Archives for October 2016

Netflix Halloween Doorbell #StreamTeam @Netflix #Ad

    It’s Halloween night and you’re just settling in for a scary movie marathon when...“Trick-or-treat!” Every Halloween, Netflix pause rates spike as viewers around the country get up to give out candy. But this year, you can stay inside while Netflix handles Halloween—for you and your ghoulish guests.     The Netflix Halloween Doorbell welcomes trick-or-treaters with spooky sounds and music from your favorite Netflix shows and points them to candy, so you can treat yourself to a night of non-stop spooky streaming. How it works:     The Netflix Halloween Doorbell is hung right over your existing doorbell, temporarily hiding it from trick-or-treaters. As trick-or-treaters approach the house, a proximity sensor in the doorbell triggers the theme song from your chosen Netflix show. Pressing the doorbell initiates a scream from that show’s characters and reveals a customizable message to your costumed guests on an LCD display screen. Stream & … [Read more...]

Felt Candy Corn Puppet Craft

    Can you guys believe that Halloween is just two days away?  I normally have all of my costume and decor preparations taken care of way in advance but this year I am way behind schedule.  I'm sure a lot of that has to do with the fact that I just started a new teaching position this past September and I have been completely swamped with work and everything else.     This weekend I am taking advantage to spend some quality time with my boys getting ready for Halloween.  They have always enjoyed all of the festivities around this holiday and, despite their being older, they still enjoy helping me get everything ready.  Since my younger nephews are coming over too, I have some fun arts and crafts planned including the one below: Felt Candy Corn Puppet Craft

 Supplies needed:
 White, black, orange, yellow craft felt 
Hot glue, glue gun 
Scissors

 Directions:
 1. Begin by cutting out the two base pieces of your … [Read more...]

Dealing With Allergies In The Fall @MinuteClinic #Ad

    Over the past two months, my son has been sick on and off with what we though was just a back to school cold.  It turns out that the change of seasons has triggered his allergies and caused him to be congested and just generally feeling miserable.  Many people don't know that while a cold will typically clear up within 7-10 days, allergy symptoms can linger for weeks or even months.  Believe it or not, there are more allergy triggers in the fall.     The symptoms for all allergies are the same, regardless of whether they present themselves in the spring or fall. Itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headache, sinus pressure are some of the more common ones.  Allergy triggers that arise during the fall include weed pollens, like ragweed and mold allergies.       Certain foods like bananas, melon and zucchini can also be a trigger for those allergic to ragweed.  Dust mites are a common allergen during this time as well. When … [Read more...]

Is Your Teen Ready For A Debit Card?

    One of the hardest jobs in the world is being a parent. You want to raise your kids to be healthy, responsible, productive, independent and happy adults. In a world where everyone is looking out for themselves, it is important to teach your kids integrity and independent thinking that isn't easily swayed by peer pressure.      When it comes to giving your teen responsibilities, there are some key factors that can help you know when they are ready. Here are some things to help you know if your teen is ready for a debit card. #1. Are they working for their own money? If your teen is in high school and able to work a job, they may be ready for a debit card. When a teen works for their own money, it helps them to know the value of a dollar. The problem with a debit card is that it makes it really easy to spend money. The other problem is you have to keep a close watch on your account balance, so you don't go below your balance. #2. Are they … [Read more...]

Lysol Back To School Science Fair Challenges Students To Expose Germs! #Lysol #Ad

    I can't even begin to describe how many of my students are currently sick with colds.  Along with the change of seasons and the spread of germs, most of them are really feeling miserable.  It's the perfect opportunity to teach them how important it is to wash their hands regularly and to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.  Believe it or not, millions of school days are missed each year due to student absences that are caused by illnesses like the common cold or the flu.     Lysol® has partnered with Madison Square Boys and Girls Club of America in New York City to teach students about the presence of millions of germs that invade their classrooms every single day!  The best part is that fourth-graders will be able to quantify these germs through interactive science experiments.  They are learning how germs can flourish on desks, light switches, doorknobs, and school supplies and how they can protect their classroom … [Read more...]

Domino’s Digital Insiders Day #DPZDigitalInsiders @dominos #ad

    I recently had the opportunity to visit the Domino's World Resource Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan and I am excited to tell you about all I learned during my two days there. I have loved Domino's pizza for years and was thrilled to learn just how dynamic of a company they truly are.     Domino's Pizza started as a single store back in 1960 and today they are recognized as the world leader in pizza delivery. Back in 1960, Tom Monaghan and brother, James, purchase "DomiNick's," a pizza store in Ypsilanti, Mich. Monaghan borrowed $500 to buy the store. In 1961 James trades his half of the business to Tom for a Volkswagen Beetle. Then in 1965, Tom, the sole owner of the company, renames the business "Domino's Pizza, Inc." The first Domino's Pizza franchise store opens in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1967.     From the very beginning, Domino's has been dedicated to providing their customers with the best service, quality products and delivery excellence. … [Read more...]

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! #PeanutsInsiders #Giveaway @Snoopy #Ad

    We’ve officially entered October, which means that every child in America is busy counting down to Halloween! In addition to the costumes and the candy, the most beloved Halloween tradition in America has to be the annual airing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! And this year marks the 50th Anniversary of that beloved television special. (I know: Impossible to believe that Linus has been waiting for the Great Pumpkin for 50 years!)     I can still remember spreading a big, fuzzy blanket on the living room floor and laying with my siblings in anticipation of this Halloween special.  It was a tradition in our household to watch it every year on television when it aired!     So we have a special Halloween-themed giveaway this month, featuring all the charm, warmth, and delight of a Great Pumpkin night: First, put the spice in life with adorable Linus and Snoopy salt and pepper shakers from Hallmark. Then add color to your life with an … [Read more...]

Rock The Vote With Peanuts! #PeanutsInsiders #Giveaway @Snoopy #Ad

    I'm sure many of you have been watching the presidential debates on television and following the election very closely.  In our home, it has definitely been a hot topic of conversation and my sons are also very curious about it and have been asking a lot of questions.  Although they are not old enough to vote, my husband and I think that it is important for them to get involved.  The Peanuts Rocks The Vote initiative is an interactive website designed to allow kids to have fun and to learn about the election process!     We love the Peanuts Rocks The Vote site because kids can learn about the different "candidates" and to read up on the issues that matter to each one.  Also, the website teaches kids a lot of academic vocabulary that has to do with the election.  As a Literacy Specialist, I'm all for expanding kids' vocabularies and increasing their knowledge about current events.     Many celebrities including Nikki … [Read more...]

Backpack Essentials For This School Year! @ChapStick #Giveaway #Ad

    This past week, I was checking my younger son's backpack when I realized that he has not been carrying some of the essential items that make his school day run a little more smoothly.  He definitely needs to carry tissues with him every single day because he has terrible allergies and, when the seasons change along with the temperatures, he suffers from having a very stuffy nose.  Additionally, he always gets sick during back to school because of the other kids spreading germs so I like to keep some hand sanitizer in his backpack as well.  Lastly, he needs to keep a ChapStick® in his pencil case because his lips get so dry throughout the day.     ChapStick® has been a staple in our hom e since my childhood.  When I was a young girl, my mother would put a cherry ChapStick® in my jacket pocket and backpack every September.  I loved its cherry smell and I would apply it often throughout the day whenever my lips felt dry or chapped. … [Read more...]

Disney With A Tween Or Teen

    Planning a Disney family vacation with a tween or teen who is not too excited about the trip can take some of the wind right out of your sails. Even though it may seem like a place for younger children they truly have a lot to offer to all ages, including older children and teenagers.     With some planning, input from your teenager, and a knowledge of what the parks have to offer you can make sure everyone has a great time, including the sullen 16 year old. I am focusing mainly on the Magic Kingdom as that is where we had our last visit but there is a lot to do within the Disney Parks. Magic Kingdom Freedom- Give your teen a little freedom, depending on the age and responsibility level of course. Even though it may be a family trip consider giving them at least a few hours off in the park on their own. They are more likely to come back together to meet up for pictures and meals with a smile on their face if given a little leeway. Behind the scenes … [Read more...]