Happy Halloween!!! Good Bye October!!

Well I am glad this past week and month for that matter, is finally over!  We had a death in the family this week which shook us.  R.I.P. Billy Driscoll! Today, Halloween, my Grandma has been gone 6 years:(  She died a few days before my wedding unexpected.  And not that this can at ALL compare to the grief and remembrance we have been going through but our main TV broke and it will take 10 days to fix!  Ahhhh...  We have been using a miniature TV and I can't even see what is going on because it is so small and far away! lol

I am glad today is Halloween and the kids are super excited to go Trick or Treating and get all dressed up!  And I am excited for them.  We have been in our house for 5 years and this is the first time I will be home for the Trick or Treaters.  We usually go with my sister in law around her neighborhood or last year we went to my Mom's neighborhood.  I can't wait to see all the little kids and what costumes they will be wearing. And to see what candy I can steal from the kids when they are sleeping;)

It is a little before 9 am here and my daughter is already in costume #1.  I bought her Batgirl a few months back because my son is going as Batman and then got worried that it might not fit by the time Halloween came around so I bought her another one, a Butterfly.  She is in the Butterfly now.

Tonight I will share all the pictures from our Halloween:)  And tomorrow starts my Holiday Toy Countdown.  I will be sharing toys that I have tested and my children have tested and let you know my real review before you go out and spend your hard earned money on those toys.

Have a great and spooky day!

Free Scary Halloween Pancake at IHOP 10-29 kids under 12...

IHOP is giving away a Free Pancake to kids under 12 tomorrow - October 29th.  Kids get to decorate their own Pancake into a Jack 'O Lantern. Lovingly named Count Spatula in a name that Scary Face Pumpkin Contest held by IHOP.

Have fun!!  Yummy!!

Who doesn't know of the site Shutterfly?

Everyone knows about them!  They have become the #1 place for all your photo needs on the web in my opinion!  I especially love to use them for our Holiday Cards.  They have such beautiful cards to choose from in all different sizes and designs.  And Shutterfly is so user friendly!

Plus order early because they have some great prices right now.

Here are some of my favorites from Shutterfly.

This card is a Holiday Photo Card. 

 I used the pictures of our Christmas photo shoot from last year because we haven't gone yet for 2010.

This is another Holiday 4x8 Photo Card.

Again, I used pictures from last Christmas but this is one of my top designs I am looking at for 2010.

_____________________________________________________________________

Don't forget that Shutterfly also has beautiful address labels and gift tags for the Holiday's that you can personalize too.

Holiday Gift Tag

Holiday Address Label

Have fun with it!!  And have a very Happy 2010 Holiday Season!!

**Bloggers! Receive 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly http://bit.ly/sfly2010**

**I was compensated by Shutterfly with Free Holiday Cards in exchange for this post but my review of Shutterfly and opinion are solely mine** 

Long Island Children's Museum 9th Annual Ghostly Gala...

Come celebrate Halloween in a fun, safe and spooky way at the Long Island Children’s Museum!

 Come dressed in your favorite costume (grown ups too!), decorate your own goody bag, create Halloween crafts, go trick or treating throughout the Museum and so much more. 

Saturday, October 30 from 6-9 p.m. $9 per person. 

Call (516)224-5802 for tickets!

Check out LICM.com for more information

Is your Child's Name on the Social Security Admin's Top Names for 2009?

Top 10 Names for 2009

Male 

1. Jacob

2. Ethan

3. Michael

4. Alexander

5. William

6. Joshua

7. Daniel

8. Jayden

9. Noah

10.Anthony

Female

1. Isabella

2. Emma

3. Olivia

4. Sophia

5. Ava

6. Emily

7. Madison

8. Abigail

9. Chloe

10. Mia

My kid's names are not on the list this year but my son's name is usually always on.

Source: ssa.gov

Gilt Groupe's Halloween Best Dressed Photo Contest...

Check out this fabulous Halloween Best Dressed Photo Contest from Guilt Groupe!  I love Halloween and I love when people get so creative with their costumes!  

This contest is live now so be sure to enter your favorite Halloween Photo! Ends Novemeber 8th. Winners will receive $1000 Gilt Credit!!  Gilt Groupe always has fantastic items for sale.  

Here is the information for the Contest:

Halloween Best Dressed Photo Contest 
If you think your child’s costume is the cutest on the block, here’s
your chance to prove it. Post a picture of your kid in his or her
outfit to enter for a chance to win $1,000 Gilt Credit.  Visit the
“contests” tab on the Gilt Children Facebook page or click on the
following link to enter to win: http://on.fb.me/GiltHalloween

How the Contest Works

Between October 22 and November 8, upload a photo of your kid in his
or her costume to the Gilt Children page by clicking on the Enter link
above. The 10 most popular entries—as voted on by Gilt Children fans
until November 19—will become finalists.

Fans can encourage their friends to vote for their the following ways:

   1. Invite friends to participate in the contest: http://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/68665/invites/new?ogn=facebook
   2. Post your vote to your Facebook wall my selecting “share on my
wall” when you vote for your favorite photo.
   3. Let your friends know that you can vote for each entry once per
day -- so submit your entry early and vote often!

A panel of Gilt Groupe judges will then select five winners based on
the overall quality of the photo and the costume, announcing the
results by November 26 on the Gilt Children page and Twitter account.
Each of the winners will receive a $1000 credit for use on Gilt.com.


Code for Disclosure Image 

*I was compensated for this post through a Mom Bloggers Club member program.

Win 2 Sets of Mix Pups 2-Pack! One of the Hottest Toys this Holiday Season! - CLOSED -

Here is your chance to own your very own Mix Pups!!  One of this Holiday's Hottest Toys!!

Winner will receive 2 2-Pack of Mix Pups. One set is Chloe & Bailey.  Second set is Amy & Sandy.  Both sets shown above:)

How to win it:

Contest will run from October 27th, 2010 until 11:59 p.m. Nov 5th, 2010.

Entries

1. Follow me on Twitter @longislandmomx2 - leave a comment on this blog post.

2. Tweet about this contest (limit 2x daily - 1 entry per tweet) - leave a comment for each tweet.

Example: I want to win 2 Sets of Mix Pups 2-Packs  from @longislandmomx2 - http://bit.ly/c1QEAD

3. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect - leave a comment on this blog post.

4. "Like" Long Island Mom x 2 on Facebook - leave a comment on this blog post.

5. Enter another giveaway of mine or post a comment on another post - 1 entry per post - leave a comment

*These items were not given to me.  I was not compensated in any way*

*Winner will be chosen via random.org and must message me within 48 hrs of winning*

Entenmann's Pancake Pockets Review & Giveaway plus $50 Spa Finder GC!- CLOSED-

When I think of Entenmann's of course I think of Long Island!  William Entenmann moved from Germany in 1898 to America to persue his love of Baking!  He moved to Brooklyn and then finally opening up a Bakery in Bayshore, Long Island, NY.  Everyone on LI loves Entenmann's!  It is a staple at any holiday, gathering, or breakfast morning here.

When I first heard that my children's 2 loves would be merging, I was super excited!!!!  Pancakes & Entenmann's!!  Entenmann's has recently released, only in the NY Metro area, their newest product to their line, Pancake Pockets.

My kids LOVE Pancakes!  For some reason I cannot make them:(  They always end up burning so I always bought the frozen mini ones for the kids.  But now, that is a thing of the past!  Entenmann's has created individually wrapped Whole Grain Pancake Pockets.  They are 2 pancakes, a decent size, and inside are either Maple Syrup, Chocolate, or Strawberry.  There are 6 in a box. You just microwave them in the wrapper for 10 seconds then let sit for about 7 more seconds and they are ready to eat!  Great for busy mornings while trying to get the kids to school or anytime!  They are delicious.

I am excited to announce that Entenmann's has given my readers a chance to win 1 Coupon for a Free Box of Pancake Pockets (only valid in the NY Metro Area) AND a $50 Spa Finder Gift Certificate!

How to win it:

Contest will run from October 27th, 2010 until 11:59 p.m. Nov 3rd, 2010.

Mandatory Entry - What makes your morning's hectic? (must be answered before all other entries) 

Extra Entries

1. Follow me on Twitter @longislandmomx2 - leave a comment on this blog post.

2. Tweet about this contest (limit 2x daily - 1 entry per tweet) - leave a comment for each tweet.

Example: I want to win a Box of Entenmann's Pancake Pockets & a $50 Spa Finder GC  from @longislandmomx2 - http://bit.ly/aPv4at

3. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect - leave a comment on this blog post.

4. "Like" Long Island Mom x 2 on Facebook - leave a comment on this blog post.

*Thank you to Global Influence & Entenmann's for the Giveaway.  I was given the same to review and the opinions are mine and only mine* Winner will be chosen via random.org and must respond within 24 hrs of win*

Winner of the Moon Dough Barnyard Playset is...

Brooke said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/italiaangel80/status/27922891218

italiaangel80@gmail.com

October 20, 2010 7:44 AM 

Please email me at momof2peanuts@gmail.com or DM me at @longislandmomx2 with your mailing information:)

Thank you so much for entering and Congrats!!!

The Kids Kloset Suffolk County Sale-Nov 5th - Nov 7th...

THE KIDS KLOSET SALE IN JUST 3 WEEKS!  DON'T MISS IT...OVER 35,000 ITEMS 

www.thekidskloset.com 

Still time to REGISTER to be a consignor and earn CA$H. Only 10 more slots being accepted.

Next Event is:

Suffolk County Event

 November 5th-7th

Deer Park Community Center

41 Homer Ave

Deer Park

(Just down the block from Tanger Outlets) 

   

 JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK GROUP TO SEE SNEAK PEAKS OF WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SALE...WIN GIFT CERTIFICATES, JUMP THE LINE PASSES and MORE.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THEIR FACEBOOK GROUP

SCHEDULE

LAST DAY TO ENTER ITEMS: November 3rd

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR WORKER SHIFTS: Nov. 3rd

CONSIGNOR CHECK IN: November 4th - 9am to 7pm

 EVENT VENUE SCHEDULE:

NOV. 5th - PRESALE EVENT: See below for time slots

                  2pm = 12 hour volunteers

                  3pm = 8 hour volunteers

                  4:00pm = 4 hour volunteers/Consignors

                  5:00pm = Baby On Board/Military

                  5:30 pm = New Parents, and teachers (ID   REQUIRED)

Only 100 slots for the 5:30 presale slot; registration required. Register at:PRESALE 

Nov. 6th - GENERAL PUBLIC SALE: 9am to 6pm

Nov 7th -  GENERAL PUBLIC 50% OFF SALE: 10am to 3pm

CONSIGNOR PICK UP:

Nov 7th - 7:00 to 7:30 pm

Source: TheKidsKloset.com 

Great Crocs Sale plus coupon codes - 30% off & Free Shipping...

I love Crocs!  I them for me and I love them for the kids!  I know next year they will have outgrown the ones from this year so I want to stock up now when the price is low.

They have the 2 styles I LOVE for the kids in their Blowout Sale add the 30% off coupon - DEALMAP30 and secondchance for Free Shipping and you can't pass them up!

Crocs Crosstrail Kids'

Original Price: $29.99

Crocs Sale: $24.99

After 30% Coupon: $17.49

Crocs Tully Girls

Original Price: $24.99

Crocs Sale: $14.99

After 30% Coupon: $10.49

Total: $27.98

Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko & autographed copy of Chef Chiarello´s new cookbook Review & Giveaway...-CLOSED-

I have never tasted Panko before.  My sister uses it all the time but I always used Traditional Bread Crumbs.  Not anymore after trying Progresso's Lemon Pepper Panko Bread Crumbs!  It is so good!  And has a great kick too it that we all love in my family.  I also love the fact that it comes in a box and for me, it was easier to pour into the measuring cups.

They also sell Italian Style Panko Bread Crumbs and Regular Panko Bread Crumbs.

Chef Michael Chiarello, a world famous Chef who is featured on the Cooking Channel and on Top Chef Masters,  loves using Panko in his recipes.  Check out progressofoods.com for some great recipes and tips on how to use Panko from Chef Chiarello.  You can also pick up a $1 off coupon for Panko on Progresso's website.

I made Chef Chiarello's Chicken Tenders Recipe and it was delicious!  I just substituted the Italian Panko with the Lemon Pepper Panko and used Breasts instead of Tenders.  It was delicious and so easy!  My 4 year old and 20 month old loved it.

Here's your chance to win Progresso Panko Lemon Pepper & an autographed copy of Chef Chiarello's new cookbook: Michael Chiarello's Bottega.

How to win it:

Contest will run from October 23rd, 2010 until 11:59 p.m. Nov 5th, 2010.

1. Follow me on Twitter @longislandmomx2 - leave a comment on this blog post.

2. Tweet about this contest (limit 2x daily - 1 entry per tweet) - leave a comment for each tweet.

Example: I want to win a Progresso & Chef Chiarello Gift Pack  from @longislandmomx2 - http://bit.ly/csEebB #myblogspark

3. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect - leave a comment on this blog post.

4. "Like" Long Island Mom x 2 on Facebook - leave a comment on this blog post.

5.  Go to progressofoods.com and tell me which type of dish you would prepare with Lemon Pepper Panko. - leave a comment on this blog post.

**The information & giveaway were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.
**This review and all my reviews are my opinion and my opinion only!**
**Winner will be chosen via random.org & must respond within 48 hrs or another winner will be chosen**

Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Green Thumb Presale Promotion Code

Everyone's favorite furry little red friend is back on tour with Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Green Thumb playing at The Theater at MSG in NYC February 17th-21st! Now, you can take advantage of MSG.com's special presale promotion code "GROVER" to get your tickets at a low price before they go on sale to the public!  Bring the entire family to experience a LIVE journey with Elmo as he takes Sunny, the sunflower he raised from a seed, and tries to help him grow out of his flower pot. Instead of letting nature take its course on Sunny, Elmo tries some magic and casts a spell on Sunny to help him grow! What happens next is for you to find out! Presale Offer ends November 6th! Click here for more details on the show and to get your tickets: http://www.theateratmsg.com/tickets/promotion.html?p_id=GROVER

Down 10 lbs in 3 weeks...

I should be excited and proud but these 3 weeks have been really hard!  10 lbs in 3 weeks is a big deal in Weight Watchers land but not in mine.  I want my weight loss to be like on the Biggest Loser!  I want to step on the scale (but fully clothed lol) and see big numbers!  But I don't have Jillian or Bob so that is not reality. :(

The Leader of last's night meeting asked me if I feel great about the weight loss and I said no.  I am not there yet.  I have a long way to go.  I want to loss another 50 lbs by May and I am feeling stress about it.  I need to average about 9 lbs a month to get to my goal.  Maybe I should set little goals instead?

I have been eating OK, not the best.  I know I can do better and I really need to exercise but I can't seem to get motivated.  Maybe when my "fat" clothes start getting loose, I will feel better. Who knows. I will get there, I know I will but it is not going to be easy.  I am not a spring chicken anymore.

I am just glad that I haven't caved to my McDonald's obsession.  Figures I had to start this diet during Monopoly time at McD's.  I love when they have that.  So sad...

I am also glad that I keep going to the meetings and still get weighed in no matter what!

I will not give up!  I will keep on this path because I know this is the best thing for myself and for my family!  We all need to be healthy!  Everyone should be healthy!

You've been Boo-ed!!!

Every year my niece and nephew, 7 & 9, "Boo" their friends.  I thought it was such a cute idea!!!  Last year my 4 year old son started this tradition with his friends and we will continue it this year.  It is such a cute idea.  You write a poem, attach it to a little bag of treats and leave a sign saying "Boo".  Then that person that was Boo-ed or Ghosted in some towns leaves that sign on their front door or front window and can't be Boo-ed or Ghosted again:) And must continue it on.  Sort of like a chain letter.


Here is the directions that should be printed out to go along with the treat bag and "Boo" sign & poem:



You have been “Boo-e’d”! Please keep it going by following these directions:
1. Enjoy your treat.
2. Place the BOO sign on your front door or visible in a window.
3. Within 2 days, make two treats, two copies of this note, & two BOO signs.
4. Secretly deliver to 2 friends without a BOO .
5. Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween!


Here is a pdf I found of the sign:
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/printable/gift_tags_halloween_boo_sign_traditional.pdf


Here is the poem:


The air is cool, the season fall,
Soon Halloween will come to all ghosts and goblins,spooks galore &
Tricky witches at your door.
The spooks are after things to do,
In fact a spook brought this to you!!!
The treats that came with this short note,
Are yours to keep, enjoy them both.
The excitement comes when friends like you,
Will copy it &; make it two,
We'll all have smiles upon our faces,
No one will know who "BOO"ed whoses places!!
Just two short days to work your spell,
Keep it secret ,hide it well.
Please join the fun, the seasons here.
Just spread these "BOO's"; Halloween cheer.



Here is a pdf of the poem & directions I found also:)  
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/sites/christmas.organizedhome.com/files/printable/gift_tags_halloween_boo_poem.pdf


Have Fun!!  And have a bootiful day!!  lol


Sources: christmas.organizedhome.com  & familycrafts.about.com 

Homemade Playdough Recipe!

This recipe is awesome!!  It cooks in under 2 minutes and the consistency is great!  My kids love making this and playing with it:) It can last out or in the fridge for about 3 months.  Store in a Tupperware type container.



1/2 cup salt
1 cup flour
1Tbsp. cream of tartar
1 Tbsp. oil
1 cup water

Heat over medium heat until it's a good playdough consistency and cool in the fridge.
Add the food coloring right before you play with it.  We like using the Neon Colors for our playdough:)

**For Gluten Free try using 1/2 cup Rice Flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch instead of Regular Flour**The more you kneed it, the less sticky it becomes.**


**Instead of Food Coloring use one of the Homemade Food Coloring Recipes on this site - Hub Pages**


Warning: The level of salt in many homemade playdough recipes can be fatally toxic to pets if consumed. Please be aware of this risk and keep all playdough made with salt out of reach from a pet or in a sealed container.