Julie Hanson

1 week ago | seattleschild.com | Julie Hanson

Ready to soak up Washington’s natural beauty without spending a dime? In 2025, there are 12 days when you can visit Washington state parks for free — no Discover Pass needed — plus six national park free days, when entrance fees are waived at parks like Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades. Whether you’re planning a scenic day hike, a family adventure, or just want to wander among the trees, these are the perfect dates to mark on your calendar.

1 month ago | justdoproperty.co.uk | Julie Hanson

Have you ever applied for a £500 loan or a short-term loan? If so, you may have noticed the rising interest rates that come with them. Over a period of years, the Bank of England has increased its base rate to combat inflation and rising prices. The cost of living crisis is at an all-time high, with basic necessities costing significantly higher than during the pre-COVID days. UK borrowing costs have hit the highest levels since the 2007-2008 banking crisis, also known as the Great Recession.

Jan 8, 2025 | seattleschild.com | Julie Hanson

A rare, life-shortening condition; a new city and school; 100% inappropriate and unhelpful parents. Not exactly comedy gold? You might be surprised. The publicity materials for “Kimberly Akimbo” quote one critic as calling it, “Your new favorite musical.”Other reviewers have described it as “a howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” and “hilarious and heartbreaking.”These seemingly contradictory descriptions all actually make sense, but if you want to see for yourself, you don’t have much time.

Dec 11, 2024 | seattleschild.com | Julie Hanson

Paging children of the 1980s: “Back to the Future” is coming to a theater stage near you. “Back to the Future: the Musical,” that is. This touring production has just arrived in Seattle at the Paramount Theatre and runs through Dec. 22. Yes, not a movie screen but a stage. Wouldn’t time travel require the special effects available to film? And how will this show play with kids who take those special effects for granted? Well …As it turns out, on opening night, the special effects failed.

Nov 25, 2024 | seattleschild.com | Julie Hanson

Many Seattle-area families are in need of many things. Toys and gifts for kids are one area that can really tug at the heartstrings, but lots of good people are working hard to make sure that kids will get gifts during the holiday season. You can help by your donations of toys and cash. In most cases, this is not a time when you go through your closet and get rid of hand-me-downs (here are ideas for that).