Thursday, September 30, 2010

Flashback Thursday!

On this very rainy day in NY, I was looking at my pictures from our Carnival Cruise a few years ago and dreaming of the beach and sun:)  I just thought I would share our fun with everyone!



Cruise May 2008 - Carnival Miracle

Massive Fisher Price Recall!! Over 11 million toys...


By LEE FERRAN
Sept. 30, 2010

More than 10 million children's toys are being recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the toys' manufacturer Fisher Price, the CPSC announced today.

(Courtesy CPSC)
The toy giant is recalling toys -- from tricycles to playplaces -- citing potential dangers from falling onto certain protruding parts and choking hazards from small parts.

"Consumer should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed," the CPSC said in a statement.

Here's the list of products being recalled in the U.S.:

About 7 million Fisher Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles

About 950,000 Healthy Care, Easy Clean and Close to Me High Chairs

About 100,000 Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway

About 2.8 million Baby Playzone™ Crawl & Cruise Playground™, Baby Playzone™ Crawl & Slide Arcade™ , Baby Gymtastics™ Play Wall, Ocean Wonders™ Kick & Crawl™ Aquarium (C3068 and H8094), 1-2-3 Tetherball™, Bat & Score Goal™


"Pegs stick out and children have fallen on these pegs," Inez Tanenbaum, chair of the CSPC told "Good Morning America" of the high chairs. "Several have been injured, and seven required stitches."

For the various play place products, including Playzone and Playground, the CPSC and Fisher Price reported they were aware of 46 instances when a small piece came free from the product. In 14 of those cases, the piece was found in the child's mouth. In three of those cases, the piece had caused the child to begin choking. Wheels from other small toy cars can come off and also prevent a choking hazard.

"Manufacturers need to build safety into the product from the very beginning so we don't have to recall on the back end," Tenenbaum said.

The products are also being recalled in Canada in smaller numbers. Fisher Price did not immediately reply to requests for comment on this story.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the recall from the CPSC website or call the CSPC Recall Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Source: ABC 


The agency urged consumers to stop using the toys immediately and contact Fisher-Price at 1-800-432-5437 for repair kits or replacements.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

24th Annual Bellmore Street Fair - Oct 2-3

Bellmore street fair to return Oct. 2-3
By Deirdre Krasula

Nassau County's largest street festival will return to the Bellmores for the 24th year next week. The Bellmore Family Street Festival will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m., and the carnival only will begin on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m.


   The event, which is held at the Bellmore Long Island Rail Road train station by the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce, covers 25-square blocks and draws more than120,000 visitors to the Bellmores annually. "The community and visitors from outside the community look forward to this every year," said Joni Caputo, the festival director.


This festival's theme this year is "A Visit to Toyland," and the event will offer more than 130 exhibits and attractions for every age group and interest. 


There will be:


•Kids Expo. David Fun n Magic will be there to entertain the entire family. His show features a live rabbit, audience participation and more.


•Petting Zoo. KIds will have fun riding ponies and making crafts. There will also be smaller carnival rides, cookie decorating, face painting and more.


•Crafts Fair. More than 150 vendors will sell hand-made items.


•Carnival. Thrill rides like the Himalaya and the Riptide are likely to be top attractions. There will also be games to win prizes along with a musical review by Calhoun High School's drama club.


•Military Expo. There will be extensive memorabilia from local veterans' organizations as well as exhibits of Humvees, a 25-foot mock submarine, flight simulators and more.


•Entertainment. The Joe Bayer Band will perform, as will Late Nite Audio, SouthBound and Savannah Key. Come down and enjoy the live music and dance along.


   The Business Expo featuring Bellmore businesses and a Health and Wellness Expo will also return to the festival. The Health Expo will feature local medical centers giving out advice as well as onsite medical screenings. There will also be a Sports Expo with professional teams from across the area. Teams, including the Rangers, Islanders and Long Island Ducks, will be present.


   Caputo said that the expos will be "very, very interactive" this year.


   Admission to the festival is free, as is parking. Free shuttle buses will be provided to take patrons into the heart of the festivities.


   "It's a great place to come; you don't have to spend a lot of money," Caputo said.


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

Weight Watchers #CruiseDiet 2010-2011 Starts Today!!!

Today, September 27th ,2010, I Allison will be starting my #CruiseDiet 2010-2011.  Maybe if I write about it and tell everyone about it I will be less likely to fail!  I have a lot of weight to lose and I want to lose the weight for a ton (no pun intended ;)) reasons.

1. Carnival Cruise Spring 2011
2. My Health
3. I want to look good again!
4. Our family needs a change in how we eat as a whole
5. And Carnival Cruise Spring 2011 ;)

So here we go!  I am joining Weight Watchers tonight.  I know it is going to be very hard.  I was a member 7 years ago when I lost 40 lbs for my Wedding.  It was easy to do because it was just me to worry about and my Mom joined with me too.  It is great with support.

My husband is very supportive of me now and I am excited to make our family healthy.

Onwards and Upwards from here on out!  Right?!?!?!  Ugh...

I think I can!  I think I can!  I think I can!

I will not turn this into a WW or Weight Loss Blog but if I am feeling down or great about something, I am going to post about it:)

Good Luck to all those that also woke up looking for a change and to all those that have been on this journey or those that have yet to take that first step!  You can do it!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

My 4 yr old's favorite book - Tikki Tikki Tembo retold by Arlene Mosel



Now that my son has been steering away from the "baby" books and onto big boy books I have been trying to find that one book that he will really love.  Well, I tried this book and he fell in love with it!  We now read it every night and he tries to make the story go on and gives the characters their own life.  I highly recommended this book to children 4 and up.


Here is what Amazon has to say about this book.


Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

If you haven't already read Tikki Tikki Tembo, you've probably heard at least someone recite the deliriously long name of its protagonist: Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, by now a famous refrain in most nursery schools. In this beautiful edition--complete with line and wash illustrations by artist Blair Lent--Arlene Mosel retells an old Chinese folktale about how the people of China came to give their children short names after traditionally giving their "first and honored" sons grand, long names. Tikki tikki tembo (which means "the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world") and his brother Chang (which means "little or nothing") get into trouble with a well, are saved by the Old Man with the Ladder, and change history while they're at it. Tikki Tikki Tembo is a perfect book to read aloud, but don't be surprised if you find yourself joining the ranks of its chanting followers. (Picture book) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

In this folktale, help is slow in coming when a Chinese boy falls into a well, since the boy's long and difficult name must be pronounced in full. Beautifully expressive drawings enhance the book's Oriental feel. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details



Source: Amazon.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Seaford Harvest Fair coming...

For the fourth consecutive year, the Seaford community will hold its celebration of seasonal change with the Seaford Harvest Fair. Located on the front lawn of Seaford High School (Seaman’s Neck Road, approximately 1/2 mile north of Sunrise), the rain-or- shine date is Sunday, September 26,  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
The fair will feature virtually all the artifacts of autumn you would want to view and purchase for home decor: cornstalks, mums, scarecrows, crafts and gifts, And what would an autumn harvest fair be without pumpkins? There’ll be tons of them to be decorated and/or purchased.  Also planned: a good old-fashioned homestyle bake sale, lawn games, face painting, moon bouncing, raffles, clam chowder, popcorn, hot dogs, soda.
Then, scheduled at 12:30 p.m., a unique demonstration of trickery, illusion and slight-of-hand, performed by Magician Jim McClenahan.  During the afternoon, don’t miss the opportunity to make a quick trip to the nearby Seaford Fire Department on the corner of Southard and Waverly Avenues.  Once there you’ll experience E.D.I.T.H., the house that gives kids first-hand experience of what it takes to escape in case of fire or smoke.
You’ll also pick up some valuable lifesaving techniques from your hosts, Seaford’s firefighters. All funds raised at the Seaford Harvest Fair will go to the Seaford Historical Society for its ongoing program to restore the Seaford Museum. Located on Southard Avenue just across from the firehouse, this structure is a genuine Seaford landmark. 
Built in 1893 as a one-room schoolhouse, it was later converted into Seaford’s lone firehouse, then donated to the Seaford Historical Society. Today it’s a charming community museum that, with funding, will one day enhance the education of Seaford’s school children as an offsite classroom. See you at the fair!

Discovery Store - Buy 2 DVD's, Get the 3rd FREE!


There are some great sales on DVD's on the Discovery Store online right now.  And if you Buy 2, you get the 3rd FREE.  Click Here for the sale. And Orders over $59 get Free Shipping with Code FS59

Was $69.95 Now $41.99
40% off



Was $99.95 Now $49.99
50% off

Target Toy Clearance...




Circo Stroller Doll Gift Set - 
Online for $19.99  In Store Clearance for $4.98


Features

  • Includes a 14" doll, a folding stroller, a removable outfit and accessories
  • Manufacturer's Suggested Age: 2 Years
  • Number of Pieces: 7
  • Material: Plastic
  • Dimensions: Length: 18.0 "; Height: 16.0 "; Width: 5.0 "; Depth: 5.0 "
  • Product Weight: 4.41 Lb.

Morris Stegosaurus InterAction Figure - 

Online for $19.99  In store Clearance for $9.99



Features

  • Based on the iconic character from Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train television series
  • SmartTalk technology gives Morris the ability to recognize and interact with other dinosaurs in the line—just press his button and he’ll share tons of fun dino data
  • Interactive chomping and sneezing sounds are triggered in Morris’ mouth, on his forehead and on his nose
  • When Morris walks on the ground, he makes huge stomping sounds
  • Morris also features fully poseable head, legs, arms and tail
  • Manufacturer's Suggested Age: 3 Years and Up
  • Material: Plastic
  • Dimensions: Length: 12.0 "; Height: 8.5 "; Width: 5.75 "; Depth: 5.75 "
  • Product Weight: 1.19 Lb.

They also had a ton of the plastic baby pools on clearance and some really great sales going on this week with Toys.

Images & Descriptions from Target.com

Friday, September 24, 2010

FREE Pampers Kandoo Wipes (1st 10,000)



Sign up here to receive a coupon for a FREE tub of Pampers Kandoo Flushable Wipes via mail.   This offer  is available to the first 10,000 only.

Five Freaky, Family, Funny, or Fabulous Photo Friday...

Freaky, Family, Funny, or Fabulous, these photos will sure be one or all of that.

Every Friday I am going to share five random pictures that I have taken in the past years. Some with my Nikon SLR, my iPhone, or my Kodak. All different quality cameras but the subject is what means the most to me.

These Friday are Five pictures are from last fall 2009:)  Enjoy and Have a Great Weekend!











Thursday, September 23, 2010

RADIO DISNEY AM 1560 NEW YORK AND SIMON MALLS HOST “3 MINUTE GAME SHOW”

RADIO DISNEY AM 1560 NEW YORK AND SIMON MALLS HOST “3 MINUTE GAME SHOW”
SEPTEMBER 25-26
WHAT:   Radio Disney AM 1560 New York and a Simon Mall near you will host a version of the popular “3 Minute Game Show,” as seen on Disney Channel. 
          Kids ages 16 and younger can test their Disney Channel knowledge for the chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to watch a taping
          of “3 Minute Game Show!”  They could even win the chance to be a contestant! 
          The Radio Disney Road Crew will also be on hand providing music, fun, games and prizes, including $50 Disney Gift Cards!
          For more information visit www.radiodisney.com/newyork
WHEN:   Saturday, September 25
                1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
                Smith Haven Mall
      313 Smith Haven Mall
      Lake Grove, NY 11755
      (631) 724-8066
      Sunday, September 26
      1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
      Rockaway Townsquare
      301 Mt. Hope Ave, Suite 1900
      Rockaway, NJ 07866
                (973) 361-4071   



Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Similac® Brand Powder Infant Formulas


Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Certain Similac® Brand Powder Infant Formulas That Did Not Meet Its Quality Standards.

Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand, powder infant formulas in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some countries in the Caribbean.
Abbott is recalling these products following an internal quality review, which detected the remote possibility of the presence of a small common beetle in the product produced in one production area in a single manufacturing facility. The United States Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) has determined that while the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk, there is a possibility that infants who consume formula containing the beetles or their larvae, could experience symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort and refusal to eat as a result of small insect parts irritating the GI tract. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted.

The recall of these powder infant formulas includes:
  • Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers.
  • Certain Similac powder product lines offered in 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.
To immediately find out if the product in your possession is included in this recall, parents and caregivers should visit www.similac.com/recall/lookup, and type in their lot number to determine if their product is affected, or call (800) 986-8850.

No Abbott liquid infant formulas are impacted. Products not involved in the recall include all Abbott Nutrition liquid ready-to-feed and concentrated infant formulas and all powder and liquid specialty formulas, such as Similac Expert Care Alimentum®, Elecare ®, Similac Expert Care Neosure ®, Similac® Human Milk Fortifier, and metabolic formulas for inherited disorders.
About the Recall
  • The company is implementing a plan to address this matter in the affected manufacturing facility, which is expected to be completed shortly. No other facilities or products are involved in this recall.
  • Abbott has consulted with the U.S. FDA regarding this recall.
Information for Parents and Caregivers
  • Products with affected lot numbers should be returned to Abbott at no cost to the consumer.
  • Parents and caregivers can go to www.similac.com/recall/lookup or call Abbott's consumer hotline, (800) 986-8850, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Both the website and the consumer hotline have specific details on how to complete the return process.
Holger Liepmann, executive vice president, Abbott Nutrition said:
"Abbott understands that parents expect to feed their children only the highest quality product. We are taking this action so that parents know that the infant formula products they provide unquestionably meet the highest quality standards for which they are known. We regret any inconvenience this situation poses to parents and consumers."
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.

Source: abbott.com 

Monday, September 20, 2010

Early Childhood Education – Acquiring Sign Language - Guest Post


Early Childhood Education – Acquiring Sign Language
   Guest PostCo-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas


One of the keys to surviving in a tilted economic system in which opportunities to achieve a decent standard of living will be limited is versatility – and the ability to communicate articulately in a variety of ways with the widest possible audience. This includes bilingual ability as well as the ability to communicate in non-verbal ways for the benefit of the disabled – primarily the deaf.

At the same time, a growing shortage of qualified interpreters fluent in American Sign Language has led to more career opportunities – and if current trends continue, it's likely that skilled ASL interpreters will have little problem securing lucrative employment in a society where such a commodity is destined to be in short supply.

Signing Before They Can Speak

A great deal of research has clearly demonstrated that the early years – ages 2 to five – are the best time to educate children in different modes of communication and language. This goes beyond the spoken word (though it is an optimal time for children to learn a second language); many young children have an aptitude for signing as well.

This is not as odd as you may think. As you know, many indigenous peoples around the world, including American Indian nations, have used sign language for centuries to facilitate communication with other tribes with whom they do not share a language. Some paleontologists and anthropologists theorize that Neanderthals – who apparently lacked the vocal mechanism to produce many spoken words – depended a great deal upon hand gestures to communicate.

In fact, recent research suggests that sign language is innate. An article published in the Boulder Daily Camera in 2003 presented strong evidence that babies as young as six months old communicate with their hands:

 "...by 6 to 7 months, babies can remember a sign. At eight months,children can begin to imitate gestures and sign single words. By 24 months, children can sign compound words and full sentences. They say sign language reduces           frustration in young children by giving them a means to express themselves before they know how to talk." (Glarion, 2003)
                                

The author also cites study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development demonstrating that young children who are taught sign language at an early age actually develop better verbal skills as they get older. The ability to sign has also helped parents in communicating with autistic children; one parent reports that "using sign language allowed her to communicate with her [autistic] son and minimized his frustration...[he now] has an advanced vocabulary and excels in math, spelling and music" (Glarion, 2003).

The Best Time To Start

Not only does early childhood education in signing give pre-verbal youngsters a way to communicate, it can also strengthen the parent-child bond – in addition to giving children a solid foundation for learning a skill that will serve them well in the future. The evidence suggests that the best time to start learning ASL is before a child can even walk – and the implications for facilitating the parent-child relationship are amazing.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Zionsville child care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of Indiana child care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.


Sunday, September 19, 2010

$10 off any $10 Purchase plus Free Shipping on Shoes - JcPenny.com


Right now use code GO4TEN at checkout at JcPenny.com and get $10 of your $10 or more purchase plus right now they have Free Shipping on all Shoes! Code Expires 9/28/10.

Great Deal!  I needed a nice pair of shoes for my 4 yr old son and found a great pair!!




Here is my deal:

Arizona Lil Jack Toddler Shoes   Item # FC010-4312Q
Orig. $30 Sale $14.99 - $10 coupon = $4.99 + $.23 tax = $5.22


Saturday, September 18, 2010

Smucker’s®Uncrustables®Ready To Go! Sandwiches Coupon Offer Schedule!



Smucker’s®Uncrustables®Ready To Go! Sandwiches Coupon Offer: 
September 2010 Calendar

Click this link on the below dates and times to get your coupon!
Limit: one coupon per person/email address/household for the entire offer term!

September 2010

18th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 2:00 pm ET

19th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 9:00 pm ET

20th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 12:00 pm ET

21st
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 6:00 am ET

22nd
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 4:00 pm ET

23rd
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 6:00 am ET

24th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 12:00 pm ET

25th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 2:00 pm ET

26th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 9:00 pm ET

27th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 12:00 pm ET

28th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 6:00 am ET

29th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 4:00 pm ET

30th
Entrants log on for a chance to win starting at 6:00 am ET


Up to 80% off on Select Kids Brand Shoe Sale - Amazon!

Check out Amazon.com for up to 80% off on select shoes!

Great Savings!  I bought the kids shoes for the Holiday's already:)

Here are some of the Shoe Deals:

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Toddler/Little Kid 81217 Boot

Was $129.95 Now $20.46


Catimini Toddler Chronos Boot

Was $161.95 Now $27.16



Ciao Bimbi Infant/Toddler 20993 Gattona Mary Jane

Was $126.95 Now $23.20


Ciao Bimbi Infant/Toddler 20220 Baby Igor Sneaker

Was $146.95 Now $25.53