The Jersey Momma Year in Review 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018
2018 has come to a close, and I must admit, I'm a little sad to see it go! What a great year it's been! Once again, I'm so proud of how far this blog has come, and I am humbled by every person who reads it. It has always been my greatest wish to help others with this blog, to provide honest opinions and a safe resource for families to come to when looking for advice, reviews, recipes and more.

Check out my 2018 highlights below, especially if you're new to the blog. There might be some posts you haven't read or some recipes or reviews you want to revisit. Happy New Year, everyone! I can't wait to share 2019 with you. I already have BIG plans in store (*claps hands enthusiastically*)!


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Hersheypark Announces Expansion: Hershey's Chocolatetown Opening 2020!

Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Hersheypark is expanding! The plans for Hershey's Chocolatetown were unveiled today in a fun social media reveal by Hersheypark. What can you expect from this expansion, happening in 2020? Read on for more details!

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Minecraft Books for Kids: Inspiring Reluctant Readers

Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Minecraft has truly taken the world by storm, and there's no better way to inspire young readers than with subjects they love. But if you search any book site for Minecraft fiction, your choices are a bit overwhelming! So I've narrowed down some of the best Minecraft series we've read so far (and believe me, we've read many over here). I've also included Amazon affiliate links throughout, in case you'd like to purchase some of them yourself (you can read about my affiliate connection on my disclosure page). If you like this post, you can also read my other reviews,  More Minecraft Books for Kids: Diary of a Minecraft Zombie and Minecraft Comics for Kids.


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Celebrating Smallfoot with a Blu-Ray DVD Giveaway!

Sunday, December 2, 2018
Have you seen Smallfoot? It's such an adorable movie and perfect for a cozy family movie night this winter! I'm celebrating the DVD and digital release of Smallfoot with a giveaway! Win your own Smallfoot Blu-Ray DVD Combo Pack below! Read on to find out how.


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A Review of Northlandz Train Museum in Flemington: All Aboard?

Saturday, December 1, 2018
*Northlandz is currently under new ownership (as of 2019) and has been going through remodeling and beautification. This post was written prior to that new ownership. I have not visited since the updates and changes, but when I do, I'll be sure to rewrite this review!

*I added some thoughts from my most recent visit to Northlandz (if you have a chance, please check them out at the bottom of this entry, under Added Thoughts.  Great title, right?)

I used to drive past Northlandz in Flemington every day when I was a teacher.  And I would always think, "I wonder what it's like in there?"  Hard to tell from the outside- all you see is a big gray building and a small sign announcing it as home of the "Worlds Largest Model RR, Great American Railway and Doll Museum."  I thought there was a real train track outside of it, but I wasn't sure.  So you know I had to find out!


What is Northlandz?

Northlandz is a miniature train museum located right on Rt. 202 in Flemington. It is similar to the well-known Roadside America in Pennsylvania.   Even if you don't have a little train enthusiast in your house like I do, it is still a point of interest.  Read on!


What Will I See There?

Northlandz is basically a walk-through model train display- over 8 miles to be exact (think giant train display, not so much a 'museum').  You peruse through at your own pace and peer into or over each display.  It's basically a spiraling effect as you walk up and up into the building.  You are viewing all of the incredible train tracks and landscapes at different angles.  The added little stories about Grandma and why certain scenes look the way they do is a cute added touch. There are also dollhouses, dolls and doll displays to view, too (you can view a video clip on their website).  The Jersey Momma's boy just skipped past those with a definitive, "Yuck!"



The Train Ride

When we first visited, there was also an outdoor working train ride (a real one), that drove us through a small area behind the museum and back.  I could not find much about this on their website, so I can't guarantee the ride is still available.  I also recall there being a small fee to ride the train (at the time it was $2.75 with ticket purchase).  If it is still running, I do recommend the train ride.  Although the area around the track was in a bit of disarray and there were not many sights to see, my son still enjoyed the ride and was excited to be on a real, colorful working train.



What Do I Need To Know?

Northlandz is old.  I'm not going to lie.  When you walk in, it is kind of dark and smells like your grandfather's basement.  Many of the displays are dusty or in need of minor repairs.  Some of the doll displays had spider webs on them.  But you know what?  It was still pretty darned amazing.  My son did not seem to notice any of the things I just mentioned.  So sometimes you have to ask yourself, "Will my child like this?"  and not, "Will I like this?"  (that basically sums up parenthood, right?).



Jersey Momma Tips

*If you have time, please read my 'Added Thoughts' after my tip section, below.

*This post was written prior to the remodeling and new ownership in 2019

*There is a cafe inside but it did not seem very enticing to us so we skipped it.  If you drive further South on Rt 202 into Flemington, you will find plenty of shops and places to eat if you are interested in traveling outside of Northlandz.  You can visit my favorite Chick-fil-A Flemington, just ahead on 202 South, near the circle!

*Admission is pricey, so be on the lookout for discount coupons (kids under 2 are free).  There is one coupon in the KidStuff coupon booklet, sold through fundraisers in most schools.

*There is no restroom to use once you start your journey into Northlandz, so be sure to use the lobby restroom before you venture into the museum.  And unless they have done a complete makeover, this is not the nicest bathroom you'll ever visit, so be forewarned!

*We once visited Northlandz in the winter time and it was a bit chilly in the museum.  For some unknown reason I had decided to leave my own coat in the car, which was not a wise decision!  Hey, at least The Jersey Momma's boy had his coat.

*If you will be visiting with very young ones, consider bringing a stroller, as there is a lot of walking and winding through the museum.

*Visit their website for more details, hours and admission info.

*They suggest bringing binoculars, which we did not do.  But a camera is a must, for sure!

*Like always, I suggest you give it a chance.  It is not Disney World.  It DOES need some updating and repairs, but it has an amazing history behind it, and I truly feel it is worth seeing at least once in your life, especially if you have a train enthusiast in your house.
 


Added Thoughts

(please bear in mind that this was my experience prior to the new ownership of 2019. I am happy to hear that someone else bought Northlandz and is in the process of sprucing it up. It looks great from the outside!)

We have been to Northlandz at least four times with my son, starting at the age of two (he's now almost six).  He still loves it.  It's a special trip to take for a boy, especially with daddy, or maybe grammy and poppy.  But like I said, it's not cheap ($33.00 for two adults and one child and that includes a coupon).  And I have to be honest here again.  There are some glowing reviews of Northlandz out there.  Just do a search on "Northlandz reviews" or "What is Northlandz?" and see what you find.  But I think giving them a glowing review is also doing them a disservice.  Because they need to know that their amazing display is going downhill.  Northlandz, I love you.  You know I love you.  I can see the incredible amount of heart and work that you have put into this train display in your lifetime.  But you need to know this:  your place needs help.  The carpets are dirty.  The walls need painting.  The displays are dusty and some are falling apart.  The last time we were there, on a 91 degree day, the air conditioning was "broken."  "On the top floor only," you told us, but that was not true, and we spent 30+ minutes along with other babies, small children and elderly people, walking through a stuffy, sweltering display at full cost.  We ran into another patron who told us she visited last year and the same thing happened.  So is your air conditioner really being repaired?  Or is it just constantly broken?  It's okay if it is, but you need to own up to the problem and not keep lying to your customers.

As we walked through, I thought, "Why not ask some local boy scout troops to help?  I'm sure they would paint some of these walls free of charge, as long as they could leave a little plaque there with their names on it?"  or, "Why not get some local businesses to see if they can donate some new carpeting in exchange for free advertising?" or "I wonder if any local train enthusiast groups would be willing to donate some time to help dust and clean the displays?"  "I know the good people of Flemington might even be willing to donate money to help restore the outer grounds, if you would only ask.  Somerset County 4H has a train group- could they help you just to clean and repair some of your incredible work?"  Every train display needs maintenance.  My dad is a train enthusiast, so I know this.

The Jersey Momma's Momma (The Jersey Grandmomma?) is a little more outspoken than I am, so when we finished our last visit at Northlandz and the owner asked us how the Jersey Momma's boy liked the displays (he ALWAYS loves the displays, he could care less if anything is dirty or old or broken!), the Jersey Grandmomma smiled and suggested some of the things that I just mentioned, about the boy scouts and the air conditioning.  The owner seemed thoroughly offended by everything, and was very snippy.  "What needs to be worked on?!" he snapped, "I work in there every day!  And the air conditioner is broken, I told you they are fixing it."  His tone made me cringe.  I quickly maneuvered my son away and got that icky feeling in my stomach that comes from confrontation.  I was sad because it suddenly made me feel like not going back there anymore.  I just wish that every business owner would realize that you have to be courteous to your customers, even if you feel insulted, even if your feelings get hurt.  Find a nice way to accept what they are saying and call it a day.

As we walked out of the museum that day, with my son all smiles, I heard the owner turn to someone he was sitting with and say, "There's always one," and my heart just broke.  What an absolute shame, and what a terrible thing to say, loud enough for a grandma and her little grandson and his mommy to hear.

I am not saying never to go to Northlandz, because the kids love it.  I've already said that.  and I've already shown you how amazing it is.  But I thought this side of the story needed to be told, too, instead of just adding another glowing review to the internet.
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Let's Review Pipsticks Sticker Subscriptions!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018
My love and enthusiasm for stickers started in the 1980's. I kept a prized sticker collection and still have my sticker books to this day. As a teacher, I used stickers for so many fun projects in my classroom- not just for rewards! I'm a firm believer in the power of positive incentives. Try handing a scratch and sniff sticker to a high school student and see what happens. I think they appeal to the kid in all of us. That's why I was SUPER EXCITED to find this amazing company called Pipsticks, who are helping to revive the sticker craze that I knew and loved so well.


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5 Fun Finds from PetCon New York

Sunday, November 25, 2018
Last week I had the pleasure of attending PetCon in New York City with my pal, Kid Congeniality. I was curious if it was worth the trip or if my dog loving friends would appreciate it. OMG, people, can I tell you how much I absolutely LOVED it?! There were so many things I adored about it, but here are five that stood out for me the most. Read on!


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Fancy Food Show Spotlight on: Callie's Charleston Biscuits!

Tuesday, November 20, 2018
September is National Biscuit Month! So here's a flashback to one of my favorite biscuits of all time- Callie's!!

I will probably be talking about The Fancy Food Show until next year, but I can't help sharing some of the amazing foods and brands I sampled there. One of my many favorites was Callie's Charleston Biscuits. If you're looking for something new to serve at a cocktail party or even at a family dinner or brunch, you must check them out! The best part is their wholesome ingredients. It's like you're eating something homemade!

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The Christmas Chronicles (Starring Kurt Russell) on Netflix: A Spoiler-Free Review!

Sunday, November 18, 2018
I was excited to hear about the new Kurt Russell movie, The Christmas Chronicles, debuting on Netflix this November. I was even more excited to get a sneak peek at the film so I can tell you all about it (without spoilers, I promise!). Read on for more info. Hint: you're gonna love it!

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Enter to Win a Double Gift Card Pack in the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop!

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Who's ready for another giveaway hop? I know I am! Once again, I've teamed up with The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island to bring you a fun giveaway hop called The Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway! If you're not sure what a giveaway hop is, read on. You'll find out how to win a set of gift cards from me, as well as prizes from over 100 other bloggers! Yup, you read that right- this month I'm giving away not one but TWO gift cards!


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Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Boys, Girls and Kids of All Ages

Monday, November 12, 2018
If you're searching for Christmas gift ideas for girls, boys (or even moms and dads), I've got you covered! If you're looking for Hanukkah presents, stocking stuffers, or just a present for yourself, I've got you covered there, too. Check out my list of fun toys, collectibles, and unique finds for the holidays!


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Enter to Win! Teen Titans Go! to the Movies Blu-Ray Combo Pack Giveaway!

Monday, October 15, 2018
Teen Titans Go! to the Movies was one of our favorite films of the summer. I wrote a spoiler-free review here that you can read, and now I'm back with a fun Teen Titans Go! giveaway! Enter below to win your own Blu-Ray DVD combo pack of Teen Titans Go! to the Movies from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment!


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Enter to Win an Amazon e-Gift Card in the Howl-o-Ween Giveaway Hop!

Tuesday, October 2, 2018
It's time to celebrate Fall with a giveaway! Once again, I've teamed up with The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island to bring you a fantastic giveaway hop called The Howl-o-ween Hop! If you're not sure what a giveaway hop is, read on! You'll find out how to win an Amazon e-gift card from me, as well as prizes from over 75 other bloggers!


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More Snacks to Liven Up Your Lunch Box

Wednesday, September 26, 2018
I know packing lunches can be super boring, whether you're packing for a child or for yourself. It's so hard to come up with new lunch ideas, and packing a lunch every day can be so redundant! Well, The Jersey Momma is here to help! You might've read my first post entitled 9 Exciting Snacks to Liven Up Your Lunch Box, or the follow-up 5 Better For You Lunch Box Snack Ideas. Now I'm back with some more fun finds from the Fancy Food Show!


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15 Toy Picks for the Holiday Season: Highlights from The Toy Insider's HoliDAY of Play

Friday, September 21, 2018
The hottest toys of the holiday season are here! The Toy Insider recently held a fabulous event in New York City called The HoliDAY of Play. They unveiled their Hot 20, STEM 10 and Top Tech 12 toys, and I've picked a few of my favorites to share with you today. They're not just great holiday ideas, but fantastic gift ideas for kids in general. Check it out!

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Peppa Pig's Surprise is Coming to New Jersey: Peppa Pig Live Tour

Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Peppa Pig fans, rejoice! A special live show is touring North America, and she's coming to New Jersey! Check out the details below, and make some plans to see your favorite piggy this November! There's even a special VIP experience package available.


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The Aquatic Experience is Coming to New Jersey! Enter to Win Tickets!

Saturday, September 8, 2018
The Aquatic Experience is coming to New Jersey! You don't need to be an aquarium owner to enjoy this awesome show, coming to the Meadowlands Expo Center this October. There are plenty of fun activities for kids and beautiful aquatic displays to see. Contests, touch tanks, shark demos and more! Read below for information, then enter to win a family four pack of tickets!!


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Enter to Win a Walmart Gift Card in the Oh the Places You'll Go! Giveaway Hop

Tuesday, September 4, 2018
I'll admit it, 'Back to School' is not one of my favorite times of year. So why not soften the blow a little with a fun giveaway?  I've teamed up with The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island once again to bring you a fantastic Giveaway Hop called Oh the Places You'll Go! If you're not sure what a Giveaway Hop is, read on! You'll find out how to win a Walmart gift card (and you don't have to use it for school supplies!) as well as prizes from over a hundred other bloggers!


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Squishmallows: Where to Find, What's Coming, What's New

Monday, August 13, 2018
Are you a Squishmallows fan? To say I'm addicted is an understatement! It's no secret that I love stuffed animals, but Squishmallows are in their own unique category. There's just something about them. They're soft as velvet and, well, squishy. Read on to hear about all of the amazing Squishmallows that I saw at Toy Fair New York this year!


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Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card in the Sweet Summertime Giveaway Hop!

Thursday, August 2, 2018
Summer isn't over yet, so that means it's time for a fun Giveaway Hop! I teamed up with The Review Wire and Chatty Patty's Place to bring you an exciting Amazon gift card contest. There are also other blogs listed below that you can hop around to and enter their contests, too. Blog hops are so much fun because bloggers offer great prizes, and your odds of winning are usually pretty good.


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The Hotel Hershey vs. The Hershey Lodge - Which to Choose? (part 2)

Monday, July 30, 2018
If you're planning a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania and you're not sure which hotel to stay at, The Jersey Momma is here to help! Are you wondering what the difference is between The Hotel Hershey and The Hershey Lodge? Read on!

This post has been freshly updated for 2023!


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Teen Titans Go! to the Movies: Spoiler Free Review by a Major Super Fan

Thursday, July 26, 2018
Titans, GO!....to the movies!! Seriously, anyone who knows me knows that I am the biggest Teen Titans Go! fan out there. I have seen every episode and I have my favorites (I'll post them at the end of this review). So, do you need to be a super fan like me to enjoy Teen Titans Go! to the Movies? No way! Any kid will appreciate it, and so will their parents! Let me tell you why...


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More Minecraft Books for Kids - Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Review

Thursday, July 19, 2018
Diary of a Minecraft Zombie is one of our favorite book series. I once posted an entry about Minecraft books for kids and inspiring boys to read (I also posted a fun craft called Make Your Own Minecraft Shrinky Dinks). Since then, many people have asked me for more recommendations and titles of other Minecraft books on the market. So it's time to share the Diary of a Minecraft Zombie series by Zack Zombie (formerly Herobrine Books), so you can see just why we love it so much.

**Diary of a Minecraft Zombie has reached a milestone of selling over 2 million copies worldwide!! Woo hoo! Congrats, Zombie!!

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Summer Reading Suggestions for Kids

Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Summer is here and that means you might be looking for some great summer reading suggestions for kids! Last year we picked some fun titles for our 2017 reading list, so be sure to check that out, too!


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LEGOLAND New York Theme Park is Coming in 2021!

Saturday, July 7, 2018
It's official! A LEGOLAND theme park is coming to New York state!

There's been a lot of buzz lately about a LEGOLAND theme park opening in New York state, and now it's official. Once complete, New Jersey residents will have a real, live LEGOLAND about an hour away! So, what are the details? The Jersey Momma has the low-down for you!

**Update: LEGOLAND New York Resort is now open for previews! Read more about it here!**


Cabela's: What's Inside?

Friday, July 6, 2018
Time for another out-of-Jersey experience!  Let's head over to Pennsylvania and visit Cabela's Outfitter's Store!  If you're rolling your eyes, cut it out. Seriously, I am the farthest thing from an outdoor enthusiast.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE nature. I love hiking and visiting state parks.  I love animals and trees and flowers. But I am no camper, and I certainly don't like hunting. But Cabela's is cool.  I assure you!


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5 Better for You Lunch Box Snack Ideas

Saturday, June 30, 2018
What are some ideas for lunch box snacks? I hear it all the time, or I see posts in Facebook groups looking for new ideas for lunch box snacks and after school treats. All of those packaged cookies and chips are so convenient, but they're not always healthy. And if you have a picky eater at home like me, you want to make those snacks as healthy as you can get! Last year I brought you 9 Exciting Snacks to Liven Up Your Lunchbox. This year, I bring you five better for you treats to try. Let me know what you think!


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Win a DVD Blu-Ray Copy of Alex & Me Starring Soccer Champion Alex Morgan!

Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Budding soccer stars will love the new movie from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment, Alex & Me! The movie stars world champion soccer star, Alex Morgan, and features an inspiring story that any soccer fan will appreciate. Read on to see how you can win your own copy of the film!


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Make Your Own Spin Art T-Shirts (Great for Field Day!)

Tuesday, June 12, 2018
You might have seen my post about creating your own Spin Art, and just how easy it really is. One of the other things I like about the whole project is that it's portable, so you can literally do your spin art anywhere! That came in super handy when I decided to make our own Spin Art t-shirts for an upcoming event at my son's school.


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Summer Reading Lists for Kids: Fun Suggestions from The Jersey Momma

Tuesday, June 5, 2018
If you're looking for Summer Reading suggestions for kids, I have some good ideas to keep their brains active for the season! Check out my picks for readers ages 8-10 (and up), and let me know what you think in the comments section below!


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Blossom Water : A Little Taste of Summer in a Bottle

Thursday, May 31, 2018
The weather is pretty dreary here in New Jersey today, and I'm missing those long, sweet days of summer. So I thought I'd share a little sunshine with you, in the form of an awesome new drink that I first heard of at The Fancy Food Show in New York. It's called Blossom Water, and it's actually pure water infused with natural fruit and flower essences. Yes, flowers!!  



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Daphne & Velma Blu-Ray Giveaway and Fun Activities

Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Scooby-Doo fans, this one's for you! Your favorite mystery solving teenagers are back in an all-new, live-action feature length movie! Daphne & Velma is available on Digital, DVD and Blu-ray on May 22nd, and you can win your own copy! Scroll below to hear about the movie, and enter to win!


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Fall 2018 LEGO Collection Preview in New York City: #LEGOgoals!

Friday, May 18, 2018
The newest LEGO sets debuting later this year are amaaaaazing! I had the great pleasure of attending a fun LEGO event at New York's 287 Gallery in Chelsea yesterday, and I was so excited to see what's in store for LEGO over the coming months. Take a look at what you'll find on the shelves, and start filling up those wish lists!


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Enter to Win a $25 Visa Gift Card in the Life's a Beach Giveaway Hop!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Summer is just around the corner and it's always fun to celebrate the coming of a new season with a GIVEAWAY! I've teamed up with The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island to bring you another fun contest. Keep reading to see what you can win!


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The Hotel Hershey vs. The Hershey Lodge - Which to Choose? (Part 1)

Monday, May 14, 2018
If you're thinking of planning a trip to Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania but you're not sure where to stay, The Jersey Momma is here to help!  Here's my honest review of the Hershey resorts. You can also read Part 2 - The Hotel Hershey vs. The Hershey Lodge, which highlights the Hotel Hershey.  Please note that I can't tell you which choice to make for your family (you have to decide that!), but I can tell you what I experienced at each one, and hopefully, this will help you decide.


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Star Wars Contest: May the Fourth Be With You!

Friday, May 4, 2018
May the 4th Be With You!! I am a HUGE Star Wars fan and this is one of my favorite days of the year. So I've teamed up with my friend over at Picturing Disney to share this awesome Star Wars contest with you! See all of the info below, and find out what you can win!

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Fancy Food Show Spotlight on: Hoboken Farms Big Pasta Sauces!

Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Not long ago, I attended the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. It was an honor to meet so many amazing food vendors and to see some of the new products coming on the market. I'm excited to share my favorites with you- not because anyone paid me to do so, but because I love how they taste. I also think you deserve to know about healthier options with simpler, more natural ingredients (we're so used to buying the same brands all the time, right?). And I especially love to see local businesses gaining notoriety! One of those amazing local businesses is Hoboken Farms.

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AACA Museum Review: Auto Museum Fun for Everyone in Hershey, PA

Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Wondering if the AACA Auto Museum in Hershey, PA is worth the trip? We've been to Hershey many times and the auto museum was the one place we hadn't visited, but I always wondered if it was worthwhile. I mean, what's there to see at an auto museum, right? Well, I can honestly tell you that we loved it! Read on to see why.

*this post has been freshly updated for 2019!*



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Awesome Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas

Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Are you on the hunt for Easter basket items? Looking for some new ideas instead of candy this year? I have some fun finds for you, and they won't cause cavities!


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Gearing up for The New York International Auto Show with Toyota and A Girls Guide to Cars

Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Guess what? The New York International Auto Show is still going strong. It runs through Sunday, April 8th at the Javits Center in New York City. I am so excited to be attending this year with A Girls Guide to Cars for their Girls Night Out event! I've been a fan of The New York International Auto Show for ages, and I used to attend every year with my dad and sister when I was a little girl. The show holds many special memories for me. 

If you'd like to win tickets to attend the show (and make some special memories of your own), scroll down to enter A Girls Guide to Cars ticket giveaway! They have ten pairs of tickets to give away, as well as a $150 gift card to a grand prize winner!! How cool is that? You can follow along with me and A Girls Guide to Cars beginning on social media on March 29th, and check out all of my highlights from Toyota here. Read on, and don't forget to enter the contest and see what else A Girls Guide to Cars will be giving away to consumers attending the show!


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Easter Gift Guide: Non-Candy Easter Basket Gift Ideas for All Ages

Friday, March 16, 2018
I have some great Easter gift ideas for you this year! If you're looking for fun ideas for Easter baskets or just some new, unique gifts for kids this Easter time, you've come to the right place. Read on for my favorite choices, as well as some ideas for non-candy egg filling.

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