Sunday, March 25, 2012

America's Toothfairy: Giving Kids Something To Really Smile About.



The National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's ToothFairy® (NCOHF) has taken the small, mythical character that children dream of and transformed her into a true superhero. Did you know that tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease? In fact, millions of children are suffering in such pain, they are unable to eat, sleep and learn. While severe tooth decay is a growing problem, it is also treatable, curable, and preventable through basic education and proper oral hygiene practices. The NCOHF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive oral healthcare for underserved children. Providing preventive, restorative and educational oral health services to more than 600,000 children each year, the NCOHF: America's ToothFairy® aims to eliminate pediatric oral disease and promote overall health and well-being for millions of children from vulnerable populations.

The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy® (NCOHF) is asking for your help in the fight against tooth decay. We’re hoping you can encourage your readers to learn more about taking part in good oral health practices with their children by signing up for the America’s Toothfairy Kids Club! Kids Club members will receive personalized letters from the Tooth Fairy herself, as well as quarterly fun, educational activities! Although donations are not required to participate in the Kids Club, we would like you to encourage your readers to support the organization; a suggested minimum of $10.

Please take a minute to watch this invitation from Fern Ingber, President and CEO of the NCOHF, inviting you to join the America’s Toothfairy Kids Club as well as their PSA starring Larry the Cable Guy.

Invitation to join the Kids Club from Fern Ingber, President and CEO of the NCOHF

NCOHF: America's ToothFairy® PSA, starring Larry the Cable Guy

Look for a Giveaway to Win ToothFairy 2 on DVD and some teeth friendly candies this week!

Also don't forget to "like" them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCOHFAmericasToothfairy

Check out Little Angels on DVD plus Printable Easter Cards.


About Little Angels:
Discover the joy of learning and friendship with this season’s most heavenly new collection! From executive producer Roma Downey (“Touched by an Angel”) comes the first three volumes of a fresh, fun and inspiring educational series that children and their parents (and grandparents too) can enjoy together in LITTLE ANGELS ABC’s, LITTLE ANGELS ANIMALS, and LITTLE ANGELS 1,2,3’s, now available on DVD with Digital Copy from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
Roma Downey stated, "For many years I had the privilege of playing an angel on television, bringing a message of God's love to millions of Americans. As a mother, I have longed to be part of a project that would help to bring that same message to children by not only teaching them the foundations of education - but also providing strong examples of good behavior. Little Angels does just that. It offers critical learning skills through the lens of timeless and age appropriate Bible stories. I only wish this series had been available when my kids were younger!"
LITTLE ANGELS is an animated DVD series and has been created for pre-school aged children to teach practical learning skills like ABCs and numbers. The series is presented in a captivating and entertaining format that will help parents to teach their little angels a big love of learning while also providing hours of fun to enjoy together with exciting DVD extras.
Pre-school twins Alex and Zoe are blessed to have eight Little Angels watching over them – literally! These Little Angels live on the ceiling of their bedroom, painted there so they are the first things the kids see when they wake up in the morning and the last thing they see before they fall asleep at night. The angels come to life when the children need them most, helping guide them through the challenges of their young lives.
Featuring a great deal of interactive DVD extras including charming music videos and downloadable activity sheets, plus a downloadable bonus digital copy of each lesson that will allow for learning on the go, the LITTLE ANGELS ABC’s, LITTLE ANGELS ANIMALS, and LITTLE ANGELS 1, 2, 3’s DVDs are a great value moms can feel good about sharing with their little angels.

Don't forget to print these Easter Cards:

Don't forget to get your CD & Bracelet today to meet the FBB!


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

NEW YORK ISLANDERS JOIN THE FIGHT TO PROTECT CHILDREN.



NEW YORK ISLANDERS JOIN THE FIGHT TO PROTECT CHILDREN

Isles partner with National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; Wang to match all fans’ contributions

UNIONDALE, NY (March 1, 2012) – The New York Islanders are partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for a special fundraising night Thursday, Mar. 29, 2012 when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at 7 p.m. To go along with the donations and support of Islanders fans and all hockey fans in the area, Islanders Owner Charles Wang plans to personally match the total donation from the evening.

“It’s terrible that this is even an issue we have to deal with in our country, but it’s a big problem,” Wang said. “These are our children we’re talking about. They’re our future. We have to protect them as best we can. This is one of many steps we need to take and I look forward to the rest of the NHL and professional sports communities joining us in this fight.”

During the March 29 game, the Islanders will hold a variety of activities inside the Coliseum to help raise awareness and money for NCMEC’s mission of helping keep children safe. America’s Most Wanted Host and Co-Founder of NCMEC, John Walsh, will attend the game and drop the ceremonial puck. “It’s an honor to have Charles Wang and the New York Islanders on our side in the fight for children. It’s people and organizations like this that really make a difference,” Walsh said.

During the game, the Chuck-A-Puck intermission contest will benefit NCMEC, as will as a portion of the evening’s ticket sales and collection tables that line the concourse. To generate added awareness, the giant center-ice video board will feature safety tips and important video messages about child safety throughout the evening.

“We all share a responsibility to help protect children, and it is only by working together that we can give them the safer lives that they deserve,” said Ernie Allen, President and CEO of NCMEC. “That is why we are so grateful to Charles Wang and the New York Islanders for sharing our commitment to child safety. Through their support and the support of their fans we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children.”

An estimated 800,000 children are reported missing each year – more than 2,000 children every day. An estimated one in five girls and one in 10 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. Yet, only one in three will tell anyone. Clearly, this is a growing issue that needs additional attention. Led by Islanders owner Charles Wang, the organization recognizes that need and is proud to become one of the first professional sports teams to join this fight.

Islanders mascot, Sparky the Dragon, will be joined for the entire game by, “Clicky” the spokesrobot from NCMEC’s educational program, NetSmartz. The two characters will help staff members collect donations and distribute information on the concourse.

About the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984. Designated by Congress to serve as the nation’s clearinghouse, the organization has operated the toll-free 24-hour national missing children’s hotline which has handled more than 3,472,740 calls. It has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 169,840 children. The organization’s CyberTipline has handled more than 1,374,020 reports of child sexual exploitation and its Child Victim Identification Program has reviewed and analyzed more than 65,455,790 child pornography images and videos. The organization works in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice’s office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. To learn more about NCMEC, call its toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or visit its web site at http://www.missingkids.com/.

About the New York Islanders
Founded in 1972, and this season celebrating their 40-year anniversary, the New York Islanders Hockey Club stands proudly as Long Island’s sole major league professional sports franchise. Keep up with breaking Islanders news on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NEWYORKISLANDERS and on Twitter @NYIslanders. For further information on any individual/group ticket options or sponsorship opportunities, contact the team’s office at (516) 501-6700 or e-mail customerservice@newyorkislanders.com. For more team information, log on to newyorkislanders.com.

---islanders.nhl.com---

Contacts:
Kimber Auerbach (516) 501-6841 – kimber.auerbach@newyorkislanders.com
Katrina Doell (516) 501-6868 – katrina.doell@newyorkislanders.com
David Hochman (516) 501-6776 – david.hochman@newyorkislanders.com
NCMEC Media (703) 837-6111 – media@ncmec.org

Thursday, March 15, 2012

NYC & Long Island Easter Egg Hunts & Events 2012...


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 - Usually on a Saturday before Easter, See their website for the 2012 date 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 2012 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), 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.
  • Morningside Park's Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, See their website for the 2012 date, 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) 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, See their website for the 2012 date, 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."

Nassau County

  • The New Generation German-American Club Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, See their website for the 2012 date, 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)

Queens County

  • EasterFest 2011 - Last year was on Easter Sunday; See their website for the 2012 date
    PS 101, 2 Russell Place, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Phone: 718-685-8214. Alternate: 718-575-0024. Email: roseannkytka@gmail.com. Open: Sunday April 24, 2011 from 10:30-2:30. EasterFest 2011 begins at 10:30 a.m. with an Easter message from Pastor Michael Kytka and music from The Ascension Band. There will be a Children's Easter Story Bible Time during the service. Activities beginning at 12:30 include an Easter Egg Hunt, craft-making stations and refreshments. Admission wristband is $5 for activities, but complimentary for children attending the Easter Service before 11:00. Directions: E,F,G,R or M train to 71st Ave/Continental Ave. . (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: April 17, 2011)

Suffolk County

  • Benner's Farm - Uses natural growing practices, Easter egg hunts for infant, Easter egg hunts for toddlers, Easter egg hunts for children, There is an admission fee, Other activities for children, Bring a basket to collect the eggs!, >Baskets are provided, Farm animals are present, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket, NY 11733. Phone: 631 689 8172. Alternate Phone: 631 689-5343. Fax: 631 689-5343. Email:folks@bennersfarm.com. Open: Easter Egg Hunt on Easter at noon, flowers for sale. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Corner of Old Town Road and Gnarled Hollow Road in East Setauket, NY. Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Facebook page. $2, Free with admission to farm, wonderful for small kids. (UPDATED: September 19, 2011)

This list is from http://easteregghuntsandevents.org/NY_Easter.php. If are not in our area, they list all other states too.

If you know of an Easter Egg Hunt or Event on Long Island or NYC, please add it to the comments and I will add it to this list. Thanks:)

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Meet the Fresh Beat Band at Westfield South Shore Mall!!!




Meet the Fresh Beat Band

Starting Sunday, March 25th at 10am, be one of the first 500 to purchase The Fresh Beat Band: Music From the Hit TV Show at Best Buy Bay Shore (located on Sunrise Hwy) and receive a wristband that gains access to the autograph signing.

Here's all the details on this event at Westfield South Shore:
  • One wristband per customer regardless of the amount of copies of The Fresh Beat Band: Music From the Hit TV Show purchased
  • Wristbands can only be obtained by purchasing The Fresh Beat Band:  Music From the Hit TV Show at the Best Buy Bay Shore.
  • Each fan through the line must have a wristband and their own copy of The Fresh Beat Band: Music From the Hit TV Show 
  • Adults do not need a wristband to accompany minors to the signing area
  • The Fresh Beat Band will only sign copies of The Fresh Beat Band: Music From the Hit TV Show 
  • If you have a wristband and multiple copies of The Fresh Beat Band: Music From the Hit TV Show, the band will sign them all (no personalization)
  • No posed photos with the band
  • First come, first serve – time is limited

For more information call 631.665.8600

Thursday, March 8, 2012

ImaginOcean coming this Sunday, March 11th to Molloy College...


Looking for something fun to do this weekend with the kids?  Take them to see the magical, glow in the dark, family musical, ImaginOcean.  It is going to be at the Madison Theatre at Molloy in Rockville Centre, NY, Sunday, March 11th.  There is a 1pm and 4pm Show.

Here is a video of what it is all about.

To purchase tickets visit: Madison Theatre 
or call 1-866-811-4111.

Molloy College is located 1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 11570


Win a ticket to the GLAM ME Event on 3/31...


SATURDAY, MARCH 31st, 2012
4PM TO 9PM
MAD RIVER BAR & GRILLE
1442 THIRD AVENUE @82ND STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
JOIN MOMMY’S LINKS FOR A “GLAM-ME” GIRLS NIGHT OUT
MUSIC, DRINK AND FOOD SPECIALS, SOME SHOPPING….
AND A NIGHT OF GLAMOUR!
FREE HAIR, MAKEUP, EYEBROWS, MANICURES AND SO MUCH MORE…
TICKETS:
$30 ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE – BY MARCH 17, 2012
$45 AFTER
TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT DOOR
PURCHASE TICKETS ON THE RIGHT
DRINK SPECIALS INCLUDE: COSMOS, MARGARITAS, BAY BREEZE
FOOD SPECIALS: CHICKEN TENDERS, TRIO OF DUMPLINGS, & NACHOS
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VENDOR?
EMAIL CHRISTY@MOMMYSLINKS.COM TO FIND OUT HOW.



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Monday, March 5, 2012

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover at LI Aquarium...


Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover

Spend the Night with Penguins – An Experience You’ll Never Forget!

Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Let’s celebrate the birthdays of two of our penguins with one unforgettable overnight sleepover! Interact with these adorable birds during this activity-filled overnight adventure where you’ll get up close and personal with the penguins in an encounter like no other, take part in hands-on activities with our crafts station, and how’s your dancing?  Show us your own happy feet with a fun penguin dance!

Enjoy dinner, then before bedtime, enjoy some birthday cake as you settle in for movie time, featuring Happy Feet! When the lights go out, unroll your sleeping bag next to our 120,000-gallon shark tank, or next to the colorful Best Buddies tank, or even sleep under the watchful eye of our giant Pacific octopus.  In the morning, you’ll wake up with the fishes and enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: $60.00 (Aquarium Members: $40.00)*
Children 2 & Under: FREE

Reservations required – call 631.208.9200, ext. H2O (426)


Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
431 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901

Limit: 100 participants; no refunds or exchanges. All ages welcome; recommended for school-age children.

*All prices plus tax

Coming March 6th...2 New Strawberry Shortcake DVD's...Giveaway & Recipes!

Your browser may not support display of this image.
Your browser may not support display of this image.


Everyone’s Berry Best Friend Returns in Two Fun-Filled Adventures Arriving on DVD March 6

Strawberry Shortcake is back just in time for Spring and is so sweet you will need two helpings!  Touching the hearts of children for decades, this wildly successful franchise is back with two more magical tales, Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Brick Road andStrawberry Shortcake: Bloomin’ Berry Garden! First, Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Brick Road follows Strawberry and her friends as they retell the classic “Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Next, Strawberry Shortcake: Bloomin’ Berry Garden shows that it’s time for garden growing fun with Strawberry and her friends as they prepare for the Spring Flower Festival!

The traditional strawberry shortcake recipe is a traditional family favorite, but there are plenty of other new, delicious berry-inspired desserts to try too! This feature will give families some tips and tricks for making fun, yummy Strawberry Shortcake-inspired desserts, including blueberry muffins and a tasty raspberry tart!

Enter at the bottom of this feature to win a copy of both Strawberry Shortcake DVDs!




Berry S’Mores
Your browser may not support display of this image.

This take on a classic summer treat is sure to please the kids without giving them an insane sugar high! All you need are graham crackers, softened cream cheese and sliced berries (adding in chocolate is optional as these are delicious without it). Just break the graham cracker in half, spread about a table spoon of cream cheese on one side, add some berries on top, and put the other half of the graham cracker on top. Now you have an easy, delicious, healthy s’more to enjoy!



Blueberry Muffins
Your browser may not support display of this image.

These delicious blueberry muffins are an easy six-ingredient fix for your berry cravings! All you need is a cup and a half of flour, 1 egg, a half cup of milk, one fourth cup of oil, a half cup of sugar, and one cup of fresh or frozen berries. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and grease a muffin pan. Next, beat the egg, and stir in the milk and oil, then add your dry ingredients (the batter should be lumpy). Gently stir in the blueberries and fill your muffin tins, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are a nice golden brown.


Strawberry Trifle
Your browser may not support display of this image.

A yummy strawberry trifle is the perfect treat to eat while enjoying the new Strawberry Shortcake DVDs! To make it you need four tablespoons of sugar, two pints of fresh strawberries (chopped), four ounces of softened cream cheese, two cups of whipping cream, one pre-made pound cake, and one half cup of melted, seedless raspberry jelly. First, stir two tablespoons of sugar into the sliced strawberries. Next, beat the remaining two tablespoons of sugar into the cream cheese. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, and then gently fold the cream into the cream cheese/sugar mixture. Then, cut the pound cake into slices that are about 1/3 inch thick. Arrange a layer of those slices at the bottom of a glass bowl (or a festive clear glass container of your choosing), then drizzle with the melted jelly. Next, add a layer of strawberries and a layer of the cream cheese mixture. Continue layering, making sure that the last layer is the cream cheese mixture. Garnish with strawberries.


Raspberry Tart

 This raspberry tart is both yummy and simple to make (with a little help from mom and dad)! To start, gather a cup of flour, a stick of butter, two tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar, four cups of fresh raspberries, and eight ounces of raspberry jam. Blend together the flour, butter and sugar, and chill for one hour. Then, pat the chilled crust into a tart pan, and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool the crust, and then arrange the raspberries on top of it. Last, microwave your raspberry jam until it begin to boil, then pour the jam over the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for an hour, then enjoy!


Blackberry Cobbler
Your browser may not support display of this image.

Blackberry cobbler is an cinch with this easy, delectable recipe! All you need is four cups of fresh blackberries, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one egg, one cup of sugar, one cup of flour, and six tablespoons of melted butter. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Next, place blackberries in a lightly greased square baking dish, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Stir together the egg, sugar, and flour, and sprinkle over fruit. Next, drizzle melted butter across the topping, and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cobbler is lightly browned and bubbly. Enjoy!

For a chance to win copies of the new Strawberry Shortcake DVDs, tell us what your favorite recipes to make (and eat!) with your kids are! The best recipe will be reposted on the site, and the author will win both Strawberry Shortcake DVDs!

This Contest ends March 12th, 2012 and is open to US Only.  

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Bank of America & Merrill Lynch's Museums on Us - March 3rd & 4th.



BANK OF AMERICA AND MERRILL LYNCH CARDHOLDERS KICK OFF NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WITH MUSEUMS ON US®
Cardholders in New York City will receive free admission on Saturday, March 3 and
Sunday, March 4

WHAT:             Bank of America and Merrill Lynch’s Museums on Us offers free access to NYC Cardholders

WHEN:             Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 (and the first full weekend of each month)
Check participating museums’ days and hours of operation

WHERE:           Brooklyn Children's Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York Hall of Science
New-York Historical Society
Rubin Museum of Art
Staten Island Children’s Museum
Whitney Museum of American Art

WHY:                    Bank of America has strong long-term relationships with an array of institutions including museums, science centers, botanical gardens and aquariums in the United States and created Museums on Us to promote these institutions and provide a free cultural benefit to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers.

DETAILS:              Museums on Us is a national program and includes more than 150 leading U.S. cultural institutions across 91 cities, benefiting Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers from coast to coast. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institution, excluding fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Not to be combined with other offers.

On March 3 and 4, Bank of America is offering its customers a way to recognize the contribution women have made to the arts and history, as both artists and inspiration, and celebrate National Women’s History Month with Museums on Us.  The program is giving bank cardholders free admission to some of the most exciting cultural venues nationwide, including The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts in Sacramento and the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.  As part of Museums on Us, more than 150 leading U.S. cultural institutions, in 91 cities across the country, open their doors to bank cardholders on the first full weekend of each month. Other upcoming weekends include: April 7-8 and May 5-6.

Museums on Us – a national program – includes some of the country’s favorite cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami, FL and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, CA.  For more information about Museums on Us, visit: http://museums.bankofamerica.com.

National Craft Month Day 1 - Milk Carton Planters...


Our first craft, in honor of National Craft Month is Milk Carton Planters!  These are the Instructions from eHow that we tried to follow when we made our planters!  

Things You'll Need

Milk carton, pop bottle or milk jug

Serrated knife

Potting Soil (or you own backyard soil)

Seeds

Nail or ice pick

Water bottle mister

  1. Instructions:

    Seed Starters

    • 1
      Tell your kids to bring home their lunchtime milk cartons. These small throw-away containers are perfect reusable seed starters.
    • 2
      Wash the small milk cartons thoroughly with soap and warm water. Cut the top off with a sharp serrated knife, so that you have a box with an open top.
    • 3
      Fill the milk carton with commercial potting soil, up to ¼ inch from the top. Commercial potting soil is without any weed seeds or plant diseases and is perfect for seeding.
    • 4
      Plant a seed in each milk carton, according to the instructions on the back of the seed packet. Cover the seed hole with soil. Every seed planting depth is different, but should be about three times the length of the seed.
    • 5
      Mist the top of the soil with a water mister. Place the milk carton in a sunny window. Mist the soil each day. Soon the seed will germinate (grow through the soil). When the seedling is about 2 to 3 inches tall, it's ready to be transplanted.

    Plant Containers

    • 1
      Clean the milk carton, milk jug or large pop bottle thoroughly. Cut the top off, leaving an open container.
    • 2
      Cover the container with decorator foil (found at craft stores). Poke five or six holes in the bottom of the container for drainage. Use a nail or ice pick.
    • 3
      Fill the container with potting soil, leaving enough room for the seedling in the center.
    • 4
      Remove the seedling from the small milk carton container. Put it in the center of the larger container and fill in around it with soil.
    • 5
      Place the container outdoors on the porch or patio when the last frost has finished.



Tips & Warnings

  • If you use a dark-colored container, be aware that it will soak up heat and moisture. Check the soil often for dryness and water accordingly.
  • Decorative containers can be made from many things, such as garage sale buckets, canisters, wood boxes, even old shoes and boots. Repaint and decorate them, as you like.


Instructions found at eHow.com