FLIP + CHING

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!

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:

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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Overnight at the Museum

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.

Brian and I had our first Overnight at the Museum experience at Exploration Place last month. It was a lot of fun but in some ways not quite what I expected. Brian and I weren’t sure we would know anyone. Seeing Jake, Christina, and Melody there definitely made it more fun.

Here’s a snap of the schedule:

The night started with a pep rally before we were fed boxed meals from Firehouse Subs for dinner. After dinner, there were three activities to choose from — capture the flag, skeeball tournament, and scavenger hunt. You could participate in some or all or none of these activities. Brian and I skipped the capture the flag (he didn’t want to do any running) and scavenger hunt but we did play some skeeball before roaming around the the museum — partly to check out the exhibits but mostly to scope out a good spot to pitch our tent. However, we now understand why they give you earplugs and sleep masks in your welcome bag.

Prior to the event, Exploration Place sent us an email of what to bring and what to expect and they told us it would be pitch dark so we should bring a flashlight (false – we didn’t need a flashlight at all) and that it would be cold in the museum overnight (also false but probably not the museum’s fault because we had an extraordinarily warm day).

After considering several areas, Brian and I decided we would camp in Explore Kansas area because (a) it was part of the areas marked “quietest sleeping area” and (b) we felt it would have the better view because of the glass wall next to the river. Anyway, this map was also false. None of the exhibits were turned off and many of the lights remained on all night. It was still very bright. Thus, no need for the flashlights they told us to bring. I’m not sure if someone forgot a step or what. LOL.

At one point in the middle of the night, I asked Brian if “those people” outside our tent were ever going to quit talking and go to bed. He explained to me it was the freaking TV that was part of one of the exhibits. I also kept thinking surely they’ll turn the lights and exhibits off at some point. Nope. Even the simulated tornado thing, which doesn’t seem loud when people are buzzing about the museum but is quite loud in the backdrop of silence, remained on all night long.

The next morning, we were served muffins for breakfast and coffee out of a super slow Keurig coffee machine which Brian wanted none of so we actually stopped by the Mokas next door on the way home. Anyway, the experience was fun overall but I’m not likely to get Brian to do it again. What are some other events or activities that you all think we should try?

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First Roadtrip with Rue

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ching under Food and Drink.

Brian and I took Rue on his first roadtrip last month. We drove down to Oklahoma to visit his parents. His dad got a Bambu 3D printer for Christmas and had been making all sorts of stuff so he had several things he had made for us.

While there, they took us to brunch at Granny’s Kitchen. The restaurant recently opened and they really liked it so they decided to take us there when we came to visit. The place is very popular and was quite busy that day.

Since it was our first time there, they gave us a free cinnamon roll.

Here are some pictures of our food.

Brunch was delicious. We visit with Brian’s parents a while and, after they sent us off with a bunch of 3D printed goodies, Brian and I stopped by the Greens Country Club to catch some pickleball tournament action. I watched a bit of Jen Tiano and Deana Holman’s final match.