Christmas 2017 – Rockland NY Mom

Something to Do- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on December 19, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017 .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. Some of RNYM’s directory members are included as they fit the bill.

By now you have probably read about our 5 Gift Challenge for the holidays (read original post here). The response to the article was so strong that we have decided to walk you through the whole process. RNYD and I are looking at things to give to “DO” that are experiences for the kids as a special gift. This gift like the others is supposed to speak to who each of our children are and what they enjoy doing. In this article we will suggest some things to “DO” with each of our kids (some of which apply to all of yours too). Although this post us unsponsored (not paid for) we always appreciate if you let people know that you heard about them through us should you choose to use them on our recommendation. There is a fabulous compilation of day trips you can choose from on our site (CLICK HERE). Also, for some we have exclusive discounts on our SAVINGS page so check HERE too.

Little (E) is such a happy spirit. She loves everything art, dress up, or rough and tumble. She enjoys and can hang doing almost everything you can throw at her.

Some great suggestions for things to do would include: A day at Sparkle Up, A visit to Jills Ceramics, A visit to GirlAGain, Frozen on Ice, Movie Tickets, The Palisades Climb, Sparkle Up’s Storytime with Belle (12/28), The American Girl Store, Tickets to Frozen on Broadway

What did we eventually go with? FROZEN ON ICE

(A) is our big boy. At 7 he is really coming into his own and starting to become interested in SPECIFIC things.

Some great suggestions for things to do would include: A visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, tickets to Westchester Broadway Theater, tickets to School of Rock on Broadway, The Palisades Climb, Go Carts, Laser Tag (NYSC), Marvel Superheroes Live,

What did we eventually go with? School of Rock

This post is the final post in our 5 Gift Challenge incentive. For more information please CLICK HERE.

We have had a really great time working together on presents this year. RNYD certainly has some work to do now wrapping (yeah I hate that job, and I am all for knowing your limits). I hope that everyone has an amazing holiday. Keep an eye out for our new articles and ideas.

Holiday Events List

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Catherine Sheridan Posted in Christmas 2017, Day Trips, Opportunities, Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

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

-Cat Sheridan

There is SO much to see and do during the holiday season!!! We have compiled a list for you all here!!! As always you can check our calendar as well. If you have something cool to check out please send us a note at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com or comment on this thread. Let us know your favorites!!

ROCKLAND

Tree Lighting and Open House- Historic Traphagen- Dec 6, 2017 6:30-8:30 PM 131 Germonds Rd West Nyack NY

The Nutcracker Rockland Youth Dance Ensamble Dec 7/9 SUNY RCC

http://rocklandyouthdanceensemble.org/productions/tickets

The Polar Express Story Time Barnes and Noble Palisades Center Dec 7, 7 PM

https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780061896993-0

Breakfast with Santa Dec 9 10 AM Blue Hill Golf Course https://www.bluehillgolfcourse.com

Breakfast with Santa Dec 10 11 AM At Dave and Busters Palisades Center

http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/Calendar/index.php/name/Breakfast-with-Santa-December-10-2017-Palisades-Mall-West-Nyack/event/25427/

The Polar Express Lafayette Theater http://lafayettetheatersuffern.com/9214/Polar-Express-Dec-10

Breakfast with Santa Dec 10 American Legion 9-10:30 AM 11AM-12:30PM http://www.hudsonvalleyscouting.org/OpenRosters/View_Homepage.aspx?orgkey=2368

Community Candle Lighting Dec 13 JCC Rockland https://jccrockland.org

Winter Wonderland- http://www.eventsinusa.net/event-winter-wonderland-opening-night-congers-12341703

Holiday Crafts Michaels Craft Store- https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?storeId=6750&zipCode=10965

NORTHERN JERSEY

Skylands Stadium Christmas Lights http://skylandsstadium.com/events/christmas-light-show-120316/

Bergen County Winter Wonderland https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bergen-county-winter-wonderland-2017-2018-tickets-38669370127

Holiday Model Train Show Barron Arts Center Woodbridge NJ https://etrigg.com/event/the-2017-barron-arts-center-holiday-model-train-show/57889927/

Williams Sanoma Kids Class https://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/store-events/store-events/junior-chef-classes.html

Christmas Under Water https://www.adventureaquarium.com/What-To-Do-In-New-Jersey/Special-Events/Christmas-Underwater

Cranbury Christmas Lights http://www.cranburychristmaslights.com

Breakfast with Santa- Applebees Montvale NJ Dec 9, 8:30 AM all proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots http://www.forkedrivergazette.com/applebees-annual-breakfast-with-santa-benefitting-toys-for-tots/

Christmas shows at Papermill Playhouse https://papermill.org/shows-tickets/childrens-shows/

Breakfast with Santa https://iplayamerica.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/

Holiday with the Animals Dec 16 Bergen County Zoo http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/437/Bergen-County-Zoo

Holiday Lights Spectacular http://turtlebackzoo.com/events/holiday-light-spectacular-5/

WESTCHESTER

The Christmas Voyager https://www.broadwaytheatre.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=The%20Christmas%20Voyager

Westchester Winter Wonderland http://www.wwinterwonderland.com

Greenburgh Nature Center Train Show http://greenburghnaturecenter.org/event/holiday-train-show/

Menorah Lighting Celebration Dec 14, 5:30 PM Stew Leonard’s Yonkers NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/menorah-lighting-celebration-at-stews-in-yonkers-tickets-39526386486

Brunch with Santa Dec 16/17 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM Stew Leonard’s Yonkers NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-with-santa-at-stew-leonards-in-yonkers-tickets-39560455387

The Great Westchester Toy and Train Show http://westchestertoytrain.com

Bring in the Light https://www.theinsidepress.com/rosenthal-jccs-hanukkah-celebration-bring-in-the-light/

ORANGE

Ice Skating Bear Mountain http://www.bearmountainicerink.com

A Charlie Browns Christmas http://countyplayers.org/shows/a-charlie-brown-christmas/

Holiday Lights in Bloom http://www.orangecountynyparks.com

Frosty Fest https://frostyfest.com/attractions

Breakfast with Santa https://www.facebook.com/orangetourism/photos/pb.115913605119371.-2207520000.1511481712./1706284546082261/?type=3&theater

NYC

Gingerbread Lane – NY Hall of Science https://nysci.org/visit/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMrhj5LQ1wIV14qzCh10zwW6EAAYASAAEgLURfD_BwE

Holiday Train Show NY Botanical Gardens https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/holiday-train-show/

Union Square Holiday Market https://www.nycgo.com/shopping/union-square-holiday-market

Dyker Heights- Holiday Lights https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/dyker-heights-christmas-lights

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree https://www.rockefellercenter.com/whats-happening/2017/11/29/2017-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/

Ice skating- Wollman Rink Central Park http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com

5th Avenue Holiday Window Displays https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/holiday-windows-in-new-york-city

Radio City Christmas Spectacular https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/

Elf the Musical- MSG http://madisonsquare.garden-ny.com/Events.php?search_text=elf+musical+madison+square+garden&msclkid=a30a1fa7ec451464215645b3b79430dc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Madison%20Square%20Garden%20%20EQT&utm_term=Elf%20the%20Musical&utm_content=Elf%20The%20Musical%20New%20York%2012%2F13%2F2017%2012%2F29%2F2017

Celebrate Kwanza- American Museum of Natural History Dec 30 http://mcny.org/event/kwanzaa-family-celebration-0?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInOi8y5LQ1wIVUFcNCh1VnwfHEAAYAiAAEgIpHvD_BwE

Something you WANT- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 29, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own. Article contains affiliate links.

This one is a BIGGIE for us, not so much in cost as in decision making. Of course kids have wants- MANY wants. Its the easiest for them to tell you, and the hardest for you to weed out. In the past, this is where it ALL went. We have made lists, and know what the kids are asking for. We have also paid REALLY close attention to what the kids talk about, things that they really seem to love. Maybe even something the wouldn’t DARE ask for.

This is where (A)’s gift comes in. We know he has been wanting video games for quite some time. We have NONE. He won’t even ask because he knows we are wary of their effects. WE have VERY strict rules about screen time on the IPAD (what he can do and watch as well as length of time). ALL of his friends play them, and we know they do, because I am a teacher I hear it all. I even questioned why he didn’t ask for video games, and he said it was because Santa knows we don’t like them.

So, despite the fact that he will tell you that he wants spy gear (he’d love that too) we decided to make the leap and purchase a console and ask family members for a game or two (non-violent).

After speaking to gaming experts (my students and a special friend or two) we decided on the Nintendo Switch. We didn’t stress the cost too much because we knew that although its his gift, both kiddos will use it.

Click Here to see the Switch

Click Games to see which we requested: Mario Kart, Mario Odyssey

(E) was a little different. She has so many barbies, and princesses, and is really happy with a coloring book and a pen (yep she prefers a pen to crayons). So we tried to pay attention to things that she mentioned. That’s why her gift is a bit different, not something that many parents of a 4 year old girl would consider a real “want”.

She LOVES my hoop earrings. She tells me 247 times a week that she would like circle earrings. So, we found some that we thought she could handle.

Click Here to see her Claddagh Hoop Earrings

This post is a continuation of our 5 Gift Challenge incentive for this year. We are enjoying it so much that I am pretty sure this is how it will stay in our household from now on :o) to read about it CLICK HERE.

Something to Read- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 28, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, RNYM's Picks, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own. Links included are affiliate links.

Something to Read poses a real issue. Although there are kids (and adults like myself) who love to receive books as gifts, they are pretty few and far between. Let’s face it though, for the kids its a necessary part of life. We as parents are constantly reminded to read to with, or listen to them on a daily basis, and for good reason.

(A) is really a good reader now, but doesn’t really do it for “fun” yet. He has learned that it is the key to accessing information and reads his LEGO and Lacrosse magazines, but not “books”. RNYD and I are looking to change that. Any teacher, reading expert, or child will tell you that the key to getting someone to read is to find something that they are interested in. So we looked and hunted and then found the perfect set. All the kids in his grade (including him) love and play Minecraft. While looking around we found this 6 book series dedicated to the game that doesn’t require you to actually play (we don’t give him a lot of time to do it).

To take a look at this set CLICK HERE

(E) is another story entirely. She does love to read but at 4 she doesn’t do it on her own yet. I am looking for shorter stories that keep her invested and something that aligns with her ever changing and totally widespread interests. She has girl superhero books she loves, and she also has princess books galore. Thanks to a good friend she is not loving my little ponies so we got her this set.

To take a look at this set CLICK HERE

Something you “Need”- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 28, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. The links in this article are affiliate links.

Well on our way to completing our 5 Gift Challenge RNYD and I are spending lots of time talking about the kids and what they would like this holiday season. It is certainly less hectic this year.

This one was actually one of the easiest to complete although we really did try to make it fun. What do the kids need? On one hand we didn’t want to purchase socks and underwear because it isn’t that exciting to open, but we wanted to stay true to the challenges purpose.

For (A) our 7 year old boy we went with Lacrosse cleats. He has played soccer for years, but just this summer he decided he wanted to try lacrosse. He asked for all of the equipment for his birthday and attended a week long camp. He enjoyed it and asked us if he could play this spring. His soccer cleats are getting a bit tight, and instead of purchasing another pair of those that he may not be able to wear by next soccer season we decided on a pair of special lacrosse cleats.

I am lucky enough to teach high school students, many of whom are lacrosse players so I asked about what brand would be good for a newbie and they recommended the Under Armour cleat.

For (E) our 4 year old daughter it was a little harder, she doesn’t need all that much, but she is growing like a weed. So much so that when we went back to our Learn to Swim lessons with the Condors last month, she had 1 swim suit that fit. I mentioned that we could get her another (they don’t go bad between lessons, summer camp, and her grandparent’s pools) and she requested some princess suits.

We decided on these adorable ones that she can use and fit the princess bill.

Frozen Click Here

Moana Click Here

This is a part of our 5 Gift Challenge that we are doing this year. To read all about it CLICK HERE.

The Christmas Voyager at WBT

Posted on November 15, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Out and about... .

WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE

Is Proud To Present

THE CHRISTMAS VOYAGER

A Holiday Musical Adventure by Bob Fitzsimmons

November 22 – December 23, 2017

Direction and Choreography by Richard Stafford

Musical Direction by Shane Parus

This Delightful Holiday Musical is a true celebration of the Season. All the splendor of Christmas is brought to life in a magical journey through Yuletides past. The holiday songs we all know and love are wrapped up in a heartwarming celebration of spirit that will delight audiences of all ages.

            “The star shone down upon the earth a dazzling silver beam while in a far-off galaxy the star was also seen.. And so our voyager began his quest to reach that source of light. Two thousand years to find his way and end his astral flight.”

Lost in a future time and desperate to return to his home galaxy, our Starman journeys back through time searching for that magical December 24th evening when three brilliant stars came together and changed the course of history. Knowing that these same stars will set him on the right course toward home, Noel journeys around the world and touches down in a small town in America, The North Pole, Dickens’ England and many other places on his quest. The show features dazzling effects and many favorite Christmas songs, We Need A Little Christmas, Holly Jolly Christmas, Silver Bells, It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, Deck The Halls, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Let There Be Peace on Earth, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Silent Night, and more.

Our terrific cast includes Zach Trimmer as Noel, the Starman, Katie Brunson, Jayson Elliott, Bonnie Fraser, Lily Lewis, Tony Triano, Allyson Tucker, and Daniel Scott Walton.

The Book of The Christmas Voyager was written By Robert Fitzsimmons and Kathy Wheeler and Musical arrangements are by Steven Silverstein. Robert Fitzsimmons, who passed away in 1992, wrote The Christmas Voyager, as well as several other Christmas Shows which he directed and produced here at WBT and at An Evening Dinner Theatre. He was a gifted Playwright of Children’s Theatre and an accomplished Director.

Directed & Choreographed by Richard Stafford who has directed many shows at WBT including the recent hits, Annie Get Your Gun and Saturday Night Fever. Shane Parus returns as Musical Director after his recent success with Annie Get Your Gun.

The winning production team includes Steve Loftus (Set Designer), Andrew Gmoser (Lighting Designer), Mark Zuckerman (Sound Designer), Claudia Stephany (Costume Design), Victor Lukas (Production Stage Manager & Properties Design). Duane McDevitt is the ASM.

Zach Trimmer (Noel) Previous appearances at WBT include West Side Story (Tony) and  South Pacific (Lt. Cable). National Tours: Hairspray, Avenue Q. Regional apperances include: Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy/Sacramento Music Circus), Gypsy (Tulsa/Pittsburgh CLO), West Side Story (Tony/Engeman), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy/Drayton), Avenue Q (Gateway, Ogunquit), La Cage Aux Folles (Jean-Michel/North Shore, TBTS), Grease (Danny/TBTS), Hairspray (Link/TBTS). Off-B’way: The “Bardy” Bunch (Greg).

Richard Stafford (Director/Choreographer) Returning to WBT, having directed and choreographed Saturday Night Fever, Show Boat, Mary Poppins, The Wizard Of Oz, Guys & Dolls, Fiddler On The Roof, and many other shows in past seasons. On Broadway, Mr. Stafford was the choreographer for In My Life (Music Box Theatre), the associate choreographer for Aspects Of Love (Broadhurst Theatre), and dance supervisor for Cats (Winter Garden Theatre). Off-Broadway credits include choreography for A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (St. Clements). Internationally he was director/choreographer for The Full Monty, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Mexico City), choreographer for Jesus Christ Superstar (Mexico City), Evita (Sydney), Cats (Mexico City, Buenos Aires) and director/choreographer for Cats (Copenhagen, Sao Paulo,Rio). National Tours include Cats(director/ choreographer), My Fair Lady (choreographer), Joseph…Dreamcoat (choreographer) and numerous Regional Theatre Productions.

Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Group Reservations:  Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.

Luxury Boxes:  Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.

Show Times: Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.

Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm

Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.

Ticket Prices: 2017 prices: Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

WBT Mainstage:
The Christmas Voyager – November 30 – December 23, 2017

Neil Berg’s 100 Years Of Broadway – December 28- December 31, 2017 – 5 Performances Only!

The Night The Music Lived – January 4th – 7th, 2018 – 6 Performances Only!

A Chorus Line – January 11 – April 1, 2018

Local Places to Cut your Own Tree this Season!

Posted on November 6, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017 .

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 2017

My husband and would LOVE the tradition of cutting down our own tree. But due to the allergies in the home, we can’t have one. So, this year we are going to head to a local farm to take in the experience even if we can’t bring home a tree. Either way, here’s a list for your convenience!!!

Most farms open up for Christmas Tree Season the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving be sure to call ahead to double check their hours and to find out the type of trees they have for sale.

Westchester County

Stuarts Fruit Farm
www.stuartsfarm.com 
62 Granite Springs Road Granite Springs
914-245-2784
Open: 9am- 5pm

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm
www.wilkensfarm.com
 1335 White Hill Road Yorktown Heights
914-245-5111
Open: Sat and Sun 10am-4pm while supplies last (Check the Harvest Calendar here)
They have 3 markets – Bakery, Farm Market and Country Market -all of which are OPEN!
Enjoy a free cup of hot apple cider with every tree purchase!

Orange County

Emmerich Tree Farm 
www.emmerichtreefarm.com
101 Sleepy Valley Rd., Warwick
845-986-0151/ 973-332-1055
They have everything and more! Cut your own assistance, tree baling, drilling, picking/cutting, tree stands, homemade wreathes, campfires, wagon rides, photo ops, live entertainment, “special guests”, cookies and complimentary hot chocolate!
Open: Sat and Sun 9am-5pm

Fox Ridge Christmas Tree Farm
www.foxridgechristmastreefarm.com
17 Kays Way, Warwick
bcirigliano@gmail.com
Saws and twin for tying provided. However, they encourage you to bring bungee cords/straps and advise you to wear boots.
Open: Sat and Sun December 3 & 4 ONLY! 9 am until dusk.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY!

Graney Tree Farm
24 Lang Dr, Pine Bush
845-361-3022
Open: Fri, Sat and Sun 9am until dusk

Indigot Creek Christmas Tree Farm
 6 Hillside Ave, Warwick
914-443-6966

Manza Family Farm (not cut your own)
manzafamilyfarm.net
730 State Rt. Rt 211 Montgomery
845-692-4364
This farm is not a cut your own, but they have a great deal of family fun! They have a large selection of freshly cut Douglas, Fraser , Concolor and Noble Fir trees, Living Spruce and Fir trees ready to plant after the holidays, and a variety of wreaths and roping. They have some great photo areas set, farm animals, live reindeer! The Christmas Shop has hot drinks, food and baked goods. The weekends offer visits from Santa, pony rides, and horse drawn hayrides. One free ride with each tree sale! As well as coloring books and candy canes for each child.
Open: Sat and Sun 9am-4pm

Pierson Evergreen Farm And Greenhouse
piersonsfarm.com
 1448 route 211 west Middletown
845-386-1882
They offer both Fresh and U-Cut, along with all the trimmings in their Four Seasons Store.
Open: by chance or appointment CALL AHEAD.

Rocky Bar Christmas Tree Farm
52 Rocky Bar Road, Westtown
845-304-9196
Warm up by the fire pit while sipping hot cocoa and neoying a snack from the gift shop. They also have wreathes and other Christmas decorations available as well.
Open: Select Sat and Sun 10am-4pm CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM

Stone Oak Farm 
stoneoaktreefarm.com
207 Stony Bar Road Slate Hill
845-355-4751 or 845-537-9060
Enjoy a hike through the woods and choose from more than 8 acres of spruce & firs of all sizes, they will bundle the tree in netting for easy transportation. They also have an Antique and Gift shop with many collectibles. A roaring fire to warm up next to. There are also wreathes, firewood and yummy baked goods for sale in the barn.
Open: Sat and Sun 10 a.m. to dusk, Weekdays by appointment

Pine View Farm 
575 Jackson Ave New Windsor
845-564-4111
Open: Dec 1o, 11, 18, 19 9-4 ONLY!
Only decorations available December 3rd and 4th between 9AM and 4PM – wreaths, centerpieces, sprays, and more

Dutchess County

Abel’s Trees 
www.abelstrees.com
435 North Clove Road Verbank
845-677-6395
The Abel family has lived in the Clove valley since the late 1700’s. Saws and assistance available. Enjoy some of Erin Abel’s treats – gingerbread cookies, woopie pies, peanut butter bars and more! Baked fresh each day.
Open: Open Black Friday, and every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas 9am-4:30pm
CASH AND PERSONAL CHECK ONLY!

Bilmar Nurseries Inc. 
www.bilmarnurseriesinc.com
26 Bilmar Blvd Pleasant Valley
845-635-3206
This farm grows 5 varieties of Fir trees, along with spruce and white pine. On the weekends they have fire truck and wagon rides to the fields. A gift shop with fresh wreathes!
Open: Weekdays:10am-4:30pm Weekends: 9am-5pm
NO CREDIT CARDS!

Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm
christmastreefarm.us
856 NY-199, Red Hook
845-758-8018
Weekends are full of fun events including Bonfires, tailgate parties with food and drink, Santa visits, music and horse drawn wagon rides!
Open: 9am-4pm

BJ’s Christmas Tree Farm
bjschristmastrees.com
 14 Evergreen Path Pleasant Valley
845-635-1587
Complimentary hot chocolate or cider, tree tying, drilling of holes for the stand, tree shaker and family photos. Mainly offering Douglas Fir, but also have Conclor fir, White Pine and pre-cut Fraser fir.
Open: Saturdays and Sundays 9am-4pm

Evergreen Farm
www.evergreentree.com
407 North Tower Hill Road Millbrook
845-677-3785
Douglas Fir, Spruce and Frazier fur available. Handsaws and bailing available, if you don’t want to cut it down yourself – they will gladly do all the work for you!
Open: Sat and Sun 9:30am-4:30pm through December 18th
CASH OR CHECK ONLY

Fabulous Firs
www.bilmarnurseriesinc.com/fabulous-firs.html
664-702 Van Wagner Rd. Poughkeepsie
845-635-3206 / 845-590-3337
This farm is owned by the same family Bilmar Nursery. Take a hayride to and from the farm. They provide saws, tie twine, and baling – all at no charge. Be sure to check the website for the weekends Santa will be visiting!
Open: 10am-4:30pm

Hahn Farm
www.hahnfarm.com
1697 Salt Point Turnpike, Salt Point
845-266-3680
On the weekends enjoy a hayride to the farms. Stop by the farm store for some yummy goodies.
Open: Mon–Fri:12- 4:30pm, Sat & Sun: 9:30am-4:30pm

Plains View Farm
www.plainsviewfarm.com/cut-your-own.html
21 freedom road Pleasant Valley
845-485-4277
Enjoy cookies, hot cocoa and cider compliments of the farm! Take a pic with your tree for their memory wall in the kitchen. They have saws for use, tree drilling machines, tractor hayrides back to the barn, and plenty of ‘elves’ to help along the way.
Open: Sat and Sun 9am-dusk

Primrose Hill Farm Partners LLC
203 Fiddlers Bridge Road Staatsburg
717- 519 – 7532 /845-889–4725
This historic farm has been owned by the Cookingham and Schoch families for eight generations. Stop in the shop for handcrafted items, ornaments, tree stands, wreathes, hot chocolate and more.
Open: Sat and Sun 9-4pm

Saltsman Tree Farm
saltsmantreefarm.com
214 NY-308 Rhinebeck
845-876-8801
This is a small family owned, and family run farm. Roast chestnuts and sip hot chocolate or mulled cider by the bonfire after picking your tree!
Open: Sat and Sun 9am-dusk, Mon- Friday 10am–4pm
(if you come during the week, just honk your horn and someone will come out to help)

Solvang Tree Farm
solvangfarm.com
 80 Bedell Rd, Poughkeepsie
845-473-0224
Both cut your own and precut trees available. Their store also offers fresh hand made Christmas wreaths, kissing balls, table arrangements and more.
Open: Fri, Sat and Sun – 9am-4:30pm

Wonderland Farm
www.wonderlandfarm.com
191 White Schoolhouse Rd. Rhinebeck
845-876-6760
Balsam, Frasier, and Canaan Firs, as well as Blue Spruce are available. Saws, wrapping, and rope available for your convenience.
Open: Fri, Sat and Sun – 9:30am-Dusk

Something to Wear- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on November 2, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post- All opinions expressed are my own. Some of the links included are affiliate links.

The first of the 5 Gift Challenge that I wanted to tackle was the something to wear. For my little fashonista (E) I knew this would be pretty easy. She loves clothes, and feeling pretty. For my big guy I knew it would be more of a challenge- he doesn’t really care for clothing, doesn’t get excited about it.

To complete any of the 5 gifts requires you to really start to pay attention to patterns. What are they wearing? What are they playing with? What do they enjoy? This has become fun for me to try to do.. You know what else? A super happy side effect has occurred. In the past I would do the bulk of the Christmas Shopping alone, and RNYD would pick up a few little things (stuff for me and then something for each kid). This week after I explained the plan and we decided to go ahead with it, we actually SAT AND DISCUSSED the gifts together. Decided what was a good idea and what was a bad idea. We made purchases together and it felt good.

Here’s what we chose:

Little (E), who is 4, adores her “baby dolls” AND she adores clothing. We decided to go ahead and purchase some “dollie and me” outfits for her. She is getting a pajama set and an every day outfit. See the ones we chose below:

If you are interested in purchasing you can either CLICK HERE or click on the image above.

If you are interested in purchasing you can either CLICK HERE or click the image above.

(A), who is 7, was more difficult. He’s not really “in to” what he wears. Hes concientous don’t get me wrong, but for the most part, what I buy him he will wear. I had to start paying attention to what he was choosing. This was a great tactic. This past summer he went to Lacrosse camp for the first time, and loved it. He plans to play this spring. I noticed that he chooses to wear his Vilanova Lacrosse t-shirt very often. So we decided to purchase him a Lacrosse outfit from another competitive college, Maryland.

If you are interested in purchasing you can either CLICK HERE or click the image above.

I was super worried at fist that little (E)’s “Something to Wear” was more expensive than (A)’s, and then we came to the realization that it was OK, because there are other areas of the challenge that (A) will be more “in to” that he may get a little extra from. It will all even out in the end, AND since we are really thinking about the gifts and making them more meaningful, the money portion of it doesn’t matter, what matters is that they love and appreciate their 5 gifts.

If you missed our previous post explaining our “5 Gift Challenge” Please CLICK HERE.

Christmas Wishes- 5 Gift Challenge

Posted on October 23, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2017, Thoughts.. .

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

EDIT: I originally intended to release this in November, but since it takes so much time and effort to consider, I decided to publish earlier, so you can follow our journey, and/or have time to start your own.

Every year I start early with the collection of gifts for the new Holiday Season. Each year trying tirelessly to make this year the best yet. The end result is generally a PILE of gifts under the tree. Toys that the kids appreciate and enjoy- but that overwhelm them the day of, and me for the rest of the year. Little (E) gets so overwhelmed in fact, that it usually takes her more than a week to open all her gifts. Her first “real” Christmas she opened the door, screamed and ran away crying. Do they need them? NOPE.

This year RNYD and I are trying something different. Something MORE difficult for us, and hopefully more MEANINGFUL for them. Everyone has seen on “Pinterest” the 4 gift rule. Almost everyone can recite it, or has attempted it. We felt that the list was incomplete. so we are creating the “5 gift challenge” (which a google search couldn’t find so I “think” its original). The purpose of the change is to make gifts more thoughtful, more meaningful for the kids, help them to be more appreciative, and MAYBE save some money (although this was not the main purpose of the change).

How it will work:

For each kiddo we are going to SCOUR for the following items that they will ADORE Christmas Morning.

Something they WANT
Something they NEED
Something to WEAR
Something to READ
Something to DO (here’s our big add on)

The addition of “Something to DO” stems from our love of spending time together DOING things. Going to a play, a theme park, a hike, making a project, working in the yard, the sky is the limit. Sometimes we get so caught up in our every day lives that we forget to make time to DO things as a family. Things that the kids would REALLY enjoy. I am reminded of the way they get so excited to go to LEGOLAND Discovery Center, or Diggerland (don’t forget if you want to visit these two we have discount codes). I want to make an effort to make sure that happens more often.

They will still get a stocking to open, but it will be filled with some more “useful” gifts and maybe a treat or two, nothing crazy.

Here is where it gets hard. To think of truly unique and special gifts for each child that will really make them smile this Christmas. Just this morning I started and it took me a long time, but I think I truly came up with things that BOTH kids will love to receive as “Something to Wear”. One down- four to go for each kiddo.

Happy to walk you through the process if you’d like, and let you know what I chose for each along the way… Which one do you think will be the most difficult?? Do you have any suggestions for my 7 year old boy and my 4 year old girl? Super Open to any suggestions!!!

Edit: Follow our progress for 2017 Click the links to see what we chose!

-MJ

*Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 2017*

Westchester County

Orange County

Dutchess County

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 2017