Dear Friends,   My youngest bounded downstairs this morning and announced, "It's an Art Day!" She had it all planned out - painting, followed by Play-doh, topped off with some marker and crayon drawing. It was a grand plan - which got my wheels spinning, and while she began painting, I started planning the rest of the day. If it was art she wanted, it was art she was going to get. Of course, in my zeal (as is often the case) I came.... read more

SYNOPSIS: This latest installment in the Superman franchise finds Henry Cavill playing the Man of Steel, figuring out his place on Earth while acknowledging his Krypton origins and battling the evil General Zod.    Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language Released in Theaters: June 14, 2013 (2D, 3D, IMAX) Genre: Action, Adventur.... read more

From time to time, Suburban Mom and NJ Kids like to introduce you to one of our friends – and hopefully together we can learn about some of the great businesses around our state.  Today: Katie Cantor, Owner of Bath Junkie in Westfield.  Read on to see how Cantor is turning her passion to begin her own business into an chance to inspire young, future female entrepreneurs. Suburban Mom:  What is your Name and Title? Katie Cantor:&n.... read more

Dear Friends,   Sunday is Father's Day, and I've decided that I need to take a different approach this year.  See, usually, I have great intentions - breakfast in bed, a fabulous gift, a bit of leisure time (i.e. I make sure the kids are otherwise occupied), followed by a fun family activity.  Unfortunately, though, it rarely goes as planned, and by mid-day we are stuck in traffic heading off to visit the grandfathers.&nb.... read more

I tend to be one of those mothers – the sort who constantly finds lessons in every day happenings. I stop at roadside markers so we can learn about history, and I always have my phone handy just in case we come upon a new idea or concept and I will then quickly Google it and give a full explanation. The kids, of course, have perfected the eye rolls and sighs (and my husband tends to speed up if he spots a brown historical marker, then coyly says.... read more

SYNOPSIS: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson team up in this comedy about two middle-aged salesmen who lose their jobs and then talk their way into an internship at Google, where they compete for jobs against brilliant tech-oriented college kids. Reel Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reels MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexuality, some crude humor, partying and language Released in Theaters: June 7, 2013 Genre: Comedy Runtime: 119 minutes Directed by: Sha.... read more

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death for children under age 14. Will you and your child be prepared? As a service to the community, the YMCA of Montclair is offering Summer Splash Week, a week-long “Begin to Swim Program” for adults and children ages 6-11. It’s for those with little or no swimming experience. The program is free after a $5 registration fee and runs from Monday-Thursday June 17-June 20. Additional details .... read more

  Address: Ocean Ave (First Ave), Manasquan, NJ 08736 One of the hidden gems of the Jersey Shore is Sea Watch Beach in Manasquan, an all time favorite beach destination for my family.  It has survived Sandy and continuous improvements are being made to get it ready for the summer.  The best part is the valet parking.  You are able to pull your car right up to the beach.  Unload the chairs, cooler, sand toys, u.... read more

When I saw my two older children literally have a tug of war battle over a book, I knew precisely how to settle the argument.  That much desperation could only mean one thing, so I quickly took the book and settled onto the couch, and flipped to Page One.  It was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. 'Wonder', written by R.J. Palacio, is the unforgiving, unforgettable story of August Pullman.  Auggie, as he is called, is a n.... read more

Get ready for Spring Vacations and family time!  We all remember the wonderful excitement of a school field trip – but who says these types of outings are only for classroom groups? Surprise the kids with a family field trip - there’s a spot for every age and for every interest. NJ Kids is here to help you plan your spring weekend getaways, or spring break which is right around the corner.  Here are just 101 of our favorites 1..... read more