yoga-room Archives

Now that baby makes three, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are settling into their newly renovated home.

The couple started making interior changes on Frogmore Cottage (a five-bedroom abode on Windsor Castle’s grounds) before Archie’s birth, and now that he’s here, it looks like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have completed the exterior too. So what kinds of changes did the new parents make to their family’s home?

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According to Buckingham Palace, the renovations came in at a $3 million price tag—thanks to British taxpayers via the Queen’s Annual Sovereign Grant (which helps to maintain and conserve royal palaces). A source close to the royal family told PEOPLE, “The heating systems were outdated and inefficient and were not to the environmental standards that we would expect today.” The source also added that the older electrical system, gas lines and water mains also required replacement.

Even though taxpayers footed the majority of the permanent reno bill (after all, it is a historic building), Prince Harry and Markle paid for fixtures, fittings and furnishings themselves. Reports have also surfaced noting that the couple also paid for some of the pricier projects, such as a kitchen upgrade and flooring.

Even though the couple hasn’t released specifics, rumors of a mother-and-baby yoga room with a floating floor are reportedly false.

Of the renovations and restorations, Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, told reporters, “The property had not been the subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation in line with our responsibility to maintain the condition of the occupied Royal Palaces Estate.” Stevens went on to add, “The Sovereign Grant covered the work undertaken to turn the building into the official residence and home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their new family. The building was returned to a single residence and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Princess Eugenie via Instagram

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Yoga Refuge has been helping adults get their ohm on in the Montavilla area for about a year, and they’ve recently added childcare to their offerings for busy parents in need of a little me time. We took a peek inside Yoga Refuge’s colorful studio to get the scoop on getting your little yogis taken care of while you perfect your tree pose, catch your breath and find your center. Namaste, indeed.

photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography

The Studio
Director Kate Holly, says hers is the only yoga studio in Portland east of Mount Tabor. As an eastside resident, she sees the space as way to serve families and yoga practitioners living on this side of town.

Yoga classes are held in a bright, warm space, with windows overlooking the main drag of Stark in the heart of Montavilla. The Little Lotus Learning Center kids’ room, directly off the yoga space, overlooks the marquee of the Academy Theater.

Yoga Refuge’s street entrance is clearly marked on Stark Avenue, but you’ll need to walk up a flight of stairs, so leave the stroller at home or in the car. The lobby area where students take off their shoes and hang up their coats also has a carpeted stairwell. Keep those little yogis close at hand until they get the lay of the land. Cubbies are available within the yoga room to keep your valuables close and safe.

photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography

Childcare
At the moment, daycare is available for five classes a week for ages six months up to ten years. They’re looking to expand this service if there’s enough interest, so be sure to come by and let them know if there’s another time or day that works better for your schedule. Care is given by paid babysitters or work-trade parents who practice at the studio.

It’s $10 to drop in for childcare, which is a total of 90 minutes (75 minutes during class plus a few minutes before and after). Frequent users can get a 5-visit pass to the childcare space for $35, which must be used within one month.

Members of the studio can use the childcare space for $6/visit.

Childcare does not include the cost of yoga, which is $12 to drop in, $50 for a five-class card, $90 for a ten-class card. Their $80/month membership option (with a 3-month commitment), includes unlimited access to classes.

Starting in April the studio will have childcare available for the following six class times:

Mon. and Wed. 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Tues. and Thurs. 12-1:15 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography

Yoga Playdate
With Yoga Playdate, you get to learn and experience yoga, and attempt centeredness along with your child, even if you’re feeling frustrated because they keep moving your yoga blocks. The idea of the classes came out of a desire to invite kids into the yoga space, to let them do as they please, whether it’s to “help” their caregivers with their poses, or sit and play quietly with toys from the daycare space. A yoga practice with the kids in the next room has its own rewards, but a practice with your little one chugging along next to you allows a different experience to unfold. Yoga Playdate is only $8 for parent and child, plus $2 for each additional child.

photo: Yoga Refuge by Lauren LaBarre Photography

What’s in the future?
Depending on demand, Yoga Refuge would love to offer more frequent daycare options, “Mama and Me” yoga, and even yoga for kids.

Yoga Refuge
7831 SE Stark St., #300
702-907-7831
Online: yogarefugepdx.com

Have you tried Yoga Refuge? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

ML Interest Tag: yoga-room

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