End of Year Teacher Gift Ideas: 'Orange You Glad it's Summer?'

Are you searching for an easy end of the year teacher gift?  Do you need ideas for a special teacher gift but you're not sure where to start? Well, look no further! This 'Orange You Glad it's Summer?' gift pack is so easy to make, and it's super-cute, too! All you need is a soda bottle and some goodies and you're all set!

Flashback to My Favorite Toys from The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite 22

The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite 2023 is happening this summer in New York City! Why not take a walk down memory lane and check out my favorite finds from 2022's Sweet Suite? 

If you follow my social channels you've probably seen me posting about Sweet Suite 22, the hottest toy show of the summer from The Toy Insider! This invite-only event took place in July at beautiful Pier 60 in New York City. There were tables and tables of famous toy companies (and smaller brands, too), featuring toys, collectibles, plushies, and so much more. I love sharing this day with you because I know you can bookmark all of these fun ideas for future birthdays, holidays and special gifts. And if you're a 'Kidult' like me, you can find a few things for yourself, too! Read on for my favorite picks!

Field Station Dinosaurs: Review, Tips and Suggestions for Visiting!

Looking for an honest review of Field Station Dinosaurs in Leonia, New Jersey? Well, you've come to the right place! Let me tell you what to expect, and if it's worth the trip! You know my Jersey Momma reviews are always totally honest, right?

*This post has been updated for 2023! 
*The information in this post is what we experienced during our visit, so park offerings and prices may have changed. Check their website for exact hours, ticket info and current exhibits.

A Weekend Getaway is Good for the Soul: Reflections from Camp Travel Mom

There's nothing worse than sitting around waiting for something good to happen to you. For the past few months I've been in that kind of funk. You know that feeling when you're just uninspired and you need a change?  When I received an email from my friend Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom, asking if I'd like to attend her Camp Travel Mom event in San Diego, I thought, YES!!! Her last travel event, The Travel Mom's Western Weekend Getaway was life-changing for me. Once again I was in desperate need of change- a change of direction, a change of company, a change of scenery. I had never been to San Diego before, so I was excited to grab my blogging bestie, Kid Congeniality, and head out to the west coast. It would've been easy to pass up a travel opportunity. I could make a million excuses for myself- it's too far away, it's too expensive, it would be too hard to coordinate everything (from childcare to school work to airport pick-ups and drop-offs). But I was determined to get there, and I'm so glad I did. And with 100% certainty I can tell you that weekend getaways are necessary and imperative. Don't believe me? Read on to hear what I learned about myself from a short trip away from home and all of the many responsibilities that held me down.

How a Western Weekend Getaway Changed My Life

If you follow me on social media then you know I attended an amazing Western Weekend Getaway with Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom. I feel like I've come back a different person- a more relaxed, confident, stronger person. Maybe it sounds kinda corny, but I think I found myself again. Let me tell you what I mean. Where do I begin?

The Great Big List of Summer Day Trip Ideas in New Jersey and Beyond!

Looking for Summer day trip ideas in and around New Jersey? I got ya covered!! Here's my great big list of over 100 fun places to visit with your family this Summer, as well as an interactive map to help you find what you're looking for.

**This post has been updated for 2023! HAPPY SUMMER!

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 2023!

Celebrate World Turtle Day (5/23) with Henry from Squishmallows!

Are you ready to 'shellebrate' World Turtle Day? Sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue, this is the perfect time to show your support for these gentle and beloved reptiles. You can help spread the word about this amazing day!

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.

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: 1 full year of Adventure Academy for $45 (until canceled). The offer includes 1 year of ReadingIQ FREE. Running now till midnight on May 31st. 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 Memorial Day Sale, which offers  1 full year of ABCmouse for $45 (until canceled). The offer also includes 1 year of ReadingIQ FREE. Offer running now till midnight on May 31st. Scroll through for the sale link (in highlights).

7 Unique Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Gifts for Every Mom!

Let me guess, you need a Mother's Day gift idea, right? Who doesn't? It's so hard to find fun and unique gifts for moms these days. Read on to find the perfect gifts for any mom!

Handmade Mother's Day Gifts for Kids: Crafts Anyone Can Make!

Handmade Mother's Day gifts are some of the most special and memorable presents that a momma can receive. Knowing that a child worked to make something for you with their own little hands- well, that is priceless. I've compiled some of my easiest and most classic crafts here, but feel free to check out my Crafts page for more ideas!

The Power of Mom Friends: Building a Supportive Community for Modern Parents

Parenthood, whether motherhood or fatherhood, is a transformative journey filled with joy, challenges  and countless memorable moments. Amidst the joys and challenges, one aspect that holds a surprising importance is the presence of 'mom friends.' Sure, Dads need friends, too, but the 'mom friend' can be vital!