Archive for "Things to Do"
Tom’s Last Visit
Posted on May 15, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
Here’s a recap of our friend Tom Grace’s last visit to Wichita, which involved nails, a tequila and mezcal tasting, dinner, and brunch the next morning.
The four of us got our nails done together at Nails & Beyond, a nail salon in West Wichita where Brian and I had been going every month for nearly 20 years.
Tom got cuddles with Nugget and all of us (except for Tom, who just did “buff shiny” on his nails) got some shade of blue.
I did a dark blue on my toenails and then a light blue on on my fingernails purposely to go with the dress I was wearing to the wedding we were attending the following weekend.
Here’s a pic of my nails with the dress.
After nails, the four of us went to Total Wine for a tequila and mezcal tasting class.
We tried eight different bottles of tequila and mezcal. I list them all below along with how much each retails at Total Wine and how much I liked them.
- Bad Bull Spicy Taramindo ($19.99) *****
- Luna de Jalisco ($39.99) ***
- El Ateo Reposado ($49.99) ***
- 3 Amigos Anejo Tequila ($34.99) **
- Mi Familia Flores Cristalino ($65.99) ****
- Fosforo Ensamble Mezcal ($54.99) *
- Mi Mama Me Dijo ($44.99) *
- Mi Familia Flores Extra Anejo ($99.99) *****
As you can see, the two that I liked the most were the most expensive and the least expensive. While some people really enjoy expensive bottles of tequila, price it seems has zero bearing on whether I will enjoy it. I learned a ton at this class but my key take-away was that I apparently do not like mezcal – at all. Out of all the ones we tasted, I enjoyed the mezcal ones the least.
After the tasting, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Oak & Pie. Here are some pics of our food. I think the Italian nachos were the hit of the night.
The next morning, we had brunch at Chicken N Pickle where Brian and I ran into an old friend, Michael Castile, who we hadn’t seen in a long time.
By the way, the brunch at Chicken N Pickle is legit. They offer something for everyone. We’ve been to Chicken N Pickle for brunch a few times now and have never been disappointed.
Anyway, that pretty much wraps up Tom’s last visit to Wichita. Until next time!
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My First Blarney Breakfast
Posted on April 20, 2026 by Ching under Community, Things to Do.
The Blarney Breakfast is on its 51st year but I’ve never ever been able to attend because it’s usually on a weekday. This year, however, I managed to squeeze it in to my schedule. Although, I did have to get up super early and go at 6 AM. It helps to have a little bit of peer pressure.
The event benefits Rainbows United and is usually on St. Patrick’s Day (whatever day that might fall during the week). There were drink specials but I couldn’t partake because I had to go to work immediately after. Some of our friends were smart and took the day off, though. I’m thinking I might have to do the same to fully experience Blarney Breakfast next year. What a great way to start the day!
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March Madness
Posted on March 30, 2026 by Ching under Hobbies, Things to Do.
The month of March was all about drinking martinis and reviving old hobbies. First, I picked up crochet again and made a few things.
I made a washcloth and a lizard for Brian.
For myself, I made a coaster and a scrunchy and also a little flower thing (not pictured) using the leftover yarn from the washcloth.
Also in March, I decided to try all 20 martini flavors at TapNPaddles. I actually finished my last one on March 24 but I’ll probably go again tomorrow to have my favorite one. Here’s to ending March with a bang!
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Baileys Tasting
Posted on March 27, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
We had an impromptu Baileys tasting at home the last time that Laurie Adams came to visit. Who knew that Baileys Irish Cream had so many flavors? I had previously only ever had the original.
On a recent trip to Groves (because Laurie wanted to pick up some NUTRL vodka seltzers), we came across the Cinnamon Churros flavor on sale for $16. But then I noticed they were offering a $20 mail-in rebate (which I am still waiting to receive in the mail) on three bottles so I picked up a bottle of Salted Caramel and Chocolate. These were not on sale unfortunately but I was counting on the $20 to offset the cost. #ChingMath
Anyways, we had ourselves a little Baileys tasting. I was excited to try these three flavors that I’d never had before.
The Chocolate flavor reminded me of Godiva chocolate liqueur, which I have had bottles of in the past.
The Churros kind of reminds me of RumChata.
The Salted Caramel was my favorite and could definitely see myself adding it to my morning coffee (only on weekends, of course, and not on work days) for that extra little kick. I could also see myself drinking it plain over ice.
Our little tasting adventure made me curious about how many different flavors of Baileys Irish Cream are available. Apparently, there have been over 20 flavors over the years when you include discontinued, seasonal, and regional releases. However, there are 11 currently sold in the US market.
- Original Irish Cream
- Espresso Crème
- Salted Caramel
- Strawberries & Cream
- Chocolate Liqueur
- Cinnamon Churros
- Apple Pie (often seasonal)
- Colada (limited/seasonal)
- Almande (vegan)
- Coffee Toffee (non?dairy oat milk)
- Cookies & Creamy (non?dairy oat milk)
Now that I know these exist, I’m on a mission to try them all. If I remove the two seasonal ones, I guess there are only five I need to try right now. Totally doable. Who wants to join me in this mission?
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LEGO Build Day with the Children
Posted on March 26, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
The same weekend that we did Overnight at the Museum, we were in full nerd-out mode and had a LEGO build day with Kendra Wicks (one of our pickleball daughters) and Jared Smart, local LEGO expert. I had gotten the LEGO Insects Collection set from Brian’s parents for Christmas but hadn’t found time to complete the builds because I knew it would take several days and I didn’t want to be in the middle of a partially completed build when the cleaners came. I was afraid that I would lose parts and pieces in our last-minute scramble to de-clutter before cleaning day. We have lost so many things this way.
When I found out that Jared is a LEGO expert, I figured we would be able to complete all three insects in one sitting with his and Kendra’s help. We were able to complete what would have taken us (Brian and I) days in less than two hours!
Brian and Jared decided to work on their builds solo. Jared took the praying mantis and Brian took the beetle, while Kendra and I worked on the butterfly together.
Jared who, is a pro at building LEGOs, actually finished his praying mantis first. He also helped the rest of us with ours.
Here’s the butterfly that Kendra and I completed.
Brian chose the most elaborate of the three project and finished his beetle last.
Here are all three completed insects.
I didn’t really get any LEGOs growing up because they are kind of expensive. As an adult, I’m now completely obsessed. Here are some of the other LEGO projects that I want to build:
- LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees
- LEGO Botanicals Hibiscus Flower
- LEGO Botanicals Orchid
- LEGO Botanicals Flower Arrangement
- LEGO Icons Tranquil Garden
- LEGO Art Love
Anyway, not sure what I would actually do with all of these if I ever get around to building them. I might have to buy a special display cabinet. What about you all? Do you like LEGOs? What are your thoughts on my latest obsession?
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