Last month, I joined some of my favorite local bloggers to tour Northgate Mall to show off all the newest happenings just in time for the holidays. We started our party at Mama Stortini's, where we dined on delicious appetizers and enjoyed a glass of wine. From there, we took a mini tour around the mall to see some of my favorite stores and places as well as some of the newer additions to the mall that I hadn't had a chance to enjoy. 
As the parent of young kids, it's my job to teach them all I can about how the world works. Some of this is fun and involves traveling to exotic locales and experimenting with art, but some things certainly aren't my favorite. For instance, math, technology, or anything that involves me reading a textbook and then following directions step by step.
So, you're probably wondering why I agreed to teach math and technology at my daughter’s school. I could explain that it’s the only time slot that I had access to a sitter for my little one, but the truth is that I wanted a challenge. If I’m challenging the kids to learn new things and not be limited by what they think they can't do, I also need to take my own advice, even if that means studying up on my days off.
It’s no secret that I’m literally the last person you’d ask for help with a project involving circuitry, and that’s mostly my own doing. My husband likes to give me simple ways to remember how circuits and electronics work, and I conveniently forget each time or I doubt myself when I’m actually left on my own. 
This is the reason I turned to Circuit Scribe. Circuit Scribe fits right in the STEM subjects I’m teaching, but unlike textbooks and worksheets, it makes learning about circuits actually fun for kids as well as their adult helpers. 
The secret to the Circuit Scribe system is the special pen with conductive ink that lets you draw out the connections for your circuit instead of using wires or a circuit board. This really allows you to see how the circuit works and gets you involved more deeply than just snapping pieces together, plus it adds a whole art dimension to the project that I love.
It’s that time of year again! Photo Christmas cards are coming, and they aren’t going to plan themselves. I know you still think you have time, but it’s really time to think about it now.
Otherwise you know you’re going to wait until the last minute and search through the pictures you’ve snapped all year only to find that every single picture that includes the whole family has someone either 1) looking away, 2) crying, 3) making goofy faces, or 3) all of the above. So, then you’ll find the nearest photo studio and book a last minute appointment that ends in disaster.
Or, you can go the easy route and just schedule yourself a family portrait sitting at Portrait Innovations now, while you still have time.
At some point in the past few years, we just stopped going out to eat. Three kids, one income, and busy schedules have us running from event to event so it became hard to do relaxing dinners out. As a result, I became queen of the quick and easy weeknight dinner that could have us out of the house and on the go. So, really, eating out at all is a huge treat.
But, a steak dinner out? It must be my anniversabirthday. 
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar doesn’t think that a nice steak dinner at a restaurant should be a once-a-year event and are giving you a chance to enjoy a well-deserved steak at an awesome price – no special occasion required. From now until November 13th, customers can enjoy Applebee’s famed wood-fired USDA Choice Top Sirloin steak and two delectable sides, all for just $9.99. 
In my quest for cozy fall clothing that is just as fashionable as it is comfortable, I once again turned to one of my favorite brands, prAna. My goal when selecting fall pieces is that they are versatile enough to go from work to play and that they can go seamlessly into winter. In terms of diverse clothing lines, it really doesn't get any better than prAna.
If you aren’t already familiar with the brand, prAna clothing is different than the standard outdoorsy clothing in that most of their line would be as at home in the mountains as it would be while traveling, exploring a town near you, or simply hanging out on a cozy evening at home. As a Northwest native, I see more than my fair share of outdoorsy clothing each year, but rarely do I find a company like prAna that pulls together mountain retreat attire, travel comfort and sportswear without ever coming across as too casual for everyday wear. 
Instead of the standard washed out cotton clothing typically marketed to women in outdoor shops, their clothing is truly stylish as well as still being functional and comfortable. In fact, the prAna website and catalogue looks nothing like an outdoorsy catalogue at all, but rather just looks like a popular women’s clothing catalogue that just happens to showcase a wide range of products from a huge variety of styles, one of them being outdoor-friendly designs.
This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I think we can all agree that shopping for baby clothes is really fun. Really, what's cuter than miniature clothing? If you are you looking to create a versatile and well-rounded baby wardrobe for your little one, you’re in the right place. Check out our list of baby fashion, essentials, and accessories that can take you all the way through baby’s first year…and beyond! 
Essential #1 The Original Bodysuit by Carter’s
I was really sad when baby grew out of her first matching sisters outfit or her dress she wore in her 3 month pictures was a bit too short, but I just wasn’t prepared to be sad over growing out of a bodysuit. But, when you think of it, these baby essentials get the most use of anything in their little wardrobes. My baby girl wore The Original Bodysuit under absolutely everything for her entire first year and we had multiple packs in every size from newborn to 12mo. Even to this very day she wears an 12mo sleeveless bodysuit under many of her dresses because it’s just so easy and convenient. 
I will fully admit I kept one of these bodysuits in the smallest sizes, and that I put two bodysuits on the kids’ dolls because I just couldn’t bear to part with them all, but I did pass along as many as I could part with of the dozens we had. Sharing the goodness of one of my favorite baby must-haves makes me really happy, which is why I always visit Carter's and pick up a pack of The Original Bodysuits for new babies.
It’s back to school time, and your shopping lists probably look a little like mine do. First, the office supply store, then some clothing basics mix and match separates at the local mall, after that there is backpack shopping at the kids’ store with all three kids, then heading out for a special trip to the organizing store for some lunchbox accessories, and… I’m already glazing over just thinking about all my back to school errands. So, for my own sanity, I needed to add a fun stop for back to school.
For the fun stuff that will actually get them excited about back to school, look no further than AT&T. 
By now you know that the AT&T store carries everything you need to make the most of your mobile devices, and back to school time means everyone is going to be a whole lot more mobile with school schedules, sports, and extracurricular activities. Whether you are looking for a new smartphone so you can keep in touch, speakers for a dorm room, a tablet so they can do homework when they can’t be at a computer, or an activity tracker to keep up with all those extra steps they will be racking up on campus, AT&T has you covered. 
Ready to start the fun back to school shopping? Here are just a few great deals for back to school:
Where could you use a little savings help? If you’re like most people, you probably said the kitchen. When you really break it down, the kitchen has the highest bill of anywhere in your house – there are foods needing to be replenished each week, appliances that cost money to run, and waste to take care of.
How would you like to save a little money while making your days easier and more organized? I bet you would! Just for you, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite money-saving kitchen tips that can help keep money in your pocket, food in your bellies, and your kitchen running smoothly.
7+ tips to save money in the kitchen
We're big "Finding Nemo" fans and have basically been waiting for years for Disney•Pixar's "Finding Dory" to come out. I was thrilled when I got to see the first 33 minutes of the new film at DisneySMMC this year and cannot wait to take the kiddos to see the film once they get out of school. To get in the Dory spirit, we decided to celebrate the film opening by making some Dory-inspired lunches with Nature's Harvest® bread. 
Since we love to play with our food around here, I thought we'd make a Bacon Tomato & Avocado {BTA} open face sandwich and allow the kids to make their own fish friend right on their Nature’s Harvest® bread. With has at least 8g or more of whole grains per serving and no artificial flavors, colors or high fructose corn syrup, their delicious bread is a staple around here and every variety we’ve tried has been a hit with the kids. From Stone Ground 100% Whole Wheat to Honey Wheat Made with Whole Grain Bread, they are all kid- and parent-approved.
At this point in my life, I’m pretty hard to shop for. While I love getting new things just like everyone else, I just don’t actually need much anymore. I’m not hard on my clothes, I’m not growing out of anything, and I haven’t picked up any new hobbies so I don’t have many gear … Read more
