Home styles, what they are and if/how they affect prices.

The 6 basic styles of single family homes you will see on the market are: Colonial, Split Level, Ranch, Cape Cod, Custom home and Victorian.

Colonial: this is the most sought after and liked style. It is your typical home with the family living space at 1^st floor level (ground floor) and the living quarters upstairs. Single flight of stairs takes you to the bedrooms where you will find a small…

Let’s talk about schools. It’s the main reason why people move to the suburbs, really. And the extra space. And to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Ok, ok so there are many reasons to move to the suburbs but schools is still the most important one. Once kids are done with Kindergarten and going into 1^st grade, or maybe you can push it until they are ready for 2^nd grade but you know already that it’s time to make the move, if you’re ever going to do it.…

Hello! As a Realtor who lives and works in the New Jersey suburbs of Millburn / Short Hills, I regularly meet couples who are ready to give up city life for the advantages of the suburbs but are apprehensive about the change in life style. Having made the same transition about 7 years ago, I thought I’d share my perspective through this blog, with absolutely no strings attached!

Let’s start with the first question that everyone has. How is the commute to the city? If…

In honor of Mother's Day, here are some thoughts that our moms have shared with us over time, to help us become better individuals - and hence better mothers, wives, sisters, daughter-in-laws etc.

So here's some precious advice that you all kindly shared -

'Never judge the action of other people or their children because you dont know when you may be in the same situation'

In the world of emails, digital research, texting and typing, research debates the importance of handwriting versus teaching keyboarding. I recently read a blog post that posed this question: Do we really need to teach elementary age children handwriting, or should we focus more on keyboarding so that children have the computer literacy skills they will need?

I felt it necessary to respond then and I will share my belief here; handwriting and writing skills should…

From Nagina at MasalaBody.com

Dear Newport Mommies,

So irritating! After my first pregnancy, I still carried an extra 12 pounds a few months after. A few moms that had…

As Head of School at Stevens Cooperative, recently families have asked me my thoughts on if, when, what and how they should give household chores to their child(ren). My answer is yes! Household chores are a great way to teach responsibility, collaboration and how families care for one another and their homes. It also gives families an opportunity to have discussions about values and what's important to them. An…

Its the time of the year when companies start hiring - so gear up to take advantage of the time.

A few opportunities that I highly recommend as an HR professional:

- Join Mom Corps University - MomCorps is a prominent staffing and placement firm for Moms and has recently started an online portal through which you can avail of interview coaching,…

From Nagina at Masalabody.com

Newport Mommies – I received a huge response from you when I posted here last week. To answer your questions, I'm planning to do a Q&A post here regularly, starting with today. Send in any other questions you have to me right away so I can answer them.

Sign up for my email list at www.masalabody.com to receive more tips and recipes directly to your…

Homework: The Debate Continues

Ask three educators whether they think homework is a valuable tool for promoting academic achievement, and you’ll likely get three different answers – “Yes,” “No,”…

Choosing the pre school that’s right for your child can be a nerve-wracking affair, especially when it’s your first time. This decision is intensely personal and may even differ for each child in your family. Some steps you can take to ease the process are:

1. List your priorities: What do you care about most? Location of the school, hours offered,…

I'm a busy working mother that lost 40 pounds and now feel so much more energy and strength.

While I was pregnant with my son, I questioned if I would ever be able to lose the weight I was putting on.

Once I gave birth to my son, I had put on over 40 pounds, and the thought of being able to button my old jeans up over my expanded stomach seemed almost impossible. I didn't want my stomach to stick out every time I wore a  going…

My nephews, 6 and 9, started building with Lego some four years ago. They started and never let it go. Till date, their eyes sparkle at the sight of Lego. Some new Lego on the block, is always on their wish-list, and all their earned points at home go towards procuring more Lego sets. Their house is full of the most outlandish Lego creatures, which the boys nurture with utmost possessiveness. Afterall those multi limbed rocket…

Jill Singleton

Head of School

All Saints Episcopal Day School

Those of us lucky enough to lead small schools often refer to the “magic” or “enchantment” of school schools.  I am always inspired when I attend the Small Schools Conference in Falmouth, Massachusetts.  Over the course of three days, heads of small schools from around the country are able to share stories and recharge our excitement about our unique school communities.  While many small schools are…

Mark your calendars for some free or subsidized events by the Department of Recreation- Our thanks to Mayor Steven Fulop.…

I am not a blogger but I definitely like paying forward – Think I will begin with sharing what I experience every day as a parent – the desire to instill the love of Math in my 5 year old Montessori schooled, independence loving kid.

I am sure a lot of you will relate to the feeling of fearing math! I grew up feeling totally paralyzed every time I was…