My search for the perfect Preschool for my daughter...

The past 2 weeks I have been looking into a Preschool 2 year old program for my daughter.  My 4 1/2 year old has been going to a local Preschool for 3 years now but I am not all that happy with them so I started looking somewhere else for September 2011 for my daughter.

I knew what I wanted from a school so that was easy, it was finding one that met all of our needs that was hard.

I started out with a Google search of schools in our area.  Then I went on a local chat board to search and ask for recommendations.  Then on to my Facebook to ask around for help.  The Library also helped with recommendations.

I compiled and list and started calling to make meetings for my daughter and I to tour the school and meet the teachers.

After 2 weeks, I found a school for her.  Now I am on the "list" for next year and I pray we get in!!  I have to wait until February to start calling to make sure she is in the program we want.

Now this is the criteria I wanted for her school.  Some of which my son's school did and did not have. Some of these things may not be important to some but after having my son go through Preschool (almost done) I know what is important to me.

• Playground
• Nice Classrooms (not a class in a gym or church office)
• Medium Size Classes
• Not a Cooperative 
• Snack Time
• Certified Teachers
• Caring Teachers
• Nice and Understanding Director
• Great Reputation
• Location
• Price
• Days/Times
• Excellent Curriculum for 3 & 4 year old program
• Locked Doors
• Music
• Holiday Shows

Is that asking too much? Ha!!  I am so happy I found a Preschool that had all I was looking for and more.  Now on to the wait to see if we made it in...

So, What do you look for in a Preschool?  What am I missing that is important in your search?

Where to go on Long Island to cut down your own Christmas Tree...

Do you get a fake tree and always wanted to get a real one?  Do you buy a real tree but always wanted to cut your own?  Here is your chance.  Below are some of the local Christmas Tree Farms on Long Island. Go out and support our local farmers while getting a beautiful tree and making memories to last a lifetime.

Carter Christmas Tree Farm
123 North Country Rd
Miller Place, NY 11764
(631) 331-4699
Open Saturdays & Sundays Only
9am-5pm


Dart's Christmas Tree Farm
2355 Main Bayview Rd
Southold, NY 11971
(631) 765-4148
Open Daily 
9am-5pm
*Check out there website for a $5 off Coupon


Elwood Pumpkin & Christmas Tree Farm
1500 E Jericho Tpke
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 368-8626
Cut your own tree hours are:
Saturday & Sunday
10am-dark
Weekdays
3pm-dark


Lewin Farms
812 Sound Ave
Wading River, NY 11792
(631) 929-4327
Call for Hours


Mike's Christmas Tree Farm
323 Weeks Ave
Manorville, NY 11949
(631) 874-3551
Open Daily 
8am-4:30pm


Santa's Christmas Tree Farm
30105 Main Rd
Cutchogue, NY 11935
(631) 734-7627
Open Daily
9am-5pm


Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
20685 Main Rd
Mattituck, NY 11952
(631) 298-4619
Open Daily
9am-5pm


Tilden Lane Farm
48 Wyckoff St
Greenlawn, NY 11740
(631) 261-6392
Open Saturday & Sunday Only
9am-3pm

It's the perfect time to go visit the Gingerbread University...

Gingerbread University is located on Sound Ave in Riverhead, NY out on the East End of Long Island.  Year Round kids and adults can come to the University and create their own Gingerbread, Whatever:)  But as we get closer to the Holiday's, it is time to make those classic Gingerbread Houses that we all love so much!

We usually buy those kits you find in Micheal's but this year we are going to go out to Riverhead and attempt to create our own.  I can't wait.

The Gingerbread University starts at $9.95 plus tax.  You can't bring your own candy but they do have candy you can buy to add to your house.  Walk In's are accepted but during the Holiday Season, reservations are suggested.

Hours Vary by Season. In the Fall they are open Friday-Sunday/ 11:30 a.m. - 4/5 p.m. Sunday starting at noon.  They are open during the week for Special Groups.  Give them a call at 631-727-7309 for more information or visit their Gingerbread University Website.


Source: GingerbreadUniversity.com

Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 Review...

I love Disney on Ice!  We go at least once a year but really try to go twice a year since they change them up all the time.  I love everything Disney for that matter!  But I have to say that I was very disappointed with Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3!  I think it could have been more action packed like the movies. But my son and daughter will tell you something different and I guess their opinion is really all that should matter. :) And a lot of other parents I talked to loved it so it is all who you talk to so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I thought it was long too (2 hrs with a 15 min intermission) and some of the scenes could have definitely been excluded.  Like the Barbie & Ken Scenes.  We didn't need 2 scenes with Barbie & Ken!  My son was mad about that.  They are not even the big characters in the movie.  My son was also disappointed that the Big Baby was not in the show.

But my 4 1/2 year old and 21 month old were glued to the ice the entire time! Of course here and there he would ask for another souvenir that cost a fortune but he would quickly get distracted and go back to watching the show.  The one thing we did buy him was a Woody hat.  That was a must even at $15.

So over all I would recommended taking your children to see this Disney on Ice but only if they really love Toy Story.  Otherwise they will be bored in my opinion.  And for the parents, charge up your iPhone so you have something to keep you entertained;)


*I was in no way compensated for this post.  These opinions are my own*