New Age Mama

Mystery Boxes, Michaels Edition — Christmas in April

2026-04-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today we took a little break from unclaimed mail and switched things up with a mystery clearance box from Michaels. My friend Heather and I couldn’t resist the temptation.

As expected, they were pretty much filled with Christmas décor, silk flowers, potpourri, and all the festive odds and ends you’d expect from a post‑holiday purge.

We kept a few things for ourselves, passed some goodies along to our crafty coworkers (you know who you are), and the rest is heading somewhere even better. Heather is donating the remaining décor to a local nursing home to bring them some holiday cheer next year.

Unclaimed Mail: Bing Bong & Bathing Suits

2026-04-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today’s unboxing featured my stepfather Fernando, who dove right into the mystery mail.

First up was a Bing Bong plushie. I had no idea what it was during filming, but my son Nicky squealed like a fangirl the second he saw it and explained it’s from a video game. Needless to say, Nicky claimed that one.

Next, Fernando opened a women’s bathing suit, and yes, he actually tried it on. The commitment to the bit was unmatched.

Finally, he got two measuring cups which my mom was happy to claim. Another day, another round of unclaimed mail, and Fernando officially earned his spot in the hall of fame.

Unclaimed Mail: Boomer Edition — Cargo Pants, Antennas & Seat Covers

2026-04-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today’s unboxing featured our very first boomer unboxer, my mom, Maryann, who dove right in with confidence and curiosity.

Her haul included several pairs of brown and hunter‑green cargo pants. Next came a TV antenna that she said looks like a missile.

And finally, seat covers that will work perfectly on her dining room chairs. We needed these when my kids were little and always spilling stuff on her seats!

Grandma handled it all like a pro, laughing through every reveal. The boomer debut was a hit she might be our most efficient unboxer yet. Stay tuned tomorrow when her husband Fernando takes the unboxing throne.

Player eBook is FREE to Celebrate the Release of the new Audio Book

2026-04-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn't take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn't know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn't worth the price he's paying to be a player.

👉 Listen now on Amazon & Audible.

🎧 From High School Notebook to Audiobook: The Journey of Player

2026-04-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

This story has been with me for a long time. I first wrote Player in 1994 when I was a senior in high school. Back then, Player started as a story inspired by real life, specifically, my friend George. At the time, he was my boyfriend and he’s still one of my best friends. Some things never change though. He’s also still a little bit of a player, though these days be prefers juggling men. 😄 Check out our prom pic from 1993.

Like most of my writing, Player pulled from the world around me. A lot of the characters were inspired by classmates and memories from those years. I created the detective character the same day I had my senior portraits taken, and ended up giving him the last name of the guy standing in line in front of me.

📚 The Publishing Journey

Player almost hit bookshelves much earlier than it did. In 1997, I had an agent. Contracts were signed. The book was about a month away from going to print, and then the publisher went bankrupt. The book got tangled up in legal issues for years, and it was discouraging. I did keep writing, but my biggest struggle back then was finishing anything. I had so many ideas, probably 20 different books started, but none of them made it all the way to the end. Thankfully, that’s something I’ve learned to change. These days, I don’t start a book unless I know the beginning and the ending.

✍️ Bringing Player Into the Modern World

Fast forward a bit, Destiny became my first published book. Then, while I was pregnant with my youngest son Nicky, I hit a bit of a creative wall thanks to pregnancy brain fog. Instead of forcing new ideas, I decided to go back to Player and give it new life. That meant pulling it out of the ‘90s and giving it a serious update. I swapped out corded phones for cell phones, changed some lingo, and added in computers and digital cameras. I also had to retype everything since it was original written on a Brother Word Processor. But at its core, the story didn’t change. It’s still about a guy juggling four girlfriends. He gets caught, and when one of them ends up dead, everything spirals.

📖 From Traditional Publishing to Indie to Audio

When Player was finally published in 2012, it was through Free Focus Publishing, my cousin Andrew DiPalma was the cover model. Later, when that publisher went out of business, I made the decision to go independent. The current cover was created by my incredibly talented editor, Anne Hoelz, and it gave the book a fresh new look. Which brings us to today! Player’s newest chapter is audiobook form. The best part is that the narrator Jeremy, sounds so much like George. Out of all the twists this story has taken over the years, that might be my favorite.

This book has had a long, winding journey, from a high school idea to a near-miss publication, to a revival, to self-publishing, and now to audio. I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you in this new way.

🎧 You can listen now on Amazon and Audible: If you check it out, I’d love to hear what you think, especially now that it’s come full circle.

Unclaimed Mail - Snow Suits and Strawberry Cow

2026-04-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today’s return‑mail haul was unexpectedly fun, and very on‑brand for the kind of randomness we’ve come to expect.

Ethan kicked things off with a mini hair straightener, followed by a kid’s pink snowsuit.

Spencer opened a cover‑up and then pulled out the star of the day: a strawberry cow plush. She was rehomed with my friend Donna’s granddaughter, who also ended up with the pink snowsuit. The cow found its forever home.

Finally, I opened a Christmas wreath and a box of nail‑art pens. Another day, another round of surprises. Unclaimed mail never disappoints…even when it does.

Teens vs. Queens: Crosses, Brows and Hair

2026-04-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Our Canadian Queen Marisa is back for Round Two of unclaimed mail because once you start, you just can’t stop. This time she opened three tiny packages, each one more chaotic than the last.

First up: cross earrings which fit her style perfectly.

Next: a small hunk of hair. Maybe hair extensions? Maybe something more sinister? There were no instructions, so here’s hoping we didn’t just unbox a serial killer’s trophy. That’s the writer in me talking.

Finally, an eyebrow pencil because every queen knows importance of good brows.

Marisa’s second round proves that unclaimed mail never runs out of surprises or plot twists.

Unclaimed Mail: Squid Game Suits

2026-04-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of the Squid Game saga is here. Gabby and Spencer look like they just stepped off the set. The red jumpers were every bit as dramatic as expected, and they pulled it off like pros.

When we reconvened, Spencer opened a Steve Madden box, which sounded promising until we saw what was inside. Definitely not designer. Instead of sleek heels, he got a pair of sneakers that smelled like cheap plastic.

Then it was my turn. I opened a tan jacket that could’ve been nice if not for the stains from the bag being partially opened. To add insult to injury, it was also a little too small. So much for my moment of fashion redemption.

Still, between the Squid Game cosplay and the fake designer shoes, this round of unclaimed mail delivered plenty of laughs, and a reminder that mystery boxes are always a gamble.

When Real Life Meets the Dark Musicals — Featuring Doctor Hong

2026-04-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, real life hands me a moment that feels like it stepped straight out of one of my own books. Today at the Auxiliary Foundation Bingo event, I had the joy of watching Doctor Hong, a real doctor, take the stage and belt out Broadway tunes with bingo‑themed lyrics.

Doctor Hong delivered his own clever, comedic rewrites of classic Broadway numbers, and the entire room was on their feet. After the show, I introduced myself and told him: “My Dark Musicals fans would LOVE you.” We ended up chatting about my series, and I mentioned one of my favorite characters, Dr. Zane Riverdale, the openly gay doctor who marries a drag queen and becomes one of the emotional anchors of the series.

Here's little slice of real‑world musical magic that feels right at home in the Dark Musicals universe. Please check out Dr. Hong's YouTube video below and show him some love! He deserves every view. And who knows, maybe someday Doctor Hong will make a cameo in the books. The Dark Musicals always has room for one more star.

If you haven't already, check out the Dark Musicals Series on Amazon!

Player is Available in Audio Book Format!

2026-04-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

🎧 My very first book is now available in audio book format! Experience the tension, the romance, and the danger in a whole new way!

👉 Listen now on Amazon & Audible.

Whether you're commuting, relaxing, or just want a story that keeps your heart racing, Player is the perfect listen to get lost in.

If you haven't read it already, here is a little more about the story:

Unclaimed Mail: See‑Through Pants & Squid Game Suits

2026-04-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Today’s unclaimed‑mail haul was a journey. We started with see‑through pants in a whole rainbow of colors. Then we pulled out a lacey shirt, which wasn’t bad compared to what came next.

Because next we got another used fingernail clipper WITH the nails still in it. I wish I were kidding. I am not. Ew doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Thankfully, the universe redeemed itself with the final boxes: two full‑body red jumpers that look exactly like they came straight off the set of Squid Game. They’re creepy and iconic. Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2 to watch Spencer and Gabby model the Squid Game suits!

🎭 Meet Micaela Harper — The New Voice of the Dark Musicals Series

2026-04-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Micaela Harper, the brand‑new narrator for my Dark Musicals series. Right now, she’s deep into Phantom (Book 1), and she’s not just narrating it. She’s transforming it.

Micaela has officially signed on to narrate all 16 books in the series, and after hearing Chapter 1, I knew I’d found the perfect creative partner for this musical‑mystery universe.

🎶 She Brought the Music

One of my biggest fears about adapting the Dark Musicals to audio was losing the musical element that defines the series. I write original “lyrics” into the books that echo the spirit of the songs that inspired them, but of course we can’t use copyrighted music in the audio. Micaela solved that problem

She took my original lyrics and composed her own unique music, creating a sound that captures the heart of the series without violating any copyrights. It’s fresh, emotional, atmospheric, and perfect for the Dark Musicals. Her performance captures the drama, the romance, the tension, and the theatricality. As a real musical theater performer, she understands the tone of the series.

🎬 A Journey Begins

This collaboration is going to be an incredible ride, and I can’t wait for you to hear what she’s creating. If you want a taste of her talent, check out her YouTube video below where she sings If Somebody Love Me from Toy Story.

Book 1 should be ready by mid‑June, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Stay tuned! The Dark Musicals are about to sing louder than ever. Check out the whole series on Amazon.

Teens vs. Queens: Car Covers, Fan Parts & The Lost Thong Footage

2026-04-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today’s queen is Donna, the real‑life inspiration behind the character of the same name in Wish on a Star. In the book, Donna works for the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation, but in the real world she does hospital billing with me, and today she stepped into the unclaimed‑mail arena with full Queen energy.

Her first box revealed a car cover, which had us imagining her trying to wrangle it in the parking lot. Next up, she opened two shelves. Then came the dud: a single piece of a fan. Not a whole fan. Not even half a fan. Just…a part.

Since the fan piece was a flop, I gave her a bonus package. and of course, it turned out to be a pack of thongs. And OF COURSE I accidentally stopped recording right before she opened it. The universe robbed us of iconic footage. Truly a tragedy.

Donna handled it all like the queen she is. Teens, take notes.

Teens vs. Queens - Luck of the Irish

2026-04-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

The teens are back, this time with Spencer, Gabby, and Andrew.

Andrew kicked things off with a bicentennial bottle and a pair of shamrock jeans. They’re loud and they’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Then Gabby dove into her boxes and pulled out five iPhone holders followed by two denim jackets, one black and one green. The green denim jacket matches Andrew’s shamrock jeans PERFECTLY.

Congratulations to me, because I now have my official St. Patrick’s Day outfit 11 months in advance.

Finally, Spencer opened a car scratch remover and sponges which is perfect timing since he just got his permit. The universe said, “Congrats on driving. Now clean your car.”

Another day, another round of teen‑powered fashion and holiday coordination.

Teens vs. Queens: From Garlic Press to Runway Ready

2026-04-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Our next queen in the Teens vs. Queens showdown is Heather, the real‑life inspiration behind beautiful Mama Heather in my Dark Musicals series. And true to form, she brought charm, humor, and a little prehistoric flair to her unclaimed‑mail haul.

Her first box revealed a garlic press, which earned a round of applause from the grown‑ups in the room. Practical gifts hit different once you’ve lived a little.

Next up, she opened two “6 7” sweatshirts, and while we may be the older generation, don’t worry, we get the lingo.

The grand finale was a blue dress with black stripes that looked straight out of The Flintstones. Heather slipped it on, and suddenly we were front row at a stone‑age fashion show. Betty Rubble could never.

The Queens continue to bring personality, practicality, and pure entertainment. Teens, the bar has been raised.

Morrigan is FREE on Amazon

2026-04-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Abandoned as an infant, Morrigan spent years shuffled around the foster system, never finding a permanent home. People either bullied or avoided her, sensing she was different. She does her best to keep her abilities hidden: the power to move objects with her mind, control fire, and glimpse the future. Believing her dreams of mystical creatures and castles are her imagination, it isn’t until Filtiarn appears, the dark knight of her fantasies and the man tasked with guiding her to the magical land of Tír na NÓg, that she realizes her true identity. Once reunited with her mother and grandmother, will their triad be able to save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil?

Available exclusively on Amazon.

Teens vs. Queens: Sneaky Teen Edition

2026-04-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

While I was out running errands, Spencer and Gabby got sneaky and helped themselves to a stack of unclaimed‑mail boxes. By the time I got home, they were already knee‑deep in mystery items.

Gabby kicked things off by unboxing a rug. Spencer followed with a set of storage bags. Next, Gabby pulled a jacket that fit her perfectly. Spencer then opened two phone magnifiers.

Gabby’s next box revealed two kids’ hoodies. Spencer’s final box was broken canister which was a disappointment

But the highlight of the entire heist was when Gabby sneezed and then blessed herself. Peak teen energy.

The Queens better watch their backs. The teens are sneaky.

Teens vs. Queens: Belt Buckles, Yarn & Mystery Character

2026-04-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Our next queen in the Teens vs. Queens showdown is Lynn, and her unboxing journey took us from Western fashion to bathroom‑stall karma to crochet‑friendly surprises.

Her first package was a Western belt buckle, and before Lynn even had time to blink, Emily (Coyote) swiped it the second the camera stopped rolling. But karma works fast because when Emily tried to use the bathroom wearing it, the buckle got stuck and we almost had a code red… or was it code brown. Either way, justice was swift.

Lynn’s next package was a bundle of red yarn, which she was excited about since she loves to crochet. Finally, something practical .

Her last item was a squishy pillow with a face — adorable, weird, and possibly a character? We’re not sure. If you recognize him, drop it in the comments and help us solve the mystery.

The Queens continue to bring personality, practicality, and just a little bit of bathroom‑related slapstick. Teens, your move.

Teens vs. Queens: Civil War Couture

2026-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

The teens are back for another round of Teens vs. Queens, and once again they’re pulling ahead simply by being willing to try on anything that comes out of a mystery box.

First up was Spencer, who opened a full‑on Civil War–style gown. Gabby tried it on even though she weighs about 80 pounds and the dress was a 4XL. She looked like a determined Victorian ghost and we loved every second.

Payton unboxed a set of scrubs, which she’s already planning to pass along to her sister. Practical, useful, and one of the more normal items we’ve seen.

Then came Ethan, who got VERY excited when he pulled out a robe until he noticed the lace trim.

Gabby rounded things out with a pair of ripped jeans that were actually the right size, a raremoment in unclaimed‑mail history.

The teens are committed and aren't afraid of a little lace. Queens, you’ve got competition.

Teens vs. Queens: Brows and Nails

2026-04-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our next fabulous queen in the Teens vs. Queens showdown is Monica, and she came ready to unbox with style. While the teens have been trying on anything that isn’t a pink corset, Monica brought the kind of grown‑woman excitement only a good beauty product can spark.

Her first package was eyebrow pencils, and she was thrilled. Her second package a broken nail cutter, and her third was a baby‑sized nail clipper, brand new, clean, and perfect for her grandchildren. Considering Frankie once opened a nail clipper full of mystery nails, this felt like a redemption arc.

Monica’s haul may not have included chair‑cover bonnets, but she brought pure Queen energy. The Queens are holding strong. Teens, your move.

Teens vs. Queens - Those Aren't Bonnets

2026-04-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Round three of Teens vs. Queens is here, and the teens are determined to get a leg up on the Queens — mostly by being willing to try on anything that comes out of a box, except that pink corset.

First up was Gabby, who scored a pair of tie‑waist pants and modeled them like she was walking a runway. Payton opened a pair of kids’ overalls which were a little to small to squeeze into.

Then there was Ethan, or Slash, as my editor Anne has officially nicknamed him, who pulled out a women’s sweater. I ended up passing it along to my manager at work, who was thrilled, so technically Slash is now a fashion influencer.

But the best moment of the day came when Spencer opened a pack of chair covers. The teens took one look and decided they were either shower caps or bonnets, and naturally put them all on their heads.

The Queens better bring their A‑game next round, because the teens are out here turning chair covers into couture.

Teens vs. Queens: Purple People Eater

2026-04-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Round three of Teens vs. Queens brings in our resident Canadian queen, Marisa, and she did not disappoint. While the teens have been holding their own, Marisa walked in with quiet confidence and immediately proved that one fabulous queen can out‑unbox an entire youth group.

Her haul started with a mini digital camera, which we later confirmed actually works, a rare win in the world of unclaimed mail. Next up was a Hello Kitty blanket, which she’s already planning to pass along to her granddaughters.

And then came the moment of the day: a purple vest that had Emily (yes, the inspiration behind Mistress Coyote) cackling. Emily took one look and declared Marisa looked like a Purple People Eater, which is extra perfect because her fictional counterpart sings that song in Blow the Whistle. Sometimes the universe just hands you comedy.

The Queens are coming in strong and stylish. The teens might need to regroup before the next round.

Teens vs. Queens: Sailor Jackets, Sweatpants & Capris

2026-04-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Round two of Teens vs. Queens is officially underway, and Spencer showed up with backup. He brought three friends this time, but can four teens out‑unbox one fabulous queen? The competition is getting serious.

The teens tore into their boxes with full confidence. Ethan pulled out not one but two sailor‑boy jackets. Payton scored a rolled ice cream maker. Gabby ended up with two pairs of black sweatpants, which the kids declared “low‑key fire” because basic black sweats are the height of teen fashion .

And then there was Spencer. He opened a pair of pink and white striped capris that were not low‑key fire. Not even a flicker. The look on his face said everything.

The teens put up a strong fight this round, but the Queens aren’t done yet. Stay tuned tomorrow, when my coworker Marisa, our resident Canadian queen, steps into the ring to open a few boxes of her own.

The showdown continues.

Jessica is FREE on Amazon

2026-04-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wilbur was used to attending his college formals alone. The Halloween Ball would be no different. He’s amazed when a beautiful girl in a Victorian gown shows an interest in him. What he doesn’t realize is that another woman has her eye on him as well. The White Lady returns every Halloween to take revenge on the men of the campus for her brutal murder. This year, she's chosen Wilbur as her next victim.

Available exclusively on Amazon.

Uncle Butch’s Fudge: Handmade Spring Flavors Perfect for Easter and Mother’s Day

2026-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

There are some treats that just feel like spring, and Uncle Butch’s artisan fudge is one of them. My family enjoyed it as part of our Easter celebration this year, and it was such a hit that we’re already planning to order more for Mother’s Day. This is small‑batch, handmade fudge, each piece creamy, rich, and crafted with real ingredients you can taste in every bite.

We received two full pounds of fudge, divided into four spring‑inspired flavors. In the video below, you’ll see me, my son Frankie, and my stepfather Fernando sampling each one. Every flavor was delicious, but the coconut ended up being my personal favorite. The real pieces of coconut put it over the top. Here’s a closer look at each flavor:

🍫 Peanut Butter Chocolate

A classic combo done right. The peanut butter is smooth and rich without being overwhelming, and the chocolate balances it perfectly. It tastes like the upgraded, grown‑up version of your favorite childhood candy, each bite creamy, nostalgic, and impossible to stop nibbling.

🍊 Orange Cream

This one tastes like a creamsicle in fudge form. Light, bright, and silky, with that perfect citrus‑vanilla blend. It’s refreshing without losing that decadent fudge texture. A great choice if you like something sweet but not too heavy.

🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake

Sweet, fruity, and wonderfully creamy. The strawberry flavor tastes real. not artificial, and the cheesecake swirl gives it that little extra richness. It’s like getting dessert inside your dessert.

🥥 Coconut Cream Pie

My personal favorite. This one is unbelievably smooth with a mellow coconut flavor, and the real coconut pieces give it the perfect texture. It tastes exactly like a slice of coconut cream pie, but even more indulgent.

🎥 Our Taste Test Video

We had so much fun filming our taste test. Frankie had strong opinions, and Fernando was fully committed to giving each flavor a fair chance. You’ll see plenty of reactions, a little teasing, and a whole lot of appreciation for good fudge. It’s always more fun to try treats together, and this box made our Easter extra special.

Why Uncle Butch’s Fudge Makes the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

If you’re looking for something thoughtful, delicious, and handmade, this is it. Uncle Butch’s offers dozens of flavors, all crafted with care, and they even offer free shipping on orders over $30. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, grandmother, mother‑in‑law, or treating yourself (which is always allowed), this fudge is a guaranteed hit.

Check them out on their website and social media — links below.

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