Hot New Holiday Toys from TTPM Holiday Showcase

Last week I had the great pleasure of visiting TTPM’s Holiday Showcase in New York City. I was able to see tons of hot new toys for the holiday season. Here are some of my favorite picks from the show! Get those holiday shopping lists ready!

10 Fun School Supplies You'll Want to Add to Your List: Plus, a GIVEAWAY!

It's hard to believe that it's Back to School time again. Many of us already have huge supply lists from our school districts to contend with, but let's not forget about the fun stuff! Let's bring the joy back to school supply shopping! Take a look at some of these cute, unique, silly, or just plain fun items to add to your back to school agenda. And guess what? You can buy most of them (if not all) online! So you don't even need to leave your house. Do I have you covered or what? Plus, scroll down for an AWESOME giveaway of a fun tote bag from Chalk-of-the-Town!

Take NYWaterway to San Gennaro Festival this Month!

Ciao! The historic San Gennaro Festival is taking place from September 12th-22nd in New York City, and NYWaterway can help you get there! Have you ever taken the ferry? It's my FAVORITE way to travel to the city and back. Read on to see how they can offer you a stress-free commute to one of the BEST festivals that the city has to offer!

Alternatives to Pumpkin and Apple Picking This Fall

I hate to admit it, but I am not a fan of apple picking in the Fall. Well, that's not exactly true. I am not a fan of apple and pumpkin picking during the weekend in the Fall. Why, you ask?  Because everyone and their mother is in those apple orchards on a sunny day in the Fall!  And I know some people don't mind the crowds, but I can't take it. I'd rather hit the local orchard after school with the Jersey Momma's Boy if I can (that does exclude Mr. Jersey Momma, but he's okay with that). Or I'd rather find an alternative. So here are some ideas for fun things to do besides apple and pumpkin picking this Fall.

Tooth Fairy Financial: New Ideas for Tooth Fairy Fun!

I love sharing fun finds with my readers, especially when they happen to be from New Jersey-based businesses. Tooth Fairy Financial is one of the cutest ideas I have seen yet! You know how it is, right? The Tooth Fairy is busy. And sometimes she's tired. And let's be honest, sometimes she completely forgets to visit at all, right? 😉 Well, Tooth Fairy Financial might just provide you with the Tooth Fairy assistance you've been dreaming of. Read on and you'll see!

Back to School Night: Tips for Teachers and Parents

If you've read the About Me section of this blog, then you know I used to be a teacher. Back to School Night (also known as Open House), is a teacher's chance to tell you all about the school year. It's also a parent or caregiver's chance to learn about their child's teacher and classroom.  I thought I'd share some tips for both teachers and parents for this important evening, since I've learned some things about holding a successful Back to School Night over the years,  If you're scrolling, you'll find the teacher section here at the top, and the parent section towards the bottom. Happy reading!

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

It's finally here, and it's updated for 2019! 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!

Family Fun Day and Charity Volleyball Game at Branchburg Sports Complex!

Branchburg Sports Complex is one of our favorite places (you can read my review of their facility here). I also named them one of New Jersey's Best Birthday Party Locations! They are a wonderful family and community oriented venue with programs, classes and events for all ages. This month they have some fun events going on. One is free, and one is for charity. Check 'em out!

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.

No Crowd Day Trips: Visiting Merrill Creek Reservoir

Do you hate crowds as much as I do? Are you looking for a family day trip where you won't have to wait on lines or fight through crowds of people to enjoy your day? You don't have to be at an expensive museum or a crowded orchard festival (check out my blog on alternative things to do in the Fall).  A lot of times we forget that there are simple family things we can do together, too. This is not to say that I don't still enjoy a good day trip (I'm the Jersey Momma, after all, it's what I do, man!), but I also know that my son doesn't need to be entertained all the time. So this time, let's take a no-crowd day trip.  Let's visit Merrill Creek!

Easing First Day Jitters: Back to School with Mac Book Review

Heading back to school is an exciting time for kids. There are new friends to make, new routines to try, and plenty of new facts to learn. But for some kids, the idea of heading back to school in the Fall causes anxiety and stress. Whether your child is excited or anxious about the first day of school, Mac the Apple is here to help with a brand new family tradition called Back to School with Mac! Read on to see how this cute plush apple and matching storybook by Kim DiLoreto can help ease first day jitters and put the cool back in school. 

Transitioning Back to School with Creative Lunch Box Notes

Going back to school is not always easy for kids. I loved school as a child, but The Jersey Momma's Boy doesn't hold the same affection for education! I'm a former teacher, yet the teacher's kid doesn't like school. Figures! Anyway, my daily lunch box notes actually help make the transition a little bit easier. Read on to see how.

Squishmallows New Holiday Lines for 2019: Halloween and Christmas Squishmallow Fun!

New Squishmallows alert! I've got the scoop on the newest holiday styles coming from Kellytoy, the makers of our beloved Squishmallows. Halloween and Christmas and all of your upcoming holidays are going to be Squishtastic!

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!