How to Decorate for Thanksgiving: Oreo Turkeys and More!

Last year I hosted Thanksgiving for my family, and I went into full-on Pinterest searching, party planning, decorating crazy mode!  I had Thanksgiving Bingo planned, and a Thankfulness jar complete with questions on paper leaves that everyone had to pass around and answer.  I had goodie bags for every guest and a kiddie table that would make Martha Stewart proud.  So from me, to you, I share my Thanksgiving ideas.

Gift Alert: Diggerland U.S.A Black Friday Holiday Sale!

It's so hard to find gifts for the kids (or adults!) who have everything. So if you're looking for a unique gift idea this year, why not think outside the box and purchase an experience? One of our favorite New Jersey attractions, Diggerland USA, is having a HUGE Black Friday sale coming up on November 21st. Read on!

The Christmas Chronicles (Starring Kurt Russell) on Netflix: A Spoiler-Free Review!

I was excited to hear about the new Kurt Russell movie, The Christmas Chronicles, debuting on Netflix this November. I was even more excited to get a sneak peek at the film so I can tell you all about it (without spoilers, I promise!). Read on for more info. Hint: you're gonna love it!

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.

**ABCmouse is having a BIG Black Friday sale. From 11/19 through 11/26, you can purchase a year's subscription for $45. That's a REALLY good deal. Read on for info on how to access the sale.

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.

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, it's not sponsored). This post is a two part series, so be sure to read part two detailing Hershey Sweet Lights.

Enter to Win a Double Gift Card Pack in the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop!

Who's ready for another giveaway hop? I know I am! Once again, I've teamed up with The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island to bring you a fun giveaway hop called The Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway! If you're not sure what a giveaway hop is, read on. You'll find out how to win a set of gift cards from me, as well as prizes from over 100 other bloggers! Yup, you read that right- this month I'm giving away not one but TWO gift cards!

Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Boys, Girls and Kids of All Ages

If you're searching for Christmas gift ideas for girls, boys (or even moms and dads), I've got you covered! If you're looking for Hanukkah presents, stocking stuffers, or just a present for yourself, I've got you covered there, too. Check out my list of fun toys, collectibles, and unique finds for the holidays!

Everyone Matters: A Tribute to a Lost Friend and Operation Christmas Child

In 2015, the blogging community lost a wonderful writer and friend.  Her name was Melissa Matters, and she passed away suddenly at the age of 36, leaving behind two beautiful children, a husband and family.  I never met Melissa personally, but I considered her a colleague, a fellow writer, and an online friend.  I will truly miss her.  She kept a blog about being a mom, and wrote some beautiful posts about her family and children.  Her blog is called Wading Through Motherhood, and I hope you will check it out.

Melissa was an extremely supportive writer.  I met her during our time at Yahoo Contributor Network. She was always quick to comment and share the work and blog posts of others (which means a great deal to any writer).  So in Melissa's honor, I am starting a blogging movement called Everyone Matters.

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.

Cruising from New Jersey: Reviews, Tips, and Advice on taking a Cruise from NJ

Have you ever considered taking a cruise from New Jersey? Are you nervous about cruising, a first time cruiser, or wondering if you should cruise again? Well, I'm here to tell you all about our most recent cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey (Bayonne) on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. We visited Bermuda, which was AMAZING! Read on to see what we experienced- especially if you're a first time cruiser or nervous about what you'll experience. I hope I can put your mind at ease.

Fun Halloween Projects: Candy Corn Kids

If you're looking for a fun and easy project for Halloween, look no further!  Candy Corn Kids are easy to make, cute, and make a great decoration in a classroom or home.  Check out my quick tutorial on how to make your own!

Enter to Win! Teen Titans Go! to the Movies Blu-Ray Combo Pack Giveaway!

Teen Titans Go! to the Movies was one of our favorite films of the summer. I wrote a spoiler-free review here that you can read, and now I'm back with a fun Teen Titans Go! giveaway! Enter below to win your own Blu-Ray DVD combo pack of Teen Titans Go! to the Movies from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment!

10 Easy Halloween Cupcakes That You Can Make Yourself

We're not all cupcake artists, and sometimes it's hard to find the time to decorate a beautiful cupcake for a party or holiday. So I combed the internet for some easy Halloween cupcake decoration ideas, and I've compiled them in a little round-up below!

Awesome Painted Pumpkin Ideas from Around the Web

Get those paintbrushes ready!  It's pumpkin decorating season!  I searched the web for some of the coolest painted pumpkin ideas I could find, and here's what I came up with.  I tried to give credit where it's due and link back when possible, so please know that not all of these creations are mine (but the Angry Birds below are ours!).  They certainly inspired me, so maybe they'll inspire you, too.  Happy painting!