Sometimes it's hard to plan parties for our winter babies. I actually had a party in December at my house (GASP!). It was successful but what was I thinking having sugar-crazed 7-year olds in my home the week before Christmas?! It's February and I'm still finding candy canes in the couch and glitter in places no one wants to find glitter. Needless to say, I'm already thinking about how to avoid that experience next year, so here are 5 awesome, off-the-beaten-path winter birthday venues. For more great, year-round party options, visit our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

"That was the best birthday party EVER." David, age 6. We had the good fortune of choosing KidsU in Paramus for my son Miguel's party last week, and we all pretty much agreed with our buddy David's assessment. Fun, energetic, entertaining, varied and engaging are some of the happy adjectives that can be used for a birthday party at Kids U--oh, and moderately priced. And we like that one a lot. For even more great ideas, check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

Every year for our daughter’s birthday, I strive to come up with a party that is unique yet affordable. We go to so many parties it's difficult to find something that hasn’t already been done, but it seems that the days of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey in your living room are officially gone. Today’s parties are action-packed, craft-oriented, and even educational! For fun party ideas throughout New Jersey, check out the NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide. Here are some great ones in and around Somerset County.

Time to break out those baskets: Easter is nigh! And here I feel like we were just making New Year's resolutions the other day.

If you feel the same way, and one of your resolutions was to, ahem, get in shape before summer, chocolates and jelly beans and Peeps, oh my!, could derail those plans.

But everything in moderation, I say! If you're going to indulge, do it with candy you love. We've rounded up some sweet places to stock up on unique treats, and we've also got tips on what to do with your leftovers (because you know your kids can't eat it all).

And if you're looking to fill those baskets with non-caloric goodies, we've got ideas for those too. Now let's hop to it!

Last year, when the New York State Education Department decided to overhaul the ELA and Math Assessments to be more in line with the Common Core standards, there was a huge outcry. Teachers and parents alike complained that students weren't adequately prepared for the tougher tests and some families decided to have their kids skip the exams all together even though the NYC Department of Education refused to officially acknowledge opting out. Now that has changed.

Less than a week before the ELA Assessments, which begin on Tuesday, Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña has updated the New York State Tests Parent Guide with opting out guidelines. So families who don't want their children to take the ELA or Math Assessments have a clear course of action. We've got the details on how to opt out and the implications it has for your child.