ML Interest Tag: online-dating

The City’s Best Places for Santa Photos

by Allison Sutcliffe

Dress the kids in their very best and head to one of our favorite places for Santa photos, Seattle parents

It’s that time of year again, Seattle families. Time to dress the kids in their holiday best (be it a festive dress or plaid jacket) and head out in search of the cutest Seattle Santa pictures around. Here’s how to plan your annual holiday photo shoot at one of our favorite places to snag a Santa photo in Seattle, holiday wish list in hand. Say cheese!

1. Nordstrom Downtown Santa - Santa Lane

Your annual pilgrimage to see Santa at his ornate shop at the downtown Nordstrom is back on for 2022. That's right, after three years, Santa will once again return to the Downtown Nordstrom window on 6th and Pine to greet fans and take gift orders from kids of all ages. Photos will be printed on-site, and reservations are not available. 

Good to Know: If waiting in line downtown isn't your speed, kids can also see Santa over brunch at Nordstrom stores throughout Washington. Make reservations soon for this area favorite.

Insider Tip: Get there early in the season or on a weekday, if you can, to avoid the long lines (you know they'll be big this year).

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022
Online: nordstromrsvp.com/festiveexperiences

2. Snowflake Lane Factory - Bellevue Square Santa 

There are more than a few ways to celebrate the holidays on the Eastside this year, and Bellevue Square Santa pictures are just the beginning. Schedule your sit down with the Big Guy at Snowflake Lane Factory on the second level. It's by appointment only, and you can count on Santa spending QT with the kids while checking his list. Plan your Santa appointment in the evening to enjoy the nightly parade and occasional snow showers that add a touch of magic to the season at Snowflake Lane. If you're able, stop by the Holiday Wishing Tree in center court to pick up a tag and support a local family in need.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022
Event details

3. Magnolia Santa Photos

Get out your grins because the 14th Annual Magnolia Santa photos are back. Families (including your fur babies) can book an appointment on the weekend or Thursdays to have a sit down with Santa. He'll take the time to figure out whether your kids are on the naughty or nice list before striking his jolliest pose. You can do a few different poses, so you can mix things up a bit here and when all is said and done, you'll get 10-20 images sent over in matter of days. Don't forget to stop at the Nutty Squirrel for gelatto when you're done! Masks are optional here.

Dates: TBD for 2022
Online: magnoliasantaphotos.com

Related: Dazzling Light Displays for Seattle Families

Santa photos seattle include this santa atop the Space Needle pictured next to his clear sleigh
Space Needle

4. Santa at the Space Needle

Jolly St. Nick returns to the Space Needle in his all-glass sleigh! Venture out onto the world's first and only revolving glass floor to meet Santa and the Needle’s professional photographers will snap your free digital photo for the ultimate holiday photo op. Here’s when Santa will be at the Space Needle.

Dates: Weekends, Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022
Online: spaceneedle.com/holidays

5. Magic at the Market

If a chance to shop for great local products and snag a free Santa photo while you're at it is part of your holiday to-do list, head to Pike Place Market for some holiday Magic. Santa will be under the iconic Market clock taking pictures with visitors before he heads off to help light the tree. Then he'll be back on Dec. 3 and 4 with Crafty in tow (the magical snow monkey, of course) to take more pictures with his fans.

Date: Nov. 26, 2022
Event details

Related: 10 Can't-Miss Holiday Attractions in Downtown Seattle

6. University Village

In his own cozy cabin near Room & Board, the University Village Santa is a Seattle favorite for a reason. Not only do families get to visit him in a private, cozy cabin that makes kids feel extra special, but parents can sneak off to do some covert holiday shopping while they're there. Schedule time to visit online and plan to arrive with about five minutes to spare before your appointment. While you’re there (and if you’re able) families can give a Winter Wish to a child in need. How? Just pull a tag from a Winter Wish tree. Then return your purchased, unwrapped gift to the house. 

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022
Online: uvillage.com

7. Swanson’s Nursery

Families can find St. Nick at a his cabin in the Cafe building at Swanson's this year. He’ll be waiting to meet your little elves and have a quick convo with your crew before snapping that holiday photo you came for. Families will need to schedule online before heading over. While you're there, enjoy watching the train make its rounds (this year's theme is a Child's Imagination) and check out the great light displays, including dinosaur Humphrey who looks great in photos. 

Dates: Nov. 12-Dec. 23, 2023
Online: swansonsnursery.com

Related: From Sound to Shore: Where to Watch the Christmas Ship Festival

black santa in seattle meets kids at the Northwest African American Museum
iStock

8. Wing Luke Museum - C-ID Santa

Asian American Santa is back at the Wing Luke Museum for 2021! While he was safe at home last year, he's happy to make his way back to sit with children and put on his best smile. You'll need to schedule photos in advance and things will move quickly (time slots are 3 minutes long!) when you get there. Please remember to bring proof of vaccination for anyone over 12 (negative tests will not be accepted) and masks for anyone over the age of 2. Spots are filling up quickly, so grab yours soon!

Date: Dec. 3, 2022
Online: wingluke.org

9. Northwest African American Museum

Black Santa is back and will be safely chatting with kids on December 19 and 20 at the Northwest African American Museum. Reservations will be part of the safety protocols in place, so make yours as soon as information is available. While you're there, be sure to check out this holiday market too. Keep up the joyful tradition this year!

Date & Time: TBD for 2022 (usually the first week in Dec.)

10. Kirkland Urban - Frostival

All those in favor of pictures with Santa in a snow globe raise your hand. Then head to Kirkland Urban on a Saturday afternoon to snap one starting the weekend after Thanksgiving. That’s when families will find Santa ready to take pictures with your best-dressed kiddos. Our favorite part? The lifesize Gingerbread Suite kids get to walk through to get to the Big Guy in Red.

Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 26-Dec. 17, 2022
Event details

Related: Merry, Merry! 10 Eastside Holiday Happenings for Families

11. Redmond Town Center

Your mask won’t hide your smile when your kids get to meet Santa at this favorite spot on the Eastside. You'll find this jolly old elf at Redmond Town Center where he sets up shop in the Center Street Plaza. There are five Santas to choose from this year, each with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly and a twinkle in his eyes. So pick the Santa (and day) that works best for your family and make your reservation soon.

Insider Tip: Psst.. schedule later at night and catch the Redmond Lights while you're there.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 24, 2022
Online: redmondtowncenter.com

12. Holiday Magic Village at Pacific Place

Two Christmas icons will be waiting to greet your kids at this new-this-year interactive display at Pacific Place downtown. Jolly Old St. Nick will be there to greet kids with open arms and a joyful laugh. But so will reformed Christmas bad guy, the Grinch. Schedule your photo online with one of these icons for the perfect holiday remembrance. They take the picture, you find the frame.

Dates: TBD for 2022

13. Alderwood Mall

According to local parents, the Alderwood Mall Santa wins for "most authentic” and we couldn't agree more. They’ve had the same Santa here year after year, which is really convenient for taking those holiday photos as the kids get older (and wiser). And who can resist Santa's awesome and adorable outfits? Book time with this popular Santa online (recommended). They also have a pet night and sensory-friendly Santa experiences here. 

Dates: Nov. 11-Dec. 24, 2022
Online: alderwoodmall.com

Mike Arney via unsplash

14. Issaquah Reindeer Festival

If meeting Santa and seeing his reindeer sounds good to you, reserve your spot to do both at the annual Issaquah Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mountain Zoo. Picture this: Santa sitting atop his festive sleigh while your cute kiddos, dressed in their holiday best, perfect that winning smile. Sounds like a holiday card in the making to us. Be sure to visit with the other animals while you're there too. Although the Reindeer Festival goes through the end of December, Santa will only be there for photos through December 23.

Good to Know: You can still visit with Santa's reindeer at the zoo from Dec. 26-30, 2022.

Dates: Dec. 1-23, 2022
Online: cougarmountainzoo.org

15. A Victorian Country Christmas

Santa isn't the only thing you'll see when you head south to the Victorian Country Christmas at the state fair grounds. In fact, you and the kids can enjoy more than 500 exhibits decorated to look like Victorian shops with thousands of unique holiday gifts, handcrafted items and great specialty foods items. Professional entertainment is featured on two stages, and kids will flock to Santa’s Village. Why? Because it's where they can have their photos taken with Mr. Claus and send wishes in the Magical Mailbox.

Dates: Dec. 1-4, 2022
Online: thefair.com

Related: Where to Find Seattle's Coolest Ice Skating Rinks This Winter

16. More Mall Santas 

Arthur & Associates, the local photographers behind santaphotos.com are working hard to make Santa photos safe this year. In addition to spots listed above, you can find them at the Commons at Federal Way, Lake Forest Park Town Center, Renton Landing and the Everett Mall. The best part? You can check out photos and schedules of all of the Santas online. Just like online dating, but better! So if you really like the look of Santa Bob, you can book accordingly. And here’s a special note for nostalgic natives: the original Frederick & Nelson Santa displays can be found at Town Center at Lake Forest Park, so if you were one of those kids who had a series of F&N photos lined up at Grandma’s house, here’s your shot at keeping that holiday tradition alive.

Dates: Nov.-Dec. 2022
Online: santaphotos.com

17. Special Santa Experiences

Kids can also climb aboard a vintage train car to visit with Old St. Nick. It's a clickety-clack excursion they won't soon forget. Book your ticket on the Yuletide Express that departs weekends from Snoqualmie. It’s an abbreviated train ride (just 25 minutes), but kids will get to see Santa and receive a little gift too. It's ho ho ho awesome. For a real adventure, we're talking overnight, put Leavenworth on your winter travel list.  can’t go wrong visiting Santa at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, where kids can meet his friendly reindeer (and feed them by hand, too!). Reserve your Farm Tour with a side of Santa starting in December to get that picture. 

Related: The Unforgettable Reindeer Experience You Need to Book Now

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Match.com Launches New Dating App For Single Parents

by Tinybeans Team

Match is getting ready to stir things up for the single parents out there. On Monday, the company rolled out a new service designed to make dating as a single parent easier. No—it doesn’t send you a mail-order housekeeper, nanny, chef and logistics coordinator to manage your situation while you meet up with Mr. or Ms. Tall-Dark-and-Stormy. But it does allow single parents to compare their schedules to make sure they’re not matching with someone who doesn’t have the same free time, while also cutting to the chase on values and personality compatibility.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbakXe1lLXB/

“​​Every year, we survey and interview singles, and every year, we find the same recurring theme: single parents are having a hard time dating,” Dinh Thi Bui, vice president of new verticals at Match Group, which owns Tinder, Match, Hinge, OKCupid and other dating services, told CNN Business. He added the app was inspired in part by his sister, a single mom of two who wouldn’t sign up for an online dating service (We call that a strong sibling move… her brother is a VP at Match Group, after all) because of horror stories she’d heard from other single parents. Leaning into these stories a bit, Match Group said it conducted its own study, finding that most single parents were “ghosted” after a first date on mainstream apps. Not. Cool.

“I saw these challenges she faced getting back into the dating world, and I wanted to build a supportive community that catered to single parents like her and make it easier for them to connect without fear of judgment,” he said. May we all raise children who shape industries for the betterment of their siblings.

With Stir, “Members don’t have to second guess if it will be an issue to disclose they have kids, or that they might have to cancel a date because they couldn’t find a babysitter.” Match Group found that single parents in the past “felt stigmatized in the dating world, like it is a turn-off to disclose they have children. We also saw that single parents naturally gravitate towards other single parents because they didn’t have to explain their constraints as they were in the same stage of life.”

Match launched the Stir app on National Single Parent Day, naturally. Download it via the Apple App Store and Google Play for free—and you can message others after you match. Premium memberships are $89.99 for three months and include promoting your profile in the local area and the ability to give and receive “super likes”—which allows you to let someone know you’re really digging them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQSyoalbbe/

Match Group reports that it’s committed to creating dating apps for many different types of customers. A new background check tool on Tinder and plans to launch virtual dating experiences in the “Metaverse” are other recent ways Match Group has innovated online dating.

“Having kids shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when dating,” said Bui. “We’re dedicated to giving single parents a dating experience where they are celebrated and feel like they can be themselves. With that, our hope is that they can truly focus on having a personal life beyond navigating parenthood.”

RELATED STORIES

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Your Guide to Finding a Pet Sitter

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Who’s ready for a vacation? Yep… we all can use a change of scenery these days. Aside from the packing and prep that goes into traveling with children, you also have to figure out a plan for your fur baby if they’re not coming along. Here’s your guide to finding the perfect pet sitter:

First, What Do You (and Your Pet!) Need?

The type of pet sitter you hire depends on what type of care is required. 

  • Is your pet used to someone being around all day?
  • How often does your pet need to be let outside or taken on walks? 
  • Do you require overnight care? If you have a cat, you may just need someone to check in daily on their food/water, provide some cuddles and handle the litter box. 
  • Are you comfortable having someone sleep in your home or would you rather have your pet go to someone else’s house? 
  • Does your pet have special dietary requirements or medical issues?

When It Comes to Finding a Pet Sitter, Comfort Is Key.

You want to ensure you’ve found someone who is:

  • Knowledgeable—ask about their previous experiences and what they would do in an emergency.
  • Reliable—this is where good references come in handy!
  • Comfortable with your pet’s temperament and unique needs—they know when it’s time for playful tug-of-war or a relaxing belly rub.
  • Communicative—if there’s an issue, it’s important to know ASAP. And cute photos are excellent texts to receive when you’re missing your fur baby!
  • Trustworthy—you’ve handed your house keys over to this person, so trust is crucial!
  • Loving—they should treat your pet like their own!

Trying to Avoid the Expense? Rely On Friends and Family.

Before booking a professional sitter, many people ask close family/friends to care for their cat or dog. This is an easy arrangement because you already trust this person, your pet probably knows them well and they’re often familiar with your pet’s routine. 

Get a Referral.

If you know someone with a pet, chances are they know a great sitter. Word of mouth is a good route, especially since this is someone you’re giving access to your home when you’re not there. Many people post pet sitting recommendations on local list servs, so be sure to search those for great referrals. Your veterinarian, breeder, and groomer may have a lot of names to pass along.

Use a Professional Service.

There are many services that help you find the right match for your pet (it’s almost like online dating between pet parents and pet sitters!). The Rover app offers boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care, drop-in visits and even grooming. Review detailed profiles, set up interviews, do meet and greets and then select a sitter. It’s easy to search for specific needs, like if your dog has mobility issues or requires a certain diet. Sitters are approved by Rover’s team of sitter specialists and have passed a basic background check. And perhaps you’ve used Care.com for babysitting? They can connect you with pet care, too! No matter what service you choose, make sure the providers have been vetted and that there are insurance policies in place.  

Get Set Up for Success.

Before you head on your way, be clear about the fee and your expectations—and be specific! 

  • Outline food, exercise, and any household/cleaning requirements. For example, you’ll want someone who is okay with cleaning up after your pet if they have an accident or tears up a roll of toilet paper! 
  • Discuss disciple/reward methods. 
  • Provide emergency contact information for yourself, a local friend/neighbor, and the veterinarian. 
  • Make sure they know favorite walking routes… and where the leash and poop bags are! 
  • Explain anything that’s off limits like being off-leash, trying to play with your neighbor’s cranky pooch, eating unlimited treats… 

It may provide peace of mind to do a test run before your trip. Give your pet and the pet sitter some time to bond while you’re nearby. This way you can answer questions as they arise and see just how happy your pup or kitty is with her new BFF!
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3 Things You Can Do to Help Teen Girls Navigate Online Dating

By Lindsay Sealey

Call my naïve but I didn’t really expect teenage girls to be venturing into the online dating world. Turns out, I was wrong, and they are. Virtual connecting is becoming more popular in our digitally saturated lives but also more dangerous. Girls are often entering unknown territory, using apps they are not legally allowed to use, and navigating them alone.

When I asked teens about their dating world, some had celebrity infatuations, others had school crushes, and others had virtual connections. These girls were more than comfortable on, what they dubbed as “gateway” apps, such as Insta and Snapchat and more than familiar with popular dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and Grindr. I was impressed they had already considered what they loved about online dating such as a fun way to get to know different types of people and the pitfalls such as not always feeling they could trust online personas.

Given the fact that most of her online world is private and you are on the periphery of her circle, here’s what you need to know about your daughter and her possible dating experiences.

Number One: You must discuss the upsides and downsides of online dating. Now, she may not want to talk about it but you can talk in general terms. This makes it less personal and may feel more emotionally safe for her. You may talk about characters that date this way in her current Netflix series or ask if her friends are trying it out. If she doesn’t want to talk about it, here’s what girls told me: they loved how easy, casual, instant, and convenient the experience felt. They saw this as a starting point to practice social skills (it felt much less awkward) and a step toward more serious dating (eventually meeting in person), but much less intimidating. They really appreciated the opportunity to meet all kinds of people, all over the world and to figure out the “best fits” for her. Teen girls also enjoyed creating their “ideal” persona and putting their “best foot forward” but they admitted they sometimes lost themselves in their online idealized versions. The downsides they shared included: the superficiality and the games (one person always seemed more interested than the other). They knew it’s all too easy to lie about age, gender, and personality. They recognized that it’s very time consuming and they felt pressure to endlessly “shop” or “sort” through potential partners. In other words, it felt like work. They worried about miscommunication and misunderstandings and not feeling safe, with possible catfishers, weirdos, and creeps. This is what you can ask her about, or at least know.

Number Two: You can encourage her to think about her boundaries. Again, she may not want to talk about it but the vital question is this: what is she willing to share? Girls need to think about how personal they want to be and also what topics and pictures they are comfortable sending or posting. I tell parents all the time, girls must be as private as possible when it comes to details about themselves and they need to turn location settings off. People pleasing and vulnerable girls all too often cross their own boundaries and share way too much. Also, they can get stuck in conversations on “hot topics” they don’t want to discuss like dating or sex. I can’t tell you how many girls talk about the pressure they feel to “sext” or send sexually explicit messages or images. So often, they don’t want to but the fear of rejection is so great, they do. Her boundaries need to be hers and we can help her think about where to draw her line.

Number Three: You can help her create a support circle. Her online dating life is likely going to be kept private. She may come to you if things go awry. She may not. Girls do know they have options and they are practiced at: deleting, blocking, reporting, or “ghosting” people if they are feeling uncomfortable, scared, or violated. Nonetheless, they can still struggle to disappoint or reject others and they can feel alone. Let’s talk to them about creating a circle of people whom they trust and turn to, if need be. Let’s encourage them to set up these kinds of relationships beforehand. Her circle can include an older sibling, a family friend, a coach, a mentor, a counselor, or even you. A simple conversation can become her safety net and allow her to feel more protected and more empowered and allow her to approach her trusted source when she needs to talk about her dating experiences or doesn’t know how to respond to someone. If you, or someone else she is comfortable with, are part of her circle and she is open to it, I suggest research online dating together. She may be shocked to learn the facts such as: 70 percent of teens are online dating and most online dating users do so in private and without their parents’ knowledge or permission.

Your daughter may not be dating online (yet). Not all girls are into dating at all. She may have other priorities, or not be interested; she may feel too worried or scared. She may not be ready. Yet, after my recent conversations with adolescent girls, it is more likely that she is already hearing about it, thinking about it, or trying it out. Let’s help her, in the ways we can, from the periphery, and as involved as she’ll allow.

For more information and support for navigating life with teen girls, check out Growing Strong Girls: Practical Tools to Cultivate Connection in the Preteen Years and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready available on Amazon and Audible as well as the website Bold New Girls.

 

 

I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls, teaching and coaching for girls and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy. 

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Dating.com Releases a Guide for Single Parents Looking to Find a Partner

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Dating can be a fun and exhilarating experience. Dating when you have children can make things a little bit more complicated. Dating.com conducted a study of members who reported to be single parents and uncovered why they were hesitant about beginning to date again.

Couple in restaurant

Among the parents surveyed, the biggest impediment to dating again were concerns over how their kids will react. 68% of parents do not reveal they have children on their dating profiles. Some parents are reluctant due to their uncertainty entering the dating scene again. It may have been years since they have been out on a date, so they simply don’t know what to expect.

Dating.com offered some tips to make the transition into the dating world less intimidating.

1. Make sure you are feeling your best. Being absent from the dating scene for an extended period of time might have you feeling out of touch, insignificant or flat out old. Nothing is sexier than confidence, so make sure you take the time to refresh your wardrobe, practice yoga or workout, take new pictures for your online dating profiles and do whatever it takes to boost your self-esteem.

2. Get online. See what the internet has to offer. There are lots of different platforms that cater to different preferences, find what interests you and create a profile.

3. Take things slow. Jumping straight back into dating after a long break may be weird at first. Test the waters by starting conversations with multiple people. Once you feel you have gotten back into the swing of things, you can take the next step and meet for coffee or dinner.

4. Talk to your kids and friends. Talking to your kids and friends or younger friends you feel comfortable talking to about dating, get their input. You’ll be surprised what kind of advice they have to give. You may notice that dating culture today is much more different than what you’re used to and these loved ones can be great resources and confidence boosters.

Once you finally connect with someone that you can see having a long-term relationship with, it will come time to introduce your kids to your new partner. Have a conversation ahead of time and be honest with your children regarding your relationship status. Gauge their reaction so you can avoid any surprises when they finally meet.

Keep the first ineteartion between your new partner and your children low-key and short. It is usually recommended to have the meeting take place at a location your kids enjoy, like a restaurant or ice cream parlor. Most importantly, don’t rush the relationship. Give your kids time to develop a bond with your new partner on their own.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Christin Hume on Unsplash

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Study Says Most Parents Have Not Been on a Romantic Date in Years

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