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.

DIY Valentine's Day Suncatchers: Easy Valentine's Day Crafts

You can learn how to make your own suncatchers, and it's not as hard as you might think! My Easy DIY Suncatchers post is one of my most popular on Pinterest, so I figured I would show you how to make a Valentine's Day version of this fun craft project! It's great for kids and classrooms, too, so why not give it a try? It also makes a nice handmade valentine gift for someone special in your life.

Easy Oreo Penguin Cookies for Valentine's Day!

These OREO penguins are easy to make and fun for kids. They don't need to look perfect, especially if you're going to eat them, too! It's a fun Valentine's Day treat that you can whip up in a snap. 

Perfect Ways to Finish Any Outfit

If you want to make any outfit look as perfect as possible, there are so many options to help you finish your look and head out the door with confidence. Whether it's a sparkling piece of jewelry, a colorful accessory or a bold hairstyle, there are plenty of ways you can enhance your style. Take a look at some of these fun ideas we've gathered to help you finish off your look and complete your fabulously fashionable outfit. 

Easy Ladybug Lovebug Lollipops

Making lollipops is easier than you think! You can make your own lollipops with only one main ingredient- Jolly Ranchers! Whether you're throwing a Valentine's Day party or a ladybug themed party, these little lovebugs are bound to be a crowd pleaser. And they're SO easy to make, trust me!

Easy Three Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy dip for Super Bowl or any time of year, check out this yummy three ingredient chili cheese dip! It is one of the best dip recipes around, and SO SIMPLE to make. You need three (yes, three!) key ingredients, and some Tostitos.  That's IT!! I try to always keep these ingredients on hand in case I need a dip for guests or parties. So here it is...behold! The Chili Cheese Dip Recipe! 

Key of the Darkhouse - a New Novel by Deborah Zelasny: Coming Soon

I am pleased to announce that my new YA novel, Key of the Darkhouse will be published this year. 

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.

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! 

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.

Valentine's Day Party Ideas for Kids: Games, Food and Fun!

Looking for some fun Valentine's Day games and food? What do you think about throwing an impromptu Valentine's Day party? I'm sure the thought is causing collective gripes and sighs from moms everywhere, but hear me out. What if the games were quick and easy? What if the food was simple? Let's give it a try! And if you don't want to throw a party, these games and snacks are great on their own, too. They're perfect for the classroom or just plain indoor fun.

DIY Valentine Milk Jug Card Carrier: Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

One of my favorite holidays to celebrate as a teacher was Valentine's Day. I used to have my students make adorable teddy bear card holders so that they had a place to put their cards and an easy way to bring them home. Plus, this was a project they could easily do in school (or even at home) without much mess or hassle. They look adorable all lined up and can hold a large number of valentines and trinkets. Here's an easy tutorial on how to make them. And scroll below for free pdf printables of the bear and heart patterns!

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?

Why Your Classroom Needs a Magic Sticker Box

If you've read the About Me section of this site, then you know I used to be an elementary school teacher. And I loved my classroom. It was like my second home and I filled it with as many fun things as I could, for my students and for myself  (I am still a kid at heart, you know). A friend of mine recently mentioned how much her 8 year old boys love stickers as incentives, and it made me remember my Magic Sticker Box. Do you have a Magic Sticker Box at home or in your classroom? If you don't, let me show you how easy it is to make one, and why you need to have one!

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!