Welcome to The Mint Chip Mama blog! A fun, lighthearted parenting, lifestyle and travel blog for families on Long Island & the Tri-State area. Fun things we do at home, local hikes, new products, art projects, & giveaways.
Whether you’re planning an event for yourself or your child, party planning for a large-scale event is a big deal. In my opinion, a good party is all about the little details. The extra special touches are what your guests will remember more than anything else. Well – maybe the food and music too.
I love planning big parties. To be fair, I also love planning small parties… and planning midsize parties. Did someone mention planning a birthday dinner, planning a class reunion, planning a wedding, planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Perhaps you mentioned planning a graduation party or planning a Sweet 16? Or maybe just planning a mom’s night out or planning a Taco Tuesday fiesta? I love planning all these fun parties. Maybe I missed my calling… Ok, so I like planning parties, any type of party.
When it came time to plan a big event for my daughter, I was ready to go. As with all big parties, they are very overwhelming to plan. But like all overwhelming things in life, you need to take a step back, exhale, and start somewhere to move forward. In truth, sometimes this is the hardest part.
Party Planning Series: Planning The Best Party For Any Theme And Size!
That is why I’m here – to help. Welcome to my five-part series on party planning. These posts cover everything needed to plan an awesome party – big or small – and within any budget. You can find each part of party planning broken up here:
If you want to jump ahead to party planning finds, click on my Amazon store. This page is filled with party décor ideas, party favors, and even party dresses and party shoes for different themes and sizes.
We started our party planning journey by choosing a venue. My husband and I discussed a budget but then said it’s difficult to say what we want to spend until we see what stuff costs. We looked at our bank account and decided on a ceiling, so as long as we were under that we were good. Equally, we agreed that parties go by fast and the next morning we still have to eat and pay the mortgage… We adopted this as our mantra and it prevented us from spinning out of control. Because let me tell you – it’s very easy to spin out of control when you’re party planning.
We began our (very quick) venue search with the idea that we’d have a “kid’s party”. This meant only inviting my daughter’s friends and our immediate family. I can laugh at that now because I’m sure many people start there. To be fair, since we could remember, she said she wanted a trip instead of a party, so when we started looking for a party (obviously), we intended to do something small.
Your Party Will End Up Bigger Than Your Expect
It is so important to write out your guest list instead of just guessing. You need this list to dictate the venue size. We thought it would be just kids, family and none of our friends. However, my friEnd* gave me some great advice. She said that so many party costs were fixed, adding some close friends won’t make much difference financially but will make the party exponentially more fun for us.
Again, I laughed because what started as a trip and no party evolved to a trip and kid’s party, and then ended up a big party (but still small compared to others). Thusly, it was like planning a wedding and then planning a honeymoon right afterward. Good first-world problems, but exhausting, nonetheless.
Picking The Venue
In my opinion, the venue sets the tone for the party. We wanted something a little different and with more emphasis on fun than fancy. We had the date already and as the “one year to go” anniversary arrived I realized I needed to get my act together and find a place. It was winter, it was cold, and it was hard to motivate leaving my house to look in person so I called around for dates and pricing. With much luck, I had a dermatologist appointment near one of the venues and figured I’d pop in to look.
K.Pacho
I saw K.Pacho and immediately fell in love. First off, if you know how much we love Mexican food this would not be a surprise. Second, if you know this is where I ate when I was in labor with my third child (does spicy food really help labor?) this would not be a surprise. So, what was a surprise? I was sold and ready to sign a contract within five minutes. The catering manager could not have been more accommodating (thus beginning a wonderful relationship) and held the date over the weekend so I could bring my daughter and husband back to check it out. Happily – and even faster than me – they fell in love and our contract was signed within the hour.
The room was much bigger than our initial needs. Thank goodness for this as our guest list ended up double the size we expected! With that said, I suggest making the guest list prior to your venue search as one always underestimates how big this list can get.
Once our venue was booked and we knew what the room looked like (gorgeous, club-like, tons of lighting options) and what the room needed for décor (very little), we could move to phase two – party planning.
So, what does one need to plan a party for teenage kids? Well in New York that answer is both a lot and not that much. With parties every weekend these kids get spoiled and think they all need to be identical. As adolescents, they just want to fit in and be the same as everyone else. Unfortunately, they don’t yet know that being a little different is a good thing. Furthermore, they don’t yet realize that if their party is a little different, it could mean it turns out better!
Taking this all into account we began party planning. That meant filling our future night with the best vendors we could find. Click on Part 2: Vendors for the next post.
Your uncensored weekly guide to perspective, mom life and the crazy inner thoughts of this tired mom of three.
Weekly Mom Life Musings
This week I’m thinking about perspective. Specifically, perspective across many different areas. Also perspective on how my kids are growing up, in how we see things (even if we’re royalty, I’m still reading Prince Harry’s book), and how shifting our perspective can change our lives.
This week the world is talking about the State of the Union, Madonna’s face, Burt Bacharach, Chinese spy balloons, the earthquake in Turkey, the Grammys, Viola Davis’ EGOT, and the Super Bowl.
One of my 2023 goals is increasing my email list, so please sign up below. That way, each time I post something new it will come straight to your inbox. Every week I’ll be sharing answers to the same questions, like a mom blog Mad Libs. If there is anything else you want to see, just let me know!
Please sign up below to receive this weekly guide via email!
What Am I Watching? What Are My Kids Watching?
My friend turned me on to the show All American a few years ago and I love it! Keeping with the theme of perspective it’s what life is like for a bunch of teenagers living in Los Angeles on different sides of town. It’s a really good show. Plus – Taye Digs.
My boys just finished She Hulk. I still can’t tell if they liked it or not. I guess that’s perspective from a green monster?
What Am I Eating?
We decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year. We have a tradition where my husband makes an incredible meal of lamb, potatoes, and Brussel sprouts… and I… eat it. It’s a good compromise. It takes us back to our honeymoon in New Zealand where eating lamb was the thing to do.
What Am I Reading?
Yep I’m still reading Spare. That’s it. It’s great. My goal is to finish it by Wednesday. Do you think I can do it?
What Am I Writing?
Throughout this journey I’ve learned that when I’m going through something for the party it’s inspired me to write about it. I wrote this article about writing a speech while I was- wait for it – writing my speech. It may be my favorite one yet.
What Are We Playing?
We love this game – Chicken War. It’s a strategy game where you have to figure out who your opponent’s head chicken is. It’s really fun. Guess who won – I’ll give you a hint, it wasn’t me.
Where Are We Going?
My son loves planes, trains, and automobiles. I was so happy to take him back to the Intrepid Museum. Even better he was now old enough and tall enough to tour the submarine which was really cool. Talk about a change in perspective! Imagine living in a submarine for two months!
Old Blog Post I’m Thinking About
Putting how quickly kids grow up into perspective was the hot topic this week. I wrote this post in February of 2019. I did a good job showing some longitudinal photography (a hobby of mine!). It was nice to go back and read it. Time sure does fly.
Before Mom Life. Thinking Of A Place I Went Long Ago
While this wasn’t somewhere that I traveled it was super cool. In February of 2005 the orange flags of The Gates by Christo and Jeanne-Claude took over New York City’s Central Park. It was a cool public art installation that was really fun to walk through. It was even more fun to see a place so familiar to us through a different perspective.
This Week’s Mom Life On Instagram:
From reels to posts and carousels, see what’s going. Basically I just did some silly dances about being cold, 90s moves, and staying up way too late. Plus I forces my kids to take a “numbers family” picture because I’m mean and it makes me happy.
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
My blog (and taco habit) is supported by you! With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
Your uncensored weekly guide to mom life and the crazy inner thoughts of this tired mom of three and how I sometimes feel like a bigger shipwreck than the Titanic.
Weekly Mom Life Musings
Hello and welcome to February! We have so much happening this month! I hope I can keep up. Most of it focuses around my daughter so I’m glad I was able to sneak off and spend some one on one time with my son this week at the most anticipated event of the year for this sweet nine year old Titanic: The Exhibition in New York City!
This week the world is talking about Tom Brady retiring (again), Jennie Garth & Tori Spelling launching a home line for QVC, Beyoncé announcing a tour, Wakanda Forever coming to your couch, and Punxsutawney Phil prophetically predicting six more weeks of winter.
One of my 2023 goals is increasing my email list, so please sign up below. That way, each time I post something new it will come straight to your inbox. Every week I’ll be sharing answers to the same questions, like a mom blog Mad Libs. If there is anything else you want to see, just let me know!
Please sign up below to receive this weekly guide via email!
What Am I Watching? What Are My Kids Watching?
My husband and I watched You People on Netflix this week. We liked it but shortly after watching it I started seeing so many negative reviews. This made me wonder if it is not a movie ok to like? It had a great cast and beautiful, colorful scenes, but I guess the topic and how people were portrayed in it was something to ponder.
We had the best lunch at Ana Bar and Eatery in Hudson Yards this week. This gorgeous quick serve restaurant is on the second floor of the destination shopping pavilion and worth going to all on it’s own. From the view to the live Jazz music (on the weekends from 3pm-5pm), to the 30+ “by the pound” food, to the freestanding stations – Bianca Latte, Tacos & Tequila, and the Roman style pizza counter, our bellies were beyond happy. Ana Bar and Eatery was the perfect solution for indecisive lunch people like us because we often want to eat different things, and finding a restaurant can be a challenge.
What Am I Reading?
I’m still hanging with Haz this week. So far I’ve read about his time at Eton and being labeled a “bad boy”. However, he promises his behavior didn’t warrant this title forced upon him by the British press. If this stuff is true, it’s sad this poor “Spare” had to keep taking one for the team. I’m really enjoying this book. I just wish I had more time to read it!
What Am I Writing?
This week I wrote an ode to my amazing girlfriends for Mitzvah Market titled “Thank You For Being A Friend“. It’s been so much fun planning our kid’s mitzvahs together with this group of ladies. I also highlight how special it is to have a long term group of friends like this and how it is such a gift to watch each other’s kids grow up. Included as well is a tribute to a friend’s parents who have had the same group of friends for the last forty years. I loved watching this “parent circle” dance at their son’s wedding and then again at their grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. I’m glad including them made them as happy as I was to see this beautiful act.
What Are We Playing?
This week I lost against my six year old at Uno. I won the first round so I thought I had a chance. Silly me. He probably let me win that round to trick me. But he has no teeth, so I win there.
Where Are We Going?
We are a family of Titanic lovers – or Titaniacs – so Titanic: The Exhibition was one of the most anticipated events coming to New York for us in a long time. This Titanic exhibit was filled with artifacts from passengers aboard the Titanic, and images of prominent crew and passengers. Admission includes an audio guide which was well designed and informative. We loved the iceberg shaped sheet of ice and the model with one of the ship’s sides removed so you could see inside of it.
Old Blog Post I’m Thinking About
Even though Phil predicts more winter, it’s somewhat mild weather here in New York. With that said it is a great time to throw on a coat and visit one of Long Island’s great playgrounds! The good news is they are free so if you get cold, you can just leave.
Before Mom Life. Thinking Of A Place I Went Long Ago
This picture is from Jamaica in January of 2007. My husband and I booked a brand new resort that looked gorgeous. We wondered why it was so inexpensive… well we found out the reason upon arrival. It was not yet built. Ok, I should say most of it was built, but definitely not all of it. We tried to make the best of it and in the end they gave us a refund so in essence it all became just a funny story. I also like this picture because I read “Y2K” fashion is coming back hard and here I’m rocking a Bordeaux colored velour Juicy Couture track suit. I’d love to go back to Jamaica one day. Even more if the hotel has running water.
This Week’s Mom Life On Instagram:
This week I had some fun picking out an animal to donate from Heifer International‘s “Most Wanted” list for Valentine’s Day (check them out, it makes a great “out of the box” gift). Then getting these gorgeous iridescent tote bags from Nush Nush ready for our party and finally highlighting my love of coffee in this fun Scary Mommy mug.
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
My blog (and taco habit) is supported by you! With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
Your uncensored weekly guide to mom life and the crazy inner thoughts of this tired mom of three. Plus, sometimes we find peace in monster trucks…
Weekly Mom Life Musings
Happy Lunar New Year! I hope you were able to get out and celebrate this beautiful and colorful holiday! We had a fun week including some quality mother son bonding time watching monster trucks crush things. I joked the first time I saw this phenomenon that all these years I thought yoga was my Zen. Turns out I got more satisfaction from monster trucks. Ha!
This week the world is talking about Splash Mountain closing, football, the year of the rabbit, Buzz Aldrin getting married on his 93rd birthday, the M & M people retiring, and Marie Kondo giving up (however I still love the clothes in my drawers folded “Marie Kondo style”).
One of my 2023 goals is increasing my email list, so please sign up below. That way, each time I post something new it will come straight to your inbox. Every week I’ll be sharing answers to the same questions, like a mom blog Mad Libs. If there is anything else you want to see, just let me know!
Please sign up below to receive this weekly guide via email!
What Am I Watching? What Are My Kids Watching?
We got caught up in all the hoopla around Knives Out: Glass Onion and loved it. We were worried since it was the second in the series that we’d miss something watching the second one first, but they are not sequential. It was such a fun movie we decided to watch the first one… second. Knives Out the OG. We are split on which one was better. I vote for Edward Norton – I mean Glass Onion, where as my husband votes for Ana De Armas – I mean the first one.
Since my little one is doing a unit on penguins right now (in 1st grade) we thought we’d show them the movie Happy Feet. This movie came out a year after we got married and we went to see it on our anniversary. Don’t worry, we also did cooler stuff to celebrate too. It was fun to share it with them especially since we haven’t seen it since 2006!
What Am I Eating?
There’s really nothing more to this than I just want to openly state my love for oatmeal. In fact, I often remember hotels by their oatmeal. Which I will be the first to admit is strange. For example – the Eden Resort & Suites in Lancaster, PA had excellent oatmeal. Yes we went there in 2016. Yes I’m still talking about it. But it was that good. Maybe one day we can return and in addition to all of the attractions of the area, I can enjoy a bowl once again. However, to be clear, the beautiful creation above is from Chef Ross’ kitchen. The only other person in my house who loves oatmeal as much as me – and makes himself a bowl like a king every morning.
What Am I Reading?
Is it just me or are you equally all into Prince Harry right now? His interviews and Netfix show worked on me. TELL ME MORE! I was so excited to start his book and excited to join the library waiting list early before the 750 other people got the same idea. As I said to Chef Ross, I understand there are three sides to every story so I’m taking his recollections with a grain of salt. But I do believe the first person narratives he’s sharing are true. Equally, I think it’s interesting how he speaks about how losing his mother at such a young age and in such a public way really affected him. Specifically how he had to console strangers dealing with HIS mother’s death.
I think it’s funny that his author citation is “Prince Harry”. With that said, do you think they file the book under P or H? Or maybe W?
What Am I Writing?
This week I wrote a piece for Mitzvah Market titled “L’Dor V’Dor – Keeping Healthy Before The Bar Mitzvah“. I was inspired to write it after my Dad told me a story about how his parents wouldn’t let him go to a Brooklyn Dodgers game the week before his Bar Mitzvah – ensuring he’d stay healthy for the big day. The conversation started by me saying how unhappy my daughter was with me that I want her to take it easy before her big day. It seems like with many things there is continuity in trying to keep your kids healthy the week before their mitzvah.
What Are We Playing?
Here we have yet another game that I lost to my six year – Battleship. This is one of my favorite childhood games and I’m happy I now have someone to play it with. I’m an only child. Womp Womp. I was so close to winning this one but his two piece Destroyer outsmarted me with it’s stealth hiding. Meanwhile, my nine year old sat down next to me to spy for both parties and then told me when he plays he lines the ships up in proper Naval order. To which I responded… “that’s a thing? Why don’t you play this game with your brother and let me finish my book”.
Where Are We Going? Oh Yeah, Monster Trucks!
Oh boy did we have fun this week! We were so excited to be back at the Nassau Coliseum for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live! This year we were lucky to be hosted at the pre-show Crash Zone where we walked the event floor, met the drivers and trucks up personally, and got some autographs. I was very excited to meet Taylor Holman – the female driver of Demo Derby and winner of the Champions Cup the night before. In addition, I loved learning she’s a nurse when she’s not driving a monster truck! I thought that was pretty cool. But I loved even more when she came out of her truck to hug her dad – Bobby Holman – for winning one of the competitions.
Old Blog Post I’m Thinking About
There are so many movies that define the 80s and thus my childhood. I loved putting together this post titled “Fun 80’s Movies To Watch With Your Family Today!“. My kids love watching them because many are inappropriate despite their PG or PG-13 rating. In fact, we call this category 80s PG. I’m pretty sure the amount joy my kids get from hearing these choice words is equal to the amount of joy we get traveling back to our youth with Molly Ringwald and Marty McFly. However, sometimes the movie ends and they turn to us and say “what in the world was that”? To be honest, sometimes watching a movie now thorough a forty four year old’s eyes, I have to say the same thing.
Before Mom Life. Thinking Of A Place I Went Long Ago
In 2008 I worked for Christian Dior managing their US customer service department and helping to launch their e-commerce website. They sent me to Paris for two weeks of training. It was before we had kids so therefore I was young, filled with energy, and equipped with an expense account. As you can imagine, it was a great trip. Once my training ended my husband flew over (his first trip to Europe!) and we hung in the 4th. Which is cool Paris talk for the fashionable Marais district.
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
My blog (and taco habit) is supported by you! With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
Your uncensored weekly guide to mom life and the crazy inner thoughts of this tired mom of three.
Weekly Mom Life Musings
Welcome, welcome! This week was an eventful one for our health (I spent the night in the ER after fainting), but hopefully by press time everyone in my house of mirth will be fully recovered. The weather has been mild making my kids sad because all they want is for it to snow so they can play in the snow.
This week the world is talking about how they embodied the great Martin Luther King, Jr on MLK Day, That 90s Show (Do you know how much I love the 90s?!), basketball, the new Night Court on NBC, The Last Of Us on HBO, George Santos, Dolly Parton, David Crosby, Microsoft and Google layoffs, Madonna going on tour, and Alec Baldwin.
One of my 2023 goals is increasing my email list, so please sign up below. That way, each time I post something new it will come straight to your inbox. Every week I’ll be sharing answers to the same questions, like a mom blog Mad Libs. If there is anything else you want to see, just let me know!
Please sign up below to receive this weekly guide via email!
What Am I Watching? What Are My Kids Watching?
We noticed Twins is now on Netflix and jumped at the chance to show it to our kids. This is a fun 80s movie with Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Besides a few “80s PG” as we call it moments – some curses and the question – “Daddy, what’s a virgin?” they loved it. We joke that the rating’s guide has changed drastically over the years.
My kids love the show Series Of Unfortunate Events on Netflix so much they started watching it again. It is one of the few shows that make a 6, 9 & 12 year old happy simultaneously which is quite the feat.
What Am I Eating?
I was not intending to talk about Wildgrain* (a bake-from-frozen) delivery service again this week but then I tasted this Slow Fermented Olive Oil Ciabatta and have not been able to think of anything since. Bread just gets me. This was one of the most of delicious things I’ve tasted in a very long time.
*$10 off your first box + FREE Croissants in every box! (Limited to the first 50 people)
What Am I Reading?
I’ve had this book – Elsewhere: A Novel by Alexis Schaitkin – on my nightstand since it came out in June. I have been dying to read it. From the first paragraph it’s grabbed me. I don’t want to put it down. There is a big mystery unfolding and I’m dying to know what the secret is in this town! But I shouldn’t be surprised that I love it. I love all of Celadon‘s books!
What Am I Writing?
My Mitzvah Market post titled “The Invisible Load of Bar Mitzvah Planning” is quite near and dear to my heart. As a mom planning every aspect of my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah myself – and then a big trip three days later – I’m totally overwhelmed. I knew planning this (very special) event in our lives would be a lot. However, I did not anticipate all the invisible things that would come with it.
What Are We Playing?
Always a favorite on my annual Holiday Gift Guide, we have yet another game that my six year old consistently beats me at – Sequence. This game is easy and fun and can be played with 2 or 3 players. His favorite part is getting a one eyed Jack so he can take off one of my pieces and rub it in my face. He’s lucky he’s cute. It’s such a fun game and one both kids and adults can enjoy (my top criteria).
Where Are We Going?
One of my favorite places to go is UrbanGlass in Brooklyn. I used to glassblow at camp and it remains one of my favorite hobbies thirty years later. I found out a few years back that UrbanGlass offers seasonal open studios where you can enjoy their demonstrations, take part in their free activities, and even sign up for glassblowing if you want to try it! It’s perfect for beginners or someone who hasn’t done it in a while and wants to get back to it. They offer amazing classes for people of all ages – from kids to adults – and generous scholarship programs. If you’ve wanted to try glassblowing but never knew where to start, check out their next open house on March 12th, 2023.
Old Blog Post I’m Thinking About
I love looking at my blog’s statistics and seeing what posts people are reading this week. I’m guessing with the new year people are really into making vision boards. I had so much fun making vision boards with my kids a few years back and writing this guide “Vision Boards: A Great Camp Mom Project“. It was great to combine my love of arts and crafts with my love of recycling. Plus this is an easy, free, colorful activity you can do at any time. I’ve kept this image on my blog’s homepage for years because it makes me so happy. I love all of the colors and how the big block M jumps out (Go Blue!).
Before Mom Life. Thinking Of A Place I Went Long Ago
In January of 2004 my husband (then boyfriend) and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean. We went to Martinique, St. Thomas, St. John, Barbados, Aruba, and Puerto Rico. It was our second time going to Puerto Rico and we fell in love with it so much we decided to have our destination wedding there a year later. At the time of our cruise we had no money and agreed to just take whatever cabin we could get for the least expensive price. We ended up with a non-descript inside cabin and I want to say the whole cruise cost us $1,000. The room didn’t matter at all. We were young, happy to get away, and excited to sit on lounge chairs and read books.
I remember reading The Da Vinci Code – which had just come out – and I couldn’t put it down. We spent most nights walking around the track at the top of the boat amazed that we were in the middle of the ocean. We had an absolutely fantastic time and I’ve wanted to go on another cruise ever since.
This Week’s Mom Life On Instagram:
This week I had some fun with 3D color changing moons that we’re using as centerpieces for an upcoming party. I also made a recap of our day glassblowing, and took a hike on a different part of a trail I frequent to have a little change of pace – pretending to be a tour guide.
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
My blog (and taco habit) is supported by you! With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
Your uncensored weekly guide to mom life and the crazy inner thoughts of this tired mom of three.
Weekly Tired Mom Life Musings
This week, we were back in our town’s high school auditorium for an amazing A cappella concert, took a gorgeous night hike in Yorktown Heights, and I pondered on the excitement that comes with sending out invitations for a big event. I also started taking ashwagandha to see if it helps with the stress coming from planning said big event. Have you tried it?
The world is talking about Mega Millions, The Golden Globes (did you see The Fabelmans?), ChatGPT, Pastina going bye-bye, The Buffalo Bill’s Damar Hamlin, the Boston Celtics win, Lisa Marie Presley, the FAA grounding all flights for a morning, The Menu, plus lots of football and soccer talk. Also for those way cooler than this tired mom, the Coachella 2023 lineup.
One of my 2023 goals is increasing my email list, so please sign up below. That way, each time I post something new it will come straight to your inbox. Every week I’ll be sharing answers to the same questions, like a mom blog Mad Libs. If there is anything else you want to see, just let me know!
Please sign up below to receive this weekly guide via email!
What Am I Watching? What Are My Kids Watching?
You can’t go wrong with George Clooney. This movie was adorable but even better I loved seeing how much George Clooney and Julia Roberts clearly love each other in real life. You can see they had so much fun making this movie, even if they’re playing characters who don’t like each other. Plus they dance to “Everybody Dance Now” by C + C Music Factory which was worth watching the movie in itself!
I’ve been loving all the treats Wildgrain* (a bake-from-frozen) delivery service sent me! These chocolate avalanche croissants were amazing. They went right into the oven from the freezer and came out perfectly golden brown. If I was Emily in Paris I wouldn’t have treats so delicious.
*$10 off your first box + FREE Croissants in every box! (Limited to the first 50 people)
What Am I Reading?
I’m still working my way through Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times. The part that resonated with me this week was the negative things adults (often strangers) say to children that stick with them for the rest of their lives. Obama speaks about how despite the success one may achieve personally or professionally, (using herself and Stacey Abrams as examples), we are always that little kid trying to prove that adult wrong. I loved how she brought to light how despite the adult most likely making the statement as a thoughtless, fleeting comment, the receiver of this message – the child – never forgets it. The child grows to internalize this comment, believe it, and make it their life’s work to combat feeling that it’s true. I had this happen to me, what about you? I wonder if this has happened to men as much as women?
What Am I Writing?
This week I wrote a piece titled The Adrenaline Rush of Sending Mitzvah Invitations about how one feels when they send out invitations to a big event they’re hosting. Whether you send out paper invitations or electronic invitations, getting your event out into the world is both exhilarating and a little scary. It makes it real and sets up a countdown clock to the event.
What Are We Playing?
I’ve always want to be a person who does puzzles, so I finally took the leap. Not only was this 1000 piece puzzle a fun family activity but I learned my six year old is a whiz at puzzles! He did most of the puzzle himself and I loved watching how his cute little brain worked so quickly matching the pieces. I can’t wait to do the next one! But maybe I’ll scale it back to 500 pieces.
Where Are We Going?
We are big Harry Potter fans in my house and were super excited to visit the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park in Yorktown Heights. They transformed this already beautiful forest into one that is stunningly illuminated and filled with key scenes from the books and movies. Plus I loved how they tied in philanthropy with their “Give a Tree, Grow a Forest” partnership with @onetreeplanted. At the time of our walk, they have donated 45,955 trees. If you want to go hurry up! The last time to wave your wand on this 1.5 mile Westchester trail is January 22nd!
Old Blog Post I’m Thinking About
Now that the initial excitement of 2023 has passed it’s time to get to work. I don’t care about diets or exercise as resolutions, I just want to get my act together. I found myself reviewing Megan Sumrell’s time management points highlighted in my post titled “Hey Burnt Out Mama: Instantly Fix Your Day With Megan Sumrell’s Time Management Tips For The Busy Mom“. Because I certainly know this tired mom needs some tips!
Before Tired Mom Life. Thinking Of A Place I Went Long Ago
Keeping with my honeymoon pictures, at this point in 2006, we explored the North and South Islands of New Zealand and then headed to Tahiti and Bora Bora. Always searching for yin and yang, we toured and explored, and then finished up our trip by relaxing on the beach in an overwater bungalow which was as amazing as we imagined.
This is one of my most favorite pictures of me ever taken. We just bought me a pair of Bora Bora’s famous black pearl earrings (we even got to pick out the pearls and make the earrings ourselves!) and were hungry. It was lunch time so I asked the man who worked there where he went for lunch. He said it was a tiny place that tourists never went. I said “perfect! that’s exactly the type of place I want”. In this lunch hut we had the most incredible meal – what you see here is Poisson Cru. It is raw tuna marinated in fresh lime juice and then mixed with creamy coconut milk, cucumbers and tomatoes. It was so simple and so fresh and just incredible.
*Mention “mint chip” when booking for 10% off! This discount code cannot be combined with other promotion offers.
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Your uncensored guide to January Mom Life and the crazy inner thoughts of this tired mom of three.
Weekly Musings: January Mom Life
Hello and welcome to my first Sundae! Like the name? My husband thought of it. So to be fair I will give him credit this one time. Thanks Ross!
I am so excited to kick off this new series! This is a very big year for our family and one we have been planning for years. I will have lots to talk about! I’ve wanted to start a weekly newsletter for so long. There is so much that I want to share each week. I hope you enjoy reading it and it gives you some unique ideas to bring into your home. Even better, I hope it sparks some good ideas to get out and go somewhere new! We love exploring the New York area, hiking on Long Island, and visiting different family friendly places in the Northeast. Where do you like to go?
One of my 2023 goals is increasing my email list, so please sign up below. That way, each time I post something new it will come straight to your inbox. Every week I’ll be sharing answers to the same questions, like a mom blog Mad Libs. If there is anything else you want to see, just let me know!
Starting With: My Question to YOU This Week
What’s the connection to the mug in the blog’s main image and the title of this series? Comment below! Need a hint?
What Am I Watching? What Are My Kids Watching?
We just finished White Lotus. Wow. They don’t disappoint with their big endings!
I’m still doing my spite diet of four almonds* for breakfast at noon after intermittent fasting. But with that said, our local supermarket had a sale on a cheesecake sampler so I got excited about that. Of course this was after we finished my favorite boxed cake mix – the chocolate peanut butter mochi cake from Trader Joe’s. Life is short, eat chocolate. If you squint you can see the “2023 in chocolate chips”.
While I don’t have as much time as I’d like to sit and read I do always try to have at least one or two books on my nightstand. I’m really enjoying this book so far and think she really captured what a lot of parents went through at the beginning of the pandemic. Also – large print – oh yeah, it’s life changing!
What Am I Writing?
I’m so excited to have my next piece published for Mitzvah Market titled: From First-Time Moms to First Mitzvahs. In this article I write about all the emotions that recently rushed over me while sitting at the Central Park Children’s Zoo and thinking about the early days of being a first time mom in Manhattan.
What Are We Playing?
We are still completely obsessed with Zen Battle. This game is not only beautiful, but fast, fun, and easy. I love a new game that I can open and understand how to play in five minutes flat. The only thing I don’t like about it? My six year old keeps kicking my butt.
Where Are We Going?
We started our week (and year) with one of our favorite traditions – a first day hike. This year we went to Sunken Meadow Park on the north shore of Long Island. The weather was perfect!
We also took a hookey day to see Almost Famous on Broadway. Another day of beautiful weather was a gift and we caught a quick lunch in Bryant Park before the show.
What Blog Post Am I’m Thinking About?
I’ve been thinking about breastfeeding and how much of a part of my life it was for so many years. I was also thinking about my middle son and how he’s had a decisive personality since he was a zygote. When he went on a nursing strike in 2014 it destroyed me. Some friends joke that I had my third kid because I needed breastfeeding closure. I will neither confirm nor deny this claim.
Travel Before Mom Life: Thinking Of A Place I Went Long Ago
Since it’s January I’m thinking about my amazing honeymoon seventeen years ago in New Zealand and Bora Bora. On this date in 2006, we were staying in the North of the South Island at a super cool resort called Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park. Not only did this remote ecolodge have the most spectacular night sky view but we met travelers from all over the world and went on a gorgeous kayaking trip with them.
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
My blog (and taco habit) is supported by you! With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama‘s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
Yes, it is cold but outdoor winter family activities are so much fun! From light shows to outdoor sports, exploring the outdoors in the winter is really great. There are so many kid-friendly things to do in New York in December.
Don’t forget any type of activity counts as fun winter family activities! Taking a drive to look at lights or driving to the beach are some of our favorites. Furthermore – remember – sometimes the best things in life are free!
The easiest place to find winter family activities is at home. From a new game to a cooking or baking activity it’s a total win – and you can wear your pajamas.
We are so lucky to have so many great cities near us in New York. They are not only packed with history and winter family activities but lots of hotels where I’m sure you can grab a last-minute room and head on down.
Congratulations! You Made It Through December Break!
Of course after all of this, you will need to sit down, pat yourself on the back for being an amazing show runner of winter family activities, put your feet up, and have a nice little cocktail.
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
If you enjoy a good cocktail, then you can appreciate all the work that goes into making one. It’s the quality of the ingredients, the temperature, the ice, and the glass that make it so special. The ideal drink fits all of these pieces together forming a perfect little liquid puzzle. Hence good mixologists are sought out and revered.
But what if you could transport that exceptional experience right into your home? What if you could have the complicated drink you love at your favorite bar, lounge, or restaurant in the comfort of your own kitchen? Oh, reader, you must read on.
Elevate Your Home Bartender Skills
Of course, anyone who enjoys imbibing most likely fancies themselves a bit of a home bartender. However, I also believe that the fancier the cocktail, the more involved it is to make. Furthermore, I trust that the more involved it is to make, the more likely you won’t make it, and that’s just no fun at all.
It’s safe to say that after a long day of work, on a weekend night, or if you have a child acting… special… you want a delicious cocktail. Come on, you work hard, you earned it! Wouldn’t you like to be served a perfectly chilled, expertly pieced-together drink of your choice with no messy clean-up? Sounds like a dream, right? Well then – your dream just came true with the single-serve Bartesian cocktail maker.
The Gift Of A Good Cocktail
One of the most thoughtful gifts my husband gave me was learning how to make my favorite drink – a lemon drop martini. One night I came downstairs to find him behind our kitchen island with a bunch of new bottles and bartending objects in front of him. He was shaking away with a big smile and proceeded to tell me he learned how to make my favorite martini so I could have one at any time. It was such a simple yet special gift. What I didn’t realize was how many different parts were involved in making this drink since I always just ordered one from a bartender.
The Bartesian Cocktail Maker
When I learned about the single serve Bartesian cocktail maker machine I could not believe it. The concept was genius! This great product brings the expert mixologist concept into your home crafting the perfect cocktail from one of their Bartesian cocktail capsules. In other words, it is an automatic cocktail maker that fits on your countertop producing a perfect cocktail with no messy cleanup every time!
With over fifty different cocktail capsules to choose from – filled with premium bitters, extracts, juice concentrates, and mixers – you can have your favorite drink in just seconds. Even more – if everyone in your house likes a different cocktail that’s easy! You can order a different Bartesian cocktail capsule for everyone!
Because each Bartesian cocktail capsule is filled with exactly what you need to make the perfect drink, you can save time and money on replenishing all the ingredients, putting it all together, and cleaning up.
The best part is the Bartesian cocktail maker machine has such a varied collection of cocktail choices it is guaranteed to make everyone in your household or at your holiday party happy. All cocktail capsules come perfectly measured out and are shelf-stable. Moreover, once you find your favorite capsule you can join Bartesian’s subscription plan and never run out!
The Bartesian Cocktail Maker Will Be The Talk Of Your Holiday Party!
Speaking of holiday parties, this machine will lift your party to the next level. It will be both a conversation piece and a conversation starter. Without a doubt, it will be the talk of the night.
How Does The Bartesian Cocktail Maker Work?
So how does it work? The machine is quite simple to use. It has five glass bottles that you fill with vodka, gin or rum, whiskey, and tequila. Each gets pushed into the machine to load when called upon.
Once you’re ready to imbibe you simply open the lid, pop in a capsule, and follow the digital menu of choices.
Part of this machine’s genius is it can identify via barcode each capsule resulting in a customized chain of events.
Since each cocktail is crafted individually, your Bartesian cocktail maker machine suggests what to use for glassware. For my beloved lemon drop martini, it suggests a shaker, for an Old Fashioned a lowball glass with ice.
Next, the screen asks your preferred drink strength ranging from mocktail to strong.
Let The Magic Begin!
Finally, your at-home, on-demand mixologist is ready to go! You simply press “mix”, sit back, and watch the wonder. This button starts a chain of events pulling precise amounts of liquor, water, and mixers into one place blending them like magic. I will add it is super cool to watch the liquor bubbling south as it heads into your drink.
In less than a minute, an expert-level cocktail is produced and ready for you to enjoy.
You Don’t Have To Tip Your Bartesian Cocktail Maker!
The Bartesian cocktail maker machine is an incredible conversation piece. It will be the life of the party and something you can use for all types of occasions. It can also be the bartender for your party, and with this guy, you don’t have to tip.
But most important, it can just be an efficient way to have a delicious cocktail after a long day. In truth, it is such a cool machine for anyone over the age of 21.
The Perfect Gift For You Or Someone On Your List
As you start searching for holiday party inspiration, make sure to put a Bartesian cocktail maker machine on your list. It’s also the perfect holiday gift FOR you FROM you and one of my favorite choices on my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
Be sure to check out Bartesian’s website which includes their holiday specials as well as their great rewards program. Cheers to the holiday season!
We are off! Somehow holiday season arrived, and it is once again time to shop! I bring you the warmest 2022 holiday wishes as I present to you these holiday gift ideas!
Evolution Of A Holiday Gift Guide
I work on my Holiday Gift Guide all year to find the best gift ideas for him, her, mom, dad, uncle, aunt, pet, cousin, etc., etc. I always debate what to call it because I try to mix up the categories and make it fun. So, in theory, it is part 2022 holiday toy guide, corporate gift ideas, and white elephant party guide. But it is also filled with gifts for kids, gifts for sisters, gifts for brothers, and gifts for teachers. However, you could say it is also packed with gifts for bus drivers and gifts for funkles!
Without a doubt, my favorite category is always gifts for someone who has everything or what to get someone who doesn’t want anything. PS – that answer is often an experience that you can’t wrap in a box.
As always, I love finding different and unique gifts, funny gifts, and meaningful gifts for all the people on your list. Consequently, you should make sure the (wo)man in the mirror is on your list too, because s/he works hard.
Naturally, there are some repeats – indicated with an “*”. These special items are so well loved they’re still sitting out on our dining room table bothering my husband.
New This Year – Social Post Lists And Item Links
This year I’ve sprinkled in some social links to items I’ve featured adding a little more to the story. Click all the links! Go crazy! My gift to you is laughter while watching me dance around and be silly.
I hope you walk away thinking this is the best holiday gift guide of 2022. As a blogger, I rely on my readers to spread the word about my posts. Therefore, if you find it helpful, please share it on your social channels. While there,I would also love a follow on my Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok pages.
Come Back, It’s Update All Season!
Like always, I will be updating my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide all season long, so please save and visit regularly!
A Facial Cleanse facial and Bio Marine Collagen Mask with Beauty Luxe Skin and Body in Great Neck – text code “MINTCHIP” to 516-712-4856 & receive a FREE Gift when you go for a FREE consult at the office!
Most items above contain affiliate links. In addition, some items were received in exchange for an honest review. All items listed above on The Mint Chip Mama’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide are items I genuinely think are cool and are things that I think you will like too. Happy holidays!
Please let us know what you think of this post! Was it helpful? Did you go to any of these places? Try any of these things? If yes, please like the post, comment below, and share it on your social media.
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