Break out Your Masks & Beads for Mardi Gras!

 Mardi Gras is right around the corner and celebrations full of rich eating and partying are underway. Mardi Gras, also known as "Fat Tuesday" and "Carnival season" to most Americans, is held the day before Ash Wednesday and follows unique traditions to celebrate. Although the Mardi Gras traditions differ from city to city, most include dressing up in fun costumes and decorative masks while wearing multiple strands of colorful beads around their necks as they wander through the streets during parades and parties. 

For the full scoop on this year's Mardi Gras fun, click here!

Go for the Gold: Host a Watching Party for the 2014 Winter Olympics!

Looking to host the perfect Olympics Watching Party? Impress your party guests as you enjoy the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi with patriotic decor, tasty snacks and friendly competitions and activities for adults and children. These ideas are not only fun for family and friends, but also guarantee to make your hosting experience as fun and stress free as possible! If you're ready to go for the gold when it comes to party-planning, then you won't want to miss these great tips! 

Click here for you Gold Medal Winning Party Guide!

Sweet & Simple Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

 The greatest thing about a child’s Valentines Day is the fun and innocence of it. For some, it’s the perfect holiday to spend with your significant other, however it can also a great time to show your family how much you care. This February, enjoy some bonding time with your kids by participating in these creative crafts together, and help them understand the concept of Valentine’s Day while making one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gifts for their friends and loved ones.

 

The following crafts are sure to keep everyone entertained on a chilly February day, and the kids are sure to enjoy putting their own personal touch on some of them. These innovative crafts are not too difficult to complete either, so children with basic cutting and gluing skills can easily create them with your help! 

 

For this season's best kids' craft ideas, click here!

Winter Storm Warning Goes Into Effect Wednesday, 3 to 5 More Inches of Snow Expected

Just as one winter storm has ended, Long Island needs to get ready, and brace for another. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect tonight at midnight, and stay active until 6 PM on Wednesday evening. Long Island can expect 3 to 5 more inches of snow on top of the wet, wintery mess that was left behind after Monday's snow storm. 

Tuesday morning was filled with delays on the road, and at schools across Long Island, and it's likely that Wednesday morning will be somewhat similar to Monday and Tuesday - the additional snowfall is sure to bring along additional problems with it. 

To find out the full forecast details, click here!

Nassau County SPCA Seeking Donations to Fund Treatment of Brutalized Dog

Earlier this week, the Nassau County SPCA held a press conference about "Miss Harper", a dog that had been brutally maimed. NCSPCA is still investigating the case, and searching for the suspects that viciously removed the dog's ears, and one of her hind legs. In addition to searching for information about this case, they are also asking that local pet lovers to make a donation on behalf of Miss Harper, who will need numerous expensive surgeries, and extensive post-op care. They also announced that once she is healed, they will be looking to find her in a forever-home with a loving family here on Long Island. 

To find out more about Miss Harper and to donate, click here. 

Warning: The above link contains an image of Miss Harper, which may be unsettling for some readers.

Groundhog Day: Get the Scoop on LI's Local Groundhogs

Groundhog Day is just a few days away, and in addition to Punxsutawney, PA's infamous groundhog Phil, Long Island has some groundhogs of our own making predictions this winter! In Holtsville we've got Hal, in Malverne we've got Mel, and out on Staten Island they've got Chuck! With all these groundhogs predicting whether or not winter weather will continue on for 6 more weeks or end early this year, surely one of them is bound to be right! 

Who do you think will make the correct prediction this year? Let us know! 

Get the scoop on LI's local groundhogs & Groundhog Day Events right here!

Get Out and Play! Family Fun to Enjoy on a Snow Day

 This season, it seems like Long Island is getting pummeled by snowstorm after snowstorm, so why not make the most of the season and enjoy some winter fun? There are plenty of great ways to enjoy the snow - from building igloos and snowmen, to having a snowball fight with friends, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy the winter months. Before you get going, be sure to bundle up - staying warm is an important safety measure you don't want to forget when you're out there enjoying the snow.

To get the scoop on all the snow day fun, click here!

Warm Up This Winter With Dance Lessons!

 If you're looking for a fun way to stay active this winter, then why not try something new, and enroll to take dance lessons! Whether you can feel the beat in your feet, or you're new to dancing, taking a class is a fun way to get moving, and learn a new skill! Across Long Island, all sorts of dance classes are offered - ranging from ballet to ballroom, and dance schools are offering lessons for every skill level. This winter, keep your blood flowing by hitting the dance floor - get out there have fun! 

For the scoop on local dance lessons, click here!

Cold & Flu Season is Here: How to Fight Back!

The winter weather is here to stay - at least for a few months! One of the biggest worries of winter is the fear of catching the flu, or a nasty cold, which can put you out of commission for days if not caught early on! Although there's no cure for the common cold, there are plenty of ways to combat the symptoms, as well as ward off sickness all together. Being prepared before you've been struck with sickness will help you to avoid missing work, or having the little ones home sick from school this winter.

This season, don't get bested by the flu or a nasty cold - protect yourself ahead of time, and be sure to have the necessary supplies for dealing with the symptoms on hand.

To find out how to fight back this flu season, click here!

Staying Safe in the Bitter Cold This Winter

Winter weather has truly come out in full force this season on Long Island. Just days into 2014, we've already been hit by a blizzard, and the Island is now experiencing extreme cold temperatures with a wind chill well below 0 degrees due to an unusual weather phenomena known as a Polar Vortex. As you head outdoors and into the cold, it's important to stay bundled up, and protected from the elements, but there are many other ways to ensure that you and your family stay safe this winter, and ensure that your home is protected against the elements. 

In order to help you better cope with the winter chill, we've put together this great guide of tips & tricks for staying safe and warm all season long. Click here for the scoop!

Pictured: Snow blankets a residential neighborhood in Kings Park on Friday morning.

LongIsland.com's January Family Fun Guide

 Whether you're an indoor person or an outdoor person when it comes to enjoying the winter, we've got you covered with the scoop on tons of great fun happening right here on LI! LongIsland.com's January Family Fun Guide is jam packed with the coolest concerts, exciting entertainment, and sensational seasonal events that you won't want to miss this month, as well as a variety of awesome activities the whole family is sure to love. From guided nature walks, to the scoop on where to sled, we've got it all when it comes to Winter Fun. We've also included a variety of hot happenings and things to do that Mom & Dad are sure to enjoy as well, including wine tastings, musical performances, and much more!

Start 2014 off on the right foot, and take a step toward making this month a fun one! 

To check out January's Family Fun Guide, click here!

LI's Best Sledding Hills & Sled Safety Tips

With a big winter storm right around the corner, it's high time you get the scoop on the best hills here on Long Island for sledding! Sledding has been a favorite pastime and right of passage for local children for ages - what better way to enjoy a snow day than grabbing a sled, bundling up, and meeting up with your friends to play in the snow, and race down the big hills. 

In order to help you make the most out of tomorrow's predicted Snow Day, we've put together a great guide to parks with amazing hills for sledding, as well as some important safety tips for ensuring that you stay safe while hitting the slopes with your sled this winter. Winter Storm Hercules doesn't have to be all about shoveling and indoor fun; get out there and enjoy the snow - the best part of the winter season!

For the scoop on the best sledding hills on Long Island, click here!

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Style on LI!

We’ve made it almost halfway through December, and the majority 2013 has already come & gone, and you know what that means - it’s time to welcome 2014! If you’re still unsure of how you’ll be ringing in the New Year on December 31st, not to worry - we’ve got you covered. Our annual New Year’s Celebration Guide features dozens of great local events happening in both Nassau and Suffolk, highlights of the hottest happenings in NYC, as well as fun ways to celebrate at home, and tips & tricks for hosting your own bash.

No matter what you consider the perfect night on the town, there is somewhere great to celebrate when the clock strikes 12:00 - from black tie galas, to non-stop nightclub dancing, to laid back festivities at your favorite bar, there are all sorts of fantastic festivities to welcome 2014 with. 

For  all the best ways to welcome 2014, check out LongIsland.com's New Year's Entertainment Guide!

Christmas Cookies: Simple Recipes to Make Your Season Bright

 Nothing says Christmas quite like a freshly baked batch of homemade cookies! Not an avid baker? Not to worry! We've got some spectacular simple recipes for baking beautiful cookies this holiday that are as tasty as they are good looking! Christmas is almost here, and with only one weekend before the holiday, it's time to break out your cookie tins, get your oven ready, and get to it! You'll be glad you did when you're enjoying your cookies and cocoa this Christmas!

 

For our best Christmas Cookie Recipes, click here!

 If you are lucky enough this season to enjoy a fireplace, fire would is readily available on the island for purchase. Some people enjoy seasoning their own wood, but that can take up to two years when done properly. It is also important to remember fire safety this winter with your fireplaces. So check out our article about firewood and fireplace safety before enjoying a warm fire at home.

For all the safety tips & to find out where you can pick up firewood here on LI, click here!

Simple Stovetop Hot Chocolate Recipes That Will Keep You Warm this Winter!

 Nothing gets you in the spirit quite like a mug full of homemade hot chocolate - this sweet and savory drink is perfect for melting more than just the ice outside! Hot Chocolate is one of those special seasonal treats that is best enjoyed with friends and family - why not learn how to create hot cocoa concoctions of your own this holiday season, and treat your loved ones to something special this winter? Not sure how to make your own? Not to worry! We've got you covered with a rundown of the basics of hot chocolate making, and some great ways to spice up our classic cocoa recipe that are sure to be a hit.

For this season's best Hot Chocolate Recipes, click here!

Great Gifts to Keep on Hand for Unexpected Holiday Guests

The holiday season is here, and with Christmas right around the corner, it's time to get those decorations up, get your holiday meal planned, and get ready for guests stopping by! Sometimes, an unexpected tag-along may join the festivities - what's a host to do? To help ease this situation and ensure that it's not awkward and your surprise guest feels welcome, it's always good to keep a handful of "emergency gifts" on hand. On Hand Gifts are typically fairly inexpensive, and are good choices for a variety of giftees - whether your son's new girlfriend swings by, your cousin drops in to say hello, or an old pal decides to come say hi this holiday. 

To help you plan ahead, we've put together an Emergency Gift Guide right here!

Long Island Home Owners Have Only 3 Weeks Left to Keep Their STAR Tax Exemptions

 Homeowners on Long Island as well as the rest of New York have only three weeks left to re-register for Basic School Tax Assessment Relief (STAR) exemptions. The STAR program, designed to give homeowners a break on their taxes, allows New York State residents who make less than $500,000 a year and own their primary residence to exempt the first $30,000 of their house values from school taxes.

Re-Registration must be completed by December 31st, and this tax break is something that no homeowner will want to miss out on.

For all of the need to know information about the STAR Exemptions & all the forms you'll need, click here!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Where to Meet Santa This Year on LI!

You better not pout, you better not cry - Santa Claus is coming to town! This year, the man himself will be making appearances across Long Island so that all the good little girls & boys can tell him all about their Christmas wishes. Meeting Santa has been a holiday tradition for ages, and luckily for Long Island, there will be plenty of opportunities before Christmas to sit down with Santa, and even snap a photo - he's making appearances in both Nassau & Suffolk daily! Get your Christmas List ready, and put on your holiday best - it's time to meet Santa, and make sure he knows what you REALLY want this Christmas! 

To find out where to meet Santa this Season, click here!

Get Crafty with Gifting at a Holiday Craft Fair This Season!

 Hanukkah is well under way, and Christmas is right around the corner, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday come and gone, it's time to kick it into high gear when it comes to holiday shopping. This year, there are dozens of craft fairs and festivals happening throughout the month of December here on Long Island - perfect for finding just the right gift for everyone on your list. Holiday Craft Fairs are filled with local vendors that have lovingly created handmade items such as jewelry, candles, clothing, gourmet food, and a wide variety of unique gifts. This holiday, why not shop local, and give the gift of handmade crafts!

For the scoop on all the upcoming craft fairs, click here!