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. 

Easy Ways to Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from New Jersey

Ready to visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island? I have the perfect, easy trip planned for you. Liberty State Park (right here in New Jersey!) is the gateway to two of America’s most iconic landmarks: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Liberty State Park in Jersey City serves as the perfect destination for families in the tri-state area and beyond looking for a fun-filled day trip and with a new, free pilot shuttle service running on weekends through the end of September, the Park and all of its amenities are more accessible than ever.  We took a fun and very stress-free trip from Liberty State Park to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island thanks to Statue City Cruises. Read on for more details, and see how to plan an exciting trip of your own.

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. 

New Jersey Boardwalk Bucket List: 10 Jersey Shore Treats to Try This Summer

One of the best things about visiting the Jersey Shore is hitting up one of its many fabulous boardwalks. Rides, games, entertainment, and...food!!  There are so many snacks, treats and specialties to choose from. Everything just seems to taste better at the shore, doesn't it? So I'm making my own 'Boardwalk Bucket List.' This includes some of the best boardwalk (and general NJ shore) treats to try before summer ends. I realize the list could be infinite, so I've tried to narrow it down to ten+ of the most scrumptious goodies I could find from boardwalks along the shore. Are you ready?

(*Note that since this post has become so popular, I decided to add new treats to it every year. So be sure to Pin it for future use!)

Twelve Years Without You: The Loss of My Dog

I remember the day I lost you so well. Actually, I remember The After- those dark, dark days and nights after you left this world- they felt like a hole had opened up and swallowed me. You might as well have cut my heart out. I remember thinking, how am I going to live the rest of my life without you? Forty, fifty years? Fifty. Years. Without. You. I couldn't breathe just thinking about it. Now here we are at twelve. I've made it twelve years without you. And I have thought about you every single day since you've been gone. 

Hot New Toys and Finds from The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite 25

The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite 25 was just held at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in New York City, and I found some of the hottest new toys and trends to share with you. From a BRAND NEW Monster Jam monster truck reveal, to the latest in blind boxes, plush and collectibles, take a look at some of my favorite finds from Sweet Suite's 16th year!

Easy Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie for Birthdays or Parties - Better Than Cake!

This no-fail giant chocolate chip cookie cake recipe is always a hit! It's easy to make, mostly with ingredients you already have on hand. It's a great alternative to birthday cake and perfect for a picnic or potluck dinner.

A Weekend Getaway to Omni Mt. Washington Resort: Hotel Review, Overview and Video Walkthrough

If you're looking for an amazing getaway to a stunning historic resort, then I have the place for you! Omni Mt. Washington Resort is the perfect location to relax and unwind - to sit and watch the clouds roll by or the lush green mountains casting shadows below. I can't say enough good things about New Hampshire and this particular Omni, so read on for details. No time? Then scroll through my bold headings to find what you're looking for or watch my walkthrough video of Omni Mt. Washington on YouTube (included in this post). 

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!

Momma's Famous Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce: Easy Crowd Pleasing Pasta Sauce

If you’re looking to make your own tomato sauce and are tired of buying store-bought jars, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! This recipe is easy, fast, and your family or guests will be talking about it for days to come! It’s always requested around this house and it’s always a favorite. The best part is that you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. It goes right in the slow cooker so there is no slaving over the stove. If you double the recipe you will have leftovers to freeze.

INTREPID MUSEUM UNVEILS MYSTERIES FROM THE DEEP: EXPLORING UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY

Looking for a fun day trip? Prepare to dive into the fascinating world of underwater discovery as the Intrepid Museum premieres Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology. This brand-new immersive exhibition opened on Thursday, June 26th. Located in the Museum’s Space Shuttle Pavilion, the bilingual exhibition marks the first stop of a multi-year international tour co-produced with Flying Fish, the acclaimed exhibition firm behind the Museum’s popular Apollo: When We Went to the Moon. Read on for more details about this exciting new exhibit and see how you can get tickets, too. 

A Review of Wild West City in Stanhope, NJ: Is it Worth the Trip?

Readers have been asking me to review Wild West City in Stanhope for some time now. I featured Wild West City in my post about the 10 Classic New Jersey Attractions You Should Revisit because it's a place many New Jersey residents remember from their childhood. Most people are curious what lies beyond the fences, and if it's worth the trip. Many friends recall the Uncle Floyd commercials from the late 1980's, and wonder if Wild West City is even still open. Guess what, my friends! Wild West City is alive and well, open to the public, and just as wild as ever! It's been family owned and operated for over 60 years. 

How to Make Red, White and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes DIY

If you're in charge of bringing the dessert to a Memorial Day picnic or a 4th of July bash, then check out these patriotic cupcakes, which are actually super easy to make!

10 Classic New Jersey Attractions You Should Revisit

What comes to mind when you think of classic New Jersey attractions? Chances are, the places in your memory are still in existence today. New Jersey is filled with classic attractions that families and visitors have enjoyed for decades. Why not make some plans to revisit them this year?

*This post has been updated for 2025!