It started simply enough: my friend and I decided to start walking to get in shape. This goal was a vague one; we weren’t fitness gurus or anything, just two moms who wanted to move and get some fresh air in the process.
We mentioned our plan to a third mom friend, and our walking club was born. We later recruited a fourth neighbor, who also became a good friend, for our morning stroll.
We kept this up for an entire school year (since we could only do this while all seven of our kids were at school) and discovered, as a group, some amazing benefits to walking, five (yes, five!) miles every single day, in addition to fitness:
1. Walking Made Talking Even Easier for Us
When we get together, we usually don’t have much trouble with the gabfest. But somehow, walking through our tree-lined neighborhood increased our talkativeness. We covered every kind of topic you can imagine, and then some. Some days we were holding our sides while one of us shared an anecdote from childhood; another day, it was consoling a friend who might be going through a medical issue; other times, it would be fluffy celebrity gossip, a cool YouTube video we just had to check out, or even some taboo subject, that really didn’t seem like a big deal to discuss while out walking.
2. I Got to Know My Friends So Much Better Than before
Speaking of taboo subjects, I had no idea how far we would all get into certain topics. On the surface, or on playdates, it was always easier and more natural to see each other as moms, and not much else. Once we had each others’ undivided attention, we were able to have some pretty crazy, no-holds-barred convos, which really gave us a window into each others’ minds and lives.
3. We Felt Inspired to Be Better Versions of Ourselves after Each Session
After working out, we felt energized to continue our day. By extension, we ate cleaner, drank more water, and thought more positively after each walk. It was a great way to propel us through all of the tasks which lay before us once we got home.
4. We Didn’t Notice the Miles Flying past Us
When we started walking, one to two miles per session was a big deal. Pretty soon, that didn’t feel like enough, and we would keep going. Oftentimes, one of us was telling a story or sharing something personal, and we would just keep on walking just to hear the rest of the conversation. One time, we even walked seven miles, before we realized it was time to head home!
5. And…We Increased Our Stamina
Well, of course we did. You didn’t think we were going to walk five miles a day, and not improve our fitness at all, did you? (Kidding.) Not only did our bodies become stronger, but our minds and spirits did as well. (Sorry, I had to!)
Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.
Portlanders love the outdoors and animals, and with COVID keeping us close to home many families have considered growing and raising animals and plants for fun, hope, and sustenance. New to gardening and want to grow fresh food for your family this summer? Here’s our handy guide to getting your very own urban farm up and running. Read on for all the details on digging in!
Choose your garden location
You don’t need a ton of space to grow a lot of food! Even a sunny balcony or patio can yield a surprising amount. Be sure to choose a location that allows for maximum sun, but a little shade during part of the day is nice during the summer months, to keep tender veggies from burning. For minimal to no outdoor space, try a kitchen herb box on a windowsill, or contact Portland Parks & Recreation to find out about a low-cost community garden plot in one of more than 30 community gardens all over the city. Have a little more space? Container gardening is a great choice for balconies, patios, rentals, and small spaces. If you have room for a raised bed, there are resources for building a simple box of your own, and Portland Edible Gardens will even build one for you! Maximize space by choosing unused areas like parking strips and grassy medians between driveways. A water-hogging lawn can be transformed into an in-ground garden with a little effort, yielding big results.
Prepare the Soil
Good food grows from the soil up! If you want to feed yourself well, you need to feed the soil first. Portland Nursery has a wealth of information available on their website to help you determine soil health. Metro Master Gardeners, of the OSU Master Garden Extension program, can also help, including soil test kits to figure out the presence of lead and other potentially harmful toxins. Smaller container gardens and raised beds can be topped with bagged potting soil available at local nurseries. For larger raised beds and in-ground gardens, local topsoil options for delivery and pickup include Foster Fuel and Deans. For a slower burn, try lasagne-style sheet mulching to suppress grass and weeds. Layer cardboard, manure, and straw directly over the grass, and wait a month or two to harness the power of earthworms and microbes to turn it all into fertile soil. You can add a layer of topsoil before planting.
Make a Plan
For small raised beds, Square Foot Gardening is a great beginner method with gratifying high-yield results. Choose from dozens of books on the method or browse the official website for resources, including affordable online courses from certified instructors. The OSU Extension program has a short guide on raised bed planting as well. No matter what method you choose, draw a sketch of your garden and mark out what plants you plan to grow. Different plants have different germination-to-harvest rates, meaning you can grow quick-growing veggies like radishes in between rows of slower-growing carrots. You'll also want to think about how much space each plant will require. A sketch will help you estimate space requirements, as well as think ahead to fall and winter crops. Check out Portland Nursery's handy planting calendar for fruits and veggies to learn more. Keep your sketches in a designated folder or notebook so you can refer back to it later. For multiple beds and single beds alike, succession planting will help you rotate your crops and reduce pest pressure in future seasons. Take advantage of online instructional videos like the ones at Portland Edible Gardens.
Before you get your plants in the ground, it's a good idea to think about how you'll water them. Hand-watering with a hose, bucket, or watering can is the simplest choice, appropriate for containers and single raised beds. For multiple raised beds and larger areas, consider a soaker hose that you can wind through plants. Connect one end to your hose and let it irrigate plants while you weed or harvest. Raised bed irrigation kits take automated watering to the next level. Add a timer to take the guesswork out of it. For in-ground gardens, you can purchase irrigation supplies in bulk for more savings.
Plant
Now the fun part! Get those plants in the ground! You can purchase starts (young plants in small containers) for most vegetables, but some plants do better from seed, like carrots and radishes, because they don't like to be moved. You may choose to plant certain things from seed to save money, or experience the magic of watching a plant grow. Consider your timing as well. If you're just getting started in June, for example, you may want to pick up larger tomato starts to ensure you get to eat those tasty ripe fruits before summer wanes. Lay out your plant starts (or draw lines in the soil if planting seeds), following package directions for spacing and seed depth. If you need extra guidance on planting or any of the steps above, Growing Gardens offers virtual consulting to meet your level of experience.
Tend and Harvest
For best results, keep soil loose, moist, and weed-free throughout the growing season. Read up on individual crop preferences. Potatoes, for example, need to dry out at a certain point to keep tubers from rotting underground. Alliums like garlic and onions have similar needs. Plan ahead so you can easily block water to those crops while watering others, using goof plugs on irrigation lines. Watch for pest pressure and consult local experts if you're having trouble defending crops against slugs, caterpillars, or other pests. Many organic methods exist to preserve your harvest while respecting Mother Nature! The Master Gardeners at OSU Extension Programs have a well-established Ask an Expert process for fielding your questions about pest control and many other gardening solutions.
For even more of an urban farm experience, consider hosting your own flock! Portland allows for up to three backyard chickens or ducks without a permit, but roosters are prohibited. Buy chicks, pullets, and ducklings from established nurseries and hatcheries, who do their best to send you home with female birds. (Most offer a 90% sexing guarantee.) Due to recent high demand, you'll want to call ahead or email to join waiting lists. Naomi's Organic Farm Supply is nearing the end of their chick orders, but check the website for updates. They're also a great resource for hen and duck supplies! In Portland and Gresham, Burns Feed Store offers chicks from February through mid-August, and Woodburn's Pete's Hatchery will even mail your chicks to you!
The Portland Metro area is filled with nurseries, farm supply stores, and nonprofits ready to help you get growing. They're working hard during the pandemic to keep customers safe and supplied. So return the favor and buy local whenever possible! With a little planning and some patience, you can get everything you need locally to grow a great garden this year.
OSU Extension Master Gardener Program Visit the website for your local extension office, and for more information on online events including free or low-cost classes in veggie gardening.
Coronavirus specifics: The shop is closed to the public, but open for online orders. Email your order on any day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when staff closes orders. Emails sent after 5 pm Monday and before opening on Thursday will be deleted. This is to stay on top of orders!
Portland Nursery 5050 SE Stark St. 503-231-5050 9000 SE Division St. 503-788-9000 Online: portlandnursery.com
Tony's Garden Center 10300 SE Holgate Blvd 503-760-7718 Online: tonysgarden.com
Coronavirus specifics: Store is open to the public. Wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Taped markers throughout the nursery show appropriate distancing when waiting in line or browsing. Open Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Garden Fever 3433 NE 24th Ave. info@gardenfever.com Online: gardenfever.com
Coronavirus specifics: Open for paid order pickup Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Download and attach order forms online, and email. Staff will call to collect payment and explain pickup.
Burns Feed Store 29215 SE Orient Drive Gresham, OR 97080 503-663-3246 Online: burnsfeed.com
Pete's Hatchery 13148 NE Portland Rd. Gervais OR 97026 844-307-4777 Online: peteshatchery.com
Mt. Scott Fuel (soil) 6904 SE Foster Rd. 503-774-3241 Online: mtscottfuel.com
Kellogg’s is releasing a new cereal just in time for Pride month! Together With Pride will hit store shelves nationwide this May—and you can’t miss this soon-to-be fave breakfast treat.
Fans of the beloved brand may already know the All Together Cereal well. While the All Together option was previously only available online, you can nab a box of Together With Pride in the cereal aisle of select retailers across the country.
photo courtesy of Kellogg’s
The new cereal selection marks an extension of the existing collaboration between the Kellogg’s brand and GLAAD. Kellogg’s will donate three dollars from each box of Together With Pride sold to GLAAD. Shoppers must upload a copy of their receipt for the cereal purchase to Kellogg’s Family Rewards to support the donation.
As if a cereal with a good cause wasn’t enough, this Kellogg’s breakfast pick also features a fab berry flavor and edible glitter-dusted rainbow hearts. Together With Pride cereal is available May 2021 for the suggested retail price of $3.99 (for a 7.8-ounce box).
Right now is about the time when you have started to be inundated with advertisements and articles about back to school. And almost every kid cringes when they hear the words, “back to school.” With this reminder glaring at us in almost every direction, part of you might be a little relieved that you don’t have to keep entertaining kids!
If these last weeks of summer seem to be dragging on as the boredom has struck (and when it strikes, it strikes hard!), here’s a little list to give you some oomph before kids get on the school bus.
1. Book a last-minute camping trip.
What a great way to enjoy the outdoors! Plan a short weekend getaway to a campsite to jam in some extra fun summer memories. Here are some of the things you’ll need. Don’t stress! Enjoy a sporadic trip to the good outdoors.
2. It’s not too late for a bonfire.
What kid doesn’t love roasting marshmallows or making s’ mores? Would you dare try to mix up the delicious perfection of the s’ more? Here’s a list of 15 OTHER ways to create delicious s’mores. Go ahead and give them a try!
3. Make an outdoor movie theatre.
Because nothing says summer entertainment like “an outdoor movie.” Butter-up some popcorn, fill a cooler, bring out your TV, extension cord, DVD player, blankets, a comfy blanket (the more the merrier!), and some family and friends.
4. Plan a last-minute party.
If you’re feeling like you just haven’t been able to see everyone, and your kids, too, then don’t despair and plan a party. Take a minute and plug a date into your calendar to invite some friends over. If you want to impress your guests, plan a refreshing mocktail, and some easy-apps.
Hopefully, with some proper encouragement and inspiration, you can pack the rest of your summer days with memories and kick boredom goodbye! Summers are short with our kids, and it’s easy to spend the latter days of summer longing for school to start. But why not create all the memories we possibly can?
Jazwares recently announced the launch of a new Squishmallows brand extension—Squishville! More than 73 million of the wildly popular Squishmallows have made their way into homes around the world. Now your kiddos can add to their collection with the new line of mini plushes and more.
The Squishville lines includes two-inch mini-collectible plush characters along with vehicles, playsets and other accessories. While not all of the cute and cuddly collectibles are available immediately, by the end of the year your fam could nab all 150 characters.
Photo: Amazon
Laura Zebersky, president of Jazwares said, in a press release, “As momentum around the Squishmallows brand continues to thrive, we are thrilled to take this globally adored line to a whole new level with the release of Squishville.” Zebersky continued, “Squeezable and stylish with big personalities, fans will love these must-have additions which allow consumers to ‘Squad Up’ and ‘Squish In’ with their favorite Squishmallows.”
Squishmalllows Squishville line will launch with:
24 styles of the Squishville Mystery Mini-Squishmallow with Fashion Item ($4.99)
12 varieties of the Squishville Mini-Squishmallow with Vehicle ($6.99)
Three assorted varieties of the Squishville Mini-Squishmallow 4-Pack ($9.99)
Three assorted varieties of the Squishville Mystery Mini-Squishmallow 6-Pack ($14.99)
Four styles of the Squishville Mini-Squishmallow 2 Pack with Fashion ($7.99)
Five styles of the Squishville Accessory Set Assortment ($12.99)
Two styles of the Squishville Play Scene Assortment ($17.99)
Two styles of Squishville Fifi’s Cottage ($29.99).
You can score select items right now Amazon and Hot Topic. Claire’s will also carry the line (starting later this month) along with Walmart and Target (this June).
What’s better than a sock puppet? How about a set of adorable socks that double as hand puppets. Olympian Shawn Johnson East and her husband Andrew East, were inspired by their 14-month-old daughter Drew to create the playful kid-friendly Teddy & Bear.
Each pair of Teddy & Bear is knitted with the comfiest, coziest supima cotton. They can be worn as children’s socks or hand puppets.
Each set includes eight adorable new friends to invite into your home:
Teddy the Tiger is the fastest, strongest critter of the bunch.
Bear the Bear keeps the crew in line and is known for his hugs.
Mallie the Mallard Duck is a total know-it-all and the fanciest friend.
Addy the Alligator might have big teeth, but has an even bigger heart.
Ray the Raccoon is very eager to peak through your pockets.
Ziggy the Zebra is silly as can be and always ready to play.
Mabel the Mouse is a little shy, but sure does love some cheese.
Phoebe the Pig is your inspiration to kick back and have a roll in the mud.
“Teddy & Bear socks are an extension of the magic we’ve experienced in becoming parents,” said Shawn. “We wanted to create a brand that captures the world you’re swept into when playing with your child.” “For Drew, they’re not just socks; they’re friends,” added Andrew. “We can’t wait to share how we’re making seemingly small moments silly and fun every day.”
Prices start at $36, and there are four sizes available, ranging from 0–6 years old. To place an order and learn more about the adorable sock crew, visit Teddy & Bear today.
This year, decorating for the holidays is even easier. Walmart is helping customers bring their favorite traditions home without ever having to head out to the store. This holiday season, Walmart will hang your lights, or deliver a live Christmas tree right to your doorstep.
The service doesn’t end at trees. If you desire holiday greenery, poinsettias or an amaryllis, Walmart has it covered.
To have the perfect Christmas tree delivered, just go on the website, chose your tree and set a delivery time. Customers can also select whether they’d like a fresh-cut tree or a potted option in sizes ranging from 3 feet tall to 9 feet tall. All you need to do is decorate!
Do you feel like Clark Griswold when it comes to hanging the Christmas lights? Walmart, in partnership with Handy, will hang your lights for you. Don’t worry if you don’t have lights. Lights of every variety are available on Walmart.com and can be purchased alongside an installation.
To get lights installed, simply add Christmas Lights Installation Service to your cart. After checkout, Handy will reach out via email to schedule an installation appointment. You just need to supply the lights, clips or anchors, and extension cords. Once that’s done, a professional will complete the installation.
For $129 in single-story homes and $199 in two-story homes, Walmart ensures all of the joy with none of the hassle. As a bonus, having the lights taken down is only $99 for a single-story home and $159 for two-story homes.
Disney’s Happy Socks collab is back with even more footy goodies! An extension of the original launch in September, this holiday-themed lineup is perfect for warming up by the fire this season.
The Happy Socks collection for Disney keeps that 80’s vibe going and comes in four designs each for both kids and adults. You can buy as singles or some totally tubular gift sets!
The crew socks are made of soft combed organic cotton with bright colors. Kids socks retail for $8 a pair, and adults are $16 for a pair. However, we highly recommend snagging this limited edition VHS-style gift set!
You can shop the limited edition collection now at Happy Socks.
Disney Junior’s Ready for Preschool short-form series premiered in October 2019. Featuring favorite characters from hit Disney Junior series including T.O.T.S., Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Puppy Dog Pals, as well as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the series features fun and playful tunes that prepare young minds for preschool. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Disney Junior is premiering a new Spanish-language version featuring age-appropriate lessons for young kids with favorite Disney Junior characters and fun, upbeat music.
The first four shorts debuted today on Disney Junior’s YouTube page, with additional shorts continuing to roll out later this year on Disney Junior YouTube and DisneyNOW and a Spanish-language EP, “Disney Junior Music: Listos para el Preescolar Vol. 1” will be released on Walt Disney Records. The short follows Mickey Mouse as he explores different shapes found in common objects like doors and trees. Also included is a quote from Disney Junior executive, Lori Mozilo and additional info on the Ready for Preschool short-form series and attached is a fun activity sheet for kids and families to enjoy together.
“The new Ready for Preschool Spanish-language shorts will provide more young viewers with the opportunity to follow along with their favorite Disney Junior characters and learn simple, preschool appropriate lessons in subjects like math, language arts, cognitive thinking and social-emotional development”, said Lori Mozilo, Executive Director, Original Programming, Disney Junior. “Having both the English and Spanish versions available for our audience encourages curiosity, not only about the lessons being presented, but also about different languages and by extension, different cultures.”
Now parents have more control over where their Amazon purchases come from. Given the option, parents can choose to support small businesses when purchasing products for their kids and families instead of defaulting to products only sold by corporate retailers. Tribe, an online tech company has launched a new tech tool, the Small Business Browser, which will easily facilitate this.
The Small Business Browser Extension allows parents to choose products sold by small businesses across the country when purchasing thousands of popular children, lifestyle, food, home goods and wellness products on Amazon. The new Small Business Browser Extension is in addition to the already existing feature in the extension allowing consumers to also choose cruelty-free products.
“Parents and families are consistently rated as one of the most conscious consumer groups in the marketplace, choosing products that support their families, the environment and their communities,” said Tribe CEO and founder Kim Pieper. “Tribe’s free Small Business Browser Extension now gives parents and families the power to choose small makers over large corporations when shopping for their kids and home. From baby care brands to toys and kid-friendly snack companies, parents now have the power on Amazon to choose to make their purchases from a small business. It’s a win, win for parents, communities and the nation’s economy.”
When consumers install Tribe’s Small Business Browser Extension to their browser of choice and search for their favorite products on Amazon, the free tool appears as a small box in the corner of their browser window, alerting the shopper to similar products offered by a small business. The new tool is currently available for download on Chrome, Safari, Firefox.
“Our goal is to help families use their collective purchasing power to support a small business manufacturer selling the same or similar product on Amazon. We want to give the family consumer as many competitive options available at their fingertips while at the same time, supporting small businesses that have been profoundly hurt during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Pieper concluded.