Author Archives: RocklandNYMom

New Twist on an old Holiday Game

Posted on by Posted in Christmas 2020, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponosred post.  Not sure if this game exists, but we used the idea of an old game and made it ours for the holidays.   This article does contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase our recommendations we make a small amount of money. 

This year even though we are a STRICT no Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving family, I decided to start sharing ideas with you now.  Why?  Because we could ALL use a little sunshine and fun this year, and I am planning to share things that you can do even contactless, which is one thing we are all adapting too.  We are sad and missing our “Normal” too…

If your family is ANYTHING like ours, you have everything.  No one needs anything.  A few years back we were trying to decide what to do for the holidays, because of course, despite not needing things, its always fun to open a gift.  My brother and sister in law (Shannon) host my side of the family’s gift exchange and they love to make it fun.  The idea of a “white elephant” exchange was thrown around, but we didn’t love the name.  That’s when (A) said, what about a “white deer”?

Loved this idea, its more festive for us.  Then we thought about the idea of the exchange, although super entertaining, no one in our family needs more “stuff” either.  We wanted it to be kind of meaningful, not just funny.  Those “funny” gifts are amusing, then what do you do with them?  We didn’t want to “waste” money on things that would be tossed out or aside after a few days.

Then (A) threw out the idea that it would be themed every year.  He would decide the theme and let my sister in law know.  One of the gifts would be a statue of a white deer.  We got ours from Homegoods, but I love this one too CLICK FOR LINK .The person who won it would display it like a trophy each year, sign it (in permanent marker) and wrap it back up for the next year.

We set a price limit ($25) and each person goes out and buys something “On theme” to wrap and bring to the party.

The evening of the celebration, we follow typical rules that Shannon made, you get a number, then when its your turn, roll the dice and follow the rules on the sheet.

Even my kids play.  It makes for some super fun stuff, and its actually the way we got our AWESOME tabletop smores maker that we use and adore.  The more “outside of the box” and useful the better.  Once everyone has chosen, we all open simultaneously.

Shannon the “Hostess with the Mostest”

Themes we have done:

  • Red and Green
  • Something Warm
  • Favorite Holiday Movie (this year’s theme)

This year will obviously be different.  We are following the COVID guidelines very carefully as we have loved ones to protect.  We are still brainstorming how it will work, BUT I think we are going to have a randomization site pick our numbers over ZOOM. Then display the gifts we purchased (or we may do a door drop for randomization before hand) for people pick over the computer.  People at each place then still get to open something and react.  After the game, we will drop it at each others homes (contactless of course).

Special thanks to Shannon for allowing me to share her game, and for the pics <3

Your kids can become a “Code Ninja”

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Camps, Classes, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a class.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Finding things to do with kids is HARD.  Nowadays its even harder.  Where is safe? What protocols do they have in place?  Is the activity worthwhile?  Here at RNYM as you know we love to explore all the extracurricular options available to us in our area, and that’s how we found Code Ninjas Norwood NJ.  

Located just over the border on 303  in NJ, it’s nestled in a little shopping center.  When we walked in we were greeted right away and out temperatures were taken.  We were then asked to sanitize our hands and walked around a bit. 

The dojo is located in a “parent free zone” which is good firstly for bodies in an area, and so that the kids are free to learn without fear of parents putting pressure on them.  This is also great for parents because it is so easy to reserve your time, drop your child(ren) off and return when time is up.  (What? I might be able to run an errand child free?!)  Oh yeah and because the kids work at their own pace, my 7 year old and my 10 year old can attend at the SAME time on their different levels.  You don’t have to reserve separate times and run around all evening!

To attend a class you call, text, or email to reserve your spot.  There is no set “class time” you can come and go anytime during their hours (which fits nicely if your kids do multiple things). This is one way that they make sure they are not crowded.  The kids attend for 1-2 hours per week.  Once the kids go in you can clearly see that the work stations are set up 6 ft or more from one another.  I watched as the Sensei’s sanitized these stations and other equipment between users.  

What are they learning?  Great question.  As the name suggests Code Ninjas teaches kids how to code.  They play “games” and complete activities that teach them how to create actual code.  By the time our one hour was complete both of my children had written their own games, AND had STEM time.  STEM time is an opportunity for the kids to get up and stretch their legs.  They work with remote control cars, drones, the 3D printer or a different type of video game if they choose.  This was nice, especially because my kids were able to sit undisturbed and complete the games they built (they were so into it) with assistance from the Senseis, and when they were done, they appreciated being able to get up and move about. 

Speaking of the Senseis, they are college and HS students who are high performing students, and either major in computer science or education.  They have all gone through the entire program themselves, and can help the kids as they navigate through the levels.  They circulate the room helping the kids get started, and then come over to their work stations if they raise their hands and ask for help.  It’s all one on one help, no large group instruction for these classes.  In fact, they can tailor a program so much, that they are even able to cater to students with various disabilities including but not limited to physical, learning or spectrum disorders.  They have students who fit all the criteria, and after a conversation with parents regarding your specific child’s needs, they are off to the races.  

My kids were SO excited to show me their games when they had completed them.  They each fit their personalities perfectly.  The sense of accomplishment was so obvious.  When they were all done, we were able to catch a belt ceremony too.  These ceremonies happen just like in martial arts.  When a student passes a level, they are awarded a certificate, a new colored wristband with a personalized RF chip in it, they get to ring the gong, and move their name up into a new section in the waiting area for all to see their progress.  I wish I could have taken photos, this child was also BEAMING ear to ear.   I am a big fan of these promotion programs, because it makes the progress that your child is making tangible and gives them the opportunity to celebrate.  

It’s exactly like their motto “Kids have fun, parents see results.”  On our way home we called my brother in law, who creates websites and apps for a living to tell him what they had done.  He was SUPER impressed.  My KIDS LOVED THIS CLASS, and are begging me to continue on with lessons.  So much so that my daughter did her weekly writing for school all about the experience.  

Her game was titled “Diamond Fish” because she enjoys diamonds and fishing.

Anyone who knows (A) would expect the dragon involved in his game, but maybe not the bowl of cheese doodles?

Interested and want to learn more?  They offer free 30 minute trials- after which they talk to you about how it went and whether or not they think it is a good fit for your child(ren).  Also available are BIRTHDAY PARTIES- with various game themes (think Roblox, minecraft, among us, etc), and scouting activities (both boy and girl).  They also offer various workshops for the weeks that kiddos are off of school, as well as camps.  

The Dojo we visited: 508 Livingston Street Norwood, NJ 07648  (201) 267-2633  Get Directions

Other Locations available locally:

Midland Park

85 Godwin Ave
Midland Park, NJ 07432
 (201) 882-1234  Get Directions 
 

Ramsey

171 Lake Street
Ramsey, NJ 07446
 (201) 402-2601  Get Directions
 

Saddle Brook

383 Market Street, Building B Unit 6
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
 (551) 300-2633  Get Directions –

Socially Safe Santa

Posted on by Posted in Christmas 2020, Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

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

You probably already saw, but our directory member photographers all just put out their Holiday Mini Sessions (See our directory for info).  What’s really new is that in addition to our usual photos, people mostly still flock to the mall or our annual Breakfast with Santa (still so sad its not happening- holding onto hope for Easter).

MACY’S has announced that for the first time in 160 years they will not have a Santa available for photos.  I am hearing that mall version may be very different (and really how socially safe can standing in line be there?)

Well, Jennifer Tesker Photography has a solution for you.  She is doing a ONE WEEKEND ONLY “Socially Safe Santa” mini session.  I know that for me, this is a breath of fresh air as I cannot take my kids to the mall, and I am going to get a professional, edited photo (which as you know I LOVE).  BOOK NOW!

Here’s the deets:

  • At Stokes Farm Greenhouse (climate controlled for warmth, large enough to be socially distant and safe)
  • 10 minute session (which is more than we get at the mall, LOL)
  • Includes 3 digital images (you can purchase more)
  • Includes up to 3 kids (more can be added for a fee)
  • NO contact with Santa
  • Separate entrance and exit
  • Disinfecting in between clients
  • Facemasks required before and after photos
  • Wait in car or outside in a warming area
  • Hand Sanitizer on Premises

Sessions are super limited, so be sure to book ASAP.  I know I already have <3  Here’s the link: https://www.jenniferteskerphotography.com/make-memories-with-santa

Pandemic Learning SOS

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews, Services .

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

I am always excited to add new and interesting businesses to our directories for families.  I am also very proud of the fact that we offer a wide variety of services to meet your needs, and that we are able to help small businesses reach the people who need them.

Now more than ever tutors are in demand.  Hybrid programs, and fully remote options are leaving lots of responsibilities on parents who have jobs that call them away, parents who don’t know the curriculum, parents who are exhausted.

Well, meet Jeffrey Ventola.  He is a college professor who just started his own local tutoring business.  He (along with some other adjunct colleagues) have jumped in head first to help out the parents and students who need them.

What he offers:  Both virtual and in person models are available.  Jeffrey will also see single students or groups (up to 4 at a time).  All subject areas are welcome.

When he decided he wanted to do a review, I offered one or both of my children and he enthusiastically said he would work with both, at the same time.  This is of special note because I have a 7 and a 10 year old.  In elementary school that is A HUGE DIFFERENCE.  We determined that he would work on writing with them, and it would be in person at my house with masks and proper social distancing. (You may recall that my children are full remote due to my daughters health concerns).  WELL… the best laid plans.  This week there was a spike in COVID cases county wide, and nervous about those consequences I sent my kids along with my husband to our Lake House, which we set up with wifi for just this occasion.  You see, I am a teacher at a local High School, I could expose them.  So I wrote to Jeffrey and asked if remote would work and he was quick to say absolutely.

Jeffrey used a zoom classroom with my kids and I logged in without a camera or microphone to watch (I wanted it to be as authentic as possible).  As an educator of course, I have a unique perspective and was curious.

He took time to get to know each kid, allowing them to introduce themselves which of course they loved, and I did too.  You can’t get a kid who you don’t know to buy into what you are trying to teach them.

Jeffrey then projected some notes up onto their screens and had the kids write them down.  His wait time was on point, my 7 year old took a little longer, and he has the patience of a saint.  He even took time throughout to commend my son on his patience as he is a little quicker at a lot of the tasks presented.

I won’t bore you all with too much teacher jargon, but I will add that he used multiple modalities (learning styles) with the kids even via zoom.  They went over key writing factors, did two writing pieces (differentiated by kid 2 paragraphs for my 10 year old and 1 for the 7 year old). Offering them feedback and having productive conversations each time.

At the end of the hour the kids were clearly done, he took the cue, thanked them, complimented them, and discussed quickly what he would like to do with them the next time they meet.

 

The lesson was good, each child got something out of it, and the educational conversations being had were important.  My children are both pretty good students, but they don’t love writing, and the fact that they were engaged for an additional hour of online writing was pretty impressive.

 

Jeffrey has immediate openings at World Tree Tutoring, but I anticipate that they will not for long, so if you or your pod are looking for someone to enhance or facilitate some of the learning your child is currently receiving give him a call.  worldtreetutor@gmail.com  (845) 558-2686 They even have a referral program!

**Edited to add:

World Tree Tutoring will be doing free virtual homework help through the Valley Cottage library October 22nd 4-6pm. Students can sign up for 30 mins – 1 hour long sessions, and while the age range listed is 6th-12th grade it’s still available for younger students.
I’ll send the link for registration here: https://www.valleycottagelibrary.org/quaranteens

So this is 40….

Posted on by Posted in Fitness, Reviews, Services .

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

I turned 40 in January. For the most part I am ok with it, pandemic aside. What is INSANE is that everyone was right. 40 is literally the point where my body started to fall apart.

I’ve always been an athlete. Played my whole life including college sports. I know my body, I’ve had injuries, I know how to deal. I am the proud owner of leg metal from my 4 knee surgeries. What I was not prepared for was back and neck pain.

It happens now when I am stressed, or I have spent too much time on the computer (umm, I am a blogger and teacher so now that ALWAYS). My lower back gets a little sore so its tough to get my full range of motion in. Then I have trouble sleeping, and eventually my neck is KILLING me.

But I don’t have time to be sidelined, I have recently taken up running, even getting the kids involved in running virtual 5k’s (we even created some amazing ones for the kids’ birthdays this year).

I had NO idea what to do about that. I don’t have those issues, the issues I’ve always had were because of sports. Luckily, my husband did.

You see, he’s got a horrid back, which I don’t really want to get into, but because of his history, he has an amazing support staff that he sees and that’s exactly where he sent me.

Enter Dr. Todd Askanas, chiropractor. He treated RNYD until his fusions and other hardware made it impossible for him to do so, and in the process, bought him a few more years of mobility, and relief. So when I started having these issues, he sent me right there.

dr_todd_sm.jpg

Dr. Todd, as he is known in our house, is funny, energetic, and always has a story to tell. He is always genuinely concerned about you and your family as well as your health. When I come in he knows its bad, usually knows I was up to no good, and treats me accordingly. He’s a good judge of character, he had my number right away.

You see, I can’t not workout. I need it in my life, I need to run, kickbox, whatever. So when it’s bad he doesn’t tell me not to do things, he gives me other options, and asks me to scale back a bit. He doesn’t schedule me for millions of appointments, just enough to get) me back up and running (lol).  I highly recommend him- if you’re experiencing back pain of any kind- I would give him a call for an evaluation. (845)735-3737

–

Thank you New City School of Music

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

A big thank you to New City School of Music.  Thank you for keeping some sort of “normalcy” in my kid’s life.  Thank you for continually adapting seamlessly despite all the craziness that is going on right now.

It’s back to school this week, some remotely, some hybrid, some in person.  When we went into quarantine last March, I didn’t know what to do.  My son has become quite the drummer, and just like I was concerned about his schooling, I was super concerned about what would happen with his music.  And no, its not because I had delusions about him becoming a famous drummer.  If he does, that’s great and it will be a result of years of hard work and effort, as well as a love for music.

It goes so much deeper than that.  Since he has started drumming other areas have improved as well.  His focus, his reading, his work ethic and listening skills.  He has started branching out into different genres and become more interesting to speak to.  Some of this is maturity, he has been taking lessons since he was 7, but its more.  His tracking is faster, his reading has GREATLY improved.  He went from a kid who didn’t want to sit still and read his assignments to a kid who read 1.5 hours in the car for fun on the way home from Pennsylvania, and each night before bed.  He’s almost done with the Harry Potter series and it’s amazing.

I was so afraid for that to stop in March.  But it didn’t.  The school transitioned to online lessons quickly, we didn’t miss one lesson.  Andrew’s setup is perfect, they learn, jam together, and even sometimes have drumming competitions.  Andrew has even been sharing his influences, and (A) uses YouTube to watch performances and drum clinics.

I have another reason to thank them now.  They are completely re-opened in person lessons now.  Everyone can go in, and there is a fabulous list of precautions that they are taking.  While public schools are still revamping their curriculum for instruments due to their limitations, New City School of Music is completely open.  BUT for those of us keeping our kids home because of immunity issues, they allow us to continue online.  Yes you read it, if you’re nervous or NEED to stay home for medical reasons, you can still get your lessons in.  With (E) being one such person we are super thankful that they continue to have that option available.  They hosted an online performance in the spring for students to showcase what they have been working on, and have also mailed us the bracelets that (A) has earned.  RNYD and I do not feel that (A) is missing out on ANYTHING by staying remote, in fact in many ways it’s much easier.  We are SO thankful.

 

CAMP Johnston- Brittany Hollow Farm

Posted on by Posted in Camp Johnston, Crafts, Day Trips, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post, but contains affiliate links.  If you click our links and purchase the item, we earn a small commission.  We have used and highly recommend everything we provide links for.  All opinions expressed are our own.

Last year we did a #RNYMBucketList of outdoor activities we wanted to do.  One of the ones we ADORED was Brittany Hollow Farm.  We went with friends.  Its a pick your own flower farm with tons of amazing different flowers to see and experience.  You pay by the bucket for what you pick, and if you bring your good camera you can also snag some priceless memories.  If you are allergic to bees just be sure as with all activities outdoors that you have your meds with you as there are tons of awesome flowers which of course attract our pollinating buddies (we got stung last year but its no big deal because we aren’t allergic).

  • Its not HUGE, but we also haven’t seen much traffic there.
  • This year we also packed a lunch and blanket to enjoy while there.
  • Its out in the sun, so don’t forget your sunscreen, and go earlier or later in the day to avoid the direct mid day heat.

Extensions:

To commemorate our adventure we decided to try some….Pressed flower art! We are creating something for our adventure wall in the playroom as well as an ornament for our Christmas tree which we do so that our tree is full of our memories.

We purchased an  old school press  (details and links below- click purple to go to the item).  I prefer rustic so we are going that route, but for a more finished product you can go with the glass frames or finished wood.  The wood can of course all be stained or painted first depending on the look you are going for.

LOVE the press that we got, you can microwave the pages to get them to remove the liquid from flowers another time, and its compact and easy to use.  The flowers were pressed PERFECTLY!!!  It said to only leave it tied up for like 2 days, we did more like a week.

The kids were able to lightly pull the flowers off of the paper, if it sticks, its not quite ready yet.

WE researched how they are usually placed, and did a dry run.

We then modge podged the wood, replacing each flower (bottom to top) and glued on top of them as well.  Be careful once those petals get a little wet they can move and rip so go lightly.

Once dried, we came up with a word that we wanted to use for our “Adventure Wall” in the playroom, stenciled and put it up!!!

Physical Extension- Learning Opportunity

I saved a planter for my kids outside my bedroom window.  I had this in mind as soon as we knew they wouldn’t have their camp.  We started by weeding the whole thing.

Then making observations about where it is. We discussed the different kind of plants available and what we would need. Off to Red HIll Nursery we went (its closest to us, but we always recommend the local guys where you live instead of big box).  The kids knew we needed “Full Sun” varieties, and decided on a mix of perennial and annual.  They wanted a mix of heights (we talked a little landscape design) and colors, plus some stuff that would attract butterflies and pollinators.

The kids planted all their purchases, added black mulch, and some AMAZING SOLAR dog paw print lights.

It’s their job to water and keep the flowers alive this summer as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAMP Johnston- Tie Dye Fun

Posted on by Posted in Camp Johnston, Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  The supplies list contains affiliate links which means if you use them we earn a small sum.

Yes, I know.  You’re thinking- this isn’t really a novel idea.  Everyone Tie Dye’s during the summer its a standard activity.  BUT its what we used that makes it so cool.  Instead of the usual Shirts, tanks, socks, and shorts- we opted to do towels and face masks.

Now for the rest of the summer our kids have their very own towel creations to take with them to the pool etc, and they LOVE them.  They don’t forget them like they do other towels.  Additionally, we have some personalized face masks that they are proud to wear, and they know belong to them.

Ok let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

What you need:

Got our towels and vinyl from Hudson Valley Vinyl but you can also order from Amazon if you would rather (affiliate links to items are the list above).  We like to support local so we went with HVV.

Once you have all the items its easy-

The kit comes with some ideas for how to wrap up your towel, (E) chose a swirl and (A) chose two bullseyes.

Then we added the dye.  As it got down to about 2/3 we added water again to get a little more out of the small bottles.  When you do this the color gets a little lighter over time, but it wasn’t bad.  I might opt to get larger bottles (like these) since the towels take so much though next time for more vibrant colors.

Upon completion, we wrapped them up in plastic bags and left them for 24 hours (it says you can do as littlea s 6).  WE opened them and laid them out to dry in the sun (not necessary but what we do).

Next step is to wash the towels.  I washed each seperately so the colors didn’t run.

Kids then picked a color vinyl and a shape to add.   If you can’t cut vinyl because you don’t have a machine reach out we know people like Hudson Adrift who can handle that for you.

Viola!  Our Tie Dye Towels (and mask)!!!

 

 

CAMP Johnston- Fairy Trail

Posted on by Posted in Camp Johnston .

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

So here we go…. You saw my post about fishing and here’s another one that’s fun.  For each of our activities we will post follow up fun that you can do at home to extend the experience.  All are free or cheap, and some contain either sponsored of affiliate links for you to use, but nothing is ever recommended unless we actually use it.

We decided to head to the South Mountain fairy trail with friends because hiking is something we can do outdoors and socially distance while “playing” with our buddies.  A new found favorite activity, which we will write about often, and share our experiences.

What we found:

  • Its cute

  • It’s crowded (go early morning/late evening, or on a sprinkly day to avoid crowds)
  •  Porta Potties are gross and have no TP so bring your own and sanitizer
  • It is a 1 mile hike- but we got lost(ish) and ended up doing 4.5 which was fine- we were avoiding crowds and veered off.
  • Not everyone wears masks
  • You can bring your own creation and leave it if you want to do it ahead of time

What we did to extend it:

  • Made a Fairy house out of natural materials

  • You can make a “bird house” from Chocolatier Matisse (which also comes with tasty chocolate treats) that doubles as your own fairy house and decorate your yard or wooded area (which is what we did).  Call to order for pickup Wednesday – Saturday 845-365-0285 Gluten free available.
  • Call Jill’s Ceramics and pick up a socially distant kit to paint your own fairy and/or gnome.
  • Read the adorable book “Backyard Fairies“
  • Add pre-made Gnomes, Fairies, and /or dragons (we always have to have dragons here) to play with and add to the fun (also if you search them, so many fun accessories you can add too).
  • Nerdy Teacher addition- We have a book (A) has to write and (E) will start this year as well, “Johnston Adventures” that we add to after each trip we take. We work on sentence structure and detailed writing (it’s not his favorite).

These awesome activities gave us almost a week of fun creating and making our own magical space in the yard. <3

If you love it, and you try it, tag us in a pic!  We LOVE to see you trying out our adventures!!! #RNYMCAMPJohnston

CAMP Johnston- Sea Glass Hunt

Posted on by Posted in Camp Johnston, Uncategorized .

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

Yes people, hikes are ALL THE RAGE right now.  We love them because risk is fairly low, and its exercise.  Plus there are so many cool extensions you can do at home.  The weather has been a little hot and humid so we still suggest going early am, hydrating often and maybe hitting up a day where its overcast, or sprinkling to avoid crowds.

Cool hike about an hour away is the Palisades NJ- Sea Glass Hunt.  We went with friends and had such a fun time!!!

The website said the hike was about 1.5 miles to the sea glass beach, we found it was more like 2.5 each way, but that’s cool.  There are several little places you can stop along the way to hunt but the largest is the one they reference at the end.  Bring a bucket (like these awesome foldable ones, and we recommend rubber boots  (like THESE which our guys get in their Easter baskets yearly) so that you can get into the water a bit.

While there we talked about how sea glass is made, and where it came from, as well as different colors.  If we found a piece that wasn’t rounded or matte enough, we threw it back in for another round of tumbling.  Disclosure: some is sharp be careful.

Extensions:

Sea Glass Reading– “The Sea Glass Treasure“, “The Legend of Sea Glass“, “Hunter’s Handbook“, “Crafts“.

Crafting– There’s the craft book posted above, or tons of ideas on “Pinterest”, We found this awesome piece of driftwood while we were there too and made this super cute decoration for the playroom, and of course, an ornament for our tree as we always do (I keep these fillable ornaments on hand for just such opportunities).

Make your own – INSTRUCTIONS HERE using a rock tumbler (which (A) got for his birthday this year).

Either way it was a super fun day out with friends and the kids.  The photos are super cute and the kids learned some stuff..