The Jersey Momma

Now that we're working towards getting back to normal (or at least a "new normal"), you might have some concerns about your child's educational growth and focus after the wild school year we've been through. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to enhance your child's learning and get their brains back in gear. Read more »

Planning a trip to Washington D.C. is exciting, isn't it? There are so many places to stay, with hotel choices in just about every area of the city. With so many reviews and recommendations out there, how do you know which one to choose? Well, we just returned from a three day stay in Washington, D.C., and we stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Washington, D.C . in the Georgetown area. It was amazing! If you're thinking, that's too luxurious for me , think again! We stayed here as a family- that's right, The Jersey Momma's Boy came, too, and it was the perfect choice for us. Read on to find out more! *this post has been updated for 2021! Read more »

I was originally going to make this post a rant about how sucky it is to get older. Gray hairs, reading glasses, cellulite, wrinkles, spider veins - the whole shebang. But there is a wisdom in growing older, and as much as I hate the physical part of time passing, I wouldn't trade it. I embrace my age, and I'm proud that I can tell my son those 'remember when' stories, (like, I remember our first microwave oven, the creation of liquid soap, televisions with remote controls, the first moment MTV aired- I mean, it's cool to think we saw all of those things come to life, right?). Although I embrace my age, that doesn't mean I can't gripe about it a bit. I want to tell you about my experience with Dysport. If you don't know what Dysport is, it's kind of like Botox - it's an injection (or several injections) used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet, etc. Do you want to know why I tried Dysport and what happened? Of course you do! Read on! ...

I've got the perfect gift idea for you!! Whether you're shopping for mom, dad or someone in between, you can't go wrong with the Nixplay Smart Photo Frame. I know you probably think you've purchased digital photo frames before or that they're all the same, but this one is in a class by itself. Read on for details and enter to win a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame of your own! Read more »

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! Read more »

Are you ready to take another day trip with us?  Let's head on over to Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Wantage! Yes, Space Farms is still open, and yes, it's probably just like you remember it. *this post has been freshly updated for 2021! **Space Farms is now open for the 2021 season. Please check their website for the most accurate ticket information. I strongly suggest purchasing walkthrough tickets in advance. Please call ahead to Space Farms with any questions. Read more »

Squishmallows fans, make room in your squad because Hello Kitty and Friends have arrived! You might have seen various styles of this line at local Claire's stores already, but now you'll see more of this iconic brand mash-up popping up at your favorite retailers. Read on for a sneak peek of which Sanrio squish this line will offer and what they'll look like. Oh, and most importantly, where to find them!  Read more »

Here comes some more SWEET news out of Hersheypark! The Chocolatier Restaurant, Patio and Bar is set to open at Hershey's Chocolatetown on May 29th. Hersheypark sent a press release with some sneak peeks of their menu items, desserts, drinks, and decor and I am so excited!! I can't decide what to try first. Read on for some drool-worthy photos, and start making some sweet summer plans! I know I am. Read more »

Any mom will tell you that it’s not easy to make ‘mom friends.’ There are memes and jokes all over the internet about how hard it is for moms to accept one another and how difficult it is to make friends with other women at playgrounds and playdates. I can attest to this on so many levels, wondering why, as an adult, I often feel like I don't fit in, or that the cattiness of high school still exists among grown women (and I’m not pointing fingers, every woman out there knows that this is true). But I’m happy to say that I did make friends when my son first started kindergarten. But friendship comes in many forms, and sometimes friendship appears when you least expect it. Read more »

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!  **Adventure Academy is currently offering a limited time promotion, now through 6/1! You can get one year for $45 if you access the promotion  here .    Read more »

There are so many fun things to do in New Jersey. Today we had a chance to visit Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, New Jersey. Not only were we able to learn how cheese is made, but we were also able to meet the cheesemakers, and hold newborn lambs!!!  Need I say more? So come along and see what it's like to visit this fabulous local creamery, and then schedule a visit of your own. **Valley Shepherd is now taking reservations for 2021 tours! Sign up on their site! Read more »

Happy Friday! So now that the cat is out of the bag and I've made it vocal that I'm adding some more personal posts to The Jersey Momma (called Momma Musings , which I seriously hope I don't regret), I'm going to share the funny story of my mental epiphany with you. At least I hope you'll find it funny! Read more »

Earth Day is just around the corner (this year it's April 22nd!) and I have some fun and easy ideas for you to help celebrate. Earth Day is a concept we can all get behind, right? We all live on this planet and we all need to take care of it.  Read more »

Spring is one of my favorite seasons because that's when I usually take my annual trip to the Javits Center for The New York International Auto Show. The show was postponed in 2020 but they hope to return this year (better than ever) in August of 2021. Fingers crossed! For now, here are some flashback photos to my last trip to the show. And read on for more info about 2021's show. Read more »

Earth Day is the perfect chance to honor our beautiful planet! Here are some fun and easy ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family. Many thanks to all of the bloggers who contributed to this fabulous round-up! This year, Earth Day is on April 22, 2021.  Read more »

The Jersey Momma is changing. Truth is, she's been changing for a long time now, but I just haven't acknowledged it much here 'on the blog,' as I've come to say. I started The Jersey Momma way back in 2013 (and you can read about that here ), when I was a new mom with no friends (but with two great parents who went on tons of adventures with me). Back then I was working through so much, from leaving a career in teaching to grieving over personal losses. The Jersey Momma was new and exciting and fresh.  Read more »

If you're tired of the same old 'mom gifts', I have some fun new ideas for you. Not only that, some of  these gifts come from women owned/created companies,  so you'll be giving a gift with a little extra 'girl power,' too! Read more »

Spring is on the way! Believe it or not, you can spruce up your yard even during the colder months. If you're looking for some DIY and craft ideas that the whole family can participate in, then I've got some projects for you! You can do most of these activities from the comfort of your own home, and dream about the warmer days of sunshine and green grass. Here are seven DIY ideas to get your yard ready for Spring. Read more »

Handmade Mother's Day gifts are some of the most special and memorable presents that a momma can receive. Knowing that a child worked to make something for you with their own little hands- well, that is priceless. I've compiled some of my easiest and most classic crafts here, but feel free to check out my Crafts page for more ideas! Read more »

Planning a staycation for Spring Break this year? Wondering where to visit in the wonderful state of New Jersey (and its surrounding areas)? Well, here's a list of over 50 of the best New Jersey day trips, as well as an interactive map to help you find them. **This post has been updated for 2021! Please remember to visit websites or call ahead before visiting, since each venue might have their own set of rules/regulations for visiting at this time.  Read more »

The long awaited return of Space Jam is finally here! Space Jam: A New Legacy will be released in theaters nationwide on July 16, 2021 and will be available in the U.S. on HBO Max for 31 days from its theatrical release. Read on for more info and to see the highly anticipated trailer, which dropped today! Read more »

Peeps are so cute that I tend to enjoy them even after Easter.  I bought an adorable Peeps bunny cookie pan from Candyland Crafts in Somerville (if  you live in Jersey, you must go visit them!) but then I got sick right around Easter time and I never had the chance to use it.  Never one to let a good, adorable cookie pan go to waste, I made a Spring bunny cookie for myself The Jersey Momma's Boy after the holiday. Read more »

I just finished watching an advanced screener of the new film, The Girl Who Believes in Miracles, and I can tell you that it's exactly what the world needs right now! If you're looking for a movie that brings you a sense of hope, faith and love, then this one is for you.  Read more »

Hey, Barbie fans! 'Barbie & Chelsea The Lost Birthday,' is coming to Netflix on April 16th! It's the first Mattel Television release to feature Barbie’s youngest sister in a starring role. How cool is that? Read on for more information and to see a trailer from the movie! Read more »