Jennifer Bardsley

It’s only a matter of time until kids outpace their parents. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Running with my daughter is a tortuous delight

To the outside observer, I look like a bonafide runner, from my ponytail down to my quads. But that visible impression doesn’t last long.

It’s only a matter of time until kids outpace their parents. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Caption: Now’s a great time to stock up on free Covid tests available to Washington State residents at: https://sayyescovidhometest.org.

COVID-19’s behind her except for a nagging cough

But things might have been much different — in a bad way — without testing and vaccines.

Caption: Now’s a great time to stock up on free Covid tests available to Washington State residents at: https://sayyescovidhometest.org.
Caption: At Flight Room in Lynnwood, aerial fitness poses like “vampire” use every muscle in your body.

Fitness takes flight at new aerial studio in Lynnwood

Jennifer Bardsley finds benefits and “silk kisses” from doing aerial yoga at Lynnwood studio.

Caption: At Flight Room in Lynnwood, aerial fitness poses like “vampire” use every muscle in your body.
The powerful Spokane Falls are a must-visit experience in Spokane, WA.

Family takes a mystery trip that’s full of adventure

Her family was minutes away from leaving on a road trip, but there was a catch — they had no idea where they were going.

The powerful Spokane Falls are a must-visit experience in Spokane, WA.
Caption: Spokane Falls was one of many delights on a surprise-filled trip to Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Family takes a mystery trip that’s full of adventure

Her family was minutes away from leaving on a road trip, but there was a catch — they had no idea where they were going.

Caption: Spokane Falls was one of many delights on a surprise-filled trip to Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Jennifer Bardsley's new book "The History of Us" comes out on July 12th from Montlake. You can find it on Amazon or borrow it from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Jennifer Bardsley’s new novel is full of memories

She overcame transient global amnesia to complete the book set in a fictional waterfront Washington town.

Jennifer Bardsley's new book "The History of Us" comes out on July 12th from Montlake. You can find it on Amazon or borrow it from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Caption: The 12 week Edmonds Community Police Academy was a free opportunity for private citizens to learn about law enforcement.

An inside look at how law enforcement works

A pregnant mother. A man who rescues abused horses and donkeys. A new father. A softball coach. These were some of the people I had… Continue reading

Caption: The 12 week Edmonds Community Police Academy was a free opportunity for private citizens to learn about law enforcement.
After two years of wellness, Covid finally hit this family, but thanks to vaccinations, the symptoms were mild. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Jennifer Bardsley’s fighting COVID-19 with vaccines and TLC

But even with vaccinations, the disease is scary for people like her with less than robust immune systems.

After two years of wellness, Covid finally hit this family, but thanks to vaccinations, the symptoms were mild. (Jennifer Bardsley)
From the comfort of the couch, Merlin the poodle offers tips and tricks for honoring Dad on Father’s Day. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Family dog has lessons to teach about adoring Dad on Father’s Day

I treat every day like it’s Father’s Day, and I think your humans should, too. The pack would be lost without you. Love, your dog.

From the comfort of the couch, Merlin the poodle offers tips and tricks for honoring Dad on Father’s Day. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Can you identify the hottest new products for infants and toddlers? Pictured is a NoseFrida and Hatch. (Courtesy Jennifer Bardsley)

Test yourself with this parenting pop quiz on trendy baby gear

Today’s pop quiz is on key vocabulary words that new parents know. But don’t worry, at least it’s multiple choice.

Can you identify the hottest new products for infants and toddlers? Pictured is a NoseFrida and Hatch. (Courtesy Jennifer Bardsley)
Caption: One of the first things you learn as a parent is that your child has their own plans for what their room should look like. (Jenny Bardsley)

No matter what you do, your child will redecorate their room

From toddlers to teenagers, kids invariably put their personal stamp on their spaces.

Caption: One of the first things you learn as a parent is that your child has their own plans for what their room should look like. (Jenny Bardsley)
Caption: It took a Mother’s Day gift to Washhpodd and 10 hours of labor to bring her car back to pre-kid condition.

The trusty Mom-mobile deserves a fresh start

Hard work by the crew at the auto detailer makes her a rarity: a mom with a clean car.

Caption: It took a Mother’s Day gift to Washhpodd and 10 hours of labor to bring her car back to pre-kid condition.
Caption: Incorporating frozen vegetables into your menu plan is a fast and cost-effective way to save money on rising food costs.

The secrets of cheap meals: frozen veggies and slow cookers

They not only stretch your food budget, but also timesaving godsends for busy parents. Here are three recipes to try.

Caption: Incorporating frozen vegetables into your menu plan is a fast and cost-effective way to save money on rising food costs.
Caption: Originally published in The Weekly Herald, “I Brake for Moms” has been running for ten years.

Ten years of columns later, a celebration of place, journalism

Jennifer Bardsley reflects on writing 520 installments of “I Brake for Moms.”

Caption: Originally published in The Weekly Herald, “I Brake for Moms” has been running for ten years.
Caption: A young Jennifer Bardsley with her grandmother on one of many "Grandma Days."

Grandmothers deserve to be honored on Mother’s Day, too

Columnist Jennifer Bardsley’s grandma left a lasting imprint on her heart.

Caption: A young Jennifer Bardsley with her grandmother on one of many "Grandma Days."
Caption: After trying many solutions, liquid bait proved to be the ultimate weapon in a war against ants.

Her kitchen is a killing field for invading ants

With the bugs marching across the floor, it’s time to bring out the big pesticidal guns.

Caption: After trying many solutions, liquid bait proved to be the ultimate weapon in a war against ants.
Caption: Faced with an uptick in crime, an Edmonds neighborhood works together to keep residents safe.

Absolutely nothing gets past the neighborhood watch

Crime has increased in her corner of suburban Edmonds. The best protection? Neighbors.

Caption: Faced with an uptick in crime, an Edmonds neighborhood works together to keep residents safe.
Caption: Spring weather makes it tricky to know when it’s time to put patio furniture to use.

Patio furniture brings back a stream of summer memories

‘Tis the season for bringing out the outdoor chairs and tables — only to be rained in 30 minutes later.

Caption: Spring weather makes it tricky to know when it’s time to put patio furniture to use.
Break out of a cooking rut but thematically planning your menu according to cuisine. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Eat around the world from the comfort of your home

Trying recipes from different cuisines breaks the author out of a home-cooking rut.

Break out of a cooking rut but thematically planning your menu according to cuisine. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Caption: Hitting 10,000 steps a day has become more challenging since the pandemic began.

The past two years have been hard on step counts

Working from home and attending virtual meetings mean going for a walk takes concerted effort.

Caption: Hitting 10,000 steps a day has become more challenging since the pandemic began.