The Apple Store will once again be offering their popular free Hour of Code Workshops for kids in honor of Computer Science Education Week.

Sessions will help aspiring coders aged 6 to 12 explore coding with robots, while those aged 12 and above can attend sessions using Swift Playgrounds and iPad to learn coding concepts. 

Check here to find events in your area, held between December 3-9, 2018.

Did you know the average cable bill is $150.00 a month? That’s $1,800 annually—and many subscribers only watch a fraction of what they’re paying for. 

Around here, we love to watch TV and movies. Years ago, when cable was the only option, we did have it, but once streaming became popular, it was no longer important. 

One of the easiest—and cheapest—options for streaming is Google Chromecast. For $35.00, this little gadget allows you to watch movies, shows, live TV, listen to music, play video games, and more. It works with all the major apps like Netflix, HBO NOW, YouTube, Hulu, etc. 

Setting up Chromecast is super quick and painless—just plug it into an existing HDTV with HDMI connectivity. There is also a built-in WiFi connecting Chromecast to the internet through your home’s wireless network.

Another cool feature is that it’s voice activated. Just say what you want to watch from compatible apps and control your TV with no hands required, as Chromecast and Google Home seamlessly work together.

Find Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player at Best Buy.

This post was sponsored by Best Buy.

Maybe I’m a sucker, but there’s no way I can avoid the lure of a “Grand Opening” sale. Burlington has opened shop, in a strip mall near me, taking up residence in an abandoned building that used to house a Kmart.

To encourage shoppers, they sent out coupons in the mail for 20% off anything, so yours truly headed out, on the hunt for some new home items, mainly towels and a shower curtain.

Like all well made plans, things didn’t go accordingly. Read on 😉

My first impression of the store was mixed. It has a huge selection, no doubt, but the quality was incredibly low. I did a once-around to quickly check the inventory of clothes, shoes, etc, and was not impressed at all. 

The home selection was decent. I did not, however, find what I wanted. The towels seemed very thin and scratchy and the curtains were junk. Over all, it wasn’t bad, just not what I needed.

Wandering over to the Kids section, there was a bunch of cute stuff. Who doesn’t need a T-Rex soap dispenser and a pizza pillow? (Need, of course, is subjective. My littles would claim it’s not to be missed.)

For my nephew, who’s a Spiderman fanatic, I picked up a little something for Hanukkah (it’s never too early to start building the gift stockpile).

If the store had been less crowded, I probably would’ve browsed longer. It was literally swamped and having to maneuver around people and carts is never easy, especially in cramped aisles. 

Another thing I really disliked was the noise. The in-store music was blaring! Because I have Tinnitus and a sensitivity to volume, it felt like a jet engine’s roar in my ears. Definitely did not add to the shopping experience.

Will I return to Burlington? Possibly, but it’s not high on my list. There’s a Marshall’s in the same plaza, plus a TJ Maxx and a Kohl’s across the street—all of which I prefer. 

It’s fun to check out new things, but not every one of them can be a winner. 

Have you ever shopped at Burlington?

This post contains affiliate links. I’ll be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking them.

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