‘New Jersey’ Articles at Sweetnicks, Page 4

I have exactly four cupcake shops to review for you. That means two things. One, I’m really behind. And two, if you like cupcakes, you should continue to hang out here.

Today? Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe in Rockaway Borough.

The first time we went there was a few weeks ago for a mid-day can’t-believe-summer-is-almost-over pick-me-up. Which is one of the very best kind of mid-day pick-me-ups one can have, don’t you think?

Located on a side street off the small downtown section, there is ample parking right in front of the store, on the street, or in a nearby parking lot. The inside of the store is cheery and bright with a retro, 1950s style vibe to it.

There are several tables and chairs for you to sit and enjoy your sweet treat, although there was quite a bit of grab-and-go foot traffic while we were there.

The cupcakes are $3.00 each, and if you buy five, the six one is free. I think it’s about average for cupcake pricing. Let’s face it, folks, cupcakes are not really a huge bargain, but in the terms of splurge snacks, it’s right there with your Mocha Frappuccino. Oh wait. That might be just me.

There are a number of cupcake places within a five mile radius, and several are higher priced than Ava’s. I think only one is lower. Ava’s perk of the sixth cupcake free is a nice bonus.

Wanna know another fun bonus? Ava’s delivers. I think we need a moment of silence. Only cupcake shop in the area to stake that claim and I can think of nothing more fun at the moment than a cupcake delivery, can you?

…

Late Christmas afternoon, as Madeline and Nick were getting ready to go off to spend the night with The Ex, Madeline grabbed my hand.

“You’re the best mommy ever.”

I knelt down so I could look her straight in her eyes, deep dark brown ones that are just like her father’s.

“Thank you, sweetheart. Are you trying to make me cry?”

She threw her hands around my neck and gave me a wet kiss on my mouth.

“No, I’m trying to make you happy.”

Even though she utterly and completely gives me a run for my money on a minute-by-minute basis.

Even though she is a heaping dose of Ramona Quimby mixed in with a healthy amount of Dennis the Menace and a sprinkle of tomboy.

Even though she is full of sass and spunk and a free spirit like no other.

All that magically melts away when she says things like that. Those are the moments that Mamas cling to when they feel like they’re about to climb the walls. Like today in Trader Joe’s when I had to fish her out of the orange juice refrigeration section. And tonight at A&P when she had us looking all over the store for sunglasses that she had tucked in her jacket the whole time. And at the restaurant at dinner, when she looked at me with great earnest and wanted to know if we could play in the water after we ate.

Those are the moments that make it worth every single second.

On Christmas morning, as we were opening up presents, Nick handed me a gift bag with what he picked out for me. At the bottom of the bag with hair accessories, make-up and nail polish, I found a clear plastic tube with a card rolled up inside.

And as with Madeline, this heartfelt card, written on his own with no prompting or help from anyone, makes every second worth it. All the attitude. The eye rolling. The push-back. Everything.

All so very worth it.

I’m one lucky Mom….

Review: Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe, Rockaway, NJ

Full of Gratitude