10 of My Most-Loved Blogs Over the Years

The beauty of blogging is that you have an easy way to not just look back on photos through the years, but you can also remember what you were thinking. It’s already amazing to look back through my blogs during the pandemic – imagine what those will read like years down the road! I took some time recently to “scroll” down blog memory lane and thought I’d share some of my most-loved blogs with you today.

15 Things Readers Should Know About Me

Hello, I’m Rachel! I am thrilled you are on this mom life journey with me. While I can tell you that I am a Chinese-American mom and lifestyle blogger and I can show you all my fabulous finds, travel mementos, and delicious meals, there is more to me than what the Insta pics show. I am much more than a NYC mom blogger.

Do Your Kids Ask for Snacks All Day Long? Here’s What to Do.

Whenever the kids are home from school during the summer, it feels like a constant battle over snacks. They seem to want to eat all day long! They will literally ask for a snack thirty minutes after breakfast. First, they can’t possibly be hungry. Second, they will eat me out of house and home if I let them eat snacks every time they ask.

Why a Disney Cruise is Worth Every Penny

Over fall break, my family went on the Disney Fantasy Cruise. It. Was. Amazing! I know people often wonder if the price you pay for a Disney cruise in comparison to other family-friendly cruises is worth it. I am here to tell you that hands-down, a Disney Cruise is worth every penny! By the time you finish reading about our over-the-top cruise, you will want to start saving your pennies.

How I Make Kid-Free Travel Easier for Everyone

It’s no secret that I love to travel or that I love my girls. It is also not a secret that I strongly believe parents should take kid-free vacations. However, I realized that while I have told my readers the importance of heading away with their spouse and leaving the kids behind that I haven’t explained what I do to make it easier. Mom friends, I am here today to make it easier for you to leave the kids at home.

10 Festive Christmas Dates for Couples in New York City

During the busy holiday season, I think it is super important to spend time with my husband. It is too easy to get caught up in all the holiday busyness and stuff with my girls before I realize I haven’t had any good quality time with my man. Plus, the holiday season is romantic – why not take advantage of the added twinkling lights this time of year? I’ve gathered up ten wonderful Christmas date ideas for couples in NYC that will have you hunting for places to kiss under the mistletoe.

7 Tricks for Teaching Kids How to Budget

Financial literacy is so important, but unfortunately, it isn’t taught in many schools. That means it is up to parents to teach kids how to budget. Fortunately, this is much easier than it sounds. By giving your kids opportunities to practice budgeting, you are teaching them an essential lifelong skill.

How to Raise Glass Shattering Daughters

I came across the quote, “Teach your daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings.” It really spoke to me. I have two amazing, strong, intelligent, and beautiful daughters. I don’t want them to be held back by any glass ceiling. There’s a lot of talk about glass ceilings, and it is so exciting to be living in a time when women are shattering them right and left. But it still takes work. As their mom, I want to do all I can to help encourage my daughters to shatter glass ceilings. Here are some of the ways I am trying to raise my glass shattering girls.

The 6 Best Types of Birthday Gifts for Adults

I recently celebrated a birthday. Another long year and another long number added to my age. I believe birthdays should be celebrated – no matter how many birthdays you have had. Unfortunately, I have noticed that as we get older, we celebrate birthdays less and less. I’m here to say – no more! Birthdays are not just for kids or milestone birthdays! But, let’s face it. It is hard, as an adult, to decide how to celebrate an adult’s birthday. What do you give a woman who already has everything she needs? If you have a birthday coming up or are searching for ideas for a friend’s upcoming birthday, I proudly present the 6 best types of gifts for adults.

10 Wintry Ways for Families to Have “Snow” Much Fun in NYC

Do you remember when you were a kid and you were thrilled every time it snowed? If you are a New Yorker, that feeling has likely passed. But, if you are a mom, you have kids who are just as excited as you once were. The next time it snows, I hope you look for opportunities to embrace the magic of winter. To help you out, I’m listing ten of my favorite ways to spend a snow day in New York City.

A Few Ways to Keep Love Alive While You’re Busy Being Parents

I’d be lying if I said marriage is easy. It’s hard work, but it is work that is worth it. Who doesn’t want to be in love with their spouse? Yes, people fall out of love, but that isn’t what we are hoping for when we walk down the aisle. That being said, I know that it is hard to keep the spark alive when you are working parents. Here are a few suggestions to help you keep love alive while you’re busy being parents.

Looking Back at My Top Posts from 2019

I finally had time to review my analytics from 2019. And the results tickled me! I found out you guys love T.J. Maxx just as much as I do! And that we all agree getting ghosted by a potential employer is the worst. I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my most popular posts this year in case you missed them, or you are new to my blog.

Helpful Tip - Read the Whole Blog by Clicking on the Title!

All the Heart Eye Emojis for T.J.Maxx + A Giveaway!

“Oh, T.J. Maxx, my love for you knows no end. As Rod Stewart famously sang, “You fill my heart with gladness. You take away all my sadness. You ease my troubles. That’s what you do.” I could visit your stores every day and still find something new.

If you already love T.J. Maxx or have never had the pleasure of visiting a T.J. Maxx store, I am here to shout my love all across the internet. Trust me – if you don’t already love T.J. Maxx, you will by the time you finish reading what I’m sharing today.”

Who doesn’t love T.J. Maxx? You guys apparently were all about my T.J. Maxx love and my discussion of why they are soaring why other retailers are failing. And, of course, you were pumped to enter that fantastic giveaway!

Colgate Does More for Your Whole Mouth

“Do you remember the line “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” from the Broadway musical Annie? As someone who works in fashion, I believe this song lyric is completely true. All the clothes in the world won’t matter if you don’t take care of your beautiful smile. That’s why, as a mom, I am always on the lookout for products that will have my whole family showing off their big, beautiful smiles.

Fortunately, it is easier and more affordable than ever before to take care of my family’s smiles. I recently tried out Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste with Colgate Total NEW breakthrough formula, and I am sold! I’m sure if you try it out, you will agree.”

I guess my followers also love Colgate as much as I do…or they were just curious to see why I am such a fan. Either way, I am glad I could share my reasons with you.

When a Potential Employer Ghosts You

“I’m going to be super vulnerable here. Recently, I was ghosted after a string of job interviews with a company I was really interested in. Even worse – they seemed really interested in me! I interviewed with a company for over two months and four interviews.  We talked about pay, how my workday will be, etc. The hiring manager was supposed to get back to me about the package and the offer, and then I heard nothing. #Ghosted”

Every now and then, it is good to be vulnerable as this post goes to show. Since this was one of my most popular posts of 2019, I have a feeling I am not the only person who has experienced this unfortunate situation.

To Hike with Kids or To Hike Alone – That is the Question

“It’s no secret that I love to get outdoors and hike. When you live in a city, it is so important to get a break from city life, and hiking is one of the best ways to get away from the noise and busyness of NYC.

Let’s face it. It is easier to hike kid-free, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the added complications.

When I am planning my outdoor escape, I often have to choose between hiking alone or with other adults or hiking with my kids. There is no right or wrong answer here! It all comes down to how I feel that day. So, when it comes to deciding whether to hike with kids or to hike alone, the following thoughts guide my decision-making.”

Apparently, I am not the only mom who asks herself this question on a regular basis! I am so glad to know I am not alone. After re-reading the post though, I still want to know which you prefer. Send me a message and let me know!

Why You Need to Prioritize Your Marriage (and How)

“Ask anyone who has been married as long as I have, and they will tell you it hasn’t always been easy. And, if they tell you otherwise, they are lying. Marriage is hard, but a strong marriage is worth all the hard work it takes to get it there. Between work and kids, if I didn’t prioritize my marriage, it would be easy to let it fall apart. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened.

Whether you are newly married or have been married for decades, the following tips for how to prioritize your marriage may be just what you need to remember why you two got married in the first place.”

Marriage matters! It’s so important to prioritize it – even when it seems hard to find the time to do so. I hope you found my tips helpful!

Thank you for all the love in 2019! I hope this year I share blogs that help make you better moms, fashionistas, travelers, and stronger women.

15 Things Readers Should Know About Me

Hello, I’m Rachel! I am thrilled you are on this mom life journey with me. While I can tell you that I am a Chinese-American mom and lifestyle blogger and I can show you all my fabulous finds, travel mementos, and delicious meals, there is more to me than what the Insta pics show. I am much more than a NYC mom blogger.

I started this blog because I wanted to share my life as a mom who also works full-time in the fashion industry with other women. Sharing my experiences as a NYC working mom is both cathartic and helpful – for you and for me. We can learn from one other. I hope you gain inspiration from each picture and each blog post.

Let’s Go Beyond the Pictures!

Do you remember when you were in school and chain letters (or emails) went around? The sort of thing where one friend listed 25 random things about herself and then asked ten friends to do the same? Well, I kind of miss that type of connection.

With social media, we get to see all the glossy and filtered images of one another’s lives, but as a social media influencer, I’ve come to realize that many of my followers and readers do not know much about me beyond what the pictures show. It’s important for me to show you who I really am. So, today I’m putting myself out here for the whole internet to see.

15 Things That Might Surprise You About Me

1. I spend all day on my feet while I work in fashion. Since I am on my feet all day, I am constantly aware of the shoes I am wearing. This should explain why shoes mean everything to me. I adore shoes – the more stylish, the better. *Bonus points if you realized this is the reason for the name of my blog.

2. No one is ever able to guess my real age. A lady never tells, right? 😉

3. I'm the youngest of 3.  And I have two girls of my own - Madison & Olivia.

4. I have been married for nine years.

5. I'm Bilingual!  I can speak both Cantonese and Mandarin along with English.

6. I am the walking definition of a hangry woman. If I am hungry, you better feed me.

7. I’m petite - as in really petite. I am 5 feet on a good day (with the right pair of heels).

8. My favorite things outside of my family are eating and traveling. I’m a total foodie and a wino. As you know by now, I also love telling my readers where they should eat, drink, and visit.

9. I am super hard working, and sometimes I catch myself being a Tiger mom with my girls. What can I say? I’m a cool mom, but I know hard work pays off.

10. My friends will tell you that I am a loyal friend, and they know they can come to me for advice because I am honest and direct. But, they will also tell you that I am impossible to shop for.

11. I'm a workaholic.

12. I do not like cold weather or winters, but New York is worth it to me.

13. Other things I hate: small crowded spaces, ignorant people, and internet trolls.

14. I have a weird phobia of old wallpaper. It creeps me out!

15. Wondering why you never hear me on my Insta stories? It’s because I cannot stand the sound of my own voice!

 Anything surprise you? Jump in and tell me some things you wish people knew about you.

Let's Look Beyond this Summer!

When one thinks of the oil and natural gas industry, what usually is the first thing that pops in your head? Cars, tires, energy, and fuel, right? But if you look beyond that and stop and think for a second you'll see that oil and natural gas makes a much bigger impact and affects every part of your normal day. Did you know that pillows, toothpaste, laptops, lipstick, aspirin, even antennas and receivers of streaming devices are all connected to the oil and natural gas industry? You'll be surprised to see that many things that help you live, play, and connect everything around you is all made possible because of oil and natural gas or materials made from a byproduct of petroleum.

I decided to go on a family day road trip to Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and there were many things that need to be packed to make sure our trip has all the tech, safety, and travel care covered.

When it comes to electronics, I have to bring my cellphones, tablets for our daughters, and a laptop for any on-the- road office work. In order to charge all these devices, I have to make sure I have travel adaptors and car adaptors and long wires to connect them all. To make sure my girls don't get sick all of a sudden, it's always important to have extra allergy and fever medication for any signs of trouble. Bandages and antiseptic are required if there are any little trips and falls on the trip. Of course a trip to a water adventure park isn't complete without bathing suits, sunglasses, suntan lotion and water inflatables. Many of these things are made from plastic, rubber, synthetic fibers, nylon and polyester which are all created with the help of the oil and natural gas industry.

This trip reminds me of one of my favorite memories of taking my daughters to the beach when they were old enough to go to the water and play in the sand. Being able to see the joy and also the nervousness of their first time is one of the greatest memories I've ever had in my life. Looking back I realize that there are so many things I used and wore that were made from oil and natural gas. Her adorable bathing suit is made of polyester and the life jacket I put on her is made of nylon, all originating from the oil and natural gas. The bandages we bring for their safety and even the glasses they wear are all made possible with the help from the oil and natural gas industry.  To find out more information, check out the official website http://lookbeyond.org.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Look Beyond. The opinions and text are all mine.

Pampers Easy Ups Helping My Little One to get Potty Trained!

Potty training your little one is an exciting but challenging task for many parents. There will be accidents and there will be frustration on both the parent and your child. With Pampers Easy Ups, the process becomes a whole lot easier! Comfort and absorption are the most important things when it comes to potty training and Pampers Easy Ups delivers that in spades which is probably why they’ve been awarded the 2017 Best New Product.

They're super soft and with a 360° stretchy waistband – it's almost like cotton underwear! My daughter loves the feeling of being a 'grown up' and wearing 'grown up' underwear gives my daughter the confidence in being able to walk over to the potty and easily pull up and down when she has to go. After a few initial tries she learned how to pull up and down with ease. With the ease comes less frustration pulling down Pampers Easy Ups, she sometimes goes without even me knowing! That was my favorite moment of this entire potty training experience, the moment my daughter was already finished and pulled up her own Easy Ups without ever having to tell me!

Accidents will happen in the beginning and making sure training diapers can easily absorb is a very big thing. Pampers Easy Ups have exclusive Extra Absorb Channels™, which provide great protection against leaks anytime during the day and even at night when they sleep. With Dual Leak-Guard Barriers™ around the legs, it can also prevent leaks when they roll around in bed or being active. And when that accident does happen, disposing of Easy Ups is extremely easy by just tearing it at the sides!

Thanks to Pampers for partnering with me on this post. You can learn more about Pampers Easy Ups and read more at https://www.pampers.com/en-us/diapers-wipes/pampers-easy-ups-trainers-for-girls.