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!

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!

How to Help Your Child Become a Book Lover

Do you want your child to love books? It’s a goal many parents have, because truthfully, everyone should be reading a little more often. Since most readers develop a love of literature when they’re younger, it’s effective to encourage a love of books from the moment your child is able to read (sometimes even before!). Here are some tips to help you encourage a love of reading in your child. 

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.

Easy Autumn Leaf Pressing: No Ironing Required!

If you're looking for an easy way to preserve Autumn leaves, I've got ya covered! This is the easiest way to collect and press Fall leaves with no ironing required! Even the littlest hands can do it. You can hang them in a window or even send them to friends who don't get to see the bright colors of autumn where they live. It's one of the best Fall projects for kids (and adults, too)!

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

It's finally here, and it's updated for 2025 - 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!

One World Observatory Review: Visiting the Freedom Tower

The Freedom Tower is a familiar sight to most New Jersey residents. We've watched it being built and slowly jetting into the New York skyline from afar. We've waited for the day that we could step through its doors and feel the awesome power of resilience and pride (mixed with sadness, too). The Jersey Momma's Boy grew up after 9/11, so he never saw the Twin Towers with his own eyes. But he watched the Freedom Tower rise, and we knew one day we would want to bring him there when he was old enough. We finally had the chance to take him to One World Observatory, and what a trip it was! If you're curious what it's like to visit, especially with children, read on.

The Hotel Hershey: 10 Things You Didn't Know

Is The Hotel Hershey too fancy for kids? Is it too upscale? Is it too expensive? As a self-proclaimed Hershey, PA expert, people ask me those questions all the time. If you haven't read my in-depth review of the Hershey resorts and attractions, please visit my Hershey Insider Page for answers to many of the common Hershey resort-area questions.  If you have an upcoming trip planned to The Hotel Hershey (or if you were thinking about planning one), I have some fun facts and tips for you in this post, as well. The Hotel Hershey recently celebrated its 90th anniversary - how amazing is that?

Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon to Orbit Rahway, NJ This October: Festival of the Moon Events Planned

Get ready for an out of this world experience! I have a fun family idea in New Jersey for you this month. Museum of the Moon, a touring artwork by U.K. artist Luke Jerram, will be presented inside the majestic Union County Performing Arts Center’s Main Stage in October, 2025. This is the first time Museum of the Moon will be presented in New Jersey, and one of the few times it has been exhibited on the east coast in the United States. It's the perfect idea for kids, date night, family fun, group trips, and more! Read on for more details. 

A Review of The Crayola Experience in Easton, PA

If you're looking for a fun day trip not far outside of New Jersey, Crayola Experience (formerly known as The Crayola Factory) in Easton, Pennsylvania, might be for you!  They're open year round, so this is a great stop in any season. There are multiple Crayola Experiences around the country, but the Easton location is closest to us. This article is designed for easy viewing, so check subject headings and scroll to find the info you need (time is precious and there are a lot of words here, I know!). So read on for my Crayola Experience review!

*this post is freshly updated for 2025! And if you're looking for a Crayola Experience Promo Code, use code TJM25 for $5 off your ticket purchase (Easton location only).

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.

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.

Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights Returns With New Offerings for 2025

Get ready, my spooktacular friends, because Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights is back for the 2025 season, with eight fun weekends featuring new haunted houses and scare zones, dark coaster  rides, and exclusive culinary and retail offerings. These immersive experiences will run from Friday, Sept. 12th through Nov. 2, 2025. Read on for more details and all of the spooky highlights!

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey: A Mom's Honest Review & Quick Guide to Visiting

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey are o-FISHally two of my favorite places at American Dream in East Rutherford! They both have so much to offer for children and parents alike, so read on and I'll tell you what they're all about. 

*this post has been updated for 2025!