Happy Friday, happy new month and cheers to the weekend. We have made it. I hope this week was amazing for you in every way. From theatre, to restaurants, childcare income tax credit for Pennsylvania residents and more here is what has taken place for the week.
Organized Content
If you follow me on socials, you may have seen me give you the break down on the content that I will be sharing for the week. This is helpful for me but to give you insight on what you will see during the week. For instance, I will be giving you at least one theatre review from a show I saw this week. Make sure that you are following me on Facebook, and Instagram for the newest of updates.
Blogs you may have missed this week: Friday blog check in
- Accountability
- Arden Theatre: Ladysitting
- Don’t Give Up
- 13 Years in Philly
- Flying solo for Valentine’s Day
Stepping out of your comfort zone
This past weekend I took my youngest to an ice-skating birthday party. To put things into perspective, the last time I went ice skating was in college when I had them good Megan knees and my ankles were in their prime. Now as a woman in her 40s I was on the struggle bus of ice skating. The way my ankles was disrespecting me was not a game. However, as we got to the party, I realized that my daughter too was feeling uneasy. She is one of the most confident humans I know. As a mom, you know your child and I saw that she was a little insecure. So, I did what any mother would do, I put my skates on and went ice-skating with her until she got comfortable.
I was in the most pain but watching my child gain her confidence over exceeded what my ankles was going through. How many times do we need to step out of our own comfort zone? I can tell you that it is a lot. It was this past Sunday, and I didn’t go to church that day, but I got a word. She thanked me later and that was the best feeling in the world.
Top Pot and Korean BBQ
I have never gone to a hot pot experience before. This was a treat. I went to Top Pot and Korean BBQ in New Jersey. They treated us so well with such a high level of hospitality. Here are some things that I liked about the experience. One the food was delicious. They have over 100 selections to add to your hot pot. It is served family style. Only get a few selections and then work your way up as it is also all you can eat.
Before you even do your hot pot, they also have other selections like crab legs and more. The price is good too and there is plenty of seating. I recommend this spot for families with kids over 10 unless you are comfortable with a younger child over a hot pot because like the name of the experience it is hot. Even if you are a newbie, they will explain everything to you and get you all set up.
Joseph Anthony Spa Preview
We had a time being introduced to Joseph Anthony. They brought us in to tour and look at the facilities instead of just sending us the link and having us pick. I have never seen anything like it before. You could get one service and stay at the spa all day. They have a gym, sauna, gym, and more available for you to do and experience. I will be checking them out later in the month but as far as first impressions they set the bar high. Oe of the things that stuck out to me is that they have a foot soak at the beginning regardless of the service you get and a salt room at the end that you can sit in and relax after your service.
Conversations with Toi Friday Podcast Drop
We are back with episode 2, Season 10 with Camille Mola of Positive Publicity. She is a Content Creator, PR wiz, an amazing singer, great friend, fellow Penn Stater and so much more. We talked about loving what you do whether it’s writing, pop culture or whatever you want to insert into the conversation. Being a Content Creator even with an amazing amount of research into what you do. Tune in and listen, share, and review.
Friday News
If you are a PA resident you should know that if you have kids that qualify for the federal childcare tax credit, the state is matching it at a max of $1050 for one child and $2100 for 2 or more children. This new initiative from Governor Shapiro is to help families take the pinch of childcare. As a parent I have always had 2 kids in daycare at one time. I was never so happy for them to go to school. I paid more in daycare then I do for my oldest to go to a private high school. So I know well how much parents need this financial break. Learn more so you can stay informed.
This weekend if you are in the Philadelphia area come to the African American Children’s Book Fair. The significance is simple in that your child can see diverse authors. This will help to support the authors as well. There will be free books and books to purchase. If you want to purchase books bring both cash and card. Many of the cash lines are lower than the card lines. Come and meet your favorite authors and much more. Its at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this Saturday February 3, 2024, from 1-4. It is free admission.
Lastly, today is also National Wear Red day to celebrate the awareness of heart conditions amongst women. Women are more susceptible to have a heart related illness. That is all. Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend.
