LEGOLAND New York Guide to Visiting: Reviews, Tips, Advice and Suggestions

If you're headed to LEGOLAND New York, don't go without reading my review first! We just returned from our park visit and I have plenty of tips and suggestions for you. These are things I wish someone had told me before I visited, too, so be sure to read to the end for all of my advice.

*This post has been freshly updated for 2025!

Make Your Own Peeps Houses: More Fun with Peeps

Wondering what to do with Peeps besides eat them? Peeps houses are one of our favorite Spring projects! Check out how we made them in these easy steps!

Why Music and Parties Go Hand-in-Hand

Go ahead and picture this for just a moment; the snacks are out, the drinks are poured, people are trickling in, and there’s...silence. Nothing kills the vibe faster than a quiet room and awkward small talk echoing off the walls. This is something everyone agrees with, right? Even when it comes to mellow dinner parties, you’ll still need music or it will feel a tad awkward. Now swap that silence for the opening notes of a crowd favorite, and suddenly shoulders relax, feet start tapping, and the whole energy shifts. Overall, that’s music doing its job. No decorations or fancy lighting can carry a party quite like the right playlist.

Chocolate Chip Pan Cookie Recipe : Spring Peeps Bunny Cookie

Peeps are so cute that I tend to enjoy them even after Easter.  I bought an adorable Peeps bunny cookie pan from Candyland Crafts in Raritan (if  you live in Jersey, you must go visit them!) but then I got sick right around Easter time and I never had the chance to use it.  Never one to let a good, adorable cookie pan go to waste, I made a Spring bunny cookie for myself The Jersey Momma's Boy after the holiday.

Audrey's Children - Now Playing

They said it can't be done. She said, 'We'll see about that.' 

The tagline from Audrey's Children immediately pulled me in, because this is a belief I've followed my entire life. When someone tells me it can't be done, I usually think, 'well, let me try.' Or if someone tells me, 'This is how we've always done it,' I think, 'Can we try a new way?' So I felt an immediate connection with Audrey when I read this tagline, even before seeing the movie. Read on to hear more about Audrey's Children and the amazing untold story of Dr. Evans, a renowned physician and visionary founder of Ronald McDonald House.

The Great Big List of Spring Break DayTrips (in New Jersey and Beyond!)

Looking for Spring Break travel ideas this year? Wondering where to visit in the wonderful state of New Jersey (and its surrounding areas)? Well, here's a list of over 50 of the best New Jersey day trips, as well as an interactive map to help you find them.

**This post has been updated for 2025! Please remember to visit websites or call ahead before visiting for exact operational dates and hours.

REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY PARTNERS WITH GRAMMY® AWARD- WINNING PRODUCER, SONGWRITER & ARTIST THERON THOMAS TO LAUNCH BRAND NEW KIDS’ MUSIC PROJECT SUMO’S WORLD

Do you want to hear upbeat, fun and educational music geared towards kids but with songs that you'll love as a parent, too? Check this out! Republic Records: Kids & Family just announced their partnership with GRAMMY® award-winning and world-class producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper Theron Thomas. They're excited to present Sumo’s World. Crafted with his 12-year-old son Sumo, Sumo’s World welcomes families to experience an entirely new vision of what kids’ music can be. The project infuses essential lessons about counting, handwashing, ABC’s, and more into musical bangers, powered up by elite production from a power-house hitmaker, known for his multi-platinum hits with the likes of musical superstars Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Doja Cat, Lizzo, and many more. Read on for more info about the first single and an exciting intro to Sumo's World.

Valley Shepherd Creamery Tours: Spring Lambing Tour and More!

There are so many fun things to do in New Jersey. Today we had a chance to visit Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, New Jersey. Not only were we able to learn how cheese is made, but we were also able to meet the cheesemakers, and hold newborn lambs!!!  Need I say more? So come along and see what it's like to visit this fabulous local creamery, and then schedule a visit of your own.

**Valley Shepherd just updated their tour schedule for 2025. Scroll through for the ticket link!

10 Classic New Jersey Attractions You Should Revisit

What comes to mind when you think of classic New Jersey attractions? Chances are, the places in your memory are still in existence today. New Jersey is filled with classic attractions that families and visitors have enjoyed for decades. Why not make some plans to revisit them this year?

*This post has been updated for 2025!

Beaches Turks and Caicos (Reviews): Is It Worth It? What's Included?

If you're searching for Beaches Turks and Caicos reviews, you'll find tons of glowing posts about all-inclusive family fun, but if you're wondering, is it really worth it? Is Beaches worth the cost? I'm here to help! We recently visited Beaches Turks and Caicos and I have the scoop for you!

Uninvited: Dealing with Social Exclusion as an Adult

Can I tell you a secret?

I'm an adult, but rejection still hurts, just as much as it did when I was a child.

Blogging has been quite an adventure. When I sat down at my computer over 11 years ago to start this little website, I had no idea what I was doing. I took advice from the late, great Carrie Fisher who said, 'Stay afraid, but do it anyway,' a sort of, 'fake it till you make it' kind of mentality. There have been ups and downs, of course, but so many amazing opportunities and experiences that I never could have imagined. I'm proud to say that I'm not faking it anymore. I worked hard to get where I am. But rejection still stings. It stings like a hornet!!

How to Make Rainbow Rice Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are one of the best things about childhood. They're a great way to promote creative play and independent discovery! There are some amazing ideas for sensory tables/bins all over Pinterest, and when The Jersey Momma's Boy was about 2 or 3, I would change up the sensory bins every few weeks for him. He's too old for them now, but he enjoyed playing with the rainbow rice for years. Because, well, let's face it, it's cool. Rainbow rice is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any old time of year. And don't worry, it's not as hard to make as you think!

Hot Toy Trends and 10 Favorite Finds from Toy Fair New York 2025

As I always say, Toy Fair New York has come and gone, but the memories remain. I have so much to tell you about! This was my eighth visit to Toy Fair, and although much has changed over the years, one thing stays the same: everything* I saw at the show will eventually make its way to this blog and to you, dear reader, so you can go out there and find the best toys, gifts, collectibles, and more. I have many gift guides to plan this year, as well as round-up posts like this one. 

*Yes, everything will make its way here, except what I saw at LEGO, because that was super top-secret and I signed a NDA. Sorry. 

Anyway, here are the hot toy trends I found at Toy Fair New York, as well as 10 of my favorites for 2025. 

What Does It Take to Create a Book Corner That Even Reluctant Readers Can't Resist?

If you’re a book-loving momma, then you were probably hoping your kids would inherit your passion for reading. Unfortunately, kids have their own tastes and minds, and there’s every chance that your child has become a reluctant reader or (the horror!) they don't read at all. This can come as an obvious blow considering your own passion, and from a learning perspective, you’ll certainly want to encourage them back to the bookish side. But if you push, they’re more likely to run in the other direction. So what can you do? Creating an irresistible book corner is one top option, since this can encourage children to use the space and potentially pick up books on their own as a result. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But it’s a goal you might be able to achieve by following these simple suggestions.