Do you prank your kids on April Fools?

Today is April 1, which means lots of April Fools Day pranks.

With two children in the house (last day of Spring Break), I wonder how or when I should prank them. The idea of laughing hysterically on the floor from a silly joke is entertaining. The question becomes, what type of joke would they think funny? 

With a quick search, I noticed that the majority of kid friendly pranks involve something that makes a mess. For example, putting a rubber-band on the sink sprayer (leaves me cleaning up a lot of water). Loosening the lid on salt and pepper shakers at dinner (lots of mess on the table). Add food coloring to a drink (not sure of the mess on that one).

Other pranks are more for an adult. One is ever popular positive pregnancy test (check Facebook today). Some people like toilet humor jokes (the floating candy bar in the toilet).

Which leaves me to the question, what are you doing for April Fools Day?  Leave me your suggestions below. Maybe I can use one later tonight after dinner. 

Find the eggs while you shop, Westfield Fox Valley Egg-straganza

As the weather begins to warm (yes, really), families are ready for some new clothes. From new sandals to spring dresses, it is time to shop. Since the Easter Bunny wants to make your shopping experience more fun, Westfield Fox Valley is hosting an  Easter Eggstraganza?

On March 30, the mall will be full of Easter themed fun. This free event begins at noon, 12 pm. Children under the age of 12 can search throughout the mall for over 1,000 hidden eggs. These special eggs can be traded for prizes, candy and Storybook Pal gift items, courtesy of Hallmark. The hidden eggs and prizes are available while eggs last.

In addition to the hunt, shoppers can enjoy craft projects, face painting and activities for the whole family from 12 pm till 4 pm. Additional family-friendly activities include:

• Bunny ears provided by Build a Bear Workshop
• Hands-on experience with real bunnies and chicks with Mrs. McPhee and her wee critters
• Beautiful balloon flowers courtesy of Daisy the Dancing Daffodil
• Entertaining stories from Humpty Dumpty
• Crafts, and games with Bernard Ulysses Nathaniel Norbert Youngtail (a.k.a. "B.U.N.N.Y." for short)

Grab the family and get into the Easter fun on Westfield Fox Valley Mall on March 30.

$5 Designer Ornaments from York Photo

Need a few more ornaments for the tree? Make the kids their own ornament this year with a designer ornament from York Photo.

Right now Designer ornaments are just $5. 

Claritin, bringing allergy relief during the holidays

Normally when I talk to friends about allergy season, it's fall and spring between pollen and mold, everyone knows about seasonal allergies. In my house, winter, especially around the holidays, is a hard time for allergies.

It's fun to bring out all the Christmas decorations, but there has been dusting collecting in all those boxes. When you take them out, the dust particles go everywhere. As a family we take some Claritin before we start the holiday decorating. It's a great way to prevent the sneezing and itching during the fun.

For me, one of the hardest allergy related issues are all the candles. While everyone likes the ambiance of candles, the scents make my nose run. When I know that I'm going to a holiday party, I'll make sure that I take a Claritin before I go. It helps prevent the itchy eyes and running nose.

So this holiday season, make it an allergy free one. Keep your cabinet stocked with Claritin. The only tissue you will need will be tissue paper for Christmas presents.


Disclosure: I am a Claritin Mom Ambassador. I am not compensated for this post. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier this weekend

Do you have a child that loves to look at all the holiday toy catalogs? What if they could see and try all the newest toys in one setting? This weekend, kids can get their wish at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair.

November 19 and 20, Navy Pier will be filled with the latest and greatest toys from numerous manufacturers. Both toy manufacturers and inventors will be on hand to answer all your questions about Holiday 2011 hottest toys. Plus, families can purchase these toys on-site during Chi-TAG. 

In addition to all the great toys, Saturday morning is the Star Wars breakfast. The Star Wars fanatics can interact with many of their favorite charters. Throughout the day, Star Wars characters will walk around the fair. 

The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is held at Navy Pier, Festival Hall B,on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday November 19. Chi-TAG hours are 10-6 pm on Saturday.  and Sunday 10-5.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and children under 3 are free. Save $2 on admission by printing this coupon. 

Gather the family together and get playing this weekend at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair!. 

Vistaprint - free photo calendar is BACK!

Free Photo Calendar is back. Holiday season will be here before you know it! Start the season early with a Free Calendar Offer. Calendars are a great way to capture summer and fall photos to share with family and friends.

In addition to a variety of great designs, these calendars come with some great features and upgrade options:

• Choose from a variety of themed designs for the perfect look
• Customize individual dates with personal events: birthdays, anniversaries & other occasions
• Add fun icons and text
• Upload up to 13 of your favorite photos for FREE
• Select your starting month and year
• Order today and receive in as few as 3 Days

 Visit Vistaprint today to get your FREE Calendar!

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops through December 24

Everyone seems to be getting into the Christmas spirit. Of course, that means shopping, decorations and a visit from man in the red suit, Santa.

Bass Pro Shops offers Santa's Wonderland  through December 24. Each Bass Pro Shop location offers crafts, holiday games and of course, visits from Santa. Seven days a week Bass Pro Shops will offer these fun and free activities. With over 3,500 square feet of holiday magic, everyone will be in the spirit.

Everyday from now through December 24, Santa will be at Bass Pro Shop for available for pictures. For exact times, please visit the Bass Pro Shop website for location specific events. The 4 x 6 Santa photo is free.

Also, Bass Pro Shop understands that long waits for a Santa visit can be difficult for families. If the wait is over 30 minutes,consider getting a Bass Pass. A Bass Pass gives you a specific time to return for your Santa photo. These passes are available at the Ticket Depot on a first come, first served basis while available.

So start enjoying the holiday spirit at your local Bass Pro Shop. Santa's Wonderland awaits.