Abby Cadabby's Parents Divorce

Sesame Street has the best ways of dealing with and explaining various situations when it comes to children.  This clip explains divorce along with a cute little song sang by pink, puffy pigtailed Abby Cadabby herself.


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Part 2: My Conversation w/Michelle Obama + School Lunch Mandate Update

Back in October, many of you may remember that I had a 1-minute conversation with First Lady Michelle Obama the following day after the Presidential Debate held here on Long Island.  Valley Stream Dad and I had tickets to a fundraiser she hosted at Crest Hollow I believe.  I decided to hold off with writing Part 2 of our conversation because we were in the midst of campaign season and didn't want this blog to be seen as political.  Never mind that my husband is a politician making me a politician's wife.  Sigh....Now that the election is over, I can share with you my conversation (paraphrased, of course) with Michelle Obama.

As Mrs. Obama came closer to where I was standing in the receiving line, a topic of conversation hit me.  I needed this opportunity to be meaningful to both FLOTUS and I.  She finally approached me.   She extended her hand to me which was warming after the Secret Service slammed my phone down onto the barrier just moments before and said, "No phones."  No complaints from me.  Boy, did THAT make me nervous!  Even after that episode, I still felt welcomed in her presence and that she was genuinely interested in meeting me and hearing what I had to say.

I placed my hand into hers and as we shook hands I immediately began speaking.  I didn't know how much time I had and wanted to capture her attention.

"Mrs. Obama, before coming to hear you speak, I attended my school's PTA meeting where many parents were not in favor of the new school lunch mandate.  There were a lot of complaints and concerns about the program."  (She's still holding my hand!)  She said that change doesn't happen over night and that it will take time.  She said a bit more but I was trying to hold it together while talking and I forgot what she said exactly....wow!  I said, "I personally don't see the problem with the new menu.  I think if parents aren't happy with what is on the menu, there are options to send your child to school with a packed lunch.  She agreed.  She said that we need people like you (me) to be a voice for our children.

Of course, this is paraphrased and she did more talking than this, but our conversation was well over 6 weeks ago and I should have written it down the moment she moved on to the next person.

I think many of you who are not in favor of the new school lunch mandate will be happy to hear that there is more flexibility in the program than when it first began at the start of the school year.

Black beans

My child wasn't able to purchase lunch while in Kindergarten last year.  They ate in their classrooms and had to bring in a packed lunch so I can't compare last year's portions to this year's portions or menu.  However, I have been told that there were fewer chicken nuggets and that the pizza was made with white flour and not wheat as it is today.

Fresh pears

After many complaints, the updated mandate now allows for more fruits, vegetables, and more grains to help fill our children's tummies.  But what child is going to eat more vegetables?  I also saw a headline that read the flexibility includes more meat but I think that is if the child wants to purchase additional servings.  I would suggest you read the updates and Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010 yourself.

I didn't know Doritos were considered healthy...

Personally, I saw what our kids were eating and while my child likes the cafeteria food, I would still recommend that you pack their lunch.  I haven't tasted the food but my child seems to like it.  However, she is a good eater unlike many children.  I only allow her to buy lunch once a week and it's usually on whole wheat pizza or chicken nugget day.  I also let her buy on days where I'm being lazy and I know she will eat at least 4 out of 5 of the items on the menu.  If you do not like what is on the menu, there is usually an option for a deli sandwich, PB&J or salad.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010

What are your thoughts on the school lunch mandate?
Does your child pack lunch or buy?


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Free Holiday Cards, New Coupon Links & More!

The holidays are finally here with the smell of gingerbread and sugar plums filling your homes with holiday joy! Your holiday gift list may continue to get longer like the guest list for your holiday party, but some of the best things this season can still be yours for free! This week, you can get 10 of your favorite personalized holiday cards for free from Vistaprint! 

Plus, you can even get free shipping on orders over $30. Choose from over 3,200 designs to find the perfect backdrop for the picture of your children mid-food fight when they were baking sugar cookies, the photo of your new Golden Retriever puppy adopted from the shelter, or your annual goofy family portrait. Show friends and family your new bundle of joy by adding the photograph of her sporting chic reindeer antlers to a holiday card with candy cane stripes and a quaint little reindeer image. Or for a true heartwarming card, use snapshots of everyone in your family, starting with baby pictures, and chronicling annual highlights in a Year in Review card, including your favorite stories from this year. 

This year, some of your most cherished keepsakes for everyone on your list can still be purchased for next to nothing. So start spreading your holiday wishes now! 

Shipping & Processing: Holiday Cards start at $5.52; Bonus: Spend $30 at Vistaprint and get Free Shipping!

New Coupons!

• $2.00 off the Dec/Jan issue of People StyleWatch
• $3.00 off any 1 Gerber Good Start Soothe Formula
• $1.00 off 2 ARMOUR Meatball Products
• $3.00 off Ramona and Beezus on Blu-ray
• $3.00 off Chronicles of Narnia on Blu-ray
• $3.00 off Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules dvd
• $3.00 off Rio on Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy
• $2.00 off one FoodSaver Heat-Seal Bag or Roll
• $15.00 off one FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System
• $3.00 off any BrainStrong™ product
• $3.00 off any one (1) Axe holiday pack
• $0.55 off one NEW ChapStick Sport Ready
• $10.00 off Barbie toys by Mattel, $50 minimum

CanvasPeople.com is offering their gorgeous 11x14 custom photo canvas for $30 shipped or their 16x20 photo canvas for $39, and their 18x24 for $32.99 + Free Shipping!

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Winter Break: Yay or Nay?

So far, it looks like Hurricane Sandy has ruined many of our surrounding community's beloved Winter Break.  The schools are still out on Presidents Day, but students have to report the rest of the week.

Valley Stream schools, however are still in limbo about what's going to happen given that our schools weren't affected as much as our neighbors.  However, we did lose seven days.  So, what do to?

I personally think the kids should be in school.  I'm from the Midwest.  I grew up in Toledo, OH to be exact.  We never had Winter break.  We didn't need it nor did we miss it.  We had Christmas break and Spring break.  Why on earth do kids need to be out in February? To play in the snow is not a good reason especially given that we didn't see any snow last year. Most working parents do not get an average of three weeks vacation during the year, so why should kids?

If you had a trip planned, I hope you bought the trip insurance.

What do you think?
Are your winter break vacation plans ruined?

LI Herald: District officials mulling schedule change to make up days lost


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Weekend Preparation

The weekend is here and throughout the day I will be working on an event filled post in between nail appointments, tap class, cleaning, and preparing for the weekend just for you. I may even throw in a little Yoga at Yoga & Tea in Lynbrook to find my Zen in the midst of this craziness we just so happen to call life.

In the meantime, be sure to check out this weekend's calendar. There is plenty to do! 
If you have a question about something or an activity, leave a comment below. Comments are good for blogs.

Andrea Bocelli Shows Moms & Baby Love During Brooklyn Concert

Five years ago, we packed up our belongings, sold our place within 2 days just blocks from the monstrous arena and moved to Long Island.  I waddled into Valley Stream, NY ready to return to suburban life where I practically grew up back in Ohio.  I had an almost 2 year old in tow and was about 3.5 months pregnant when we moved....7 days before Christmas.  What were we thinking?

Last night, my husband and I went to see Andrea Bocelli at Barclays Arena in Brooklyn, NY, the project that sent us packing and running for LI.  This concert was beyond amazing.  We arrived at the theatre famished and soon found ourselves buying hot and spicy chicken sandwiches and fingers.  Once the burn subsided, we settled into our seats to hear such an amazingly talented Italian Tenor.

Wow.

I immediately heard a selection performed so many different ways of wrong during my life as a pageant director for Miss America, but thought that I may enjoy this concert after all.  It was my husband's idea to buy the extremely expensive tickets. His ring tone was once Con te patiro and yes, he will break out in song at any given moment.

Other selections he sang were Amazing Grace, New York, New York, which was surprising yet welcoming given that he was in New York, the greatest city EVER. It was fun to hear him sing the song synonymous with pizza commercials...whose title eludes me right now.  He also sang wedding favorite, Ava Maria.  But what surprised me is that he sang OUR wedding song, The Prayer. I was soon reminded that this song was first sang by Bocelli and Celion Dion but we chose it based on the version sang by gospel greats Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams.  It was just as beautiful last night as it was sang on our wedding day almost 10 years ago which quickly brought light tears to my eyes.  Sigh....

Courtesy of Tumblr

What brought everyone happiness and anxiety at the same time was when his wife brought out their daughter who looked about 7-8 months old.  He sang with her in his arms and the looks on her face, such as "What is HE doing?" and the moment she reached for the microphone..and he stopped her were priceless.  He held her in an awkward football hold.  Then he whipped her above his head and placed her on his shoulders.  I almost passed out.  Why?  Bocelli is blind and he felt her reaching for the microphone.  He didn't miss one note, deviate from the song, and his daughter didn't make one peep. Priceless!

Bocelli also paid homage to mothers across the world from today and waaay back in the day given the vintage movies displayed on the monitors as he sang, Mamma. Being a mother and able to appreciate classical music made the evening even more sweeter.

Aside from my irritating neighbor who bobbed her head to classical music, fidgeted during the entire concert, and kept twisting in her seat blocking my view too many times, I had a wonderful evening.  Oh! There were two ladies singing with him who were breathtaking as well.  I didn't catch their names but man their voices were beautiful.  It's just not fair how much talent one person can have any other none at all.

Last night was his only performance in New York.  Click here to see where he'll be next.

Time to say goodbye!



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Save 50% on Disney's Treasure Trove In NY & NJ

This skating spectacular from Disney On Ice gathers together stars from Peter Pan, The Lion King, Tangled, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and more, into one exciting adventure. All of your favorite princesses — from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel and Tiana, to the star of Disney's 50th animated feature, Rapunzel herself — will be on hand to skate and sing their way into your heart. Take a journey to Neverland with Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell; trek across Africa with Simba and friends; and go on a trip down the rabbit hole with Alice and the Mad Hatter. There's something truly magical for the entire family to discover in this Treasure Trove.

Goldstar.com offers half-price tickets to the best events, including theater, music, museums and sports! Basically, they share the best of what your city has to offer at a great price. If you're looking for things to do this summer, check them out. Sign up and you'll get their offers for live entertainment tickets at up to 50% off. The best part? Goldstar memberships are free. 

Atlanta Baltimore Boston Chicago Cincinnati Dallas Houston Inland Empire Las Vegas Los Angeles Minneapolis-St. Paul New York Orange County Philadelphia Portland Sacramento San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle Washington, D.C. 

Discount tickets available through Goldstar!

Nassau Coliseum - Long Island
Thursday, January 10
Tickets: $31.50 (Regular $61.50)

Izod Center -East Rutherford, NY
Wednesday, January 2nd
Tickets: $30 (Regular $60!)

Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
Thursday, January 17
Tickets: $28.50 (Regular price $53.50)

Barclays Center - Brooklyn, NY
Wednesday, January 23
Tickets: $41.50 (Regular price $79.00)

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Save $1 - $10 on Crayola, Hot Wheels, Kid Flicks, & Hasbro Games

Here are a few coupons you may want to take with you or may want to slip Santa the next time you see him.  Crayola has some pretty cool new products out, and of course you can never have too many Hot Wheels.








*Post contains affiliate links.



























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My Strollers Giveaway: Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Tub

Sweet Pea Savings, has teamed up with MyStrollers.com and a Bunch of great bloggers, like Valley Stream Mom, to bring you this amazing giveaway!  MyStrollers.com is giving away a Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub!

 

Sleek, smart, and made to support your growing baby in numerous ways, Naked is a bathtub like no other. You can count on it from newborn to toddler. Recline it, expand it, drain it, collapse it and hang it up to dry.

• Provides two support positions for stages newborn to toddler
• Collapsible design and hook make storing easy
• Recline position cradles newborn, which helps keep their head above water
• Fully-expanded basin accommodates infants and toddlers
• Rotating support brace for quick and secure positioning
• Simple, one piece design makes transitioning between stages easy without losing parts
• Drain plug for quick, complete water drainage
• Slim profile for easy storage
• BpA-free, Phthalate-free and PVC-free
• Ages: Birth to 18 months
• Dimensions: 18.25" x 33" x 6.5"

The giveaway will begin 12/5 at 7 pm and will end on 12/20 at 12:01am. It’s a 2 weeks long so if you can’t get to the entries at once, just come back later! And there are entries you can complete daily so you can rack up the entries!

All entries will be verified!

DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. Information collected is NOT collected by Facebook. In signing up for this promotion, participants release and indemnify Facebook from all liability. My Strollers.com is responsible for the shipping of the prizes they have sponsored.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Network w/LI Moms + Daily Holiday Giveaways

Starting December 3, Mommy Poppins will be giving away a big-ticket prize a day every for 11 days. Prizes include a package of toys from Toys R Us, a four-pack of tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and gift bag (a prize valued at more than $500), $150 to spend at Giggle, at Nohi Kids, and at Minted for custom cards, and much more. Nearly all prize values are more than $150. You don't want to miss it! Today's prize: Fort Magic Construction Kit. Check Long Island Mommy Poppins every day starting Monday, December 3.

Nassau Networking Moms is hosting a Holiday Expo tomorrow, Thursday, December 6th in Farmingdale, NY from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.  This event is FREE!  Click the photo for additional information.

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American Girl @ Rock Hall Museum

I have dodged this American Girl Doll thing for YEARS...until now.  I used to work in the Time Warner Building, adjacent to a luxury high rise apartment building, where I would often see little rich girls, sometimes 3-6 at a time, get in and out of limos with 1-2 American Girl Dolls under their arms while mom or dad carried the dolls accessories.  I knew even before I had my daughter that I would not pay for such a doll that costs at least $100 naked...okay, maybe not naked but close.  She only comes with one outfit and a book.

The catalogs began coming to the house two years ago. As soon as they came, I trashed them long before my daughter made it home from school.  She had not a clue about the American Girl Doll phenomenon, until she went to Kindergarten.  One of her classmates often bragged about her million dollar doll.  One that I simply refused to purchase.  I remember talking my daughter out of wanting the doll last year.  Two of her tennis friends spent their birthdays in the city where you can participate in the American Girl Doll Experience.  I told their moms to tell their daughters NOT to tell my daughter.

Honestly, I did try to book a lunch at the New York store but because her birthday is near Christmas, I couldn't make an appointment online.  That's legit, right? 

She never really played with dolls even after I tried to force a doll upon her few years ago.  Until recently. Now she plays with Barbies and just asked me tonight if I would buy her more Barbie clothes.  I'm thinking it's peer pressure.

Rock Hall Museum is hosting a Storytelling by the Fireside Wednesday, December 5th featuring "Kirsten's Surprise: A Christmas Story" at 4 p.m.  My daughter's Daisy Troop is attending.  I'm pretty sure this $5 field trip will soon turn into $150 when she sees the others with their beautiful dolls.  I kinda feel bad now that she doesn't have one.  Who wants their daughter to be the only one without an American Girl Doll?

I thought peer pressure was about drugs, alcohol, and other bad behaviours.  Who knew it would also involve dolls?

Rock Hall Museum
Storytelling by the Fireside
"Kirsten's Surprise: A Christmas Story"
Wednesday, December 5th
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost: $5
Group reservations also accepted
Note: Call before coming as this event may be sold out
(516) 239-1157

Click here to see the Today Show $50 American Girl discount!


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Let's Get CO Detectors In Our Schools ASAP

This morning on the Today Show, it was reported that Finch Elementary School in Atlanta, GA was overcome with carbon monoxide fumes due to a malfunctioning furnace sending 43 students to the hospital.  Similar situations occurred in a Baltimore and Philadelphia school.  What's going on?  I think we need to find out if our schools have CO detectors, don't you think?

"Turns out, this school didn't have any carbon monoxide detectors. In fact, we looked into it, and in most states, there are no laws, no requirements for schools to have them at all. That means your children could be breathing this poisonous gas in their classroom every day... and not even know it."

Jeff Rosen - Today Show

 

 

Courtesy of The Today Show 

There currently is NO LAW in New York that mandates that our schools have CO detectors in our schools.  Time to change that STAT.  There are only two states that mandate detectors and those states are Maryland and Connecticut. 

Let's contact our school administrators to see if there are any CO detectors in our schools and if there aren't lets see how we can get this changed yesterday.  If money is an issue, what do you think about donating one to your school.  I'm all for it especially if it will save the lives of our children.

If the schools aren't on board with this life-threatening gas, also known for causing learning disabilities and cardiovascular problems in children, let's contact our state officials who can get it done

New York State Assembly Woman-Elect Michaelle Solages
New York State Senator Dean Skelos

Click the links below to locate your state representative if your school district is unresponsive to this important cause.

New York State Assembly
New York State Senate

If you do not live in New York, I also encourage you to contact your school district and/or state representative.


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Hanukkah Happenings

Hanukkah begins this week so it's only fitting that I post a separate list of all of the kid-friendly events scheduled in our area.  Last year, my daughter was learning about all of the various celebrations that occur during the holiday so I took the kids to the Chanukkah party hosted by the Rockville Centre Recreation Department.  I don't know exactly what they have on schedule this year, but last year the kids had a ball!  There was a magician, snacks, small ceremony, and more.  The event was well attended so if you're going to go, leave early to ensure a good parking spot and seat.

Here's a list of a few nearby events to share.  Enjoy!

Menorah Ligthings
12/4 - Town of Hempstead
12/8 - Malverne
12/8 - Valley Stream
12/8 - Lynbrook

Parties & Events
12/8 - Valley Stream Library Chanukkah Craft
12/10 - Rockville Centre Chanukkah Party (Valley Stream Mom Approved!)

See calendar for complete details.

If you know of any more events, please leave a comment below and I will update this post.

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O.M. Ghirardelli!

I purchased my first bag of Ghirardelli chocolate on a whim a few years ago while picking up toothpaste at CVS Pharmacy just minutes from my home.  I was immediately in love.  The rich, smooth texture of this delectable chocolate mirrors none that I have come across in my life.  None.  I can appreciate a good piece of chocolate, and just like Michael Jackson's Tour planned before his untimely death, "THIS IS IT!"

Over the summer, Valley Stream Dad and I took a short trip to Chicago where we ran into a Ghirardelli ice cream shop.  Yes, I immediately started salivating and put it on my "To Do" list before heading back to NY.  I am such a huge fan of Ghirardelli that I can't pass up a taste whenever I see those perfect-sized chocolate squares or an ice cream shop.


Peppermint Bark
Ghirardelli sent me a small box of its newest holiday flavors in exchange for an honest review.  I have to admit that I am not a fan of anything peppermint, but let I honestly enjoyed eating the Peppermint Bark.  One side is white chocolate sprinkled with red peppermint flakes and the bottom of the square is milk chocolate. The mint is not overwhelming and the balance of the white, chocolate and peppermint are perfect for any chocolate lover.


Peppermint Bark with Dark Chocolate
For those of you who like dark chocolate, you're in luck.  Ghirardelli also has a dark chocolate version of its holiday Peppermint Bark.  I still love the smooth texture of the chocolate as any Ghirardelli lover would, but I am not nor will ever be a fan of dark chocolate.  I will let you decide this one.


Pumpkin Spice
Other than the out of business Twinky, I am not a lover of cream filled treats.  However, after biting into the Pumpkin Spice Caramel filled square, I have since changed my mind.  The caramel filling does not impose upon your tongue and the pumpkin is very minimal. 

Eggnog
There's something about white and chocolate that concern me.  I think it won't taste anything like chocolate.  As I brought the Eggnog square to my mouth, I was a bit overwhelmed by the aroma of the square.  I've never had Eggnog so I really don't know if the taste is true or not.  I nibbled it like a bird and found it to be very sweet.  The taste on my tounge was quite refreshing, but I don't think this flavor will be my first pick of the four.

Current Ghirardelli Promotions

Shop Ghirardelli's Holiday Gifts with Free Shipping on $75 w/code: FS75
Ghirardelli Chocolate Sale Items for up to 35% Off
Try Ghirardelli's Newest Chocolate Flavors
Ghirardelli Chocolate Thank You Gifts


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