We've all been hearing lots of hype about getting vaccinated for the H1N1 swine flue on the radio, television, and in the print media urging people to get the vaccine. On the other side there have been lots of conversations in the playgrounds and on message boards discussing fears of the side effects and dangers of the flu vaccine. But once, you get over the question of whether to get the vaccination or not, you're faced with a second issue: how do you find a flu shot vaccine?

I had it down with the old MetroCard fares, buy a $40 card and get the 15% bonus for an extra 3 free rides and the card would empty out perfectly. Now with the $2.25 fare and a 15% bonus, I find I never know how much to buy in order for it to come out even. What? The MTA is making me multiply and divide fractions now? Don't they know I went to NYC public school?

In a smart move, Baby Einstein is offering a full refund to anyone who purchased their DVDs in the past 5 years after complaints that the videos are not, in fact, educational.

Last week I wrote about some not too spooky haunted houses to take the kids to. I'm adding Chelsea Market as another great Halloween destination for spooky and fun decorations, treats and a big Halloween event this Friday.

It has always really bummed me out that there was no great craft store in New York City. When I was a kid I used to go to the Woolworth's on Broadway for all kinds of crafts supplies. I loved that place, but it's been gone for ages and, while you can find some craft supplies at the art supply stores, it's hit or miss. So, I am thrilled that, finally, there is a great craft store in New York City with the opening of Michaels on the Upper West Side. Yes, it's a huge chain, and, yes, it smells unbearably like potpourri, but I'll take it!

Halloween isn't just about candy. This weekend you can take Halloween on from every angle with Fall and Harvest festivals, at a pumpkin festival, in a historic mansion, a green halloween, glamrock and even from the point of view of bats. But that's not all, the Greenpoint/Williamsburg Halloween Parade is this weekend, plus the non-scary kids version of Nightmare: Vampires Haunted House is this weekend only. Yes, Halloween is eerily upon us, but have no fear—we’ve got you covered! From last minute DIY costume ideas, to healthier options for treats, there’s tons of great stuff in our Halloween Fun Guide.

Making your own Halloween costume is the whole fun of Halloween as far as I'm concerned. But if you think you need to get all Martha in order to make Halloween costumes for the kids, think again. We found these great Halloween costume ideas that involve no sewing. Find out how to transform your child into an adorable gnome, a Wild Thing Max, or how to make fake blood, boils warts, and wounds mostly out of things you already have in the house.

Last year I took the time to count how many calories were in my daughter's Halloween candy haul. It was eye opening and mind-blowing. So this year I'm looking for alternatives to candy that don't suck. That is something to give away for trick or treaters besides apples or pencils and other things that kids don't want and don't make them want to toilet paper your face.

Since I've been doing some Spring cleaning around the house (yeah I'm a little behind) I had a symbiotic dilemma of what to do with all the little plastic goodie bag toys we seem to collect all year long. Bingo.