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Jillian Spencer Studios & Basic Invite: A Perfect Holiday Combo

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Sponsored post; all opinions within are my own.

This season, we had the absolute joy of returning to Jillian Spencer Studios for our second photo shoot — and once again, Jillian delivered the warm, natural, personality-filled portraits that our family loves. Those images became the heart of our 2025 Christmas card, designed through Basic Invite, a brand we’ve been loyal to for four years. Together, they made this year’s holiday experience truly special.

📸 Working with Jillian Spencer Studios in Roxbury, NJ

Jillian Spencer Studios is located at:

100 Main Street
Succasunna, NJ 07876

We first discovered Jillian Spencer Studios last year, and ever since, her work has become part of our family tradition. Jillian created such a relaxed, comfortable environment for the kids and for us! Emilia and Nicholas were so cooperative, and Jillian captured the beautifully posed shots we look forward to each year. It is the one time we are all dressed in coordinated outfits and can get everyone looking at the camera, smiling, and together in one frame. We also enjoy the beautiful candids!

Jillian has a talent for reading the room, knowing when to guide and when to simply let the magic happen. She works quickly (a blessing with little ones and a “why do we have to do this” husband) but never rushes the process. Every session feels intentional and personal. The snow machine was a big hit and captured amazing smiles!

This particular shoot gave us timeless, soft, joyful photos…the kind that instantly felt “frame-worthy” and perfect for our annual holiday card.

Jillian offers so much more than family portraits. She does studio shoots, outdoor sessions, sports photography, and more, making her a versatile choice for all your photography needs. Jillian has so much to offer, so make sure you check out her Instagram and website.

🎄 Turning Our Favorites into Holiday Magic with Basic Invite

Once we got our final gallery back from Jillian, we knew immediately which images would headline our Basic Invite Christmas card. This is our fourth year designing cards through Basic Invite, and the loyalty is well earned as their customization options are unmatched, their quality is consistently beautiful, and the process is always seamless.

What We Chose This Year

We created our most elevated card yet:

✨ Raised Foil
We upgraded to raised foil again and WOW. The card has a gorgeous, tactile shimmer that adds a luxe finish without feeling over-the-top. It made the card feel extra festive.

✨ Full Customization
One of the reasons we keep returning to Basic Invite is the level of control. We could adjust fonts, spacing, colors, foil placement, and photo layout. It allowed us to truly match the design to Jillian’s warm, neutral-toned images.

✨ A Recap on the Back
This year, we added a mini “year in review” on the back of the card. It included a short update on each family member which is something personal, something fun, and something memorable. It turned our card into more of a keepsake than a greeting.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Basic Invite continues to impress us year after year. The paper quality is thick and substantial, the printing is crisp, and the designs feel both modern and classic. The templates are there for support, but the customization options let you make each card completely your own.

Between Jillian’s stunning photography and Basic Invite’s thoughtful design tools, our 2025 Christmas card came together beautifully heartfelt, polished, and uniquely us.

❤️ A Tradition We’re Proud Of

It’s become a yearly rhythm:
Book Jillian Spencer Studios → Capture the season → Build our holiday card with Basic Invite → Share our joy.

These two partners in our holiday process — Jillian Spencer Studios and Basic Invite — continue to help us document and celebrate our family as we grow, change, and make new memories.

If you’re in New Jersey and local to Morris County, we can’t recommend Jillian Spencer Studios enough for family photography. And if you’re building holiday cards that feel personal, high-quality, and timeless, Basic Invite is always a win.

Another year, another card, and another set of memories we’ll look back on with full hearts.

Inside the Grand Reopening of ShopRite Belleville – A LoCurcio Family Market

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October 19, 2025 marked an exciting milestone for Belleville and the surrounding communities: the grand re-opening of ShopRite of Belleville, which is a part of the LoCurcio Markets family. From the first gleaming shelf to the aroma of fresh-baked goods, this isn’t just a supermarket relaunch, it’s a celebration of community, connection, and the kind of everyday experience that turns grocery shopping into something special.

The Legacy Behind the Name

The LoCurcio family has been a name local shoppers trust. Their roots in New Jersey grocery stretch decades, and their stewardship of community markets reflects a personal touch you don’t always see in big box chains. In Nutley, for instance, their ShopRite location (at 437 Franklin Avenue) has become somewhat of a local gem being praised for its fresh produce, vibrant specialty departments, and even live pizza-oven action. You can read my blog on our experience at the LoCurcio Markets ShopRite of Nutley location here.

That same dedication and attention to detail are now featured in Belleville, and it’s worth noting this is not just a takeover of shelves, it’s an infusion of a family-driven ethos into an important local hub.

Our Experience at the Grand Re-Opening

Here’s a preview of what shoppers can look forward to — and what we had the pleasure of experiencing — at the ShopRite of Belleville:

✨ Stunning produce & cheese displays
Expect freshness front and center with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and an expanded specialty cheese selection (featuring both local and international favorites). We sampled the Thumann’s pastrami and ended up buying a whole pound — the kids absolutely loved it! Dietz & Watson also had a great spread of artisan cheeses and premium meats. Jason devoured the buffalo chicken sandwiches and charcuterie cups. I adore when stores offer samples; it’s the best way for my kids to discover new favorite foods.

🍕 Live pizza, made to order
Watching a chef toss dough and bake a pie in minutes is not just fun… it’s a delicious reason to linger (and order more). The kids keep asking, “Mom, when are we going back to the supermarket with the delicious pizza?” We even saw guests ordering pumpkin pizza on our way out!

🎂 The expansive bakery
The kids loved the cake pops and were mesmerized by the beautifully decorated Halloween cakes which were spooky, colorful, and totally creative! Nick got the chocolate cake pop while Emilia chose a strawberry cake pop. I got a bite of each and boy, they were very tasty!

🍪 Seasonal décor & products
We stocked up on festive finds like holiday creamers, cookies, and LoCurcio sprinkles to get in the spirit of the season.

🥗 Prepared foods & ready-to-go meals
Perfect for busy families and professionals, the new store features a robust prepared foods section with salads, empanadas, grilled entrées, sandwiches, a hot bar, and a cold bar. Jason grabbed a sandwich while I opted for a salad to enjoy at home, both delicious!

🌼 A community-first atmosphere
From the floral and plant section to kid-friendly touches like the toy aisle and locally sourced products, the new Belleville ShopRite feels personal and welcoming, more than just a grocery trip, it’s a place to explore.

💰 Competitive pricing + value
The LoCurcio family continues their tradition of pairing specialty appeal with everyday affordability, so shoppers never have to choose between quality and savings.

The Details of LoCurcio Family Markets — Belleville

Address: 726 Washington Avenue, Belleville, NJ 07109
Instagram: @locurciomarkets
Facebook: LoCurcio Markets
Website: Their ShopRite.com profile highlights the LoCurcio family’s four-generation legacy, celebrating their deep roots in the community and commitment to making every shopping experience fresh, local, and family-focused.

Join the Celebration

If you stop by, take your time to explore, grab a slice, and share your finds — maybe it’s a gooey cheese pull, a delicious cake pop, a local product, or your favorite aisle setup… and don’t forget to tag #ShopRiteBellevilleReopening and #LoCurcioMarkets when you post on Instagram and Facebook!

Have you visited any of the LoCurcio Markets locations? (Belleville, Nutley, or Kearny)

Let me know in the comments!

Discover Nutley’s Best Kept Secret: LoCurcio Family Markets (AKA ShopRite of Nutley, NJ) 🍕

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If you’re in Nutley and craving a feel‑good foodie outing, you must stop by LoCurcio Family Markets, also known as ShopRite of Nutley. Located at 437 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110, this family‑run gem has been owned by the LoCurcio family since 1932 and is part of the well‑loved ShopRite chain.

🍕 Pizza That’s a Show and a Taste Sensation

We recently grabbed a fresh, electric oven made pizza for lunch it was simply unforgettable. Watching the chef spin that pie high into the air was mesmerizing, especially for our kids. And the cheese pull? Absolutely insane—the kind that makes everyone go, “Whoa!” My daughter Emilia couldn’t stop exclaiming how “fresh and delicious” it tasted. The best part? It was made in under 5 minutes so no whiny “I’m hungry” exclamations from the kids.

🛍️ A Pre-Made Section Designed for Busy Parents

Dinnertime decision fatigue? Not here. Their prepared‑foods section is a lifesaver for tired, working parents like us. We snagged a delicious dinner for the night of our visit and lunch for the next day—total game‑changer. Jason loved the beef empanadas, while I grabbed the grilled chicken Caprese. The portions are huge, and at great prices. They had fresh a plethora salads, meatless options, sandwiches, wings, ribs, a hot buffet, a cold buffet… I could go on and on. You’d have to see it for yourself.

🎈 Kid-Approved Discoveries

The kids had a blast exploring. They discovered a beautiful glass rose and a quirky frog planter. They also found squeeze‑balls, jack‑in‑a‑bag toys, and bouncy outdoor balls. It turned one quick grocery run into a mini adventure! Be sure to check out the floral area for stunning arrangements, planters, and bouquets!

🍓 Produce & Cheese Selection—Unreal

The fruit and cheese displays were jaw‑droppingly impressive. A perfect blend of fresh local produce and specialty cheeses (hello international cheese department!). We brought home “sprinkle cheese” – (grated Parmesan). We also got a ton of seasonal fruits. These included strawberries, cantaloupe, apples, bananas, and pineapples. Everything was so fresh and delicious. It was an excellent chance for the kids to review fruits and vegetables. We also explained the importance of eating whole foods!

🏪 The Details of LoCurcio Family Markets

🏁 Final Slice: Why You’ll Love It

LoCurcio’s isn’t just another grocery store—it’s a delightful family experience. Come for the hot, fresh pizza (with live spinning action!), stay for the variety, community vibe, and killer prices. Ideal spot for one-stop shopping, family fun, and delicious eats. Both cherubs asked, “When are we going back? That supermarket had everything!”

👉 Ready to Make Nutley’s Best Pizza Night Plan?

Stop in, grab a pie, and stock up at great prices. You and the kids will thank yourselves!


Head to 437 Franklin Ave, follow them on Instagram, like their Facebook page, and check out their ShopRite profile. Then come taste what everyone’s raving about—and let Emilia’s “fresh and delicious” verdict guide your next family pizza night!

Discover Organic Foods at Nature’s Food Markets in Hackettstown, New Jersey!

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Grand Opening Celebration: Mark your calendars for the grand opening on December 14th from 11 AM to 5 PM at Nature’s Food Markets in Hackettstown, NJ! The grand opening will feature live music performances, delicious free samples, and exciting raffles throughout the day! I have been shopping at Nature’s Food Markets since they opened and have been so impressed with the customer service, the food quality, and the prices. The store is easy to navigate and the customer service is exceptional!

Organic Foods: Nature’s Food Markets prides itself on offering a wide selection of organic foods. From fresh produce to pantry staples, you can trust that the products are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals, ensuring the highest quality for you and your family. I love purchasing organic strawberries, blueberries, bananas, grapes and avocados. They offer an extensive cheese section paired with local artisan products, which will make excellent additions to our holiday table.

Ready-to-Eat Meals: As a busy working mom of two, I love the variety of their ready-to-eat meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a nutritious dinner, the prepared foods are made with wholesome ingredients and are perfect for those on-the-go moments. We often buy rotisserie chicken and one of the delicious sides. The sushi is also spectacular; it is so fresh and tasty!

Features and Amenities:

  • Coffee Shop and Juice Bar: Start your day with freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing juice from the on-site coffee shop and juice bar.
  • Hot Food Bar, Salad Bar, and Soup Bar: The hot food bar, salad bar, and soup bar are located in the deli section.
  • Specialty Departments: Discover the vitamins, natural health, and beauty departments, as well as the bakery and floral section. I’ve personally bought natural toothpaste, soaps, and shampoos to incorporate clean products into our daily routines.

Monthly and Weekly Flyers: Stay updated with the monthly and weekly produce flyer. These flyers highlight the latest promotions, seasonal produce, and special offers, ensuring you never miss out on great deals. On my reel, you can see some amazing finds! Look for the yellow tags to indicate sale items.

Location: Nature’s Food Markets is conveniently located at 7 Naughright Rd, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Hours are Sunday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Social media: Check out Nature’s Food Markets on Facebook and Instagram.

Come experience the magic of Nature’s Food Markets and let me know what you purchase!

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark Review

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Our family needed this #hosted trip. After the year we’ve had with Nick’s medical issues (cranial helmet, heart murmur, surgery, croupe, the ‘rona, and RSV), him being a consistently inconsistent sleeper, and juggling working both inside and outside the home with a preschooler with lots of extracurricular activities and a husband in law enforcement with an insane schedule, I’ll repeat myself…

We needed this trip to The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. The Kartrite is located in the Catskills, which is less than a two-hour drive from our home. (Monticello, New York to be exact). Check-in was a breeze, and the beautiful lobby showcased a very tall Christmas tree and the infamous blue “K” that we made a point to snap some family pictures in front of. Everyone working at the Kartrite seemed genuinely happy; everyone smiled and asked, “Can I help you with anything?” Hospitality at its finest.

We headed to our two-bedroom suite which was huge – one bedroom had a King sized bed and the master bathroom had a stall shower. Em and Nick had their own room with 2 Queen beds (Nick was in the pack-and-play). They shared a bathroom with a tub towards the entrance of the room. The living room was comfortable, and it had a table for 6 people which was great when we had dinner in the room on our last night. The balcony had a great scenic view, too. A mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker provided good creature comforts. One thing about the Kartrite, it is immaculately clean. Jason is the most annoying person in the world when it comes to accommodations, and for him to mention how clean the Kartrite was means a lot. (Trust me, we have left places because it was not up to his standard of living.)

[[Side note: I want to tell you that if you aren’t following me on Instagram, make sure you head over there and check out my highlight reel so you’ll be able to see everything I am talking about. ]]

There are so many food options at the Kartrite. We especially loved Harvey’s Wallbanger, where we had Buffalo Wings, The Cowboy Burger, the Kartrite Club (by far the biggest turkey club Jason has ever eaten in his life), and the Catskill Hot Chicken. Em loved the spaghetti and meatballs, too. We enjoyed our morning coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Highline. We got a delicious pizza at Surfside Grille inside the waterpark.

Let’s talk about the waterpark. Did you know the Kartrite has the largest indoor waterpark in NY state? This was our family’s first time at an indoor waterpark and it did not disappoint. Lifeguards were everywhere, and floatation vests are available for anyone to use. Em and Nick both loved the “Puddle Ducks” section where little Nicholas splashed away in six inches of water with plenty of water tables. Emilia loved all of the slides. I actually stood there for 2 hours watching her go down the slides over and over and over again. (She slept until 8:30 am the next day, which is why I let her go full boar…virtual high five!) We were very fortunate that the Kartrite gave us our own cabana, loaded with drinks, snacks, oversized towels, a fan, lounge chairs, a table, comfy seating, and a flat-screen television. This was great just to chill, eat our lunch in peace, and take a break. With two little ones, a cabana is an absolute must-have. This was hands down the best part of our trip. The waterpark literally has something for everyone — attractions for littles like Em and Nick, thrill rides, a hot tub pool that goes indoors and outdoors, a lazy river, a bar for adults to indulge in a fruity cocktail or beer, and so much more. There is no greater joy than seeing my babies happy. Em had a smile from ear to ear and Nick’s laughs made me laugh. Good job, Kartrite.

Our Cabana

After we showered and had dinner, we had fun at the Playopolis arcade. Bowling at Van Winkle’s Alley was our favorite; followed by skeeball, ring toss, claw games, and carousel rides. The Kartrite has a wall climbing area, a ropes course, virtual reality, an escape cube, etc. After you earn your tickets, you go to The Vault to trade in your tickets for prizes. Em absolutely loved shopping for prizes. She left with an entire brown bag full of toys and candy that she energetically showed family members upon our return home. “I won these at the arcave.” No, it’s not a typo, it’s just how she pronounces arcade which makes J and I chuckle.

While we did as much as we could (let’s be real, we are on the kid’s schedule, not our schedule), we weren’t able to attend any of the listed daily activities. Each day Kartite has several activities for your kids and/or the family to participate in. What I love is that you can choose to do it all, do some, or just do you. The Kartrite also has a really nice gym. No, I didn’t work out, but I was able to see the machines and they looked like they would have given me a good workout. (Insert laughs here.) I would love to visit the Kartrite in the warmer months so we could enjoy the hiking trails that are conveniently located on the property. (We couldn’t do it during our stay since it is hunting season.) There is just so much to do around the Kartrite no matter what season or time of day!

The icing on the cake was when Em said, “Mommy?! Daddy?! I just want to stay here forever.”

Me too, Em. Me too.

Use code SPLASH for up to 25% off your stay at The Kartrite. Though this was a hosted trip, (thank you, Kartrite), all opinions expressed within are my own. Be sure to visit Kartrite’s website and Instagram.

Feel free to pin to your travel board: