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What are you reading Wednesday? For me it's "We Used To Live Here"
Just finished We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer, and I’m still thinking about it. This book completely pulled me in — the kind of story where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly an hour has passed. The setup is so simple, yet so creepy: a couple finally moves into their dream home, ready to start fresh. Everything feels perfect… until a family shows up at the door saying they used to live there . What starts as an awkward, innocent interaction quickly
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 10, 20251 min read


My Life As Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Doll Playset.
Christmas is just around the corner, but I still haven’t heard any buzz about the big “must-have” toy of the year! Usually by this time, there’s that one item everyone is trying to track down — the one flying off shelves and causing parents to do late-night store runs. But this year? Total silence. What I do know is what’s a hit in my house. My eight-year-old is completely obsessed with the My Life As Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Doll Playset . It has quickly become her fav
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 9, 20251 min read


My Honest Review of Wicked: For Good
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been counting down to Wicked: For Good ever since the first behind-the-scenes photos dropped. So of course, I had to see it opening weekend — popcorn in hand, expectations sky-high — and now that I’ve had time to process, here’s my full, honest, no-spoilers blogger review. First Impressions: A Gorgeous Return to Oz Right from the start, the film pulls you back into the incredible world of Oz — and visually, it’s stunning. The colors, the se
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 8, 20252 min read


LOVE MY NINJA CREAMI
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Ninja Creami Ice Cream and Soft Ice Cream Maker. 🍨 If you’ve been on the fence about getting one, let me be the friend who gives you that little nudge — because this machine has completely changed my dessert game. What I love most is how simple it is. You mix your base, pop it in the freezer, and the next day the Creami turns it into the smoothest, creamiest ice cream ever. We’re talking real ice cream texture — not icy, not gritty, just dreamy goodnes
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 7, 20251 min read


Summer Sweethearts
I love supporting small businesses—there’s just something special about knowing that the products you’re buying are made with heart, creativity, and real passion. Today, I want to highlight one of my newest obsessions: Summer Sweethearts . Summer Sweethearts is a small business run by two incredibly talented sisters who have turned their shared vision into a brand full of charm and personality. Their products are not only stylish—they genuinely feel thoughtfully crafted . Eve
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 6, 20251 min read


What Makes Johnny Longhots Worth a Visit
Generous sandwiches & solid Philly-style flavor From classic cheesesteaks to Italian roast pork subs, big cutlet sandwiches, and spicy “long hots,” Johnny Longhots delivers. Their cheesesteaks especially get high praise — loaded with meat, cheese, and served on rolls that are soft yet chewy. One customer note that stuck with me: the long-hot sandwiches are described as “perfectly spicy without being overwhelming,” which is a nice balance of heat and flavor. Casual, welcoming
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 5, 20252 min read


Franklin Institute In Philadelphia
What the Franklin Institute does really well Hands-on, interactive and wide-ranging exhibits. The Institute offers experiences that appeal to all ages — from its human-body exhibits (like the immersive The Giant Heart walk-through) to space, physics, brains, machines, sports, and more. The Franklin Institute+2myphillyconnection.com+2 Many visitors say it remains “mind-blowing,” even as adults: “every corner had something to spark curiosity.” Yelp Great for families (especi
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 4, 20253 min read


The Chronicles of Alice
⭐ Book Review: The Chronicles of Alice by Christina Henry A dark, gripping reimagining that pulls you straight down the rabbit hole—no apologies given. If you think you know the story of Alice in Wonderland , Christina Henry is here to prove you wrong. The Chronicles of Alice —which combines Alice and Red Queen —isn’t a whimsical retelling. It’s a razor-sharp, blood-stained, psychologically rich dive into trauma, resilience, and the monstrous side of fairy tales. And honest
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 3, 20252 min read


🎧✨ Toniebox Review: The Screen-Free Storytime Gadget My Kids Can’t Put Down.
As a mom constantly on the lookout for toys that don’t involve endless screen time or loud, flashing chaos, I finally caved and tried something I’ve been hearing about for months: Tonies . And honestly? I get the hype. The Toniebox has quickly become one of those rare toys that’s actually cute, practical, sturdy, and magical enough to hold a kid’s attention longer than five minutes. Here’s my honest, real-life review after watching my kids play with it nonstop. 🧸 What Exa
newjerseyandbeyond
Dec 2, 20253 min read


ZooTopia 2
🐾 Movie Review: Zootopia 2 – A Fun, Fast, and Surprisingly Thoughtful Return to the City That Never Sleeps As someone who adored the original Zootopia (to the point where I may or may not still quote Flash the Sloth when someone walks too slow in front of me), I walked into Zootopia 2 with high expectations. Sequels can be tricky—especially when the first movie becomes a modern classic—but I’m happy to say this follow-up brings back the charm, heart, and clever humor that
newjerseyandbeyond
Nov 30, 20252 min read


Lucky Snake Arcade
This place is nothing short of an amazing time. There is so much to see and do in one place. My kids and I absolutely LOVE arcades. We...
newjerseyandbeyond
Apr 22, 20241 min read


Waterpark Adventures
It has been YEARS since I brought my kids to this waterpark. So many years that my youngest daughter wasn’t born, and it used to be...
newjerseyandbeyond
Apr 18, 20241 min read


Funcity Adventure Park Millville
The girls and I decided to give the new trampoline park a try and I’m pretty sure we are all glad that we did. We were all a little...
newjerseyandbeyond
Apr 18, 20241 min read


Take Me Out To The Ball Game….
There is no sport I love more than baseball. especially when I get to go to a game with all my crazies (well most of my crazies, I mean...
newjerseyandbeyond
Apr 18, 20241 min read
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