Author Archives: RocklandNYMom

Home Made Christmas Ornaments!

Posted on by Posted in Christmas Ornaments, Crafts .

Disclosure:  This post contains links to other posts of past projects.  Within each post there are affiliate links to purchase supplies.  This means that when purchased, the website earns a small percentage of your order. 

It’s no surprise that I LOVE a handmade ornament.  In fact, we make one every year.  Its a challenge for me creatively too, because I prefer to make it a handprint ornament or a fingerprint one.  Here is a look at this years’ as well as a compilation of those from the past in case you are looking to re-create one or for inspiration.  If you aren’t quite as crazy as me, you can always go see Jill at Jill’s Ceramics and she can help you recreate these (or a version of them) with her ceramic ornaments.

Here’s how I work it:  My elves (Marvin and Lily) bring the kids a photo or sample of what they need to recreate.  We have one big kid who knows about Christmas but still loves the Magic we make, and one who is hanging on to all the belief by a tread, so I am of course apt to do it up this year while I can.  All of the supplies come too.  Then we work to create several (we give all the grandparents a copy) of the ornaments.  At Christmas, they all expect it and its fun to look at all of them over the years.  THIS YEAR- my kids are now the “big cousins” so the Elves will still bring them all the supplies, but will instruct them to teach the little guys how to do it, therefore, they will have all the supplies to bring to our family night at my sister’s house.

This year everything we do is Rudolph themed, we started with a trip to see the musical (SO WORTH IT) and it has snowballed from there.  No surprise that although I did a version of the same in 2012 with just (A) I felt it was ok to repeat.  1. Because now (E) is here, and 2. Because there are little cousins involved now as well.

What you need:

The kids haven’t done it yet, they will in 2 weeks, but with shipping delays we wanted to get this out to you ASAP.  I have added a photo of the Elves’ sample for them to follow.

Once complete, we added on the back “Shine Like Rudolph” and of course the year is on it.

You can add names above the deer if you want, and in a family where the kids’ thumbs are smaller you may be able to fit the whole family (I am assuming my siblings will do this).  It’s super cute and I ADORE THIS TRADITION.

We started this tradition in 2012 when (A) was 2.  I have linked the past projects here so that you can look for inspiration.  They can all also be found on “Pinterest” under RocklandNYMom

Past Ornaments:

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

I CAN’T FIND MY ORNAMENT PHOTOS WHAT HAVE I DONE???! #BLOGGERFAIL #MOMFAIL #NOBODYSPERFECT

2017

2018

2019

This was the “Little Cousin” version because they were single kiddos and had smaller hands <3

Since I have the two kiddos this is the version we did, (A) is the Grinch and (E) is Max <3

2020

Love Ornaments as much as we do?? Read about our other ornament traditions (yes we are going to need another tree soon-not a horrid problem to have <3)

 

Just Elfing Around

Posted on by Posted in Christmas Ornaments, Crafts, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This post contains links to other posts of past projects.  Within each post there are affiliate links to purchase supplies.  This means that when purchased, the website earns a small percentage of your order. 

It’s no surprise that I LOVE a handmade ornament.  In fact, we make one every year.  Its a challenge for me creatively too, because I prefer to make it a handprint ornament or a fingerprint one.  Here is a look at this years’ as well as a compilation of those from the past in case you are looking to re-create one or for inspiration.  If you aren’t quite as crazy as me, you can always go see Jill at Jill’s Ceramics and she can help you recreate these (or a version of them) with her ceramic ornaments.

Here’s how I work it:  My elves (Marvin and Lily) bring the kids a photo or sample of what they need to recreate.    All of the supplies come too.  Then we work to create several (we give all the grandparents a copy) of the ornaments.  At Christmas, they all expect it and its fun to look at all of them over the years.

Here’s what you need:

Here’s how we do it:

Fingerprints make the elf body and face.

Then we painted on matching hats.

Used the paint pens to add arms, legs, faces and the date, on the back we also added names and ages <3

 

Finished Product

Angel Finger Print Ornaments

Posted on by Posted in Christmas Ornaments, Crafts .

Disclosure:  This post contains links to other posts of past projects.  Within each post there are affiliate links to purchase supplies.  This means that when purchased, the website earns a small percentage of your order. 

It’s no surprise that I LOVE a handmade ornament.  In fact, we make one every year.  Its a challenge for me creatively too, because I prefer to make it a handprint ornament or a fingerprint one.  Here is a look at this years’ as well as a compilation of those from the past in case you are looking to re-create one or for inspiration.  If you aren’t quite as crazy as me, you can always go see Jill at Jill’s Ceramics and she can help you recreate these (or a version of them) with her ceramic ornaments.

Here’s how I work it:  My elves (Marvin and Lily) bring the kids a photo or sample of what they need to recreate.    All of the supplies come too.  Then we work to create several (we give all the grandparents a copy) of the ornaments.  At Christmas, they all expect it and its fun to look at all of them over the years.

Here’s what you need:

Here’s How:

Fingers dipped in their chosen color create the dress and wings. Then a flesh toned finger makes the face.

Upon drying the paint pens are used to add faces, hair, halo’s, the year, names and ages as well as “Merry Christmas”

These ornaments we treasure and they are a rather inexpensive and not too time consuming way to bond at Christmastime, as well as keep kiddos off their electronic devices.

Home- Made Grinch Ornament 2020

Posted on by Posted in Christmas Ornaments, Crafts .

Disclosure:  This post contains links to other posts of past projects.  Within each post there are affiliate links to purchase supplies.  This means that when purchased, the website earns a small percentage of your order. 

It’s no surprise that I LOVE a handmade ornament.  In fact, we make one every year.  Its a challenge for me creatively too, because I prefer to make it a handprint ornament or a fingerprint one.  Here is a look at this years’ as well as a compilation of those from the past in case you are looking to re-create one or for inspiration.  If you aren’t quite as crazy as me, you can always go see Jill at Jill’s Ceramics and she can help you recreate these (or a version of them) with her ceramic ornaments.

This year’s theme is the Grinch.  We were so excited to begin this tradition with out little cousins as well, that we made up little bags with the items to make the ornaments, including directions and dropped them off at their houses since we couldn’t get together last year.

What you need:

Older kid version with 2 kids:

To begin the kids used their thumbs to make the Grinch and Max Heads.  Then they wiped their fingers and each made a heart with the red p

 

aint.  Once dry the kids drew on a hat, antlers with lights on them, faces, year and scarf. The last step was to put the puff paint on the fuzzy parts of the scarf and Santa Hat to give dimension.

Finished Product:

Younger kid version 1 kid:

We painted their palm with the green paint and used it to make a Grinch head impression on the ball.  Then parents put their fingers in the red paint and made a heart on the back.

Once dry, we drew on the Grinch face and the year.

Trolls World Tour Birthday

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays .

Disclosure:  This is an original post about parties that I have thrown for my kids.  Some links included are affiliate links.

Like many other kids her age, (E) has been struck with the Trolls bug.  The music is enough to keep the rest of us happy honestly as we love that the kids were all introduced to many different kinds of classic music when “Trolls World Tour” came out.  SO, this just HAD to be (E)’s birthday theme this year.  As we were still kind of in ‘Lock Down” it was a family only, but it was special nonetheless. 

Setting the Stage– When guests first arrived we had them color in their very own concert wrist bands (we found this free printable) and taped them onto their wrists like they were at a concert-Next they went down to the hair station- where each guest was given “troll hair” with water bottles and spray color (even glitter) dudes with short hair just went with color and even grandparents got in on it!!

Behind the cake/food area I used a second backdrop– as well as the other online party supplies available on amazon.  Then I displayed her Princess Poppy “8” that I made for her.

Press- Once camera ready rockers were lead to the Backdrop area – complete with rock banners and blow up guitars for props.

Fashion Trolls- Little (E) loves fashion, so we did a station where everyone got a sweatshirt and a tutorial on cutting it fashionably, then they got to tie- dye it.  These came out SO GOOD!

Glow in the dark dance party– No rock event is complete without dancing, and of course in the dark is even better!!!  To help them rock out they got glow in the dark bracelets- wands, and necklaces, then we had some extra large neon sparklers from the grocery store to add to the fun!

Calling all Ghouls!

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure:  This is an original post about parties that I have thrown for my kids.  Some links included are affiliate links.

(E) has decided to take her birthday parties in a new direction.  As of late she has really started to love classic monster movies (not my deal talk to her father), and has also really gotten into “Monster High”.  So its the perfect party theme.

Even the best laid plans sometimes fall apart right?  I am so behind on my birthday posts that I am catching up on ones from 2 years ago now!!!  I will have them all out soon <3

I was foiled for this one as it was originally planned as a backyard bash, the kind I usually love to throw, but the forecast called for thunderstorms ALL DAY, so I had to come up with something and quick.  I called around about a few places to see if I could rent them with no luck and that’s when it dawned on me to call Danielle at Matisse-chocolatier a directory member who is always up for some fun.  She has a great size room in the back, and if she didn’t have a party I wanted to know if I could rent the room to throw mine.  I could even add a chocolate themed activity.  I could NEVER have pulled this shindig off without her, my aunt, and my sister in law.  Danielle said I could rent it, no chocolate needed and we were off to the races.

*I had a few other things planned for the theme, but we were unable to do them since we were now indoors. 

Pre-party rituals  like pajamas on theme for the night before-are now a standard operating procedure, so she got this adorable nightgown.  I also made family shirts for RNYD and (A).* (if you want family shirts but don’t want to make them yourself- I can recommend someone local if you’d like-  I just wore an (E) approved fancy dress and heels to be on theme, and did my face and hair like hers.  She dressed as Frankie-stein her favorite ghoul.

Monster Makeovers

As kids arrived we got them dressed for the part.  For this I printed a few ideas for face paint for the kids and got some colored hair extensions they could put in.  (The characters in the show have long fun colored hair).

“Fearbook” Photos

Once guests had their face paint and extensions, we used a polariod camera as a guestbook where the kids too “Fearbook” photos, signed their names and put them up on the cork board.. Should have taken 2 photos of each so they could take them home, because a few wanted them and we obliged so (E) doesn’t have them anymore.

I used one of my two backdrop holders with sheers for behind this with some Halloween items from home.

THE BLOB

(E) loves the movie The Blob because watching people run away from strawberry jelly is hilarious to her.  So our activity for the group was to make “The Blob” or glow glitter slime and put it into our special mason jar containers.

Supplies:

The Mummy

I got different colored crepe paper and had the kids compete in two groups to see who they could wrap up best as a mummy.

Ghouly Bags

What is a classic horror party without Dracula?  We got a great pinata and filled it with vampire teeth, spider rings, and eyeball lollipops, and had the kids swing a wooden broom at it (or that was the plan).  Actually since it was indoors, we ended up pulling the bottom strings like civilized monsters.  This served  as a portion of their “goody bags”.  For the rest we made journals that looked like school books for the kids, and they also got multicolored pens (both of which (E) adores).

DECOR

I used my second backdrop holder, some sheers, and twinkle pink lights for behind the cake.

After a 2nd birthday photo shoot with IC You Photography where they made my children  Large age Numbers with their theme, I have been continuing ever since, putting my own spin on things.  I made a lage 3 and painted it then hot glued some of the fake flowers on it.

Here are some of the photos from the birthday shoot with IC You– for the full story and all the photos CLICK HERE.

Here is my “6” with not so little (E).

 

 

My Little Pearl

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

It has always been a tradition in my family to receive a special piece of jewelry for special birthdays or celebrations.  Fairly typical, some small studs for a first birthday, a nice cross for your baptism.  This year (E) is making her First Holy Communion.  It was postponed by our church until September (perfect for us) because of the pandemic.  

I had heard of the “add a pearl” necklace from a sister in law of mine.  I thought it was such a sweet tradition I wanted to do it for our daughter.  I didn’t want to order one though from the internet (although you can), I wanted to be sure of the quality and as you know, I like to keep our spending local.

In case you don’t know the tradition here it is.  You gift a young woman in your life  a necklace with a few starter pearls, your choice 1,3,5,7 whatever.  Odd numbers are best because symmetry is more pleasing to the eye.  From that day on, for special holidays or birthdays etc, you can add a pearl or two.  She can wear it throughout the process, and it grows with her (SOB). The goal is to have a full strand by her wedding day.  Then she wears it on the special event.  My daughter being sentimental, but super opinionated on style, I would be happy if she wore it for her bridal shower or something special if not on the big day (that is IF she chooses to marry).  This tradition makes me so happy.  I am a big lover of pearls (they are so classic)

Where did I head to?  Straight to Bourghol Brothers to see Andrew.  He knew exactly what I was talking about and helped me pick the pearl size, how many, and the chain to put them on.  (E) is a huge fan of yellow gold so we went with that (I guess it’s back in style?).  He told me that he would be done with it in about 2 weeks.  2 WEEKS!! Now I have to hold on to it and not let the cat out of the bag for 3 months!!!

With the necklace we gave her the following poem, which has been adapted from one I found by: Linda Winchell during a google search.

An Oyster first forms a pearl
from a single grain of sand
It’s never placed inside by mistake you see
it was placed  by God’s loving hand.

God places these grains of sand in our lives
as a way for us to learn.
To form the pearls that we need to form
to place in the crowns, which we’ve earned.

 

Emmie ADORED it, and family members loved it so much that they added to it as part of her gift!  It was easy to do, we just brought it back to Andrew, he picked out the matching pearls, added them and called us when it was time to pick up!

 

 

 

Water Wars 9

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Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  The links provided are affiliate links where we earn a small commission. 

My little man is certainly growing up!  We have moved back to home parties (YESSS!) and this year he wanted an epic battle.  So that’s what we did!!!  

The Plan: A lover of dragons- we decided to plan an epic water battle (late June birthday)- capture the flag style, we blew up these great Blow up Barriers for the kids to hide behind.  We threw in some large amazon boxes (the ones the stuff came in) for good measure.  The more barriers the better.

We of course had to use our giant blow up Dinosaur Sprinkler (its close to a dragon).  This guy we have had since (A) turned 6- its super durable, and the kids LOVE it!

We had Water Balloons  stations throughout where kids could grab a few and chuck them- fair warning we went through over 1,000 balloons but it was AWESOME!

They were conveniently held in these BUCKETS remember to put some water in the bottom so the balloons don’t break when you put them in.  In case everyone wasn’t wet enough, each kiddo also got a Water Pistols to shoot each other with.

 

Outfitting the squads- There had to be teams (super fair ones) which we made in advance, (A) got to choose the colors, and his “Birthday Boy” shirt had both colors included (worth mentioning that 2 years later, he is still wearing these shirts).  The kids each also got Dog Tags to put their names on before training.  I don’t love “goody bags” so I always try to incorporate some sort of “swag” that might be reusable instead like these Jerseys.  I have a vinyl cutter- so I added some dragon logos to each to personalize it.  If you do not have one, I can recommend someone local to do it for you <3

 

Photo OPS– I love photos (duh) so we did have a dragon backdrop for photos- complete with props, and then the jail that you had to go into if you got hit with a water balloon was another great spot for them.  Worth mentioning- I always also make a number for my kids that has their theme on it.  Something that Isabella and Claudia of IC You Photography started me on when the kids were 2 and 5, I have been doing it ever since.

Target Practice: Once the teams were sorted- we HAD to have target practice, so half of the Water Pistols were filled with Watercolor paints, I used a clothes line with water color paper that I pre-drew targets on Watercolor paper for them to shoot at.  This gives the kiddos a little art to bring home afterwards as a momento.

 

 

Checking off the “To Do” List

Posted on by Posted in In the Home, Reviews, Services .

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

We all have “to do” lists.  Some items are what seems like perpetually on it, like the car clicker to my “mommobile” that has been dead for probably a year and a half. I love having a place that you can stop for a bigger ticket item that you need and check off some other boxes, ESPECIALLY when you don’t even realize it until you are there.

I went to Wallauer this time because I needed color matched paint.  I KNOW that this is a service that they offer, and so I went straight there.

Backstory:  A year ago we purchased a lake house in the Pocono Mountains.  We spent the summer there and enjoyed every moment, except the sand when we got home.  After a day of swimming and playing in the sand, we found that a ton of it was being brought into the house.  After enduring it all summer, we decided to add an outdoor shower for the family to rinse off before coming inside.

In the general area where we wanted to add the shower, there was a hose holder affixed to the house.  When the plumber removed it, we found that the house had been painted somewhat recently, and that when it was, they painted right over the hose holder, and underneath was still red.  It stuck out like a sore thumb, and looked horrid with our new beautiful shower fixture. It HAD to be fixed.

At first I wasn’t sure how to get a color sample and my husband suggested the hose holder.  So, I brought the unlikely sample to the folks at Wallauer to color match.  Even they chuckled at it, but admitted that its not the oddest thing that they have ever had to duplicate.  They said that they would do their best.

While I waited for my custom Regal Select Outdoor paint, I decided to wander the store and see what else they had.  So I headed over to the Ace area.  While I wandered I checked out the different areas of the store.  While I was in the plumbing area I found a new tub stopper (which I desperately needed), and then I found what I really needed.  A new battery for my car clicker.  I’ve been manually unlocking my doors with the key for a year and a half!

They have a full battery area there and once we got the clicker open they showed me how to measure it (we couldn’t read the little numbers) using the display to find the right fit.

At this time my paint was ready.  Nervous about the color match I asked if we could test it.  They already had, and when they showed it to me I was so pleased, it was a perfect match.  I paid for my treasures, and went outside to change the battery.  It worked!  I know its so silly, but I achieved a new level of freedom with that working remote.  I am crazy excited about it, and I have finally checked it off my list :o)

The paint went back to the lake with me that weekend and we used it on the house.  It looks PERFECT!!!  I am so pleased, and glad to say thanks again to the folks at Wallauer for being so helpful!!!

 

Rock n’ Roll! A Destination Recital!

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Travel .

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

When we signed up AJ for drum lessons 4 years ago, we thought of the benefits to him.  He doesn’t love soccer like I did, and I was so glad that he found something that he enjoyed.  We are a music loving family so it wasn’t out of the ordinary to us at all.  We knew that being involved in lessons helps with reading and writing, as well as with mathematics.  We hoped that at some point it would help with the concepts of teamwork, and would teach him how to lead (as the drummer often drives the song). Here’s what we were unprepared for.

We found a school that has been able to reach him in extraordinary ways.  He has developed a real love of music, and an appreciation for all types.  His school has been able to accommodate him throughout a pandemic, meeting with him virtually so that we can remain socially distanced and keep our E, who has some health issues, safe.  He has performed a minimum of 2 times a year since he began, learning about musicianship, and playing in different types of venues.  He began performing along with music, graduated to playing on his own and now he has kicked it up a notch.  

This past August we had the pleasure of watching our son play on one of the most prestigious stages there are.  He was invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  To do this he not only had to learn a new song, but had to learn how to play with a slew of other musicians who he did not have the opportunity to practice with on a regular basis.  He had one practice time, one dress rehearsal and the performance.  So much of this is a real life musical experience that we were floored.  

For us this was a dream experience realized.  A dream we didn’t even know we had.  This kid took each bump in the road (including the rescheduling of the event due to COVID twice) in stride.  Learned 2 songs (one that he abandoned after playing it so long that he was over it), traveled with us all the way to Cleveland by car then performed brilliantly.  

The music school arranged for us a lodging block, as well as the performance and tickets to the hall.  In order for us as parents to be present and not be distracted trying to document the momentous occasion, the school arranged for professional video and photography.  

We planned a whole trip around it.  When honestly will we ever have the opportunity to come back? So we wanted to make sure that we hit all the “must do’s” while there.  We had the BEST TIME (stay tuned for a post with all our favorite things to do in Cleveland in cause you never thought to go and it may end up on your hit list.  

This experience was well worth its weight in gold.  We had the best time, the kids (and adults!) were so professional, and they gained experience they never would have without.  We were in awe at the artifacts in the building, and you could feel the weight of the experience everywhere.  Nerves were replaced with composure and all kids performed beautifully.  (A) enjoyed the experience of playing with all live musicians so much he is now super interested in the Rock Band Class offered by the school.  

Our minds are reeling.  I don’t know how they are going to top it but of course our minds are reeling… Nashville? Where else keeps popping into our minds.  We are so thankful for such a creative and fabulous school where (A) has been flourishing for 4 years already!!! Stay tuned!

Looking for a unique and professional music school where you or your child can flourish? Take advantage of the Halloween Promotion they are currently having!!!  FREE REGISTRATION and FREE FIRST LESSON when you register and mention RNYM.com!!!!