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?!

Brick Fest Live is Coming to New Jersey! Enter to Win Tickets

Brick Fest Live is coming to Secaucus, New Jersey December 3rd and 4th and I have a special discount ticket code just for you! Scroll through to read more about the show and find a promo code for Brick Fest Live tickets! Plus, you can enter to win 4 tickets for your family! Read the post to find out how.

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 I 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!

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! 

**Adventure Academy is currently on sale for BLACK FRIDAY (now through midnight 11/30). You can get a one year subscription to Adventure Academy for $45 (until cancelled) PLUS one year of Reading IQ included. Scroll through for the sale link! Look for the highlighted links.

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! 

** Scroll through for the highlighted link to ABCmouse's BLACK FRIDAY SALE happening now through midnight 11/30. $45 for a one year subscription (until cancelled), plus one year of Reading IQ included.

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Dolls, Games, Toys, & Gift Ideas for All Ages

Searching for holiday gift ideas? Trying to find gifts for kids, babies, toddlers, teens, or tweens? Then you've come to the right place! My Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide has over 100 ideas, with literally something for everyone! Items are carefully hand-picked and organized with links and photos. Be sure to read my shopping tips at the end of the post, too!

Organic Valley Milk: Review and Milkshake Recipe

Is there really a taste difference between organic milk and regular milk? Thanks to Moms Meet and Organic Valley, I was able to sample some of Organic Valley's organic 2% and organic whole milk.  I was really curious if I'd notice a difference in how it tasted or even how long it lasted in my fridge. Read on to see what I found out!

Easy 2 Ingredient Dog Treats: Make Your Own Healthy Dog Biscuits!

Looking for an easy recipe for homemade dog treats? This one is about as easy as they come! This is pretty much a no-fail recipe, so give them a try. Believe it or not, you can eat them, too!

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, streaming on HBO Max November 17th. 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.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 2022: Highlights of the Best Sweets, Treats and Eats!

The holidays are such an amazing time to visit Hersheypark and Hershey, PA. And if you're visiting The Sweetest Place on Earth for Christmas Candylane, don't miss the food, drink and treat choices! Hersheypark just released their official 2022 Christmas Candylane Food Guide. Check out some of the highlights below!

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.

How to Plan a Safe Winter Road Trip with Your Family

Winter is coming! But that doesn't mean you have to give up taking your favorite road trips. I know, I know, wintertime and road trips don’t usually go hand in hand. But just because they're unusual doesn’t mean they're impossible. Unlike a spontaneous road trip in the summer, winter road trips require a little more planning, especially when you’re with your family. And believe me, you aren’t alone if you like to get away during the winter. Statistics show that 23% of people enjoy traveling during the winter season. Whether you want to escape the cold or enjoy spending time outdoors during chilly weather, here are some useful tips to help you plan your best (and safest) family winter road trip ever.

The Great Big List of Fall Day Trips in New Jersey and Beyond!

It's finally here, and it's updated for 2022! My great big list of fall day trip ideas in New Jersey (and some beyond, too)! Fall is such a great time to get out and explore. There are so many things to do and places to visit. I've compiled this list of handy links, and I've included an interactive Google map, too. You can zoom in on it and click on each destination for more details. The map is printable, too!

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.