ToiTime

Mental Wellness and Self Care Queen

mercedes at blogher biz

Happy Friday and Cheers to the weekend. There has been quite a lot going down but less events if that makes sense. So much to get into to. I hope your week has been amazing. It’s getting a little cooler in Philadelphia and I am not mad one bit. So, how was the week?

Pin it for later

kids at candytopia

Candytopia has your Halloween Fun: Today’s Friday Must Attend

Starting today Candytopia is having their Halloween fun. Don’t worry it’s just added Halloween fun for all ages. You are encouraged to come in your Halloween costume. There is candy in every room for you to take. The fun never stops. They have switched out a lot of their photo spots with Halloween themed ones. It’s a full on blast. Speaking of blasts, don’t forget all of the confetti fun. With each child admission, each child can get a bag and fill it up with candy from the candy wall. I took the kids last week as we did the television segment to let everyone know its coming. They had a blast. I loved dressing up as one of my favorites, Starbrite.

toi as starbrite

Sahara Sams

The indoor water park that is open all year long didn’t disappoint. One of my kids’ friend had a birthday party. I decided to take my other two kids and just pay for them to go too. What a way to have all of the fun. It was a blast. Swimming indoors and having a great time is what is really all about. I think they had a ball for their Sunday Fun day. If you are in the area and also looking for some Halloween fun starting today and next weekend is their foam party on Fridays.

sahara sams

Halloween at the Eastern State Penitentiary

I was invited for a media tour and I absolutely loved it. If you love spooky they take it up a notch. There are 16 exhibits, food, and beer gardens to go through. I of course stopped at Lokal Artisan Foods aka French Toast Bites. You know I got my vegan French Toast.

french toast bites

Tuck-ins

They also had Tuck-ins. These are the inside out s’mores. They were hands down amazing. For the evening they had peanut butter, cookies and cream, and regular. In order to enjoy the s’more they had roasting stations. It provided that Fall feeling and I loved it.

tuck ins

Drinks were provided by Triple Bottom Brewing. They had ciders, beers, wines, and cocktails. I got the sangria and I loved it.

triple bottom brewing

Ticket Info and Need to Know

Eastern State Penitentiary also has the option for VIP sections at various exhibits that also includes a drink. I enjoyed myself. So if you are looking for fun keep a few things in mind. Tickets are online. It’s not for anyone one under 12 years old. There is no touching the actors or use of profanity. You will get kicked out without a refund. Masks are a must especially inside of the attractions. They are enforced. When you start your time they will go over the rules again as well as offer you a lighted necklace should you want more interactions with the actors. This means more scares. No need to ask, I definitely didn’t get the extra necklace. I attended it by myself which is more than enough for me.

halloween at eastern

BlogHer Biz: Friday Recap

BlogHer Biz came back as a in person event in over a year. What a way to welcome all back. They still had an online version which was free and over 400 participated online. Being at the in-person event was everything. I loved every minute of it. You know how I do, I sat in the front. It’s the best way for me to hear and lean in.

mercedes at blogher biz
Pictured with Mercedes DG Speaks

Phoebe Robinson

Samantha Skey, CEO, started off with a warm welcome as always. I always appreciate her. Phoebe Robinson started off talking about what she is up to. Also did you know she has a new book coming out, Please do no sit on my bed in your outside clothes. We got a copy and this weekend carved out the time to read it. I have added the book to my Amazon Book list. Also I enjoyed hearing about the ways that Phoebe gives back.

pictured with La Dunn of Black Girls eat
Pictured with La Dunn of Black Girls Eat

Business to Business While Black

One of the other panels I loved without giving every panel’s information out was the B2B +B Business to Business While Black. It featured, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson (Founder of BrainTrust), Leyonna Barba (Managing Director at J.P. Morgan), Ron Robinson (Cosmetic Chemist, Founder and CEO of BeautyStat), Dametria Kinsley (VP Global Marketing of Cantu), and Lisa Price (Founder of Carol’s Daughter). They discussed the movement of 2020 since George Floyd’s death in supporting Black owned, lead, and/or founded companies. How much it has helped and the work ahead. I also enjoyed a private conversation afterwards with Lisa Price. She’s phenomenal in every way and I appreciate her taking the time to speak to me.

bar at blogher biz

SheMedia Partner

Lastly there are new changes that is coming to SheMedia and especially how they help Black owned publishers. I will wait until the official announcement comes out. I enjoyed being apart of SheMedia partners. If you are a Creative and looking for ways to level up and have support, apply to be a partner. You will have support from website and SEO to starting a new business etc. Last night we were treated to dinner at The Osprey. It felt good to connect with others once again.

dinner in BK
Dinner at The Osprey in Brooklyn, NY for SheMedia Partners

Recognizing Low Energy

Over all this was a busy week. One of the things that I noticed this week was low energy. I kept thinking I wasn’t accomplishing enough. This happens ever so often. My schedule is mostly jammed pack. The need and desire to do more is always present. Learning to enjoy those low energy moments is key. Recognizing that low energy moments is for renewal. I will also be starting back up with therapy as the holiday months come up. I love the holidays but seasonal depression is real. Learning to recognize when I need therapy has been the ways of helping with depression. I would encourage you to do the same.

Shannon Arner
Pictured with Shannon Arner of Arner Adventures

Wine and Celebrations

Next month is my Blogiversary. I will be teaming up with Teneral Cellars to host a wine tasting. I will be announcing either over the weekend of early next week. Plan to drink with me as we give to a great cause and celebrate 7 years of blogging. I am super excited. More details to follow!! Who is having a great glass of wine this Friday?

Toi with Teneral Cellars

Have a great weekend and cheers to the weekend! Happy Friday! New York once again you have been gracious!

Verified by MonsterInsights