FAO SCHWARZ STAY AND PLAY SUITE OPENS AT OMNI BERKSHIRE HOTEL IN NYC

If you're looking for the ultimate holiday overnight experience, look no further! FAO Schwarz has partnered with Omni Berkshire Place to offer the ultimate FAO Suite in New York City!

This amazing hotel suite (packed with toys!) beckons families to stay and play in New York City this holiday season. What kid wouldn't want that?!

Winter Day Trips and Activities in New Jersey and Beyond: Indoor/Outdoor 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 45 fun things to do in and around The Garden State during the winter months. From play mazes to museums, I've got ya covered!

* Freshly updated for 2023!*

WONKA in Theaters This December: Official Trailer and First Movie Photos

Willy Wonka fans, rejoice! There's a sweet new film headed to theaters this December called Wonka, and it's a new take on the candy maker's early life and backstory. The film stars Timothee Chalamet as the magically eccentric Willy Wonka, and promises surprises and fun for all ages. Read on for more info about the film, a look at first movie photos, and watch the official Wonka trailer, too!

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Beaches Turks and Caicos

Beaches Turks and Caicos is a family vacation that you need to take. You might've read my review of Beaches Turks and Caicos: Is it Worth It? What's Included?) but this post will tell you really, truly, why I feel from the heart that this is THE family trip you want to take. It also might just help convince someone who is on the fence about whether or not to go.

What to Do If Your Elf on the Shelf Forgets to Hide: Free Printables Included!

Sometimes our Elf on the Shelf buddies get a little lazy, don't they? You wake up in the morning and --GASP!- your elf is still on the shelf! Here's a quick and easy save for when your Elf on the Shelf forgets to move. Free printable included in post!

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Toys, Games, Collectibles and Gift Ideas for All Ages

Are you looking for holiday gift ideas? Do you need to find gifts for boys, girls, tweens, teens, babies, or even the special adults in your life? Well, look no further! The Jersey Momma Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is here!! This guide features over 100 gift ideas in 14 different categories with something for everyone. Every item in this guide is hand-picked by me and comes with helpful links and photos. Be sure to read my shopping tips at the end of the post and visit my previous holiday gift guides, too.

Adventure Academy Review: One Mom's Honest Opinion

Adventure Academy is a brand new online learning platform from Age of Learning (the experts who brought you ABCmouse and ReadingIQ). I was given the opportunity to beta-test it, and I have the scoop for ya! It's geared towards kids ages 8-13 (so for all of you who loved ABCmouse but felt your kids 'grew out of it,' this one's especially for you!). Read on and I'll tell you what you can expect, and if it's even worth your time and money.

*Note that this post is continuously updated and I try my best to respond to all comments in the comment section! 

**I always update this post with the most recent sale links, which usually happen around the holidays. Most current sale: Black Friday sale, $45 for 1 year of Adventure Academy (then $65 a year until canceled) plus one year of ReadingIQ free. Running now through 12/4/23. You must use a sale link to access this price or find the sale through the sidebar ads. 

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. I update this post often and try to answer all questions. 

**Note that I do not approve comments regarding billing or credit card issues. I do not feel this is a safe forum to discuss those matters. Thanks for your understanding! 

** I always try to update this post with the most recent sales. The latest ABCmouse deal is their Black Friday Sale, which is $45 for 1 year of ABCmouse (then $65 a year until canceled) plus one year of ReadingIQ free. Running now through 12/4/23. Look for the highlighted link in post to access the sale.

Easy Homemade Slow Cooker Applesauce

It's so easy to make your own applesauce, and this recipe is one of my favorites. Not only can you use it as a side dish or for the holidays, but it also makes a great dessert topping on ice cream! Try it yourself and see!

A Christmas Story Christmas: Spoiler-Free Review, Trailer, Film Details

It's no secret that A Christmas Story has become a holiday classic. The 1983 film is a Christmas tradition in many homes, and some channels even run the movie as a 24 hour marathon, just in case you want to watch Ralphie Parker's antics in an endless loop of frah-gee-lay fun. Now, almost forty years later, Ralphie is back. Peter Billingsley recreates his iconic role for A Christmas Story Christmas, now streaming on MAX and available to rent or buy on other platforms. But this time, Peter doesn't just star in the film, he's also the co-writer and producer. Read on for a spoil-free look at A Christmas Story Christmas.

Holiday Book List for Kids: New Books to Check Out This Season

The holidays are just around the corner! I found some beautiful new picture book selections that are perfect for gift giving and holiday excitement. Grab a few of these titles to read around a cozy fire with some hot chocolate and you'll be ready for winter fun. 

Easy Turkey-Shaped Lollipops for Thanksgiving

Turkey suckers, turkey lollipops- whatever you call them, these Thanksgiving treats are so much easier to make than you think! They're a cute, quick way to show some gratitude to friends and family, or just end your meal with a sweet treat.

12 Cool Stocking Stuffers for Teens and Tweens: Great Gifts for Ages 10 and Up

Teens and tweens can be so hard to shop for, can't they? Ask them what they want for the holidays and they usually tell you 'I don't know' or 'a new phone.' It's either everything or nothing! So I've whipped up a quick list of twelve cool items that I think teens and tweens will love. They're perfect for stocking stuffers, too!

6 Fun Rainy Day Activities

Being stuck in the house on a wet and rainy day is no fun. While nothing is stopping you from wearing your raincoats and going out in the wet weather, not everyone wants to or enjoys being in the cold rain. Finding some fun rainy-day activities can help you stave off boredom and keep those young hands and minds active and occupied. So let's take a look at six fun rainy-day activities for kids that make staying home less boring.