Momma's EASY Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

I love hearty soups any time of year, especially if they're easy to make. This pasta fagioli recipe is SO simple and the ingredients are not over-the-top hard to find. This is similar to Olive Garden's famous pasta fagioli recipe, but dareIsay...better? It was also a family favorite, which surprised me because there are vegetables and beans in it, so you never know. But I can safely say that everyone loved it. Read on for the easy recipe.

Cruising from New Jersey: Reviews, Tips, and Advice on taking a Cruise from NJ

Have you ever considered taking a cruise from New Jersey? Are you nervous about cruising, a first time cruiser, or wondering if you should cruise again? Well, I'm here to tell you all about our most recent cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey (Bayonne) on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. We visited Bermuda, which was AMAZING! Read on to see what we experienced- especially if you're a first time cruiser or nervous about what you'll experience. I hope I can put your mind at ease.

This post has been updated for 2026! Anthem of the Seas may no longer depart from NJ, but there are other cruises that do, so please check out my post for details. 

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!

Thoughtful Ways to Mark Major Spiritual Milestones

Raising children in the faith comes with special moments worth celebrating. Milestones such as baptisms, First Communions, and confirmations give families an opportunity to recognize a child’s spiritual growth and create lasting memories. While formal ceremonies are an important part of these occasions, celebrating at home with loved ones can make the experience even more personal. Finding meaningful ways to mark these moments does not have to involve elaborate preparations or expensive gatherings. Here are some simple ways to celebrate these important milestones and create memories your family can cherish for years.

DIY Thanksgiving Turkey Wreath

Thanksgiving crafts for kids are all over Pinterest, but this is one of my favorites! It's so basic and simple, it can even be done as a classroom project with young students. It makes a cute decoration for Thanksgiving and constructing it can keep the little ones occupied on a rainy (or cold!) day. It makes a cute gift for grandparents or teachers, and you can even personalize the turkey by adding a name across the belly or adding a little hat or bow.

Simple Changes That Make Family Screen Time Peaceful

Small changes to what children watch and when they watch it can make family screen time feel much calmer. You don’t need a complicated schedule or a total media reset. Start by noticing how your child responds, choosing gently paced programs and building a predictable ending. These practical adjustments can reduce post-screen meltdowns while helping the whole household move more easily through the day.

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 13 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!!

Easy DIY Thanksgiving Decor: Oreo Turkeys and More!

Last year I hosted Thanksgiving for my family, and I went into full-on Pinterest mode, searching party planning, decorating, and just Thanksgiving crazy! 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. I hope they help. 

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.

Halloween Hits Different Now

Truth be told, I get a little depressed on Halloween. I know people usually experience depression during holidays like Christmas or Mother's Day, and those holidays can be really hard for many reasons, too. But for me, it's Halloween. As soon as I turned 50, Halloween just hit different. But it's actually been a slow build-up to Halloween depression over the years. Maybe you can relate.

10 Easy Halloween Cupcakes That You Can Make Yourself

We're not all cupcake artists, and sometimes it's hard to find the time to decorate a beautiful cupcake for a party or holiday. So I combed the internet for some easy Halloween cupcake decoration ideas, and I've compiled them in a little round-up below!

Easy Autumn Leaf Pressing: No Ironing Required!

If you're looking for an easy way to preserve Autumn leaves, I've got ya covered! This is the easiest way to collect and press Fall leaves with no ironing required! Even the littlest hands can do it. You can hang them in a window or even send them to friends who don't get to see the bright colors of autumn where they live. It's one of the best Fall projects for kids (and adults, too)!

Fun Halloween Projects: Candy Corn Kids

If you're looking for a fun and easy project for Halloween, look no further!  Candy Corn Kids are easy to make, cute, and make a great decoration in a classroom or home.  Check out my quick tutorial on how to make your own!

Awesome Painted Pumpkin Ideas from Around the Web

Get those paintbrushes ready!  It's pumpkin decorating season!  I searched the web for some of the coolest painted pumpkin ideas I could find, and here's what I came up with.  I tried to give credit where it's due and link back when possible, so please know that not all of these creations are mine (but the Angry Birds below are ours!).  They certainly inspired me, so maybe they'll inspire you, too.  Happy painting!