Christmas 2014 – Rockland NY Mom

Santa Trolley- Review

Posted on December 18, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Christmas 2015, Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, Travel .

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

I OWE this review. Two years ago we went here and although it was cool I personally wasn’t blown away by the Santa they had used. I wasn’t sure how to approach it and so I didn’t post. I was so stuck on that one little detail (I thought it was a big deal) that I lost focus on who and what mattered most.

We researched and went because its close to my best friend (Aunt Shelby’s) house. It was a combined visit with her and Christmas activity to do with the kids. Its not super far away, but as many know the drive through CT can be a bear if you don’t know when to make the trip.

Meet Aunt Shelby

So here is our experience at the Shoreline Trolley Museum.

(E) was so young she has no recollection of the visit, but (A) is another story entirely. He remembers every moment. If my posting this is any indication, I have to tell you, he asks when we are going again all the time.

He remembers getting to ride on a cool Trolley (it was very cool) like Daniel Tiger. He remembers being able to drive (a little). He loved looking out the windows at the lights along the way.

Once there, he loved the train car and the other decorated Trolley cars around the yard. He still talks about the Hot Chocolate and the cookies that were out for us. He loved that the wait for Santa was short, and that Santa really spoke to him (he didn’t have 10,000 other boys and girls waiting for their turn so he was able to actually spend some time with him).

At the main building there is also an adorable little Trolley museum with some interactive displays as well.

He talks about it all the time. He was 3, he is now 5. We have gone on some pretty cool trips, been on the Polar Express (which he loved), and so many other attractions, and he still talks about this one.

For more information about the Shore Line Trolley Museum check out their website: http://shorelinetrolley.org/about/.

Story Time with Mrs. Claus

Posted on December 11, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Out and about..., Reviews, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to the Mrs. Claus Story time event. All opinions expressed are my own. All photos were provided by Stefanie Murphy Media. Although I took my own, hers were just too amazing.

There are so many options out there for Christmas experiences it’s difficult to weed through them. I am always on the hunt for something a little different, not the norm. That’s why when I heard about the story time with Mrs. Claus I was intrigued. It just so happens that this event was a collaboration between three of our directory participants; My Sweet Pea in New City, Glamour Girls Parties, and Stefanie Murphy Media. Knowing the quality of each of their work, I was very excited to attend and report back my findings of their first full collaboration (of many that I overheard).

Why I loved the idea… I like that for a change we got to see the woman behind the man. I like that it was a smaller more personal group (the event was capped at 20 children and their parents). I really like that Stefanie Murphy Media was there, so I didn’t have to worry about running around and getting the best photo of my kids to capture the memory. I was able to sit back and enjoy the event and know with certainty that Stefanie would capture some golden moments (uploading them to a downloadable gallery for me, which is included in the price of the event) while I watched the magic.

Some of the amazing photos taken by Stefanie Murphy Media.

I’ve been to countless Santa breakfasts at places like the mall and other areas and most of us know how they run, I am going to try to focus on what was a little different and very neat about this event. Mrs. Claus did interact with the children walk around and chat and it was very personal because it wasn’t overcrowded. Although there was plenty of space in the room for the children to wonder (and (E) did because at 18 months she doesn’t sit well for long periods of time). The children were not left to simply run around while having their snack. The event which ran from 10-12 noon on 12/7 was structured in a way where we were able to get some great holiday pictures and the kids had lots of entertainment.

Mrs. Claus gives a big hug to one of her story time pals.

Some beautiful photos from the event.

Upon arrival guests were checked in and received their Santa hats. There was the option of embroidering them for an additional fee and although I didn’t have it done I was wondering if I should have as they were adorable. As people were arriving Mrs. Claus walked around and chatted with the parents and children.

Let’s talk about Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus was a fantastic find, Glamour Girls knocked it out of the park. The dedication to realism was great. She was there early and in character before anyone arrived. She also stayed until everyone was gone to change back to herself so as not to ruin the illusion. She not only interacted with the children easily, but she read them two stories, sang Christmas carols with them (she had a lovely voice click here to see video), danced with them, and also played a few games (Mrs. Claus says and freeze dance were awesome). The entertainment itself lasted about 45 minutes to an hour (which as you know is as long as the kids could handle anyway), at which time the kids were able to have a snack, move around a bit and then prepare to have some private pictures with Mrs. Claus.

Click here to watch Mrs. Claus in action!

All in all I would say they knocked this one out of the park. It was easy and fun. Upon leaving (A) was unable to pinpoint a favorite part, he simply told me that he had a really good time and didn’t want to leave the store. It was organized and adorable. The staff was super friendly and had great rapports with the children. I am very much looking forward to their next collaborative event which might just be in January. Keep an eye out for them so you don’t miss out! My Sweet Pea has just introduced their new newsletter which you can sign up for by emailing MySweetPeaStore@yahoo.com .

Interested in Glamour Girls Parties, Stefanie Murphy Media or an event at My Sweet Pea? Check out our directories for contact information!

Wildlife Ice Carving Week – WCS’s Bronx Zoo

Posted on December 11, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Day Trips, Out and about... .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.

Presented by Canon:

Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Week

Returns to the WCS’s Bronx Zoo for the Holidays

· Ice carving week: Friday, Dec. 26 – Wednesday, Dec. 31

· Holiday fun includes wildlife ice carving competition, professional carving demonstrations; interactive ice play area; ice displays; and more

· Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Competition: Sunday, Dec. 28

Bronx, NY – Dec. 4, 2014 – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo will be the highlight of the holiday season with the return of the Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Week, presented by Canon. The week-long celebration includes professional ice carving demonstrations, wildlife-themed ice sculpture displays, an interactive play area, and the Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Competition.

This year’s theme will be Tropics on Ice, to highlight WCS’s conservation work in the Brazilian rainforests and the Amazon River Basin. Professional ice carvers will create tropical-themed wildlife displays from giant blocks of ice and an interactive play area featuring a 25-foot rainforest canopy ice slide.

2014 Ice Carving Week Activities Include:

Ice Sculpting Demonstrations

Daily demos will amaze as artists transform blocks of ice into glistening statues of animals.

Cost: Free with admission

Dates: Friday – Wednesday, Dec 26 – 31

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Competition

The annual ice carving throwdown will pit many of the area’s best ice carvers against each other. Professional sculptors will test their skills in a competition of creativity as they sculpt artistic interpretations of wildlife. The winner is determined by spectator vote.

Cost: Free with admission

Date: Sunday, Dec. 28

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ice Sculpture Play Area

Rainforest Canopy Ice Slide and Amazon River Play Area– This giant slide and play area make for the perfect winter photo-op.

Cost: Free with admission

Dates: Wednesday – Sunday, Dec. 26 – 31

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Note: This activity is weather-dependent

Performances

Arthur‘s Perfect Christmas – Additional activities include character meet-and-greets with everyone’s favorite aardvark, Arthur^TM and his little sister, D.W.^TM Children of all ages will enjoy the beloved PBS special come to life. Arthur will be available for photos following a special story time.

Cost: Free with admission

Dates: Monday, Dec. 29

Time: 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of activities, please visit www.BronxZoo.com. Members of the media wishing to attend should make an appointment in advance. Contact Max Pulsinelli at mpulsinelli@wcs.org or 718-220-5182.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, 5:30 p.m. weekends from April to October; 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m November to March. Adult admission is $16.95, children (3-12 years old) $12.95, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14.95. Parking is $15 for cars and $18 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010. Follow @TheBronxZoo.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. VISION: WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in more than 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: www.wcs.org; http://www.facebook.com/TheWCS; http://www.youtube.com/user/WCSMedia Follow: @thewcs.

Christmas Ornament 2014

Posted on December 10, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Crafts .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, the items used in this post are just the ones that I happen to use. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Marvin” our elf on the shelf showed up yesterday with a mission for the kids. To create our annual family ornament using the supplies that he supplied. In years past I had a plan when going into this, I would always know just what I wanted them to look like (of course incorporating their hands/feet/fingerprints). This year we winged it. with (A) getting older and being able to do so much more undirected I let him decide. I love the outcome and hope you do too!!

Marvin’s letter

The supplies were actually purchased a year ago 12/27/13. I waited for them to go on clearance and picked up enough for this year. I then stored them with the Christmas stuff for the year. I paid .96 for all 7 ornaments at AC Moore. The paint I used was the acrylic paints that I used on the last project.

The supplies Marvin brought us.

We spoke about the shape of the ornament (a circle) and brainstormed things that are Christmas like around the house that are circles. (A) came up with a wreath all on his own. Once he came up with that I thought maybe just green ((A)’s finger) with some red ((E)’s finger) would be enough. (A) wanted to make it more colorful so we incorporated all of the colors. I love it!

(A) designs an ornament. He practiced on paper first.

We started by placing (A)’s thumbprint all around each of the 7 ornaments. At 4 he was able to do this by himself which was really great to see. Once the greenery was done he and his sister used the different colors to make the decorations on the wreaths.

(A) and (E) decorate the wreaths.

Done with fingerprints.

Once that part was done I added the “2014” and drew a bow on each. I will be spraying them with quick drying lacquer to seal them up as a last step, I also wrote their initials with their ages on the back.

I really like how it came out. Its tradition for us to make an ornament each year and I haven’t been disappointed yet. Now with (A) getting older and using his own creativity I see them really taking off!

Our finished product!

Merry Christmas!!!

Dreamworks North Pole Adventure

Posted on November 14, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

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

I learned a valuable lesson from my son last year when we went on a Santa Trolley ride in CT. As a parent we sometimes have expectations that are somewhat unreasonable. What is magical for a 4 year old differs greatly than what is considered magical to an adult. We require much more smoke and mirrors. I left thinking that the Trolley was cute but not quite what I had expected and chose not to BLOG it. Well wouldn’t you know, a year later he talks about it all the time (so much so that I am going to finally write that post). What I learned from that experience is that I need to take their lead, be more patient and just enjoy while they enjoy. Why is this past experience relevant to today’s post?

We had the pleasure of going to the Dreamworks North Pole Adventure at Ridge Hill today 11/11/14. We have seen it posted everywhere with questions about it, is it worth the trip? How much does it cost? So obviously we had to check it out.

Quick Information:

Strollers are not allowed, but there is an area to park your stroller off to the side.
You cannot take your own pictures.
There is a special deal that you can pre-purchase online where you will save $25 off of the family package, this is by far the best deal available, and it expires soon. You can purchase the package now and use at a later date, but the date to purchase by is November 26^th. So if you are photo obsessed like myself, I would purchase it ASAP.
As you can see on the website, weekends are already booked solid. If at all possible go during the week when it is less crowded.
There is a little playground right outside of the adventure for kids to play on. I waited on line while Nana watched the kids play. It made waiting much easier on me.

I made an appointment as directed on the website and we went first thing in the morning. At 9:45 there was already a line forming for the 10:00 opening, a good sign, it’s in high demand. When you check in a photo of your group is taken and then added to your “passport” you hand this photo to the helpers along the way and they use the barcode to keep your photos and projects connected to your group.

Our group passport

Ready to go!

Once inside the guides lead you through your adventure. You get to have a little interactive play with Shrek and Donkey. Where they set the whole thing up. Yes (A) did speak to the screen and nod when they asked questions.

(A) talks to Shrek.

Once the stage is set you get to go in and create your sleigh. It is fun for the kids (they are to tech savvy) and it gets saved to your passport. You then get to go into the virtual reality experience. It is a lot like going to the Giant theaters, I prefer to sit in the back, the kids like to sit in the front, so we settled on the middle. The ride is cute, you feel the breeze, and move around in the sleigh. The kids were totally captivated.

Customizing his sleigh.

Once you “arrive” you get to go into another room where you prepare to see Santa. There is a game that the kids play on another set of IPADs. My kids didn’t fully understand it, but had fun trying. Since we don’t get a lot of IPAD time at home it’s a novelty to get to play it, and in this one you are throwing snowballs so it’s neat. At the end of the game the kids get to see a virtual trophy, and then it’s time to see the big man.

Playing the snowball game.

Santa’s library is beautiful, awe inspiring even. The kids were super impressed (you can see in the video, which to me makes the whole trip worth it).

Here are my videos:

The kids enter and see Santa

Sitting with Santa

Santa was great with the kids (even (E) who was very unsure). We got some funny pictures, and then one keeper (but as you know I often treasure the outtakes). When you have finished your visit you go through one more door where there is a little gift shop, and you can view and purchase your photo package (which hopefully you did before visiting because it really is the best deal). That is where you will get your USB with all of the pictures, and projects as well as your printouts, DVD and stuffed animal (while supplies last).

Last but not least, my short assessment, for those who like to get down to the nitty gritty. Is it worth it? Would I go again? Do I recommend it? Here’s what I’ve responded to those asking on social media.

Bottom line, they have a few kinks to work out, it’s a new attraction. But, that having been said, I wait on line for Santa in a mall every year behind people and none of us have reservations. It just a line usually, and nothing to distract. This had some fun things to do while you wait, and if you bring two adults there’s a playground to play on next to the attraction. I waited on line my mother chased the kids. My kids (16m and 4 ½ years) enjoyed the make your own sleigh, my son keeps talking about how his had rockets. The game in the next room he played and enjoyed, he even told Santa that he won a trophy.

My Favorite Santa Photo

If you go, purchase the $50 package, it is well worth it. You get pictures of them playing games, the sleigh they design, and with Santa. Additionally, you never get a private audience with the big man; that too was cool. The video? Ill treasure it forever, because how often do you get to year your for year old say “Welcome to the North Pole Too Santa.” You get to see on the video your child’s face as they first see Santa, which we never get to see. As an aside, I usually pay $30 at regular Santa to stand in the line in just a mall, this was much cooler.

For more information please visit http://www.westchestersridgehill.com/event/dreamplace-north-pole-adventure/2145445175 to make reservations, and pre-purchase your memory package!

Santa Sacs- A Christmas Giveback

Posted on November 7, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Crafts, Reviews, Specialty Items, Thoughts.. .

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

One give back mission that we are beginning this year will be centered around these custom “Santa Sacs”. I ordered beautiful classic sacs from Doodlebells, if you are interested order fast. Malorie has amazing turn around time (especially for such customized and well made items), but orders will fill up quickly and you won’t want to miss out.

The idea behind the sacs is that “Marvin” will bring them early with a letter from Santa which will provide us with directions. The directions are to fill their sac with older toys that they no longer play with or have outgrown. This will help to make room for the new toys that they will receive and give the kids the opportunity to decide what they can give up. They will then leave the filled Sacs out for “Marvin” to return to Santa. Santa will repair and clean up all of the toys to give to boys and girls who would like to have them this year. This way, removing toys from their collections has a purpose. I will schedule a “pick up please” appointment to have the toys taken away as a donation to those who would like and enjoy them (of course these toys are still in good shape and hopefully will bring joy to other little boys and girls).

I was looking for sacs that looked like they would belong to the man himself. I wanted them to be classic red and white, with “fur” trim, and to be personalized for each of my children. I used their monograms to make it more timeless. Malorie took my request and ran with it. She also had some pretty awesome ideas for other bags if you are looking for something more customized. Her abilities like her imagination knows no bounds. The results are shown below.

The quality of these bags is beyond compare. Much nicer than their mass produced counterparts. Having them made in a classic design means that they will be able to be used as the kids grow up and they won’t be too childish for quite some time.

I am so excited to debut them this year there is no doubt in my mind that these bags will be another magical reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.

To place an order with Malorie you can contact her on Facebook Click Here or you can check out her Website Click Here.