Jennifer Bardsley

What random ingredients does your refrigerator have in store for you? Leftover almond butter could be turned into a delicious dessert. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Back to basics: Some home economics tips for difficult times

She’s spent a lot of time thinking about cleaning this month, so you can benefit from her ah-ha moments.

What random ingredients does your refrigerator have in store for you? Leftover almond butter could be turned into a delicious dessert. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Trapped in her room by a tricky doorknob, a sixth-grade girl relies on her brother to hear her cries for help. (Jennifer Bardsley)

A family comes together to solve a middle-of-the-night crisis

She was grateful that her son had heard his sister’s call for help. His late-night hours had proven useful.

Trapped in her room by a tricky doorknob, a sixth-grade girl relies on her brother to hear her cries for help. (Jennifer Bardsley)
This pantry makeover was inspired by moths. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Careful organization turns small cabinets into a pantry

A moth infestation inspired her to break out the Tupperware and label maker for a well-sorted kitchen.

This pantry makeover was inspired by moths. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Freezer-to-table recipes — plus a little help from the kids — makes putting dinner on the table easy. (Jennifer Bardsley)

When families cook together, dinner is ready in a flash

Here’s how you, too, can assemble 14 freezer-to-table recipes in four hours for two weeks of easy meals.

Freezer-to-table recipes — plus a little help from the kids — makes putting dinner on the table easy. (Jennifer Bardsley)
In Edmonds, playgrounds remain closed due to the pandemic. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Mom: Pandemic safety restrictions are hitting children hard

Kids can play on playgrounds in Everett, Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Arlington — so why not Edmonds?

In Edmonds, playgrounds remain closed due to the pandemic. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Hitting a major milestone in the middle of a pandemic is still cause for celebration. Twenty years of marriage brings joy and reflection. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Twenty tips for a happy marriage — especially during a pandemic

Two decades of as husband and wife brings joy and reflection. Here are 20 life lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Hitting a major milestone in the middle of a pandemic is still cause for celebration. Twenty years of marriage brings joy and reflection. (Jennifer Bardsley)
2020 was a great year to be a dog — just ask Merlin. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Merlin the poodle takes ‘paws’ to reflect on 2020 in holiday letter

It’s been the best year of this dog’s life — especially because he gets to work from home with his best friend.

2020 was a great year to be a dog — just ask Merlin. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Extensive safety measures at the Woodland Park Zoo include markers that help keep you 6 feet apart. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Safety measures at the zoo help you forget about COVID-19

The Woodland Park Zoo limits capacity to 150 guests at a time, and you need reservations to enter.

Extensive safety measures at the Woodland Park Zoo include markers that help keep you 6 feet apart. (Jennifer Bardsley)
From tea parties to dumpsters, 2020 has redefined suburban living. (Jennifer Bardsley)

2020 may be a dumpster fire, but it made her appreciate dumpsters

This mom sticks to her chore chart, but it’s not enough — not when the house is lived in, with a capital L.

From tea parties to dumpsters, 2020 has redefined suburban living. (Jennifer Bardsley)
When it comes to flocked Christmas trees, everyone has strong opinions. (Jennifer Bardsley)

We need a little Christmas — no, make that a lot

It doesn’t matter if your tree is real or fake, pure or flocked. It just needs to fill your home with joy.

When it comes to flocked Christmas trees, everyone has strong opinions. (Jennifer Bardsley)
"Bookstagramming," the hobby of taking pictures of books and posting them on Instagram, is one of many activities that combat boredom during the pandemic. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Have you adopted odd enteratinment habits because of COVID-19?

Unloading the dishwasher can be fun — but mostly because fun is hard to come by during a pandemic.

"Bookstagramming," the hobby of taking pictures of books and posting them on Instagram, is one of many activities that combat boredom during the pandemic. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Apples, coffee, cozy sweaters and other ways to turn your mood around with November stress weighs you down. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Simple ways to add comfort to your day in stressful times

Stressed out? Give this rule of threes a try: Make it healthy, affordable and environmentally friendly.

Apples, coffee, cozy sweaters and other ways to turn your mood around with November stress weighs you down. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Beagle alert! Pet encounters were an important part of Jennifer Bardsley's Girl Scout experience. Now that the meetings are over Zoom, pet interactions--as well as meaningful side conversations--are gone. (Jennifer Bardsley)

A tale of two beagles illustrates another pandemic loss

In cyberspace Scout meetings, kids can’t interact in a spontaneous way — like brag about their dogs.

Beagle alert! Pet encounters were an important part of Jennifer Bardsley's Girl Scout experience. Now that the meetings are over Zoom, pet interactions--as well as meaningful side conversations--are gone. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Jennifer Bardsley

Does my home need improvement, or am I just sick of it?

When I’ve decided to upgrade our furniture, my husband looks at the price tag … and gets to work.

Jennifer Bardsley
Washington Virtual Academy, a free public school option in Washington state, sends out kits of materials to help supplement online learning. Pictured here is the sixth-grade kit. (Jennifer Bardsley)

For some kids, virtual schooling is actually an improvement

Her daughter needed a tutor to stay at grade level, but now she’s excelling with at-home instruction.

Washington Virtual Academy, a free public school option in Washington state, sends out kits of materials to help supplement online learning. Pictured here is the sixth-grade kit. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Vaccines promise health — and fun — for a family tired of social distancing. (Jennifer Bardsley)

COVID-19 pandemic brings a new appreciation for flu shots

After not leaving the house for weeks, a drive-thu appointment to get an influenza vaccine is an adventure.

Vaccines promise health — and fun — for a family tired of social distancing. (Jennifer Bardsley)
When it comes to kitchen tables, it’s not the price or comfort level that matters — it’s the memories. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Kitchen table memories linger longer than coffee mug stains

The chairs may be uncomfortable, but this mom can’t bring herself to get rid of the set.

When it comes to kitchen tables, it’s not the price or comfort level that matters — it’s the memories. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Stocking a garage freezer with comfort food brings a busy family bliss. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Freezer-to-table meals a dream come true for this busy family

The pandemic has made chest freezers hot commodities right up there with Lysol wipes and toilet paper.

Stocking a garage freezer with comfort food brings a busy family bliss. (Jennifer Bardsley)
Which subject does your child struggle with most? Have them study that subject first thing in the morning, while they are still fresh. (Jennifer Bardsley)

How to manage distance learning like a pro in 7 easy steps

This mom sees the humor in trying to work from home and play teacher for her kids at Zoom school.

Which subject does your child struggle with most? Have them study that subject first thing in the morning, while they are still fresh. (Jennifer Bardsley)
A course of traffic-cone slaloms is one way to help teens improve their driving skills. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Her teen is putting pedal to the metal for accident avoidance

She signed the new driver up for an advanced collision avoidance class taught by Defensive Driving School.

A course of traffic-cone slaloms is one way to help teens improve their driving skills. (Jennifer Bardsley)