Alternatives to Pumpkin and Apple Picking This Fall

I hate to admit it, but I am not a fan of apple picking in the Fall. Well, that's not exactly true. I am not a fan of apple and pumpkin picking during the weekend in the Fall. Why, you ask?  Because everyone and their mother is in those apple orchards on a sunny day in the Fall!  And I know some people don't mind the crowds, but I can't take it. I'd rather hit the local orchard after school with the Jersey Momma's Boy if I can (that does exclude Mr. Jersey Momma, but he's okay with that). Or I'd rather find an alternative. So here are some ideas for fun things to do besides apple and pumpkin picking this Fall.

10 Books to Check Out this Fall: Fun Reading Suggestions for Kids

Looking for reading suggestions for your child? I found some fun book titles to start off the school year and hopefully inspire young readers! This list features both picture books and chapter books and can reach a variety of ages, so please check it out!

Spoiler-Free Review of Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights: Is it Too Scary for Kids?

We just returned from Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights and I have so much to share! Read on for all of my tips and suggestions for visiting. And NO SPOILERS! I promise. If you have little ones at home and you're worried about bringing them to Hersheypark with these new Dark Nights- don't worry! I've got you covered, too! Read on!!

Back to School Night: Tips for Teachers and Parents

If you've read the About Me section of this blog, then you know I used to be a teacher. Back to School Night (also known as Open House), is a teacher's chance to tell you all about the school year. It's also a parent or caregiver's chance to learn about their child's teacher and classroom.  I thought I'd share some tips for both teachers and parents for this important evening, since I've learned some things about holding a successful Back to School Night over the years,  If you're scrolling, you'll find the teacher section here at the top, and the parent section towards the bottom. Happy reading!

4 Easy Ways For Your Family to Live Healthier

Getting your whole family on board with a healthier lifestyle can be tough. It seems like everyone has their own opinion on what they should and shouldn't eat, and it can be hard to agree on exercise and activities. So we've compiled four easy ways to get your whole family on track towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Jersey Momma Fall Pop-Up Event: Purchase Tickets Here!

The very FIRST Jersey Momma Pop-Up Event is finally happening! This is something I've always wanted to do and I was truly inspired by Emily The Travel Mom and her recent Western Weekend Wellness Getaway. I also had this Pop-Up Event on my '49 Before 50 List' for a while now. So FINALLY here are the details for my very first pop-up event. I hope you can make it! I also hope this is the first of many more to come.

Spookley the Square Pumpkin to Light Up Halloween with Memorable Global Events

Halloween is for everyone! Holiday Hill Farm – home of beloved holiday icon Spookley the Square Pumpkin (www.spookley.com) – announced more than 200 Halloween-themed events this

fall at farms, theme parks and resorts across the country. This includes a return to Gaylord Resorts in Orlando, Nashville, Dallas, Denver and a new, fifth location in Washington, D.C., plus debut appearances at SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas and Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Read on for more details and see where you can catch Spookley in person this season!

Titanic: The Exhibition Tickets Now Available for NYC

Everyone knows that on the fateful morning of April 15th, 1912, the Titanic sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, claiming the lives of 1,496 people. More than a century after the 1912 tragedy, Titanic. The Exhibition – created by award-winning exhibitions creator and producer Musealia – arrives in New York City after a successful run in London. Read on to see how you can get tickets to this amazing exhibition (and watch a sneak peek video of the experience, too!). 

Hersheypark Announces Dark Nights to Expand Hersheypark Halloween

It's time to start planning for a spooktacular Fall! Hersheypark announced the creation of the new Dark Nights frightfully immersive haunt experience that spreads its shadows over the Hersheypark landscape every evening during the Hersheypark Halloween seasonal event. The four-acre addition of Dark Nights represents the largest investment to date for a seasonal event, with three new scare zones and four horrifying haunted houses as part of integrated thrill experiences guests can only find in Hersheypark. Read on for all of the exclusive details!

4 Top Options for Party Pleasing Snacks

Every party needs some party snacks, but figuring out which ones to serve can be complicated. If you’re the party host, you'll be busy greeting and entertaining your guests, so you certainly won't want to stress over the food. Never fear, with these few simple party-pleasing snack options, you'll have delicious menu ideas for all of your future parties. They’re simple to make, too, so you can focus on other parts of the party-planning process instead of fretting about the food.

Make Ahead Vanilla Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

Some mornings I crave oatmeal but I don't have the time or the ingredients handy to make my own, and I'm not crazy about some of the packaged varieties. This Make Ahead Vanilla Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal is perfect for hectic mornings or for grabbing something hot on the go. 

PaleyWKND: The Ultimate Media, Sports, Gaming and Entertainment Festival in NYC!

Marvel Fans Assemble! The Paley Center for Media just announced their family program line-up for PaleyWKND, a live, immersive, once-in-a-lifetime, family-friendly celebration in the heart of midtown Manhattan.  PaleyWKND will host character appearances featuring Captain America, Black Panther and Spider-Man. Hasbro will present screenings of Peppa Pig (with Peppa Pig appearance), My Little Pony: Make Your Mark, Power Rangers: Dino Fury Season 29, and the trailer of Transformers: EarthSpark. Nickelodeon favorites SpongeBob SquarePants, Chase & Skye from PAW Patrol and Blue from Blue’s Clues & You! will also be on hand to delight young fans. But that's not all! Read on for celebration dates and all of the other amazing activities that the Paley Center will be offering (there's so much going on, you won't want to miss it!).

Cherry Ice Cream Smile: Reflections from a Duran Duran Fan Girl

When I was a teenager I had a poster of Simon leBon hanging on my bedroom wall. Truth be told, we were 'married.' Yes, I was Mrs. leBon and I even practiced signing my name this way when no one was looking. I picked out a wedding dress (it was black and gold, complete with matching shiny gold Madonna-esque hair bow that I saw on a Macy's mannequin). One of my friends 'married' John Taylor, too, so we could always be besties with Duran Duran husbands. My wedding date was December 4th. However, we had to keep these marriages secret because we were only 12, you know.* 

ReadingIQ app and ReadingIQ.com Reviews: Is it Worth the Money?

If you're looking for an honest review of ReadingIQ.com, you've come to the right place! I know you're probably wondering if ReadingIQ is worth the money or maybe even curious about what it is. I tried out ReadingIQ, and as a mom and former teacher, I've got the lowdown for you! Read on for my full review. No time to read? Watch my 5 minute video at the end of the post!