I’m an only child, but my two cousins, Rosie and Lizzie, are the sisters I never had. We don’t get to hang out very often, but when we do, it’s always memorable.
In August, we took advantage of The Mermaid Inn’s happy hour menu. We had like five dozen oysters; it was ridiculous but oh so yummy.
In September, we visited the JACX&CO Food Hall in Long Island City and got amazing food from Sushi Nikko and Mexology.
We are looking to have at least three more outings this year!
Summer wouldn’t be summer without a street fair happening somewhere. My family and I got to enjoy two in the past week.
My husband’s job had a family day at Randall’s Island Park this week. They had food, a DJ, bouncy houses, an area where anyone could ride a horse, boat rides, a rock climbing wall, and a gaming station. My daughter Maxine was all about the bouncy houses and the ice cream. We also enjoyed the boat ride, but it was quite a wait. Next year we need to do the boat ride first. Also, I want Maxine to ride one of the horses, and I want to try the rock climbing wall if they do it again.
Last week, I had a Mom’s night out and celebrated my good friend Louanna’s 42nd, I mean 24th😉, birthday at Watermark at Pier 15.
It’s an outdoor restaurant right by the water with a killer view.
I chose the messiest foods on the menu 🤣, but it was all yummy. I had corn, steak tacos, and a seafood platter with oysters and lobster.
The restaurant was a vibe, with a DJ and a lively crowd. The best part of the night was randomly catching a drone show celebrating Hip Hop. Second best, some drinks came in pouches!
I will say the only downside is the bathroom situation. There are no restrooms in the restaurant area; you have to leave and use public bathrooms with only a few stalls, or you can use the public porta potties.
Overall, a fun night and I would recommend it for a good time.
Last week, I had friends from out of town visit. We had three kids to entertain, one being my little munchkin, so we decided to go to a museum and headed over to the American Museum of Natural History.
My daughter had a great time and did well in her first museum experience. She loved the butterfly exhibit.
She is also a big Octonauts fan, so the Oceanic section was a big hit. She was so happy and proud to recognize some of the animals she saw on the show.
The dinosaurs, of course, was a big hit as well.
We’ll be back for sure!
The family and I recently had lunch at Mad for Chicken in Astoria. It had a bar feel but was still family-friendly. We ordered the wings and drumsticks combo (soy garlic and honey bbq flavor), japchae, and fries. All yummy!
My family and I randomly came across the new Nuts Factory on 30th Avenue in Astoria. They have an impressive selection of nuts, gummies, and chocolate.
We went a little nuts (pun intended) and got a variety of goodies. I selected strawberry and watermelon gummies and a crunchy corn mix. My husband, Andrew, got a few chocolate pieces, and we got our daughter Maxine banana chips.
A bit pricey but worth a visit in my book.
My family and I started the summer off by getting haircuts!
Kiddy Kutz is a kid salon in Sunnyside, and they specialize in first haircuts. The salon is pretty cute, with toys everywhere and car chairs for girls and boys. They also do ear piercings and manicures for girls (future party ideas).
Dad got a fresh cut and shave at Arber’s Barbershop on 30th Avenue in Astoria. He always comes out from the barbershop looking years younger.
Mom and I went to Natura Spa on Steinway in Astoria. Mom got a haircut, and I went twice for a haircut and to dye my roots (goodbye gray hair!).
I’m incredibly grateful my family has a beach house in Shirley, Long Island. Two weeks ago, my husband had off, so we took advantage. The weather wasn’t great, but we had a great time regardless.
My daughter, Maxine, was obsessed with counting how many mermaids were in one of the rooms.
We took advantage of the time we had outside as much as possible.
My Uncle was nice enough to take us out on his boat. Maxine was not a fan of the boat going fast, but she was all smiles after awhile.
The beach is about a 10-15 min walk from the house. It was so windy, and no one was around because it was cold. It was extremely peaceful, regardless. Maxine did not care for the beach. I think it was too windy for her.
While we were out east, we enjoyed the Animal Farm Petting Zoo in Manorville.
They also had really cool playground areas within the zoo.
We also enjoyed some yummy food from the area. On our first night, we ordered from Fratelli’s Restaurant and Pizza.
One night, we steamed some clams my Aunt and Uncle caught; they were so tasty!
We also stopped by Varney’s in Brookhaven. They are known for their muscles, which were delicious (the red and white sauces were both good). I also couldn’t resist the lobster roll.
We also got ice cream and shakes at Carla Marlas Ice Cream Parlor and Candy Shoppe in Bellport. So good!
Hopefully, we will be back soon to create more amazing memories.
Last week, I went to a Filipino Makers Market celebrating Philippines Independence Day. As a half-Filipina, I wanted to represent and support.
I got some yummy treats from Beabingka.
I also picked up these beautiful earrings from Made by JRDJ Astoria, NY.
The Casual Explorer 