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A Penn State Family Affair: Discovering the Charm of State College Beyond Game Day

For our family, Penn State isn’t just a school—it’s a tradition. I grew up a huge fan, watching football games on Saturdays with my dad, cheering them on, and even had the thrill of cheerleading in the Big33 game in high school and meeting the legendary Joe Paterno. My husband, Matt, is equally devoted, with…
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Brews, Sunsets, and Sand: Our Lokal Hotel Experience in Cape May

Our First Family Trip to Cape May: A New Tradition Begins For years, our family has been loyal to Ocean City, New Jersey. But this year, seeking a new weekend adventure, we decided to give Cape May a try. The best part? The drive was less than two hours from home, making it the perfect…
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Historic Charm Meets Modern Fun: A Family Getaway at The Omni Homestead Resort

Experience The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA, where history meets adventure. Our family of six enjoyed a renovated water park, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a thrilling falconry experience where they witnessed a live hunt! Find out why this resort is the perfect blend of relaxation and fun for your next family vacation.
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The Ultimate Hair Pampering: A Stress-Free Salon Experience at Home with Concihairge

As a mom of four, finding time for self-care can feel like an Olympic sport. Between school drop-offs, extracurriculars, and managing a bustling household, a trip to the salon often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover Concihairge, the premier in-home hair salon serving the Main…
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Father’s Day Fun & More: Our Unforgettable Day at DICK’S House of Sport

As a mom of four, creating memorable experiences for our family is always at the top of my list, especially when it comes to celebrating Dad! This year, leading up to Father’s Day, we wanted a unique way to honor the amazing father figure in our lives. Our search led us to DICK’S House of…
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Future Phillies in the Making: Chase’s All-Star Sports Academy Baseball Clinic at DICK’S House of Sport

As parents, we’re always looking for ways to nurture our children’s passions and help them grow, both on and off the field. With summer in full swing and my son, Chase, having just wrapped up his tee-ball season, he was absolutely buzzing with energy and eager to test his burgeoning baseball skills. That’s why we…
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Big News! Jill Urglavitch Named a Top Philadelphia Mom Influencer by Feedspot

I was honored to find out that I was named one of Philadelphia’s top mom influencers! The recognition comes from Feedspot’s amazing list of “Top 35 Philadelphia Mom Instagram Influencers,” and seeing my name on there is truly a pinch-me moment. I’m so honored to be featured alongside so many talented and creative women I…
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A Weekend to Remember: Cherishing Family Moments at Woodloch Resort

This winter, we were so excited to return to Woodloch Resort for our third visit, a place that has become special to our family. Returning guests are a common sight here, as we’ve met families who have been coming back to Woodloch for generations to create cherished memories. Nestled in the heart of the Pocono…
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Transforming Our Bathroom: A Renovation Journey Years in the Making

Ever since we moved into our home in 2014, the bathroom has been a space we dreamed of updating. While functional, it was small, outdated, and not practical for a growing family. The layout, with its narrow width and oversized tub, felt cramped and inefficient. But there was one feature we absolutely wanted to retain:…
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Designing a Modern Boys’ Bedroom That Grows with Your Child Using Raymour & Flanigan Furniture

Introduction Designing a bedroom for young boys in a Cape Cod-style home comes with unique challenges and opportunities. The charming architecture of Cape Cod homes often includes sloped ceilings and cozy, smaller rooms, which means careful planning is essential to make the most of the space. We wanted to create a bedroom that our boys…
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Creating a Mid-Century Modern Family-Friendly Living Room with Raymour & Flanigan

The living room is the heart of our home, and as a family of six with four young kids, we needed it to be both stylish and durable. We envisioned a mid-century modern vibe, a design aesthetic that perfectly blends form and function. We wanted a space that was not only beautiful but also practical…
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Transform Your Space with Wall Blush Peel and Stick Wallpaper: A Stylish and Practical Solution

In the ever-changing world of interior design, finding a balance between style, convenience, and affordability can often seem like a daunting task. As someone passionate about interior design, I’m always on the lookout for products that can effortlessly transform a space without breaking the bank or causing a mess. Recently, I discovered Wall Blush, a…
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Our Experience with Guardian Bikes: Building Confidence and Having Fun

Our kids were extremely excited about the opportunity to ride bikes. In search of a safe option that would give them confidence to ride and keep them safe, we turned to Guardian Bikes. We recently got two Guardian bikes for our kids: Chase, who is 5 years old and now proudly rides a 20″ bike…
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A Family Weekend in Lancaster, PA: Fun, Food, and Adventures

Our recent family trip to Lancaster, PA, was filled with exciting activities, delicious food, and wonderful memories. Staying at the Marriott at Penn Square, located conveniently in downtown Lancaster, was the perfect choice for our family. Being within walking distance to top-rated restaurants and bars made our stay even more enjoyable. Dining at Plough Our…
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Discovering the Perfect Travel Car Seat: Our Experience with WAYB Pico Car Seats

As a mom of four young children, finding car seats that are both safe and convenient for travel has always been a priority for our family. Recently, we decided to try out the WAYB Pico Car Seats for our three kids, aged 2, 3, and 5. Let me tell you, these car seats have been…
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Exploring the World with the New MINIMEIS G5 Shoulder Carrier

As a mom of four, finding the perfect gear to make our family adventures smoother and more enjoyable is always a priority. Recently, we upgraded to the MINIMEIS G5 Shoulder Carrier, and it has quickly become an essential part of our travel kit. Here’s why we love it and how it’s made our outings with…
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Tremezzo Stay: An Eastern Shore Getaway

As a mom of four young children and a content creator, finding the perfect vacation spot that caters to both relaxation and family fun can be a challenge. However, our recent getaway to Punch Point, a luxury eastern shore rental property owned by Tremezzo Stay, exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, it was…
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An April Adventure to Niagara Falls, Ontario: Family Fun at Sheraton Fallsview

If you’re seeking the perfect family getaway, let me share our recent adventure to Niagara Falls, Ontario, this past April. Our stay at the Sheraton Fallsview made the trip even more memorable, and I’m here to tell you why this destination is a must for families. From road trip pit stops to awe-inspiring falls, here’s…
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Woodloch Pines Resort

This February, my family was able to experience a winter weekend at Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Woodloch is more than just a place to stay—it’s a hub for fostering connections and creating memories. With over 30 activities available daily for kids of all ages, and…
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Island Waterpark at Showboat Hotel

This January my family and I booked a weekend at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ to visit the Island Waterpark and even though we have four kids at different heights and ages, there was something for everyone during our visit! The Island Waterpark has 12 water slides to choose from, which is great…
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A Holiday Weekend in Hershey

This weekend my family and I had the opportunity to visit Hershey, PA to experience the holiday season in Hersheypark and around town. In this three-part blog post, I’ll walk you through our visit to Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, the Santa Breakfast at The Chocolatier, and our stay at the Hershey Lodge. I will share practical…
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Jim Thorpe, PA: Autumn Leaf Train

This weekend we decided to take a day trip to Jim Thorpe, PA to check out their Autumn Leaf Train ride and walk around the Fall Foliage Festival that was happening in downtown. We visited Jim Thorpe in the spring of 2021 to experience the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway but were ready to get back…
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Home Appétit Philly

As a mom of four young kids, life gets busy, fast. Between school, activities, and the daily day-to-day, finding time and energy to prepare a family meal is challenging, especially while I’m in a postpartum recovery phase . Home Appétit Philly has given me the opportunity to recover while staying connected to my family and…
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4 Simple Halloween Snacks

With four young kids at home, I understand the need for quick and easy snacks, especially when you’re trying to keep the Halloween spirit alive during the busy day-to-day. These four snacks are not only delicious but also perfect for getting your little ones in the Halloween mood. Best of all, they require minimal prep…
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Halloween Breakfast Boards

Weekdays can be a whirlwind, especially when you have a busy household with school and work schedules to juggle. But on the weekends, I love to treat my kids to something special, and one of our favorite traditions is a big, seasonal breakfast. I call it a “big breakfast”, but simplicity is still key. To…
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Captain Hook’s Playroom

We recently booked a play session at Captain Hook’s Playroom in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania for the second time this year. It has been challenging keeping up with the three kids as I near the end of my pregnancy, so being able to get out to Captain Hook’s has been a lifesaver. It is a safe…
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Bananas Foster Trifle

For this year’s anniversary, I decided to recreate a memory from one of our earliest post-wedding vacations: a quick weekend trip to New Orleans. On our trip, we reserved a breakfast at Brennan’s for their famous Bananas Foster and this weekend I put together a Bananas Foster Trifle as a little throwback. Ingredients: *This is…
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Busy Bodies Play Cafe

I recently took a day trip to Lancaster, PA to visit with some family friends and for our 5 kids to get together once more before our newest addition arrives this fall. We decided to check out Busy Bodies Play Cafe because it was a convenient meeting point but also because it fit the needs…
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The Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme

Pry open your utility drawers and pull out those extra Taco Bell hot sauce packets from 2020 because you’ll want them for this recipe. After sharing some photos of my recent homemade Taco Bell dinner, I received numerous requests for the recipe. While I can’t take credit for this quick dinner, I’m excited to share…
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A Sweet Escape

The Chocolate Spa at The Hotel Hershey As a mom juggling between family responsibilities and work, finding time for self-care is often a challenge. So when the opportunity arose to visit The Chocolate Spa at The Hotel Hershey for a day of pampering, I jumped at the chance. This luxurious retreat promised two heavenly treatments…
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Sweet Summer Adventures

Exploring Chocolate World and The Chocolatier This summer, my family and I have been spending a lot of time in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It’s an exciting experience to bring my husband and our three children, ages 4, 3, and 18 months, back to my hometown and take advantage of all the activities and attractions the area…
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Welcome!

Introducing The Modern Mom: Your source for all things motherhood, including Family-Friendly Travel Tips, Heartwarming Memory-Making Ideas, and Much More! I am thrilled to welcome you to The Modern Mom, a brand new blog where I’ll be sharing family-friendly travel and local excursions, with a special focus on the city of Philadelphia and its surrounding…