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.

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.

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 2026! And if you're looking for a Crayola Experience Promo Code, use code TJM25 for $5 off your ticket purchase (Easton location only).

10 Ways to Help Your Kids Beat the Winter Blues

Sometimes it feels like Winter is eternal. As soon as the holidays end, January can seem very long and boring, especially when you're a kid. So I've come up with a list of 10 ways you (and your kids) can beat the winter blues.

Why Reading Is Still One of the Best Ways to Learn English

There are many reasons why you might be looking to improve your English. Perhaps you're looking to spend a summer in the UK or the United States. Maybe you’ve moved to the UK or the United States for university, or perhaps you’ve met someone who speaks English and just wants better communication. Whatever the reason, when it comes to improving your English, one of the best ways to do so is by reading. Apps and videos are great, but consistently reading from books and Advanced English learning articles can’t be matched. In this article we'll take a look at just why reading is one of the best ways to improve your English skills. Read on to find out more and get inspired!

Star-Shaped Snowflakes : The Day it Snowed Stars

I often say that one of the greatest things about winter is being able to play in the snow with our son.  And then I joke that one of the worst things about winter is having to play in the snow with our son!  It is easy to forget how magical snow is to kids.  As adults, we have so many responsibilities- we worry about driving in the snow, shoveling the snow, dressing for the snow, school in the snow, etc.  And although playing in it is fun, I don't have the stamina to roll around in it for hours anymore like my son does.  For kids, snow is amazing white stuff that falls from the sky and blankets the earth!  And sometimes even closes school!  I mean, what more can a kid ask for?  Well, how about stars?  How about star flakes?

6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit RiseNY : All About New York's Amazing Museum and Ride

Have you heard of RiseNY?  RiseNY is one of the best attractions in New York City, in my opinion. It’s part film, part museum and part thrilling ride all rolled into one. I have never experienced anything quite like this in New York City (and I’ve seen and done a lot, believe me). Read on because I’m going to tell you all about it. It’s time to get out of the house and have some fun- and this is the perfect place to take the plunge. Literally! 

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!

Winter Boredom Busters for Kids

Winter can be so much fun for kids, but it can also get boring pretty quickly, especially on sub-zero days when you literally can't go outside. So I've compiled some ideas for indoor winter fun (that don't take too much planning or effort).  Think Spring!

The Christmas Ice Caverns of Fairfield NJ: A Trip Down Memory Lane

I grew up in Morris County, and we had family members who lived in Fairfield, so we were frequent visitors of Essex County, too. Every year without fail, we visited the Christmas Ice Caverns, which were part of Fairfield Home and Garden on Rt. 46 in Fairfield, New Jersey. When I became a mom, I brought my own child there. It was a special place that held wonderful memories for so many. 

*Please note that the Christmas Ice Caverns have unfortunately closed indefinitely. If I hear that they plan to relocate or open again, I will definitely come back to update this post. In the meantime, please feel free to use it as a spot to reminisce or share thoughts and comments!

Easy Overnight Stuffed French Toast

If you're looking for an easy stuffed french toast recipe, look no further! This is a recipe that I make every Christmas Eve to enjoy Christmas morning, but it's good any time of year and tastes amazing. Plus it's easy, easy, easy! You know I'm all about the ease.

What to Do If Your Elf on the Shelf Forgets to Hide: Free Printables Included!

Sometimes our Elf on the Shelf buddies get a little lazy, don't they? You wake up in the morning and --GASP!- your elf is still on the shelf! Here's a quick and easy save for when your Elf on the Shelf forgets to move. Free printable included in post!

Winter Day Trips and Activities in New Jersey and Beyond: Indoor/Outdoor Winter Fun in NJ

Winter day trip ideas are a big topic of a discussion on message boards and in Facebook groups. It's hard to figure out where to take the kids when the weather is bad. Finding fun indoor play ideas is hard enough, but entertaining kids on the weekend or during a vacation when it's too cold to do anything else, well, that ain't easy! So here's a list of over 45 fun things to do in and around The Garden State during the winter months. From play mazes to museums, I've got ya covered!

* Freshly updated for 2025!*

Creamy, Dreamy Easy Rice Pudding

I grew up with homemade rice pudding, although I can't remember exactly who made it. Isn't that sad? I thought it was my grandmother but my mom thinks it was our wonderful old neighbor, Marie. All I remember is a yellow tupperware bowl, and swirling my spoon around that creamy goodness! I searched the internet for a recipe similar to the one I remember as a child, and this was the closest I could find. And it's not hard to make, so come and try it! There's even a printable version at the end of this post.