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!

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 in celebration of the brand 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 9/7/25. Link to sale here.  

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.

Me and You With Wings on Our Feet: Answers from The Great Beyond

-A Beyond Momma post in honor of a friend-

Once upon a time you wrote me a letter, back when people sent real words through the mail and addressed actual envelopes with stamps. I still have the letter in a box with my college memories.  "I think you should send every story you can to publishers," you wrote. "You're talented. It made me proud to read your work in Schmidtberger's class." It's hard to find others with an appreciation for writing and literature. You understood those things, like the other English majors in our small friend group in college. We thought we were pretty cool, didn't we? Sitting under the trees with Dr. Conlon, talking about Cervantes. I loved that you appreciated my weirdness. You once wrote down the lyrics to 'The Land of the Lost' TV show theme song, just because I asked you to. "Marshall, Will and Holly on a routine expedition..." I don't even think you questioned why.

Fast forward years later, we met up at a garden center, looked at flowers and talked about The Cloisters. I was grateful for your friendship. There weren't many like you- kind and funny and thoughtful, interested in growing vegetables or flowers, or whatever we were looking at together that day. 

Adventure Academy Review: One Mom's Honest Opinion

Adventure Academy is a brand new online learning platform from Age of Learning (the experts who brought you ABCmouse and ReadingIQ). I was given the opportunity to beta-test it, and I have the scoop for ya! It's geared towards kids ages 8-13 (so for all of you who loved ABCmouse but felt your kids 'grew out of it,' this one's especially for you!). Read on and I'll tell you what you can expect, and if it's even worth your time and money.

*Note that this post is continuously updated and I try my best to respond to all comments in the comment section! 

** I always try to update this post with the most recent sales - they usually happen around the holidays (stay tuned to see if they have a Labor Day sale). Check my sidebar ads for the latest deals, too! 

The Hotel Hershey vs. The Hershey Lodge - Which to Choose? (part 2)

If you're planning a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania and you're not sure which hotel to stay at, The Jersey Momma is here to help! Are you wondering what the difference is between The Hotel Hershey and The Hershey Lodge? Read on!

This post has been freshly updated for 2025!

How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Basic Guide

If you ever thought about raising butterflies with your little ones at home, I have some basic tips for you!  As I'm sure you've figured out, I am not a butterfly expert.  If you want all of the best information from the experts, feel free to visit them at MonarchWatch.  I have raised and released over 300 monarch butterflies in my lifetime, so my tips come from what I've read and my own experience.