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About Karen Mares

A Portlander born and raised, Karen lives in Southwest Portland with her husband and children. Karen has kept journals throughout her life, and she began a personal blog 2007. She hasn't stopped writing online since, channeling her passion for words and information into writing and communicating through social media and blogging.

Summer Memories Scrapbook Project

By |2016-08-12T18:43:40+00:00August 12th, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Ah, summer. It goes so fast. It's time to start transitioning into back-to-school mode. Before all your wonderful memories of summer fade away, take a little time with your kids to create a summer memories scrapbook! Here are some ideas to help you create a memory of your fun summer times. Then, when it's chilly and the sun isn't shining, [...]

How to Organize the Best Block Party Ever

By |2016-11-12T18:11:55+00:00August 3rd, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Do you know your neighbors? Why not get to know them by throwing a block party? Summer is the perfect time to gather your neighbors for some fun, mingling, food and games. We'll help you organize the best block party ever. Ready? Organize the Best Block Party Ever Step 1: Invites and sign ups First, reach out [...]

Kid-Friendly Hiking Essentials: Everything you Need!

By |2016-11-12T18:11:55+00:00July 27th, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

We're heading into the home stretch for summer. IT'S NOT TOO LATE! Grab your younger people and set out on a hiking adventure. We've made a list of all the kid-friendly hiking essentials you need to make sure you have everything ready for maximum fun. Kid-Friendly Hiking Essentials: Your Backpack This is the number one essential on any [...]

Boredom Busters: Road Trip Games to Keep ’em Happy

By |2016-11-12T18:11:55+00:00July 20th, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

"Are we there yet?"  AAACK. Long road trips can be a huge headache between traffic, potty stops, and restless kids - not to mention technology overload. We're here to help! Try out these road trip games for some fun ways to break up the monotony. Make time fly for your kids, and have a little fun [...]

Play These Pool Games for All-day Fun

By |2016-11-12T18:11:55+00:00July 1st, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Remember Marco-Polo? A classic pool game we all remember. But, it's not the only game in town, friends. Your kids can have a blast playing these creative, fun pool games and build some swimming skills while they're at it. They'll never want to get out of the water! Five Pool Games That Aren't Marco-Polo Sharks [...]

Learn About Electricity With These DIY Projects

By |2016-11-12T18:11:55+00:00May 17th, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Prevent the mid-summer chorus of  “I’m BORED!” We've all probably experienced the middle-of-July "what should I do with them TODAY?" question. Plan ahead and have a few of these projects ready to go when you find yourself with an open day. No pulling out your hair trying to come up with things to keep them occupied! I’ve rounded [...]

Water Play Projects for Outside

By |2016-11-12T18:11:56+00:00April 22nd, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Nice weather has arrived! Now's the perfect time to capitalize on it and set up some water play projects and fun with your kids. They’re probably outside anyway, right? Here are a few ideas for you to teach your kids about the science of water with these tips, tricks, and ideas for experiments and fun. Bonus? They stay busy. [...]

Play Outside With Your Fort!

By |2016-11-12T18:11:56+00:00March 29th, 2016|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Spring is here! Snow has (hopefully) melted, the ground is drying...time to play outside! Toydle forts are perfect for some shady outside fort play. Let's take a look: Play Outside With Your Fort Ideas: Hide and Seek Home Base - "Olly Olly Oxen Free!" That means you're safe to come out of hiding, right? Play a game of [...]

Motor Skills and Fort Building

By |2016-11-12T18:11:56+00:00December 15th, 2015|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

Fort building is brain building. Assembling our forts allows kids to practice using their bodies for large movements, and also for smaller movements. These are commonly referred to as "Motor Skills." Motor Skills: Gross Motor, Fine Motor and Proprioception First, what's the difference? Gross Motor Skills - These are characterized by larger body movements. Examples include: running, [...]

Pretend Play and Fort Building

By |2016-11-12T18:11:56+00:00December 1st, 2015|Fun Things To Do With Your Children|

What will your child's fort be today? A castle? A fortress? A cave? Pretend play is a vital part of childhood development. Around three years of age, your little person's mind begins to weave fantastical scenarios and stories where they have the lead role. From kittens parachuting out of airplanes to (my daughter's favorite at three [...]