Top Tips for Visiting Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times to make a weekend getaway or family trip to Hershey, PA. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is Hersheypark's festive seasonal event, and there are so many fun things to do, experience and eat when you visit!  I've compiled a list of tips to help you maximize your visit to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! You're not going to want to miss it.

*This post has been updated for 2025!

Gingerbread House Hacks : Tips for Easy Construction and Decoration

The first gingerbread house I ever built was condemned.  The walls slid together, the frosting was too watery, and if a gingerbread man tried to move in, he would have been killed by a collapsing roof. But over the years I've learned a few tips and tricks to build a better gingerbread house. Especially when there are kids involved!

Fun Christmas Attractions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

What are the best Christmas and holiday attractions in New Jersey and beyond? I have some great suggestions for you! The holiday season is upon us, and if you're anything like me, you're itching to do some 'holiday stuff' with your family. And I'm not talking crafts or baking- I mean, cool trips that you can take for some holiday themed fun. So here are some of my favorite must-visit holiday locations in the tri-state area. Be sure to scroll down for a full list of even more holiday ideas, too!

*This post is freshly updated for 2025!

Santa Lollipops Made with Jolly Ranchers: Great Christmas Candy Gifts!

Making your own lollipops (or suckers) is not as hard as you think! These Christmas Santa lollipops were not tough at all, and they look adorable when they're finished! All you need are some Jolly Ranchers and a little imagination! Well, and this tutorial. But you get the idea...

Oh. What. Fun. Now on Prime Video: Trailer & Spoiler Free Review

Moms, unite! There's a new holiday film you're really going to appreciate. Oh. What. Fun. stars Michelle Pfeiffer as the mom who always makes Christmas magical for her family (does that sound like anyone you know?) but her efforts go unappreciated. That is, until she goes missing. Perhaps when Mom is gone, her family will see how much effort really goes into making a holiday magical. Read on to hear more about this new film streaming now on Prime Video.

Momma's EASY Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

I love hearty soups any time of year, especially if they're easy to make. This pasta fagioli recipe is SO simple and the ingredients are not over-the-top hard to find. This is similar to Olive Garden's famous pasta fagioli recipe, but dareIsay...better? It was also a family favorite, which surprised me because there are vegetables and beans in it, so you never know. But I can safely say that everyone loved it. Read on for the easy recipe.

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Gift Ideas for Kids, Teens, Tweens, Babies, and More!

If you're searching for holiday gift ideas, I have the ultimate gift guide for you! If you need gifts for boys, girls, tweens, teens, babies, or even the special adults in your life, then check out my categories below. The Jersey Momma Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide features over 100 gift ideas in 15 different categories with something for everyone. I create this gift guide every year, and each item is hand-picked by me. You'll also find helpful links and photos of every suggestion. Everything is clearly labeled with bold headlines for easy reading. Don't forget to check out my toy shopping tips at the end of the post, too. 

The 6 Best Private Tour Providers In Europe 2025

When it comes to traveling around Europe, one of the best ways to do so is to take a private tour. This is a great way to make the experience unique and personal, and it’s something you'll to want to try at least once or twice in your life. When you're ready to start planning, you’ll want to find a tour provider that you can trust, and one that will provide what you're looking for. That can be tricky, but I'm here to help! In this article, my guest writers have put together some of the very best private tour providers that you will find across Europe in 2025. All of these are well worth considering, and some of them might be exactly what you're looking for. So let’s take a look and see what you can expect from each of these teams.

Easy Homemade Slow Cooker Applesauce

It's so easy to make your own applesauce, and this recipe is one of my favorites. Not only can you use it as a side dish or for the holidays, but it also makes a great dessert topping on ice cream! Try it yourself and see!

NJ Weekend Getaways: Holiday Family Fun at Ocean Casino Resort

One question I receive often as a blogger is, 'Do you have any ideas for weekend getaways?' Maybe you've already searched Reddit for weekend getaway ideas here in New Jersey but you're still looking for a fun family trip, especially during the holidays. Well, I found a place that you NEED to check out, perfect for a little Christmas magic. Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City has an amazing line-up of holiday family activities and offerings. I was able to check them all out myself, so read on for details and see why I think Ocean should be on your MUST VISIT list.

Easy DIY Thanksgiving Decor: Oreo Turkeys and More!

Last year I hosted Thanksgiving for my family, and I went into full-on Pinterest mode, searching party planning, decorating, and just Thanksgiving crazy! 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. I hope they help. 

Dollywood: One Mom's Honest Review and Your Questions Answered

If you're looking for honest Dollywood reviews or if you're wondering if Dollywood is worth the trip (or even which season is best to visit Dollywood), you've come to the right place! We just returned from a road trip to Dollywood and SPOILER ALERT we can't wait to go back! Read on to see my tips for visiting Dollywood and what to expect, especially if you're planning on making it a road trip from New Jersey.

A Review of ABCmouse - Is It Worth It?

ABCmouse's Black Friday Sale is live! 

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 update this post with the most recent sales - usually around the holidays. Their latest sale is their Black Friday sale to promote their new ABCmouse 2. You can get a year's subscription to ABCmouse 2 for $45 a year (until cancelled) plus a year of ReadingIQ free. Sale runs now through midnight, 12/5/25. Link to sale here.  

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.