Hi, I'm Mercae, a studio maternity and in-home newborn photographer and owner of Lilac & Ivy Photography, based in Seattle. I'm here to spill all the tea about motherhood in Seattle; what you need to know about neighborhoods, parks, things to do, annual events, where to shop, and more. I invite guests onto the show, mothers in business, to share about their journey and their business in Seattle. Get to know how to dig into Seattle as a mother.
Pending mom meetups in Seattle proper!
The Fremont Social (https://www.instagram.com/the_fremont_social/)
Womb To WAYV Event (https://partiful.com/e/YZuuZX9P941TtKzz8SGW)
We Are Your Village Meet Up Group (https://www.instagram.com/_weareyourvillagee/)
Fall Waitlist (https://lilacandivy.myflodesk.com/wemqjpmma8)
www.lilacandivyphotography.com (www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
22 Jun 2026
16. On Supporting Motherhood Through Birth in Seattle
In this conversation, I interview Liza, a doula based in Snoqualmie who serves the greater Seattle area, childbirth educator, mentor/trainer for doulas, podcaster and a mother of 4, who has spent 15 years studying birth in the fields, listening and gathering women's stories.
Check out Liza's Podcast here (https://open.spotify.com/show/6IO1G6CZqVHGo89G0yom8b?si=fb642cbb5a7e4e2c)
Liza's Website Here (https://oxytocinworld.com/)
Liza's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lizahameza/)
If you're interested in a maternity or newborn photoshoot with Mercae, check out her website here to learn more. (https://lilacandivyphotography.com)
8 Jun 2026
15. What You've Missed in 2026
An episode on niching down what I do to studio maternity and in home newborns and adding custom frames, heirloom albums and luxury fine art prints.
www.lilacandivyphotography.com (www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
1 Jun 2026
14. Lifestyle Coach & Summer Activities For Mom
Thank you to Aurelia for joining me for our chat today.
Aurelia's links:
https://www.instagram.com/aureliamama.co/ (https://www.instagram.com/aureliamama.co/)
https://www.instagram.com/hotmamasocials/ (https://www.instagram.com/hotmamasocials/)
Events:
6/26/2026 4:30 PM Art Therapy & Self Care @muva
7/31/2026 Bubbles and Bouquets at Cal Anderson Park
TBD Baby Rave with @asylum
TBD The Derby!Not mentioned in the podcast:
June 26th -art therapy and redefining self care in the Columbia towers @muva
Sponsored by Lilac and Ivy Photography
https://www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography (https://www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography)
https://www.lilacandivyphotography.com (https://www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
15 Dec 2025
The Happiness Hack For Teens
Today I discussed
https://www.smilesfunbooks.com/ (https://www.smilesfunbooks.com/)
Email: hello@wonderbrain.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/heywonderbrain (www.instagram.com/heywonderbrain)
Interested in booking a cherry blossom photoshoot this Spring? Submit an inquiry here:
www.lilacandivyphotography.com (www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography (www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography)
4 Aug 2025
Small Steps, Big Shifts with Rachel Vanderwielen
In this heartfelt episode of Seattle Mom Talks, I sit down with postpartum wellness coach Rachel of Baby Steps Wellness to explore how new mothers can reclaim their well-being through the gentlest, most accessible approach—micro-habits and mindset shifts. We unpack the realities of postpartum life, from the pressure to “bounce back” to the overwhelm of even thinking about self-care. Rachel shares powerful insight into why tiny, intentional actions—just seconds long—can create real, lasting transformation during one of the most tender seasons of motherhood. We also dive into the emotional side of wellness: dismantling all-or-nothing thinking, confronting mom guilt, and practicing self-compassion in the chaos. Whether you're a sleep-deprived mama wondering where to begin or simply in need of gentle encouragement, this episode is a loving reminder that you don’t need a major overhaul—just one baby step at a time. Visit www.babystepswellness.com (http://www.babystepswellness.com) to learn more and explore her free postpartum resources.
https://babystepswellness.com/freebies (https://babystepswellness.com/freebies)
21 Jul 2025
Tips & Tricks to Finding a Nanny in Seattle
Learn how I went out and changed childcare providers, tips, tricks do's and don'ts.
14 Jul 2025
Great Biking Trails and Summer Updates
Find out about a few great biking trails and summer updates!
21 Apr 2025
Where to go this summer - Seattle spray park, beach or pool?
Seattle, summer activities, family outings, beaches, spray parks, wading pools, parenting tips, outdoor fun, photography, autism awareness
In this conversation, Mercae Benge shares her insights on summer activities for families in Seattle, focusing on beaches, spray parks, and wading pools. She discusses the importance of outdoor experiences for children, especially for those with special needs, and emphasizes safety and accessibility. Mercae also reflects on her personal journey as a mother and her photography business, highlighting the joy of capturing family moments.
takeaways
Navigating summer with kids can be challenging but rewarding.
Seattle offers a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities.
Safety is paramount when enjoying public spaces with children.
Spray parks provide a fun and safe alternative to crowded pools.
Wading pools are great for younger children and offer a controlled environment.
Planning ahead can make outings more enjoyable for families.
Accessibility is an important consideration for public parks.
Personal experiences shape parenting approaches and choices.
Community resources can help families find suitable activities.
Photography can capture and preserve precious family memories.
Summer Fun in Seattle: A Parent's Guide
Exploring Seattle's Best Family Activities
Navigating Summer with Kids in Seattle
The Ultimate Guide to Seattle's Outdoor Fun
"I would love for us to be a little more poolside living."
"Just do what's manageable."
"Safety first."
"Don't put them in dark swimsuits."
"I really love the Seattle Spray Parks."
"Wading pools are super great shallow pools."
"You will never regret just being aware of where your kids are."
"Every mom listening to know that you are so loved."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Summer Adventures
02:47 Exploring Seattle's Beaches
06:04 Seattle Spray Parks: A Family Favorite
08:49 Wading Pools: Safe Options for Kids
12:04 Navigating Public Pools
14:55 Personal Reflections and Business Updates
https://lilacandivyphotography.com/blog/where-to-go-this-summer-seattle-spray-park-beach-or-pool/ (https://lilacandivyphotography.com/blog/where-to-go-this-summer-seattle-spray-park-beach-or-pool/)
www.lilacandivyphotography.com/portfolio (www.lilacandivyphotography.com/portfolio)
3 Mar 2025
Where to see Spring blooms in Seattle
Feel free to learn more about my photography business here:
www.lilacandivyphotography.com (www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography (www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography)
What Moms Need To Know About Permanent Makeup and Paramedical Tattoos
Jamie
Permanent Makeup & Paramedical Tattoo Artist
15404 Main St E, Sumner, Washington 98390
https://www.instagram.com/happilyever.inkedandbeautyco/ (https://www.instagram.com/happilyever.inkedandbeautyco/)
www.lilacandivyphotography.com (www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
3 Jan 2025
Here's What's Coming in 2025
If you'd like to help me afford a new bike feel free to book a photoshoot!
www.lilacandivyphotography.com
www.instagram.com/lilacandivyphotography
Resources:
https://lilacandivyphotography.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-families-to-live-in-seattle/ (https://lilacandivyphotography.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-families-to-live-in-seattle/)
https://lilacandivyphotography.com/blog/top-rated-seattle-school-options-for-your-kids/ (https://lilacandivyphotography.com/blog/top-rated-seattle-school-options-for-your-kids/)
https://livingwage.mit.edu/metros/42660 (https://livingwage.mit.edu/metros/42660)
https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/washington/seattle (https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/washington/seattle)
https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-suburbs/m/seattle-metro-area/ (https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-suburbs/m/seattle-metro-area/)
Book a session: www.lilacandivyphotography.com (www.lilacandivyphotography.com)
21 Oct 2024
The Ultimate Christmas Weekend Adventure
Learn about how to take the best trip to Leavenworth for this Christmas Season!
Resources:
https://www.leavenworth.org/christmastown (https://www.leavenworth.org/christmastown)
https://www.leavenworthshuttle.com/icicle-station (https://www.leavenworthshuttle.com/icicle-station)
2 Sept 2024
The Introduction
Hello, this is my first episode and a quick intro to me and what I'll be sharing with you.
Sponsored by: www.lilacandivyphotography.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 7 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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