Groundhog Day 2026: Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow? What This Year's Prediction Means for Vancouver, WA by Cassandra Marks | February 2, 2026 Every February 2nd, millions of people across North America turn their attention to a small town in Pennsylvania where a groundhog named Punxsutawney

  National Bagel Day 2026: Best Bagel Spots in Vancouver & Camas By Cassandra Marks A beautiful variety of fresh bagels with cream cheese - perfect for National Bagel Day! There's something undeniably comforting about a perfectly toasted bagel on a chilly Pacific Northwest morning. As we celebrate N

Snow and Mountain Activities Near Vancouver, WA: Your Complete Winter Guide Living in Vancouver, WA means you're perfectly positioned for one of the best perks of Pacific Northwest life: easy access to world-class winter recreation. While we enjoy relatively mild winters in the valley, Mount Hood's

2026 Home Reset: How to Revitalize Your Space for the Year of the Fire Horse There is something undeniably powerful about a fresh start. As we cross the threshold into a new year, we are given a collective "pause" button. This is our chance to look at our surroundings and decide what we want to carr

Goal Setting for 2026: A Framework for Work-Life Balance Are you tired of setting ambitious New Year's resolutions only to abandon them by February? Do you feel like you're constantly chasing success while neglecting your health, relationships, and the things that actually bring you joy? You're not

Atmospheric River Survival Guide: Preparing Your Pacific Northwest Home Before Winter Officially Hits December 21st marks the official first day of winter, but if you live in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, or anywhere in Southwest Washington, you know that "atmospheric river season" often starts well

The Great Holiday Cookie Debate: Which Cookie Reigns Supreme in Vancouver, WA? It's mid-December in Vancouver, Washington. The house smells like butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. There's flour on every surface. Someone's arguing about whether frosting should be homemade or store-bought. The kids are sn

Fun Holiday Activities in December: Your Vancouver & Portland Guide for 2025 December in the Pacific Northwest is nothing short of magical. Sure, we don't get snow every year (sorry, kids), and yes, it rains more than we'd like. But when those twinkle lights start going up, the hot chocolate starts

Fake vs. Real Christmas Trees: The Great Pacific Northwest Debate Remember my post about when to put up your Christmas tree? The one that sparked 43 passionate comments on Nextdoor and had neighbors debating like it was a city council meeting? Well, buckle up, because we're diving into an even MORE

When Do You Put Up Your Christmas Tree? The Great Holiday Debate The holiday season is officially upon us. The stores are sparkling with twinkling lights, peppermint flavors have taken over your coffee, and pumpkin spice has finally bowed out, making room for peppermint bark, hot cocoa, and all thin

Cranberry Sauce Showdown: Canned vs. Homemade with Fresh Washington Cranberries Near Vancouver, WA Every Thanksgiving, millions of Americans do the same thing: crack open a can of cranberry sauce, slide out that wobbly, ridged cylinder, and call it a day. I get it—I’ve been there. But here’s what I

November in the Columbia River Gorge: Why Fall is Actually the Best Time to Visit Everyone knows the Columbia River Gorge is spectacular in summer—wildflowers, sunny hiking, packed trailheads, and waterfront dining with perfect weather. But here's what longtime residents of Vancouver, WA and Clark C

Surviving The Big Dark: Your Vancouver WA Winter Darkness Guide So you moved to Vancouver, Washington for the Columbia River Gorge views, Mount Hood proximity, no sales tax, and maybe because someone convinced you the Pacific Northwest was "California with better coffee and pine trees." Yeah. About

Dutch Oven Cooking in the Pacific Northwest: Cozy Fall Recipes from Vancouver WA If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you already know that fall is more than just a season — it’s a whole mood. As the rain returns and the leaves start to turn, kitchens from Vancouver, Washington to Portland, Oregon

Best Pumpkin Patches in Vancouver WA and Portland (Recommended by Locals on Nextdoor) Fall in the Pacific Northwest means cozy sweaters, crisp air, and the annual hunt for the perfect pumpkin. This year, I wanted to hear directly from locals, so I asked my neighbors on Nextdoor to share their favori

Celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29, 2025 in Vancouver, WA and the Pacific Northwest National Coffee Day, celebrated each year on September 29, is more than just an excuse to grab your favorite latte—it’s a day that honors the rich history, global culture, and community connections that co

Fall Home Prep in the PNW: Your Essential Checklist for the Season September 23rd marks the first day of fall, and in the Pacific Northwest, that change in season is more than just swapping iced coffee for pumpkin spice lattes. Here in the PNW, fall means crisp mornings, golden leaves, and cozy even

Home Decorating Ideas for Fall in Vancouver, WA: Why I Love Fall Decorating Fall has always been my favorite season, and one of the reasons is how it completely transforms both our surroundings and our homes. Here in Vancouver, WA, the crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy evenings create the perfect b

Fall Wildlife and Birdwatching in Southwest Washington Fall in Southwest Washington isn’t just about pumpkin patches, apple cider, and cozy sweaters—it’s also one of the most exciting times for wildlife and birdwatching. As leaves turn golden and skies fill with migrating flocks, SW WA transforms in

Labor Day Activities in Vancouver and Portland: Road Trips, Camping and Local Fun Labor Day weekend is almost here, marking the unofficial end of summer. Kids are heading back to school, routines are shifting, and many of us are looking for that one last adventure before fall officially takes over.