The Iron Claw Starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White in Theaters December 22nd

"We're here to restore justice to the wrestling federation that our father built with his own two hands- the hands that were passed down to us. The hands that will deliver The Iron Claw to you!" So say the Von Erich brothers in the nostalgic new movie,  The Iron Claw, starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White. The Iron Claw is about the bond between three brothers and their tough-as-nails father in the 1980s world of professional wrestling. Based on a true story, The Iron Claw hits theaters on December 22nd. Read on for more details about the film and to watch the official trailer. 

A Review of Christmas in Hershey: Christmas Candylane (part 1)

My review of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane in Hershey, PA is one of my most popular posts. Have you ever visited Hersheypark at Christmas? It's so much fun! First, let me start off by saying how much I love Hersheypark. I actually love Hershey, PA so much that I devoted an entire page to it on my site. So be sure to check out my Hershey Insider Page for all of my other Hershey review articles (no one paid me to do this post, it's not sponsored). This post is a two part series, so be sure to read part two detailing Hershey Sweet Lights. We've been visiting Hershey since our son was little (and now he's a teenager), so trust me, I know what I'm talkin' about here!

*This post has been freshly updated for 2023

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!

5 Tips to Balance Parenting with Business

It can be a real struggle to balance parenting and business. Staying at home means you can spend more time with your children, but starting a home business can make parenting extra challenging. From a routine that works to involving the kids, here are some tips that might help you follow your home business endeavors as a parent.

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!

The Best Gifts for Foodies from FreshDirect

FreshDirect's got you covered this holiday season! Have you seen the amazing offerings they have for foodies, friends, and loved ones? Or maybe you need to treat yourself to something delicious, right?  Take a peek at FreshDirect's fun holiday food selections and get that gift list finished today!

The Christmas Ice Caverns of Fairfield NJ: A Trip Down Memory Lane

I grew up in Morris County, and we had family members who lived in Fairfield, so we were frequent visitors of Essex County, too. 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. When I became a mom, I brought my own child there. It was a special place that held wonderful memories for so many. 

*Please note that the Christmas Ice Caverns have unfortunately closed indefinitely. If I hear that they plan to relocate or open again, I will definitely come back to update this post. In the meantime, please feel free to use it as a spot to reminisce or share thoughts and comments!

I'm With the (Marching) Band

To all of my high school marching band and color guard friends, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I never attended a football game to see how magnificent you were. I'm sorry I didn't watch you compete or wave to you as you marched in the township parade. I'm sorry I didn't understand how absolutely essential you were to our high school; how you were truly the beating heart of our school spirit. My son recently joined his high school marching band and he taught me so much. When you become a parent you think about all of the things you will teach your child but you never fully grasp how much they will teach you.

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!

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!

Fun Christmas Attractions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

What are the best Christmas and holiday attractions in New Jersey and beyond? I have some great suggestions for you! 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 some of my favorite must-visit holiday locations in the tri-state area. Be sure to scroll down for a full list of even more holiday ideas, too!!

*This post is freshly updated for 2023!

Santa Lollipops Made with Jolly Ranchers: Great Christmas Candy Gifts!

Making your own lollipops (or suckers) is not as hard as you think! These Christmas Santa lollipops were not tough at all, and they look adorable when they're finished! All you need are some Jolly Ranchers and a little imagination! Well, and this tutorial. But you get the idea...

A Wonka for a New Generation: Chalamet Shines in Wonka Movie (A Spoiler-Free Review)

The Wonka movie has some big shoes to fill. Gene Wilder's iconic performance in 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a GenX staple. We know this movie. We love it, we quote it, we sing its songs (I kid you not that I even know every line to 'Cheer Up, Charlie'). Most of us hesitantly accepted a new version when Tim Burton and Johnny Depp brought a quirky young Willy Wonka to life in 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and we probably only accepted it because it was Tim Burton and Johnny Depp). Truth be told, I loved the Tim Burton version, but I hold it separate from the Gene Wilder film. Tim Burton's version is almost like a piece of art inspired by the famous (or infamous) book by Roald Dahl (which I have read multiple times, so I know what I'm talking about here). The trailer for 2023's Wonka starring Timothee Chalamet looked amazing, so I walked into the theater with high hopes. You can exhale, because I did not walk out disappointed. Phew! 

Top Tips for Visiting Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times to make a weekend getaway or family trip to Hershey, PA. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is Hersheypark's festive seasonal event, and there are so many fun things to do, experience and eat when you visit!  I've compiled a list of tips to help you maximize your visit to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! You're not going to want to miss it.