Flashback Friday to the Trentonian

WWE Summer Slam being in New York this weekend made me think about the time I got to interview Paul Heyman for WrestleMania in New Jersey a couple of years ago. When I searched to look back at the article, I found articles I had forgotten that I had written for Trentonian, but also noticed older articles I remembered were not showing up in search results, even though the articles were still on the site (I found links in old social media shares).

So, before these articles are lost in the web, I thought it would be a good idea to create my own web listing of the 24 articles I wrote for the paper over those few years I freelanced for it. (I'm also in the process of making sure I have a printed copy of each of my favorites.)

2011:

Twin trouble in Trenton as WWE's Bella sisters come to town

WWE's Evan Bourne bringing high-flying style to Trenton

Moorestown lifts century-long ban on liquor licenses

2012:

Lorax exhibit educates Philly zoo visitors about endangered species

Million Dollar Dad: DiBiases stay close through busy wrestling careers

Mt. Laurel man going for American Ninja Warrior title

WWE’s Dolph Ziggler set to make a mark on 1,000th Raw

Jersey native A.J. Lee living the dream as WWE Raw GM

2013:

Costco employee saves co-worker’s life

New York native Heyman brings his ‘guys’ to WrestleMania

From Belmar to LBI, the Shore is back

Axel is ‘perfect’ addition to WWE youth movement

New Jersey ninjas show off athletic skills on TV

BurlCo’s Wilczewski reaches finals of ‘Ninja Warrior’

Two area ‘Ninjas’ move on in Vegas

One BurlCo gym Ninja reaches Stage 3 on NBC show

Philly native falls short on ‘Ninja’ finale

Wild ride through TV chat with the Giudices

2014:

Special Olympians hang with WWE superstars at Lawrenceville event

Wilczewski brothers prepare for another attack on ‘Ninja Warrior’ course

Special Olympic torch crosses Burlington County, comes to Mercer on Friday

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Fab Five’ represent Team NJ in gymnastics

Something Red and Pointy...

Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away, and it's on a Saturday. That means your kids have only one weekend to work on cards for school and you can plan a whole day of things to do.

Here are some of my ideas for Valentine's Day DIY gifts, cards and food:

• Kids can make simple craft gifts for Valentine's Day
• Kids can make Valentines for their class
• Valentine's Day meals families can easily make
• Strawberry Hazelnut Smoothie

Getting back in shape

Many people use the changing of the year to create resolutions to lose weight or get in shape. I started a new workout last week, not because of a resolution, but because of a goal I set for myself in May.

I had a baby in March, and wanted to get back in shape by the baby's first birthday. I knew I could reach that goal, since I had twice before, but not that quickly. I had 25 lbs to lose, just like the previous times.

The day before Thanksgiving, I weighed in at 10 lbs. less than my May starting weight. After Christmas, only one pound was gained back. But, for Christmas, I got my new workout- WWE Fit Series with Stephanie McMahon.

Just like me, Stephanie is a mom of three. Unlike me, she is a a former WWE Women's Champion, who has had to be in top physical shape for her job. While she has only competed once since having kids, she is still in amazing physical shape. I wanted to know what she was doing when I saw her in person in May, and am so happy she decided to share, even if it's just a small sample of her routine.

Since starting the workout last week, I have lost 2 lbs. Not every workout is a perfect fit for everyone, so I wrote a review to help others decide if this is the right workout for them. Check it out:

• Review: WWE Fit Series

My Favorite Things

As the year ends, many of us look back before we look forward to the new year. This year, I left behind a couple of jobs, and then, left the state of New Jersey... again. I also gained a new baby and a new home.

A few of my favorite things I wrote were:

• Wilczewski brothers prepare for another attack on ninja warrior course - My boys love the show 'American Ninja Warrior,' and cheered for Chris from Mt. Laurel back when he was captain of the White Tigers in the boot camp season of the show. This is one of my favorites because Chris and Brian are two of my sons' favorite athletes. 
• Special Olympics: 'Fab Five' represent Team NJ in gymnastics - I loved the enthusiasm, determination and confidence of the gymnasts. I also loved seeing how happy everyone- from athletes to volunteers- were at the event. I moved a week after this interview, and felt honored this was my last assignment. 
• Special Olympians hang with WWE Superstars at Lawrenceville event - This could have been a miserable day, watching soccer in chilly, rainy weather. But, it wasn't. Even the WWE Superstars (and Divas) weren't complaining- in fact, you could say they were the ambassadors of fun and enjoying every moment of it.
• Peppermint candy canes inspire holiday treats - I loved this one, because I love all the treats I wrote about in this post.

To determine readers' favorites, I look at page views. On Hubpages, my top posts written this year were:

1. Is the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' movie kid-friendly?
2. Families, groups can call themselves the Guardians of the Galaxy with DIY costumes
3. Superhero costume DIY ideas save parents from sewing, dress kids past Halloween
4. Olympic theme party wins over kids
5. Lego bricks are not limiting girls

I look forward to more creative ideas, adventure and thoughts in 2015, and I hope you do, too.

Halloween Ideas

Halloween is a week away, and if you're still stuck for ideas, I've got some for you. I probably love Halloween as much as Martha Stewart, only on a much smaller budget.

If you are throwing a party, you could borrow some ideas from my backyard Halloween parties or even go for a Harry Potter theme. If you're not throwing a full-blown party, there are food ideas and activities that could be used for classrooms or for contributing to a community event.

If you are looking for costumes, you could go for one that always makes to the National Retail Federation's top costumes list- a superhero. In fact, this year, superheroes take five of the 10 spots for top kids' costumes, and two for adults. This year, my family is dressing up as the Guardians of the Galaxy, the heroes from this summer's biggest movie. My costumes ideas are easy to make and don't require a sewing machine.

For the how-tos, read:

• Bewitch children with a simple backyard Halloween party
• Harry Potter theme party puts a spell on kids
• Kids gain turtle power with a homemade costume turtle shell
• Superhero costume DIY ideas save parents from sewing, dress kids past Halloween
• Families, groups can call themselves the Guardians of the Galaxy with DIY costumes

Going the distance

Last week, Kacy Catanzaro won the hearts of America by being the first woman to complete American Ninja Warrior's regional finals course. This week, Jersey brothers Chris and Brian Wilczewski completed the regional finals course. Chris got the social media frenzy not only for being the first to complete the course that night, but for being an awesome parkour teacher for a child with autism.

Both brothers are great with kids- my two older boys trained at the Movement Lab, and even when the little one was simply being Chris or Brian's shadow, it was never an annoyance. They understand how kids work, and they know how to motivate, educate and congratulate. But, most importantly, being patient is easy to them.

When this season of Ninja Warrior began, I got to write about the Wilczewski brothers' latest attempt to win the competition. If you missed that article in the Trentonian, you can read Wilczewski brothers prepare for another attack on ninja warrior course online.

Speaking of amazing athletes, I also got to do a little Special Olympics coverage for the Trentonian before I moved out of New Jersey (more on that moving thing later). The national event was held in the Garden State this year, and it featured WWE Superstars, a torch run and inspiring athletes:

• Special Olympians hang with WWE Superstars at Lawrenceville event
• Special Olympic torch crosses Burlington County, comes to Mercer on Friday
• SPECIAL OLYMPICS: ‘Fab Five' represent Team NJ in gymnastics

February Fun

February is known for its snow, and, this year, we've already had plenty of snow for the season. But, this February has both Valentine's Day and the Winter Olympics, providing many opportunities for fun for those of us who may be "snowbored."

Here are some ideas, both past and present, to help make the month more fun-filled:


Valentine's Day

Top Valentine’s Day Dates For Parents In Philadelphia (2014)

Valentine's Day meals families can easily make (2013)
Kids can create quick and simple gifts for Valentine's Day (2013)
Valentines kids can make for their class (2013)
Strawberry Hazelnut Smoothie recipe (2012)
Easy Valentine's Day crafts kids can make this weekend (2012)

Olympics
Olympic theme party wins over kids (2014)
Backyard events make kids active Olympic spectators (2012)

Other
Lego bricks are not limiting girls (2014)
Best activities for freezing weather in South Jersey (2014)
Penguin theme party makes little feet happy (2013)
New eBook helps parents get their kids outdoors (2012)

The Week Ahead

Here is what I've been trying to post on the Examiner.com website for the past hour with no luck:

Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: Dec. 16-22
　

What's happening this week for families in South Jersey:
(all are free unless otherwise noted)

　

Monday

• Lego League at the Moorestown Library at 4 p.m.
• Night Owls story time at the Cherry Hill Library at 7 p.m.

Tuesday

• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Deptford at 10 a.m.
• Espresso Yourself at The Treehouse Coffee Shop in Audubon at 10 a.m. A $5 donation to support local creative arts is suggested.
• Story time at Pottery Barn Kids in Marlton at 11 a.m.
• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Cherry Hill at 11 a.m.
• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Moorestown at 11 a.m.

Wednesday

• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Deptford at 10 a.m.
• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Marlton at 11 a.m.
• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Moorestown at 11 a.m.
• Free Family Films: This is Us at the Cherry Hill Library at 4 p.m.

Thursday

• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Deptford at 10 a.m.
• Kids Club at Deptford Mall at 10 a.m.
• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Cherry Hill at 11 a.m.

Friday

• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Moorestown at 11 a.m.

Saturday

• Legos and Games at the Moorestown Library all day.
• Calendar Craft at the Moorestown Library all day.
• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Marlton at 11 a.m.
• Songs of the Season Saturdays on the Boulevard at Voorhees Town Center from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday

• Storytime at the Barnes & Noble in Cherry Hill at 3 p.m.

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Best Penguin Day Ever

My little one loves penguins. One of his goals is to work with them someday. So, of course, we had to visit Adventure Aquarium this weekend for African Penguin Awareness Weekend.

He brought along Puff Puff, his only stuffed African penguin (most of his penguins are Emperors), for the visit. As soon as we arrived, he almost ran to Penguin Island to see his friends, noticing Cassie, the 10-month-old, right away. He pulled out his notepad and started drawing a picture of the dark grey penguin, who stayed still in a pose the entire time.

He soon led us around the rest of the aquarium, meeting the new crocodiles, saying hi to Tortuga, and watching as a fish took a ride on a ray's back. On our way to see the sharks from the Kids Zone upstairs, we found penguin activities in the hall outside the theater.

He first made a little sign for Puff Puff to carry. Then, he made a penguin rubbing, giving the penguin "robot legs." I'm not sure if Mark, the senior biologist observing the project, understood my child was mixing his other marine love, dolphins, with penguins. See, he fell in love with dolphins after visiting and learning about Winter (a dolphin who, to a six-year-old at least, has a "robot" tail) at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Between the penguin art session and the penguin meet-and-greet, we had time to visit the sharks. At the meet-and-greet, we met Chickpea. My son mostly observed how Chickpea played, asking every once in a while, "Isn't he so cute?" He came up with real questions to ask the biologists, I think purely to attempt a conversation.

Before leaving, he got an I Love Penguins wristband for Puff Puff. It reminded him of the identifying tags the penguins at the aquarium wear, and thought Puff Puff would want to wear one just like his buddies. He was beaming the rest of day, and said before falling asleep that it was the best day ever.

Warrior Watch

Today, I climbed a Warped Wall. Granted, I climbed it from the opposite end the competitors on "American Ninja Warrior" climb it, but considering there were steps only half-way up, it was still a challenge.

Why did I do this? I was taking video to accompany my latest article on the local guys in the finals. Notice how I said "guys." The Movement Lab had an amazing eight guys make the finals. Only 15 from each of the four regions make it to the finals, and this gym trained eight of them.

To learn more, read my article (and watch the two videos) for The Trentonian: BurlCo’s Wilczewski reaches finals of ‘Ninja Warrior’

You can also check out my article from the start of this season: New Jersey ninjas show off athletic skills on TV

WrestleMania Day

In case you haven't heard, tonight is WrestleMania! To help The Trentonian celebrate, I got the opportunity to interview WWE personality Paul Heyman, a promoter/manager/genius. Here is that article:

New York native Heyman brings his ‘guys’ to WrestleMania

Heyman is not the first WWE personality I've interviewed... in fact, quite a few have a role in the biggest show of the year. Here's who I've talked with and the articles for a quick refresher:

A.J. Lee (will escort the challengers to the Tag Team Championship to the ring)
Dolph Ziggler (one of the challengers to the Tag Team Championship)
The Bella Twins (in a mixed tag team match)



My work attire for the night

While it is in New Jersey, I don't have tickets, but will be part of The Trentonian's WrestleMania Chat during the event. You can join the chat on the The Trentonian's website or Facebook page.

The Month Ahead: April

There are free (and nearly free) things to do every month in South Jersey. Check this calendar (and the weekly articles listed below) for events near you.

Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: April 1-7
Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: April 8-14
Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: April 15-21


To add an event, email me at sjfrugalfamily@yahoo.com.

To Oz? To Oz!

In case it was not abundantly clear already, I am a huge fan of "The Wizard of Oz." So, of course, I had to see "Oz The Great And Powerful" on opening day.

I was concerned the movie wouldn't live up to its name. I was concerned going on opening day- which happens to also be an important day in my life- would be a mistake.

Although the theater I was in had rows of empty seats, "Oz" topped the box office this weekend, making $80 million.

See what I thought of the movie in my review on HubPages.


What else have I been doing?

• CBS: Top Ways To Celebrate Women’s History Month 2013 In Philadelphia
• Examiner: Easy hat crafts honor Dr. Seuss

It's obvious I've been neglecting this site lately. On the positive side, it means I've been busy.

I'm happy say that since mid-November, I've been getting more assignments than usual for CBS Local Media. One, in fact, published today (Top Spots For Men's Haircuts in Philadelphia) and a couple more are set to be published later this month.


Examiner.com has seen my byline on resolution and money-saving articles for the new year. I look forward to writing about ways to make money out of the new year clean-up.

I've also found time to write on Hubpages about an issue very important to me. Too many people in New Jersey neglect to see pedestrians, and even scarier, the crossing guards trying to stop traffic so children can safely cross. Here is my first Hub in what I hope to develop into a series to help educate fellow drivers, as well as pedestrians: Pedestrian in the crosswalk? NJ drivers could care less about them and the law.

This is also hockey season, and this year both of my boys are playing. That means a good amount of my weekends are spent at an outdoor hockey rink, or getting ready to go to one. It also means a lot of post-game hot chocolate!

Hopefully, I won't be a stranger in 2013...

As always, thanks for reading!

The Month Ahead: January

There are free (and nearly free) things to do every month in South Jersey. Check this calendar (and the weekly articles listed below) for events near you.

Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: Dec. 31-Jan. 6
Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: Jan. 7-13

To add an event, email me at sjfrugalfamily@yahoo.com.

Jersey Halloween

Today is Halloween in New Jersey, thanks to Superstorm Sandy. It doesn't feel like Halloween, and hasn't for the past week. In fact, our school butted the Governor's decision and decided to have Halloween celebrations on Friday. That means the kids went to school in costume on Friday, and then today they have to quickly get home, throw on their costumes and go trick-or-treating.

Anyway, the whole pumpkin carving tradition thing was delayed as well, and we finally got it done last night. There were several suggestions tossed around, but none seemed good enough to everyone. Then, one idea got everyone's approval.

I present to you our pumpkin:

The Month Ahead: November

There are free (and nearly free) things to do every month in South Jersey. Check this calendar (and the weekly articles listed below) for events near you.

Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: Oct. 29-Nov. 4
Wallet-friendly family activities in South Jersey: Nov. 5-11

To add an event, email me at sjfrugalfamily@yahoo.com.

Halloween Hub

Halloween is my favorite holiday. It is the one day of the year you can dress up as someone else and not get strange looks.

Considering the amount spent by Americans on Halloween each year, I'm not alone.

You can find some costume how-tos as well as information on Halloween events in the following links:

Top Halloween Costumes for 2012
South Jersey Halloween Parades
Witch Costume How-to
Pirate Costume How-to
Superhero (Justice League & Avengers!) Costumes How-to
Ninja Costume How-to


For even more ideas, check out my Pinterest Halloween board!

What are my kids dressing up as for Halloween this year? One will be a ninja, while the other will be Cubby, a Neverland pirate.

Jersey Diva

I recently got to interview WWE Diva A.J. Lee to promote Raw coming to Trenton. It was fun chatting with the "geek goddess" about comics, video games and, of course, wrestling.

The article was published in The Trentonian today, and you can read it here:
Jersey native A.J. Lee living the dream as WWE Raw GM

And, if you like that article, you may like these, too:
WWE’s Dolph Ziggler set to make a mark on 1,000th Raw
Million Dollar Dad: DiBiases stay close through busy wrestling careers
Mt. Laurel man going for American Ninja Warrior title

Sam and Julia?

Something neat happened last week. A recipe I submitted to CBS Local Media was selected to be published in their Gridiron Grub series!

In September, contributors were asked to create recipes and the best would be published, with two being published each week throughout the football season. Since football season overlaps with apple season and I am a Giants fan, I thought a burger with apple in it would be a great idea.

My husband and I worked together to make the burgers (I gave him the ingredients, he did his thing on the grill) and the burgers turned out being incredibly juicy. After an initial taste test, we decided which toppings would work best with pure flavor of the new burger.

While I may not be ready to tackle all of Julia Child's recipes, I was pretty proud of the fact that a recipe I created was published for visitors of all the CBS Local sites to try to recreate themselves that weekend.

Ready to try my Big Apple Burgers? Find the article here: Gridiron Grub: Big Apple Burgers

Also, check out a few of my other articles published on CBS Philly's site:
Top Playgrounds In Philadelphia
Baby Nurseries 101: Setting It Up Right In Your Philadelphia Home
Family Guide To The AC Airshow