The Olympics have always been a special event in my life, filled with excitement, inspiration, and a bit of friendly competition. As a child, I couldn’t wait to watch the opening ceremonies and cheer on the athletes. Now, seeing my older daughter, Evelyn, catch the Olympic fever is beyond thrilling. If you’re planning an Olympic-themed party, our new Olympic-themed stir sticks will add that perfect touch of fun and festivity!

We’re counting down the days until the Olympic Games begin! The spirit of the Olympics—celebrating hard work, dedication, and dreams coming true—really resonates with our family. We're excited to watch the competitions and learn about the athletes' incredible stories, each one showing the power of perseverance. These games not only entertain us but also inspire us to reach for our own goals. Let the games begin!

I’m in love with these Olympic stir sticks because they bring so much joy to our parties with minimal effort. They’re a simple addition that packs a punch, making every drink feel special and festive. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter and a hit with the kids. It’s little touches like these that make hosting a breeze and keep everyone in the Olympic spirit!

You can purchase these stir sticks below.

Recently, I managed to score tickets to a JPL tour, which, let me tell you, is no easy feat—these tickets are harder to get than Taylor Swift tickets! For those who might not be familiar, JPL, or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is a NASA research and development center that focuses on the construction and operation of planetary robotic spacecraft. It's basically where some of the coolest space exploration projects come to life.

As a mom with a family that’s super into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), this tour was a dream come true. My older daughter, Evelyn, who was turning 7 that weekend, was especially thrilled. She’s got a keen interest in all things science and technology, and I knew this experience would be something she'd remember forever. We were all buzzing with excitement as we prepared for our big day at JPL!

The best part about the JPL Visitor Day Tour? It’s free! The trick is that because it's free, spots vanish faster than you can say "rocket science." Currently, reservations open about two months in advance. So, if you’re eyeing a tour for September, be ready in July. But be quick—those slots get snatched up within hours, sometimes even minutes. You can book your tour here.

Our excitement soared as we pulled up to the enormous JPL campus, which turned out to be a whopping 168 acres—much bigger than we had imagined! Parking is free but limited, so we were glad we arrived a bit early. Check-in is conveniently located right across the street from the free parking. Remember to bring the government ID you used to get your tickets; you'll need it for check-in. Drew got us checked in, and we waited in an outdoor area with plenty of shade. Our tour guide was amazing! They handed out our lanyards and reminded us to keep them on for the entire tour. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and involves a decent amount of walking, including some stairs. We were asked to stay close together and in a single-file line since it’s a working campus.

Our first stop was the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Visitor Center. We started with a 20-minute video that gave an overview of our solar system and seamlessly connected it to the exciting projects JPL is currently working on. Evelyn was absolutely captivated by the video, while Hazel, being only 4, wasn’t as curious. Thankfully, we packed some quiet toys for her, and she did fantastic. There were quite a few other kids there, so as long as she was quiet, no one seemed to mind her lack of interest in the film. After the video, we explored the visitor center, which showcased replicas and models of past missions. It was fascinating to see JPL’s incredible progress and their ambitious plans for the future.

Next, we got to see full-size models of the current rover, Perseverance, which is busy conducting its missions on Mars. There’s a fantastic documentary on Disney+ about Perseverance that I highly recommend to anyone who’s interested. We also got to see a model of Ingenuity. Ingenuity was a last-minute addition to the rover mission. Another team at JPL was researching flight on Mars and asked if they could send a helicopter with Perseverance to study. The Perseverance team welcomed the idea but it had to weigh only 4 lbs. They would have been happy if Ingenuity flew once, but they really hoped for 5 flights. It ended up flying over 72 times! My absolute favorite fact is that when the Smithsonian Institute found out about this helicopter being sent to Mars to achieve the first flight on the alien planet, they sent a small piece of the Wright Brothers' first plane to JPL. The JPL team incorporated that piece into the helicopter, so when it flew on Mars, it carried a piece of the Wright Brothers' plane with it. How amazing is that story?! I wonder what the Wright Brother’s would’ve thought about part of their plane, being flown around on Mars!

The Space Flight Operations Facility (SFOF) houses the control room, along with related computing and communications equipment areas at JPL. It’s also where NASA's Deep Space Network is operated from. We were thrilled to get a rare opportunity to actually sit in Mission Control. This room is almost always in use, so tours usually go through the viewing room above the control room. Because it wasn't in use, we were allowed to sit in the chairs! Even our tour guide was giddy since this doesn’t happen often. Drew and I have actually watched launches/landings that were conducted in this room so it was very cool to actually sit there. We got to see all the different missions out in space on a large board that showed the data being sent from and to the different satellites. That is why it is lovingly called “The center of the universe”. We got to hear the story about the Lucky Peanuts, which was hilarious. If you go on a tour, make sure you ask about it! If you are interested, I snapped this picture of a laminated copy of the story you can read. I really regret not grabbing a picture with one of the cans of peanuts scattered around the room. For me, this was the highlight of the trip!

Next, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Spacecraft Assembly Facility, where we peered through a second-story glass window into High Bay 1. Inside, JPL staff were diligently working on preparations for their next mission. We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Europa Clipper, but sadly, we missed it by just three weeks. The spacecraft had recently been shipped off to the Kennedy Space Center, where it will be launched in October on a mission to explore Jupiter's moon, Europa. These rooms are steeped in history, having housed the construction of some of humanity's most profound space missions. Witnessing the expansive clean room and the meticulous assembly process for space-bound instruments was truly awe-inspiring. Everywhere we looked, we saw badges commemorating past missions that were built, tested, disassembled, and rebuilt right there. Personnel working in these spaces don "bunny suits" to maintain cleanliness, with the air refreshed every five minutes—an essential precaution in the delicate environment. Evelyn particularly loved this part of the tour, captivated by the enormity of what was being accomplished right before her eyes.

Experiencing the JPL tour was nothing short of mesmerizing. From witnessing our tax dollars in action—totally worth it, in my opinion—to marveling at the meticulous care and precision that goes into every aspect of space exploration, this tour left an indelible mark. It was essential for my daughters to witness firsthand how the pursuit of knowledge benefits humanity. Evelyn, at 7 years old, absorbed everything with fascination, while Hazel, at 4, was a champ despite being a bit too young to really appreciate everything we saw. Personally, I'd do this tour again in a heartbeat. With our understanding of space and Earth continually evolving, each visit promises new discoveries and insights.

As a mother, events centered around celebrating the journey of motherhood resonate deeply with me. The "Inspired by Motherhood" event that was hosted by Be Inspired PR, beautifully captured the essence of motherhood in all its facets. From the heartfelt connections forged between fellow mothers to the creative and inspiring displays that adorned the venue, every detail was a testament to the power and beauty of motherhood. As I reflect on my own journey as a mother, events like these serve as reminders of the strength, love, and joy that define the experience of motherhood and I was grateful to have been apart of such a beautiful and special event.

At the helm of this heartfelt celebration were a group of incredibly talented women who poured their passion and expertise into every detail. Leading the charge was Leila from Be Inspired PR, known for her knack for crafting unforgettable experiences that touch the soul. Providing the enchanting backdrop was The Revery a sanctuary of elegance and warmth where the special guest mothers gathered to connect and celebrate. Orchestrating the magic was Gianna San Filippo, whose creativity and attention to detail transformed the space into a colorful haven, adorned with delicate touches and thoughtful arrangements. Behind the lens was Lisette Gatliff, whose amazing ability to capture emotion and beauty in every frame, perfectly summarized the day.

The event's ambiance was a symphony of vibrant colors and warm detailed touches, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail in the decor. Hello Pretty Events provided the space with a gorgeous backdrop that served as the perfect canvas for the center of the event. Hidden Garden's exquisite floral arrangements added the showcase of the day with their color blocking arrangements down the tables, infusing the venue with fragrant charm. Balloon Avenue's whimsical balloon installations added a playful yet sophisticated element to the decor. Complementing these enchanting elements were the chic rentals provided by Collective Rentals and La Pinata.

Colette's Catering curated a culinary experience that was as delightful as it was delectable, serving up a vibrant and sumptuous multicourse brunch. To kick off the event in style, guests were treated to welcome mocktail drinks served from Hoddebros‘s charming Airstream. These refreshing beverages were adorned with tags and stir sticks provided by yours truly, Delovely Details, adding a stylish flair to each sip. Additionally, we provided place cards guiding guests to their seats, and tags adorning every swag bag, ensuring a cohesive and visually stunning experience from start to finish. As they walked in with a mocktail in hand, they were greeted also with the beautiful music of On The Beat Music Agency. Guests could read all about the delectable treats and all the sponsors and vendors on the exquisite paper goods by the talented Chelcea Cupples Creative.

Lastly, our dear friends at JuiceBox Media worked their magic to produce an extraordinary video capturing the essence of the event. With their keen eye for detail and storytelling prowess, they beautifully encapsulated the vibrant energy, heartfelt moments, and empowering conversations that unfolded throughout the gathering. Their skillful editing and artistic vision brought the event to life, allowing us to relive the joyous memories and inspiring interactions shared among all the attendees.

Leila Lewis, the visionary behind Be Inspired PR, kicked off the event with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The audience was captivated as Dawn McCoy, founder of the Loving Way Foundation, took the stage, sharing her inspiring insights and stories. Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, partnered with Ready. Set. Food, then enlightened attendees on the crucial topic of introducing allergens to children safely and early. As the event unfolded, guests were treated to a heartwarming surprise—a touching video montage featuring heartfelt messages from their cherished family and friends. Tears of joy flowed freely as loved ones expressed their heartfelt 'Happy Mother's Day' wishes, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.

Last, but not least, all of the attendees went home with some amazing swag bags. Guests received custom gift baskets filled with products from top brands catering to moms' needs. Ready. Set. Food!  provided early allergen introduction products, while Millie Moon contributed diapers and Pink Stork supplied vitamins. Beauty essentials from Summer Fridays, denim jackets by Three Wildflower Designs, mealtime kits from EZPZ, and pajamas from Hanna Andersson added to the treat. Custom labels from Mabel’s Labels, baby carriers from  Tula x Oddbird, robes from Oddbird,, and sweatshirts from Baby Barn completed the thoughtful selection, ensuring every guest left feeling cherished.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this inspiring Motherhood Event. It was an honor to contribute our products and services alongside such talented individuals and businesses. Being able to share in the celebration of motherhood and empower attendees with our offerings was truly a rewarding experience for us. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and support events that celebrate and uplift women.

Producer
Be Inspired PR

Venue
The Revery

Planner
Gianna San Filippo

Photographer
Lisette Gatliff

Caterer
Colette's Catering

Florist
Hidden Garden

Stationery
Chelcea Cupples Creative

Videography
JuiceBox

Welcome Drinks
Hoddebros

Name Cards & Drink Tags & Stir Sticks
Delovely Details

Balloons
Balloon Avenue

Backdrop
Hello Pretty Events

Live Musician
On The Beat Music Agency

Tabletop Rentals
La Pinata

Furniture Rentals
Collective Rentals