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Climbing out of our Comfort Zone

Posted on December 11, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Day Trips, Health and Wellness, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As a child, when we were driving somewhere and we would pass tall rock formations on the side of the road, I would daydream about climbing them.  I’ve always been a very physical person, I like to push my body’s limits, to try new things.  But I never got around to trying it.  I was super excited when we were invited to the climbzone to try it out, as was my action/adventure loving daughter.  My son, a true first child, was a bit more skeptical.  

So we made an appointment to go try it out and wouldn’t you know, my daughter gets sick.  She was SOOOO bummed. Gotta love the cold and flu season.  

We went on a Tuesday so that it wouldn’t be super crowded, and decided to make it a mother son date of sorts, we would grab some food afterwards and have an evening out.  It is easy to find in the food court and is slightly intimidating at first.  

The staff was friendly and took the time to explain the safety measures to us first and foremost as they fit us with harnesses and went over the safety procedures.  They chatted with us about how long they had worked there, and about the ratings of the different climbing walls.  We decided that as a first time, we would stick to the 1-2’s. 

BOY WERE WE NERVOUS!  Our first climbs were our lowest, as we cautiously learned the ropes.  Slowly during our time we began to challenge ourselves and then each other.  Eventually making it to the top of the tower of London, and scaling a dinosaur skeleton.  At the end one of the employees even suited up and climbed with us (it is not fair how effortlessly she was able to climb, just saying).

We had a BLAST.  Though A and I tend to be more cautious, we really got up there, and afterwards said we would definitely do it again.  Especially because E missed out, we will have to go back. 

It was good though, because A is the harder sell on this one.  He loves the puzzle type places where you work to solve something, but is more skeptical of some of the adventurous ones.  When we went to dinner afterwards, I asked his honest opinion.  He said he loved it, would do it again, and wants to go when I bring E. 

It’s a great activity for a fun birthday party, and I can see it being perfect for any scouts, as well as team building opportunities.  When I asked A if there was anything special that he wanted me to add to the review, he said to make sure that I mentioned multiple times how lovely the staff was.  They didn’t just do their job, they got to know him, laughed with him, challenged him to climb higher, and complemented his behavior.  

It was a super good experience, I enjoyed watching A overcome some of his inhibitions and challenge himself physically and mentally.  I look forward to returning, and bringing with us the most fearless of the crew so that she can in turn challenge us to do even more. 

As Always if you should choose to visit Climbzone after reading our review, please let them know you heard about them here <3

 

Four Stars for Movie House Paramus

Posted on July 26, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Photography, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

My kids are getting older, and I am looking for more and more activities that I can do with them, or activities that might be fun with friends. They are at an age where they may want to get dropped off somewhere and adventure on their own now. Have some independence-  but I still like to know that we can spend some time together, and that if they are going out there, that what they are doing is safe and wholesome to a degree.

This past Friday we were invited to check out the Movie House in the Paramus Park Mall.  When I read the description I quickly realized that it was the perfect place to spend some time together.  

What is it?

Movie House features 10 intricately themed rooms, each filled with captivating details, collectibles and hidden surprises.  From Willy Wonka to Harry Potter, Top Gun to Alice in Wonderland guests can lose themselves in the magic of the films they know and love.  Test your knowledge with room-specific questions and indulge in the immersive environments, from sandy beaches to enchanted forests.

How was our visit?

I love this experience because the Paramus Park Mall is so easy to get to, and I always feel safe there with the kids.  Movie House is easy to find on the ground floor of the mall underneath the food court.  We parked outside of the Old Navy and were able to walk straight in.

The visit comes with a guide to walk you through moving from room to room, but they don’t pressure you to move on, you’ve got plenty of time to take your Instagrammable Photos, test your knowledge and enjoy the moment.  In fact, you can circle back afterwards if you would like.  Which is especially lovely when they give you a little bag of popcorn to enjoy.

The movies chosen for each room are relevant and enjoyable for all ages.  A family that loves to dress up, we had fun putting on hats, robes, eye patches and more.  We were surprised and loved walking into the Blockbuster video store where us adults were struck with some major nostalgia, and we explained what it was to the kids.  Loved it so much I had to snap a photo of (A) and send it home to RNYDad. 

Although walking through and taking photos etc is fun, I was inspired when we saw the screening room.  Fun and comfy to stop in with the family and watch the movie that was on at the time (Dr. Strange).  Immediately I thought, this would be the perfect place to have a birthday party for my now “tween” daughter.  She and her friends could run around and take photos in each of the rooms, and screen a movie “under the stars” in the screening room.  It’s a great way to have a run time, and not worry about the weather (as I end up doing when I throw backyard parties). NO mess to clean up at my house afterwards, no need to spend extra money on photo op props that I have to find homes for afterwards.  I inquired about this when we exited and YES they do it.  You even talk to them about the group and choose an appropriate movie to show.  

This means that the possibilities are literally endless.  It’s the perfect activity for really hot, or rainy days during the summer.  You can go as a family, group of friends, or host a party/event for groups!  You choose your tickets and time slot online- it’s so easy.  

It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get through the experience.  We took our Great Aunt, and everyone was raving about what a great time it was.  We ran right upstairs afterwards to grab a bite to eat before heading home.  

What I love

  • It was fun with family, but I would feel comfortable with my kids going with a group of friends.
  • There are possibilities and enough things to keep every age occupied (we ranged ages 10-67 when we went).
  • The staff was super friendly.
  • The experience was clean- well kept.
  • Affordable outing for a family 
  • The kids were excited to head to the next room and see what it was- no complaining happened.
  • The possibilities for groups, events and parties. 

Important information:

Movie House is open through August 26th of this year.  This location will also house “Halloween House” and “Christmas House”.  These both sound like things our family will totally enjoy.  In fact, I can absolutely imagine doing a family party watching a scary movie under the stars since we love Halloween.  The same can really be said for Christmas!

For tickets: www.moviehouseparamus.com

Family and group packages are available.

Children Under 3 are free

Contact: 201-402-2880

Hours:

M-Th 4pm-8pm 

Fri 2 pm- 8 pm 

Sat 11 am – 8 pm

We pride ourselves in being able to bring to you attention unique and fun activities. 

As always, we appreciate it if you let them know you heard about them here!  

 

Getting Back to it!

Posted on May 1, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Somewhere around the age of 11 my dad took my siblings and I skiing for the first time. For my brother and I it was love at first glide. Not so much for my sister. My brother eventually transitioned to the snowboard and I kept to skis.
For the next 7 or so years we did it every year- I had my own skis and for my birthday (in January) my dad would take me and a friend away for the weekend to ski. Great, great memories.
When I went to college to play sports- I had to stop. Couldn’t take a chance of getting hurt doing something risky. During those college years I had several knee injuries- and I was afraid to get back out on the slopes.
When I had kids- I knew I wanted to expose them to the sport. I loved it so much- and it’s a life long skill. So when RNYD and I were looking to purchase a lake home- we knew we wanted to find a place near skiing.
We purchased a cabin in the Poconos during Covid that has its own ski hill- but had to wait a year after buying to introduce them- due to restrictions on lesson giving. They LOVED IT! So much that we rented equipment last year our second season. As predicted by RNYD, after watching them for almost two full seasons I finally decided I had to try- would I remember? Would this be a disaster?
Turns out- it’s like riding a bike- my body knew and muscle memory took over. I have no interest in flying down a mountain or attacking moguls anymore- but some leisurely carving is a fabulous family day. I looked at renting for myself next year but ultimately decided to purchase my skis since I’m not growing anymore.
I waited until the end of the season to catch a good sale and ordered what I thought was a fabulous deal online. Well- the skis were great but the boots were horrid. You see – I have massive athletic calves. They require a specific boot and you can’t do that online.
At my brothers suggestion I hit up Ron at Orange County Snowboards– he spent 2 hours finding me just the right stuff- and then I got a GREAT deal- better yet- I supported a local shop with knowledgeable personnel which helps to boost the local economy (which you know we’re passionate about). I’m so excited for this ski season.
Then I learned a few things while there- about these great programs the Ron runs. For instance, we’re all tricked into thinking that for kids- the only way to go is renting cause they grow too fast. Well- he’s thought of that and has a buy back program where you buy skis which last a few years- at a good price then you purchase boots for your kiddo- and when they grow out of the boots the following year- he’ll buy them back at half price toward your new boots (as long as they’re in good condition). That means that buying my kids skis- is actually the same price or comparable to renting- and they’re completely tailored to my kids. Not generic stuff like we had at our last rental (at a different location).
I had been disappointed at our last rental anyway as my sons snowboard failed 2x and had to be repaired. In fact, I was told by a shop that repaired it one time- that it should’ve have been rented to us in that condition. I was therefore looking to switch this year. Ron was shocked to hear this story as well- he’s meticulous about his rentals.
If you’re in the market for new skis- or rentals for next year- I highly recommend Orange County Snowboards. You’re shopping local (Hudson Valley) you’re getting quality- and you’re getting cost effective.
I was so impressed that when I head up this weekend to pick up my fitted skis- I’m bringing my kids’ bikes to be tuned up for the season- cause -yeah they do that too.
If you decide to go on over, tell Ron we sent you, because although this is an unsponsored post, we always appreciate the love.
Here’s where to find them:
  • 845-294-RIDE(7433)
  • Ron@ocsnowboards.com
  • Willthorneocs@gmail.com
  • 1778 Route 17M
    Goshen, NY 10924

Hours:

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tues – Fri: 11:00pm-6:00pm
  • Sat: 10:00am-5:00pm
  • Sun: 10:00am-4:00pm

Kicking off Spring Break with a Time Mission Review!

Posted on April 2, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Day Trips, Party, Reviews, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

My kids are now 9 adn 12.  We do a lot of different activities than we used to.  Our adventures are growing with us.  That’s one reason we were excited when Time Mission in the Palisades Mall reached out.  Admittedly we don’t spend a lot of time down at the mall, and hadn’t even heard that it had opened.  Checking out the website got us excited- even RNYD- who puts up with my antics- but is rarely excited about them.

What is Time Mission?  Geared toward kids 7+ and adults, it’s along the same lines as an escape room experience, except instead of one room to escape, there are up to 32 different rooms to solve, all like mini timed escape rooms.  They play to different strengths and different interests in each room.  You can go for an evening/afternoon of family fun, bigger kids can go to hang out, and they do birthday parties (which is awesome because its harder and harder to find places for the older kids who are FAR too mature for the same old places).

We decided it would be the perfect way to kick off Spring Break together, so we made reservations for Friday night.  Making reservations is easy, you simply go online to their Website and choose a day, time and whether you would like a 60 or 90 minute session.  The process is easy, and they had us all set when we showed up for our reservation.  There was no waiting online to choose and pay, we were right in.

After locking up your loose belongings, you are given a chipped bracelet to wear which is what unlocks each room.  Outside of each room is a graph that tells you what strengths this particular room plays on, and a brief description.  If you press the “i” there is information on how to solve the room, TRUST ME READ THE “i”.  There were a few that we had NO clue how to solve simply because we got so excited to go in we forgot to read first.  The good news is, you can go in again and try once you’ve calmed down and read the information- you just can’t stack the points. This wasn’t an issue for us, since the first time in we hadn’t scored any points.

Before we began, we walked around and read all the descriptions and scenarios.  We gravitated toward the rooms with higher mental abilities since we had two adults and two kids. They were more difficult than we anticipated.  We had greater success with the more physical rooms, the kids enjoyed them greatly, and we did as well.  We had so much fun (paired with some frustrations) that we ran out of time to do all of the rooms that we had planned to.

We were there an hour and a half, and there’s still plenty more to check out, plus the rooms that they are building.  We were glad to see on the leader board that we defeated the people who were there before us.  The staff was super friendly.  Which is a major plus, as that is not always the case.  At the end on your way out, they cut off your chips to recycle them (which is also great).

I asked the kids their thoughts at the end and they said, super fun, would go back, some was frustrating.  I like it though, if it was all too easy, you would get through all the rooms too quickly, and although you would feel like a genius, you wouldn’t have been challenged.

Time Mission is a great place for a Birthday Party, Class Trip, Team Building Outing, Family Outing, or just a Friends Afternoon.  It wasn’t crazy busy- was easy to find up near the food court and it was a different night out for us.  Especially when you are looking for something to do with the kids for a day, or on a cold, rainy day off.  My kids liked it, and I am certain that we’ll end up back here.  This is a great new addition to the local entertainment scene for kids.

The kids have asked me to add that their favorite rooms were the castle, the spy laser room, dystopian forest, paleontology discovery, and the planet ball one <3 in case you were looking for their favorites.

They also wanted me to add:

  • Wear comfortable clothing
  • Wear sneakers
  • Read the directions
  • Go out for your favorite treat afterwards <3

 

Music Spring Break Camps at Bach 2 Rock!

Posted on March 21, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Classes for Kids, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are our own.

Bach to Rock

Spring Break Music Camps Now Available!

April 3rd-7th

Registration is now open for our spring break music camps! This year we are offering a wide variety of camps for the budding musician. Camps will run as week-long programs from Monday, April 3rd, to Friday, April 7th. Both full and half-day sessions are available for registration!

FULL DAY CAMPS 

ROCK BAND

9:00am – 4:00pm

(Ages 7-17)

HALF DAY CAMPS

AM Rock Band / PM Rock Band / PM Beat Making

9:00am – 12:30pm / 12:30pm – 4:00pm

(Ages 7-17)

Rock City World Tour (Preschool – 1st Grade)

9:30am – 12:30pm

*No experience necessary*

Weekly Camp Pricing for Spring Break

Full-Day – $450

Half-Day – $350

Rock City World Tour – $300

REGISTER HERE for SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Happy Birthday to Bach to Rock!

B2R officially turns 6 years old at our Nanuet location on April 1st! 🎂

We’re excited to be celebrating 6 years of music education here in Nanuet! We’re grateful for all of the relationships that we’ve built within our community and would not be here with all of YOU!

Join us on Saturday, April 1st, from 1:00-3:00pm for our open house! We are offering FREE 10-minute lessons to help you decide which instrument or activity to pursue.

B2R will be running musical activities, class/lesson demos, instrument exploration, and you can meet our staff and instructors! All ages are welcome and kids/adults alike will leave learning something new within the world of music!

Enrollment discounts will also be available for all attendees (new students only). If you have been contemplating learning a new instrument, now is the time to get started! Lessons are available in-person or virtually.

(new students only w/ same-day registration)

Build Your Summer S’mores Kit!

Posted on July 23, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camp Johnston, RNYM's Picks, Shopping, Specialty Items, Yumm! .

Disclosure:  All opinions expressed are my own.  This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on them and purchase the items, we earn a small commission.

If you know me, or have BBQ’d with me, then you’ve probably been subject to my fireside feasts.  I LOVE FIRE!  When we purchased our home and our lake house one of the major items needed was a fireplace, they go all winter long.  In the summer it is no different.  I made sure that we have a fire pit at each, and I love to make a fire, have a drink, and make ridiculous treats by the fire.  To me its the embodiment of summer.  My happy place, my solitude.  I am going to share some of the awesome stuff we do with you.  This one is just how I built my unbelievable s’mores kit.


I know this is a trend now, but I SWEAR (anyone can attest to it, I was doing this a long time before it was chic.  I have linked you up to all of the items I suggest through my buddies Amazon, but I find most of my stuff at Walmart, and the regular food store.

First and Foremost– the items you need in order to do this:

  • Fire Pit
  • Indoor S’mores maker
  • S’mores sticks

You also NEED somewhere to store everything- my family KNOWS not to touch the smores kit, its OFF LIMITS, I don’t care how much you want a sweet treat.  I keep everything packed up in a plastic tub so it keeps fresh, and it helps them to know what they CANNOT eat.

When I make the kit I put them on a nice tray for presentation.


The bread– (what we affectionately call the outer portion of the s’more) Graham crackers are fine, but it gets super fun when you mix up the bread parts.

  • Chocolate Graham crackers
  • Graham crackers
  • Cookies
Marshmallows– THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT OPTIONS!!
  • Vanilla Stuffed
  • Chocolate stuffed
  • Cookies and cream stuffed 
  • Stawberry
(also worth noting, there was a chocolate peppermin stutffed option this winter, I purchased some and held onto them until summer and they were great so i’ll stock up again this winter)
Candy-
  • Reeces
  • Cookies and cream hershey
  • Hershey classic
  • Fruity pebbles bar
I just went to Hershey with the kids and found some great new flavors I HAD to buy and try (mint, strawberry and birthday cake, will let you know how that went.
Tags: S’mores, summer fun, sweet treats .

Tiki Torch Torture

Posted on July 18, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  This article contains affiliate links which means if you choose to purchase the items we recommend we earn a small commission.  

We own a cabin in the woods of the Poconos.  It’s my happy place.  We have been working on it non stop in the two years that we have owned it.  Last year for Mother’s day my family purchased for me a set of Tiki Torches.  What a great IDEA cause I LOVE to sit outside in the evenings and enjoy company of family and friends.  The problem is, being in a lake region, the ground is TOO SOFT for the torches to stay put in the ground.  Every time I put them in the ground, they fell.

We came up with this inexpensive planter fix- which I think is ADORABLE.  Now they stay put, they look adorable, and I am pleased as punch to sit outside and enjoy my outdoor space.

What you need:

  • Plastic Pots in two sizes (this link has both on it if you need them)– one that’s about the size of a coffee can (or actual coffee cans), and then a larger pot to put it all in and then put flowers in.  I found mine at Dollar General, but in case you can’t get out, I linked you to some on Amazon.

  • Tiki Torches 

  • Tiki Torch Cartridge Replacements (in case your got rusty over the winter too)
  • Cement
  • Potting Soil (we used miracle grow)

  • Flowers (went with Vinca’s here because deer don’t love them)

Steps:

  1. Mix the cement.
  2. Put tiki torch bottom into the smaller pot- fill around it with cement. Let dry at least 24 hours.

     3.  Put the smaller pot into the larger one, filling around the bottom with rocks for stability and filler.

4.  Add potting soil, then flowers.

We placed ours around the fire pit area and I cannot wait for the flowers to fill themselves in!

If you love our post or give it a try please as always share a pin, a comment, a social share <3

 

My Smile Adventure

Posted on May 1, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Self Improvement .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.  This article contains an affiliate link, meaning if you choose to click it and use Smiledirect.com we earn a commission.  

We all have our insecurities.  Something that bothers us and we wish we could change.  Mine started when I was in my late teens.  My wisdom teeth came in and despite having had braces for a long time, one of my teeth overlapped the others.  It started fairly small, and I didn’t mind it too much, I said it gave me character.  I even kind of enjoyed being different from every0ne else who had perfect teeth.

What I didn’t know was that over time your teeth try to push forward, so over time the overlap became worse.  When little (E) was old enough to notice, she would ask me when my wiggly tooth was going to fall out (she was about 5).  Although the question was innocent, I started to dislike it, but it wasn’t horrid.

Fast forward to this year.  We took a lot of family photos together as we enjoyed each other’s company during lockdown.  It really started looking bad.  I was embarrassed and didn’t want to smile with my teeth.

I am making a silly face because I love the flowers I was picking up so much, but all I saw in this photo, was my crooked teeth.

When I was at my dentist appointment, I asked about having it fixed, stating that it was getting difficult to keep clean (as it was) and that it was bothering me.  This is when I found out that your teeth keep moving as you age.  My dentist recommended an orthodontist (the same one my kids go to), and I went thinking that mine couldn’t possibly be that bad, and I had insurance, so just maybe it wouldn’t be so expensive and I could fix it.

Well, I was wrong.  It would cost the same amount to fix my teeth as I was paying for my two kids.  I am not saying that the work isn’t worth it, but I just couldn’t justify spending that kind of money on myself.  I am 42, married almost 20 years, I have other things to spend that money on.

So I started researching other options.  I landed on Smile Direct.  It’s a mail order system much like Invisalign.  You don’t go see an orthodontist, but you have access to someone through the app and also via email if needed.  So I priced it out.  It was affordable enough and guaranteed so I thought I’d give it a try.

I can see how if you aren’t dedicated to the change it could be difficult.  There’s no one holding you accountable and praising or condemning your progress.  I am a pretty self motivated person though, so it worked for me.

This is me a month in, the teeth are starting to move and I am excited. Yes sometimes they are sore, but worth it.

The app and the bags that came tell you when you need to change the set you are on.  There are clear directions, and if they don’t fit well, there’s a file to keep the aligners from cutting your mouth (yes I used that).  It also comes with some whitening solution to use.  I decided to use mine at the end as a reward for completing it. That was January.

This is mid March, real progress is being made.

I ended my program on 4/28 and am extremely pleased.   My teeth are not PERFECT, but they are SO MUCH IMPROVED.  I am super pleased with the progress.  I thought I would share with all of you so that you can see where I started, and where I am now.  That there is a program out there you can use if you, like me have no problem spending the money on your kids, but fee super guilty doing it for yourself.  I am happy that its still guaranteed as long as I keep up with my retainers (two days in I am good, LOL).  I will let you know how that goes, of course, I have been staring at my teeth so long at this point, that I can’t wait for them to be whiter.

A very uncomfortable side by side so you can see where I started in January, and where I am now. Just working on the whitening. HUGE improvement!

Happy to answer questions if you have any, and in the meantime here is the link if you want to check it out:  shttps://fbuy.io/smileus/fbmeganjohnston3

RNYM’s 10 Must Visit Farms 2022

Posted on April 20, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

We LOVE to be outdoors, and lately I’ve seen some amazing opportunities to get outside with the kids and enjoy what nature has to offer.  As a family we love all things nature, flowers, fruits, animals and more. (E) and I love to pick flowers, and (A) has a new found love of photography- especially of nature which makes these little adventures just so perfect.

So, here’s our list of unique farms we recommend visiting this Spring-Fall- We’ll post what we think after we’ve been so you can keep track of the fun!!

  Tried one out? Tag us or use our hashtag #RNYMFarmList

Wildflowers at Brittany Hollow Farm

http://brittanyhollowfarm.blogspot.com

 

Our Plan: (E) is still OBSESSED with flower picking.  We went down to Jill’s Ceramics and she made her very own vase (complete with family portrait) on it to keep in her room with her picked flowers.  This will be used every time we can (when the flowers fit because of course, even though I encouraged her to make a larger vase, she chose a small one so she can’t fit a ton in there).

Tulips at Holland Ridge Farm

**Currently open through May 1st, get your tickets ASAP if you are looking to go- they are saying they are open until 5/1 its usually a little longer but don’t bank on it.  You may have just seen our post about our most recent trip.**

https://www.hollandridgefarms.com

We’ve been coming to Holland Ridge for 3 years now.  We have experienced super hot sunny days (our first year), Rainy days (last year), and this year, cold and windy.  IT STILL ROCKS!  We picked our flowers, took some great photos, got some wooden tulip key chains to turn into Christmas Ornaments, and even tried out the bakery (the stuffed cookie was fabulous, but I would skip the coffee if I had it to do over).

Locust Grove Fruit Farm
199 North Road
Milton NY 12547

U-Pick Saturday – Sunday
Hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

A fabulous lesser known “pick your own” fruit and veggie farm.  Well worth it especially if like us you are working the “farm to table” angle as long as you can over the summer.  Need more convincing?  There’s a barn brewery (you’re welcome) where you can get some home brewed cider.

 

Blueberry Picking at Halfway Acres Farm

**You can thank us later**

IMG_4455

https://halfwayacres.com

 We will pick, then research some great recipes to add to our RNYM’s Favorite Recipes Page.  It’s a great way to get them involved in eating healthy, learning how to cook and also, learning about where their food comes from.  Veteran tip- pick more than you think you need, they go down like candy.

Sunflower Picking at SunFlower Valley Farm

**This is one of our FAVORITE HAUNTS!!!**

https://www.sunflowervalleyfarm.com/

 366 County Route 12, New Hampton, NY 10958

My father’s favorite flower was the sunflower so its no surprise that I like to go sunflower picking and keep fresh cut sunflowers on the table throughout their peak season.  What’s super nice about this farm is that aside from their festival its fairly low key.  They have a corn maze, and usually some animals to pet too. The dogs were welcome too (on leash) which was FABULOUS!  Great photo opportunity too you know I can’t leave that part out)!!!

April Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Closed Sunday & Monday

If you’re looking for a good old farm stand with baked goods, local veggies and more Stokes is the place.  This is where we go to grab the annual and perennial flowers that adorn our yard every year.  It’s perfect for projects with the kids where they can pick out their own to plant, and Ronnie (both generations) is very helpful.

Looking for a beautiful bouquet of flowers that you don’t have to arrange?  Need center pieces for an event? Have their on site floral designer (Jen) create something special for you.  We had her do (E)’s Communion Flowers and they were AMAZING..

      

She is also their on site photographer with Neverland Photography by Jen Tesker.

Lavender Field

***This field hasn’t been open for two years, but we are hopeful that it will be again this year, we are DYING to go t

**We’ have been trying to make it here for 2 years unsuccessfully we would like to take photos and pick some, maybe make sachets or soap or bath bombs out of the lavender we collect.***

https://www.orchardviewlavenderfarm.com/about-orchard-view-lavender-farm

Information: We love visitors!! We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We also host groups of 10 or more by appointment. To make an appointment contact Monica at 201-341-8147 or email her at monica@orchardviewlavenderfarm.com.

Our farm has become a favorite destination where guests can “Cut Your Own” lavender during bloom season and shop in our Lavender Farm Stand. Our English Lavenders typically bloom middle to end of June and our French usually bloom in July.  Of course, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. She determines the bloom times as well as the duration of the bloom.

We offer a variety of natural handmade artisan lavender products including bath & body, household, culinary, teas and tea accessories. And, of course, you’ll also find lavender, both fresh and dried (when in season and while supplies last), lavender sachets in an array of styles and also the finest quality lavender essential oil. We’ve partnered with talented Artisans and Makers to bring you unique handmade gifts, aromatherapy jewelry, décor and so much more.  You’ll also find pure honey harvested from the hives on our farm.

We welcome you to Banbury Cross Farm. Established in 1963, our farm has been passed down from one generation to the next. Our goal is to provide grass-fed, antibiotic free, no added hormone, all-natural beef & lamb, pork, chicken, ducks and turkey. Our livestock is of the highest quality.

We believe in the humane treatment of all animals. We do our best to raise and nurture them in a clean, open, natural environment. Banbury Cross Farm provides the finest holistic care for every animal living on our farms. Our pastures are all-natural grasses, forbs, and browse. Clean, fresh groundwater is provided in all of the pastures year-round.

This I like because its a bit different, its a working animal farm, that does sell meat etc, but also by appointment you can go learn about the animals, and even feed them.  Sounds like a win win to me.

Banbury Cross Farm store is open: Monday, Friday, Saturday 9-11, Wednesday 1-4.

 

Careful with this one, there are different gardens for different purposes.  Although the display gardens sound intriguing- we are more interested in picking our own and snapping a few family pics on an adventure.  Therefore we want the “cut flower fields”  if you just want to experience the beauty maybe have a picnic you want the display gardens- so check out the info for that.

Here is the info:

Plan Your Visit

Where: To avoid confusion, please note that this is our satellite location.
Our primary location is our Display Gardens in Bernardsville, NJ, click here for details.

Our Cut Flower Fields are located at the English Farm
3625 Valley Road, Liberty Corner (Basking Ridge), NJ 07938

When: NOW CLOSED. The dates depend on the timing of the peak herbaceous bloom. Typically, this is from around Memorial Day through the first week in June. Stay tuned for updates on our 2022 season.
Fields open at 10am. Last admission at 3pm, everyone must be out of the fields by 4pm.

How Much: Admission is $10 per person, including children of all ages.
Cut Flowers are $4 per stem.
There’s no need to buy a ticket online or make a reservation at this time, tickets are available at the door.

What to Bring: Bring your own clippers, a bag or bucket to put your flowers in, and water for you and your flowers. We also recommend wearing walking shoes and a hat.

Photography: You are welcome to take a few photos while you are here but we ask that you not come exclusively for photography. No professional photography allowed.

Parking: Drive past the barn and park by the black Peony’s Envy Tent.

Guidelines:

  • No pets, this includes the parking area

  • No smoking, this includes the parking area

  • No picnics

  • No professional photography

  • COVID – We will continue to follow the CDC and Sate of New Jersey Guidelines.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm is a family-operated farm since 1828 located in Westchester County, New York.  We happen to be friends with the family.  That doesn’t mean that it isn’t a top notch farm, and as you know, we believe in supporting small, family owned businesses.  It is about an hour away from New York City. The farm began as cattle farm and evolved to an agricultural farm.

Depending on your seasonal needs; visit us in the spring to buy a varied selection of flowers and vegetable plants, the autumn for apple picking, peach picking and visiting the pumpkin patch, and in the winter for Christmas trees.

Visiting Stuart’s Fruit Farm in the autumn is an exceptional time of the year.  Aside from the perfect apple picking with an array of apples take a hayride around the orchard and visit the farm stand to buy fresh produce and the bakery for delicious apple cider donuts and homemade pies baked daily.  Finally, before heading home have a picnic with your family to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.

At Stuart’s farm we have free parking and we do not charge an orchard fee. Here is the pick your own schedule: https://www.stuartsfarm.com/pyo.html

***Please remember it is cash or check only. For apple picking you can only use Stuart’s farm bags. No outside bags permitted***

DIY Valentines

Posted on January 15, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Valentines Day .

Disclosure:  This post is unsponsored, but the posts include affiliate links.

Want to get a jump on this year’s celebrations???  Here are some fun DIY Valentines you can use, with FREE Downloads (please don’t sell our hard work).

Lego Valentine 5

A friend I won’t LEGO

sunglass valentine 4

I only have EYES for you

Valentines 2014 group

Valentine I Dig You

Dino Valentine 2016 2

Dino-Mite!

IMG_5160

I Choose You!

Head Over Wheels Valentine

Head Over Wheels

IMG_5364

Valentine I’m Sweet on You

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