​Seattle is one of the most iconic cities in the world thanks to its lush greenery and its popularity as a home base for heavy-hitting companies like Amazon, Starbucks, REI, and Boeing. The city has a world-renown food scene that makes savvy use of Pacific Northwest produce, seafood, and proteins, drawing the attention of food shows, travel magazines, and trendsetters. People flock from all over the world to attend Seattle sporting events, to soak up the city’s vibrant music scene, and to visit its art, and cultural landmarks. But, for those who want quick access to the clamor and commotion of a big city as well as the harmony of a small town, West Seattle (or “the Peninsula” as it is sometimes affectionately known) is the best of both worlds.

1. Rain aside, what type of climate should visitors comes prepared for? The climate in Portland is actually quite temperate, but the skies can be a bit fickle during transitional months. Snowfall is pretty rare, but a cold snap or two is most likely to happen between December and March, when the snow and ice sometimes venture far enough from the ski slopes to show up on the city streets. Summer months are usually dry with temperatures averaging around 70–85°F and the occasional 100°F scorcher come July and August. Fog is fairly common in the early mornings, but usually burns off before lunchtime.

I am a first-time buyer. Should I get a cosigner?

Whether you are a young driver ready to ditch mom’s minivan or a working adult ready to hit the road, buying your first car is an exciting milestone. Of course, like most major milestones in life—such as buying a car or a house—you will need credit history. If your credit history is limited, finding a cosigner for your auto loan can make a huge difference in the process—especially when it comes to interest rates and financing. Many first-time buyers use cosigners to qualify for better loan terms even if they could get approved on their own because a cosigner allows them to save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

Wondering if you can get a car loan after bankruptcy? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to know about the process.

A bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for 7 to 10 years but waiting that long is not always an option—especially if you need a vehicle to get to work, run errands, or pick up the kids. Fortunately, you can get answers and get the car you need when you work with people who care about helping people just like you. Whatever your circumstances are, our business is built upon connecting people to the right vehicle.

Design thinking is an innovative method of problem solving that hinges on three things—inspiration, ideation, and implementation. The process (which is not exclusive to designers) can also be applied to home projects, the pursuit of life goals, and even moments of self-evaluation. There’s no perfect formula—and that’s the beauty of it. The vision is yours to define. If you are ready to design the life you deserve, we’ve got some fun doable suggestions that you can implement right now.

Meet the beers that should be at the top of your “must-try” list: Craft brewing is a booming industry these days and Saint Paul is home to some of the nation’s best breweries on the rise. The industry is all about self-expression and the people at the top of their game are creating innovative brews that celebrate their local ingredients, their community, and their region. So, grab your favorite beer drinking buddy and get your pub crawling shoes on because we’ve got nine spots that are putting Saint Paul on the map.

The neighborhood extends east from the waterfront to Broadway, Burnside on the south and NW 15th Avenue and I- 405 on the west. It is only about 285 acres, but within those blocks you will find an abundance of brew pubs, restaurants, and stylish boutiques. People come to the Pearl District to immerse themselves in its lively culture, to explore the vibrant art scene and to indulge in the fascinating food scene; so, it’s no surprise that the neighborhood hums with activity both day and night. Particularly popular is First Thursday, a free monthly event that draws huge crowds of people looking to wander through the neighborhood galleries and boutiques while chatting with artists, sipping free wine, and nibbling on snacks.

Do you know your partner’s love language? Do they appreciate Acts of Service, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Physical Touch, or Words of Affirmation? How can you apply that knowledge to find the perfect holiday gift? We’ve got a few ideas.

The five love languages are a concept developed in the 1990s by author, speaker, and counselor, Gary Chapman, Ph. D. In his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, Chapman describes five unique styles of communicating love that he distilled from his years in marriage counseling and linguistics. The book was a #1 New York Times bestseller 20 years ago and it’s still wildly popular today. It’s a great reminder that while we all experience the world differently, there are still meaningful, thoughtful, and effective ways we can show people we care.