Thursday, March 31, 2011

Celebrate Minnie's Masquerade Week at Simon Malls...

EVENT SCHEDULE
MINNIE'S MASQUERADE WEEK, STARTS MONDAY APRIL 11TH
AT 9/8C ON DISNEY JUNIOR
Return to Top of Page
 ST    MALL   EVENT
  DATE
  EVENT
  TIME
  EVENT
  LOCATION
AR McCain Mall 4/2/11 11a-1p Center Court
CA Brea Mall® 4/2/11 12p-2p Lower Level, Center Court
CA Coddingtown Mall  4/9/11 11a-1p Near Center Mall
CA Del Amo Fashion Center 4/9/11 11a-1p JoAnn Court
CA Great Mall 4/9/11 1p-3p Entrance 2 Court
CA Hilltop Mall 4/2/11 12p-2p JCPenney Court
CA Laguna Hills 4/6/11 3p-5p Center Court
CA Ontario Mills 4/2/11 11a-1p Food Court
CA Stanford Shopping Center 4/2/11 11a-1p Center Pavilion
CA Stoneridge Shopping Center 4/2/11 10a-12p Grand Court
CA The Shops at Mission Viejo 4/7/11 11a-1p Near Play Area
CA Westminster Mall®     4/9/11 11a-1p Lower Level, JCPenney Court
CO Colorado Mills 4/9/11 2p-4p Food Court
CO Town Center at Aurora 4/9/11 2p-4p Center Court
DE Dover Mall 4/9/11 11am-1pm Promotional Court
FL Coral Square 4/9/11 11a-1p Center Court
FL Dadeland Mall 4/2/11 2p-4p Center Court
FL Falls, The 4/9/11 11a-1p By Disney Store
FL Melbourne Square 4/9/11 12n-2p Center Court
FL Miami International 4/2/11 2p-4p Center Court
FL Seminole Towne Center 4/9/11 11a-1p JCPenney Court
FL Tyrone Square Mall® 4/9/11 12n-2p Dillard's Court
GA Discover Mills 4/7/11 11am-1pm Food Court
GA Gwinnett Place 4/2/11 11am-1pm Center Court by Mega Mart
GA Mall of Georgia® 4/6/11 11a-1p Nordstrom Court
GA Town Center at Cobb 4/9/11 11am-1pm Center Court
IL Orland Square 4/9/11 11a-1p Lower Level, Sears Court
IN Castleton Square Mall 4/2/11 12p-2p Center Court
IN Greenwood Park Mall 4/9/11 12p-2p Von Maur/JCPenney Court
LA The Esplanade 4/2/11 1p-3p Center Court
MA Auburn Mall 4/2/11 11a-1p Sears Court
MA Northshore Mall 4/9/11 11a-1p Macy's Wing
MA Solomon Pond Mall 4/9/11 11a-1p JCPenney Court
MN Southdale Center 4/9/11 11a-1p Center Court
MO Independence Center® 4/2/11 1p-3p Food Court
MO St. Louis Mills 4/9/11 12:30p-2:30p Play Area
NC Concord Mills 4/2/11 11am-1pm Food Court
NC SouthPark Mall (NC) 4/3/11  1p-3pm Circle Court
NJ Livingston Mall® 4/2/11 1-3pm  Play Area
NJ Newport Centre 4/9/11 11-1pm  Macy's Court 
NJ Ocean County Mall® 4/9/11 11-1pm  Area in between Center Court and The Disney Store
NJ Rockaway Townsquare® 4/9/11 11-1pm  Macy's Court
NY Galleria at White Plains 4/3/11 12-2pm Food Court
NY Jefferson Valley Mall 4/1/11 1-3pm  Center Court
NY Mall at The Source  4/2/11 1-3pm  Lower Level, Center Court
NY Smith Haven Mall 4/9/11 11-1pm  Center Court
NY The Westchester 4/2/11 12-2pm  Food Court
OH Great Lakes Mall 4/9/11 11a-1p Dillard's South Concourse
PA Montgomery Mall  4/9/11 3:30pm-5:30pm JCPenney Court
PA Oxford Valley Mall  4/9/11 11am-1pm New York and Company Court
PA Ross Park Mall 4/9/11 11a-1p Play Area
PA South Hills Village 4/9/11 11a-1p Lower Level North Court
TX Firewheel Town Center  4/2/11 3p-5p In the Park
TX Grapevine Mills 4/9/11 11a-1p Food Court
TX Ingram Park Mall 4/9/11 11a-1p Center Court
TX Irving Mall 4/2/11 11a-1p Center Court
TX Katy Mills 4/9/11 12p-2p AMC Plaza
TX North East Mall 4/2/11 3p-5p Center Court
TX Rolling Oaks 4/9/11 2p-4p Center Court
VA Virginia Center Commons 4/9/11 11a-1p Sears Court 
WA Northgate Mall 4/2/11 1p-3p Ben Bridge Court
WA Tacoma Mall 4/9/11 1p-3p Macy's Courtyard
WI Southridge Mall 4/9/11 11a-1p South Court 
 Source: Simon.com

Long Island Mall Easter Bunny Arrivals...





Here are the Easter Bunny Mall sightings, hours, and prices.

Westfield: Sunrise Mall


The Easter Bunny will be visiting from April 2nd - April 23rd, and will be waiting in Macy's Court on the Lower Level to meet and take his picture with you. Here is his schedule:
Monday - Saturday
10am - 9pm
Sunday
11am - 6pm
Note, the bunny will be taking carrot breaks from 2:00pm - 3:00pm and from 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

Westfiled: South Shore Mall

The Easter Bunny will be visiting from April 8th to April 23rd and will be waiting in Lord & Taylor court across from the Food Court to meet and take his picture with you. Here is his schedule:


Monday - Saturday, 10am - 9:30pm with breaks from 1-2pm and 5-6pm
Sunday, 11am - 6pm with a break from 2-3pm
Simon Malls: Smith Haven Mall

3/30/2011 10:00 AM to 4/23/2011 9:00 PM
The Easter Bunny has arrived at the Smith Haven Mall!! Come visit and have your picture taken during the hours listed below. March 30 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; March 31 - 10:00am -8:00pm; April 1 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; April 2 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; April 3 - 11:00am - 6:00pm; April 4 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; April 5 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; April 6 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; April 7 - 10:00am - 8:00pm; April 8 - 10:00am - 8:30pm; April 9 - 10:00am - 8:30pm; April 10 - 11:00am - 6:00pm; April 11 - 10:00am - 8:30pm; April 12 - 10:00am - 8:30pm; April 13 - 10:00am - 8:30pm; April 14 - 10:00am - 8:30pm; April 15 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 16 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 17 - 11:00am - 6:00pm; April 17 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm - PET PHOTOS; April 18 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 19 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 20 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 21 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 22 - 10:00am - 9:00pm; April 23 - 10:00am - 9:00pm 
Simon Malls: Roosevelt Field Mall

The Easter Bunny is hopping into Roosevelt Field! Don't miss your chance to have your child's photo taken with the Easter Bunny during this wonderful holiday tradition.

March 31 - 11:00am to 8:00pm
April 1- 2 - 10:00am to 8:00pm
April 3 - 11:00am to 6:00pm
April 4 – 7 - 11:00am to 8:00pm
April 8 - 10:00am to 8:00pm
April 9 - 10:00am to 8:30pm
April 10 - 11:00am to 7:00pm
April 11 – 14 - 10:00am to 8:00pm
April 15 - 16 - 10:00am to 8:30pm
April 17 - 11:00am to 7:00pm
April 18 - 21 - 10:00am to 8:30pm
April 22 - 23 - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Simon Malls: Walt Whitman Mall

Easter Bunny Hours:

4/1/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/2/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/3/2011 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4/4/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/5/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/6/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/7/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/8/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/9/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/10/2011 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM
PET NIGHT 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
4/11/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/12/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/13/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/14/2011 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/15/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/16/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/17/2011 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4/18/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/19/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/20/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/21/2011 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
4/22/2011 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
4/23/2011 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM



*Source: Facebook, Mall Websites, and Twitter*

Cast Coming Off Countdown = 1 more day!!


A little back story. 

In February, 6 weeks ago my 2 year old daughter was playing on a child size recliner we have.  She went to get off and it opened up.  Her leg got caught in it and she fell forward.  We rushed her to the Emergency Room, they took x-rays and put an ace bandage on it.  The ER Doctor told us it was a small sprain and to let her walk around like normal.  Awesome!

Fast forward 2 weeks and she seems to be getting worse and I have gone through a bottle of Ibuprofen for her because of the pain especially at night.  I take her to our Pediatrician.  He right away told us that something isn't right, kids heal very quickly.  He called up an excellent Pediatric Orthopedist and they wanted us over right away.

After a few x-rays the Doctor comes in and says it is broken! She has a Toddler Fracture of the Tibia.  He said it is very common for it not to be seen right away on x-rays and then it show up a few weeks later.  Poor little girl was walking around on a broken Tibia for 2 weeks. 

We picked out her color for her cast and 15 minutes later, she was casted from hip to toe for 4 weeks!  The Orthopedist said not to let her walk on it.  Do you know how hard it is to keep a 2 year old from walking for 4 weeks??!!??  Hard.  She can't go up the stairs, play outside or even take a bath.  Or forget all that walk!  But my sweet girl is still as happy as ever!  It never affected her mood at all and I am so proud of her.  Me on the other hand, ugh!  I am exhausted.  That cast is heavy.

So everyone please, please pray that at her last appointment tomorrow,this cast will definetly come off!!  She can handle it but I can't;)


*The recliner is now in the basement under lock and key and will be bolted closed*

Monday, March 28, 2011

Brief Local Easter Egg Hunts List 2011...



I am in the process of putting together a longer list but here is a brief list I found while doing my research.  This list was found on EasterEggHuntsAndEvents.org and it is a great site!!  You can look for your state and see what events are going on there.

Here is a local list for NY:

New York City & Long Island

  • Barnyard Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday before Easter from 12:00 pm to  4:00 pm.
    Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, New York 11004-1129. Phone: (718) 347-3276. The Farm Museum will hold its annual Egg Hunt in the orchard. Egg hunts will be ongoing throughout the day, "Whiskers" the bunny will be hopping around the farm to greet children and pose for pictures, bring your camera. Dance the "Bunny Hop", play egg toss and egg rolling games on the farmhouse lawn. Visit our farm animals and take a hayride. Admission price: $5.00 per person. The Farm Museum is open year-round, Monday—Friday 9:00 a.m.—5:00 pm(outdoor visiting only) and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.—5:00 pmwhen tours of the historic farmhouse and hayrides (weather permitting) are available (ADDED: February 18, 2010)
  • Bartow-Pell Woods Ukrainian Easter Egg Making Workshop - Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    895 Shore Road, Bronx, NY 10464. Phone: (718) 548-0912. Pysanky Workshop Learn the time-honored art of creating these intricately patterned Ukrainian Easter eggs and create your own using a wax-resist techinique at this hands-on workshop. Hot wax and permanent dyes used, please dress accordingly. Recommended for mature 14-year-olds and up. Bring a bag lunch, only light refreshments offered. Space is limited. Registration required. Cost $15; members $10
  • Bartow-Pell Woods Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 10:30am to 1 pm
    895 Shore Road, Bronx, NY 10464. Phone: (718) 548-0912.  This is one day when it's okay to put all your eggs in one basket! Children 2 - 12 hunt for eggs in the formal garden, tap their talent at arts and crafts tables, and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Please bring your own basket. Light refreshments offered. Registration requested. Cost children 2 - 12 $12; members $10. Rain date Sunday, April 17, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Brightwaters Farms and Nursery - Saturday April 4, Sunday April 5, Saturday April 11, 10am-4pm
    BBrightwaters Farms and Nursery, 1624 Manatuck Blvd, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY. Phone: 631-665-5411. Email: info@brightwatersfarms.com.  Reservations Required. $5 per child. At 9:00am, 10:00am, & 11:00am. Easter Egg Hut inside our Heated Greenhouse. On April 5th, 6th & 12th, 2010 every hour on the hour from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Rain or Shine! $5.00 per Child. Check the website for information about "breakfast with the Easter Bunny" aa country breakfast with all the fixin's and a free picture with the bunny himself. Also breakfast: The cost is $15.99 each for adults, $9.99 each for children 2-12 & Children 1 & under are free. Breakfast is a full buffet and includes eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, hash browns, cereal rolls, coffee, tea, juice, and a complimentary picture with the Easter Bunny. Call to make your reservation!
  • Brooklyn Heights Spring Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 3rd, 2010, starts at 10:00 AM.
    Pierrepont Playground, Brooklyn Heights, NY. Email: comments@bhplaygrounds.org. At Columbia Heights and Pierrepont Streets (on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade). Every spring, hundreds of little bunnies and their families turn out to participate in our annual Egg Hunt at Pierrepont Playground. Candy, treats, balloons and good friends have made this a holiday tradition for many families! A bake sale will be held to benefit the Brooklyn Heights Playground Committee. free.
  • Central Park: The Great Central Park Easter Egg Hunt - Date: Saturday before Easter, 11:00am to 1:00pm
    Central Park at the Great Hill (106th street on the west side)
    free. Egg hunts will be divided into under 4s and big kids and spaced throughout the day. Plus carnival games, face painting, and egg decorating. Children can take their picture with the Easter Bunny and win prizes.
  • Easter Egg Hunt! at the Queens Zoo - April 11 in 2011 from 10am-4:30pm
    53-51 111th Street, Flushing, New York 11368. Phone: (718) 271-1500. Visit the Zoo for an egg-stravagant Easter event! Take part in an egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, and enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities.
  • Easter Fest in Forest Hills - (Check their website for this year's date - most likely April 17, 2011), from 12:30 pm to 4 p.m.
    Ascension Church, P.S. 101, 2 Russell Place, Forest Hills, NY. free. The Acension Presbyterian Chruch's 3rd Annual Easterfest features musical guests, including saxophonist Bill Humphrey and vocalist Jessica Rechner, children's crafts and storytime, complete with refreshments, and an indoor egg hunt, open to all ages (even adults, too). Admission $5, free for children who attend the church service before 11 am.
  • Eggstreme Weekend at the Bronx Zoo - Date: Saturday & Sunday, Check their website for this years date!
    Phone: 718-367-1010. Many activities: crafts, egg races, a costume bunny mascot, Bella; and an egg hunt are all part of the festivities, which are included with the cost of zoo admission. /li>
  • Morningside Park's Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 10, 1:30-3pm
    121st Street and Morningside Ave, Morningside Park, NY. Thousands of eggs, candy and prizes.
  • New York City Easter Parade -  Easter Sunday
    Fifth Avenue, NY, NY.  A parade with costumed people (no floats or marching bands) appreciated by all! Phone: (212) 484-1222.
  • New York Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza in Central Park - Date: Saturday before Easter, 11:00am to 3:00pm
    Central Park, Manhattan, NY, NY. Start at the 72nd street entrance to the park. Admission: free. It extends from the Bethesda fountain and continues south. There is an Easter egg hunt, an egg rolling race, face painting, Build-Your-Own-Basket, live bunnies at the petting zoo, egg dying, a puppet show and performances at the bandstand near Broadway.
  • EasterFest 2010 - Easter Sunday ((Check their website for this year's date - most likely April 17, 2011)) starting at 12:30 (come to the 11 am service for free admission)
    PS 101, 2 Russell Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Phone: 718575-0024. Email: info@discoverascension.net. Open: EasterFest 2010, sponsored by Ascension Presbyterian Church 10:30 am Message & Music: "Why the Resurrection Matters to You" by Pastor Michael Kytka and featuring singer/songwriter John Russo (Children's Easter Bible Story Time during Easter Service) 12:30 pm Easter Festival: Admission: $ 5.00 (Complimentary admission for children attending Easter service before 11am.) Refreshments, craft-making, magic show, puppetry, and of course, the big indoor Easter egg hunt! . (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: March 14, 2010)
    A visitor writes on March 14, 2010: "It is indoor. They do not take credit cards. Entrance to the festival is free for kids coming to the morning programs. 5 dollars at the door at 12:30 pm This is of course a church run program, not a farm. However, the Easter egg hunt is designed to look like a farm. It is open to all ages."
  • St. John the Divine Easter Egg Family Extravaganza - Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m. – 12 Noon & 2 pm– 4 p.m.
    Cathedral of St John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan, 10025. Phone: 212 316-7490. Email: info@stjohndivine.org. Our popular annual egg workshop is back! Children can create colorful patterns on their eggs with tissue paper, glitter, glue, and paint, and build a nest for decorated eggs with twigs, feathers, and clay. Please bring two hard-boiled eggs per child. Recommended for ages 4 and up. $8 per child, with accompanying adult."
  • The New Generation German-American Club Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 1PM - 3PM
     Plattduetsche Park Restaurant Picnic Grounds, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010. Phone: 516-244-6536. Email: seashell828@optonline.net. Open: Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 1PM - 3PM. The Easter Egg Hunt will feature an egg hunt, Easter Bunny, raffle and games. Admission $1 per child (ages 10 and under) includes entry to win door prizes, candy and prizes. Please call  for more information regarding this event. We sincerely appreciate your support. (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: March 17, 2011)
Source:  EasterEggHuntsAndEvents.org

Friday, March 25, 2011

Yoplait Delights Prize Pack Giveaway...CLOSED

Do you crave sweets but don't want to ruin your diet? Yoplait Delights™ can help you say goodbye to post-dessert guilt and hello to a new indulgence with two delicious new flavors of Yoplait Delights - Chocolate Éclair and Cherry Cheesecake.

Each parfait has two luscious layers that pack a double dose of rich and creamy yogurt with 100 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per serving!
 
Yoplait Delights flavor combination's available in stores now include, Chocolate Raspberry, Crème Caramel, Triple Berry Crème and Lemon Torte. Yoplait Delights offers a taste experience unlike any other and an indulgent escape for any time of the day.  
Yoplait through MyBlogSpark is giving away to one of my readers an awesome prize pack! A Yoplait Delights “Indulgent Escape” gift pack that includes a Chocolate scented votive candle, insulated tote and aromatherapy eye pillow – all delightful items for you to enjoy.




How to win it:
Contest will run from March 25 th 2011 until 11:59 p.m. est.  April 8th, 2011.
*Open USA Only


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.
IE: Win a Yoplait Delights Gift Pack  from @longislandmomx2 - http://bit.ly/gRrCLv

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.

   
*This prize pack was given to myself and one reader from Yoplait via myblogspark.com* 
*Winner will be chosen via random.org and have 48 hours to contact me*


Weight Watchers didn't last long now on to the next thing...

So about 6 months ago I started Weight Watchers.  I lost 15 pounds on it and then that was the end of that.  The Holiday's came around and I always made up an excuse.  I refused to cancel my membership thinking seeing the $40 each month come out of the bank would somehow motivate me to return.  But that never happened.

I gained all the weight back and probably more.  I was storing for the winter but now the winter is over.  My cruise is coming up very quick, and I am a house!

My husband and I were driving around last night and for some reason he ended up driving around some stores that we never drive to.  Looking back, maybe this was his plan! ;)  And there it was!  Like a bright shinning light!  LUCILLE ROBERTS!  And in the window a big sign saying their sale was ending today.  I wanted to go in and just see if they offered babysitting.  I went in, took a tour and signed up:)  I got a great deal with no contract and the babysitting hours fit into my schedule.

I really hope I can stick with it this time.  I had a physical on Wednesday and everything looked good except my bad cholesterol is creeping up.  My Dr. said that if I start getting more active, this will really make a difference.  Thanks doc, I didn't know that;)

So, Monday will start Day 1 of Lucille Roberts.  Of course I can't start on a Friday or a weekend because it is just better to start fresh on a Monday.  Oh yay, this will really last;) 

Wish me luck!  "Just keep swimming!  Just keep swimming!" (Finding Nemo Quote)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Winner Announced for the Yoplait Gift Pack Giveaway...

Comment #21!!
Doodle741 said...
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/Doodle741/status/49289940000972800 residentmayor at satx.rr.com

Tuesday Blog Hop...




Good Friends Just Click Blog Hop Hosted by Queen B, Dealicious Mom, A Mom's Take & Mom to Bed by 8 and Guest Host Grandma's Guide to Life!

Disney's Tangled DVD Giveaway... CLOSED



The new Disney Movie Tangled starring Mandy Moore (A Walk To Remember, Saved!) and Zachary Levi (Chuck), hitting shelves March 29th!

In honor of this release we will be giving away Tangled on DVD to one lucky winner plus as an added bonus, a surprise DVD picked at random from the following list: A Pascal Beanie Baby, Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel T-Shirts, and Official Disney Paper Lanterns!



How to win it:
Contest will run from March 22nd, 2011 until 11:59 p.m. est. April 4th, 2011. US Only!

How to enter:

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 Disney's Tangled on DVD from @longislandmomx2 - http://bit.ly/ei7g3Q

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. Post what new found talent you found from the widget above - leave a comment.


*I was not compensated for any of my post in reference to this giveaway. I was only given a DVD to give away to my readers for sharing the above information*
*Winner will be chosen via random.org and must message me within 48 hrs of winning*

Monday, March 21, 2011

New car seat recommendations released this morning from the NHTSA...



Monday, March 21, 2011
Contact: Karen Aldana
Tel: 202-366-9550

New Age-Focused Guidelines Help Parents Make More Informed Choices

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revised its child restraint guidelines to be categorized by age rather than by type of child seat in order to keep pace with the latest scientific and medical research and the development of new child restraint technologies.

Under the new guidelines, issued today, NHTSA is advising parents and caregivers to keep children in each restraint type, including rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats, for as long as possible before moving them up to the next type of seat.

For instance, the safety agency recommends using the restraints in the rear-facing position as long as children fit within the height and weight limits of the car seat as established by the manufacturer. The rear-facing position reduces stresses to the neck and spinal cord and is particularly important for growing babies.

NHTSA said that its new guidelines are consistent with the latest advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advises parents to keep kids in rear-facing restraints until two years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. There is no need to hurry to transition a child to the next restraint type.

"Safety is our highest priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The 'best' car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use every time your child is in the car."

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland pointed out that while all car seats sold in the U.S. must meet federal child restraint safety standards, he said, "Selecting the right seat for your child can be a challenge for many parents. NHTSA's new revised guidelines will help consumers pick the appropriate seat for their child."

Administrator Strickland said that parents should also consider other factors when selecting a car seat, including their child's weight, height, physical development and behavioral needs, as well the family's economics and type of vehicle.

Additional recommendations for child seat use from NHTSA include the following:

Always read child seat manufacturers' instructions and the vehicle owner's manual for important information on height and weight limits and how to install the car seat using the seat belt or the LATCH system.
All children under 13 should ride in the back seat.
Children in rear-facing car seats should never ride in front of an active passenger air bag.
>> View NHTSA's new child restraint guidelines

>> View NHTSA's Ease-of-Use Ratings for child restraint brands

Source: NHTSA

Sunday, March 20, 2011

My Oreo Stuffed Brownies:)


Yesterday I decided that I definitely had to make these!!  I have wanted to for a few weeks now but I put it off because I thought it would be such a mess.

It wasn't!  I did it a totally different way then recipes I have seen.

This is what I did:

Mixed together the Brownie Mix.
Heated the oven to 350.
Sprayed the cupcake pan with baking spray.
Put a drop of brownie mix in the bottom of the cupcake holes.
Then added the Oreo.
Then added more brownie mix to cover the Oreo.
No mess:) 

I baked them for 15 mins and when they came out of the oven, just ran a knife around the edges of the brownies.

I used all the brownie mix to make 12 Oreo Stuffed Brownies.

Hot they are delicious but the next day, they are FANTASTIC!!!!

Here are is my recipe in pictures:

 
 Enjoy:)

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Do you want to know what I am going to make today?

Photo Credit: Monkey-Loo Blog

Oreo Stuffed Brownies:

1 box of brownie mix
ingredients to make brownies
1 pkg. Oreo Cookies, any variety ( I was told double stuff is the best)

Heat your oven to 350. Prepare brownie batter according to the package instructions. Leave it in the bowl.

Spray muffin pan generously with cooking spray. Dip Oreos in brownie batter then place in the cups of the prepared muffin pan. Bake about 10 minutes, until brownies are cooked through (be careful not to over-bake!) Remove from oven & immediately run a butter knife around the edges of the brownies. Allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.

Makes entire package of Oreos.

YUMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!  I can't wait!  I can smell them cooking already:)

I will be back a little later with my own pictures and review of the process. 

Have a great Saturday!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus...



The Circus is in town!  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Fully Charged is now at Nassau Coliseum until Sunday!

Get $5 off all non-VIP tickets to all shows for Nassau Coliseum (Mar. 16-20). Here's the Ticketmaster link where the code can be used: Tickets
 
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale, New York 
Show Dates: Show Time:
† = Animal Open House

I took my 4 1/2 year old son and 2 year old daughter and they had such a great time!!!  This year celebrates the 141st year for the Ringling Bros. Circus.  They loved the animals and the jumping acrobats with the neon, black light clothes were a huge hit!!  My son also keeps telling me how funny he thought the clowns were when they would dance:)  But when I asked him to take a picture with them, he ran away;) lol

I really encourage going to the Animal Open House before the Circus starts.  You will learn a lot here and get an up close look at the animals and get your program books autographed by the clowns.

Here are some pictures from our night at the circus:

  
What I loved most about the circus was learning all about how they are helping conserve Elephants on their 200 acre facility in Florida.  They are really helping to conserve the Asian Elephants.

And of course I loved seeing the amazement and awe in my children's eyes.

From the agile acrobats dangling far above the ground to the hysterical clowns, this is a family event that should not be missed!


And if you can swing it, definitely get the VIP Celebrity tickets.  This is where we got to sit and it was AMAZING!  For at least 20 minutes of the first half we were brought up into the ring for an inside seat to view the circus!  The action was all around us.

ARE YOU FULLY CHARGED? This is a unique initiative in which we're encouraging everyone everywhere to check their smoke detector batteries to make sure they're (wait for it) -- Fully Charged. Yes, there's a Facebook page -- http://facebook.areyoufullycharged.com -- and I hope you'll help spread the word -- you might also help save a life.

Source: Ticketmaster.com , ringling.com

*I was compensated by receiving 4 VIP Celebrity Passes to the Circus Opening Night.  The views and thoughts expressed in this post are solely mine*

Guest Post: Get Up And Dance! Submitted by Emily Patterson on behalf of Primrose Preschools




The Family Dance-off supports Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals, which collectively treat 17 million children annually for every illness and injury imaginable.

The event also helps to promote fitness and child getting and staying active.
Dance can be a fun, easy way to introduce physical activity into your family's daily routine. 

Primrose educational child care has recognized and is actively fighting against the growing childhood obesity epidemic. Your family can join in the fight- all you have to do is dance!

Participating in the Family Dance-off is easy:
1.       Record a 30-second video of your family's best dance moves. Don't be afraid to let loose and be silly!
2.       Visit The Family Dance-off site and upload your best take by March 19th.
3.       Share your video with your friends via email, Twitter, etc.
4.       View and vote daily (you can place five votes per day) for your favorite family dance video!

What would a competition be without prizes? Primrose Schools is providing prizes that aren't only great for your family but for your whole community, with $65,000 in donations to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals:
·         Grand Prize: $5,000 and Primrose will make a $30,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital
·         2nd Prize: $3,000 and Primrose will make a $20,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital
·         3rd Prize: $1,500 and Primrose will make a $15,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital
·         All 14 Finalists will also receive a FLIP camcorder

Visit The Family Dance-off site  for details on how to take part in the fight against childhood obesity, participate in the competition, and view past competitors!

Winner of 4 Tickets to Mickey's Magic Show is...

Comment #10

Liked your Facebook page also C.R. A speedy recovery and many well wishes to your little girl

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Updated Pampers Codes List...


Here is an updated list on Pampers Codes.

About Gifts to Grow for those that don't know.

The Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards Program rewards you every time you choose Pampers diapers, training pants and wipes for your growing baby.

To start, simply collect the codes from all your Pampers purchases. To see the points add up in your account, just sign up with Pampers.com and enter codes on Gifts to Grow Rewards or on your mobile phone. After that, you can redeem your points for items in the Gifts to Grow rewards catalog.

I don't use them but I have some one time codes if anyone wants them. Just post a comment below and I will give them to first come, first serve.

Here a the free codes that everyone can use:

50 POINTS:
2BEGINEARNING50 (new Oct 12, 2010)
GIFTSTOGROW4MOM (new Oct 7, 2010)
JOINNOW4REWARDS (new Oct 1, 2010)
WELCOME2PAMPERS

10 POINTS:
T9PDXPKKGA3M4GK (new March 17, expires March 22 at 11:59 PM CT)
SEP3PGW7NRKYWXK (new Feb 25, 2011)
CAREFORNEWBORNS (new Feb 1, 2011)
PUNTOSPARAMI123 (new Feb 1, 2011)
10PTSFREECODE4U (new Feb 1, 2011)
PAMPERS4MOMSOND (new Feb 1, 2011)
PAMPERS4MOMJFM1 (new Feb 1, 2011)
PAMPERSGTG10PTS (Expires 7/31/11)
GTGCOUPONPOINTS (Expires 12/31/11)
CONGRATS2NEWMOM (new Dec 27, 2010)
GTGWELCOME10PTS (new Dec 22, 2010)
NEWWIPESPACKAGE (new Dec 22, 2010)
GETSTARTEDNOW10
WELCOME2VILLAGE

5 POINTS:
PUNTOSPARAMI123


Source: Pampers.com & Sweetiessweeps.com