tools they need to build real apps and games, giving life to their creative ideas.
Timeless Toys This Lincoln Square mainstay owned by Martha and Harry Burrows is what we think Santa's workshop looks like—toys, toys, everywhere. Also, a big air of whimsy. Timeless Toys has been around since 1993 and is known for championing educational play. Go for games, puzzles, puppets, trikes, dolls, outdoor games, books and just about anything else your little tinkerer's heart desires.
4749 N. Lincoln Ave. Lincoln Square
Pockimals Tia, Hilary and Ana are childhood friends who are focused on maintaining the magic of childhood. Pockimals makes getting dressed ridiculously adorable with tiny stuffed animals equipped with buttons that secure them directly to custom-designed pockets. All items are produced with soft cotton to ensure comfort and no-scratchiness happiness.
Building Blocks Toy Store Owner Katherine Nguyen fills every nook of her 3 toy stores with play-rich, high-quality toys and books. Building Blocks is known for its deep selection of Thomas, Brio and Chuggington trains, but you'll also discover lesser-known items. You'll find everything from developmental playthings for babies to science kits that grandparents can't keep their hands off of.
2071 N. Clybourn Lincoln Park
3306 N. Lincoln Lakeview
2130 W. Division Wicker Park
Midnight Circus in the Parks
Midnight Circus in the Parks Julie (Greenberg) Jenkins is one-half of the husband and wife team that created Midnight Circus in the Parks, a traveling circus show that performs under a big top in Chicago Parks every fall. They've raised over $900,000 for Chicago Public Parks to build play lots, provide new equipment and subsidize special programs for neighborhood parks.
Frog Temple Pilates Randi Whitman was a professional dancer in her 20’s when she ruptured a disc in her spine. While trying to mend herself without surgery, she discovered pilates. Today Whitman teaches her clients how to strengthen their bodies as “a whole picture, vs. pieces and parts”, via Pilates, a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Her bright, airy Bucktown studio offers group classes, private and semi-private lessons, as well as massage therapy.
1635 W. Cortland Bucktown
AHF Body Chemistry Born and raised in Chicago, Arnett Faulkner began paying close attention to ingredients in skin-care products when her son was born with severe eczema and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her research led her to conclude that pure essential and plant-based oils and natural ingredients are best for nurturing the skin. After sharing homemade products with friends, she yielded to the calling and created AHF Body Chemistry, a line of natural and organic whole body products.
Redline Athletics
Redline Athletics Old Irving Ed and Laura Hosty are fellow parents and lifelong athletes who saw a need for a youth training program in Chicago that focused on speed, agility and strength training with an emphasis on injury prevention. Their new 12,000-square-foot facility trains kids ages 8-18 to become more athletic, more comfortable moving their bodies and more resilient so they can achieve success on every field of play. Redline Athletics welcomes kids across the spectrum of athleticism — all are welcome.
3800 N. Milwaukee Ave. Old Irving
B Nude Candle Co Natasha Ellis started making candles as a fun at-home activity with her kids. She enjoyed the collaborative, customized process of candle creation so much, she launched Be Nude Candle Co. Her playful spirit comes out with candle names like Grey Sweatpants, Namaste Away From Me and Tall, Dark & Handsome. For a fun date night or friend night out, consider booking one of her candle-making workshops.
190 N. Swift Rd., Ste. J Addison
On Your Mark
On Your Mark Coaching & Training Owner and Nike Master Trainer Emily Hutchins started the Youth Development Program at On Your Mark based on the principles of making young athletes better—not only their athletic performance but by teaching them to be well-rounded humans. In order to support sustainable long-term development, kids work on physical and mental strength, mobility, stability, agility and speed.
1011 W. Monroe West Loop
Brush Park Gymnasium Feeling there was a lack of workout facilities that effectively catered to families wanting to maintain a regular fitness routine, mom of two Adrienne Farrel created a space where every family member can have access to high-quality health and wellness. And, she did it beautifully. The stunning facility has all the equipment needed for an effective adult workout, a kid's playspace with a climbing wall, hanging pod chairs, and a magnetic wall and outdoor space for parents to sit, chat and enjoy coffee while the kids play.
Gather your mini go-getters, and get to know these change-makers who have left their mark on Seattle throughout the years
You don’t have to look too far in Seattle to find an impressive list of ambitious, intelligent, and accomplished women. We figured there’s no better time to celebrate a few of these inspiring leaders and innovators than during Women’s History Month. So gather your go-get-’em kids, and get to know these unbelievable women who have made their mark on Seattle throughout the years.
Dr. Gabriela Chavarria
Burke Museum/Timothy Kenney
Just this month, the Burke Museum welcomed a new Executive Director, Dr. Gabriela Chavarria. Born in Mexico City, this leader in the field of natural sciences got her start at an early age. She studied biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and then went on to Harvard where she earned her PhD in organismic and evolutionary biology. One of the things that drew Chavarria to the Burke is the way the museum showcases its collections, inviting visitors to take a look behind the scenes. As she takes the helm, Chavarria hopes to expand this Inside-Out approach, engaging more people in the important work going on at the Burke. In fact, you may just see Chavarria sharing her own research and work about native pollinators and the importance of bees and landscapes in the coming weeks. A great reason to buzz on over to this area favorite.
Future filmmakers can turn their lens to Tracy Rector, a self-described "mixed race filmmaker, curator and community organizer." Rector is the co-founder of Longhouse Media, a non-profit Indigenous media arts organization based in Seattle that nurtures and showcases Native artists and has been celebrated for its youth program, Native Lens. It's possible you've seen her work on Independent Lens, ImagineNative or National Geographic. Her talents have been tapped by the likes of SAM, where Rector served as a curriculum advisor, helping to expand the museum's Native American wing.
The written word has unspeakable power. Ijeoma Oluo, a Nigerian-American writer and editor, who was named one of the most influential women in Seattle, gives a voice to issues such as racism, misogynoir, harassment, feminism and social justice. She started out in tech and marketing, but then turned towards blogging and subsequently writing her best-seller, So You Want To Talk About Race, that was released in 2018. It was met with rave reviews and has become a significant guidebook for conversations around American racism. As one of Seattle’s most well known conversationalists about race issues and the invisibility of Black women’s voices, Oluo is here to fight for these important issues and have wit when she does.
Our city’s grandaddy, Chief Seattle, along with Doc Maynard, paved the way for the birth of our town through their peaceful friendship and support of each other. Chief Seattle’s oldest daughter, Kikisoblu (a.k.a Princess Angeline) kept that legacy alive for years when she remained in Seattle, even when her beloved Duwamish people were treaty-forced onto reservations. She stayed in her home near what's now Pike Place Market and became a mainstay around the city. Streets around the area are named after her, as is a shelter for the YWCA that provides support for women experiencing homelessness. She was the last direct descendant of Chief Seattle and is known for her kindness, acceptance and friendship with the early settlers who built up the city.
Insider tip: On Saturday, April 23, the Duwamish Longhouse is hosting a Kikisoblu Princess Angeline tea, featuring traditional Coast Salish tea, food and live Native flute music.
This lady is out of this world. Literally! Bonnie Dunbar, aerospace engineer and retired NASA astronaut, flew on five Space Shuttle missions in the '80s and '90s. She has logged more than 1,208 hours, or 50-plus days, in space. Following her formal education at the University of Washington, and her first stint at Boeing, Dunbar became a flight controller at NASA and finally an astronaut in 1981. On her space missions, she served as mission specialist and Payload Commander, and has since proved that any little girl has the power to break through that aeronautic glass ceiling if she puts her mind to it. Dunbar also served our community as the President and CEO of The Museum of Flight until April 2010. If anyone has wings to soar, it's Bonnie.
This adventurous lady was not only the first female mayor of Seattle, but also the first female mayor of a major American city. She served on the Seattle City Council in 1922 (she and Katheryn Miracle were the first women ever elected to the council), became council president in 1924 and mayor in 1926. Landes was highly active in women’s organizations including the Women’s Century Club, the Women’s University Club and the League of Women Voters. She also served as madame president of the Seattle Federation of Women’s Clubs, representing thousands of women, and even launched a conference that helped establish Seattle as a sophisticated, modern metropolis. During her mayoral term, she appointed experienced professionals to head up city departments, improved public transportation and parks and put the city's finances in order. The Seattle Opera House is one of her many accomplishments.
Sue Bird, our very own Israeli-American basketball player for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, is certainly a b-baller force to be reckoned with, a mighty Miss amping up the level of women’s sports. Bird was first drafted by the Storm in 2002 as the overall draft pick and has since won four WNBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, two NCAA championships and four FIBA World Cups. She is only one of 11 women to ever attain all four accolades. She has also been honored as one of the WNBA’s top 15 players of all time. In fact, she is the first player in all of WNBA history to win championships in three different decades. She reminds all the little ladies out there to not fade away from the hoop dreams.
Can you imagine climbing Mt. Rainier? Now, imagine climbing Mt. Everest. It’s quite the unbelievable feat that only a tiny percentage of people will ever do successfully. Unless you are Melissa Arnot and have climbed Everest no less than six times. As a young climber, she first climbed Mt. Rainier in 2001, only later to become a guide in 2004 and a lead guide in 2006. After years of honing her skills, and a few thwarted attempts at climbing the world’s tallest mountain, she became the first American woman to summit and survive the decent of Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen. She is currently sponsored by Eddie Bauer and is a participant in the development of their First Ascent brand. She has not only made herself an international climbing expert, but a savvy businesswoman and contributor for this popular Seattle-based outdoor gear company.
We all know how important it was to fight for educational equality, so who better to mention than Thelma Dewitty, the first African American educator ever hired by the Seattle Public School system. In 1947, Dewitty started at Cooper Elementary. Although there was one request for a different teacher, she ultimately won over all her students and their parents. Throughout her prolific career, Dewitty worked at numerous Seattle schools, where she fought against strict school traditions and carved the road for her future African American and women colleagues to follow. Dewitty also worked with the NAACP, the Washington State Board Against Discrimination and the Board of Theater Supervisors for Seattle and King County.
We can’t talk about progress of the education system without mentioning Ana Mari Cause. She is an American psychologist, college administrator and the current president of the University of Washington. Born in Havana, Cuba, she relocated to Miami, Florida and then to the Seattle area in 1986. She has grown from being an Assistant Professor to become the first permanent woman president of the institution, as well as the first gay and ethnic minority president at the university. Prior to her appointment as president in 2015, she served as the chair of the American Ethnic Studies Department, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and helped launch The Husky Promise, a tuition-funding initiative at UW. What a testament to barrier breaking if we ever had one.
Pike Place Market is the quintessential place to visit in Seattle for locals and visitors alike. As we all know, there are a few places that garner a bit more attention than others, recognizable by the long lines that extend out of the door at all hours of the day. One of those places that people just can’t get enough of is the nationally renowned Piroshky Piroshky bakery. A mainstay at the historic market since 1992, Olga Sagan (sole owner since 2017) has been offering hand-made savory and sweet pastry pies ever since. As an immigrant from Russia, she had to overcome a handful of obstacles, but her determination and her pastry prowess has built a Seattle bakery dynasty. Now with four locations, a food truck and relationships with other well-known Seattle foodie operations, she is on a path to take over the city, one pie at a time.
One of our favorite locals, Megan Rapinoe has catapulted women’s sports into a whole new sphere. Rapinoe is a professional soccer player who currently captains the OL Reign as well as the US National Team. She is a gold medalist in the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the 2015 FIFA’s Women’s World Cup and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and finished second in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She is well known for her play and her activism in many LGBTQ+ and BLM issues. In the past, she has also played with the Seattle Sounders Women in 2012 in preparation for the Olympics. Attendance of those games skyrocketed during her time there. She signed with OL Reign in 2013 and quickly became their leading scorer, garnered her first professional hat trick and was recognized as a Reign FC Legend in September 2019, solidifying herself as a femme footballer and powerhouse who has made her name in not only Seattle sports but women’s sports the world over.
If there was the perfect voice for our city’s International District, it would come straight from Maiko Winkler-Chin. Winkler-Chin is the Executive Director at the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority. She has been instrumental in keeping up the vibrancy and the ethnicity of this unique area. Chin brings in over 20 years of experience in the community economic development arena and aims to find areas of business growth and revitalization to the ID. Her goals include bringing in business that fits with the cultural character of the area, making sure community members are hired in new positions and influencing projects that may otherwise overtake small shops and local homes. She has also recently been appointed to the Mayor’s task force to help set up a plan for a $100 million set of investments allocated for communities of color.
Without Mary-Claire King, we might not have the insight into the intricacies of breast cancer and its susceptibility that we have now. King, an American geneticist, was the very first to show that breast cancer can be inherited in some families due to mutations in the BRCA1 gene. If it wasn’t for her and her team’s efforts and research on linkage analysis to prove the existence of this major gene, the race to finally clone the BCRA1 gene (used to repair mutations) would never have happened. Currently, King's primary focus includes breast cancer, ovarian cancer and schizophrenia; she is also interested in discovering genes that cause common disorders. It’s no wonder she is recognized as one of the 50 most important women in science.
Good to know: Learn about even more local change-makers online, and see how the city celebrates the many strong women who live and lead in Seattle.
I’m exhausted, to be honest. Managing the lives of six people—myself, my husband, and our four kids who are 14, 12, almost 10, and six—is a full-time job. As a type A, enneagram 8, I can be what’s not-so-endearingly known as a “control freak.” However, these past two years have been different. What changed? I decided—and was even forced—to cease handling all the things. (More on that later.)
Perhaps you’re like me? Those dirty socks on the floor can grate your nerves worse than your sister-in-law boasting about her child’s high honor roll award. Why won’t anyone pick up the socks? Does anyone else even see them there? And if they do spot them, do they even care?
The old me would either pick them up myself, sighing loudly (hoping someone would notice), or go right into organizational mode. I’d update the family chore chart or gather the fam and lecture them on the importance of being a team player. I’d remind them that I am not the family servant, that it’s important that everyone pitch in and tidy up, or even “if you don’t gather your dirty laundry yourself, you’ll have no clean laundry when you need it.”
Let’s cut to the chase. None of these really work. Inevitably, I end up frustrated, the kids are confused as to why I’m so disgruntled, and my husband remains unbothered by the mess. Don’t even get me started on making medical appointments, organizing extracurricular activity schedules, and planning fun events, like holiday gatherings.
Now, I certainly don’t do well living among piles of laundry, papers, and random objects (LEGO pieces, anyone?). I need some level of tidiness to stay mentally cool. But just because there’s a drained battery—ironic, right?—sitting on the kitchen countertop, it doesn’t mean I need to be the one to toss it. Everyone else is fully capable.
The reality is, if I handle every single mess, no one even has the chance to notice it or look for the item they discarded on their way to the bathroom or out the door to basketball practice. Plus, kids need to learn life skills, which won’t happen via parental lectures. Life skills are acquired by practicing them—imperfectly.
Moms, we need to learn to let go a little (or a lot), because doing everything for the people we love sets us up for exhaustion and resentment. Let’s stop and think for a moment, what if we resolved to do less, not more, this upcoming year? What if we decided to intentionally reduce our mental load?
I am speaking from experience here. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and began a year (yes, a year!) of treatments. Three surgeries, 12 rounds of chemo, a year of immunotherapy infusions, and 33 rounds of radiation. I didn’t have a choice but to leave the sock on the floor, the cereal box on the counter, the dishes in the sink. I didn’t have the energy to tackle the tasks. And guess what? My family managed to handle everything when I was laid up.
The world didn’t fall to pieces. Bills got paid, the floor was sometimes swept, and the laundry was washed when absolutely needed. These are basic things that need to be done—and my family managed to do them without my reminders, exasperated sighs, and chore charts. Don’t get me wrong: they were never done perfectly or completely—but they were done mostly. You know, good enough. Meanwhile, I focused on fighting cancer and then healing.
I dare you to think, what if? What if during this new year, you decided not to take on every single random task with the ferocity of a lioness stalking her prey? What if you decided that if your child forgets their homework—again—you won’t run it up to the school in the middle of a weekday? What if you didn’t sign the permission slips and didn’t gather the dirty laundry off your teenager’s bedroom floor (and frantically wash their favorite sweatshirt)?
I’m not advocating that you become a jerk who refuses to love your family. However, loving our families doesn’t mean we take care of every teeny detail of their lives. After battling cancer, I can tell you that loving your family means loving yourself first, conserving your energy and effort, and looking at your family as a unit of humans who are learning rather than a project to be tackled.
If you have a partner, they can step it up while you step back. If you have older and able children, they can take on responsibilities that prepare them for life after they leave the nest. Younger kids can chip in, too. And the only way this happens is if you and I resolve to surrender some of our former musts and allow others to take the reins.
“Rebecca, are you there? Oh Rebecca, hi! I just wanted to tell you, my mom loves you so much, and everybody misses you here.”
I overheard my three-year-old daughter talking on her toy cell phone in the back seat while I drove us home from a quick Target run. My best friend, Rebecca, had passed away earlier that year after years of living with and getting treatment for breast cancer. She had been my ride-or-die daily life friend, my first phone call in time of need, the one who could look into my soul, see all of me, and still love me.
The way I wanted to work through my grief was by talking about it, by talking about her. I told stories, I wrote down everything I could remember in my journal, and I rummaged through old mementos to find cards she had written me so I could frame them and hang them on the wall. I printed out pictures of her and stuck them all over the house, lighting a candle on my desk while I worked so that I could feel her near.
I grieved in front of my three young kids—I had no choice. For months, I felt like I was drowning in an ocean of grief. I would try to tread above it until I finally couldn’t sustain the effort, and it took me under for days (or even a week) at a time. I often went about my daily tasks with tears running down my cheeks.
One afternoon, my kids were playing in the living room, while I quietly cried on the couch. My older son, then six, noticed first. He and his sister are big-time feelers and quite emotive. He came over and asked what was wrong. I told him I missed Rebecca. All of a sudden, he burst into tears. I asked him why, and he sobbed, “I miss Miles!” Miles is the name of our dog who died three years ago.
Then my daughter joined the fun. She also started crying, saying, “I miss grandma!” Grandma is alive and well and lives five minutes down the road.
Not to be left out, my younger son, who does not have the same emotional range, came over and unleashed the fakest-sounding crocodile tears. When I asked him why he was crying, he said, “I want to go to the playground!”
We all burst out laughing. My kids all piled close to me, and we held each other, the weight of their bodies and their sweet voices bringing me comfort.
It’s been close to two years now since Rebecca died, and she’s still a household name for us, and always will be. I painted my now-five-year-old daughter’s nails last night, and she asked me to paint them “Rebecca Red”—the color of polish that Rebecca wore all the time. On what would have been Rebecca’s 39th birthday, I had some of her words tattooed on my wrist in her handwriting. I often run my fingers over it and think of my love for her, feeling like the tattoo is as natural as a scar—an external reminder of my internal pain.
My grief used to feel like I was drowning in the ocean; now it feels more like the tide coming in. Almost imperceptible if you’re not paying attention, and then a wave comes up high and sweeps through everything.
Sharing my grief with my kids helped them have space to process their thoughts and feelings around the loss, and other everyday losses, too. Together we can hold hands and move higher on the beach to observe the tide, noticing it coming in yet feeling safe because we are together.
I’ve had breast cancer not once, but twice. When I heard those dreaded words, the diagnosis I never thought would be mine, I felt like my world was falling apart. I disassociated often at the beginning of my journey, from labs to my mastectomy and throughout my many appointments. How could this be happening to me? Then I realized that my kids needed me. Mothering didn’t stop just because cancer had started.
As scary as cancer is, I knew that hiding my diagnosis from my children wouldn’t decrease their anxiety. They are smart and can easily overhear conversations. Plus, I knew it would be far too much work to keep my cancer journey a secret from them. My husband and I decided it was best to be transparent, without overburdening the kids with any gruesome details.
I learned about a wonderful children’s picture book called B.K.’s Mommy Has Breast Cancer, which I read to my kids. I also told them I had something inside me that didn’t belong: it was called breast cancer, and the doctors were going to remove it. I let them know that my surgical recovery would be long—six weeks.
During that time, I would need them to be my big helpers. They gladly took on some additional responsibilities—like moving laundry from the washer to the dryer—knowing it was helping me heal. They also brought me tea and snacks and lay beside me reading, while I napped. They knew I couldn’t lift more than a few pounds, and they enjoyed stepping up and showing me how strong they were when needed. Giving my kids tasks that collectively helped our family empowered them.
I was well aware that this journey would not only be emotional for me, but for my children. That’s why we established that all feelings were allowed. Any questions our kids had could be asked. We would never take offense to them processing my cancer on their own terms. In fact, we would be there to support them through it, because when one person in the family gets cancer, the whole family goes through the grief and the fight.
Unfortunately, my cancer returned three-and-a-half years later. This time, the journey was much different. For one, I was far more mentally healthy. Cancer didn’t bombard me as it did before. Instead, I felt both angry and prepared to tackle the beast. I had an amazing medical team and plan—and of course, a supportive family.
During this same time, I also sought to have my breast implants removed. I was experiencing an increasing amount of concerning symptoms and wanted to be free of them as quickly as possible. My natural breasts were a C-cup, which changed into a D-cup with implants. My suddenly becoming flat-chested was going to take some adjusting for our whole family. I was going to look different—both from the implant removal and from upcoming cancer treatments.
Again, we told our kids what was happening. Mommy’s fake boobies were going bye-bye. I didn’t like how they made me feel. I would have restrictions post-surgery. However, soon I would be free to hug and lift my children without those bags sewn into my chest, creating distance.
After my surgery, which also removed the cancerous mass in my chest wall, I spent about four weeks recovering before beginning once-a-week chemo for three solid months. I prepared my children. In fact, my second daughter and I got big haircuts together. She donated her locks to an organization that makes wigs for children who experience hair loss.
We found ways to celebrate each accomplishment, rather than dwell on how hard it was. After all, it was difficult enough—losing a lot of my hair, my energy, and my privacy. We might as well take the wins as they came.
When I finished chemo, my kids and husband stood outside the windows of the infusion center, watching me ring the golden bell. They held up neon signs they’d decorated. When I finished 33 rounds of radiation, my husband and youngest showed up to cheer me on. And when I finally completed a year of immunotherapy infusions, the whole crew showed up, sporting their pink shirts and shouting with joy.
My kids, at times, enjoyed my recovery. They got to lay in bed with me and watch movies of their choosing. I wasn’t able to attend their activities or even play outside with them, but we spent time together in other ways. We also had lots of time to lounge around and chat. I share this to say, cancer was horrible, but there were moments of joy that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.
My children also learned how to advocate for themselves in medical settings, as well as how to show up and take on difficult tasks, even when it takes immense courage. They watched me do it every single day.
This October, put your support on full display with these inspiring Breast Cancer Awareness buys.
Since 1985, October has marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect, research, learn, and support everyone impacted by breast cancer. It’s the perfect time to make sure we’re following early screening and detection guidelines, to embrace those affected by this complex disease, and to show our support for the fighters, survivors, and those no longer with us.
Whether you’ve found yourself personally impacted by breast cancer or not, spreading the word about the importance of screening, access to healthcare resources, and support is crucial. We’ve created a list of some of our favorite ways to show our support this October and beyond!
"In October We Wear Pink" T-Shirt
One of the best ways to spread awareness is a great t-shirt, and we love that this one highlights the power of coming together and showing our support!
Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Serum is a cult classic in skincare, and this limited-edition bottle celebrates 30 years of The Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign! For each bottle bought, Estee Lauder will donate 20% of the purchase price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Jeannie Anne's Grandmother Has Breast Cancer - by Diane Davies
Educator, grandmother, and breast cancer survivor Diane Davies created Jeannie Anne's Grandmother Has Breast Cancer to allow families and children of all ages to address fears, questions, and emotions that are associated with a challenging diagnosis. This book is a fantastic way to guide younger family members through understanding breast cancer and its treatments in a compassionate and frank way.
Kyocera's most popular 5.5in kitchen must-have knife gets a supportive upgrade with a pink handle and a $5.00 donation to the Shades of Pink Foundation for each knife sold!
Not only is this ultra-soft robe perfect as the weather cools down (not to mention a great gift!), but Berkshire Blanket & Home Co. will donate 5% of your purchase through the month of October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!
tarte's Maracuja Juicy Lip Creme Duo includes two shades, Peachy Pink and Mauve, that are universally flattering and extra-moisturizing. Not only do you score two makeup fan fave lippies, but for the month of October, tarte is donating 5% of your purchase to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!
This stainless steel ring is one of our favorites since it's a terrific everyday option to show your support (in October and all throughout the year), or a thoughtful gift to remind someone you love of the strength you know they carry.
Burt's Bees came up with this brilliant keepsake ceramic box filled with 12 packets (one for each month of the year!) of their Milk and Honey Body Lotion as a way to make your monthly breast self-exam a little extra moment of self-care.
This tee is a kid-friendly way to include the whole family in showing off support! As a bonus, this tee comes with two Breast Cancer Awareness bracelets, too.
Breast Cancer Awareness Bombshell Catwoman Funko POP
There are few more iconic strong and sassy women than Catwoman, and this Bombshell version is a force to be reckoned with. How perfect is that for October?
We aren't joking at all when we say we're obsessed with YETI drinkware, and this limited edition Ice Pink hue is everything. Not only will your drinks stay hot or cold for hours (yep, hours), YETI is donating $100,000 between their two partners, Boarding for Breast Cancer and Casting for Recovery!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
“Your biopsy came back. It’s cancer. You’re going to be fine but we need to make a plan.”
In the days leading up to October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Katie Couric is revealing that she was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer. The award-winning author and journalist, who lost her husband to colon cancer in 1998, is now sharing her story in hopes that women won’t skip potentially life-saving mammograms.
Couric posted her journey on katiecouric.com, detailing everything from filming her own mammogram procedure to her diagnosis and treatment. Of particular importance, was the message from her doctor: “Your tumor is hormone receptor-positive, Her2neu-negative and highly treatable, particularly if it was detected early.”
Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. On June 21st, I became one of them. As we approach #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, I’m sharing my story as an important reminder to get screened. https://t.co/PH5NSUponN
Couric revealed that while she hadn’t skipped her annual mammogram entirely, in the business of life she had forgotten to schedule it. Thankfully, her doctor prompted her to get in for her appointment six months late, which could have made all the difference for early detection of her breast cancer.
Once she had a plan with her doctor, they immediately started treatment which involved a lumpectomy, radiation and five years of an aromatase inhibitor.
“Throughout the process, I kept thinking about two things: How lucky I was to have access to such incredible care, since so many people don’t. And how lucky I was to be the beneficiary of such amazing technology. It made me feel grateful and guilty — and angry that there’s a de facto caste system when it comes to healthcare in America,” says Couric.
The American Cancer Society states that about 287,850 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2022. In all, a woman has a 13% chance of developing the diseased sometime in her life.
Couric leaves readers with her advice: “Please get your annual mammogram. I was six months late this time. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had put it off longer. But just as importantly, please find out if you need additional screening.”
Olivia Newton-John has died at 73, after a long battle with cancer
Olivia Newton-John died Monday morning at her ranch in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends. Her husband, John Easterling, shared the sad news on Facebook, where he spoke of her 30 year commitment to sharing her journey with breast cancer.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.”
She became a superstar after starring in Grease opposite John Travolta in 1978, but she was also a musical sensation in the ’70s and ’80s. She sold over 100 million records in her career.
Olivia Newton-John has died.
It feels like I’m writing these sentences more and more often. I’m in my late forties, and the actors and actresses I sat starry-eyed, staring at in front of the TV as a kid are getting older—just like I am. I was five when Grease was released in 1978. It wasn’t long after its theatrical release that the movie started playing, yearly, on TV, in 1981. I’m not sure I can adequately express the excitement we felt, waiting for it to come on.
I try to paint a picture for my kids of what it was like growing up and not having access to instant entertainment at your fingertips. They are so used to being able to grab their iPads and search for their favorite movies. They watch a movie with a new star that they like and they’re able to instantly search that star, and watch anything that exists that they may have already filmed. It wasn’t like that for those of us who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. We didn’t have a giant pool of actors and actresses to relate to. We had a small pool. We had Friday night movies on the G Channel (on the West Coast). We had yearly ABC movie nights. We had Grease. We had The Wiz. We had The Wizard of Oz. We had The Sound of Music. We had Olivia Newton-John.
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We had Olivia Newton-John in her fantastic tight black pants, and big gold hoops. We had Sandy, with her black off the shoulder shirt and the cigarette we knew she didn’t know how to smoke. We had Olivia Newton-John. And honestly, it hurts to let her go.
Newton-John was 29 when she was cast to star opposite John Travolta in Grease. According to The Hollywood Reporter, as director Allan Carr tried to convince her to take the part, he promised to make her character Australian—which John Travolta also lobbied for, to support her. Travolta left a beautiful tribute to his co-star and friend today.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible,” he wrote. “I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
If you were born in the ’70s or ’80s, you may feel like a big chunk of your childhood has died today.
