Birthdays – Page 2 – Rockland NY Mom

A Threa Party- Fashionably Late :o)

Posted on October 5, 2019 by RocklandNYMom 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.

Whelp- I told you I was crazy behind… When you are so crazy busy with life ( you all know what I mean) somehow the creative “fun” posts fall to the waste side. Better Late than never right??

When (E) turned 3 (yep she’s 6 now)I wanted to do something cute for little girls (let’s face it we don’t have that many chances once they get older and make up their own minds), and she was VERY into tea parties, so I went with that! We called it a “Threa Party”.

I made a few tea party games to play, and let the kids run around and have fun in the yard as well. Food was supplied by our favorite Luigi O’Grady’s. Whenever I need to throw a party Michelle and I engage in the funniest email strings. I tell her the theme and she makes suggestions, I just never know. Luckily she does. Michelle put together some mini quiche, finger sandwiches salad and a few more great “on theme” treats. It was delivered for me before the party, so very easy!!!

One of my closest friends is a CRAZY talented cake artist, who works at La Promenade in Tenafly, NJ so she always makes my cakes. They are not only beautiful one of a kind works of art, but they are so very good.

If you are looking to re-create any parts of the party and need supplies, click items that are “blue” as they will take you right to the item on Amazon. These are affiliate links.

Decorate your own Hats

I had double sided fabric tape that we used with ribbons and silk flowers (buy whatever is on clearance at the local craft store) to decorate hats for the kids to wear. Girls got one of these tea hats while boys were given these top hats (which my niece wanted too, so I am glad there were just options available).

Stack the Tea Cups

I made paper cups out of templates from the internet: Not my template: https://www.redtedart.com/free-teacup-printable/

Colored Cardstock and held together with hot glue did the trick. I saved these and used them at another party too so they have been wonderful.

Photo Opportunity

I used a large frame that I always put into the ground as a setup for photos, and put some tea party props there for the kids to use. It’s super cute. At this station they also each got beaded necklaces (what tea party is complete without?

I found my large frame at a garage sale, which is a great place, but they also have these fun and easier to store ones online: Photo frame

Tea Bag Toss

I made my own tea pot toss with large pots and felt, this was crazy time consuming. Afterwards (of course) I found this cute one on Amazon Tea Toss

Walk with Good Posture

Easy peasy, we put some favorite kids books out so that everyone could walk with some on their heads to practice good posture. We worked on arms out, and did it quickly and slowly, and with more than one book or just one depending on each child’s ability and age.

Extra Decor:

Giant Flowers were made with the same card stock as the teacups and I used this free template.
I got some colored table cloths, and then covered them with these Plastic Lace Table Cloths for ambiance.

After a 2 & 5th 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 “3” with little (E).

Upcoming Directory Member Events!!! September- October

Posted on September 13, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Crafts and More Crafts, Halloween, Out and about..., RNYM Events, Things to Do! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All events below are being held by directory members. All events also have Facebook events on our page for more information and RSVP.

Sparkle Up Grand Re-Opening

Come see all the new changes at Sparkle up in New City and partake in some services, celebrity interaction, learn about our new events, have some ice cream and socialize!

Appropriate for all ages!

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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One-Time EventSomething Sweet at Jills Ceramics

Come paint something sweet at Jill’s Ceramics- a new year treat, a back to school piece, or a hand print keepsake Jill has got it all. Open 10-am to 3 pm 9/22/19 Price varies by piece chosen.

Appropriate for artists of all ages!

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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Fun “Stuff” at Matisse

Appropriate for ages 4 and up, must RSVP.

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Evil Edibles at Matisse

Appropriate for ages 4 and up, must RSVP.

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Sparkle Up Halloween!

Come Dressed and get a monster makeover (complete with glitter tattoo), decorate a trick or treat bag, make a pumpkin spice sugar scrub or mad lab bath gel, and make some slime with Day Camp in the Park! Also, each attendee gets neon Dracula teeth, as well as a photo opportunity in front of our Halloween Backdrop, and gets to try to eat a donut off of a string!!!

Appropriate for ages 4 and up.

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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Pumpkin Decorating at Matisse

Appropriate for ages 4 and up! MUST RSVP!

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Monster Chocolate at Matisse

Appropriate for ages 4 and up! MUST RSVP!

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Scary Slime at Matisse

Appropriate for ages 4 and up! MUST RSVP!

Adult Night at Jill’s

Have a personalized light up pumpkin carved for you to paint, or paint any other wonderful Halloween, or regular themed item!!!

Pumpkins must be pre-ordered and paid. Large $50 (max 9 letters) Medium $30 (max 8 letters)

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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Kids Personalized Pumpkins!

Pumpkins must be pre-ordered and paid. Large $50 (max 9 letters) Medium $30 (max 8 letters)

Appropriate for ages 4 and up, must RSVP.

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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Halloween at Jill’s

Pumpkins must be pre-ordered and paid. Large $50 (max 9 letters) Medium $30 (max 8 letters)

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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Halloween Headbands- Sparkle Up Fashion Series

Make a Halloween headband, have a spooky makeover (glitter tattoo, hair, nails (or makeup) make a mad bath gel or pumpkin spice sugar scrub)

Appropriate for ages 5 and up, must RSVP.

RVSP: Rocklandnymom@yahoo.com or via Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocknyom

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Re-occurring Events

Mommy and Me Makeovers

Mini Facials, drinks, matching robes and hair!!! Cost $35

Appropriate for ages 3 and up with adult :o)

Perfect Princess Party!

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Birthdays, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as some of the items are affiliate links, the highlighted items will make you right to right where you can purchase what you need.

Perfect Princess Party

When little E Turned 4 we just had to have a Princess party for her! I am actually 2 years late in posting it!!! (I’m kind of the worst, but these posts take a long time- you’ll notice I have a few coming out soon because I am on summer break). She loves EVERYTHING royal.

Dress ups made fabulous décor on a dollar store clothes line.

The cake was nothing short of AMAZING.

It’s worth noting that I don’t love “goody bags” I usually use props at our parties that the kids get to take home instead, I think that they will use more often a crown/tiara or a sword to play with rather than another bouncy ball, and a bag full of candy. That’s just a personal thing.

Here are the ideas that I came up with to make this party worthy of a princess….

Everyone got a crown when they first arrived.

Click Here for Boys

Click Here for Girls

We chose a few of her favorite princesses and created stations for each one of them.

Tangled

At this station I put out a bunch of crepe paper and the kids took turns “tangling” eachother up like Rapunzel’s hair. This was super fun and cute. No links for the crepe paper although you can get it at any party store, I buy mine at the dollar store because its cheap and they always have tons of it.

Sword in the Stone

I made a big paper mache rock (this was a little insane and took too many man hours), then cut small holes in it and stuck the swords all around in the holes. Each party participant had to pull a sword out of the stone, which we then took to slay the dragon (Malificent). Guys- how cute is my Godson? xoxo

Click for Swords

Sleeping Beauty

Malificent was our Dragon Pinata. The kids took the swords that they pulled from the stone and used them to slay her. When they did, they were able to pick up the prizes from inside and add them to their “goody bags”.

Click for Dragon Pinata

Click for Princess Pinata Filler

Aladdin

For the Aladdin station I called local carpet stores and found one that had old samples of carpet lying around that they let me use. I let the kids choose one, we made a circle and played “Magical Carpets”. When we were done the kids were allowed to keep their sample to play with at home, but any left behind were taken to the local dog shelter for a warm spot for them to lie on.

Sofia the First

Little E ADORES Sofia. The flying horse derby is a favorite episode, so I made flying horses like Minimus for each attendee. I put them into our play house and labeled it “Stables”. The kids were able to go choose a horse and ride it around the yard like the flying derby race.

Click for Wings

Click for Pool Noodles

Princess and the Frog

An updated version of pin the tail on the donkey. I had a large poster of Navid printed and tacked it to a tree. I then used my silhouette to cut out card stock lips. I blindfolded the kids, and had them “kiss the frog”. If you aren’t feeling that ambitious (yeah I know I am a little nutty) Amazon does have a version Click for Kiss the Frog.

The Little Mermaid

I set up a water table because in July its hot as heck, and at 4 the water table is so fun. I added a bunch of princess figurines including mermaids for them to play with, then take home.

Click for Mermaids

I always have a photo opportunity or two so I put up a princess castle backdrop they could pose in front of. I had made this one out of PVC pipe, but it was horrid, so I ended up buying (2) for my next adventures.

Click for Backdrop

Click for Backdrop Stand

Have questions? Need more info? Just ask, always happy to answer them, that’s what RNYM is all about, making your life easier. Something that would also have been a fabulous addition to our party would be if we had brought one of Mandas Enchanted Events talented characters to the house for some fun.

Why I’m Moving Away From Giving “Things”

Posted on June 17, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, RNYM's Picks, Thoughts.. .

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

Like so many other parents I am OVERWHELMED. I have to much STUFF in my house. Not stuff that I purchased. Most of it is gifts, purchased lovingly for my children, my spouse or myself by family members who mean well. But kids are SO fickle and the trends change so quickly its breaking my heart to continually go through and donate or toss all of these wonderful things. Don’t get me wrong, they are wonderful and we are so appreciative.

We’ve cut back ourselves with the Christmas 5 Gift Challenge, but am now expanding it to Birthdays and Anniversaries, and even to the gifting of people outside of the family and here’s why:

My kids are AWESOME, and yours are too. I mean I am REALLY REALLY enjoying them. It took our unbelievable trip to Disney this past winter to solidify that for me. Now I am working with Scott Walters to plan a short trip over the summer with them, and cannot wait to plan our next big one. Know why? ‘Cause they are getting older every day, and this stage won’t last and I want to enjoy every second, and enrich their lives. I want to travel with them, I want to learn with them, I want to smile with them and here’s how I plan to.

Typical toy gifts are going to turn into gifts of experience. Get to know people’s kids and learn what they love. Big into sports? There are affordable options for that. Same for Art, Dinosaurs, Music, Theater, all of it. For Christmas this year we got the kids tickets to see Kiss at MSG. WHY? Because (E) fell in love with Scooby Doo Kiss, and (A) has loved the songs Black Diamond and Beth for years. Its also their “farewell” tour, no time like the present. For our 15th wedding anniversary this year instead of gifting items to one another RNYD and I are taking the kids to a water park, cause as a couple, they are our greatest accomplishments.

Need Ideas? Happy to provide them, send us a message (and no they aren’t all sponsored, just trying to be helpful). What’s an amazing side effect of this new trend? For so many of the ones that you can do as gifts for birthdays of friends also puts money back into the small businesses in your community. You can purchase an experience for a friend for the same $20-25 you spend on a Barbie or Lego set and the child gets to “DO” something.

I am aware that this means that it might be more demanding on the parents of recipients, demanding of their time and energy, so of course take that into consideration when you go this way. If you are choosing something on a specific date, be sure to check with them first, but gift certificates somewhere that they will enjoy are generally great because you can do it when you get a chance.

You can also check to see if the child is saving up for something special. For Christmas many of our family members sent the kids Disney Gift Cards so that they could purchase some special items while we were there. I had one friend who’s daughter desperately wanted to purchase an American Girl Doll that was “Truly Me”. They are expensive, so she was saving. I was MORE than happy to purchase a gift card to the store for her to reach her goal. When she received the doll, she sent us an amazing video thanking us for helping her reach that goal. LOVED that idea.

BUT TELLING PEOPLE WHAT YOU WANT IS RUDE– Yeah I know, so if its important to you, ask people, what are they into? Ask if it would be ok. Get to know them. Maybe even plan the day so that your child and theirs can go together and enjoy the experience. If you are asked, be honest, help them out, and help yourself out (less clutter, less cleaning).

Ok Ok so I am talking a lot, but what are my ideas?

Locally there are so many fun places you can get experiences-

Birthday Party Level:

Sparkle Up, Matisse Chocolatier, Create Space, Jills Ceramics, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Legoland NY (coming soon), The Castle, Nickel O Farms, Sky Zone, High Exposure, Palisades Climb, Rye Playland, Land of Make Believe, Turtle Back Zoo, Girl Again Westchester, Renaissance Faire, Movie Tickets, Book signing opportunities (so many in northern jersey), Maybe Equipment they need for an activity.

Bigger Ticket:

Bronx Zoo (new dino exhibit too), Westchester Broadway Theatre, Liberty Science Center, Museum of Natural History, Trolls Experience, Tickets to a live show (paw patrol, Jurassic World, Disney on Ice, Marvel Live), Tickets to go snow tubing, Midieval Times,

Largest Ticket (obviously meant for family or for you to give your children):

Broadway Show, Concert tickets, American Girl Store, Waterpark, Lessons/Activities, Camps (or parts of camps), Weekend Getaway, Diggerland, Hershey Park, Gift Certificate for a Photo Shoot (yes, my photographers said some tweens and teens are asking for them- see our directory).

This of course is yet another opportunity for writing in our books “The Adventures of the Johnston Clan” and was partially the inspiration for our #RNYMBucketList for the spring and summer. I am trying to encourage writing for journaling, for fun with the kids. So much of their writing time in school is so regimented (it has to be I know and understand that), but they need to know that it can be enjoyable too. I mean their mother is a part time Blogger.

Some of these items don’t even cost money, just your time. Put down your devices and enjoy each other, make a memory, remember how much you enjoy one another. I know I plan to.

Chocolatier-Matisse- More than Just Sweet Treats

Posted on February 13, 2019 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts, Party, Reviews, Uncategorized .

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

Chocolatier-Matisse in Orangeburg has been on our radar for quite a while. In addition to being a great resource for party favors, a sweet treat for someone you love, holiday trays, and of course chocolate covered strawberries, Danielle and her staff has so much more going on there. They also hold craft classes (weekly) where your child can affordably make a great project, work on a chocolate component and have a great time. These classes are drawn upon as inspiration for their super fun birthday parties, as well as scout troop events.

(A) and I were able to head over to the Dragon and Fairy Lantern Event held at the beginning of January. Poor (E) was sick and was so so sad to be missing it. That’s the first thing ill say about the Chocolatier Matisse Events that is really nice, they are geared toward BOTH boys AND girls. For me this is a no brainer as I have one of each to occupy, AND its incredibly difficult to find fun things to do for boys. (A) is OBSESSED with Dragons so this was a home run for us.

Once all the kids were present and accounted for they made some chocolate dipped treats (rice krispies and pretzels). There were extra toppings that could be added atop the chocolate and (A) had a ball playing with it. When everyone had completed that task they moved to the other table which was all set up for the lantern craft.

There were more than enough helpers who walked around to repeat the simple directions to the kids, and they were all able to put their own spins on the project. (A) really loved adding jewels to his dragon for a little extra sparkle when the candle was lit. While the kids worked, other employees packaged up the chocolate delights that they had made for them to take home. It was just about the perfect amount of time for the kids. Enough for them to be creative and enjoy, without getting bored. They accomplished two things the chocolate and the lanterns, and were ready to go home.

(A) has mentioned that he would love to do it again with more mystical creatures, that it would be really cool. He has had the lantern on his nightstand since, and puts the light on each night to sleep. He loved that he made a chocolate dessert and would love to go back and do that too. (E) is dying to attend one as she loves arts and crafts and hasn’t let me forget that she was unable to attend.

Sparkle Up Halloween

Posted on November 10, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts and More Crafts, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, Uncategorized .

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

This past weekend RNYM held our first of MANY super fun events at Sparkle Up in New City. The Halloween Party hosted over 30 adorable kids in costume and we all had a blast. Deborah and I are hard at work planning the next event- so we thought we would let you know how this one went.

Kiddies were invited to come in costume and have their Hair, makeup and/or facepaint, nails, glitter tattoos and tattoos and hang out with friends.

Sparkle Up is just so much fun- There is a dress up room to check out, a runway to walk- some adorable gifts you can purchase and then all the fun activities. In fact, I am always shocked at how people think its only for girls- its not (A) and several other boys had a blast this past weekend. Additionally, since (A) isn’t allowed to wear the hood and mask that go with his costume he was looking for something to make his head look cool – and it was Sparkle Up that ended up inspiring his Halloween look.

Deborah and her talented team, braided, sprayed, applied, and smiled for 3 hours as they attentively catered to each adorable need and want. There isn’t really too much more to say except take a look at these photos!!!

We hope to see you at our next event on December 9th It’s Coronation Day! This event is a collaboration with Mandas Enchanted Events, where kiddos will be able to meet and greet with princess, dress up (come in your favorite) have your hair braided etc, make-up/glitter tattoo applied, nails painted, AND be crowned princess with a royal decree from a special guest!

Sparkle Up is an amazing party and event venue, and so much more. To make an appointment for a haircut, style, makeup application, lesson or more please contact Deborah at: (845) 634-0140 or you can email her at: sparkleup@me.com As always, we appreciate if you mention that you heard about our adventures here if you should choose to go in on our recommendation. <3

Look out for our full review of my makeup application for our family photos and so much more!!!

A Classic Rockland Party- Jills Ceramics

Posted on November 6, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Crafts, Events, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM Events, Uncategorized .

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

If you grew up in Rockland County any time in the recent future you have been to at least one birthday party at Jills Ceramics. Jill is an icon. Her studio across from Germonds pool has been there as long as I can remember, and I was so glad when my son was 3 months old to find that she was still there. That’s the first time I took (A) to paint something. He made a turkey plate using his hand and i’ve treasured it for 7 years.

When (E) was born and I created RNYM I just knew I needed to work with Jill. After all- shes an under rated creative and amazing activity for both kids AND adults! Luckily Jill thought we were a good match and came on board. Three years later here we are. RNYM does several events a year with Jill and she is listed in both our classes and party directories.

This past month we had our first of several upcoming events “Halloween at Jills” which was reserved for an amazing 60 people- looks like we aren’t the only ones who LOVE Jills Ceramics.

When you show up Jill is all ready to go- with paint, smocks, brushes, and water all set up. Children are then able to walk around (with parents if super young) to choose a piece to paint. They can paint alone, with you, or you can have Jill help you (if you need a handprint turkey for instance). There are two different kinds of paint to choose from, the one that will be ready to go that day, or the glaze that needs to be kiln baked and picked up at a later date.

There are plenty of different pieces to choose from, its actually pretty hard to choose. As I walked around photographing different options, I was silently planning my projects and those for the kids at our upcoming events. I was sooooo excited.

At this event once complete Jill had a little goody bag ready for each child participant <3 it was so super fun. (E) was super proud of her work (as am I) and I look forward to displaying it at Halloween time for years to come.

Jill not only does events like ours, she has open hours weekly, does FABULOUS birthday parties, and ADULT BYOB events, one of which we will he hosting soon (cause seriously? who wouldn’t want some wine and some painting?).

To contact Jill you can call her at: (845) 623-4975 Or just stop by the studio during her open hours. As always we appreciate that you let her know that you heard about her here <3 Our next event (already 1/3 full) is on 11/18 from 12-3 and we love to have people come and keep us company!! To RSVP either post in the FB event or Send us an email at RocklandNYMom@ yahoo.com. Happy Painting!!!

A Visit to Sparkle Up

Posted on August 8, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Day Trips, Day Trips, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, Services, Things to Do! .

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

Two months ago the person who had been cutting little (E)’s hair stopped returning my calls. We are VERY particular about her hair, she has a great head of fine hair, with a great little curl at the bottoms. No joke- I would kill for my kids hair. I reached out to friends who are WAAAAY more fashionable than I am. They recommended to me Sparkle Up in New City. I had heard of it, but had never been there myself. So we went. For one low price (E) received a great haircut, braids and painted nails. Deborah took us for a tour and little (E)’s heart leapt for joy. She loved it so much that we have made it our new haircut spot.

This past week was our second trip and this time was even more important for her hair to be amazing because she was going to be the flower girl in her uncle’s wedding. In fact, the day that we went was the rehearsal dinner, and I figured that since the cut came with a braid, I would have Deborah braid it and leave it for the rehearsal.

BEFORE

Our appointment was at 1:30 and we arrived a little early, Deborah was of course already there and ready for us. (E) and I said hi and they got straight to work. I explained the importance of the cut (not that I had to, its always great) and we got started. The cut was great and when done Deborah asked if we wanted a braid and we said yes please for the special occasion.

She said she knew just what to do. Well, she more than surpassed our expectations and did the cutest little up-do for (E) even topping it off with the perfect amount of glitter.

Next since we had some extra time Deborah asked if (E) wanted to dress up. Boy did she ever!!! Well, at first I was nervous because I had her big brother with us and I was afraid he was going to feel left out. In fact, on the way into Sparkle Up he said “ugh this place is for girls right”? I told him to wait and see. There’s actually a second dress up closet with “boys” items in it. For the brothers and cousins and friends that attend play dates and parties. When I said I was impressed Deborah mentioned that she does of course also cut boys hair, and sometimes they choose to have some color added (which I plan to let (E) do next time). Both kiddos picked something to dress in and walk the runway.

Once dressed (E) wanted to paint her nails, hot pink, with sparkles. She got to sit at the special little table choose her color and have them painted (happy girl).

All throughout the fun Deborah and I are chatting it up, and at one point she asked me what I was doing with my hair for the evening. I said probably blowing it straight, and she told me to sit in her chair. In under 10 minutes she had braided my hair back into a beautiful chignon and I no longer had to worry about my hair for the night. I felt so pretty.

I learned that Deborah doesn’t just do kids’ hair, she also does grown ups and does makeup applications, from dance recitals, to prom, to family portraits and weddings. She even does lessons for teens, tweens, and adults. She is also a great destination for kids birthday parties, and girl scout troops! There is so much to do there!!!

We really enjoyed our time at Sparkle Up and neither kid can wait to go back. (A) wants a cut with some spray color, and to try a few more boys costumes on, while (E) wants the works, again. Loved it so much in fact that we will be working with Deborah for some great events coming up this year!!! To book a haircut, play date, party, etc contact Deborah at 845-634-0140 or email her at Sparkleup@me.com she is really quick to respond to both. Of course, we always appreciate you mentioning you heard about them here <3.

007th Birthday Fun!!

Posted on July 28, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, RNYM Events, RNYM's Picks, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post that includes affiliate links to the products that I used for the Party.

This is the first year that (A) decided to have his birthday party somewhere other than at home. At first, this was devastating for me as I love to create and make his parties special. But, then I decided to find ways to make it personal and still add little touches. This was especially difficult as the venue wouldn’t let me in any more than 15 minutes before the start of the party itself.

Decor/Favors

The venue provided the table cloths, and plates which was nice. That was one thing that we didn’t need to stress about. We brought our own napkins and folded them to make them look like bow ties. We also bought special forks to make them look “rich and fancy”. For drinks we did martini glasses and added a sign that said “Shaken not Stirred”, as well as a large 7 that I added James Bond and the logo to. A little crepe paper, caution tape, and enlarged copies of the invitation rounded things out.

I don’t love sending the kids home with tons of candy, so we only had rock candy and candy coins to send home. They doubled as decor during the party.

“Go Bags”

These are the packs that spies keep locked up in their homes in case they need to disappear at a moments notice. To make them I stamped some manila envelopes, then stuffed. We displayed them in an old briefcase that my aunt had at home :o)

Aviator glasses

Passports

ID Holders

Pencils and Notebooks

Money

Water Gun

Since not all the kids every show up at once we had a few quick introduction activities planned.

Make a Bureau ID

First the kids took their bureau photos to use for their ID’s. I used an Instax camera to take a photo that prints right there, and the setup was simply the wall, a chair, a pair of glasses and removable footprints on the wall. I purchased the ID Holders in advance and created a template for them to fill in. They also had to put a thumb print on the front to make it official. I used a washable ink pad for this.

Decode the Message

Prior to the kids arriving we set up the “birthday banner” on the wall with spaces missing. We numbered the spaces for the remaining letters. The missing letters were placed in numbered folders. Corresponding folders were placed inside of BLACK balloons and blown up to make them look like “bombs”. The party-goers needed to detonate a bomb, to find their number then place it on the wall to decode the message.

Balloons

Cake

Vanessa Stahl of Sweet Spot Studio Cakes makes all of our cakes. She is unbelievable. I’ve been using her for years, and known her even longer. She never ceases to amaze me. Not only are the cakes stunning to look at they are also so yummy. We prefer butter cream, so you might be interested to know that the base of our cakes are not fondant- just the embellishments.

https://www.facebook.com/SweetSpotStudioCakes/

Invitation

RNYM can personalize your invite and send them to you for printing for a small fee. All you need is a color printer, white and manila cardstock, paper clips, a confidential stamp, and 5×7 envelopes to complete the set.

If you don’t have a printer, Staples will print them for you.

To order, just send us an email at RockandNYMom@yahoo.com with the subject Invitation. We work with you to personalize and then send you a PDF to use.