This past Saturday, I joined the New York Junior League’s Travel & Culture affinity Group and explored North Fork’s beautiful wine country. We had curated tastings led by a professional sommelier at Jamesport Vineyards and Sparkling Pointe. We also stopped at the famous Briermere Farm Stand.
The weather was crappy, but I had an amazing time and met some new friends. Would definitely like to make another trip to Sparkling Pointe.
I had a low-key weekend.
On Saturday, I had brunch at the Lighthouse Rooftop in Sunnyside. They make a wicked mimosa and have great drinks and food options. It was a great afternoon with my family.
On Sunday, I enjoyed family swim time at the Long Island City YMCA. My daughter Maxine is learning how to swim and it is amazing sharing the experience with her.
Monday, was all all about Mah Jong. I had a great time with Mary’s Mahj (my Mah Jong girlies) and won four times!
Last week, I attended Holly and Ivy at the NYJL. This annual event includes a festive lunch and a shopping experience. It’s so popular at the League that tickets are hard to get, and I’m glad I got to snag one.
I had a great time with friends and got some cute things for Christmas.
Back in 2022, I signed myself up for Mah Jong classes. I had fun learning, but it didn’t stick.
I recently got the opportunity to join a group and learn again through Ready Set Mah Jong, and I’m having a blast. Maybe it’s my teacher, maybe it’s my group of ladies, but either way, I’m hooked this time!
If you are in the NYC area and curious to learn, check out Ready Set Mah Jong.
I was fortunate to participate in Broadway Week this year. I got to watch not one but two shows, and all tickets this week were two for one.
I saw SIX with my girlfriends. The show was about the six wives of Henry VIII. I loved it. The vocals were amazing, and it was an empowering show.
I also saw The Great Gatsby with my good friend. Of course, I read the book and loved the story. The costumes and backdrops were gorgeous! The icing on the cake was that they had a Filipino actress as the main lead, Daisy.
Early last month, I had a pretty awesome ladies’ night out at Pearl & The Beast.
You pick a muscle, open it up, collect the pearls, clean them, and decide what to do with them. I got a good haul of pearls, so I got two rings and two earrings done. They had someone onsite who put together the jewelry. Bonus; I actually got the earrings for free because they were doing a promotion at the time.
It was hands-on, informative, and fun! I highly recommend checking it out.
My friends and I have been exploring various restaurants in the city. Two weeks ago, we visited Restaurant Row and Jasmine’s Carribean Cuisine.
The restaurant had an amazing vibe, was filled with warm bright colors, and had yummy, flavor-filled food.
I was meat-free that night, as I was observing Lent, but all plates were empty by the end of it all, and my friends and I loved all the dishes.
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!
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.
As the clock turns 12, I wanted to celebrate and look back at 2022.
2022, thanks for the memories!
The Casual Explorer 