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!

How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Basic Guide

If you ever thought about raising butterflies with your little ones at home, I have some basic tips for you!  As I'm sure you've figured out, I am not a butterfly expert.  If you want all of the best information from the experts, feel free to visit them at MonarchWatch.  I have raised and released over 300 monarch butterflies in my lifetime, so my tips come from what I've read and my own experience.

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning: Reviews, Tips and Advice for Attending

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning (formerly known as the Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning, but sometimes referred to by fans as the Readington Balloon Festival or the New Jersey Balloon Fest) is held every summer in Readington, New Jersey, usually at the end of July. There's a lot to read about in this post, but I designed it so you can skim for the information you need. Please be sure to read my tips at the bottom of the post if you plan on visiting with kids or if you are questioning what traffic will be like. This year the festival is being held July 29-31, 2022!

*This post is updated every year to bring you the most accurate information about the festival! Currently updated for 2022!

5 Things You Need to Check Out This Summer

Summer is finally here and I found some fun things you need to check out this season! From travel tips to fun and self-care, I know this is a list you'll love. I only share things that I'm totally enthusiastic about, so I assure you that these are suggestions you'll love for summer (or any time of year for that matter)! 

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

Summer ain't over yet, no matter what the stores tell you! Put away thoughts of 'back to school,' and think about what day trips you can take for the rest of your summer! Mountain Creek Waterpark in nearby 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 2022! Mountain Creek Waterpark opens for the season on June 25, 2022.

Jerry and Marge Go Large Streaming June 17th on Paramount +

Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening are coming to Paramount + on June 17th with their new film, Jerry and Marge Go Large. This original comedy is based on a true story and features some terrific performances from Cranston and Bening, as well as a familiar supporting cast. Read on for more details and watch a trailer of the film!

I Tried a Sound Bath and Here's What Happened

I just came back from a fantastic Western Weekend Getaway with The Travel Mom (you can read all about it here) and it completely changed my life. One of the best experiences I had during the weekend was a sound bath. Have you ever heard of it? Sound baths or sound therapy (using 'singing bowls') is quite popular out west, especially in the Arizona area. But here in New Jersey, it's not as prevalent. I went into the experience with a shrug thinking, 'this seems interesting, let's see what it's all about.' And what happened was completely unexpected.

Simple Steps to Spice Up Your Food

Are you getting bored of the food that you are eating? Then why not spice up your dishes so that you can get excited about mealtimes! There are so many simple steps that you can follow to add a little flare to your dishes, so what are you waiting for? Read on to find out more about how you can experience a taste sensation in no time at all! 

How a Western Weekend Getaway Changed My Life

If you follow me on social media then you know I've just returned from 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 Masked Singer National Tour at Hershey Theatre: Ticket Giveaway!

Whoooo are you? The Masked Singer National Tour is coming to the Hershey Theatre June 14th! This first-ever North American tour brings the show right to you, live and in-person!  And guess what? I have a six-pack of tickets to give away! 

Ms. Marvel: Special Screening and Conversation at The Paley Center for Media

Have you heard about the amazing new series on Disney Plus, Marvel Studios' Ms. Marvel? The story is centered around a young girl from Jersey City, New Jersey and parts of the series were actually filmed in The Garden State! The Paley Center for Media has a fun event coming up - you can attend a special  screening of the show and participate in a Q&A with some of the cast! Read on for more details and scroll down for a trailer of the show.

photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

Father's Day Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Dad

It's not always easy to find that perfect gift for the dad or the father figure in your life, is it? Well, never fear, The Jersey Momma is here to help! I have plenty of fun ideas for Father's Day gifts this year. Take a look at my top picks for this year's quick and easy Father's Day Gift Guide!

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 share the most up-to-date sales or best prices in this post, which usually happen around holidays. I'll share them in this highlighted yellow area so they're easy to spot.

**ABCmouse is currently running a Memorial Day sale through 6/4/22: 70% off, which is $45 for a one a year subscription (then $45 a year until canceled). Scroll through post for the sale link!

Top Gun: Maverick Now in Theaters: Trailer, Behind the Scenes and More

The latest trailer and movie poster for Top Gun: Maverick just dropped and I've got all the details for you! Let me be honest (when am I not?) - I know we've all been shacked up in our houses for a while and we're getting used to having things handed to us 'on demand,' but this is one movie that you NEED to see on the BIG SCREEN. Trust me on this one.