Sweet Suite 2026 Recap: The Hottest Toys, Biggest Trends, and a Day of Play in New York City

If there's one event that makes me feel like a kid every single summer, it's The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite. I've been attending this fabulous soireé of play since 2017, and this year's event certainly didn't disappoint. The Toy Insider knows play and this event highlights the industry's newest, best and most exciting toys, collectibles, dolls, and more. Read on for a recap or just scroll through to rediscover your childhood love of play! And don't forget to check out my favorite picks from the show, too. 

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Hallmark Stars Live Is Coming to New Jersey This Summer: Ticket Giveaway and More!

If your idea of a perfect night includes cozy Hallmark movies, heartwarming stories, and seeing your favorite stars in person, then mark your calendar! Hallmark Stars Live is hitting the road this summer, bringing some of the network's most beloved actors to theaters across the country, including two stops right here in New Jersey. And guess what? I have a ticket giveaway on my social media channels! Read on for more details!

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Big Dreams from Netflix: Why Little House on the Prairie Still Resonates Today (and a Spoiler-Free Review)

Ask any GenXer about their favorite television shows of the 1970's and 80's, and they'll undoubtedly bring up Little House on the Prairie. In fact, many Millennials also fell in love with the show through reruns, DVD's and streaming services. Parents have passed the Little House love down to their children and even grandchildren, encouraging them to watch favorite episodes and read the original book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (which the television show is based on). Now Netflix is debuting a reimagined Little House on the Prairie (airing July 9th), with a whole new cast, beloved stories and fresh excitement for people of all ages. Read on to learn more about the new series and see why Little House on the Prairie has remained popular almost 40 years after the original series ended.  

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HERSHEY Movie Debuts November 2026: Watch the Trailer Here!

As a lifelong Hershey fan and frequent visitor to Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania and The Hotel Hershey, I was SO excited to hear that Angel Studios finally released a new trailer for their original film, HERSHEY. The film tells the story of how one couple's vision started a chocolate empire – and through it, changed the world. Read on for more details about HERSHEY, and scroll below to see the full trailer, too. 

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HangDog Outdoor Adventure in Easton, PA Is the Ultimate Adventure Spot for Teens and Adults

If you’re looking for an exciting outdoor activity in Pennsylvania that teenagers will actually enjoy and adults can have fun doing too, then HangDog Outdoor Adventure in Easton, PA should absolutely be on your radar. Located just off of Route 78, this outdoor ropes course and zipline park has quickly become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most exciting attractions for thrill-seekers, families, friend groups, and team outings alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, searching for teen-friendly activities near New Jersey, or simply looking for something different to do outdoors, HangDog delivers adrenaline-pumping fun in a way that appeals to all ages. Plus, you don't have to climb if you don't want to.  If you want to chill in the shade (or the sunshine) with a frosty beverage, you can do that, too. Read on for more details. I promise I won't steer you wrong. 

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Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Spoiler-Free Review- Is It As Good As the Book?

Have you seen Remarkably Bright Creatures yet? I just finished watching the Netflix film based on the book by Shelby Van Pelt. I really enjoyed the book so I was concerned that the movie would butcher Van Pelt's unique story, which stars Sally Field and Lewis Pullman as the main characters who bond with an intelligent octopus named Marcellus. But there's much more to the story than that, and it's one film that I really think you should watch. Read on to see why, and also watch a trailer of the film. 

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The Optimist Movie Review and Free 20 Page Discussion Guide

It's not often you watch a movie that actually gives something back. THE OPTIMIST does just that. It's more than a film, it's a journey from darkness to hope. THE OPTIMIST is deeply rooted in two causes that reflect its heart: KAVOD, which supports Holocaust survivors living in poverty, and Bring Change to Mind, a national nonprofit empowering youth to end the stigma around mental health. Contributions supporting these organizations help extend the film’s impact beyond the screen. Read on for more info and a trailer of this amazing film.

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Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour Makes its Way to Multiple New and Returning Aquariums in 2026

Hold on to your bells, Animal Crossing fans! Beginning in February, the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour makes its way to multiple new and returning aquariums in 2026. The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game continues its journey in 2026, beginning Feb. 13th. The Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour will appear at new and select returning locations across the U.S. throughout the year. Read on for more details and ticket info! 

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THE WIGGLES SET FOR TRIUMPHANT RETURN

Are you ready for some exciting news in children's entertainment? The world’s most successful children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles,  just announced a landmark strategic global agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, marking an exciting new chapter in the group’s 35-year history. Through this collaboration, Universal Music Australia (UMA) will take the lead in amplifying The Wiggles’ reach to more families around the world, alongside UMG’s global network of labels and divisions providing their expertise across streaming, digital and physical distribution, promotion and marketing to help scale The Wiggles’ global presence through new recording projects, expanded digital content and integrated campaigns. In the U.S., The Wiggles will be released by Republic Records: Kids & Family. Read on for more details and tour dates!

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Key of the Darkhouse - a New Novel by Deborah Zelasny

I am pleased to announce that my new YA fiction novel, Key of the Darkhouse is now available!  Key of the Darkhouse is a project near and dear to my heart. I've been working on it since my college years, and bringing it to life has been a dream come true. Read on for more details about the book.

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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.

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East of Wall: A Spoiler-Free Review of this Must-See Docu-Fiction Film

I can’t say enough good things about East of Wall. In a (very brief) nutshell, East of Wall is about a horse trainer who wrestles with financial issues and unresolved grief while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch in South Dakota. And here's my take: this movie is real. I’m so tired of perfect Hollywood, where every actor and actress has a flawless face and sculpted body (I’m looking at you, Taylor Sheridan, with your 1833 and 1923 families and their perfect white teeth and porcelain skin in the middle of the wild west). East of Wall is a docu-fiction film- it’s reality, it’s raw. The movie is like getting a peek into the ‘characters’ lives as opposed to watching a movie. Tabatha Zimiga was outstanding as the lead, believable and raw, while Porshia Zimiga delivers a beautiful narration and heartfelt performance. Read on for more info about this unique movie and watch a trailer of the film. 

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A Minecraft Movie: A Mom's (Spoiler-Free) Honest Review

Have you seen A Minecraft Movie? Enter a wonderland where creativity and teamwork is essential to survival, much like the game we all know and love. Four misfits find themselves struggling with ordinary problems in the real world, when they are suddenly pulled through a strange portal into the Overworld (a cubic landscape that thrives on imagination). To get home, they’ll have to master this world (and protect it from evil mobs like creepers and zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an expert crafter named Steve (played by Jack Black). From director Jared Hess and starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, A Minecraft Movie is the first-ever big screen adaptation of Minecraft, the single best-selling video game of all time. Read on for my (spoiler-free!) review of the film, and to see the latest trailer. 

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Audrey's Children - Now Playing

They said it can't be done. She said, 'We'll see about that.' 

The tagline from Audrey's Children immediately pulled me in, because this is a belief I've followed my entire life. When someone tells me it can't be done, I usually think, 'well, let me try.' Or if someone tells me, 'This is how we've always done it,' I think, 'Can we try a new way?' So I felt an immediate connection with Audrey when I read this tagline, even before seeing the movie. Read on to hear more about Audrey's Children and the amazing untold story of Dr. Evans, a renowned physician and visionary founder of Ronald McDonald House.

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REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY PARTNERS WITH GRAMMY® AWARD- WINNING PRODUCER, SONGWRITER & ARTIST THERON THOMAS TO LAUNCH BRAND NEW KIDS’ MUSIC PROJECT SUMO’S WORLD

Do you want to hear upbeat, fun and educational music geared towards kids but with songs that you'll love as a parent, too? Check this out! Republic Records: Kids & Family just announced their partnership with GRAMMY® award-winning and world-class producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper Theron Thomas. They're excited to present Sumo’s World. Crafted with his 12-year-old son Sumo, Sumo’s World welcomes families to experience an entirely new vision of what kids’ music can be. The project infuses essential lessons about counting, handwashing, ABC’s, and more into musical bangers, powered up by elite production from a power-house hitmaker, known for his multi-platinum hits with the likes of musical superstars Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Doja Cat, Lizzo, and many more. Read on for more info about the first single and an exciting intro to Sumo's World.

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Salon du Chocolat Returns to Javits Center in New York City

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The highly anticipated Salon du Chocolat New York is back from 

March 21-23, 2025 at the Javits Center in New York City. This show offers a decadent experience for all ages. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite, and with timed entry plus 2-day ticket options, this is a chocolate adventure you won’t want to miss! Read on for more details.

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Valiant One in Theaters January 31st - Enter to Win a $150 Amazon eGift Card

I have a great new movie to tell you about called Valiant One, hitting theaters January 31st. Valiant One is all about a U.S. Army helicopter that crashes in North Korean territory. Read on for more details and watch a trailer for the film. And don't miss the Amazon eGift card giveaway at the end of the post, in celebration of the film's release! 

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Red One: Is it Good for Kids? One Mom's Honest Review (Spoiler-Free!)

I just returned from the New York City premiere of Red One starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. If you're wondering if this action-packed Christmas movie is for you, read on for my spoiler-free review!  

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Amy Adams Brings Nightbitch to Life

If you've read Rachel Yoder's Nightbitch: A Novel, then you'll be excited to know it's now a movie starring the fabulous Amy Adams (in theaters December 6th). Nightbitch, the film, tackles motherhood in a modern world, and the struggles women go through as they take on a new maternal role. Read on for more details and watch a trailer for the film.

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Come With Me to the Red Carpet Premiere of Red One Starring Dwayne Johnson

The holidays are almost here and I have a FUN movie that you need to check out called RED ONE. After a villain kidnaps Santa from the North Pole, an E.L.F (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative (Dwayne Johnson) must partner with the world’s most accomplished tracker (Chris Evans) to find Santa and save Christmas. You can sign up to attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Red One in New York City! Scroll down for details - but hurry, passes are first-come, first-served! 

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