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This Isn't a Pep Talk

January 7, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

This isn't a pep talk - it's a mental reroute. Promise.

IMO, January is not the beginning of anything. Spring is. But fine. Here we are.

I hate New Year’s resolutions, but I stumbled into one this morning that felt legit: stop using my overthinking brain to excavate anxieties and identify what needs fixing… and start using it to hyper-analyze the good.

Morning Anxiety is a Thing - But it's a Lie

I woke up this morning with that familiar mix of fog and self-awareness. The kind where nothing is technically wrong, but everything feels slightly off. Where you sip your latte, and start replaying thoughts and actions in your head. And suddenly, that morning anxiety powers your day.

"Let's sort through what's bothering me so I can get onto the good stuff."

But that's a lie.

Instead of having some huge aha moment of clarity, I leave the kitchen soaked in dread, pushing myself into some Tony Robbins conference of self-help slogans trying to cleanse the icky feeling that inspired my morning.

You're feeding yourself junk food, telling yourself the juice fast starts tomorrow. You're reading icky news headlines, while telling yourself you want a happy, wonderful day. It just doesn't add up.

You want to get to alpine town. And there's a fun slide down the mountain right over there, the sign says 'alpine town this way!' And yet you are still climbing up to a rocky peak to get a better view, ready to mountain climb down, grunting the whole way.

Make it make sense.

So, What Do I Ruminate About?

Back to me. Human specifics. Today's random anxiety?

A vulnerability hangover from a text message. And suddenly I’m wondering why connection sometimes feels so tender, and why detachment sneaks in right when you’re craving steadiness. Then my brain moves on. My daughter, her day. My husband. Is he good too? Then I open my Game of Thrones-style closet, full of metal and spikes, and pick out whatever armor I may need for later - for any dragons to tame and ride later in the week.

Then my health. Lingering lung inflammation. Fitness. I haven't hopped on the Peloton this week. How do I fix that? Showering, getting dressed. Emails, texts, plans. All waltzing together in my head to some overplayed Taylor Swift song. Then a bright spot. Oh. I am picking up my kid from school today. That’s something. Something to get me out of the house. Thank gawd. I cling to the thought like Rose on the door in icy waters. Suddenly I’m in survival mode when five minutes ago I was just sipping coffee. And it continues..

Shit, more thoughts.

Detachment becomes the focus. A year after preschool graduation is such a weird year. It’s full of micro-detachments. And no one really tells you how to do that in a healthy way.

How do you detach without hurting people? How do you detach without hurting yourself? What do you fill the space with when something falls away? And then I catch myself thinking: Why am I talking about this? Why can’t I talk about happy things? Why can’t I talk about the joy of parenting? The joy of taking my kid to dance class later. The thrill of a hug when she comes in the door.

The joy of dropping her off every day at a school I genuinely love, where she feels safe and happy, where I feel held by the community.

That is real.

So why do I default to the negative? Maybe this is my thing. I’m very good at analyzing. I can analyze anything. Especially what’s wrong. But what if 2026 is the year I hyper-analyze the good instead? That feels… kind of radical.

So that was it. I realized something important: this wasn’t a problem day.

This wasn't a day asking to be fixed.

This was a fork-in-the-road day.

Notice the Fork in the Road

The real pep talk: It's not a problem day. It's a fork day.

Some days don’t give you that choice. Some days the problem runs right up to your nose. A kid needs urgent care. Something breaks. Bills are due. Weather, injuries, logistics, you’re in it, whether you want to be or not.

But honestly, most days aren’t like that.

Most days are quieter. More ambiguous. And because we’re so used to operating in fight-or-flight, we treat those days like emergencies anyway. We wake up asking, What do I need to fix today? Because that’s what we’re good at. Especially as moms. Especially as problem-solvers.

But what if the real work on days like this isn’t fixing anything at all?

What if the work is noticing that you’re standing at a fork, and realizing that choosing where to put your energy is the actual gift?

Choose Your Own Adventure

Remember those books? I do. They were great! I always chose one path and flipped back to see how the other one turned out. That was the magic. The choice.

Because on this morning in January, I noticed myself doing it again. Talking to my phone, trying to sort through my feelings, instead of just sitting at my desk feeling good, dreaming, creating, working, doing good.

Most days, it's not one big problem that gets us. It's a bunch of tiny ones.

Cheesy Motivation: No Thank You

This is not a "Think Positive" post. No way. This is a "problem solving is your downfall" post. A shift the target post. A stop thinking about the tiny scary things, and hyper analyze tiny (or big) good things.

It's not about abandoning your vigilance. Your talent. Edge. Passion. It's redirecting it.

Use your fight or flight brain. The one we all have and secretly love. But aim it differently.

Fight the dragons, by hyper analyzing the good systems in your life. Be a warrior, just fight softer targets. So the thing that soaks your day is sugar. Not dread.

It's Not Just About "Focus on Yourself"

Pop culture advice will tell you that when you feel tender and raw, just stop worrying about others and "focus on yourself." But for us, the analytical brains, the hyper vigilant, that advice fails. Because we then focus energy on ourselves, quite perfectly. But usually on "faking positive" or on "the negative in our own space. "fixing negative."

So what advice actually works? Hot take: that raw, tender moment isn't what's wrong. It's the signal that something is shifting and you're paying attention.

When You Feel Raw

When you feel raw, that's the fork! I promise. It's not the problem to be solved. Trust me, a real problem will be at your nose. The fork is actually that raw feeling. It's a good thing. You get to choose. Flip to the page that gets you somewhere, don't backtrack on problems.

This isn't about "focusing on positive" or "focusing on yourself" Instead, use your skills to hyper analyze the good. I'm just going to repeat it over and over until you actually get it.

Hyperanalyze the good.

Focusing on the positive doesn't do shit when you feel raw. Dismantling something, smashing walls, does feel good. Do that. But instead of smashing walls made of concrete and spiders and mold, smash the cotton candy, flower petals, candy cane walls. Dismantle those. Understand those things in your life.

Redirect Your Vigilance

So instead of asking, “What’s wrong today?” What needs fighting and fixing? What negative thing can I punch in the face? Instead ask, “What’s working today? What worked last week? Last year? And how did it get there?” Dig deep, like your brain craves, just in a new tunnel.

You want to fight dragons? Fight them. But not in Westeros. In Disneyland.

This is Not Gratitude 2.0. It's Systems 1.0

Not a gratitude list. I hate gratitude lists. They annoy me.

I don’t want to name things like a checklist. I want to analyze the systems that created the good.

Examples help. Good thing one. Publishing two cookbooks? I showed up every day. Created even when no one cared. I wrote when blogging wasn’t cool, when it was lonely, when there was no feedback loop. And I didn’t care what people thought. I kept going.

That system worked.

Good thing two: My daughter. I wallowed. Cried on the bathroom floor. I decided: this is non-negotiable. Then appointments. Surgeries. Needles. Doctors. Waiting. Disappointment, loneliness.

But I never let go of the goal. That didn’t happen by accident.

There are so many good things to hyper analyze. And always a system to uncover. That's my hyper vigilant, overthinking brain doing work, for good.

Good Things Have Systems

Dead-set unshakable goal.
Tiny, consistent intentions.
Not caring what people think.
Failing, repeatedly.
Doing shit you love.

Curbing the hunger to analyze what’s wrong creates room to see what’s right.

Mental Reroute: Hyperanalyze the Good

So today instead of fixing things that weren’t actually urgent, I rerouted. Just like my Tesla choosing a faster route to my destination. Don't let your car be smarter than you. You can do it too.

Pep talk = reroute.

Why now? Honestly? I'm just old. Almost 45. Hello Aquarius season. Old enough now to know better. When I’m truly drowning, which happens in any adult life, I deal with it directly. Maturely. Therapy. Support. Solutions. Naming the hard things so they can be understood and held. And yes, hopefully fixed.

But not today.

Today, the danger felt loud but familiar - that mix of fog and self-awareness. Yup. Today, the dragons turned out to be stuffies. Acknowledge them without letting them run the day.

Drowning feels different than this. I know better.

This felt like a fork.

It's not a fight. It's a fucking hug.

Starting Place: Notice the Fork

This isn’t a New Year’s resolution. It’s not a detox, a reset, or a vow to avoid brain rot in 2026. It’s just a starting place.

Notice it. The fork in the path. And instead of excavating anxieties, take the other road.

Excavate what’s already working. Pay attention to how you can get more of it.

That's what I did today, and it felt.... good. So maybe I'll do it again tomorrow. Happy 2026, y'all.

Photo pairing: my pics of macro lens flowers. Hyperanalyze the good.

macro image of a pink flower with yellow center

Ode to Holiday Moms + 10 Must-Make Seasonal Recipes

December 12, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

This is my cinematic Ode to Holiday Moms + 10 Must-Make Seasonal Recipes..

December is a Performance

Moms during the holidays, know this: December is a performance and it runs like a fever dream. Empty stage. Dark room. The smell of burnt cinnamon toast. Then suddenly the faint sound of choir music hits, a winter breeze hits your neck. And some marshmallows roll out of a bag, right at your feet. Click! A booming spotlight flickers on and there you are on an empty stage, your kid or kids sitting in the seats in the front row, awaiting magic like in the movies. Offstage, a faceless voice whispers,

"Psssst. Okay, go! You're on! Go!" Huh? Me? You look around on stage. You look down at yourself, just a mom in day-old sweats, slippers on, a mug of cold coffee in hand.

The voice shouts now: "Go! Make it feel like Christmas!"

"Make it Feel Like Christmas!"

There's no script. No actors. No twinkly glowy lighting. Where's the tree? The presents? The snow? The fluffy velvet party dresses and steamy hot cocoa? Where are the platters of gingerbread men and warm cinnamon rolls? Wait, where is Santa? Don't we need a list? Some cards? Food? Oh shit. Holidays moms, this is your cue.

"Me?" You whisper back to the offstage voice. Yup all you. And action!

Christmas Show, By Mom

There's a lot of talk on social media about "ooh mom makes the holiday magic!" It's not Santa, it's the holiday moms! But this needs to be leaned into, truly and fully for a sec..

photo credit: irene, the Paris photographer

Holiday Moms Are it

Holiday moms (ok, fine, dads too, but mostly moms IMO) are directing in real time. Adjusting the lighting, adding another string of lights. Making the holiday playlist and watch list. Turning the music up when it helps and down when it suddenly feels like too much. Mood making. We choose props on the fly. Some days the scene is big and dramatic, everyone piled into the car in parkas and snow boots, driving five hours so the kids can make snow angels and throw snowballs for ten minutes before they’re cold and hungry and done. Other days it’s a five-minute drive up the street to a tiny outdoor ice rink with cheesy music and overpriced hot cocoa that somehow tastes like cardboard and sugar at the same time. Same director. Different scene. Same amount of effort either way.

Some nights you remember to move the elf. Other nights you absolutely do not, so you move it at the last possible second, half-awake, hoping no one notices the sudden lack of creativity. Some nights you carefully place ornaments. Other nights you throw them on the tree and call it a design choice: kid-chic because messy is the vibe. The tree looks chaotic. Uneven. Like real life. There is only commitment. You find random things on the tree. Keychains. Ribbon. Paper cutouts. Toys. All part of the charm.

Martha Stewart would absolutely disapprove. And you love that.

Spice and Sweet and Fragrant Things

If you are lucky to linger in the kitchen, you flick on the stove or oven, the kitchen smells like cocoa and vanilla bean, cinnamon and cloves - sage and nutmeg.

You ask Alexa to blast your favorite holiday song because you deserve it. Then you try some classics so your kid hears them for the first time. You play Carol of the Bells and wave your hands in the air. You are the conductor and this is your orchestra.

Someone is asking for "spicy" water every thirty seconds. Aka the sparkling stuff in green glass bottles, that you just want to chug this time of year. You’re googling Christmas cookies at 9pm with one eye open, flour on the counter, sprinkles everywhere, your phone slipping out of your hand because your fingers are sticky or greasy or dusted with flour.

The sugar cookies are kinda average, because that's how sugar cookie are, but everyone is excited anyway, because you made them. Because you tried. Because effort counts in this season more than execution.

Your gingerbread men? Maybe too crunchy? Slightly burnt? Oddly shaped. They are perfection.

And who ended up decorating that last tray of cookies? You. All you. Every holiday mom reading this. Every last snowflake sprinkle was all you. The kids got tired. But you did not settle for naked cookies.

Santa's Elves Could Never

You’re wrapping a billion presents that will be opened in approximately two seconds. The sound of tape ripping. The scissors that were just here are gone again. Wrapping paper sticks to your socks. The cats start chewing is apart like it's coated in cat nip.

You don't doddle on the perfection because you know that these presents will be opened without any concern for how well the corners matched up on that fold.

On Christmas morning, who does cleanup? You. All you. Again. You will stuff everything, every hand-picked sheet of wrapping paper, into a giant trash bag like you just survived a small natural disaster.

And maybe tonight you’re putting up extra Christmas lights because your kid asked, even though you already swore you were done. You’re hiding presents in places you immediately forget about. Stuffing them into corners of closets as if a curious kid wouldn't actually easily stumble in there. But you're too tired to be stealth. You are running on fumes, luck and too much caffeine.

Your phone says you’ve walked ten thousand steps today, and none of them were for yourself. You’re tired but still going, because this is the part where the show continues even when you would like to lie down on the floor for just one minute.

Sparkle, Shine, Red Fluff & Green Velvet

You pull out anything sparkly, red, forest green, gold, or velvet and put it somewhere you can see it, because honestly you deserve to look at something nice. And you wear red lipstick for no reason other than it makes you feel slightly more alive. Then you make a cheese board for dinner and call it festive. Sparkling cider. Maybe fancy champagne. You blast *NSYNC holiday songs you somehow know all the words to, and your kid looks at you like you are both impressive and deeply embarrassing at the same time.

No, you will not play KPOP Demon Hunters again because they stupidly did not put out a Christmas album, and this is your movie to orchestrate. And Golden is not a holiday tune. Sorry.

NYE Onward

You buy a glittery New Year’s Eve dress just in case you feel like putting it on and dancing in your living room at 8pm. You probably won’t make it to midnight. Unless it's in the form of in your bed, doom-scrolling. That’s fine. You’re still the director. You still decide how the scene ends, even if it ends early with crumbs on the floor and half-deflated balloons you’ll deal with later. Keepy-Uppy is the afterparty theme, just maybe.

Holiday Events Burnout, No I Won't

You go to the cheesy holiday kid things, the lights, the rides, the games that cost too much and last too long. Your senses are overloaded. Your patience is thin. The smell of kettle corn, cotton candy and cold air sticks to your sweater. And still, there’s a moment when your kid’s face lights up and you think, okay, this is the shot. This is why we’re doing this. This is the frame we’re trying to capture, even if everything around it is a mess.

But you also decide there are plenty of slow scenes in between big ones. Quiet moments. Yule Logs on the Netflix screen, a game of checkers or Uno. Fuzzy socks and all the lights off, just the Christmas Tree glow to fill the space, sugar and snow sifted with peace and calm. Somehow. Between the tinsel and tangled ribbons.

Good Job, Moms: I See You

And I just want to pause the show for a second and say this: I see you. I see the logistics. The mental load. The emotional labor. The constant decision-making. The way you’re making magic out of chaos with snacks, glitter, late nights, and pure willpower. I see the effort that never makes it onto Instagram. I see how much of this lives entirely in your head and your hands.

There is no perfect production. No flawless execution. There is just heart, and showing up, and doing the next small thing even when you’re tired and slightly overstimulated. And there is just improv, night after night, with a cast that keeps changing the script and an audience that believes in you completely, even when you’re not sure what you’re doing.

And honestly? You’re pulling off a cinematic masterpiece with no budget, no rehearsal, and no idea how you’re doing it.

And that deserves credit. Like 'let me FedEx you an Oscar' level of credit.

Good Job, parents. Until next year....

PS. Just please don't forget the food. Bake one thing. You can do it.

And to help you out on the food part...

10+ Vegan Holiday Recipes to Make Every Year

Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Appetizers: Sage Citrus Butternut Squash Dip and Garlic Herb Cheese Ball on a Vegan Cheese Platter
Cloud Cocoa
Cookies for Decorating -Gingerbread Men Cookies or Linzer Cookies
Snowball Cookies, aka Pfeffernusse
Holiday Pie: Pecan or Pumpkin or Chocolate
Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce
Christmas Tree Salad
Entree: Mushroom Potato Pot Pie
Holiday Nog French Toast Casserole

Paris With Kids: How Our 5-Year-Old Saw the City (Eiffel Tower, Tuileries, Louvre + Christmas Markets)

December 11, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Louvre on a sunny day child leaning on glass

Visiting Paris with kids? Here’s my guide to doing Paris with a five-year-old, Eiffel Tower lines and all. From the Tuileries playgrounds and Christmas markets to kid-friendly Louvre tips, vegan eats for mom, and a magical hotel near the museum, this is how we made Paris work, and definitely sparkle, with a child in tow.

Twenty years ago, my husband and I took our very first trip together to Paris. We stayed in this tiny boutique hotel, walked around hand-in-hand like the most cliché version of ourselves, and I remember thinking, This is it. This is the most romantic city in the world.

Fast forward two decades. Different season of life. Same city. This time we arrived with a five-year-old, a stroller rental, and about 20,000 more steps a day on my watch.

locks on the bridge Paris colorful locks

On our first afternoon, we started wandering with no plan, just walking, taking in the streets, the light, the feeling of being back. And then, out of nowhere, we passed the exact same small boutique hotel where we’d stayed on that first trip.

We didn’t plan it. And we weren’t looking for it. We just… bumped into our past selves. That’s Paris to me: a little magical, a little weird, and always a tiny bit serendipitous. This time, though, the city belonged to our daughter. This was Rosie’s first time in Paris. In her mind, Paris was:

The Eiffel Tower
Uh, The Eiffel Tower
And.. The Eiffel Tower

So this is Paris, but told through a child’s point of view, with a parent’s reality check woven in.

Before You Go: Paris With Kids Requires a Whole New Mindset

Let me say this clearly:

If you go to Paris with a five-year-old and try to recreate your pre-kid itinerary — long Louvre days, late-night lingering dinners, slow shopping on every chic street — you will be miserable.

Paris with kids is a different city. It’s:

• Less “three-hour tasting menu” and more “pizza and bed by nine.”
Less “I must see every wing of the Louvre” and more “we spent the entire time in the kids’ studio and she drew with crayons for an hour.”
Less “romantic strolls at midnight” and more “we’ve been at this Christmas market Funhouse ride for the seventh time and I’m oddly okay with it.”

If you can let go of the fantasy of adult Paris and embrace kid Paris, the playgrounds, the bubbles, the rides, the random interactions with children from other countries, it’s actually incredibly beautiful.

Every November, we do our big Europe trip because:

Christmas markets are open and magical
Walking Weather! The weather is cool and crisp.. It’s never too hot (my personal travel dealbreaker because I love a long walk)
Coats, scarves, and boots feel like part of the experience

We fly out of Los Angeles, land in the cool air of late fall, and it instantly feels like a real vacation from our normal life.

Quick Guide: Paris With Kids (Ages 4–8)

A fast, mom-approved cheat sheet for navigating Paris with a five-year-old.

Best Ages for Paris With Kids

Ages 4–8 are the sweet spot — old enough to walk, enjoy museums, and love playgrounds, young enough to still be dazzled by everything.
Under 3 = stroller-heavy, nap-sensitive.
Over 8 = ready for longer museum days and more structured tours.

Where to Stay (Kid-Friendly & Central)

1st Arrondissement (Louvre / Tuileries area) is ideal for families:

Walkable to gardens, playgrounds, markets, and the Louvre
Easy access to cafés + transit
Safe, lively, and activity-packed without feeling chaotic

Top Picks:

• Hôtel du Louvre (Hyatt Unbound Collection) — great rooms, central, beautiful lobby, steps from everything.

• Hôtel Regina — family rooms + Eiffel Tower view options if that’s important to you.

view from the room at hotel du Louvre Hyatt

Top 6 Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower (Book ahead!)

✔ Sparkles on the hour
✔ Amazing for kids
✔ Expect long lines — especially coming down
✔ Book timed entry in advance

2. Jardin des Tuileries

✔ Playground
✔ Trampolines
✔ Open lawns + statues
✔ Dog-watching
✔ Holiday market in winter

3. Louvre Kids’ Studio

✔ Drawing tables + activities
✔ Calm, creative space
✔ Great place to rest and reset
✔ Skip the Mona Lisa with little kids if you want — there’s so much else

4. Christmas Markets (Seasonal)

✔ Funhouse rides
✔ Treats, lights, games
✔ Kids will lose their minds in the best way
✔ Not relaxing, but very worth it

5. Opera District Stroll

✔ Beautiful architecture
✔ Quick snacks + cafés
✔ The best Zara Kids (truly)

6. Random Playground Moments

✔ Kids don’t need fancy itineraries
✔ They’ll remember the playground friend more than the art

Where to Eat With Kids (Vegan-Friendly)

Best bets:

Pizza spots (ivonnes, Pizzeria Popolare, others around the 1st)
Cojean (quick, light, some vegan items)
Cafés near the Louvre with simple menus
Percent-sign c offee shop near the Louvre for great coffee

Tip: Classic French cuisine = heavy on butter + cream, easier to lean Italian, Mediterranean, and modern cafés if you’re vegan or have picky eaters.

Stroller Tips

Rent one locally, Cloud of Goods was easy and hotel-friendly.
Paris is VERY walkable, but little legs get tired fast.
Avoid navigating the airport with your own stroller if you can.

Museum Strategy (Louvre + Others)

Book morning weekday slots when possible.
Don’t force full museum days — go in with 1–2 goals max.
Turn exhibits into a game (we did “find the cats in the paintings”).
End in the kids’ studio — essential for decompression.

Weather & Clothing (Fall Travel Tips)

Late fall = chef’s kiss
Cool, crisp air
Mostly jacket-and-scarf weather
Occasional drizzle (romantic + manageable)
Boots are worth it
Layers, layers, layers

Transportation Tips

• Walk as much as you can — it’s part of the joy.
The Eurostar to/from London is fantastic but extremely quiet — avoid commuter-hour trains with small kids.
Taxis can be sparse near major monuments at peak times, so be ready to walk.

Airport Notes (CDG)

• Chaotic energy — embrace it.
Family lines at security = lifesaver
Arrive early, snacks packed

What Kids Will Actually Remember

• Sparkles on the Eiffel Tower
The playground friend
The Funhouse at the Christmas market - the ten times you went through - laughing - the scary-fun slides
Trampolines at the park
Pretzels and cotton candy
Running through bubbles
The cat paintings at the Louvre
That one café pastry
The rain - holding the umbrella
The feeling of being somewhere new and enormous

What You Will Remember

The long walks - tired but full
The serendipity
The crisp air
Shiny cobblestone
The tiny hand holding yours
The shift from romantic Paris to parent Paris, and how beautiful that evolution actually is

Where We Stayed: Hôtel du Louvre by Hyatt (and Why Central Paris Works With Kids)

Hotel: Hôtel du Louvre, by Hyatt — Unbound Collection

Location: 1st arrondissement, steps from the Louvre

Kid-friendly alternative nearby: Hôtel Regina

We stayed at Hôtel du Louvre, literally one street away from the Louvre entrance. You look out the window and see the museum right there — statues, stone, that courtyard geometry. You are in it.

Now, you might think: Staying right next to the Louvre sounds like staying in Times Square. Hard pass.But Paris is funny that way. Aside from the Eiffel Tower itself, the main “touristy” areas are also some of the most walkable and activity-packed places for families — and they still feel like real Paris.

It’s not like staying on Rodeo Drive in L.A. or in the middle of Rockefeller Center in New York. Yes, there are tourists. But there are also locals, kids, cafés, and that everyday city hum.

We loved the hotel. It had:

• Pretty interiors
A lovely view over a small square and the Louvre
Easy walking access to almost everything we did
Really good room service (we used it more than once)

There’s another kid-friendly option nearby, Hôtel Regina, which has:

• Some rooms with Eiffel Tower views
A big family room under the eaves (lower ceilings, lots of space)

But here’s my honest Eiffel Tower window-view take:

If you’re in the 1st arrondissement near the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower in your window is going to be tiny. Yes, it’s cool to see it sparkle on the hour at night, but the price bump for that sliver of view is substantial. For us, it wasn’t worth it. I’d rather walk to a good viewing spot and keep the budget for food, activities, and… let’s be honest… Zara.

Eiffel Tower With Kids: Lines, Magic, and Why We Walked All the Way Home

We set aside an afternoon to walk from our hotel all the way to the Eiffel Tower, go up, and walk home.

The Lines (Just Being Honest)

Be prepared:

• You wait in line to get into the line.
You wait again to get into the elevator.
And the longest line of all? Coming down.
We spent a long, long time in that downward elevator queue.

We went on a Friday evening during the holiday season, which is basically peak chaos, so some of that is on us. Definitely book your tickets in advance, and if you can, strategize your time slot.

The Magic (Why It’s Still Worth It)

Even with the lines, even with the chaos, being at the top when the Eiffel Tower sparkles is pure kid magic.

Our visibility was terrible that day — foggy, hazy, not those crisp Instagram views — and she did not care at all. She was spinning, skipping, glued to the giant spotlight beam at the top, and absolutely buzzing with excitement.

You could see the sparkles reflecting in her eyes more than the city, and that was enough.

The Neighborhood Around the Tower

I’m glad we didn’t stay in a hotel right under the Eiffel Tower. The base area felt:

• Very crowded
Very tourist-heavy
A little chaotic — especially on a holiday-season Friday night

Once we finished our visit, we wanted out. Instead of hunting for a cab, we decided to walk the whole way back. I know... That's just my style though.

By the end of the night, my step counter read 22,000. We were exhausted and also weirdly proud. I love walking cities like Paris, London, and New York as much as I can.. the walking is part of the experience.

Tuileries Garden: Where Paris With Kids Actually Comes Alive / Parents Safe Zone

Location: Jardin des Tuileries (between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde)

We spent a lot of time in the Tuileries Garden, and honestly, it’s where Paris really clicked for my daughter.

Think of it like a more compact mix of:

Central Park
Bryant Park
Hyde Park

It’s one big, beautiful green space with:

• Wide gravel paths
Statues
A Ferris wheel
Locals walking dogs
Kids following bubbles and running around

One Sunday morning, we saw what looked like an unofficial dog meetup, just a whole area dotted with dogs and their humans, playing on the grass. It was such a sweet little slice of everyday Paris.

night puddle at Christmas market near Louvre ferris wheel lit up

The Playground & Holiday Market

At the base of the Ferris wheel, there’s:

• A small playground that my daughter adored
A sprawling Christmas market with stalls, rides, and games

At that playground, she met another little girl - from Cambodia, we later learned, and they played together for over an hour. No shared language, no adult micromanaging, just:

• Running
• Giggling
• Making up games
• Hugging goodbye at the end

It was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip. That’s the stuff you remember.

There’s also a trampoline area with individual trampolines you can pay to jump on. Of course we did that. She bounced, I took a thousand photos, everyone was happy.

A Quick Shopping Detour: Opera District + The Best Zara

From the Tuileries, we walked up towards the Opéra area, gorgeous big buildings, buzzing streets, lots of energy. We ended up at Zara in that circle, and I’m just going to say it: It was the best Zara I’ve ever been to.

We picked up some things for her from Zara Kids, and I left thinking: Are European Zaras just better? (I think yes.)

On the way back, we stopped at Cojean (spelled COJEAN) — a quick café with: Coffee, Fresh options, Some vegan-friendly items.

They had an apple crumble–ish dessert that was so, so good. It became a little go-to stop. Back near the Louvre, we also found our favorite coffee spot of the trip, a place with a percent sign logo. Great coffee and so close to the hotel, which is all you really want at 9 AM with a child.

Ivonne's vegan pizza

Where We Ate: Pizza, Cafés, and Being Vegan in Paris With a Kid

When you’re in Paris with a five-year-old, pizza becomes a hero.

We went to Von’s (pizza + kids menu + casual energy), and it was great — simple, cozy, good.

Other pizza / Italian spots on our radar:

• Pizzeria Popolare
• A few other buzzy places we couldn’t get into or didn’t have time for
Italian food felt like the safest bet because:
• It’s usually kid-friendly
• It’s often easy to tweak for vegan needs
• It’s comforting after long days walking in the cold

Traditional French food leans heavy into butter, cream, and meat — so being vegan in Paris means you’re often looking for Italian, Mediterranean, or modern cafés instead. We made it work.

A Rainy Morning Plan: The Children’s Museum (Honest Review)

One rainy morning, we wandered into a small children’s museum near our hotel. I think they rotate their featured artist or exhibit.

Our theme was:

• Deep sea
• Black light
• Underwater plankton, jellyfish, creatures

It was fine, not awful, not amazing. Mostly a series of rooms to stroll through and look at. Not a ton to do, but it got us out of the rain and gave us a quiet hour. For a filler activity, it worked. Just don’t go in expecting a huge, hands-on science museum experience.

The Louvre With Kids: We Skipped the Mona Lisa And Didn’t Regret It

Let’s talk Louvre with a five-year-old. We went the day after a family photo shoot I had booked (highly recommend doing this, by the way — it’s the only way we get actual proof that all three of us were on the trip).

Inside the Louvre

I’m going to say the thing: We did not see the Mona Lisa. You might laugh, but honestly… what’s the point for a five-year-old who doesn’t know the history yet? She’s not going to care about checking it off a list. What she did love was everything else.

We turned the Louvre into a game:

• We walked the halls looking for cats in paintings
• We quickly realized there were way more dogs than cats
• We started joking about how dogs are the hunters and workers, so they get all the portrait cameos
• We searched and searched for cats and celebrated when we found them

It became this funny little scavenger hunt that made the overwhelming halls feel manageable. The day we went, it was very crowded — afternoon on a Saturday, which is basically the worst possible time. If you’re planning a visit:

• Book timed entry in advance
• Aim for a weekday morning if you can
• Expect lines — people were queuing over an hour early for their time slots

The Studio: Absolute Must With Kids

The best part of the Louvre with our daughter was the kids’ studio section. Inside, kids can: Draw, Create

• Sit at tables with paper and supplies
• Enjoy themed activities in a calmer, more contained space

A lot of adults were in there too, just quietly charging phones and resting. It was like a little sanctuary within the giant maze. Rosalie even met a little girl and they played for a good hour - drawing together and making paper airplanes.

I would call the studio non-negotiable if you’re doing the Louvre with kids.

Other Paris Landmarks: What We Did and Didn’t Do

There’s always more to see in Paris:

• Notre-Dame
• Arc de Triomphe
• Various neighborhoods and bridges

On this trip, we didn’t try to hit everything. With a limited number of days and a five-year-old in tow, we chose depth over breadth. We walked a ton, soaked in the city, and let go of the pressure to check every box.

Christmas Markets, Rainy Walks, and the Vibe of November in Paris

The Christmas market at the Tuileries was a huge highlight. My daughter went on the Funhouse attraction something like seven times. There were rides, games, cotton candy, food stalls, cheesy in the best way. If your child is under ten-ish, they will be in heaven. Actually the teens there seemed to be enjoying it all too!

We had one good rainy day, and honestly? I loved it. Walking through Paris with:

• A light drizzle
• Umbrellas out
• Cozy cafés as a destination
is its own kind of romantic, even with a kid.
Don’t be afraid of a little rain. I’d take that over blazing heat any day.

Leaving Paris: Airports, Family Lines, and the 11-Hour Flight Home

Charles de Gaulle Airport is… a lot. But they do have family lines at security, which I deeply appreciated on our way home. My husband had to stay behind for a work conference, so I did the 11-hour flight home alone with our five-year-old, after a week of 10,000–20,000 steps a day. It felt like a mini marathon. But we did it. And I don’t regret a single second.

Why We Keep Choosing Exhausting, Big Trips Over “Easy” Vacations

Sometimes I think: We could just be the family that goes to Hawaii every year, stays at one resort, and rotates between the pool and the beach. And that sounds lovely. Truly. But that’s not who we are. We pick the big trips: The ones that are exhausting. The ones that require strollers and tickets and strategy. The ones that are chaotic and expensive and logistically intense

Because they’re also: Character-building. Perspective-shifting. Memory-dense. They become these bright, foundational blocks in not just my life, but now in my daughter’s life too.

Paris with a five-year-old wasn’t peaceful. It wasn’t relaxing. And it wasn’t the Paris of my twenties. It was better: louder, sillier, messier, sweeter. Basically, it was Paris re-written through her eyes.

And we’ll be back.

Curious to read more of my travel adventure? Check out:

London With Kids: Our 5-Year-Old’s Favorite Things to Do in London in Late Fall

December 2, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I'm sharing our trip and how to do London with kids! Here are all of our 5 year-old's favorite things we did in London in late fall...

London in late fall feels like stepping into a storybook - cool, crisp air, gold leaves underfoot, and endless cups of warm tea in hand. I’ve been to London many times, but this was my first visit with my five-year-old daughter. Traveling with kids changes everything… in the best possible ways. The pace slows, the magic shifts, and suddenly the quiet things - ducks, donuts, playgrounds - become the heartbeat of the whole adventure.

My number-one travel philosophy with a young kid: Anchor the trip around one guaranteed hit.

For London, that anchor was simple.

fluffy swan Hyde Park round pond kensington

The swans.

But that was only the start. The vibe. The anchor.

pigeon London pretty colors purple green

10 Things to Do with Kids in London

1. Visit the Swans at Kensington Gardens (Round Pond)

Location: Kensington Gardens

Nearest Tube: Queensway / Lancaster Gate

Best Time: Morning sunlight or late-afternoon glow

Cost: Free

Vibes: London with kids, Hyde Park with kids, best thing to do in London with a 5-year-old

Where We Stayed for the Swans: Royal Garden Hotel

We stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel, which overlooks Kensington Gardens and the Round Pond, home to London’s famously giant, calm, elegant swans.

Every morning, the park glowed gold. Joggers looped past in matching track sets. Tourists snapped photos. Leaves drifted across the water like little pieces of confetti. And my daughter stood at the shore naming swans with absolute confidence that each one remembered her.

We visited every single day - sometimes twice. The swans ended up being the thing she talked about most when we got home.

If you do nothing else with kids in London, do this.

A free, beautiful, zero-stress activity that kids love deeply.

swan open wings in London Hyde Park Kensington

2. Explore the Science Museum + Wonderlab (A Must for Kids)

Location: South Kensington

Cost: Museum free; Wonderlab requires a ticket

Vibes: Science Museum in London, Wonderlab London review, family-friendly museum in London

A short walk from our hotel took us to the Science Museum, which is enormous and endlessly fascinating. Multiple floors cover:

The planets
The human body
Medicine and medical history
Space exploration
Engineering
Light and color
Hands-on experiments
But the real crown jewel: Wonderlab, the highly interactive fourth-floor gallery that requires a ticket and is absolutely worth it.

In Wonderlab kids can:

Race down giant friction slides
Sit in pulleys
Draw with massive spirograph stations
Capture slow-motion droplets
Spin, build, explore
Trigger chemistry experiments
Launch paper 'airplanes' in a wind tunnel
Play with magnets
Create light + shadow displays

It is kinetic, colorful, exciting, and somehow gives parents a moment to just breathe while kids run their own adventure.

A huge, huge win.

spray painting tees Banksy Limitless London

3. Take Kids to the Banksy Exhibit (Surprisingly a Hit)

Location: Central London (rotating locations)

Cost: Paid; VIP includes spray-paint T-shirt

Vibes: Banksy exhibit London, art museums London kids

This one shocked me - my daughter loved the Banksy Limitless exhibition. The art is bold, graphic, humorous, and repetitive in a way that kids find fascinating.

What she loved:

The bright color palettes
The repetition of prints
The textures
Finding the Banksy rat
The cat wall
The whimsy
The clever, funny images
The “infinity-style” video room
And with the VIP ticket, she got to spray-paint her own T-shirt, which was one of her favorite souvenirs of the whole trip.

If your kid has even a tiny flicker of interest in art or color, consider this.

4. Book a Kid-Friendly Afternoon Tea (We Chose the Science Theme)

Location: London hotel with rotating themed teas - The Ampersand Hotel

Vegan Option: Yes (a full tower!)

Vibes: kids afternoon tea London, vegan tea London, family activities London

vegan science tea London ampersand hotel

One of London’s sweetest traditions is children’s afternoon tea - so many hotels do themed versions, from dinosaurs to fairies to space.

We chose a science-themed tea, and it was everything:

• A rocket-ship serving stand
• DIY lemonade experiments
• Color-changing drinks
• Smoke + foam moments
• Planet-themed desserts
• Staff who didn’t blink when things spilled

And best of all: they had a complete vegan tea for me - sandwiches, pastries, the works.

Highly recommend this as a kid-friendly London moment.

5. Wander Through the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (With Expectations Set)

Location: Hyde Park

Season: Late November – early January

Vibes: Winter Wonderland London review, Christmas markets London with kids

If you’re visiting London during the holiday season, you’ll be surrounded by dreams-in-lights: Christmas markets, decorations, cozy shops, festive treats.

Winter Wonderland is the biggest of the bunch - glowing, loud, enormous, and full of rides, food, games, and carnival energy.

Honest take:

Kids: obsessed
Parents: a little overwhelmed
Best with plenty of time
Not ideal if you’re in a rush
My daughter thought it was magic. I thought it was chaos. But that’s the balance of family travel sometimes.

More mellow markets along the South Bank near the London Eye are also lovely.

6. Playgrounds, Squirrels, and London Dog-Watching

Vibes: London playgrounds for kids, Hyde Park playground, Diana Memorial Playground

Playgrounds became an unexpected highlight of our trip. Actually, every trip we've done with Rosalie basically becomes one big playground exploration. And I love that!

Our favorite:

• Hyde Park Playground, beautiful structures, lots of trees, great vibes

Next on our list (but under renovation):

• Diana Memorial Playground

London dogs also deserve their own subheader. They are uniformly gorgeous. I Googled it - London doesn’t have the same shelter system the U.S. has, so you see a lot of intentional breeding. Complicated feelings aside… the dogs were stunning and unbelievably fun to watch.

Plus: cutest squirrels everywhere. Fluffy, friendly, curious squirrels.

7. Ride the London Eye + Explore South Bank

Location: Westminster / South Bank

Kid Rating: 10/10

Vibes: London Eye with kids, South Bank London Christmas market

We took a cab to the Big Ben area, crossed the bridge for a close-up look, and walked straight to the London Eye.

Tip: Buy the priority tickets. Totally worth it with kids. The ride is gentle, slow, and offers stunning city views. Afterward, the area is packed with:

A small playground
A tiny seasonal Christmas market
A carousel
Street performers (seasonal)
It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing + kid joy.

8. Food, Donuts, Porridge & Practical Tips for Parents

vibes: vegan food London, Mildreds London, London travel with kids

Vegan Food

We ordered plenty of room service (because: parenthood), including food from Mildreds - a long-time HHL favorite. We also found Crosstown, an incredible vegan donut spot - that delivered beautiful, fluffy perfection straight to the hotel.

Porridge in London is unmatched. No one makes it better.

Stroller Rental

We rented a stroller through Cloud of Goods. Quick recap:

First stroller: wobbly
Messaged them
Replacement stroller: perfect
Easy concierge pickup

Highly recommend renting instead of traveling with your own.

Eurostar to Paris

The train was easy… but silent.

Like library-level silent. With a kid, this is torture. Even with an iPad and headphones! Yes, Rosalie started singing loudly to herself at one point. I think it's adorable, but who knows what the commuters on laptops think. Not that you need to care, but still.

Do not take a commuter hour train with a small child unless you love holding your breath for 2.5 hours. Choose morning or midday.

9. Our Favorite London Walks + Neighborhood Moments

Vibes: Walking tours London, Kensington Gardens walk, Notting Hill with kids

London is a walking city .. especially in fall.

We wandered:

Through Hyde Park in gold sunlight
Past the palace, where my daughter insisted on meeting the King
Along rows of classic white townhomes
Through crisp, leaf-strewn paths
Past adorable uniformed school kids
Toward Notting Hill (a favorite from past trips)

If you’re visiting near the holidays, Covent Garden, Selfridges, and Harrods are festive must-visits with kids.

Hyde Park playground London pretty fall leaves

Why London Works So Well for Families

London is clean, safe, walkable, and filled with beautiful open spaces. There’s an ease to it - a sense that kids are welcome everywhere.

What my daughter will remember most:

The swans
The swans
Yes, the swans
The giant slides at Wonderlab
The T-shirt she spray-painted at Banksy
Mixing neon lemonade at a 'tea' afternoon with grownups
Big Ben
The London Eye
The playgrounds
The donuts
Seeing the palace
The chaotic rides at the winter festival
Laughing about the wobbly stroller
Running a little wild at the Banksy exhibit

London with kids is special. Go slow, choose one anchor, and let the rest unfold.

Looking for more LONDON content? My posts are here:

London (vintage travel post)

Hyde Park teeter totter London happy kid

Balsamic Black Pepper, Easy Brussels Sprouts

October 28, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky 1 Comment

Today I'm sharing a recipe that I will be making on repeat this fall and winter, my Balsamic Black Pepper Easy Brussels Sprouts. These tender bites of fall veggie goodness are savory yet tangy-sweet from the aged balsamic vinegar. Perfect for when you crave a warm dish and just want to skip the side salad.

Life Lately

Friday afternoon turned into one of those unexpectedly good solo days, the kind that feels like a mini-vacation in the middle of real life.

I had a dentist appointment (I oddly enjoyed sitting and doing nothing for an hour), but afterwards, I decided to lean into a little me time before school pickup. So I headed over to the mall..which honestly felt indulgent in itself. I wandered straight into Anthropologie. And let me just say: I cannot believe how expensive jeans have become. The cheapest pair was around $150, and most were hovering near or above $250. Wild. But here’s the thing .. I am the kind of person who will absolutely wear $250 jeans with a $10 white T-shirt and call it a day.

Me Time: Fancy Mall Edition

I rarely buy “super fancy” anything. But jeans? I will do super fancy jeans. Jeans are my thing. My one wardrobe weakness. And yes, sometimes, I splurge.

So I walked out of Anthro with a new pair of fancy jeans and a really soft T-shirt that I probably didn’t need, but absolutely did. Then I wandered over to Eataly, my favorite “I-wish-I-was-in-Italy” escape. I browsed the pasta aisle like it was an art gallery. Picked up some vegan chocolate. My favorite pasta sauce. A bottle of really good olive oil and an aged balsamic vinegar that practically begged to come home with me.

There’s something about grocery shopping alone that feels like therapy, no five-year-old grabbing everything shiny from the lower shelves, no rushing. Just you, a cart, and the quiet hum of possibility.

I promise this whole mall story has a point!..

Brussels Sprouts Inspo

In the refrigerated section, I noticed a pack of pre-made Brussels sprouts, glossy with oil, speckled with pepper, and smelling faintly of balsamic. Vegan, upon ingredients list inspection. Yay! Total impulse buy. When I got home (and ate them cold!) I took one bite and literally said, Oh my gosh, yes. I forgot how much I love Brussels sprouts.

They’re easily one of my top five vegetables, and yet, I rarely make them. I think people forget how ridiculously easy Brussels sprouts are to cook. You don’t need an elaborate recipe or a half-hour roasting session. In five to ten minutes, you can have the most savory, caramelized, glossy Brussels sprouts ready to go.

And honestly? They’re the perfect “I don’t have time to make a salad” vegetable.

All that chopping and washing and dressing that goes into a salad can take forever. But with Brussels sprouts, you toss them in a hot pan, drizzle in some balsamic vinegar, maybe a splash of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a good hit of cracked black pepper, and suddenly, you’re eating something that feels fancy and intentional.

Fancy Easy Brussels Sprouts

If you want to give these a bit more oomph, go for it. Here's how I would do it. Toast some pecans in a side pan and sprinkle them over top to serve. Or try pumpkin seeds, walnuts or even slivered almonds. Dried cranberries would be another fun addition. Orange zest or pomegranate pearls also pretty additions for this seasonal dish. But if easy Brussels sprouts are your goal, this dish, as is, is perfection.

My other Brussels sprouts recipe fave, includes a bit of sweet maple flavor.

Angel Hair Pasta Phase

Lately, I’ve been in my angel hair pasta era, probably because it cooks in five minutes flat, and every parent knows that’s a gift. So a typical weeknight dinner for me looks like: pasta twirling on one side of the plate, steamy Rao's sauce pool on the other. Glossy Brussels sprouts on the other, maybe some roasted carrots or beets to round it out. Fast, nourishing, deeply satisfying.

Healthy Veggie

And bonus: Brussels sprouts are kind of little wellness powerhouses. They’re high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, basically a tiny leafy army for your immune system. They support gut health, balance inflammation, and help you feel full longer (without feeling heavy).

I love that these easy brussels sprouts have real texture, not mushy, not too crisp. Just that perfect bite where the edges caramelize, the centers stay tender, and the balsamic adds a tangy, almost sweet glaze that makes them addictive.

So if you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut or reaching for the same old sides, this is your sign. Grab a bag of Brussels sprouts (fresh or pre-shaved), heat a pan, splash some olive oil, and shake in the balsamic and black pepper magic.

Dinner done in minutes. Jeans justified. Mood restored.

ps. If you make these easy brussels sprouts, please tag me. I want to see your glossy, tangy Brussels magic. Because sometimes the simplest things, a solo afternoon, a pair of jeans, or a bowl of Brussels sprouts ~ end up being the highlight of your week.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Speedy Balsamic Black Pepper Brussels Sprouts

These easy brussels sprouts are seasoned with simple ingredients including balsamic vinegar and black pepper. EVOO and sea salt seal the deal on this delicious healthy, side dish. Simple and speedy enough to serve any night of the week.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brussels sprouts, vegetable

Servings: servings

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Cost: 5

Equipment

1 small pot
1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 cups Brussels Sprouts halved or quartered, nobby ends cuut off
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar aged
black pepper to taste
¼ cup water

To serve:

balsamic vinegar to taste

Instructions

Prep the Brussels sprouts by removing outer leaves, cutting off the knobby ends and halving - or quartering for even smaller bites.
Warm a small sauce pot over high heat. Add in the oil.
When oil is hoy, add in the Brussels sprouts. They should sizzle and the edges of the outer leaves should brown and char a bit. Stir with a wooden spoon and let sizzle for a minute.
Reduce heat to medium and carefully add in the water. Sprinkle in the salt. Add one tablespoon of the balsamic.
Cover with lid and let cook on medium for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the lid and most or all of the water should be absorbed and sprouts softened. If they are stiull too firm for your tastes, add in one more splash of water and cover again and allow a few minutes of cooking time to speften. Larger sprouts will take longer to cook.
Once sprouts are tender, add in the remaining balsamic and add black pepper to taste. Turn heat to high for one minute to lock in seasoning and char the edges again. Stir with spoon.
When sprouts look perfect and are tender, seasoned and edges charred, turn off heat. Add in additional balsamic to taste if you want an extra punch of flavor.
Serve warm.

Nutrition

Broccoli / Birthday Cake Theory, How to Find Your Niche

October 23, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I'm sharing my Broccoli / Birthday Cake Theory, aka: The Secret to Find Your Niche (Again, or for the First Time).

Lately, I can’t stop thinking about Taylor Swift’s “shiny bug” theory.

Yes, of course I’m weaving Taylor into this intro — it’s perfect.

Taylor’s Shiny Bug Theory

No one really knows what it means. Here’s how it started: "Taylor announced a limited-edition vinyl set called The Life of a Showgirl: The Shiny Bug Vinyl Collection."

It was one of those cryptic Easter eggs she drops that sends the internet spiraling.

But I get part of it. It’s a metaphor for distraction. For how one tiny, glittery thing can pull focus from the whole story.

And honestly? That’s how content creation feels right now.

Everywhere you look, something shiny is flying by: a new trend, a new sound, a new strategy, a new “must-post” topic. It’s the digital version of a shiny bug fluttering through your feed. You can’t help but stare. You forget what you were even doing.

Which brings me to my own culinary metaphor: The Broccoli and Birthday Cake Theory.

Not as cool as “shiny bug,” but mine all the same.

(Side note: I still say the shiny bug has something to do with a musical. She’s got Broadway energy. Anyway.)

Broccoli vs. Birthday Cake: How to Find Your Thing

Ok, here's my find your niche deep dive. Because it's a huge part of creating art, sharing your story and connecting online and even in person.

Picture this: you walk into the kitchen and someone says, “Hey, can you grab me the broccoli?”

You nod. Easy enough.

But as soon as you walk in, you see it — on a teal glass platter, a giant, glitter-covered birthday cake. Layers of frosting, sprinkles, candles, maybe even a sparkler or two.

You freeze.

Your brain immediately goes, Oh right, the cake. Everyone loves cake.

You forget why you walked in.

You stand there wondering if you should just bring the cake instead. After all, who doesn’t love cake? That must be what people want.

Meanwhile, the broccoli — the thing you came in for — is literally in your hands. You bought it. And you know exactly what to do with it. But now you’re second-guessing it because the cake looks cooler, safer, trendier.

If the camera panned out, you’d see it: your whole kitchen is broccoli green. The fridge is stocked with it, the cookbook is open to a broccoli recipe, and there’s a steamer basket on the stove. This is your thing. It’s been here all along, but you got distracted by the cake.

Shiny Cake-y Things in Your Feed

That’s what the online world feels like right now, birthday cake everywhere.

Trendy, viral, sugar-coated ideas that feel safe because they already got a thousand likes somewhere else. Meanwhile, your “broccoli” .. the weird, wonderful, deeply you thing you actually care about — is sitting right there, waiting for attention.

The path to creating something magical isn’t paved in frosting. It’s paved in broccoli. So no, I’m not telling you to make literal broccoli content (unless that’s your thing). I’m saying: whatever your “broccoli” is, the thing you talk about nonstop, the thing you notice, the thing you can’t stop analyzing. Guys!! That’s your content. That’s your magic.

Zoom Out

And yes it might change. So zoom out if you ned to. Instead of that cookie recipe you made yesterday and can't stop thinking about - go with desserts. Instead of that weird group chat that boggles your mind - go female friendships and mom relations.

The "Find Your Niche" Secret

Your broccoli is what people will actually remember.

The cake gets applause, but it fades fast because it's not actually your thing.

The broccoli feeds people. It builds trust. It’s your real passion, the thing that gives your work flavor and depth. It might not be what the algorithm rewards first, but it’s what the right audience is starving for.

So here’s the move:

Stop chasing the cake. Cook the broccoli. Season it, style it, make it yours, but don’t cover it in sprinkles just because everyone else did. That’s how you find your creative thing again. Pay attention to what’s already in your hands.

Are we so sick of this metaphor??? Sorry. You know I get into metaphors and can't get out, lol.

The Niche Takeaway

The internet rewards cake.

But the world runs on broccoli.

Post the thing you can’t stop thinking about — even if it’s green, weird, or unpopular.

That’s your secret ingredient.

Or another way to say it, You Niche is Yourself - Gary Vee Video. All the wild and weird things that make up you. We love a broccoli in a world of buttercream layer cakes.

yellow chocolate cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles on cooling rack

Now go make some yellow cake cupcakes...

ps. I am going to say it again: post the thing you can’t stop thinking about -- even if it’s weird.

I cannot wait to hear about what lights you up.

My Popsicle Stick Car on the 405 Theory, aka Creative Comeback Era

October 22, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today, we talk "creative comeback after motherhood - or any pause in your path." I'm sharing my metaphor and an easy framework for knowing what people actually want these days with content. Because really: what do people actually want from creators today? I love this one - my Popsicle Stick Car Theory...

This theory is for anyone rebuilding their ambition or starting over, or from scratch, creatively --- using whatever is in the craft drawer.

My Popsicle Stick Car on the 405 Theory

If you’ve ever been to Los Angeles, you know the 405 freeway. Six lanes of chaos, cars flying by at 80 miles an hour, and someone always cutting you off. But it can take you anywhere.

So, go with me on this. We are talking creative comeback after motherhood. But. We’re doing a metaphor.

There’s this beach I used to go to all the time. This beach = all my creative dreams and ambitions coming true, conversation flowing with my audience.

Back before motherhood, before all the snacks and drop-offs and bons of old crayons and Pepa figurines, I had this car, my old creative car, and I’d take it to that beach whenever I wanted to. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. It got me there. I barely nowhere the car came from, but I often think I built it slowly, all through school and my teens and twenties. Then suddenly, I found a road to drive it on.

I’d pack up my thoughts, my laptop, maybe a smoothie, and just go. The drive was everything. The ideas, the energy, the breeze. All of it.

That car, my business, my brand, my voice, took me to big places. Projects, places, spotlights. The beach.

Motherhood

Then life changed. I parked the car. And I didn't care for that beach. I craved a cozy home, family, a mid-life deep dive into who I was NOW. Running on fumes - the fuel from my youth and young professional days - here I was, out of gas. So I stayed put.

I built a beautiful world: a home filled with noise and love. Joy came from tiny quiet moments. Tiny toes and watching the sunrise, tired eyes, steamy latte in hand. That other world of beach days, long gone, outgrown.

And that old car? Suddenly, I couldn't even fit inside. Clunky and awkward, I knew if I got on the road again, I'd need a new set of wheels, like a snail finding a shiny new shell when it outgrew its last one.

Creative Craving + Time

And then recently, my kid started school. Longer days. More time and space for my brain to tinker. I felt it strongly. The desire to get back to that beach. Or even explore other beaches or destinations. Just to get back out there. The thick musty breeze of the LA air on my face.

I've been craving that version of me who felt creative and awake. Because honestly, if I have to look at one more coloring book, tub of dried-up Play-Doh, or pile of toys that I have to put away, I might actually turn into dust. I love motherhood, but I’m drowning in it. And somewhere under the snack wrappers and Target receipts, I know I still have ideas.

So I looked outside, ready to go. And keys in hand, I realized that I didn't have a backup car. Just me standing in the driveway like, great, cool, awesome.

It's Just Me Out Here

In this creative comeback after motherhood, I don’t have a team or a plan. I don’t even have motivation most days. What I do have is a phone, a laptop, and a craft table covered in marker streaks.

So I did what any slightly delusional, semi-inspired person would do. I built a new car.

Not a real one. This one’s made out of popsicle sticks and tape from my kid’s craft station. It’s wobbly. It squeaks. It probably isn’t road legal. But it’s mine.

I can see the fancy cars on the freeway. The Teslas, the Bentleys, the people who already know where they’re going and how to get there. They’ve got their strategy, their metrics, their followers. They’re cruising.

Meanwhile, I’m in my driveway with Elmer’s glue, pretending I remember how to do this. And still, something in me says, go.

What a Creative Comeback Feels Like

So I get in my little popsicle stick car, blast some fun music, and pull onto the freeway.

It’s terrifying. The big cars swerve around me. I can feel people staring, wondering what this ridiculous contraption is doing out here. I kind of want to get off at the next exit. But the thing is, I’m moving.

Slowly. Unevenly. But forward.

That’s what this whole creative comeback feels like.

I look in the side mirror and barely recognize my car, but still, it's mine. So I giggle to myself. Then I tape together one more edge of the door or the trunk and keep going.

It’s not about having a five-year plan or going viral. It’s about movement. Getting back on the road, even when it feels ridiculous. Because staying parked, waiting for a better car or a clearer path, is a trap. You could wait forever.

Sometimes you just have to start driving again, even if your car is held together with tape and hope.

So What Does the 405 Demand? What Do People Want From a Content Creator These Days?

And really, what do the people consuming your art want from your creative comeback after motherhood??

Six Step Creative Comeback Framework

If the freeway is the audience, the world, the people you want to reach, then before you drive again, you have to understand what it takes to merge.

Here’s what I’ve learned about what people actually want right now.

1. They want connection, not content.

People can find information anywhere. They want you. They want to feel less alone.

Before you post anything, ask: does this make someone feel seen?

That’s the new metric. Connection is the new algorithm.

2. They want the real story.

Every good post, blog, or podcast follows the same rhythm: story, reflection, takeaway. Tell me what happened. Tell me what it meant. Leave me with one truth I can hold onto.

3. They want it highly specific.

OK, so you need the story. But what does that mean...?

Don’t tell me motherhood is hard. Tell me you reheated your coffee three times before 10 a.m. Don’t say you’re tired. Tell me you forgot why you opened the fridge. The more specific you are, the more universal it feels. Your English teacher was right: show, don't tell. People want to feel like they are in the story, not the analysis of the critic after the show.

4. They want emotion, not performance.

They want you to go there, emotionally --- if you are brave enough to.. Cry. Beg. Moan. Shout. Well, in a creative way. Stand on your soapbox.

Be messy. Real. Or be a whole mood in one breath.

We’re done with perfect. Say what you’re actually thinking, not the caption version. If you’re second-guessing yourself, it probably means you’re about to say something real.

5. They want consistency, not virality.

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to keep showing up. Every post teaches people what kind of voice you have and reminds you that you still have one.

6. They want someone to think out loud.

You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be willing to say, “Here’s what I’m figuring out. Come with me.” I gave this topic a lot of space and thought and maybe even overthinking, and this is what I discovered.

People don’t want a coach. A relationship can't be a pyramid scheme. A business deal. A contract. A pitch. People want a companion. An honest friend. A bestie who will dig deep and fight their way out of a challenge.

The Takeaway

When it comes to a creative comeback after motherhood - or after any pause in your path -- you can’t get to the beach without the freeway. You can’t reach people without the people.

But the secret isn’t blending in with the Teslas. It’s building something that can survive the ride.

So if you’re rebuilding your ambition right now, if you’re sitting at your kitchen table with glue on your fingers wondering where to start, start here.

Know what the road demands.

Build what you can with what you have.

And drive anyway.

Because the beach, that spark, that place where you feel alive again, it’s still out there.

And it’s waiting for you to show up.

SO my friends....

Creative ambition doesn’t expire. It might get parked for a few years, buried under toys and laundry, but it’s still there, waiting for you to turn the key.

But you already knew that. The real question you have to ask yourself: Are you brave enough to drive the car? Even when it's a popsicle stick craft on a freeway of Porsches.

Are you brave enough to drive your car?

More to ponder: I love these posts..

Motherhood Murdered My Creative Mojo - cup of jo

motherhood changed my creative process - cork and chroma

The Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream

October 19, 2025 by Admin 1 Comment

Paired with some pop culture commentary, I give you my sweet and swirly, orange and teal The Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream, a la Taylor Swift-inspired glory. Enjoy it while twirl around in your kitchen to the beat of Opalite crooning, dancing through the lightning strikes..

And I'm not the only one taking this vibe to a frozen confection level Gilbert's created a Showgirl Swirl. Love that name. Theirs has "champagne sorbet and orange cream, sparkle and sweetness."

The Life of a Showgirl, Two Weeks Later

Everybody’s still talking about Taylor's The Life of a Showgirl.

Two weeks later, the songs are still looping in my head. The algorithm is still doing its job. It’s wall-to-wall Taylor Swift theories — chaotic, obsessive, unhinged — and honestly, I love it. I wanted to add my voice again, mostly because it’s fun to live inside a cultural moment like this one.

I earlier pondered about being terrified for Taylor Swift — about fame, altitude, and the fate of showgirls who came before her. I still think that conversation matters. The whole "Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson" of it all. But I’ve realized something else.

Taylor doesn’t sound terrified of the fate of many "showgirls" who have gone before her. She sounds in control.

When she shouts “Elizabeth Taylor” it isn’t a cry for help — it’s a declaration. Elizabeth Taylor made it through everything: the husbands, the scandals, the headlines, the aging. She laughed, sparkled, and stayed herself. I think that’s what Taylor sees in her: proof that you can survive the climb and still be standing at the curtain call.

I don’t need to analyze every lyric or Easter egg. I just want to appreciate how cinematic this album feels.

The poetry in “Eldest Daughter” (“the light reflects back to you”) is breathtaking.

All of "Opalite” shimmers with that "dancing through lightning strikes" lyric being my standout fave on the entire album.

“Canceled” is pure dance energy with some Reputation and Vigilate Sh*t vibes.

“The Life of the Showgirl” and “The Fate of Ophelia” play like scenes in a movie —songs that could easily become a full musical about a performer named Kitty, glittering and human all at once.

It reminds me of Britney’s “Lucky,” grown up and rewritten with self-awareness. Same showbiz ache, but layered with power.

Not Decoding This One Any Further

So no, I’m not here decoding numerology or hidden initials in the liner notes. I’m just listening. Dancing in my living room. Buying a little merch. Letting one woman’s art give my brain something joyful to fixate on for a while.

And because that’s what I do when something inspires me—I made ice cream.

Orange and teal, a little dramatic, a little dreamy.

A small, sweet tribute to a moment in pop culture that’s equal parts glitter and grit.

Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream

So this ice cream is similar to all the other cashew-based ice creams I have shared in the past. Rich and creamy, not too sweet, but oh so indulgent. It's the kind of dessert that you love to have because you don't feel like it's a sugar high waiting to happen and boom - cashews are actually good for you! Add some sprinkles if you want some extra showgirl sparkle.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream

Super creamy, rich orange and teal, vanilla ice cream. This frozen dessert is dairy-free, plant-based made using cashews.

Prep Time4

blend and churn20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cashew ice cream, ice cream

Servings: servings

Calories: 337kcal

Author: Admin