Ten Years Without You: The Loss of My Dog

I remember the day I lost you so well. Actually, I remember The After- those dark, dark days and nights after you left this world- they felt like a hole had opened up and swallowed me. You might as well have cut my heart out. I remember thinking, how am I going to live the rest of my life without you? Forty, fifty years? Fifty. Years. Without. You. I literally couldn't breathe thinking about it. Now here we are at ten. I've made it ten years without you. And I have thought about you every single day since you've been gone. 

Let's Visit The Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ

Are you looking for a fun outdoor day trip in New Jersey? We love, love LOVE  taking mini day trips around here, especially ones that don't cost us much (or anything at all).  One of our favorite places to visit (which is often overlooked, in my opinion) is The Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ.  It is no secret that I am a certified 'bird nerd.'  I can tell you what kind of bird is nearby just from hearing its song (who knew, right?).  I keep binoculars on my kitchen table in case a bird watching moment appears.  I have a hummingbird feeder and I actually cook the nectar myself (well, it's just sugar and water, but I cook it with love!).  I could go on and on, but I don't want you to start getting frightened about how weird I am. Anyway...

Mountain Creek Waterpark Review: What to Bring, Where to Eat, What to Do

Summer is almost here and I am READY! Are you? Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon, New Jersey, was an affordable, fun-filled day for our family. But don't go until you read my review and tips for visiting! No time? Scroll straight to the bottom to read my important advice and suggestions for visiting, and watch a 2 minute walkthrough video of our day. 

*this post has been updated for 2024! Mountain Creek Waterpark opens for the season on June 22, 2024.

Easy Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie for Birthdays or Parties - Better Than Cake!

This no-fail giant chocolate chip cookie cake recipe is always a hit! It's easy to make, mostly with ingredients you already have on hand. It's a great alternative to birthday cake and perfect for a picnic or potluck dinner.

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 2024! HAPPY SUMMER!

Why I Started The Jersey Momma Blog

This year marks my 11th year blogging (give or take). So I thought I'd republish this post about how The Jersey Momma was born. And if you're so inclined, you can follow up by reading Beyond Momma, to see where The Jersey Momma is going next! 

Why start a blog? I hear this question often, and many people are curious about how I started the blog and why. So here's the story about why I do what I do, and how The Jersey Momma was born. Sometimes I still can't believe it myself!

New Jersey Boardwalk Bucket List: 10 Boardwalk Treats to Try Before Summer Ends

One of the best things about visiting the Jersey Shore is hitting up one of its many fabulous boardwalks. Rides, games, entertainment, and...food!!  So many snacks, treats and specialties to choose from! Everything just seems to taste better at the shore. So I'm making my own 'Boardwalk Bucket List.' This includes some of the best boardwalk treats to try before summer ends. I realize the list could be infinite, so I've tried to narrow it down to ten of the most scrumptious goodies I could find from boardwalks along the shore. Are you ready?

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 2024!

How to Make Red, White and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes DIY

If you're in charge of bringing the dessert to a Memorial Day picnic or a 4th of July bash, then check out these patriotic cupcakes, which are actually super easy to make!

Tips for Getting the Best Discounted Rates at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Resorts

How do you get the best rates at The Hotel Hershey? Let me tell ya- The Hotel Hershey is one of my favorite places on earth. I have visited so many times, and I feel like it's my second home. Whenever someone asks me about visiting Hershey, PA or Hersheypark, it's one of the first places I recommend staying. But I know what you're thinking- it ain't cheap! No, it's not. But I do have some tips and suggestions for getting better rates at The Hotel Hershey (or any of the Hershey Resorts), as well as tips to help you plan. So read on!

Summer Reading Suggestions for Kids

Summer is almost here and that means you might be looking for some great summer reading suggestions for kids! Each year I pick fun titles for eager (and not-so-eager) readers, so be sure to check out my previous reading lists, too.

Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, an In-Person Immersive Adventure Opening this September

Block your calendars! Mine, Craft, and Battle Through Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, an In-Person, Immersive Minecraft Adventure is going to be touring cities around the world. Dallas, Texas, you're up first! Tickets are now on sale for the Texas debut. Read on for more info and to see when this first of its kind experience is coming to you. 

DIY: Nutter Butter Ice Cream Cone Cookies

If you're looking for a fun dessert to bring to a barbecue but can't spend hours in the kitchen baking up treats from scratch, The Nutter Butter Ice Cream Cone Cookie is a sure hit!

Time for a Change: Beyond Momma

The Jersey Momma is changing. Truth is, she's been changing for a long time now, but I just haven't acknowledged it much here 'on the blog,' as I've come to say. I started The Jersey Momma way back in 2013 (and you can read about that here), when I was a new mom with no friends (but I had my wonderful parents who went on tons of adventures with me). Back then I was working through so much, from leaving a career in teaching to grieving over personal losses. The Jersey Momma was new and exciting and fresh.