Valley Stream Mom

Happy Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:38:00 +0000

To all of those who gave their lives so that this country could be safe, thank YOU for serving.

Happy Memorial Day!

Click here to learn more about Memorial Day.

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(A Few More) Weekend To Do's

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:07:00 +0000

In addition to all of the Memorial Day activities here in Valley Stream, here is a short list of a few more activities that caught my eye. The Family Day at Belmont Park Racetrack sounds like a winner!

White Post Farms - Melville
Water Weekends & Yo Gabba Gabba
Veterans FREE this weekend with I.D.
Weekend Admission & Holidays
Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Visit the site for coupons

Sunday Family Fun Day at Belmont Park Racetrack: Memorial Day
Satruday, May 27th
Dates: Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.
Address: 2150 Hempstead Turnpike , Elmont, NY 11003
Admission: $3
Free for children 12 and under!

Come celebrate Mamorial Day at Belmont Park Racetrack with Exotic Parrots; Under the Sea Inflatable; Tropical Obstacle Course; DJ and Karaoke!

Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach

Saturday, May 26 & Sunday, May 28

Tickets: Children age 6 and under are FREE

Time: 10 a.m.

Children's Theater

Cinderella
Saturday, May 26th
Time: 2 p.m.
Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts
222 Hewlett Avenue - Merrick, NY
Cost: $9

Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Junior
Saturday, May 26th @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 27th @ 3 p.m.
Cost: $15, 12 for seniors and students
The Theatre at Twin Oaks Country Day School - Freeport, NY

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ECM Wants You to be A Voice For Children

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Join the Every Child Matters Under 21 Rewards Program

Everyone has at least 15 minutes to be a voice for every child. Do you know that 1 out of 5 Long Island children do not have access to food all day? Do you know that every 50 minutes a Long Island child is being reported abused? We must all start working together to do our part so we can make every child really matter! Join Every Child Matters (ECM) on Wednesday, May 30th from 7 p.m. -8:30 p.m. at the Rockville Centre Library located at 221 North Village Road - Rockville Centre, NY 11570 so ECM can show Long Islanders (and their children) how to enhance their own voice for kids and explain the ECM Under 21 Rewards Program to others.

Every Child Matters on Long Island (ECM-LI) is a social movement on the behalf of kids. We help Long Islanders young and old enhance the local, state, and national voice for children. The ECM Under 21 Rewards Program is recruiting children to work independently or together to do their part so that every child’s voice can be heard. A community panel consisting of a former elected representative, organizational director, three local parents, former Civil Rights activist, a member of the press, and business leader have been invited to come share their experiences about being a voice for children.

Date: Wednesday, May 30th
Time: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rockville Centre Public Library
221 North Village Road - Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Contact: Shea Levin, Long Island Director
Every Child Matters-LI
(631) 885-8044
infoli@everychildmatters.org
www.everychildmatters.org/li

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Cultural Kids: Carnegie, Mozart, and More

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:39:00 +0000

The Itty Biddies @ Brooklyn Public Library

I think it's very important to expose children to the arts at an early age. My youngest can't sit still when he hears a beat. We listen to Ella Fitzgerald often during dinner time and the boy just can't sit still. I think he even tried to scat once while sitting in his car seat. Our daughter takes ballet and tap and will soon trade tap for an instrument. I'm not going to drive myself crazy with too many activities. Right now, she has an interest in playing the violin. If it doesn't work, we'll try something new. In the meantime, exposure is best as stated by Charlotte Mason Method who believed in exposing children to music and art in many different forms. You'll definitely want to check out the many cultural events listed below and see how your child responds. Take snacks and alternative enjoyment if they don't like it. Hey, they're children. It could go either way.

Here is a list of upcoming cultural events you may want to take your stinkers to.

Read more »

Wordless Wednesday: Comment & Win!

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:18:00 +0000

Okay, so I have to say a FEW words. Leave a comment under today's blog post below right here and win this book by Eric Carle. Share the status on my Facebook page and receive an extra entry. Contest ends tonight at 8 p.m.

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Free Health Screenings @ Valley Stream Library

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:48:00 +0000

St. Francis Hospital Community Outreach Health Screening Van stops in Valley Stream on Wednesday, May 23rd from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for FREE health screenings using their state-of-the-art outreach van.

These screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, simple blood test for cholesterol, and diabetes screenings with the appropriate patient education and referrals needed for clients above the age of 18. St. Francis Hospital provides this service free of charge at a variety of community locations. For their schedule, please visit here.

For more information or to arrange a date for this vital community service, please call (516) 629-2013. Patients can also schedule a cardiac screening by making an appointment for an office visit. Please call (516) 562-6653.

Event Info:

Wednesday, May 23rd

Henry Waldinger Memorial Library

60 Verona Place, Valley Stream

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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Blogaholic Giveaway - $400 Cash

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

My blog designer, Blogaholic Social Network, is celebrating their 1 year anniversary and we have teamed up with them to bring you the chance to win $400.00 Paypal cash! If you have not yet heard- Blogaholic Social Network is an online community where bloggers of all niche's connect and spread the word about their blogs while gaining resources, followers, blogging tips, and much more! You must be a member to win but joining fast, easy and best of all FREE! Join here!

This event is hosted by Blogaholic Social Network, The Organized Classroom Blog,Mompreneur Mogul, Swoon Media, Caffeinated OC Mommy, Terri's Little Haven, and Multi Testing Mommy.

Click here to enter the giveaway. Good luck!

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Memorial Day Parades & Night Terrors

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Good morning! What a weekend it was in my home! Honestly, I am still tired but as a mom we must push on. Last night, my 3 year old was jolted awake several times by what we now know were shiny, yellow, circles on his ceiling. We think he's somewhere between sleep and consciousness. We're not quite sure what this means but it is definitely keeping everyone awake at night, except my daughter who can sleep through anything. I'm starting to think it has something to do with the flannel pjs he wears to bed. No, I haven't completed the "change over" from winter to spring clothing yet. Don't judge me. With two children, that is a day-long affair. He may be hot. he's not saying it but he could be. I also put him on the potty after the third time he woke up. After that, he was good to go and we all finally got some sleep. Why won't they just say, "I have to go potty?" We'll see what happens tonight.

This weekend will be just as busy with the high school graduations, parades, and weekend barbeques. Note, when the grad sends you an announcement two days before the ceremony, they only want a check. Not your attendance. I know it's harsh reality, but it's true. You can send my invitation to valleystreammom@gmail.com. That's for barbeques, not graduation parties.

Here's a list of this weekend's Memorial Day parades in the area. Enjoy!

Valley Stream Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th @ 9:30 a.m.
Begins at Wheeler Avenue & Rockaway Avenue, Valley Stream
Memorial ceremony to take place at Hicks Street and Valley Stream Blvd.

Lynbrook Patriot's Weekend
Sunday, May 27th
Greis Park - Lynbrook
Opening Ceremony, 3 p.m.
Magic show, inflatables, Mad Science, Softball game, etc.
Fireworks @ 8:45 p.m.

Malverne Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th, 10 a.m.
Ceremony will take place following the parade @ approximately 11 a.m. at Reese Veterans Memorial Park,

Rockville Centre Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th, 10 a.m.
Parade begins at Maple Avenue and ends at Veterans Memorial Park @ Rockville Centre Rec Center
Ceremony following parade at 11 a.m.

Baldwin American Legion Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28th, 9:30 a.m.
Starting on Stanton Avenue and heading south to Silver Lake Park

If you know of a parade not listed, please comment in the box below or send an email to valleystreammom.com.

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#Let's Move: Get Your Kids Off the Couch This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:36:00 +0000

The week is over and what a doozy it has been. I think most of this week my husband and I have been tagging each other with the kids. Actually, the moment he walks in we kiss and I head out of the door. It's been that kind of week and I'm glad it's over, however the work of a parent never ends. We now have to put the summer plans in motion and make it happen. First Lady Michelle Obama made the following remarks at a Let's Move event as stated on the website:

"Being active and moving more doesn't mean training like our nation’s elite athletes, but the more chances our kids have to move, the healthier their lives will be. And these new opportunities-- which range from swim lessons, to gymnastics clinics, to free membership at bike racing tracks, and much more -- will continue giving young people the chance to try something new long after the Olympics come to a close."

There's even a link that gives examples on what to do with children this summer to keep them active and off the couch.

Okay. Fine.

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Summer Break Ain't What It Used To Be

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Up until this very moment, I had writers block. It's been a busy day today. I volunteered at my daughter's school, ran some errands, cleaned up (well, I will when I'm done writing), have to take my daughter to tennis, and then speak at Clear Stream's PTA meeting tonight about my girls program. I have alot going on right now so I had no idea what to write about. Until now.

The summer is just a few short weeks away. The schools are sending home slips to send in money for this and that, informing us of field days, summer camp info, etc. There's alot of stuff going on right now. The beginning of the school year was hectic, and the end of the year is no different. Tennis is asking for a deposit for the Fall 2012-2013 session which I still am in disbelief. Dance class is asking the same AND trying to recruit hard for summer classes AND wants the balance for the recital costume ASAP. I'm ready to scream. Can someone write ME a check?
Read more »

Wordless Wednesday - Valley Stream Dog Park

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:34:00 +0000

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FREE: Trial Pair of Contacts

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I ran across a great freebie and had to share this with you! Get a free trial pair of contacts and register for a Dailies Free Trial Certificate. Printable after registration.

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It's School Budget Day - Go Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Today's top "To Do" is to go out and vote. The schools were pretty crafty this time around in getting you parents out to vote. They have pulled out all of the stops and scheduled every event possible knowing that you wouldn't dare miss your child's performance. My daughter's school even created a "Democracy in Action" initiative where the students have a chance to vote on one item of interest to them such as:

1) No Homework Night (my daughter hates the Monday homework)
2) Extra Period of Recess
3) Mystery Teacher

My daughter has been talking about this for days now which means this has made an impact on her. We're a voting family anyway, so we'll definitely be voting sometime today. Will you?

I can't tell you how to vote, but if you want your child to continue having programs that will make a positive impact on their lives, you should go vote. Whether you have a child or not, you need to cast a vote in your school district's budget vote and election today. If your child hasn't started school yet, you need to vote today. If you have an empty nest, you need to vote today because your vote counts.

Long Island Herald School Budget Preview

Today's School Events

School Budget Vote (All Schools) 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Central High School District
North High School Installation Dinner, 7 p.m.
Central High School Senior Pictures, 3:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

School District 30
Fine & Performing Art Show - All schools, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

School District 24
Exhibitions (All Schools)

School District 13
Willow Elementary Spring Concert, 8:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Howell Elementary Junior Concert, 9:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Wheeler Elementary Spring Concert #2, 9:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Dever Elementary Junior Concert, 1:15 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

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Win An Ipod Shuffle May 15th Through June 15th

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:00 +0000

If you're like me and have YET to purchase an IPhone, this is the next best thing. The Ipod Shuffle is smaller, sleeker, and just simply cute. Not only will I lose it in my purse, but it's small enough to hide from the kids as well. Everything has it's pluses and minuses.

Happy Home and Family together with Best Vacation Places and Diva Fabulosa is giving away an Apple Ipod Shuffle to one lucky winner!

Prize: Apple Ipod Shuffle or $50 Paypal Cash
Giveaway will run May 15 at 12:01 am EST – June 15 at 12:01 AM EST
OPEN WORLDWIDE

There are lots of chances to WIN! No mandatory task but the more task you complete, the greater the chances of winning. Wait for the Rafflecopter to load and enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

College Scholarships: Do You Know Where To Start?

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:45:00 +0000

It's almost prom time and I'm sure many of you or your children are deep into planning. While it is the most important event of a senior's life, so is preparing for college. Scholarship deadlines are fast approaching. By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what college you will be attending or writing checks to in the Fall. With all this talk about expiring student loan interest rates and calling your Congressman or Congresswoman to vote yes to extending the rates, the answer to all of this is to apply for EVERY scholarship out there. Yes, it is a tedious job but it is one well worth the effort.

As mentioned in a previous blog post listing scholarships available here in Valley Stream, you should definitely apply for all of the scholarships available right here in your own back yard. Then you should apply for college scholarships available at your choice college as well as scholarships available across the country.

A sample listing of what ScholarshipsOnline.org has is as follows:

PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships support the development of students to become the best and brightest future project management professionals.
The EMPOWER Scholarship program is designed to help ethnically diverse students to attend college and become healthcare professionals.
The Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program offers annual fellowships to students who are studying arts, humanities, and social sciences at the doctoral and Master of Fine Arts level.
The Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund awards scholarships every year to low-income women who are 35 years of age or older.
The CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program was developed, in part, to assist minority and disabled students, but the opportunity is available to all students who meet the requirements.

The good thing about these scholarships is that a 4.0 isn't needed and many only require a 2.8 g.p.a. to maintain the scholarship. Check them out and subscribe. They also have a listing of the Top 100 scholarship tips. It's free and easy.

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Review: Mother's Day Meal - Season's 52

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, my dear family treated me to dinner at Roosevelt Field Mall's newest restaurant, Seasons 52. I am simply loving this restaurant and am already looking forward to returning. The kids loved it as well. The menu boasts entrees with fresh seasonal ingredients 475 calories and below. How do I know? It says it on the menu. One trick I did notice is that the dessert menu is totally separate. Sneaky, but smart!

My starving offspring dove into this Ripe Plum Tomato Flatbread with fresh basil, roasted garlic essence and melted Parmesan cheese. I don't know if they thought it was pizza or not but they loved this appetizer.

My health conscious husband ordered Edema me and guess who dove in as well? It's good to expose children to new foods. My daughter, like myself, didn't care for it at all. I'm not a huge fan of peas or anything remotely close.

My son trying his best to pop the Edema me. I ended up popping them while I ate my appetizer.

I had a less healthier, but still somewhat healthy, option than my husband. I had the Roasted Shrimp, Lump Crab & Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms under Parmesan-panko crust which was piping hot. However, I learned to take it out of the dish, hold it on the fork for a minute or so just so it could cool off. This dish was heavenly!

This is how I held it and this is the mouthful in its entirety, button mushroom and all.

Both of my offspring ordered individual pizzas which also weren't on the menu. I wonder how many calories each pizza was. I don't count calories for my kids but we do try our best to feed them a balanced diet. One criticism is that they didn't have apple juice on the menu for the kids. The only option presented was watered down orange juice from the bar. They drank water.

I ordered the *Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon with Yukon Gold garlic mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and roasted mushrooms. The filet didn't have as much seasoning as I personally like, but the steak sauce on the side more than made up for it. Yum!

Hubby, showing me up once again, ordered the Grilled Boneless Rainbow Trout with parsley new potatoes, roasted vegetables and broiled lemon. I tasted a bit and realized that I'm not a Trout girl.

This is what our plates looked like post meal.

My meal

Both kids finished their pizza, well my daughter helped my son with his last 2 slices...

Hubby's plate - I guess neither of us are fans of cooked carrots.

...and then the desserts came out. They're presented as miniature dessert shots. On the plate are (not in this order) Key Lime Pie, Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, Rocky Road, Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Mocha Macchiato and Pecan Pie.

We had one Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse...

...and three Rocky Road shots. Each dessert was $2.50 each. Not bad at all!

Review:

I would definitely go back to this restaurant and sample many of the other seasonally fresh dishes on the menu. Their is a piano in the middle of the bar with live entertainment. The pianist looked a bit young, but I can appreciate a talented youngster. I would suggest that if a restaurant has a children's menu that they offer children's beverages in plastic cups. The table setting was elegant, they even offered the choice of white or black linen, upon arrival. I'm not sure why that's necessary but I guess everyone has a preference. I would also recommend that the restaurant remove the wine glass the moment they see children coming to the table. A very thin wine glass at another table was tipped over and broken when a teenager sat down. Our children were pretty well occupied this time, but I would recommend that you take a little entertainment such as coloring books, etc. to pass the time before the appetizers are delivered.

While other guests were circling the parking lot looking for a parking space, Seasons 52 had complimentary valet parking. While others were at the neighboring restaurant to it's immediate left standing outside waiting for 45-60 minutes for a table, we walked right in with our reservation. I don't believe a reservation is necessary, but it is recommended. Overall, Seasons 52 is a great pre-movie dinner spot and/or post movie/shopping place for a nice appetizer, dessert, or cocktail. Or maybe all three.

Question: Where did you and your family spend Mother's Day? Would you consider eating at Season's 52? Would you take your children?

Seasons 52

630 Old Country Road

Garden City, NY 11530

(516) 248-5252

This location offers:

Live Entertainment Nightly
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Online Reservations
Chef's Table
Complimentary Valet Parking
Group Event Dining
Party rooms are available

Monday - Friday

Open

11:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Open

4:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

(11:00 P.M. on Friday)

Saturday - Sunday

Open

11:30 A.M. - 11:00 P.M.

Sunday

Open

11:30 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.

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Thanks to Proctor & Gamble, I Now "Get" Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:38:00 +0000

I get it. I totally get it now. After watching this commercial on The Today Show a few days and crying, I get it. When I don't feel like getting up when my alarm clock goes off, I will remember this commercial. When I don't feel like kissing another pseudo boo boo sans blood, I will remember this commercial. When I don't feel like getting my children dressed for tennis, baseball, soccer, and God knows what other practices are in my future, I will remember this commercial. When I don't feel like sitting through another 5 hour dance recital, I will remember this commercial. When I you don't feel like being "fill in the blank," you too will remember this commercial.

Thanks P&G. I get it. I will now start to raise my children like an Olympian.

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Poop & Clorox Bleach Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:27:00 +0000

Has this happened to any of you? Where is the strangest place your child, grandchild, or Godchild went poop? Tell us your favorite potty training story below in the comments.

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Mother's Day Weekend Must Do's

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Things are really starting to jump around Valley Stream and this weekend's list of Mother's Day Must Do's proves it. I had to change the title of the usual "To Do's" just because it sounds better in celebration of Mother's Day.

Around Valley Stream - Saturday, May 12th

The Henry Waldinger Memorial Library is celebrating it's 50th year with a big celebration from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Author Jane K. Cleland, known for her Prescott Mystery Series, will stop by for book talk; South High School Multicultural Club will be on hand to perform; a lecture on Long Island Shipwrecks, crafts, story time, book sales, and more will also take place to commemorate the milestone.

There will be a FREE Valley Stream Green Hornet Youth Football Clinic with Central Eagles from 9am-12pm @ Memorial Junior High School.

Sports Camp registration will be held for summer sports skills training at Village Hall from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Children entering grades 4-8 in September are invited to sign up for soccer, flag football, lacrosse, baseball and softball, basketball, and volleyball. Evening camps are available. For questions, please call Village Hall at (516) 825-4200 and tell them you heard about it from ValleyStreamMom.com.

Barrett Park Summer Camp registration is also taking place at Village Hall from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Discounts available for siblings. Birth certificate and proof of residency required at registration. Call (516) 825-8570 or (516) 872-6003. Win a free camp registration courtesy of Yva Jourdan Foundation. Click here to enter. Contest ends June 1st.

Valley Stream Presbyterian Church is hosting a FREE Pre-Mother's Day concert from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. ffeaturing Singer/Songwriter/Actress Famecia Ward, a Kennedy Center Theatre Festival Nominee for her role as Ti Moune in Once on This Island. Her other roles include Kate in the Wild Party, the title role in Aida in Rocky Hill, Conn., and Timarete in Lysistrata at Central Connecticut State University. In 2004, Famecia made it to the second round of American Idol. She has also been seen as Dorothy in The Wiz and in various roles in McDonald’s Salutes the Faces of Black History. She played the lead in Whatever It Takes directed by Tony Award-winning Choreographer George Faison. The Valley Stream Ensemble and many more to perform as well. A free will offering of $20 is suggested.

Around Town/Neighboring Communities

Children's Mental Health Awareness Carnival will take place at the United Methodist Church of Hempstead at 40 Washington Street from 1-4 pm. Featured entertainment includes: drum circles hosted by Mike Veny, an accomplished NYC drummer; performances by NYC contortionist, Elaina Royter; and music by Hottracxs Entertainment.

If you know of any events in the community, please send them to valleystreammom@gmail.com.

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Get "Food on the Table" for Free!

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:59:00 +0000

As seen on Oprah, CBS-Toledo, Babble, and Yahoo Shine!

I don't know about you, but when I fail to plan meals accordingly it stresses me out. The only time I'm an Iron Chef is immediately AFTER I watch a cooking show. But as a mom, who has time to sit and watch a cooking show, and since I can't have a personal chef Food on the Table might be just the thing I need.

Food on the Table is an easy meal planning service that is based on sales at local grocery stores. With Food on the Table, users will be able to find thousands of easy, healthy recipes, save money by knowing the items that are on sale, and simplify your shopping experience with a well organized grocery list. For more than 3 meals a week and more recipes, the member can upgrade to the premium version for a low introductory rate of $5/month. Use the promo code below and you will get to use the premium service free!!

New Promo Code: SPRINGFREE

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Milagros Vicente - Valley Stream Mom of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Milagros Vicente

It makes my job much easier when you find an individual as involved and vocal about community issues as this month's Valley Stream Mom of the Month. If you haven't heard of Milagros Vicente, you've been living under a rock. Her name is synonymous with the "Save the 5th Precinct" movement, a community effort to stop the closure of Valley Stream's police precinct. Recently, she began advocating against the closing of four police precincts and went around the community with her children collecting signatures, and organizing community meetings and rallies. Approximately 7,500 signatures later, "Save The 5th Precinct" has turned into a movement to keep residents informed and involved. Milagros is also coordinating non-partisan voter registration drives, and informing residents of community events, including a vigil in honor of the Trevon Martin tragedy.

Milagros has lived in Valley Stream for four years and has wasted absolutely no time getting involved. She has three children, Arianna (5), Tony (15), and Rafael (23). One of her most memorable mommy moments is when her eldest son took his first steps with his walker. Like most moms, her children keep her busy with dancing, drawing, scooting, biking, wheelchair baseball, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair boccia ball.

On the weekend, you are most likely to catch Milagros at home or at a community event. Just like me, she was at the opening of the Dog Park without a dog. Now that's community support! A few interesting facts about her is that she has great time management skills, loves to clothes swap (which is becoming the new "it" thing), and really loves sports especially NFL football. What a woman!

Her favorite part about being a mom is when her children tell her unexpectedly that they love her, and seeing them laugh. Tear. Her neighbors are her favorite part about living in Valley Stream as they look out for one another. That's important especially with the closing of our precincts.

When asked what one thing she would change about Valley Stream she says, "I would lower the fees the village has for North Valley Stream residents. Our fees should not be as high as other non-Valley Stream residents. Lowering North Valley Stream fees would encourage North Valley Stream residents to be more inclusive and supportive of the Village's initiatives."

Lastly, the advice she would give to mom's living in Valley Stream is to never let being a mom get in the way of what you want to do. At the end of the day, your children will respect you more and learn from you. Always raise your children with God in their heart.

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CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK CARNIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:45:00 +0000

The Nassau County Family Support System of Care (NC-FSS), and Long Island Families Together (LIFT), have joined together to raise public awareness about the importance of promoting positive mental health, emotional well being and social development for children and youth of all ages. LIFT receives its funding through the Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Developmental Disabilities Services (NCOMHCDDD).

In observance of the Federal Sponsored Awareness Day, over 1,000 communities across the country participate in events to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health. This year, Awareness Day focuses on building resiliency in children and youth struggling with the effects of trauma.

To celebrate Awareness Day locally, NC-FSS and LIFT will host a carnival on May 12, 2012 at The United Methodist Church of Hempstead at 40 Washington Street from 1-4 pm. Featured entertainment includes: drum circles hosted by Mike Veny, an accomplished NYC drummer; performances by NYC contortionist, Elaina Royter; and music by Hottracxs Entertainment, which is being sponsored by The Regan Agency, in Babylon, NY.

"Awareness Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the positive impact that we can have when we are able to integrate importance of mental and emotional health into all aspects of our children’s lives," says Susan Burger, NC-FSS Co-Project Director & LIFT Executive Director. "One of the primary goals for Awareness Day is to highlight the supports and services that are available to families in Nassau County who are concerned about their child’s mental health. Research has shown that with the help of caring adults working together with informed service providers, young people can recover and go on to live happy and productive lives."

For professional and other resources, or to find out more information about NC-FSS and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, visit LIFT’s web site: http://www.lift4kids.org.

Long Island Families Together is a parent-governed, youth-guided, 501c3 not-for-profit organization created to raise awareness about children's mental health services on Long Island, and across New York State.

CONTACT

Denine M. Anderson-Regan, Social Marketing Coordinator 631-264-5438 or SocMar@lift4kids.org

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CK Creations by Chuly To Open in Valley Stream

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:19:00 +0000

6 Valley Stream Boulevard

Valley Stream, NY 11580

A new business is opening on Rockaway Avenue and it's not your average party store. CK Creations by Chuly is a full service event planning company, owned by Valley Stream Mom Miguelina N. Paul Kaufman, is perfect for everything you need for baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, retirement celebrations and everything in between. The store's grand opening has been updated and is no longer ~~Friday, May 11th from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.~~ Darn contractors! Please stay tuned for the actual date. However, you can still contact the company for your party needs.
If you're not planning a celebration right now, consider a unique name plaque for your hard to please mini-me. Aren't these absolutely adorable? Who doesn't like to see their name decorated?

Perfect for any child or adult occasion is the highly popular sweet station. She offers an unlimited selection of candy items to compliment your event. The possibilities are endless! All of our sweet stations include the following:

Face-to-face consultation
Set up at least 1 hour prior to event
Take-down and clean up within 30 min. of event completion
Use of all necessary designer jars, trays, towers, candy scoops and tongs.
Packaging of any extra goodies (you get to keep them!)
Table and table linens

You can find CK Creations by Chuly online, as well as on Facebook.

6 East Valley Stream Boulevard

Valley Stream, NY 11580

Weekdays 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Weekends 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

(516) 754-6088

Jungle Themed Party

Elmont Soccer Club Fundraiser

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The Secret Life Of Bees - $3.00 Off!

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

I'm kinda peeved about finding this coupon for The Secret Life of Bees AFTER I just bought this flick from WalMart, but at least I can pass on the savings to you. I'm on the fence about watching this movie with my 6 year old. If you remember, the young boy/girl kiss in one scene. I don't want to give her any ideas.

This film stars Queen Latifah, Oscar Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, Grammy Winner Alicia Keys, and award winning acress, Dakota Fanning. Love them ALL!

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Last Day To Register for School Budget Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Valley Stream Mom) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:46:00 +0000

The school budget votes take place in exactly one week and today is the absolute last day to register if you want to make a major impact on your child's education. I attended my school's PTA a few weeks ago where a thorough explanation of the school budget was explained. I took thorough notes, asked questions to clarify what I didn't understand, and will share the information with you. By now, you should have received a newsletter from your school district explaining the budget as well.

In my district, we have two propositions on the ballot which I will also explain later this week. The vote AND proposition need to pass by 60% in favor of in order to be successful. That means EVERYONE needs to vote. If you have a neighbor with an empty nest, knock on their door and encourage them to vote. It's free. The only thing it costs is your time which is just a few minutes out of your day.

Voter registration requires that:

You must be a U.S. Citizen
You must be 18 years of age or older
You must be a resident of the school district for at least 30 days PRIOR to the vote
You must have registered to vote in the general elections or have voted in a school election within the last four years (between 2008 - 2011)

If you'll be away during the vote, you may obtain an Absentee Ballot from the District Clerk. For more information, please call your district's Board of Education.

District 13 BOE - (516) 568-6100
District 24 BOE - (516) 256-0150
District 30 BOE - (516) 285-9880
Central High School District (scroll down for budget info)

Important Meetings/Dates

May 8th
Last day of voter registration (all schools) for District 13, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Central H.S. Board of Ed. Business Meeting, 8 p.m.
District 13 Meeting the Candidates Night @ Dever Elementary, 7 p.m.

May 9
Meet the School Board Candidates Night @ Dever Elementary, 7 p.m.

May 15
School budge vote in ALL three school districts, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

If you don't vote, you have no right to complain about your schools. If you vote, you have EVERY right to complain.

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