Welcome To The Brand New Chen Center At Portledge School In Locust Valley, NY!
This winter, Portledge School students made the most of the new Chen Center Athletic and Wellness building.
In its inaugural season, the state-of-the-art facility set the stage as Girls Varsity Basketball clinched the PSAA championship!
The Chen Center features cutting-edge classrooms, a next-level gym, and dedicated spaces for fitness and mindfulness—fueling both academic and athletic excellence.
From buzzer-beater moments on the Palagonia court to strength training in the Misra Aman Fitness Center and quiet resets in the Friedman Family Wellness Classroom.
This innovative space is designed for movement, connection, and growth.
With a 63-acre campus, a 100% acceptance rate to four-year colleges, and a legacy of successful alumni, Portledge School is truly a place where students thrive.
Start your journey to excellence and click here to learn more!
Set up a visit to tour the beautiful Portledge School today! This incredible private school is located on the North Shore of Long Island, New York, offering pre-nursery school programs through 12th grade.
The New Chen Center At Portledge School Related Hashtags
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
My kids have been begging me to return since the second we exited a few years ago.
This time we enjoyed it even more – and not just because they put my picture on their outdoor billboard! Ok. Yes. It’s because of the billboard 😆.
RiseNY – located right in the heart of Times Square is part museum, part ride, and all parts New York.
Chronicling the city’s humble beginnings as a bastion for beavers to it’s modern day landscape filled with sky scrappers soaring into the clouds, RiseNY offers it all in a fun engaging way.
With interactive installations, famous New York landmarks, sets, and mentions of every famous New York based show since…
Well the beginning of electricity…
Plus iconic fashion pieces that put New York on the map, everything is on point.
It’s hard to visit this multi floor museum without smiling regardless of if you’re a tourist visiting for the first time or a New Yorker since birth.
But the fun doesn’t end there.
The culmination of this awesome space is a 4D simulation ride soaring over the city allowing an aerial visit to all things making NYC special.
If you haven’t visited yet – the time is now. They even want to help get you there!
Through February 28th save using these codes: 🗽“CONGESTION” saves $9 off your total ticket purchase 🗽“RISENY10” on @spothero saves 10% off parking
Make sure you also stop to check out the gorgeous new facade mural by Jenna Morello while you’re there!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
As an extension to the show the garden plans to host a full range of multi-sensory events to celebrate this partnership.
These include: 🌺Orchid Nights at “the Lushest Bar in Town” featuring Mark Saldana aka Cool Marx and El Hijo de PueblaYork aka Hello Tones with cumbia music and cumbia sonidera dance parties led by professional dancers plus refreshments for purchase.
💜A photography exhibit by Mexican-American visual artist Martirene Alcantara.
🌸Public programming including: Orchid Basics Q&A, Meet the Orchid Experts, The Orchid Show Sensory Table: Vanilla, and Orchids of the Herbarium.
This gorgeous show runs at the NYBG in the Boogie Down through April 27, 2025.
You support my blog (and taco habit). 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.
Cameron Trading Post and The Grand Canyon East Rim
The Grand Canyon is on most Arizona itineraries. Obviously, it’s because it’s incredible. After visiting Tucson, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon was the final square on my Arizona Bingo card.
I chose the off-the-beaten-path East Rim entrance so I could experience Desert View Road. Additionally, this route was more geographically friendly coming from my Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend road trip.
Cameron Trading Post
I stayed the evening prior at the Cameron Trading Post which was the perfect starting point for my Grand Canyon exploration.
Every part of this historic site was fun to explore.
I started at their restaurant because I arrived starving!
I loved snooping around while waiting for my food.
Let me tell you, their big fluffy piece of traditional Navajo Fry Bread with honey and their beef stew really hit the spot.
The rooms were spacious and clean and the location could not have been better.
I also enjoyed walking through their HUGE historic trading post (operating since 1916!) offering every souvenir imaginable and all types of market goods.
I especially loved the working loom room and had a wonderful chat with the Navajo weaver.
Before heading out in the morning, I visited the Cameron Trading Post Native American Gallery that was well stocked with interesting artifacts.
Part museum and part store, it was definitely a highlight of my stay.
Let The Grand Canyon’s East Rim Adventure Begin!
Not only did this route offer me great views of the little Colorado River, but also a less touristy entrance and lots of pretty lookouts.
The first (and my favorite) was The Desert View Watchtower. It was not only pretty and interesting but I also saw a rainbow!
This tower – and I learned much of Grand Canyon National Park – was designed by the female architect Mary Coulter. Her designs continuously and organically captured the essence of the Native American culture and heritage of their land.
I loved the signs explaining each part of the canyon with my favorite being this one saying it was the rock bottom point.
As I continued along the road it got much colder. You can see in the pictures I started with shorts and a t-shirt and progressively layered on all clothing with me.
Eventually, I made it to Grand Canyon Village where I walked around the famous vista points and had some more soup.
Finally, I ended my great day watching the sunset at Lookout Studio.
Goodbye Arizona
As I left through the southern gate and headed to Phoenix airport I watched the sky’s colors fade while thinking my solo Arizona adventure was a great success.
I made a quick stop for a final In-n-Out Burger and headed home. It was all but a dream…
As I previously mentioned, if you’re taking a trip with lots of National Park stops, the National Parks Pass is a great purchase. Even better if you have a 4th grader you can get one for free!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
My Arizona adventure continued up north – starting from Tucson, through Sedona, past Tuba City, and finally in Page. My most northern Arizona stop was filled with natural beauty.
The Colorado River is the main character here and thus began my personal tour of her phases and stages.
Here I found Antelope Point which houses boats and a nice relaxing area with fountains on Lake Powell.
Next, I headed up to Page to see the Glen Canyon Dam (stopping the Colorado River).
I found the best picture taking spot was in the Carl Hayden Visitor Center’s RV parking lot.
This angle allowed the perfect capture of both the dam and the beautiful Glen Canyon Dam Bridge.
I also loved the little peeking spots throughout the bridge’s fence for a clear view.
As the sun started leaving the sky, I headed to my evening activity – watching the sun set on Horseshoe Bend.
Second to my thrill of seeing Antelope Canyon, I couldn’t wait to see this beautiful natural landmark created by the Colorado River swooshing around it for millions of years. It’s said the river “meandered” causing its unique horseshoe shape. As one who also meanders, I was very pleased.
Like so many other naturally occurring sites, I love how you see nothing until BOOM! There it is – incredible beauty. Additionally, I found a very fun congenial crew of fellow tourists there for the same reason resulting in great pictures and enjoyable organic conversation.
Horseshoe Bend was everything I’d hope for and I’m so glad I got to see it in person.
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
NavajoLand Hotel, Tuba Trading Post, Dixie’s Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon has been on my Bucket List for years. As soon as I started planning my Arizona itinerary I knew I had to go. I learned there’s both an upper and lower section of Antelope Canyon – each offering their own tours. For several reasons, I chose Lower Antelope Canyon.
Tuba City, Arizona
I quickly learned that Tucson (where I began my Arizona adventure) was far away from Antelope Canyon, so I created a week-long road trip to get there. I stopped in Sedona for a few nights, then spent a night in Tuba City, then made my way up to Page the following day. While I missed my newly beloved Saguaros of the south, there was so much beauty in this area as well to keep my attention.
I never visited Navajo Nation before so I was very excited!
This hotel was filled with tons of original Navajo art and chronicled the history of the Navajo people in this area.
Plus, across the parking lot, there was an entire museum dedicated to the Navajo people.
I was dying to try their Hogan restaurant – located right on property – and serving Navajo Fry Bread. They also had a Navajo-Hopi newspaper which I found very interesting to read.
Tuba City Trading Post
Next, I checked out the historic Tuba City Trading Post – also located right there – on the same property as the NavajoLand Hotel.
It was very cool to see an authentic and continuously operating Native American trading post for 150+ years! Additionally, I loved the Navajo Code Talkers Museum housed within the Trading Post.
Driving Up To Antelope Canyon
On my way out of Tuba City, I stopped to see the famous “Dinosaur Tracks”.
I continued my journey up north through the Marble Canyon and stopped at some great rest stops.
Dixie’s is named for a woman with deep ties to this sacred Navajo land.
We started with a pre-tour Navajo hoop dance show before heading out to the canyon.
Next, we surrendered everything but our phones and water and descend into this amazing place.
The canyon looked as it does in pictures, but better.
The slot canyon was tight in some spots and wide in others.
But most importantly – the entire way we were ensconced by seamlessly curved orange sandstone walls twisting and turning from eons of erosion. Every inch of the canyon was just incredible. In fact, it was hard to be present vs. clicking away every second.
Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and a great photographer who shared what the canyon is like in different seasons and times of year.
He also advised using the “vivid warm” setting gets you the best shots.
Lastly, as you follow the canyon path down you don’t realize how far you’re descending. The tour concludes next to a ladder and when you get to the top you realize you‘re at ground level! It’s very confusing.
After exiting you can see the crack from where you just ascended and it looks like nothing at all! With that said, you never would have guessed the beauty that lies below the surface.
Thank You To The Navajo People
I’m so grateful for this experience and finally getting to see this amazing place.
I’m also grateful to the Navajo people for warmly welcoming me for the day!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
Sedona, Arizona: a place with cloud iridescent rainbows in the air and trees twisting from underground crystals. After my amazing time in Tucson, I headed up to Sedona. While there were none of my newly beloved Saguaros, there was so much more.
The Legend, The Myth, THE Sedona
I’m going to start with a fun fact. We all know Sedona for her gorgeous red rocks but did you know she was a person first? Yep! Sedona Miller Schnebly was one of the original settlers and apparently a lovely generous woman. You can find this statue paying homage to her at the Sedona Public Library.
Feel The Vibrations, Feel It Feel It
Sedona was every bit as incredible as expected and a place that activates all of your senses. I felt it. Whatever “it” is. Which I’m on board with believing is energy.
First Stop In Sedona
My first stop was the Sedona Visitor’s Center in Uptown. Here, I stocked up on maps and insider information including the best day and time for each hike. Plus they shared which trails connect providing a more local and less touristy experience. They also gave me something for my National Parks Pass so I could hang it from my rear view mirror when I park at trailheads.
Sedona Sacred Sister’s Yavapai Point Meetup
Since this was a solo trip, I researched for some women’s hiking groups that I could join. I was so excited to find the Sedona Sacred Sister’s Yavapai Point meetup and bonded immediately with Taryn of Radiant Wellness Sedona. In fact, we later hiked Boynton Canyon together (photo credit to her!).
Sedona Spirit Journeys And Private Secret Vortex Tour
Next, given the secrets of the land – I wanted to experience it deeper and found Crystal from Sedona Spirit Journeys. While her beautiful metaphysical and local art store Aligning Light Center offers readings, special items, and sacred tools, I reached out to her as a metaphysical and outfitter tour guide.
Because of her credentials and clearances, she has access to 20 private vortex locations. Crystal was a calming spirit and a wealth of information.
She shared that Sedona was under four different oceans and filled with mesas (flat).
Plate tectonics and tectonic shift caused the land to split, emitting energy from the earth’s center and creating Sedona’s famous buttes (domes).
The red and orange colors come from a combination of limestone (from the ocean floor) and iron (from lava/magma that flowed from a volcano in Flagstaff). With that said, you can see these deposits as horizontal (not vertical) lines everywhere.
Sedona is set up as chakras, Bell Rock is the root. It’s believed that there is a heartbeat in each piece of sand.
Most vortexes are where the Earth’s crust is thin.
Feminine energy moves clockwise, masculine energy moves counterclockwise.
The juniper tree is believed to offer protection, harmony, and serenity. The Navajo use the seeds as spirit guides and ghost beads.
Pack In, Pack Out, Follow The Rules
The most important thing to know about Sedona is that this special place needs our help to survive. When hiking use the “pack in, pack out” theory leaving no trace behind. If you see a log across a trail don’t cross it, STOP. This is a steward’s way of showing you to take an alternate route. Crossing it will ruin the land and “bust the crust” causing hundreds of years of damage by going off trail. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true.
The Trailhead Shuttle Was Great!
I loved using the free trailhead shuttle to Soldier Pass, 7 Sacred Pools, and Devil’s Bridge. The shuttle came regularly and dropped you off /picked you up right at the start of the hike. The rangers were filled with helpful information and happily gave out bottles of water to keep everyone hydrated.
Hike Lesser Known Trails That Connect To Better Known Trails
I also hiked Baldwin which connected to Templeton and then Cathedral Rock. Here I found faces in the rocks, enjoyed Oak Creek, and appreciated the shade.
The Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits Was Great!
I had an incredible meal at the Cowboy Club with great local offerings like cactus fries and corn ribs with prickly pear dip and the best garlic butter shrimp ever!
The restaurant had fun décor and great drinks. It was such a fun find!
…And Then There Was Devil’s Bridge
Nothing was as exciting and challenging as Devil’s Bridge. The hike was doable but challenging with the last few legs being the hardest. But, I did it!
I had to do it and I’m so glad I did! Plus since my amazing Free Country SunFree shirt matched with the sandstone, the pictures looked even cooler! PS – I am LITERALLY obsessed with this shirt! PPS – In case you can’t tell because I wore it for 10 days straight (it washes and dries quickly).
Shabbat Shalom From Sedona!
I visited Sedona on a Friday and thought it would be cool to stop in to the local synagogue – Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley – for Shabbat services. They could not have been more kind and welcoming. Apparently this happens often as we each stood up and said from where we were visiting!
What You Need In Sedona
When visiting Sedona don’t forget a bottle of water, hat, sunglasses, hiking boots, tall socks, a moisture-wicking shirt with SPF, and to display your National Parks Pass everywhere you park. I also loved my high waisted bike shorts with pockets (big enough to fit a water bottle on each side!).
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
Have you seen a “Be Kind” mosaic around? Or a ceramic wind chime with a special tag? If so, my guess is a volunteer at Ben’s Bells in Tucson, Arizona made it!
After walking around downtown Tucson and seeing these beautiful art pieces everywhere, I stumbled upon the HQ. Aka the historic 1868 Charles O. Brown (a pre-civil war settler) hybrid adobe house given to the Arizona Historical Society by Elisabeth Congdon in the 1960s.
Now housing the mothership of Ben’s Bells, it’s an even more incredible space. This organization is named in homage to the founder’s son who passed away in 2002, right before his 3rd birthday. This resonated with me since he died from croup – something that plagued my son at the same age.
As moms do, they rallied around his mom Jeannette Maré for support and started making ceramic wind chimes in her backyard ceramics studio. This quickly became incredibly therapeutic for her family and their healing.
Through this small act she realized how much kindness mattered and made it her mission to share this concept. From here – Ben’s Bells was born. Her squad started sharing these handmade bells around Tucson on the first anniversary of Ben’s death to pay kindness forward in her community.
The Ben’s Bell Ripple Effect
The ripple effect was immense creating a forum for the finder to share their own story of grief and healing.
Once word got out, school groups and businesses wanted to help and their global kindness movement ballooned around the world.
The studio offers several options for eager volunteers including: making the pieces out of clay, painting them once fired, or stringing them together. Additionally, you can offer to spread the love by hanging them around the world.
I was immediately sold! In fact, they were so kind they let me – a loitering interloper – come in and assemble a bunch. Plus, they let me take them for distribution (usually there’s a wait list – THANKS AGAIN!).
Spreading The Ben’s Bells Be Kind Message
Over the next few weeks I hung my Ben’s Bells spreading the message to BE KIND in Long Island, upstate NY, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Manhattan.
I love not knowing the wind chime’s recipient and hope it’s someone who needs a little serendipitous kindness at that moment in their life.
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
On my recent trip to Arizona I fell in love with the Saguaro cactus. The giant Saguaro (the largest cacti you’ll find in the US) are just absolutely captivating!
Southwest Charm
They live all throughout Tucson and the Sonoran Desert region.
Besides being freaking cool and unique each one is different.
For all these reasons it’s easy to see why they’re the natural symbol of the American Southwest.
Saguaros can grow up to 50 ft, can have up to 50 arms – aka branches – and can weigh more than 7 tons!
It’s About The Journey, Not The Destination
They are also slow and steady growers taking up to 10 years to grow 6”. But they’re in no rush since they can live for 200 years!
IMO their most fascinating part (to me at least) is their arms – which develop between 75 and 100 years of age.
Each Saguaro has different pattern arms (like the branches of a tree). I loved the ones that snuggled all together. They look so odd. I want to know THAT Saguaro’s story!
The cacti are so large they provide shelter for little animals. Plus, their arms only flower at night and for only ONE month a year so those little pollinators get a run for their money.
I was just so obsessed with them I needed to know what was inside these gorgeous beasts. Luckily the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has a display!
As expected they’re mostly made up of water (between 75% – 90%!). There is also a sponge-like tissue throughout the inside to hold the water in place. Finally, they have dense woody ribs in the middle to form a skeleton which stretches the entirety of the cactus. Just amazing, right?
If you’ve seen one in person you get the obsession. If not – head over to Saguaro National Park or the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico to check them out!
Just don’t take one home… they’re protected by the Native Plant Protection Act, and it’s illegal to remove one from a national park! But you can buy one here!
To be fair… I think my Saguaro obsession started in the 80s or 90s – just like everything else great!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
Who knew Tucson, Arizona was so freaking cool!? I guess everyone who’s been there or lives there…
But it took me four decades to see it for myself!
I recently embarked on a solo trip around Arizona. My first stop was the beautiful Tucson. I learned many things while there including I was spelling it wrong (Tuscon – nope!).
Tucson Is One Loveable City!
This HUGE city is filled with colors, murals, great stores, incredible cacti, and amazing drinks. Plus endless walks and things to do, tons of accommodation options, famous restaurants, and so much more!
I was lucky to stay with a friend and explore it all from her ideal desert hideaway.
Without a doubt the Saguaros quickly become my long armed favorites.
In fact, I felt like they became my friends. This sounded nuts until a Native American O’odham guide said they believe the protected Saguaros grow from the spirit of a person. So maybe…!
We learned that the Tucson police department is famous for capturing the gangster Jon Dillinger in 1934.
We also learned that there was a big intense old-fashioned shootout at the railyard!
She did such a good job that I fell in love with downtown Tucson and ended up meandering around for hours afterward.
Additionally, I loved learning about the non-profit Ben’s Bells whose simple mission is to spread kindness. You can find their mosaics all over the city!
Tucson Named First UNESCO City Of Gastronomy In The United States
Of course the food was amazing considering Tucson is a City of Gastronomy. We dined well at the OGs Pinnacle Peak and El Charro. Plus a lot of prickly pear flavored everything and rims of Tajín.
I love you Tucson. I’ll take my Saguaro National Park Junior Ranger badge with me at all times in your name. You’re a place that brought together awesome cacti and my love of 80s and 90s pop culture. Aka… I will return!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok,andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
You must be logged in to post a comment.