Dollywood: One Mom's Honest Review and Your Questions Answered

If you're looking for honest Dollywood reviews or if you're wondering if Dollywood is worth the trip (or even which season is best to visit Dollywood), you've come to the right place! We just returned from a road trip to Dollywood and SPOILER ALERT we can't wait to go back! Read on to see my tips for visiting Dollywood and what to expect, especially if you're planning on making it a road trip from New Jersey.

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.

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!

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 reserve their depression for the bigger holidays like Christmas or Mother's Day. Those holidays can be really hard for many reasons. 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.

PLANET SNOOPY at Dorney Park: A Mom's Review and Tips for Visiting

Wondering if Planet Snoopy is worth the money, or if it's right for your little one? We're venturing out of the Garden State again, this time to explore Planet Snoopy inside of Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Who doesn't love Snoopy? The absolute cuteness of this park will make your heart melt.

*This post has been updated for 2025!

NJ Weekend Getaways: Holiday Family Fun at Ocean Casino Resort

One question I receive often as a blogger is, 'Do you have any ideas for weekend getaways?' Maybe you've already searched Reddit for weekend getaway ideas here in New Jersey but you're still looking for a fun family trip, especially during the holidays. Well, I found a place that you NEED to check out, perfect for a little Christmas magic. Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City has an amazing line-up of holiday family activities and offerings. I was able to check them all out myself, so read on for details and see why I think Ocean should be on your MUST VISIT list.

10 Fun Fall Activities to Try at Ort Farms: New Jersey Fall Fun for Everyone!

If you're looking for fun things to do this Fall, look no further! I have the perfect Fall day trip planned for you, and it takes place at Ort Farms!

4 Of The Best Family Fun Activities All Ages Will Enjoy

The secret to a fun day out with the family is doing an activity that everyone (no matter what their age) will enjoy. You can find a range of these activities and day trips below, and they should suit almost  every age, from 9-90! Read on to find out what they are. 

A Review of TREESCAPE Aerial Adventure Park in Vernon, NJ: Tips, Suggestions and Advice for Your Visit

If you're looking for some outdoor fun in New Jersey or searching for a day trip that includes some physical activity, check out TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park in Vernon! We just returned from a fun excursion here and we can't wait to go back. Come see what you'll experience during your visit, and
be sure to scroll down for my 4 minute video of our trip. You can also grab my TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park promo code for tickets! 

Living Like A Local: Why Extended Stays Make Travel Feel Effortless

The best trips aren't always the ones that are jam-packed with plans; sometimes the real memories and true travels happen when you are there long enough to settle in. By settling in, you can wake up slowly, find your favorite places to eat, and you can feel like you actually belong where you are visiting. That is the beauty of having an extended stay; it gives you plenty of time, and it gives you the space that you need to experience a destination as more than just a visitor. Whether you are visiting somewhere for work, to create a project, or just a vacation, a longer stay means that you are able to live by your own routine and your own schedule. You can explore when and where you want without feeling like you're rushing everything.

No Crowd Day Trips: Visiting Merrill Creek Reservoir

Do you hate crowds as much as I do? Are you looking for a family day trip where you won't have to wait on lines or fight through crowds of people to enjoy your day? You don't have to be at an expensive museum or a crowded orchard festival (check out my blog on alternative things to do in the Fall).  A lot of times we forget that there are simple family things we can do together, too. This is not to say that I don't still enjoy a good day trip (I'm the Jersey Momma, after all, it's what I do, man!), but I also know that my son doesn't need to be entertained all the time. So this time, let's take a no-crowd day trip.  Let's visit Merrill Creek!

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)!

5 Best Online Seafood Delivery Companies for Fresh, Sustainable Seafood in 2025

Craving the taste of seafood from the ocean while living far from it? You don't have to settle for the seafood in the supermarket. Thanks to a new wave of online seafood delivery companies that have been established, you can enjoy a variety of different seafood whenever you like. 

You can now enjoy Alaskan crab, wild-caught lobster and sustainably harvested fish, all shipped to your doorstep. Whether you find yourself hosting a dinner party or you simply want to treat yourself, these trusted companies are going to bring you the sea’s best. Take a look at the five best seafood delivery companies of 2025.