NOT Bummer Summer Guide...

NOT Bummer Summer Guide

Schools out for summer! Bring on the kid-friendly fun! From “A girl’s day out” to decorating cookies with a summertime theme- enjoy these ideas to make sure your summer is NOT a bummer!

Lemonade stand 
For many young kids, selling lemonade from a stand is a summer rite of massage- a chance to earn some pocket money, spend time outside and perhaps even a lesson on entrepreneurship.  Your kids will be so excited to be a part of this fun activity!

Host a Summer-Themed Cookie Decorating party!
You can prepare cookie-decorating stations with individual bowls of sprinkles, miniature candies and tubes of icing. Encourage the kids to decorate their cookies like butterflies and have flower shaped cookie cutters. FancyFlours.com has great supplies and decorating ideas.  http://www.fancyflours.com/

Girls Day Out
Grab your girlfriends and your daughters and treat yourself to a manicure/ pedicure then take a trip to your local ice cream or frozen yogurt place and see the movie together! Girl bonding -thrilladelic style!
Summer Concerts are a great way to soak up the best local music and enjoy the outdoors.  The Clark Botanic Garden would be a great place to have a picnic on a summer weekend.  http://longisland.about.com/od/artsentertainment/tp/Free-Summer-Outdoor-Concerts-In-Clark-Botanic-Garden.htm

Don't forget to check out the new movie, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer opening June 10th, 2011.

**This guide was written by the PR company representing Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer Movie**

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer Movie Prize Pack Giveaway!! CLOSED

This movie looks so cute!  I love these kind of movies!  It is a movie based on the best selling novels, Judy Moody series written by Megan McDonald.  


Perfect movie for the summer!  And perfect movie to take your kids to.  My son already wants to see it:)


Check out this clip of Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer opening June 10th...








Here is a little bit more information about Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer from Cimmaron Digital.


The film chronicles Judy Moody’s (Jordana Beatty) adventures in which she sets out to have the most thrilling summer of her life with the help of her little brother Stink (Parris Mosteller) and fun-loving Aunt Opal (Heather Graham). The script, penned by Kathy Waugh (Peep and the Big Wide World) and Megan McDonald, is based on the characters in McDonald’s popular children’s book series, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds and published by Candlewick Press. There are nine adventures in the bestselling series, with more than 13 million copies in print worldwide, and translations in 22 languages. McDonald has written a novel inspired by the film’s script which will be published May 24, 2011. 
 
 
ABOUT JUDY MOODY
Directed by:  John Schultz    
Written by:  Kathy Waugh and Megan McDonald    
Cast:   Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mosteller    
Produced by:  Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness    
Executive Producers:  Bobbi Sue Luther and Andrew Sugerman    
Rating:  PG
Runtime:  91 minutes   
 
When her best-laid plans for a summer full of fun go comically awry, an imaginative young girl creates her own vacation adventures in Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Based on the beloved, bestselling book series by Megan McDonald, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer is an irresistible and delightfully funny treat for adventure-loving kids and adults. 
This summer, third grader Judy Moody is planning the most super-duper, double-rare summer vacation ever with best friends Rocky and Amy. Except that it turns out Rocky is going to circus camp to learn to tame lions, and Amy is headed off to Borneo with her mom to save a lost tribe while Judy stays home with her pesky little brother Stink and second-best friend Frank Pearl. 
Just when she thinks things are as rotten as they can be, her parents announce that they will be going to California and Judy will have to stay behind with her Aunt Opal, who she’s never even met! It looks like Judy’s best summer ever has just become her way worst summer ever.
 
But feisty, fearless and ever-funny Judy Moody never gives up! With help from some unexpected sources, she’s headed for a summer full of surprises in this charming and spirited family film. Get ready, get set, get MOODY!

TRAILER:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKxXKOxWFCc
OFFICIAL SITE: http://judymoodymovie.com/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/JudyMoodyMovie?ref=ts
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/JudyMoody_Movie

 

WIN A JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER TOTALLY AWESOME PRIZE PACK!
This tubular prize pack includes:
 $100 Target Gift Card
A Judy Moody Book
Sunglasses
Mood Ring

How to win it: 

Contest will run from May 27th, 2011 until 11:59 p.m. EST  June 20th, 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: Enter to win a totally awesome Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer Prize Pack from @longislandmomx2 http://bit.ly/mLuqyk  #judymoody

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. Subscribe to LIMomx2 on You Tube - leave a comment on this blog post.

6. "Like" Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer on Facebook - leave a comment on this blog post.

7. Follow Judy Moody Movie on Twitter - leave a comment on this blog post

8. Vote for Long Island Mom x 2 at Top Mommy Blogs (currently #12) - leave a comment on this post

**No compensation was received.  They views expressed in this post are solely mine.** Photos from judy moody movie.  Winner will be chosen via random.org and have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen**

Happy 5th Birthday to my awesome son!! Wordless Wednesday...

I wanted to share some pictures of my sweet, smart, silly, sharp little boy who turns 5 today!!  5!!!  Ugh...  Time goes by so quick:(  I want him to stay little forever!!

Here are some random pictures through the years:

Edushape Castle Foam Blocks Was $21.99 NOW $7.89 on Amazon!!

My 2 year old loves blocks!!  I was looking to add to her foam block collection and came across a great sale!  Get them quick!  They will go fast!

Edushape My Soft World Block Set- Castle

by Edushape

Be the first to review this item | Like(0)

---

List Price: $21.99 Price: $7.89 & eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime and free returns You Save: $14.10 (64%) Special Offers Available

In Stock. *Information and image from amazon.com*

Vlog Review of Color it by Numbers Computer Program & Giveaway...

I was given the opportunity to review the computer program, Color it by Numbers this week.  

Here is our vlog review on the program.

It is a great learning tool, fun and so easy to install.  

I highly recommended it for preschool, those in kindergarten and older.

For more information visit - http://www.coloritbynumbers.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/coloritbynumber

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Color-it-by-Numbers/158740027515284

WIN YOUR OWN COLOR IT BY NUMBERS PROGRAM!! 

THREE WINNERS!!

Color it by Numbers was generous enough to offer three codes my readers!  

Color by Numbers - Princesses, Color by Numbers - Vehicles and Color by Numbers - Animals.

How to win it: 

Contest will run from May 23rd, 2011 until 11:59 p.m. EST  June 10th, 2011.

**Available on Mac, Windows, & Linux**

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: I want to win Color it by Numbers Computer Program from @longislandmomx2 - http://bit.ly/m8fEyY

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.  Become a fan of LIMomx2 on You Tube -  leave a comment on this blog post.

6. "Like" Color it by Numbers on Facebook & Tell them I sent you - leave a comment on this blog post

**I was compensated by Color it by Numbers with codes to download all 3 programs.  No other compensation was received.  They views expressed in this post are solely mine.**

Five unusual ways that Verizon FiOS (TV and Internet) makes my life as a mom easier...

First, a little background about Verizon FiOS from Verizon FiOS:

Why FiOS Rocks

• Verizon’s advanced fiber optic technology lets you watch HDTV with less interruptions, pixelation, or weather interference.
• FiOS is more weather resistant and more durable than the copper phone lines or coaxial cable .
• With the massive bandwidth of a 100% fiber-optic network connected directly to the home, you’ll be “future-proofed” for all the hot new Internet tools and applications coming down the pike.
• Verizon FiOS TV was rated #1 in value, overall quality and customer loyalty, according to the 2010 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Survey for the largest subscription TV service providers.
• J.D. Power and Associates ranked FiOS "Highest in Residential Television Service Satisfaction in the East Region," three years in a row.
• Watch this video of real kids talking about why FiOS is cool

Flex View “Watch what you want, where you want”

• With Flex View, you can buy, rent and watch on-demand video titles on your FiOS TV, on your computer or on your mobile phone.
• So imagine this…you missed The King’s Speech in the theater and prefer watching it on FIOS TV on-demand from the comfort of your living room anyway.  You rented it late last night and weren’t able to finish it. With Flex View on FiOS TV, you can finish watching it on your mobile phone while waiting in the car pool line.
• How does it work? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeKPG_bfV7M or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMzKLp3wyCs

Media Manager

• Media Manager is a Verizon service that lets you access media content that either resides on or is streamed from your PC.
• Using Media Manager, you can access digital photos, music files, Internet radio stations, home videos, Internet videos from certain web sites directly from your FiOS-connected TV.

TV Widgets

• Verizon FiOS features awesome TV widgets like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, allowing you to Tweet directly from your TV, using your remote while watching TV. Yes, with FiOS, you can watch Modern Family and Tweet about the scary but true similarities between your husband and Ed O’Neill. Or update your Facebook status with “Yes, the kids are FINALLY in bed!” and virtually high-five with your fellow moms---all directly from your TV.
• FiOS has re-made TV into social TV.
• FiOS TV Widgets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzRixR7LCk0

FiOS Internet: “Internet as fast as it gets”

• There's a reason FiOS is America's top-rated high speed Internet service.
• FiOS Internet gives you the fastest upload speeds and amazingly clear streaming video.
• But speed is only valuable when you've got great service. That's why we make sure FiOS isn't just faster, but also more reliable.
• FiOS doesn’t let up during “peak” hours like when the kids come home from school when some cable services slow down due to increased usage.
• FiOS Internet has won PCMAG.com’s Readers’ Choice award five years in a row. According to the leading technology review site, "Verizon's FiOS stands alone when it comes to satisfied customers."
• Real mom discusses why she loves FiOS Internet when it comes to her home-based business: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E4U0BA-tq8&feature=relmfu

In-home Agent

• In-Home Agent is a PC application that provides you with fast, easy solutions for common FiOS & High Speed Internet questions. It's 24/7 support at the click of your mouse!
• In-Home Agent, best used on your Home PC, provides step by step guided help to manage your FiOS or High Speed Internet service
• More information
• 
  

Now my take on Verizon FiOS.  I LOVE FiOS!!!  We have the TV/Internet/Phone with Verizon FiOS.  When we first moved into our house we had another phone/cable/internet company.  They were expensive and currently our only option in our town.  Then came along Verizon FiOS and we switched right away.  Then the other company came back with a better deal and we switched out of Verizon FiOS again but quickly realized it was a mistake!!  You get what you pay for.  Back to Verizon FiOS we went and were we will remain.

Verizon FiOS is faster, has a clearer picture, better children's channels and a better line up for all channels.  We will never switch back to the "other" company again, no matter what they offer us.

Here are five reasons I love Verizon FiOS as a mom:

1. Verizon FiOS has one of the best DVR's.  Because they carry such great programming, I am able to tape all my kids favorite movies and TV shows and keep them saved for ever!!!  We still have movies saved from Christmas 2009! LOL

2. We love the pause option.  My son is almost 5.  When he has to use to restroom, he HAS to use the restroom.  Thank gosh for pause or else he would never go!!  He never wants to miss a second of his favorite shows and with the pause feature, he never has to.

3. WIDGETS!!  My son loves to play games and check out the weather forecast for the FiOS widgets!!

     

Here is a little video about the Verison FiOS Widgets:

4. I love that channels change so fast with Verizon FiOS.  With other companies, there was always a lag and then it would pause, getting all hung up on a previous channel.  It was just a mess.  If it is time for Backyardigans and I realize just as it is going to begin, I want the channel to change right away, not ten minutes from now!!

5.  The Internet is super fast!!!  My son loves to play Club Penguin on the computer and you need the Internet to be fast. It would be too frustrating if it ran slow.  If there are a lot of people playing at one time, you need a great connection in order to play.

So if you aren't already connected to Verizon FiOS, check them out!  You will never go back!  At least I won't! :)

More info on Verizon FiOS: http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/aboutFiOS/overview.htm

Verizon FiOS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VerizonFiOS

Follow @Verizon on Twitter

Verizon on YouTube: YouTube/Verizon

 “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Verizon FiOS sponsored blogging program. Any views, opinions or experiences expressed are my own.”

Old Navy - One Day Wonder $1 Flip Flop Sale...

It is that time again, the $1 Flip Flop Sale!  Go to your nearest Old Navy store on Saturday, May 21 for their One Day Wonder Sale where you can get $1 Flip Flops for the whole family! In-store event only. Limit 5 per customer. Most stores will open at 7 am, but be sure to call your local store for hours.

5th Birthday Planning Mode!! Part 1 - The Favor...

Formal Night on our May 2011 Cruise.

I really cannot believe that my little boy will be 5 next week.  I know everyone says that but where does the time really go???  He is such a sweet, loving, kind, funny, smart kid and we are truly blessed with both of our children!  It is so sad to think he will be entering Kindergarten in the Fall:(

That being sad, I LOVE BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!  I am a planning a birthday party a holic.  I love really getting into the theme!  I want every aspect of the party to scream, SESAME STREET, BLUES CLUES, OUTDOOR FUN, CARS, WINTER ONEDERLAND, OLIVIA, STAR WARS!!

My favorite, favorite part about party planning, the favor!!  Go big or go home is my motto.  But I don't mean get the kids a giant playhouse or swing set.  I mean really think about the quality of the favor and have it match the theme in some way or another.

I love to have favors made for the kids.  I rather spend my money on favors that the kids will enjoy and love then spend money on favors that will break in 2 seconds.  Etsy and local vendors are always my go to people.  On Etsy, those people can make anything you want!!!  If you see something that looks remotely like something you want, email them and they can probably make exactly what you want.  Know someone local, that saves on shipping and plus you can help a local vendor in their business endeavor.  

These are the favors I had made from Etsy for my daughter's Olivia Themed Party:

And here are some favors & decorations that I had made from a women, Valerie from Do Me A Favor who is a local vendor:

I love having my favors match in some way or another to the theme.  Add a favor tag or sticker to match the theme.  If you are having an Olivia Theme, get the girls crowns and striped leggings.  If you are having a Carnival Party get the kids popcorn and cotton candy or red clown noses and a ring toss game.   Money is tight so don't waste it on favors that have no purpose.  Don't get toys that are boring, or things that will be thrown out at the end of the car ride home or candy that cannot be eaten by a 2 year old.  Put thought into it.  

While looking through Etsy I found a women that hand makes lightsabers and personalizes them.  AWESOME!!  If I already didn't get the kids favors, this would have been perfect.  And then the kids would have only gotten this.  See, I am not saying that you have to get them a ton of stuff, but quality is important!

I also love to really pay attention to how the favor is presented.  For instance, one year Do Me A Favor decorated a Shovel & Pail to hold the favors for our Blues Clues Party.  Another year I made all the kids felt bags and personalized them.  This year I am having someone make bags that look like Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper.

I am in no way a favor snob.  I will not go to your party and make fun of whatever favor you choose.  I just think that people leave this as a last minute thing and it should be a priority in planning in my opinion.  Besides all the fun the kids had, this will be the next thing that they will leave with and remember.

If anyone needs any help searching for the perfect favor, let me know!!  I love this sort of stuff:)