Minecraft Books for Kids: Inspiring Reluctant Readers

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.

Winter Day Trip Ideas in New Jersey and Beyond: Indoor Winter Fun in NJ

Winter day trip ideas are a big topic of a discussion on message boards and in Facebook groups. It's hard to figure out where to take the kids when the weather is bad. Finding fun indoor play ideas is hard enough, but entertaining kids on the weekend or during a vacation when it's too cold to do anything else, well, that ain't easy! So here's a list of over 25 fun things to do in and around The Garden State during the winter months. From play mazes to museums, I've got ya covered!

Gingerbread House Hacks : Tips for Easy Construction and Decoration

The first gingerbread house I ever built was condemned.  The walls slid together, the frosting was too watery, and if a gingerbread man tried to move in, he would have been killed by a collapsing roof. But over the years I've learned a few tips and tricks to build a better gingerbread house. Especially when there are kids involved!

How to Make a Punch Prize Box for Class Parties

As the homeroom parent for my son's classroom, I am always on the lookout for new ideas to use at the class parties.  I have seen 'punch boxes' or prize boxes on Pinterest, but never actually tried to make one myself. Until now!

Celebrating Smallfoot with a Blu-Ray DVD Giveaway!

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.

A Review of Hershey Sweet Lights and Hershey's Chocolate World (part 2)

If you haven't had a chance, please check out Part 1 of my two part blog series, Christmas in Hershey.  In Part 1 I talked about Hershey Park's Christmas Candy Lane and The Hotel Hershey. Here in Part 2, I'll talk about Hershey Sweet Lights and Chocolate World, both of which I love. And please note, this is NOT a sponsored post. I did not receive ANYTHING from Hershey, its parks or resorts. I am just sharing my opinion with you, 'cause that's what I do! If you like my Hershey stuff (and I hope you do), be sure to check out my Hershey Insider Page for all of my Hershey posts.

Let's Review Pipsticks Sticker Subscriptions!

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.

A Review of Gingerbread Wonderland at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if all of the gingerbread cookies got together during the holidays and had a big party?  I'm sure there would be dancing cookies and palace ballrooms and colorful characters.  I'm sure it would look a lot like The Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Gingerbread Wonderland.

Let's Visit The Christmas Ice Caverns of Fairfield

I grew up in Morris County, and we had family who lived in Fairfield, so we were frequent visitors of Essex County, too.  And every year without fail, we visited the Christmas Ice Caverns, which were part of Fairfield Home and Garden on Rt. 46 in Fairfield, New Jersey.

5 Fun Finds from PetCon New York

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!

Fun Christmas Attractions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

The holiday season is upon us, and if you're anything like me, you're itching to do some 'holiday stuff' with your family.  And I'm not talking crafts or baking- I mean, cool trips that you can take for some holiday themed fun! So here are 5 of my favorite must-visit holiday locations in the tri-state area.  And would you believe some of them cost less than $5 per person (and some are FREE)?

How to Decorate for Thanksgiving: Oreo Turkeys and More!

Last year I hosted Thanksgiving for my family, and I went into full-on Pinterest searching, party planning, decorating crazy mode!  I had Thanksgiving Bingo planned, and a Thankfulness jar complete with questions on paper leaves that everyone had to pass around and answer.  I had goodie bags for every guest and a kiddie table that would make Martha Stewart proud.  So from me, to you, I share my Thanksgiving ideas.

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

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!

A Review of ABCmouse - Is It Worth It?

Before I tell you about ABCmouse.com, let me just point out that this is my honest review from a mom's point of view.  I was not  asked by ABCmouse to review their service and I paid for their service just like anyone else!! This post has become very popular, so I try to keep it updated with accurate information and suggestions.

*Added note: Be sure to read the comments left by my readers at the bottom of this post. Their experience and advice is just as helpful as mine! And feel free to add your own comments about successes (or failures) with ABCmouse.

**Also note: ABCmouse has extended their holiday sale until December 26th. You can purchase a year's subscription of ABCmouse (it makes a good gift!) for $45. Read on to see how to access the sale.